Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

SCHUMACHER, JOHN GEORGE

p.
1100

Surnames: SCHUMACHER, KOENIG, ROLLAND, BECKER, ROTE, PARKER,
SCHMIDT, HERBST

John George Schumacher, late a retired business man of Reading,
Pa., who was formerly largely interested in the coffee roasting
line, was born May 4, 1838, in Wurtemberg, Germany, son of John and
Margaret (Koenig) Schumacher, and died Sept. 4, 1909.

The parents of Mr. Schumacher were natives of
Germany, and the mother died there aged sixty years. In 1851 the
father came to America. Prior to this he had been a farmer but in
this country he was a laborer.

He died at the age of fifty-eight years. There
were twelve children in the family, evenly divided, and four of
them are still living, John George and two sisters in Schuylkill
county, and one yet in Germany.

John G. Schumacher attended school in his native
land and also learned the weaving trade there. In 1861 he came to
America, landing at New York city, going thence to Philadelphia and
from there to Schuylkill Haven, where he found employment at
different jobs. In 1874 he came to Reading and later went to
railroading, working for thirteen years for the Pennsylvania
Company, between Pottsville and Philadelphia. He then bought a
coffee roaster which he operated with ample success up to 1892,
when he retired from active business. He lived in his pleasant home
at No. 1046 Elm street and owned considerable city property, mostly
in the ninth ward, where he had twenty-four houses. He was also in
the wall paper business for a time, and had a practical knowledge
of many lines. His last years were fully occupied in looking after
his real estate investments.

Mr. Schumacher was married (first) to Mary
Rolland, and they had one daughter, Annie M., who died in 1895, the
wife of George Becker. Mr. Schumacher m. (second) Annie Rote, and
they had one daughter, Mary, wife of Daniel Parker, a resident of
Exeter township, Mr. Schumacher m. (third) Margaret Schmidt, widow
of Benjamin Herbst.

In politics Mr. Schumacher was a Democrat. He
had belonged to the Lutheran Church from boyhood, and had filled
almost all of the church offices. He was a well known and very
highly esteemed citizen. In 1892 he made an enjoyable visit of
three months in Germany, visiting the scenes of his early life.

SCHUTTER, CHRISTOPHER

p.
850

Surnames: SCHUTTER, HAUCK, HOUCK, BRUESTLE, SCHMIDT, MILLER, HOYER,
GRIESS

Christopher Schutter, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of
Cumru township, Berks county, who now lives retired at his home in
Oakbrook, Pa., was born Oct, 30, 1839, in Wurtemberg, Germany, son
of Conrad and Christina (Hauck) Schutter.

Conrad Schutter was born Dec. 27, 1800, and in
1852 came to America with his family, his oldest son, Christian,
having preceded them to this country two years before. Mr. Schutter
was a potter by trade, and followed that occupation at Sinking
springs, Pa., but in later years he became a gardener. He died
April 14, 1890, and was buried at St. John’s Lutheran cemetery,
Reading, as was his wife. Mr. Schutter married Christina Hauck
(born in 1803, died Jan. 11, 1870), and they became the parents of
six children: Christian lived in Spring township, and had children,
William, Mary, George, Henry and Katie; Frederick, born Jan. 27,
1820, is still living and has children, Ricka, Mary, Catherine,
Annie, Frederick, William, Christopher and Maggie; Christina m.
John Houck, of Buffalo, N. Y., and has children, Mary, Ricka,
Charles, Christian, William and Frederick; Ricka, born in 1837,
died in 1870, married George Bruestle, a native of Germany, and
they had, Louisa, Annie and George (deceased); Christopher; and
Regina m. John Schmidt, a native of Germany, but resident of
Reading, where he died, and had three children, Kate, Fred and
George.

Christopher Schutter attended German schools
until eleven years old, and with his parents emigrated to America.
When in his fourteenth year he learned the blacksmith’s trade with
Michael Miller, of Eighth and Franklin streets, Reading, in whose
employ he remained three years. He followed blacksmithing all of
his active period, working for some time in the Philadelphia &
Reading shops, and for twenty-four years at the sheet mill, being
engaged principally in making shear knives. In 1902 he retired from
active pursuits, and since that time he has lived in his fine brick
residence on Lancaster avenue, Oakbrook, which he has owned since
the fall of 1881. In politics he is an independent voter. He and
his family are members of St. James Lutheran Church at Reading.

In 1868 Mr. Schutter was married to Elizabeth
Hoyer, born Dec. 20, 1836, who died Oct. 11, 1897, daughter of John
and Mary (Griess) Hoyer, of Reading. Four children were born to
this union: John died in infancy; Elizabeth is caring for her
father in his declining years; Charles died in 1897, at the age of
twenty years; and Susie.

SCHWARTZ
FAMILY

p., 1269

Surnames: SCHWARTZ, ADAM, HOMAN, MADEIRA, SEIDEL, LOTZ, DONAHOWER,
BRIDEGAM, DENGLER, RUDY, LUTHER, BICKEL, ROTHENBERGER, SHEIDY,
LEINBACH, NYE

Schwartz. The first of this family to settle in Pennsylvania came
from Germany, and was married after his arrival in this country,
his wife’s maiden name being Nye. She was the mother of his son
John, the next in line in the branch of the family we are tracing,
and died when he was only a few years old. The father afterward
moved to Shamokin, Pa., there married again.

John Schwartz, born Jan. 11, 1769, died Aug. 10,
1807. In early life he conducted the “Black Horse Tavern,” near
Adamstown, Lancaster county, and while there met and married Rachel
Adam, the founder of Adamstown. She long survived her husband,
living until July 2, 1851, being just two days less than eighty-two
years old. After his marriage John Schwartz moved to Cumru
township, this county, where he bought a farm which he cultivated
until his death, which was caused by a fall from a barn door at
night; his injuries resulted in his death nine days later. He left
five children, namely: Joseph, born Jan. 9, 1797, m. Sarah Homan;
Thomas, born Feb. 6, 1795, died at Pine Grove, Schuylkill county,
Jan. 11, 1854; William is mentioned below; Peggy m. Nicholas
Madeira, of Reading; James, born June 6, 1805, died Aug. 12, 1879,
and his wife, Susan, born June 19, 1814, died at the age of
seventy-six years, eight months.

