Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

AMES, ISAAC

p.
989

Surnames:
PAGITT, MCCULLOCH, ZULY, MARTIN, GRUBB, BIXLER, RUTHERFORD, WITMAN,
DE HAVEN, BINDER, GABRIEL, JONES, BYLER

Isaac Ames, a
representative citizen of Caernarvon township, Berks Co., Pa., who
conducts a blacksmith shop and wagonmaking establishment near
Kurtz’s Mills, was born April 7, 1854, in York county, Pa., son of
Henry and Sarah Ames, and grandson of William and Polly
Ames.

Henry Ames,
who was a native of Berks county, was engaged in blacksmithing at
Morgantown, where he spent his life. He married (first) Mary
Pagitt, and to this union two children were born: Morris and
George. Mr. Ames m. (second) Sarah Ann McCulloch, born Jan. 25,
1815, died Jan. 26, 1893, and both she and her husband are buried
in the new cemetery at Morgantown. They were the parents of these
children: Ann m. (first) a Zuly and (second) a Martin; Henry lives
in Chester county; Isaac; Elizabeth m. Joseph Grubb; Jane m. Christ
Bixler; Hayes died June 3, 1892; Katie, born Aug. 14, 1852, died
May 7, 1903; Howard; and Emma m. John Rutherford, and lives in
Laureltown, Union county, Pennsylvania.

When Isaac
Ames was about four years of age his parents took him to
Morgantown, where he learned the blacksmith’s trade with his
father. He now conducts a blacksmith and wagonmaking establishment
at Morgantown, in the vicinity of which place he has lived for over
half a century.

In 1869 Mr.
Ames married Annie Witman, who was born in 1856, in Caernarvon
township, and died in Morgantown in 1887. The following children
were born to this union: Mae m. Jacob De Haven, and is living in
Caernarvon township; Sanford m. a Miss Binder, and conducts a
blacksmith establishment in Honey Brook, Chester county; Nellie m.
Joseph Gabriel, and lives in Caernarvon township; Jennie lives in
Reading; Catherine m. Harry Jones, and resides on Weiser street,
Reading; Sherman, lives with his father. In 1892 Mr. Ames m.
(second) Mary E. Byler, born Nov. 27, 1854, who died Feb. 14, 1907,
and is buried in the new Morgantown cemetery. One child was born to
this union: Myrtle, born in 1894, who lives with her father. In
politics Mr. Ames is a Republican. He and his children attend the
Methodist Church of Morgantown.

AMMARELL,
CHARLES

p.
1034

Surnames:
AMMARELL, MONZ, BECK, DANZ, KOTT, MACHEMER, HAAG, ULRICH, WANNER,
KESSLER, ALTHOUSE, LEINBACH, STITZEL, KRAMER

Charles
Ammarell, one of the solid, substantial business men of Reading,
PA., and an honored veteran of the Civil war, who is engaged in
numerous flourishing business enterprises, was born in Weimar,
Saxony, Germany, July 17, 1845, son of Frederick and Rosalie (Monz)
Ammarell, and grandson of Frederick Ammarell, who died in
Germany.

Frederick
Ammarell, the father, was born at Weimar, Germany, April 1, 1809,
his education being secured in the common schools. In August, 1854,
he came to the United States on a sailing vessel, landing at New
York City after an eight week voyage. Having learned the trade of
carpenter in his native country, he was engaged at that occupation
in New York for a short time, but subsequently removed to
Northampton county, PA., engaging there at the business of
boat-building. Later he was employed at Felix’s Dam, in Bern
township, Berks county, and died at the home of his son at Epler’s
Church, in that township, Jan. 3, 1886, aged seventy-six years,
eight months, seventeen days. His wife, Rosalie (Monz) Ammarell
died in Germany when about sixty-five years old, the mother of
children as follows: Louisa, who married a Mr. Beck, of Brookyn,
N.Y. ; Robert, who resides on his farm in Bern township; Charles,
who died in infancy; Charles (2), the subject of this sketch; Lena,
who married a Mr. Danz; and Alma, who married Draugott
Kott.

Charles
Ammarell received his earlier education in the schools in Germany,
and later attended in this country. On July 10, 1859, he came to
the United States, making the trip on a sailing vessel, the voyage
taking six weeks. From New York City he came to Bern township, and
until 1862 was engaged in work for the widow Althouse and William
Leinbach. On Oct. 14th of that year he enlisted in Company, 151st
PA. V. I., a nine month’s regiment, with which he served in the
battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He then returned to the
farm, but on Feb. 16, 1864, re-enlisted for a term of three years,
becoming a member of Company E, 46th PA. V. I., and after going to
Chattanooga, joined Sherman’s army in their great march to the sea,
his corps traveling over 1,500 miles. He was mustered out July 27,
1865, having served two years and three months, and during this
whole period he was never sick a day so as to incapacitate him for
service. Willing and cheerful, brave and faithful, he made an ideal
soldier, and won the respect and admiration of both officers and
men. On completing his services to his adopted country, Mr.
Ammarell returned to the farm, and later took up agricultural
pursuits on his own account in Muhlenberg and Bern townships. He
also spent nine years on Judge Stitzel’s farm in Muhlenberg
township, and in 1896 came to Reading, locating at No. 634 North
Front street, where for about four years he was engaged in
contracting the hauling for the Carpenter Steel Works. In 1898, in
company with W. M. Leinbach, and H. F. Kramer, Mr. Ammerell built
the West Buttonwood Street Market House, a building 75×185 feet,
located at the corner of McKnight and West Buttonwood streets, and
since that time he has been acting as manager and superintendent of
this enterprise, positions for which he is eminently suited. Mr.
Ammerell began his extensive building operations in 1900, since
which time he has erected numerous dwelling and business blocks,
including twenty-six houses on Schuylkill avenue, forty houses on
Greenwich and North Front streets, and twenty-seven on North Front
between Green and Greenwich streets, on the west side. In 1907 he
also erected nine houses at Coatsville, PA. He is a director of the
Berks Coal Company. With his partner, H. F. Kramer, he owns
valuable building property in Reading, and in the real estate,
financial and commercial circles of the city is recognizd as a man
of great business capacity, sterling integrity, and strict
adherence to the principles of right. Mr. Ammerell is a Republican
in politics, but he has never cared for political favors, although
while a resident of Muhlenberg township he served as school
director for one term. His religious connection is with Epler’s
Chuirch, in which he has filled the vaious offices. He is a popular
comrade of McLean Post No. 16, G. A. R. Mr. Ammarell is very fond
of travel, and in 1891, with his brother Robert, made a trip to
Germany, where he visited old scenes and re-established old
acquaintances. With Mrs. Ammarell and Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Kramer, he
made a trip of 9,499 miles in 1906, going to Southern California,
and spending some time in visit to Yellowstone Park and
Canada.

In 1866, Mr.
Ammarell married Amanda Machemer, dau. of Charles and Mary (Haag)
Machemer, agricultural people of Bern township, Berks county, and
there were four children born to this union, as follows: Amelia
married Morris J. Ulrich, assistant superintendent of the Market
House, Reading; Clara married Daniel K. Wanner, a Reading business
man; Katie married Irvin K. Kessler, also in business in this city;
and Charles, Jr., died when eight years old. The family are highly
esteemed by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance, and
they are known to stand for all that represents the best type of
citizenship.

