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DR. HENRY W. SAUL President Kutztown Centennial Association
THE
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
PENNSYLVANIA
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE BOROUGH- 1815-1915
COMPILED BY THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE OF THE KUTZTOWN CENTENNIAL
ASSOCIATION
W. W- DEATRICK, A. M., Sc. D., Chairman
1915
PRESS OF THE KUTZTOWN PUBLISHING COMPANY
KUTZTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
COPYRIGHT 1915
BY
THE KUTZTOWN PUBLISHING COMPANY
©CI,A4ai736 JUL 2 1915
FOREWORD
^l/TUTZTOWN BOROUGH was one llli hundred years old in March of the fiS^ present year. The town is about half a century older. Soon after the laying out, in 1755, of "The Great Road," — the Easton Road it has long been called — a straggling hamlet, a hotel or two and some other buildings, sprang up at the crossing of the Saucony. In 1779 the town was formally laid out. From that time to this there has been growth, rapid at times, slow, almost at a standstill, at other times, but ever continuous.
This century, or century and a half, of existence of the town has been marked by events, quite as numerous and quite as noteworthy as those that have happened in most towns of the size in such a period. That these happenings might not be for- gotten ; that some already well-nigh forgot- ten incidents might be preserved to the generation coming after us; that the Cen- tennial of Kutztown might be marked by more than the passing shows of the week of celebration that begins July i, this yeai of grace ; that all who read may know what of interest, great or little, has happened in our town; that the world may learn how Kutztown has grown and what a little city it is today, this Centennial History oe Kutztown has been prepared.
The Historical Committee, charged by the Kutztown Centennial Association with the preparation of this volume, have found, in the course of their researches, that the history of the town is much fuller and much more stirring and interesting than even those who knew most about the matter had any notion. Readers of this volume will find some stories not told in print before. They will find here, committed to the art preservative, tales which they heard in childhood days and which they have nearly or quite forgotten. Such ones will be thankful, we are sure, that this work has) been undertaken. Historians may find here, as in local histories often, some contribu- tion to the larger history of county, state, or nation.
The book is not all history. A consider- able portion of the volume is devoted to a telling to the world at large of what may be seen if folks come to Kutztown ; to a not exaggerated setting forth of the industries, businesses, and social institutions of the place ; as well as to some account of people now or once resident in the town. This
feature will, doubtless, be of interest. More than this, however, — these records of the present time will, certainly, by and by, prove as interesting and valuable to the future writer of a fuller, better history as the pamphlet of Professor Ermentrout, issued in 1876, was to the compilers of this book. Readers will, certainly, discover errors in this publication. But for these indulgence is craved. No one is more conscious than the editor, chairman of the committee, of the shortcomings of the volume. That omissions, mis-statements, duplications, and even contradictions will be found is quite likely. Some misprints will occur. Critics may notice lack of uniformity in style.
Kind indulgence is, nevertheless, request- ed. It is proper, however, to say that not all that may be taken for error is really such. In the reprints of old documents the strange spelling and unusual phraseology are not the fault of the copyist or printer — at least not in many cases. An honest ef- fort has been made to follow the rule at present accepted by historians — to reprint such documents with all their peculiarities. For what is not explicable in this way the editor feels that this much of explanation is due to his colleagues and himself. Lack of uniformity, especially, in style, is the result of the book being the work of many hands. There was lack of time for desirable con- sultation between the co-workers, and edi- torial supervision has been far from what was desirable. As the material came in it became a physical impossibility to examine all of it even cursorily.
The editor was hampered greatly in the work by the death of the Rev. J. J. Cress- man, on whom reliance was placed for re- searches and write-ups on certain portions of the work.
Another reason for what some may con- sider worthy of criticism is that much to which time for consideration should have been given was brought to light only within the last few weeks, in which time there was great increase of interest in the forthcom- ing history. The amount of time and labor involved in ferreting out the truth of a rnat- ter when tradition conflicted with tradition, or when tradition was found to be at va- nance with discovered records, is known only to those who have had experience in such studies.
Histories, if they are to be relatively free from errors such as have been mentioned.
IV
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
cannot be written to order or completed by a time set in advance. At first there was difference of opinion as to the time when this history should appear. The chairman and some other members of the committee were of opinion that its publication should take place after the Centennial. The judg- ment of the majority was that it should be finished before the celebration. That judg-- ment has been accepted and the wonder is that so much has been accomplished and with so little of error, as is believed. The Centennial could not be postponed — the work had to be gotten ready before the opening of the celebration.
The committee, especially the chairman, regrets exceedingly that there are imper- fections due to hurried preparation and lack of opportunity for full revision. It is
as a body thankful that so much has been done so well, especially by those who have come to the assistance of the editor and committee.
To his colleagues on the committee and to all who have helped in any way, the editor herewith returns his thanks. Of readers and critics he begs kind indulgence. Concluding, he invites criticism. Notifica- tion of errors which may be discovered will be thankfully received. In this way the publication at some future time of a fuller, more accurate history than the pres- ent one may be made possible.
W. W. De.'VTrick, Editor Chairman of Historical Committee
Kutztown, Pa. June 23, 1915
CONTENTS
PAGE
Foreword iii
Contents v
The Kutztown Centennial Association, Its
Inception and History vii
Officers of the Association viii
Dr. and Mrs. Albert J. Kutz ix
Dr. N. C. Schaefifer xi
H. R. Nicks X
Chief Burgess, Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger xii
The Town Council xiii
The School Directors xiv
Dr. H. W. Saul, President of the Centennial
Association xv
Maxatawny 1-26, 37-39
East Penn Valley i
Saucony 1-8
Geology and Soils 2-4
Elevations 3
Indians S-26
Wentz Patent 14-1S
Pleasant View Stock Farm 20
Prominent Families 21—35
Siegfried Family 2i
Hottenstein Family 24
Levan Family 26
Schlatter and Zinzendorf 26-27
Mills 26
Organ 29
Wink Family 30
Schaeffer Family 31
Bieber Family 31
Sharadin Family 31
Geehr Family 33
Fister Family 33
Kemp Family : . . . . 34
Deysher Family 34 _
Zimmerman Family 34
Dietrich Family 34
Kutz Family 35
Grim Family 35
Development of the Township 37^39
Settlement ZJ
Erection 38
Taxables (1759) 3b
Early Roads 39
The Great or Easton Road 39-Si
Indian Trail and Early Road 39
Laying out of Easton Road 40
Schultz's Map 40
Kemp's Hotel 41
Early Travelers 42-47
Capt. Nagle's Troops 43
Swan Inn 44-4S
Continental Congress, Flight of 45
Centennial Oak 2, 45-46
PAGE
Lady Washington 47
Modes of Travel 47-51
"Pitt-Fuehren" 48
Stage Coaches 48
Railroads 50
Hotels .' 52-56
Full Moon 52-54
Emaus— Bunker Hill— General Jackson .. 52-53
Pennsylvania House 53
Washington House 55
Black Horse Hotel 55
American House 56
Keystone House 56
Charles Levan's 5(3
Noted Visitors 57
Penn County, with Kutztown as County Seat. 58
Laying out of Kutztown 60
Kutztown in the War of 1812 62
Kutztown a Borough 64
The First House 65
Borough Incorporated 66
List of Burgesses 66
The First Minutes of Council 67
Regulations by Council 67
First Assessment Roll 68
191S Assessment 69
Church History 76-91
Maxatawny Reformed congregation ^d
Maxatawny Lutheran congregation 80
Union Church 80-87
Church Regulations 80
School Regulations 83
New Building 85
Sunday Schools 85
Trinity Lutheran Church 87
St. Paul's Reformed Church 89
Grace United Evangelical Church 90
Educational History 91-101
Early Interest in Education 91
Earliest Teachers 91
The Redemptioner School Master 92
St. John's Parochial School 93
The Public Schools 94
Private Schools 96-101
Mason's "Pay School" 96
Franklin Academy 98
Fairview Seminary 99
Kutztown Academy 99
Maxatawny Seminary 100
Keystone State Normal School 102-116
The Cemeteries 117
Post Office 118
Newspapers 120-129
Industries 130-137
VI
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
PAGE
Improvements 139-140
Park, Auditorium, Water Company, Trolley
Lines 139
Streets 140
Civic Organizations 140-142
Board of Trade 140
Board of Health 141
Musical Organizations 142
Fire Companies 143
Medical Practitioners 145-147
The Legal Profession 148
Fairs and Battalions 149
Some Military Notes 152
Fraternal Organizations 154-156
Dramatic Clubs 157-161
The Centennial Celebration 161-163
The Slogan 163
Roll of Honor 163
PAGE
Odds and Ends of History 164-166
Some Early History 164
Fell Dead at a Battalion 164
Early Stone Masons 164
Story of a Bake Shop 164
Sports in Olden Days 165
Kutztown as a Show Town 165
Early Counterfeiters i6.s
An Old Well 166
Fire-Making in Olden Times 166
A Maxatawny Slave 166
Governor E. T. Miller 166
An Incident of the Revolution 166
Spanish-American War Volunteers 166
Centennial Committees 167—171
Biographical and Industrial Department. .171-239 Annals of Kutztown 240-24?
THE KUTZTOWN CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION— ITS INCEPTION
AND HISTORY
On March 4, 1909, the Kutztown Town Council held its annual reorganization, at which time Dr. H. W. Saul delivered his inaugural address as burgess. He referred to 191 5 as being the time when Kutztown would be one hundred years old as an in- corporated borough and suggested that preparations should be commenced to raise money fittingly to celebrate the occasion.
After thanking Council for confidence re- posed in him and making some other re- marks, the newely elected Burgess said:
"At the present time I have nothing to offer other than to give out one suggestion, or rather a train of thoughts that came to me like an inspiration, while making one of my drives in the country. It is this : In 191 5 this borough will be one hundred years old. It behooves us, as American citizens, yea, as citizens of the Borough of Kutztown, befittingly to commemorate and celebrate this all important centennial event. To do this in a proper way requires time, energy, and money. Money is the least, for it is the easiest to command. How will you do it? Draw up a list, call it the 'Roll of Honor,' and get on this roll the names of all the sons and all the daughters who were ever born within the border limits of the Bor- ough of Kutztown, and who are still among the living, even though they are spread 'over the broad expanse of the entire United States, or reside in other climes or dwell in the remotest corners of the universe. Get at least 500 on this roll and have each of them pay but one dollar a year. In one year you will have $500 and in six years you will have $3000. But this is not enough. How will you get more? Ever}' industry, every business man, and every ho- tel-keeper in the borough is willing to sub- scribe at least $25. The Keystone State Normal School on the top of the hill will be only too glad to help the cause along with at least $200. Let the public school children enter into the patriotism and once a year contribute their pennies, nickels or dimes, and in this way raise another hun- dred dollars during the course of the six years. Let the Borough Council donate several hundred dollars. In all this time the money, as it comes in, will be deposited in our local bank and earn three per cent interest per annum. Then the sum will be approximately $6000 or $7000, with which you can begin to celebrate this great event.
■i~o make the event all the more complete, we want all the sons and all the daugnters wno may have been absent five, ten, hlteen, twenty, thirty, or more years to come nome to their own native town and have a grand, gala time in the old home during rnat summer week of 1915. Gentlemen, we are so situated and we nave the facilities to make this a complete success if we only start in time. Let us make it our aim to excel, eclipse, and place in the shade, if such a thing is possible, that grand and spec- tacular celebration which was held some years ago in the city of Reading. Then, if we fall short in attaining such a high stand- ard, our efforts will at least be laudable."
A special meeting of Council was held on March 12, 1909, to consider the suggestion. A number of citizens were present. Presi- dent of Council, L. A. Stein, stated the ob- ject of the meeting to be the advisability of a permanent organization for the purpose of celebrating the centennial year, 191 5. A financial committee was created for the pur- pose of raising money to defray the neces- sary expenses of a Centennial Celebration. This committee consisted of the Burgess, the members of the Town Council, and its secretary, the five active ministers of the Gospel of the churches of the Borough, the publishers and editors of "The Patriot," and enough other citizens to swell the com- mittee to twenty-five. At a subsequent meeting the committee was increased to fifty members. These persons pledged themselves to pay each no less than seven dollars for the purpose named. A Roll of Honor was created, with an appropriate heading, to be signed by the contributors.
Dr. H. W. Saul, Burgess, was then unani- mously elected president, A. S. Heffner secretary, Arthur Bonner treasurer, Rev. iR. B. Lynch, V. H. Hauser, and A. S. Christ trustees. William B. Schaeffer, E. P. De- Turk, and Walter S. Dietrich were elected auditors. Later, because of increasing in- terest and consequent augmentation of necessary correspondence, Herman A. Fis- ter, cashier of the Farmers Bank, was elect- ed corresponding secretary, all to serve one year. All the officers were re-elected from year to year up to the time of the celebra- tion.
On April 26. 1909, a letter from Dr. Al- bert J. Kutz, of Northampton, England, of- fering a donation of $100.00 to the centen-
Vlll
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
nial fund was received. This offer was made good on May 4, 191 5, by a draft from a London Bank for $100.29. At the meet- ing of the association on Alay 27 a rising vote of thanks was extended to Doctor Kutz. ,
Ahhough Kutztown was incorporated March ist, 1815, it was not deemed wise to celebrate the centennial in March last on ac- count of the conditions of the weather at that season, and so the Kutztown Centen- nial Association on November 18, 1913. de-
A. S. Heffnfr Secretary of the Association
termined that the celebration should be held from July I to 7, inclusive.
The Kutztown Centennial Association has been kept alive by quarterly meetings that were held from the time of its origin to Sep- tember, 1914, when the meetings were monthly until March 18, 191 5. Then semi- monthly and finally, through May and June, weekly and daily meetings have been held.
The success of the Centennial Celebra- tion is not dependent on financial condi- tions only, but on the untiring efforts of the
various committees, who have spent much time and labor in making out interesting programs for each day.
As this volume goes to press, final preparations, of an elaborate sort and on a scale satisfying the most enthusiastic ad- vocates of tht Centennial, are being made for the greatest celebration ever held in Kutztown. It is regretted that it is im- possible here to give the progress of the Centennial Week Observance in detail day by day. In general these are as follows :'^
Thursday, July i. Educational Day Friday, July 2, Agricultural and Industrial
Day Saturday, July 3, Firemen's Day Sunday, July 4, Church Day Monday, July 5, Fraternity Day Tuesday, July 6, Reading and Allentown
Day Wednesday, July 7 Historical Day
For the committees in charge of these exercises see pp. 168-171.
On Fducational Day and on Historical Day pageants will be presented in the Kutz- town Park.
For the arranging and directing of these pageants the community is deeply indebted to Miss Lillian Bull, a member of the faculty of the Keystone State Normal School.
The Celebration of Centennial Week will be begun by appropriate exercises held on Thursday forenoon, July i, in the Chapel of the Keystone State Normal School, the present Burgess of Kutztown, Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger, presiding.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
H. R. NICKS Founder of the Keystone State Normal School
MICHAEL SCHLATTER
DR. N. C. SCHAEFFER State Superintendent of Public Instruction
was born Feb. 3. 1S49, in Maxatawny township. Berks county, educated in Maxatawny Seminary (now Kev- stone State Normal School). Franklin and Marshall College. Lancaster : Theological Seminary. Mercers- burs:, and in the Universities of Berlin. Tubingen and Ijeipsic. He taught in Mercersburg Tollege and Frank- lin and Marshall College ; was for sixteen years princi- pal of the Keystone State Normal School ; was elected president of the National Educational Association at Asbury Park, N. .T.. in 1905 : served as president of the Pennsylvania State Teachers' Association, secre- tary of the National Council of Education, president of the Department of Superintendence of the National Association, president of the Pennsylvania German Society ; Chancellor of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua at Mt. Gretna from 1901 to 1905 ; as a member of
the Penns.vlvania Commission on Industrial Educa tion. as editor of the Pennsylvania School Journal since 1893, and is editor of a volume of Bible Read- ings for schools ; author of "Thinking and Learnln,i; to Think" (Vol. 1. of Lippincott's Educational Series, edited by Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh), and of a history of Education in Pennsylvania, contained in the three volume History of the State, published by the Mason Publishing Companv. Syracuse. N. Y. ; was commis- sioned Superintendent of Public Instruction. June 1, 1893. and re-commissioned in 1897. 1901, 1905. 1909 and 1913. Served as lecturer on Pedagogy in the Graduate Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania during the absence of Dr. Brumbaush as Com- miissioner of Education in Porto Rico (1900-1901.)
Xll
CENTENMAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
BOROUGH COUNCIL, 1915
B. D. DRUCKBNMIHER V. H. HAUSER GEORGE W. RAMER HORACE SCHMEHL
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FRED. A. MOVER OSCAR O. SELL G. W. BIEBER, SEC.
KUTZTOWN SCHOOL BOARD, 1915
GEO. GLASSER, PRES.
GEO. C. BORDNER, SEC.
GEO. A. SCHI<E1SKER
DR. H. W. SAXJL
H. A. FISTER
DR. N. Z. DUNKELBERGER
Chief Burgess of
Kutztowu, Fa., sou of John L. aud Mary f Zimmer- man) Dunkelber.Pier, was born in Bethel township, Berks county. Pa.. August 16. 1864. The great- grandfather of our subject was Abraham Dunkelherg- er, born in Center township. John Dunkelbergei, the grandfather was horn in Bern township. John L. Dunkelberger, the father of our subject, was born in Upper Bern township, and is now a resident of Reading. Dr. Dunkelberger, after completing the course prescribed in the common schools of Center township, took advanced studies under a private tutor. He passed a creditable teachers' examination and taught two years, when he entered the employ of Kline and Pautsch. general merchants of Center- port for six months, and then went back to teaching. He taught in the schools of this county six years. He read medicine in the office of Dr. A. A. Stamm, of Centerport. after which he took a course of one year in the University of Vermont, and still later a two year cour&e in' the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, fromi which he was graduated April 10. ISQO. In addition to the ordinary course, he took a special course in diseases of the eye, ear. nose and throat and diseases of women. Upon examination he received a prize of $50 for having the highest mark in
Kutztown, 1914-1918
the class, and a special diploma in surgery. In 1890 he passed the examination before the State Board of Examiners, and received an appointment to the stafl of physicians in the Philadelphia Hospital, but declined and located at Kutztown. He has since demonstrated his skill as a physician and acquired a good and large practice. Dr. Dunkelberger was married to Anna Laura Dunkle, a daughter of Solomon G. and Sarah Dunkle, of Ontelaunee. They are the parents of May Bright, wife of Robert Sell, 24; LeRoy, 22; Anna Laila, 18; George A., 11, and Anna Laura, 7. They are memlb'ers of the Lutheran Church. He has been connected with the Readins,' Eagle, as correspon- dent and agent, for 35 years. He has been a mem- ber of the School Board 22 years, serving as sec- retary of the board IS years, and president one year ■ first Chief Burgess of greater Kutsrtown. 1914-1918 : member of Berks County Medical Society, Lehigh Val- ley Medical Association and the State Association ; member of K. G. E.. No. 70. Kutztown ; of Jr. O. U. A. M.. Kutztown ; of Royal Arcanum. Kutztown ; of F. O. K.. No. 839, Kutztown. Dr. Dunkelberger is also a member of the Kutztown Motor Car Company and director of the Farmers Bank.
DR. HENRY W. SAUL President of the Kutztown Centennial Association
of Kutztowu. .youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. David Saul, both deceased, was born in Kutztown, April 29. 1869. He attended the public schools of Kutztown until the spring of 1886, when he entered the Keystone State Normal School, and graduated therefrom in June 1889. Taught school for his master diploma, and in the spring terms of 1890 and 1891. at the Keystone State Normal School, studied the hicher branches in the post-graduate course, and prepared for collegb. He entered the Baltimore Medical Colle2;e, and gradu- ated from that institution in 1894 ; took another year of hospital and post-graduate work and on April 1, 1895. he started the practice of medicine in his native town and has successfully practiced his pro- fession here ever since. He is a memter of the Berks County Medical Society, and the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, and served as president of the former body durinsr the year 1912. Politically, he is a Democrat, and take& an active interest in municipal affairs; he served as borough auditor and town clerk and was Burg;ess of Kutztown for five
years, from 1909 to 1914; at present he is a membei of the Board of Education of the Kutztown public schools, and for the past eleven years was deputy coroner for Kutztown and vicinity. He is president of the Kutztown Centennial Association, ever since its organization, six years ago and durin? his adminis- tration as burgess this organization was effected. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and served as a deacon for the congregation the nast eight years. Socially, he belongs to Huguenot Lodge, No. 377. F. and A. M. ; Excelsior Royal Arch Chapter, No. 237 ; Reading Commandery, No. 42. Knights Temi- plar : Rajah Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. : Adonai Castle, No. 70. Knights of the Golden Eagle ; Charles A. Gerasch Council. No. 1004. Jr. O. U. A. M. On August 16, 1904, he was married to Katie E. Trexler, of Topton, and they are the parents of three children, one son and two daughters : Charles David, aged 7 years : Helen Margaret, ar.ed 9, and Katharine Adele, 5.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
MAXATAWNY
The histor)' of Kutztown is very closely bound up with that of Maxatawny town- ship within the limits of which the town was founded and from the territory of which the area included within the boun- daries of the borough, now one hundred years old, was carved.
Maxaimvny is an Indian name. The name as now spelled is said by philological antiquarians to be a corruption of Machsit- hannc or Machksit-hanne. Its meaning is said to be "Bear's-Path creek" or stream. Originally the term must have been applied by the aborigines to the Saucony creek, the stream flowing; through our town, having its source in the mountain south of Topton and Bowers ("Topton Mountain") between Henningsville and Dryville. In the Indian language Saucony or Sakunk, as they pro- nounced it, meant a place of outlet, the place where a smaller stream enters into a larger one. The Saucony flows into the Ontelaunee or Maiden Creek, so that "Sau- con" was really the point of junction of the two streams at Virginville. At that place was a noted Indian village called, for the reasons given, "Sakunk." After the white men came, possibly because these did not understand the distinctions made by the Indians, the name Saucony was ap- plied to the stream formerly known as "Machksithanne" and the name Maxataw- ny came to be used as meaning the area of country drained by the waters of the stream.
As applied to the country instead of to the stream Maxatawny for a long time meant the area drained by the Saucony and its tributary rivulets, and embraced, in general, the territory between Macungie (the dis- trict formerly known by that name), Onte- launee (the section lying farther west along the Maiden Creek) , and the Oley Hills (Top- ton Mountain and those parts of the South Mountain forming the watershed between the Manatawny and the Saucony creeks.) The earliest writers, speaking of Maxa- tawny as a political division, regarded it as including the entire territory drained by the Ontelaunee and its tributaries. In early writings it is sometimes called the "New section."
When the white men came thev found
the valley, now called the East Penn Valley, of which Maxatawny is a part, from the foot of the South Mountain (Topton moun- tain and Oley Hills) to the base of the op- posite, loftier range (Kittatinny^ Mountain, North Mountain or Blue Ridge), and from the Schuylkill river to the Lehigh (Lecha, it was called in early times), covered with a dense growth of low trees, "scrub oak," intersected by Indian trails connecting the Indian villages. Nowhere were there any considerable areas of tall timber. Here and there an oak or a small clump of scattered oaks of large dimensions rose above the general "bush." A few of the great trees were spared as the lower growth was cleared away. One of these, its lower branches cut away, yet stands by the side- walk in front of the Keystone State Normal School. A companion, less mutilated, stands on the campus near "West Cottage," formerly the home of John G. Wink but now occupied by Dr. James S. Grim, pro- fessor of biological sciences in the Normal School. But the most massive of these remnants and reminders of the earlv time is the great "Centennial Oak," standing in a field on the farm of Dr. U. S. G. Bieber, a short distance east of Kutztown. None of these trees, evidently, had close com- panions, since each is rounded in head, hav- ing now, or havinsT had, in earlier j'ears, low, spreading branches ; they do not have tall, slender trunks, without low growing and wide-spreading branches, as is the case with the lofty trees growing compactly in a forest. Tradition and written records unite to confirm this inference. Elderly resi- dents have told how that in youth they heard their elders tell that when the old Union Church (St. John's) was built of logs in 1791 there was no heavy timber in this locality. In consecaience of such lack the logs of which its walls were constructed were of pine, hauled with great labor and at considerable expense, except where the hauling was done gratuitously, from the pine forests bevond the Blue Mountains. As a matter of some interest in this con- nection it may be recorded here that Philin Schaefifer, the grandfather of Dr. Nathan
i"Kittatinny" is a corruption of the Indian word "Kau-ta-tin-chunk," meaning "endless."
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
C. Schaeffer, long our townsman and now the eminent Superintendent of Public In- struction of the State of Pennsylvania, is said to have been one of the teamsters en- gaged in this arduous labor. Mr. John Deisher (deceased in 1912), father of Mr. Henry K. Deisher, related to his son how that when he, the father, was a little boy, abovtt 1834, he heard an old lady, "Mother Rhoad," then over seventy years of age, tell that when she was a girl (thus carry- ing the relation back to at least Revolu- tionary times) she went with her parents on a visit to relatives in Allentown and that then all the land through which they jour= neyed was covered with scrub-oak, while large trees were to be seen only here and there, far removed from one another.
stand very close together ; the dry soil of these hills does not give any superfluous nourishment. And. this was confirmed by the accounts of the inhabitants who say they rarely find an oak more than six inches through. Hence they are obliged to fetch their fence-rails 4-6 miles, split chestnut rails being used for this purpose, the oak rotting faster, especially if the bark is left on."
The physical geography and geology of the township has been studied and described variously from the time of these earliest recorded observations of Doctor Schoepf. This territory was included in the geologi- cal map (published 1858) of the First Geo- logical Survey of Pennsylvania, made by Prof. H. D. Rogers in the years 1836 to
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The Centennial Oak
In his "Travels in the Confederation" (published at Erlangen in 1788) descriptive of his journey through this valley in 1783, Dr. Johann David Schoepf, in narrating the incidents of his trip and recounting experi- ences and observations, tells a tale essential- ly the same. On pages 193-196 (English translation) one may read:
"The road from here [Allentown to Reading] leads over the ridges of connect- ed hills which are counted a part of the afore-mentioned Dry Land. . . . America is indeed the land of the oak. All the for- ests are largely oak. but the trees are no- where either large or strong. What we have seen yesterday and to-day would be counted young wood, but this is hardly probable, because we observed no old stumps. Besides, the thin trunks do not
1857. Dr. John P. Hiester published a "Geological ^lap of Berks County" in 1854. This was copied from the Rogers' survey. (A reproduction of this map appears op- posite p. 26 of Morton L. Montgomery's "History of Berks County," published in 1886.) '
In 191 1 the United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils, cooperating with the Pennsylvania State College School of Agriculture and Experiment Station, is- sued a "Soil Survey of Berks County, Penn- sylvania," the result of field operations conducted by the Bureau of Soils in 1909.
This survey was accompanied by a map showing the elevations, water courses, soils, roads, and the location of towns and rural dwellings. According to this publication, Maxatawnv and Kutztown lie "within that
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
physiographic division of the United States known as the Piedmont [foot of the moun- tains] plateau. . . . The soils . . . are all residual, having been derived direct- ly, through weathering and decomposition from the original rocks." The part of "the Great Valley," varying in width from 12 to 18 miles "consists of two distinct divis= ions — one of limestone, the other of shale. The belt of limestone land extends across the township from southwest to northeast and averages three and one-half miles in breadth. In this limestone belt, within the limits of the township are two varieties of soil, known as "Hagerstown loam" and "Hagerstown stony loam." The former covers the larger part of the township; of the latter there is a small area in the south- ern corner of the township about Bowers and on the rising land beyond Lyons.
The limestone ledges cropping out here and there are sources of wealth to their owners. All through this belt are quarries, some very extensive and worked for many years. These supply crushed stone for the furnaces and the roads, wagon, steam, and trolley. At most of the quarries are lime- kilns in which the stone is burned to lime for building purposes and for putting on the farmers' fields. In this belt, too, are many deposits of brown hematite iron ore, worked formerly more extensively than they are at present, as "most of the ore that occurred in workable quantities has been taken out."
Across the northern oart of the town- ship runs the Hudson River shale, the ex- posed and undecomposed rocks of which exhibit, even within a distance of a few yards, varied colors : yellow, brown, blue, purple, drab, and Indian red, differences due, as has been suggested, to differences in hydration of the rock. Of the Hudson River shale there are two varieties : the Berks shale loam, occupying by far the larger part of the belt, and the Berks silt loam, found in the extreme western end of the township, a quite limited area, at the foot of the hills, a mile to a mile and a half directly west of Kutztown.
In the extreme southern end of the town- ship, on the hills above Lyons, on each side of the road to Dryville, is a patch of Pots- dam sandstone, which, by weathering has formed a soil to which has been given the name of DeKalb stony loam.
The surface of the township is gently rolling, particularly in the southern portion, considerably broken with steep and round- ed hills in the northern part. The eleva- tion above sea level varies from 390 feet at the point where the Saucony crosses the
Greenwich township line to 840 feet on a hill north of Siegfried's Dale near the ex- treme northern corner of the township. The Saucony at the Main street bridge is 400 feet above the sea level. In the brick work of a pilaster in the front wall of the Girls' Dormitory of the Keystone State Normal School, was set in 1908 a disk of metal, three feet five inches from the surface of the ground, bearing a bench mark with the subjoined inscription surrounding a point within a small triangle :
U. S. GfiOIvOGICAI, SURVEY
IN CO-OPiiRATlON WITH THE
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
EI^EVATION
ABOVE /\ SEA
5I4~FEET DATUM 1908
This would make the surface of the Eas- ton Road in front of the residence of the late Col. T. D. Fister, approximately 515 feet.
The township, it may be added, is drained by the Saucony Creek and its tributaries, the principal of which is Mill Creek, which having its sources in Lehigh County and in the eastern corner of Greenwich Town- ship, enters Maxatawny Township at its northern corner and flows with a curve to the south and west through Mill Creek Valley, past Eagle Point, into Greenwich Township, where mingling its waters at Liscum, with those of a brook from the north, it turns south and joins the Saucony below the "second dam." In the extreme eastern corner of the township is a water shed from which gather the head waters of Kline's Run, a creek, to flow across the border into Lehigh County.
Within the last few years the State of Pennsylvania has been conducting investi- gations into the "chestnut blight," a dis- ease destructive of chestnut trees. In course of the studies made in connection with these investigations the question arose as to the relation between soils and the sus- ceutibility of the trees to the blight or the immunity from it variously manifested in different localities. This led to other stud- ies, of soils and rocks, the results of which have considerably modified the conclusions p.rrived at by the earlier geolo2;ists. Dr. F. P. Gulliver, formerly connected with the Chestnut Blight Commission, has been carrying on these studies wit-h accuracy and persistence. As these studies embody the very latest discoveries, it is with pleasure that the compilers of this history insert at this place the following interesting and valuable contribution from his pen :
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
GEOLOGY
Kutztown and vicinity is one of the Garden Spots of the World. There are few places where it is as easy to live so comfortably and well or where the mass of the population is so happy and so content= ed with the lot to which God has called them. Recentl}' it has been shown that there is limestone of three Geologic ages in the Kutztown valley : The Cambro- Ordovicion limestone on the southeast side of the valley, seen at Topton, Fleetwood, etc. ; the Lower Silurian limestone, found in the central portions of the valley ; and the Upper Silurian limestone, underlying Kutz- town.
The northern rim of the Kutztown val- ley is formed by the Hudson River shales
Cambrian quartzite. In some places there still remain the old shoreline beach deposits which may be shoveled up and carted away for use as sand. Such deposits are now found at Fleetwood, Temple, and on A-It. Peon. In other places the beaches are changed into sandstone.
In the majority of places however the sand has been changed into quartzite by the action of water, heat, and pressure.
A special form of this quartzite is found at the old Indian quarry just above Bowers station. Here alkaline waters coming up from below have changed the quartzite in- to Jasper with many other varieties of quartz. (See account of H. K. Deisher, page 8.) It is an interesting fact that about
The Kramer Farm, in Greenwich Township
which overlies the three limestones. These shales with some sandy layers do not weath- er as fast as the limestone and therefore rise to several hundred feet above the level of the valley floor. Everywhere beneath the shales will be found the limestones. In some places as at the Crystal Cave and Umbrella Hill the limestone has been arch- ed up and is found well up the steep slopes of the shale hills. In all the bottoms of the streams the limestone is only a short distance below the surface if it does not show in the bed of the stream itself.
South of the belt of three limestones which forms Kutztown \^alley one finds an old shoreline, whose sand beaches are now mainly converted into quartzite, called the
a mile from the center of this old quarry the chestnut trees are healthy and seem to resist the action of the blight fungus. On the Cambrian quartzite in general all the chestnut trees are either dead or rapidly dying from the blight.
To the southeast of this Cambrian quartz- ite there is an area of very old rocks, part- ly formed from sediments laid down in water and in part formed from rocks due to volcanic action. The soils from these rocks dififer widely and it is a great mis- take to group them together as has been done in the soil survey of Berks county where differing soils are grouped together as Dekalb loam and stoney loam.
F. P. Gulliver
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
INDIAN HISTORY
THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS
They waste us ; a}', like the April snow In the warm noon we shrink awajs
And fast they follow as we go Torward the setting day;
Till they shall fill the land, as we Are driven into the western sea.
— Bryant
Very little is known about the Indians of this immediate vicinity. The mute stone implements of family life, agriculture, chase, and war are, however, evidence that this section at some time was thickly in- habited by aboriginal Indians.
As the Indians moved beyond the Blue Mountains prior to the settlement of white people in this fair valley, though there may have been squatters here and there, yet they left no record. A condensed gen- eral history of the tribe once the inhabit-
ants of this place may, nevertheless, be of interest to the reader.
The Indians living here at the time of discovery and until their removal to the West were the Leni Lenape, meaning, "real men" or "true men," commonly called Dela- ware Indians. According to the "Hand- book of American Indians," they were a confederacy of three clans and were fore- most of the Algonquin tribes, occupying Eastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern New York, and all of New Jersey and Dela- ware.
In remote times they were recognized as "Grand Father," by neighboring tribes, until 1720 when the Iroquois or Six Na- tions, through trickery assumed dominion over them ; made "women" of thern as they called it, forbidding them to make war or sell land.
According to Morgan they were com- posed of three principal tribes, called Un-
amis or turtle, Unalachtigo or turkey, and Munsee, or Minsi, the wolf. According to Rrinton they were named by their totemic emblems and geographic division, Took- seat (round paw wolf), which had twelve sub=tribes ; Poke Hooungo, ( crawling tur- tle,) with ten sub-tribes; and PuUaook, (non-chewing turkey,) with twelve sub- tribes. Rutenber states that the Gachwech-
nagechgo or lyehigh Indians were probably of the Unami tribe and it may be inferred that they lived along the Delaware river from the "forks," (Lehigh and Delaware rivers, at Easton,) south beyond Philadel- phia. The Wolf tribe is attributed to the head waters of the Delaware and south as far as the Lehigh river, but this author does not state how far west. It is fair, however, to assume that the Wolf tribe inhabited this vicinity and west beyond the Schuylkill river.
According to Morgan the names of the sub-tribes of the Wolf clan were as fol- lows : Maansreet, big feet ; Weesowhetko,
yellow tree ; Pasakunamon, pulling corn ; Weyarnihkato, cave enterer ; Tooshwarka- ma, across the river ; Olumane, vermillion ; Punarvon, dog standing by fireside ; Kwine- ekch^, long body ; Moonhartarne, digging ; Xcnharmin, pulling up stream ; Long'hus- hirkartto, brush dog; and Mawsootoh, bringinp- along. The reader may guess which of these occupied our town site along the Saucony Creek.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Saucony means outlet, as the outlet of a stream and ma\' have been named at Virgin- ville, where the Saucony flows into the On- telaunee.
Maxatawny, according to Heckewelder, signifies bear's path stream, and this name was probably aop'ied to what is now called ]\Iill Creek. From this our township, ob- tained the name of Maxatawn}'.
JMoselem, another stream near town, sig- nifies trout stream and is well named as it continues one of the best trout fishing re- sorts to this dav.
Loskiel and Heckewelder, the Moravian
pitalitv even to strangers is regarded as a sacred duty. However their conduct tow= ard an enemy is cruel and when enraged, nothing short of murder and bloodshed is the result, and their fury knows no bounds." Much could be written about their dwelling, clothing, food, agriculture, hunting, war, trade, traveling, amusements, marriage, funerals, treaties, etc., but space does not permit.
Tamanend, commonly called Tamany, ac- cording to Heckewelder, was one of their ancient chiefs who never had an equal, and who may have lived as late as 1680.
Chief L,apawinsoe
missionaries, writing at length about Indian manners and customs, may here be quoted briefly. "Their skin is reddish brown, the hair black and coarse. Their smell, sight, and hearing is very acute and their mem- ory strong. In common life and conversa- tion the Indians observe great decency. They usually deal with one another and strangers with kindness and civility, and without empty compliments. Swearing and drunkenness was unknown prior to the ad- vent of the white man, and their vices were few. The aged are much respected; hos-
Allumapes, also called Sassoonan, was chief from 1718 to 1728. Other chiefs of this tribe were Lingahonoa, Lapawinsoe, Tiscohan, Manangy, and Teedyuscung, the latter being made chief in 1756. Manangy is said to have been chief of the Schuyl- kill (roaring stream) Indians and may have sojourned here.
John D. Cremer writes that the Chiho- hockis, a sub-tribe of the Delawares, dwelt along the Schuylkill and west bank of the Delaware.
The famous Penn treaty was made in
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
1682, but after Penn's time the troubles of the Indians began. In 1737 the famous walking purchase took place at which time they were cheated out of much land. La- oawinsoe and Tiscohan were signers of this walking purchase treaty.
Probably no other tribe of Indians ex- perienced so many vicissitudes, being driv- en from "post to pillar" and scattered with no permanent abode. Encroachment of white settlers compelled their removal to
Wyoming Valley in 1724, to Allengheny in 1742, to Ohio in 1751, to Indiana in 1770, to Missouri in 1789, later to Arkansas, to Texas in 1820, to Kansas in 1835, and, last- ly, to the Indian lerritory in 1867, when united with the Cherokee Indians. Those who remained with the main body, num- bering 754 persons, appeared to be over their trouble and were assured of a perm- anent abode in their well earned "land of Canaan." They can look back contentedly upon the hardshins of their exodus, as with their allotment of land and money held by the Government they are worth several thousand dollars per capita, — more than the average citizen of any civilized nation. However those who left the main body are scattered in Canada, Wisconsin and other states, and did not share in the allot- ment of land.
At some remote time they must have numbered many thousands, but during the last century this scattered tribe has at any one time comprised not more than 2400 to 3000 persons.
On September 7, 1732, Sassoonan and six other chiefs sold "all those lands lying and being on the said Schuylkill and the tributaries thereof, between the mountains called Lichai, (Lehigh or South Moun- tains,) to the south and the hills or moun- tains called, Keekochtatenni, (Kittatinny or Blue Mountains,) on the north between the branches of the Delaware river on the east
and the water falling into the Susquehanna river on the west." This included our town site now celebrating its Centennial. 1 he purchase price was as follows, namely :
20 brass kettles, 100 Stroudwater match coats of two yards each, 100 duffles, of two yards each; 100 blankets, 100 yards half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pair shoes, 30 pair stockings, 300 pounds gun powder, 600 pounds lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun locks, 50 tomahawks, 50 planting hoes, 120 knives, 60 pair scissors, 100 to- bacco tongs, 24 looking glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 5 pounds paint, 24 dozen garters, 6 dozen ribbons, 12 dozen rings, 200 awl blades, 400 tobacco pipes, 20 gal- lons rum, and 50 pounds money.
These land purchases suggest that when the Indians came into possession of iron hoes, knives, awls, etc., they eagerly ac- cepted these substitutes and discarded stone implements, which, no doubt, accounts for the many stone implements found on their camp sites.
When the French and Indian war broke out in 1755, many murders were committed bv Indians on the white settlers along the Blue Mountains. During this trying period a letter was written by Valentine Probst in Albany township, to Jacob Levan in Maxa- tawny, dated February 11^, 1756, asking aid to defend themselves against these maraud-
ers. Mr. Levan was, no doubt, a large land holder and operator of Levan's Mill, near Eagle Point, built prior to 1740, now operated by a descendant of the same name. It is a matter of record that, "A road was laid out from Levan's Mill in Maxatawny to the King's Highway in Oley bv John Yoder's fence." This road we may imagine followed an old Indian trail, and the writ- er remembers a number of remnants of this road from a point beyond the rail=
8
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
road cut to Bowers Station, existing forty years ago. It crossed a number of camp sites and beyond Bowers passed the famous Jasper quarries, (where the Aborigines pro- cured the yellow, red and brown flint to make their best implements,) thence thru Forge Dale to Oley, which was also thick- ly settled by Indians.
Our townsman, A. N. Levan, relates an incident, the story of which was handed down in their family, that an Indian came stealthily to the mill and was shot by his ancestor and hurriedly buried under the Dorch steps of the old house which stood in what is now a little garden in front of the mill. Later two Indians came hunting for their partner but not finding him, re- treated.
It has also been handed down from gen-
ed by the writer, since 1876, (then starting as a collector at the age of six years, ) may as well go on record. Starting at Fox Hill on the Sell farm a mile southeast of town, camp sites were almost continuous along Saucony Creek over the farms of Mrs. Ame- lia Strasser, the Hoch farm, now owned bv
Chas. K. Deisher ; Dr. Edward Hottenstein, J. J. Hottenstein, Sarah L. Nicks Estate, William Bieber, Mrs. Treichler, Pleasant View Stock Farm, Jerome Christman and Dr. John DeTurk, west of town on the old Biehl farm now owned by Chas. Deisher; Sam. H. Heffner, also the Peter Deisher and John, later William, Deisher farms ; the two latter now owned by Isaac Fegley and Mrs. Maria E. Bieber. These farms have many good springs of water around which the Indians had located.
Following the stream formed by these sorings and passing through a gorge in the hills we come to the Daniel, Jacob and Henry Kohler farms on which camps have been located which must have been occu-
eration to generation in the Kemp family and imparted to the writer by his friend, Nathan S. Kemp, that two Indians lingered in this section after their friends had left. One of them contracted small pox and was either accidentally or wilfully drowned in Benjamin Levan's miil race. The one re- maining whose name was Kneebuckle, left for parts unknown about 1760. During earlier years Indians often came to the De- walt Kemp home and slept by the log fire on the hearth, always departing before the family arose in the morning. Two prom- inent camp sites are located on this farm, a mile beyond Kemp's tavern. The writer on his first visit to this place about 1884, bor- rowed a basket to carry home his find of implements.
Other camp sites in this vicinity as locat-
pied for a long time. These farms are now owned by lohn M. Kohler and Wm. P. Kutz.
On Whit-Monday 1847, o"'' well known townsman, George O'Neill, deceased, Gust Flickinger, Joseph Wink, Peter Fritz, and William Becker, opened Indian graves in
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
the woods on the Biehl farm, west of town. Glass beads and other objects were found, which were exhibited at the Heidenreich and Kutz (now Sharadin and Sharadin) store and at the printing office of "Geist Der Zeit." The following day an "army" as Mr. O'Neill termed it, went out to dig, but Mr. Biehl forbade it. What became of all the objects found is not known; how- ever, a few beads are in the possession of Eugene Sharadin and a brass kettle and gun lock are in the collection of the late Dr. Cyrus Wanner.
On May 23, 1901, after the place had
been under cultivation more than 50 years, the burial site was re-located by permission of my uncle, Charles Deisher, supervised by the writer and assisted by Frank Rahn, Chas. A. Mertz, Chas. K. Deisher, William Wessner, F. B. Druckenmiller, George P. Keehn, Charles A. Swoyer and John Stump,
Mr. O'Neill in describing the location had been misled by the change of a drive- way or woodland road from the west side of the log house to the east side. But the writer's father, John D. Deisher, remem- bered that "in the fall of 1847 his father
The Deisher Indian Pot
lO
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
II
had directed him to put a stick in the bung hole of a barrel and go to Jacob Biehl to make water cider." Coming up what was then an old woodland road, he noticed to the left where the five boys had dug the previous spring of the year. We dug for three hours and being about ready to aban- don the project, I concluded to make obser- vations, by circling the place, set my eyes on a spot, walking up to it and making a scratch, calling Frank Rahn to start a ditch. Several shovel fulls of earth removed, re- vealed that I had scratched on the exact SDot of a grave. A necklace of white and blue beads, several long stemmed white clay pipes, and a small iron cup were found just under the cultivated soil. Four more graves were found, some of which had been open- ed 54 years before. A necklace composed of colored glass beads and brass thimbles
Harry Weylie, Frank Powley, Geo. Smith, Lewis DeTurk, and others. Having pur- chased part of this tract and rented another portion, orders were given to plow deep and mark variations in soil. These efforts were rewarded by the location of nine fire places where huts had existed. Later while grading a street across this camp, three "Cache" or storage pits were located, one of them a beautiful bowl shaped hole in the clay 30 inches deep and 28 inches in diameter. This street has been named Len- ni Street, in honor of the tribe. Later while digging a post hole directly inside the pave- ment on the corner of Normal Avenue and Lenni Street another storage pit was found by the writer and this yielded the priceless fragments of an Indian pot which has been restored at considerable labor and expense. The pot is of the typical Delaware type
lyOG House Near Indian Borial Site — Deisher and His Explorers
in pairs were threaded on buckskin thongs. The bones indicated that they were of full grown persons and the fact that the graves were only three feet long, eighteen inches wide by about thirty inches deep, indicates that these were what are termed "bundle burial," that is, these persons had been bur= ied on the top of the ground under cover until the bodies were decayed and later in- terred the bones, which was their custom in pre-historic times.
Last but not least are the Indian camp sites within otir Borough limits, on the Sarah L. Nicks Estate, known as the David Levan farm, extending across the William Bieber abandoned brick yard and along the creek as far as Main street. This short stretch has probably yielded 2000 specimens to the writer's collection, being my own ef- forts since 1878 and those of Lewis Bloch,
with pointed base and flaring rim, the sides being covered with cord marks formed by a paddle which had been wrapped with cord. It is decorated on the upper part with short horizontal lines formed by a roulette wheel ; this wheel was a simple circular piece of wood with notched edge which was attached to a handle and rocked back and forth to form the design. The lip of the vessel and the inner part of the rim are decorated with similar lines.
The vessel having been broken in pre- historic times was mended bv drilling holes in either side of the break. There are three series of these holes, two of which contain three drillings and the other two. The ones having three drill-holes are at Doints where the break caused a right angle and the grouping of these holes forms a triangle.
12
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
IvOCating the Indian Burial Site— 1901
When drillings of this type were resort- ed to, the vessel was mended and strength- ened b}' thongs or cord which were passed through the holes and tied. It is possible that these breaks were then covered with gum or possibly clay. The height of the vessel is II inches and its greatest diameter 0% inches. A picture of this pot is shown herewith, also a number of typical speci- mens of stone.
Contributors to this collection from other oarts of the county were Samuel S. Gruber, William H. Kraus, Albert Reimert, Samuel Arnoldt, Mathias Fritz, John Wyandt, Al- bert Kline, Daniel Kohler, Alvin Kohler, Adam Kohler and John L. D. Kohler, and
J. B. Faust. Dr. E. J. Sellers, the druggist, has many fine specimens from local camp- sites.
It may be noted here that an Indian, a descendant of the Lenni Lenape tribe, was a passenger on the first trolley car passing through Kutztown, as a guest of the writer.
"Where is my home — my forest home?
The proud land of my sires?
Where stands the wigwam of my pride?
Where gleam the council fires?
Where are my fathers" hallowed graves?
My friends so light and gay?
Cone, gone — forever from my view !
Great Spirit! Can it be?
Hbnry K. DeishEr
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP KUTZTOWN
13
THE SETTLEMENT OF MAXATAWNY
Maxatawny was settled early in the eigh- teenth century. The exact date of the en- trance of the first settlers, pioneers, who came from Philadelphia, directly or, most of them, indirectly by way of Falkner Swamp and Oley, cannot be determined. The land lying in this valley was purchased from the Indians September 7, 1732. The deed of sale was executed by "Sassoonan, alias Al- lummapis, sachem of the Schuylkill Indians, in the province of Pennsylvania, Elalapis, Ohopamen, Pesqueetomen, Mayeemoe, Part- ridge, and Tepakoaset, alias Joe, on behalf of themselves and all the other Indians of the said nation, unto John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn. The territory in IJie grant is described as follows :
"All those tracts of land or lands lying on or near the river Schuylkill, in said prov- ince, or any of the branches, streams, foun- tains or springs thereof, eastward or west- ward and all lands lying in or near any swamps, marshes, fens or meadows, the wa- ters or streams of which flow into or toward the said river Schuylkill situate, lying and being between those hills called Lechay Hills and those called Keekachtanemin Hills, which cross the said river Schuylkill about thirty miles above the said Lechay hills, and all land whatsoever lying within the said bounds ; and between the branches of Delaware river, on the eastern side of the said land, and the branches or streams running into the river Susquehanna, on the western side of the said lands, together with all mines, minerals, quarries, waters, rivers, creeks, woods, timber, and trees, with all and every the appurtenances, etc."
The consideration mentioned in the deed consisted of the following articles :
"20 brass kettles, 100 stroudwater match- coats of two yards each, 100 duffels do., 100 blankets, 100 yards of half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pairs of shoes and buckles, 30 pair of stockings, 300 lbs. of gunpowder, 600 lbs. of lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun locks, 50 tomahawks or hatch- ets, 50 planting hoes, 120 knives, 60 pair of scissors, 100 tobacco tongs, 24 looking- glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 50 pounds of paint, 24 dozen of gartering, 6 dozen of ribbons, 12 dozen of rings, 200 awl blades, 100 pounds of tobacco, 400 to- bacco pipes, 20 gallons of rum and fifty pounds in money."
Lingahonoa, one of the Schuylkill In-
dians, executed the deed on the 12th of July, 1742, upon receiving his full share and pro- portion of the several goods mentioned, he "happening not to be present when his brethren signed and executed the same." His execution was attested by Benjamin Franklin, William Peters, Conrad Weiser and Lynford Lardner.
In his "Historical sketch of Kutztown and Maxatawny" (published in 1876) Pro- fessor John S. Ermentrout says: "This township was settled very soon after the year 1732." The accuracy of this state- ment is rendered somewhat doubtful by a previous delivery on the same page (p. 5), where we read :
"Prior to 1734, in Maxatawny, lived the following persons who owned land and paid quit-rents : —
Jacob Hottenstein
Peter Andreas
Jacob Levan
Jacob Kemp
Wilhelm Gross
Casper Wink
Christian Mahnenschmidt
Jacob Hill
Isaac Leonard
Peter Trealer
Hans Hage
Bastian Terr."' Nicholas Kutz Abraham Zimmerman Jost. Hen. Sassaman Andreas Fischer Heinrich Hartman Michael Mueller Hans Kleimer Heinrich Schade Jeremiah Trealer Bastian Terr."*
Montgomery adds: "The township was settled immediately after the land was re- leased by the Indians."
This statement, like that of Ermentrout is, on the face of it improbable, and for these considerations :
1. The sale was made by the Indians in September 1732. From that date to "prior to 1734" would be only a little over one .vear, quite too brief a period for the territory to acquire so many taxables (22) as are given in the list.
2. It is of record that on November 18, 1729, Nicholas Kutz, named in the fore- going list of taxables, bought from Casper Wistar, "brass button manufacturer," of Philadelphia, for the sum of 52 pounds, 10 shillings, one hundred and fifty acres of land in Maxatawny, Philadelphia County. This tract was located near Eagle Point and is now in possession of Israel Kutz.
iThis name is spelled Ferr in Ermentrout's pamphlet and is so reprinted in Montgomer}''s "History of Berks County" (1S66), p. 1041. "Ferr" is asserted to be a misprint for "Terr," an early form of the family name now written Derr.
14
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
3. It is also of record that on the preced- ing day, November 17, 1729, Jacob Hotten- stein, bought from Casper Wistar, one hundred and sixteen acres of land in Maxa- tawny.
RELEASE AND DEED This Indenture made the Eighteenth Day of November In the Year of our Lord One thou- sand seven hundred & twenty nine Bctivecn Casper Wistar of the City of Philadelphia Brass- button maker and Catharine his Wife Of the One Part and Jacob Huddlestone of Maxhe- tawny in the County of Philadelphia Of the other part Witnesse'ih That the said Caspar Wistar and Catharine his Wife For the Con- sideration of Forty Pounds twelve Shilling law- ful money of Pennsylvania to them paid by the said Jacob Huddlestone have granted bargained sold released and confirmed And by these Pres- ents for them and their Heirs do grant bargain sell release and confirm Unto the said Jacob Huddlestone (In his actual Seizin now being by Virtue of a Bargain and Sale unto him made by the said Caspar Wistar & Catharine his Wife For the Terra of one Year by Indenture bearing Date the Day next before the Day of the Date hereof made between the same Parties as these Presents and to his Heirs and Assigns) A Cer- tain Piece or Tract of Land situate in Maxhe- tawny aforesaid Beginning at a Post at a Corner of Caspar Wistar's other Land Thence extending by that and vacant Land South ten Degrees East Two hundred Perches to a black Oak Sapling Thence by vacant Land South eighty Degrees West ninety three Perches to a Post Thence by Land of Peter Andrews North ten Degrees West Two Hundred Perches to a Post Thence by Lands of Nicholas Couts North eighty Degrees East ninety-three Perches to the Place of Be- ginning Containing One hundred and Sixteen Acres ( It being Part of the fourth described of several Tracts, which by Patent of the first Day of September last past Under the Hands of the Proprietarv Commissioners and Great Seal of the said Province were granted unto the said Caspar Wistar In Fee Entered of Record at Philadel- phia Book A Vol. 6 Page 106) Together also with all and singular the Ways Woods Waters Water Courses Rights Liberties Privileges Im- provements Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever unto the hereby granted Premises be- longing And the Reversions and remainders there- by To have & to hold the said One Hundred and 16 Acres of Land Hereditaments and Premises hereby granted or mentioned to be granted with the Appurtenances Unto the said Jacob Huddle- stone and his Heirs To the Use and Behoof of him the said Jacob Huddlestone his Heirs and Assigns forever Under the proportionable part of the Proprietary Quit rert in the said recited Pat- ent mentioned as hereafter yearly accruing And the said Caspar Wistar doth Covenant for him and his Heirs the said Land and Premises hereby granted with the Apnurtenances Unto the said Tacoh Huddlestone his Heirs & Assigns against him the said Caspar Wistar and his Heirs and all Persons claiming under him or them shall and will ^Varrant and forever defend by these Presents And the said Caspar Wistar for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators doth Covenant nromise and grant to and with the said Jacob Huddlestone his Heirs & Assigns by these Pres- ents That the said Caspar Wistar and his Heirs and all and every other Person or Persons
lawfully claiming or to claim any Estate Right Title or interest of in or to the Premises or any Part or Parcel thereof by from or under him or them or any of them shall & will, at any Time within the Space of Fourteen Years next en- suing the Date hereof, at the reasonable Request and Charges in Law of the said Jacob Huddle- stone his Heirs or Assigns make execute and acknowledge or cause so to be all and every such further or other Act and Acts Deed or Deeds Device or Devices in law for the further and better Assurance and Confirmation of the ore hundred and sixteen Acres of Land Heredi- taments and Premises hereby granted or men- tioned to be granted with the Appurtenances un- to the said Jacob Huddlestone his Heirs and Assigns as by him or them Or by his or their Councel learned in the Law shall be reasonably devised advised or required So as such Assur- ance contain no further or other Warrant or Covenant than these Presents. In Witness where- of the said Parties to these Presents have inter- changeably set their Hands and Seals hereunto Dated the Day & Year first above written.
