Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

GLAES, JOHN
G.

p. 459

Surnames: GLAES, GEHRY, KLES, GLAESZ, ZIMMERMAN, FREY, TROUT,
GREGORY, POTTS, HEIDT, GILBERT, ERMENTROUT, GOOD, MCCULLOGH,
SNYDER, FRANCIS, LEVERMAN

John G. Glaes, a venerable citizen of Washington township, Berks
county, was born there Dec. 13, 1828, son of Sebastian and Sarah
(Gehry) Glaes.

Abraham Kles, his great-grandfather, was a
taxable resident in Greenwich township, this county, in 1756. He
had three sons: Frederick, who is mentioned below; Jacob, who
located in Oley township; and Christian, who located in Amity
township.

Frederick Glaesz, as he spelled the name, son of
Abraham, was born in Greenwich township, Berks county, in 1756.
When twenty years old he entered the Patriot army for services in
the Revolutionary war, in which he served as a teamster, being so
engaged at Valley Forge. In his later years he drew a pension. He
was a tanner by trade, and followed that occupation in Pike
township for many years, also engaging in farming in that township,
where he owned a tract of 105 acres, near Lobachsville. The close
of his long life was spent in retirement at the home of his son,
Sebastian. He died in 1841, at the age of eighty-five, and is
buried at Huber’s Church, at Niantic, Montgomery county. He was a
Lutheran in religious faith. By his first wife, Elizabeth
Zimmerman, daughter of Sebastian Zimmerman, of Maxatawny township,
he had the following children: Daniel; Abraham; Jacob; Sebastian;
Henry; Solomon; Sarah, Mrs. Frey; Elizabeth, Mrs. Trout; and
Rebecca, Mrs. Gregory. His second marriage was to a Miss Potts.

Sebastian Glaes, son of Frederick, was born in
1796 in Pike township, Berks county, where he resided until his
removal to Washington township in 1828. There he bought the farm
and pottery now owned by his son John, the seventy-five acre tract
being especially valuable for the fine bed of pottery clay located
near by. He died on this place in 1869, a member of the Reformed
Church, in which he had served for a number of years as deacon,
treasurer and elder. In politics he was a Democrat. Sebastian Glaes
married Sarah Gehry, daughter of John Gehry, of Upper Hanover,
Montgomery county, and eight children were born to them, namely:
Sophia, deceased, was the wife of Daniel Heidt, of Washington
township; John G. is mentioned below; George died at the age of
twenty-seven years; Frederick, of Pottstown, is a millwright;
Charles died in childhood; Samuel died young; Matilda married
George Gilbert, a farmer of Washington township; Charles died
young.

John G. Glaes was reared on the farm and
received his early education in the local public schools, later
taking a course in the Pottstown Academy. He studied surveying in
the seminaries at Freeland and Mount Pleasant; attended Tremont
Seminary, at Norristown; the Elmwood Institute, and Heidelberg
College, at Tiffin, Ohio. After leaving school he taught school for
fifteen consecutive years, teaching in Ruscombmanor township as a
fellow instructor of James N. Ermentrout (who was a great fried of
Mr. Glaes), and then began surveying and conveyancing, in which
line of work he continued for thirty years, becoming very well
known in that capacity. The latter also learned the pottery
business, which he still carries on at the old homestead.

Mr. Glaes has always been considered one of the
most valuable citizens of his community, in every phase of local
activity which tends to promote the general welfare and
advancement. He has been identified with the official life of his
township, as well as its educational and industrial concerns, and
served as county auditor from 1864 to 1867; justice of the peace
from 1867 to 1877, and town assessor for a number of years. In
political sentiment he is a Democrat. His opinion on all matters of
local interest is sought and valued, for his intelligence and clear
mind are undisputed, and although now well advanced in years he is
active and capable, and holds the esteem of his fellow-citizens in
an unusual degree. He has been a constant reader and is remarkably
well informed and his library is large and well selected, showing
his scholarly tastes. Among his most cherished books, however, are
a large German Bible, published in 1798, and a geometry which was
printed in 1806, and which formerly belonged to Rev. William A.
Good, once county superintendent of schools; later Michael
McCullogh used it at Yale. Mr. Glaes has a number of other relics
which he prizes highly. He has written several poems which have
brought him more than local fame — “Der Siffer, der Schmoker, der
Tschaer un Gmler,” in Pennsylvania German (Deutsch); “Easter
Greetings,” and a masterful composition entitled “Sixty Years Ago
and Now” (A.D. 1846-1906), which has attracted particular
attention.