William Schwartz, son of John, was born in
Reading in 1799 and died in that city in 1861, aged sixty-two
years. In his early life he was a miller, and with his brothers
Joseph and James conducted the historic old mill which obtained its
water-power from the Wyomissing creek. He owned a farm of
seventy-two acres in Cumru township, which is now the property of
his son’s widow, Mrs. William S. Schwartz. At the time of his death
he was a merchant at the northwest corner of Tenth and Penn
streets, Reading, being a member of the grocery firm of A. J. &
W. Schwartz; his partner was his nephew, Adam H. Schwartz. Mr.
Schwartz is buried in the family lot in the Charles Evens cemetery.
He married Magdalena Seidel, born in 1804, daughter of Nicholas
Seidel, who was an extensive land owner in the vicinity of Reading.
Mrs. Schwartz died in her seventy-fifth year. She was the mother of
three children: William S., Alvin F. (who died unmarried in 1871,
aged twenty-eight years), and Henry N.

William S. Schwartz, son of William, born in
Reading Dec. 27, 1840, died there Aug. 4, 1895, at his home, No. 25
South Tenth street. He was a well-known business man, having kept a
livery stable on Cherry street, below Sixth, for some years, later
engaged in the butchering business, and subsequently in the
manufacture of cigars in partnership with William Donahower. Later
he conducted the “Three Mile House” at Shillington for four years,
and in 1891 he and his brother Henry built the famous “Summit
Hotel” on Mount Penn, a spacious three-story stone building of
about thirty rooms. It is the grandest to be obtained anywhere in
the eastern part of the United States. This hotel is still owned by
his widow and brother, the latter conducting it.

Mr. Schwartz was twice married. By his first
wife, Hannah Bridegam, he had no children. On March 30, 1886, Mr.
Schwartz m. (second) Emily S. Dengler, daughter of Madison and
Catharine (Rudy) Dengler, and granddaughter of George and Christina
(Luther) Dengler. Mrs. Schwartz’s father was a railroad engineer in
his earlier life, and later conducted a restaurant in Reading, at
Eighth and Penn streets. To Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz were born four
children, Alvin D., William B., Mazie E. and Katharine M. The
family belong to St. Andrew’s Reformed Church of Reading.

Henry N. Schwartz, youngest son of William, was
born March 23, 1846, in Reading, at the corner of Tenth and Penn
streets, and was educated in the public schools of the city. On
Jan. 29, 1864, he enlisted at Reading in Durrell’s Battery (D),
Pennsylvania Volunteer Artillery, and served until June 13, 1865.
He was in active service in the battle of the Wilderness and at the
siege of Petersburg. On a previous enlistment in July, 1863, in
Company B, 53d Pennsylvania Regiment, Mr. Schwartz had been in the
service for about two months.

After the war he engaged in farming, in Cumru
township, for eight years, and since 1880 he has been continuously
in the hotel business. He has conducted the hotel at Tenth and Penn
streets, Reading, the “Five Mile House” and the “Summit Hotel” at
Mount Penn, which he built in partnership with his elder brother,
William S. Schwartz, and which he has conducted since 1891. Its
picturesque location and comfortable accommodations make it a very
desirable hostelry, and it is well patronized the year round. In
1867 Henry N. Schwartz married Mary Bickel, daughter of Elias and
Mary (Rothenberger) Bickel, of Heidelberg township, and to this
union were born four children: Harry B.; Ella, m. to Charles
Sheidy, of New York; Alice; and Minnie, m. to George Leinbach, of
Reading. Fraternally Mr. Schwartz is a member of Aerie No. 66 F. O.
E., of Reading.

SCHWARTZ, HIRAM H.

p.
356

Surnames: SCHWARTZ, BRIDGES. PATTISON

Hiram H. Schwartz, first Orphans’ court Judge of Berks county, from
1883 to 1891, was born in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown. In
1834 he went to Lehigh county and there worked on a farm, and while
so engaged attended the local schools until he was sixteen years
old. He continued his preparatory education in the Van Derveer
Boarding School for several years; then entered Franklin and
Marshall College, and after taking a regular course was graduated
in 1855. Upon returning home he engaged at teaching public school
for two years; and then he was elected school superintendent of
Lehigh county, an office he very successfully filled from 1857 to
1860. During this time he took up the study of the law at
Allentown, in the office of the Hon. Samuel A. Bridges, and was
admitted to practice in 1858. After practising at Allentown two
years, he located at Kutztown, and he continued in active practice
in Berks county until he received the appointment of Judge of the
Orphans’ court in June, 1883, from Governor Pattison, which office
had been created by a special Act of Assembly; and at the next
election for the term of ten years. He officiated until his death
Aug. 25, 1891, after a protracted illness. After having located at
Kutztown in 1860, he became interested in various enterprises
there. He was particularly interested in the cause of education,
and identified himself with the establishment of the Keystone State
Normal School, which he served a trustee until his decease.

SCHWARTZ, THOMAS H.

p.
1016

Surnames: SCHWARTZ, NYE, ADAM, MADEIRA, DAVIS, HOMAN, ROTZMOYER,
TEMPLIN, BREIDIGAN, DAVIS, HORNBERGER, DEEDS, CRUMMINS, WIESSER,
EYRICH, STEFFEY, RATHMAN, SEITZINGER

Thomas H. Schwartz, of Cumru township, belongs to a family long
identified with that general section of the State, and one that has
from generation to generation been concerned almost wholly with
agricultural pursuits.

The first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania
came from Germany, but was married after his arrival in this
country to a Miss Nye, who became the mother of his son John. Mrs.
Schwartz died a few years after the birth of the boy, and the
father afterward moved to Shamokin and there married again.

John Schwartz, son of the above and
great-grandfather of Thomas H, was born Jan. 11, 1769, and died Aug
10, 1807, aged thirty-eight. In early life he ran the “Black Horse
Tavern” near Adamstown, Lancaster county, and while there met and
married his wife Rachel Adam. She was born July 4, 1769, daughter
of Bernhart Adam, the founder of Adamstown. She long survived her
husband, as she lived till July 2, 1851, being within two days of
her eighty-second birthday when she died. After marriage John
Schwartz moved to Cumru township, bought a farm and operated it
until his death. This sad event was due to a fall from a barn door
at night, causing injuries which resulted in death nine days later.
He left five children, viz.: Thomas, born Feb. 6, 1854; Joseph;
William, a retired farmer, died at Reading; Peggy m. Nicholas
Madeira, of Reading; and James, born June 6, 1805, died Aug. 12,
1879 (m. Susan —, born June 19, 1814, died aged seventy-six years
and eight months).