CASPAR WISTAR, [l. s.] CATHARINE WISTAR [r.. s.] Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of us
CONRAT REIF, WILLIAM PARSONS.
Entered in the Office for Recording of Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia, in Book F Vol. 6 Page 335 &c. The fourteenth Day of August. Ao. Di. One thousand seven hundred and thirty four Witness my Hand and Seal to my Office aforesaid.
C. BrockdeNj Recorder.
4. Most conclusive of all is the fact that on December i, 1724, one Peter Wentz, patented one thousand acres of land ; the price paid was one hundred and sixty pounds. The patent, which was recorded December 5, 1728, was issued by "Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, James Logan and Thom- as Grififits, commissioners," acting for the authorities of the Province. In this patent the land is described as situate on the Sau- conv in "the Province of Pennsylvania and County of Newcastle-Sussex on the Dela- ware." This is especially interesting as showing that at that early date this section was supposed to be in Newcastle county, one of the lower counties of the Province, into the "wilderness," a short time after- wards separated from Pennsylvania, but then extending indefinitely into the "wild- erness" in a north-westernly direction with limits exceedingly vague in all directions except in their southern portion. Soon af- ter this date, however, patents and deeds locate this section in Philadelphia county, showing that this uncertainty of location had disappeared.
PATENT
Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, James Logan and Thomas Griffitts. Commissioners, to Peter Wents. Province of Pennsylvania and County of New-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
15
castle, Sussex on the Delaware. Attorneys of Joshua, Sec, of city of London, Silkman, Thomas Oad, of the city of Bristol, England, and John Woods, of London, Merchant, surviving mort- gagees and trustees of said province and count}': To all unto whom these presents shall come.
Hon. William Penn, Esq., Proprietary author- izes the Surveyor General on the ist day of De- cember, 1724, to grant unto the said Peter Wents a patent of 1000 acres situated on the Saucony, a branch of the Schuylkill river, — the same de- scribed and bounded as follows : — Beginning at a post for a corner, thence N. 20 deg. W., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 362 perches to a post : thence N. 70 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 375 perches to a post; thence S. 20 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 150 perches to a post ; thence N. 70 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 160 perches to a post; thence S. 20 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 212 oerches to a post ; thence S. 70 deg. W., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 536 perches to the place of beginning; containing 1000 acres, and an allowance of 6 acres on every 100 for roads and highways. Granted for the consideration of 160 pounds, and recorded De- cember 5th, 172S.
In the recorded cop)' of the patent, to be seen at Harrisburg, the metes and bounds are stated elaborateh^ but the exact loca- tion of the tract is a matter of some doubt as the location of the starting- point is not fixed by any now recognized landmark. That it included the site of the present bor- ough of Kutztown, at least in part, may be inferred from the wording of a deed in possession of Mr. Wilson B. Kutz, liv- ing representative of a long line of succes- sive owners of a portion of the tract. From this deed it is learned that 514 acres of this tract in Maxatawnv was purchased from Peter Wentz by James (alias) Jacobus De- laplank, a resident of Oley township, who, in his will, "bearing date the 2gth of May -\nno Domini 1758," devised the same to his son, Frederick Delaplank. The same was sold at sheriff's sale, May nth, 1767, "bv Jasper Scull, Esquire, High Sheriff" of Berks County, to Peter Rothermel. On December 19, 1772, the new owners (Peter Rothermel and Sybilla, his wife) trans- ferred 120 acres of this tract to Jacob Sweyer. From this last about go acres passed June 17, 1789, into possession of Leonard Rishel, who, on July 29, 1820, sold from it a piece of 34 acres and 17 perches to Philip ]\'Iver, which in course of time came into the possession of the late William S. Kutz, resident at the west- ern end of town, beyond the borough limits.
The following papers are reproduced in this connection as possibly helpful to better understanding of the somewhat complicated question of original ownership of the .=iteof Kutztown :
EXEMPLIFICATIONS OF PROCEEDINGS
REAL ESTATE OF JACOB KUTZ,
DEC'D
Berks County, ss :
GEORGE, the THIRD by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, De- fender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting. Know Ye that among the Records and proceedings of the Or- phans' Court of the Countv of Berks aforesaid. At an Orphans' Court held at Reading in and for the said County of Berks the tenth Day of August in the ninth Year of Our Reign and in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hun- dred and sixty nine Before Jonas Seely Esquire and his Associates, Justices of the said Court, &c., and at divers other Days and Times there- after
It is thus contained
Upon the Petition of Jacob Kutz, Eldest Son and Heir at Law of Jacob Kutz late of the Town- ship of Maxatawny in Berks County Yeoman deceased, setting forth ; —
"That the petitioner's said Father died Intes- tate about eighteen Months since, leaving a Widow, to wit, Elisabeth, and issue Eight Chil- dren, to wit, the petitioner, John Adam, Peter, Elisabeth the Wife of Jacob Schweyer, Catha- rina the wife of George Ott, Susanna and Bar- bara, and that the said Intestate, at the Time of his Death was seised in his Demesne as of Fee of and in a certain Messuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land situate in the said Township of Maxatawny, bounded by Lands of Jacob Teyscher, Michael Henninger, George Kutz and Peter Rothermel, Containing by Esti- mation One hundred and ninety Acres, be the same more or less, with the Appurtenances. And therefore praying the Court to award and Inquest to make partition of the Premises to and among the parties aforesaid if the same could be done without Prejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof ; But if such partition could not he made without nrejudice to or spoiling the Whole of the Real Estate aforesaid — then pray- ing the Court to order that the Inquest to be awarded should value and appraise the said Mes- suage or Tenement Plantation and' Tract of One hundred and ninety Acres of Land, be the same more or less, with the Appurtenances in order that the petitioner might be enabled to hold and enjoy the same upon his paying or securing to be paid to the other Children and Representatives of the said Intestate their Several and respec- itve Shares and Dividends of and in such Valua- tion according to the Laws of this Provinc" of Pennsylvania in such Case made and provided." The Court did award an Inquest to make par- tition of the Real Estate in the said petition soecified, late of the said Intestate to and amons- his Children and Representatives the aforesaid in such Manner and in such proportions as by the Laws of this province is directed and ap- pointed if such partition could be made without nrejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof ; But if such partition could not be made without prejudice to or spoiling the Whole, then to value and appraise the said Real Estate with the Ap- purtenances and make Report of their Doings therein to the Court agreeable to the Acts of the General Assembly of this Province of Penn- sylvania in such Case made and provided. And a Writ for the purposes aforesaid issued to Our Sheriff of the county of Berks afsd. directed.
i6
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
bearing Teste the same Tenth Day of August in the Ninth Year of Our Reign and returnanle the Fourth Day of September then next ensuing, at which Fourth Day of September in the Year aforesaid Before the Justices of the Orphans Court then held at Reading in and for the Lounty of Berks Our Sheriff of the said County, to wit, Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., made Return of the said Writ in the Following Words (.thereon indorsed) to wit: 'To the justices aforenamed I do hereby Certify that by Virtue of the afore- written Writ to me directed I have taken with me twelve honest and lawful Men of my Baili- wick and gone to the Messuage or Tenement and Tract of Land in the said Writ mentioned. Containing One hundred and thirty Acres, or thereabouts, and all and singular premises where- of Jacob Kutz the Intestate in the said Writ named dyed seised in Maxatawny Township, and on the Oath and Affirmation of the Inquest afsd. respectively finding the same could not be part- ed and divided to and among the parties in the said Writ named without Prejudice to or spoil- ing the Whole thereof, have valued and appraised the same as by the said Writ I am commanded, as appears by the Schedule hereunto annexed, So answers Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff Schedule an- nexed). Inquisition indented, made and taken at the Township of Maxatawny in the County of Berks, the second Day of September in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine Before Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., High Sheriff of the County aforesaid by Virtue of His Maiesty's Writ to him directed and to this Inquisition annexed, by the Oath of George Kelchner and Peter Scherer and the Solemn Af- firmation of George Merckle, Daniel Levan, Frederick Hill, Jacob Teuscher, Friedrick Haus- man, Joseph Siegfrid, John Bast, Jacob Levan, Michael Heninger and Attorney Fischer, twelve free, honest and lawful Men, of the said County, Who upon their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid respectively do say that they went to the Mes- suaee or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land in the said Writ mentioned. Containing One hun- dred and thirty Acres or thereabouts, be the same more or less, whereof Jacob Kutz the Intestate in the said Writ named dyed seised, and then and there found the same could not be parted and divided to and among the parties in the said Writ named without prejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof, and therefore on their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid they the said Inquest have valued and appraised the said Messuage Tenement Plantation or Tract of Land with the Appurtenances of the Sum of twelve Hundred and Fifty Pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania Subject to all Moneys and Quitrents now due and hereafter to become due and payable for the same to the Chief Lord or Lords for the Fee thereof. In testimony thereof as well the said Sheriff as the Inquest aforesaid have here- unto interchangeablv set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year above said. Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff (Seal) Frederick Hauzman (Seal) Jo- seph Sigfridt (Seal) John Bast (Seal) Jacob Levan (Sea!) Michel Henninger (Seal) Anton Fischer (Seal) Georg Kolchner (Seal) Peter Storer (Seal) Georg Morckel (Sepl) Daniel Le- van (Seal) Frederick Hill (Seal) Jacob Drescher (Seal)." And the said Return and Inquisition being read were confirmed And thereuoon it was considered and adjudged by the Court that the said Jacob Kutz Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the said Jacob Kutz deceased should hold and enjo}' the Messuage or Tenement Plantation
and Tract of Land in the Return afsd. specified with the Appurtenances whereof his said Father dyed seised Intestate, valued as aforesaid, to him his Heirs and Assigns for Ever as fully and freely as the said Intestate had and held the same in his lifetime. He first paying or .giving Security for the payment of the Shares and Dividends of the younger Children of the said Intestate according to Law, which Sureties were to be approved of by the Court And Afterwards, to wit, the twelfth Day of June in the tenth Year of Our Reign and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy at an Or- phans Court then held at Reading in and for the County of Berks aforesaid Before the Jus- tices of the said Court The Petition of the sa-'d Jacob Kutz Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the aforesaid Jacob Kutz deceased setting forth "That the Messuage or Tenement Plantation or Tract of land late of the said Intestate situate in the Township of Maxatawny aforesaid. Contain- ing One hundred and thirty Acres or thereabouts, with Appurtenances, was, by Virtue of a Writ of Partition or Valuation issued out of the Orphans Court of the County aforesaid bearing Teste the Tenth Day of August last past valued and an- praised at the Sum of Twelve Hundred and Fifty Pounds lawful Money of Pennsylvania. That the personal Estate of the said Intestate falls nine hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence short of paying his Debts as aooears by the Administration Accompt thereof this Day rendered into the Register General's Office, at Reading, which the petitioner is willing to undertake to settle and pay if the same mav be allowed to him out of the Valuation Money aforesaid." And therefore praying the Court "To confirm the said Messuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land to him his He'rs and Assigns for Ever subject to the aforesaid nine hundred and thirteen pounds, six shilling's and eight pence. Debts due from the said Estate, on his Giving Nicholas Kutz and John Adam Kutz, both of Maxatawny Townshio aforesaid Yeomen, Security for the pavment of three hun- dred and thirty six pounds thirteen shillinss and four pence (The residue of the Valuation Money aforesaid after the Debts aforesaid due from the said Estate being first deducted) to the other Children and Representatives of the said Inte- state according to Law," was read and granted And the Court do here approve of the said Nicho- las Kutz and John Adam Kutz as Securities to enter into Bonds with the said Tacob Kutz for the payment of the Shares and Dividends of the other Children and Representatives of the said Intestate of and in the said three hundred and thirty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence Residue of the Valuation Monev afore- said (The Debts aforesaid being deducted) on the Fourth Dav of Seotember next ensuins (re- serving to Elizabeth the Widow of the said In- testate her Dower therein) Upon Sealinar and Delivery of which Bonds it is considered and adjudged bv the Court that the said Jacob Kutz. the Son, shall hold and enjoj' the Lands and Premises aforesaid with the Appurtenances, in Maxatawny Township aforesaid, as Heir at Law of his said Father Tacob Kutz, deceased, to him his Heirs and Assigns for Ever according to Law Subject to the payment of the aforesaid nine hundred and thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence Debts due from the Estate of the said Intestate. And the Bonds aforesaid were entered into accordingly.
All and singular which Premises by the Tenor
• ''f
■a Hat
In-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
17
of these presents We have commanded to be ex- emplified In Testimony whereof We have caused the Seal of the said County of Berks to be af- fixed to these presents Witness Jonas Seely, Es- qire, at Reading, the said twelfth Dav of June, in the Tenth Year of Our Reign Annoque Dom- ini 1770.
DEED FREDERICK HITTLE AND WIFE
TO
DEWALD KUTZ
For 7 Acres 112 Perches
In Maxetany Berks County
This Indenture, Made the first day of April In the Year of Our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety five Between Frederick Hit- tie of Maxetany Township in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Maria his Wife of the one part and Dewald Kutz of Kutztown in the Township and County afore- said, Cordwainer of the other part Whitnesseth, that the said Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife for and in Consideration of the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds LawfuU raony in gold and Silver of the State aforesaid, to them in hand well and Truly paid by the said Dewald Kutz at and before the Sealing and Delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof they the said Fred- erick Hittle and Maria his Wife doth hereby Acknowledre and thereby do Acquit and forever Discharge the said Dewald Kutz and his Heirs and Assigns By these Presents Have Granted Bargained Sold Released and Confirmed And by these Presents Do Grant Bargain Sell Release and Confirm unto the said Dewald Kutz and to his Heirs and Assigns, a Certain Tract Piece and Lot of Ground Situate Lying and being in the said Township of Maxetany, and Beginning at a Post, in a line of the of the late Propriataries, mannor, and now in the Possession of Jacob Teysher North Sixty degrees East nineteen Perch- es to a post fence along a Hne of Jacob Kutz T^and, North thirtv five degrees West Seventy Perches and three Tenth of a Perch to a Post at the High Road leading to Reading thence along said Road and South thirty five degrees West Twentv Perches to a Post, thence South thirty five deerees East Sixty Perches and one half of a Perch to the nlace of beginning, Containing Seven Acres and One hundred and Twelf perches. Neat measure, Being oart of Five Hundred and fourteen acres of Land wich Jasper Scull Esquire late Hip-h Sherifif in and for the said Countv of Berks, In Pursuance of a '^'^rit of Fi-ri Facias fn him directed, and bv Virtue of a Certain other Writ of Venditioni Exoonas Sold the above discribed Tract of five hundred and fourteen a-TP'! of Land with the aopurtenances. unto Peter Rothermel in Fee, as by the said Sheriffs Deed coll bearing date the Eleventh day of May, T767, aiHl bv him Acknowledged in ooen Court of Common Pleas at Reading in and for the County of Berks aforesaid recourse being thereunto hath more fullv Appears, and whereas the said Peter Rothermel and Sybilla his Wife by their Inden- ture of Release from under their Hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the Nineteenth
day of December 1772, for the Consideration therein mentioned Granted and Confirmed unto Jacob Sweyer and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, a Tenement and Piece of One Hundred and Twenty Acres and Eighty five perches with the appurtenances, and being part of the said five hundred and fourteen acres (as in and by said in part recited Indenture Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds at Reading, in and for the County of Berks aforesaid in Book B, VoJ I, page 513, &c. Recourse thereunto had more fully and at Large Appears and whereas, the said Jacob Sweyer and Elizabeth his Wife by their Indenture of Release from under their hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the fourth day of May, 1789, for the Consideration therein mentioned Granted and Confirmed, Thirty acres and Forty perches of Land Strict measure (being part of the above mentioned Tract of One hund- red and Twenty acres of Land, and Premises) unto the above said Frederick Hittle (and Partie hereto) and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, Together allso with all and Singular the Build- ings and Improvements, Orchards field fences, ways woods waters water courses Rights Liber- ties Preveleges Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever therunto belonging or in any Wise appertaining and the Reversions and remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and also all the Estate Right Title Interest use trust benefit Pos- session property Claim and Demand whatsoever both at Law and in Equity or otherwise how- soever of him the said Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife and their Heirs of into and out of the Premises hereby granted and Every part thereof To have and to hold the said above discribed Piece and Lot of Ground Containing Seven acres and one hundred and Twelf perches and being part of the above Thirty acres and forty perches, (Hereditaments and Premises here- by Granted and Every thereof, to mentioned to be granted with the appurtenances unto the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns To the only nroper use benefit and behoof of him the Said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns for Ever Always Excepting and reserving for me my heirs and Assigns as also Excepting and reserving for Leonerd Rishel his Heirs and Assigns, the free and undistributed Priveledge and Use of the Draw well Standing on the South Side of the aforementioned Great or High Road, and on the said Seven Acres and One hundred and Twelf Perches of land, and onnosite of the Dwellins' house of the said Frederick Hittle) And the said Frederick Hittle for himself and his Heirs doth Covenant Promis and Grant to and with the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns, by these presents, that he the said Frederick and his Heirs the said discribed Masuage and lot of Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches of land Neat measure. Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted meant mentioned or Intended so to be with the AoDurtenances (Excent as before Excepted) unto the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns, against him the said Frederick Hit- tle and his Heirs, and against all and Every other Person or Persons Whomsoever Lawfully Claim- ing or to Claim the same bv from or nrdor him them or any of them Shall and will Warrant and for Ever defend by these Presents. In Wit- ness whereof of the said parties hath Inter- changeable Set their hand and Seals hereunto, the Day and Year first above Written.
Received the day of the above date of the above written Indenture of the above Named Dewald Kutz the Sum of Two hundred Pounds Lawfull mony of the State aforesaid, it being
i6
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
bearing Teste the same Tenth Da3' of August in the Ninth Year of Our Reign and returnaDle the Fourth Day of September then next ensuing, at which Fourth Day of September in the Year aforesaid Before the Justices of the Orphans Court then held at Reading in and for the Lounty of Berks Our Sheriff of the said County, to wit, Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., made Return of the said Writ in the Following Words (thereon indorsed) to wit: 'To the justices aforenamed I do hereby Certify that by Virtue of the afore- written Writ to me directed I have taken with me twelve honest and lawful Men of my Baili- wick and gone to the Messuage or Tenement and Tract of Land in the said Writ mentioned, Containing One hundred and thirty Acres, or thereabouts, and all and singular premises where- of Jacob Kutz the Intestate in the said Writ named dyed seised in Maxatawny Township, and on the Oath and Affirmation of the Inquest afsd. respectively finding the same could not be^ part- ed and divided to and among the parties in the said Writ named without Prejudice to or spoil- ing the Whole thereof, have valued and appraised the same as by the said Writ I am commanded, as appears by the Schedule hereunto annexed. So answers Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff Schedule an- nexed). Inquisition indented, made and taken at the Township of Maxatawny in the County of Berks, the second Day of September in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixtv nine Before Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., High Sheriff of the County aforesaid by Virtue of His Maiesty's Writ to him directed and to this Inquisition annexed, by the Oath of George Kelchner and Peter Scherer and the Solemn Af- firmation of George Merckle, Daniel Levan, Frederick Hill, Jacob Teuscher, Friedrick Haus- man. Joseph Siegfrid, John Bast, Jacob Levan, Michael Heninger and Attorney Fischer, twelve free, honest and lawful Men, of the said County, Who upon their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid respectively do say that they went to the Mes- suasre or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land in the said Writ mentioned, Containing One hun- dred and thirty Acres or thereabouts, be the same more or less, whereof Jacob Kutz the Intestate in the said Writ named dyed seised, and then and there found the same could not be parted and divided to and among the parties in the said Writ named without prejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof, and therefore on their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid they the said Inquest have valued and appraised the said Messuage Tenement Plantation or Tract of Land with the Appurtenances of the Sum of twelve Hundred and Fifty Pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania Subject to all Moneys and Quitrents now due and hereafter to become due and payable for the same to the Chief Lord or Lords for the Fee thereof. In testimony thereof as well the said Sheriff as the Inquest aforesaid have here- unto interchangeablv set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year above said. Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff (Seal) Frederick Hauzman (Seal) Jo- seph Sigfridt (Sea!) John Bast (Seal) Jacob Levan (Seal) Michel Henninger (Seal) Anton Fischer (Seal) Georg Kolchner (Seal) Peter Storer (Seal) Georg Morckel (Sesl) Daniel Le- van (Seal) Frederick Hill (Seal) Jacob Drescher (Seal)." And the said Return and Inquisition being read were confirmed And thereuoon it was considered and adjudged by the Court that the said Jacob Kutz Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the said Jacob Kutz deceased should hold and enjoy the Messuage or Tenement Plantation
and Tract of Land in the Return afsd. specified with the Appurtenances whereof his said Father dyed seised Intestate, valued as aforesaid, to him his Heirs and Assigns for Ever as fully and freely as the said Intestate had and held the same in his lifetime. He first paying or giving Security for the payment of the Shares and Dividends of the younger Children of the said Intestate according to Law, which Sureties were to be approved of by the Court And Afterwards, to wit, the twelfth Day of June in the tenth Year of Our Reign and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy at an Or- phans Court then held at Reading in and for the County of Berks aforesaid Before the Jus- tices of the said Court The Petition of the sa-'d Jacob Kutz Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the aforesaid Jacob Kutz deceased setting forth "That the Messuage or Tenement Plantation or Tract of land late of the said Intestate situate in the Township of Maxatawny aforesaid. Contain- ing One hundred and thirty Acres or thereabouts, with Appurtenances, was, by Virtue of a Writ of Partition or Valuation issued out of the Orphans Court of the County aforesaid bearing Teste the Tenth Day of August last past valued and an- praised at the Sum of Twelve Hundred and Fifty Pounds lawful Money of Pennsvlvania. That the personal Estate of the said Intestate falls nine hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence short of paying his Debts as aooears by the Administration Accompt thereof this Day rendered into the Register General's Office, at Reading, which the petitioner is willing to undertake to settle and pay if the same may be allowed to him out of the Valuation Money aforesaid." And therefore praying the Court "To confirm the said Messuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land to him his He'rs and Assigns for Ever subject to the aforesaid nine hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence. Debts due from the said Estate, on his Giving Nicholas Kutz and John Adam Kutz, both of Maxatawny Townshio aforesaid Yeomen, Security for the pavment of three hun- dred and thirty six pounds thirteen shillinss and four pence (The residue of the Valuation Money aforesaid after the Debts aforesaid due from the said Estate being first deducted) to the other Children and Representatives of the said Inte- state according to Law," was read and granted And the Court do here approve of the said Nicho- las Kutz and John Adam Kutz as Securities to enter into Bonds with the said Tacob Kutz for the payment of the Shares and Dividends of the other Children and Representatives of the said Intestate of and in the said three hundred and thirty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence Residue of the Valuation Money afore- said (The Debts aforesaid being deducted) on the Fourth Dav of Seotember next ensuina' (^re- serving to Elizabeth the Widow of the said In- testate her Dower therein) Upon Sealing and Delivery of which Bonds it is considered and adjudsed bv the Court that the said Jacob Kutz. the Son. shall hold and enjoy the Lands and Premises aforesaid with the Appurtenances, in Maxatawny Township aforesaid, as Heir at Law of his said Father Tacob Kutz, deceased, to him his Heirs and Assigns for Ever according to Law Subject to the payment of the aforesaid nine hundred and thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence Debts due from the Estate of the said Intestate. And the Bonds aforesaid were entered into accordingly.
All and singular which Premises by the Tenor
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
17
of these presents We have commanded to be ex- emplified In Testimony whereof We have caused the Seal of the said County of Berks to be af- fixed to these presents Witness Jonas Seely, Es- qire, at Reading, the said twelfth Dav of June, in the Tenth Year of Our Reign Annoque Dom- ini 1770.
DEED FREDERICK HITTLE AND WIFE
TO
DEWALD KUTZ
For 7 Acres 112 Perches
In Maxetany Berks County
This Indenture, Made the first day of April In the Year of Our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety five Between Frederick Hit- tie of Maxetany Township in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Maria his Wife of the one part and Dewald Kutz of Kutztown in the Township and County afore- said, Cordwainer of the other part Whitnesseth, that the said Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife for and in Consideration of the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds LawfuU mony in gold and Silver of the State aforesaid, to them in hand well and Truly paid by the said Dewald Kutz at and before the Sealing and Delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof they the said Fred- erick Hittle and Maria his Wife doth hereby Acknowledge and thereby do Acquit and forever Dischargee the said Dewald Kutz and his Heirs and Assigns By these Presents Have Granted Bargained Sold Released and Confirmed And by these Presents Do Grant Bargain Sell Release and Confirm unto the said Dewald Kutz and to his Heirs and Assigns, a Certain Tract Piece and Lot of Ground Situate Lying and being in the said Township of Maxetany, and Beginning at a Post, in a line of the of the late Propriataries, mannor, and now in the Possession of Jacob Teysher North Sixty degrees East nineteen Perch- es to a post fence along a line of Jacob Kutz Land, North thirtv five degrees West Seventy Perches ard three Tenth of a Perch to a Post at the High Road leading to Reading thence along said Road and South thirty five degrees West Twentv Perches to a Post, thence South thirty five dearees East Sixty Perches and one half of a Perch to the nlace of beginning. Containing Seven Acres and One hundred and Twelf perches. Neat measure. Being cart of Five Hundred and fourteen acres of Land wich Jasper Scull Esquire 'ate Hi?h Sheriff in and for the said Countv of Berks, In Pursuance of a '^^'rit of Fi°ri Facias tn him directed, and bv Virtue of a Certain other Writ of Venditioni Exoonas Sold the above discribed Tract of five hundred and fourteen ^--res of Land with the aopurtenances. unto Peter Rothermel in Fee, as by the said Sheriffs Deed ooll bearing date the Eleventh day of May, 1767, and bv him Acknowledged in ooen Court of Tommon Pleas at Reading in and for the County of Berks aforesaid recourse being thereunto hath more fullv Appears, and whereas the said Peter Rothermel and Sybilla his Wife by their Inden- ture of Release from under their Hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the Nineteenth
day of December 1772, for the Consideration therein mentioned Granted and Confirmed unto Jacob Sweyer and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, a Tenement and Piece of One Hundred and Twenty Acres and Eighty five perches with the appurtenances, and being part of the said five hundred and fourteen acres (as in and by said in part recited Indenture Recorded in the Oiifice for Recording of Deeds at Reading, in and for the County of Berks aforesaid in Book B, Vol. i, page 513, &c. Recourse thereunto had more fully and at Large Appears and whereas, the said Jacob Sweyer and Elizabeth his Wife by their Indenture of Release from under their hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the fourth day of May, 1789, for the Consideration therein mentioned Granted and Confirmed, Thirty acres and Forty perches of Land Strict measure (being part of the above mentioned Tract of One hund- red and Twenty acres of Land, and Premises) unto the above said Frederick Hittle (and Partie hereto) and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, Together allso with all and Singular the Build- ings and Improvements, Orchards field fences, ways woods waters water courses Rights Liber- ties Preveleges Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever therunto belonging or in any Wise appertaining and the Reversions and remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and also all the Estate Right Title Interest use trust benefit Pos- session property Claim and Demand whatsoever both at Law and in Equity or otherwise how- soever of him the said Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife and their Heirs of into and out of the Premises hereby granted and Every part thereof To have and to hold the said above discribed Piece and Lot of Ground Containing Seven acres and one hundred and Twelf perches and being part of the above Thirty acres and forty perches, (Hereditaments and Premises here- by Granted and Every thereof, to mentioned to be granted with the appurtenances unto the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns To the only "roper use benefit and behoof of him the Said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns for Ever Always Excepting and reserving for me my heirs and Assigns as also Excepting and reserving for Leonerd Rishel his Heirs and Assigns, the free and undistributed Priveledge and Use of the Draw well Standing on the South Side of the aforementioned Great or High Road, and on the said Seven Acres and One hundred and Twelf Perches of land, and onnosite of the Dwellins- house of the said Frederick Hittle) And the said Frederick Hittle for himself and his Heirs doth Covenant Promis and Grant to and with the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns, by these presents, that he the said Frederick and his Heirs the said discribed Masuage and lot of Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches of land Neat measure. Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted meant mentioned or Intended so to be with the Anourtenances (Exceot as before Excepted) unto the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns, against him the said Frederick Hit- tle and his Heirs, and against all and Every other Person or Persons Whomsoever Lawfully Claim- ing or to Claim the same bv from or m^df-r him them or any of them Shall and will Warrant and for Ever defend by these Presents. In Wit- ness whereof of the said parties hath Inter- chans-eable Set their hand and Seals hereunto, the Day and Year first above Written.
Received the day of the above date of the above written Indenture of the above Named Dewald Kutz the Sum of Two hundred Pounds Lawfull mony of the State aforesaid, it being
i8
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
the consideration mony for the above sold and bargained Premises in full Received from me.
FREDERICK HITTLE (Seal) her MARIA X HITTLE (Seal) Mark
Sealed and Delivered In the Presents of Us
Jacob Kutz Philip Gcchr
Know all Man by these Presents that Dewald Kiitz, of Kutz. in the Comity of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Cordwainer and Elizabeth his wife the Grandies in the within written In- denture mentioned for and in Consideration of the Sum of Two hundred & Ten Pounds LawfiiU mony in Gold or Silver of the State aforesaid to them well and Truly in hand paid by George Kistler of Greenwich Township in the County and State aforesaid Millir, the Receip whereof they the said Dewald Kutz and Elizabeth, his wife doth hereby Acknowdedge Have Granted Bargained Sold and Released and by these Pres- ents do hereby Grant Bargain Sell Release & Con- firm unto the said George Kistler his Heirs and Assigns all that within mentioned Tract piece and parcel of Land Containing Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches of land Neat measure as bounded and discribed in this within Indenture Together with all and Singular the Premises Hereditaments and Appurtenances there- unto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversions and Remainders, Rents Issues and Profits thereof, and also all the Estate Right Title Interest Use Possession property Claim and Demand, whatsoever of them the said Dewald Kutz and Elizabeth his wife in Law or Equity or other wise Howsoever of, in, to or, out, of the same hereby Granted Tract of Land and Premises and Every part thereof To Have and To hold, the said within mentioned and Discribed Tract and Piece of Land Containing Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches Strict meas- ure of Land Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted Bargained and Sold, or mentioned or Intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said George Kistler his Heirs and Assigns, To the only proper use and behoof of him the said George Kistler his Heirs and Assigns for Ever. In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have Interchangeable Set their Hands and Seals the first day of January in the Year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Six.
Sealed and Delivered In the Presents of Us
Samuel Geehr Jacob Kilts
DEWALD KUTZ (Seal) her ELIZABETH XX KUTZ (Seal) Mark
Received the day of the date of the above written Indorsement of the above named George Kistler the sum of Two hundred & Ten Pounds LawfuU mony in gold and silver of Pennsyl- vania It being the consideration mony for the
above mentioned and bargained Premises in full received for me.
DEWALD KUTZ.
Witness present at signing. Samuel Gcchr Jacob Kutz
Berks County, ss :
On the 31st day of December 1795. Came be- fore me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Berks the within named Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife as grantees, and Acknowledged the within Mention- ed Indenture to be their Act and Deed and desire the same to be recorded as such according to Law She the said Maria being of full age by me Separately and apart of her husband Examined the Contents of the within Indenture first fully made. Known unto her She Voluntary Consent- ed thereto. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and Year first above written.
PHILIP GEEHR (Seal)
Berks County, ss :
On the 2gth day of January Anno Domini 1796 before me the Subscriber one of the Jus- tices of the Peace in and for said County of Berks came the above named Dewald Kutz and Elizabeth his Wife and Acknowledged the above mentioned Assignment or Indorsement to be their Act and Deed and desire the same to be Recorded as Such According to Law She the said Elizabeth being of full Age by me appart her husband Examined the Contents thereof made known to her She Voluntary Consented thereto. Witness my hand & Seal the day and year above said.
PHILIP GEEHR (Seal)
DEED
LEONARD RISHEL TO PHILIP MEYER
FOR 34 ACRES 17 PERCHES
IN
MAXATANY, BERKS CO., JULY 29 1820.
This Indenture made the fifth day of June in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety four Between Leonard Rishel of the Township Maxetany in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Yeoman, of the one part and Philip iNleyer of Kutztown in Maxetany aforesaid Weaver of the other Part, Whereas James (alias) Jacobus Delaplank Late of the Township of Oley in the ,said County of Berks, Yeoman in his life time was Lawfully Seized in his Demesne as of Fee, of and in a Certain Tract of Land Lying on a Branch of Schulkil! Called Saucony Situate and lying in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid. Adjoining Lands of Late Peter Wentz and other Contain- ing Five Hundred and Fourteen Acres, and be- ing so thereof Lawfully Seized Departed his life having first made his last Will and Testament in writing under his Hand and Seal bearing date the 2gth Day of May Anno Domini 1758 wherein and whereby he did give and devise the same in fee, unto his son Frederick Delablank in the
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
19
Words following to wit, I give unto my son Frederick Delaplank the 514 acres of Land situate in Maxetany Township which I bought of Peter Wentz To him and his Heirs for Ever as in and by said receited last will and Testament duly Proved and Remaining in the Register Office at Reading in and for the County of Berks afore- said Recourse being thereunto had more fully appears And whereas the said Frederick Dela- plank being so thereof Lawfully Seized in his Demesne as of fee of and in said Tract of Land and Premises with the Appurtenances, wich was Seized and Taken in Execution by Jasper Scull Esquire High Sheriff of the said County of Berks in Pursuance of a Writ of Fieri Facias to him directed and by Virtue of a Writ of Vantitiony Exponas sold the said above mentioned Tract of 514 acres of Land with the Appurtenances to Peter Rothermel his Heirs and Assigns in fee, as in and by said Sheriff Deed poll from under his hands and Seal Duly Executed and bearing date the Eleventh Day of May Anno Domini 1767 and by him acknowledged in open Court of Com- mon Pleas at Reading in and for the County of Berks Recourse being thereunto had more fully and at Large appears. And whereas the said l-'cfer Rothermel and Sybilla his Wife by their Indenture from under their Hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the Nineteenth Day of December, Anno Domini 1772, for the Considera- :ion wherein Mentioned Granted and Confirmed a Certain Mesuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land situate and lying in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid bounded by lands of Jacob Teysher, Peter Beel, late Benedict Nudhnger and Jacob Kutz Containing One Hundred and Twenty Acres (being part of the above Mentioned 514 Acres of Land) unto Jacob Sweyer his Heirs and Assigns in fee. as in and by said reccite'l Indenture Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds in Reading, in and for the County of Berks in Book B, Volume 1st, page 513 & 6, Re- course being thereunto had more fully appears, and whereas the said Jacob Sweyer and Elizabeth his Wife by their Indenture were Released from under their hands and Seals duly Executed bear- ing date the seventeenth Day of June Anno Dom- ini 1789 for the Consideration therein Mentioned did Grand and Confirm imto the said Leonard Rishel above mentioned (Partie hereto) his Heirs and Assigns in fee a Certain Piece or Tract of Land situate in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid bounded by lands of Jacob Teysher and others containing about ninety acres (being part of the said above Mentioned Tract of One hund- red and twenty Acres) as in and by said receited Indenture Remaining yet to be recorded Recourse being thereunto more fully and at Large appears. And now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Leonerd Rishel for and in the Consideration of the Sum of Four Hundred Pounds Lawfull mony of the State aforesaid to him in hand well and Truly paid by the said Philip Meyer, at and be- fore the Ensealing and Delivery hereof the Re- ceipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged and where- of have Acquited and for Ever discharge the said Philip Meyer his Executors, Administrators and Assigns bv these Presents Have Granted Bar- gained Sold Released and Confirmed by these Presents do Grant Bargain Sell Release and Con- firm unto the said Philip Meyer his Heirs and Assigns in fee, all that certain Messuage or Tene- ment Piece or Tract of Land situate and lying in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid. Bound- ed and limetted as follows, to wit. Beginning at a post a corner in a line of Jacob Kutzes land thence extending by a land of Jacob Teysher
south Seventy degrees west Eighty Six perches and one half a perch, to a post south Twenty degrees east eleven perches and a half a perch to a post a corner of Peter Reels land, thence by the same south Forty degrees east Forty two perches to a post a corner of said Leonerd Rishels land thence by the same North Seventy degrees east Thirty one perches and a half a perch to a post a corner in a line of said Jacob Kutzes land thence by the same North twenty Nine degrees West seventy Seven Perches to the place of the begmmg Containing thirty four Acres and Seven- teen perches (being part of the said last above mentioned Tract of about Ninety Acres ) Togeth- er will all and Singular the Buildings and Im- provements ways woods waters water courses Rights Lieberties Preveleges Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any Wise appertaining and the reversions and remamters Rents Issues Profits thereof and also all the Estate Rights Title Interest Use Trust Benefit Possession Property Claim and Demand whatsoever both at Law and Equity or otherwise howsoever of him the said Leonerd Rishel and his Heirs of in and out of the Premises hereby granted and every part thereof, to have and to hold. Said above described Masuage and Tene- ment Pice or Tract of Land Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted or mentioned to be Granted with the Appurtenances unto the said Phihp Meyer his Heirs and Assigns to the only Proper use benefit and behoof of him the said Philip Meyers his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, And the said Leonerd Rishel for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators both Coven- ant Promise and Grant to and with the said Philip Meyers his Heirs and Assigns and every of them by these Presents that he the said Leon- erd Rishel and his Heirs the above described Masuage or Tenement or Piece or Tract of thirty four Acres and Seventeen perches of Land Here- ditaments and Premises hereby granted Meant Mentioned or Intended so to be with the Annur- tenances unto the said Philip Meyer his Heirs and Assigns Against him said Leonerd Rishe! and his Heirs and Against all and every other Person or Persons whomsoever Lawfully Claim- ing or to Claim the same by from or under him them or any of them Shall and will Warrant and for ever Defend, In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have hereunto in- terchangeably set their Hands and Seals dated the Day and Year first above written.
LEONERD RISHEL (Seal) Sealed and Delivered In the Presents of Us
Jonathan Kuts
John Kuts, Jr.
Received the day of the date of the above Written Indenture of the above named Philip Meyer the Just and full Sume of Four Hundred Pounds Lawfull mony in real Specie of the State of Pennsylvania it being the full Consideration for the above mentioned Premises Received for me
LEONERD RISHEL Witnesses present at signing
Jonathan Kuts
John Kutz, Jr.
Berks County SS :
On the 14th day of June Anno Domini 1794 Personaly Came before me the Subcriber One of. the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Berks the above Named Leonerd Rishel
20
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
and Acknowledged the above Written Indenture to be his Act and Deed and desired that the same might be recorded as Such According to Law. Witness my hand and Seal the day and j'ear above said.
PHILIP GEEHR (Seal)
Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds &c. at Reading Berks County in Book A Vol. 31 page 354 &c. Witness my hand and Seal of said Office July 29th A. Dom. 1820.
(Seal) of Recording Office.
It mav be added that another portion, 130 acres, of these original 1000 acres patented bv Peter Wentz, was conveyed by him in 1755— the year of the laying out of the Easton Road to George Kutz (Coots),
who in 1779 laid otit tlie town, naming it after himself, Cootstown.
Were time available research among the records of this earlv time, preserved in the public offices in Philadelphia, (in which count}' Maxatawn)- then was) in the State Capitol, in the office of the Recorder at Reading, and among the deeds in the pos- session of other present holders of the lands, would reveal much of interest concerning the earliest settlers of this section, the dates of their arrival, and the location of their holdings. Some such information concern- ing a few of the more prominent of the first comers and their descendants is em- bodied in the following accounts of families still resident in this section.
PtEASANT View Stock Farm and Reservoir of the Kutztown Water Company
(SITE OF HOME OF THE PIONEER, JACOB KUTZ)
j« B^ S
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
21
■51
:4t
PROMINENT FAMILIES OF MAXATAWNY
THE SIEGFRIED FAMILY
■Kw.a
Johannes Siegfried was one of the first, if not the first white settler in the vicinity of Kutztown. He and his good wife Elisabeth had taken up residence in 01e_y, where their daughter Cath- arine was born November 14, 1719. Some time prior to 1732 Johannes Siegfried and his family crossed the Oley Hills and settled on a large tract of land at what is now known as Siegfried's Dale. Here was born their daughter Mary Elisa- beth, who is said to have been the first white child born in the Maxatawny region. She was married to Johannes Rothermel and removed to Windsor Township. Prof. A. C. Rothermel, the principal of the Keystone State Normal School, is a direct descendant of Johannes Rothermel and Mary Elisabeth Siegfried. Some time before his death, which occurred in the spring of 1776, Johannes Siegfried divided the plantation between his two sons Joseph and John. Besides these two sons he had six daughters : Catharine, wife of Frederick Romig : Susan, wife of Daniel Le- van ; Mary Elisabeth, wife of John Rothermel ; Magdalena, wife of Anthony Fischer : Anna, wife of Jacob Fischer, and Margareth, wife of Jacob Moss. Their home was the stopping place for Moravian Missionaries, who itinerated through Pennsylvania and adjoining colonies during the middle decades of the Eighteenth Century. The family were of the Mennonite faith.
Catherine Siegfried, who was born in Oley in 1719 was married to her brother-in-law, Frederick Romig. They settled in Lynn Township and later removed to Macungie and there united with the Moravians. This union was blessed with twelve children. At the time of her death, Octo- ber 7, 1793, Mrs. Romig was survived by one hundred and five grand-children and ten great- grand-children. The wife of the writer is a lineal descendant of hers.
Joseph, son of Johannes Siegfried, was married to Anna Maria Romig, a daughter of John Adam Romig. He spent all his days on the homestead, which he received from his father. His home, like that of his father, was a stopping place for the Moravian missionaries and officials on their journeys through Maxatawny to Tulpehocken, Lebanon, Litiz, Lancaster, York, etc. Shortly before his death, which occurred September 3, 1/95. he was received into the fellowshin of the Moravian Brethren. The following obituary ap- pears on the Moravian Congregation record at Emaus :
"Joseph Siegfried of Maxatawny was born February 2, 1727. His parents were Johannes and Elizabeth Siegfried, and were of Mennonite persuasion. On July 3rd, 174S, he entered into Holy wedlock with Anna Maria Romig. which state God blessed with 13 children, ("eight sons and five daughters, of whom six sons and two daughters survive), and with forty-eight grand- children, of whom seven are dead, and with three great-grand-children living.
"His sainted parents already loved the Saviour and the Brethren (Moravians) who in former years lodged in their home. And he too was a good friend to the Brethren ; and loved our doc- trine of Salvation in Jesus Christ. He truly saw that, as- a sinner, his greatest need was to be cleansed of his sins by the Blood of Christ in Holy Baptism. He often felt a summons in his heart, and desired to be a sharer in this Grace, but never brought it to a firm resolution. He postponed it from time to time. During his last illness, having had a stroke in the previous year, from which he never fully recovered, this hung more heavily upon his heart ; and he was at his earnest request and desire, cleansed of his sins by the washing of the holy baptism, by his bosom friend. Brother John Ettwein, who visited him and by Brother George Jungman of Bethlehem, in the presence of about thirty neople from the neiehborhood. At which time he shed many tears, and all who were present, were inwardly moved by the holy feeling of the presence of God.
"At the beginning of this month he was seized with convulsions and on the 3rd of September, 1795, shortly before 10 o'clock in the forenoon, he expired. He reached the age of 74 years, 6 months and a little over. On the Sth of Septem- ber 179s, at the noon hour, he was buried on the family burial ground in the presence of a large concourse of people. At which time George Miller preached the sermon on God's acre from the text. Psalm 25:10: "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His cove- nant and His testimonies."
Anna Maria Siegfried, nee Romig, the wife of Joseph Siegfried was born in Ittlingen near Heibron in the Palatinate June 12, 1724, and came with her parents to Pennsylvania, September 30, 1732. Her parents were John Adam Romig and Agnes Marguerite Bernhardt. They were mar- ried in the year 1712 and resided at Ittlingen. John Adam Romig was the son of George Wendel Romich and his wife Marguerite Herner, and was born at Ruedenstein, in the Palatinate, Feb- ruary 3, 1689. To Joseph and Anna Maria Sieg- fried were born ten children, among whom were Catharine, Magdalena, Colonel John, Joseph, Hen- ry, Isaac, Abraham, Daniel. Joseph and Abraham removed to near Bath, Northampton county.
To John Siegfried, Jr., the brother of Joseph, Sr., and his good wife Catharine were born six children : John, Jacob, Peter, Elisabeth, Margaret and Susanna. He died in 1776 and was buried on the family burial ground.
Col. John Siegfried, the friend of Washington, was born in Siegfried's Dale, Maxatawnv Town- ship, November 27, 1745. He was married to Mary Levan, a daughter of Daniel Levan, on a license dated August 25, 1769. In the spring of 1770 they removed to the east bank of the Lehigh River in Allen Township, Northamoton County. Here he conducted a tavern and a ferry. On the tavern sign was inscribed this legend. "Enter-
20
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
and Acknowledged the above Written Indenture to be his Act and Deed and desired that the same might be recorded as Such According to Law. Witness my hand and Seal the day and year above said.
PHILIP GEEHR (Seal)
Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds &c. at Reading Berks County in Book A Vol. 31 page 354 &c. Witness my hand and Seal of said Office July 29th A. Dom. 1820.
(Seal) of Recording Office.
It may be added that another portion, 130 acres, of these original 1000 acres patented by Peter Wentz, was conve\'ed by him in 1755— the year of the laying out of the Easton Road to George Kutz (Coots),
who in 1779 laid out the town, naming it after himself, Cootstown.
Were time available research among the records of this early time, preserved in the public offices in Philadelphia, (in which county Maxatawny then was) in the State Capitol, in the office of the Recorder at Reading, and among the deeds in the pos- session of other present holders of the lands, would reveal much of interest concerning the earliest settlers of this section, the dates of their arrival, and the location of their holdings. Some such information concern- ing a few of the more prominent of the first comers and their descendants is em- bodied in the following accounts of families still resident in this section.
Pi:,EASANT View Stock Farm and Reservoir of the Kotztown Water Company
(SITE OF HOME OF THE PIONEER, JACOB KUTZ)
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
21
PROMINENT FAMILIES OF MAXATAWNY
THE SIEGFRIED FAMILY
Johannes Siegfried was one of the first, if not the first white settler in the vicinity of Kutztown. He and his good wife Elisabeth had taken up residence in Oley, where their daughter Cath- arine was born November 14, 1719. Some time prior to 1732 Johannes Siegfried and his family crossed the Oley Hills and settled on a large tract of land at what is now known E^s Siegfried's Dale. Here was born their daughter Mary Elisa- beth, who is said to have been the first white child born in the Maxatawny region. She was married to Johannes Rothermel and removed to Windsor Township. Prof. A. C. Rothermel, the principal of the Keystone State Normal School, is a direct descendant of Johannes Rothermel and Mary Elisabeth Siegfried. Some time before his death, which occurred in the spring of 1776, Johannes Siegfried divided the plantation between his two sons Joseph and John. Besides these two sons he had six daughters : Catharine, wife of Frederick Romig ; Susan, wife of Daniel Le- van ; Mary Elisabeth, wife of John Rothermel ; Magdalena, wife of Anthony Fischer : Anna, wife of Jacob Fischer, and Margareth, wife of Jacob Moss. Their home was the stopping place for Moravian Missionaries, who itinerated through Pennsylvania and adjoining colonies during the middle decades of the Eighteenth Century. The family were of the Mennonite faith.
Catherine Siegfried, who was born in Oley in 1 719 was married to her brother-in-law, Frederick Romig. They settled in Lynn Township and later removed to Macungie and there united with the Moravians. This union was blessed with twelve children. At the time of her death, Octo- ber 7, 1793, Mrs. Romig was survived by one hundred and five grand-children and ten great- grand-children. The wife of the writer is a lineal descendant of hers.
Joseph, son of Johannes Siegfried, was married to Anna Maria Romig, a daughter of John Adam Romig. He spent all his days on the homestead, which he received from his father. His home, like that of his father, was a stopping place for the Moravian missionaries and officials on their journeys through Maxatawny to Tulpehocken, Lebanon, Litiz, Lancaster, York, etc. Shortly before his death, which occurred September 3, 1795. he was received into the fellowshin of the Moravian Brethren. The following obituary ap- pears on the Moravian Congregation record at Emaus :
"Joseph Siegfried of Maxatawny was born February 2, 1727. His parents were Johannes and Elizabeth Siegfried, and were of Mennonite persuasion. On July 3rd, 1745, he entered into Holy wedlock with Anna Maria Romig. which state God blessed with 13 children, ("eight sons and five daughters, of whom six sons and two daughters survive), and with forty-eight grand- children, of whom seven are dead, and with three great-grand-children living.
"His sainted parents already loved the Saviour and the Brethren (Moravians) who in former years lodged in their home. And he too was a good friend to the Brethren ; and loved our doc- trine of Salvation in Jesus Christ. He truly saw that, as a sinner, his greatest need was to be cleansed of his sins by the Blood of Christ in Holy Baptism. He often felt a summons in his heart, and desired to be a sharer in this Grace, but never brought it to a firm resolution. He postponed it from time to time. During his last illness, having had a stroke in the previous year, from which he never fully recovered, this hung more heavily upon his heart ; and he was at his earnest request and desire, cleansed of his sins by the washing of the holy baptism, by his bosom friend, Brother John Ettwein, who visited him and by Brother George Jungman of Bethlehem, in the presence of about thirty neople from the neighborhood. At which time he shed many tears, and all who were present, were inwardly moved by the holy feeling of the presence of God.
"At the beginning of this month he was seized with convulsions and on the 3rd of September, 1795, shortly before 10 o'clock in the forenoon, he expired. He reached the age of 74 years, 6 months and a little over. On the Sth of Septem- ber 1795, at the noon hour, he was buried on the family burial ground in the presence of a large concourse of people. At which time George Miller preached the sermon on God's acre from the text, Psalm 25:10: "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His cove- nant and His testimonies."
Anna Maria Siegfried, nee Romig, the wife of Joseph Siegfried was born in Ittlingen near Heibron in the Palatinate June 12, 1724, and came with her parents to Pennsylvania, September 30, 1732. Her parents were John Adam Romig and Agnes Marguerite Bernhardt. They were mar- ried in the year 1712 and resided at Ittlingen. John Adam Romig was the son of George Wendel Romich and his wife Marguerite Herner, and was born at Ruedenstein, in the Palatinate, Feb- ruary 3, 1689. To Joseph and Anna Maria Sieg- fried were born ten children, among whom were Catharine, Magdalena, Colonel John, Joseph, Hen- ry, Isaac, Abraham, Daniel. Joseph and Abraham removed to near Bath, Northampton county.
To John Siegfried, Jr., the brother of Joseph, Sr., and his good wife Catharine were born six children : John, Jacob, Peter, Elisabeth, Margaret and Susanna. He died in 1776 and was buried on the family burial ground.
Col. John Siegfried, the friend of Washington, was born in Siegfried's Dale, Maxatawnv Town- ship, November 27, 1745. He was married to Mary Levan, a daughter of Daniel Levan, on a license dated August 25, 1769. In the spring of 1770 they removed to the east bank of the Lehigh River in Allen Township, Northampton County. Here he conducted a tavern and a ferry. On the tavern sign was inscribed this legend. "Enter-
22
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
tainment for Man and Beast." This favorable location brought him into contact with many people and paved the way for his later popular- ity and fame. On July 4, 1776. he attended the meeting of the delegates of the Associated Bat- talions of the Pennsvlvania Militia, held at Lan- caster, as a major from the Third Battalion of Northampton County. He v.-as later appointed Colonel of the Third Battalion. When Washing- ton in 1776 was fleeing across New Jersey, after the disasterous campaign in and around New York, he sent the followirg letter to Col. Sieg- fried :
"Headquarters, Bucks Co., Pa., Dec. 22, 1776. To Colonel John ciiegfried :
Sir: The Council of Safety of this State, by their resolves of the 17th inst. empowered me to call out the militia of Northampton County to the assistance of the Continental army' under my command, that, by our joint endeavors, we may put a stop to the orogress of the enemy, who are making preparations to advance to Philadel- nhia, as soon as they cross the Delaware, either by boats, or on the ice. As I am unacquainted with names of the colonels of vour militia, T have taken the libertv to inclose you six letters, in which you will please to insert the names of the proper ofiFicers, and send them immediately to them, by persons in whom you can confide for
their delivery. If there are not as mani' colonels as letters you may destroy the balance not want- ed. I most earnestly entreat those, who are so far lost to a love of their country : as to refuse to lend a hand to its support at this critical time, ihey may depend noon being treated as their baseness and want of public spirit will most justly deserve.
I am sir, your most obedient servant,
George Washington."
Within two days after the issuing of the above call, a part of the Third Battalion was already in Philadelphia and were assigned to the com- mand of General Putnam. They took part in the Battle of Trenton which resulted in the capture of one thousand Hessians. In the Battle of Assunpink, often referred to as the second Battle of Trenton, lanuarv 2, 1777, Rev. John Rosbrough, the chaplain of Col. Siegfried's Bat- lalion, was killed. It was after being renulsed that the British General Howe said ; "I will bag the fox in the morning." The sequel is one of the best known incidents in American history. It was a cart of Siegfried's Battalion under Capt. Tohn Hays, that kept up the fires and threw up earthen works, while Washington and the rest of the army slipped away and defeated the Briti.sh
THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY THE
PEOPLE OF NORTHAMPTON
TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY AND GLORIOUS SERVICES OF
COLONEL JOHN SIEGFRIED
' AND THE MEN WHO SERVED UNDER HIM IN THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MILITIA DURING THE
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
PARTICIPATING IN THE BATTLES OF ■lAS SUN PINK GERMAN TOWN
'PRINCETON WHITE MARSH
tBRANDYWINE MONMOUTH ^' RED BANK
AND AS FRONTIER: RANGERS
AND TO COMMEMORATE THE NOTABLE MEETING HELD AT GOL, SIEGFRIED'S I^O.ME JULY 29,1779 TO PREVENT THE "rECIATION of CONTINENTAL MONEY
ALSO ..RECOGNITION OF TH E PAT R.I O T I S M ■THE PEOPLE OF OLD NORTHAMPTON 6 MADE AND FORWARDED FROM THIS --. „.^CE MANY VOOLEN ■ BLANKETS AND STOCKINGS FOR USE OF THE ^SOLDIERS ^ OF THE REVOLUTION
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
23
Old Seigfried Homestead - Siegfried's Dai,e
Siegfried's Dale— Famii^y Burial Ground
24
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
forces at Princeton. Col. Siegfried subsequenty played an important role in the struggle for inde-
3um
) 71'^ \£'&'Sj£0 soldi ^ .c^rrgrftbr^rn'Sni'l? ffrP I 01o3jfm6rt-1793
In MemoK/^F : \OHPi SieCFRIED
' -wKo departed thisLJfeA'oi'frW
f!,c27'M753 Aged ;
4 S VeafS ancf I Mon-th .
Tombstone of Colonel Siegfried
pendence. On May 30, 1914. the people of North- ampton erected a monument to his memory in
the Mennonite Cemetery, where his ashes re- pose, which monument bears a bronze tablet re- cording some of his services in the cause of freedom.
