Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

BAUS, JOHN
B.

p. 918

Surnames: BAUS, STAUFFER, GEISINGER, WEIDNER, BUZZARD, STRUBEL,
ZIEGLER, WANNAMAKER, GABEL, BARTO, RAUB, JOHNSON.

John B. Baus, proprietor of the “Barto Hotel” in Washington
township, Berks county, had been carrying on that place since 1902.
He was born Feb. 29, 1864, in Longswamp township, this county, in
which vicinity his family has settled for many years.

William Baus, his grandfather, was born July 31,
1796, and died May 8, 1884, aged eighty-seven years, eleven months,
and eight days. He married Catharine Stauffer, born Jan. 26, 1795,
died Jan 17, 1864, aged sixty-eight years, eleven months,
twenty-one days, and both are buried at Huff’s Church. There is a
John Baus, born in 1810, died in 1859, aged forty-eight years, nine
months, fourteen days buried at Huff’s Church, who was probably a
brother of William Baus. Mr. and Mrs. William Baus passed all their
lives in the neighborhood of Huff’s Church, and he was engaged as a
farmer and charcoal burner. He was a tall, strong man, of honest
nature and happy disposition. His family consisted of four
children: Johannes S., born Sept. 29, 1821, died May 25, 1884, aged
sixty-two years, seven months, twenty-six days, married Elizabeth
Geisinger; William, born May 26, 1825, died Jan. 4, 1899, aged
seventy-three years, seven months, eight days, married Lucy Ann
Weidner (1823-1866) and had a son Allen (1861-1880); Samuel S.,
born Jan. 12, 1830, died Feb 22, 1893); Jacob, born Jan. 11, 1835,
died Sept. 1 1889, aged fifty-four years, seven months, twenty
days.

Samuel S. Baus, son of William, was born Jan.
12, 1830, and died Feb. 22, 1893, aged sixty-three years, one
month, ten days. He was buried at Huff’s Church, of which he was a
member. Mr. Baus was a farmer and shoemaker at Huff’s Church, where
he owned a twenty-four acre tract upon which he lived for
twenty-three years. He married Elizabeth Buzzard, daughter of Adam
Buzzard, and she survives him, now making her home with her son
Alfred at East Greenville, Montgomery Co., Pa. M. and Mrs. Baus had
eight children: George, Alfred, Clara (m. George Strubel), John B.,
David, Mary (m. Isaiah Ziegler and lives at Pennsburg, Pa.), Fianna
(m. John Wannamacker, of Rahn Station, PA.), and James (m. Annie
Gabel, and lives at Trumbauersville, Pa.)

John B. Baus attended school at Huff’s Church
and was reared to farm work, which he followed for a number of
years, at first working for farmers in Hereford and Washington
townships, Berks county, and in North Wales, Gwynedd township,
Montgomery county. In 1885 he went out West to West Point, Cuming
Co., Nebr., where he worked on a farm about one year, and returning
to Berks county he worked among the farmers around his father’s old
homestead at Huff’s Church. He continued thus until 1896, and for
the next six years sold milk at North Wales, buying it from the
farmers and retailing it among his customers. On Jan. 8, 1902, he
became the proprietor of the “Barto Hotel”, which he has since
conducted. The property is owned by George J. Raub, of Reading. Mr.
Baus is a good business man, and being of a sociable disposition,
is well-fitted for his present line of business. He is a member of
the K.G.E. at North Wales, and the P.O.S. of A. camp at Alburtis.
In politics he is a Jeffersonian Democrat and he takes quite an
interest in party affairs.

On Jan. 8, 1902, Mr. Baus was married to Clara
Johnson, of North Wales, daughter of Frank C. Johnson, of that
place, and they have two children, Helen and Nellie. This family
belongs to the Reformed congregation of Huff’s Church, of which all
the Baus family has been members, and many of the name are buried
there.

BAUSCHER
FAMILY

p. 1288

Surnames: BAUSCHER, BOUTCHER, BOUCHER, LAUBENSTEIN, DIETRICH,
HARTZEL, TREXLER, WERNER, SMITH, KUNKEL, SASSAMAN, ALTENDERFER,
STIBITZ.

The emigrant ancestor of the Bauscher family came to Pennsylvania
from Germany but the origin of the family is French. Tradition says
that Daniel Bauscher, who in 1790 spelled his name ‘Boutcher’, came
to this country from the Palatinate in 1765. In 1790 he was a
resident of Albany township, Berks county, and lived on the farm
which is still in the family name. The Federal census of that year
records him as the father of three sons (above sixteen years of
age) and two daughters. He was, however, the father of seven
children, namely: Philip; Jacob, who settled in Windsor township;
Anthony, who removed to the Glades, Westmoreland county, Pa., and
who is the forbear of J. N. Boucher, Esq., of Greensburg, Pa.;
Henry, who removed to Somerset county, Pa.; Peter, who located in
Hamburg; and two daughters one of whom was Barbara.