Joseph Schwartz was born Jan. 9, 1797. For the
earlier part of his life he was a boatman, first upon the
Schuylkill river and then on the Union canal, but he was also
familiar with the milling trade, which he learned at Leesport, and
he later turned his attention to that occupation. He operated the
Schwartz mill for some time, and then in middle life took up
farming, locating in Cumru township, where he owned a tract of
thirty acres besides some woodland and a five-acre tract of fine
farming land, now forming part of the Joseph Davis estate. Joseph
Schwartz married Sarah Homan, born Jan. 14, 1797, daughter of Henry
and Mary (Rotzmoyer) Homan. She died Dec. 8, 1870, while Mr.
Schwartz survived until Oct. 6, 1874. Their children were: Adam, a
merchant in Reading, m. Miss Margaret Breidigan; Emma m. Levi
Templin, a prosperous Reading merchant; Sarah died unmarried;
Tamson m. Rufus Davis, a farmer in Penn, and later in Cumru
township; and Joseph H.

Joseph H. Schwartz was born in Cumru township,
Sept. 9, 1834. Brought up to farm work, it became his life-long
calling, and from 1857 till his death he was operating on his own
account. He began on the old farm, which he afterward brought and
made it his permanent home. He also owned a thirty-four acre timber
tract in the same township. In 1858 he married Ellen D. Hornberger,
daughter of William and Ellen (Deeds) Hornberger, and children were
born to them as follows: Thomas H.; C. Franklin, a farmer near
Pottstown, m. Mary E. Crummins; Rufus died unmarried when
twenty-two years old; George of West Reading, m. Miss Lydia
Wiesser; Charles m. Alice Eyrich, and lives on the old Seitzinger
farm in Cumru township; Joseph, a farmer at Angelica, m. Lillie
Steffey; and Wellington m. Annie Rathman, and assists his brother
Thomas on the old homestead. Joseph Schwartz died May 12, 1891, in
his fifty-sixth year. Like all his family he was a member of
Yocom’s Union Church of the Reformed faith.

Thomas H. Schwartz was born on the farm which is
still his home, April 10, 1860. Farming interests have always
occupied his attention except for one period of three years, dating
from the time he was eighteen, as a hatmaker. After his father’s
death the entire responsibility of the homestead fell upon his
shoulders and he has been in charge of it ever since. It is
situated on the Wyomissing road with the creek running through it,
and is a most valuable property, comprising ninety-three acres. In
politics like all the family Mr. Schwartz married Jennie
Seitzinger, and they have four children, William, Ellen E., Rufus
and Charles. Mrs. Schwartz is a daughter of William R. and
Elizabeth (Hahn) Seitzinger.

SCHWEIMLER, ANDREW L.

p
1085

Surnames: SCHWEIMLER, MERGET, ANGSTADT, GEIGER, FRANCE,
WEIDENHEIMER, SEIVARD, KISTLER, BLOSE

Andrew L. Schweimler, one of the prosperous business men of
Reading, whose grocery is located at No. 128 East Buttonwood
street, corner of Pear, was born in 1867, a son of Andrew J. and
Caroline (Merget), and grandson of Joseph K. and Sarah (Angstadt)
Schweimler.

Joseph K. Schweimler was born in Tioga county,
Pa, but removed to Berks county, where he died in 1892, aged
seventy-two years. His wife, Sarah Angstadt, died in 1893. Their
children were: Elizabeth, deceased, m. William Geiger; William;
Susan m. Franklin France; Joseph; Andrew J.; James W., and several
died in infancy. The family belonged to the Lutheran faith.

Andrew J. Schweimler, son of Joseph K., left the
public school at an early age to go to work in the Reading cotton
mill. Later he became a huckster and sold produce until, at the age
of twenty-one years, he entered the army for service in the Civil
War, enlisting Sept. 24, 1861, in Battery D, Independent Artillery,
which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. He re-enlisted Feb.
4, 1864, was promoted to Corporal May 1, 1864, and mustered out at
the expiration of his term, June 13, 1865. He was taken sick at
Memphis, Tenn., and after a season in the hospital he was honorable
discharged at Covington, Ky,, after serving faithfully through four
years of the war. Upon his return home he resumed his truck
business for a short time, and then opened a grocery store at Ninth
and Franklin streets, which he conducted until 1878. In that year
he sold out and engaged in the hotel business for about a year,
afterward selling out and learning the trade of boiler maker, which
he followed until 1890. In the latter year he assisted his son
Andrew L., who opened up a grocery store at No. 717 North Ninth
street. In 1894 the store was removed to its present location at
No. 128 Buttonwood, corner of Pear street, where the business is
successfully conducted by the son to this time, the father
assisting the son until his death. Mr. Schweimler was a valued
comrade of the local G. A. R., and also belonged to the Union
Veteran Legion. He was a member of the K. of P. and of the Senior
Order of American Mechanics. Politically he was a Republican. He
married Caroline Merget, and their children were: Andrew L., Laura
and George, both deceased; and Carrie, m. to W. O. Weidenheimer.

Andrew L. Schweimler was educated in the Reading
pubic schools. His first work was in the shoe store of William
Geiger, where he remained a year and then was employed in Willson’s
spectacle factory for a year. The following year was passed in the
Jackson Rope Walk, and six years in the J. H. Seivard shoe factory,
as an employee of the finishing department. In June 1890, he
engaged in the grocery business, at No. 717 North Ninth street,
continuing there until 1894, since when he has been at his present
location. He carries a large and well selected stock of staple and
fancy groceries and does a good business.

In 1894 Mr. Schweimler was married to Minnie A.
Kistler, daughter of Wilson Kistler and Sophia (Blose) Kistler and
they have one child, Stanley S. Mr. Schweimler is a member and Past
Commander of Meade Camp No.16, Sons of Veterans; of Juniata Tribe,
No. 74, O. O. R. M.; of Camp No. 330 P. O. S. of A. Both he and his
wife belong to the Lutheran Church.

SCHWEITZER FAMILY

p. 1525

Surnames: SCHWEITZER, HEFFELFINGER, BIXLER, BURKHARDT, MOHR,
ZIEGLER, SUADER, KACHEL, HALLER, MOORE, BRESSLER, BEAM, SLOUCH,
SEIFRIT, FOLTZ, KRAMER, ZIEMER, WICKLINE, AMMON, ESHELMAN, SENGNER,
WHITMAN, WAGNER, SCHNADER, REMP, GRING, KESSLER, GRIFFITH, HOFFERT,
WITWER, TROSTLE, DELMAS, THAW, MATZ, ZERBE, FREES, HUMMEL,
PAULSGROVE, RINTZ, MINT

Four brothers of the name of Schweitzer emigrated from Wurtemberg,
Germany, about 1740, settling in eastern Pennsylvania, as follows:
Peter, in Brecknock township, Lancaster county (now in Berks
county), the second in Northampton county, the third in Cumberland
county, and the fourth in Lancaster (now Dauphin) county. Peter
Schweitzer was married to a young woman named Heffelfinger, who
came to America at the same time he did. They had seven children:
Frederick, Peter, Susan, Christina, Catharine, Elizabeth and
Margaret.

