Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

WOERNER,
OSCAR L.

p. 1432

Surnames: WOERNER, HOFFERBERTH, GRAEFF, BOYD, ANTHONY, BLAIR,
CATTELL, WOODWARD, McCOSH, WEED, MACDONALD, LORNE, KLACKNER,
PIERCE, BONHEUR, BRETON, MORTON, THURBER, HANFSTAENGL, WARD,
DYPUIS, BRETON, MORAN, SHEARER, PRIZER, THURBER

Oscar L. Woerner, of Reading, manufacturer of frames and dealer in
art goods, has given about forty-two years of his life to Art,
visiting the principal cities of Europe several times, and
perfecting by education a natural taste that he might the more
readily meet the requirements of the business founded by his
father. He was born in New York City on Christie street, near
Canal, at that time in the heart of the city, April 6, 1853, son of
Francis and Louisa (Hofferberth) Woerner.

Francis Woerner was a native of Carlsruhe,
Baden, Germany, where his early education was obtained, and where
he learned the gilder’s trade. He emigrated from Germany in 1848,
and located in New York City, were he began the manufacture of gilt
picture molding. He carried on the business there extensively until
1871, and traveled throughout all parts of the United States,
making one trip to the Pacific coast via Cape Horn. He also did a
considerable business in the City of Mexico. His factory was
located on Williams street, where are now the abutments of the East
River Bridge. He had three places of business-a factory at No. 98
Chatham street and two retail stores at No. 277 Hudson street and
No. 112 Duane street-at the same time. During the fifties and
sixties he was one of the most extensive art dealers and
manufacturers of molding in New York City. In 1871 he came to
Reading, and he died Sept. 20, 1903.

Oscar L. Woerner was educated in the public
schools of New York City and Jersey City, afterward taking a course
in bookkeeping. He entered he employ of a large mercantile
establishment in New York City, and there secured his first
practical training in the business world. Entering his father’s
employ he learned every detail of frame manufacturing and gilding,
and with him continued until 1871, when father and son came to
Reading and began the making of frames and moldings at No. 637 Penn
street, where George Graeff had formerly conducted a like business.
They remained there until 1873, when Mr. Oscar L. Woerner went to
Pittsburg, being one of the force of S. Boyd & Co., leading art
dealers. This connection lasted seven months, when he went down the
Ohio to Cincinnati, and accepted a position with the Exposition
proprietors. After the close of the Exposition he spent a short
time in Indianapolis. In 1874 he returned to Reading and formed a
partnership with his father, and in 1875 he went to Easton, Pa., to
open a branch, which was the first and only place of the kind
there. Another branch was opened at Bethlehem, Pa., and these were
all continued until 1881. In 1878 he met with the misfortune of
having his factory burned (with no insurance), and after it had
been completed only one month. On April 28, 1881, he sold out to A.
A. Anthony, Easton, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Woerner called upon Dr. Cattell, then
president of Lafayette College, for a commission that he might be
enabled to visit Europe. The Doctor had nothing , but told him to
see Mr. John I. Blair. He did so and took his order for five
three-quarter length paintings, at $1,000 each, to be painted by
Angelo Woodward, of New York, in Paris. Sailing from New York April
28, 1880, on the steamship “England,” with letters of introduction
from Governor Hoffman, of New York, to various influential
personages in Europe, he reached the other side, spent three weeks
in London, afterward going to Paris, where he sojourned among
artists for nine weeks, and then traveled on to Switzerland and
Germany. At Geneva, in company with a member of a noble family, he
purchased a knapsack and alpenstock and traveled by diligence and
on foot over the Alps. In Germany, he visited his father’s old home
in Carlsruhe. Returning to France, he made the trip down the
picturesque and historic Rhine, and visited his mother’s old home
at Mayence. Upon reaching Paris he remained there but a short time,
and then sailed for New York. He delivered the portraits to Mr.
Blair, and made presentation speeches at Lafayette and Princeton
Colleges, the guest of Dr. Cattell at Lafayette and of Dr. McCosh
at Princeton.