On June 5, 1877, Mr. Glaes was married to Susan
Francis, daughter of John and Susan (Snyder) Francis and
granddaughter of Jacob Francis, a farmer of Amity township and a
zealous member of the Lutheran Church. John Francis was born in
Amity township, Dec. 17, 1801, and followed farming there. He also
engaged in milling there, and was quite an active man in his
community, serving as town assessor and as a captain in the old
State Militia. He was president of the Berks County Fire Insurance
Company. He died in 1890, in the faith of the Lutheran Church. To
him and his wife were born ten children, six sons and four
daughters; Catherine, wife of Rev. L. D. Leverman, a minister of
the Reformed Church, of Philadelphia; Lizzie, who lives with her
brother-in-law, John G. Glaes; Daniel, deceased, who was proprietor
of the Reading Herald; Solomon, deceased, who was a blacksmith at
Dayton, Ohio; Amon, a millwright, of Dayton, Ohio; Sarah, deceased;
Susan, Mrs. Glaes; John, who died young; Jacob, deceased, who was
at one time engaged as bookkeeper for the Reading Railway Company
and later carried on farming on the homestead; and Samuel, a
carpenter in Philadelphia.

Mrs. Susan (Francis) Glaes was born Feb. 9,
1841, and died Jan. 13, 1908, just a few days before the completion
of her sixty-seventh year, being one of the victims of the
Opera-house catastrophe at Boyerstown which devastated so many
homes in this district. She is buried at Amityville. Mrs. Glaes was
long one of the most esteem and widely know residents of her
district. She conducted a large millinery and dressmaking
establishment for a number of years, giving employment to many
hands, and from 1900 until her death was the postmistress at
Passmore, which office was discontinued after he death. She was a
devout church member and active church worker, and for many years
served as superintendent of the infant class of the Sunday-school
at Niantic. Her intelligence and energy made her one of the most
beloved women in her neighborhood.

GLASE,
ALFRED W.

p. 683

Surnames: GLASE, FISHER, FAUCHT, ADAMS, WEISNER, HARRISON

Alfred W. Glase, a prominent business man of Reading, was born in
Friedensburg, Oley township, Berks county, Pa., May 27, 1841, son
of Peter Glase.

Jacob Glase, grandfather of Alfred W., was a
shoemaker by trade, and followed that occupation in Reading,
Kutztown and Oley township, all his life. He died while residing in
the last named section. Their children were: Peter; Jacob; John;
Betsey, m. to a Mr. Fisher; and Polly, m. to Jacob Faucht. In
religious belief the family were Lutherans.

Peter Glase at first followed his father’s
calling, that of a shoemaker, but later in life was engaged in
other lines, being at one period in the hotel business. For several
years he did freighting between Fredericksburg and Philadelphia,
and afterward owned and operated a farm. Twice married, his first
wife was a Miss Adams, and they had eight children: William,
Matilda, Benewell, Amelia, Mary, Rebecca, James and Levi. He m.
(second) Miss Catherine Weisner, like himself a native of Berks
county. She died aged seventy-three years, and to this union five
children were born, Caroline, Jacob W., Peter, Alfred W. and Anna.
In religious belief the family were Lutherans, and in politics
Peter Glase was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1868, when he was
aged seventy-four years.

