Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

MELCHER
FAMILY

p. 1095

Surnames: MELCHER, MELCHOIR, BUCK, SIEGFRIED, KEHS, KOHL, SCHUTT,
ADAM, LINSENBIGLER, GIEBEL, QUIGLEY, EDDINGER, MUTTER, STOUDT,
BRENSINGER, CHELIUS, CLEMMER

The Melcher (or Melchior) family was early settled in Bucks county,
Pa. In the Goshenhoppen church records one Nicholas Melcher had a
son George, born Feb. 13, 1743, and this George is said to have
been the father of John, mentioned below.

John Melcher moved from Bucks county to
Washington township, Berks county, where he owned the farm that is
now the property of his grandson, James K. Melcher. He was born
Dec. 12, 1791, and the greater part of his life was devoted to
blacksmithing and farming being very successful in all that he
undertook. He was prominent in public affairs as an ardent
Democrat, and he held the offices of school director, auditor, and
was frequently delegate to county conventions. His tract of one
hundred acres was always in first class condition, and the stone
building still on the land was formerly used by him for a
blacksmith shop. He died Aug. 16, 1872, and is buried at Bally
Catholic Church cemetery. He married Salome Buck, born Oct. 11,
1798, in Bucks county, and died Nov. 6, 1883. Their children were:
Eliza m. (first) John Siegfried, and (second) Charles Kehs; Reuben;
Jacob inherited the homestead, and his children were-John, Sarah,
Edwin, Agnes, James and Kate; Mary m. Samuel Kohl, of Bally, and
both are deceased; John m. Mary Schutt; Bennett, of Bally, had
children-Lucy, George, Mary, Rosa and Howard; Lena m. John K. Adam,
and lived at Bally; William, of Bally, m. Mary Linsenbigler,
deceased, and has no children; Agnes died young; Sarah m. Jacob
Giebel; deceased, and lived at Bally; Catharine was an invalid, and
died aged sixty-five; and Joseph M., of Bally, had children-Kate
(deceased), Clara (of Kansas) and Leo (at Clayton).

Reuben Melcher, son of John, was born in
Washington township Feb. 1, 1818. He learned the blacksmith’s trade
under his father, and followed it for many years, but later in life
he owned and cultivated the farm now the property of his son,
Nicholas. He was very industrious, and his good farm was acquired
by hard labor and thrift, and he was highly respected. He was a
Jeffersonian Democrat, and never missed an election. He died Jan.
12, 1901, and was buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery at Bally.
He married Catharine Quigley, born Feb. 9, 1820, daughter of John
and Mary Quigley, of Washington township. She died June 15, 1864,
the mother of two children: Nicholas; and Salome, m. to Aaron
Eddinger, of Washington township, who is engaged as a cement layer.

Nicholas Melcher, son of Reuben, and now a well
known citizen of Bally, was born on the old Melcher homestead in
Washington township, July 21, 1853. He was educated in the township
schools which he attended until he was seventeen years of age. He
remained at home working on the farm until he attained his
majority, and then went to Reading, where he learned plastering. In
the spring of 1875 he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked at
his trade until January, 1880, when he returned to Berks county,
and worked for his father on the farm for two years. He then
married and began farming on his present place in Bally, formerly
Churchville. He has a farm of sixty-five acres, which was once the
property of his father, who erected the residence in 1853, and the
barn the following year. The house has been remodeled by Mr.
Melcher. He is an expert cement layer, and was the pioneer in the
cement business in the village in which he lives and in the
surrounding country. He also deals in different kinds of Portland
cement, and has always been interest in this line.

Mr. Melcher is very much interested in the
success of the Democratic party, and takes an active part in its
work. He is a friend of the public schools, and has held a number
of local officers. He and his family are active members of the
Roman Catholic Church, belonging to the parish of the Most Blessed
Sacrament.

On Feb. 3, 1883, Mr. Melcher married Mary
Mutter, daughter of George and Mary (Stoudt) Mutter, of Washington
township. Their children were: Pauline; Lillie who took the white
veil and is at the Immaculate Heart Convent at Westchester, Pa.;
Stella; Victor; Mary; Herman; Reuben; Helen; Raymond; Mabel;
Marion; George; Leonard; Cyril; Regis, who died aged two years; and
Grace.

Bennett Melcher, son of John and Salome (Buck)
Melcher, was born April 30, 1828. He attended the parochial schools
at Bally, and then learned the shoemaker’s trade in 1842, following
it until 1866, when he began farming at the farm connected with the
church of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Here he continued until 1885,
and he is now living retired from active work. He married Hannah
Quigley, daughter of John Quigley, of Durham, Bucks county. Their
children were: Lucy, m. to William Eddinger; Rosa m. to Solomon
Brensinger; George W.; Mary, m. to John Chelius; and Howard, m. to
Anna Adam.

George W. Melcher, son of Bennett, was born July
4, 1864. He attended the public schools of Washington township and
also the parochial schools at Bally. In 1882 and 1883 he studied at
the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he took a
teacher’s preparatory course. He then began teaching in Washington
township, and so continued until 1886 when he took up railroading
and for sixteen years he was brakeman, baggage master or conductor.
He next engaged in the manufacture of men’s trousers and vests, and
in the fall of 1905 in connection therewith began the manufacturing
of silk ribbon. Since 1907 he has handled the ribbon exclusively,
having disposed of the rest of the business. He carries on business
under the name of The Orino Silk Mills, and operates eighteen
looms. The product of the mills runs to about $100,000 per year,
and is shipped all over the United States. Everything about the
factory is strictly up-to-date. He building is 54 X 78 feet and two
stories high. He has considerable ground not yet occupied by the
building, thus being able to expand as the business increases. The
factory is heated by steam, and its own dynamo furnished the
lighting. In March 1908, was organized the First National Bank of
Bally, Mr. Melcher being chairman of the organizing committee. He
was elected its president, and the bank was opened for business
July 1, 1909.