In the spring of 1781 General Washington sent an officer to Easton to confer with Col. Siegfried, then sheriff of the county of Northampton, in reference to sending a quota of men to take part in the campaign against Yorktown. This extrava- gant continental officer spent 667 dollars in Eas- ton on this trip, according to the following bill:
Easton, March 17th, 1781.
To a nip of Toddy 10 dollars
To Cash 8 dollars
To Cash 12 dollars
To I Grog 8 dollars
To Washington 49 dollars
To I Bowie of Punch 30 dollars
To I Grog 8 dollars
To I Bowie of Punch 30 dollars
To 21 Ouarts of Oats 62 dollars
To Hay 90 dollars
To 12 Meal Victuals 260 dollars
To Lodging 40 dollars
667 dollars Received the contents of the above
Jacob Off Innkeeper.
Col. Siegfried shortly before his death, which occurred November 2y, 1793, together with Mich- ael Beaver and Abraham Levan, gave ground for school purposes. He was survived by his wife Mary and seven children, Daniel, Mary, married to John James ; Susan, married to Christian Hagenbuch; Catharine, Elisabeth, Jacob and Isaac.
THE HOTTENSTEIN FAMILY
Jacob Hottenstein, the scion of a Prankish family, came to Pennsylvania prior to 1727 and settled in Oley. On the 17th of November, 1729, he purchased from Casper Wistar, the brass but- ton maker of Philadelphia, one hundred and sixteen acres of land in "Maxhetawny" in the county of Philadelphia, for the sum of forty pounds and twelve shillings. This land, also the original deed, is still in possession of the fam- ily. The land then adjoined the lands of Nicholas Kutz and Peter Andrews. At the time Jacob Hottenstein and his good wife crossed the Oley Hills and settled in the beautiful Maxatawny Val- ley, they followed an Indian trail across the hills. Mr. Hottenstein added to the original tract until the whole plantation included 443 acres. (See "Release and Deed," p. 14.)
Jacob Hottenstein was married to Dorothea Reber. This union was blessed with seven chil- dren : Jacob, William, David, Henry, Dorothy,
Maria and . Tradition has it that the
venerable missionary, the Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, frequently on his long journeys stopped with Jacob Hottenstein, and that he also on these visits instructed the children in the cate- chism.
Jacob Hottenstein, his wife, and many of his
descendants, were buried on the family burial ground, which may be seen from the road to the south from the barn on a slight elevation. His resting place is marked by a brown sandstone, which bears the following inscription, almost obliterated lay the elements :
"Jacob Hottenstein wurde geboren auf den 18. Februar 1697. Gestorben den 23. Mertz 1753. btammvater den ganzen Hottenstein Familie. Alt worden s6 lahre, i Monate und 5 Tage."
David Hottenstein, son of Jacob, Sr., ob- tained the old homestead. He was the father of five children : Jacob, David, Daniel, Dorothea and Catharine. His son, David, Jr., who succeeded him on the old homestead, studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Hirsch and at the medical institute at Philadelphia. His practice extended far and wide and covered a period of more than half a century. He was married to Elizabeth Kline, a daughter of Richard Kline, of Montgomery coun- ty. He died in the year 1848, aged 82 years, 4 months and 25 days. His issue consisted of six sons and two daughters, viz : David, Jacob, Daniel, William, Isaac, Henry, Catharine and Sarah.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
25
HIS GRANDCHILDREN
His son, David, died young ; also Henry.
Jacob, his second son, had six sons, viz : David, Jacob, Isaac, James, Levi and Henry.
Daniel's issue consisted of one son, Lewis K.
William had eight children, viz : David H., Charles A., Robert, Henry, Edward, Caroline, Sallie A., and Matilda.
Isaac's issue consisted of four sons and two daughters, viz : Percival, Cyrus, Frederic, Isaac, Matilda and Margaret.
Sarah was married to Jonas Trexler, of Long- swamp, Berks county, and is the mother of eleven children, viz: Eden, Willoughby, Jonas, Abiel, Peter, David, Angeline, Sarah, Catharine, Eliza and Amelia.
Dorothea died young.
HIS GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN — GRANDCHILDREN OF JACOB
David's issue : Catharine, married to A. B. Man- derbach, of Kutztown. Now dead.
Jacob — No issue.
Isaac's issue — Mary, married to Dr. Yorgey, of Pottstown ; Frank, James and Charles.
Robert and Henry died young.
Dr. Edward's grandchildren are: Mrs. Ray- mond Evans, Akron, Ohio ; William Hottenstein, Akron, Ohio; Howard V. Hottenstein, Akron, Ohio; Myrl F. Hottenstein, Kutztown; Edward S., Philadelphia, Pa. ; David F., Philadelphia, Pa. ; Anna Marguerite, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Kathryn B., Philadelphia, Pa. ; Mrs. Ira Fenstermacher, Leb- anon, Pa. ; Mrs. Milton Phillips, Chapman, Pa. ; Dr. Francis DeLong, Annondale, Butler County, Pa. ; Beulah DeLong, Bowers, Pa. ; Mrs. William Baver, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Mrs. Ed. Fidler, Wom- elsdorf, Paul DeLong, Bowers ; Raymond De- Long, Bowers.
Caroline, married to Daniel Reber, has the fol- lowing children : Edward and J. William.
Sallie A., married to John V. R. High, of In- diana. Issue : Isaac, Charles, John, Eddie, Caro- line, Sarah, Rosa (married to Z. T. Miller), Tillie and Bessie.
Matilda, unmarried.
It was at the Hottenstein dwelling that the neighboring settlers gathered at evening for safety and mutual protection during the period
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First Hottenstein Homestead Erected near Kutztown in 1783 and at present occupied by Dr. A. C. L. Hottenstein
James's issue :
Levi's issue : Jacob, Charles, William.
Henry's issue : Hettie E., Sallie, Ida, Jacob, Fanny.
Daniel's grandchildren
Lewis K.'s issue : Daniel Q., whose children are : Anna C, wife of Dr. Chas. A. Hottenstein, of Kutztown ; Lewis V., of Chicago, 111., and Elda L., wife of O. Raymond Grimley, of Kutz- town.
grandchildren of WILLIAM
David H.'s issue : William, Dr. Austin, Prof., John, Ezra, Mary (married to William Grim, of Bowers, now dead) and Ellen J.
Mary's issue : John Grim, Lvons ; Mrs. Kate Reed, Lyons ; Dr. David S. Grim, Reading ; Prof. George A. Grim, Nazareth ; Annie Grim, deceased.
Charles A.'s issue : Robert, Edward (living in Indiana).
Edward's issue : Elmer K., Edward L., William T., Charles A., David P., Ida (married to James DeLong, of Bowers), Alice H. and Deborah C, wife of Rev. J. Frank Hersh, of Westminster, Md.
of the Indian uprising. Tradition has it that the occupant of what has been for many years the Schaeffer homestead, tarried for awhile, caring for the horses and cattle after the rest of the family had made their way to the Hottenstein house for the night, and finding the night coming on and fearing to venture alone through the forest, he decided to remain in the log cabin for the night. From the cabin door he saw the flames of several burning barns. He loaded his trusty gun and watched and waited. Soon he saw several Indians approaching through the for- est, one of whom carried a torch. When they came near to the cabin he fired and saw one of the Indians drop, the others fleeing. He stayed all night in the cabin, fearing to venture out. The refugees at Hottenstein's had heard the shot and had surmised that he had been either killed or taken captive. Earlv the next morning he ventured out of the cabin to look for his vic- tim, but found only a pool of blood. ^ Evidently the comrades of the unfortunate red skin stealthi- ly returned during the night and carried the body away.
26
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
THE LEVAN FAMILY
The founder of this large and honored Ameri- can family was Daniel Levan and his wife, Mary Beau, of Amsterdam, Holland. The ancestral home of this staunch Huguenot (French Re- formed) family was Picardy in France, whence he fled to Amsterdam, where they were members of the Huguenot Church. In 1715 four of their sons, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, set out for the land of William Penn, of whom the last named died at sea. Abraham settled in Oley, Isaac in Exeter, and Jacob in Maxatawny town- ship, at what is now called Eaglepoint. The exact date of the latter's settling in Maxatawny is not definitely known, but it was before 1734, at which time he is recorded as having paid quit rent. Prior to 1740 he erected a grist mill and before it a saw mill. These two mills were the first of their kind in the Maxatawny valley.
The Levan home was the stopping place for the Moravian missionaries on their journeys to the various German settlements in Pennsylvania and adjoining colonies and to the Indians, the most noted of whom were Count Zinzendorf, Bishop Augustus Gottlieb Spangenburg, Bishop John Christopher Frederich Cammerhoff and Reverend Leonard Schnell.
In a letter dated November 17, 1747, by Cam- merhoff to Count Zinzendorf he says: "[Came in the] evening to Jacob Levan's in Maxatawny [Rev. Michael] Schlatter commanded by the Reformed Classis of Amsterdam has crept in here. He tried to preach then to raise £60 per annum for a Reformed clergyman solely."
Rev. Leonard Schnell, who in 1743 made a missionary journey on foot to Georgia, frequently lodged with Jacob Levan. In one of his diaries
Levan's Mhi,, Eagi,epoint— Exterior View
Prior to the erection of the grist mill the settlers took their grain to Looseley's inill. In the front part of the mill the family hved until the massive mansion, in the style common in northern France, the ancestral home of the family, was built. On the inside lintel of the door leading into the great hall was carved 1740, the date of its erection. The building was razed in 1844. The cellar, con- taining a spring of water, was arched, the ma- sonry of the arch being so firm that it was only with difficulty that it could be demolished. What a pity that this splendid example of colo- nial architecture was destroyed. The hospitality of its owners was famed far and wide, and under its roof were entertained many noted men of the Colonial and Revolutionary periods. It was from the balcony of the mill that Count Zinzendorf, of the Moravian Church in America, preached to the settlers in the fall of 1742 and also that Rev. Michael Schlatter, the organizer of the Reform-'d Church and the first Superinten- dent of Public Instruction, preached to a large multitude of people, June 28, 1747.
he incidentally mentions that Bishop Spangenberg was entertained by the Levan family.
"January 15 [1747] journeyed [from West Oley] across Weydenthal to Maxatawny, where I made an appointment to preach at Jacob Miller's. He said that he had wished for this for quite some time. I stayed over night with Jacob Le- van, who told me much good concerning [Bishop Augustus Gottlieb] Spangenberg, who had lodged with him. I could not talk much to, but I could weep and pray for the six single persons in the house."
"January 19 [1747] I preached with blessing in Jost Hinckle's house [in Allemangel] on the blessings of the Gospel. Then I, together with several others, went to Carl Volk's and at his request baptized a child. I still set out for Max- atawny and stayed over night with Jacob Levan. We had a talk concerning religion and faith."
When in 1756, the period of the French and Indian War, the Indians began to make incur- sions in the county and massacred many of the
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
27
settlers in Heidelberg and Albany townships in Berks county, and Lynn and Heidelberg town- ships in Lehigh countj', Jacob Levan was instru- mental in organizing a volunteer company to protect the settlers in Albany and Lynn town- ships, so the settlers "could plant their crops and repair their fences." It was called the Max- etani and Allenmaengle Freien Wacht Companie — the Maxatawny and Allenmaengle Independent Guard. It consisted of 24 men, who served 39 days, from April 3 to May 11. The names, of these soldiers were :
Johannes Hergereder, Captain Casper Schmick, Serg't George Jorgon
Jacob Tholand Pavid Missenug
Georg Bruner Solomon Bacher
Fridrich Zirn Martin Unangst
Johannes Klein f^arl Weinmueller
Peter Muench Peter Kiem
Adam Schnebely Georg Knir
Conrad Batter Michael Kraul
Micolaus Dehof Nicolaus Arnhold
Henrich Schweitzer George Sauselin
Conrad Frey Johannis N.
Henrich Fullweiler Stephen Gross
The captain was paid five shillings per day; the sergeant two shillings six pence ; and the privates sixteen pence. Six pence per day was allowed for rations, and a gill of rum, costing eight pence per quart, was served daily to each man. The total outlay was £104 114.
The following is an itemized account :
Dem Captain vor 39 tags, zu 5 Schill- ing t 9 IS 0
Vor 20 mann 39 Tage jedem 52
SchiUing Lohorung 52 o o
Dem Sergeant jedem Tag 2 S. 6 . . . . 4 17 6
Vor 2 mann nur 36 Tag zu 16 Pens
des tages 4 16 0
Vor I mann nur 20 Tag i 6 8
Vor Kost geld jedem 6 Pens des
Tages 23 15 o
Vor jedem ein Tschill Rum des Tages
8 p. die quart 3 ig 2
20 Pfund Pulver zu 2 Schilling das
Pfund 2 o o
84 Pfund Bley zu 6 Pens das Pfund 220
Summa der unkasten £104 11 14
To meet this expense collections were made in the spring of 1756 amounting to £69 19 10, as officially published.
Ausdem Township :
Maxetawny £40 1 1 0
Towamensing 10 10 11
Solford ID o o
Francony o 7 6
Hetfield 4 11 o
Worcester 8 3 4
Upper Solford 7 13 3
Albany in Berks Co 8 o o
Nord Wales 6 8 10
Upper Hanover o 14 o
Die Summa der Einnahm £96 19 10
Jacob Levan, who engaaed the men, advanced the deficiency of £7 i r 6. He, with David Schultze, was one of the trustees to receive and disburse the moneys. They rendered the above account, made a statement of the character of the work performed by the Guard, and asked for further contributions, on the T7th of Novem-
ber, 1756, all of which was published in Sauer's Germantown paper of December 25, 1756. They said :
"Also fehlen noch £7 11 6, welche summa Jacob Levan, weil er die Companie gedinp'en, bissher von seinem eigenem Geld hat zu setzen muessen, und auch verlieren muss, so nicht noch einige Freunde etwas beytragen.
"Diese Wacht Comppnie ist die obgemelte Zeit sorgfaeltig in den Grentzen postirrt gewesen, um die Gegend von Albany Taunschip, in Bercks .County, und haben hiss weilen gestreifft hiss in Linn Taunschip, Northampton County; sonst aber sind sie sonderlich nachtzeit in Theil verteilt gewesen, so dass nur 3 Mann in einem Hauss oostiret waren, damit sie einen desto grosern Bezirck bewachen, und so viel mehr Leuten dienen konten, weil dazumal die Einwohner mit einern solchen vorlich nahmen, und es damit wagten, dass sie auf ihren Plaetzen aushilten und also die Sommer-Frucht aussaehen konten ; also aUch ihre Fensen repariren, woran die Companie auch selbst behilflich gewesen.
Jacob Levan, David Schultze, Als Trusties. Maxetany, den 17 November, Anna 1756"
The following extract from the diary of David Schultz, farmer, surveyor and conveyor, of New Goshenhoppen, Montgomery county, show that Jacob Levan and Sebastian Zimmerman present- ed a petition to the authorities at Philadelphia, and that apparently he was authorized by the colonial government to organize the company and to solicit funds for its maintenance :
"Feb. 24, 1756.
"This evening came here Jacob Levan and Bastian Zimmerman and framed a petition. Went to Philadelphia.
"March 2 — ^Jacob Levan was at Christopher Shultz and I. Then circular letters sent about.
"March 28 — Jacob Levan was at Mels S.
"April 5— Again a guard of 15 men marched up to the scene 01 the Indian uprisings.
"April 10— Went to Jacob Levan, Esq.
"November 16— Went to Jacob Levan in Maxe- tawny."
In 1758 Jacob Levan was commissionary for the following frontier posts : Peter Doll's Block- House, Fort Lehigh, Fort Allen, A Block House, and Fort Evert.
Jacob Levan was appointed one of the justices of Berks County and continued to serve until the time of his death in 1763.
In the fall of 1742 Count Zinzendorf preached at Jacob Levan's from the balcony of the old mill.
Bishop Caramerhoff in a letter to Spengenberg dated Bethlehem, Sept. 27, 1747, states:
"From Allemaengel [Lj'un township, Lehigh County,] we went down to A'laxatawnv and lodged with Jacob Levan, in whose house the Count [Zinzendorf] once preached." Additional Extracts from Schnell's Diarv:
Fridaj', January 23 [1747].— To-day I together with Brother Gottshalk very reluctantly set out from Bethlehem. We slaved over night with Jacob Wens in Maxtawny, They showed them- selves very friendly toward us.
Saturday, January 24 [1747].— To-day Jacob Wensh beseeched us to visit him frequently in the future. I like these two people. Things
28
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP KUTZTOWN
were more agreeable here than when I was at Miller's place the last time.
December 23rd [1749].— We [Schnell and Brandmiller] journeyed [on our return from Virginia] with difficulty on account of the ice, hut we safely crossed the Schuylkill [river] the Ontelaunee and came to Jacob jMiller in
Maxatawny, who sold his plantation.
DANIEL LEVAN
In 1729 Daniel Levan followed his brethren to the new world and settled in Maxatawny not far from his brother Jacob and married Susan Seigfried, a daughter of Johannes Sieg- fried. He was an elder in the Maxatawny Re- formed Congregation in 1740 and gave land for a church and school house. He died in 1777, leaving a wife, Susan, nee SieP^fried, and chil- dren: Peter, Barbara (Reeser), Catharine, Mary
SEBASTIAN LEVAN
Sebastian Levan (1734-1794), the oldest son of Jacob Levan, succeeded his father both on the old homestead and in public affairs. He was married to Susanna Schneider, of Oley, and they together were widely known for their hospitality and kindness. On December 5, 1774, at a meet- ing held at Reading he was elected a member of the committee of observation and on January 2, of the year following was elected to the Pro- vincial Committee for the colony which met at Philadelphia January 23, 1775. He was colonel of the militia of the northeast section of the county and a member of the Committee of Safety, which, together with Baltzer Geehr, he represented at the convention of the associated militia, which met at Lancaster July 4, 1776. It was to him as a friend and an assemblyman that Rev. Christopher Schultz, a Schwenkfeldian minister, appealed in behalf of the members of his sect in a letter dated Coshehoppe (Goshen- hoppen), August 12, \^/^^, extract of which ap-
Levan's Mii,Tv, Eaglepoint Interior View
(Siegfried), Susan (Kemp), Magdalena, Mar- garet and Daniel Jr. The latter was admitted to the Berks County Bar in 1768 and obtained considerable prominence as an attorney. He held numerous positions of honor and trust during the Revolutionary period. He was one of the judges of the Court of Justice established under the Constitution of 1776. He served as treasurer of the county from 1779 to 1789, and as such had charge of the monies raised in the county for the militia; as sheriff of the county from 1777 to 1779; as prothonotary from 1779 to 1789 and again in 1791 ; and as Clerk of Quarter Sessions from 1780 to 1791.
The home of Daniel Levan, Sr., is located on Schultz's map and has been identified as what is now Kemp's Imi. During the Colonial and Revolutionary period it was known as Levan's, and under its roof were entertained many notables of that period.
peared in the Pennsylvania German Magazine for November, 1910 :
"I desire to talk with you as a member of a house that gives laws to the inhabitants of a once free land Pennsylvania and also forces those laws upon the said inhabitants with the power of arms, fines, imprisonment and exclusion from all the rights of citizenship without taking covui- sel of their consciences. The recent Test act and the treatment of innocent, conscientious peo- ple show us this. * * * You know quite well that Pennsylvania was originally the property of such people who have conscientious scruples about killing other people and are very careful not to allow themselves to be drawn into anything, into which they should not be quite sure that they could continue in the truth and hold out to the end and vou know also quite well that many of these people are still about and form a great nart of the most influential, best established and least offensive inhabitants. * * * Does it not
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
29
become evident that you regard these as the most worthless offal, that you seek to tread them un- der foot and drive them from the country? If this is not so why is my friend (George Kriebel) in the Easton jail and comoelled to listen to the words, 'If you will not take the oath as we tell you, you can not leave this jail until your family is delivered to the enemy and your property a'"andoned?' Why do you rob us of all our rights of conscience and citizenship that nothing is to be ours, that we are to have no right to deal and move on God's earth, that we are not even to live, merely because we consider the oeace of our minds and souls, because we are not willing to bind ourselves by oath to things that we must regard in the highest sense doubt- ful, when we do not even know whether we can hold out. This is the highest offense in the whole matter that you expect things of us and impose at the risk of all that one holds dear in life, things that no tvrant, or Mohammedan or Turk, much
row to see whether restraint may be secured from that quarter, for thus we can not live.
* :!: ^ *
"My dear friend, take this to mind for a quar- ter of an hour. You see one lying in his hidden chamber before his God confessing to the great Ruler the sins of himself and his people in burn- ing tears, imploring mercy and forbearance through the only Atoner and Mediator and plead- ing for the renewal and bettering of the hearts of all the people, who out of a sense of the love with which God loves all men and gives them life and breath, will not take the life of his fellow man. On the other hand you see one of our ordinary military gents, be he officer or pri- vate in his ordinary posture, as he is wont to show himself or as he executes his military duties. * * * I should like to know your conscientious judgment, which of these two is the better pro- tector of his land ? I believe that the former does as much by way of true protection as a
Old Organ (Closed In possession of Jacob Levan, Eaglepoint
Old Organ (Open) In possession of Jacob Levan, Eaglepoint
less Christian government ever demanded, that one under present most passionate war is to renounce allegiance to a former lord before the matter is even decided. * * *
"We are freeholders no more ; as witnesses we are no longer to be regarded : from our land we are not to depart until we are driven to Howe or into the wild sea ; any one may beat, scourge, mock, abuse us as Satan may prompt him, but we are to find no help or protection under the present government except that we are to be placed in secure imprisonment to perish. And all because we will not promise under oath or its equivalent what we do not know whether we are able to carry out and what we therefore cannot do without offence to conscience. * * * Even were I to lose my all, I would not be a par- taker in such unjust measures for ten such rich estates as yours. I shall go to Philadelphia toraor-
whole battalion of the latter. I feel that I may tell you that protectors of the country like the former are yet to be found in oin" poor Penn- sylvania, who indeed may make little ado with their exercises, but whom God has placed on his rolls, whose tears he counts and saves. O, my Sebastian (Levan), guard yourself that you of- fend not these fathers and protectors of this country, as I fear you have done with some of your recent acts."
From 1782 to 1784 he represented the county in the Executive Council of the State. Col. Levan died in 1794, leaving a widow and three chil- dren, John, Jacob and Margaret.
JACOB LEVAN, JR.
Jacob Levan, Jr., resided on a plantation of more than three hundred acres lying along the
30
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Saucony Creek, southeast of Kutztown. The homestead is designated on Schultz's draft of the Easton Road. This tract was purchased from Jacob Wentz, of Worcester Township, Philadel- phia Countj', in 1753. Upon the death of Jacob Levan, St., the son Jacob became the owner and upon his death it was divided according to the conditions of the will between the two sons John and Jacob. The deed for the divided plantations bears the date of December 29th, 1797. In this deed mention is made of . the land set aside for church and school purposes, these being the onb' contemporary references to the old Max- atawny church thus far discovered they are quot- ed in full. After mentioning the number of acres to be divided this phrase is added. "Five acres and one hundred and six perches alloted for a meeting house excepted."
In describing the boundary the following state- ments aopear: "To a corner of land whereon a house is erected destined for a place of public worship and to a stone, a corner of the land alloted for a school house of the above men- tioned place of worship."
Tacob Levan, Jr., in his will provides for his wife Catharine and three sons, John, Jacob and Daniel, and a daughter Maria.
DANIEL K. LEVAN
Col. Daniel Rose Levan was born May 6, 1815, on the Levan's old homestead, the farm on Park avenue, now owned by James Treichler, whose wife is a Levan. He was the youngest of eight
children, born to Jacob Levan, Esq., born Sept. 7, 1769, and his wife Mary, nee Rose, born Sept. I3' '774- Col. Levau was married to Mary Levan, a daughter of John Levan and his wife Mary, nee Gore. He was educated in the old Academy at Milton, Lycoming county. After his father's death, December 3, 1849, he lived on the farm for many years, where the following seven children were born; the oldest, Allen A., Reading; Mar- garet Breneiser. Reading; Mary Alice Dotts, Phil- adelphia, and Thomas S., Kutztown. William E., IsaVella and Sarah Jane, died when young. From the farm. Col. Levan moved into one of the double houses built by his father, which are still in good condition, on the corner of Main and Green- wich streets, the building soon to be occupied by the post office, and the one occupied by the shoe store. Col. Levan was appointed a Lieutenant Colonel in the militia of this commonwealth by VAilliam F. Johnston, governor of Pennsylvania, in the year 1849. He was a member of the Re- formed Church. In politics, he was a staunch Republican, at one time a "Whig." He was con- sidered quite an authority in political affairs. He was a bright and prominent !Mason and Odd Fellow. Before the branch railroad was built to Kutztown, Col. Levan drove a passenger coach and carried the mail from Lyons Station to Kutztown. After the road was finished he con- ducted a similar route for many years from Kutz- town to Schnecksville. better known as the "Schnecksviller's Mail." Thos. S. Levan has in his possession many old and valuable relics at one time belonging to his grandfather Levan and great-grandfather Rose.
THE WINK FAMILY
Caspar Wink, a Roman Catholic, is said to have been torn in Manheim on the Rhine in the Pa- latinate. He was one of the first settlers in Max- atawny and lived at what is now known as the ■\A'anner homestead. He was married to Ger- trude Kemp, a daughter of Jacob Kemp. They had six children: Catharine, born August 7, 17^8; Theobold, born February 10, 1733, married to Margretha Reed, of Goshenhoppen ; Anna Elisa- beth, born February 12, 1735, she was married to John Michael Christman ; Christianna, born March 21, 1737; Anna, Barbara, born September 29, 17.^9, was married to Wilhelm Haintez, who came from Germany to America in 1751 and set- tled at Trexlertown ; John Peter, who was killed in the Revolutionary war, was born December 27. 1745.
Dewalt (Theobold) Wink was the father of the following children : Philip, John, Peter, Jacob (a Revolutionary soldier), Dewalt, Mrs. Isaac Roberts, Mrs. Jacob Levan, Mrs. John Heiden- reich, the mother of Judge Wm. S. Heidenreich, Mrs. John Hausman and Mrs. Daniel Kemp.
Dewalt Wink, son of Davalt, the hat manufac- turer, was born in 1776 and was married to a daua-hter of George Pfister, also a Revolutionary soldier. This union was blessed with eleven sons and two daughters, among whom was the venerable historian, John G. Wink, of Normal Hill, Kutztown, who died December 23, 1901, at the rioe old age of 86 years, 9 months and 2 days. To his retentive memory and invaluable diary, from which extracts appear in this work, the present generation is indebted for many of the
earlv traditions of the town and for valuable data. Father Wink was one of the first Sunday school superintendents of the Kutztown Sunday schools, at one time teacher of the high school, for many years a merchant, and is remembered by manv for his public spiritedness and kindness of heart. His son, John D. Wink, and daughter, Carrie, wife of T. M. Esser, carefully treasure their father's valuable diaries, interesting scrap books and important documents. Among the latter are two certifications of oaths of allegi- ance to the new government after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and a com- bined shot and powder horn, carried by Jacob Wink in the Revolutionar}' army.
Northamt'ton. ss: A^o. 266
I DO hereby CERTIFY, That Casper Winck of Berks County, States of Pennsylvania, Hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the OATH of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an ACT of General .Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed the 13th day of June, A. D. 1777. Witness my hand and seal, the 26 day of May. A. D. 1778. (Seal) Peter Trexlcr, Bsqu.
I DO hereby CERTIFY, That Dcwold Winck in jNIaxtawny Township, Hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the oath of Alle.giance and Fideli- ay, as directed by an ACT of General .Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed the 1,3th day of June, A. D. 1777. Witness my hand and seal, the 3 day of November, A. D. 7777.
(Seal) Samuel Ely.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
31
The following account of the death of Cas- per Wink is from the Mss. History of Casper Wink, by John G. Wink:—
"On the day preceding the death of our great ancestor, Casper Wink, he visited the grave of his deceased partner in life. On his return to the house he told the family that the time of his Final departure had come, and 'that he would die before another morn- ing sun should cast its beams on the horizon.' And he gave them directions in regards to his funeral. His coffin was to be painted black with a cross (t) on top of the lid; and that the Catholic Pries [from Bally] should officiate, he being a Catholic and wished to be buried by the side of his be- loved wife [Gertrude Kemp]. And ere the
dawn of the morning his Soul had departed to the Spirit land.
"He lived to the great age of 96 years and had never been sick in all his long life. His request was strictly complied with. Their ashes repose side by side on the side of the hill on the farm, a short distance a';ove the present barn. A few rude stones marked their graves. Some thirty years ago [1851] I visited the place of their repose a few (5) years ago [1876], but could not ascertain their graves any more, the head stones having probably sunk into the ground.
"There were many Indians in the neigh- borhood at that time who were always upon good terms with my ancestors and who al- ways received kind treatment in return."
OTHER PROMINENT FAMILIES
SCHAEFFER FAMILY
The descendants of George Schaeffer, who qualified at Philadelphia August 3, 1750, have been vitally identified with the history and de- velopment of Kutztown. George Schaeffer was a personal friend of Rev. Philip Jacob Michael, who baptized and stood sponsor for his son, Philip. He was an elder in DeLong's Reformed congregation at Bowers, and with his pastor, the Rev. Michael, enlisted in the American cause, the former as chaplain and the latter as second lieutenant. He was married to Catharine Riel (Ruehl) a daughter of Johannes Ruehl. They had issue : Elisabeth, married to John Bieber : Margaret, married to Dewalt Bieber ; Maria, married to Michael Christman ; Peter, who re- moved to Montgomery county, and Philip, who obtained the old homestead, about two and a half miles south-west of Kutztown.
Philip Schaeffer, as a young man, assisted in hauling logs from Port CHnton to Kutztown for the building of the church in 1790. He invented and manufactured the first horse power and threshing machine in Berks county. To him and his wife, Elisabeth, a daughter of Peter and Susanna (Seitz) Fetterolf, ?nd a granddaughter of Peter and Anna Maria (Rothermel) Fetterolf, were born twelve children: George, Peter, Isaac, Jonathan, Daniel, William, Philin, David. Sarah, married to Jacob DeLong; Elisabeth, married to Solomon Yoder : Anna, married to Isaac Merkel, and Esther, married to Francis DeLong.
David Schaeffer, son of Philip, was married in 1848 to Esther Anna, a daughter of Solomon and Elisabeth (Bieber) Christ and the following year removed to the farm in Maxatawny now in possession of his son, James. He was one of the promoters of the Normal School and served on the board of trustees until the time of his death. In addition to James already mentioned he was the father of four sons: Rev. Nathan C. Schaeffer, D. D., LL.D., since 189,3 Superinten- dent of Public Instruction of Pennsylvania; Rev. William C. Schaeffer, D. D.. professor of New Testament Science in the Eastern Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church ; D. Nicholas, a prominent member of the Berks County Bar, and Charles D. Schaeffer, head surgeon of the Allentown hospital.
SHARADIN FAMILY
Jacob Sharadin (name variously written Shera- din, Gerradine, Cheretin, Jiradin ) was of Hugue- not (French Reformed) extraction. He came to Pennsylvania September 15, 1748, and settled a few miles south of Kutztown. Many of his de- scendants have had an active part in the develop- ment of Kutztown.
His son, Jacob, according to the inscription on his tombstone at Bowers, was born at Rauweilen, in Europe, in 1735, and died in 1820. He was married June 15, 1758, to Margretta Haag, a daughter of Andrew and Anna Amigunda Haag; she was born February 5, 1735, and died No- vember I, 1835. They had issue ; Maria C, mar- ried to Daniel Hoch ; Jacob, Peter, Abraham, Daniel, Susanna, married to Nicholas Kutz, and Justina, married to Casper Schmick.
Jacob, grandson of the immigrant, was born January 28, 1761, and died January 9, 1822. He has been prosperous and resided on the old home- stead. His children were: Elizabeth, married to Geor.ee Kemp ; Sarah, married to Absalom Beid- ler; David, married to Mary Magdalena Wanner, a daughter of Col. Tohn Wanner ; Katherine, married to Jonathan Grim ; Reuben, married to Katherine Biehl ; Nathan, married to Rebecca Es- ser; Jacob, Polly, married to David Fister.
BIEBER FAMILY.
Dewalt Bieber, his two brothers, John and George, and a son, Dewalt, left the fatherland and came to Pennsylvania in 1742. They settled on a tract of land near Valley Forge. John, the brother, is said to have lost his life in the Ameri- can army during the campaign of 1777-78. His son, John, removed to Maxatawny about 1770: his descendants are many, among them the late mer- chant, Walter Bieber, and Captain Bieber. De- walt (October 26, 1729 — January 26, 1808), son of Dewalt, was married lanuary 24, 17SO, to Sybilla Steinbunner, which union was blessed with ten sons and two daughters. He was known as the "Barra Bieber," because he fought with and killed a bear which had attacked him on his farm one evening. He was famed for his strength and is said to have been able to lift a barrel of cider and drink from the bung hole.
32
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
33
During the Revolutionary War, a baggage train halted on his plantation. The soldiers, accord- ing to a well preserved tradition, slept under the large oak tree still standing. It is also told that the women baked bread for the soldiers and that Mr. Bieber furnished them with cider.
Jonathan Bieber, a grardscn of ' ewa't, was for a period of twelve years postmaster of Kutz- town. He was an ardent Republican and fre- ciuenllv reoresented bis district in conventions. His son, Jonathan, who owned the old homestead, was known as the Milk Bieber, because he con- ducted the first and, for a long time, the only milk route in Kutztown. He was married to Brieetta Schwoyer. To them were born the following children: Clara, Rev. Milton, Dr. Ulysses S. G., Robert S., Anna and Jonathan.
BALTZER GEEHR
Baltzer Geehr, son of Conrad Geehr, was born in Germantown, Pa., January 22, 1740. As a young man he removed to Oley township, Berks
In 1796 he removed from Bern township to a plantation east of Kutztown, known as the \Vm. F. Stimmel farm. Here he died in 1801 and was buried on the familv burial plot near the center of the farm. The headstones on his and his wife's graves are still standing. On the stone his name is spelled correctly — Balthaser.
FISTER FAMILY
The late Col. Thomas D. Fister was one of Kutztown's most widely known sons : was born October 25, 1838. His parents were David and Mary Scharadin Fister. He was educated in the local public schools, Elrawood Institute, Norris- town, and in 1855 matriculated in the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He was graduated in 1859 and appointed by President James Buchanan a Lieutenant in the United States marine revenue service.
In the early seventies he removed from Ala- bama to what is known as the Fister Home on Normal Hill. Here in true southern fashion and hospitahty he lived the life of a country gentle-
J,:i?^.'*i'
■-^^^^4isil
Gr.wes of Mr. and Mrs. Balthaser Geehr On the William F. Stimmel Farm
county, where he is recorded in 1767 as being em- ployed as a gunsmith and where he married Catharine Hunter, a daughter of Anthony Hunt- er, and a sister of Col. IDaniel Hunter, of Revo- lutionary fame. In 1772 he removed to a planta- tion of five hundred acres in Bern township, which he had acquired the previous 3'ear. He was one of the leaders of the northern part of Berks county during the Revolutionary War, serving on the following committees : Committee for the Guidance of Public Sentiment, 1774: Com- mittee of Observation, 1775: Delegate to the Pro- vincial Convention, 177,=;; Delegate to Colonels of the Associated Battalions, 177=;; Committee of Safety, 1776. In 1775 and 1776 he was Lieut.- Col. of the Fourth Battalion of the Associated Militia ; in September of the later year his bat- talion participated in the campaign about New York. He officiated as one of the judges of the county from t77.'5 to 1784, was a member of the State Assembly for the years 178?, 1786. and from 1792 to 1799- In 1776 he was elected a member of Council of Censors.
man. Under his roof were entertained among many other notables, Horace Greeley, Gen. John
B. Gordon, U. S. Senator Ramsey, Judge David
C. Humphreys of the United States Court of the District of Columbia, Gov. Robert E. Pat- tison. Gov. John F. Hartranft, and Gov. John G. Harmon, of Ohio. He was prominently identi- fied with the Democratic party and during Cleve- land's administration served rs suoervising archi- tect of the United States Treasury. He was identified with a number of local industries, was nresident of the board of the stockholders of the Keystone Normal School ?rd served on its board of trustees for many years.
To him and his wife, Tnlia F. Swan, a south- ern lady of cultur° and refinement, were born three daughters : Mary, the wife of Rev. James Beattes, St. Paul, Minn. ; Maggie, the wife of Rev. r'harles P. Weiskotten, Milwaukee, Wis., and Linda, the wife of Rev. H. J. F. Seneker, of Pottstown, Pa. Col. Fister died at St. Paul, Minn., on April 22, igi.S. and his remains were buried on the cemetery along side of hi.5 beloved
34
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
wife, who preceded him in death about eight years.
The p-reat-grandfather of Col. Thomas D. Fis- ter was Dorst Fister, a native of German^'. His son, George Adam, was married to Anna Mar- grietha Fisher. Their son, David, was born June ig, 1802, and died October 8, 1871.^ He took an active part in the Buchanan campaign, served as Prothonotary of Berks county, and was at the time of his death Chief Burgess of Kutztown.
KEMP FAMILY
Dewalt (Theobolt) Kemp is said to have come to America cir. 1720, and to have been a native of Strassburg on the Rhine. He was not only one of the first settlers in Maxatawny, but in point of years probably the oldest settler. He was born about 1685 and died in 1760. His daughter, Gertrude, was married to Casper Wink. Their first child, Catharine, was born in Maxa- tawny August 7, 1728.
The home now owned by Nathan Kemp passed at the time of the death of the immigrant to his son, George, whose wife's maiden name was Levan. Among their children were two sons, George and Daniel. George Kemp had a female slave named Hannah. This is the only incident of slavery in the early history of Maxatawny. Upon her death she was buried in the private cemetery of the Kemps. To George Kemp, son of George, and his wife (nee Griesemer) were born five children : John, William, Annie, mar- ried to Daniel Siegfried ; Sallie, marred to Daniel Kemp, and George.
Daniel Kemp, son of George and gra«dson of Dewalt. was married to Rachel Wink. They had issue : Sallie. Dewalt, Jacob, Daniel, Isaac, George and William.
DEYSHER FAMILY
One of the first settler to the west of what is now Kutztown was Jacob Teysher. He was born in the fatherland in 1731 and came to America with his parents, Johannes Teysher and his wife Barbara (nee Siegfried). There were five more children in the family. Tradition has it that Jo- hannes Teysher was a French Huguenot, and that he left France at the earnest solicitation of his friends, upon having "shot off the head of an image at a Roman Catholic shrine in preference to showing reverence to it."
ABSTRACT OF DEED
Deed Book Vol. 21, Page 104, as recorded at Reading, Pa.
"Whereas in pursuance of a warrant bearing date 1733 Dec. 13 — was surveyed 1740, May 11, for the use of the former Proprietaries of Penn- sylvania, a certain tract called the "Moselem Flatts situated in Maxatawny and Richmond Townships containing 2,990 acres and the usual allowance for roads. — And whereas it appears that the particular lot distinguished in the general draft of the survey and division aforesaid by the number of 8 has been settled on and improved by Jacob Teysher late of Maxatawnv township, yeoman, deceased, the father of him the said Tohn Teysher and the said Jacob Teysher in his lifetime contracted and agreed to purchase the aforesaid tract of land and paid the sum of 2,003 £ 6 shillings and 10 pence unto Edmund Physich and unto the said John R. Coots for the use of his said constituents the sum of 249 £ 18 shillings and 9 pence inpart of the purchase money and interest agreed for the said lot and the said
Jacob Teysher being paid and entitled to the aforesaid lot by his last Will and Testament bearing date 1803 Dec. 20 devised the same unto the said John Teysher in fee — and where as the afore said tract ivas lately resurveycd bj^ Reading Howell of the city of Philadelphia, Pa., and di- vided into 38 district Plantations numbering from I to 38 — "All that aforesaid tract — Beginning at a stake in the middle of a road thence extend- ing by lot No. S3, No. 30 and No. j6 South 59 degrees and 20 minutes West 209 6-10 perches to a stone thence by Abraham Biehl's lot No. 7 North 25 degrees West 145 3-10 perches to a stake thence bj' the Manor line North 64 degrees and 8 minutes East 212 4-10 perches to a stone thence by the middle of the said road South 23% degrees East 128 2-10 perches to the place of beginning. — Containing 179 acres and 67 perches strict measure."
The will of Jacob Deysher was probated Janu- ary 6, 1804. He had issue ; Magdalena, Daniel, Esther, Deborah, Jacob, married to Catharine Rothermel and settled near Fleetwood; John, who obtained the old homestead and was mar- ried to a daughter of Colonel John Lesher, of Revolutionarj' fame ; Maria and Peter.
John Deysher purchased from George Kutz in 1795 lots numbered 60 and 63, and from John Stoudt and his wife, Margaret, innkeeoer of .Ami- ty township, lots numbered 47 and 49. Ever since the la.ving out of the town the Deyshers and their descendants have been vitally identified with the development of Kutztown.
SEBASTIAN ZIMMERMAN
Sebastian Zimmerman, whose plantation is designated on Schultz's map of the Easton Road, was probably a son of Abraham Zimmerman, whose name appears in the fax list of 1734. He was a close friend of Jacob Levan, whom he suc- ceeded as a colonial justice, and whom, accord- ing to Schultz's diary, he accomoanied to Phila- delphia at the time of the Indian uprisings to petition for relief. Ex-Prothonotary Eldridge Zimmerman, a descendant, owns the old home- stead. It was here that the Moravian missionary, Leonard Schnell, preached to an apnarent un- responsive audience and made the foUowins' en- try in his diary :
"March 6 [1746] I preached in Maxatawny at fSe] Bastian Zimmerman's on the text Romans 4:5. I preached with great difficultv: it appeared to me as if there was no hungary sinner there. I set out for Elsass (Alsace) but because I could not reach it I staj'ed overnight with a man whose name is Beutelman."
DIETRICH FAMILY
The name "Dietrich" is almost "Legion" in this section of Berks county and in this brief sketch we must confine ourselves to those of the family who have become identified with Kutztown. The Dietrichs hail from the German Palatinate. Of those identified with Kutztown we mention :
Lewis K., born in 1847 and residing in town for many years. He is a bricklayer by trade and a contractor. He is an excellent workman and thoroughly understands his trade.
lonathan C, a son of the late Daniel Dietrich, who was born at Dietrich's Mill, Greenwich town- ship, in 1852. For a number of vears he was en- gaged in the creamery and ice business, became chief bookkeeper of the Keystone Shoe Manu- facturing Company, Deputy Controller, clerk in
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
35
one of the departments of our county offices, and is at the present time assistant postmaster of Kutztown.
Lawson G., although not living- in town but is identified with a number of our industries, to which he devotes a good portion of his time. He was born in May, 1864. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. James H. Dietrich. He received his training at the Keystone State Normal School, is engaged on a large scale in farming, follows the occupation of surveyor, has taught a num- ber of years, and was elected two years ago to the office of Clerk of Quarter Sessions, which office he fills very acceptably. He is a man of sound judgment and many excellent qualities He resides on his farm in Richmond township.
Charles H. He was born in Greenwich from Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Dietrich July, 1838. He was engaged in the store business, driver, travel- ing salesman for hat establishment, solicitor for the Kutztown papers, and a general all around useful man. His children, Chester W., living in Davenport, Iowa, is a graduate of civil and mining engineering ; Walter S., is head clerk of the buying and selling department of the Kutz- town foundry, and Dr. Paul Henry, physician at Ashland, Wisconsin, in Dott's Laboratory.
Harvey O., son of Jonathan P. Dietrich, and a graduate of our Normal School, was born and raised near Grimsville Church. He graduated from the Keystone Normal School and Bu;knell University. He held the position of principal of the Fleetwood schools and is now supervising principal of the Curwensville Schools. He is married to the only daughter of our worthy townsman, Benj. M. Deibert.
KUTZ FAMILY
Kutztown derived its name from the Kutzes. It therefore goes without saying that the Kutzes must have been here prior to the founding of the place. So they were. Jacob Kutz, a native of Switzerland, emigrated to America on the ship "Pink Plaisance" in the year 17.32, at the age of 58. He settled in Maxatawnv township, on the tract now known as the Stock Farm and of which the Kutztown Fair Association owns a rart. He had a son, Jacob, 2d, who married rhristira Boss'rt (Buzzard on her tombstone in the old burial ground of the Union Church). They had sons and daughters, ."^mons them we find Jacob, 3d, who was married to Susanna Geehr. He was born in 1770 and died in 1835. Of their children a few need mention as the immediate an- cestors of our present townspeople. They are Benjamin, born, 1806 and died 1874; David, Sam- uel, Toseph and several daughters. The first ram'-d, Benjamin, was the father of the late Wm. S. Kutz. who died at the old homestead on Nor- mal Hill in July, 1914. His son, Wilson B., and several children of another .=on, Harry, who died some years ago, are the only surviving relatives.
Wilson B., is a member of the Historical Com- mittee of the Centennial Association and is noted for his remarkable memory of facts, scenes and incidents of the early history of the borough. His memory retains all the incidents that were at any time brought to his notice. He is a most useful member of the committee on this account.
Mrs. lonathan Biehl, a daughter of Benjamin, still lives in her pleasant home on Normal Hill, just opposite the residence of her nephew, Wilson B, She has no descendants.
Daniel B., a son of Benjamin, was born in July, 1828, died several years ago, some eighty odd years old. He was an exceedingly sprightly old man and in his 81 st year still served as Judge of Elections. His widow, whose maiden name was Louisa Kutz, still lives on Main street, at their old home. The only descendants of this family are the grandchildren, Salem Bock, hold- ing a very responsible position in the Kutztown Foundry, Mrs. Walter C. Snyder and Mrs. Milton G. Oswald.
David Kutz, a brother to Benjamin, was for a number of years Associate Judge of Berks coun- ty. He resided on the farm from where the borough gets its water supply. One of his sons. Sell, who died a year ago, was a prominent citi- zen of the borough for many years. His only son Harry, is a leadine attorney in Nazareth, Northampton county. Charles Kutz, a son of Jacob Kutz, has lived for many years on a farm along Greenwich street.
GRIM FAMILY
One of the respected families of Kutztown is the Grim family. With the dawn of the 19th century Daniel Bertolet Grim, known later as Col. Daniel Grim, came into the world. He was born July 17, 1800. He became a tanner by trade. At the age of 24 years he bought over 200 acres in Greenwich township, which soon became known as Grimsville after a hotel, store, tanner and distillery had been established. In August, 183.3, his son, Daniel P., was born there, who, after the retirement of his father, assumed the labor of managing the various industries of his father. After a strenuous life of about 40 years Daniel^ P. came to Kutztown to pass the evening of his life in semi-retirement. He soon became one of the honored men of town and took interest in some of our industries. He was one of the founders of the Kutztown National Bank and served as director from its organiza- tion till the close of his life about a year ago. He reached the ripe old age of 80 years. His son, Daniel P., Jr., has been for a number of years a clerk in the bank. Two daughters, Annie C. and Emma, still reside at the old homestead on upper Main street, while a third, A. Elizabeth, is the wife of Ira P. Rothermel, attorney, and resides in Reading.
36
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Pretty Residentiai, Section in New Kutztown (Formerly Park Avenue)
Handsome Homes on Upper Main Street (The stone house to the right is the remodeled First House Rrected In "Freetown")
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
37
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP
Returning to the statement that Maxa- tawny was settled soon after 1732, the date of sale by the Indians of their lands, and to the evident improbability of that state- ment, as shown by the facts recited and oapers quoted, it becomes necessary to ex- plain how it was that the Indians sold their lands after the settlers had occupied them.
The earliest settlers bought their lands from the proprietary government without any question as to whether the government had secured a clear title from the Indians. Securing their deeds or patents they occu- pied the land. The Indians, though friend- ly to the settlers, complained that the land thus bought by the settlers from the pro- orietaries had never been purchased by the latter from the Indians. D. B. Brunner ("The Indians of Berks County," p. 15) says :
"The settlers spread over the country with great rapidity and occupied the land. The Indians, seeing this, believed that the white peoole settled on land for which they [the Indians] had not been paid. The Kings who had gone to Molatton, thence to Philadelphia, to treat about the Cacoos- ing affray [the murder of three Indians early in May, 1828, by two white men] took occasion to visit the Provincial Coun- cil, June 5, 1728, and informed the Gover- nor that the English subjects were going beyond the limits of Penn's territory. The secretary produced a number of deeds, and convinced [ ?] them that none of their land was taken, whereupon they signed a release of 'all the land situated between the two rivers, Delaware and Susquehanna, from Duck Creek (in Delaware), to the moun- tains on this side of the Techay [Le- high].'^
" 'Sassoonan (Allumapees) said that the land beyond these bounds had never been oaid for, that they reached no further than a few miles beyond Oley, but that their lands en the Tulpehocken were seated by the Christians.'
"'Mr. Logan, (the secretary), answered that he understood at the time that deed was drawn and ever since that the Lechay hills or mountains stretched away from a little below Lechay or forks of the Dela- ware to those hills on the Susquehanna that lie about ten miles above Paxton. Mr. Farmer said those hills passed from Lechay a few miles above Oley, and reached no
further, End that Tulpehocken lands lie be- yond them.'^
"It was decided then that the Tulpehock- en lands belonged to the Indians. The com- missioners said that they authorized no one to settle there and seemed surprised [ ?] to learn that such was the fact. Sassoonan said that he could not beheve it himself that the Christians had settled on them, until he went there and saw their houses and fields."
What is said here of Tulpehocken might, in all likelihood, have been said of the Max- atawny section. The proprietary govern- ment had no hesitation in issuing patents for lands lying no one knew exactly where, sold land to settlers beyond the limits of what had been fairly acquired of the Indians and only when the latter complained, ex- pressed feigned surprise at the boundaries having been crossed and then purchased from the Indians territory in which were included lands which these same wily and somewhat unscrupulous successors to Will- iam Penn had already sold to the first set- tlers.
In addition to the leading families, al- ready treated, many others pressed into the settlement year after year. Of some of these descendants yet remain in the town- ship or the town. Names of others have entirely disappeared, the families having died out or their descendants moved away. On September 6, 1742, a petition was pre- sented to the Court of Quarter Sessions of Philadelphia county, praying for the erec- tion of a new township out of the said county. The survey of the tract of land for the said township was made by Esquire George Boone (likely George Boone, Jr., uncle to Daniel Boone, the Kentucky pion- eer) a draft of which was attached to the petition. William Parsons, surveyor gener- al of the Province, certified that the survey did not interfere with any other town- ship, the order for erection was made on the same day. The petition is apparently lost, but the following is a copy of the re- cord preserved in Philadelphia.
"Upon the Petition of several of the In- habitants of the Countv of Philadelphia, situate at a place called Maxatawny, set- ting forth that they had been settled in that part of this County for several years and paid Taxes and County Levies, and that the said Place is now become very populous, praying this Court would be pleased to
^Colonial Records, iii, 339
^Colonial Records, iii, 340
38
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
view and examine a Draught of a Tract of Land to the said I'etition annexed,_ and would erect the same into a Townshi)) by the foUowing Bounds, viz: Beginning in Bucks County Line and from thence run- ning South West one thousand seven hun- dred and sixty percnes ; thence North West one thousand three hundred and sixty perch- es; thence North Last one tliousand seven hundred and sixty perches to Bucks County Line ; thence along the same South East one thousand three hundred and sixty perches to the place of Beginning, containing four- teen thousand nine hundred and sixty Acres of Land.
"The Court having taken the said peti- tion into consideration and the Surveyor- General of this province having certified to the Court that the sevei-al Courses and bounds of said Township petitioned for do not interfere with any other Township, The said Tract of Land bounded as aforesaid, containing fourteen thousand nine hundred and sixty Acres of Land, is now erected by this Court into a Township by the name oi Maxatawn}-."
From the following list of taxables for the year 1759 some idea may be gained of the growth of the population of the town- ship. At that time 64 heads of famihes, 30 "inmates" (probably "aliens, strangers, per- sons not properly belonging to the place where they dwell") and 14 single men. The amount of tax levied was Ijj. The col- lector was Andrew Hauck, (spelled "Hagh" in list, now generally "Haag.") The sums placed opposite the names are evidently the assessed valuation.
Taxables
£
John Bast 16
Anthony Bennsinger 4
George Bader 12
Conrad Bader 1 1
Teterich Bever 10
John Bever 1 1
Michael Bower .^
Peter Brown .=1
Henrv Christ 13
Michael Christian 14
Frederick Delaplank 25
Peter DeLong 1 1
John DeLong 6
Anthony Fisher 10
William Grose 10
Nicholas Harmony 16
John Hartman 16
John Hill i.S
Henry Hagh n
Andreas Hagh 20
David Hiittenstein 23
Conrad Henninger 13
John Hargerader ifi
Tulins Kerber 6
Deobald Kempt 20
Nicholas Kutz 10
Thomas Kutz 10
Caspar Killiara
Derst Kersner
Charles Korn
Widow Kemp
George Kutz
Jacob Kutz
J acob Kraul
Philip Kraul
Sebastian Levan
Daniel Le\an
Jacob Levan, Esq
Henrv Luckenbill
Conrad Alanesmith
Nicholas Moffly
Michael Ott
Christopher Road
George Sassamanhouse . . y\ndreas Sassamanhouse Henry Sassamanhouse . .
Joseph Siegfried
Baltzer Swenck
John Siegfried
Peter v^herer
Jacob Sheradeen
Paul Sheradenn
George Sell
Caspar Smith
Nicholas Shoneaker
Henrv Wetstone
Dewa'ld Wink
Richard Wistar
Christian Wanner
Abram Zimmerman
Pastian Zimmerman . . . .
Anthony Altman . . . George Breinig ....
Jacob Bauer
Christian Baum ....
Daniel Dosser
George Esser
Andreas Hagh, Jr. .
Tacob Moyer
Daniel Ort
Leonard Saul
Christonher Slenker
Martin Sea
John Smals
Peter Stutz
Philip Hain
Michael Henninger
Tohn Huth
Leonard Kern . . . . Tacob Kamerer ....
Henry Lutz
Tohn Miller
David Musgenig . . . Jacob Sharadin . . . Christopher Urban .
Geor~e Weser
Tohn Weser
Tacob Wildraut . . .
Toseph Wild
George Wild
Peter Will
4
3 10 16 17 15
9 23 2.i 31
9 16 10
I
7
10
7 12
2D
21 22 14
5 12
5
2
13
19
25
5
16 23
SINGLE MEN
William Aldeman Geor~e Bader Tacob DeLong Georo-e Etzler Tosenh Gross Frederick Hauseman Michael Heit
Jacob Kootz Conrad Metzger Peter Minch Philin Roth Georee Steinbrook Tacob Steinmal Michael Steinborn
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
39
Early Roads
As the population increased the want of roads, something better than the trails of the Indians, was felt.
In 1736, at the June sessions of the Pro- vincial Court at Philadelphia "a petition was presented for a road from Jacob Le- van's Mill in Maxatawny, to the 'King's Highwa}^,' by John Yoder's fence in Oley." 'I he court, granting the petition, appointed as viewers John High, John Yoder, Jr., Samuel Golden, Benjamin Langaworthy, iVbraham Ashman, and Thomas Ellis, all of Oley, by whom the road was laid out. "It is now called the 'Kutztown Road,' and ex- tends from Pleasantville, via of Lobachs- ville, and Stony Point to Kutztown." On the plan of the "Easton Road" (1755) this road is marked "New Maxatawny Road." An amusing story in connec- tion with this road, handed down by locally to accommodate certain young folks, matrimonially inclined, resident in the Oley and Maxatawny settlements, who found the
lack of a fair road between the two places an impediment to their love making. The Yoders and Levans being prominent in Provincial affairs at this time possessed sufficient political influence to accomplish a project which, while ostensibly necessary as a public improvement, was a convenience to the younger members of the family. A considerable portion of this road is yet in use. Portions of it, however, have long since been abandoned. A stretch which is abandoned ran to the east of Kutztown near the line which now separates the farm of I)r lidward Hottenstein and that of the Nick's estate, now the property of Cyrus J. Rhode and John K. Deisher. Near it stood the Maxatawny Reformed church and the earliest school. Part of the road may yet be traced, sunken considerably below the level of the adjacent fields, between the rail- road and the driving road to Topton. Near the latter road is a thicket covering the site of the early graveyard in which a number of "the rude forefathers" of the vicinage sleep in unmarked graves.