Alfred W. Glase was sent to the common schools
of Oley township, but was still too young to have left school when
he was compelled to go to work. He was first employed on a farm,
and remained in that line of work until he was eighteen. He then
learned the tinsmith’s trade from his brother, and followed that
for fourteen years. Meantime he had become favorably known among
his fellow citizens and was constable in the Fourth ward, serving
in that capacity very efficiently for fifteen years. Since 1887 he
has conducted a livery stable and has been very successful, for his
establishment is not only large but of a high class. His location
is at Nos. 515-517 Cherry street, Reading.

Mr. Glase is a veteran of the Civil war, having
enlisted in the 3d Regiment of Pennsylvania Artillery, afterward
attached to Battery A 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, in which he
served until the end of the war.

In 1880 Alfred W. Glase married Miss Mary
Harrison, daughter of John Harrison. Two children have been born to
them, Maud E. and Floyd H. In religious faith they are Lutherans.
Mr. Glase is a Republican in his political affiliations, and has
been active in local affairs. He is a member of the G. A. R.,
belonging to Post No. 16.

GLASE, JAMES
L.

p. 858

Surnames: GLASE, BEAR, FORSTER, LEINBACH, HILL, MANWILLER

James L. Glase, wholesale merchant at Philadelphia, was born at
Friedensburg, Berks county, Jan. 10, 1855, and was brought up on
his father’s farm. He was educated in the township school, and in
Oley Academy. Upon quitting school he assisted his father on the
farm, and from 1875 to 1880, and besides working on the farm,
taught public schools, four terms at Oley, and one in Ruscombmanor.
Then, being inclined toward a mercantile life, he entered the
general store of E. S. Bear, at Friedensburg, and after remaining
there as a clerk until January 1, 1882, he went to Philadelphia to
become a traveling salesman in the wholesale dry goods business
under his uncle, Peter W. Glase, who was connected with the firm of
George A. Smith & Co., successors of the old firm of James,
Kent, Santee & Co., on North Third street, and he continued
with this firm until they retired. He then traveled for Howett,
Glase & Co. for four years. Hall, Swoyer, Glase & Co. three
years, and Hall, Glase & Co., for three years. Then the last
named firm was reorganized as Glase, Hall & Co., and he was
admitted as a member of the firm, his uncle being the senior
partner. This was at Nos. 405-407 Market Street in 1904. On Feb. 2,
1906, the place was destroyed by fire, but they, in a week’s time,
resumed business at No. 513 Market Street, where they have
continued to the present time. Their trade extends throughout the
United States, but more especially the Eastern and Middle States.

In 1889 Mr. Glase was married to Matilda
Forster, daughter of Ferdinand Forster, of Philadelphia, and they
have a daughter, Helen.

His father was William Glase, a farmer of
Friedensburg, who married Hannah Leinbach, daughter of Benjamin
Leinbach, of Oley; and by her he had a number of children, those
surviving being Peter L., who married Anna Hill; Sarah; Hannah, who
married Calvin Manwiller; and James L., above mentioned.

His grandfather was Peter L. Glase, also a
farmer of Oley.

GLASE, J.
O.

p. 721

Surnames: GLASE, HIGH, ADAMS, WEISNER, GEARHARD, BASSLER,
LICHTENTHALER, WEIDLER, BLICKENDERFER, HOFF

J. O. Glase, senior member of the carpet and drapery firm of J. O.
Glase & Co., of Reading, is a substantial citizen of that city,
and is prominent in business, political and fraternal circles. Mr.
Glase was born in 1856, in Oley township, Berks county, Pa., son of
Benneville A. and Rebecca V. R. (High) Glase.

Peter Glase, grandfather of J. O., was a
resident of Friedensburg, in Oley township. He made his last will
and testament on May 28, 1860, and this was probated Aug. 1, 1868.
This will is on record in Vol. XII, p. 56 and his executors are
mentioned William and Benneville, his sons. Peter Glase was twice
married. His first wife was Mary Adams, and his second, Catharine
Weisner. To his first marriage were born eight children: William,
Benneville, Levi, James, Matilda, Amelia, Rebecca and Mary. To the
second marriage came five: Jacob, Peter, Alfred, Caroline and Anna.