(II) Frederick Schweitzer, son of Peter, was born in Brecknock
township, and carried on farming in the primitive way of his day in
a new country; his farm was the present property of Augustus
Bixler. He married Barbara Burkhardt, and their children were:
John, Frederick, Jr., Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth, Barbara, Susan (who
married Jacob Mohr) and Catharine. Of these, John, born Aug. 28,
1791, married Mary Ziegler (daughter of Abraham), and died Dec. 5,
1871, the father of four children: Samuel Z.; John, who married
Mary Suader; Salome, who married John Kachel; and Elizabeth, who
married Peter Bixler. Samuel Z. Schweitzer, son of John, born Jan.
1, 1816, is still living, and is active in mind and body. He was
well educated, and for years was a successful teacher, but his
later years were devoted to farming on a large scale, and to his
work as a director of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Sinking
Spring. His wife was Elizabeth Haller, daughter of Samuel, of
Lancaster county. It is given to but few men to so merit and
receive universal esteem through a long life such as Samuel Z.
Schweitzer has enjoyed.

(III) Frederick Schweitzer, Jr., son of Frederick, was born in
Brecknock township, Feb. 20, 1794, and died May 22, 1889, aged
eighty-eight years, three months, two days. He devoted his life to
farming and his farm in now the property of his grandson, Phineas.
His wife, Elizabeth Moore, daughter of John Moore, was born Aug.
15, 1796, and died Feb. 11, 1875, in her seventy-ninth year. Their
children were: Daniel, who married Leah Bixler, and died at
Birdsboro, Pa.; Peter, who married Mary Bressler, and owned a farm
adjoining that of Phineas, a part of the old homestead; Elizabeth,
who married Peter Beam; Mary, who died unmarried; Samuel M.; and
William M., who married Sophia Burkhart, and was of a roaming
disposition.

(IV) Samuel M. Schweitzer, son of Frederick, Jr., was born in
Brecknock township Aug. 28, 1828, and died Nov. 7, 1905, aged
seventy-seven years, two months, nine days. He was a farmer for
many years, and from 1861 to 1865 owned the “Three Mile House.” In
his political faith he was a Republican, and in religious belief a
Lutheran, and for many years he was a deacon in the Allegheny
Church, but late in life he joined the Plow Church, which he helped
to build. He served on the building committee, and was an elder
there for eight years. He was also instrumental in the erection of
the church in 1888, and was a liberal contributor toward its
erection, also helping to raise funds. Mr. Schweitzer was a man of
genial disposition, and was greatly beloved by all who knew him. He
married Mary S. Slouch, born Oct. 31, 1834, died March 2, 1904, in
her seventieth year, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Seifrit)
Slouch, and granddaughter of George Slouch. George Slouch was a son
of Michael Slouch, who in 1759 paid L4 tax in Brecknock township.
To Samuel M. Schweitzer and his wife were born two children:
Phineas and Maggie. The latter married Otis Schweitzer (son of
Benaniah and grandson of John), a farmer of Robeson township.

(V) Phineas S. Schweitzer, son of Samuel M., is a representative
citizen of Brecknock township. He was born Oct. 24, 1858, on a
Slouch farm adjoining the Schweitzer homestead. He grew to manhood
on a farm, attending the district schools and later Churchtown
Academy, in Lancaster county. The latter institution was then under
the able management of Prof. J. F. Foltz. He then taught school for
some time and afterward assisted his father on the farm until the
latter’s death, at which time he assumed the management. This
property lies in Brecknock township, at the extreme eastern end, in
what is known at Potato Valley, and it consists of 133 acres of
good land. They raise all kinds of fruit and vegetables, and the
property is abundantly supplied with water. Mr. Schweitzer is a man
of intelligence, and is one of the progressive and useful citizens
of the community. In politics he is a Republican, and he has served
as township committeeman, secretary of the school board for six
consecutive years, township clerk two years, township auditor six
years, and delegate to county conventions many times. He and his
family are Lutheran members of the Plow Church in Robeson township.
Mr. Schweitzer has been organist of both congregations since the
erection of the church in 1888, and also president of the Sunday
school for the same length of time. In 1883 Mr. Schweitzer married
Sarah A. Kramer, daughter of Samuel and Julia (Ziemer) Kramer, well
known citizens of Brecknock township. Two daughters have blessed
this marriage, namely: Gertie M., who married Lewis Wickline,
trucker on his father-in-law’s place, and has one daughter, Esther
May; and Mamie E., who is at home.

(II) Peter Schweitzer, second son of Peter, the emigrant from
Wurtemberg, married and reared a family, in which was a son, Peter.

(III) Peter Schweitzer, son of Peter and grandson of the emigrant,
passed his active life as a farmer and tanner on the place where
Harvey Kramer now lives. His wife was an Ammon, and their children
were: Bevvy, who married Samuel Eshelman; Sally, who married John
Kramer; Kate, who married Jacob Sengner; John; William, a farmer in
Exeter township; Peter, who lived in Brecknock; and Mrs. William
Whitman.

(IV) John Schweitzer, son of Peter, was born March 27, 1803, and
died April 9, 1874, when he was in his seventy-second year. By
occupation he was a tanner, and his tannery was located where
Harvey Z. Kramer now makes his home, in Brecknock. The latter years
of his life he devoted to farming, owning a farm of 200 acres in
Potato Valley – so named by Christian Ziegler, in a joke, but the
name has clung to this particularly rich agricultural valley ever
since. He married Elizabeth Wagner, born Feb. 13, 1803, who died
May 9, 1888. They had nine children, namely: Benaniah, who owned
the homestead; Maria, who married Jacob Schnader, of Fairville;
Lovina and Jackson, who both died young; Nathan, of Lycoming
county; Augustus W.; Edward, a farmer in Robeson township; Obed,
also a farmer in Robeson; and Christianna, who married Benjamin
Remp, of Brecknock. John Schweitzer and his wife erected in 1854 a
fine double-deck barn, 92 x 75 feet, the only one of its kind in
the State. In 1859 the present residence, a large stone mansion,
was erected. On the premises is an old log house that was erected
in 1775 by Peter Schweitzer, the great-great-grandfather of the
present generation, and this is now used as a truck house.

