Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

BARSOTTI,
FRANK S.

p. 1067

Surnames: BARSOTTI, PARTSSIANNA, DENINO, ROSHORN, HULLENBACH,
STRAUSS

Frank S. Barsotti, an energetic and enterprising business men of
Reading, Pa., extensively engaged as a dealer in fruit, was born in
Lucca, Tuscany, in the northern part of Italy, Feb. 24, 1859, son
of Stephen and Santa (Partssianna) Barsotti.

Stephen Barsotti was a native of Italy, where
his whole life was spent, he dying there in September, 1905, in his
eighty-ninth year. His wife died in 1876, aged fifty-five. In
religious belief the family were devout members of the Catholic
Church of Rome. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Barsotti were the parents of
five children, three of whom still survive, namely: Robert is a
resident of Italy; John, a manufacturer of Ornamental statuary,
resides in Baltimore, Md.; and Frank S.

Frank S. Barsotti came to America in 1885, on
the steamer “Estella,” landing in New York. Having learned the
trade of sculptor while in his native country, he at once engaged
in the manufacture of ornamental statuary, being an expert in his
line. He followed this business for several years, until he had
accumulated a sufficient amount to enable him to enter his present
business. Seeing a good opening at Williamsport, he located there
in 1890 and remained until 1894 in which year he came to Reading,
and in company with P. Denino & Bro., engaged in business at
the corner of Seventh and Penn streets. Wishing to engage in
business on his own responsibility, the partnership entered upon
with Denino & Bro. was dissolved, and Mr. Barsotti has since
conducted his business alone. He has been very successful in this
venture, and through frugal habits and a straight-forward way of
doing business has accumulated a comfortable income. He owns two
fine residences in Reading, and commands some of the city’s best
trade, handling only first-class fruits, both domestic and
imported, and all varieties are kept during the seasons.

Mr. Barsotti was married in September, 1896, to
Anna E. Roshorn, daughter of Jesse Roshorn, of Ephrata, Lancaster
county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barsotti are members of the First United
Evangelical Church of Reading, and both take a deep interest in
religious work. Mrs. Barsotti is a member of the Missionary Society
and is an enthusiastic worker in the cause of Temperance. Her
father was a cigar manufacturer of Lancaster county and died in
1882. He married Catherine Hullenbach, and seven children were born
to the union: Frank, Emma, Lefevre, George, Catherine, Anna E. and
Ella. Mrs. Catherine (Hullenbach) Roshorn was a granddaughter of
Johannes Strauss, founder of Strausstown, who came to America in
1717 and settled near Bernville, his land being still in the
possession of members of his family. The Strauss family were the
first to build Blue Mountain Church, and all their children were
baptized there in the Lutheran faith, and many of them buried
there.

Mr. Barsotti has traveled extensively in the Old
World. In 1873 he visited Bavaria, Germany, remained four years in
Berlin, and saw Dresden, Amsterdam, Holland, Stockholm, Sweden, and
London. He is well posted on the manners and customs of the people
of the countries he has visited, and is a very pleasing
conversationalist.

BARTH,
FREDERICK

p. 1355

Surnames: BARTH, EPPLER, FAIR, HARE, SPEARLEY, MAURER, SCHAEFFER,
LEADER, BARD

Frederick Barth, deceased, who was for many years engaged in the
contracting business in Reading, and who was a veteran of the Civil
war, was born in Reading, Pa., in 1847, son of Everhart and
Catherine (Eppler) Barth.

Everhart Barth was a native of Germany, and when
a young man came to America, landing at Castle Garden, New York
City, from whence he came at once to Reading, settling at Twelfth
and Buttonwood streets. He was a stone cutter by trade, and that
occupation he followed for some time, later engaging in the stone
business. He later sold his property in Reading and purchased a
vineyard in Alsace township near what is now the borough of Mr.
Penn, from John Fair, and there he remained until his death, which
occurred in his seventy-first year, his wife passing away when
seventy years old. They had the following children: Frederick;
Carrie, m. John Fair; Henry; Mary, wife of Calvin Caldin; John, and
Ellen.