Benneville A. Glase, who was also a native of
Oley township, was engaged all his life in a general mercantile
business. He died in 1882, in his sixty-second year, and is buried
at Friedensburg. He kept a general store at Friedensburg, and was a
well know citizen of that place, becoming very prosperous. He was a
Lutheran in his religious belief, while his widow worshiped in the
Evangelical Church. In politics he was a Republican, and for many
years served as postmaster at Friedensburg. Three children were
born to him and his wife: Emma, m. to C. S. Gearhard, D. D.,
deceased; Louisa, m. to C. W. Bassler, of Sunbury, Pa.; and J. O.,
who is mentioned below.

J. O. Glase was educated in the public schools
of Oley township, the Oley Academy and was a member of the class of
1878 of Lafayette College. As a boy he clerked in his father’s
store, succeeding to the business at the time of his father’s
death. This he carried on until 1892, when in company with Edward
S. Lichtenthaler, he established the business of J. O. Glase &
Co., it having been formerly carried on by Henry A. Hoff & Son.
It is not only the oldest establishment of its kind in Reading, but
is the only exclusive carpet and draping house in the city; the
retail salesroom on the first floor at No. 408 Penn street, is 20 x
234 feet, and gives employment to twenty-one people. They import
their own lace curtains, straw mattings and linoleums, and do a
large business through Berks county.

Mr. Glase is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
holding membership in Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M.,
Kutztown, of which he is a past mater; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237,
R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., of which he is eminent
commander; Enoch Lodge of Perfection; Zerubbabel Council, P. of J.,
16th degree; Evergreen Chapter, Rose Croix, 18th degree; Caldwell
Sovereign Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32d degree; and Rajah Temple, A.
A. O. N. M. S. He is a charter member of Reading Lodge of
Perfection. He also belongs to Minnehaha Lodge, K. P. and Oley
Castle, K. G. E.

In 1882 Mr. Glase was married to Alice M.
Weidler daughter of Emanuel Weidler, and his wife Mary
(Blickenderfer) Weidler, and to this union have been born two sons,
Paul E. and Claude H., both of whom are graduates of the Reading
high school and work in their father’s establishment.

GLASS,
GEORGE

p. 1202

Surnames: GLASS, SCHLECTER, BIXLER, KRICK, WORLEY, KAUFFMAN, LEWIS,
WESLEY, NIEBEL

George Glass, who died in Reading, April 30, 1893, was born in
Robeson township, Berks county, Oct. 25, 1830, son of Jacob and
Elizabeth Glass.

Mr. Glass grew up in his native county,
attending the schools of Robesonia till he was seventeen, and there
he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which continued to be his
vocation all his life. For a number of years he remained in Robeson
township, but in 1875 he decided to move, and accepted an offer to
be blacksmith at the Eckert furnaces, near which he lived for the
rest of his life. His death occurred when he was aged sixty-two
years, six months and five days, and his remains were interred in
the Charles Evans cemetery.

Twice joined in wedlock, Mr. Glass’s first wife,
whom he married Feb. 7, 1856, was Miss Anna Schlecter. She died
leaving four children, as follows: Ida, widow of George Bixler;
Calvin, m. to Miss Ellen Krick; Mary, m. to Frank Worley; and Anna,
m. to Daniel Kauffman. He m. (second) Sept. 3, 1872, Catherine
Lewis, who survives him. She was a daughter of Archibald and Mary
(Wesley) Lewis. To this union also four children were born, namely;
Ella, wife of H. E. Niebel, a photographer; Luther, employed at the
Carpenter Steel Works; Emma, a milliner; and Elsie, a teacher. The
late Mr. Glass, as well as the members of his family, belonged to
the M. E. Church. He was a member of the local lodge of the K. of
P., and in his political affiliations was a stanch Democrat.

GLASS,
MARTIN W.

p. 1248

Surnames: GLASS, DAVIS, GEEHR, WEAVER, SLOUCH, PHILLIPS, MOORE,
SEIFRIT, HILL, WESTLEY, KLINGER, HEILHINGER, WAGNER, GRIFFITH,
REIFSNYDER, LEWIS, TROSTLE

Martin W. Glass, who since 1893 has been engaged in farming on his
thirty-eight acre tract near Trostle’s schoolhouse, in Brecknock
township, Berks county, was prior to that time engaged in
carpentering, following this trade throughout Berks and the
surrounding counties.