Mr. Woerner went to Plattsburg, N. Y., and
called upon Smith M. Weed, and received a commission to paint a
portrait of the latter’s daughter. He then went to Canada with
letters to Sir John A. MacDonald and to Princess Louise, wife of
the Marquis of Lorne. The latter was on the same vessel when Mr.
Woerner left Kingston, as was also Prince George. The boat passed
through the Lachine Rapids, at dusk, probably as late as any
steamer has ever passed through. In Ottawa Mr. Woerner decorated
the capitol library with reproductions of famous paintings,
sculpture, etc. He also executed commissions for the Ottawa
Conservatory. Going to Montreal he found patrons there. His letters
to Sir John A. MacDonald brought about an introductions to many
important persons. Among the places he visited may be mentioned
Prince Edward Island, Halifax, Nova Scotia; and on crossing into
this country he went to Boston, Mass. , and thence to New York
City, were he entered the employ of Herman Wunderlich & Co.,
where, in his own words, he “received his first and most profitable
training in the art business.” In 1884 he signed a contract with C.
Klackner, one of the leading publishers of etchings and engravings,
and for several years he traveled over the United States as
“gentleman manager,” giving exhibitions in San Francisco, Portland,
Ore., and Los Angeles, and throughout the entire West. In 1888 he
went to Europe and established the C. Klackner branch in London,
England, traveling extensively through England, Scotland and Wales
for about four months. While there he met personally many of the
most noted painters of the world, and dined with Charles Sprague
Pierce, Rosa Bonheur, Jules Breton and others; and met many
distinguished in other walks of life, among them Levi P. Morton,
then United States, minister to France. Returning to New York he
remained with Mr. Klachner until 1891. In that year, under contract
with Mr. W. Scott Thurber, of Chicago, he made a third trip abroad,
this time in the capacity of interpreter and professional
assistant, with Paris as a prospective center, and they visited
Belgium and Holland.

After his return Mr. Woerner came to Reading,
and purchased his present property, remaining a year. He entered
into a contract with Braun, Clement & Co., of Paris, known as
Maison Braun & Co., and pioneered for them throughout the
United States, and then performed a similar service for the Berlin
Photographic Company. For two years he was employed by Franz
Hanfstaengl, of Munich. In 1897 he again went to Europe, having
been commissioned to open up the foreign market for the White,
Potter, Paige Manufacturing Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y. , the
largest manufacturers of moldings and frames in the world. Before
entering upon his duties he went to Spain, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli,
Sicily, spent two months in Rome, and visited Florence, Venice,
Milan, Munich, Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, and in fact, all the large
cities in Europe. In London he opened an office in the Masonic
Temple, Farrington street. Ludgate Circus, Strand, and did an
extensive business. A year later he was called home by the serious
illness of his father.

Later Mr. Woerner formed a contract with Elson
& Co., of Boston, and was the manager of their New York office
for four years. During this time he decorated the high schools of
St. Louis, Mo., Omaha, Nebr., St. Paul, Minn., and many others. He
decorated three New York high schools at $1,000 each, the New York
Teachers’ Training School, the Horace Mann School of Columbia
University and the Teachers’ College. He also traveled with Prof.
William G. Ward, of the Emerson School of Oratory, who lectured on
Art for the schools under the regents of the State University of
New York.

In 1901 Mr. Woerner settled in Reading and
established his present business, which had really been opened up
by his father, and he has shown himself worthy of being classed
among the foremost citizens of Reading. He is a member of the Board
of Trade. In his social relations he has made many friends. While
in St. Louis he joined the Royal Arcanum, and has since transferred
to Mt. Penn Lodge, Reading. He is a member of Teutonia Lodge, No.
367, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, R. A. M.; Lodge of
Perfection, Reading; Reading Commandery, Knights Templar; Mystic
Shrine; Reading Turn Verein; Philharmonic Band. He formerly
belonged to the I. O., O., F. and the K. of P. His religious
connection is with St. James Lutheran Church.