Frederick Barth attended the schools of his
native city and then engaged in teaming for a time, later going to
the Scott works; while there he enlisted for service in the Civil
war under the name of Frederick Bard. He enlisted in Co. B, 205th
P. V. I., and was honorably discharged at Alexandria, Va., June
2,1865. While in the army Mr. Barth contracted rheumatism, from
which he never fully recovered. On his return he was employed at
the “Mineral Springs Hotel,” and while there he was married in
October, 1867, to Miss Barbara Spearley, daughter of Jacob and Mary
(Maurer) Spearley. After his marriage he engaged in the hotel
business on his own account for nine years, then going into the
mercantile business, at which he continued seven years. For the
next nine years he was employed in his father’s vineyard in Alsace
township, after which he returned to Reading and was for four years
in the mercantile business. Then he engaged in the contracting
business, digging cellars, with Henry Schaeffer, and they became
the leading men in their business in the city. The partnership
continued eight years, after which Mr. Barth continued the business
alone, becoming very successful. At a later time Mr. Schaeffer
joined Mr. Barth for eight months again, but at the time of his
retirement, in 1903, he was doing business alone. He then was for
two years foreman for Adam H. Leader in the same business, but in
1905 he re-engaged in business on his own account, and continued
therein until his death, Sept. 2, 1905. He was well-known in
Reading, where he had the esteem and respect of his fellow
citizens. In 1891 he built the home where his family now reside,
No. 1327 Buttonwood street. He was religiously connected with the
Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Rainbow Fire Co., and the
Veteran Fireman’s Association. In politics he was a Republican.

Mr. Barth’s children were; Frederick, deceased;
Clara, wife of Augustus Hare; John; Ella, deceased; William, who
resides with his mother, is conducting his father’s business;
Aaron; Henry, a carpenter by trade, employed by the P. & R.
Co., resides at No. 418 Linden street, Reading; Susan, at home; and
Frederick, a carpenter of Reading.

BARTH, HENRY
E.

p. 1550

Surnames; BARTH, EPPLE, CANFIELD, HORNBERGER, ERMENTROUT, FAIR,
WENTZEL, HILBERT, KEEHN, WESSNER, PHILLIPS, NOLL , SPARELY

Henry E. Barth, a well known resident of Twenty-third street, Mount
Penn borough, where he has made his home since 1900, has for the
past several years been employed by the American Amusement Company,
at Carsonia Park. Mr. Barth was born Dec. 4, 1855, in Reading, Pa.,
son of Everhart F. and Caroline (Epple) Barth.

Everhart F. Barth, who was born Feb. 4, 1823,
Wittenburg, Germany, came as a young man to America and landed
after a sixty-two days’ voyage at Philadelphia. After a few months
in that city he came to Reading, and followed stone-cutting and, in
the winter months, butchering. In 1873 he located upon John Fair’s
vineyard property along Mount Penn, which he purchased the year
following, and upon which he died Nov. 19, 1896. In 1878 the
vineyard produced 3,700 pounds of grapes, and Mr. Barth made as
much as 3,000 gallons of wine annually, which found a ready market
in the stores of the vicinity. Mrs. Barth, who bore the maiden name
of Caroline Epple, was a native of the same place as her husband
and came to this country in the same ship. To them were born eight
children: Frederick, deceased, who was a carpenter of Reading, m.
Barbara Sparely; Caroline m. John Fair, a wine merchant of Reading;
Mary died in childhood; Henry E.; Catherine died in childhood; John
D. is a retired citizen of Mount Penn, whose sketch will be found
elsewhere in this publication; Mary m. Calvin Canfield, the owner
and operator of the old Barth vineyard; and Ellen, who is single,
makes her home with Joseph D. Hornberger, of Cumru township.

Henry E. Barth attended the Reading schools
until fifteen years of age, his last teacher being the Hon. James
N. Ermentrout, President Judge of Berks county courts. After
leaving school Mr. Barth began working in the Scott foundry, a
branch of the Reading Iron Works, and there continued one and
on-half years. In 1873 his parents removed to the John Fair
vineyard, then in Alsace and later in Lower Alsace township, now
Mount Penn borough, and here young Barth assisted his father until
1876, when he became employed by August L. Wentzel, on whose truck
farm he worked for three years. In 1880 Mr. Barth began working for
the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, as blacksmith
helper, a position he held until 1895. The following year was spent
in Robeson township, where he farmed during the summer months and
butchered in the winter. From 1896 to 1899 he was butcher and
gardener at the Berks County alms house. Since 1900 Mr. Barth has
made his home in Mount Penn, and owns a residence on Twenty-third
street. In 1902 he became employed by the American Amusement
Company, at Carsonia Park, where his sons are also employed. They
are deputized by the county and have police authority.