George Glass, the great-grandfather of Martin
W., was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, being an ensign May 17,
1777, in the Seventh company, Cap. Joseph Davis, Lieut.-Col. Balzar
Geehr, and Col. John Weaver, having enlisted from Robeson township.
(Pa. Archives, Fifth Series, Ed. 1906, vol. v. p. 217.) He was a
native of Ireland, whence he had come to this country when a young
man with his brother, Robert, who settled in Providence township,
Lancaster county. How many children he had besides Jacob, the
grandfather of Martin W. Glass, is unknown. Robert Glass, his
brother, had an only son, James, who operated a farm in Providence
township until his death in 1859, at the age of forty-five. He was
a member of the M. E. Church and a Whig in politics. He was the
father of five children, namely: Mary, born in 1832; Samuel, 1835;
John, 1837; Eliza, 1840; and Susan, 1842, all of Lancaster County.

Jacob Glass, the grandfather of Martin W., was a
farmer and stone mason in Robeson township, where he was also an
early school teacher, as he was in Brecknock township. He was born
June 1, 1795, and died Aug. 3, 1865, being buried at the Robeson
(Plow) Church, of which he was for many years a member. Mr. Glass
married Elizabeth Slouch, born March 23, 1800, who died May 17,
1865, and to this union there were born twelve children: Isaac, who
lived in Robeson township; Martin; Jacob, who died single; Amos,
who lived in Robeson township; George, who was a blacksmith of
Reading; Joseph, a resident of Robeson township; Charles, who died
in his twenty-third year; Elizabeth, m. John Phillips; Joanna, m.
Jesse Moore; Mary, m. Joseph Seifrit; Kate, who died unmarried in
1878, in her forty-third year; and Ann, m. Jacob Hill.

Martin Glass, father of Martin W., was born in
1822, in Robeson township, and died there in 1900, having been a
lifelong farmer in different parts of Berks county. He is buried at
the Allegheny Church, of which he and his wife were members. Mr.
Glass married Elizabeth Westley, daughter of Henry Westley, whose
wife was a Miss Klinger. To. Mr. and Mrs. Glass were born the
following children: Henry is a farmer of Brecknock township; Jacob
died in boyhood; Martin W.; Margaret died in infancy; Amos, a
farmer in Brecknock township, m. Ann Heilhinger; Elizabeth m.
Joseph Wagner, of Mohnton; Hallawell died in boyhood; John m.
Hettie Griffith and lives in Mohnton; and Wilson lives in Brecknock
township, near the home of his brother, Martin W.

Martin W. Glass learned the carpenter’s trade in
youth with Samuel Reifsnyder, of Fleetwood, and this he followed
from the twenty-first year until 1893, working at Fleetwood,
Sinking Spring, Carlisle, in Cumberland county, and elsewhere. He
is a skilled mechanic, and his services were continually in demand,
but in 1893, he decided to engage in agricultural pursuits, and
purchased his present farm of thirty-eight acres, where he is
engaged in trucking. Mr. Glass has made a decided success of his
new venture, and has stands Nos. 52 and 53 at the Bingaman street
market, Reading, where he attends regularly twice a week. he is a
Democrat in politics, and has served Brecknock township as school
director since 1902. He and his family are members of Allegheny
Church, of which he was a deacon for eight years, and he also
served as Sunday-school superintendent at Bowmansville, Lancaster
County.

On Dec. 25, 1881, Mr. Glass was married to Mary
Ann Lewis, daughter of Archibald Lewis, of Robeson township, and
two children were born to this union: Mamie, m. to Howard Trostle
of Brecknock township; and Walter, unmarried, who is engaged in
assisting his father on the farm.