"THE GREAT ROAD"-OR EASTON ROAD
The first lines of travel were, evidently, between the newer and the older settle- ments, between Maxatawny and Oley, as appears by the foregoing, and between those two settlements and Philadelphia, the seat of the government and the center of com- merce. As the number of settlers increased in the great valley — the East Penn Valley and the Lebanon Valley, as those two parts are now called — the need of better facilities lengthwise of the valley became more in- sistent. Prior to the middle of the i8th century a road, probably following an east and west Indian trail extended from the Le- high to the Schuylkill and thence to the Sus- quehanna. Over this road, doubtless a primitive one according to modern notions, yet a great improvement over the Indian trail, single travelers and companies of men and women passed. Among the lonely travelers of whom tradition or history SDeaks were Count Zinzendorf and other Moravian missionaries and ministers of other faiths, as Michael Schlatter, of the Reformed church, the first superintendent of schools, in a sense the official ancestor of the present Superintendent of Public In- struction of our State. Of the travels of these ecclesiastics and their visits to the early settlers in Maxatawny, detailed ac- counts may be read elsewhere in this vol- ume. (See histories of the churches.)
In 1753, according to a Moravian diary, a company of Moravians, intent on found- ing a colony at Salem, North Carolina, passed this way over the road mentioned above. The little caravan, which started from Bethlehem on the morning of the 8th of October, passed through JMaxatawn^^ in the afternoon, probably, since the diary tells of their stopping at "Moselem mill" on the night of the 8th. They had at least one wagon, as is learned from the narrative. There were fifteen in the party, twelve colonists seeking the new home in the South, and three companions who, what- ever their original intentions were, soon afterwards returned from North Carolina. These three were "Brother Gottlob Koe- nigsderfer [a Moravian minister], Nathaniel Seidel [who later gained rank and fame as a bishop among the Moravians], and Joseph Haberland." An interesting inci- dent is told of their tarrying at "Moselem mill." Hearing of their arrival a neigh- boring settler, Huey by name, came to the mill and addressing one of the leaders in- quired of him whether he knew anything of the healing art. An inmate of his house- hold, he said, was seriously ill, and if there could be blood-letting there might be hope of his recovery. One of the Moravian lead- ers went with Huev and performed the de- sired operation, with what final result we
40
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
are not told. Xext morning the caravan went on its way, crossing the "Tulpe- hocken," (possibly the Schuylkill at or near the Great Bend ) : From this narrative the conclusion is derived that ( i ) a road ran through the va'.lev in much the same gen- eral direction as the present highway; (2) that its course did not altogether coincide with that of the present road but. several miles west of Kutztown. turned to the right to ^loselem creek which, probably, it fol- lowed to the Ontelaunee, and thence to the Schuylkill : ( 3 I that it did not lead directly to Reading, although, possibly, it did con- nect with that town bv means of the "Mai- dencreek Road;"' and (4) that it was a road over which wagons could pass.
This early road, however, did not long answer the rrowing necessities of the sett- lers. Consequently, in 1753. a petition
the route taken through ;\Iaxatawny and Richmond townships and indicating cross- roads, tlie location of the homes of a niun- ber of settlers, and the distances in miles from Hasten. It will be noted that no house is marked as existing in 1755 in the territory now included in Kutztown. ( See "The First House." )
This road, known as the "Easton Road" ( because its eastern tenvinus was at Eas- ton I, or as "The Great or High Road" (so given in early deeds), was calculated to be fifty miles in length from Easton to Read- ing, "but to count from the center of both the said towns fifty mi'.es and one-half." It entered Reading by what is now Eighth street.
This "Easton Road." on its comoletion, constituted an iniDortait link in the chain of roads that connected "with the ancient
BASTIAN XJMMECK1AN
MAXA.T>W>/rs!Y 5EC'nON
OF-
The Easton Ecad
From a draft made bv David ShuuTZ, Surveyor
1755
signed by thirty inhabitants of Berks and Xorthampton counties and headed by Con- rad Weiser was presented to the Governor and Council of Pennsylvania, asking for an order for the laying out of a road from Easton to Reading.
The request was granted and the court appointed Francis Parvin, Jacob Levan, Benjamin Lightfoot, James Boone, Sebas- tian Zimmerman, and Joseph Penrose as viewers for Berks county, and William Par- sons, Peter Trexler, John Trexler, Timothy Horsefield, John Everat, and Ludwig Klutz as like executors of the judicial order for Xorthampton county, which, at that time, included what is now Lehigh countv.
The road was surveyed and built. .\ map of it, drawn by David Shultze in October, 1755, may be seen at the rooms of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania, at 1300 Locust street, Philadel- phia. From this map is taken the accom- panying "^laxatawny Section," showing
Alinnisink Road, whose outlet was Kings- ton on Hudson's River, and beyond, by a second chain of thoroughfares with the busy towns east, as far as ^lassachusetts Bay."
In this year, 1755, June 16, according to a statement in ^Montgomery's "History of Berks County," (p. 855) there was con- veyed to Jacob Kutz. by Jacob \\'entz^ and his wife, Elizabeth, 130 acres in Maxatawny township, along the Saucony, the tract now
'Jacob Kutz was a brother of Nicholas Kutz, who settled near Eaglepoint. The brothers were natives of Switzerland. The name was spelled Coots, at least by Englishmen. Nicholas Coots came to America in 1729, or earlier. Jacob seems to have arrived later, comin.^ (according to the "Historv' of Berks County," n. 1194) "on the shio 'Pink Plaisance,' which oualified at Philadelphia in the fall of 1732." Where Tacob lived from 1732 to I75.T is not known. It seems to have been his nephew, George Kutz, son of Nicholas, who laid out Kutztown in 1779 — spelled Coots- town until 1835. (See article on the postoffice.)
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
41
known as Pleasant View Stock Farm, a part
of a large tract of 550 acres which Jacob VVentz had inherited from his father Peter VVentz, the original patentee of i030 acres. The crossing of the Saucony, being mid- way between -Vllentown and Reading, was a propitious site for a town, and the set- tlement that grew up in this neighborhood soon become of importance on this great artery of travel . . . the through line from New York to Baltimore and the Caro- linas." Not much before the Revolution, perhaps, but certainly shortly before the beginning of that war, and during its con- tinuance this road was one of the noted highways of the State. Over it passed in that early time bodies of soldiers bound to or returning from the wars. Civilians of note traveled this once famous highway. Nevertheless, and strangely too, its im-
which is probably correct for several rea- sons : ( I ) It is nearly half way between Allentown and Reading, a half day journey from Bethlehem ; ( 2 ) It is at the intersec- tion of the Easton Road and. the "New Maxatawney Road" from Oley to Levan's mill (Eagle Point. See map). The main part of the hotel, which is still standing, is said to have been erected in 1787. If this part was erected in 1787 it must have been preceded, in whole or in part by a still earlier structure, for "Levan's" is men- tioned as an inn on the Easton Road much earlier than that year. Montgomery says (old "History of Berks Co.," p. 1043) ■ "It was opened probably as early as 1740, by Daniel Levan, and since 1788 has be- longed to the Kemp family. George Kemp [he was son-in-law to Daniel Eevan] kept the tavern fifty-two years and was succeed-
Kkmp's Hotel
portance has not been recognized in the histories of Berks county. Strangest per- haps is the fact that no mention of this really historic road is made in the exhaus- tive "History of Travel in America" by Seymour Dunbar, published within the last few months.
Along this highway, in order to accom- modate the increasing throngs of travelers, hostelries were erected. One of the first, if not the very first, was the tavern now known as Kemp's Hotel, just over the hill from the present eastern terminus of the borough of Kutztown. It was in all proba- bility not erected as a tavern, but was originally a farm-house opened to accom- modate the needs of travelers and was sub- sequently enlarged and made a road house. It is said to be the oldest hostelry in the eastern part of our county, a contention
ed by his son, John Kemp. The legend on the present sign board gives the date as 1765. For many years the 'Half-Way House' in Richmond township and this one were the only public-houses on the state road between Reading and Allentown. . . . It is a long stone building, and though large was often taxed to its uttermost to accommodate the many travelers who vis- ited or passed through that section before the era of railroads. Not only were all the sleeping rooms occupied, but the bar-room was frequently filled with sleeping team- sters and peddlers."
As matters of interest in themselves and also as stimuli to further research the fol- lowing references to this road, which de- serves more of fame than it has received — and to this ancient road house — are here inserted, references which antiquarian re-
42
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
search has unearthed since the former his- tory of our township and town was written.
One of the earhest notices of "Levan's" is found in the diarv of a Airs. Ehzabeth Drinker, an Enghsh lady travehng through this valley in 1771. Under date of August 29th she wrote: "We reached David Le- van's about dusk this evening." Then fol- lows an account of some unpelasant experi- ences of which the curious may read in the collections of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Continuing, she wrote: "With the assistance of our two servants we supped pretty well." August 30. "... Her [the landlady's] hus- band is a rich farmer."
The next notice that has come to light is in a record of a summer jaunt in 1773 taken bv a company of six or seven journeying in "chairs"' from Philadelphia to Bethle- hem and thence through our valley to Read- ing and Lancaster, and finally home to Phil- adelphia. The company consisted of "Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell ( Miss.= Kitty and Miss. Nancy Lawrence and Mr. E. Lawrence" besides "W" who is supposed to be the writer of the "Journal." The company must have been rather fastidious or else could not make proper allowance for neces- sary discomforts at pioneer and frontier road houses. "W" comolains of the ac- commodations at almost every inn at which they stopped. Here are some extracts from his diary :
"Saturday 21. [August, 1773]. Left Bethlehem about 7 o'clock morning. Ar- rived at Allentown (6 miles) about 9, stop'd at the Sign of the King of Prussia, the House stunk so badly that we could not remain in it. . . . Allentown is a pret- ty situation but it seems to be a poor place. % past ten left Allentown, and at % past two arrived at Levan's (10 miles) where
iQf chairs there were two sorts: (i) Sedan chairs, some carried on poles by servants, some so constructed as to be borne on a horse's back; these were, of course, without wheels ; (2 ) wheeled chairs, drawn by one horse. "The chair was a two-wheeled vehicle with a seat for two, and sometimes with an additional small seat, al- most over the shafts, for the driver." (Dunbar). The chair had no top, differing in this particular from the chaise which had a top covered with leather. The shafts generally extended quite a distance behind the seat affording a support for bag.£;age. None of the earliest chairs or chaises were equipped with springs. The iolting from the uneven roads was partly mitigated by having the body of the vehicle swing on braces of springy wood or suspended by stout straps of leather. The vehicles were painted in gaudy colors. The chairs used by this party were of the second sort.
-In those days a period was written after the abbreviation "Miss."
we had such a Dinner as Travellers must often put up with. . . .' The House did not seem remarkably clean, but may do to stop at for an Hour or so. At i/o 3 p. M. left Levan's, . . . and about Seven o'Clock arrived at Shobers ( 10 miles ) where . . . the House from ap- pearance promised something good, but alass ! we are often deceived by appear- ances, for it is the dirtiest House without exception in the Province, every room swarming with Buggs." Then he relates how while one of his companions slept "as tho' he had been on a bed of down" he lay awake all night despite the fact that he had taken a candle and encircled himself with a line of grease in the vain hope the circle would protect him from the "devoura- tions" of the "Buggs."
Other travelers' rests sprung up along the thronged highway. One was at "Mose- lem's Corner"; another at Kirbyville; yet another at the "Half-Way House," a name reminiscent of the ancient time as is also that of the town of Temple, five miles east of Reading, named from the antique swing- ing sign, long since taken from its rusty hinges and put no one knows where, on which was painted what the accompanying legend declared to be "Solomon's Temple." Other hostelries were opened along the road in the opposite direction.
In the stirring days of the American Revolution and of the unrest preceding the war the Easton Road acquired national im- portance (if the term national can be used of a time when as yet there was no nation). Over it troops marched to and fro. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress passed resolutions requiring twelve com- panies of expert riflemen to be raised for the purpose of joining the army of Wash- ington at Boston. Of these companies eight were to be recruited in Pennsylvania. The men of Berks county were the first to respond. As from Reading in 1861 "The First Defenders" marched to the national capitol for the preservation of their coun- try, so from Reading in 1775 the "Eirst Defenders" of the nation-to-be marched to Cambridge. A compan}^, some eighty strong, under the command of Captain George Nagel, left Reading early in July and on July 18 (1775) reported for duty to General Washington at Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, among the first troops to answer the call of Congress. They marched over the Easton Road . The following were the
ipor omission consult reproduction of the en- tire "Tournal" in the "The Pennsjdvania Maga- zine of History and Biography," July 1886.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
43
Roll of Captain Georoe Nagel's Company
Cal>tains George Nagel, commissioned June 25, 1775; promoted Major of the Fifth Battahon, Col. Rob- ert Magan, January S, 1776. Morgan Conner, commissioned January'5, 1776; March gth called from camp by Congress, and sent into the south- ern department : afterwards lieutenant-colonel of Colonel Hartey's regiment.
First Lieutenants Morgan Conner, commission dated July 17, 177s; promoted captain. David Harris, appointed January 5, 1776.
Second Lieutenants
Peter Scull, commissioned July 17, 1775; pro- moted captain of Third Pennsylvania Battalion, Colonel John Shee's, January 5, 1776.
Benjamin Chambers, Sr., from orivate. Captain Chambers' Company, lanuary 5, 1776; subsequent- ly First Lieutenant First Pennsylvania.
Third Lieutenants Peter Grubb, com. July Peter Weiser, appointed 17) 177s; apointed to January 5, 1776 Miles' rifle regiment
Surgeoji Dr. Jonathan Potts Sergeants Jacob Bower, appointed John McKinty
quartermaster Alexander Brannon
Hananiah Lincoln, see Philip Gibbons Twelfth Pennsylvania
Daniel Graff
John Grant
Elias Reiger, discharged July I, 1776; resided in Union county in 1820
Thomas Reilly
John Rewalt
William Robinson
Christian Rone
Nicholas Shanefelt
Andrew Shirk
Joseph Smith
Henry Snevely, Sr.
James Williams Hugh Hughes
Corporals
Henry Snevely Casper Heiner
Drummer John Molay
Privates
Thomas Bain
Christopher Baldy
Yost Berger
Conrad Bourke
Peter Bowman
Peter Brough
James Brown
John Bermeter, living in
Berks County in 1810 Michael Ceney Casper Cool or Kool,
died in Berks county
in 1807 John Cox Robert Creed William Crowley Henry Deckert Christian Derr, reenlist-
ed in old Eleventh,
Col. Humpton High Dennison John Dombaugh Jacob Duck Jacob Elgerts Tacob Ebright Andrew Engel Peter Felix George Fisher Christian Fought Michael Foust Lewis Franklinberry George Gearhart Charles Gordon Daniel Gorman
Henry Orwig Samuel Parks Adam Pickle George Spotts John Stone John Streker Frederick Tueo Abraham Umstedd Philip Wagoner of Tul-
pehocken Nicholas Waltman Christian Wander Tohn Weiser Isaac Willey
Abraham Griffith
John Grow
Timothy Harris
John Huber
William Jones
George Kemmerling
John Kerner, wounded at Lechraere Pond, Nov. 9, 1775 ; re-en- listed in Sixth Penna. in 1777
Charles Kleckner, pro- moted ensign of Ger- man Regiment
Nicholas Leasure
John Leaman
Casper Leib
Harmon Leitheiser, en- sign Sixth Pennsylva- nia
John Lewis
Samuel McFarland
Christopher Martin
Michael Miller
Peter Mingle
Alexander Mogey, (Mc- Gee)
.Adam Moyer
Christian Moyer, or Christooyer Myer
Michael Moyer
Ernst Nibber (Lawr- ence)
Frederick Nipple
The appearance of the men was described as follows in a letter by Judge Henr_v, of JLancaster, who, when a boy, was one of the riflemen :
"They are remarkably stout and hard men, many of them exceeding six feet in height. They are dressed in white frocks or rifle-shirts and round hats. These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their aim, striking a mark with great certainty at two hundred yards distance. At a review, while on a quick advance, a company of them fired their balls into objects of seven inches diameter at the distance of two hundred and fifty yards. They are now stationed in our lines, and their shot have frequently proved fatal to British officers and soldiers who expose them- selves to view even at more than double the distance of common musket-shot.
"Each man bore a rifle-barreled gun, a toma- hawk or a small ax and a long knife, usually called a 'scalping knife' which served for all pur- poses in the woods. His underdress by no means in military style, was covered by a deep ash- colored hunting shirt, leggins and moccasins — if the latter could be procured. It was the silly fashion of those times for riflemen to ape the manners of savages."
On the evening of July 22, 1775, there marched into town (there must have been at least a few houses here at that time) over this road a body of riflemen, two com- nanies, commanded by Captain WilHam Hendricks and Captain John Chambers, which had started from Carlisle nine days orevious and had stopped at Reading for five days. They, too, were bound for Cam- bridge. Arriving there early in August, they went into camp, for a little over a month, with eleven other companiesof mus- queteers, Pennsylvania soldiers, under the command of Colonel William Thompson, of Carlisle. From Cambridge, on September II, these soldiers, under the command of Colonel Benedict Arnold, began the long, toilsome, and finally disastrous march through the forests and over the portages of the mountains of what is now the State of Maine to the ill-fated attack on Quebec on the last day of the vear. Of these com- nanies the officers at least were quartered for the night at "Swan's Tavern, 18 miles" from "Riding," This was likely the tav- ern at Kutztown with, probably, a sign on which was painted a swan, from which it
44
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
was known as "The Swan Inn." It is the brick building on East Main street near Noble street, long the property of Dr. Charles H. Wanner, and now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Zach. C. Hoch and Mrs. Laura Wanner Gross. The house is ample, as the accompanying picture shows. Tra- dition, not improbable, declares that the bricks of which it is built were brought from England. The cellar walls are mas- sive and the beams supporting the first floor are of more than ordinary size. In the rear cellar is a great arch which some have taken to be the storage vault for the liquid refreshments by which in those days travel- ers were regaled.
The Sw.\n Inn— Exterior
The next day, as it appears from the record, other troops passed over the road, a company of mounted rifles, Virginians, under Captain Morgan (subsequently a brigadier-general and the hero of the Cow- pens) who, going on to Bethlehem, "made a two days' halt in [that] town, (Julv 24 and 25).^
Early in 1776, probably about the begin- ning of February, a number of British sol- diers and their officers, with their wives and children, prisoners taken by General Montgomery on the capture of St. John and Chambly, were marched westward over this road to Reading, where they were quar-
^See "The Old Sun Inn," in "Pennsylvania- German Society's Proceedings," Vol. VT, (1896) p. 56.
tered. Although these prisoners were sent to Reading by the orders of Congress with- out previous notice, the people of that town "immediately appointed Mr. Henry Haller, a member of the committee, to provide houses, firewood and provisions for the par- ty who must otherwise have suffered much at [that] severe season."' Mark Bird, chair- man of the committee of correspondence, as soon as this provision for the captives was made reported to Congress requesting di- rections in the matter. On April 17, 1776. Congress ordered the officers to be removed to Lebanon. It seems that the privates re- mained but these behaved so badly that the Council of Safety ordered the prisoners to be guarded so long as they remained in the town.
All through the spring and summer of 1776 there was "incessant marching" over this road of recruits from the lower coun- ties on their way to "The Flying Camp" at Amboy.
On the day after Christmas, 1776, seven persons, arrested in Northampton as Tories, "suspects inimical to the Revolution," were taken as prisoners over this road for in- carceration in the jail at Reading. Their arrival caused no little indignation at Read- ing, who complained that the people of Northampton were imposing upon the Read- ingites. "Reading must be endangered and at best burthened. Our prison is small, that of Lancaster is large, and that town is three times as large as this." So wrote James Read, Esq., to the Council of Safety on the next day after the arrival at Read- ing of these Tory prisoners.
But with the beginning of 1777 the "Great Road" became of even greater importance to the voung nation. "Scarcely a week in the first eight months of 1777 but was marked by the movement of troops" over the road, going eastward to the theater of war. Early in September two hundred pris- oners of war ("one hundred of these were partisans of Donald McDonald from the Cross Creek settlement near Fayetteville, N. C") were marched over the Easton Road from Reading to Bethlehem.
Later in the month there was lively move- ment in the opposite direction. The battle of Brandy wine, September 11, had proved disastrous to the American forces. Howe, the British commander, moved on Philadel- phia, causing consternation. Hastily the army starts and the sick and wounded of die Continentals were moved northward from French Creek and Philadelphia to Bethlehem and its vicinity. The Liberty
'Montgomery's Berks County in the Revolu- tion," p. 151.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
45
Bell and Christ Church bells were taken down and hurried to hiding in the basement of Zion's Reformed Church, Allentown, thus passing over a five or six mile stretch of this famous road. On September 23, "upwards of nine hundred army wagons were in camp in the fields in the rear or north of the Sun Inn at Bethlehem."
On September 19, (1777), as is learned from the diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer, of Philadelphia, who was connected with the Ouartermaster's Department, the mone}', books, and papers belonging to the public were sent to Abraham Hunt's in New Jer- sey, while one load of hi.s private goods was .cent to Peter Trexler's (Breinigsville) in Korthampton countv. On Monday, Seotem- ber 22, as narrated in the Bethlehem Morav- ian Diary, the archives and other papers of
established at Lancaster on the 27th, to be removed and set up at York three days later. In the "Diary of John Adams" (See Vol. II, of his works) we find this record:
"September 25, [Thursday]. — Rode from Beth- lehem through Allentown to a German tavern, al)out eighteen miles from Reading."
Thus we are assured that on the 25th and 26th of September, 1777, this great parsonage of Revolutionary times, accom- panied by his colleagues of the Continental Congress, passed over the Easton Road and on the night of the 25th slept in I^evan's Inn (now Kemps), in the Swan Inn, or in one of the other inns that, possibly, by that time had been established along the line of the road within the present limits of the borough.
Arch in Cei,i<ar in Swan Inn
Congress arrived at Bethlehem, being Irrought from Trenton, by way of Easton. These treasures were in the guardianship of fifty troopers and fifty infantry.
On Tuesda\-, September 23, the heavy baggage of the Continental .Army, "in a continuous train of 700 wagons, direct from camp, arrived under escort of 200 men, commanded by Colonel William Polk, of North Carolina," at Bethlehem, and went into camp. The wagon that hauled the Liberty Bell was one of this train.
At the approach of Howe's armv the Continental Congress, in session at Phila- delphia, on September 18, adjourned to meet in Lancaster, and hastily leaving the citv fled to Lancaster by way of Bethlehem, Allentown, Kittztown, and Reading. The heg^ira through our town, or what there was of it at that time, must have been on Sep- tember 24 to 26, since the new capital was
This flight of the Continental Congress ever this read may be the origin of a rather persistent tradition, evidently a myth, to the effect that Washington passed through the town, slept in one or another of the old houses, and that he camped under the boughs of the great "Centennial Oak," which stands on the Bieber farm a short distance south of Kemp's Hotel.
Exhaustive investigation has proved that Washington was never in or quite near to Kutztown. Perhaps a part of the fleeing baegage train fled so far west. In one article in "The Pennsvlvania-German" (Vol. Ill, p. 83), entitled "Over the Old Easton Road," one may read:
"About a quarter of a mile south of Kemo's Hotel is the Bieber farm, where Dr. fN. C] Schaeffer's grandmother on his mother's side was born. She took pleasure in describing the encampment of a division of the baggage train
46
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
of Washington's army on this farm, either be- fore or after the battle of Germantown, in 1777, as she heard it related by her parents when she was a girl. There is a tine spring of water on the farm, which, together with the fact that it was more or less secluded, was no doubt the motive for retreating to this spot. She stated that the meadow in front of the house, and the field extending to the farm on the west, were filled with tents, wagons, and horses. When the soldiers arrived the women were engaged in taking and to extend to them the hand of wel- come, they continued to bake loaves of bread, cakes, and pies, until their supply of flour was exhausted, and voluntarily distributed the same, as they were taken fresh from the oven, amonsr them. Dewalt Bieber, the owner of the land, who lived close by, sold cider to the soldiers by .sourd measure ; but, after imbibing freely, they demanded possession of the cask, which proved too much for this sturdy Pennsylvania-German, whereupon he seized the most convenient weapon, a swine's yoke, and beat them off. This caused the officers to station guards around the house. The following morning Mr. Bieber's mare was found in the meadow stabbed to death, her colt standing by her side — no doubt an act of revenge.
"A short distance from the house stands a mammoth white oak tree, known as 'the Cen- tennial White Oak of Pennsylvania' (See picture on page 2), under which, it is said, the officers had their headquarters. [The tree has borne the name 'Centennial Oak' for nearly forty years, the name originating, very likely, from a re- mark by Prof. John S. Ermentrout in his 'His- torical Sketch of Kutztown and Maxatawny,' 1876, p. 2.3 : — 'The mammoth white oak of Berks * * * may justly be called the Centennial White Oak of Pennsylvania. On the 15th of Septem- ber, 1777, one hundred years will have passed by, since the baggage train of Gen. Washington's army, on its retreat from the battlefield of Ger- mantown, sought and found protection under and around this Revolutionary tree.' In spite of the historical inaccuracy of several of Profes- sor Ermentrout's statements concerning the al- leged visit of Washington, his fancj' as to a name for the tree aopealed to the popular im- agination and 'Centennial Oak' it has been called from that day to this.l
"The tree is several hundred years old and it is believed to be sturdy enough to defj' the storms of another hundred years. The trunk, rear the .ground, measures twenty-nine feet, four inches, in circumference, and between the tenth and twentieth foot from the ground the tree sends out twenty limbs, most of which measure five to six feet in circumference, the largest meas- uring seven feet, three inches. The height of the tree is sixty-two feet, and the boughs spread ninety-eight feet."
On October 8, 1777, Jacob Hiltzheimer, of Philadelphia, (referred to above), in his flig-ht with the "money, books and papers belons;ino; to the public * * * and one load of [hisl private goods," arrived in the after- noon at "Squire Peter Trexler's" fBrei- nigsville.) The next day. October gth, the two wagons containing these public and nrivate effects, despite a rain that was fall- ing, were sent on to Reading. Hiltzheimer and family spent the rainy day at Trexler's and the following morning, Friday, passed over this road to Reading.
On November 2 of the same year John Hancock went through town, on his way to Ijoston from York where he had been serving as President of the Continental Congress. He was escorted by fifteen drag- oons.
On the evening of November 12, 1777, there was a group of half a dozen or so of men at Levan's Tavern (Kemp's) whose conversation one might wish had been more fully reported. One was the Hon- orable William Ellery, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and as representative from Rhode Island, at this time, a member of the Coiitinental Congress sftting at York. He had left Dighton, Mass., on October 20th, and with a travel- ing companion. Judge Francis Dana, (son- in-law of Mr. Ellery and son of Richard Dana, of Cambridge, Mass.) was on his way to York where the pair arrived Novem- ber 15. The other men were Judge Dana's body servant; Colonel John Brown, of Mas- sachusetts, who, on September 18, 1777, "surprised the outposts of Ticonderoga, freed one hundred American prisoners of war, captured four companies of regulars, a quantity of stores and cannon, and de- stroyed a large number of boats" ;and four other "New England Men." The reader may be interested in the following extract from Mr. Ellery's Diary.
"i2th. Bated at Snell's, nine miles, and ate ? tolerable veal Cutlet. Snell is a good Whig. From thence to Levan's about 15 miles from Snell's where we lodeed. Here we met Col Brown and four other New England men. Brown p'ave us an account of his expedition to Ti [conderoga] and of the INfode of Surrendry of the vaunting Burgoyne. The fore part of this day was filled with snow squalls which proved peculiarly irksome to Mr. Dana's servant, whose surtout was stolen the evening before at John- son's by some soldiers, the afternoon was com- fortable but the evenine was windy and exceed- ine-ly cold. The room in which we sat and lodged admitted the cold air at a thousand chinks, and our narrow bed had on it only a thin rug and one sheet. We went to bed almost completely dressed but even that would not do. It was so cold that I could not sleep. What would I not have given to have been by my fireside. * * * Our fellow lodo-ers suffered as much as we did. * * * What added to the infamousness of this tavern was the extreme squaliditv of the rooins, beds and every utensil. * * * Notwithstanding we had nothing * * * but a hock of pork, boiled a second time, and some bread and butter — We found our own tea and coffee, and hay and oats for the horses — this daughter of Lycurgus [the Isndladvl charged for Mr Dana, myself and serv- ant, thirtjf-eight shillings lawfvil money !"^
The next morning, November qth, the party left Levan's on their way to Reading.
i"Pennsvlvania Magazine of History and Bio- graphy," Oct. 1887.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
47
A short distance east of a tavern on the road, about nine miles west of Levan's they met "Mr. Samuel and Mr. John Ad- ams," bound for their home. The two noted New Englanders turned back to the tavern [Half Way House ( ?) ] where the company sat and chatted and "'ate bread and butter tog'ether." From this statement it is evident that the x\damses passed through Kutztown eastward on the afternoon of this day.
Other noted travelers who, pretty certain- ly passed over this road during- the first six months of 1778 were: General Greene, General Gates and family, Ethan Allen, 'Earon Steuben, Count Pulaski, General Conway, General Mcintosh, General Lewis, and Governeur Morris. These dignitaries were traveling to or from York, where the Continental Congress was in session until the beginning of July.
On the 5th of January, 1779, Baron Riedesel, commander of over 2000 Bruns- wickers surrendered bv Burgovne to Gates at Saratoga, (on the 17th of October. 1777) together with other officers, both German and British, prisoners of war, passed throueh Bethlehem, and certainly Kutztown also, "en route to Virginia to which state Congress had ordered them on parole."
If Washington did not pass over the Easton Road, Lady Washington surely did. This distinguished lady arrived at Bethle- hem from Easton early in the forenoon of Tune 15th, 1779. Besides her proper escort she was accompanied by Generals Sullivan and Maxwell and other officers. General Sullivan at this time was fitting out an expedition against the Indians on the Sus- quehanna. The mihtary escort of honor returned to camp at Easton before noon. Lady Washington, stopping at the Sun Inn, being- shown the objects of interest in the town during the afternoon and attending worship in the evening in the Moravian Church, remained at Bethlehem over night and "earlv in the morning of the i6th set out for Virginia."^ She must have passed through Kutztown about noon of the lat- ter date.
In the discussion of the physical features of the East Penn Vallev (See p. 2) refer- ence was made to the "Travels in the Con- federation" made in i78.-^-8j. bv the German .scientist. Dr. Johann David Schoepf. This careful observer and di=irist journeyed over the Easton Road, one dav in the latter part of August, 1783. The following is Doctor Schoepf 's reference to our town :
"•"Pennsylvania-German Society Proceedings," Vol. VI, p. 65.
"After sunset we came to Kutz-town (19 miles from Allen-town and .^i from Nazareth. A well- to-do German, in order to cut soraething of a figure with his name in his ears, gave the land for this place, which is only some three years old, and the houses but few and not large. (P. 195, English translation.)
The ears of the learned German doctor were, evidently, ofifended at the speech of the people of the valley and, consequently, he was moved to write, on the preceding page, when he tells of the county between "Maguntchy," and Kutztown, somewhat disparaging of the utterance of the people whom he praises, however, for some things. "The farm management seems pretty order- ly. One gets a glimpse of many good stone houses, many of them very neat; and every- thing about the premises shows order and attention. The people are rnainl}' Germans who speak bad English and distressing Ger- man," A pleasant touch of description of the landscape is given when he adds : "The buckwheat, greatly seeded here after wheat for the second harvest, stood in full bloom and with the pennyroyal, so common on all the roads, made a strong and pleasant evening odor."
It would be interesting to know at which of the taverns of the town or vicinity Lady Washington stopped for mid-day meal or Doctor Schoepf tarried for the night, but at the present information as to this is lacking.
In those early davs and in the following years many other celebrities, candidates for office in state and nation, occupants of high station, notables of every rank, besides mil- lions of commoner folk, used for purposes of business or pleasure, this highway join- ing the South and East and connecting .near the south of the State with roads and traders ' paths across the mountains to the West.
Modes of Travel
Modes of travel in the earlier time were as primitive as the frontier inns to which some reference has been made. Wayfarers journeyed on horseback, by chairs and chaises, bv "sopus wagons" (so-called be- cause first made at Esopus, N. Y., in which place the DeTurck family originally settled and whence, prior to 1712, they emigrated to Oley township, Berks county, and finallv to Maxatawny Valley") by "Jersey wagons," curricles, phaetons, private stages or car- riages, and later bv public stage coach. In an old book kept by a clerk of the Sun Inn at Bethlehem were found, among other in- teresting entries, the following, of arrivals at that hostelry:
48
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
"1801, June 20 — A gentleman and a lady in a chair.
"July 15 — Two gentlemen in a currich, three horses and one servant.
"August 12 — A gentleman in a Windsor chair.
"September i — A company in a Jersey wagon.
'^September 12 — A gentleman and a lady in a phaeton.
"1802, June 4 — A gentleman and ladf on horseback, 4 horses and one servant.
"September 18 — The President of Cam- bridge University.
"October 3 — A gentleman in a 'Sopus wagon.'
"October 20 — General Davis, Governor of North Carolina, one child, and negro servant in chairs.
"1803, June 7 — Commodore Berry of the shio United States, and negro servant.
"July 29 — A gentleman and family of six children, two black girls, and two drivers from Baltimore."
How interesting it would be had there been made more such records not only of the arrivals at the Sun Inn at Bethlehem but also of those who tarried for "bating" or for a night's lodging at the road houses all along this then famous way.
In the early days, moreover, this road was thronged by wagons engaged in com- merce. Trains of Conestoga wagons or "Pitt-Fuehren," sometimes eight to ten teams in the train, rolled eastward and west- ward over the road, loaded heavily with the products .which one section of the rao- idlv developing country desired to exchange with the other. The Conestoga wagon, named probably after the stream which flows through Lancaster county, in which county the vehicle likely had its origin, or, possibly, after the heavy draft horses which drew the wagons, a breed developed in the Valley of the Conestoga, was " a huge af- fair, very heavily built, with a [panelled] bed higher at each end than in the middle, and topped by a dull-white cloth cover which had a similar curve of still more pronounced degree. The wagon was con- structed in concave shape in order that its contents mis:ht not spill out when it was g-oins; UP or down hill. Still another dis- tinguishing characteristic of the convevance was its color. The under bodv was alwavs painted blue and the upper woodwork was invariablv bright red. . . . The Conestoea wagons] were the frigates of the land."
'Seymour Dunbar's "A History of Travel in .America," p. 203-4.
The harness of the four to six horses by which these wagons were drawn was of the best materials and this and other trappings of the horses, were often gaudily and ex- pensively adorned. Not infrequently there rose from the heavy collars of the animals ( collars of leather stuffed with straw or curled hair ) metal arches set with about half a dozen sweet toned bells which gave a pleasant jingling as the drivers urged their trains along. At the front of the wagon bed was a chest, having a pent- house lid, for tools. At the rear was suspended a long trough from which, loos- ened from its chains and set up on trusties, the hungry horses might eat their corn and oats, when the train halted for a rest. Un- der the wagon hung water buckets while from the rear end of the projecting "coup- ling pole depended by a leathern thong the wooden tar bucket which contained the lubricant for the massive wheels and axles." Readers interested in these predecessors of the freisrht train of today may find in the "United States Agricultural Report," for 1863, an account written by one who was an authority on these vehicles of the long ago. "Pitt-Fuehren" was the local German name for the heavy broad-tire wagons which carried freight to and from Pitts- burg (whence the name). In most cases, probably, these were Conestoga wagons or vehicles of similar construction.
Stage Coaches
At first travelers for business or for pleasure journeyed, apparently, in privately owned or rented vehicles, such as have been mentioned on a previous page, going when they willed and stopping where and when they pleased. After a time, as the volume of travel increased, public conveyances, stages, rude constructions in their earliest forms as one may infer from contemporary accounts and from tradition, were intro- duced, havinp' definite routings and carrying passengers for stipulated fare, besides the mails and light merchandise. The first pub- lic conve3'ance at Reading v/as a two-horse coach, which ran weekly between that city and Philadelphia, fifty-one miles, carryin.q; nassengers and letters. The fare was two dollars ; letters were carried for two pence (four cents') each. Two davs were con- sumed in making the trip. The line was established by Martin Hausman in 1789. \fter several vears the business passed into the hands of William Coleman, who im- proved the service greatlv, extendingr it by wav of Womelsdorf and Lebanon to Harris- burg, westwardlv, and bv wav of Hamburg. Orwigsburg, Sharp Mountain Gap, and
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
49
over the Broad Mountain, to Sunbury, northwardly. In 1818 stages between Sun- bury and Philadelphia ran twice a week each way. Between Harrisburg and Phila- delphia a tri-weekly service was given. William Coleman died in 1820. The busi- ness passed, first to his widow, then to his sons John and Nicholas who, in 1823, ran weekly stages between Reading and Easton. Whether this was the first appearance of the public stage coach on the Easton Road we do not know. Ermentrout says : ''At first, three times a week the rumbling wheels of the stage enlivened the quiet air of the town." From the same authority the fol- lowing facts are gleaned: Prior to 1837 David Fister, Jacob Graff, and Charles Sea- greaves were proprietors of the Reading to Easton Line. On February ist, that year, these gentlemen announced that from that time forward, Sundays excepted, a daily coach would be run each way between the two towns — Reading and Easton. There was, either then or later, a line running be- tween Kutztown and Norristown by way of Boyertown. Samuel Hartranft was its pro- prietor and his son John, who later became governor of Pennsylvania, sometimes drove the coach.
Before 1826 the stage coach was locally known as a "steamboat" and was an un- covered wagon capable of holding twenty passengers. Competition between the Cole- man or "Old Line" and several new claim- ants of public patronage on the route from Reading to Philadelphia, led to the intro- duction of an improved conveyance, the "Troy Coach." "It held eleven passengers, with room for five or more on top."
At last the railroad came, not indeed, to Ktitztown, but passing several miles to the south. The building of the East Pennsyl- vania Railroad from Reading to Allentown. completed May 11, 1859, was the death of the old stage line. Coaches ceased running
between AUentown and Reading in that year.
For a little over ten years travelers to and from Kutztown made their waj' across country between this town and Lyons, nearest station on the new railway as best they might. On January 10, 1870, the Kutz- town Branch was completed and then for years until electric car and automobile came, the branch to Topton was the readiest mode of communication with the outside world. Thus, for a time the old road, with which, as we have seen and shall see fur- ther, so much of the history and life of Max- atawny and Kutztown has been associated was almost deserted. Now again, however, the automobile having been invented, the old road has more than regained its old- time populai^ity as a great highway of the people between the southland and the East- ern States. Hundreds of gas-driven vehi- cles, many of them bearing license tags and pennants indicating that they come from far, pass over the road each day. Again, as in the years gone by, statesmen, candi- dates for high office, notables of every rank pass over the roads in their private cars, which rival the cars of the railway in con- venience and speed. Day by day this traffic is increasing and with it is increasing the business of the town. The Easton Road as we may see was the occasion of the building of the town. Town and highway are close- I3' connected in history and in fortune and, now that the old road, after being main- tained for many years by the local authori- ties, has passed under the direct control of the state ( igi i ) it is to be hoped that its importance may be realized, that it may be improved and be maintained in the excel- lence which it deserves, and that with it, in the centuries to come, the town at the crossing of the Saucony may attain a mag- nitude and an importance of which its pres- ent citizens do not even dream.
Oi,D Log Cabin formerly on Kutz Farm facing Long Lane
so
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
RAILROADS— THE KUTZTOWN BRANCH
The first movement to connect Kutztown with the outer world by railroad was taken at "quite an early period, before the Phila- delphia and Reading Railroad was complet- ed." (Ermentrout, p. lo.) A pubhc meet- ing was held in Kutztown to consider the project of building a railway "from Ham- burg, via Kutztown, to Pottsgrove, to con- nect with the Reading and Norristown road. It is said that the killing of a teamster, near Pennsburg, Montgomery County, by an en- gineer of the proposed company, put an end to the project." (Ermentrout, p. lo).
railroad should not be extended by way of Kutztown, a branch should be construct- ed to that place. In 1856 (]\Iar. 9) an Act of Assembly was passed incorporating the "Reading and Lehigh Railroad Company," authorizing the construction of a railroad from the junction of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad and the Lebanon Valley Railroad at Reading to the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Allentown. By Act of Assem- bly April 21, 1857 the name of the com- pany was changed to the "East Pennsylva- nia Railroad Company." Construction be-
The p. & R. Railw.w Station at KuTzTown
Ermentrout, in his "Centennial Memor- ial" (1876 p. 10,) tells us further that:
On February 25, 1837, at the hotel of David Fister, [there] was held a large meet- ing to urge on the plan for building a road from Hamburg, via Kutztown, to Allen- town. There were passed resolutions, call- ing upon the Legislature to pass an Act already in its hands "to empower the Gov- ernor to incorporate the Hamburg and Allentown Railroad Company." Nothing came of this efifort.
In 1854 Allentown Railroad Company was incorporated to construct a railroad from Allentown to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad at any point between Reading and Port Clinton; and if this
gan June 1857. In a little less than two years, the road was completed. The last spike was driven on May 11, 1859, and on that day trains began to run between Read- ing and Allentown Junction. Leased in 1869, to the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- road Company, it has since been operated by that corporation. That line of railroad did not pass through Kutztown, and so, for a little over ten and a half years Kutz- tonians, to get to the railroad, had to travel to L}'ons Station, two and one-half miles south of their town.
The Allentown Railroad Company, spok= en of above, began, in 1857, work on the proposed line, then known as the Allentown and Auburn Railroad. To this company there had been subscribed in and around
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
51
Kntztown more than twenty thousand dol- lars. Lewis K. Hottenstein was owner of five thousand dollars of this amount. Con- struction went on merrily for a time. Then a financial panic put a stop to the project, but not until long reaches of road-he'd had been graded. Portions of this partly completed road may be seen in the meadows helow Brooklyn, the northern suburb of Kutztown, and at various places along the Saucony Creek to Virginville and beyond. Considerable stone work was done on cul- verts and on bridge piers a short distance below the "second dam" are still to be seen the foundations of a projected "askew bridge." This is interesting as a relic of a type of arched stone bridge favored at the time, a completed specimen of which maj^ be seen in the stone arch spanning Sixth street, near the "outer station," Reading. It may be interesting to note in this con- nection that the latter bridge, crossing the street diagonally, is asserted to be the only "askew bridge" ever erected that did not tumble down. Such fame at least the Sixth street stone bridge has throughout the coun- try, the writer having heard this assertion made of it in a town in the middle west, almost on the banks of the Mississippi. But the bridge on the Allentown and Au- burn Railroad never fell down because it was never put ud. About this time the Philadelohia and Reading Railroad Com- Danv which, in i86g, leased the East Penn- svlvania Railroad, obtained control of the stock of the Allentown and Auburn Com- panv.
In i8fi8 a Dublic meeting of the citizens of Kutztown and vicinitv was held and at this meetins" a oetition was drawn un re- nuestine the Philadelohia and Readine Rail- road Comoanv to comolete the road from Tonton to Kutztown. The netition met with a favorable resoonse. Work on the branch was begim Tune q, i860. It is of record that Favette Schoedler turned the first shovel of earth. Construction was nnshed ranidlv forwards and the four and one-half miles of road was comoleted in a little less than six months, so that on Tan- uary 10, (1870), the first train ran over the
twin steels between the two towns. George A. Hoover was at the throttle of the en- gine, Jack Bern shoveled the coal, George Snodgrass was conductor, Theodore G. Fa- ber looked after the baggage and Randolph Godwin and Allen W. Fritch tended the brakes.^ The Kutztown station was erected during the years 1869-1870. Since its op- ening the Kutztown Branch has been oper- ated by the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- way under a lease.
The first ticket sold after the road was opened was to Lewis Hottenstein.
For many years this line of road was, for its length, the most profitable part of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway system. It still handles a vast quantity of freight and is, perhaps, surpassed only by the short lines serving the recently developed cement districts. For many years the passenger traffic was heavy and there were four daily passenger trains each way. Since the open- ing of the electric traction lines to.^llen- town and Reading passenger travel over the steam road has diminished and only two (passenger) trains run in each direction daily. The freight traffic is, however, in no wise diminished but, instead, is holding its own and even slightly growing as the industries of the town and the population of the community together with their needs increase.
The station was remodeled in December, 1913-
The present force of employes at the station are: C. C. Deibert, station agent; Thomas Nester, clerk; Walter Fronheiser, operator ; James Leapoal, department hand.
The train is manned by J. P. S. Fenster- macher, conductor ; Wallace Reinert, brake- man; Benj. Deibert, baggagemaster ; Chas. Heckman, engineer; Harry Richards, fire- man.
^A big crowd gathered to take the ride to Topton or to see the train pull out. The loco- motive was almost covered with flowers and wreaths. As it was winter most of these adorn- ments were of paper, fashioned, many of them bv Mrs. J. F. Wentzel and her sister,' Mrs. Ed. Kern.
52
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
HOTELS
Taverns, inns, hotels, road-houses, trav- ellers rests, on the one hand, and highways on the other, are closely related. Where travelers by horses or coach passed need
cupidity, which led the pioneer Levan, whose house stood thus near half-way be- tween the two large towns, to open his door to take the stranger in. Such hospitality
The Fuli, Moon Hotei.
was for "Entertainment for Man and Beast." Such need was instant all along the Easton Road. Consequently when the wearv and belated traveler came a centurv
was profitable and soon the pioneer dis- covered that keeping tavern was more gain- ful than tilling root infested acres. So he enlarged his building and converted it into
Emaus— Bunker Hili<— General Jackson Hotel
and a half ago to the intersection of the "New Maxatawny Road" and the Easton Road, it was but simple German hospital- ity, coupled perhaps with a bit of German
a tavern — Levan's Tavern, Kemp's Hotel — of which the reader has read before. Then men west of the crossing of the Saucony saw how the pioneer was thriving, espec-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
53
ially after the Great Road was built and travel over it grew heavy. So, probably, first of all the Swan Inn, also kept by a JUevan, was built. Of this, too, mention has been made. But these two taverns were not the only ones in this vicinity nor was the Swan Inn long the only road house with- in the present limits of the borough. How many hotels there were at any one time or at different times, no one knows for sure. There were, of a certainty, not a few, more in the olden times than now, and now there is no dearth, unless for purposes of rest in the approaching Centennial week, when, as is confidently predicted, most of the country will come to see and hear.
Which were first, when each was opened, how long it dispensed hospitality, liquid and otherwise, it is impossible now to say. From various sources the subjoined rela- tions have been collected. The compiler trusts that he has not been unduly credulous and dependent on uncertified tradition and that the statements here set down may not vary seriously from historic truth.
Of the Swan Inn it may be added that its first keeper was Levan and that after various vicissitudes it finally passed, June 17, 1856, into the possession of Dr. Charles H. Wanner, who, paying $2600 for the property, which was then greatly out of repair, remodeled it and making it a com- fortable home, left it to his widow, from whom it was inherited by the present occu- pants, who, recently, again greatly improved the historic home.
Another hotel of the earliest days of the town was one kept by Henry Schweier. Where his inn was located, when it was erected, when it passed out of existence are not matters of known record. A news- paper clipping informs us that among the first transfers of lots after the laying out of the town were transfers made, in 1785, by the founder to Adam Dietrich and Henry Schweier. The latter, the inn-keeper, pur- chased "six in-lots and eleven out-lots" and on one or more of them erected his hotel.
From Montgomery (old "History of Berks County," p. 860) we learn that about a hundred years ago a man named Lesher conducted a hotel "on the site now occupied by the John Kohler mansion [now George B. Kohler]. It was a yellow frame build- ing and was quite popular in its day."
The Pennsylvania House, on the western corner of Main and White Oak streets, now kept by George P. Angstadt and famous far and wide for the political suppers fur- nished by its landlord, is one of the oldest hotels in town. It is, however, the second
one on the site, and its predecossor, name unknown, was one of the first hotels in the borough. At one time the old hotel was kept by George W. Fister, who, later, took charge of the Washington House. Accord- ing to the late John G. Wink, the old hotel was kept by David Levan and Daniel L,evan. A Mrs. Wingert was the last proprietor before the demolition of the old house. ^ The new stone house, evidently a wonder in its day, was erected in 184 1. For many years it was run by Charles Kutz, who is said to have been a popular landlord. He died in 1876 and was succeeded by Ed. Steckel, father of Dr. E. K. Steckel. Fol- lowing Steckel came James Frey (deceased 1915), Jonathan Bortz, Frank Fritz, Wil- liam D. Gross, Henry Bauer, and the pres- ent occupant, George P. Angstadt. The hotel is still the property of Kutzes (Frank S. and Charles).
During the Revolutionary Wa:-, when travel was unusually heavy as our study of the Easton Road revealed, there were open- ed numerous road-houses along its course. Of these, doubtless, most went out of busi- ness when traffic slackened after the war. How many of these were in Kutztown, no one knows for sure. Quite a number of old houses on West Main street look as though once they may have served as taverns.
The old wooden house on the south side of West Main street, once the home of the late Isaac Hottenstein and now the home of his son Charles, is said to have been a hotel in that early time. Relations concern- ing it are, however, not consistent. The late John G. Wink was authority for the statement that it was called "The Emaus," and that it was open as a hotel for only a short time. Others sav that it was called "The Jackson House." In Ermentrout's "Historical Sketch" (p. 8) the interested may read :
"Where Isaac Hottenstein now resides, lived in 182.3-24, Michael Hendel, whose swinging sign with Andrew Jackson emblazoned on it, told the weary traveler, as he trudged or rode up the street, that within he could find in winter re- freshments to warm his freezing body, and in summer to abate the burning heat."
And, if the word of some elderly resi- dents is to be taken, this old house bore yet another name, that of "The Bunker Hill." These apparent inconsistencies of tradition are possibly to be straightened out by the supposition that the name of the hostelry underwent successive changes un- der successive proprietors. First a host, possibly under Moravian influence, dis-
iMrs. Wickert afterwards married John Levan.
54
CENTENNTy\L HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
pensed hospitality in it under the Scrip- tural name. Then, in the exciting days of the Revolution, an ardent patriot, flaming- with zeal for his country and hopino' to at- tract patronage from travelers of like opin- ion as to British tyranny, substitued "Bunk- er Hill" for "Emaus" on the sign. And,
One other very old hostelry still stands, "The Full Moon," long changed to other uses and years ago removed from its ori- ginal site. It is the wooden building, the oroperty of the John Lesher estate , stand- ing now on the lot immediately east of the fine, three storv brick residence of Mr.
Oi<D Stephen Esskr House (Front View) - Demolished
Mr. Steven Esser, long a resident in this old house, which was demolished a number of years ago to make way in part for the hardware store of E. P. DeTurk, insists that the old house was erected in the year 1700.
Old Stephen Esser House (Rear View)— Demolished
surely, it is evidence of the thrifty shrewd- ness of a subsequent proprietor that, in this citadel of steadfast Democracy and at the heyday of the fame of "Old Hickory," he took down the patriotic signboard and elevated in its stead a new one painted with the portrait and bearing the name of "An- drew Jackson."
C. W. Miller, at the head of West Main street. Once it stood where the Miller home now stands and was removed to its present site in 1855 by William Hine, who erected the Miller house on the spot where the hotel stood. Forty-three years ago the building was occupied by Edward Dike- man as a tobacco store. According to
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
55
Ermentrout the tavern was noted for its "Apple Jack and Old Rye." Its landlord, for a time at least, was one David Moyer, who, it is recorded, "astonished the na- tives by the erection of a clover mill which was operated by ox power." He was a wood turner by trade, making ax handles, pick handles, and the like. His lathe was run by a tread mill, of which the motive power was a tame bear. Possibly the "ox- power" just mentioned was really this "bear-power."
The other hotels in town are of more re- cent origin. First is to be mentioned "The Washington House." It was built in i8ii by George W. Fister who purchased lots 17, 18, and a part of 19, on the town plot, from Jacob and Maria Humbert.
Mr. Fister was formerly, as has been told above, proprietor of the old Pennsylvania House. His son and successor was David Fister who was a member of the firm of Fister, Graff and Seagraves, successors to the Coleman Brothers, as operators of the stage coach line running between Reading and Easton. The Washington House was the station for arrival and departure of the stages and for changing of the horses. The stage yard, stables, and shedding were on the opposite side of Main street where now stand the homes of Mr. Benjamin F. Dei- bert and Dr. U. S. G. Bieber. The house was owned by the Fisters until 1853 when the property passed into the hands of Jacob Reichart. In the management of the hotel, however, the Fisters were succeeded in 1837, the year of the birth of the late Col. T. D. Fister, by Charles Fauber. Later the hotel was kept by Ulrich Miller who bought the property in 1865 from John Haak. Its present landlord is William D. Yoder.
In 1840 the Washington House was known as Fauber's Hotel. It is of record that during the presidential campaign of 1840 one of the most exciting events in Kutztown was the visit and the political speech of "The Buckeye Blacksmith" who is said to have been "an orator of great power and success in advocating the Whig doctrines of that day. He made a horse- shoe in the shop of Nathan Wink, and then spoke to an immense crowd of people as- sembled in front of Fauber's Hotel, keep- ing [the assemblage] in good humor in spite of a purpose on the part of many to molest him."
Nathan Wink was a brother to the late John G. Wink and Augustus Wink, and fathtr of Mr. Georsre T. Wink, the skilled sign painter and en- thusiastic antiquarian of Reading-, His black- smith shop stood on South White Oak street where is now the residence of Achilles Hunsicker,
while his residence was on the site now occupied by the home of Mr. David W. James. A piece of Mr. Wink's handiwork, an iron hasp bearing his initials, "N. W." may yet be seen on the door of an old barn formerly owned by Jonas Hoch, father of Messrs, Zach T. and Jefferson C. Hoch and now the property of Charles K. Deisher.
"The Black Horse Hotel," at the south- east corner of East Main and Noble streets, is one of the oldest existing hotels of the town. The present brick building, erected in 1845, by Jacob Fisher, who as proprietor was succeeded by Daniel Zimmerman, is the second structure on the site. The ori- ginal hotel, built very early in the last cen- tury, was one of log, weatherboarded. It covered an area of about 24 by 40 feet. Killian Borst (his descendants S|,ell the name "Bast") was one of the early land- lords. The old log building, taken down to permit of the erection of its successor, was removed to the Neff farm now owned by Maria Strasser. Famous in the early days of the log structure, this hostelry had wide renown, particularly for its excellent cook- ing in the decade from 1855 to 1865. Among the various landlords in the new house were : Jacob Fisher, Daniel Zimmer- man, Jacob Zimmerman, Joel Dietrich, Thomas Y. Haus, Peter Wentzel, Henry Bauer, Lewis Stoudt, Lewis Walters, Mor- ris Rentschler, Oliver Sittler, Wm. Bauk- necht, Francis Levan, and J. T. Fritch. The present landlord is J. Edwin Wenz.