In political matters Mr. Barth is a Democrat,
and has been active in the ranks of his party, being chosen to
positions of honor and trust by his fellow citizens. He was auditor
of Lower Alsace township for six years and was constable for three
years, serving in both offices at the same time. He was also first
constable of Mount Penn and efficiently filled the office for three
years. Mr. Barth was active in the organization of the borough and
has ever been ready to assist in any movement calculated to advance
its interests. He and his family are members of St. Mark’s Church,
of Reading, and he helped to organize Faith Lutheran Church, of
which he was a deacon. He has been a trustee of Aulenbach cemetery
since 1902.

On Sept. 2, 1876, Mr. Barth was united in
marriage with Emma K. Hilbert, born July 31, 1858, daughter of John
and Rebecca (Keehn) Hilbert and granddaughter of George and Nancy
(Wessner) Hilbert. To them were born children as follows: Caroline
R. m. John Phillips, a farmer of Bern township; John W. m. Katie
Noll, of Mount Penn; Charles F. and Monroe G., single, are at home;
H. Edwin died in 1902 at the age of sixteen years; Winfield L.,
Emma L., and Howard E. all died in infancy; Robert C. died Feb. 7,
1907, aged fourteen years, one month and twenty days; and Elsie M.
died in infancy.

BARTH, JOHN
D.

p. 930

Surnames; BARTH, EPPLE, SPARELY, FAIR, HILBERT, CANFIELD,
HORNBERGER, REIDER, FULTON, ELY

John D. Barth, a retired citizen of Mount Penn borough, Berks Co.
Pa., has been prominent in public affairs, and was for some years,
superintendent of the famous Barth vineyard farm along the
mountains of Mount Penn. Mr. Barth was born March 18, 1823, in
Reading, son of Everhart F, and Caroline (Epple) Barth.

Everhart F. Barth was born Feb. 4, 1823, in
Wittenburg, Germany, and when a young man came to America, landing
after a sixty-two days voyage at Philadelphia, where he remained a
few months. He then came to Reading, and followed the trade of
stone-cutter, during the winter months following butchering. In
1873 he located upon John Fair’s vineyard property along Mount
Penn, which he purchased the year following, and he conducted this
tract until his death, Nov. 19, 1896. Mr. Barth made as much as
3,000 gallons of wine annually, and it found a ready sale in the
markets of the vicinity. In 1878 the vineyard produced 3,700 pounds
of grapes. Mr. Barth was married to Caroline Epple, who was born in
Wittenburg, Germany, and who came over to this county in the same
ship as her husband. To them were born the following children:
Frederick, deceased, who was a contractor of Reading, married
Barbara Sparely; Caroline married John Fair, a wine dealer of
Reading; Mary died in childhood; Henry E., a resident of Mount
Penn, married Emma Hilbert; Catherine died in childhood; John E;
Mary married Calvin Canfield, the owner and operator of the old
Barth vineyard; and Miss Ellen makes her home with Joseph D,
Hornberger, of Cumru township.

John D. Barth began to work when but eight years
of age, hauling mason stones from the mountains with a three-horse
team. He was a hard-working young man, and when only fourteen years
old went out butchering among his neighbors, a trade which he has
followed in season to the present time. He was known as an
excellent sausage maker, and his services were much in demand, he
being engaged on a number of occasions as far as a year in advance.
He is a natural mechanic, and readily turns his hand to any work
that he undertakes. He is a skilled horseman, and has trained many
valuable animals, owning some of the fastest ever raised in this
community. In 1873 Mr. Barth became the superintendent of the
famous Barth homestead vineyard along the mountains of Mount Penn,
caring for the thirty-five acres , seven of which were vineyard,
and on this tract he remained until 1898, since which time he has
done considerable work on the place on different occasions. Mr.
Barth is a stanch Democrat, and takes a great deal of interest in
the success of his party. He was constable of Lower Alsace
township, and at the third election of the borough became a
councilman. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