In New York City, in Calvary Episcopal Church,
Mr. Woerner was married to Miss Felicia Dypuis, a native of Ottawa,
Canada. Mrs. Woerner is an artist of rare talent-a talent that was
untrained and of which she was wholly unaware until her husband
returned with her to Reading, and after regarding the works of
others, especially amateurs, she determined to devote some time to
art herself without any lessons. In a short time she produced very
fine water colors and oil on canvas, and was offered good salaries
by New York and Chicago parties. She has twice accompanied her
husband to the Old World, visiting Algiers and Tunis, in Africa,
Sicily, Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice, and many other art centers.
At Munich they met the painter Lenbach, then executing a portrait
of Emperor Wilhelm, and had commissions from Jules Breton, the
famous genre painter, and Mrs. Woerner acted as interpreter in the
sale of the latter’s reproductions after having met him in Vichy,
France. At St. Peter’s Catholic Church bazaar, in 1904 she received
first honorable mention for the best original pen and ink sketch.
She has colored some of the famous paintings of the day, and
possess a peculiar ability in reproducing delicate colors of
landscape and natural flesh tints. She is a member of the Reading
Art Society.

While abroad Mr. and Mrs. Woerner learned a
secret method of cleaning old paintings and restoring them to their
original appearance, and also for cleaning marble statuettes. Mrs.
Woerner has proved the greatest assistance to her husband in his
Art Gallery. French is her mother tongue, but since her residence
in Reading she has learned to speak English fluently. From an
article “True Merit Its Own Reward,” prepared by Mr. Woerner, we
quote the following facts concerning his most interesting career:
“For thirty-three years I have devoted my time to Art here and
elsewhere. Eleven years ago I conceived the idea of having an Art
Exhibit in this city, to which amateur artists were invited to
contribute their work, as exhibitors, offering prizes for the most
meritorious specimens in various branches. The project found favor
with many of our art lovers and was seconded by our local artists
and others. . . . Several weeks ago one of our large churches
concluded to have an International Bazaar for the purpose of
liquidating the debt remaining on the church property. I suggested
an Art Museum in connection with their various features of
attraction. I shouldered the work, pushed ahead, and made it a
success-for them. Prizes were awarded for best work exhibited, in
deciding which Mr. Peter Moran, of Philadelphia, a well known
artist and art critic of almost national reputation, kindly
consented to visit us and act as one of the judges, in conjunction
with artist Christopher Shearer and Mrs. Prizer. Mr. Moran was
greatly pleased with the result of our work, and during his stay as
my guest made many friends here. . . .”

“In 1888 I made my second trip to Europe on
‘business bent.’ By the way I had the honor of being the first man
who dared to invade England and Scotland in company with an
elephantine engraving trunk. . . . After visiting the principal
cities of England, Scotland and Ireland, and while stopping in
London, I received a telegram from San Francisco, 6,000 miles away,
to establish an agency there. Surely that was the longest distance
order I ever received. I carried out their design and saw it fairly
started. In 1892 I joined the firm of the Berlin Photo Company, the
pioneer company of the United States. In 1893 I returned to Reading
and took possession of the place I now own and occupy. . . .

“In 1891 I made my third trip to Europe. I had
then made an arrangement with W. Scott Thurber, the leading art
dealer in the city of Chicago, in the capacity of interpreter and
professional assistant with Paris as our prospective center. In our
objective mission to see and, if possible, benefit by examining and
studying the various styles of painting, we naturally drifted to
Belgium and Holland, in order to become more familiar with the
Dutch painters and their distinguishing features. During our
perambulations we were naturally attracted to learned, the noted
rendezvous of Dutch painters. We . . . soon made the acquaintance
of the then noted Offerman, Keever, Israels, Nuyhouse and other. .
. .

“In 1897 I made my last trip to Europe, and my
fourth. I wanted to become acquainted, not only with the
topographical and historical features of the Continent, but to
become more intimately familiar with the old, as well as with the
modernized features of classical art, in what is generally
considered its home. . . . . I extended my field of research and
study into Africa. I tarried for a season at Algiers,
Constantinople, Tunis, Tripoli and the Sicilian Island; gathered
valuable information from all, and filled up my bouquet at Naples,
Rome, Venice and Florence, which gave me many subjects of interest
to write upon at some other time.”

WOLF, JAMES
G.

p. 980

Surnames: WOLF, GEIGER, EPPIHEIMER, HOFFMAN, KERST, SPONAGLE, HOHL

James G. Wolf, a representative agriculturist of Union township,
Berks county, where he has served as justice of the peace since
1902, was born on the farm he now owns Oct. 15, 1869, son of the
late Samuel L. and Mary L. (Geiger) Wolf.