Mr. Melcher married Rosa Clemmer, daughter of
David B. Clemmer, of Bally. She died June 11, 1904, aged
thirty-nine years, nine months. Their children were Bertha, born
July 27, 1886; Charles C., March 23, 1888; William C., March 27,
1890; Mary C., June 24, 1893; John C., Nov. 22, 1895; Paul C., Aug.
20, 1898; Cecilia C., Dec. 18, 1900; and Bennett C., March 15,
1903.

MELCHER,
JOHN R.

p. 1597

Surnames: MELCHER, COOK. CURTIN, EAST, FRANKS, HENDEL, HIGEL, LEAB,
LOTZ, RHOADS, TRATE, WOLF

John R. Melcher, superintendent of the Orr & Sembower Company
of Millmont, a suburb of Reading, was born in Reading, June 4,
1866, and has resided there all his life. His parents were Charles
and Sarah (Lotz) Melcher. Charles Melcher, a machinist who
conducted a shop at Nos. 226-228 Carpenter Street, was born in
Philadelphia in 1831. He was captain of Company B, of the 167th
Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, receiving his commission from
Andrew G. Curtin, then governor of that year, and was mustered out
Aug. 12, 1863. Sarah (Lotz) Melcher, his wife, was born July 17,
1836, and died Dec. 24, 1886, aged fifty years. She was the
daughter of Philip and Annie (East) Lotz of Germany. Philip Lotz
was the father of the following children: Cyrus (m. Hannah Trate);
Jeremiah, who died in war; Sarah (m. Charles Melcher); Catharine
(m. Alfred Franks); Michael, who died in war; Ivens (deceased, m.
Catharine Wolf); Andrew (m. Ellen Leab); Annie (m. Joseph Higel and
Harry Cook); and three children who died in infancy.

This family was endowed with a noble patriotism,
for the brothers and brothers-in-law on both sides fought for their
country in the Civil War.

John R. Melcher attended the public schools and
when ready for the practical business of life learned the hatting
trade with the Henry B. Hendel Company. After his apprenticeship
was completed, he entered the employ of the Orr & Sembower
Company, at the time it established its plant on Pine Street, and
has remained with the firm ever since, with the exception of about
a year and a half. He has practically grown up with the business,
has been promoted from time to time, and in 1901 he was made
superintendent of the plant, in charge of all the machinery and
with 225 men under him. His steady rise tells in itself the story
of his faithfulness and efficiency and indicates the many sterling
qualities of Mr. Melcher’s character.

On May 30, 1889, Mr. Melcher was married to Miss
Ada Rhoads, daughter of Jonathan Rhoads. To them have been born a
son and daughter, Herbert R. and Dorothy R. Mr. and Mrs. Melcher
are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Melcher belongs to two
secret orders, the Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. In the former
organization he is enrolled in Lodge No. 218, in Mr. Penn
Encampment, No. 152, and in Canton No. 2, Patriarchs Militant. In
the Royal Arcanum he is a member of Lodge No. 495. He also belongs
to Liberty Fire Company.

MELL,
JOHN

p. 1356

Surnames: DINKELBERGER, KEIM, ENGELHART, WHITE, NOLL, LEFFEL,
KEEFER

John Mell, postmaster at Montello, Spring township, where he is the
proprietor of a flourishing mercantile business, is a veteran of
the Civil war. Mr. Mell was born May 3, 1840, in Cumru (now Spring)
township, near sinking Spring, son of Bennewell and Maria
(Dinkelberger) Mell.

John Mell, grandfather of John, was born in Bern
township, Berks county, whither his father, a native of Germany had
come at an early day. John Mell in early life engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and enlisted in the war of 1812, in which he
contracted sickness which caused his death, while still a young
man. His widow passed away at Montello, Berks county, at the age of
eighty-five years. Their children were: John, Isaac, David,
Bennewell, Mrs. Keim and Rebecca, Mrs. Jeremiah Engelhart.

Bennewell Mell, father of John, was born Nov.
19, 1815, and died June 15, 1894, being buried at Sinking Spring.
He was a farmer of Lower Heidelberg township, where he owned and
cultivated a small tract of land. Mr. Mell married Maria
Dinkelberger, born Dec. 1, 1816, who still survives and lives at
Shillington. Their children were: William, who was killed at
Ridgefield, Va., during the Civil war; John; Isaac, who was killed
in the first day’s fight at Gettysburg during the Civil war, being
buried with the many unknown; Henry, also a soldier in the Union
army, who after the end of the war enlisted in the regular army,
serving for twenty-eight years, and who now resides at Shillington,
Pa.; Charles, who died at Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Mary, m. to Peter
White, of Shillington; and Emma, m. to William Noll.

John Mell attended the pay schools of his native
township, after leaving which he engaged for three years in farm
work. He then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until
the outbreak of the Civil war, when in 1861, he enlisted in Company
G, 6th P. V. Cav., being mustered in at the old Keystone Hotel,
Reading. Later he was transferred to Co. H., of the same regiment,
as first sergeant, and later was promoted to second lieutenant. Mr.
Mell gave long and faithful service to his country, and
participated in many important engagements, including that of
Brandy Station, where he was twice wounded, once by a musket ball
in the upper part of his hip and again by a sabre thrust in the
forehead, of the latter of which he still bears evidence. After the
war Mr. Mell went to Juniata county, Pa., and engaged in the lumber
business for one and one-half years, a business which he continued
in his home county for some time. He then went to West Virginia,
where he carried on lumbering for ten years, but subsequently
returned to Berks county, and in 1892 engaged in a mercantile
business at Montello. He named and established the postoffice
there, where he has been postmaster ever since.

Mr. Mell married Sarah Leffel, daughter of David
Leffel, of Oley township, and they have these children: David, who
married Ida Keefer, and resides at Montello; and John, single, of
Reading.

Mr. Mell is a Republican in politics.
Religiously he is connected with St. John’s Reformed Church, of
Sinking Spring. He is a popular comrade of Keim Post, No. 76, G. A.
R., and is in all respects a highly esteemed citizen.