In the year 1880 Mr. Barth was married to Martha
Reider, born July 20, 1857, daughter of Hiram and Lequetta (Fulton)
Reider, and granddaughter of Daniel Reider, of Exeter township. To
Mr. and Mrs. Barth were born three children: (1) Harry W., born
March 4, 1881, was a school teacher, and is now a clerk for the
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad at Pine Grove, Pa.; he married
Annie Ely. (2) Lizzie J., born March 13, 1883, died Jan. 30, 1885,
and is buried at cemetery. (3) Elsie J., born Jan. 17, 1885, died
Jan. 6, 1887.

BARTHOLOMEW, JOSHUA S.
(REV.)

p. 809

Surnames: BARTHOLOMEW, BLEILER, SMITH, SNYDER, FEHNEL, SCHEARER,
FUNK, HOWER

Rev. Joshua S. Bartholomew, of Virginville, Berks County, PA., was
born March 22, 1863, at Bath, Northampton county, Pa., son of
Joshua and Sarah Ann (Bleiler) Bartholomew.

Lewis Bartholomew, grandfather of the Rev.
Joshua S., was born in 1790 and died in 1875. He was a life-long
farmer in Northampton county.

He married Ann Smith, and they had six children,
namely: Rebecca; Matilda (m. William Snyder); Joshua; Ann (n.
Joseph Fehnel); Amelia (m. Edward Schearer); and Harrison (m.
(first) Mary Ann Snyder and (second) Louisa Smith).

Joshua Bartholomew, son of Lewis, was born in
Northampton county and resided near Bath, engaged as a farmer and
blacksmith. He died in 1907.

He married Sarah Ann Bleiler, daughter of
Solomon Bleiler, a farmer of Salisbury township, Lehigh county.
They had five children as follows: Osborn, Oliver B., Lewis H.,
Alfred A., and Rev Joshua S.

The boyhood days of the Rev. Joshua S
Bartholomew were spent in the town of his nativity and his early
intellectual training was obtained in the public schools at Bath.
Later he attended the Academy and Ursinus College, for a period of
two years in the former department and two in the latter, after
which he entered upon the study of theology in the same
institution. After a rigid course of three years he was graduated
May 8, 1900, and he was at once elected the Reformed pastor of the
Lenhartsville charge which consisted of these six churches: Zions,
in Perry township; New Jerusalem (Dunkels) in Greenwich township;
Frieden’s (Wessnersville) in Albany township; St. Paul’s in Windsor
township; New Jerusalem (Red Church) in Albany township; and St.
Paul’s Christian Endeavor Chapel, Virginville. His total membership
numbers more than 700 souls. He visits different the charges
regularly every few Sundays, according to a regular schedule, and
there are many all through this section who watch for the approach
of the faithful old sorrel horse “George”, knowing that with it
comes one whose sympathy in time of trouble is always ready, and
whose advise and instruction have made many a path straight for
those on whom life has laid heavy burdens. He resides in his own
neat residence village of Virginville where he is held in the
highest esteem. The Rev. Bartholomew is well fitted in every way
for a ministerial life, possessing a pleasing and winning
personality, and a scholarly eloquence that makes the preaching of
the Word effective.

On Aug. 5, 1883, he married Mary J. Funk,
daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Hower) Funk. To this union have been
four children: Calvin S., Henry U., Ruth S., and Joshua F. Mrs.
Bartholomew has one brother Jacob H. who is a miller at
Weaversville, Northampton county.

BARTO,
JONATHAN

p. 1225

Surnames: BARTO, KRAMLICH, ANGSTADT, MERKEL, DRY, KLINE, MERTZ,
DEYSHER, BROWN, ECKERT, DURR, KRAMLICH, HEFFNER, WALBERT, BUTZ,
KIRSCHNER, MILLER, REESER, DE LONG, LONG, FEGLEY, DUROLF, CONRATH,
STAUFFER.

Jonathan Barto, cabinetmaker, at Topton, one of the best-known
citizens, was born Dec. 31, 1854, in Longswamp township, Berks Co.,
Pa., a son of John and Mary (Kramlich) Barto.