Philip Bauscher, son of Daniel, bought land of
John Penn in Albany township, Berks county. He is buried at New
Bethel Church. His children were: Jacob; Christian, 1799-1875;
Maria, m. to Peter Laubenstein; Kate, m. to John Dietrich; Rachel,
m. to John Dietrich; and Leah, m to John Hartzel.

Christian Bauscher, son of Philip, was born in
Albany township in 1799, and died there in 1875; he is buried at
New Bethel Church. He was a farmer on the old homestead, and
retired from active work about ten years before he died. He married
Maria Dietrich, daughter of John Dietrich, and their children were:
Catharine m. Andreas Kunkel; Lydia m. Nathan Trexler; Abbie m.
Jonas Werner; Nathan, a farmer now living in McKeansburg, m.
Brigitta Smith, and has children – Ella, David, Levi, Sarah,
Amanda, Amelia, and Ida; and Henry.
Henry Bauscher, son of
Christian, was born on the old Bauscher homestead in Albany
township May 25, 1832, and there passed his entire life, dying on
the same farm, May 3, 1909. His early education was obtained in the
old pay schools of his day, and later he went to Montour county to
learn English and attend school. He was a man of more than ordinary
intelligence and judgement and he was successful as a farmer and
useful as a citizen. The old Bauscher farm which he owned contains
190 acres of the best farm land in the township, and under his
practical, systematic care it was greatly improved and developed.
The tenement house, a stone building, was erected by his father,
Christian, in 1852, but the modern brick house, now occupied by
Miss Annie M. Bauscher, was built by Henry Bauscher in 1852. The
Swiss barn was built by Christian.

Henry Bauscher was modest and retiring in his
disposition, but he had too keen a regard for the duties and
responsibilities of citizenship to remain in the background when
the moral or material welfare of his community was in need of
support and assistance, and he was ever one of the progressive and
enterprising men of his community. He was industrious and honest,
and he well merited the high esteem in which he was held. In
politics he was a Democrat, and for many years served most
efficiently as school director. He and his family were members of
the New Bethel (Corner) Church of Albany, which he served many
years in the duties of deacon, elder, and treasurer. He and three
generations before him are buried in its graveyard.
Mr. Bauscher was twice
married. On Oct. 2, 1854, he m. Sarah Kunkel, born Oct 2, 1837;
died Sept. 29, 1863, the mother of five sons: Lewis W., born 1855;
Oliver, born 1856; Daniel, born 1860; and Wallace and Thomas,
twins, born 1862, the former dying in 1862; and the latter in 1863.
On Nov. 9, 1867, Mr. Bauscher married (second) Salome (Altenderfer)
Sassaman. She died April 6, 1908. To this union was born one
daughter, Annie M.

Miss Annie M. Bauscher is a graduate of the
Keystone State Normal School, class of 1886. She taught school
sixteen terms, and by appointment of the State superintendent of
public schools was a member of the examining board for permanent
certificates of teachers of Berks county for three years. She has
traveled extensively, and is a lady of culture and refinement.

Daniel Bauscher, son of Henry and Sarah (Kunkel)
was born on his father’s farm in Albany township Oct. 18, 1860. He
lived at home until the spring of 1886, when he began farming on
his recent place, located near Trexler, in Albany township. He has
127 acres of good land in what is known as the “potato” belt. He
plants from ten to twelve acres of this vegetable, and is
prosperous. In politics he is a Democrat, and since 1908 has been a
member of the school board. He and his family are member of New
Bethel (Corner) Church, in Albany, belonging to the Reformed
congregation, of which Mr. Bauscher was deacon for two years.

On Aug. 2, 1885, Mr. Bauscher married Louisa
Stibitz, born June 2, 1860, daughter of John Stibitz, of Schuylkill
county. They have had six children, all living, namely: Sadie J.,
William G., Abner N., Fred O., Mahlon A., and Mabel E.

BAUSHER, DEWALT PETER

p. 1693

Surnames: BAUSHER, WINK, STRAUSSER, MIX, BARD, REBER, STICHTER,
MALLOY, MCFADDEN.

Dewalt Peter Bausher (deceased), a well-known traveling salesman,
who represented the John H. Malloy Sons Company, of Philadelphia,
was born in 1844 in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown, Pa., son of
Jesse and Lucy (Wink) Bausher, natives of Berks county.

Peter Bausher, his grandfather, was also a
native of Berks county, and a farmer by occupation, following this
all his active life near Hamberg. Late in life he removed to
Tamaqua, Pa., where both he and his wife died. He married Sophia
Strausser, by whom he had the following children: Jesse, Lucy,
Carolina, Solomon, Jacob, Eli, Polly, Sarah, Amelia, William,
Peter, and Sophia. In religious belief their family were members of
the Reformed Church. Politically Mr. Bausher was a Democrat.

Jesse Bausher, born Dec. 4, 1819, in Windsor
township, followed farming in Maxatawny township. He married, in
1844 Lucy Wink, born March 6, 1813, daughter of Jacob and Maria
Wink, and their children were: Dewalt Peter; Maria Anna, born Oct.
19, 1846, died Dec. 4, 1860; and Louisa, born Feb. 9, 1850, died
June 4, 1861. In religious belief they were all members of the
Reformed Church. Politically, Mr. Bausher was a Democrat. He died
in Reading in November 1889.