One peculiarity of this hostelry is its picture signboard— a painted horse and the name of the house besides. In the early days different classes of wayside inns were clearly distinguished. Each kind of hotel catered to a different class of way- farers. The better class of hotels were known as "stage stands," where travelers of higher social rank going by public stage or private conveyance stopped for refreshments or for rest. A little lower in the scale were the "wagon stands," taverns which drew their patronage mainly from wagoners and teamsters, who halted only for the night, "putting up" as the phrase ran, feeding their weary horses (by day these were fed, gen- erally, as has been described, by the roadside, from the great troughs carried by the Conestoga wa- gons and "Pitt-fuehren") from supplies, except hay, carried in their wagons, and then seeking rest themselves upon bags of hay thrown upon the floor of bar-roon or even of the barn. A third class was called "drove stands." Here drovers stopped for watering, feeding, or pastur- ing, over night or from Saturday night to Sun- day morning, of their cattle which, in those early days, were driven to market in great droves. Lowest of all in the scale of taverns was the "tap-house." This catered to the lowest class of patrons, though doubtless occasionally folks of hi.gher rank than the customary patron would stop for the liquid refreshment always on tap by the ' tender of the bar who, especially in other parts of the state, was usually an Irishman. Usually, also, the lines between the classes of tavern, and the classes of patrons as well, were so closely drawn that "no stage tavern would on any ac- count permit a teamster to put up there for
56
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
the night, for if it became known that a wagoner had stopped there it would be considered a last- ing disgrace and would result in the loss of the better class of patrons. (J. F. Sachse in "The Wayside Inns on the Lancaster Roadside").
Mr. Sachse, from whom the last quota- tion is drawn, writes informingly of the signboards such as "The Black Horse Ho- tel" _vet displays. He says :
"Another feature of these old inns . . . was their signboards which swung and creaked in their yoke. . . . These signboards were all fig- urative and in some cases painted by artists of note. The cause for the figurative feature was two-fold : First, they were more ornate and could be better understood by the two different nationalities which make up our population than signs lettered in either German or English. Thus, take for instance, 'The Black Bear,' a representa- tion of this animal was known at once to either German or Irishman, while the words 'Black Bear' would have troubled the former [and] the latter certainly would never have recognized his stopping place if the sign bore the legend 'Der Schwartze Bar.' Secondly, but few of the teams- ters or wagoners, irrespective of race, could read ; nearly all had their orders to stop at certain houses, and they knew them by the [picture on the] signboard when they came to them."
"The American House" at the intersec- tion of Greenwich and Main streets, has a briefer history. The present fine "flat-iron" building of brick, replaces an older struc- ture of stone, which was built over sixty years ago, by Philip Bobst, who served as first landlord. During the Civil War and aiLerward Peter Krause was the proprietor. Later landlords were : Benjamin Leiby, Jonas Billig, John Gernerd, John Wagaman, Henry Bauer, Allen Gernerd, and Wilson Hoch, in the old hotel. The present pro- prietors, William and Charles Hoch, rent the new building from its owner, John Barbey, of Reading, who bought the old house from Allen Gernerd and, in 1908, erected the new structure.
"The Keystone House," on the southeast corner of Main and White Oak streets, is the largest of the hotels in town. Erected in 1859 by Henry Sanders it is less im- portant, historically, than the older and smaller hotels of the town. Henry Sanders was the first landlord and owner as well.
Its ownership passed into the hands of Dr. J. S. Trexler, who remodeled and greatly improved it. After the death of Doctor Trexler it was sold to John Barbey, the wealthy brewer of Reading. Among the bonifaces of this hotel mention may be made of: Lewis Custer, Allen Steinberger, Wil- liam Keim, James Frey, Joseph Levan, Frank Kurtz, Harry Schmoyer, Daniel Dries, and the present proprietor. Worth Dries.
Where Sharadin and Sharadin's depart- ment store now stands, northeast corner of Main and White Oak streets, there was, in early times, a tavern kept by Charles Levan, of unsavory fame, whose family lias long since died out or removed from this section of the country. The house was a pebble- dashed stone building. There was strife between the tavern-keeper, who was com monly accused of various deeds of dark- ness and violence, and the Lutheran pastor of St. John's Union Church. When Pfarrer Knoske, Lutheran pastor of St. John's, would hold communion in the church, the ir- reverent landlord would line the "rummies" of town about his bar and to them sacrilig- iously "dealt out communion, ""^ as he is re- ported to have said. Shortly before his death, terrified at the prospect, he sent for the preacher in order to make confession. The minister declined to hear in private and sent for "Squire" Graflf, (foster father of John G. Wink) and to the two the dying man acknowledged his misdeeds. So far as known the preacher and the justice never di- vulged the incidents of the grewsome tale they heard that day. After the death of Le- van the old hotel was torn down. On its site Charles Fauber erected the brick structure now the store, and in it for some years kept hotel. Failing in his undertaking, he sold out to Heidenreich and Kutz, who changing the building to a store, were the first of a long line of merchants doing business there. Fauber went to the Washington House as proprietor, as has been related, and some years later moved to Reading.
i"Nachtmol aus gedehlt."
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
57
NOTED VISITORS
Besides the noted visitors of whom men- tion has been made in earher pages there passed through the town or visited it for a short time other distinguished personages, both in the stage coach daj^s and in more recent times. i.
In 1833 President Martin Van Buren was guest for a single meal at the Wash- ington House, kept at that time by Chris- tian Kupp. In the same year Col. Richard M. Johnson, then Vice-President of the United States, was in the town, making a speech that was "vociferously cheered." He was a noted orator from the South, had
in the town, a guest at Fister's Washington House, which was long the favorite stop- ping place of wayfaring statesmen.
After the railroad came there were yet other great men who honored the town with their presence. In October, 1873, the great editor, Horace Greeley, then Democratic candidate for the presidency of the United States, was the guest of Col. T. D. Fister for two days, while he made two addresses, one at the fair and one in the Normal School.
In 1874, the Hon. Alexander Ramsey, once teacher in Kutztown, in the old Frank -
been colonel of a Kentucky regiment, had fought along with General Harrison against the Indians, and had gained fame because of his reputed killing of the great chief, Tecumseh. (Was he the "Buckeye Black- smith" spoken of on a preceding page?)
In 1836 Kutztown was visited by Gover- nor Joseph Ritner, the Hon. H. A. Muhlen- berg, and General William Henry Harrison. Coming from Easton they were entertained at the Fauber Hotel. "In the evening after supper, 'Old Tippecanoe' made a two-hour speech, after which he was entertained at a banquet at which Mine Host Fauber pre- sented a 'Spohn Seicha' with a red apple in his mouth which the old hero enjoyed heartily."
There is tradition to the effect that James Buchanan, before he became president was
lin Academy, then United States Senator from Minnesota, at various times Governor of Minnesota, and Secretary of War and Secretary of the Navy under President R. B. Hayes, revisited the scenes of his early days and addressed the concourse at the fair. Other notable orators coming to Kutztown for the purpose last named were Gov. John F. Hartranft, Hon. David C. Humphreys, then Chief Justice of the Dis- trict Court of the District of Columbia, and in more recent times Governor Harmon, of Ohio. Some years ago Governor Beaver, of Pennsylvania, was entertained a" a pub- lic banquet at the Washington House, by the late Walter B. Bieber. To name all the great men who have passed through or visited the town in the years of its exist- ence would take no little space.
58
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
EFFORTS TO MAKE KUTZTOWN A COUNTY SEAT
As previously remarked the territor)' em- braced in Kutztown was at the time of its purchase by Peter Wentz, a part of, or be- Ueved to be a part of, New Castle county. Later it was found to be in Philadelphia county when the boundaries of that coun- ty were more strictly determined. On March ii, 1752, by a law enacted by the Assembly of Pennsylvania Berks county was erected out of parts of Philadelphia, Chester and Lancaster counties, the portion east of the Schuylkill, in which lie Kutz- town and Maxatawny, being carved from Philadelphia county. At that time the new county of Berks (called after Berkshire in England) extended to the Susquehanna riv- er and included about one-tenth of the en- tire area of the province, about fiw times the present area of the county. In twenty years (1772) three-fifths of Berks county was cut off and made part of the new county of Northumberland with its county seat at Shamokin, at the junction of the north and west branches of the Susquehan- na, where some fifteen years before had been erected Fort Augusta, conspicuous during the French and Indian War. When Sha- mokin was made the county seat the name was changed to Sunbury. Many years later the present town of Shamokin, eighteen miles east of Sunbury, was laid out.
About forty years later, 181 1, Berks county suffered reduction in area once more. The territory beyond the North or Blue Mountain was erected into Schuylkill coun- ty, so named from the river, the head waters of which are in that section.
For nearly forty years after this last reduction of territory efiforts were made from time to time to have new counties formed from parts of Berks, or from a part of Berks and parts of other counties. The agitation for these projects was largely centered in Kutztown. In 1824 an effort was made to form a new county, to be known as Penn county, out of the following townships : Albany, Greenwich, Windsor (part), Maidencreek (part), Richmond, Maxatawny, Longswamp, Rockland, Rus- •combmanor (part), and Oley (part) Kutztown was to be the county seat. Great opposition developed, which, together with the disagreement of the advocates of a new county, some of whom favored the above-mentioned scheme, others of whom desired that the new county should be corn- nosed of parts of Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and Lancaster, while still a third
party wanted a part of Berks cut off and annexed to Lehigh county, led to ihe fail- ure of the scheme. This failure, however, did not quench the spirit of those clamor- ing for division.
In 1825 the agitation was continued, gaining such strength that the advocates of dismemberment of Berks county succeed- ed in having three bills presented to the Legislature :
1. To erect parts of Berks int.^ a new county, with Kutztown as the county seat.
2. To erect part of Berks and Mont- gomery into a new county, with Potts- town as the county seat.
3. To erect part of Berks, Chester and Lancaster into a new county, with Church- town as the county seat.
Besides the three propositions represent ed by these bills there was a fourth pro- posal, getting no farther than the circula- tion of petitions, for the annexation of part of Berks to Lebanon. The diveisity of desire added to the vigorous opposition developed at Reading and all throagh the county led to the failure of these plans.
But the proposition was not altogether given up. For thirteen years the matter was in abeyance. Then, in January 1838, agitation was revived with increased in- tensity. Almost daily the Legislature heard either petitions for a new county or remons- trances against division. Feeling ran high. Besides the propositions made in 1825 a fourth one, to erect a new countv, to be called Windsor, out of parts of Berks and Schuylkill, had quite a following and bills for all the four were presented to the Leg- islature.
In March 1838 the scheme for Penn county with Kutztown as the county seat came very nearly winning out. On the second of that month the bill for Penn county came to a vote in the Assembly. Thirty-nine members voted aye and thirty- nine said nay. The cause was defeated by the vote and influence of Samuel Fegely, a member from Maxatawny, who declared himself opposed. His opposition coupled with "his pleasing personal appearance and acknowledged good character" had great weight with the Legislature and, drubtless, led some, who otherwise might have fav- ored the bill to vote against it. For his at- titude in the matter Fegelv was scathinglv denounced by his fellow citizens of Kutz town and vicinity. Their indignation was so great that they made an effigy of their
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
59
representative, hung it up in the square, and burned it, executing a war dance as it was being consumed. He was considered a traitor to his home town, and had bestowed upon him the sobriquet of "Hull," because, as they said, he was like General Hull who, during the War of 1812, had surrendered Detroit to the British without attempting a
House to the Senate where he served two terms — 1841 to 1846.
He was succeeded in the House by Daniel B. Kutz, of Kutztown, who, in February 1 84 1, introduced another bill for the erec- tion of a new county out of parts of Berks and Lehigh, also with Kutztown as county seat. By this scheme fourteen townships
Modern Homes on Lower Main Street
defence. This epithet he bore until his death. But he had chosen wisely so far as his own interests were concerned. His ac- tion made for him fast friends among the politicians at Reading and in the parts of the county where the new county scheme was in disfavor, and his new friends soon rewarded him by promoting him from the
were to be cut from Berks. The bill, how- ever, was promptly tabled. Various other efforts were made until, in November 1849, the people of Hamburg caught the fever and wanted their town to be the county seat, and in March 1852, the folks of Bern- ville demanded the same for their town. Finally the agitation ceased.
^^"
6o
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
LAYING OUT OF KUTZTOWN
Mention has already been made (p. 20) of the laying out of the town in 1779, by George Kiitz, who had purchased on June 16, 1755, a tract of 130 acres of land along the Saucony from the heirs of the original patents. As the story of the Easton Road has probably led the reader to conclude, Kutz recognized the advantageousness of the crossing of the Saucony as a town site. While, as the Schultz map shows, there were no houses on the site of Kutztown in 1755, there were evidently some, per- haps a number at the time Kutz laid out his purchase. Why Kutz waited for twent}^- four years before laying out this town can- not now be told. Perhaps the develop-
Dietrich, and six in-lots and eleven out- lots to Henry Schweier, the inn-keeper. About the same time seventy-fonr acres and one hundred perches (of the one hund- red and thirty acres bought by George Kutz from Jacob Wentz, June 16, 1755) passed into the hands of George Kutz, Jr. Short- ly before 1800 the ownership of the town passed to Peter Kohler.
Early Kutztown consisted of two parts, Kutztown proper, and Freetown. Freetown extended west from Baldy's Lane, or Baldy street, as it is now called. Freetown was an addition laid out after the laying out of the older part of the town. The lots in this addition were sold outright having
Ol,d Landmark, forme;ri,y the Henry Peterson Home, West Whiteoak St.
ment of the settlement on the Saucony was such that he deemed it wise to lay plans for the change of a straggling hamlet to an orderly town. However that may be, he laid out the town in February 1779. The plan embraced one hundred and eight in- lots and one hundred and five out-lots, "all of which were subject to a perpetual ground rent. The lots located on Front, or Main street, were fifty feet wide and one hundred and sixty feet deep, subject to a rental of five shillings and three pence. On the [in-] lots on White Oak and other streets of the original town the rental was two shillings and 9 pence, and on the out-lots five shill- ings. In 1785, as has been stated, seven in- lots and ten out-lots were sold to Adam
no ground rents attached. From this cir- cumstance the name was derived — Free- town. Freetown seems to have been L- shaped, a portion of the present south- ern part of the town as well as that west of Baldy's Lane not being encumbered with ground rents. Baldy's Lane was so named after a blacksmith named Bal- dy (or Baity) who lived there. In Kutz- town proper ground rents were paid for many years. The first payment was May 27, 1779- Gradually most of these rents have been extinguished. A few, howeyer, are still paid or were paid until (jLiite re- cently.
In 1800 the stone house, at the southwest corner of Main and Baldy streets, long
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
6i
known as Siegfried's, now the property of H. H. Ahrens^ and recently almost entirely, except for the walls, modernized, was built by Adam Kutz who owned the land in Free- town on both sides of the street from Bal- dy's Lane to the western end of the bor- ough. The town grew slowly. Ermentrout says (1876) that in Freetown, on the north- ern side of Main street there had been built uo t.o 1830 only three houses, those of Messrs. Baldy, Sander, and Strasser.
George Kutz, the founder of Kutztown, died within a few years after he had laid out the town, prior to April 22, 1788, on which date his will, of which a copy is sub- joined, was certified to by George Fister and Tacob Herman before Register Cor- p.mme Henry Christ in his office at Read- ing.
WILL OF GEORGE KUTZ In the Name of God, Amen.
I, George Kutz of Maxatawny Township, Berks County, and state of Pennsylvania, being weakly in body but of sound mind and memorj', blessed be God for the same, and calling to mind the uncertainty of this transitory life and that it is ordained once for all mankind to die, do hereby make and ordain, this to l:e my last will and testament in manner and form following: —
First : — I bequeath my body to the earth from whence it was taken, in sure and certain hope of a Resurrection with the just when all things have their final end and that my burial be in a Christian like manner without pomp at the dis- cretion of my executors.
Second : — It is my will that after my decease my funeral expenses and just debts be first paid out of my estate.
Imprimis : — I give and bequeath unto my be- loved wife Mary Margaret, one bed, bed Bedstead and bedding thereunto belonging the one we now lie on, all the household furniture and likewise the kitchen furniture, cow to be at her own dis- posal and to do with as she pleases — also yearly and every year so long as she lives, the sum of five pounds to be paid her by my executors, viz : on the first day of June, yearly the first payment to be made in one year after my decease, to be paid over to her out of the rents accruing from my town called Kutztown. But if she should marry then the said yearly rent or sum of five pounds to cease and determine and revert to the owner of said town.
Item : — I give and bequeath unto my son George Kutz the sum of five shilings ,to be paid him by my executors in one year after my decease.
Item : — I give and bequeath unto my daughter Madelina, the wife of Morton Keim, the sum of five shillings to be paid her at the end of one year after my decease.
Item : — I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Kutz, my new house in my town called Kutztown with one out lot belonging thereto
^See lower cut on page 36.
together with all that tract or piece of land lying to the northward of said town, bounded by the town lots and out lots, land of Jacob Kutz and land of my son George Kutz and of land late of Jacob Levan containing by estimation about twenty acres be the same more or less with its appurtenances, to hold to her the said Mary Kutz and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten to her, and their own proper use and behoof forever always excepting and reserving the mill dam and mill race, privilege for the use of the mill forever but if my daughter Mary should die before she marries or without issue then said home lots of ground and said land shall be valued by three indifferent persons, and the valuation thereof shall be divided between my other children each and equal share and my son George shall have the refusal of said land and house if he chooses to accept of it at said valuation. If he will not accept of it, then my son Dewalt shall have the refusal thereof, if he sees fit, to keep it at such valuation : then he shall pay to his brother and sister then living or their heirs their respective shares agreeable to such valuation and on payment of the same shall hold and enjoy the same as his own proper right and estate and the heirs of his body lawfully be- gotten to him and their use and behoof forever and if my son George accept of it then he shall pay to his brother and sister if living their re- spective shares according to such valuation and to their heirs, if not living, and hold and enjoy the same as his own proper right and estate for him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten to him and their own proper use and behoof forever.
Item : — I give and bequeath unto my son Dewalt above named all and singular my town called Kutztown situate in the Township of Maxatawny aforesaid with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, in lots and out lots, except the lot above mentioned bequeathed unto my daughter Mary as the same is now laid out and settled agreeable to the plan thereof with all the rents, ground issue, and profits thereof, which is yearly to be paid ; the possession thereof to hold to him, the said Dewalt, his heirs and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten to him, and their own proper use and behoof forever. But if my son Dewalt should die before he marries or without issue then the sums arising from said town shall be equally divided year and every year among my other children then living, each an equal share, vmtil my son Georges eldest son shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, if he has male issue. But if my son George shall have no male issue, then after his decease the said town shall be sold by public auction or vendue to the highest bidder free and clear of all ground rents, and the money arising b" virtue of said sale shall be equally divided amongst the heirs then living, that if my son George should have male issue then his eldest son at the age of twentj' one years shall hold and enjoy the said town and receive the rents, issue and profits thereof for him and his wife and behoof and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten as fully and amply as mv son Dewalt shall hold the same in his life time.
And further I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my well beloved and trusty friends George Kemp and Jeremiah Wills mv true and lawful executors of this my last will and tes- tament, giving and granting them full authority by virtue of this my last will and testament to make, seal, and deliver any deed or conveyance
62
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
or other lawful instrument in writing to the holder and possession of my lots in said town that shall not be conveyed to the owner and possession thereof at the time of my decease and giving and granting them fiall power and authority to make, seal, and deliver and convey unto my daughter Mary and my son Dewalt deeds of lawful conveyance for their respective holdings above mentioned as well as for the respective above mentioned if not conveyed be- fore my deecase, fully and amply and to be of as full force, as if I myself had conveyed them or were personally present, hereby ratifying this and revoking all others, do declare this to be my last will and testament.
Signed, sealed and deliv- ered, published and declared and pronounced to be my last will and testament. GEORGE KUTZ
(Seal)
N. B. — The yearly issue of five pounds men-
tioned to be paid before by my executors in the presence of us :
George Fister.
Jacob Herman.
Register's office at Reading in Berks County, April 22nd, 1788 appeared George Fister and Jacob Herman, witnesses to the above written will, and upon their solemn oath did severally depose and say that they were present, saw and heard George Kutz the testator therein named sign, seal, pronounce, publish and declare the above writ to be his last will and testament and that at the time of doing thereof he was of sound mind, memory and understanding as they verily believe and that the names of said deponents by them respectively subscribed thereto as wit- nesses is each his own proper handwriting done in the presence of each other at the request of and in the presence of the said testator.
CoRAMME Henry Christ, Rcgr.
KUTZTOWN IN THE WAR OF 1812
During the War of 1812 a company of volunteers, one hundred and thirty in num- ber, was recruited in and around Kutz- town. Gabriel Old, a Lutheran, a deacon of St. John's Union Church, was captain. John Fisher^ was first lieutenant. Other officers were: William Shook, ensign; Ru- dolph Meislin, Isaac Levan, William Graefl:,
Baltimore. Arriving at the Susq-.iehanna, Columbia bridge, the company was reduced in number b}^ the transfer of thirty of the men to an other company. Nearing York "they heard the thunder of the enemies' cannon but their courage waxed the strong- er. • For their services they received no pay, but afterwards a 3-early pension of
B. Armor, sergeants ; Daniel Graeff, John Witman, Jacob Lehman, Jacob Longbein, corporals ; Jonas Fre3der and William Marx- musicians.
These volunteers left their homes some- time in August, 1814, for the seat of war at
^Ermentrout says "John Fister.'
ninety-six dollars. Sometimes for three entire days they had nothing to eat, and. at night, they slept beneath the canopy of the heavens, without any cover except that which the night air wove about them." (Ermentrout). In 1876 the only two sur- viving members of the company were Dan-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
63
iel Graefif, of Kutztown, and Michael De- Long, of Longswamp.
The following additional items concern- ing" the participation in this war by citizens of this section have been collected :
David Hottenstine was brigadier general of the Second Brigade, 1812. (Query — was he a Maxa- awny Hottenstein?). Caotain Gabriel Old's com- pany was in Lieutenant-Colonel John Lorz's regi- ment,— Second Regiment, Second Brigade.
The following names of soldiers from this sec- tion of the county are found in the muster roll of Captain John May's company, First Regiment, Second Brigade, commanded by Lieut. Col. Jere- miah Shappell, of Windsor township : Abraham Kummerer, David Kochel, Daniel Eijenhauer, David Marckel, and John Will, all of Greenwich township.
In the muster roll of Capt. John Mauger's com- pany. First Regiment are the names of : Dewalt Barrall, Maxatawny : Daniel Bachman, Rich- mond : Jacob Breshall, Greenwich ; Joseph Christ- man, Greenwich ; Peter Folk, Greenwich ; Jacob George, Greenwich ; John Hains, Richmond ; Daniel Heffner, Richmond : Michael Kaiip, Max- atawny : Henry Koehler, Greenwich : George Koehler, Greenwich : Daniel Luckins, Greenwich : John Poh, Greenwich : Tohn Schoene", Long- swamp : Peter Sidler, Richmond ; and John Sie- der, Greenwich.
In the company of Captain Henry Witlotz, (Shappell's First Regiment) were: Joseph Brit- on, Longswamp ; Dewalt Bast, Maxatawny ; Sam- uel Bover, Richmond ; John Eck, Longswamp Andrew Mcmickens, Longswamp ; Jacob Neaud race, Maxatawny ; Michael Niess, Longswamp Tohn Rothermal, Richmond : and Jacob Shell Richmond.
In Captain Jonathan Jones' company, (Shap- pell's regiment) Henry Hallibach, Greenwich, was the only one enrolled from this section.
In the roster of Captain George Ritter's com- pany, same regiment, the names of the follow- ing soldiers are found : Jacob Brown, Rockland ; John Beam, Rockland ; Henry Berger, Rockland ; John Becker, Rockland ; Peter Donberd, Long- swamp ; John Emrich, Rockland ; Engel Fox. Rockland : Michael Gruber, Rockland : Henry Hemig, Rockland ; George Heist, Rockland : Peter Leas, Rockland ; John Paulies, Rockland ; and Herman Ruppert, Rockland.
Captain Gabriel Old's company was almost entirely from this section. Its muster roll at York, "from September I, 1814, to March s, 1815,
was : Officers— Gabriel Old, captain, Longswamp ; John Fisher, lieutenant, Maxatawny ; William Shook, ensign, Greenwich; Rudolph Meislin, first sergeant, Richmond ; Isaac Levan, second ser- eeant, Maxatawny; William Graefif, third se)- geant, Maxatawny: George Amor, fourth ser- geant, Richmond ; Daniel Graefif, first corporal, Maxatawny : John Witman, second corporal, Richmond; Jacob Layman, third corporal, Maxa- tawny ; Jacob Longbien, fourth corporal, Maiden- creek; Jonas Freyler, fifer, Longswamp' William Marx, drummer, Maxatawny.
Privates: — William Addam, Longswamp; Jon- athan Aker, Maxatawny; Abraham Biehl, Maxa- towny: Samuel Bushy, Maxatawny; Abraham Boyer, Rockland ; John Bowman, Maidencreek , Andrew Brown, Maidencreek; George Braish, Maxatawny; Daniel Boyer, Richmond-; Ja- cob Danner, Longswamp; Michael DeLong, Maxatawny; William Dox, Maxatawny; George Esser, Maxatawny; Jacob Eisenhart, Long- swamp; John Fisher, Maxatawny; Jacob Fish- er, Maxatawny; George Fegeley, Maxatawny; Adam Flower, Longswamp ; Samuel Flower, Maidencreek; Peter Folk, Longswamp; William Frasher, Richmond ; John Frimot, Maxatawny ; Jacob Glauser, Rockland ; Jonas Gilgart, Maid- encreek; Valentine Geist, Longswamp: Joseph Hofifman, Rockland: Gideon Hoffman, P.uscomb- manor; Peter Hill, Richmond: Jacob Honsknecht, Greenwich; Jeremiah Hughes, Richmond; John Ke.yker, Maxatawfiy : Benjamin Kercher, Maxa- atawny: Jacob Kieffer, Longswamp; Tohn Kimerling, Ruscombmanor : Tacob Kemp, Rich mond ; Samuel Kemp, Richmond ; Andrew Kaup, Maxatawny; Nicholas Kreisher, Mai- dencreek ; Daniel Long, Longswamp ; Abra- ham Litweilor, Longswamp ; Reuben Leiby, Max- atawny; John Minker, Richmond: Henry Min- ker, Richmond : Philip Miller, Richmond : John Noll,. Richmond: George Old, Greenwich; Jacob Polsgrove, Longswamp; John Reeder, Maxa- tawny; Henry Raff [RappL Maxatawny; John Roof [Rapp], Maxatawny: David Rauzan FRau- enzahnl, Richmond; Christopher Rauzan [Rau- enzahn], Richmond ; Moses Reifsnyder, Ruscomb- manor; Tohn Reininger, Ruscombmanor: George Stroup, Maxatawny ; Samuel Stout, Maidencreek ; Tacob Shaffer. Maidencreek: Nathan Shaffer, Longswamp: Tohn Strome, Richmond: William Simons, Longswamp: John K. Snyder, Rich- mond ; John Snyder, Greenwich ; Andrew Smith, Maidencreek; Michael Sherer, Greenwich; Jacob Wisser, Maxatawny; Jacob Winter, Maiden- creek; Henry Weaver, Longswamp; George Woulison, Maidencreek; Peter Weaver. Green- wich: Daniel Young, Ruscombmanor; Benjamin Ziegler, Longswamp.
64
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
KUTZTOWN BOROUGH
By this time Maxatawny township was becoming- thickly settled and the village on the Saucony had grown to be a town of considerable size. The citizens of the thriv- ing town along the Easton Road grew im- patient of township government and clam- ored for separate government to be had
only by the erection of the town into a borough. By a special Act of Assembly, this took place on March i, 1815. The necessary officers were elected at a town meeting held April 7, at the house of Dan- iel Levan, and the government was actually
Row OF Homes in New Kutztown, Formerly Park Avenue
West Walnut Street, Looking' East
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
65
established by the first meeting of Town Council, April 15, 1815. Kutztown thus became the second borough in the county, Reading, which was the first, being erected in 1783.
THE FIRST HOUSE
The date of erection of the first house in Kutztown is uncertain. Tradition asserts that it was built by George Esser, great grandfather to Jacob B. Esser, former pro- prietor of "The Kutztown Journal" and "The Kutztown Patriot." One writer thinks it likely that the house was put up "before the land was patented in 1728." This is, however, a most unlikely suppo-
tion of the row of brick houses now abut- ting on the street in that section. In 1857 the building was torn down. Quite recent- ly workmen digging post holes for a fence on the lot of Mrs. Nathan S. Kemp and Llewellyn Angstadt came upon a buried wall, probably the foundation of this first house, though possibly in its second loca- tion.
The accompanying picture is said by the older people of the town, who remember the house well, to be an accurate presenta- tion of the appearance of the old struc- ture, especially in its later years. Like most other houses of the early settlers, this building was a rude and humble one, of logs. The pen-picture of the home of the pioneer drawn by the late Rev. Dr. F. J.
The First House in Kutztown
sition, one practically proved to be un- founded, because Schultze's map of the Easton Road, 1755, which gives the loca- tion of houses of early settlers all along the road, gives no indication of any build- ing standing at that time in the area now covered b)^ Kutztown. It does, however, show the Saucony, a bridge over it, and the road with all its turns. In addition to this consideration, examination of lists of tax- ables in Maxatawn}' township for those times fails to show the name of any person by the name of Esser.
This house is said to have stood on the south side of East jMain street, somewhat west of the present J. Daniel Sharadin resi- dence. In 1 85 1 it was sold to David Fister and John G. Wink, who removed it to the rear of the lot to make way for the erec-
F. Schantz, applies well to this first Kutz- town house:
"ihe first log house was a very plain construction. Its sides were of logs; the openings between the logs were filled with clay, often mixed with grass. Windows were of small dimensions. Doors were of- ten of two parts, an upper and a lower, hung or fastened separately. The interior was frequently only one room, with hearth and chimney, with a floor of stone or hard- ened clay, with steps or a ladder leading to the attic, with roughly constructed tables and benches, shelving on the walls and wooden pegs driven into the logs. . . . The pioneer's house was not complete with- out the large fireplace, often in the center of the building and very often on one side of the house, with hearth and chimnev
66
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
erected outside the building, yet joining the same."
This first house on the site of Kutztown was a typical German house. Dr. Johann David Schoepf, in his ""Travels in the Con- federation" (1783-1784, pubHshed 1788), says :
"The roofs hereabouts are made of shin- gles, for the most part after the German manner — the shingles of one thickness throughout and laid touching each other merelv at the sides. The English custom is to make the shingles thinner at one edge, so that the edge of one overlaps that of the next. From the exterior appear- ance, especially the plan of the chimneys.
it could be pretty certainly guessed whether the house was that of a German or of an English family — if of one chimney only, placed in the middle, the house should be a German's and furnished with stoves, the smoke from each led into one flue and so taken off; if of two chimneys, one at each gable end there should be fireolaces, after the EngHsh plan." {\'o\. i. p. 125).
It may be added as a matter of interest that the house and lot on which it stood was at one time owned and occupied by ^^"illiam ^larx, who had been a drummer boy during the Revolutionary Wslt and who was the great-grandfather of the late James H. ^Marx, Esq.
THE BOROUGH INCORPORATED
Kutztown was incorporated as a borough :\Iarch I, 1815, by An Act of the Legis- lature, .\ct similar to the Act of 1783, by which Reading was incorporated into a borough. Henry Heist and Jacob Levan were appointed to super^'ise the first elec- tion at the house of Daniel Levan. Henry Heist was elected burgess. The other officers were : Town Council, Jacob Levan. Esq.. Cpresident), Moth Wilson, Dewalt
Wink. Peter Gift, George Fister, Jonathan Grim, and John Kutz ; Jacob Levan (mer- chant), treasurer: James Scull, town clerk; Solomon Kutz, collector ; Jacob Humbert and George Breyfogel. supervisors ; George Bieber and Thomas Lightfoot. regulators ; Jacob Graff, High Constable.
The following Hst comprises the Chief Bureesses and Town Clerks since 1816:
Ter 1816- 1818 1819 1820 1822 1823 1824 1825-26
1827 ••
1828 ..
1829 ..
1830 . .
1831 ..
1832 ..
1833 •■
1834 ..
1835 • •
1836 ..
1837 •■
1838 ..
1839 ..
1840 . .
1841 ..
1842 ..
1843 ■• 1&44 •• 184.S . .
1846 ..
1847 ..
1848 ..
1849 ■■
Burgess Clerk
17 Dewalt Bieber James Scull
Daniel Levan John Fister
George Bre}fogel John Fister
21 George Breyfogel James Donagan
Henrv Heist James Donagan
John Kutz James Donagan
Jonathan Prime Lloyd Wharton
John Palsgrove James Donagan
Jacob Esser James Donagan
Geo. A. Odenheimer James Donagan
John Fister James Donagan
Daniel Bieber James Donagan
John Palsgrove James Donagan
John Fister James Donagan
Peter Gift Henry Heist
John Fister James Donagan
John Fister George Bieber
\\"illiam Heidenreich George Bieber
Peter Gift Wm. F. Sellers
George Bieber Wm. F. Sellers
Daniel Bieber Wm. F. Sellers
John V. Houck Wm. F. Sellers
Dr. William Bieber David X'eff
William Heidenreich David Xeff
William Heidenreich George Hortzell
Jacob Graeff Wm. S. Bieber
George Bieber Wm. S. Bieber
Daniel Bieber Wm. S. Bieber
William Heidenreich Wm. S. Bieber
Daniel Bieber Wm. S. Bieber
David Fister Wm. S. Bieber
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
67
S8
Ten
850
8si 852
853 854 8S5 856 8.S7- 859 860 861 862 863- 86=- 867 868-69
870 ...
871 ...
872 . . . 873 87s 876 87'' 878 879 880 88!-: 883-
64 ■66
i-74
887
890 891 892 893 894 895 8g6 897
900 go I 902
903 004 905 go6 907 908 909 910 911 912 913 914 915
Burgess Clerk
. Daniel B. Kutz Wm. S. Bieber
. David Levari Wm. S. Bieber
. Tacob Graeff Henry C. Kutz
. Reuben Sharadin Wm. S. Bieber
. John Fister James M. Gehr
. Daniel B. Kutz H. B. VanScheetz
■ Fayette Schaedler J. D. Wanner
■ Hiram F. Bickel J. D. Wanner
. J. S. Trexler James M. Gehr
. B. H. Kutz J. D. Wanner
■ William Helfrich J. D. Wanner
• Jacob Sunday J. D. Wanner
• C. H. Wanner J. D. Wanner
■ David Fister J. D. Wanner
• Dav-d Fister A. C. Beidelman
• Paul Hilbert H. H. Schwartz
• John Humbert H. H. Schwartz
• David Fister J. D. Wanner
• Lewis Hottenstein Jonas Hoch
• J. D. Wanner H. H. Schwartz
• Daniel Hinterleiter E. D. Bieber
• S. S. Schmehl J. H. Marx
• John M. Graeff J. H. Marx
•R. Dewalt J. H. Marx
• Walter B. Bieber J. D. Wanner
. Walter B. Bieber J. H. Marx
• D. W. Sharadin J. D. Wanner
• D. i- . Bieber T. D. Wanner
• Walter B. Bieber I. D. Wanner
• Walter B. Bieber J. D. Wanner
■ T. D. Sharadin j. D. Wanner
. T. B. Esser J. D. Wanner
. Dewalt F. Bieber T. D. Wanner
. Reuben Dewalt J. D. Wanner
. Conrad Gehring J. D. Wanner
• Conrad Gehring J. D. Wanner
• Conrad Gehring J. D. Wanner
• Conrad Gehring T.
. Conrad Gehring J.
. Conrad Gehring J. D. Wanner
. John R. Gonser H. W. Saul
. Tohn R. Gonser H. W. Saul
. John R. Gonser J. H. Marx
• Chas. D. Herman J. H. Marx
. Chas. D. Herman J. H. Marx
. Chas. D. Herman Chas. R. Wanner
• C. I. G. Christman Albert S. Heffner, Chas, R. Wanner
. C. I. G. Christman Albert S. Heffner
. C. I. G. Christman Albert S. Heffner
. T. T. Fritch Albert S. Heffner
. T. T. Fritch Albert S. Heffner
. T. T. Fritch ■ Albert S. Heffner
. T. T. Fritch Albert S. Heffner
. H. W. Saul Albert S. Heffner
. H. W. Saul Albert S. Heffner
.H. W. Saul Albert S. Heffner
.H. W. Saul Albert S. Heffner
. N. Z. Dunkelberger Geo. W. Bieber
. N. Z. Dunkelberger Geo. W. Bieber
D. Wanner D. Wanner
First Minutes of Town Councii^
April 15, 181 5 — At a meeting- of the town council present, Jacob Levan, Esq., Motheral Wilson, Dewalt Wink, Peter Gift, George Fister, Jonathan Grim and John Kutz, they having all previously taken the oath prescribed by law, proceeded to the election of their president, and the appoint- ment of their other officers, when Tacob Levan, Esq., was elected president; Tacob Levan, merchant, treasurer ; Tames Scull, town clerk, Solomon Kutz, collector ; Jacob Humbert and George Breyfogel, supervis-
ors, burgess
Mr. Heist who had been elected chief finding it contrary to an Act of Assembly that expressly points out that any oerson holding a post under the United States shall be incapable of holding office in this State ; Mr. Heist being the post- master in this place, cannot serve, he there- fore resigns. Adjournment to meet on the 22nd instant.
Stringent Regulations by Council
January 29, 1818. First. No company or rabble of minors shall gather in streets.
68
CENTENNIAL HKSTORY OF KUTZTOWN
lanes or alleys or in any public house or other place atter 8.30 in the evening during winter months or after 9 o'clock in sum- mer months, behaving in disorderly man- ner, disturbing the peace or spoiling or damaging any property. Fine $2.00, one half to go to informer and the other half to borough.
Second. No person shall burn gun pow- der or any other material made ot powder or other combustibles, nor fire or discharge a gun or other firelock within the limits of Dorough, nor be found smoking segars after dusk. Fine, same as above.
Ihird. Any person or persons found playing cards, dice or any other unlawful game m any public or private house or any other place or building shall be fined $4.00. The High Constable shall bring such offend- ers before the Chief Burgess.
Fourth. The attention of persons al- lowing such irregularities in their homes shall be brought before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Berks.
June 19, 1818, Council ordered and or- dained :
First. That no person shall be suffered to make fire or burn carpenter's shavings or any other material whatever before their doors, in the streets, lanes or alleys, or on their premises within the limits of the bor- ough of Kutztown. Penalty, $2.00.
Second. No tin or coppersmith or any other person shall be suffered to throw or carry pieces or fragments of tin before their doors, in the streets, lanes or alleys within the limits of said borough. Penalty, $2.00.
Third. No bones, heads or feet of cat- tle or any other nuisance be suffered, be thrown to remain or suffered to putrify or be offensive in the streets, lanes or alleys within the borough. That every butcher or other persons on suffering or throwing such nuisance on their premises or before the doors in the streets, lanes or alleys, after ten days notice being given, shall pay a fine of $2.00.
September 9, 1833, An Ordinance on Combustible Matches or Crackers :
An ordinance was reported that no per- son or persons shall be allowed to sell or keep for sale any combustible matches, (commonly called crackers).
Section i. Be it ordained and enacted by the inhabitants of the Borough of Kutz- town, and is hereby enacted by the author- ity of the same, that if any person or per- sons shall or does keep combustible matches for sale as aforesaid in the Borough of
Kutztown, he shall pay a fine of Five Dol- lars.
Section 2. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid that the penalties, tines and forfeitures mention- ed in this ordinance may be recovered as debts of equal amounts are by law recov- erable with costs of suit before any Justice of the Peace in said Borough, one moiety of which said fine or fines on a forfeiture shall be paid to the informer or prosecutor who shall receipt for the same and the other moiety thereof shall be paid into the hands of the treasurer for the use of the Borough aforesaid.
The following statement of Kutztown comprises the first assessment roll of the borough for the year 1817 :
Ang"stadt, Joseph, gunsmith 20
Baity, Jacob, Sr., blacksmith 592
Biehl, Daniel, tinman 90S
Baity, Jacob, Jr., blacksmith 32
Bryfogel, George, Sr., farmer 932
Busby, Samuel, shoemaker 20
Bieber, Dewald, merchant 1617
Bast, Dewald, farmer .- 2904
Becker, Ephriam, doctor 705
Barner, Michael 390
Benjamin, John, hatter 20
Cupp, Conrad, town-crier 600
»^upp, Andrew 150
Cupp, Christian, cabinet-maker 20
Dennis, John, shoe-maker 752
Dum, Thomas 812
Deisher, John 350
Dennis, Jacob
Ernst, Nicholas, farmer 1122
Essert, Jacob, cabinet-maker 1384
Essert, Daniel, cabinet-maker 20
Essert, George, cabinet-maker 20
Fister, George, inn-keeper 1572
Fister, John, saddler 20
Fritz, Peter, cabinet-maker 532
Gross, Joseph 92
Geehr, Philip, Esq., justice 32
Gift, Peter, clock-maker 102
Geehr, Benjamin, saddler 20
Graff, Jacob, blacksmith 760
Grube, Christina 350
Glasser, Daniel, hatter 420
Geschwind, John
Geehr, Samuel, and Levan, Jacob .s8o
Grim, Torathan 2852
Geisweit, Peter, laborer 32
Herbine, Samu"!, cooper 9S4
Humberd, Jacob, carpenter 32
Hottenstine, Catharine 682
Heist, Henry 962
Heninger, John, shoemaker 882
Heirst, Hannah, widow Soo
Harmony. Beniamin, tailor 32
Jung, John, laborer 20
Kutz, Peter, tinman 1272
Kutz, Adam, caroenter 1762
Kutz. Jacob, mason 32
Kno«ke, John, minister 77^
Kacffer, Toseph 302
Kutz, John, tailor 1077
Keiser, Toseph 1037
Kutz, Peter, Revolutionary soldier izog
Kutz, Daniel 462
Kemp. George, Jr 900
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
69
Kohler, Henry, Prop, of Kutztown Hotel . . 1600
Klein, Philip Soo
Kaun, Andrew, wheelwright 20
Klein, Jacob, tailor 20
Klein, Isaac 430
Keller, Osrael, shoemaker 20
Kutz, Solomon, butcher 722
Kister, George, tailor 820
Keiser, Jacob, weaver 432
Levan, Jacob, Esq 1107
Lcvan, Daniel, inn-keeper 1602
Levan, Jacob, inn-keeper 1923
Lehman, Jacob, tinman 20
Levan, Charles, inn-keeper 9.=;
Levan, Isaac, inn-keeper 44
McCandless, Robert
Nefif, John, mason 1494
Nevel, Jacob, laborer
NefF, Henry, mason 692
Nefif, Peter 1464
Neudorf. Susanna, widow 420
Owerbeck, Tacob, tobacconist 140
Old. Gabriel, carpenter .32
Paltzffrove, Tohn, weaver 854
Rudenauer, Samuel 52
Reifsnyder, Abram 20
Rever, Adam 760
Sharodin. John, hatter 1072
Sander, Henrv 820
Strasser, Michael, carpenter 70
Seifffried, John, Sr 490
Seigfried, John, Jr 50
Selfridge, Mathias, merchant 32
Schofield, Ebenezer, shoe-maker 232
Smith, Catharine ("estate of) 300
Till, Jacob, teacher 40
Wolfif, Peter, laborer 20
Wickert, Jacob, tailor 20
Wilson, Motheral 21 to
Wink, Dewald, hatter 744
Wanner, Abram, hatter 1052
SINGLlv FREEMEN
Bast, Jacob
Becker, Samuel
Becker, Beniamin
Essert, Jacob
Glasser, Jonathan
Mehrman, William
Owerbeck, Henry
O'Neal, David
Odenheimer, George
Smith, James, each 75 cents.
Total valuation $56,465
Rate, I % mills on dollar.
George BryfogEl Assessor.
Houses 69
Horses 47
Cows 63
THE LAST ASSESSMENT
The following Assessors' lists for 1915 will give some idea of the growth of Kutztown since the first assessment was made :
VOTERS OF EAST WARD
The voters in the First (or East) Ward are as follows :
Adam, David A Contractor
Adam, Edwin H Laborer
Adam, Luther H Molder
Adam, Isaac C Carpenter
Adam, Percival Hostler
Albright, Rob't P Teller Farmers Bank
Angstadt, John F Merchant
Angstadt, John H Shoemaker
Angstadt, Llewellyn Postmaster
Angstadt, Samuel N Teacher
Angstadt, William Painter
Arnold, Charles S Laborer
Earner, Mayden Student
Barto, Homer A Cigarmaker
Barto, Milton Laborer
Bast. Roger S Foreman
Beck, Emanuel Yeoman
Beck, Raymond E Silk Weaver
Berger. Howard Motorman
Betz, John Yeoman
yo
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Bieber, Alfred Yeoman
Bieber, Chas. O Laborer
Bieber, Geo. K Laborer
Bieber, Jeremiah Shoemaker
Bieber, John W Apprentice
Bieber, William Yeoman
Blatt, Herbert Bar Clerk
Bloch, Luther S Molder
Bock, Salem J Machmist
Boger, George W Clerk
Bordner, Geo. C Professor K. S. N. S.
Bortz, Arthur D Blacksmith
Bortz, John R Painter
Bower, William Laborer
Boyer, Jacob A Laborer
Boyer, Jacob K Retired Farmer
Breininger, Alvin J Teacher
Brown, William M Shirtmaker
Brooks, Russell Clerk
Butz, Amos A Laborer
Christ, William S Merchant
Christ, Edward H Clerk
Christman, Fred. E Shoemaker
Daniel, Charles O Laborer
Dankel, Henry Car Cleaner
Deisher, Henry K Manufacturer
DeLong, Amandus F Foreman
DeTurk, John D Teamster
DeTurk, L. B Laborer
DeTurk, Isaac L Merchant
Dey, Wellington Laborer
Dietrich, Milton L Shoemaker
Dietrich, Lewis S Contractor
Dietrich, Chas. B Laborer
Dietrich, Charles H Collector
Donmoyer, Wm. A Electrician
Drey, Madison Laborer
Dries, Samuel J Cigarmaker
Dries, Daniel A Yeoman
Dries, Wm. D Bar Clerk
Dries, Worth A Propr. Keystone House
Druckenmiller, B. D Propr. Restaurant
Druckenmiller, H. L Clerk
Eck, William S Agent
Eckert, Walter S Molder
Esser, Jacob B Yeoman
Esser, Charles H Publisher
Fegely, Charles S Hostler
Fegely, Frank H Laborer
Fegely, John G Shoemaker
Fegely, Llewellyn Carpenter
Fegley, Howard J Plumber
Fisher, Charles M Merchant
Fisher, Fred. J Machinist
Fisher, Sealous G Painter
Fister, Herman A Cashier Farmers Bank
Fink, William Laborer
Flexer, Wallace P .Laborer
Fox, George Molder
Fretz, Allen M Laborer
Frey, Byron J Patternmaker
Frey, George B Helper
Frey, Phaon Baker
Frey, Revere Laborer
Fritch, Allen H Salesman
Fritch, J. T Manufacturer
Fritch, Verd C Shoemaker
Fronheiser, Walter H Operator
Fritz, Henry W Laborer
Gaby, William S Shoemaker
Geiger, Charles Painter
Geiger, John D Shoemaker
Glasser, David Laborer
Greenawald, Manasses Laborer
Greenawald, William '. Yeoman
Grimley, O. Raymond Bookkeeper
Hagenmeyer, A. W Engineer
Hamm, Andrew Plasterer
Hamm, George A Laborer
Hamm, Fred. E Laborer
Hartman, Jacob K Drover
Hartman, William H Laborer
Heckman, Silas Laborer
Heffner, Albert S Surveyor
Heffner, Charles H Laborer
Hefifner, Milton H Superintendent
Heinly, Harvey L Painter
Heller, Oliver Laborer
Herman, A. M Merchant
Herman, Chas. D Merchant Tailor
Herman, Quinton D Men's Furnishings
Herman, Walter E Tailor
Hilbert, Levi Laborer
Hinkle, Harry L Laborer
Hoch, Elias E. J ' Musician
Hoch, Jacob C Teacher
Hoch, Jefferson C Agent
Hoch, Silas Laborer
Hoch, Zach. C Pension Agent
Homan, William C Patternmaker
Hoffman, Frank B Motorman
Holl, Mark D Baker
Hoppes, Clinton Laborer
Hottenstein, Ezra Yeoman
Hottenstein, Charles D Laborer
Hottenstein, James B Laborer
Houck, Frank B Laborer
Houck, Harry M Laborer
Hunsicker, Achilles C Huckster
James, David W Inspector
Kemp, Charles F Shoemaker
Kemp, Fred. S Shoe Cutter
Kemp, James J Shoemaker
Kemp, Jeremiah Foreman
Kercher, Edwin H Conductor
Kern, Harvey P Baker
Kershner, Wm. J Silk Weaver
Kieffer, Nicholas W Laborer
Kieffer, Peter W Laborer
Kieffer, Valentine M. Bar Clerk
Keiter, Tames B Cigar Manufacturer
King, William H Silk Weaver
Kline, Daniel W Contractor
Kline, Wm. D Shoemaker
Kloop, Milton J Bricklayer
Knittle, Isaac A Shoemaker
Knittle, Jonathan S Implement Dealer
Koch, Charles D Shoemaker
Knittle, Alvin L Laborer
Kohler, Adam Teamster
Kohler, George B Retired Farmer
Kohler, John C Music Teacher
Kohler, John F Yeoman
Kramer, Curtis E Silk Weaver
Kramer, Frank A Butcher
Kroninger, Elmer D Wheelwright
Kroninger, Irvin D Typewriter
Krusie. Edwin Shoemaker
Kutz, George M Laborer
Lambert, Joseph D Conductor
Lambert, Joseph F Drover
Leibensperger, C. J Shoemaker
Leibensperger, John C Machinist
Leinbach, E. H Minister
Levan, Daniel M Laborer
Levan, David B Veterinarv Surgeon
Levan, Edwin S Shoemaker
Levan, Fred. B Yeoman
Levan, Tacob D Molder
Levan, Milton J Shoemaker
Levan, Nathan S Shoemaker
Levan, Percy L Laborer
Levan, Thomas S Shoe Packer
Levan, William P Shoemaker
Levin, Charles Junk Dealer
Luckenbill, Cyrus W Yeoman
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
71
Luckenbill, John T Laborer
Luckenbill, Robert G Shoemaker
Luckenbill, T. R Butcher
Lynch, R. B Minister
Machemer, Alfred D Carpenter
Machemer, Robert C Teamster
Marcks, John M Holder
Mattern, William H Plumber
Meitzler, H. O Merchant
Merkel, Howard D Laborer
Merkel, Israel Yeoman
Merkel, Wm. H Laborer
Mertz, Charles A Knitter
Mertz, George S Shirtmaker
Mertz, John M Machinist
Mertz, William H Clerk
Metzger, Preston A Music Teacher
Miller, Chas. W Carriage Manufacturer
Miller, Karl H Teacher
Miller, Ulrich J Clerk
Missbach, Richard F Silk Weaver
Moser, Sentral Laborer
Moyer, E. D. . , Contractor
Moyer, Edwin Plasterer
Moyer, Fred. A Engineer
Moyer, George Motorman
Mover, Jacob A: Laborer
Moyer, Jeremiah H Bricklayer
Moyer, Oscar E Molder
Moyer, Penrose Foreman
Moyer, Robert K Shoemaker
Moyer, Robert S Merchant
Moyer, Romanius F Butcher
Myers, William E Jeweler
Neff, James G Yeoman
Nicks, D. Levan Civil Engineer
Printz, Frank B Plumber
Queman, John L Laborer
Rader, Herbert A Laborer
Rahn, Frank G Engineer
Rahn, William C Shoemaker
Rahn, Nicholas M Machinist
Rahn, Harold H Student
Rahn, Cyrus P Alterer
Rahn, Wilson M Laborer
Rahn, Nicholas M Student
Rahn, Jacob M Machinist
Rahn, Fred. M Machinist
Reber, Paul M Blacksmith
Reber, George H Bookkeeper
Reimert, Oscar A Painter
Reimert, Samuel Stone Mason
Reimert, Roy J Shoemaker
Reinert, Wallace E Brakeman
Reinert, Jacob F Merchant
Reinhard, V. S Merchant
Rentschler, Roger M Teacher
Reppert, Lewis Tailor
Reppert, Nelson Hostler
Reed, Edward Laborer
Reeser, John A Tinsmith
Ressler, John H Engineer
Rhode, George Butcher and Ice Mf r.
Rhode, Cyrus J Lumber and Ins.