MELLERT, ALBERT H.

p. 1668

Surnames: MELLERT, DRUMMOND, PHILLIPPI, HINTERSKIRCH, SHEELER,
SHEPHERD, WANNER

Albert H. Mellert, formerly superintendent of the Drummond Iron
Works, at Reading, but now stationed at No. 181 Broadway, New York,
as consulting engineer for Mr. M. J. Drummond, was born Nov. 14,
1858, in Reading, Pa., son of Arnold and Mary B. (Phillippi)
Mellert.

John Mellert, grandfather of Albert H. was born
Dec. 21, 1790 in Haslach, Kinzighal, Grossherzoghum Baden, Germany.
As a small boy he went to Paris, France, where he learned the lock
maker’s trade. He emigrated to America Aug. 10, 1833, arriving in
New York Oct. 2d, and in Philadelphia, Oct. 4th of that year. After
spending nine months in Philadelphia, he came to Reading, Pa., June
9, 1834, and here carried on a locksmithing business for many
years. It is traditional that he made locks for the old Berks
County Courthouse. Later in life Mr. Mellert, engaged in the stove
business, which he conducted with a Mr. Dauth, on Penn street,
between Fifth and Sixth streets. Later he located in the Weitzel
building, near Third and Penn streets, but finally embarked in the
foundry business under the firm name of Mellert & Sons, which
he continued until his death, Feb. 8, 1869, when he was aged
seventy-eight years. On May 1, 1848, he erected the foundry at
Second and Grape streets. The historical freshet of 1850 flooded
the foundry to the depth of six feet. On. Oct. 2, 1823, John
Mellert married Mary Ann Hinterskirch, born Jan. 23, 1791, and died
Oct. 11, 1865. On Aug. 23, 1839, with her four children–Charles,
Magnus, Constantina and Otto–she sailed from Germany for America.
In May, 1837, had emigrated Arnold (son of John and Mary Ann) and
his step-sister Adelheid, who landed at Amboy, N. J., Aug. 1, 1837.
To John and Mary Ann (Hinterskirch) Mellert came children as
follows: Arnold, born June 24, 1824, died May 17, 1886; Charles,
born Jan. 12, 1826, died 1859; Magnus, born Sept. 4, 1827, died
Oct. 26, 1889; Constatina, born May 17, 1830, now living in
Baltimore, is the widow of John Sheeler, member of the firm of
Isaac Shepherd & Co., stove founders; and Otto, born March 5,
1832, died Feb. 15, 1897. All the children were born in Haslach.

Arnold Mellert, son of John and father of Albert
H., was born as above state din Haslach, Germany, June 24, 1824,
emigrating in 1837. He became a member of the firm of Mellert &
Sons on its organization by his father. He had learned the
locksmith’s business as a lad, and was a natural mechanic, there
being no kind of machine which he could not operate. For many years
he was the traveling representative of the firm, and he was serving
as such at the time of his death, May 17, 1886. Mr. Mellert was
married to Mary B. Phillippi, daughter of John Phillippi and three
of their children survive, namely, Kate, m. to Peter D. Wanner;
Albert H.; and Agnes L. Mrs. Mellert died Jan. 30, 1908, aged
eighty-two years, nine months, seven days. She was a member of St.
James Lutheran Church.

Albert H. Mellert was educate din the common
schools of Reading, Pa., and as a boy worked in the Mellert machine
shops, where he learned the trade, an occupation in which he was
engaged until 1887, when he became superintendent of the Mellert
plant and Reading Foundry Company. At the time the North Reading
plant was purchased by the Drummond Iron Company, Mr. Mellert was
still retained by the company as superintendent, in which capacity
he had charge of 350 men. This company manufactured cast iron gas
and water pipes, and sold its product all over the country. In 1907
the plant was dismantled, and Mr. Mellert, continuing in the employ
of Mr. J. J. Drummond, was sent to Lynchburg, Va., where he became
general manager of the Glamorgan Pipe & Foundry Company. He
remained there until Jan. 1, 1909, when he was transferred to the
main office No. 181 Broadway, New York, where he was made
consulting engineer. Since 1877 he and his sister Agnes L. have
maintained their residence at No. 634 North Third street, Reading.

Mr. Mellert is a member of Chandler Lodge No.
227, F. & A. M., Excelsior Chapter, Reading Commandery,
Harrisburg Consistory, and rajah Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. He is
also connected with the Washington Library and the Temple Club. His
religious connection is with St. James Lutheran Church.

MELLERT,
JOHN H.

p 1084

Surnames: MELLERT, BRENEISER

John H. Mellert, foreman of the Drummond Iron Company, doing
business at the old Mellert foundry, is a son of Otto and Caroline
(Breneiser) Mellert, and was reared and educated at Reading.

As a boy, Mr. Mellert learned the molder’s
trade, which he has followed all his life. He made the first loam Y
in the city of Reading, using brick and loam for the core mould,
which, at the time, was considered a great undertaking and proved
eminently successful. He is looked upon as an expert in his
business. He served his term of apprenticeship under the Mellert
Foundry Company, and was placed in charge of the pipe department of
the foundry when but nineteen years of age, where he remained nine
years. He then took charge of the general foundry, where all the
large castings and other goods are manufactured, having fifty men
under his supervision, three of whom are acknowledged experts. In
1903 the Drummond Iron Company took charge of the old plant. In
public esteem the work of this company stands very high and it now
is completing the second United States Government contract for
heavy water pipe for the Philippine Islands. Mr. Mellert has the
personal supervision of this very important job.

In 1882, Mr. Mellert married Emma V. Rhoads,
daughter of Samuel L. Rhoads, an extensive hardware dealer at
Reading. They have two sons, Otto, who is a clerk with the Reading
Hardware Company; and Clayton, who is employed at a branch of the
New York Brick Company in Reading. In politics Mr. Mellert is
independent. He is a member of the Second Reformed Church, and his
wife is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

MELLERT,
MAGNUS

p.687

Surnames: MELLERT, HENDERSKARICH, SHEELER, CLOSE, PHILIPI, MOORE,
HEILMAN

Magnus Mellert, for many years a well-known foundryman in Reading,
was a native of Germany, born in Schwartzwald, Baden, and his death
occurred in this city in 1890.