Dewalt Peter Bausher was educated in the public
schools of Maxatawny township and in the Keystone State Normal
School at Kutztown. He also attended the old seminary conducted by
Prof. Mix. After leaving school he worked on his father’s farm
until the fall of 1867, when he came to Reading and worked as a
clerk first for Bard & Reber, and later for the Stichter
Hardware Co. From 1884 Mr. Bausher traveled for various hardware
stores of Reading, until in 1890, when he became connected with the
John M Malloy Sons Company of Philadelphia, remaining with this
firm until his death Feb. 6, 1908. Mr. Bausher was one of the best
salesmen in his line, and was very well known to the hardware
trade.

On Dec. 24, 1866, Mr. Bausher married Ellen
McFadden, daughter of Charles and Lydia McFadden, and she died in
1888, aged forty years. They were the parents of two children:
Walter Wink and Carmi Irwin. Mr.Bausher was a member of the Royal
Arcanum, and the I. O. O. F., at Reading. In politics he was a
staunch Democrat. Both he and his wife were active members of the
Reformed Church, and she was a kind and devoted mother.

BAUSHER, SOLON DANIEL

p. 875

Surnames: BAUSHER, CETHAM, LAUBENSTEIN, DIETRICH, HARTZEL, ADAM,
KOLLER, SEAMAN, STOYER, PETERS, RAUBENHOLD, KOCH, HEFFNER, CONFER,
ILLIG, DIVES, POMEROY, STEWART, PENN, MILLER.

Solon Daniel Bausher, of Berks county, a leading manufacturer of
underwear, proprietor of the Gotham Underwear Mill and Bleach
Works, at Hamburg, Pa., was born March 5, 1869, in the borough of
Hamburg, son of Jeremiah A. Bausher.

Daniel Bausher, his great-great-grandfather, was
the progenitor of this family in America, coming from Germany.
Tradition says that he emigrated about 1765 and that he was from
the Palatinate. He had seven children, five of whom were: Philip,
who settled on the old homestead in Albany; Jacob, who settled in
Windsor; Anthony, who removed to Westmoreland county, PA.; Henry,
who removed to Somerset county, PA; and Peter, who settled in
Hamburg.

Of these, Philip Bausher bought land from the
Penns in Albany township, Berks county, which is still in the
family name. He had these children: Jacob; Christian, born 1799,
who died in 1875; Maria, who married Peter Laubenstein; Kate, who
married John Dietrich; Rachel, who married John Dietrich; and Leah,
who married John Hartzel. Christian Bausher, the second son of
Philip, obtained the old homestead. His children were: Catherine,
Lydia, Abby, Nathan and Henry, the latter of whom, born in 1832,
obtained the old homestead on which he has lived to this day. He is
the father of six children: Daniel, Wallace, Thomas, Miss Annie (a
well-known school teacher of Berks county), and two sons, Lewis and
Oliver, who died young.

Jacob Bausher, great-grandfather of Solon D.,
was a large landowner, and was well known in his day. His son,
Daniel, born at Windsor Castle, was also a large landowner and
extensive farmer, and was a veterinarian. He was one of the
organizers of the Windsor Mutual Horse Company, and was a prominent
man of his district. He was married to Hannah Adam, daughter of
Jacob Adam, of Perry township, and they had these children:
William, Franklin, Jeremiah A., David, Jacob, Mary Ann, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Lovina, Amelia, Andora, and Elementa (who died in
childhood).

Jeremiah A. Bausher was born at Windsor Castle,
Berks county, Oct. 23, 1846, and was educated at the local schools
and later at the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, PA. He
then taught school for three terms, and in 1868 engaged in the
general merchandise business, at Five Locks, below Hamburg,
continuing there for one year. He then formed a partnership with A.
S. Koller, under the firm name of Koller & Bausher, and engaged
in a general merchandise business at Garfield, Berks county, Pa.,
this partnership lasting two years, at the end of which time Mr.
Bausher removed to Hamburg, to engage in the grain and coal
business. There he has continued successfully ever since. In 1899
he and Moses Seaman formed a partnership under the firm name of
Bausher and Seaman, engaging in the manufacture of high-grade
brands of flour, and this partnership lasted until the fall of
1906, when Mr. Bausher was elected to the office of recorder of
deeds of Berks county in which position he has served faithfully
and efficiently to the present time. In May 1867, Mr. Bausher was
married to Sarah Stoyer, daughter of Benneville and Catherine
(Raubenhold) Stoyer, and to this union were born children as
follows: Marice, who died aged eleven months; Solon D; Harvey L.,
who married Susan Peters; and Evan, who is unmarried.