GLASSER,
JACOB D.

p. 1696

Surnames: GLASSER, SHADE, YOUSE, MOYER, HILBERT, HEYDT, BREIDIGAM,
FOLK, SCHUMACHER, NOLL, HASSLER, RUPERT, DIEROLF, WENTZ

Jacob D. Glasser, a farmer residing at Lobachsville, was born in
Rockland township, Berks county, July 4, 1864, son of Jacob Glasser
and Sally Ann Shade, the latter a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah
(Youse) Shade. He made his home with his maternal grandfather until
his marriage, at the age of nineteen. He then began farming in
Rockland township, living with his father-in-law, John Moyer, for
one year. He then bought his present farm of seventy-six acres at
Lobachsville, where he prospered greatly during the fifteen years
he engaged in its cultivation. He owns a lot adjoining his farm,
and in 1907 he erected thereon a modern brick residence, in which
he now lives. In politics he is a Democrat, and at present is
serving as roadmaster of his township. He and his family attend the
United Evangelical church at Pleasantville.

On Aug. 25, 1883, Mr. Glasser married Hannah
Moyer, and their three children are: Charles, born July 10, 1884,
who farms his father’s farm, m. Amanda Hilbert, and has two
children, Russel and Harold; Sallie m. Osville Heydt, of
Lobachsville, and has two children, Jacob and Paul; and Cora is at
home.

Mrs. Hannah (Moyer) Glasser is a
great-granddaughter of John Moyer, who lived in Rockland township,
where he owned the farm now the property of Frank Breidigam. He had
an only son John (2).

John Moyer (2), son of John, married Elizabeth
Folk, and they are both buried at New Jerusalem Church. He was a
farmer and owned a large tract of land in Rockland township. His
home was the place now occupied by Frank Breidigam, at New
Jerusalem. To John and Elizabeth (Folk) Moyer were born ten
children, namely; John F.; Samuel, of Rockland township; David and
Benjamin, who lived in Rockland township; Leanda, m. to Jacob
Schumacher; Mary m. to Solomon Noll; Polly m. to Benneville
Hassler; Elizabeth, m. to Daniel Rupert; Sally Ann, m. to William
Dierolf; and Hettie, m. to Reuben Hilbert.

John F. Moyer, son of John (2) and Elizabeth,
was born Feb. 27, 1833 in Rockland township, where he passed his
life as a farmer, owning a farm of thirty-two acres. He died May 7,
1903, and is buried at Bertoletts Union Church Cemetery. He married
Sarah Ann Wentz, born Aug. 10, 1829, died July 12, 1904. Their
children were: Jacob, who died aged three years; Hannah; and two
that died small.

GLASSER FAMILY

p. 1696

Surnames: GLASSER, KEEFER, FREDERICK, LEVAN, NEFF, WINK, SAILER,
SANDER, MATTEN, THOMPSON, AUSMUS

The Glasser family was founded in America by Jacob Glasser, who
emigrated to America on the ship “Patience,” which landed at
Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1749. The date of his settling in Maxatawny,
Berks county, is uncertain, but in 1790 when the first Federal
Census was taken, he was a farmer, and had three sons over sixteen
years of age, and two daughters. He owned a large tract of land
located along what is now the trolley road between Lyons and
Kutztown. The “Glasser farm” is still pointed out as the farm now
owned by Peter Keefer. It originally continued 170 or more acres.

Jacob Glasser, one of the three sons of Jacob,
the emigrant, was born in Maxatawny township. He was a farmer on
the farm of 170 acres, which he owned, known as the “Glasser
homestead.” He died about 1845, when seventy-five years old, and is
buried at Mertz’s Church at Stony Point, of which he was a Lutheran
member. His children were: Hannah, m. to Henry Frederick; Susannah,
who obtained fifty acres of the Glasser homestead, m. to John
Levan; Sarah, who obtained a part of the Glasser homestead, m. to
Jacob Neff; and David.