John Mellert, father of Magnus, left Germany in
1832, and coming to America established himself in Reading, where
his wife and family joined him seven years later. He was a
locksmith by trade, an expert workman, and is said upon good
authority to have made all the locks for the old Berks county
courthouse. As time went on he accumulates sufficient means to go
into the sheet iron and stove business, as one of the firm of
Mellert & Sheeler, and the enterprise proved so successful that
they launched out in other lines. They established a foundry and
machine shop which they conducted with most satisfactory results
until 1873, when the panic of that year compelled them to cease
operations. John Mellert married Miss Mary Henderskarich, also of
German birth and ancestry, and they had children as follows:
Arnold; Charles; Magnus; Constantina, who became the wife of John
Sheeler, now deceased, and who resides in Baltimore, Md.; and Otto.
The family were devout Catholics.

Magnus Mellert was only a boy when his mother
brought him to America, and as his father was in those earlier
years in limited circumstances, the son received only a meager
education. While still very young for such work he was placed in
his father’s shop, and there toiled early and late, as did his
brothers also. But this hard toil brought its just reward, and as
the father’s business interests enlarged the son prospered with
him. Magnus remained in association with his father until the
latter shut down his factory in 1873, and then opened up a machine
shop of his own. His business grew steadily, and he was one of
Reading’s substantial men of affairs at the time of his death, in
1890.

In 1854 Magnus Mellert married Ludema, daughter
of John and Catherine (Close) Philipi, and granddaughter of Jacob
Close. To this union were born three children, namely, John,
deceased; Emma, deceased; and Addie, m. to Thomas Moore, a
prosperous cigar and tobacco merchant of Reading. There are three
grandchildren, namely: Lillie, the wife of Robert Heilman, a shoe
merchant on Penn street; Robert; and Ludema. While Mrs. Mellert,
was a devout member of St. James Lutheran Church, her husband
adhered to the faith of his fathers, and remained in the Catholic
Church, where he served for many years as chorister.

MELOT,
MORRIS B.

p. 1097

Surnames: MELOT, SEYER, BOYER, ZERN, DELP, MADEIRA, KEMP, WEAVER,
LEIBENSPERGER, HEITER

Morris B. Melot, former landlord and restaurant proprietor at
Fleetwood, was born in Oley township, Berks county, Feb. 25, 1855,
and comes of French Huguenot stock, being descended from Pierre
Melot, who came from France to Philadelphia, Oct. 23, 1773, and
soon afterward settled in Oley township.

George S. Melot, son of Pierre and grandfather
of Morris B., was born in 1782 in Oley township, and spent his life
there, residing half a mile south of Friedensburg. His occupation
was that of farmer and drover. By his union with Susanna Seyer he
had twelve children, Rosanna, Elizabeth, Johannes, Levi, Johan
George, Susanna, Maria, Amos, Daniel, Jacob, Seyer and Catharine.

Amos S. Melot was born Sept. 27, 1824, in Oley
township. He became a man of considerable influence in the locality
and when the borough of Fleetwood was established in 1872, he was
chosen one of its first councilmen. His wife, whom he married Oct.
15, 1848, was Miss Malinda Boyer, daughter of Samuel Boyer. Born
Dec. 20, 1827, she survives her husband, and although in the
eighty-third year of her age, is still remarkably well-preserved.
Amos S. Melot reached only his fifty-seventh year, passing away
June 19, 1881. Their children were: William B., who died in April
1900, unmarried; Chester B., who married Lizzie Zern, daughter of
Rev. Zern, deceased, of Fleetwood, and has children–Bessie,
Chester and Helen; Augustus B., who married Emma Delp, and died in
August 1895, leaving two children–Jeanette (a teacher in the
public schools at Fleetwood) and Charles; and Morris B.

Morris B. Melot removed with his parents from
Oley township to Fleetwood in 1863, and he has ever since made his
home there. As a young man he was first employed for nine years as
a clerk in the general store of Melot, Madeira & Co., in
Fleetwood, and after that was in a mercantile business there for
himself for two years. During twenty years he was engaged in the
hotel and restaurant business, and was located at the corner of
Main and Richmond streets, when he retired April 1, 1909, and was
succeeded by his son Warren. Mr. Melot is active in politics,
supporting the Republican party, was county committeeman for more
than eight years, and was postmaster of Fleetwood for four years,
appointed by President McKinley. While a loyal party man, he is
above all a good citizen, and is held in general esteem.

On July 15, 1881, Mr. Melot married Miss Clara
K. Kemp, daughter of Alfred C. and Susanna (Weaver) Kemp, of Lehigh
county, Pa. She has borne her husband four children, namely: Maud
married Irwin Leibensperger, of Fleetwood; Warren, twin to Maud,
and present proprietor of the “Grand Central Hotel and Restaurant,”
married Miss Ida Heiter, and has four children, Harold, Milford,
Clara and Roger; Gussie; and Morris, Jr. The family reside on the
old Melot homestead and the aged grandmother, Mrs. Amos S. Melot,
makes her home with them.

MENGLE,
DAVID G.

p. 982

Surnames: MENGEL, GERNAND, SCHOENER, REICHERT, DE TRUCK, GRUBER
LEIBY, HOLLENBACH, MUNTZ, SEIDEL, KLINE, BANKES, BECKER, ADAM

David G. Mengel, residing about two miles south-west of
Virginville, in Perry township, Berks Co., Pa., is a retired
farmer, and at present is serving his township as supervisor. He
was born March 1, 1850, on the place where he new resides, and
where he has spent the greater part of his life.