Solon Daniel Bausher was reared in the borough
of Hamburg, and received his education public schools. When but
thirteen years of age he became a clerk in the general store of
Aaron Koch, with whom he remained for two years, when he engaged
with Daniel A Heffner, a merchant of Hamburg, in whose employ he
continued for three years. He then engaged with the Pennsylvania
Railway Company, as billing clerk at Phoenixville, remaining in
that employ for two years, when M. A. Confer, of Hamburg, offered
him a better salaried position in his large department store, which
he accepted, continuing there for three years. J. C. Illeg &
Brother, the well-known merchants of Reading, were his next
employers, and he acted as buyer of suits and cloaks for this firm
until 1893, in which year he associated himself with the mercantile
house of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, of Reading. Mr. Bausher has
charge of the suit and cloak department, doing all the buying of
cloaks, suits, furs, ladies’ waists and wrappers, has a large force
of clerks under him, and has made this department one of the
largest and most profitable of the big store.

From youth Mr. Bausher has been enterprising and
industrious, and after school hours during his boyhood managed to
carry the ‘Reading News’ to many readers in Hamburg every night. As
mentioned at the opening of this sketch, Mr. Bausher is proprietor
of the Gotham underwear mill and bleach works, now reckoned among
the leading industries of Hamburg. He is a director of the Berks
County Trust Company, of Reading, and of William Penn Fire
Insurance Company, of Pottsville. In politics he is a stanch
Democrat and has served the borough of Hamburg as director for six
years, being president of the board for one year and its treasurer
for four years. He was a delegate to a number of county
conventions. He is a zealous campaigner, and his father’s election
to the office of recorder of deeds of Berks county, was due in a
great degree to his untiring efforts.

Mr. Bausher and his family are members of the
First Reformed Church of Hamburg, of which he has been deacon for
three years and ever a staunch supporter. Mr. Bausher and his
family reside in their fine residence on North Fourth street,
Hamburg.

On Aug. 22, 1895, Mr. Bausher was united in
marriage with Cora E Miller, only daughter of Charles N. and
Elizabeth (Becker) Miller and to this union have been born two
bright sons, Charles R. and J. Lee.

BAUSHER,
THOMAS C.

p. 762

Surnames: BAUSHER, SUMMONS, HAAGE, TOMNEY, SPYKER

Thomas C. Bausher, a plumber and gas, steam and hot water fitter of
Reading, Pa., whose place of business is situated at No. 105 North
Sixth street, was born April 12, 1873, in Norristown, Montgomery
Co., Pennsylvania.

Mr. Bausher received his education in the
schools of Montgomery and Berks counties, and when a boy clerked in
his native city in a cigar store. In 1889 he came to Reading and
apprenticed himself to E. S. Summons, a plumber, and with him
served his time for four years. He then engaged with Haage &
Tomney, with whom he remained for about seven years, when he
returned to the employ of Mr. Summons, continuing with him about
six years. In October, 1904, Mr. Bausher opened his present
business at No. 105 North Sixth street, with a complete line of
plumbing and steam and hot water heating supplies. Mr. Bausher is
an expert in his business, and his trade has grown to such
proportions that he has been compelled to hire from three to five
men to assist him. Mr. Bausher is a member of the Master Plumbers
Association and is secretary of the local at Reading; is connected
with Friendship Fire Company, of which he was president from 1896
to 1897; is a member of the Knights of Malta and the P. O. S. of
A.; and is also identified with the Reading Firemen’s Relief
Association.

In 1898 Mr. Bausher was married to Sarah Spyker,
and to this union there have been born four children: Earl F.,
Helen M., Florence, and Ralph (died in infancy). Mr. Bausher and
his family are members of St. Paul’s Reformed Church. The success
which Mr. Bausher has gained is but the just due to an ambitious,
honest man, who through his own enterprise and energy has worked
his way to the top. He may truly be called a self-made man.

BAVER,
ALFRED

p. 1231

Surnames: BAVER, FOCHT, BOYER, SPOHN, SMITH, DIETRICH, HIMBY,
LENHART, REESER, BALTHAUSER, MILLER, KELLER, APPEL, FOCHT, ALBERT

Alfred Baver, of Greenwich township, who owns and operates an
excellent farm of 154 acres, was born Feb. 4, 1864, in Perry
township, son of Samuel and Lydia (Focht) Baver. Christopher Baver,
grandfather of Alfred, was a resident of Perry township, and
married Susan Boyer, by whom he had these children: John, Polly,
Elizabeth, Joseph, Samuel, Daniel ( 1825-1899), Anna and Amelia.
Polly married Daniel Miller, of Port Clinton, and is the holder of
the family records. Samuel Baver, who was also a native of Perry
township, was born in 1820 and died in 1898. He married Lydia
Focht, who was born in 1818 and died in 1901, and they had the
following children: Elias m. Elizabeth Spohn; John, m. Mary
Dietrich; Samuel, m. Cordelia Smith; Emma m. Samuel Himby; Amelia
m. William Lenhart; Ellen m. Milton Reeser; and Alfred S. Alfred
Baver has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all of his life;
and now owns a fine property of 154 acres, upon which is situated a
large stone house, surrounded by a spacious, well-kept lawn, and
other buildings, including a large wood and stone bank barn. Mr.
Baver has always been actively interested in township matters, and
has served as tax collector, register, assessor and delegate to
county conventions. He is a member of Friedens Lutheran
congregation of Lenhartsville. In 1886 Mr. Baver was married to
Susan Boyer, and they have the following named children: Edna, a
successful school teacher, who obtained her training in the
Keystone State Normal school; Leon, born in 1891; Percy, 1893; and
Merkie, 1904. Jacob Boyer, the grandfather of Mrs. Baver, was born
July 11, 1780, and died in 1856, and his wife, Sarah (Balthauser)
Boyer, was born in 1778 and died in 1862. Their son Daniel, Mrs.
Baver’s father, was born in 1823 and died in 1904. He married Mary
Miller, born in 1828, who died in 1896, daughter of William and
Mary (Keller) Miller the former of whom died in 1873 and the latter
in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer had these children: Susan m. Mr. Baver;
William m. Diana Appel and has three children, Wilson, Calvin and
Morris; John; and Elias m. Anna Focht and has one daughter, Laura,
the wife of William Albert.