Rothermel, James A Merchant
Rudolf, W^iiliam ' Laborer
Saul, Henry W Doctor
Schadler, Nicholas Foreman
Schaeffer, James Merchant
Schaeffer, Edwin B Conductor
Schaeffer, George Teacher
Schaeffer, Warren D Conductor
Schanoell. Chester B Mail Driver
Scheldt, Edwin P Liveryman
Scheidt, George S Shoemaker
Scheldt, Henry C Blacksmith
Scheidt, William L Shoemaker
Scheirer, Charles B Laborer
Schlenker, George A Laborer
Schlenker, Wilson J Liquor Dealer
Schick, Leo S Patternmaker
Schmehl, N. S Hardware
Schmoyer, C. M Ins. Agent
Schoedler, William F Salesman
Schwanger, Theodore Laborer
Seidell, Leroy P Clerk
Sell, John Yeoman
Sell, Oscar O Yeoman
Sellers, Roy M Clerk
Sellers, Elmer J Druggist
Seip, Daniel J Laborer
Seip, William A Machinist
Sharadin, J. D Merchant
Sharadin, Thomas W Printer
Sharadin, F. E Merchant
Sharadin, Howard S. . . .Justice of the Peace
Shankweiler, James S Dry Goods
Shankweiler, E. H Dry Goods
Siegfried, Clarence S Superintendent
Sittler, Charles Laborer
Smith, Reuben L Laborer
Smith, Edwin M Motorman
Smith, Benjamin Asst. Steward
Smith, George H Justice of the Peace
Smith, Harry A Clothier
Smith, Fred. R Motorman
Springer, Howard D Electrician
Swoyer, Chas. Z Laborer
Stabler, Reuben C Laborer
Stanger, Lambert Hostler
Steckel, Peter K Teamster
Stein, Isaac B Distiller
Stein, William B Yeoman
Sterner, E. F Jeweler
Stichler, Clemens J Merchant
Stein, William H Bricklayer
Stein, Byron A Mail Driver
Steinberger, John A Carpenter
Stern, John Shipping Clerk
Stern, Allen S Carpenter
Stern, Charles Laborer
Stump, James N Shoe Cutter
Stump, John A Laborer
Stump, John A., Jr Foreman
Treichler, James G Yeoman
Treichler, David L Farmer
Trexler, Oliver Laborer
Trexler, Francis Butcher
Walbert, Charles D ■ Conductor
Warr, Thomas Loom Fixer
Way, Clemment Patternmaker
Weaver, John A Yeoman
Webb, Cyrus F Clerk
Weidenharamer, Oliver S Shoe Cutter
Weidenhammer, George S Laborer
Weidenhammer, Solon Machinist
Weidner, Alfred B Laborer
Weidner. Mahlon Yeoman
Weigle, Richard R Express Man
Weigle, Henry F Foreman
Weikusat, August Yeoman
Welder, George M Tailor
W^entzel, John F Painter
Wenz, John E Propr. Black Horse Hotel
Wessner, William W Watchman
Wessner, Fred. M Molder
Wessner, Chas. D Contractor
Wessner, George Foreman
Williams, David Laborer
Williams, John Silk Weaver
Wink, Jacob B Engineer
Winters, Samuel S Propr. Central House
Winters, Miles Bar Clerk
Wilson, John Yeoman
Wuchter. Robert F Loom Fixer
Yenser, David Shoemaker
72
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Yenser, Frank Painter
Y^oder, Wm. D. . . . Propr. Washington House
Yoder, Harry B Teacher
Yoder, Morris B Dental Student
Youse, Adam S Clerk
Zerfass, Elmer Laborer
Zimmerman, H. O Teamster
Zimmerman, Jacob F Ganger
VOTERS OF WEST WARD
The voters of the Second (or West) Ward are as follows :
Adam, Francis K Carpenter
Adam, Howard C Laborer
Adam, Michael Yeoman
Adam, Charles B Carpenter
Ahn, Charles L Y'eoman
Angstadt, Elwood M Printer
Angstadt, Geo. P Propr. Penna. House
Arndt, Curtis V Laborer
Babb, Abraham Carriagemaker
Babb, Millard E Barber
Babb, Vernon W Teacher
Baer, Fred. N Florist
Bacon, Baron P Conductor
Bear, William J Superintendent
Becker, Lewis Y'eoman
Becker, Samuel A Laborer
Benner, Samuel W Yeoman
Bennicoff , Jeremiah Carpenter
Berk, Jonas A Laborer
Bieber, George W Clerk
Bieber, Harry T Conductor
Bieber, Howard E Shoemaker
Bieber, Jno. W Holder
Bieber, U. S. G Veterinary Surgeon
Bittner, Jacob W Minister
Bleiler, David J. G Restaurant
Bloch, Elwood M Laborer
Boger, Harvey P Molder
Bohler, Bert M Physical Director
Bolich, Reuben Laborer
Bonner, Arthur Superintendent
Bortz, William F Machinist
Bossier, Irvin S Shoemaker
Bower, David Molder
Bower, Thomas \''eoman
Braucher, Clinton E Molder
Braucher, William B Laborer
Braucher, William W Machinist
Breininger, Edwin A Laborer
Breininger, Joel S Shoemaker
Brobst, Francis O Laborer
Brown, William T Merchant
Brown, Wilson C Silk Weaver
Boyer, Alvin D Laborer
Boyer, Milton G Teamster
Butz, Franklin D Solicitor
Butz, Harry H Laborer
Butz, Lewis B Yeoman
Butz, Peter A Laborer
Camp, Victor B Shoeman
Carl, George W Molder
Christ, Alvin S Stationery
Christman, Chas. I. G Merchant
Christman, Jacob Laborer
Christman, William Shoemaker
Clemmer, Chas. H Shoemaker
Creitz, Scott W Laborer
Cunningham, Ray T Clerk
Deibert, Ben. M Baggage Master
Deibert, Geo. F Clerk
Dellicker, Howard G Paper Hanger
DeLong, Irvin C Twister
DeTurk, Eugene P Merchant
DeTurk, Jno. W Clerk
DeTurk, Lawrence A Clerk
DeTurk, William R Cutter
Deibert, Carleton C Station Agent
Deysher, Mahlon Laborer
Dietrich, Charles A Weaver
Dietrich, Edgar S Stone Cutter
Dietrich, Harvey O Teacher
Dietrich, Irwin W Student
Dietrich, Jess Laborer
Dietrich, Jonathan Asst. Postmaster
Dietrich, Oscar H Merchant
Dissinger, Sol. W Clergyman
Donmoyer, Milton T Yeoman
Dornev. Geo. W Cementer
Dreibelbis, Joel P Bottler
Dries, Calvin A Stone Cutter
Dries, Eld ridge J Shoemaker
Dunkel, Owen G Laborer
Dunkelberger, Lee D Student
Dunkelberger, N. Z Doctor
Eck, Morris Motorman
Eckert, Addison D Weaver
Eckert, Amnion E Weaver
Eg,e'V. Henry Painter
Endy, Chalres H Laborer
Esser, Stephen C Yeoman
Erb, lohn B Coremaker
Erb, Reuben C Laborer
Everett, T. M Shoe Cutter
Faust, Alvin P Baker
Feick, Ellwood W Teamster
Feick, Wellington W Coal and Lumber
Feick, Wilson K Clerk
Fenstermacher, T. P. S Conductor
Fisher, J. Albert Insurance Agent
Fisher, William G '. Yeoman
Fisher, Willipm D Carpenter
Fister, Geo. E Laborer
Pritch. Allen W Yeoman
Folk, Tefferson F Laborer
Folk. Thomas S Yeoman
Frederic, Charles F Foreman
Frederic. WilHam G Shoemaker
Fritz, Charles W Motorman
Fritz, Cporge E Laborer
Fritz. William S Undertaker
Fritzinger, Seth C Conductor
Fox, John A Moulder
Frev, Charles A Blacksmith
Fulton, Oramel S Motorman
Gehret, Morris W Painter
Gehringer, David Painter
Geiss, Newton W Student
Geiss, Wellington Watchman
George, Amos C Moulder
Gery. Wilmer E Carpenter
Geschwind, Adam H Restaurant
Glasser, Percival Engineer
Gonser, Jno. R Y^eoman
Glasser, George Expressman
Graver, Chester F Plasterer
Grey, William J Laborer
Grim, Charles T Laborer
Grim, Daniel P Clerk
Gruber. Calvin L Professor
Haaf, Geo. D Merchant
Haf er, James M Clerk
Handwerk, Moses Laborer
Haney, Joseph A Laborer
Hauser, Victor H Foreman
Hefflley, Llewellyn G Landlord
Heffner, Samuel H Merchant
Helbert. Solon Waiter
Hein, Oliver Laborer
Henry, Joe F Carpenter
Herman, George C Farmer
Heffner, Edward J Auto Repair
Heffner, Joel S Yeoman
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
73
Hepburn, Louis L Machinist
Hepner, Alvin J Clerk
Herman, James O Tailor
Herman, Paul A Moving Pictures
Hilbert, Abraham B Harnessmaker
Hilbert, Clarence V Laborer
Hilbert, Harry G Moulder
Hilbert, John Yeoman
Hilbert, Lealand Y Shoemaker
Hoch, Charles K Landlord
Hoch, John A Laborer
Hoch, William K Landlord
Hohl, Elmer M : Foreman
Hottenstein, Chas. A Dentist
Hottenstein, Ed. L Doctor
Kauffman, Samuel L Rural Carrier
Keinert, Stephen W Harness Maker
Keiter, Chas. W Yeoman
Keiter, John H Bricklayer
Keiter. O. R Laborer
Kemp, Geo. A Stone Cutter
Kemp, Jacob D Shoemaker
Kemp, William S Moulder
Kercher, Grant M Laborer
Kercher, Percy J Weaver
Ketner, U. B.' Box Mf r.
Keiflfer, Ezra W Laborer
Klein, Daniel W Laborer
Klein, Francis E Wheelwright
Klein, Harry W Shoemaker
Klein, Tno. W Craneman
Klick, Paul S .^ Clerk
Knittle, Daniel S Yeoman
Knittle, William Carpenter
Koch, Lynn T Weaver
Kocher, David O Carpenter
Keodinger, Percv H Molder
Kohler, Cyrus C Engineer
Kohler, Harry E Laborer
Kohler, William F Yeoman
Kohler, Chas. A Laborer
Krick, Charles W Carpenter
Kreibel, Charles S Electrician
Kroninger. Geo. A Laborer
Kuhns, Milton S Piano Tuner
Kunkel, William H Laborer
Kutz, Albert J L aborer
Kutz, Charles A Farmer
Kutz, Edwin S Yeoman
Kutz, David W Yeoman
Kutz, Howard D Baker
Kutz, Solon E Farmer
Leapoal. James Laborer
Lease, George E Machinist
Leinbach. John Machinist
Leiser, Geo. H Laborer
Lesher, Alvin K Auto Dealer
Lesher, Charles Watchman
Lesher, Howard C Shipping Clerk
Levan, A. Nicholas Coal Dealer
Levan, Charles F Laborer
Livengood, Chas. E Laborer
Livingood, William H Barber
Long, Edwin I Laborer
Long, Winfield A I^aborer
Luckenbill, Curtis F Butcher
McCollum. Calvin W Lineman
Meitzler, Herbert H Laborer
Meitzler, Richard C Motorman
Melot Scott A : . Machinist
Merkel, Edwin T Bricklayer
Merkel, Trvin K Cor^maker
Merkel. Wilson C Yeoman
Mertz, Elias Y Yeoman
Messersmith, Chas. E Farmer
Miller, Edwin V Laborer
l^'fi'Ier. Tames D Laborer
Miller, John A Laborer
Miller, John A Laborer
Miller, William F Laborer
Miller, William R Yeoman
Millhouse, Ray R Laborer
Moll, Alfred I Laborer
Moncrieff, V. J Draftsman
Moyer, Chas. W. H Superintendent
Moyer. Irvin E Engineer
Murray, Alfred P Laborer
Ohlinger, Harry C Laborer
O'Neil, Earl J Shoemaker
O'Neil, James G Printer
Otto, Benjamin Laborer
Oswald, Herman D Barber
Oswald, Milton Shoemaker
Oswald, Robert C Shoemaker
Paff, Irvin W Machinist
Pauley, Frank H Shoemaker
Peter, Alvin H Laborer
Peters, I. C Doctor
Quillman, Chas. S Laborer
Rabenokl, Peter J Yeoman
Rader, George A Laborer
Rahn, William M Laborer
Ramer, Edwin A Wheelwright
Ranier, George W Granite Works
Reed, Fred V Weaver
Riegel, Charles Patternmaker
Reigel, Jerome S Laborer
Reigel, Ray C Fireman
Reigel, Oscar F Bricklayer
Reimert, Chas. D Laborer
Reimert, Chas. H Farmer
Reimert, Frank A Carpenter
Reinert, William H Laborer
Reinhart, Daniel S Laborer
Reppert, Chas. F Moulder
Reppert, Cyrus H Teamster
Reppert, Edwin W Laborer
Reppert, Lenius E. S Laborer
Reeser, Milton Laborer
Rhoad, Henry Laborer
Rhode, Chas. PI Carpenter
Rhode, Charles P Shoemaker
Rhode, Chester W Contractor
Rhode, John W Insurance Agent
Rhode, Oscar J Engineer
Rhode, Oliver E Laborer
Rhode, William S Publisher
Richter, Karl Machinist
Ritter, George E Laborer
Ritter, Samuel F Laborer
Ritter, William J Shoemaker
Roll man, J. Calvin Laborer
Rohrssen, John Conf. Mfr.
Rothermel, Emanuel Machinist
Rothermel, Henry W Laborer
Rothermel, Thomas Laborer
Ruth, John A Student
Sander, Fred M Moulder
Sander, Wm. R Salesman
Saul, Daniel M Clerk
Saul, Edward E Bar Clerk
Saul. Tohn H :Merchant
.Schaeffer, George R Laborer
Schaeffer, John E Laborer
Schaeffer, Wm. B Blacksmith
Schappel, Herbert G. C Motorman
Schaooel, Phaon B Laborer
Schatzlein, Edgar L Cigar Mfr.
Scherer, John I Laborer
Schparer, Tacob Yeoman
.Schierv. Henrv S. J^aborer
Schlegel, William M Farmer
Srhlenker, Geo. A Job Printer
Schlenker, Tames O Cler^vman
Schlenker. Oliver R Auto Driver
Schmehl, Horace Moulder
74
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Schmehl, Truman S Clerk
Schneider, W. P Yeoman
Schucker, Alvin A Laborer
Schwoyer, Jacob S Yeoman
Schwoyer, John A Yeoman
Schwoyer, Wm. M Motorman
Sell, Morris W Retired Farmer
Sell, Titus P Yeoman
Sensenderfer, Irvin O Cupola Man
Serfass, Wm. F Moulder
Sharadin, Edward M Shoemaker
Sharadin, Harry W Artist
Sharadin, Harry B Yeoman
Sharadin, Richard C Shoemaker
Sharadin, Richard D Merchant
Silsdorf , Aaron M Coremaker
Slonecker, Edward Electrician
Smith, Chas. H Laborer
Smith, Geo. B Clergyman
Smith, George W Huckster
Smith, Irvin M Laborer
Smith, Joshua Variety Store
Smith, Nervin P Salesman
Smith, Samuel M Clerk
Smith, William B Yoeman
Snyder, Chas. W Photographer
Spangler, James S Stone Cutter
Spangler, Mahlon W Laborer
Spohn, Elmer U Laborer
Spohn, Solon E Carpenter
Stambaugh, Doria O Baker
Steckel, Ellwood K Doctor
Stein, Calvin L Coremaker
Stein, Chas. A Wholesale Liquor
Stein, Henry Laborer
Stein, James G Moulder
Stein, Lewis A Salesman
Stein, Solon A Saleman
Stern, Daniel Laborer
Stern, George F Laborer
Stern, Harvey L Moulder
Stern, William Laborer
Sterner, Peter S Shoemaker
Stimmel, George Dentist
Stitzer, Clarence S Weaver
Stufflet, Chas. M Shoemaker
Stufflet, Edward E Merchant
Stufflet, George D Barber
Stufflet, John Painter
Stump, Jacob F Undertaker
Trexler, Uriah L Yeoman
Wagaman, Geo. W Clerk
Wagaman, Sylvester Hostler
Wagenhurst, Chas. R Tinsmith
Wagenhurst, Chas. M Tinsmith
Wagenhurst, Ed. M Salesman
Wanner, Lee Laborer
Wanner, Solon Yeoman
Wanner, Vernon R Mechanic
Wartzenluft, Daniel L Shoe Store
Wartzenluft, Joel M Laborer
Weaver, George D Shoemaker
Weidenhammer, Reuben F. Yeoman
Werley, Morris N Laborer
Weiandt, Fred Machinist
Weida, Sylvester O Teamster
Weigle, Walter W Laborer
Wentzel, Wm. A Shoemaker
Werlev, Francis H Yeoman
Werley, Herbert J Weaver
Werley, Morris N Laborer
Wessner, Ralph D Shoemaker
Williamson, Fred. T Foreman
Wink, Jacob B Engineer
Wise, Ephraim Y Laborer
Wisser, Daniel A Yeoman
Wolf, Edwin B Machinist
Wright, Granville R Shoemaker
Wynn, Frank R Merchant
Yaxtheimer, Wm. D Shoemaker
Yenser, Edwin Shoemaker
Yoder, Marbry K : Clerk
Ziegler, Robert C Carpenter
In demonstration of the growth of the town in these hundred years the following is quoted from an oration delivered at the commencement exercises of the Keystone State Normal School on June 23d, this pres- ent year. It is a study of "The Centennial of Kutztown," made by Miss Ethel I. Wardrop, of Mount Carmel, Pa.
"The centenary of a borough may deserve
commemoration by a centennial if the town has been of importance in the history of the coimtry, or if it has been notable for its own development, industrially or otherwise. Historically, as we learn today, Kutztown has been much more important than any ol its present citizens, before the centennial stimulated study, had any idea that it was. Then as to growth or development, the town is really remarkable. Some towns grow continuously, develop steadily ; others make a brave start, grow like mushrooms for a time, and then decline. Kutztown is not of the latter class; it belongs to the former. It is not like Jonah's gourd, but like the great "Centennial Oak," just over yonder hill.
"Increase in number of inhabitants is one evidence of growth. No records have been found to tell how many inhabitants there were in Kutztown at the time of its incor- poration. An extant assessment list of two years later, 1817, shows that there were then io5 taxables, 95 of them heads of families, and II of them "single freemen." There were then 69 houses, 47 horses, and 67 cows. The number of human inhabitants is not recorded. After 100 years, Kutztown bor- ough has about 2360 inhabitants, and 506 dwelling houses. These buildings, as dis- covered by a privately appointed census bureau, some of us girls of the Normal School, are classified thus: Single brick buildings, 202 ; double brick buildings, iii ; single frame buildings, 104; double frame buildings, 70; single stone buildings, 17; and double stone buildings, 2; really 689 separate domiciles. Some we may have overlooked or counted wrongly, for we are not skilled census takers. But there are 700 or more buildings, including business houses, in the borough now — stables, little shops and garages not included, and that reminds one of another matter. Instead of
CENTENNIAI, HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
75
keeping horses and cows, manj^ Kutztown folks today have invested in automobiles and these the assessor notes instead of cat- tle. Then there are the banks, two of them, some twenty stores, ten hotels and restaur-
ants, a large foundry and machine shop, two shoe factories, a hosiery mill, silk mill, shirt manufactory, carriage works, marble yard and last, but far from least, a splendid public school and four thrivinsf churches."
John G. Wink, the First Nativb; of the Borough
Mrs. Ewzabeth Wynn, Aged 90 Years. Kutztown's Oi,dest Resident
76
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
CHURCH HISTORY
THE MAXATAWNY REFORMED CONGREGATION
The history of every community, town or city is preeminently bound up with its venerable churches and well-filled grave yards. These were not only the first sacred and venerated places in the early settlements, but have always been, and still are, the centers to which the most earnest thought of men have tended and from which have gone out those molding influences which have made individuals, families and communities as worthy, peaceful and happy as they are. The radiatine center of such influences for Kutztown and vicinity is found in old St. John's and its sister churches.
St. John's was originally known as the Maxa- tawny Congregation, taking its name from the district in which it is located.
In the absence of the congregational records it is impossible to write with certainty concern- ing its organization and development. But from occasional contemporary references, a few state- ments may perhaos be made, with a reasonable des^ree of certitude.
First, that the congregation was organized cir. 1736, and the first house of worship erected cir.
I7.=;5- . . ,
Second, that the congregation was ongmally Reformed, but that in the course of time Luth- eran services were also conducted and that finally it became officially a Union congregation.
The first reference to Maxatawny is found in a letter by Rev. John Philip Boehm, the founder of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania, to the Reformed Synods in Holland, dated O-tober 18. 17.^-1. In this letter he suggests that the Reformed settlers could be "with much difficulty suita'^ly served by four ministers." After designating the sections to be cared for by the first three min- isters, he continues :
"A fourth minister would be greatlv needed at Goshenhoppen. about thirty-six miles from Philadelphia. He might conduct services there every three weeks, and use the rest of the time to feed the poor sheep at the end of the wilderness in the above mentioned Saucon, Macunaie, Maxatawny and Great Swamp who thirst for the hearing of God's word as dry earth for water. Many people from these regions have already been to see me in great sadness, and complained of the pitiable state of their souls. There were also some who being able to make the jour- nev have come at various times to commu- nion in the congregations entrusted to me at Falkner Swamp, a distance of certainly twenty-five to thirty English miles, and brought children for baotism, which journev, however, is impossible for old Persons, weak or pregnant women, so that it is not to be wondered at (especially when one remembers that there are children who, for lack of minister cannot be brought to baptism until they are several years of a.se) that my heart breaks ard mv eyes are full of tears about this condition."
The pathetic appeals of Boehm to the Fathers
in Holland brought men and money, but it was not until fort)' years later that the people of Maxatawny were privileged to enjoy the minis- trations of a trained and regularly ordained pastor.
In May of the following year there arrived at Philadelphia at the head, of a Swiss Reformed Colony, Rev. Moritz Goetschius, accompanied by his wife and eight children. Rev. Goetschius was ill when the colony arrived at Philadelphia and expired immediately after being brought ashore. His son, John Henry, then seventeen years of age, having excellent testimonies from the schools of Zurich, was prevailed upon by
Old St. John's Union Church
the people to preach. Many of the destitute con- gregations accepted him as their pastor. On the title page of the church record at New Gosh- enhoppen written probably in 17,36 and surely not later than 1739, he states that he preaches the Truth at Skippack, Old Goshenhoppen, New Gosh- enhoppen, (Great) Swamp, Saucon, Egypt, Maxa- tawny, Aloselm, Oley, Berne and Tuloehocken. At this time few houses of worship had been erected and he preached chiefly in houses, barns and groves. In 1740 he left the province and went to Long Island, where he continued his ministry.
In a letter dated January 14, 1739, Boehm com- plains of Goetschy's intrusion into his works, es- pecially at Oley. He suggests that a minister be stationed at Oley, who could also serve Cacusi (Hains Church) eight miles from the center of
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
77
the Oley district and Ma?;atawny ten miles dis- tant. During the months of January and Feb- ruary in 1740 Rev. Boehm visited the Reformed Congregations in the province, at the request of the Synods of Holland, and inquired of them how much they were able and willing to contri- bute unfailingly to the annual salary of a min-
"Four pounds of this country's currency, which we, the elders now in office in this congregation, attest" :
"February 7, 1740."
"DANIEL LEVAN, "PETER LEIBI."
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Title Page of Goshenhoppen Church Record (Showing signature of Rev. John Henry Goetschiusj
ister. His reports to the Synods dated April 4, 1740, contains the following item concerning the congregation in Maxatawny : —
"The congregation of Maxadani (Maxa- tawny will contribute, without fail, to annual salary of a Reformed minister :
On ;\Iay 22d, 1746, Rev. Michael Schlatter, a native of St. Gall, Switzerland, was commissioned by the Synods of Holland to go to Pennsylvania and investigate the condition of the destitute Reformed congregations and to organize them into a coetus (Synod). He arrived at Philadel- phia on the 6th of September and immediately began to visit the Reformed centers in Pennsyl-
78
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
vania and the neighboring provinces. In June, 1747, he visited the Maxatawny region and on Sunday, June 28th, preached to a large con- course of people at Jacob Levan's, at what is now Eaglepoint. Local tradition has assigned this sermon to Count Zinzendorf, but recent historical investigations have proven this to be an error. Rev. Schlatter records his visit to the Maxatawny region in his diary, as edited by H. H. Harbaugh, pages 160, 161, 162, as follows. By an error the name of Manatawny appears for Maxatawny :
"On the 23d [June 1747 I went from Rev. John Templeman at Swatora] fifteen miles further to Tulpehocken, where in passing I preached. From thence I went to Manataw- ny [Maxatawny] thirty-five miles distant and made an engagement to preach there (at Jacob Levan's) the following Sabbath [June 28th].
"From Wednesday to Saturday, the 24th, 25th and 26th, I visited the congregations in Manatawny [Maxatawny], Magunchy [Zie- gel and Western Salisbury], Egypt and on the Lehigh [river], a circuit of forty-five miles and came near to Bethlehem, a location of the Moravians ; and here in the providence of God, I met Jacob Liscly, who was at that time attached to that sect. This man, although he had never seen me, resolved to accompany me a distance of ten miles to Nazareth."
"From Nazareth I returned again to Beth- lehem, and five miles farther. On the 27th (of June 1747) according to promise, I ar- rived at Manatawny [Maxatawny at Jacob Levan's], a distance of twenty miles, where on the following day [June 28th 1747] I preached to a great multitude of people. Still, as these people had suffered themselves to be drawn by a certain hireling [Frederick Casimir Muller], who had also instigated and maintained divisions in Goshenhoppen, I could not here proceed, as I desired to in- stitute good order. On this account I left soon after the sermon, and went twenty-five miles farther to Saccony."
This preaching by Rev. Schlatter at Jacob Le- van's is referred to in a letter by the Moravian Bishop Cammerhoff to Count Zinzendorf dated November 17, 1747.
"[Came in the] evening to Jacob Levan's in Maxatawny [Rev. Michael] Schlatter com- manded by the Reformed Classis of Ams- terdam has crept in here. He tried to preach and to raise sixty pounds per annum for a Reformed clergyman solely. But the people declared they do not want a quit-rent preach- er."
Frederick Casimir Muller, whom Schlatter de- signates as a hireling, had been a teacher at Stetichein near Mayence before coming to Penn- sylvania. He first appears as a minister though unordained at New Goshenhoffen where he bap- tized a child July 7, 1745. By the close of the foUowine year he served, according to Schlatter, "ten or twelve small congregations in and about Oley." He opposed the work of Schlatter and urged the people not to give up their freedom by submitting to the authorities of Holland. He declared that by recognizing the authority of the Coetus they would come "into intolerable bondage." He dedicated the Reformed Church
in Longswamp in September 1748. He seems to have ceased his ministrations in Maxatawny and vicinity in 1752 or 1753. He seems to have min- istered to the early settlers at a time when no ordained minister was obtainable and though of an independent spirit to have done a good work. In July 1762 he laid the cornerstone for the Tabor Reformed Church in Lebanon. The Mor- avian diary at the latter place refers to him as a "pious man."
Rev. Philip Jacob Michael was born in the fatherland in 1716, and came to Pennsylvania October 14, 1731. He was a weaver by trade and, having had some educational advantages he was prevailed upon by the settlers to teach their children and to instruct them in the Catechism. At the request of the people he began to read sermons. He is said to have had a pleasing personality and considerable ability as a preach- er. In order that children might be baptized, the young confirmed, the holy communion ob-
^gaMffiKillATj lTBIMIJ J J , X-T./'CPp- ! 1 1 Mini'lliil' i iii»ii_iii j lyi ij n
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A Pagk from the Record Book of the
Reformed Church at Bowers
(Showing signature of Rev. Philip Jacob Michael J
served and marriages solemnized, he assumed the prerogatives of a regularly ordained minister of the Gospel. Which was done no doubt at the desire and earnest reauest of the settlers. We find activity in the capacity of a minister of the Gospel, at the dedication of Heidelbero' Church in Lehigh County, where he and Rev. J. F. Schert- lein (Lutheran) conducted the dedicatory services March 28th, 1745. In 1752 he succeeded Rev. F. C. Miller at Longswamp and probably at the .=anie time or soon thereafter also at Maxatawny. It was during Rev. Michael's pastorate, if the traditional date of 1755 is correct, that the first church was erected on a tract of five acres which Daniel Levan had set apart for church and school purposes.
In i7Sg there occurred a sad division in the congregation. The pastor and many of the con- gregation seceeded and together with some of
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
79
the Reformed settlers, who had been worshipping with the Lutheran congregation on the Beaver Creek (Mertz Church), went about two miles farther south along the Saucony Creek and not only erected a new church but on the title page of their congregation record styled themselves The Maxatawny Reformed Congregations. The cause for this division is not definitely known, perhaps it is hinted at in the positive statement made by Peter DeLong in presenting the eround for the new church.
Maxatawny Township, Oct. 8, 1759.
"We the undersigned, Peter DeLong and my lawful wife Eva Elisabeth DeLong, ac- knowledge hereby, by virtue of our signa- tures that we present and relinquished two acres of ground (to the Maxatawny Re- formed congregation) upon which is to be erected an Evangelical Reformed church and school house. This tract of lands adjoins our plantation, where we now reside in Maxatawny Township in Berks County, and is bounded on one side by the lands of And- reas Hack and on the other side by our own land. And this ground shall not only be relinquished and given for a short period, but as long as the sun and moon shine in the heavens and the rivers flow in their courses ; that neither we nor our heirs, or any other member of the congregation shall have the right to make or seek to make any claim to it.
"To confirm and make this irrevocable we have signed in the presence of witnesses and with our own hands."
PIYETER DELANGH, EVA ELISABETH DELONGH Her X Mark
Heinrig Luchenbill
Jacob Giradin
Rev. Michael was the first pastor and in some cases the organizer of a number of Reformed congregations iri northern Berks and Lehigh county. Among them are Dunkel's (1744), Heid- elberg (1745). Ziegel (1750), St. Jacob's (i75o)> Reading (1752), DeLong's (1759), Ebenezer (1760), Weisenberg (1761), Lowhill (1769) Mich- ael's (1769), Zion's, in Perry Township (1771) ; besides these he served as pastor at Oley, Long- swamp, Maxatawny and neighboring congrega- tions. He also frequently at the request of the Coetus supplied vacant congregations ; the church at Jost Dreichbach's Mill in Lehigh Township, Northampton county, (1760), NewGoshenhoppen (1764), and Great Swamp (1766).
Rev. Michael was not a member of the Coetus, though he labored in harmony with it. In 1764 he applied for ordination to the Coetus, who in turn had to receive permission from the Synods of Holland to ordain him. They sent over the following request and testimonial :
A. M. May .srd [1764] "Philip Jacob Michael appeared with an earnest petition that he might be admitted as a member of Coetus. His credentials, from far and near, show, that according to the rules of our Reformed Church, he has been faithful in doctrine, life and conduct for fourteen years, and constantly served the same congregations in Maxatawny, and therefore he does not deserve the name of an adven- turer, or Moravian. He showed that twelve years ago Mr. Schlatter would not recognize or admit him because of imfounded reasons.
Wherefore he would not apply again, al- though he labored continually in harmony with us. We can state this all the more readily, because all his congregations are well known to us and we know how he has un- weariedly aimed for this end, and even now in the 48th year of his age he supplies with the greatest zeal twelve congregations. This earnest request and petition we could not re- fuse. But since he has not been ordained, according to the order of our church, we herewith request permission, and proper au- thority from the Rev. Synods to ordain him. And as several of our number have heard him preach, and in his ministerations all is clearly in accordance with the Reformed Church-Order in doctrine and fife, we ex- pect that our request will not be in vain, so^ that we may thus be strengthened, by bringing under our control the congregations which he is serving, and comply with his reasonable request. We would not put our pen to this were we not convinced that it would be of advantage to us and of greater profit to his congregations. We expect at the earliest opportunity a favorable reply from the Rev. Synods." — Minutes of Coetus, pages 225, 226.
To this earnest plea the authorities replied by requesting that Rev. Michael come to Holland for ordination. This being impracticable he con- tinued his labors without ordination. He not only organized congregations and built churches, but drew up constitutions, regulations, agree- ments, where the churches were union, and en- deavored to establish schools. His efforts were herculean and his results far reaching. During the Indian uprisings he had many narrow es- capes as he rode through the forests from one congregation to another. He was an ardent patriot and frequently from the pulpit presented the cause of Independence. On May 17, 1777, he was appointed Chaplain of the First Battalion of Berks County Militia. At the close of his period of service he returned again to some of his former congregations. He died on his farm at Michael's Hill near Bowers Station and wa.' buried by Rev. Henry Hertzel at the Longswamp Church. His death occurred between May 6th. 1786, the date of the making of his will which contains his signature and June 17th of the same year the time when it was probated. No head- stone marks his grave, nor do any of the many congregations wjiich he founded or served con- tain any memorial to this faithful servant of the Lord, who deserves to be numbered among the founders of the Reformed Church in the United States.
The consequences of the division were that the few remaining families were unable to main- tain the regular services of a pastor. The con- gregation anxious to obtain a pastor frequently accepted one of the many unordained irrespon- sible ecclesiastical vagrants who frequently came along and pretended to be ministers of the Gos- pel. One of these was a certain Mr. Fritz who pretended to be a Reformed minister. He is said to have ascended into the pulpit in DeLong's church in a state of beastly intoxication and in re- peating his text, "If anv man will come after me, let him deny himself take up his cross, and fol- lowing me," lost his balance and fell down the steps of the pulpit with the words "follow me" in his mouth. One of the elders at whose feet he fell arose and turning to the congregation
8o
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
exclaimed "No brethren we will not follow him." This state of affairs became finally intolerable to the more spiritually minded and in 1771 they appealed to the Coetus which met at Reading October 9th for help.
Reading, OcronER qth, 1771.
First Session, 2 p. m.
Article IV "The congregation at Maxatawny, which was formerly served by Dr. Michael, but has been for quite a time without anj' minister, requested the Reverend Coetus to help it as much as possible. This congregation has suf- fered very much, partly through bad minis- ters, partly because for a long time they have had no minister at all. They are only a few who really profess the true doctrine of our religion; the majority of this congregation profess no religion at all. Yet it seems that man}' souls could yet be saved and led to the true way of life if a good minister could be placed over this congregation, as is its desire. Some of our brethren have served the con- gregation by request, and have noticed that most of the people are very desirous and at-
tentive to hear the Word of God. They also asked for a continuation of these services, which were held until the present time. To this end they appeared this year before the Reverend Coetus and asked us not to abandon them, but rather to seek the lost among them. It was, therefore, resolved by the Reverend Coetus, in regard to .this congregation, that in future it shall be served, from time to time by the neighboring ministers, until we may be better able later on to supply it with a minister of its own. The following were chosen to serve this congregation, namely : Dominees Pomp, Blumer, Boos, and the Sec- retary [John Theobold Faber]." — Minutes of Coetus, page 310.
During the month of March 1772 Rev. John Henry Helfrich became pastor of the Maxa- tawny Reformed congregation, and with him the confusion period ended and the congregatiori en- tered upon a new era of development and growth. In his report to the Coetus in 1785 he reports for the Maxatawny congregation 30 families, 21 bap- tisms, I school and 31 pupils, and in 1792 for Kutztown he reports (the first report after re- organization) 22 families, 12 baptisms, i school and 40 pupils.
MAXATAWNY LUTHERAN CONGREGATION
Thus far no reference has been made to the Lutherans in Maxatawn\'. They were no doubt of the same nurnerical strength as the Reformed. However for manj' years no regular services were held in the vicinity of Kutztown because the district was surrounded by well organized Lutheran congregations : Moselem (1742), Mertz (1747), Lehigh (1748) and Ziegel, a union con- gregation (1750). Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlen- berg, the organizer of the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania, frequently passed through Maxa- tawny in his visits to the congregations along the Blue Mountains. Tradition has it that on sev- eral occasions he stayed over night with Jacob Hottenstein and that he instructed the children in the Catechism.
Rev. Daniel Schumacher, who for a period of twenty years, 1754-1774, supplied at various times many of the congregations in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, appears to have preached for a short time in Maxatawny. He was not a member of the Lutheran Synod. However like his reformed contemporary Michael, he was up- right, honest, and churchly, and is not to be compared with many of the independent ministers which infested the churches in the colonial period. He is said to have supplied sixteen congrega- tions at one time. In 1756 he added Maxatawny to his list of preaching places, but fails to ever mention it again. No doubt the trouble, which a few years later rent the Reformed congrega- tion, was already brewing and caused him to drop this new preaching point. Or perhaps the introduction of Lutheran services, as one may almost infer from the emphatic language of the document in which Peter DeLong donates the ground for the Maxatawny Reformed church at Bower's Station, was the cause of the divis- ion.
Rev. Schumacher supplied at various times the following congregations: Trinity (Reading),
Weisenberg, Ziegel, Heidelberg, Egypt, Lynn, New Jerusalem, Western Salisbury, Eastern Salis- bury, Indianland, Lehigh, Saucon, Easton, Oley Hills, Maxatawny, Alsace, Windsor and beyond the Schuylkill River.
It is quite probable that neighboring Lutheran pastors held an occasional service in the Maxa- tawny Church. But no regular services were held in it until the coming of Rev. Daniel Lehman cir. 1776. He continued to conduct services about every six or eight weeks until the relocation of the church at which time both congregations were regularly organized and le- gally united.
On November 9th, 1789, the congregations met and decided to erect jointly a house of worship on the lots set aside at the founding of the town for church and school purposes.
THE CHURCH REGULATIONS
IN THE NAME OF THE TRIUNE GOD, THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST. AMEN.
By this shall not only those now living but future generations, know that both the Evan- gelical congregations, namely the Lutheran and Reformed, of Kutztown and vicinity, in Maxa- taii'uy Township, Berks County in the State of Pennsylvania, have, on the 9th of November of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty- nine, associated themselves to build a union church for the services of the above named two denominations ; and that both congregations have agreed on the following articles :
Articulus I
That the church, about to be built by the
members of both the Evangelical denominations,
shall be jointly erected on one of the lots, which
the late George Kutz, at the laying out of the
CEKTENXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
town, called Kutztown, gave to the two Evan- gelical congregations for church and school pur- poses.
Art. II The Deed or Bill of sale, which has been given to the two congregations, shall be held in cus- tody by one of the Trustees, Elders or Deacons, but not for a longer period than three years, when it shall be turned over to an elder or a deacon of the other congregation, but for no longer period than three years ; and thus it shall change hands every three years in order that no congregation may boast of an advantage over the other. It shall be decided by lot from which of the two congregations the trustee, elder or deacon shall be chosen to whom the deed is to be entrusted for the first three years. The trus- tee, deacon or elder to whom the deed shall be entrusted for safe keeping every three years shall be chosen by the majority of the members
Art. Ill
This union church shall be built at the ex- pense of both congregations. If one congrega- tion shall be stronger than the other, or be able to contribute more than the other one for the building of the church, the stronger shall not . claim for itself any advantage or prerogative, nor reproach the weaker congregation ; but the church shall be built jointly and in perfect unit}', and there shall be, and ever remain, true equality in all the rights and nrivileges.
The building committee necessary for those jointly erecting a church shall be chosen by the two congregations, from one congregation as many as from the other ; and to them shall be given the preparation for and superintendency of the building of the aforesaid union church, at the expense of both consregations. The selected building committee shall have full power to enter into agreements" with the neces»iry mechanics for the erection of this church, however, they shall be careful to avoid all unnecessary expenses ; but shall look with favor upon enduring, rather than ornamental work in the erection of this church. Both congregations obligate themselves not only to suooly the building committee with money for building material and waa-es ; but also with teams and manual labor, whenever neces- sary until the church is built and paid. How- ever, if, contrarv to all exnectations, one or sev- eral of the building committee shall act nartia'ly or seek their own advantase, and the same be clearly shown ; then that or those members of the building committee shall be relieved of their duties, and other members be chosen to their places from that or those congreeations from which the dismissed members had been selected.
Art. V. Each congregation shall choose and support its own oastor ; the minister receiving the highest vote shall subsequently be accepted and supported by the entire congregation. But no minister can or shall be elected and acceoted, except one that sustains true churchly relations.
Art. VI The elders and deacons shall see to it that both pastors do not hold services on the same Sunday but the services shall be held alternatingly. If both congregations increase, so that they be- come able to hold two services every Sunday, they •shall also be held alternatinglv, that is, the min- ister who preaches on Sunday morning, shall
preach on the following Sunday in the afternoon and the minister who preaches on the Sunday afternoon, shall preach on the following Sunday in the morning and thus shall the services be alternatingly continued. The services on the holidays shall be left to the two ministers ; but if they cannot agree between themselves, then the elders and deacons shall see to it that on the fastal days services shall be held alternatingly by each of the ministers. Should funerals occur simultaneously in the two congregations, and that the friends of both the deceased desire their own pastor for the burial, then the pastor of the one who died first, if it be possible, shall preach his funeral sermon first, but in such manner that the second burial be not unnecessarily delayed.
Art. VII The elders and deacons whose pastor preaches shall have precedence in the deacon's pews and they shall supress all mischief and disorder in and about the church. Otherwise no member shall have any precedence over another member to any scat in the church.
Art. VIII Each congregation may conduct their Holy Communion serivce, accord'no' to their own church order, and whenever thev desire, however only on their own Sunday. The elders and deacons of the other congreeation, shall see to it when one of the two congregations celebrate the Lord's Sunper that there shall not arise a discussion or disturbance on account of u=ual denominational customs, and in particular that no minister be affronted during the services.
Art. IX The vessels which are employed in the holy sacraments as well as the necessary church cloths and collection bag (Klingelbentel) shall be joint- ly provided and jointly used. ,
Art. X The alms which shall be received on Sundays and the festal days s'^all be jointly administered and employed as follows: — One year an elder or a deacon of one congregation shall receive the alms monev. and the followine vear an elder or a deacon of the other conereration shall receive it; everv year there shall be an accounting and the surnlus shall, either in money, or bv a note, be handed over to the succeeding custodian. If anv imorovements or repairs be made at the church or the schi^ol hou^e, yet to be built, or other necessary exnenses arise thev shall be raid out of the joint alms, or provided by a joint collec- tion.
Art. XI If a s-ift or legacy shall be given or left to this union church, the same shall be jointly em- ployed, ard no congregation shall have any prior claim to it.
Art. XII Onlv one church book shall be kept in which the children that wi'l be baptized in each of the two cons-rep-ations shall be entered ; which shall be kent in the church or the s-hool house. There shall also be onlv one key to the church, and also to the cuoboard in the church, and they shall be kept in the school house.
Art. XIII The place of burial or churchyard of this union church shall also be union, and no one of any of the two congregations shall have any
82
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
prerogation on this already mentioned union place for burial and it shall be fenced in as soon as possible. The elders and decons shall see to it in particular that good order be maintained on the place for burial.
Art. XIV
Since the instruction of the young in reading, writing and the like is of the highest importance, therefore we shall build a school house as soon as possible, and that under the following regu- lations :
1st SECTION. The school house shall be erect- ed jointly on a common piece of ground, neai the church.
2d SECTION. As soon as the union school house shall be built, a capable person who at the same time leads an upright life, shall be elected by a majority of both congregations as schoolmaster and chorister. (The first teacher may be a member of either the Lutheran or Reformed denominations). Should however the schoolmaster conduct himself unseemly and of- fensively, or should be partial (denominationally) in his instruction or be too ignorant or too indif- ferent, he may, after being once or twice admon- ished by the pastors, elders and deacons, be dis- missed by a majority of the votes cast by both denominations.
.3d. SECTION. If for example a schoolmaster adhering to the Evangelical Reformed faith be elected for a period of three years he may at the expiration of three years, if he has proven himself worthy both in teaching and in life, be re-elected for three more years by a two-third vote of the Lutheran congregation and by a ma- jority vote of the Reformed congregation. But if he is no more agreeable to two-thirds of the Lutheran congregation and the majority of the Reformed congregation, then shall a schoolmaster of the Evangelical Lutheran faith be elected by a majority vote of both congregations, but only for a period of three years. However, if he is agreeable at the expiration of three years to two- thirds of the Reformed congregation and the majority of the Lutheran congregation he shall he elected for three more years, or dismissed by the same vote, so that a scholmaster may remain as long as he behaves himself properlv, and is re-elected according to the above prescribed man- ner.
4th SECTION. The reverend ministers, elders, and deacons shall intelligently see to it that good order is kept in the school, and that each child is properly taught in its studies, and that no partiality be shown [in teaching the doctrines of the denominations.]
Art. XV Should however again a dispute arise con- cerning matters pretaining to the church or the school, of whatever kind, in either or both con- gregations, the matter in dispute, if it pertains to both congregations shall be adjusted by the pastors, elders, deacons and several members of both congregation^. If however the contention is only in the one congregation the pastor, elders deacons and several members of that congrega- tion shall adjust the matter, and whenever pos- sible be kept from the secular courts.
Art. XVI If one of the two congregations, may it be which it may (from which however the Lord preserve us) will not adhere to these articles, but desire to break and ignore the same or any one of them, so shall that congregation be ac-
counted as the disturber of the harmony and peace and shall forfeit its right in the church ; and shall not be allowed to hold any services in it until they fulfill and come up to the broken article. This XVI Article is for no other pur- pose, but that through it all strife and all dissen- sion may be prevented and that peace and har- mony may abide and endure forever.
Art. XVII It is agreed that on the 24th of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety the cornerstone of this union church shall be laid ; at which solemn celebration, the two neighboring reverend pastor, the reverend pastor Daniel Lehman on the Lutheran side, and the reverend pastor lohann Hcnrich Hclffrich on the Reformed side, shall deliver sermons suitable to the occasion.
Art. XVIII
These articles, which the members of both con- gregations have accepted and promised to ob- serve, and which have been undersigned in the name of the two congregations by the chosen building committee and made legal by the aiSxing of their seals, besides a confession of faith [catechism] of each of the Evangelical congre- gations as well as a short account of the govern- ment under which we live, shall be placed in the cornerstone, as an abiding memorial ; and a copy of these already mentioned articles, shall be en- tered upon the church record for a continuous reminder, and a more strict observance.
That the members of both the Evangelical congregations, the Reformed as well as the Luth- eran, entirely approve all the articles of this document, and desire to keep them inviolable, we the undersigned building committee (the elders and deacons have not as yet been chosen) in the name of members of both congregations ac- knowledge with our hand and seal, done on the 24th of May Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety, and in the fourteenth year of the declared independence, by the thirteen states from the crown of England, and in the seventh year of the succeeding peace, at which time England acknowledged the independence of the states.
The elected building committee on the Lutheran side:
Jacob Herrman, Jacob Sweier, Michael Werlein.
The elected building committee on the Re- formed side :
George Pfister. Jermias Kolb, Peter Chsistman.
Herewith follows the S5'stem of government under which this church was built.
The system of government for the United States which was inaugurated last year, con- sists of a President, who is at present George Wasliiiigton, and a Vice President who is John. Adams, of a House of Senatorcn to which each state elects two, and of a House of Rcpraesentaten to which each state elects more or less accord- ing to its population. Our state has for the present eight Repraescntauten. As to the system of Government of our state, a printed sketch of it is deposited in the cornerstone which system was but lately in the month of .■\ugust recognized as permanent and binding. It was accepted and inaugurated in our state. The plan consists of a Gouverneur who is Thomas Mifflin, and of a
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
83
House of Senatoren and of a House of Reprac- sentanten. In the meantime two more states, namely Vermont and Kentucky, have been added to the thirteen States.
This union church was dedicated in the pres- ence of a very large concourse of people, on the 7th of August, 1791, by the Reverend Daniel Lehman and the Reverend Joh. Henrieh Helffrich after which both of the reverend pastors were elected and accepted by the congregations as their regular pastors.
The schoolmaster accepted by both congrega- tions is Abraham Dauber.
Because the building committee refuse to ac- cept the two offices of Elder and Deacon, since they had so much trouble during the erection of the church, therefore the following were elected :
On the Reformed side :
NiCOLAUS KlEFFER,
Georg Kemp.
Elders.
Johannes Siegfried, Simon Georg, Johannes Levan, Jr. Deacons.
On the Lutheran side :
George KistlEr^ Fetter Mattern,
Elders.
Johannes Bast, Abraham BiEhl, Nicholaus Kutz,
Deacons.
These articles were recorded in this book (in the church book) on the Qth of February, 1792.
Preamble and Constitution Governing the Schoolhouse
A school house of stone, having been erected, near by the church in Kutztown, in Maxatawny Township, Berks County, by both congregations, namely the Lutheran and Reformed, as a union school house, therefore we the undersigned build- ing committee of the above named school house and church as well as the church councils of both congregations do, in the name of both congre- gations, forever establish the following Consti- tution or Regulations and Directions.
1. An annual meeting shall be held every year in the month of November at which time five trustees shall be chosen from the congregations. The first year three trustees shall be chosen from the Lutheran congregation and two trustees from the Reformed congregation, and the next year three from the Reformed congregation and two from the Lutheran congregation, and so on al- ternating yearly, and they shall be elected by ballot. At all elections two judges shall be chosen from each of the two congregations, who shall conduct the election and read the cast ballots : and those receiving the highest votes shall serve for one year.
2. These five trustees shall have all care and control of the said school house, and they are hereby commanded or at least a majority of "them, to arrange every three months (Vierteljahr) with the Pastors, Elders, Deacons and several mem- bers from each congregation for an examination, and to conduct the examination in the presence of the schoolmaster, and to see to it with all earnestness that the instruction of the youth is not neglected. . . ■ , ■ , ' :
3. The schoolmaster shall be elected by ballot, and if two or three are nominated they shall be. in the manner already indicated, elected by the members of both congregations, and the one receiving the highest number of votes shall serve and reside in the school house. And he is hereb3' char.ffed with the duty of leading the singing in the Kutztown congregation, as well as to play the Organ at each service, also to teach in the school the children, with all earnestness to pray, spell, read, write, singing and to reckon, as well as, without discrimination, to teach the children of both congregations the Catechism, also in sum- mer to conduct catechetical instruction when there are no services, and to confer from time to time with the trustees on matters relating to the wel- fare of the school.
Further he shall ring the church bell, for which he is to be paid, every morning at eight o'clock and at noon at twelve o'clock during the whole year, except on Sundays when it shall be rung for services, according to our custom.
4. Should it happen that complaint be lodged with the trustees, against the schoolmaster resid- ing in the school house ; that he does not do his duty or fulfill his office, or that he discriminates between the children, or that he does not conduct himself soberly and discreetly, the trustees shall assemble and inquire into the matter. If they find the complaint sustained they may reprimand the school master and encourage him to do better. But if he shall not amend they, or a majority of them, shall notify him that, at the expiration of three months, he must remove from the school house. And they shall also make it known through the newspaper that a teacher is desired. As soon as one or more teachers have applied, the members of both congres^ations shall hold an election as above designated. In no case shall a teacher be elected for a longer term than one year.
5. And because in the said school house a room is also provided for an English school, the afore- said trustees are herewith instructed, next fall as early as possible, to engage an English teacher, who shall possess a good character and be able to speak, read, write and reckon well in English, for the winter and long_er if a sufficient number of scholars present themselves. If it should hannen that the English school be conducted dur- ing the whole year, then the English teacher shall be elected in the same tiammer as the German teacher.
6. The yearly elected trustees of the above mentioned school house shall, at all times, have charge of the building, and they or a majority of them are hereby instructed to keen it in "'ood condition, as well as provide the adjoining lots with stables and fences as they or a majority of them may see fit. Both congregations promise to pay their part, whenever it becomes necessary.
Approved and undersigned by the members of both congregations, as trustees of the church and school house, as well as the church council, this the fifteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord 1805.
Building Committee of the Church :
Jacob Herman Tacob Brobst
Peter Christraan David Klein George Pfister
Building Committee of Schoolhouse :
Jacob Levan, Jr. H»rnrich Heist
Jacob Kutz, Jr. John Bieber. Jr.
Elders of the Church:
George Kemp . . .Tacob Kutz
John Bieber - . Philip Meyer .
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CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Deacons :
Michael Heldenbrand Peter Schafer John Bieber, Jr.
Jacob Levan, Jr. John Kutz
To the above the committee adds a lengthy note in which they declare that the regulations shall be considered only as by-laws to the original constitution and where they differ to be ot no effect, so that the original constitution may remain unaltered; also that the deed for lots numbered 87 and 88, was given to the congre- <^ation ■May 6, 1804 by Jacob Herman, and the proprietors' deed bv Heinrich Kohler, according to the conditions of the original church regu- lations for school purposes. .
The late Rev. F. K. Levan, D. D., m a paper read before the Pennsylvania German Society, entitled ■•Ma.vataivnv Prior to 1800," relates an incident how his great-grandfather Co Feter Klein who late in life founded the village ot Klinesville, prevented one of these self appointed ministers from conducting services in the new church (1791)-
"One day he [Col. Peter Klein] was told that on the next Sunday there would be serv- ices in the church in Kutztown by a strange minister. So early on Sunday morning, he saddled his horse and rode to the town. He [being an elder] went to the sexton and got the keys of the church and then took his position on the steps of the entrance. He would not unlock and so prevented the ring- ing of the church bell. When the crowd be- gan to gather and questioned him he called attention to the resolution passed. The new minister was meanwhile at the tavern, and others with him. At last he, with his com- pany came. "What is the difficultv? was the inquirv." Let the minister show his papers. Well he had none, or had lost theni_ or for- gotten them. Then followed much Knimmcx und Grades. We can imaeine the scene and the opinions expressed — very varying. At last Col. Peter Klein grew tired of it, and stepping forward, he said with a meaning in his voice which his well known physi<-al strength amply supported : "Peter has the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and today no one enters in."
The following list of officers of St. John's union congregations are appended to the Laws and Reeulations in the pamphlet published in 1846. The dates affixed to their names show that they were in service in those years : but do not in every case, give the length of service. Thus Tacob Levan 1826-46 indicates that he served in the capacity of elder from 1826 to 1846. but his services may have begun a few years earlier and extended beyond 1846.
Eiders Reformed
Nicholaus Kieffer, 1791 George Kemp, 17QI-05 Philip Meyer, 1805-11 Jacob Levan, 1826-46 Philip Schaeffer, — -1846-?
Lutheran
George Kistler, 1791 Peter Mathern, 1791 John Bieber, 181 1-44 Tacob Kutz, 1822-46 Jacob Biehl. 1822-46 Heinrich Heffner, i8j6 Heinrich Xander, 1846
Deacons
Reformed
Johann Siegfried, 1791 Simon George, 1791 Johann Levan, Jr., 1791 Philip Michael, 1795 Philip Klein, 1797-9'^ John Fink, 1801 Peter Klein Jacob Levan, 1802 Peter Schaeffer, 1803-11 Abraham Wanner, 1806 Dewah Wink, 1809-13 Daniel Kemp, 1808-12 Philip Schaeffer, 1810-13 Johann Siegfried, 1812 Jacob Levan, 1813-18 Johann Mohn, 1813 Jacob Graff, 1816-22 John Wanner, 1820-25 George Kemp, 1821-23 Daniel Hottenstein, 1822-26 John Palzgrove, 1822-25 George Schafer, 1823-27 Daniel Kemp, Jr., 1826-28 John Fister, 1825-29 David Kutz, 1827-32 Jonathan Schmick, 1828-29 Jacob Levan, 1829-32 Wm. Heidenreich, 1829-34 John Rahn, 1832-35 Jonathan Bar, 1832-35 David Graff, 1834-39 Samuel Kutz, i8.'^5-37 John F. Levan, 1836-41 John Scherrer, 1837-42 George Kemp, 1841-46 Gideon Butz, 1842-46 Fayette Schodler, 1842-46
Lutheran
Johann Bast, 1791 Abraham Biehl, 1 791-95 Nicholaus Kutz, I79I-99 Jacob Esser, 1796-99 John Bieber, 1799 John Kutz, 1799 Abraham Merkel, 1800 Jacob Christ, 1801-03 Michael Heldenbrand, 1803-06 John Bieber, Jr., 1805 Solomon Kutz, 1806 Isaac Bieber, 1806 Heinrich Kistler, 1806 Gabriel Old, 1809-15 Conrad Schmelzer, 1810-12 Christman Schweier, 1811-12 Jacob Biehl, 1812-16 Daniel Merkel, 1816 Dewald Bieber, 1815-20 Jacob Bald}', 1817-21 Jacob Bieber, 1820-26 Daniel Biehl, 1821-25 Jacob Esser, 1825-29 Tacob Merkel, 1823-25 Jacob Heffner, 1824-28 Tacob Biehl, 1827-.30 Tohn Fischer, 1828-32 George Bieber, 1829-3.-! Daniel Merkel. Jr., 1830-,!^ Daniel Hinterleiter, 1832-36 Gideon Biehl, 183^-36 Georg Humbert, 18.^3-37 Peter Deischer, 1836-41 Tohn S. Bieber, 1837-41 Daniel B. Kutz, 1837-41 Heinrich Heffner, 1841-4S
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
85
Jacob Xander, 1841-45 Daniel Braum, 1841-46 Samuel Kutz, 184^-46 Heinrich CroU, 1845-46
Treasurer On January i, 1813, the office of Kassirer (treasurer) created at the annual congregational meeting, at which time Heinrich Heist was chos- en. No other name has been discovered except that of Benjamin Schneider to whom in 1844, as treasurer of the congregation the church keys were entrusted, "because at that time no teacher was hving in the school house." He was also the treasurer in 1846.