Jacob Wolf, grandfather of James G., and his
wife, Anna Mary Wolf, had the following children: Samuel L., Isaac,
William, John, George, Elizabeth (m. to an Eppiheimer), Mary Ann
(m. to a Hoffman) and Hannah (m. to a Geiger). With the exception
of John all are deceased.

Samuel L. Wolf was born in 1831, and died in
March, 1907. He married Mary L. Geiger, born 1832, died 1807,
daughter of James and Mary E. Geiger, whose other children were:
Sarah J. (Kerst) and Margaret D. (Sponagle), the latter being the
only survivor. Samuel L. Wolf had two sons: James G.; and John R.,
born in 1858, and died in March, 1907, a consistent member of St.
Paul’s Methodist Church.

James G. Wolf was educated in the schools of his
native locality and reared to farming pursuits. For eight terms in
succession he taught the school which he attended in boyhood and in
1896 was granted a permanent certificate. He now owns an excellent
farm of 120 acres which is in a high state of cultivation. Although
a young man, Mr. Wolf was elected in 1902 to the office of justice
of the peace, which shows the confidence in which he is held by the
citizens of his community. He and his family are connected with St.
Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church of which his esteemed father was
a member.

On Oct. 15, 1902, Mr. Wolf married Miss Ella K.
Hohl, born in Union township, in 1875.

WOLFE, DAVID
S.

p. 1683

Surnames: WOLFE, SIEGER, MADEIRA, HOFFMAN, JACOBY, SULLENBERGER,
KERCHNER, WARMKESSEL, SUNDAY, RUBRIGHT, UNGER

David S. Wolfe, one of the leading business men of Perry township,
Berks county, Pa., who is junior member of the firm of William
Wolfe & Son, manufacturers of underwear at Shoemakersville, was
born in this village, Sept. 28, 1863.

Samuel Wolfe, the grandfather of David S., was
born in 1800 in Lancaster county, but removed to Berks county at an
early age and settled in Windsor township, where he carried on
farming. He married Catherine Sieger of the same township and die
in 1835, while she, who was born in 1801, passed away in 1889. Five
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe, namely: Lydia m. William
Madeira; John m. Matilda Hoffman; one son m. a Miss Jacoby, and
moved West; William, the father of David S., and David who died
when twenty-one years of age.

William Wolfe was born at Shoemakersville in
1835, and has spent his entire life in this village. In 1860 he
married Rebecca Sullenberger, and their children are as follows:
David; Solomon m. Catherine Kerchner; Mahlon, who lost his life on
the railroad when sixteen years of age; William, who was a
practicing physician of Fleetwood borough, died in 1902, leaving a
widow, Anna Warmkessel; Elizabeth; Cora m. Charles Sunday; Hermie;
Annie; and Maude, whose death occurred in young womanhood.

David S. Wolfe was educated in the local
schools, and when but ten years of age engaged in boating, first
driving a team on the tow-path and gradually advancing until, after
the lapse of twelve years, he operated a boat for himself. Upon
reaching his majority he determined to fit himself for a commercial
life, and attended the Business College at Poughkeepsie during the
winter of 1884-85. He abandoned boating on the Schuylkill Canal in
1886 and entered the employ of the Reading Hardware Company as
clerk, continuing with this company until 1892, and then, becoming
ambitious to carry on business for himself, he began the
manufacture of brushes at Shoemakersville. This he conducted
successfully for two years, selling his product to store-keepers in
the Schuylkill Valley.

With this experience at clerking and
manufacturing, Mr. Wolfe felt qualified to engage in a more
extensive enterprise and, with his father as partner, established
at Shoemakersville in 1894, a large two-story frame factory for the
manufacture of underwear, under the firm name of William Wolfe
& Son. They have continued to the present time with unqualified
success. Starting with fifteen hands, the business has so increased
that they now employ from forty to seventy, according to the
condition of trade.