AMMARELL, JOHN
B.

p.
929

Surnames:
AMMARELL, BEECHER, BECK, MANZ, DANZ, HOT, SMITH, REESER, SHADEL,
MENGEL, WAGMAN, OLINGER, LEIB, AULENBACH, FISHER, MATZ, ALTHOUSE,
BAER, KECK, RAPP

John B.
Ammarell, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Bern
Township, Berks Co, Pa., who is acting in the capacity of organist
at Epler’s Church, was born at Reeser’s Mill, in Bern township,
Aug. 25, 1862, son of Robert and Catherine (Beecher)
Ammarell.

Frederick
Ammarell, grandfather of John B., was a son of Frederick Ammarell,
Sr., who died in Germany. The grandfather was born April 16, 1809,
at Weimar, Saxony, Germany, and was educated in the schools of his
native county, where he also learned the trade of a carpenter. He
came to America in August, 1854, landing at New York after a voyage
of eight weeks in a sailing vessel. For a short time he remained
with relatives in that city, and then came to Northampton county,
Pa., where he was engaged in boat-building, later, however, coming
to Berks county and locating at Felix’s Dam, in Bern township. He
died at the home of his son in Bern township, Jan 3, 1886.
Frederick Ammarell married Rosalie Manz, who died in Germany when
about sixty-five years of age, and to the the following children
were born: Louisa m. a Mr. Beck, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Robert; Charles
died in infancy; Charles (2) of Reading, PA.; Lena m a Mr. Danz;
and Alma m. Draugott Hot.

Robert
Ammarell wa born Jan. 3, 1840, at Weimar, Saxony, Germany, and
accompanied his father to America in August, 1854. In Newark, N.J.,
the youth learned the saddler’s trade, but did not immediately take
up that occupation. He traveled to Reading, Pa., walking part of
the way and finishing the journey by rail, and soon thereafter
became a canal-boat driver. He made only one trip, however, this
consuming two weeks, after which he settled in Bern township,
taking up his residence at the home of the widow of Samuel
Althouse, where he lived for five years. He then lived for two
years with George Zacharias, and on Sept. 14, 1861, was married to
Catherine Beecher, who was born Aug. 9, 1838, in Bern township,
daughter of John and Susan (Smith) Beecher. After his marriage, Mr.
Ammarell worked for Jonathan Reeser for three years, when he
engaged in farming for himself for two years on a tract near
Stouchsburg, in Marion township. The next quarter of a century, Mr.
Ammarell spent on the Althouse farm in Bern township, and at the
end of this long period of faithful, industrious effort, he took up
residence on his own six-acre tract in Bern township, at Epler’s
Church, where he still lives. Since 1898 he has been conducting and
operating a cider press at the “Leinbach Hotel,” and during this
season has a large and lucrative trade. A Democrat in politics, Mr.
Ammarell has served for nine years as school director, and has been
supervisor for thirteen years. He is a Lutheran member of Epler’s
Church, in which he has served in all offices and is now acting in
the capacity of elder. He and his wife became the parents of the
following children: John B.; Kate, born Oct. 22, 1864, m. James
Reeser, and is living at Reading; George, born May 25, 1867, m.
Emma Shadel, and resides in Ontelaunee township; Emma, born April
20, 1868, m. Mayberry Mengel, and lives in Reading; Mary, born Aug.
30, 1870, m. Lawrence Wagman, and lives in Muhlenberg township;
Robert, born Dec. 25, 1871, m. Lillie Olinger, and is a railroad
man of Reading; Harrison, born Aug. 25, 1874, m. Mamie Leib, and is
now teaching Stoudt school, in Bern township; and Frederick, born
Dec. 3, 1877, m Nora Aulenbach, and is a rural free delivery mail
carrier, in charge of route No.2, from Reading.

John B.
Ammarell received his preliminary mental training in the public
schools, later spent two terms at the Kutztown State Normal School,
and also attended the Mine Hole Summer School in Bern township for
a time. Until twenty years of age he worked for his father, and
1880 received his license to teach from County Superintendent S. A.
Baer. In 1882, under Prof. David S Keck, then county superintendent
of schools, he received his professional certificate. In all he
taught five terms, having charge of the Mine Hole, Mechanicsville
and Epler schools in Bern township, and he then left the profession
to take up farming, at which he was occupied for five years. In
1890, Mr Ammerell came to his present place, where he has charge of
the church property, a tract of about ten acres, and is also
engaged as organist of Epler’s Church, Gernant’s in Ontelaunee
township, and Hinnershitz Church in Tuckerton. Mr. Ammerell’s
enterprise has extended in various directions, and he is engaged in
the monument business, hiring three skilled workmen at his yard at
the church. He belongs to the Lutheran denomination. He is
secretary of the church, and is also secretary of the board of
trustees of the cemetery. In political matters Mr. Ammerell is a
‘Democrat’ and he has served very acceptably as township auditor,
and school director for six years, part of which time he was
secretary. He seved as delegate to the State Democratic Conventions
at Altoona and Harrisburg. In 1908 he was appointed clerk in the
Berks county recorder’s office, his duties being to transcribe old
indexes, which in addition to being a very important task is a very
large and tedious one. Fraternally he is connected with Camp No.
165, P.O. S. of A. at Leesport, which he has represented as State
delegate several times; Leesport Castle No. 503. K.G.E.; and
Leesport Camp, No. 9284, Modern Woodmen of America.

In 1882 Mr.
Ammerell was united in marriage with Catherine R. Matz, daughter of
John and Susan (Fisher) Matz, of Bern township, and three children
have been born to them, namely: Winfield H., Raymond R. and John
S.

Winfield H.
Ammarell, M. D., who has recently been elected resident physician
at the Reading Hospital, is a senior in the Medical Department of
the University of Pennsylvania. He was born Jan. 10, 1886, in Bern
township, and attended the schools there until 1900, when he
entered Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. In the spring of
the first year he received his first provisional certificate, under
Prof. E. M. Rapp, and for two successive years he taught the Mine
Hole school in Bern. In the spring of 1902 he entered the middle
year class of the Keystone State Normal and was graduated from that
institution in 1904. The following year he taught the
Mechanicsville school in Bern. While a student at Normal, Dr.
Ammarell took great interest in Y.M.C.A. work. He was a delegate of
the organization to Lebanon, Bucknell University, and to the
Northfield, Mass., Students Conference in the spring of 1903. For
two years he served as ‘Eagle’ correspondent at the Normal, doing
excellent work. During the spring of 1905 he taught at the
Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, at the same time studying subjects
along the medical line. In the fall of 1905 he entered the Freshman
class of the University of Pennsylvania, Medical Department, at
which institution he is now a member of the senior class. He is a
member of the Omega Upsilon Phi fraternity, of the Charles K. Mills
Neurological Medical Society, and is secretary of the Berks County
Club of the U. of P. He is also a member of the Kappa Phi
fraternity.