Nicholas Mengel, the first of the family to come
to America, was born in Germany, and in the middle of the
eighteenth century in company with three other young men of his
country came to America. He was a redemptioner, and was bound out
until the cost of his passage was paid to a Mr. Gernand, a farmer
in Maiden-creek township, Berks Co., Pa. After his freedom was
obtained, he remained with his employer for three or more years. By
frugality, industry and economy he earned sufficient means to
purchase a tract of 300 acres of land in Maiden-creek township, and
from that time until his death he engaged in its cultivation. He
had a number of children, among who were: Frederick, Peter and
Jacob.

Peter Mengel, son of Nicholas, moved from his
native township to Fritztown, in Berks county, and there some years
operated a saw-mill. As early as 1789 he moved to Caernarvon
township, Berks county, and purchased 300 acres of land, and during
the remainder of his life operated a sawmill. His sons were: (1)
Henry, born in 1784, m. Hannah Schoener (1788-1868), and had
children: Matthias, Peter, Christina, Hannah, Amelia and Eva Ann;
(2) Abraham. Matthias Mengel, son of Henry and Hannah (Schoener),
was born in 1814, and became an honored member of the Berks county
Bar, and held a number of public offices. He died in 1905, at the
age of ninety-one, the father of Henry, Jonathan P., Matthias and
Levi W.

Jacob Mengel, son of Nicholas the emigrant, was
born in 1777, and he died in his eighty-eighth year. He married
Elizabeth Reichert, and to this union were born: Anna, Solomon,
Jacob, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Martin, Susanna (wife of John De
Turck), Thomas Jonas and John. Jacob Mengel was a stone mason by
trade, working at that occupation for many years, and finally
giving it up to engage in agricultural pursuits, purchasing the
Mengel homestead, now owned by Mr. David G. Mengle. He and his
family are buried at Zion’s Church in Perry township, of which
church they were members, as have been the Mengels to the present
time.

Thomas Mengel, son of Jacob, was born July 29,
1817, and he died in his eighty-sixth year. He married Catherine
Gruber, daughter of John Adam Gruber, and she died June 22, 1888,
in her seventy-second year, the mother of children as follows:
Elizabeth m. Isaac U. Leiby; Susannah m. Elias Hollenbach; Mary m.
Jacob Muntz; Abraham m. Sarah Seidel; and David G. Thomas Mengel
was a carpenter by trade, and at this he worked for sixteen years,
leaving it in 1850 to engage in farming, in which he successfully
continued until 1877, when he retired and so lived until his death.
He was a trustee of the church for many years.

David G. Mengel, during his active life, was
engaged in farming, and he is now living retired, enjoying the
fruits of his early labors. The farm is rented to one of his
sons-in-law, Charles Kline. Mr. Mengel has a comfortable home, with
fresh running water at hand, and a beautiful well kept lawn
surrounds it. Mr. Mengel is a Democrat, and on various occasions
has served his township in positions of honor and responsibility.
He has served as auditor, school director and supervisor, and in
his dealings with his fellowmen he has always been straightforward,
bearing on enviable reputation for honesty and integrity.

On Sept. 15, 1876, Mr. Mengel married Louisa
Bankes, daughter of Benjamin and Esther (Leiby) Bankes. To this
union were born: Kate E. m. Lyman Becker, of Shoemakersville, Pa.;
Mary L. m. Charles Kline, of Virginville; Hettie C. m. Wilson J.
Adam, of Virginville; and Miss Annie B. is at home. The family are
much esteemed for their many sterling qualities.

On the Mengel farm is an unexplored cave, of
limestone formation. The entrance is large, but up to this time no
one has ventured farther than 350 feet into the interior.
Occasionally a current of rushing air from the opening is of
sufficient strength to take off a man’s hat, and during cold winter
weather the rush of air caused the limestone rocks at the entrance
to be covered with frost. There are a number of similar caves in
the vicinity, and many believe that all are connected with the
famous Crystal cave a few miles distant.

MENGEL,
EPHRAIM

p. 1333

Surnames: MENGEL, BAVER, DEWALDT, GIDEON, UNGER, BECKER, GRETH,
KEIM, MOLL, GREENAWALDT, NOLL

Ephraim Mengel, one of Maiden-creek township’s most highly-esteemed
citizens, who has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in this
locality for many years, was born Feb. 2, 1838, on the old
homestead in Maiden-creek township, son of Isaac and Susanna
(Baver) Mengel.

Abraham Mengel, the grandfather of Ephraim, was
a member of one of the oldest families of Berks county, as was his
wife, whose maiden name was Magdalena DeWaldt. He died in middle
life, while Mrs. Mengel survived him for a long period, and died at
the age of eighty-two years. They had a family of eight children:
Isaac, the father of Ephraim; William; Solomon; Abraham and
Lazarus, who died young; Sarah, m. to Merkel Gideon; Lena, m. to
David Unger; and Esther, m. to Daniel Becker.

Isaac Mengel was born Feb. 6, 1806 in
Maiden-creek township, on the farm now owned by Ephraim, his son.
He was a carpenter and builder by occupation, also following
farming, and was one of the township’s highly-esteemed citizens.
Mr. Mengel was married to Susanna Baver, a descendant of the
Greths, and five children were born to this union; Ephraim; Mary,
unmarried; William, deceased , m. Anna Keim; Israel, is single; and
Sarah m. Abraham Keim.

Ephraim Mengel was reared and educated on the
homestead, and as a youth learned the trade of carpenter and
builder, which he followed for some years, working for the
Government in Virginia during 1864. On his return to Pennsylvania
he continued in this occupation in Berks and Schuylkill counties,
but subsequently came into possession of the old homestead, and has
been operating it to the present time.

On Nov. 1, 1861, Mr. Mengel was married to Katie
Moll, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Greenawaldt) Moll, and one
child, Alvin, was born to this union. Mrs. Mengel died August 27,
1868, and Mr. Mengel was married (second) to Matilda Moll, a sister
of his first wife. Three children were born to this union: Oscar
Isaac, who married Lizzie Noll; John and Howard. Howard Mengel was
a midshipman of the U. S. Navy for four years, during which time he
went to nearly every point of interest in the world. Oct. 12, 1906,
after receiving his honorable discharge from the navy, he started
for home.