Mr. Wolfe from the beginning of his business
career has taken an active interest in the welfare of his native
village, and along this line he encouraged the establishment of the
Board of Trade, which has been instrumental in developing the
manufactures, wealth and population of the village. He associated
with D. W. Rubright in founding the Glove Dye and Bleach Works,
near Shoemakersville, and has assisted in its management until the
present time, being half owner of the plant. He is one of the
directors of the Hamburg Savings Bank, and also of the Commercial
Trust Company, of Reading. In 1900 Mr. Wolfe was appointed
committeeman on the Republican ticket, for the township, and has
acceptably filled this position to the present time. In 1905 he was
elected a school director, of Perry township, a position he is now
holding. Mr. Wolfe erected, in 1909, a two-story, light sandstone
dwelling on an elevated lot opposite the Pennsylvania Railroad
station, this being the handsomest dwelling in Shoemakersville, and
an ornament of the town.

Mr. Wolfe was married to Anna Unger (daughter of
Isaac Unger of Shoemakersville), who died in 1902, leaving four
children, -Raymond; George; Charles and Pearl Irene. Mrs. Wolfe was
a thoroughly educated woman, recognized for her many
accomplishments. She had taken a great interest in educational
matters, and for three years prior to her marriage had taught
school at Shoemakersville and Birdsboro.

WOLFERSBERGER, RICHARD
A

p. 1109

Surnames: WOLFERSBERGER, WHITMAN, DERR, SEITZINGER, YOH, FEATHER,
FISHER, WEBER, SHARMAN, GRIME

Richard A. Wolfersberger, manufacturer at Wernersville, was born in
Lower Heidelberg township, near Wernersville, Jan. 31, 1852, on the
Wolfersberger premises adjoining the planing-mill, son of George
and Hannah (Whitman) Wolfersberger.

George Wolfersberger, father of Richard A., was
a cabinetmaker and undertaker near Wernersville for forty years.
George was a small boy when his father died, and after quitting
school at an early age, entered the cabinet-making shop of Anthony
Derr, and there learned the business until he became of age when he
started for himself. He continued in active business, with a
successful career and the high respect of the community, from 1852
until his decease. He died in 1896, at the age of sixty-five years.
He married Hannah, daughter of David and Catherine (Seitzinger)
Whitman, and they had five children, namely: Richard A.; Elkana,
who died aged thirty-eight years; George, m. to Rosa Yoh; Mary, m.
to William C. Feather; and Sallie, who died young.

Mr. Wolfersberger’s grandfather was also named
George, and he also followed the undertaking business at the same
place for a short time, having died while a young man. He married
Hannah Fisher, daughter of Peters and Polly (Weber) Fisher, and
they had three children: George; Elizabeth, who died single at the
age of seventy-nine years; and Mary, who died young.

Richard A. Wolfersberger was educated in the
township schools, and when fourteen years of age entered the
cabinet-making shop of his father, learning the business, and
remained until he became of age. He was then admitted into
partnership with his father and brothers, Elkana, and George,
trading under the name of Wolfersberger & Sons. His father had
also established the undertaking business, and the son Richard
attended entirely to this branch, continuing to do so from 1861
until his father’s decease in 1896, a period of thirty-five years.
The planning mill department was added in 1882.

Upon the decease of his father, the firm was
re-organized by the surviving son Richard, and the son-in-law
William C. Feather, and they have since traded under the name of
Wolfersberger & Feather, the former superintending the
manufacturing department in the mill and the latter attending to
the undertaking department besides assisting in filling the mill
orders. They have developed a large and profitable trade, directing
the funerals in the community for a considerable distance round
about, and supplying the mill work for numerous building
operations, not only in their immediate vicinity, but extending to
Womelsdorf, Myerstown, Bernville, Sinking Spring, Wyomissing, West
Reading and Reading.

Richard A. Wolfersberger married Magdalena
Sharman, daughter of Aaron Sharman and Sarah (Grime), and they have
five children: George, William, Mary, Alice and Richard.

WOLFF,
OLIVER M.

p. 526

Surnames: WOLFF, SHOMO, FASIG, WEISER, SCHWOYER, MILLER, OAKS,
DUBELL

Oliver M. Wolff, a prominent young professional man, of Reading,
Pa., senior member of the law firm of Wolff & Shomo, was born
May 28, 1879, in Hamburg, Berks county, son of Oliver J. Wolff.

Abraham Wolff, great-grandfather of Oliver M.,
was located in Hamburg, where he was engaged in business as a
harness maker.