Raymond R.
Ammarell, a member of the sophomore class of Muhlenberg College,
was born July 29, 1887, in Bern township, and attended its schools
until 1903, when he was granted a township graduation diploma by
Prof. E. M. Rapp. In the same spring he entered the junior class of
Keystone State Normal and was graduated from that institution in
1905. While a student at Normal, Mr. Ammarell was a member of the
Keystone Literary Society and an ardent supporter of the Y.M.C.A.
In 1905 he served as a delegate to the State convention of the
Y.M.C.A. held in Johnstown, Pa. After graduation, Mr. Ammarell
taught the school at Mechanicsville, Bern township, for one year.
The following year he was called to East Catasauqua, Hanover
Township, Lehigh county, where he taught the grammar school very
successfully for one year. In the spring of 1907 he was awarded his
teacher’s master diploma by the Normal School. While a teacher and
during the summer months, Mr. Ammarell did special work in German
and Greek. In the fall of 1907 he entered the Freshman class of
Muhlenberg College at Allentown. He is a member of the Euterpea
Literary Society and secretary of the Keystone Club.

John S.
Ammarell, born March 1, 1898, in Bern township, is a student in
Stoudt’s Union School.

AMMON, GEORGE
M.

p.
1655

Surnames:
AMMON, GABLE, STYER, BECK, RIGG, EBERHER, LUDWIG, HOMAN,
KERSHNER

George M.
Ammon, former proprietor of the “American House” Reading, was born
Sept. 20, 1855, near Churchtown, Lancaster county, PA. He comes
from sturdy Holland-Dutch ancestry, Johannes Ammon, the first of
the family in this country, having come from Holland in 1730,
settling in Geigertown, Berks county. Johannes Ammon “sold himself”
(as it was then known) to the Colony for $96.00, to take up a
section of land. One of the early Ammons was the groom at the first
marriage ceremony performed in the Old Swedes Church at
Philadelphia, May 21, 1798. Another party of Ammons settled in
Pequa Valley, in Lancaster county, and the Ammons, the Styers, the
Swishers and the Yohns have all influential relationships. On his
grandmother’s side, George M Ammon’s ancestry came from Wittenberg,
Germany, while the ancestry of his mother came from
England.

George M.
Ammon’s father, George, was a son of John Ammon, and was a farmer,
miller, and stockdealer. He died March 2, 1865. He married Mary
Elizabeth Gable, daughter of Peter Gable, a farmer of Pequa Valley,
and seven of their children are yet living. Among the children
were: William, a farmer of York county, PA.; Sarah, the wife of
Samuel Styer, of Lancaster; Peter G. comes next in order of birth;
Catherine, the wife of Levi Beck, of Ephrata, Lancaster county;
Ellen, wife of Samuel Rigg, general manager of the traction lines
in Reading; Cyrus, a traveling salesman for, and dealer in Ephrata
Springs water and in lumber; George Martin, the proprietor of the
“American House”, Reading; and Susan, who was the wife of Robert E.
Eberher, a farmer of Chester county. Mrs. Ammon, the other of these
children, died April 18, 1857.

George Martin
Ammon was educated in the schools of the district, and as a young
man worked on the farm. He later engaged successively in
cabinet-making, undertaking and carpentering, but in 1889 he began
the hotel business, having been first at Terre Hill; then
proprietor of the “City Hotel” (Reading) for five years, and on
April 1, 1900, became proprietor of the “American House” at
Reading, which he conducted for five years when he was succeeded by
his son David and son-in-law Edwin Kershner, present
proprietors.

On Dec 16,
1880, Mr. Ammon married Miss Henrietta Ludwig, daughter of Henry
Ludwig, a carpenter of Churchtown. One son and one daughter were
born to this union: David S., a graduate of the Reading high school
(m. Charlotte Homan); and Fanny S. (m. Edwin Kershner. They have a
son, George Ammon). Mr. Ammon belongs to the Odd Fellows and the
Eagles. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Since his
retirement from the hotel business, Mr. Ammon is giving his
attention to his splendid farms in Cumru township. This land is
delightfully situated and commands a fine view of
Reading.

AMOLE, EDGAR

p.
1521

Surnames:
AMOLE, WENRICH

Edgar Amole,
of Reading, Pa., who is serving as secretary and treasurer of the
Reading Stove Works, was born Dec. 9, 1872, in Mahanoy City,
Schuylkill county, son of Daniel and Emma (Wenrich)
Amole.

Mr. Amole
received his education in the schools of Reading, whence his
parents had moved when he was a child, and also attended the
Reading high school for a few terms. He then engaged at Orr,
Painter and Company’s Stove Works, as office boy in July, 1889, and
by close application to his duties soon won promotion. He
represented the firm as traveling salesman throughout Pennsylvania,
and later was called in from the road and made assistant treasurer,
a position which he retained one year. He was made secretary and
treasurer, and upon reorganization of the company when it became
the Reading Stove Works, he was again tendered this position which
he has continued to fill with much credit to the present time. He
is a man of more than ordinary business ability, and is popular
with employees and employers.

Mr. Amole
stands high in social circles of Reading and is a member of Reading
Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M.; Reading Chapter, R.A.M.; De Molay
Commandery, K. T.; Philadelphia Consistory, thirty-second degree;
Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Reading; the K.G.E. and the
Junior Fire Company.

ANCONA,
SYDENHAM E.

p.
376

Surnames:
ANACONDA, KNAPP, MONTIFFIORE, WAGNER, ALBRIGHT, FEGER, KEIM, PAGE,
SCHWARTZ MAN, JAEGER, PIERCE, DAVIS, JONES, CLYMER, CURTIN,
KOSSUTH, MCKNIGHT, DURRELL, KIEFER, HOFFEDITZ, LINCOLN, SCHENK,
BLAINE, GRANT, KELLY, STEVENS, HANCOCK, GLOVER, LOUIS, DEPUY,
BOYER, JONES, STANTON, FLINN, BUCHANAN, BLACK, CAMERON, KELLY,
STITZEL, BRENEISER, PATTI SON, CLUFF, CHASE

Sydenham E.
Ancona, son of Morris M. Ancona, M. D., an Mary Ann (Knapp) Ancona,
was born in Warwick township, adjoining Lititz, Lancaster county,
Pa., Nov. 20, 1824.

M. M. Ancona
was a native of London, England, born Feb. 9, 1791, and died at
Pottsville, Pa., March 20, 1854. His father was M. Ancona, a marble
and statuary mason, who died in London, of which city his
ancestors, for some generations, had been living. His wife was a
Montifiore, and as were the Anconas, of Italian descent. They were
merchants at Leghorn and are presumed to have come from the city of
Ancona, Italy.

The family
moved in the spring of the year 1826 from Lititz to Bern township,
Berks county, about two miles from Bernville, near Scullis Hill;
from this place to Lebanon about the 1st of April, 1829, and in
1830-31 to Kelly’s Corner, near the Conewago creek, Lebanon county;
from Kelly’s Corner in 1833 to Porter’s Store, on the road from
Cplebrook Furnace to Elizabeth town; in April, 1836, to Carnarvon
township, near Church town; there to Alsace township, Berks county,
near Stony Creek. He worked on a farm in Saucon township, Lehigh
county, for four months. The subject of this sketch then, upon the
suggestion of his father and in response to an advertisement in the
papers, applied for a select school in Upper Bern township, and was
employed by the executors of the estate of Valentine Wagner. This
school at the time was the only English school west of the river,
except the public schools at Womelsdorf. The compensation was ten
dollars per month besides board. He spent the summers of 1843 and
1844 at home. In the fall, seeing an announcement in the papers
that twenty-one teachers were wanted in Earl township, Lancaster
county, he, among some fifty others applicants, was examined at New
Holland, passed and obtained a school.