Trustees ov the Congreoation Reformed
George Pfister, 1789-1839 Jeremias Kolb, 1789 Peter Christman, 1789-1813 David Klein, 1805 Michael Scherer, 1813-28 Daniel Kemp, 1813 Charles Schmick, 1828-45 Jacob Graff, 1839-46 Jacob L. Levan, 1845-46 Daniel Kemp, 1846
Littheran
Jacob Herman, 1789-1805 Jacob Schweier, 1789 Michael Werlein, 1789 Jacob Probst, 1805 Nicholaus Ernst, 181 1 Johann Bast, 1811 Daniel Merkel, 1822-46 Heinrich Heist, 1844 Daniel B. Kutz, 1844-46 George Humbert, 1846
Trustees of the Schoolhouse Jacob Levan, Jr., 1805 Jacob Kutz, Jr., 1805 John Seigfried, Sr., 1814 John Bieber, 1805 Heinrich Heist, 1805 Jacob Schweyer, 1814
New Building
For four score and six years the people of Kutztown and vicinity worshipped in the old church. However as the congregation increased the peed of a larger building was felt and on April 4, 1876, the joint vestry decided to sub- mit the erection of a new edifice to the congre- gations, .''u the vote taken on the 17th of the same month it was found that two hundred and seventy-nine favored a new building and seventy- seven were opposed to one. Preparations were immediately made for the building of a new structure and the following committee appointed to solicit subscriptions : Charles Rahn, Charles Deisher, George Bieber, David Schaeffer, Jacob Sunday, Charles Kutz, Jonathan Bieber, John Christman, George Kutz, John Kemp, W. Rahn and Jacob Rahn.
In the presence of a great multitude of people, on Whitsunday, June 4th, the corner stone was laid. The exercises were continued on Whit- Monday which in former years was regarded as a holiday. On the morning of Sunday preached Rev. B. S. Smoll, assisted by Rev. J. S. Herrmann, and the afternoon of the same day. Rev. B. Weiss, from Lenhartsville, from the text I Cor. 3, lo-il. The corner stone was laid by Revs. J. S. Herrmann and B. E. Kramlich, assisted by the
elders of the congregation. In it were deposited the following articles ; A Bible, a Lutheran and Heidelberg Catechism, Sacramental Wine and Wafer, the names of ,the officers, coins, a silver dollar, donated by Dewalt Kemp, with his name and year engraved on it, the Lutheran "Zeit- schrift," the Reformed "Hausfreund," and the "Kutztown Journal" ; also a document containing a resolution that the congregations shall remain Lutheran and Reformed as long as five members in good standing shall desire it. On Monday morning Rev. B. Weiss preached again, and in the afternoon. Rev. D. Humbert, of Bowers. The old cornerstone was again laid by Rev. J. S. Herr- mann, who also delivered an affecting address. In it were deposited an old Bible, presented by Charles Kutz, of Kutztown, an old Hymn Book, the old Constitution of the congregations, with all the names of the officers to the present time, a silver Quarter Dollar and a Five Cent piece, donated by the old bell-ringer, Charles O'Neal.
The church was dedicated the following year, October 28, 1877, by the pastors in charp^e, Revs. J. S. Herrmann and J. J. Cressman. They were assisted by Revs. E. V. Gerhard, D. D., and N. C. Schaeffer, D. D., Reformed, and bv Revs. J. B. Rath, B. E. Kramlich and L. Groh, D. D., then president of the Conference, Lutherans. The structure is a fine example of church architecture of its period. It has a seating capacity of one thousand besides a large basement used for Sunday School purposes.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS
The history of the Sunday school in Kutz- town is almost coextensive as to time with that of the borough. The first Sunday school was established about 1826. For the history of this important branch of church activity for the first half century we are indebted to Professor Ermen- trout, in whose "Historical Sketch" we find ;
About fifty years ago [1826] under the name of the "Kutztown Sunday School Union," was or- ganized the first Sunday School. It occupied an independent position. Prior to that time religious instruction was imparted to the young by the preachers, and, during the summer, on the Lord's Day, by the organists who also taught the daily parochial school. In the fatherland it was, and still is, the custom that, on every Sunday after- noon, to the children, assembled in the church, xvas explained the catechism by the preacher. But, as the pastors here were over-burdened with work, it became necessary that what is now known as the Sunday School, should be organized. The opposition to it, which at first was strong, soon gave way. Soon, in addition to the one just mentioned, were established the "German Re- formed and Lutheran Sunday School," and the "German Reformed Sunday School." Thus, at one time, three schools vied with one another in training up the children in the way which they sought to go. The last named school having drained the first one named of its members, on April 24, 1868, there was established iu place of the "German Reformed and Lutheran Sunday School," an exclusively Lutheran one. Of the latter the first Superintendent was E. D. Bieber, who also now fills the same office.
The first Union Sunday School — Reformed and Lutheran — was organized by Rev. J. S. Herrmann, who also, for a number of years, acted as Sup- erintendent. Even before he became pastor in Kutztown, he had taken a deep interest in the religious education of the young. Of those who either superintended or taught Sunday Schools
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
in our borough, we name Augustus Boas, Esq., now of Reading, and cashier of the "Savings Bank in that city," David Neff, Wm. Mason, Miss Ella Davis, now wife of Rev. Henry Miller, a Lutheran preacher, and Miss Mary Miller, now the wife of Dr. Schlouch, of South Easton, Pa. ; and last, but by no means least, Mr. John G. Wink, a veteran in the service, who, during a period of fifty years, has, in various ways, been connected with Sunday Schools, and from 1846- 1857, presided over the Reformed school of this town.
The second Sunday School Union, of Kutz- town, was organized May 26, 185 1, by the Evan- gelical German Methodist Association. Its first Superintendent was Elias Hoch. Its present of- ficers are, John G. Wink, Suet., H. S. Mohr. Asst. Supt., Treasurer and Secretary, D. B. Sny- der, Librarian, F. Reppert.
Of the German Reformed School, as a sep- arate organization, Allen Hottenstein, Esq., was the first Superintendent. It is now under the able management of Prof. J. G. Neff and num- bers about ISO scholars. —
At present (1915) each congregation has a Sunday School as one of its regular depart- niTts.
St. John's Union Church
REFORMED PASTORS Rev. John Henp.y Helfrich Rev. John Henry Helfrich was born at Mos- bach in the Palatinate, October 22., 1739 and died December S, 1810. He was educated at Heidel- berg University and was ordained to the holy ministry in the month of September 1761. He arrived in Pennsylvania in 1772 and was assigned to the Maxatawny charge. During his ministry he served the following congregations : — Kutz- town, Bowers, Longswamp, Western Salisbury, Unper Milford, Trexlertown, Weisenberg, Low- hill, Heidelberg, Lynntown, Ziegel ; in addition to these he frequently supplied neighboring congre- gStions. During the Friess insurrection he ap-
peared before the authorities at Easton pleading for his people especially those of Macungie and Upper Milford, who were induced by wily leaders to engage in a foolish rebellion. He was clerk of the Reformed Coetus (Synod) in 1776 and again in 1785, and president of the same body in 1777 and 1785. During his ministry he bap- tized 5830 and confirmed 4000.
Rev. Charles Gebler Herman
Rev. Charles Gebler Herman was born in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., October 24, 1792, and died" in Maxatawny, August 4, 1863. In 1810 he became the pastor of the Maxatawny charge and contnnicd for more than half a century, re- tiring in 1861. During his long ministry he served the following congregations : — Kutztown, Bowers, Huff's, Oley, Windsor, German's, St. Peter's, Dunkel's, Weis, Zion, Fogelsville, Mertz- town and Lehigh. Five of these congregations were organized by him. At his retirement the charge he served was divided and he was suc- ceeded by his two sons, Sassaman and Alfred J. With the death of the later, several years ago, a succession of ministers of the gospel of or teachers in the Reformed Church for a period of over three hundred years was broken. Rev. A. J. Herman, a grandson of Alfred J., has again taken up the gospel ministry. Thus while a link betwen the two is missing their services overlap and succession chronologically continues.
Rev. J. Sassaman Herman
The Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, son of the Rev. Charles G. Herman, succeeded to the pas- torate in June, i86i. He prepared for the min- istry in Lawrenceville, Chester Co., Pa., studying theology under Dr. L. Frederick Herman and the Revs. Mr. Guldin and Albert Helfenstein. He preached, while yet a student, in English at St. Vincent's and Brownback's, Chester county. He was ordained in Siegfried's (Maxatawny) Church, Sept. 8, 1835, by the Revs. F. E. Vander- sloot, A. L. Herman, and Thomas N. Leinbach. Together with his father, he served for eight years sixteen congregations. In 1844 he became sole pastor of Weiss', Grimsville, Dunkel's, Wind- sor, St. Peter's, Fleetwood, Huff's, and New Jeru- salem churches. Of the Kutztown congregation he became pastor in 1861. He was greatly in- terested in community affairs and in education. He was editor of "Der Hirt," sending out with each number also "The Kutztown Advertiser." It was largely through his efforts that Fairview Seminary, indirect predecessor of the Kej'stone State Normal School, was established. At tht time of his death, January 7, 1889, he was pastor of St. John's, Kutztown, and of three other con- gregations. He attained the age of 70 years, 8 months, and 27 days. He is buried at Kutztown. He was succeeded in the pastorate of St. John's by
Rev. John HiEster LEinbach
Rev. John H. Leinbach, son of Rev. Aaron S. Leinbach, D. D., was born in Reading, Pa., January 14, 1853. He received his early training in the public schools oi Reading. In 1875 he was graduated with honors from Franklin and Marshall College. Upon graduation from the Easte.'- 1 Iheclog'cal Seminary in 1878 he was or- dained ti the holy ministry and assisted his fath- er. In 1880 he became pastor of St. John's congregation, Kutztown, serving in addition St. Peter's congregation and St. Paul's, Amityville. After an illness extending over the greater part
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
87
of a year he died August 26, 1895. During the illness of Rev. Leinbach and the vacancy caused by his aeLth, the congregation was supphed by Reverends C. E. Schaeffer, D. D., Secretary of the Board of Home Missions ; J. G. Rupp, Field Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions; Geo. W. Richards, D. D., Professor of Church His- tory in the Eastern Seminary and Prof. H. M. J. Klein, Ph. D., Professor of History in Frank- lin and Marshall College. His successor Rev.. E. H. Leinbach was installed October 4, 1896.
The present officers of St. John's Reformed congregation are ; Elders, Daniel S. Angstadt, James G. Treichler, George F. Wink and Irvin O. Sensenderfer ; Deacons, William D. Kieffer, Solon E. C. Kutz, Nervin P. Smith and John D. F. Wink ; Trustees, Alvin J. Miller, Charles A. Kutz, Albert S. Sarig and Cyrus P. Rahn.
During the present pastorate the Heidelberg League and the Zwingli Missionary Society were organized. There is also a well organized Sun- day School connected with the congregation of which George J. Schaeffer is Superintendent and Paul W. Metzger Assistant Superintendent.
This was a Union Sunday School until May 8, 1892, when it became exclusively Reformed. Also on the sth of June, 1892, a constitution, exclusive- ly Reformed, was adopted. The congregation now has a separate organist, choir and treasurer, in fact, there is nothing that is union but the building. Both the congregation and the Sunday school are in a flourishing condition ; the former number about 37=^, and the latter 360.
LUTHERAN PASTORS
Rev. John KnoskE
Rev. John Knoske was born June 24, 1779, in Herrenstadt, near Breslau, Schleswig, Germany. Shortly before his first birthday anniversary his father brought him to Berlin where he obtained both military and academic training. He came to America in 1801 and the following year was licensed to preach and was ordained at Harris- burg, June 1810. He took up residence in Kutz- town, upon succeeding Rev. Lehman. He gradu- ally drooped some of the more distant congre- gations of the charge and from 1840 until his retirement in 3849 he served onlv one congre- gation besides that of Kutztown. He removed to Reading, where on September 24, 1859, just three months after having reached the mile post of four score years, he died.
Rev. Daniel Koheer
Rev. Daniel Kohler was born in Northumber- land County; studied theologv at the Gettysburg Seminary and was ordained in 1838. In 1839 he became the pastor of St. John's, Kutztown, and continued until 1852, in connection with which he served at various times the congregation of Oley, Friedensburg, Bern, Lobachsville, Price- town and Upper Milford. At the last session of the Ministerial, April 7, 185,3, it was ordered that the name of Daniel Kohler "be stricken from our Roll of Alinisters."
Rev. Gustav Adolph HintereEitEr, D. D.
Rev. Gustav Adolph Hinterleiter, D. D., was born in Weisenberg, Bavaria, October 2, 1824. He came to America in 1849 and became assist- ant to Rev. W. P. Kramer in Bucks County. In the early part of 1852 he became the pastor of the Kutztown congregation. In addition to which he also served the congregations of Fried-
ensberg, Oley, Lobachsville, New Jerusalem and Dunkel's. In 1866 he removed to Pottsville, where he was pastor of the German congrega- tion until he was partially disabled by a paraly- tic stroke. He was the father of thirteen chil- dren, eight of whom survived him at the time of his death, March 13, 1901.
Rev. George Frederic SpiEker, D. D.
Rev. George Frederic Spieker, D. D. was born at Elk Ridge Landing, Maryland. He was gradu- ated from the Baltimore City College in 1863 and from Mt. Airy Seminary in 1867. The same year he became the pastor of the Kutztown charge, composed of the congregations at Kutz- town, Moselm and Pricetown. In 1883 he re- moved to Philadelphia, where he became the pastor of St. Michael's congregation. He was called to a professorship in Mt. Airy Seminary in 1895 in which he continued until the time of his death. He was married to Hannah Hoch, a daughter of William Hoch. Dr. Spieker edited for a time several Lutheran publications and published a number of standard Lutheran works. His son the Rev. Charles Garash Spieker died recently.
Rev. John J. Cressman
Rev. John J. Cressman, son of Abraham J. and Lydia (Frutchey) Cressman, was born at Peters- ville, Northampton County, June 10, 1841. He entered Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg in i860, and was graduated in 1864. In 1863 he enlisted in the Company A, Twentv-sixth Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Militia. He was taken pris- oner and paroled at Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. Upon graduation from Mt. Airy Seminary in 1867 he became oastor of a congregation in South Easton and continued for a tieriod of ten years. In connection with his pastoral duties he was prinicapl of the Easton High School for six years. In 1877 he became the pastor of St. John's congregation, Kutztown, and continued until the time of his death, January 15, 1915. In connection with St. John's, Rev. Cressman served the congregations of North Heidelberg, Frieden's, Bernville and Bethel until 1901. He was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. J. W. Bittner, November 1, 1914.
In 1896 the Union congregation was dissolved and there now exist two distinct congregations. The building is however still used by both con- gregations, and is used by the Lutheran congre- gation every alternate week. The congrega- tion numbers 340 communicant members, while there is an average attendance of 313 in the Sunday School. This congregation has three sons active in the ministry : "The Rev. Milton Bieber, Field Missionary of Canada, The Rev. George Shiery, Millersville, Pa. and The Rev. Edwin L. Miller, Boston, Mass.
The officers and members of the church council are : President, Rev. J- W. Bittner ; Secretary, Charles Herbein, and Treasurer, Austin Herman ; Trustees, George Schuler, Toel Trexler, Charles Herbein, and Samuel M. Smith ; Elders, Edwin Kutz, Joshua Angstadt, James O. Herman and Milton Wessner; Deacons, Dr. H. W. Saul, Har- rv Miller, Jeremiah Benecoff, and William Wess-
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Trinity congregation had its real beginning when a Lutheran Sunday School was organized
88
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Trinity Lutheran Church and Ministers of the Congregation
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
89
on April 24, 1868, by a number of members of the old St. John's congregation, of town. This was followed by the erection of a Chapel on the ground now occupied b}' Trinity Church. The Chanel was dedicated during Christmas week of 1875, by the Rev. G. F. Speiker, D. D., oastor of St. John's congregation. The dedicatory ser- mon was preached by the Rev. D. K. Humbert. The other pastors who assisted in the dedica- tion services were Revs. B. E. Kramlich, S. R. Home, D. D., W. B. Fox, and Irwin W. Beiber.
Trinity congregation was organized on May 27, 1876. Its first Church Council consisted of the following: Elders, Richard Miller, John H. Humbert, Esq., Daniel Hinterleiter, Sr., Jacob R. Heffner ; Deacons, Daniel K. Springer, Sam- uel W. Wiltrout, Clinton Bieber and Eugene D. Bieber ; 1 rustees, Isaac F. Christ, Daniel Yax- theimer, Jacob Hinterleiter, Peter Krause. The Rev. G. F. Spieker, D. D., having resigned as pastor of St. John's congregation was unanimous- ly elected pastor of the newly formed congre- gation He served the congregation until Sept. 30, 188.3.
The congregation worshipped in the Chapel until 1894 when the present edifice was erected. The Building Committee consisted of Chas. W. Miller, Walter B. Bieber, Wm. G. Hinterleiter and Chas. D. Herman. This committee also served as Finance Committee and throu.gh their untiring efforts, and the liberal contributions of the members the building was dedicated prac- tically free of debt. The organ was .eiven by Mrs. Hannah Biehl as a memorial to her hus- band and son. In 1912 the parsonage was pur- chased and during the present year the congre- gation has built the present commodious parish house and Sundav School rooms.
Rev. Wm. Albert Christian Mueixer
Rev. Mueller was born at Charlestown, South Carolina, April 15, 1857. He received his aca- demic training in the gymnasium of Zwebonesken, Baravia Seminary. He was graduated from the Mt. Airy Seminar}' in 1878. In 1884 he became the pastor of the Kutztown charge and con- tinued until September 28, 1890, when he removed to Warren, Pa., where he remained until Jan- uary 1892 when he became a pastor with his father, the Rev. L. Mueller, D. D., of St. Mat- hew's congregation in Charlestown. Upon the death of his father in 1898 he became the sole pastor.
Rev. Sydney L. Harkey, D. D.
Dr. S. L. Harkey, D. D. was born in North Carolina, April 3, 1827. With his parents he re- moved to Illinois. He received his academic training in the Hillsboro Academy and the Penn- .sylvania College. He studied theology with his brother. Dr. Simon W. He was licensed in 1848 at Cumberland, Maryland. In 1862 he served as chaplain in the army. During his long ministr\' he served a number of charges in the middle west. For several years he taught in the Augus- tana Theological Seminary. He held many posi- tions of honor and trust in the Lutheran church. Anions them were president of the Illinois Synod 18.^6-1860, of the Synod of Illinois and Adjacent Lakes 1867-1869, Secretary of the General Council 1885-18S7, and President of the Reading Confer- ence. He served Trinity congregation from 1891 to 1901. He published a number of books on art and music. He died at Kutztown September 23, 1901, and was buried in Fairview cemetery.
Rev. Ernst P. Pfatteicher, Ph. D.
Rev. Ernst P. Pfatteicher, son of Rev. Ph. and Emma (Spaeth) Pfatteicher, was born at Easton, July 28, 1874. He received his early training in the Easton Academy, Real Schule at Eislingen and the Easton High School. He was graduated from Lafayette College in 1895 and the Mt. Airy Seminary in 1898. From 1808 to 1902 he was assistant to Rev. Theodore Schmauk, D. D., Salem, Lebanon. In January 1902 he be- came successor to Dr. S. L. Harkev as pastor of Trinity congregation, Kutztown. He resigned in October of the same year to become the pastor of Trinity congregation, Norristown. Dr. Pfat- teicher is a fine scholar and frequently contributes to the perodicals of the Lutheran Church.
ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
St. Paul's congregation is the outgrowth of a Reformed Sunday School organized prior to 1881.
This school sometimes met in halls and sometimes in public school buildings until the erection ot the church. The congregation was organized by a committee appointed by Lehigh Classis at its annual meeting in the spring of 1886, on March 12, 1887. The corner stone of the church was laid on Whit Sunday 1886 by Rev. Edwin A. Gernant, then pastor of Zion's Reformed, Allen- town, Pa. The church was dedicated April 13, 1887. Rev. N. S. Strassburger preached in the morning, at the afternoon service the Rev. A. J. Herman tJreaching. The church was dedicated and the officers were installed, who were : Elders, David Kemp, Isaac Wagonhorst, Edward Hotten- stein, M. D., and Lewis B. Butz : Deacons. Isaac L. DeTurk, Alfred Neff, Cyrus J. Rhode. WilHam Stimmel ; Trustees, Nathan S. Kemp, William S. Kutz, David Moyer and J. Daniel Scharadin. The building committee under whose supervis- ion the church was erected were : David H.
90
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Hottenstein, Lewis B. Butz, Nathan S. Kemp, Ed. Hottenstein, M. D., Rev. Nathan C. Schaeffer, D. D., LL. D., William F. Stimmel, J. Daniel Shara- din and Alfred G. Xeff. The Rev. G. A. Schwedes was the first pastor of the congregation, serving from June 1888 until September i, i88g. He was succeeded by Rev. F. B. Hahn, who served until Februar}', 1893. Rev. Hahn was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. George B. Smith, February ID, 1893.
The original edifice has been enhanced by stained glass windows and the installation of a pipe organ. In 1913 a suitable Sunday School b.uilding was added. The membership is about
Grace United Evangei,icai, Church
five hundred. Besides the Sunday School, the Ladies' Aid Society and the Woman's Mission- ary Society have proven valuable auxilaries to the congregation.
The present consistory is composed of elders : A. C. Rothermel, Litt. D., Charles W. Snyder, Dr. Elwood K. Steckel, Charles M. Fisher • Deac- ons, Eugene P. DeTurk, Ezra Hottenstein, Harry W. Klein, Edwin Slonecker, Byron Stein and Lewis M. Rahn.
Rev. Frederick B. Hahn
Rev. Frederick Bender Hahn, son of Richard and Sophia (Bender) Hahn, was born in Plain- field Township, Northampton County, Pa., Sep- tember 8, 1847. He received his classical train- ing at the Keystone Normal School, Mercersberg Academy, Franklin and Marshall College and his theological in the Eastern Theological Seminary. He was ordained June 30. 1878. Between the time of his ordination and his coming to Kutz- town, he served the following congregations : Greenville, Pa., Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland Co., Pa., Meadville, Pa., and the EngHsh Congrega- tion Reformed in Cleveland, Ohio, the latter of which he organized. He accepted a call from the Kutztown charge (St. Paul's and St. Peter's, Top- ton) in 1889 and continued until Feb. 7, 1893,
when he became pastor of the two newly organ- ized mission congregations in Reading, Faith and St. James. Here he labored faithfully until the time of his death, May i6, 1901. He is survived bv his wife, R. Ella Briedenbaugh and four chil- dren, Mary, Edith, Ruth and John.
One of Rev. Mr. Hahn's daughters. Miss Ruth, has been for some years serving as trained nurse in China, a missionary of the Reformed Church.
GRACE UNITED EVANGELICAL
The first sermon by a minister of the Evan- gelical Association, delivered in Kutztown, was by the Rev. Bishop John Seybert, April 12, 1828, in the house of Peter Neff. From this time on until 1848 occasional services were conducted in private houses. In 1850 a congregation was or- ganized, the lot on Main street purchased and a meeting house thirty-five by forty-five feet erected. The structure was of brick and cost eleven hundred dollars. The trustees who were also the leaders were : Jacob Stoudt, Solomon Elv and Beneville Klein. The last service in the old meeting house was held on May 6, 1885, after which it was demolished and the present hand- some structure erected at a cost of six thousand dollars. The building committee consisted of D. B. Snyder, John R. Gonser, Rev. W. H Weid- ner, Silas K. Hoch and H. B. Mohr. The Sun- day School was organized May 26, 1851. The congregation was known as Salem's.
At the time of the church division in 1892, during the pastorate of Rev. S. Buntz, the build- ing was vacated and Grace United Evangelical congregation was constituted and for a time worshioped in Music Hall. John R. Gonser, an ardent supporter of the church, purchased the same and later donated it to the congregation. The Sunday School has T. S. Levan as its sup- erintendent and the Y. P. S. of C. E. has as its president, Scott A. Melot. The present Board of Trustees being D. W. Kline, P. S. Heffner, Robert Schlegel, Silas K. Hoch and Aaron Silsdorf.
Many of her pastors have become enrolled in the "Choir Invisible." During the pastorate of Rev. D. P. Longsdorf, a modern parsonage was erected on Walnut street.
The following have been its pastors and the time they have served, (*) the mark indicating those who have died : *J. Farnsworth, 1845 *C. Holl, 1846-47 *T. C. Reisner, 1848 *W. L. Reber, 1849 *Isaac Hess, 1850-51 *H. Bucks, 1852 *Isaac Hess, 1853 *W. L. Reber, 1854-5S *Toseph Frey, 1856 *Daniel Wieand, 1857-58 *A. Ziegenfus, 185Q-60 *Edmund Butz, 1861-62 *T. P. Leib, 1863 *R. N. Lichtenwalner, 1864 *Tacob Zern, i86';-66 *A. F Leopold, 1867-68
F. Sechrist, 1869 *C. Gingrich, 1870-71 *Moses Dissinger, 1872 *Toseph Specht, 1873
F. Sechrist, 1874 *A. Ziegenfus, 1875-76
D. S. Stauffer, 1877-79 *A. L. Yeakel, 1880
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
91
*A. Ziegenfus, 1881 *r. Laros, 1882 *']. L. Werner, 1883 *VV. H. Weidner, 1884-86 *Daniel Yingst, 1887-89 *.T. \V. Whoerle, 1889 *Edniund Butz, 1890-92
Stephen A. Buntz, 1892-96 *A. L. Erisman, i8g6
H. C. Lutz, 1897
W. L. Teel, 1897 *D. F. Kostenbader, 1891-1902
H. L. Yeakel, 1902-06
I. J. Reitz, 1906
H. J. Kline, 1907-11
D. P. Longsdorf, 1911-15
S. N. Dissinger, 1915 On the rear end of the lot a number of the early adherents of the denomination lie buried among them Reuben Stoudt.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
EarIvY Interest in Education
From the beginning the people of this section, Kutztown, Maxatawny, and contig- uous townships, have been deeply interested in education. In large measure what Dr. Benjamin Rush wrote in 1789, in his "Ac- count of the Manners of the German In- habitants" of Pennsylvania, has been true of those who settled this valley. In his book one may read :
"All the different sects among them are par- ticularly attentive to the religious education of their children, and to the establishment and sup- port of the Christian religion. For this purpose they settle as much as possible together, and make the erection of a school house and a place of worship the first object of their care. They commit the education and instruction of their children in a peculiar manner to the ministers and officers of their churches : — hence they grow up with prejudice in favor of public worship and of the obligations of Christianity. Such has been the influence of a pious education among the Germans in Pennsylvania that in the course of nineteen years only one of them has ever been brought to a place of public shame or punish- ment."
In 1743, the residents of Richmond town- ship adopted the following provision :
"It is our most earnest desire that the teacher, as well as the preacher, shall be fairly compensat- ed so that he can live with his family as an honest man, without being obliged to engage in any business foreign to his occupation. To this end the teacher and the preacher shall have the land and the house on it free, as long as they officially serve the congregation."
The Earliest Schoolhouses Where the first schools in this section were located, when they were built, and the names of the teachers who taught in them are matters, apparently, now not discover- able. From the foregoing resolution of Richmond residents it may be inferred that there was a school connected with the old R^oselem Lutheran Church. There was
such a school, a church or parochial school, standing near the old Maxatanien Reformed Church along the Saucony, on the Nicks farm, now owned by Cyrus J. Rhode and John K. Deisher, a short distance south- east of Kutztown. It stood on the "New Maxatawny Road," leading from Oley to Levan's (See history of "the Old Easton Road.") The school house, the last vestige of which has long since disappeared, is sup- posed to have been built of stone, as was also the church. When the large stone house of Daniel Levan, now the property of Professor John J. Hottenstein, was erected, the stone of the abandoned church, and, possibly, of the school house also, were used in its erection. Tradition states that the church was erected in 1755 and that may be assumed as the approx- imate date of the erection of the school house. Neither is shown on Shultz's map of the Easton Road. I75S, church and school house stood on a tract of five acres which Daniel Levan set apart for church and school.
The Earliest Teachers
Who the first teachers were none can tell. It is on record that Frederick Hoel- wig, of Longswamp, and John Valentine Krafift, of Richmond, were teachers in this section prior to 1752. The Maxatawny Church School House was occupied for school purposes, most likely, until the erec- tion of the new parochial school in Kutz- town in the early years of the nineteenth century. It is said that Peter Christman, grandfather on their mother's side, of Messrs. Zach T., and Jefferson C. Hoch, who was born about 1779, attended this school. Philip Geehr (born in German- town, Pa., died in Kutztown, 181 7), son of the pioneer Conrad Geehr and brother of
92
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Baltzer Geehr, after attending the schools of Philadelphia, "later taught two years in Maxatawny."
The Redemptioxer Schooe Master
In the "Chronicon Ephratense," a book printed at Ephrata in 1786, written by two of the brethren of the Order of the Solitary in the cloister there, and translated a few years ago by the Rev. Dr. Max Hark, we may read a most interesting story of a pioneer school master, possibly the first in Maxatawny, certainly one of the first, and not impossibly the teacher, or one of the teachers, in the old stone school house on the Saucony, of which mention has been made if that building was erected earlier than the traditional date. Briefly told the story is as follows :
Johannes Siegfried (See "Siegfried Fam- ily ' history,) was one of the earliest set- tlers of Maxatawny. One day, in the year 1737, or thereabouts, he went to Philadel- phia, possibly to market produce and to get in exchange for it such articles needed in his household as were not produced on the farm. While he was in the city a sale of redemptioners took place.
Redemptioners, in German called, Eosk- aeuflinge," were immigrants to .\merica who, because they had not the money to pa}' for their passage across the ocean, were sold, on their arrival at the port of entry, by the ship's captain, into temporary slavery, by which arrangement the captain reimbursed himself for the expense to which he had been put in bringing these immigrants to America. These unfortunates were sold for a varying term of years, for such time as their purchasers might think their labor as servants would requite the buyers for the money demanded by the ship-master. The system which was inaugurated about 1725 and which was, at least for a time character- ized by almost incredible abuses and hor- rors, continued for more than fifty years. Man_y of the most prominent families of German descent in these parts may trace their descent from ancestors who were re- demptioners, who suffered the extortion and misery attendant upon that system of im- migration.
Siegfried attended the auction of re- demptioners. He was not in need of a servant, but when a young man, an Eng- lishman, Thomas Hardie by name, was put up for sale and when the auctioneer, in re- counting the man's capabilities, informed the company that Hardie was well-educated, learned not only in English but in the languages and law, Siegfried, a good Mo-
ravian, bethought himself of the need that there was at home for a teacher of English for the young people of his and his neigh- bors' families. So he bid for the young man and by paj'ment of the sum demanded, secured him for the term of four years and brought him home with him as teacher for his children. Thus Thomas Hardie be- came, probably, the first teacher in Maxa- tawny township.
Whether Hardie was his real name is a question. It was, possibly, an assumed name. He was of noble birth. He had lived in London. His grandfather had been English Ambassador in Spain. His mother was a lady of Normandy. After complet- ing his education the youth "was awakened by God, on account of which he left his father's house," intending to come to .Amer- ica where he might join himself to one of the various mystical orders of the pietists of that time. His father attempted to keep him from leaving England, notifying of- ficials at all seaports to detain the youth. But the young man, disguised as a sailor, secured passage on a ship bound for Penn- sylvania. "On the voyage he threw his seal and everything by which his family might be recognized into the sea." His other property, money and all, which was, probably, not inconsiderable. Was stolen from him on the vo}-age b}' the rascally sailors, so that he arrived at Philadelphia penniless and "had to submit to the fate of being sold," and was bought by Siegfried, as has been told.
It has been stated that Hardie was learned in the law. This qualification proved of "great profit" to Siegfried into whose pocket came all the fees of this first lawyer in Maxatawny. Hardie "executed all neces- sary papers for the neighborhood, besides teaching school." As the end of the four years approached, Hardie was anxious to get away. Siegfried was just as anxious to retain so excellent a man and, in the effort to keep him, offered the youth the hand of one of his daughters in marriage This Hardie declined as he also did an additional inducement in the form of a profife/ed gift of one hundred acres of land. He had come to America to join the mystics and now he was determined to find them. So he left Siegfried's family, left his school, and left his practice of law.^
First he went to Bethlehem. There he met a reception from the Moravians less
•It would be greatly interesting if some one could find, among deeds and other legal docu- ments in possession of descendants of early set- tlers, any documents written by Hardie.
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
93
friendly than was to his liking, in conse- quence of which he fell ill, — "his wits were unsettled for the first time ; of which failing- he was never entirely free as long as he lived." One is inclined to think that his wits may have been unsettled before that, when he declined Siegfried's invitation to become his son-in-law. However that may be, recovering from his disorder, he made his way about 1742 to Ephrata, where in the Order of the Solitary he found con- genial spirits. After receiving baptism he was admitted by "Friedsam," (Conrad Beis- sel) into "the Convent Zion, and was named by the Brethren, Theodoras." He was ap- pointed to the office of "Translater from German into English." This office he re- linquished after six months, being moved to leave the convent because of the confine- ment which he could not endure and doubt- less also b}' a perennial wanderlust. He roamed about, exercising "the office of teacher in the back regions of the coun- try." He also engaged in preaching, in which, as the chronicler quaintly remarks, he "was frequently inspired ... so that often but httle more would have been need- ed to upset the table." At last he arrived at I^ittsburg. But then, after a time, he be- came impelled to return to Ephrata. As he was about to start on the return trip a friend narrated a dream in which he had received a premonition that Theodoras would die at Ephrata. Thinking to frus- trate this prophecy, Theodoras (fiardie) put ofif his intended visit, — but for a week only, when "a hidden hand moved him to take up the project again." So to Eohrata he returned, but as soon as he arrived tliere he fell ill and after brief suffering died and was buried by the Brethren, with unusual ceremony, in their little cemetery. There, in an unmarked grave, reposes the dust of Theodoras, (Thomas Hardie). first school teacher and first lawyer in ]\Iaxa- tawny township.
It may be of interest to note that one of Hardie's pupils, one of the daughters of Siegfried, first patron of learning in this valley, a daughter who as tradition asserts was the first white child bora in this val- ley, becoming the wife of John Rothermel. of Windsor township, became through that alliance ancestress of the present talented and capable principal of the Keystone State Normal School, the Rev. Dr. A. C. Rother- mel. What a coincidence this is that, on an occasion such as this — centennial of the bor- ough, semi-centennial of the great school, which indirectly had its remote origin in the labors of a redemotioner school master - — the eminent head of the school, which is
thus the fruition of hopes and efforts of generations of pious Germans, should be a descendant of the man who brought to the valley its first school teacher !
The St. John's Parochi.m. School
On Walnut street, a short distance east of the St. John's Union Church, there still stands an ancient stone building. This is, or rather was, the Parochial School of the St. John's Reformed and Lutheran con- gregations. The old Union Church, (See "History of the Churches") was erected 1 790- 1 791, and was dedicated August 7th, 1791. At a meeting of the two congrega- tions, held November 9th, 1789, it was re- solved that a school house should "be erect- ed jointly on a common piece of ground, near the church." Some delay seems to have taken place, and the school house was not erected for ten or more years. It was com- pleted, however, as the records show, be- fore March 15th, 1805, on which date a meeting was held at which was adoptea a "Preamble and CDnstitution Governing the School House." (See "History of the Churches.")
Not much has been preserved, even by tradition, as to who the teachers were. From the (printed 1846) copy of the church records containing the constitution and reg- ulations of the united congregations, entered in the church book on February 9th, 1792. it is learned that the school master accepted by both congregations was Abraham Daub- er. Where he taught before the erection of the school house, or whether he taught at all. is not known. Benjamin Geehr, ( grandfather of Miss Katie L. Geehr) was for a time the German teacher in the school. He was a .great singer, noted es- pecially for his "leading" the hymns at funerals. Alexander Ramsey is said also to have been a teacher, of English, in the old school, and while so engaged was elect- ed teacher for the Franklin Academy James (?) Leidy has also been named as one of the later teachers in the parochial school building. The constitution, adopted March i.sth, 1805, gives interesting details as to qualifications demanded of the teach- er and as to the branches to be taught and other duties to be oerformed by him.
The "baumeister," or building committee, ni the school house were Jacob Levan. junior : Jacob Kutz, junior : Heinrich Heist ; and Tohn Bieber, junior.
The school was, evidently German, but the school house was built with two room=. one of which was to be for an English teacher, who was to be eneaged bv the trustees early in the fall of 1805. The Eng-
94
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
lisli school was to run during the winter "and longer, if a sufficient number of schol- ars present themselves," in which case the teacher was to be chosen regularl_v in the manner prescribed for the choice of the German one.
Records are not obtainable to inform us
as to how long this parochial school was continued. It remained open, probably, un- til Kutztown accepted the public school sys- tem and, for the first years thereafter, the old building seems to have been used for the newly established public school.
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The Oi,d Parochial Schooi< House
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Legislature of Pennsylvania inaugu- rated the public school system on the loth of April, 1834. Four years later, in 1838, it was accepted by the authorities of Kutz- town.
Prior to this time the care of the instruc- tion of the children was intrusted to the churches. A short distance east of Kutz- town, there stood the first church, founded in 1755. "It had its school, which stood as late as 1812." When the church was re- moved to the town itself the same idea was carried into efifect. The pastors, elders, and deacons had charge of the school and saw to the appointment of the teacher. This authority was later given over to Trustees. The first schoolhouse was built in 1804. In 1805 arrangements were made for an English teacher.
"The house erected was a double build- ing, one-half of the first story being divided into two school-rooms and the other formed the teacher's residence." — Peniia. School Report, 1877.
These schools received their revenue to pay the teacher generally by charging each
child in attendance a certain amout per day, generally from one and one-half to two cents. Of, therefore, the attendance num- bered 50 pupils, the pay was from 75 cents to $1.00 per day. Very often the attendanc;; was much larger, thus increasing the teach- er's income. It is to be noted that at this period the teacher was, as a rule, also the organist, which enlarged his pay.
However, as the Free School System was adopted all this changed. L'nfortunately we have no records of the Public Schools of Kutztown until 1855. From this record we learn that an advanced school was taught in the house now occupied by Zach. C. Hoch. Students from the surrounding districts were admitted at the rate of $7.50 a quarter. We also note that in the same year a summer school was conducted by Plannah Hall. From 1856 to 1862 this ad- vanced school was put into the schoolhouse connected with the church.
The first School Directors in 185=; of which we have a record were: Elias Jackson, president; H. B. Von Schnetz, secretary; Chas. Kutz, treasurer; Daniel R.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
95
Levan, and Augustus Capp. Mr. Von
Schnetz having died while in office, J. D.
Wanner was appointed in his stead. The
teachers, with their salaries of this same
then owned by John Miller. They tore down the old two-roomed building and erected the four-roomed building now used as a shirt factor}^. The directors who inaug-
Oi,D PUBi,ic ScHooi, Building (Now Iviebovitz Textile Mill)
period, were the following: No. i, George Shinn, $30.00; No. 2, Isaac Von Sickel, $25.00; No. 3, Lizzie Gotwalts, $20.00; As- sistant, Sarah J. Von Schnetz, $5.25. Term 5 months.
urated this movement were: H. F. Bickel, president; H. H. Schwartz, Esq., secretary; Daniel Zimmerman, treasurer ; Augustus Springer, Dr. Charles A. Gerasch, and Aaron B. Manderbach. The teachers were :
The Public School Building
In 1862 the school quarters were found to be insufficient for the accommodation of the pupils, the school directors saw fit to purchase a lot back of the old schoolhouse,
Principal, John Humbert ; Robert VV. Jack- son and Daniel E. Schroeder. Term : 6 months. We move ahead nine 3'ears and find that in the year 1880-81 the school au-
96
CEXTF.XMAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVX
thorities again felt the need of additional accommodations ; they now had five schools with only four rooms on hand. At this time the High school was transferred to the old town hall with F. K. Flood, now at- torney at Reading, as the principal. Un- fortunately the minutes during this period are lost, so we cannot give the names of the School Board under whom this change was inaugurated.
In 1892 a great forward movement was put into effect by purchasing from Augus- tus Wink half of the grounds on which the present substantial and commodious eight roomed building was erected. The directors of 1892 were: D. L. Wartzenluft, ^resident : Isaac F. Christ, secretary; N. S. Kemo, treasurer ; C. J- Rhode, U. T. Miller, and L. A. Stein, and the teachers of 1893, who for the first time occunied the new building, were : High School, Geo. C. Bord- ner : Grammar, Alice Hottenstein ; Interme- diate, Laura W. Gross ; Secondary, Rosa Christ ; Primary, Annie Stein. Miss Stein h^ving resio-ned before the term was ended, Mary B. Fister was elected in her place. Term : 8 months ; salaries, ranging from $45.00 to $25.00.
In 1909 the High School was raised to the standard of a Third Grade High School and was so recognized. The teachers then were: High School, Geo. A. Schlenker; Gramn-iar, H. B. Yoder ; Intermediate, Mar- garet Bean ; Secondary, Louise Fenster- macher. and Primary, Jeiniie Heilman. Salaries, from $70.00 to $50.00. T!ie direc- tors : Walt. B. Bieber, G. C. Bordner, A. \\\ Fritch, Jno. H. Barto, Dr. X. Z. Dunkelber- ger and Geo. Glasser. Mr. Barto died dur- ing the term and H. A. Fister was apopint ed in his place.
The following year the grounds were en- larged by purchasing five additional lots, and in 191 2 Kutztown led the schools of the county by purchasing and erecting play- ground apparatus.
Still further improvements were made in the year 1912 when the High school was raised to a Second Grade school by adding one year to its course and employing an ad- ditional teacher. And a second move of nrogress was inaugurated in 1915, when h landscape gardner was engaged to man out a plan for beautifying the grounds by planting trees and shrubbery. In 1913 and from that time on the board also engaged a Supervisor of Alusic. The present board consists of Geo. Glasser, Geo. .A. Schlenker. Ceo. C. Bordner. H. A. Fister, and Dr. H. W. Saul. Dr. Saul was anpointed in place of O. D. Herman, who resigned. The teach- ers who will have charge in fall are : Prin-
cipal, R. M. Rentschler ; .Assistant Principal, H. B. Yoder; Eighth Grade, C. F. Levan ; Seventh Grade, Laura I. Keck ; Sixth Grade, Helen S. Seidel ; Fifth Grade, Esther L. Schmehl ; Fourth Grade, Arline R. Smith ; Third Grade, ]\Iabel R. Levan ; Sec- ond Grade, Katharine Y. Ruth ; First Grade. Myrtle W . Steffy ; and Superintendent of Music, Geo. W. Fichthorn. The salaries range from $105.00 to $55.00. Term, nine months.
It is worthy of note that the following persons, at one time or another teachers, were in a subsequent period of their lives elected to the position of school director : Tohn Humbert, Allen W. Fritch, .Allen S. Hottenstein, James H. IMar.x, D. L. Wartz- enluft, C. I. G. Christman, G. C. Bordner, H. .\. Fister, and Geo. A. Schlenker.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
During the second quarter of the nine- teenth century there were a number of pri- vate schools opened and conducted, for a longer or shorter time, in Kutztown. The aspirations of the people of the connnunity for higher education were not satisfied by what the parochial or the public school supplied. Of several of these schools vers little is known.
Hon. William S. Ermentrout is said to have conducted a private school in the bor- ough, but no further information than this has been elicited by diligent inquiry.
In 1847 Prof. G. Dering Wolff '"opened a select school at the solicitation of a num- ber of citizens. It was numerously attended and served its purpose for a number of years."'
M.ason's "P.\y School"
For some fifteen years, approximately from 1835 to 1850, a certain "Professor" (William' ?) Alason conducted a "Pay School" in Kutztown. The school occu- pied, for the whole or a part of the time, an old weatherboarded log building which stood on West Main street, on the site now occupied by the fine home of Mr. John Gonser. The house was the home of Paul Ililbert (deceased October, 1876), father- in-law to Dr. Charles H. Wanner. The lloor is described as being of rough oak boards, badly warped. The room was heat- ed b\" a heavy cylindrical wood stove. One authority avers that the school was not conducted continuously in this building, but was moved from place to place, first to
'Montgomerj', "History of Berks County," p. 865.
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
97
James Dietrich's, near the first location, and later successively to Samuel Snyder's house (where C. W. Snyder has his photo- graph gallery), and to Joshua Bieber's store building — in each of the last three places one year each. Another, still living, authority says that during its last year or years it was housed in the old "Swan Inn" ( Wan- ner-Hoch-Gross house.) These discrepan- cies are, apparently, inexplicable at pres- ent.
Mason is described as being " a very dis- tinguished looking man." He was accus- tomed to take a morning walk along the road leading to Lyons. Some country chil- dren coming to town one morning met him at the Coffeetown quarry as he was on one of his pedestrian trips. They were school
the school, giving instruction in art needle- work, so that the introduction of the man- ual arts into Kutztown schools is' not so recent as has been supposed. Mrs. Helena Biehl, (then Helena Kutz) now resident at West Main and Schoedler streets, was a pupil in Mason's School, taking lessons in this art work from Mrs. Mason. The ac- companying illustration is from a photo- graph of a large and remarkably well exe- cuted, especially for a girl of eleven years, sampler made under the direction of Mrs. Mason. The sampler shows, with evi- dent accuracy of detail, the old St. John's Union Church and the Franklin Academy just across White Oak street. So far as known it is the only contemporary picture showing these two buildings. It is accur-
Sampler worked b\ Mrs. Helena Biehl when a pupil in FRA^KI.l^ AcADtiviv (Showing the Old Union Church and thi Fr<.i.klin Acadtmy ;
children attending the parochial ( ?) school. "We were afraid of him because he seemed so gay and stylish and spoke English, while we spoke German only." (Mrs. Wynne).
He is said to have been an excellent teach- er. He had a library' and sold books — pos- sibly acted as colnorteur. Mrs. Wynne, (then Elizabeth Neff), remembers having secured a book of Bible biographies from him.
He married a "lady from Pricetown. 'for money' as the gossips said." The marriage occurred soon after Mason came to town. The pair had two sons, the elder thirteen or fourteen years of age when the familv left Kutztown. There was also a daugh- ter. Mrs. Mason assisted her husband in
ate even to the number of panes of glass in the windows.
Other pupils in Mason's School were: Mrs. Joshua Merkel, (then Matilda Kemp), mother of Mrs. John DeTurk; Mrs. Michael (then Catharine Ortt) ; her brother, Mr. Tames Ortt, a veteran school teacher of UoDer Alilford township, Lehi°:h county; John D. Deisher ( father of Henry K. Deish- er) ; and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Butz.
Other than his wife, "Sir. Alason had no assistants. The school, especially after the opening of Franklin \cademy and because of the competition with that institution, was not a financial success, and so, about 1850 Mr. Mason left Kutztown, going to Tus- caloosa, Alabama, where he was reported
98
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
to have secured the principalship of a school or schools, at a salar}' of eighteen hundred dollars.
The Franklin Academy
At the west corner of the intersection of Walnut and White Oak streets stands a building of peculiar interest to the stu- dent of Kutztown histor)' who is, also, in- terested in matters educational. It is a plain, low, frame, weatherboarded building, with windows set with small panes ot glass after the fashion of the olden time. At present it is the home of Miss Mary Miller. Around this humble building cluster num- erous associations. For some 15 to 20 years it was the home of a school of higher in- struction which rendered great service to the community and which, though it was at
The Franki,in Academy
last comlpelled to close its doors, was the indirect predecessor of the splendid Normal School which is now the glory of Kutztown and all this section.
Franklin Academy was opened in the year 1835. It was established to gratify the wish of many of the people resident in this vicinage for a more extensive secular education than was supplied by the churcli school. It was founded by a number of citizens who organized themselves into an "Acadeni}' Club" association. There were eighteen persons in the club. Of these, the names of the following were given by ari aged friend whose memory failed to recall the names of the others: Arnold (a Tew),' "Captain" Daniel Bieber, George Bieber,
John Bieber, Biehl, Jacob Esser,
(the hatter), David Fister, Graeff,
Jacob HefTner, "King" David B. Kutz. "Butcher" Levan, Henry Neff, and "Squire" Wanner.
Alexander Ramsey, who was teaching in the parochial school, was called thence to be the first teacher of the new school which, during the first year of its existence, was conducted in the stone house of Israel Ben- ner, the jeweler of the town, on the east side of White Oak street, about midway between the alley and Walnut street. In the academy were taught, besides the rudi- mentary branches, "geography, history, composition, declamation, book-keeping, geometry, surveying, etc."
Ermentfout remarks unon this school that "Thus was drawn in this section the first line of separation between secular and re- ligious education, and the first attemot made to withdraw from the clergy the sole direc- tion of the schools." (p. 42).
The school was so much of a success thai its natrons determined to erect a building for its occuoancy. This, the wooden build- ing referred to, was erected during the year i8'=;-^6. Here Ermentrout (p. 42) may be followed further. "From an advertise- ment in 'The Neutralist,' August 21, 1836, by Daniel Bieber, Secretary of the Associa- tion, we learn that, in order to furnish bet- ter accommodations, the Association had just erected a new building which would be opened for students on the following September i ; that the number of students was limited to thirty-three : that no pupil would be received for a less time than six months ; and that the terms for this period were ten dollars.
"In order to draw the annual appropria- tion of four hundred dollars which the State ofifered to an academy' that had on its roll twenty-five students, the Frankliii [Academy] was incorporated in 1838. Its first trustees were Daniel B. Kutz. Daniel Bieber. Col. John Wanner, David Kutz, Dr. C. L. Schlemm, David Deisher, and Henry Hefifner. Among its teachers were Alex. Ramsey, Rev. Charles Lukens. Messrs. Murphv, Wanner, Kohler, Hill, Bitler. Sal- ter, and Woodbury."
Whether these are named in order of suc- cession is not known. The name of
Wolf has been given as that of one of the teachers. Whether this was George D. Wolfif, mentioned above as having a private school or whether Wolff's school there men- tioned was really the Franklin Academy, is uncertain.
'He conducted a store where the Shankweiler Brothers now do business.
CEXTEXXTAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
99
Some details as to several of these teach- ers have been gleaned from an elderly friend who retains some memory of them. The Rev. Charles Lukens was from New Eng- land and is characterized as a "grand teach- er." Timothy Miirphv was "an Irishman with considerable of a brogue," but he was "an excellent teacher." He had a wife and three children. After teaching several years he found the income insufficient for his sup- port and quit the school, leaving the town.
Finally, as interest in the public schools increased, the support given to the academ\- decreased, it was not possible to retain or secure teachers, and the school was about to pass out of existence. It had an excellent library, we are informed, and this was of great value to the students and to the community. Among the pupils who, at- tending the academy, became prominent in the town later in life were: John G. Wink, .\ugustus Wink, J. Daniel Wanner, Joel B. Wanner, and Jonas Hoch. The latter gentleman used to recount to his children some amusing incidents relative to a teacher whom he had by the name of Bragg. Whether the latter was a teacher in the academy or in the old parochial school can- not now be determined.
Fairview Seminary
The Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, pastor of the St. John's Reformed Church, was greatly interested in the social welfare of the community and in education as neces- sary for the same. Franklin Academy' hav- ing closed its doors and the public school failing to provide for more than elementary education, Rev. Mr. Herman conceived the idea of starting a school of higher educa- tion in his larafe house just west of town.
With this idea in mind. Pastor Herman, attending the meeting of the Synod of his denomination (probably in the autumn of T858 or 1859), met there the Rev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart, (from iS^S to 1866, President of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancas- ter : subseauentlv Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology in the Reformed Theological Seminary at Mercersburar and later at Lancaster). To Doctor Gerhart Mr. Herman communicated his purpose and succeeded in enlisting his interest and co-ODeration in carrying out the scheme. Asked to recommend a teacher, Doctor Ger- hart suep'ested the name of a vomiq- man, Henrv R. Nicks, who. born in the Palatinate on the Rhine, had. after coming to Amer- ica in i8'i2 and attending school as opnnr- tunitv aflforded. g-raduated from FranVlin nnd Marshall Colleee and afterward ^-^d tanght successfully in the Preparatory De-
partment of that institution. Doctor Ger- hart then took up the matter with Mr. Nicks with the result that the latter accepted the proposal of Pastor Herman.
Mr. Nicks came to Kutztown and, on the iSth of November, i860, opened the school in Herman's house. The name "Fairview Seminary" was adopted as the title of the new institution, the title being suggested as will be narrated in the story of "Fairview Cemetery," on another page. From the school the house, long the home of Col. T. D. Fister, received its well known designa- tion of "Fairview Mansion." With Mr. Nicks were associated, as assistant teach- ers, John Humbert, Esq. and Harry Weand.
Five pupils reported the first day. One
Rev. E. V. Gerhart, D. D.
of these was Nathan C. Schaefifer, now the illustrious Superintendent of Public Instruc tion of the State of Pennsylvania. Thi, second day a sixth pupil was enrolled, and by the end of the week nine pupils were in attendance. The school grew slowly but surely, and a firm foundation was laid for the institutions that succeeded this one. Early in 1863 Pastor Herman sold the prop- erty to Egidius Butz. Mr. Nicks was con. seauently obliged to vacate the house and "Fairview Seminary," after an existence of three years, closed its doors.
Kutztown Semin.vry
The school was not, however, really c'osed, when Professor Nicks left "Fair- view Mansion." Possibly he intended giv- ing up the work in Kutztown, but again
lOO
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
credit must be given to Doctor Gerhart for encouraging the young teacher. It is on record that letters passed between the two during this period. As a result of the en- couragement thus received Professor Nicks re-opened his school in August, 1863, un- der the name of "Kutztown Seminar)',"' in a room on the upper floor of the old brick public school house (now the Leibovitz shirt factory), in the room toward Normal ave- nue. Here until July, 1864, the school was conducted with renewed vigor and, appar- ently, gratifying success. A. S. Hottenstein. who was, later, the first superintendent of the Model School of the Keystone State Normal, served as assistant to Professor Nicks during the spring of 1864. Among the pupils attending the Kutztown Semin- ary were: Nathan C. SchaefTer, Walter B. Bieber, Elton S. Bieber, Aaron Mander- bach, Cyrus Wanner, Zach. T. Hoch, and Zach. T. Miller.
Maxatawny Seminary
When, in the spring of 1863, it became apparent that the Herman house would have to be vacated, Mr. Nicks was much dis- couraged, and wrote to Doctor Gerhart ask- ing help in securing another position. Doc- tor Gerhart replied urging him to keep on at Kutztown, promising himself to visit the people and to help in raising money for a new building. This letter of Doctor Ger- hart was probably written on Saturday, April 25, 1863, as is inferred from a record in Doctor Gerhart's diary. Then, on Fri- day, May I, he came to Kutztown, spend- ing 'the evening with Herman and Nicks, on Saturday visiting the people of the com- munity for the purpose of interesting them in the project of putting Mr. Nicks' school on a permanent basis. But, in the interests of historical accurac)' in a matter so im- portant as this which led within a year or two to the founding of the Normal School, it is well to put on record here the original story as it is found in Dr. Gerhart's diary, recently consulted for this puroose by the Rev. Dr. George W. Richards, Professor of Church History in the Seminary at Lan- caster.
Extract From Diary of Dr. E. V. Gerhart
' "[Monday], May 4th, [1863]. On Fri- day [May i] go to Kutztown, where I spend Saturday and Sunday. — Friday Eng^ vis- Rev. Herman & the "School." Satur- day [May 2] read and write in A. M. P. M. vis' a no" of families in county & town, conferring with them in regard to perm-
anent establishment of Mr. Nicks vSchool. Wrote to Eliza & Geo. Noll.
"Sunday [May 3] P^ Isa. 53 : 6 at Fleetwood for Rev. Gromly'', Lutheran, and assist in adm" H. Com'. Dine & return to Kutztown and P"* at 21/0 P. M. on 2 Cor. 13:3. Sup with Dr. Wanner.