Daniel Wolff, son of Abraham, was born at
Hamburg, in 1800, and he, too, became a harness maker. From 1830 to
1861, he also engaged in farming, ad he died in the latter year. He
married Sevilla Fasig, a direct descendant of Conrad Weiser, and
their children were: Charles, Rufus, Mahlon, Frank, Daniel,
Sevilla, Elmira, Helen, Adelaide, Walter, Oliver J. and Virginia.

Oliver J. Wolff was born in Hamburg, Pa., Feb.
2, 1849, and received his education in his business locally. In his
youth he learned the harness-making business, which he followed his
brother Rufus until 1888, when he came to Reading Te same year he
entered the prothonotary’s office as clerk under D. H. Schwoyer,
and in 1895 he was elected to the position of prothonotary of Berks
county, on the Democratic ticket, serving the full term of three
years. From 1898 until 1903, Mr. Wolff clerked in the office, and
in the latter year retired, since which time he has been living at
his home, No. 346 North Fifth street, Reading. In 1873 he had
engaged in boat building, making sailing vessels, etc. While in
Hamburg, Mr. Wolff served as justice of the peace from 1875 to
1888, served six years on the school board, being secretary
thereof, and several years as borough treasurer. Oliver J. Wolff
married Annie M. Miller, daughter of Joel and Catharine Miller, and
to this union were born: Laura m. Charles L. Oaks, of reading; Ada
m. I. B. Dubell, of Philadelphia; and Oliver M. Mr. Wolff is a
member of the Vaux Lodge, F. & A. M., No 406, of Hamburg;
Washington Camp, No. 74, P. O. S. of A.; Council No. 74, O. U. A.
M.; Union Fire Company of Hamburg; and Council N. 1104, R. A. He
was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Hamburg, in which he
served as deacon and trustee, and while he was in Hamburg he was
superintendent of the St. John’s Sunday-School of the Lutheran and
Reformed Church. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of
Reading.

Oliver W. Wolff received his preliminary
educational training in the public schools of Hamburg, coming to
Reading with his parents and here later attending the high school,
graduating with the class of 1898. He entered the University of
Pennsylvania, graduating from the Law Department in 1901. He read
law in an office in Philadelphia, and was admitted to practice in
the several courts of Philadelphia June 19, 1901, and to the Berks
county Bar Sept. 8, 1902. On Aug. 20, 1905, Mr. Wolff formed a
partnership with William A. Shomo, and they have continued together
since that time, with offices at No. 522 Washington street, Reading
Pa. Mr. Wolff’s profession connects him with the Berks County Bar
Association and several County Courts of Pennsylvania. He is a
member of the Alumni Association and Kent law Club of the
University of Pennsylvania; of the Alumni Association of the
Reading High Schools, and in 1907 and 1908 was elected treasurer
thereof; and is president of Penn Wheelmen of Reading, having been
re-elected four successive years. He belongs to Trinity Lutheran
Church at Reading.

WOODWARD, WARREN J.

p.
348

Surnames: WOODWARD, DANA, PAXSON, ENDLICH, SCOTT, HOWE

Warren J. Woodward, second President Judge of Berks county, from
1861 to 1874, under the amended Constitution of Pennsylvania, was
born Sept. 24, 1819, at Bethany, Wayne Co., Pa. His father, John K.
Woodward, was a civil engineer and journalist, and at the time of
his decease, in 1825, was prothonotary of Wayne county. His
grandfather was an associate judge of that county for fifteen
years, and sheriff in 1807.

After acquiring an academic education at Wilkes
Barre, Warren J. Woodward taught school for several terms in his
native county. At the age of seventeen years he directed his
attention to newspaper publications, and continued his connection
with them till 1840. He then returned to Wilkes Barre, and
selecting the law as his profession, entered the office of his
uncle, George W. Woodward, a practicing attorney at the Luzerne
county Bar, for the purpose of pursuing the necessary course of
study. Whilst is this office his uncle was elected to the Bench as
president judge of the 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. His
preparation was completed under the preceptorship of Hon. Edmund L.
Dana, and he was admitted to the Bar Aug. 1, 1842. He continued in
active and successful practice for fourteen years. In April, 1856,
the Legislature elected a new judicial district out of Columbia,
Sullivan and Wyoming counties-the 26th in the State- and the
Governor appointed him to the position of president judge; and in
October following he was elected for the term of ten years. His
reputation spread rapidly into adjoining districts. Half of his
term had not expired, yet some of the old districts offered him the
nomination for the president judgeship on the Democratic ticket.
This was a flattering recognition of his judicial character and
ability; but he declined the honor. In 1861, the term of the
president judge is Berks county was about to expire, and the major
part of the attorneys gave him a pressing invitation to become his
successor. The Democratic convention held at Reading, Aug. 31,
1861, gave him the nomination by acclamation, and this he accepted.
In his letter of acceptance, besides expressing his gratitude for
the high honor conferred upon him, and his opinion about the
impropriety of law judges participating in political struggles, he
informed the committee that in the matter of the Civil War then
raging he was most positively for the preservation of the Union of
all the States and for the enforcement of the Constitution. His
sentiments were highly approved, and in October following he was
elected by a large majority over a local candidate for the same
position.