In June,
1845, hemade a trip to New York and Boston by way of Providence,
returning to Reading, and leaving in July for Niagra Falls an
Canada. At that time the method of reaching New York was by stage
via Allentown, Easton to Morris town, N. J., and from there to New
York by rail. After leaving Niagra he proceeded to Buffalo, then a
town of from ten thousand to twelve thousand inhabitants, going
from there by steamer to Cleveland about the 20th of August, and
from the latter place to Akron by canal boat. From this point, with
a companion whom he happened to meet, and who proposed to him that
they walk to Lancaster, he proceeded as far as Chambersburg, Pa.,
where they separated.

After some
months at home, given up to farming, Mr. Ancona accepted in 1845 an
English select school at Seyfert’s Mills, in Upper Tulpehocken
township, Berks county, having about twenty pupils at this school
and being very successful in instructing them. He had some very
bright boys there, notably Charles Albright, who afterward became a
general in the army during the Civil war, a prominent lawyer, and
was elected to Congress on the ticket from Pennsylvania some years
after the close of the war.

Having
decided in the year 1846 to discontinue teaching school, on the
invitation of Daniel H. Feger, who had obtained a position with the
Reading Railroad Company, Mr. Ancona accepted a position in the
service in the same department with him as an assistant timekeeper,
devoting himself with all his energy and giving his entire time to
the requirements which they demanded. He continued with the
railroad company until 1862, in the position of chief clerk an
bookkeeper from December, 1851, having been acting as assistant
timekeeper previous thereto. At the close of December, 1851, he
took charge of the general books of the company, which were then
out of balance and in a neglected condition. He succeeded at once
in the work, although he had had no previous experience in double
entry bookkeeping.

When
nominated for Congress in 1860, without having given the company
any notice of his purpose, he was warmly congratulated by the
general manager of the company on his achievement. A few days
thereafter he received the gratifying communication from the
president of the road that his election to Congress would not
interfere with his position with the company, and that they
expected him to return with the company at the end of the
session.

During his
connection with the railroad company, in 1849, together with his
brother-in-law, Daniel H. Feger, he organized a military company
known as the Reading Rifles, which was composed largely of young
men employed by the Reading Railroad Company, engineers and
machinists. It was a notable organization numbering some two
hundred, thoroughly armed and equipped with rifles furnished by the
State. It had a band of music made up of its own members, and was
decidedly one of the crack volunteer organizations of the country.
It was attached to the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, P. V., under
William H. Keim, of Reading. The company made several notable
excursions to Philadelphia as the guests of the celebrated State
Fencibles, then under the command of Col. James Page. They were
received by the State Fencibles in the grounds surrounding
Independence Hall, and were presented by Colonel Page , in behalf
of the State Fencibles, a handsome silver mounted rifle, and a gold
medallion containing Colonel Page’s portrait with a suitable
inscription. In 1854 the company went on an excursion to Washington
and Mount Vernon. They passed through Philadelphia under the escort
of the State Fencibles. At Washington, they were received by the
“German Jaeger” commanded by Major Schwartz man, together with
other volunteer companies in the District of Columbia at that time.
They were received by the President of the United States, General
Pierce, and his Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, in the East Room
of the White House, having 137 men in line, all told. In presenting
the company, each man was introduced by name to the President and
Secretary of War. The company was complimented by both the
president and Mr. Davis. The company was entertained by Hon. J.
Glance Jones, the representative from Berks county, at his home.
The arsenal and navy yard were visited, and Mount Vernon reached
under the escort of Major Schwartz man and his company. Returning
home, they stopped over in Baltimore, the next day at York, had
dinner at Columbia and were received in Lancaster by the Buchanan
Rifles and entertained at a banquet at Fulton Hall in the evening.
They attended the reception tendered to Louis Kossuth, the
celebrated Hungarian patriot; also the reception to the first
Japanese legation that visited the United States.

Mr. Ancona
retired from the Rifles soon after this excursion in consequence of
a political controversy with men who had left the Rifles and joined
a rival organization. He was the invited to take command of the
Reading Troop, a cavalry company that dated its organization from
the Revolutionary war. He accepted, and, was subsequently elected
major of the Reading Battalion by a very large majority. Mr.
Hiester Clymer, later his successor in Congress, was supported by
the opposition, but Mr. Ancona carried the companies by a majority
larger than the total vote of Mr. Clymer in the Ringgold Light
Artillery, which was the finest military organization in the United
States.

In February,
1861, Governor Curtin sent Maj. Gen. William H. Keim (5th Division,
Pennsylvania Volunteers, to which the brigade was attached) to him
and Capt. James McKnight to ascertain whether their companies sould
be held in readiness to respond to a call in defense of the
government. They conferred with their men and had them pledged by
oath to go out in defense of the government, then threatened with
secession by a number of its States. The call came finally, but for
the Ringgold Artillery only. In April, after the President’s
Proclamation, and on the same day that the call came from Governor
Curtin, Mr. Ancona went to Harrisburg to ascertain whether his
company was also to be sent, but was advised that for the time
being no cavalry companies would be called.

On July 4,
1861, the XXXVIIth Congress was called in special session, and
having been elected as a representative from Berks county, he took
his seat and soon after called upon Secretary of war Cameron, with
Captain McKnight, George Durrell and John B. Kiefer, who was a
nephew of Cameron and had been a member of the Reading Rifles. He
then asked the General what the probabilities were of his company
being called. The General replied that they “had more men than they
wanted,” and hence Mr. Ancona made no further effort to obtain
recognition. A very short time thereafter a mustering officer was
sent to Reading without his knowledge. The company was mustered in,
divided into two companies, the one under George Clymer as captain
and the other under J. C. A. Hoffeditz. Thus he failed to get into
the service owing to circumstances over which he had no
control.

Mr. Ancona
was elected to the XXXVII th Congress in 1860 and took his seat on
July 4, 1861, at a special session called by President Lincoln. He
was also elected to the XXXVIII th and XXXVIX th Congresses. He
served on the committee on Commercial Affairs, which as he says had
but little opportunity for recognition, as most business which
should have been referred to it was referred to the committee on
Ways and Means, which also controlled the appropriations during
these years. Later, however, he was placed on the committee on
Military Affairs, which was a very active an important body, of
which Gen. Robert C. Schenk was chairman. Among the members of this
committee was James G. Blain of Maine, as well as a number of other
equally prominent men. While on this committee he frequently met
Blain, who was a very industrious and active member.

About this
time General Grant was considered a favorite candidate for the
Presidency, and the so-called radical representatives of the House,
including such men as Thaddeus Stevens, William D. Kelly and Henry
Winter Davis, of Maryland, did not favor his nomination. Mr. Blaine
predicted, however, that he would be nominated on the Republican
ticket. This proved to be correct.

Through the
influence of General Schenk a resolution was introduced in the
House, tendering the thanks of Congress to General Hancock for his
distinguished services during the war, and especially at
Gettysburg. The matter was referred to the committee on Military
Affairs, who ordered Ancona to report favorably to the House. This
brought him into direct communication with General Hancock, who
wrote a very handsome letter of acknowledgment. In consequence a
close personal friendship sprang up between him and General
Hancock; frequent conferences took place between them by reason of
the prominent position of General Hancock as the favorite candidate
of many Democrats for the Presidency. At the request of Mr. Glover,
a prominent attorney of St. Louis, Hancock and Ancona met at
Milwaukee, the General being at the time at the head of the
Department at St. Paul. Subsequently, there were meetings of Norris
town and Governor’s Island, Col. De Puy Davis and B. Markley Boyer,
among others being present.