(V) Benaniah Schweitzer, son of John, was born at the family home
Feb. 20, 1829, and after a useful and active life of more than
seventy-seven years passed away Sept. 16, 1906. He owned a large
farm near Adamstown, Lancaster county, where he lived for fourteen
years. In 1875 he bought the home now in possession of his sons,
and on it he spent his last days. In politics he was active as a
Democrat, and was school director in both Lancaster and Berks
counties, ably serving his districts. He was a Lutheran member of
the Allegheny Church, and for many years served as an elder. He was
a good and useful citizen of his community, and was honest and
upright. He married Susanna Gring, who was born in 1839, daughter
of Henry and Elizabeth (Kessler) Gring, the former a farmer and
carpet weaver in Lancaster county. They became the parents of ten
children: Elizabeth, who married John Kramer, of Brecknock; Otis,
who married Maggie Schweitzer; Emery; Nathaniel, who married Mary
Griffith; Emeline, who married Harvey Hoffert; Susan, who married
Michael Witwer; Charles, who married Bessie Kachel; Franklin, who
married Cassie Trostle; Harry K.; and Theodore.

(VI) Emery Schweitzer, son of Benaniah, was born April 29, 1864,
and was educated in the township schools, which he attended until
he was eighteen years of age. He was early trained to farm work,
and remained at home, assisting his father, until he attained his
majority. He continued at home working for wages from that time
until 1892, when he took a trip through the West, going to San
Jose, Cal., where he was in the employ of the famous lawyer, D. M.
Delmas, recently so much in the public eye as the defender of Harry
K. Thaw in New York City. Mr. Schweitzer remained there for a
period of three years, working in the vineyard. In the latter part
of 1905 he went to St. Paul, Minn., and from there to Faribault,
Minn., where he remained from July to November of that year. His
western trip was quite a success, and as well a most enjoyable
experience. Returning to his native county, he began farming the
original homestead of the family in Brecknock township, which
consists now of 210 acres of the best land in this section. He and
his brothers are successful farmers and truckers. They attend the
Reading market once or twice a week the whole year round.

In political belief Mr. Schweitzer is a
Democrat, but he has given little time to public affairs, his own
business engrossing his entire time and attention. However, he was
induced to serve one term as township auditor. He is a Lutheran
member of the Allegheny Union Church. He was president of the Maple
Grove Sunday-school, and was also organist for a time. He is a
worthy representative of an intelligent family, and is a man of
sound judgment and of considerable tact and ability in dealing with
his fellow-men.

(VI) Harry K. Sweitzer, son of Benaniah, and brother of Emery, was
born June 29, 1881. He grew up on the farm and after attending the
township schools entered the Adamstown high school, then in charge
of Prof. Henry Matz. In the spring of 1898 he entered the Keystone
State Normal School, at Kutztown, in the E Division, but left as a
Junior in 1900 to engage in farming. He began for himself in 1907.
In politics he is a Jeffersonian Democrat, and in 1906 he served
efficiently as register assessor of his township. He is a Lutheran
member of the Allegheny Church, and has been an official member of
that Sunday-school. In 1907 he married Mary E. Zerbe, daughter of
William and Ellen (Frees) Zerbe, of Brecknock township, Lancaster
county.

(VI) Theodore Schweitzer, son of Benaniah and
brother to Emery and Harry K., was born on the home farm on Aug. 4,
1883. He obtained a fair education in the Maple Grove school, and
early learned the duties pertaining to the successful management of
a farm. In 1907 he and his brother Emery bought the father’s fine
farm of 210 acres, and this they now jointly cultivate. In May,
1904, Mr. Schweitzer was married to Viola Kramer, daughter of
Harvey Z. Kramer, a well-known tobacco dealer. Mrs. Schweitzer is a
highly educated woman. She attended the Keystone State Normal, and
taught school before her marriage, two terms at the Maple Grove
school and two terms at Gebhart’s school. Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer
have a son, Mark D., born Oct. 19, 1905. They are Lutheran members
of the Allegheny church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

(V) Augustus W. Schweitzer, son of John and brother of Benaniah, is
the merchant and postmaster at Hummel’s store, Brecknock township.
He was born May 30, 1839. He was a farmer’s son, and he has not
departed from his early training, but has devoted his entire life
to agricultural pursuits. He owns a tract of seventy acres and
attends the Reading market. In 1872 he purchased his property from
Daniel Hummel, after whom the post-office was named, and he began
trading in merchandise on a small scale. Since then he has
conducted the store and served as postmaster. As a Democrat like
all the Schweitzers, he has taken an interest in public matters,
and has been school director of the township. He and his family are
Lutherans, and attend the Allegheny Union Church. In 1869 he was
married to Mary Ann Paulsgrove, who was born May 1, 1847, daughter
of Jacob and Anna Mary (Rintz) Paulsgrove, and eight children were
born of this union, namely: Annie, who married Fred Mint, of
Brecknock township; Ella, who married Mahlon Ziemer, a sawmill
proprietor of Brecknock; Howard A., at home; Irwin J., who married
Bessie Sengner, and lives in Brecknock; Irene, wife of Henry
Ziemer, of Brecknock; Raymond A., a mute, at home; Emanuel, who
died in infancy; and Elva, at home. The family are very popular in
the community.

SCHWEITZER, FRANKLIN
K.

p. 1379

Surnames: SCHWEITZER, SCHWARTZ, TROSTLE, BRENDEL

Franklin K. Schweitzer, of Spring township, Berks county, who makes
a specialty of fruit growing and trucking, is a member of the
Schweitzer family which has been so long represented in Brecknock
township, and which is fully mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr.
Schweitzer was born in Brecknock township, Sept. 14, 1875, and was
brought up on his father’s farm there, from boyhood being familiar
with agricultural work. When twenty-four years old he learned the
hatter’s trade at Hendel’s hat factory in Hendleton, and later he
learned the wool hat business at Spatz’s hat factory, in Mohnton.
He followed this line of work for four years, and since the spring
of 1904 has been engaged at farming, having then purchased the C.
H. Schwartz farm, near Textile, in Spring township. This place
comprises thirty-five acres of valuable land, in fine condition,
and Mr. Schweitzer has given special attention to fruit growing and
the raising of truck. He also keeps excellent live stock, and he
disposes of all his products in the Reading market, having stands
Nos. 21 and 22 on West Buttonwood street, at the Market House. Mr.
Schweitzer keeps his place up well, having good buildings, a
substantial barn which was erected in 1898, and a neat lawn around
the house, his surroundings indicating thrift and industry.

On Oct. 16, 1899, Mr. Schweitzer was married to
Miss Cassie Trostle, daughter of Levi and Lizzie (Brendel) Trostle,
and to this union have been born two children, Lillie May and
Violet Elizabeth, the latter of whom died when five months, nine
days old.