Judge Woodward moved to Reading and took his
seat upon the Bench in December, 1861. His judicial and social
deportment at once inspired the citizens with unqualified
confidence. The Civil War caused much commotion in the county. The
Democrats were displeased with the extreme course of the Republican
administration in national affairs, but he, notwithstanding his
election by them, advised co-operation and the enforcement of law
to restore peace. His earnest public actions in behalf of the war,
in conjunction with prominent and influential professional and
business men, contributed a powerful influence toward the creation
of a proper spirit in that alarming period. His patriotic conduct
as a man of Democratic principles and association is worthy of
special mention.

During his term he was unusually devoted to his
office, and his administration of its responsible duties gave
entire satisfaction; and he became thoroughly identified with the
interests and welfare of the county. His re-election was therefore
assured. Shortly before the expiration of his term, the Legislation
had established a District Court for Luzerne county, and the Bar of
that county unanimously invited him to accept the office of
president judge of the new court. When the movement became known to
the attorneys of Berks county they held a special meeting and
passed resolutions expressing the highest regard and affection for
him, and inviting him to remain with them. The thorough
appreciation of his course upon the Bench by the entire community,
and the earnest expressions of good will by all the attorneys who
practiced under him, induced him to remain in the county. He was
nominated by acclamation at the Democratic convention in June,
1871, and re-elected for a second term of ten years by a large
majority.

The new Constitution of the State increased the
number of the justices of the Supreme Court from five to seven
members, and the two new members were to be elected in 1874, one by
the Democratic party and the other by the Republican. The
superiority of Judge Woodward’s judicial qualifications and
experience brought him prominently before the Democrats of the
State as a worthy candidate for this important position, and he
received the nomination of their State Convention. This honor was
given to him without solicitation of any kind on his part. The
office truly sought the man. Upon his nomination he received
numerous congratulatory letters, and the people of Berks county
rejoiced at this honor, though by it they would suffer the loss of
his valuable services.

Shortly after the election, the Hon. Edward M.
Paxson, the Republican candidate, elevated at the same time to the
Supreme Bench, visited Judge Woodward at Reading. While here they
cast lots for precedence in the order of succession to the position
of chief justice, and Judge Paxson won it. Judge Woodward took his
seat Jan. 1, 1875, and filled the office with honor and distinction
till his decease, Sept. 23, 1879. He was particularly regarded for
devotion, ability and conscientiousness in the discharge of his
duties. His remains were buried at Wilkes Barre.

Judge Woodward was elected president of the
Reading Benevolent Society at Reading in 1871, and he filled this
office until his decease. He took a deep interest in the benevolent
affairs of the community, and gave generously toward the relief of
poor people. In 1875 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of
Laws from Lancaster and Marshall College. While upon the Bench in
Berks county, he adjudicated many cases and his opinions were not
questioned by writ of error or appeal. These cases were compiled by
G. A.. Endlich, Esq., an attorney of the Berks county Bar., and
published in two volumes in 1885. They are known as “Woodward’s
Decisions”.

Judge Woodward married Katharine Scott, daughter
of Hon. David Scott, of Wilkes Barre, and by her had three
children: Henry and Warren were both admitted to the Bar, but are
now deceased, and Katharine Scott m. Frank Perley Howe, son of Rev.
M. A. DeWolfe Howe, D.D., deceased, and resides at Philadelphia.