Mr. Mengel and family are members of Becker’s
St. Peter’s Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has held a
number of township offices, including school director, assessor,
etc., but has never cared to become a politician.

MENGEL, J.
HAIN

p. 1304

Surnames: MENGEL, GOODHART, HAIN, PHIPPS

J. Hain Mengel, a member of the well known real estate firm of
Mengel & Mengel, located at No. 9 North Sixth Street, Reading,
Pa., is a native of this city, where he was born March 28, 1873,
son of Jonathan T. and Alice (Hain) Mengel, the latter of whom is a
daughter of Jacob H. and Mary Ann (Goodhart) Hain. The grandparents
on the paternal side were Matthias and Mary Ann (Phipps) Mengel.

J. Hain Mengel secured his education in the
public schools of his native city, and graduated from the High
School in the class of 1890. In 1896 Mr. Mengel, with his brother
Ralph H., established the real estate firm of Mengel & Mengel,
and this has continued to the present time with much success. Both
members of the firm are active and able business men, and their
standing in the community is that of substantial, reliable
citizens. Mr. Mengel has been very prominent fraternally, belonging
to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No.
237, R. A. M.; Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree;
Philadelphia Consistory, 32d degree; and Rajah Temple, A. O. N. M.
S. He is also connected with Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.,
Washington Camp No. 89, P. O. S. of A., and Juniata Tribe, No. 174,
I. O. R. M.

MENGEL,
MARTIN R.

p. 742 Surnames: MENGEL, REBER, GERNAND,
REICHERT, GRUBER, SCHAPPELL, DE TURCK, BAER, KERSCHNER, MOYER,
WILLIAMS, MILLER, DRIES, STARR, FREY, SMITH, STETZLER

Martin R. Mengel, proprietor of the “Kempton House,” Kempton, Pa.,
is a native of Perry township, Berks county, born Nov. 23, 1852,
son of Martin and Susan (Reber) Mengel.

Nicholas Mengel, was the first of the family to
come to America, was born in Germany, and in the middle of the
eighteenth century in company with three other young men of his
country came to America. He was a redemptioner, and was bound out
until the cost of his passage was paid by a Mr. Gernand, a farmer
in Maiden-creek township, Berks Co., Pa. After his freedom was
obtained, he remained with his employer three or more years. By
frugality, industry and economy he earned sufficient means to
purchase a tract of 300 acres of land in Maiden-creek township, and
from that time until his death he engaged in its cultivation. He
had a number of children among who were: Frederick, Peter and
Jacob.

Jacob Mengel, grandfather of Martin R., born in
1777, lived in Perry township on the farm now owned by his
grandson, David G. He was a farmer and owned a large tract of land.
He died in his eighty-eighth year and is buried at Zion’s Church,
in Perry township, of which he was a Lutheran member. He married
Elizabeth Reichert, and their children were: Solomon, Jacob,
Jeremiah, Elizabeth (m. Benjamin Gruber), Martin, Ann (m. Solomon
Schappell), Susan (m. John de Turck), Thomas, Jonas and John.

Martin Mengel, son of Jacob and Elizabeth, was
born in Perry township about 1813, and died in 1884, and is buried
at Zion’s Church. By trade he was a stone mason, and he built many
houses and barns through Maiden-creek township. He also owned a
farm in Perry township, adjoining Zion’s Church. This consisted of
160 acres of good land. He was very prosperous and left a good
estate. In politics he was a Democrat, and held the office of
school director. In religious belief he was a Lutheran and held a
number of offices in the church. He married Susan Reber, daughter
of Jacob Reber and wife, whose maiden name was Baer. To this union
were born children as follows: Benjamin, Simon, Martin R.,
Franklin, Esther (m. Jeremiah Kerschner), Elizabeth (died young),
Margaret (died young), Diana (m. Charles Moyer), Susan (m. (first)
James Williams and (second) Frank Miller), Lovina (m. Heber Dries),
Emma (died unmarried), and Mary (m. Adam Starr). Martin Mengel m.
(second) Mary Frey, widow of a Mr. Smith of Albany. They lived at
Hamburg, where Mrs. Mengel still resides, now past eighty years of
age.

Martin R. Mengel, son of Martin, attended the
common schools in his youth, and lived on the home farm until he
was twenty-one. He then learned the blacksmith’s grade from Daniel
Smith, of Windsor Castle, and this he followed for three years in
Iowa and South Dakota, living in the West from 1876 to 1896. He
engaged in threshing out west, first with horse power and later
with steam, carrying on that business for sixteen years. He
threshed as much as 3,000 bushels of wheat in one day. He was very
successful in his work, and carried on farming in addition to his
threshing. In 1896, after his return to Berks county, he engaged in
the hotel business at Windsor Castle, for two years, and then for
two years conducted the “Half-Way House.” In 1902 he purchased the
“Kempton House,” of which he took possession in November of that
year, and he now has one of the best and most popular stands in the
county. The hotel has twenty-two large rooms, with spacious halls,
and is well patronized.

On Feb. 28, 1888, Mr. Mengel married Andora S.
Stetzler, daughter of Jacob and Esther (Schappell) Stetzler, of
Perry township. Mr. and Mrs. Mengel are members of Zion’s Union
Church, in Perry township, belonging to the Lutheran congregation.
They are highly respected in the community.

MENGEL, MELANCHTON

p. 1476

Surnames: MENGEL, BALDY, REICHERT, SCHAPPELL, DE TURK, JACOBY,
ZETTLEMOYER, SEIDEL, WILLIAMS, RENTSCHLER

The family to which belongs Melanchton Mengel of Perry township has
been represented in that district since a time considerably prior
to the Revolution. The progenitor of the Berks county branch is
supposed to have been one Adam Mengel, who was a resident of
Maiden-creek township and is on record in 1759 as having paid a tax
of $7.04. He was a farmer, owning land along the Ontelaunee and
tradition has it that he was buried on his farm. He is also said to
have had a brother Frederick who served in the Revolution, and
there is documentary proof that a certain Frederick Mengel, who
fought as a private in Capt. Jacob Baldy’s company, was a resident
of upper Berks county.