The grandfather, John Barto, was of Rockland
township, Berks county, and he followed farming all his life, dying
in 1868. He married Diana Angstadt and they had the following
children: William m. a Miss Merkel; David; Joel m a Miss Dry;
Jacob, unmarried, served in the Civil War; John; Obediah died at
Louisville, Ky.; Amos resides in Berks county; Hannah m. David
Kline; Helena m. Jacob Mertz; Catherine m. John Deysher; Esther m.
Daniel Brown; Amanda m. Jonas Eckert; and Caroline m. Charles
Heffner.

John Barto, father of Jonathan, was born on the
old Barto homestead in Rockland township in 1828. He learned the
shoemaking trade and when twenty-two years of age he came to
Longswamp township and worked at it for Henry Durr. He married Mary
Kramlich, a daughter of George and Judith (Walbert) Kramlich, who
settled in this section when the country was in a wild state.
Indians were numerous and the family saw much pioneer hardship.
John Barto died Jan. 5, 1901, aged seventy-two years, three months
and five days. His children were the following: Calvin, born July
8, 1853, died aged nine months; Jonathan; Henry, who died in
infancy; Charles, born Dec. 25, 1857, died Jan 28, 1904, m. (first)
Ella Butz, (second) Ella (Kirschner) Miller, (third) Ella Reeser;
and Louisa, who died young.

Jonathan Barto attended the schools near his
home through his boyhood, after which he was apprenticed to
Tilghman DeLong to learn the cabinet-making trade and with this
object in view he came to Mr. DeLong, July 26, 1875, and has
continued in his employ ever since. He has seen the business
develop step by step from the work done in an ordinary country shop
to that turned out from the improved plant which is now operated
with all kinds of modern machinery.

On Aug. 10, 1878, he was married to Cecilia
Long, a daughter of David and Florenda (Fegley) Long, and they had
ten children, namely: John D., born May 25, 1879, m. Caroline
Durolf and they have four children, Willard, Edgar, Mary, and Ira;
Catherine and Mary reside at home; Louisa, m. A. H. Barto and has
two children, Clarence and Paul; Calvin, residing at Macungie, Pa.,
m. Ida Conrath and they have three children, Irvin, Paul, and
Florence; Ambrose, Wallace, Wilson, and Florence O. reside at home;
and Ellen m. Clarence Stauffer. Mr. Barto and his sons belong to
the Lutheran church, while Mrs. Barto and the daughters belong to
the Reformed. Mr. Barto is an active member of Camp No. 172, P. O.
S. of A.

BARTO FAMILY

p
1372

Surnames: BARTO, BARTOW, FEGEY, HUBER, LOFTIS, STAUFFER, SCHLEGEL,
KERST, MILLER

The Barto of Berks county are an old family of French Huguenot
extraction. The French form of the name is Perdeau. Three of the
name came to America in the early days, one John Barto locating in
Berks county, PA., in 1730, one Isaac Barto prior to 1750, and one
Nicholas Barto in 1778. The Isaac Barto mentioned was a large
taxable in Oley township in 1759, in which year he paid 14 pounds
tax. He was the great-great-grandfather of William Clarence Barto
who lives near Barto, in Washington township, engaged in the
growing of tobacco.

Isaac Bartow (as he spelled the name), a
grandson of the Isaac just referred to, was born in Oley township,
Aug. 17, 1786. In 1813 he moved from that township to Hereford (now
Washington) township, where he purchased land and settled down for
the remainder of his life, dying June 27, 1865. He owned 150 acres
of land, was a prosperous farmer, and highly respected as a man. In
1812 he married Elizabeth Fegey, by whom he had two daughters, the
mother and children all dying in April, 1838. On Nov. 24, 1843, Mr.
Bartow married Magdalena Huber, and to this union was born one son,
Abram H.