He enjoyed
very pleasant relations with Edward M. Stanton, the Secretary of
War, having met Mr. Stanton at a party given in honor of J. Glancey
Jones at the residence of Maj. William Flinn, who was an intimate
acquaintance of President Buchanan’s Attorney General and afterward
his secretary of state. He recalls that during the conversation
with Mr. Stanton, whom he met that evening, he expressed his views
very freely and criticized the policy of the administration in the
conduct of the war. Mr. Stanton did not dissent; Mr. Acuna’s
surprise can be imagined when he saw in the morning papers the next
day that Mr. Stanton had been appointed Secretary of War to succeed
Mr. Cameron.

After his
failure to obtain the renomination for a fourth term to congress,
in 1866, his colleagues from Pennsylvania had President Johnson
name him for naval officer, port of Philadelphia. Strong and
representative Republicans in his district had requested Senator
Cameron and others to favor his confirmation by the Senate, this
being done without his request and knowledge until one day
communicated to him by Judge Kelly, of Philadelphia, in the
committee-room on Military Affairs. He was frequently importuned to
again run for Congress, but peremptorily declined.

Mr. Ancona
had been connected with the fire department of the city of Reading
for some years when on the suggestion of Gen. George M. Keim he
took the presidency of the Reading Hose Company. General Keim
headed a subscription with one hundred dollars toward the purchase
of a steam fire-engine in 1858. With his accustomed energy and
determination he succeeded in getting the first steam fire-engine
into Reading at a cost of thirty-six hundred dollars. It was called
the “Novelty,” and was built at the Novelty Works in New York, by
Lee & Larned. In 1867 he, with a few others, organized the
Hampden Fire Company, of which he was the first president. He has
been re-elected and occupied this office for forty-two years
continuously. He is also a delegate to the Firemen’s
Union.

He has held
the office of treasurer of the Reading firemen’s Relief Association
since its organization and has always been prominently and actively
connected with the volunteer fire department of the city of
Reading. He was a member of the Reading school board and the
president of that body for several terms. He served for many years
with Judge Stitzel and Charles Breneiser, Sr., as a member of the
local board of charities, appointed by the Governor. Governor
Pattison appointed him a trustee of the State Asylum at Harrisburg.
He was one of the originators of the Reading Steam Forge, Cotton
Mill, a director of the reading Savings Bank, and was identified as
president, secretary and director with building and savings
associations for over sixty years.

Having some
relations with officers of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, he
proposed to the fire department in the city of Reading the
organization of an insurance company for insurance against loss by
fire on a plan somewhat similar to the plan of the Fire Association
of Philadelphia, which had grown out of the old volunteer fire
department of that city, and had an accumulation at that time of
some millions of assets. The necessary legislation was obtained,
but he could not convince the representatives of the various fire
companies in the Firemen’s Union of the feasibility of his plan. He
then organized a stock fire insurance company with a capital of
$100,000, of which $35,000 was subscribed by his friends. Twenty
per cent was paid in so that he had $7,500 in cash when the company
organized. He started business July 8, 1867, and was elected
secretary and treasurer. The company had a board of directors,
composed of some of the leading business men of the city. Judge J.
Pringle Jones was elected president, and Maj. James McKnight,
vice-president. He served as secretary and treasurer for over
thirty years and from the small business beginning f $7,500 he
increased the paid-up capital to $250.00, and net surplus over and
above the capital to $300,000.

He also,
during this period, succeeded in organizing the Reading Trust
Company, with many of the stockholders of the Reading Fire
Insurance Company, and with the same board of directors and
officers, he serving as secretary and treasurer of this
company.

With the
tendency to consolidation of insurance businesses by the insurance
companies, by re-insurance and otherwise, with strong competition
by companies with large aggregations of capital, and owing to
excessive losses for two years previous to 1898, he was impressed
with the belief that the Reading Fire Insurance Company had reached
the greatest success it could attain under the adverse prospect,
and he therefore determined to effect a re-insurance of the Reading
Company with some large company to continue the Reading Company as
before, and to have all its policies and liabilities under-written
by such a company, taking all its revenues, and paying all its
expenses and the rental, which would be equivalent to a dividend of
from ten to twelve percent to the stockholders of the Reading Fire
Insurance Company. After several negotiations with companies in the
United States and Europe, where he went in 1896-97 with this
purpose in view, after he had abandoned all hope of effecting such
a transaction, he received a communication to enter into
negotiations with the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. He met Mr.
Chase, the president of the company, and seemed in a fair way of
coming to an agreement, but the methods proposed to accomplish the
purpose did not meet with his approval and were promptly declined.
Mr. Edward Cluff, of New York, who had heard of these negotiations,
had at the same time proposed an arrangement withe Scottish
Alliance, which was declined. The president of the Scottish
Alliance had been cabled for, however, and a meeting was arranged
in New York for this purpose, which finally resulted in the sale of
the stock of the Reading Fire Insurance Company, with the consent
of a large number of the stockholders, the Scottish Alliance paying
the stockholders twenty dollars a share, and from which they had
received an average dividend of eight per cent per annum, for over
thirty years.

During a
period of fifty years Mr. Ancona was an active member of the
Masonic fraternity. In 1848, with some associates and friends, he
organized a lodge known as Chandler Lodge, No. 227, of which he
became Worshipful Master. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania and received the degree of Knight Templar in
Philadelphia. He was also appointed Eminent Commander, but he did
not attend the meeting for the installation of officers by reason
of the death of his father. In 1870, with a few friends, he applied
for authority for another Commandery, K. T., which was accomplished
and became known as Reading Commandery, No. 42. He was appointed to
and accepted the position of Eminent Commander, with the
understanding that he would do no more than preside for a year at
their meetings. He wa appointed District Deputy Grand Master for
the District of Berks, Lebanon and part of Montgomery counties in
1861-62-63-64, and 1874-75-76.

He was
elected president of the Penn Street Passenger Railway, the first
road in the city of Reading. He was also one of the projectors and
directors of the Mt. Penn Gravity Railway Company in 1889, and has
continued as director in it ever since.

Notwithstanding a long
and busy life he has found time to travel extensively, not alone
the many trips through every State and Territory of the United
States, but frequent trips abroad and to the Indies. He has devoted
his attention to public matters and the common good, giving him the
advantage of his wide experience and close observation.

Philanthropic
and charitable, and intense in all his undertakings, he has well
filled to the fullest measure, and enjoyed the blessings of, a life
of over fourscore years, retaining full possession of his vitality,
energy and mental faculties.

ANDERSON
FAMILY

p.
1092

Surnames:
ANDERSON, HAMILTON, HETRICK, BOWER, BECHTEL, SALLADE, MAURER,
CURTIS, JONES, BRITTON

Robert
Anderson is the first of the Anderson family of whom there is
definite record. He was born in Chester county an was an early
resident of Reading where he worked as a shoemaker. He died there
and is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. His wife was Maria
Hamilton, of Chester county. Their children were: John, a shoe
merchant of Mahanoy City, where he died; Frederick H.; David, now
deceased, a shoe merchant at Reading.