BAVER, DAVID
E.

p. 905

Surnames: BAVER, FOCHT, BOYER, STITZEL, MILLER, MARSHALL, SMITH,
WOLFE, SCHAPPELL, LUCKENBILL, SEIDEL, WILLIAMS, STARR, RAUSCH,
GERHART, BECKER, SALLADA

David E. Baver, a weIl known citizen of Windsor township, who
conducts a farmers’ dairy and a small farm, situated along the
State road, east of Hamburg, was born Jan. 20, 1860, on the old
Baver homestead, son of Joseph and Mary (Focht) Baver.

Christopher Baver, grandfather of David E., was
born Jan. 14, 1777, and died March 5, 1865, after a lifetime
devoted to farming and blacksmithing. He is said to have been an
excellent mechanic, and to have enjoyed a large trade, the
blacksmiths at that time being very scarce and living far apart. He
also raised considerable flax, which was woven into clothes in the
winter months by his faithful wife. On July 14, 1805, Christopher
Baver married Susanna Elizabeth Boyer (born Jan. 6, 1787, and died
Jan. 25, 1865). These sturdy pioneers lived together for the
unusual period of fifty-seven years, seven months and twenty-one
days, their married life being made happy by the birth of the
following children: Polly (m. Jacob Stitzel); Samuel (m. Lydia
Focht); John (m. Hannah Focht); David (m. Maria Miller); Elizabeth
(m. Jeremiah Focht); Daniel, born in 1825, died single in 1849 ;
Joseph (father of David E.); Ann (m. Jacob Miller); and Amelia (m.
Bill Marshall) .

Joseph Baver, who was a blacksmith, a trade he
had been taught by his father, owned the old Baver homestead now in
the possession of Albert Smith, of Windsor township, this farm
consisting of 110 acres which Mr. Baver worked with. the assistance
of his children. A disastrous fire occurred on this place in May,
1888, in destroying all of the buildings, even the pump being
burned, the furniture in the house and the contents of the barn and
outbuildings, the poultry, a mule and a calf. The fire which was
caused by the children who were left alone in the house, occurred
on a windy day and it was impossible to check it. This was a very
severe blow to Mr. Baver, as there was little insurance on any of
the property. He was well and favorably known in his community,
serving his district as school director and auditor, and was
captain in the State Militia, belonging to one of the companies
from upper Berks county. He was deeply interested in public
matters, and took a prominent and influential part in politics. Mr.
Baver married Mary Focht, daughter of Jeremiah Focht, and to them
were born children as follows: Amanda (m. Samuel Wolfe); Frank (m.
Priscilla Schappell); Simon, twin of Frank (m. Annie Luckenbill);
Alfred F. (m. (first) Ellen Seidel, now deceased, and (second)
Lizzie Williams); Joel (died aged twenty-five years); Sarah
(unmarried, keeps house for her cousin, Frank Focht); David E.;
Louisa (widow of William Starr); Senora (m. Jacob Rausch); Andora
(m. Thomas Rausch); Samuel (died of whooping cough when a child).

David E. Baver was educated in the local schools
and at the age of twenty-two years learned the trade of coach-maker
from his brother, who had a large shop on the old homestead. He
worked at this trade for six years, and in 1886 commenced farming
on his father-in-law’s estate, and after the latter’s death, Mr.,
Baver purchased the property. It consists of thirty-two acres of
fertile land, and because of the richness of the soil, its
proximity to Hamburg, the excellent buildings thereon and the
beautiful lawn surrounding the residence, this home has been
admired by visitors to the community. Mr. Baver also owns 4 acres
of woodland in the Blue mountains. He has a home cream separator
and with his own milk and that brought him by farmers of his
vicinity he manufactures a line of quality peanut butter that is in
much demand. He also deals in eggs and produce, being a sort of
clearing house for the agriculturists of his district. Mr. Baver is
an honest, industrious and enterprising citizen, of much business
acumen, and he is held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen. In
political matters he is a Democrat and supports the ticket of that
party loyally. He and his family are Lutheran members of St. John’s
Union Church of Hamburg, of which Mr. Baver has always been a
liberal supporter. Mrs. Baver is well known in church and society
circles, and she and her husband have many friends.