SCHWERINER, S. S.

p.
1413

Surnames: SCHWERINER

S. S. Schweriner. Among the enterprising business men of Reading,
Pa., who have built up a large and thriving industry from the
humble walks of life, may be mentioned S. S. Schweriner, one of
Reading’s leading shoe dealers, who is a native of the northern
part of Germany.

Mr. Schweriner received his educational training
in the schools of his native country, where he remained until 1870,
there learning his trade. In the year mentioned he arrived in New
York and traveled throughout the United States, finally choosing
Reading as his place of residence, establishing himself in business
at No. 432 Penn Square, where he has continued to the present time.
Mr. Schweriner’s start in business life was in a small way, but his
natural executive ability in connection with his prosper, and the
business has gradually increased in size, until he now employs
thirty-seven skilled salespeople and custom workers. His footwear
is of the finest quality and workmanship, and finds a ready market
all over the surrounding country, and Mr. Schweriner is very fond
of travel and has made two trips to Europe, the first one in 1890
and the second in 1906, when he visited his old home in Germany,
and many points of interest in the old country. He is a
public-spirited citizen, recognized in the different charitable and
other institutions, and he has won the esteem of all who know him
well.

SCHWEYER, DANIEL HELFRICH

p. 1535

Surnames: SCHWEYER, SWEYER, SCHWOYER, HELFRICH, KLEINGER, HOMER,
KEYSER, KEMP, BOGER, HOCH, SMITH, BITTENBENDER, LEISS, YOUNG,
LANDIS, HERTZOG, MILLER

Daniel Helfrich Schweyer, a representative citizen of Berks county
residing at Bowers Station, operating one of the largest granite
and marble works in the country, senior member of the firm of
Schweyer & Leiss, manufacturers of monuments, and president of
the Laurel Hill Lumber Company, of Somerset and Fayette counties,
was born on his grandfather’s homestead, Feb. 29, 1836, son of John
and Elizabeth (Helfrich) Schweyer.

The name Schweyer has been variously spelled by
the different branches, and even by members of the same family.
Tradition says the original home of the family was in France and
that about the middle of the eighteenth century there came to
America four brothers, Christian, Heinrich, Samuel and Esau
Schweyer (Sweyer or Schwoyer). But from authentic sources found in
the Heraldic Library at Vienna we glean the following account of
the Schweyer family, their origin and place of settlement.

The Schweyer family sprang from Pomerania, the
eastern province of the Kingdom of Prussia, and the founder of the
same was living in the year 1172. His name was “Edgar Schweyer,”
which name in the ancient Pomeranian language meant “saint.” He
held the office of Fellerber (that is, “high priest”) of the clan
of the Obetuter. His residence was on the island of Hiddensoe. His
wife, “Thorga,” was the daughter of a count from the island of
Rugen. Edgar was a brave warrior. On his shield he bore an eagle
with outspread wings, the symbol of courage and sagacity. On his
helmet he wore two buffalo horns, the symbol of the god Woden,
representing great strength. These symbols were also assumed by his
descendants, as their coat of arms. Edgar in the year 1172 was
converted to the Christian faith and baptized by the German
missionary Orosius. He died on the island of Hiddensoe, A. D. 1213.
He had three sons, namely: Pelagin, Orosius and Anagas; the two
first named entered a monastery. Orosius had large possessions on
the island of Hiddensoe and Rugen, and his descendants were still
flourishing in the same place at the time of the Emperor Sigismund.
About the year 1412 two brothers of the family, Wendel and George
Schweyer, were the only persons surviving of the name. Their
descendants were still flourishing about the middle of the
sixteenth century in Pomerania, and were still maintaining the old
title of nobility. At the time when the glorious King of Sweden,
Gustavus Adolphus, arrived at the court of Pomerania, two of the
members of this family joined him at Hallem, these being Felix and
Conrad Schweyer. Felix was killed in an assault on the city of
Frankfort, near the river Oder. Conrad remained in the army during
the war, which lasted thirty years, and finally settled at Rebuick,
in the Dukedom of Hessen. He married Francisca Kleinger, dropped
his title of nobility and lived as a farmer at Rebuick. He died in
the year 1672. The name of his son was Augustus Schweyer, farmer
and hotel keeper at Rebuick, whose wife was Elizabeth Homer. He
died in 1713, leaving three sons, whose names were: Nicholas,
Leopold and Christopher Schweyer. From there the family spread over
the Dukedom of Nassau, Hesse Frankland (Franklin) and the grand
duchy of Baden.

Presumably from one of these sons comes the
branch in Maxatawny township, through Nicholas Schweyer,
great-grandfather of Daniel Helfrich Schweyer. He was born Oct. 18,
1721, and died March 25, 1800. His children were: George; Jacob,
who was recruiting officer in Philadelphia, and served as
lieutenant in the 5th United States Infantry, during the war of
1812; Peter, who died in 1828; Christian, mentioned below; Henry;
Nicholas, whose son Nicholas was given the old family Bible by his
grandfather; Valentine, and Barbara. Nicholas Schweyer, the
great-grandfather, was an officer in the Prussian army. He was
gathering arms and flannels to come to America to trade with the
Indians, when he was arrested by the government and charged with
inciting insurrection. He was disfranchised and his estate
confiscated. He escaped and came to America, bringing with him the
family Bible. His family followed him in care of a brother some
years afterward. He was proved innocent and the franchise restored,
but the estate was not looked after and was yet to be recovered.

From “30,000 names, German, Swiss, Dutch,
French, Portuguese and other immigrants in Pennsylvania,” edited by
I. Daniel Rupp, Harrisburg, Pa., 1856, we learn that Nicholas
Schweyer came to America, Oct. 4, 1752, on the ship “Neptune,”
Capt. John Mason, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes. Johannes (John)
Schweyer came Oct. 13, 1768, on the ship “Betsy,” T. Hank, captain,
from Rotterdam, last from Cowes.

Christian Schweyer, son of the emigrant
Nicholas, was born in 1780, and he made his home in Maxatawny
township, where he was a farmer in early life, and later became an
innkeeper at Rothrocksville. His wife was Elizabeth Keyser, born in
1784. He died in 1856, and she in 1858, and both are buried at
Zion’s Church in Maxatawny township. Their children were: Jonathan;
John; Peter; Christian; Elizabeth (m. Isaac Kemp), and Matilda (m.
a Mr. Boger). The Kutztown cemetery gives the record of two other
children, that is “Zwei kindern von Christian Schweyer & seiner
Eha Gattin, Elizabeth born Keyser,” Jacob, born Oct. 19, 1805, died
Jan. 11, 1827, and Esther, born Dec. 23, 1808, died Feb. 12, 1824.