Abram H. Barto was born March 4, 1855. He began
his education in the public schools, later attending Mount Pleasant
Seminary and the Kutztown State Normal School, and in 1875 he took
a scientific course at the Allentown Business College. He inherited
his father’s farm, which with the advent of the Colebrookdale
railroad became very valuable. In 1868 the company surveyed its
lines from Pottstown, via Boyertown, to a terminus on and near the
western border of the farm, where a fine depot was erected. The
road was soon completed, and in 1870 building lots were surveyed on
the farm, a number being sold and built upon. The name of the
station was changed from Mount Pleasant to Barto, as it has since
been known, and the postoffice hears the same name. The place is
now a thriving village, and much of its growth is due to Mr.
Barto’s enterprise. He was a church member and tool a deep interest
in church matters and the welfare of the Sunday-school.

Mr. Barto married a Miss Stauffer, and they
became the parents of three children, one son and two daughters,
and the make their home in Reading.

William Clarence Barto, only son of Abram H.
Barto, was born in Schultzville, in Washington township, May 10,
1885. He received his early education in the public schools of the
city of Reading, whither he removed with his mother when five years
old, and also took a commercial course at the Kerst National
Business College, graduating in 1902. For one year he was engaged
in clerking in the grocery store of his step-father, in Reading,
for two years he sold liquor and for another year he sold jewelry
for Loftis Brothers, of Chicago. In the spring of 1908 he commenced
the cultivation of tobacco, of which he now makes a specialty. He
planted ten acres, thus reviving the culture of tobacco in the
upper end of the Perkiomen valley after that industry had been
abandoned in this section for a period of thirty-five years. A
considerable tobacco was raised in the old days, and as much as
$1.25 a pound was paid for the product, but when the price dropped
until it reached 25 cents a pound the culture died out and the art
of growing the plant was almost forgotten. Mr. Barto, believing
there is profit in the weed, is experimenting thoroughly with its
cultivation. He has a fine place of 138 acres of clear farming land
with fifteen acres of woodland.

In 1883 his father built a Swiss barn, 40 x 92
feet in dimensions, and also a good frame dwelling upon the place.
It is well improved in every respect and is a valuable piece of
property. On June 20, 1907, Mr. Barto married Miss Annie P.
Schlegel, daughter of Edwin H. and Sallie A. (Miller) Schlegel, of
Reading. Mr. and Mrs. Barto are members of St. Stephen’s Reformed
Church of Reading.

BASHORE, JONATHAN K.

p.
913

Surnames: BASHORE, KLINE, ROYER, RIGEL, LESHER, KEENY, STREIPHAUER,
MURKEY, MOYER, REEDY, GIBBLE, PRICE

Jonathan Bashore, a practical agriculturist of Bethel township,
Berks Co., Pa., whose fine farm, the old Beshore homestead, was
originally a grant from the Penns, was born Nov. 11, 1852, in
Bethel township, son of Michael and Sallie (Kline) Bashore.

George Bashore, the great-grandfather of
Jonathan K., received a grant of land in Bethel township, from the
sons of Penn in 1747, where he spend the remainder of his life. He
married and had children: Isaac, Jacob, John and Michael.

Michael Bashore, grandfather of Jonathan K., was
born on this grant of land, and followed farming all of his life
there, dying at the age of eighty-five years. He married a Miss
Royer, who bore him seven children as follows: (1) George, a farmer
and shoemaker, lived in Bethel township for some time, and died at
the age of eighty-three years, the father of children as follows:
William, John, Daniel, Carolina, Sarah and Mrs. Rigel. (2)
Benjamin, a farmer of Ohio, had five children. (3) Jonathan, who
resided in Bethel, married and had children: Levi, Amanda, Leah,
Benjamin, Fianna, Henry, Emma and Wilson. (4) Daniel, also a
resident of Bethel, and for many years a very prominent landlord on
the road leading across the Blue Mountains to Pinegrove, Schuylkill
county, died at the age of seventy-three years. He married a Miss
Lesher and they had five children: Peter, Hannah, Sarah, Lovina and
Eliza. (5) John died unmarried aged about sixty-five years. (6)
Michael. (7) Hannah, who married John Keeny, died in 1905, aged
eighty years, the mother of Tyrus, Michael, Fyetta, Hannah and
Maria.