On Dec. 4, 1866, Mr. Baver married Miss Mary M.
Gerhart, daughter of Francis S. and Diana (Becker) Gerhart, and
granddaughter of Jacob and Mary (Sallada) Gerhart. To this union
there has been born one son, Earl Raymond, Nov. 21, 1899.

BEADENCUP, HENRY A.

p. 737

Surnames: BEADENCUP, PRINTZ, GRANT, HESS, HARTZ, RIMBY, SNYDER,
SEIDEL, BUCHANAN

Henry A. Beadencup, who for ten years prior to
his death, May 9, 1900, was engaged in farming at Birdsboro, Pa.,
was born in the city of Reading, Nov. 11, 1835, son of Henry A. and
Sarah (Printz) Beadencup.

Henry Beadencup was a puddler by trade, but in
later life located on a farm in Robeson township, where he died in
the faith of the Reformed Church.

Henry A. Beadencup was reared in his native
city. As a boy he had followed canal boat driving, later becoming
master of the boat. He then learned the puddling trade at
Birdsboro, which he followed for a period of thirty-five years. In
1890 he relinquished his trade to give attention to his farm in
Birdsboro, where his death took place ten years later. He was a
Republican in politics, and served efficiently as a member of the
borough council, and was fraternally connected with the I. O. O.
F., Neversink Lodge; and Chandler Lodge of Masons, No. 227, of
Reading.

On May 9, 1857, Mr. Beadencup married Margaret
Elizabeth Grant, daughter of George and Mary (Hess) Grant, who
lived in Birdsboro from the time she was thirteen years of age. Mr.
and Mrs. Beadencup had but one child, Sarah, who died when six
years of age. Mrs. Beadencup was a faithful member of the Birdsboro
Methodist Episcopal Church and was well known in church and
charitable work. She died Nov. 21, 1908, at the age of sixty-eight
years.

Lewis Grant, Mrs. Beadencup’s nephew, who
conducted the farm after Mr. Beadencup’s death, was born in May,
1865, in Birdsboro, son of John and Susan (Hartz) Grant, and was
educated in Birdsboro. He was married in 1886, to Miss Ida Rimby,
daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann (Snyder) Rimby, by whom he has had
seven children: Nora, m. to Harry Seidel; Anna, single; Margarett,
m. to William Buchanan; Iva, single; Harry, Lewis, and Catherine.

BEAR, GEORGE WASHINGTON

p.
1126

Surnames: BEAR, BAER, KNERR, ADAM, BEIDEMAN, KELLER, YEAGER,
KELCHNER, BOWMAN, HAINS, TREXLER, FISTER, HATZFIELD, WESTLEY,
RUMBEL, HOLLENBACH

George Washington Bear, a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of
Hamburg, Berks county, who is successfully engaged in the hotel and
restaurant business, was born Feb. 22, 1860, in the borough of
Hamburg.

Hans Bear came to this country Sept. 20, 1743,
on the ship “Phoenix” from Germany, and soon after landing settled
in Weisenburg, Lehigh Co., Pa.

Jacob Bear, son of Hans and
great-great-grandfather of George W., was a farmer of Weisenburg.
He had six sons and six daughters, and to each of the former he was
able to give a farm.

Johan Adam Bear, one of the six sons of Jacob,
was born in Weisenburg in 1770, and in 1812 removed north of
Kutztown, in Maxatawny township, Berks county. He married a Miss
Knerr, and they had children as follows: Jonathan, Eva, John,
Peter, Solomon, Lydia, Betsy, Charles, Susanna and Polly.

John Bear, son of Johan Adam, was an early
resident of Albany township, Berks county, and was a carpenter by
trade. He married Catherine Adam, daughter of Henry Adam. Their
children were: Solomon, Sarah, Peter, Henry, Catherine, Joel, John,
Nathan, Lucy, and Dr. Samuel A. Nathan Bear, son of John and
Catherine (Adam), was born in 1832, in Albany township, Berks
county, and received his education in his native place. When about
twenty-two years of age he located in Hamburg, and clerked in Major
Beideman’s store, where he remained until becoming engaged in the
mercantile business for himself, in which he continued until 1884.
At this time he removed to Wilmington, Del., to engage in the life
insurance business, in which he successfully continued until a few
years prior to his death, in 1903. Nathan Baer was an energetic,
enterprising business man, honest and upright in his dealings, and
a good citizen. He married Elvina Keller, daughter of Daniel and
Catherine Keller, and nine children were born to this union:
Catherine died in infancy; Lizzie m. James Yeager, of Wilmington,
Del.; Miss Annie resides in Wilmington; Lovina m. James Kelchner
(deceased), of Hamburg; Phoebe m. George Bowman, of Hamburg; John
A. m. Lillie Hains, of Johnstown; George Washington; Calvin D. m.
Lizzie Francis; and Thomas J.

George Washington Bear was educated in the
public schools of Hamburg, and later attended Oley Academy at
Friedensburg, Berks county, leaving school at the age of seventeen
years, to work in his father’s dry goods and grocery store. Here he
remained for a period of six years, and at the end of this time
engaged in the hotel and restaurant business for himself, in which
he has continued successfully to the present time.