John Schweyer, son of Christian, was born in
Maxatawny township, in 1800, and died in 1893, at the age of
ninety-two years. In his youth he learned the duties pertaining to
a farmer’s life, and that occupation he followed during his active
years. When he was nearing seventy years of age he retired, living
at Rothrocksville. He was an official member of Maxatawny Zion’s
church, belonging to the Lutheran congregation, and is buried
there. His first wife was Elizabeth Helfrich, who died in 1844,
aged thirty-four years. She was a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Hoch) Helfrich, of Lehigh county. Nine children were born of this
union, as follows: James; Allen; Henry; Daniel Helfrich; Jacob;
Alfred; Francis; and George and Mary, who both died in infancy.
Allen, Daniel H. and Francis are the only survivors of the family.
The Christian name of John Schweyer’s second wife was Elizabeth.

Daniel Helfrich Schweyer, son of John, was born
in Maxatawny township on the property now owned by Alfred H. Smith.
He attended the old pay schools of his day, and later was a pupil
at Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College. He also attended the
Normal class at Reading, conducted by Profs. Lee and Bechtel, for
one term. He taught school for six consecutive terms, beginning in
Siesholtzville, and later teaching in Red Lion, Maple Grove and
near Harlem, all in Hereford and Longswamp townships. At
Siesholtzville he learned the stone cutter’s trade from D. Y.
Bittenbender, a brother-in-law, remaining there for three summers,
while in the winters he still followed the teacher’s profession. In
1856 he succeeded his brother-in-law in business and there
continued for six years, when he came to Bowers Station, enlarging
the scope of his business. At the same time in 1862, he was elected
organist at Bowers Church, and he served in that capacity for
sixteen years. When he moved to Bowers he formed a partnership with
Levi H. Leiss, under the firm name of Schweyer & Leiss, to
engage in the wholesale marble business. They also took up the iron
ore business near Bowers, employing in both lines some thirty men.
The iron business proved a source of profit for about ten years. In
1882 the firm purchased the marble quarries and mills at King of
Prussia, in Montgomery county, and they now employ there as many as
125 men. They also owned and operated the Easton Marble and Granite
Quarries at Easton, Pa. After the death of Mr. Leiss in 1902 Mr.
Schweyer purchased the interest of the estate, and the plant at
Easton was organized under the name of Henry A. Schweyer Company.
The plants at Bowers and at King of Prussia are still conducted
under the old firm name of Schweyer & Leiss. The Henry A.
Schweyer Company is a corporation capitalized at $150,000 common
stock and $50,000 preferred. They have a great deal of foreign
trade.

Mr. Schweyer is also president of the Laurel
Hill Lumber Company of Somerset and Fayette counties. On the land
belonging to this company there are large deposits of bituminous
coal, which is mined in great quantities. Mr. Schweyer operates a
portable sawmill in Berks county, where he manufactures lumber of
various descriptions. He owns a valuable farm of 125 acres, known
as the old Hunter homestead and located one and one-half miles
southeast of Bowers in Rockland township.

In politics Mr. Schweyer is a strong Democrat,
and has always been active for his party’s welfare. His first
political office was that of school director of Maxatawny, in which
he served with honor for six years. He was justice of the peace of
his township for fifteen years, settling important controversies.
He has settled up many estates, being executor, or administrator,
and he has been guardian for a number of children. His term as
justice of the peace ended only in 1888 with his becoming
prothonotary. To the last named office he was elected with the
largest vote given to any candidate on the ticket. He was made an
elector by the State convention, representing the Ninth
Congressional District, in 1888. In 1894 he was appointed by the
State Superintendent of Public Instruction a trustee of the
Keystone State Normal School, a position he continues to occupy.

Fraternally Mr. Schweyer is a member of Huguenot
Lodge, No. 377, F & A. M., Kutztown; Reading Chapter, No. 42,
R. A. M.; DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T.; and he was a charter
member of Lyons Lodge, No. 634, I. O. O. F. With his family he
belongs to Christ Reformed (De Long’s) Church, at Bowers, of which
he is an elder at the present time, and is also secretary of the
consistory, besides having been treasurer of the church for a
quarter of a century.

Mr. Schweyer was married, Feb. 6, 1856, to
Catharine Bittenbender born April 16, 1836, daughter of Jacob and
Susanna (Young) Bittenbender, of Hereford township. She died May 8,
1859. The only child of this union, Mary, died in childhood. Oct.
18, 1862, Mr. Schweyer married (second) Catharine Landis, daughter
of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hertzog) Landis, of Landis Store. Seven
children were born to this union: Samuel and Anna, twins, who both
died in childhood; Henry A., connected with his father in business,
who married Maria Bittenbender, and has three children – D.
Herbert, J. Leroy and Katherine M.; Harvey L., born in 1867, and
died in 1891; Nora L., who m. Dr. W. T. Miller, of Wayne, Pa., and
has a son, E. Dismant; Katherine L.; and Solon L., born 1874, and
died in 1901.

SCHWOYER,
COSMOS MERKEL

p. 708

Surnames: SCHWOYER, NEFF, SCHNEIDER, HOCH, PETER, HERBEIN,
ROTHERMEL, MAURER, SEAMAN, KELCHNER

Cosmos Merkel Schwoyer, one of the very prominent citizens of
Fleetwood borough, Berks county, who lived retired after the year
1876, was born Sept. 27, 1825, in Richmond township, on his
father’s farm situated along Moselem creek, and died in August,
1906.

Mr. Schwoyer was brought up on the farm and
attended the public school near the Moselem Church. When he reached
the age of seventeen years, besides assisting in the farming
operations, he engaged in dealing in cattle and sheep, which he
collected in Reading and adjoining townships and disposed of them
at Pottsville, in Schuylkill county, driving them there on foot
several times a year. He carried on this business successfully for
upwards of twenty years. He then engaged in farming for himself in
1852, and continued operations as a farmer until 1876, when he
retired, settling at Fleetwood, the most prominent town in the
township, and this was his home until his death.

From his early manhood Mr. Schwoyer took great
interest in politics and identified himself with the Democratic
party, although never desiring to fill any offices. However, after
living at Fleetwood for awhile, and becoming much interested in
local affairs, he was elected chief burgess in 1881, serving the
office one year, and the next year was elected as one of the jury
commissioners of the county, serving for three years, 1883-4-5.