Frederick H.
Anderson, son of Robert and father of John P., was born near
Pottstown in Chester county, in 1829, and died at Reading in April,
1897, aged sixty-eight years. He, too, was a shoemaker by trade,
although early in life he was a bricklayer, — a trade he had
learned upon coming to Reading in young manhood. Later he learned
to be a shoemaker and finally became a shoe merchant. So excellent
was his work that his customers sent to him for shoes of his own
make as far off as New York City and even Texas. His religious
affiliations were with St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Mr. Anderson
was married in 1855, at Reading to Lavinia Hetrick, a daughter of
John and Hannah (Bower) Hetrick, of Heidelberg township, Berks
county. Their children were: John P.; Ida Olivia, m. to Irwin
Maurer of Reading, by whom she had these children — Frederick T
and Lillian May.

John P.
Anderson was born Nov. 9, 1861, at Reading where he now resides
making his home in the Fifteenth ward. His education was obtained
in the schools of Reading, but when he was a mere lad he commenced
clerking in his father’s shoe store, and remained with him until
1895. As his father’s business included making shoes, Mr. Anderson
learned the shoe cutting trade, and he worked at the bench. When
his father closed his business at Reading and opened a retail store
at Pottstown, carrying on the manufacture of infant’s shoes, of
which he had made a specialty, Mr. Anderson went with him. After
four years he returned to Reading and became a cutter for Curtis,
Jones & Co., remaining in this position for three years. Then
for five years he had charge of the cutting room for the Birdsboro
Shoe Co., and in connection with this employment, he acted as an
extra man for the United Traction Company. In 1899 he became
connected with the firm of George M. Britton & Co., now located
at Fourth and Penn streets, where he has since remained having
charge of the shoe, comfort and blanket departments, and he is one
of the most valued men of this large establishment.

Mr. Anderson
is a member of St. Stephen’s Reformed Church. Fraternally he is a
member of Court Progress, No. 116, Foresters of America; Washington
Camp No. 178, P. O. S. A., of Reading; K. of P., No. 65; and has
been connected with the Liberty Fire Company since 1885, and is a
member of the Beneficial Association.

On Oct. 16,
1884, Mr. Anderson was married to Lizzie M. Bechtel, a daughter of
Franklin and Mary (Sallade) Bechtel, of Reading. Their children
are: Corita M. and Helen. They reside in their own pleasant home at
No. 138 West Greenwich street.

ANDERSON,
CORNELIUS T.

p.
735

Surnames:
ANDERSON, LONG, WUNDER, SETLEY

Cornelius T.
Anderson, who was for many years a prominent manufacturer of
jewelry in Reading, Pa., was born in 1851, in that city, and died
June 28, 1901 in Redlands, Cal., son of David B. and Susan T.
(Long) Anderson.

David B.
Anderson was born in Chester county, and came to Berks county when
a boy, receiving his education in the schools of the latter county.
He learned the shoemaker’s trade, which he followed for some time,
later engaging in the retail shoe business. This he carried on
until his death, at the age of forty-four years. His wife, Susan T.
Long, was a native of Lancaster county, Pa., and was the mother of
two children, Cornelius T.; and Sylvanus, who was in the employ of
the L. D. Anderson Jewelry Company.

Cornelius T.
Anderson was educated in the schools of Reading, Pa., and after
completing his literary training was employed as a clerk in a shoe
store for a few years. He was then employed by his uncle, Fred
Anderson, in the retail and wholesale shoe business as a traveling
salesman, but later engaged in the manufacture of jewelry in
Reading, becoming quite prosperous. Mr. Anderson then disposed of
his business interests in Reading and removed to Redlands, Cal.,
where he had been living about five years at the time of his death.
He was a man who made friends wherever he traveled, and had a wide
acquaintance in the business world, where he was highly esteemed
for his honesty and integrity. He was a member of the I. O. O. F.,
and the Royal Arcanum, and for seventeen years was recording
secretary of the Y. M. C. A. In politics he was independent. He was
connected with St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, and was active in the
work of that denomination.

Mr. Anderson
married, in 1876, Miss Margaret B. Wunder, daughter of Louis and
Susan (Setley ) Wunder, and three children were born to this union:
Louis engaged in the manufacture of jewelry in Reading; Ella; and
Robert at school.

ANDERSON,
AUGUSTUS R.

p.
571

Surnames:
ANDERSON, RITTER, SPOHN, HARDLINE, REPPERT, MOSSER, FRUNHEISER, SEA
CHRIST, NAGEL,MUTHART, RITTER, REPORT, LEVAN, REIFSNYDER, FOUST,
SNYDER, KLINE, WELLINGTON, SCHNABEL, BODY, KELLEY, BAILEY,
PATTISON, HARTMAN

Augustus R.
Anderson, President of the Board of County Commissioners and a
representative citizen of Mohnton, was born in Washington township,
Berks county, March 21, 1865, son of Peter S. and Catherine
(Ritter) Anderson.

The Anderson
family to which Augustus R. belongs is of Irish origin, and is
descended from James, a native of Ireland, who came to this country
before the Revolution. He became a clerk in the Oley furnace and
forge and is supposed to have boarded at “Woodchopper City.” The
little colony known by that name was located in Earl township, and
sprang into existence about the middle of the eighteenth
century.

James (2)
Anderson was born in “Woodchopper City” in 1794, and lived to his
ninetieth year, passing away in 1883. By trade, he was a shoemaker,
but also farmed and was the owner of a tract of forty-four acres in
Washington Township. He married Miss Rebecca Spohn, the daughter of
Casper and Rebecca Spohn, and to their union children were born as
follows: Hettie m. Gideon Hardline, a farmer at Shanesville;
Matilda M. Daniel Mosser, of Reading; Sophia M. Henry Frunheiser, a
farmer in Washington Township; Rebecca m. Jacob Seachrist, who
moved to Fulton county, Ohio; Catherine m. Augustus Nagel, of
Gilbertsville; James, a farmer and shoemaker of Washington
Township, was twice married; Jeremiah, of New Berlinville, Pa., m
Miss Catherine Muthart; Peter S.; John, twin brother of Peter, a
blacksmith at Shanesville, was twice married; and Jacob died aged
twenty-two.

Peter S.
Anderson was born in Washington township, Sept. 24, 1835, and
received most of his education in pay school in that section, with
one year in the public schools. As a young man he learned the trade
of wheelwright, at which he was employed but four and a half years,
when he turned his attention to farming. In 1878, he moved to
Reading and has since made his home there, except for a period of
six years when he lived with his son Augustus at Mohnton. On Oct.
16, 1857, he married Catherine, daughter of Isaac an Anna (Mosser)
Ritter, and they became the parents of: James of Boyertown, a
victim of the Boyertown calamity of Jan. 13, 1908, m. Miss Laura
Reppert; Henry died aged nineteen; Andora, deceased, m. Harry
Levan; Lizzie m. Albert Reifsnyder; Jacob R. m. Miss Sallie Foust,
and he conducts a secondhand furniture and auction house at No. 229
North Ninth Street, Reading, Pa.; Augustus R. m. Miss Rosa H.
Snyder; Anna L. and Wellington both died during the “spotted fever”
epidemic, and were buried in the same coffin; Ida died of the same
disease two weeks later; Irwin m. Miss Norah Kline, and is a barber
in Reading, Pa.; and Kate m. James Bailey of Reading.