Mr. Bear is a good business man and an upright
citizen. Personally he is a man of commanding appearance, standing
six feet, one and one-half inches, and being proportioned
accordingly, weighing 215 pounds. He has a kindly, genial,
courteous manner and has many friends in the community.

On Jan. 23, 1883, Mr. Bear was married to Annie
C. Trexler, daughter of Nelson and Cordelia (Fister) Trexler, and
to this union have been born: Hattie W.; Ralph J.; Harold T., and
Nelson W. Nelson Trexler and his wife were the parents of these
children: Ella, m. to Dr. J. A. Hatzfield, of Pueblo, Colo.; Annie
m. to Mr. Bear; Lizzie, m. to A. P. Westley, of Hamburg; James G.,
m. to Millie Rumbel; and Franklin J., m. to Laura Hollenbach.

BEAR, ISAAC

p.
813

Surnames: BEAR, KUTHNER

Isaac Bear, Reading’s leading shoe merchant, whose place of
business is situated at No. 634 Penn street, is a native of the
state of Maryland, born in 1868, son of Hartz Bear, who came from
Germany.

Isaac Bear received his education in the schools
of his native locality, and at the age of fourteen years went to
Washington, D. C., finding employment in a store there for three
years. Returning to Baltimore, Md., Mr. Bear was employed by his
brother, M. H. Bear, who was a leading shoe merchant of that city
and remained with him ten years, coming to Reading in 1899. He
purchased the Comfort Shoe Store, remodelling it, and restocking it
with a full line of first-class shoes, and here he has continued to
the present time with much success. His establishment, which is
four stories and basement, 30 x 144 feet, is fully equipped with
the most modern fixtures and appurtenances, and during the busy
season he employs twenty-one clerks, as well as a skilled shoemaker
for special work. His specialty is good honest shoes for men, women
and children. Mr. Baer has an honestly won reputation for
first-class goods, and his business, already of large proportions,
is constantly growing.

In 1899 Mr. Bear was married to Miss Mamie
Kuthner, of Rome Ga., and to them one son has been born, Ivon K.
Mr. Bear is a member of the Masonic order, being connected with
George’s Creek Lodge, No. 161, F. & A. M., and Garfield Chapter
No. 115. He is also a member of Reading Lodge, No 115, B. P. O.
Elks.

BEAR,
JONATHAN C. (LIEUT.)

p. 725

Surnames: BEAR, KERSHNER, BAER, FETTER, HARTMAN, KNERR,
SCHOLLENBERGER, ADAM, STOYER, SMITH, SCHUBERT, EVERHART, LEMKE,
SEDGEWICK, MOGEL, MACHAMER, BUTLER, DAILINS, BUCK

Lieut. Jonathan C. Bear, a substantial citizen of Windsor township,
Berks county, and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, who is
now living retired on North Third street, Hamburg, Pa., was born in
Longswamp township, Berks county, Aug. 6, 1835, son of Charles
Bear.

John (or Hans) Bear, great-great-grandfather of
Lieut. Jonathan C., emigrated from Zweibrucken, Germany, landing at
Philadelphia, Sept. 30, 1743, in the ship “Phenix.” He lived for a
short time at Germantown, but before 1750 he settled in Weisenburg,
Lehigh county, his farm being what is now the Kershner farm about
one mile south of Claussville. He had these children: Jacob; John,
who removed to Windsor township, where his descendants may be found
today; Adam, who removed to about two miles northwest of the old
home on what is now the Peter F. Baer farm; and Barbara, who
married Henry Fetter and lived in Allentown.

Jacob Bear, son of John, lived at Weisenburg,
Lehigh county, and had twelve children — six sons and six
daughters. He was very well-to-do, and gave each one of his six
sons a farm.

John Adam Bear, son of Jacob and grandfather of
Lieut. Jonathan C., was born in Weisenburg township, Lehigh county,
in 1772, and died in 1856. He removed to Maxatawny township, Berks
county, in 1812, settling on what is now the Hartman farm, about
one and one-half miles north of Kutztown, which he owned and
cultivated for upwards of twenty years. He was married to Susanna
Knerr, and they had these children: Jonathan, born in 1796, died in
Greenwich township in 1878; Eva m. Jacob Schollenberger; John m.
Katharine Adam; Peter lived in Raisin Center, Mich., and had nine
children; Charles is mentioned below; Solomon was a large
land-owner of Akron, Ohio; Betsy m. Solomon Stoyer and lived in
Lockport, N.Y.; and Susanna m. Samuel Smith.

Charles Bear, son of John Adam, was born in
Weisenberg township, Lehigh county, July 13, 1806. He was reared on
his father’s farm in Maxatawny township, receiving his education in
the pioneer schools. He learned the trade of stone mason in early
life, and this was his occupation throughout his active career. Of
a very kindly and jovial nature, he had many friends, and is
considered a man of high honor and good judgment.