The family line, so far as proved, runs back to
Jacob Mengel, great-grandfather of Melanchton, who was born in 1777
and died in his eighty-eighth year. By his wife, who was Elizabeth
Reichert, he had children as follows: Anna, Mrs. Schappell;
Solomon; Jacob; Jeremiah; Jonas; John; Joseph; Elizabeth; Martin;
Susanna, Mrs. John De Turk; Thomas; and one who died in youth.
Jacob Mengel worked as a stone-mason for many years, but finally
gave that up to engage in farming, and bought a tract of sixty-five
acres in Perry township, property now owned by his grandson, David
G. Mengel.

Joseph Mengel lived on a farm of over 200 acres
in Windsor township. A large tax-payer, he was prominent in that
district and wielded considerable influence there. His wife’s
maiden name was Jacoby and their children were: Jacob; Polly, who
lived in Schuylkill county, and died there in 1905, aged
eighty-three; Jesse; Daniel; Jeremiah; Mary, who died at the age of
fifty-six; Sally Ann; Elizabeth; Samuel; and Joseph.

Samuel Mengel spent his entire life in Windsor
township. In early life a stone mason he followed that calling a
few years, but after his marriage he gave his whole attention to
farming and was very successful in his operations. About ten years
before his death he retired. Besides attending to his own business
he took an active interest in local affairs, and served as school
director with marked efficiency. Like all the Mengels he was a
strong Democrat and always supported that party. He married Mary,
daughter of Peter Zettlemoyer whose wife was a Seidel, and had
eight children, Malinda, Serena, Melanchton, Cornelius, Ida, Clara,
Rosa and Samuel. Parents and children alike were Lutherans, and
Samuel Mengel was for some years an official in Zion’s Church in
Perry township.

Melanchton Mengel, oldest son of Samuel, was
born on his father’s farm, June 12, 1859, and spent his youth
there, attending the township schools. He is now engaged as a
produce dealer, besides conducting a large country route shipping
to New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Norristown, and cities in
Schuylkill county. Conscientious and conservative, of upright and
honest life, he is a model for the young men of the region and
stands high among the good citizens of Perry township.

On Dec. 25, 1883, Melanchton Mengel was united
in marriage to Polly, daughter of Alfred K. and Diana (Williams)
Rentschler. The former, Windsor township’s foremost citizen, served
as county treasurer from 1899 to 1902. Only one child has been born
to this union, a daughter named Mary May. Miss Mengel has been
given a most liberal education, attending several institutions of
learning, among which one was the Irving Female College at
Mechanicsburg. She has received a thorough musical training and is
now a music teacher of note, with a large class of pupils. The
family home in Shoemakersville, Perry township, is one of the
finest residences in the district, most tasteful in design and
handsomely furnished. The Mengels are alike prominent and popular
and have many friends.

MENGEL,
RALPH H.

p. 460

Surnames: MENGEL, GERNANT, SCHOENER, DECHERT, LEVAN, PHIPPS, SODER,
HAIN, BLAND, DERR, ZIEBER, DE TURCK

Ralph H. Mengel, senior member of the firm of Mengel & Mengel,
who are extensively engaged in the real estate and insurance
business, is a member of the third generation of his family
identified with business and public affairs in Reading, and the
Mengels have been settled in Berks county for over a century.

Nicholas Mengel, the first ancestor of the
family in this country, was a native of Germany and came to America
with two other young Germans, in the early part of the eighteenth
century. Following a custom quite common in those days, and having
no money to pay their passage, they were bound out upon their
arrival here to defray the cost of their transportation, Nicholas
Mengel becoming the servant of John Gernant, an agriculturist of
Maiden-creek township, Philadelphia (now Berks) county, Pa. His
term expired in three or four years, after which he continued with
Mr. Gernant for some time, and being industrious and economical he
not only paid his way but was enabled to accumulate a little. He
finally purchased 300 acres of land in Maiden-creek township.

Peter Mengel, son of Nicholas, was born on the
old homestead in Maiden-creek township. When he started life on his
own account he moved to Fritztown, Berks county, where he ran a
sawmill for some years, and in 1789 he moved to Caernarvon
township, this county, where he purchased 300 acres of land and
passed the remainder of his life, continuing to run a sawmill. His
family was a numerous one.

Henry Mengel, son of Peter, was born in 1784,
and was a lifelong farmer. He married Hannah Schoener, who was born
in 1788, and they had the following named children: Matthias,
Peter, Christiana, Hannah, Amelia and Eva Ann. The mother died in
1868.

Matthias Mengel was born Jan. 13, 1814, on the
old Mengel homestead near Morgantown, in Caernarvon township. He
received his early education in the subscription schools of the
period, and being ambitious to add to his knowledge continued his
studies in private, becoming unusually well informed. His father
wanted him to enter the legal profession, but he himself had no
leaning toward such work in his early life, and he was past
twenty-four when, on Jan. 30, 1838, he entered the office of Elijah
Dechert, Esq. as a student-at-law. He was admitted to the Bar of
Berks county, April 9, 1840, and commencing practice in Reading
gained a very large patronage in the city and vicinity, in the
active prosecution of which he continued for the remarkably long
period of over sixty years, and died Feb. 18, 1905. Mr. Mengel was
active for many years in the municipal government, serving as
alderman for, altogether, thirty and one-half years. He was first
elected to that office in the year 1845, was re-elected for the two
succeeding terms, and was chosen again in 1868 and for many terms
thereafter. The length of his service is sufficient evidence
regarding the value of his services. He served two years as water
commissioner, being appointed to fill the unexpired term of George
K. Levan, Esq., deceased, was treasurer of the city school board
from 1862 to 1868, and served as a notary public from 1880 until he
died. In political sentiment Matthias Mengel was a stanch Democrat,
but he voted according to his own views of the fitness of the case
when it came to electing local officers. Though always a hard
worker Mr. Mengel retained his strength and energy to the last, and
was active as many younger men. For many years he was one of the
most prominent citizens of Reading, and he was popular with the
public and respected by his friends and associates everywhere.