Augustus R.
Anderson was sent to the public schools during his boyhood, but
left at an early age to go to work, and for five years was employed
as a clerk at the “Union House” in Reading, the beginning of his
association with hotel life. The next four years, he was in charge
of the “Oley Line Hotel” at Lime Kiln, and in 1888, he engaged for
a time as clerk in a hat store, and then was employed by a tea and
coffee house. In 1891, he was ready to return to the hotel business
and accordingly leased the “Mohnsville (now Mohnton) Hotel” from
Frank F. Mosser for two years. Results proved entirely satisfactory
and April 27, 1893, Mr. Anderson bought the place and at once
proceeded to remodel it, adding all the latest improvements. The
house has twenty-eight rooms, is well managed and regularly
patronized by a large proportion of the traveling
public.

Mr. Anderson
is essentially a public-spirited man and has done much to add to
the convenience and pleasure of his fellow citizens. One of his
progressive enterprises was to purchase the Body estate at
Mohnsville (now Mohnton), held at a high figure, and to erect on
that site the upper station at Mohnton, a great accommodation. Just
opposite this he built in the spring of 1906 the Mohnton
Auditorium, standing near the trolley tracks. This building, 50X100
feet, is finished throughout in yellow pine and hard wood lumber,
with all modern appointments, and is used for sociable, band
rehearsals, basket ball, poultry shows, entertainments of all
kinds. In 1907 there was added at a considerable expense an
artistically equipped stage Politically, Mr. Anderson has made
himself well known in Berks county, working in the Democratic
ranks. He has served as Township committeeman, county and state
delegate, acting in the latter capacity at the convention where
Hon. Robert E. Pattison was nominated for governor. In 1904 he was
candidate for director of the poor, and polled a large
vote.

Mohnton
became a borough in the spring of 1906, and Mr. Anderson was
elected to the first council and chosen as the first President,
thus evidencing his popularity in a community not fettered by party
lines. On Nov. 3, 1908, he was elected to the office of County
commissioner by the sanction of 16,204 voters, a compliment of no
mean significance, and of this board he was also chosen president.
He was one of the organizers of the Mohnton National Bank, in which
he has held a directorship since its founding. Socially Mr.
Anderson is equally prominent and popular. He belongs to the F. O.
E., Aerie No. 66, Reading; Eagles’ Mountain Home; the K. of P. No.
485, of Mohnton; D. O. K. K. No. 37 of Reading; and I. O. O. F. No
518, and Rebekah degree; the Knights of Friendship, Fidelis No. 5
(all of Reading); to the P. O. S. of A., No. 221, of Oley Line,
also P. O. S. of A. Commandery Lexington No. 2, of Reading; the
Liberty Fire Company, No. 5, and the Schuylkill Camp Club of
Reading.

On Nov. 25,
1882, Mr. Anderson married Miss Rosa H. Snyder, daughter of Jacob
an Emma R. (Hartman) Snyder, the former a landlord in Exeter
township. Three children were born to them: Emma May; Wellington
S., who died May 1, 1896, aged eleven years; and Edna.

ANDERSON,
WILLIAM S.

p.
747

Surnames:
ANDERSON, DEEM, EACHES, RENNOLL, SAVAGE, BARRETT, DOREMUS,
ALBRIGHT, RENNOLL, SAVAGE, GREENWALT, BARRETT, GLASSER,
RUPP

William S.
Anderson, who conducts a thriving business at No. 823 Penn street,
Reading, dealing in hats, shoes and men’s furnishing goods, is a
native of Pennsylvania, born Sept. 23, 1860, in Lebanon, Lebanon
county, son of William B. Anderson, Sr., a native of
Connecticut.

William S.
Anderson, Sr., went to Philadelphia, Pa., in early life, and thence
to Lebanon, Pa., where he engaged in the manufacture of cigars
during the time of the Civil war. He was very successful in this
line, but later engaged in the tanning business with a Mr.
Greenwalt, under a firm name of Greenwalt & Anderson, they
being the pioneers of the special process of tanning hides, in this
State, the process being later adopted by all leading tanners. Mr.
Anderson continued in this business until his death, five years
later, at the age of forty-five years He married Margaret Eaches,
who survives him and makes her home with her son, William S. Mr.
and Mrs. Anderson had two children: Nellie G., the wife of Albert
D. Deem, of the firm of Close & Deem, Reading, PA.; and
William.

William S.
Anderson Jr., came to Reading in 1870, and was here educated. His
first employment was with Philip Albright, a pioneer local express
man located at Fourth and Penn streets, with whom he remained three
years. The next two years were spent with the Reading Hardware
Company, in the lock department, after which he went to learn the
hatters’ business with William H. Rennoll & Co., at the corner
of Tenth and Spruce streets. After learning his trade, Mr. Anderson
engaged with R. H. Savage & Co., at Thirteenth and Muhlenberg
streets, for thirteen years, at the end of which time he was
employed by Bell & Caldwell of New York, for whom he traveled
two years. Returning to Reading Mr. Anderson embarked in business
with John F. Doremus, at No. 823 Penn street, engaging in the sale
of men’s furnishing goods, shoes and hats, under the firm name of
Doremus & Anderson from Sept. 25, 1895, until Jan. 1, 1904,
when Mr. Anderson purchased the interest of his partner, and since
this time has continued in business on his own account, carrying a
full line of hats, shoes, and men’s furnishing goods of all kinds.
His straightforward way of doing business and the fine quality of
the goods which he offers for sale have won him the confidence and
patronage of the people of Reading to a large degree, and he is
enjoying an ever-increasing trade.

Mr. Anderson
married, in 1895, Mrs. Annie Barrett Glasser, and they reside at
No. 914 Franklin street, Reading. Mrs. Anderson was the mother of
two children by her former marriage, Ella F., the wife of Rev. H.
Rupp; and Jean M. In religion he is a member of Grace Lutheran
Church, and he has served as deacon and elder.

ANGSTADT,
GEORGE P.

p.
1454

Surnames:
ANGSTADT, HERMAN, FEGELY, HERRING, JAMES, HEPNER, HILBERT,
WESSNER

George P.
Angstadt, proprietor of the “Pennsylvania House.” at Kutztown, was
born in that borough, Oct. 13, 1868, a member of an early settled
Berks county family.

Samuel
Angstadt, the great-grandfather, was a farmer of Rockland Township.
He married Catharine Herman, and their children were: Martin,
Daniel, Peter, Dinah, and Angelina.

Peter
Angstadt, son of Samuel, was born July 4, 1808, and he died Jan.
29, 1890. He was long sexton of St. John’s Union Church at
Kutztown, and was a very highly esteemed man in his community. He
married Eliza Fegely, and they had the following children: John,
James, William, Sarah, Louisa, Samuel, George, Emma, and
Mary.

James
Angstadt, son of Peter and father of George P., was born in August,
1841, and his death occurred Jan. 15, 1894, when he was aged
fifty-three years. In his earlier life he was a brick manufacturer,
but in his later life a butcher at Kutztown. His residence was on
White Oak street. His widow, Mary (Herring) Angstadt, who still
lives at the old home, was a daughter of John and Lydia Herring, of
Greenwich township. Four children — two sons and two daughters —
were born to James Angstadt and wife, namely: John H. of Kutztown;
George P.; Lizzie (m. David James of Kutztown); and Mamie (m. Alvin
J. Hepner, of Kutztown).