Mr. Schwoyer was married three times. In 1862 he
m. Christina Neff, born Jan. 15, 1826, daughter of John Neff of
Kutztown. He m. (second) Susanna Schneider, daughter of Jacob
Schneider, of Centre township. In 1876 Mr. Schwoyer m. (third)
Maria (Hoch) Peter, of Maiden-creek township.

Mrs. Schwoyer was the daughter of Samuel and
Sally (Herbein) Hoch, of Oley township. Her first husband was Peter
Rothermel of Richmond township, by whom she had one child, a
daughter, Sarah Amanda, who married John Maurer, of Fleetwood, and
died in January, 1907. Mr. Rothermel died at Fleetwood. She was
next married to Joseph E. Peter, of Richmond township, and seven
children were born of this union: Mary, who died in childhood;
Samuel; Charles; Susanna, m. to Dr. A. K. Seaman of Reading; Emily,
m. to Daniel Kelchner of Fleetwood; and Solomon and Lillie, who
both died in infancy.

SCHWOYER, PETER S.

p. 1553

Surnames: SCHWOYER, SWEYER, KEYSER, MERKEL, HOCH, DEYSHER,
SEISHOLTZ, KUTZ, BEIBER, OYSTER, BUTZ

Peter S. Schwoyer. Among the well-known and prosperous young
farmers of the northeastern end of Richmond township, Berks county,
may be mentioned Peter S. Schwoyer, who was born Dec. 12, 1868, on
the farm on which he now resides, son of Solomon M. Schwoyer, and
grandson of John Schwoyer.

Christian Schwoyer, the great-grandfather of
Peter S., came to this country about the middle of the eighteenth
century with his brothers Heinrich, Samuel and Esau. Cosmos
Schwoyer, who is now nearly eighty-one years of age, says that he
distinctly remembers that his father and mother often said that the
family came from France. Christian Sweyer married a Miss Keyser,
and had the following children: Peter, Christian, Jonathon, Malinda
and John. John Schwoyer was one of the leading agriculturists of
his day, owning 100 acres of land all situated in Richmond township
with the exception of 110 acres, which lay in Maxatawny township,
the latter now being owned by his grandson Jacob Schwoyer. John
Schwoyer married Polly Merkel, daughter of Casper Merkel of
Richmond, and to this union there were born children as follows:
Elizabeth, the wife of Abraham Hoch, of Bernville; Anna who married
Jacob Deysher; Kate; Maria; Florenda; John, who settled at Hamburg;
Jacob of Richmond township; Stanley of Kutztown; Solomon and
Daniel, twins; Daniel, who died in infancy; and Cosmus, who lives
on Main street, Fleetwood.

Solomon M. Schwoyer was a most highly respected
citizen and prosperous farmer, owning 300 acres of highly
cultivated land in Richmond township.

He was a member of Moselem Church, serving that
body as trustee for eight years and as treasurer for a period of
twelve years. In 1855 he was married to Lovina Seisholtz, daughter
of Samuel Seisholtz, and to them were born these children: Eliza,
the wife of Charles Kutz, a former miller of Greenwich township,
now living retired at Kutztown, Pa.; John A., the well-known coal
and lumber dealer of Kutztown; Jacob S., a farmer of Richmond
township; and Peter S.

Peter S. Schwoyer received his intellectual
training in the public schools of his native township. On April 8,
1893, he married Miss Anna M. Bieber, daughter of John and Brigetta
(Schmoyer) Bieber, who resided in Maxatawny township about two
miles east of Kutztown, Pa. To this union one son has been born:
John D., Feb. 18, 1894, who is attending the Kutztown Normal
School. Peter S. Schwoyer has resided on his present farm all of
his life. He is a good type of the Pennsylvania farmer, sturdy,
energetic and enterprising. He is a good farmer, a kind neighbor, a
public-spirited citizen and a Christian gentleman. The buildings on
his farm are large and substantially built, and he has water
connection in the house, yard and barn. Mr. Schwoyer is the
possessor of an interesting collection of old dishes, and also owns
one of the few “grandfather” clocks made by Daniel Oyster, which
was owned by his grandfather, John Schwoyer, and which has been
standing in the same house for over 110 years. Mr. Schwoyer is a
consistent member of Moselem Lutheran Church, with which he is
officially connected. He earnestly supports the Democratic party.

John Bieber, father of Mrs. Peter S. Schwoyer,
married Brigetta Schwoyer, daughter of Samuel Schwoyer, whose wife
was a Kutz. To this union were born: Clara, wife of Allen Butz,
deceased; Rev. Milton J., a missionary of the Lutheran faith,
stationed in New York; Dr. U. S. G., a veterinarian at Kutztown;
Anna M., Mrs. Schwoyer; Robert S., an electrician in New York; and
Jonathon E., of Columbus, Ohio.

SCHWOYER, SAMUEL G.

p.
1105

Surnames: SCHWOYER, MERCKLEN, ADAM, GIFT, STETZLER, SCHAPPEL

Samuel G. Schwoyer, a prominent resident and well to do
agriculturist of Richmond township, Berks Co., Pa., who is engaged
in cultivating his 103?acre farm, was born on the place where he
now resides, and where he has spent his entire life, Sept. 13,
1863.

John Schwoyer, grandfather of Samuel G., was the
owner of the homestead above mentioned, and followed agricultural
pursuits throughout a long and useful life. He married Polly
(Maria) Mercklen, daughter of Casper Mercklen, an early settler and
large property owner of Richmond township, and to this union were
born these children: Elizabeth, Benneville, Anna, Kate, Maria,
Florenda, John, Jacob, Stanley, Solomon and Daniel (twins) and
Cosmus, who still resides in Fleetwood, who was born Sept. 27,
1825.

Benneville Schwoyer (1809?1877) was a wealthy
farmer of Richmond township, owning considerable property,
including that now owned by his son, Samuel G. He married Sophia
Adam, daughter of William and Kate (Gift) Adam, of Richmond
township. To them were born the following children: Maria, Emma,
Catherine, Daniel , Samuel G., Tella, Allen, William and Edwin. Of
these children Emma, Catherine, Daniel, Tella, and Allen all died
young.

Samuel G. Schwoyer has spent his entire life on
the farm on which he now resides. He is energetic and industrious,
and his farm, which is very well cultivated, shows the effect of
his labors.

Mr. Schwoyer was married, Dec. 25, 1886, to Emma
Stetzler, daughter of Jacob and Hettie (SchappeI) Stetzler, of
Perry township, and to this union were born three sons and two
daughters: Jennie C., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal
School of Kutztown, is teaching in Richmond township; Spaydt R.
died aged one year, Solon P. and Esther F. are attending the State
Normal School; and Paul S.