Matthias Mengel was twice married, first to Mary
Ann Phipps, daughter of Jonathan Phipps, of Chester county. To that
marriage were born two children, Henry and Jonathan P., both of
whom are deceased. The mother of these died Aug. 19, 1860, and Mr.
Mengel subsequently married Amelia M. Soder, who survives him. She
also became the mother of two children: Matthias, a practising
physician of Chester county, Pa.; and Levi W., Professor of
Chemistry, in the Boys’ high school, Reading.

Jonathan P. Mengel was born in Reading in 1849,
and passed away at the early age of thirty, in 1879. He married
Alice V. Hain, and they had three children: Ralph H., J. Hain, and
a daughter that died in infancy. Mr. Mengel was a young man of
admirable character, and his untimely demise was mourned by many
outside of the immediate family circle.

Ralph H. Mengel was born Jan. 8, 1872, in
Reading, and received his literary education in the public schools,
graduating from high school in 1890. Having passed the preliminary
examination for admission to the Bar he read law under the
tutorship of Hon. H. Willis Bland, Esq., with whom he continued for
one year, until Mr. Bland was appointed judge. He then read in the
office of Cyrus G. Derr, and was admitted to the Bar Nov. 6, 1893,
since which time he has been engaged in legal work in Reading. On
Feb. 27, 1899, he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court
of Pennsylvania, and on Dec. 2, 1902, he was admitted to the
Superior court. Mr. Mengel, however, has not confined himself
strictly to legal business, having made several successful ventures
into other fields, in which he has found his professional knowledge
invaluable.

In 1896, upon the death of their uncle, George
P. Zieber, Mr. Mengel and his brother, J. Hain Mengel, purchased
the real estate and insurance business formerly conducted by that
gentleman at No. 60 South Sixth street. They organized for business
under the style of Mengel & Mengel. In 1903 the firm purchased
the old Times building, on North Sixth street, which they greatly
remodeled, moving their offices to that location, where they have
since remained. Their rooms are handsomely and conveniently
equipped for the accommodation of their large patronage, the firm
being one of the best known business concerns in the city. They
have the largest business of the kind in Reading, and give
employment to a large corps of clerks and assistants. Both members
of the firm rank among the most progressive citizens of Reading,
are members of the city Board of Trade, and are giving substantial
aid toward making the city one of the foremost in the Commonwealth.
The firm issue monthly a valuable business publication, Mengel’s
Real Estate Register, which has a wide distribution and is
considered authority on real estate of Reading and Berks county. It
is a thirty-two-page pamphlet.

In addition to the interests already mentioned,
Mr. Mengel serves as a director of the Commercial Trust company,
which he helped to establish, and is also its legal adviser. As may
be judged from the important affairs entrusted to him, Mr. Mengel
is one of the best known young business men of Reading, and he has
won his way to the front rank of successful citizens by the
exercise of a rare degree of tact and ability.

Mr. Mengel has numerous social connections,
being a member of the Reading Alumni Association; the Americus
Club; the Temple Club; Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.;
Friendship Commandery, No. 247, A. and I. O. Knights of Malta;
Washington Camp No. 417, P. O. S. of A.; Lodge No. 62 F. & A.
M.; Reading Royal Arch Chapter, No. 152; De Molay Commandery, No.
9, K. T.; Philadelphia Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32nd degree;
Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree; and Rajah Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S.

On Oct. 6, 1904, Mr. Mengel married Miss Deborah
D. De Turck, a daughter of Lewis P. and Sarah P. (De Turck) De
Turck, and they reside at No. 532 Walnut street, Reading.

MENGEL,
SOLOMON

p. 968

Surnames: MENGEL, DEWALD, GERNAND, SHENFELTER, BURNS, PRUTZMAN,
PARVIN, HOMAN, MADEIRA, BOOTH

Solomon Mengel, for many years a prominent and highly esteemed
citizen of Reading, was born in Maiden-creek township, Berks
county, Feb. 8, 1812, son of Abraham and Magdeline (Dewald) Mengel.

Nicholas Mengel, the grandfather of Solomon, was
born in Germany, and was the first of the family t o come to
America, making the voyage with three other young men. He was a
redemptioner, and was bound out to a Mr.

Gernand, a farmer of Maiden-creek township, to
pay his passage. By industry and frugality he became the owner of
300 acres of land in the same township. After the death of
Nicholas, Abraham Mengel took the farm of his father and it has
remained in the family to the present time, now being operated by
Ephraim Mengel, great -grandson of Nicholas. Abraham Mengel and his
wife were the parents of the following children: Isaac, Sarah,
Lena, William, Esther, Mary, Lazarus, Absalom, Solomon.

Solomon Mengel was thirteen years of age when
his father died, and at this time he located in reading to learn
the trade of tin and coppersmith, later being in partnership with
Mr. Shenfelter, a connection which continued until Mr. Mengel’s
retirement, when he gave the business over to his sons. He died in
1873, and his wife, who had been Catherine Burns, in 1901. They
were the parents of the following children: Margaretta m. Asaph
Prutzman; Emma died Dec. 25, 1908; Amelia L. m. Benjamin Parvin,
and died Dec. 10, 1905; Milton L. m. Emily Homan; William J. Died
single; Mary is deceased; James m. Emily Madeira; Charles S. m.
Millicent Booth; Howard B. And K. Laura.

In religious belief the family are connected
with the Lutheran faith. Politically Mr. Mengel was formerly a
Democrat, but at the time of Lincoln’s administration became
connected with the Republican party, which he stanchly supported
throughout the remainder of his life, although he, himself, never
sought office. He was a good citizen, a kind and indulgent father
and a Christian citizen, and in his death Reading lost one whose
place will be hard to fill.