George P.
Angstadt received his education in the public schools and when
eighteen years of age began to learn the carriage painters trade
from Charles Miller & Son, serving a full four years’
apprenticeship. The effect of the paint on his health, however, was
so injurious that he was obliged to abandon the trade. He then
learned shoe making at the Keystone shoe factory, and there he
worked for twelve years. On Jan. 3, 1900, he became proprietor of
the “Pennsylvania House,” which he has since conducted with great
success. He is known all over the county for his turkey dinners and
political feasts.

Mr.
Angstadt’s fraternal connections are with Castle No. 70, Knights of
the Golden Eagles; Aerie No. 839, Fraternal Order of Eagles; and
with the Sons of Veterans, Allentown. He and his family belong to
St. Paul’s Reformed Church. Mr. Angstadt is an active political
worker, and since 1906 he has been committeeman from the borough.
He has frequently been a delegate to the county conventions, and
has held a number of local offices. His influence is a valuable
asset to any candidate for office in the county.

On May 23,
1890, Mr. Angstadt was married to Miss Alice Hilbert, of Maxatawney
township. Three children have blessed this union, namely: Ella M.,
a skilled musician, and a graduate of Keystone State Normal, class
of 1908; Anna, a graduate of the borough high school. class of
1908, also a musician; and Marguerite J., a student in
school.

ANGSTADT, JOHN
FRANKLIN

p.
1229

Surnames:
ANGSTADT, REINHART, HERMAN, SANDER, SCHLENCKER, FEGELY, BECKER,
HERRING, GRAUER, EYRICH, HARRIS, MORRIS, BLOCK, ADAMS, STEIN,
HEFFNER, HILBERT

John Franklin
Angstadt, the well-known proprietor of a flourishing hat and gents’
furnishing business on Main Street, Kutztown, Berks county, was
born in Kutztown, Jan. 16, 1872, son of Samuel and Esther
(Reinhart) Angstadt.

Samuel
Angstadt, great-grandfather of John F., was the grandson of George
Angstadt, the immigrant, who came to this country from Germany,
Sept. 28, 1733. Samuel Angstadt was married to Catherine Herman,
and lived in Rockland township, having these children: Martin, who
lived in Pricetown; Daniel, who lived in Oley township; Peter; Dina
m.. Henry Sander of Kutztown; and Angelina m. Daniel Schlencker of
Wessnersville.

Peter
Angstadt, grandfather of John F., was a well-known citizen of
Kutztown, and was for many years sexton of St. John’s Union Church.
He was born July 4, 1808, and died Jan. 29, 1890. Mr. Angstadt
married Eliza Fegely, and they had these children: John m. Hetty
Becker and lived at Emaus, Pa.,; James m. Mary Herring and died
about 1891; William m. Hettie Grauer and lives at Kutztown; Sarah
m. John Eyrich and lives at Reading, Pa.; Louisa m. William Harris
and lives in Indiana; Samuel m. Esther Reinhart; George died single
in 1900, aged forty-nine years; Emma m. James Morris and lives in
Philadelphia; and Mary m. Louis Block and lives in
Kutztown.

Samuel
Angstadt, father of John F., was a well-known carriage painter and
trimmer and worked for many years for R. Miller and Sons, the
extensive carriage manufacturers of this community. Mr. Angstadt
was born in 1850 and passed away in 1884. Mr. Angstadt married
Esther Reinhart, daughter of Samuel and Fietta (Adams) Reinhart and
they had these children: Llewellyn, who married Annie Stein, and
John Franklin.

John Franklin
Angstadt attended the public schools and the Keystone State Normal
School, and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to Charles
D. Herman to learn the tailoring trade. He remained in Mr. Herman’s
employ for sixteen years, but in 1903 engaged in business on his
own account, and in a few years has built up a large and profitable
trade in his various lines. He is a young man of enterprise and
progressive ideas, and possesses much business ability.

Mr. Angstadt
was married April 4, 1894, to Katie Heffner, daughter of Henry and
Tama (Hilbert) Heffner, and two children have been born to this
union: Clarence Henry, and Esther R., who died Aug. 7, 1906, from
an accident, aged four years, one month and twenty-one
days.

ANGSTADT,
JOSHUA

p.
1453

Surnames:
ANGSTADT, HAAK, SCHAPPEL, HARTMAN, LEVAN, HEFFNER, HEIST, HILL,
SCHAEFFER, ROTHERMEL, MENARD

Joshua
Angstadt, residing near Kutztown, was born in Rockland township,
one half mile south of Stony Point, Dec. 15, 1850.

Rockland
township has been for several generations the home of this branch
of the family, and there Solomon Angstadt, grandfather of Joshua,
was born. By occupation he was a wood-chopper. For some years he
lived in Schuylkill county, but afterward returned to his native
township to end his days. He died at the home of his son Abraham,
near Pricetown. He married and became the father of ten children,
as follows: Betsy, m. to John Haak; Benjamin, of Schuylkill Haven,
who became the father of Helena, Mary and Kate; Judith, m. to
Jeremiah Schappel; Daniel, of Lyons, who was the father of Henry,
Mary, and Oliver; Catherine, m. to a Mr. Hartman; Susanna, m. to
David Levan; Peter; Abraham, of Rockland township; John, of
Fleetwood, and later of Reading, who had children — Peter, Oscar,
Solon, Frank and John; and Solomon.

Peter
Angstadt, son of Solomon, was born in Rockland township, and there
he died in January 1833, aged sixty-two years, and is buried at
Dryville. For many years he was engaged as a shoemaker, but later
turned his attention to farming. His wife, Helena Heffner, born
April 18, 1824, was a daughter of Andraes Heffner, and they had
eleven children: Samuel; Jairus; William, whose children were —
Fred, Robert, Winfield, Carrie, Peter, Bertolet, and Katie; Hannah,
m. to Nathan Heist; Louisa, who died unmarried; Sarah, m. to Jonas
Hill of Maxatawny; Peter, who died aged twenty-three years; and
Edwin, who lives in Maxatawny near his brother Joshua.

Joshua
Angstadt was reared to farming pursuits, and worked for his father
until he attained his majority. He then learned the carpenter’s
trade under the guidance of Henry Schaeffer, now deceased, and this
occupation he followed for fourteen years as a journeyman in
Fleetwood, Kutztown, Leesport and surrounding districts. In 1880 he
came to Maxatawny township, where he bought one of the most
valuable farms in the district. This consists of fifty-two acres,
and he has it well improved with up-to-date conveniences. His walks
are of cement and the lawn around the comfortable residence is
always in a near well-kept condition, making a most attractive
home. In politics Mr. Angstadt is a Democrat, and for six years
served as school director, two years of which time he was secretary
of the board. He and his family attend St. John’s Lutheran Church,
in which he has been an elder since 1907.

On June 18,
1878, Mr. Angstadt was married to Louisa Heffner, daughter of
Charles and Hannah (Rothermel) Heffner, and granddaughter of Joseph
Rothermel of Union county. Four children have been born to them:
Lizzie H., m. to Samuel Menard, of Reading; Solon, who died aged
twenty-three years, eleven months, eleven days; Odella H., and
Leroy.