Michael Bashore, father of Jonathan K., was born
in 1816, on the old homestead in Bethel township, and there he
engaged in agricultural pursuits all of his life. He married Miss
Sallie Kline, who still survives him and resides with her son,
Jonathan K., being ninety years of age and enjoying very good
health. She was born Nov. 3, 1817, daughter of Benjamin and Lizzie
(Streiphauer) Kline. To Michael and Sallie (Kline) Bashore were
born besides Jonathan K., the following children: Elias, who
resided on his farm near Fredericksburg, died aged sixty-two years,
the father of ten children; Eliza, m. William Murkey, and died
young, leaving two children (her husband died in Virginia); Sarah,
m. John Kline, and also died young, leaving two children, one of
whom is living; Rebecca, m. Benjamin Moyer, resides in Kansas, and
has four children, Frank, Milton, Charles and Rebecca; Israel
resides in Missouri and has family; and Emma died young.

Jonathan K. Bashore was educated in the public
schools and assisted his father on the home farm, where he was
married, and where he has always lived. His wife was Mary Royer,
daughter of Daniel and Anna (Royer) Royer, and to them there have
been born the following children: (1) Calvin, a resident on one of
the farms near his father’s, was for some time engaged in school
teaching. He then went to Huntingdon to finish his studies and
enter a profession, but, failing health compelled him to remove to
the farm, where he now is. He m. Miss Mary Reedy, and has three
children—Ralph, Earl and Myrtle. (2) Cora m. Ira Gibble, of near
Freystown, and has five children—Naom, Mary, Elmer, Paul and
Stella. (3) Elmer, who resides at home, m. Emma Moyer, and has four
children—Harvey, Herbert, Paul and Elmer. (4) Miles m. Miss
Lizzie Price, and has four children—Edna, Stella, Verna and
Lester. (5) Miss Mable lives at home. Harvey, Ella and Pamilla died
young.

Mr. Bashore is a Republican in politics, and has
been a delegate to county conventions and a school director,
although the district is strongly Democratic. Like his father and
grandfather he belongs to the Church of the Brethren.

BATTENFELD,
LOUIS

p. 1391

Surnames: BATTENFELD, MENGLE, FITZGERALD, MAY, BERNHARDT, BOAS.

Louis Battenfeld, the proprietor of a hotel on the corner of Reed
and Walnut streets, Reading, was born April 19, 1852, in
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. Henry Battenfeld, father of Louis, came
to America in 1854. He went west where he remained until 1856, when
he went to Reading and there resided until his death, which
occurred in October, 1905, at the age of eighty-two years. Mr.
Battenfeld helped to build the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad,
and to the close of his active life worked in the machine
department of that company. He is buried in the German Lutheran
cemetery. His wife was Catherine Mengle of Hesse-Darmstadt. They
had one son, Louis.

In 1865 Mr. Louis Battenfeld came to America and
for eleven years was engaged as a locksmith and hardware merchant
at New Britain, Conn. He came to Reading in 1876 and entered the
employ of the Reading Hardware Co., at the foot of Sixth street
continuing in the lock department for nine years, resigning to
accept a position with a Mr. Fitzgerald. With the latter gentleman
he remained until 1887, when he left his employ to engage in the
hotel business at No. 647 Walnut street, and was located at this
number until 1890, in this year removing to his present property,
which was formerly a private residence. Mr. Battenfeld remodeled
the building, and is now operating a family hotel of twelve rooms.
He has a first-class trade and also carried a finely assorted stock
of wines and liquors, making a specialty of Moselle wine.

Mr. Battenfeld was married (first) in 1874, to
Lena May, who died in 1876, aged twenty-two years. His second
marriage was to Sophia Bernhardt, of Connecticut, who died in 1891,
aged thirty-six years, and by whom he had seven children, two of
whom survive: Henry and Gertrude. Mr. Battenfeld’s third marriage
was to Alice Boas, of Reading, daughter of Albert Boas, and to this
union were born two children, one of whom, Lewis S., survives. He
is attending school. In political belief Mr. Battenfeld is
independent in city matters, voting for the man rather than the
party, but in national issues he is a Republican. He is prominent
in fraternal organizations, belonging to Reading Lodge, No. 115, B.
P. O. E., Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M., and the Junior
Fire Company. He formerly was a member of the I. O. O.. F. and the
Harmonic Maennerchor, of which latter organization he was president
for ten years, and of which he is now an honorary member. He is a
member of the German Lutheran Church.