David Glasser, son of Jacob, was born in 1801,
in Maxatawny township, on the Glasser homestead. The farm now
consists of eighty-three acres of fertile land. David Glasser died
in 1880, in his seventy-ninth year. His wife was Sarah Wink of
Maxatawny, who died in 1884 in her eighty-fourth year, and both are
buried at Kutztown. Their six children were: Mary, who died
unmarried; Jacob; Lucy, m. to Enoch Sailer, of Reading; John, of
Coffee Town, a suburb of Kutztown; James, of Reading; and Sarah, m.
Daniel Sailer, of Reading.

Jacob Glasser, son of David and Sarah, was born
in Maxatawny township, Nov. 11, 1837, and he was reared upon his
parents’ farm, remaining at home until he was of age. He was then
for six years brakeman on the road running between Kutztown and
Topton. One year after his marriage in 1860, he came to Kutztown,
where he has made his home ever since, except for about fourteen
years, three of which were passed in Reading, and three at
Catasauqua, and seven at Allentown. Mr. Glasser now lives in his
own house, which he built during the eighties. He and his family
are Lutherans. In politics he is a Democrat.

On May 29, 1860, Mr. Glasser married Susan R.
Sander, daughter of Henry Sander, late of Kutztown. Their children
were: Evans, of Allentown; Lillie, of Norristown; Minnie, who died
aged nine years; Maggie, m. to William Matten, of Kutztown; Emma,
m. to William Thompson, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Harry, of Wichita,
Kans.; Jacob, who died in 1905, aged twenty-five years; Richard, of
Maxatawny township; and Susan, m. to Elbert Ausmus, of Arkansas
City, Kansas.

GLASSMEYER, WILLIAM
RATHMAN

p. 1245

Surnames: GLASSMEYER, RATHMAN, FITTERLING, KOHL, KLEINGINNA,
ZIEGLER, HOSHOUR, REITZ, SHUPP

William Rathman Glassmeyer, a substantial citizen of Cumru
township, Berks county, who has been living retired sine 1902, was
born on the farm he now owns, Dec. 9, 1843, son of Thomas and Mary
(Rathman) Glassmeyer.

Joseph Glassmeyer, grandfather of William R.,
was a farmer in Exeter township, where he owned considerable land,
and where the major portion of this life was spent. His children
were as follows: Peter, who settled in Pottsville; George, who
settled in York county, Pa.; Thomas; John; Jacob, who settled in
York county; and two children who died young. Thomas Glassmeyer,
father of William R., was born Dec. 22, 1804, in Cumru township,
and his death occurred Jan. 18, 1891. He was an iron worker,
employed at the Mount Penn furnace for thirty years, and he also
owned the 100 acre farm now in the possession of William R.
Glassmeyer. He married Mary Rathman, born June 6, 1808, who died
Nov. 12, 1891, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Fitterling)
Rathman, and to this union were born six children: Mary Ann,
unmarried; Amelia m. Benjamin Kohl; Eliza Ann m. Benneville
Kleinginna; Jonathan, who died single, in 1886, at the age of
thirty-nine years; William R.; and Henry, who died in June, 1904,
in his fifty-seventh year.

William R. Glassmeyer was reared on his father’s
farm, and obtained his education in the common schools, beginning
farming for himself on his father’s farm in 1867. He spent five
years on this farm as a tenant, and in 1876 purchased it from his
father, since which time he has been engaged in improving and
cultivating it. In 1894 he build a fine, substantial barn, 40 x 76
feet, and his property in every details compares favorably with
others in his locality. Of late years he has lived retired in
Manhattan, where he owns a comfortable residence. In politics Mr.
Glassmeyer is a Republican, and he and his family are Lutheran
members of Allegheny Union Church, where his parents were buried.

Mr. Glassmeyer has been twice married, his first
wife being Jestina Ziegler, who died in 1887, aged thirty-eight
years, the mother of six children: John, Benjamin; William; Emeline
m. Samuel Hoshour; Elizabeth m. Henry Reitz; and Winnie A., who
died in childhood. In 1893 Mr. Glassmeyer was married to Emeline
Shupp, born in 1855, who died in 1894. One child, Minerva, was born
to this union.