WOOTTEN,
JOHN

p. 1443

Surnames: WOOTTEN, APPLEBY, RUSSEL, SPOTTS, KALBACH, BINNS, PALM,
KOCH, HASSENPLUG, LUSK, ROBINSON

John Wootten was a native of England, born Feb. 24, 1842, at
Willenhall, Staffordshire. He was the son of Enoch Wootten, who was
born in 1814, and emigrated to America in 1847, making the voyage
in a sailing vessel, and located at Reading, where for many years
he was an employee of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway
Company, in their shops, and later was on the road between Reading
and Pottsville. He died at Reading Oct., 1898, aged eighty-four
years. He was a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
His wife was Elizabeth Appleby, daughter of John Appleby, of
England. Of their children there are still living: Ann, of
Willenhall, England; and Mrs. Samuel Russel, of Reading.

John Wootten was but a boy when the family came
to this country, and he early learned his father’s trade, that of a
locksmith. Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted
in Company A, 88th Pa. V. I., and served until September, 1864. His
regiment was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 5th Corps,
Army of the Potomac. Among the engagements participated in by him
may be mentioned: Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull
Run, Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna,
Bethesda, White Oak Swamp, Ream’s Station and Petersburg. During
one of the battles he was captured by the enemy, but he escaped and
rejoined his regiment; and toward the close of his term of
enlistment he was wounded in the left hand. When Mr. Wootten
returned home, upon his honorable discharge, he entered the employ
of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, and for
thirteen years worked on the East Penn branch as brakeman and
fireman. He was of an industrious and economical disposition. In
his religious belief he was of the Evangelical denomination. He was
an active and highly respected member of McLean post, No. 16, G. A.
R., and of the Union Veteran Legion, No. 43.

On Jan. 9, 1866, Mr. Wootten was married to
Margaret A. Spotts, by whom he had twelve children: Annie, m. to
Samuel Kalbach, of Reading; Elizabeth; Harriet, widow of James
Binns; Mary, m. to Henry Palm; Helen at home; Margaret, m. to
Harrison Koch; Harry E., at home; and five, who died young.

Michael Spotts, grandfather of Mrs. Wootten, was
born near Lessport, Berks Co., Pa., and later in life went to Union
county, where he died at the age of ninety years. His wife was
Magdalena Robinson.

Reuben Spotts, son of Michael and the father of
Mrs. Wootten, was born near Leesport, and accompanied his parents
to Union county. He later moved to South Dakota, where he died. He
married Amelia Hassenplug, daughter of Henry Hassenplug, of
Mifflinsburg, Union County, and his children were: Margaret A.,
Mrs. Wootten; Michael, who died in the army; Harriet, m. to
Franklin Lusk, of South Dakota; and Charles, who died in Iowa.

WORLEY,
ELLIS M.

p. 1243

Surnames: WORLEY, HERTZOG, YOCUM

Ellis M. Worley, who is well known in business circles of Cumru
township, is a member of the firm of Worley Brothers, manufacturers
of fine hosiery. Mr. Worley was born Nov. 2, 1865 at Mohnton, Berks
county.

Ellis M. Worley began attending school at the
age of four years, and for seven years attended the 100 day terms
without missing one day, an unusual record. As a young man he
learned the hatting trade, and in this line became very proficient,
following it for nine years, seven of which were spent at the
bench. He is now in charge of the package department of the firm of
Worley Brothers, and during the absence of his brothers he takes
charge of the entire factory. In 1885, Mr. Worley was married to
Katie Hertzog, born Aug. 8, 1868, daughter of David and Margaret
(Yocum) Hertzog, and to this union there has been born one son:
Elmer, a graduate of the township schools and Albright College of
Myerstown, who, after teaching for two years in Mohnton, is now
learning the hardware business with Henry Hertzog, of Reading.

Mr. Worley is a stanch Republican, and he has
rendered valuable service to his township as a member of the school
board, on which he served from 1903 to 1906. Fraternally he is
connected with the Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 86; the Knights of Pythias,
No. 185; Camp No. 211 P. O. S. of A., all of Mohnton. He is a
pillar of the Zion United Evangelical Church, where he is serving
as a member of the board of trustees, and its treasurer, having
been previously assistant of the Sunday school for four years. Mr.
Worley is a good business man and substantial citizen, and has many
friends in his locality.