Jonathan C. Bear attended the schools of his
neighborhood, and was fortunate in having such well known educators
as William Schubert, one of the brightest instructors in Eastern
Pennsylvania, Adolph Everhart, and E. Lemke, as teachers. He worked
on the farm until eighteen years of age, when he learned the stone
mason’s trade, afterward becoming a brick layer and plasterer,
occupations which he followed for upwards of twenty years. In the
spring of 1855 he first came to Hamburg, and here worked at his
trades, helping to build over 150 houses, including three churches,
and several schoolhouses, and in 1858 assisted in building the old
church which was destroyed by fire in 1898.

Mr. Bear has been a lifelong Democrat, and
served the borough one year as assistant burgess, one term as chief
burgess, and one year as chief of police. He was also councilman
for nine consecutive years and was chairman of the Finance
committee, which graded the streets and put up the lights. He is a
member of the First Reformed Church, and served nine years as
Deacon and a like period as trustee thereof.

In 1855 Mr. Bear enlisted in the Hamburg
Artillery, State Militia, and served in that company as third
sergeant until the Civil was broke out. On Oct. 16, 1861, he
enlisted in Company G, 96th Pa. V. I., and became its first
sergeant. He was a gallant soldier throughout the war, and was
mustered out Feb. 14, 1864. This discharge was by reason of
re-enlistment, and afterward he served in Company G, 95th Pa. V.
I., and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, in which
capacity he continued until July 16, 1865, when he was discharged
with the rest of his company. During the year 1864 he was signal
officer of the Sixth Army Corps. under General Sedgewick, a
position in which he served satisfactorily until he was called to
the position of interpreter, which he obtained through a
competitive examination. Lieutenant Bear participated in the
following battles: Gaines’ Mills, Second Bull Run, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Crampton’s Pass, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Culpeper,
Warrenton, and the whole of the Wilderness Campaign. His last
battle was at Fort Steadman. His record was exceptionally good, and
outside of a veteran furlough, was never absent from his regiment
for a single day.

On Dec. 13, 1856, Lieutenant Bear was married to
Caroline M. Mogel, daughter of Daniel and Polly (Machamer) Mogel,
and Mrs. Bear died without issue in 1892, in the sixty-third year
of her age. Mr. Bear adopted her niece, Ida K. Butler, who is now
the wife of J. Jerome Dailins, and has these children: Caroline
Butler and Harold W. On Feb. 14, 1895, Mr. Bear was married
(second) to Hettian Buck, who died June 24, 1901, when sixty three
years old . Lieutenant Bear resides with Mrs. Dailins, his adopted
daughter, on North Third street, Hamburg, in a house which he has
owned since 1858.

BEAR, LEVI
W.

p. 1694

Surnames: BEAR, BAAR, WILLIAMS, GICKER, WERT, ALBRIGHT, PIFFLIN,
SNYDER, LUDWIG, GRUBER SCHELL, BALTHASER, HERBEIN, SPANGLER, HAFER,
BOYER, KAUFFMAN, SCHAEFFER, BUCKS, FOOSE, SOUSLEY, WERT

Levi W. Bear, who until his death, Sept. 30, 1908, lived retired
near the “Six Mile House,” in Maiden Creek township, was born in
Bern township, Berks county, Jan. 20, 1832, son of John and Ann
(Williams) Bear.

Abraham Bear (the name was then spelled Baar),
the grandfather of Levi W., married and by his wife, Rachel, had
the following children: Isaac m. Sallie Gicker, daughter of Daniel
Gicker; Abraham m. a sister of Sallie Gicker; Joseph m. Mary
(Polly) Wert; Molly m. Jacob Albright; Kate m. a Mr. Pifflin; Sarah
m. Jared Snyder; and John is mentioned below.

John Baer was born in Bern township, and was a
fence maker by occupation. He married Ann Williams, daughter of
Samuel Williams, and they were the parents of: William, deceased;
John, deceased, m. Elizabeth Ludwig; Levi W.; Daniel, deceased, m.
Ella Gruber; Annie m. Elias Schell; Sarah m. Levi Balthaser;
Percival m. Kate Herbein; Henry m. Leanda Spangler; and Mary m.
William Hafer.

Levi W. Bear was reared and educated in Bern
township, and there learned the trade of stone mason. Later he
purchased a farm, situated about two miles north of Bernville,
where he resided for two years, when he purchased a property in
Penn township, near Bagenstose’s Hotel, and another in Ontelaunee
township. Mr. Bear was the owner of the farm in Maiden Creek
township, upon which he was living at the time of his death, and
also owned the old homestead in Bern township, which he purchased
some years ago.

In 1860 Mr. Bear married Rebecca Boyer, daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Boyer) Boyer, and to this union the
following children were born: Lizzie m. Lafayette Kauffman; Katie
m. Edward Schaeffer, and has three children, Helen, Mable and
Bertha; Maggie m. Calvin Bucks, and has one child, Consuela;
Deborah, deceased, m. Israel Foose; Irvin is unmarried; Emanuel;
Oscar left home and it is thought he is deceased; and Clara m.
Stephen Sousley, a cigar manufacturer of Hamburg, and has three
children, the eldest named Earl. Mr. Bear, as is his family, was a
member of Gernant’s Reformed Church. In political matters he was a
Democrat, but outside of township offices had no political
aspirations.