"Monday [May 4], confer with ]\Ir. Nicks, vis- Rev. Herman. Draw up papers for joint Stock Co. Return home by 6."
These first days of j\Iay were pregnant with results for this community. In a re- cent letter from Dr. N. C. Schaeiifer, this reminiscence of Doctor Gerhart's visit is given :
"I remember the visit. He and Mr. Nicks visited by father's home. | David Schaef- fer's in Maxatawny, some distance east of Kutztown]. I opened the gate for them. We were in the barn threshing grain. I wore a black hat that resembled the head gear of an archbishop. But such things did not bother me in my boyhood.
"The first subscription, of $500, was made by Jacob Sunday, the grandfather of Pierce [and Jacob] Kemp. This encouraged Mr. Nicks so much that he continued to raise the money after Doctor Gerhart's return to Lancaster."
From time to time, as records in Doctor Gerhart's diary show, Nicks received let- ters from his Lancaster friend. At last ht. succeeded in raising $5,700 dollars, in hund- red dollar shares. Of these he took four himself. Five acres of land, at $275.00 per acre, were purchased and on this ground was erected a building, fifty feet by forty, which later became the eastern wing of the Kevstone State Normal School. Into this building, to which was given the name of "Maxatawny Seminary," the school was moved in September, 1864.
On the building, planned to cost some- what less, $6,500 was expended. Ermen- trout says that Doctor Gerhart mapped out the plan of the building. The school pros- pered. Professor Nicks had as his chief assistant. Professor Samuel Transeau, a graduate of FrankHn and Marshall Col- lege, later Citv Superintendent of the Public Schools of Williamsport, Pa. In the spring of 1865, Prof. John S. Ermentrout, then Superintendent of the Public Schools of
1 Evening.
=Vi.sit.
•' Numljer.
■•Preach.
"Rev. B. E. Kramlich.
"Administering.
"Holy Communion.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
lOI
Berks Co., taught a class of young people intent on becoming teachers. About that time Superintendent Ermentrout conceived the idea of converting the school into the Normal School of the Third District, if State recognition could be secured. The project had been broached before but until Professor Nicks had made a success of his school there was little likelihood of the realization of the idea. Professor Nicks allowed himself to agree to the scheme, for scheme it now seems to have been, a scheme which, when the new school was recognized by the State, depr^ived him of the expectert fruits of his labors, since Mr. Ermentrout succeeded in winning the principalship of the Normal School while Mr. Nicks was accorded a subordinate position.
That this was an ill requital of the lat- ter's efforts is evidenced by papers yet ex- tant which prove conclusively that both con- tributors to the erection of the building and Mr. Nicks himself expected him to be- come the owner. Nicks held an option on the property, by the terms of the original subscription which read :
"The said share-holders, each and every one of them, agree to transfer their stocks or any of them to the said H. R. Nicks at their par value, at any time he, the said H. R. Nicks, re- quests them or any of them to do so, and as soon as the said H. R. Nicks shall have purchased all the stocks or shares from the shareholders, the title of the said premises shall be made to him, the said H. R. Nicks, by good and lawful deed of conveyance, and he. the said H. R. Nicks, shall become the sole pronrietor and owner of the said premises and establishment."
During the year of the existence of A'lax-
atawny Seminary proper, and the year in which, as the proposed Keystone State Nor- mal School it waited for recognition, in- deed for some time thereafter, Professoi Nicks paid interest, at six per cent., on the stocks that he did not personally own. As an instance, on April 6th, 1866, he was given a receipt for $28 "interest on stocks of Maxatawny Seminary for August ist, 1865, to April 1st, 1866," signed by Jacob Sunday, the first contributor.
But the control of the school was taken from him, to his own great disappointment and to the great indignation of some of his ardent friends and supporters.
But, by and by, the controversy stibsided, Nicks took a stibordinate place, gave up, unwillingly, no doubt, his claims, worked awhile in the new Normal, and finally left to become President of Palatinate College, Myerstown. While there he became a licensed clergyman of the Reformed Church.
Whatever the merits of the claims of the parties to the controversy that attended the founding of the Normal School, and it now seems certain that Professor Nicks was not fairly treated, it is yet true that, without doubt, his loss was the gain of the com- munity in the years from then to now, for it is hardly probable that, had he fully suc- ceeded in his plans, there would be today the magnificent school that crowning Nor- mal Hill, celebrates its semi-centennial this year. Certainly, though he did not intend it to be so, Prof. H. R. Nicks must be ac- corded the honor of being the most active among the founders of the. Keystone State Normal School, the story of which imme- diatelv follows.
Old (First) Buildings of Keystone State Norm,\l School
102
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
KEYSTONE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
The histon- of the Keystone State Nor- mal School is vitally connected with that of the private schools which preceded it, a history told in some detail in the last pre- ceding pages. A few additional details are here added, with perhaps a few repetitions. Prof. H. R. Nicks was the first and princi- pal teacher of Fairview Seminary. He op- ened the school with five pupils : Erastus Bast, O. C. Herman, Jefferson C. Hoch, Nathan C. Schaeffer (later for sixteen years principal of the Keystone State Normal School and, since 1893, Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of P'ennsyl- vania), and Miss Clara Wanner. "^
OLD (First) buildings of keystonjj statf,
NORMAL
The school prospered under Professor Nicks; by April, i6bi, he had fort3r-one pupils on the roll and in the spring of 1863 there were eighty-five. In the fall of 1863, as has been narrated, the school was moved to Kutztown and conducted, in a room of the public school, under the name of Kutz- town Academy. The school continued to prosper. During 1863 and 1864, through the influence of Professor Nicks, five acres of land were purchased, where part of the Normal buildings now stand, and on that tract was begun the erection of a larger brick building. Into this structure, which cost $6,500 and which, occupying part of the site of the present Boys' Dormitories, became later the northeastern wing of the Keystone State Normal School, in the fall of 1864, Kutztown Academy was moved and there conducted under the new name of Maxatawny Seminary. Professor Nicks continued as principal, associated with him- self, in the fall of 1865, the Rev. Samuel Transeau, as assistant, who remained with the school till 1867, removing in 1873 to Williamsport, where for a number of years he servecl as City Superintendent of Public Schools.
As early as 1857 the location of the State Normal School of the third district, com- posed of the counties of Berks, Lehigh, and Schuylkill, was discussed. In that year, in an address delivered at Reading, the
Hon. H. H. Schwartz, then Superintendent ot Schools of Lehigh County, advocated the claims of ivutztown as the most suitable sue tor the proposed institution. In 1862 the Rev. B. E. Kramlich suggested that Professor Nicks' "±'airview Seminary" be converted into a State Normal. Ihe Rev. John S. Ermentrout, Superintendent of the Berks County Public Schools, favored Ham- burg as a better location. Professor Nicks, however, was the individual who worked hardest and did most, accomplishing what others merely talked about. In 1863 he entered into correspondence with the Hon. Thomas H. Burrowes, State Superintend- ent, in order to ascertain what steps were to be taken to secure recognition of the school as a State Normal School. In the spring of 1865 a number of public school teachers were gathered into ^Maxatawny Seminary and there given formal pedagogical instruc- tion by County Superintendent Ermentrout. When the success of Maxatawny Seminary had been assured. Professor Nicks proceed- ed to interest the community in the greater project. As the direct result of his ad- vocacy, of the measure and his own sacrifice of time and money an organization was ef- fected in the summer of 1865 and funds were speedily subscribed for the erection of two additional buildings, a central build- ing and a wing on the northwest, similar to the Maxatawny Seminary building which, after the erection of the two new edifices formed the northeast wing of the completed structure, the whole representing a frontage of 240 feet, "with boarding accommodations for 300 and school accommodations for 400 students." The cornerstone of this struc- ture was laid September 17, 1865. by Sup- erintendent Ermentrout. In the corner- stone "were deposited, among other things, the Bible and the Apostles' Creed."'
Addresses on this occasion were delivered by Hon. J. Lawrence Getz, William Rosen- thal, Esq., Daniel Eermentrout, Esq., Llew- ellyn Wanner, Esq., and Prof. Albert N. Raub. The building, erected by Mejsrs. Garst and Mast, of the city of Reading, was completed within a year at a cost of about $40,000.-
To this result, bv his indefatigable labors.
^After laboring at the above mentioned place [Kutztown] a little more than three years, the number of students has been increased from five to ninety. — From extract from a letter written by H. R. Xicks to Hon. Thos. H. Burrowes, copied in a note book by Mr, X'icks, (about 1863').
iR. S. N. S. Catalog, 1866-1867, p. 20.
=The catalog for 1866-67 says that "the cost of the buildings and grounds is about $50,000." This however includes the expenditure for Maxa- tawnv Seminarv.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
103
Professor Nicks contributed very material- ly. The people of the community, notably the Hottensteins, the Biebers, Dr. Charles A. Gerasch, Solomon Christ, and David Schaeffer, by liberal contributions, made the undertaking" a success. For the Normal were subscribed $18,300, which with the $6,500 given for the seminary previously, made a total of $14,800.'^
The first board of trustees was com- posed of the following gentlemen : Henry Bushong, Egidius Butz, Daniel Dietrich, - Rev. J. S. Ermentrout, David Fister, John H. Fogel, Jonas Hoch, Edward Hottenstein, M. D., J. Clancy Jones, Rev. B. E. Kram- lich, Diller Luther, M. D., Jonas Miller. Ullrich^ Miller, Rev. H. R. Nicks, H. H. Schwartz, Esq., David Shafer,^ Adam Stein, Lesher Trexler, M. D., and J. D. Wanner, Esq. Lewis K. Hottenstein was president of the board of trustees ; David H. Hotten- stein its secretary. Lesher Trexler, M. D., was president of the board of stockholders and Jonas Hoch secretary. Charles Ger- asch, M. D., was treasurer of the new school.
At a meeting of the board of trustees held August 4, 1866, formal application was made to the Hon. Charles R. Coburn, State Superintendent of Common Schools, for recognition of the school as the State Normal School for the Third District, com- prising the counties of Berks, Lehigh, and Schuylkill. On Thursday, September 13, 1866, W. Worthington, George Landon, S. Elliot, Thaddeus Banks, J. S. Ermentrout, (as Superintendent of Berks County), Jesse Newlin, (Superintendent of Schuylkill), and E. J. Young, ( Superintendent of Le- high), inspectors appointed by the State Superintendent, inspected the school and recommended its recognition, and on Sep- tember 15th, two days later, Superintendent Coburn issued a proclamation recognizing the school by the name of the Kevstone State Normal School, the corporate title borne by it to the present.
The "Officers of Instruction" as given by the first catalog were: "Rev. J. S. Ermentrout, A. M.," Principal, and Profes- sor of Mental and Moral Science, and of Theory and Practice of Teaching; Rev. H. R. Nicks, A. M., Associate Principal, and Professor of Mathematics and Phvsics ; Al- bert N. Raub, A. M., Professor of English Language and Literature, and of Vocal Alusic ; Rev. Samuel Transeau, A. M., Pro- fessor of Ancient Languages and History ;
Edward T. Burgan, M. E., Superintendent of the Model School, and Professor of Pen- manship and Book Keeping; Rev. G. F. Spieker, Professor of German Language and Literature; Lesher Trexler, M. D., Lec- turer on Anatomy, Physiology, and Hy- giene ; Miss Julia E. Buliard, M. L., Teach- er of Instrumental Music, French, f^ainting, and Drawing; Miss Mary Morrison, Teach- er of Reading and Geography;
(not filled), "Teacher of Elocution; Peter S. Umbenhauer, Pupil Assistant." The first catalog, 1866-68, contains the names of 318 pupils, 263 of them male, 55 female.
The Rev. John S. Ermentrout served as principal until 1871 when he was succeeded by the Rev. A. R. Horne,^ A. M. After an absence from the school for three years. Professor Ermentrout returned in 1874 and served as Professor of Mental Science and English Literature (or "Belles Letters" as it was called at first) until 1881. In 1877 Dr. A. R. Home was succeeded in the prin- cipalship by the Rev. Nathan C. Schaeffer, A. M., who, after winning unusual distinc- tion and receiving honorary degrees from eminent institutions of learning, severed his connection with the school to become State Superintendent of Public Instruction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1893. The Rev. George B. Hancher, Ph. D., became principal in 1893 and served tiil 1899; since that time to the present the Rev. A. C. Rothermel, A. M., Pd. D., Litt. D., has been the efficient head of the institution.
THg HOUSING OF THE SCHOOL
The growth of the school has been steady and substantial. For more than twentv- five years past, building operations have been almost continuous. The earlier struc- tures were soon outgrown and larger edi-
'The Catalog sums it up as $24,600. evidentiv a typographical error. 2 So spelled in the first two catalogs.
^ After the retirement of Professor Ermentrout, Prof Nicks was elected principal of the Normal School. He was then serving as President of Palatinate College and declined to accept the position thus tendered to him as head of the school which he had founded.
The Western Union Telegraph Ccmpany Dated Kutztown via Topton, July ist, 1871. Received at Myerstown, Pa. To Professor Nicks,
Principal Palatinate College. The Trustees of Keystone State Normal School have today unanimously elected you Principal thereof.
PETER W. FISHER. 9.15 A. M.
This telegram has just been received at the office in the
Myerstown Post Office. Copy
I04
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
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fices, one b}' one, have taken their place until now, with the exception of a single three-storied brick building, known as "The Steward's Building," overshadowed by mas- sive piles around it, not one of the first erections remains. In 1880 the "Ladies' Building" or Girls' Dormitory was put up; in 1887 the "Chapel Building" was erected; in 1 89 1 the extensive northeast wing or "Boys' Dormitory" followed; in 1893 the old "Main Building" was demolished to give place to the great six-story "Center Building," costing $75,000^ ; in 1896 the necessities of the school produced a fine kitchen and laundry with a superb equip- ment; in 1898 a powerful electric light plant
designed, and erected at a cost of $50,000, was opened for use ; while the early months of 1909 witnessed the completion of a fine two-story brick hospital or infirmary, for the isolation and treatment of pupils who may fall ill while at school, a provsion for which it is hoped there may be little and infre- quent need. Beside this there is a great boiler house, which has been enlarged from time to time in order to furnish steam heat to recitation rooms and dormitories and power to run the machinery of the hydraul- ic passenger elevator ; the equipment of the laundry and the electric dynamos ; operating the pumping engine at the artesian well and water tower, the electric projecting lanterns
made coal-oil illumination an incident of history ; in 1900 the foundations were laid for a new "Model School Building" with an annex containing physical, chemical, and biological laboratories, and an ample audi- torium (the two costing $100,000) ; in 190S a splendidly equipped gymnasium, ornately
'The money for this Center Building was pro vided largely b\' the State, through an appropria- tion secured by the kindly activity and potent influence of Hon. C. W. Kutz, of Lyons Station, a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, whose interest in the movement was aroused by Dr. N. C. Schaeffer.
of class rooms and auditoriums, and the apparatus of the laboratories and laundry.
The New Library
There has just been completed a magnifi- cent library building. It stands on the north campus, directly across the Easton Road from the Main or Center Building of the Normal, some sixty feet from the high ■ way. It was erected at a cost of one hund- red and ten thousand dollars ($110,000). Its frontage is 82 feet and the depth, to the rear of the annex containing the book
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CEXTEXXIAL illSTORV OF KUTZTOVVN
stacks, 88 feet. It is fifty feet in height to the top of the dome. It is of tire-proof construction throughout, with reinforced concrete floors and stairways of steel with marble treads. There are no stoves in the building, which is heated by the vacuum system operated by a heating plant in the basement, cut off from the rest of the build- ing by self-operating iire doors.
The walls of the main building are of Mount Airy, N. C, granite— of the book stack annex, of white brick. The library is approached by a cement and brick check- ered pavement, leading from the sidewalk and extending the full width of the noble portico. In the center of this pavement is a circle in which will be erected shortly a large fountain, the gift of one of the classes. The portico, flanked by massive and majestic Grecian columns of granite bears on its en- tablature the word LIBRARY, above which is the monogram of the school. Through this portico one may pass into the simply but beautifully ornate arched corridor and thence to the superb rotunda, or central hall. The walls of this, as of the corridor are lined with polished marble. The floor is of tesselated marble, in the center of which is a monogram of the school, a wreathed keystone with the entwined letters S. N. S. On the wall facing the entrance is a beautiful circular clock with marble case, the gift of the class of 1914. The room, except for an encircling gallery, reaches to the base of the dome. This forms the ceiling which is of metal and rich stained glass. In the spandrels are beautiful allegorical paintings. In the sec- tional glass of the ceiling are the signs of the zodiac while the circular center lets mel- lowed light pass through a stained glass design representing Phoebus Apollo driving the chariot of the sun. From the rotunda on the first floor doors admit to a large reference room, a reading room, trustees' room, librarian's room, catalog room, retir- ing room, and to one floor of the book stack annex.
From this floor the grand twin stairwav-- of metal and marble lead to the rotunda gallery and the second floor. On this floor are a study room, the art gallery, and three museum rooms. Access to the book stacks may also be had on this floor. The furni- ture of all these rooms is massive, of the latest design, and admirably adapted to library purposes.
The basement contains, besides the boiler room and the first floor of the book stack, toilet rooms, and two museum rooms. In the basement is installed an electrically op- crated vacuum cleaner bv which the entire
building may be kept free from dust and dirt, ihe stack rooms are equipped with steel cases having adjustable shelving. The floors between the stories of the stack annex are of heavy clouded glass, providing all desirable illumination. The floors are con- nected by metal stairways.
Ihe wood work throughout is of beau- tifully finished quartered oak. The walls and ceilings are appropriately decorated. The building is well lighted by day through ample windows over each of which, on the outside, is carved the name of some notable author, British or American. The name of Shakespeare is cut upon the granite lintel of the entrance doorway. For illmuina- tion by night electric fixtures of choice de- sign and rich quality have been installed throughout. High above all rises a grace- ful dome, surmounted by a finial in form of a crown, the whole covered with copper, reflecting the beams of the rising or declin- ing sun.
Ground was broken for the erection of the Librar}' in March, 1913. Except for some minor touches in the wa}- of decora- tion, the structure was completed in the fall of 1914.
In the corridor is a large bronze tablet giving the names of the building committee, officials of the Normal School, architects, builders, and the like. The architects were Ruhe and Lange, of Allentown. The erec- tors of the building were the Ochs Con- structing Company, of the same city. The frescoing and other decorations are the de- sign and work of the Chapman Decorating Company, of Philadelphia.
It is hoped that this crowning glory of the buildings on Normal Hill will be open for occupancy, under the direction of a trained librarian, at the beginning of the next term of school.
UNIQUE ARRANGEMENT OE BUIEDINGS
The buildings are in some respects unique as being, with the exception of boiler house, electric plant, gymnasium, infirmary, stew- ard's house, and the new library, practically under one roof, being connected by covered bridges, supported on beams of steel. The dormitories and recitation halls are large and abundantly lighted. The equipment of the school in the way of scientific apparatus is select and complete and each year large expenditures are made for the physical, chemical, biological, and psychological lab- oratories, as well as for the other depart- ments of the institution, by which means the educational facilities afforded by the school are kept abreast of the demands of the times.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
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LIBRARIES AND LITERARY SOCIfiTlIiS
There are three principal Hbraries, each containing several thousand volumes. One is the general reference library, the other two are the property of the two literary societies maintained by the students. These two societies are the Philomathean Literary Society, organized early in the year 1865. and the Keystone Literary Society, origin- ally named the Kalliomathean Society, which, in September of the same year, was organized by students dismissed, for the
hall for meets of the classes in general physical exercises, an elevated running gal- lery, bowling alleys, a commodious bathing and swimming pool, shower baths, lockers, offices, and all necessary apparatus. There are athletic grounds both north and south of the Normal School Buildings. On the north campus are the tennis courts, on the southeast campus are the baseball and ath- letic fields, on the southwest is the new hockey field for the girls, while set about the campus are swings, see-saws, and other apparatus for rest or play.
Interior of Gym.-^asium— Basket Ball Practice
purpose of starting a rival society, by the elder organization. Besides these collec- tions of books, which will be removed short- ly to the new library building on the north campus, departmental or working libraries, housed in the various recitation rooms, are maintained by several of the departments of the school. All of these collections are generously augmented from time to time.
ATHLETICS
The gymnasium, of which mention has been made, stately in appearance and gen- erous in proportions, is admirably adapted to its purpose. It contains a large assembly
COURSE OE STUDY
The course of study is that prescribed by the State of Pennsylvania, but in some matters this school leads its compeers. At the instigation of Dr. Nathan C. Schaefifer, who was principal at the time and had been a member of the Pennsylvania Industrial Commission, a manual training department, directed by Dr. W. W. Deatrick, was es- tablished, the first in Pennsylvania Normal Schools, in 1891. Instruction in this de- partment is given on pedagogic lines but, -nevertheless, the course is eminently prac- tical, having obtained marked recognition in the reports of the L^nited States Com-
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CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
missioner of Education. Specimens of work done in accordance witli this course, exhibited with other work of the school, won medals and diplomas at two great world's fairs. Among other exercises in this department may be mentioned construc- tion of apparatus, clay-modeling, and me- chanical drawing. The fine arts are not neglected ; drawing, crayoning, and paint- ing in water and oils and on china, are thor- oughly taught. The present capable in- structor in drawing, painting, and the cer- amic arts is Prof. Harrv W. Sharadin, an
teaching of domestic science were fitted out and during the past year the girls of the senior class have received instruction in all phases of culinary art. ]\Iiss Lillian I. Bull, B. I., is the enthusiastic and extremely capable and successful instructor in this new branch of study.
ENVIRONMENT
The environment of the school is superbly excellent. On all sides the beautiful East Penn V^allev stretches awav to the moun-
Kt.RCTRIC I'UNT -DYN.JiMO ROOiM
alumnus of the Normal and a student in the great galleries of this country and of Europe. The splendid mural painting, of mammoth prooortions, occupying the wall recess back of the chapel platform and en- titled "Education," the gift of a recent class to their alma mater, is the product of his imaginative mind and facile brush.
DOVrESTIC SCTEVCE
For some years past elementary sewing, with optional art needle work, has been taught to the girls. In the summer of 1914 elaborately equipped laboratories for the
tains or the rivers. Elevated 510 feet abovt sea level, on almost the apex of one of the mid-valley watersheds, its drainage is ample. Sweet country airs sweep its cam- pus. The water supply, from its own artesian well, is pure. Within the last few years landscape gardening has been begun, which, when extended to the entire cam- pus will make the setting of the buildings unexcelled in all the country for beauty and for healthsomeness.
THE FACULTY
But brains are better than bricks and the
CeXTliXXIAI, HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
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CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
mainsta_v of a great school must ever be the excellence of its teaching force. In this particular the Keystone State Normal School has been especially fortunate ; it has always had forceful instructors, and never
The school is crowded with pupils to the point of taxing the capacity of the present ample buildings. The last catalog contained the names of 710 pupils. The list of alumni of the institution now totals 3440 names.
more of them than now. The roster of teachers in the last catalog contains twenty- nine items ; and among these a considerable I3ro]5ortion is of names of college and uni- versity trained instructors. In this way tht desired breadth and accuracy in instruction is secured.
among which are those of men and women prominent in every sphere of wholesome and serviceable human activity.
THE I'RfiSENT MANAGEMENT
The present roster of trustees, officials, and faculty of the school is as follows :
CEXTEKNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 113
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Trustees Representing the State 1913—1016
Lewis B. Butz Kutztown, Pa.
James Sch aeffer Kutztown, Pa.
Charles W. Miller ■. Kutztown, Pa.
1914— 1917
Hon. Georoe W. Wagner Reading, Pa.
Eli M. Rapp Reading, Pa.
John R. Gonser Kutztown, Pa.
191S— 1918
Ulrich J. Miller Kutztown, Pa.
William F. Stimmel ^ ..Kutztown, Pa.
Hon. Richard H. Koch Pottsville, Pa.
Trustees Representing the Stockholders
1913— 1916
C. J. DiLCHER Allentown, Pa.
Alvin E. Rupp Allentown, Pa.
Livingston Seltzer Pottsville, Pa.
1914— 1917
T. Daniel Sharadin Kutztown, Pa.
Aaron B. Stein Reading, Pa.
Lewis A. Stein Kutztown, Pa.
191S— 1918
Charles D. Herman Kutztown, Pa.
Charles A. Hottenstein, M. D .- Kutztown, Pa.
W. KerpEr Stevens, Esq Reading, Pa.
OFFICERS
Eli M. Rapp President of Board of Trustees
Charles W. Miller Secretary of Board of Trustees
James SchaeffEr President of Board of Stockholders
John R. GonsEr Secretary of Board of Stockholders
Prof. J. J. Hottenstein Treasurer
Charles W. Miller Steward
STANDING COMMITTEES
Instruction and Discipline. — Charles W. Miller, Hon. Richard H. Koch, U. J. Miller, Hon. George W. Wagner, Prof. Livingston Seltzer, J. D. Sharadin, Prof. Alvin E. Rupp, Prof. Eli. M. Rapp, cx-officio.
Library and Apparatus. — Prof. Alvin E. Rupp, Hon. Richard H. Koch, Prof. Livingston Seltzer, C. J. Dilcher, Hon. George W. Wagner.
Finance. — John R. Gonser, Aaron B. Stein, W. Kerper Stevens, Esq., Prof. Eli M. Rapp, Charles D'. Herman, Charles A. Hottenstein, M. D.
Accounts. — Lewis A. Stein, W. Kerper Stevens, Esq., Charles D. Herman, J. D. Sharadin, William F. Stimmel.
Household.— J. D. Sharadin, James Schaeffer, U. J. Miller, Lewis B. Butz, Charles A. Hottenstein, M. D.
Grounds and Buildings.— U. J. Miller, Lewis B. Butz, C. J. Dilchcr, Charles D. Herman, John R. Gonser, Prof. Alvin E. Rupp.
Insurance. — Lewis A. Stein, William F. Stimmel, Aaron B. Stein.
Fuel.— William F. Stimmel, James Schaeffer, Charles W. Miller.
114
CEXTENXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
THE TRUSTEES
AARON B. STEIN
F.LI M. EAPP
DR. C. A. HOTTEXSTEIN
LEWIS A. STEIN
JAMES SCHAEFFER
JOHN R. GONSER
WILLIAM F. STIMMEL CHARLES W. MILLER
I'LRICH J. MILLER
CEXTENXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
115
THE TRUSTEES
CHARLES D. HERMAN LIVINGSTON SELTZER
ALVIN E. RUPP
C. J. DILCHER W. KERPER STEVENS ESQ. HON. RICHARD H. KOCH
LEWIS B. BUTZ HON. GEORGE W. W.VGNER J. DANIEL SHARADIN
ii6 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
BOARD OF IXSTRUCTIOX
Officers
A. C. RoTHERMELj A. M., Pd. D., LiTT. D Principal
Rev. Charles C. Boyer, A. M., Ph. D Vice-Principal and Librarian
C. L. Cruder, A. M Secretary
Tno. J. HoTTENSTEiN, M. E Bookkeeper
Miss Clara A. Myers, M. E Preceptress
H. T. Stein, A. M., LiTT. D., Ph. D. , N. D Secretary to the Principal
Miss Clara A. Myers, M. E Assistant Librarian
Instructors
A. C. RoTHERMEL, A. M., Pd. D., Litt. D Philosophy of Education
Pev. Charles C. Boyer, A. M., Ph. D Pedagogy
Rev. W. W. Deatrick, A. M., Sc. D Psychology and Higher English
David S. Keck, A. M English Grammar and History
G. C. BoRDNER, A. M Higher Mathematics
Rev. George Smith Kressley, A. M., Litt. D Latin, Greek and German
C. L. GrubER, M. E., a. M Arithmetic and Civics
Frj\nk S. KrEbs, M. E Superintendent of Model School
James S. Grim, A. M., Ph. D Biology and Geology
Jno. J. HottEnstein, M. E Penmanship
]\Tiss ClaSa a. Myers, M. E Geography
Miss Alma D. Stier, B. L, D. I Reading and Elocution
H. W. Sharadin Director of Art Department, and Painting
Miss Ella E. Kramlich Piano
H. T. Stein, A. M., Litt. D., Ph. D., N. D. . Commercial Science and School Law
Miss Mabel E. Brown Professional Nurse
J^TISS Helen A. Beam, M. E EngHsh
W. S. Haldeman, B. S Chemistry
A. M. Dietrich, B. S., M. S Physics
Miss A. Irene Kramer Kindergarten
Miss Joan Easley Superintendent of Music Department
Miss Lillian I. Bull, B. I Physical Culture and Sewing
Bert M. Bohler Physical Culture
Miss Laura M. Schultz Vocal Music and Voice Culture
B. W. Beck, Ph. B Latin and French
Miss May E. Hacenbach Critic Teacher in Model School
Miss Mary E. Brooks Training Teacher in Model School
George L. Swank, A. B Assistant in Latin and Greek
Frederick A. Sterner, B. Pd Assistant in Latin
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
117
THE CEMETERIES
Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemeten' received its name from a suggestion made in i860 b.y the late Peter D. Wanner, Esq. to the late Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, then resident in the "Fairview Mansion," now the prop- erty of the Rev. Hiram F. Seneker, long the' home of the late Col. Thomas D. Fister. According to Mr. Wanner, while he and Mr. Herman were discussing Mr. Wan- ner's future, the establishing of a school in Mr. Herman's home, and the opening of a cemetery on part of the latter's estate, they stood one evening by the roadside. Facing the west, they had a view of a most glorious sunset. There had been some inquiry as to the name to be given to school and cemetery. Looking over the landscape to the west, Air. Wanner said : "How would Fairview do for a name?" The suggestion met a ready response, "Well, Peter, I guess we can do no better." The school was established as "Fairview Seminary," the cemetery was opened as "Fairview Cemetery," and the house once occupied by the school remains "Fairview Mansion" to the present day.
The consecratory services were held June 15 and 16, 1861. On the first day, Saturday, the Rev. Dr. Christian Rudolph Kessler, of Allentown, and the Rev. Gott- lieb F. I. Yeager, of Greenwich, preached. On Sunday, i6th, the Rev. Joseph S. Dubbs, of Lehigh, and the Rev. Mr. Phillips, of Easton, delivered discourses, and the Rev. J. S. Herman had charge of the consecra- tory services proper. The association framed for the management of this burial ground, was formally organized on April 12, 1862.
The first funeral was that of Isadore, son of William and Esther Weiser, aged seven years, one month, and three days.
Like Hope Cemetery, Fairview is inde= pendent of ecclesiastical control.
In igo6 an additional plot of land, con- taining ten acres, lying on the opposite side of the Easton Road, and some two hundred yards to the west of the limits of the ori- ginal cemetery, was purchased by the trus- tees. No interments have yet been made in the addition.
The present officers of the company are : J. Daniel Sharadin, president ; Jeff. C. Hoch, secretary ; Wilson B. Kutz, treas- urer. Supervisors, Nicholas W. Kieflfer, Nathan S. Schmehl. Oscar O. Sell. Direc- tors, Wm. Bieber, Henry Wagenhorst, Mi- chael Braucher, Reuben Weidenhammer,
T. Daniel Sharadin, Jeff. C. Hoch, Wilson B. Kutz, Nicholas W. Kieffer, Nathan S. Schmehl.
Hope Cemetery
On April 8th, 1861, an application was filed for the opening of a new burial ground which is now known as Hope Cemetery. It adjoins the old burial plot belonging to St. John's LTnion Church. The petitioners of Hope Cemetery were : Samuel Schwey- er, William Hine, Daniel Bieber, David Kutz, John W. Bieber, Jacob R. HefiFner, Chas. W. Esser.
I. Pringle Jones, President Judge of the Berks County on September 17th, 1861, granted the petition.
The first Board of Trustees were : Henry Schmick, Jacob R. Heffner, William Hoch, George S. Kutz, Gabriel Klein, Daniel Yox-
Fairview Cemetery and Fairview Mansion (Fistt Grave Indicated by Arrow)
theimer, William Heine, Charles S. Kutz, and J. Daniel Wanner. The officers of the board were : George S. Kutz, President ; Charles W. Esser, Secretary, and William Hine, Treasurer.
The present board are : Jacob S. Swoyer, John A. Schwoyer, George Wink, David D. kutz, James Schaeffer, C. D. Herman, Sam- uel S. Heffner. George Glasser and Fred N. Baer. The officers are: David D. Kutz, President; Jacob S. Swoyer, Secretary, and James Schaeffer, Treasurer.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
THE POST OFFICE
In earl_y times postal facilities were very limited. Even so late as 1835 the citizens of the vicinity, in order to enjoy the read- ing of their paper, "The Neutralist," with- out great delay, "were forced to organize societies, the object of which was to eke out the deficiencies of their postal accommo- dations. Thus, at a meeting- of its sub- scribers in Rockland, Au2;ust i, 1835, they bound themselves, each in his turn, under a penalty of fifty cents, to bring the paper from the printing office every Wednesday and deliver it on Thursday morning at the
Office
store of Thomas Oyster."' (Ermentrout).
The first post office in the county was at Reading, established March 20, 1793. Next was Hamburg, Juh' i, 1798. Kutztown was third, July i, 1805. Subjoined is a list of the postmasters, as furnished May 21, 1915, to the Centennial Historical Committee by Daniel C. Roper, First Assistant Postmaster General, through the kindly services of Postmaster Llewellyn Angstadt. It will be noted that until September 19, 1835, the official spelling of the name of the town was "Cootstown."
Postmaster
Date of Appointment
Cootstown, Pa Jacob Harman, Est 1805, July ist
Henry Heist 1806, Oct. I
Joseph Heist 1821, Feb. 0
" Name changed 1835, Sept. ig
Kutztown, Pa Joseph Heist 1835, Sept. 19
C. B. Bast 1851, Feb. 25
George J. Fister 1853. Mav ■;
H. F. Bickel 1857, Dec. 4
" Charles Helfrich 1861, June 25
Daniel Bieber i86s, Mar. 2
Jacob C. Geehr i86s, Dec. 6
H. F. Bickel 1867, April IQ
" Jonathan Bieber 1869, April 10
C. H. Bieber 1880, Oct. 4
William Sander 188s, April 8
M. T. Donmoyer 1889, May i
(First Presidential Postmaster)
" Wm. R. Sander 1894, May 3
" John P. S. Fenstermacher 1898, May 12
" , Llewellyn Angstadt 1914, INTar. 20
Note — The first appointment made as Third Class was that of M. T. Donmoyer (Re-appointed) by President Harrison, April 26, 1890.
So far the First Assistant Postmaster Gen- eral. The following notes may be added :
Under Henry Heist and Joseph Heist was the post office was conducted in a stone building, which, burned down in 1859, stood where Jacob H. Stump's house now stands. Joseph Heist was a cripple, a hunchback, with one side of his face disfigured with a birthmark.
C. B. Bast kept the post office where now W. S. Christ has his store.
George J. Fister, brother to Col. T. D. Fister, sorted the mail in the building where now jeweler Wm. E. Myers regulates time- pieces.
In 1857 Hiram F. Bickel removed the office to where Alvin S. Christ's stationery store now is. Dur'ing his second term of office, 1867-1869, he "had it in the D. L. Wartzenluft building, then owned by the Rev. J. S. Herman.
Charles Helfrich had the office where now is the Keystone Five and Ten Cent Store, the property of the D. B. Snyder Estate. For a time, however, while he was post- master he was located in the frame house of Mrs. Isaac Strasser, on the northeast corner of Main street and Strasser alley, where now is A. M. Herman's Ten Cent Store.
Capt. Daniel Bieber, grandfather of Con- gressman Arthur G. Dewalt, kept the office at the same place.
Jacob C. Geehr, succeeding Bieber, re- mained in the same building for a time and then moved to Daniel R. Levan's building, on the corner of Main and Greenwich streets.
Jonathan Bieber, grandfather of Rev. Alilton T. Bieber and'Dr. U. S. G. Bieber. moved the office to the house now occupied by Charles A. Hottenstein, D. D. S.
Clinton H. Bieber, son of Captain Daniel Bieber, and uncle of Hon. A. G. Dewalt, continued in the same place.
William Sander moved the office to his
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
119
liome farther up town, next to the home of l^r. X. Z. Duiikelberger.
Milton T. Donmoyer, hving in the Levan house, corner of Main and Greenwich streets, re-estabhslied the office in the quar- ters occupied some twent)' _years before.
WilHam R. Sanders, becoming post- master, took the office back to the Sander home.
John P. S. Kenstermacher started in where C. D. Herman's clothing store now is. Later he fitted up the room occupied by the office in his own home until a few days ago.
Llewellyn Angstadt beginning in the Fenstermacher house has within the last
few days removed the office to its present location, which now, greatly improved and more than ever suited to the purpose, is for the third time the home of the Kutz- town post office.
No one seems to have any recollection of the first postmaster, Jacob Harman, or of the location of the office while he was in charge.
The present office force consists of Llewellyn Angstadt ; postmaster ; Jonathan Dietrich, assistant postmaster; Mrs. Lynn Koch, clerk ; Samuel N. Angstadt, sub- clerk.
There are seven incoming mails daily and eight outgoing and four rural routes.
Chari^es O'Neii, Who was a familiar figure in Kutztown years ago
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The above is a picture of Mrs. Mary Schlenker at her spinning wheel. She was married to Josiah
Schlenker and they were the parents of 17 children, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs.
Schlenkerwere natives of Greenwich. She died at Grimsville in 1901
t20
lhxtexxial history of kutztowx
THE PRESS OF THE CENTURY
BY CONRAD GEHEING
It is at the request of the historical com- mittee that I reduce to writing my exper- iences as an humble representative of the press which was one of the strong forces in the development of Kutztown in the centurv just completed. At the outstart I want to mention that the newspapers were only the mouthpieces of a strong progres- sive spirit that prevailed in Kutztown from away back and in every new movement the papers had the solid backing of a noble and aggressive citizenship. Whatever the pa- pers advocated in the line of progress was heartily supported by a class of citizens of which every community might be proud. In every movement -that was proposed by the papers the only question was, "Is it right?" and if the answer was in the affirma- tive, every man put his shoulder to the wheel, and it was right in the end. In the century which is Ijeing celebrated now the writer can only cover 37 years by per- sonal experience, but that, of course, is an essential part of the century.
Kutztown was enterprising from the start and the need of a newspaper was felt in its earlv existence. An attempt was made to publish a German weekly before the forties, but no success was attained until a man by the name of Hawrecht established the Geist dcr Zcit. Mr. Hawrecht was a man of literary attainments and published a German paper that was a credit to him- self and the community. The writer in his early life had access to the files of the Gcist dcr Zcit. but they subsequently disappeared much to his regret. No doubt they are still in existence and the future historian may be able to obtain them and thereby open a splendid source of information about Kutz- town before the Civil War. As it is, the writer has to start from the time of his personal knowledge.
How I Got to Kutztown When I entered the office of the Penii- syh'anicr. a German paper, published at Lebanon, Pa., as an apprentice to the print- ers' trade (then a boy of 17 years), I be- came acquainted with Daniel Miller, a jour- neyman and as things were then conducted in printing offices, considered the foreman of the shop. The Pcnnsyh'anicr was the leading and money-making paper of the county, because the language of the people was Pennsylvania German and all the sales .if farm stock, commonly called "vendues,"
characteristic of German Pennsylvania to this day, were published in the German paper and well paid for. There were tvyo prosperous English weeklies, Tlic Courier, published by W'arth and Reinoehl, (Repub- lican), and the Lebanon Advertiser, (Dem- ocratic ) , published by William JJreslin. which, as the language changed, gained in circulation whilst the Pcnusylvanier was bound, for the same reason, to go back- ward. The relation between Daniel Miller and myself developed into a fast friendship.
"Dan," as I always called him, was am- bitious and a fine type of the brainy Penn- sylvania Germans. Having little schooling the printing office became his university, where he pursued his studies with a zeal that made him a fluent writer in English and German and an author and publisher of renown.
In the Grant campaign of 1868, when Berks county had no German Republican organ, the enterprising leaders of the "Grand Old Party" collected a fund and started a German campaign paper under the name of Rcpublikancr von Berks. When Grant was elected and the fund exhausted Daniel Miller bought the Repiiblikaner von Berks, built up a good circulation and laid the foundation for his successful publishing house. He asked me to go along to Read- ing as foreman of his office and complete my apprenticeship with higher pay. I ac- cepted the offer. Dan subsequently ob- tained the contract to publish the Reforinirte Hausfrcnnd. edited by Rev. Dr. B. Baus- man, of sainted memory, and later establish- ed the Reformed Church Record, besides publishing numerous books.
Whilst working in this capacity I formed many fast friendships, among these was a German confectioner and ice cream manu- facturer, who had his place at the southeast corner of Sixth and Franklin streets. He was well educated and a poet of consider- able ability. One day in the fall of 1871 he sent a messenger to the office requesting me to call at his place, as he had a matter of great importance to discuss with me. When I got to his place he introduced me to a stranger of nearly middle age, as the publisher of the Kut::tozi'n Journal. His name was Isaac F. Christ. Air. Christ, who had been a farmer and school teacher, with no knowledge of the printing trade, but with considerable enterprise, had begun the publi- cation of the Kutztoii'n Journal, a German
CEXTEXKIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
121
weekly. Not being a printer himself, he had to depend upon employed help tor the editorial and meclianicai work ot tne paper, whilst he himselt conducted a dooK store and the business otitice. His last editor and printer had just left him in the lurch and lie applied to his friend Kuler wnether he coulun t recommend him a steady man who would fit the place. Mr. Kuler answered in the affirmative and sent for me. ft took but a short time to come to terms and i prom- ised to come to fvutztown on the big lair day ('f'hursdayj of the following weeK. I did as promised, looked the planr over and made an agreement. I'he first number un- der my editorial and mechanical manage- ment appeared on 'f hursday, November lO, 1871. Ihe paper had been established f'"eb. I, 1870, shortly after the Ivutztown branch of the Allentovvn and Auburn Railroad had been opened, which was the first railroad connection in the old town's history. The first editor was Charles Kolbe, of Doyles- town, Bucks count}', and he was followed by Fred. Konietzky, who had formerly worked on Rosenthal's Reading Post.
Incidentally it may be mentioned here, that Mr. Rosenthal had bought the hand press and other material of the defunct Gcist der Zeit and Dcr Xcutralist which had flourished in Kutztown for many years before the Civil War. The publisher of the Geist dcr Zeit was Mr. Hawrecht, already mentioned. He raised a conspicuous fam- ily of sons and daughters. The writer had the honor of starting housekeeping in the home on Walnut street which Mr. Haw- recht built for himself. When the Ohio fever broke out, Mr. Hawrecht, with his printing outfit and family, moved to Ohio, but later came back and in partnership with Charles Wink published Der Xeutralist.
How Kutztown Looked
The writer started for the Kutztown fair and for what proved to be the field of his labors for an average life-time. x\fter leav- ing Reading he was a stranger in a strange land. There were then on the East Perm branch of the Philadelphia and Reading sys- tem only three trains connecting for kutz- town, one in the morning, one at noon and one in the afternoon. There was then, as there has been ever since, a special train on account of the big day of the Kutztown fair, but the writer took the regular morn- ing train. As a matter of course, every farm, every village, every stopping point, the hills on the right, the flourishing rich valley on the left, every person entering or leaving the train, their language, manner of speech and bearing was a subject of ob-
servation and study. It was soon evident to the writer that his lot had fallen in one of riie best sections of the grand State of Pennsylvania and among a class of people who for straightforwardness, integrity, in- dustry, thrift, hospitality and unaffected, un- pretentious friendship has no superiors.
At Topton, so named because it is the highest point on the East Penn Railroad, between Reading and AUentown, the pas- sengers had to change cars for Kutztown. 'I he branch to Kutztown was the only com- pleted link of the projected AUentown and .Vuburn Railroad. Approaching Kutztown the stranger from the car window tried to "size up" the town. It stretched up from the Saucony Creek, in two pretty compact lines of houses to the top of a commanding emi- nence on which was visible the original building of the Keystone State Normal ScIkoi. There was one parallel street only partly built up, Walnut street (then pop- ularly called back street, or in Pennsylvania German hinnerstross.) There were four lateral streets, Greenwich, Noble, White Oak and Baldy's Lane, but only sparsely built up. The one-arch masonry bridge across the Saucony looked too small for the watershed of the stream, and this first impression was verified when the usual spring flood came next season. Then the bridge looked like a diminutive fort lost in a raging river. On the right, going up M,-'n street, was an old log house, while on the left were Daniel J- Sharadin's tan- nery and residence, strong signs of thrift and prosperity. For the rest of the stretch the houses were a varied picture of con- s^truction, some of substantial limestone, a few of broad-board frame, with side bench- es on the stoop, and most of them of brick and modern looking. All of them presented an air of prosperity and contentment. The bteady march of progress has not only mod- ernized the entire aspect of the town but extended and broadened it in every direc- tion until today it is one of the prettiest and most wide-awake little cities in the Key- stone State.
The CR.vnLE of, the Patriot
The printing ofifice of the Kutatozvn Journal, which was destined to develop into a prominent publication house, was neither remarkable for size, arrangement nor comfort. But it answered its purpose and was only the first unit of a more com- nrehensive olan. The buildino-, erected in the rear of Mr. Christ's bookstore and resi- dence, next door to the time-honored Penn- svlvania House, was of frame about 16x20 feet, one story, with a two-story annex
122
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVX
in the rear. Mr. Christ had bought from Ritter and Hawley, pubhshers of the Reading Adlcr and Reading Uagic, the old Hoe railway press, which nad done service for the Reading Gazette, the forerunner of the weekly Eagle. The press took up by far the greater part of the room. Ihe type cases, stone and edi- torial desk were lined up against the one side and rear wall. The annex was built of light frame and could not be used in cold weather. Inside of two years, however, Mr. Christ built a second story on the original unit and had the whole plastered. After that there was ample room, good light and the whole place comfortable.
About this time Kutztown started upon an era of progressiveness and prosperity. .Business was Dooming and everybody tell in with the spirit of the times, iiesides flourishing stores there were three banks, also a private bank; they were the Kutz- town Mational Bank, founded by one of the most aggressive spirits Kutztown ever had. Col. Ihos. D. Fister; the Kutztown Savings Bank, of which A. J. Fogel, formerly ot Fogelsville, was the head, and the Peabody Savings Bank, conducted by J. Daniel Wan- ner and his son, Solon A. The private bank was that of Dr. Ed. Hottenstein, the father of a prominent family of physicians. Every- thing was booming and the printing office kept pace with the times.
Prof. John S. Ermentrout, the first prin- cipal of the Keystone State Normal School, a scholarly man, of the salt of the earth, had turned Catholic and became a mem- ber of the faculty of St. Charles Barromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, 'ihe board of trus- tees elected as his successor Rev. Dr. A. R. Home, then city superintendent of Wil- liamsport, an educator and author of re- nown. As his term as city superintendent did not expire until the spring of 1872, Prof. N. C. Schaefifer, a son of Alaxatawny township, one of the first graduates of the new Normal School and a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, was made acting principal in the interim. .\t the ex- piration of the interim Prof. Schaeffer went to Germany to complete his education in the leading universities of the Fatherland. The reader, of course, will at once perceive the connection between the then acting principal and the present famous head of education of Pennsylvania, an educator of world-wide fajne.
When Rev. Dr. Home arrived in Kutz- town he brought with him the Xational Educator, an educational monthly, which he founded in his earlv career and which
was then published by contract from the Journal office.
Being somewhat ambitious and possessed of a strong desire to run his own plant, the writer entertained a proposition from his former boss to go to Snyder county and revive the defunct Middlcburg Volksfreund. Accordingly he resigned his ivutztown posi- tion, to take effect April i, 1873, and went to Middleburg. Whilst he succeeded in raising cjuite a respectable subscription list, he soon discovered that because of the tran- sition of language, there was no future for him in that field and he kept his eye open for better fields. When in the fall of the same year he had occasion to go to I-^hila- delphia to participate in the parade in honor of the dedication of the new Masonic Tem- ple, he concluded to go home by the way of Kutztown, in order to meet some of the friends he had left there. Arriving at Top- ton, to change cars for Kutztown, he met Isaac F. Christ, the proprietor of the Kutz- town printing office, who at once extended to him a flattering offer to come back to his old place with the privilege of naming his own salary. The offer was accepted and Conrad moved back to his old stamping grounds.
When the writer left for Middleburg his position as editor and superintendent was filled by Emil Meister, also a Swiss by birth and a scholarly man. He went from Kutztown to Baltimore to take charge of the Baltimore Weeker, a prominent German daily. While thus engaged in journalistic work he incidentally studied for the Luth- eran ministry and was ordained as a minis- ter of the Lutheran Church of the new school, or what was then and still is known as the General Synod. He accepted a call to Lancaster where he built up St. Steohen's church and made quite a name for himself as an organizer and author of German church publications.
TiiK P.vTRioT Enters Tiir: Fikld
The writer foresaw that owing to the fact that the public schools laid stress on the English language and German was only taught ill the home, the Sunday Schools and catechetical classes, the German would in course of time be superceded by the English. The territory was in a state of transition so far as language was concerned. He proposed to the publisher, Mr. Christ, that we start a new paper, half English and half German, which could keeo apace 'vith the transition, increase its English nart and finally become an Eng-lish paper. The publisher saw the matter in the same lig-ht and thi result was the American
CEXTEXNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
123
Weekly Patriot. The first number appeared ijaturaay, May 16, 1874. The editorial an- nouncement explamea its intents and aims in the following words : "Instead of stating in a long article how and what we will du, we simply refer our readers to the present number, which will show them that the paper contains English and German read- ing matter and is especially adapted to that class of Pennsylvania Germans and those families who are educated in the one and are anxious of acquiring the other lan- guage. We hope and believe that our ef- forts in furnishing our community with reading matter especially adapted to its var- ious Classes will be properly appreciated and a large subscription list be the re- sponse."
A Change of Ownership Among the many apprentices who were initiated into the black art at this office and made names for themselves was Alfred B. Urick, a native of Lebanon county. He left the office to take a business course in Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After the lapse of some time he came to Kutztown and proposed to the writer a partnership to buy the plant if the owner was willing to sell. Mr. Christ was willing and the printing office passed to the ownership of Urick and Gehring. This was in March, 1875. The first numbers under the new management appeared April i, 1875. Mr. Christ retained the book store and sub- sequently turned it over to his son, Alvin S. Christ, who conducted it successfully for about two decades, improving it from time to time and in his earl)^ career connecting with it a job printing office that turned out good work.
The new firm of Urick and Gehring en- joyed a prosperous era and improved the plant as time went on. In the first summer it introduced steam power and added much new job type. Feeling hampered by the rear location of the printing office, it looked around for a prominent front location on Main street. The opportunity presented it- self, when D. B. Snyder, a progressive citi- zen completed a desirable three-story brick business house, on Main street, next door to his residence. The first floor of the spac- ious building was intended for a drug store of Mr. Snyder's son-in-law, J. F. Brein- inger, whilst the second floor, with an easy stairway, lent itself nicely to the purposes of a growing printing office.
1876 — Centennial — A Great Year The dawn of the centennial year of the declaration of American independence (1876) found Kutztown well prepared and
in line with the best communities of these great United States to do honor to the shining event. The spirit of patriotism was wide awake and willing to do and celebrate. The local journals led by increasing their size from seven columns to eight columns to the folio page and making other im- provements. Besides they were untiring in advocating and supporting every move- ment tending to glorify the valorous deeds of the fathers, who not only declared, but also achieved American independence and laid the solid foundation for this great nation of the West.
Another Change of Firm
In the course of time the partners came to the conclusion that a partnership in this kind of business was not desirable and ami- cably agreed to dissolve. The writer sold his interests to Mr. Urick, but retained his position as editor, etc., under the sole pro- prietor. The dissolution went into effect April I, 1877.
The growth of the business again re- quired more room and when Dr. J. S Trexler, a prominent physician, erected sev- eral business houses between the Keystone House and his residence, Mr. Urick rented the one nearest the Keystone House and moved the printing office to that place. The removal occurred on the ninth anniversary of the Joiirnalj the first week in February, 1878.
This was a desirable place for a business of this kind. Mr. Urick opened a book store on the first floor, with the business office in the rear. On the second floor were the composing and editorial rooms, while the power presses were housed in the base- ment. When Mr. Urick added a Potter news and job press the plant was in a position to, and did, turn out some excellent job work, such as the annual catalog of the Keystone State Normal School which from year to vear demanded a higher class of work, com- mensurate with the wonderful progress of the famous institution itself. Books and half-tone work were issued equal to the productions of competing cities.
Mr. Urick was an ambitious man, whose pAw.s ran higher than the returns of a coun- try printing office. The Florida and orange srrove fever broke out about that time and he was one of the many northerners who went down to the flowery state to astonish the native "crackers." He had meanwhile married Miss Mary Kistler, a daughter of Nathan Kistler. of Kistler's Valley, Lehiarh county, near the Berks border, and with his family moved to that semi-tropical pen- insula, on an orange plantation, which he had bought. The business at Kutztown
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CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
was meanwhile left in the hands of the writ- er, who, with two sisters of the proprietor, Misses Kate and Amanda L'rick, ran the es- "tablishnient to the best interests of its owner.
In the meanwhile another of the most enterprising' apprentices of the office, Jacob 1!. Esser, had finished his trade and left for the larger cities to perfect and advance himself in his profession. He had exacted from his preceptor and friend, the writer, the promise that if ever Mr. L'rick betrayed any inclination to sell out, he wanted to be the first man to be considered as a buyer. The moment arrived in due time, and in 1887, the ownership of the Kutztown print- ing office, with all that pertained to it, passed over to Jacob B. Esser.
Mr. Urick entered the grocery business in the Snyder Building and subsequently moved to Baxter Springs, in the extreme southern corner of Kansas, to grow up with the country. Later he moved up fur- ther north and engaged in extensive real estate and mining operations. Under Cleve- land's first administration he was appointed postmaster in some important Kansas town, near the Missouri border and at the same time continued in the real estate business.
J. B. Esser's Period Mr. Esser's administration brought with it many important changes and improve- ments. In order to get more room for the growing business, the office was removed across the street to the Rev. Herman build- ing which N. S. Schmehl had acquired and part of the first floor of which he had converted into a hardware store, with open front. The book store was discontinued, whilst the other part of the first floor was used by Mr. Urick as a wall paper store with the business office in the rear. The composing room was on the second floor, with the editorial sanctum in the rear and the presses housed in an anex in the rear of the first floor. The job work had by this time greatly increased and new type and new material was acquired as occasion arose and lots of fine work was turned out for the community, Reading and other cities. .\. F. DeLong, one of the best and most faithful apprentices of the early vears, had meanwhile risen to the foremanship of the plant and the mechanical part was always safe in his hands no matter where his sun- eriors were. He is still connected with the nlant and performing his duties as faith- fully, but, of course improved by much ex- perunco. as he did fortv \ears ago.
The P.\triot Blossoms Into All English
Catching the spirit of the original des-
tinv of the Patriot. Mr. Esser considered the
time ripe to turn the Patriot into an all- English paper. Continuing the English 'patent outside" he engaged Jefi^. C. I loch as local editor to conduct the second and third pages of the paper. Previously Mr. Hoch was a school teacher, farmer, poultry raiser and all-around useful man. Bv this time he had retired from farming and his new position offered him a useful field for his ability and acquirements. The Patriot made good progress as an English paper.
Iticreasing business demanded larger quarters and in 1905 Mr. Esser erected the present two-story brick structure to the rear of his property on Alain street which is the present location of the Kutztown Publishing Company. The lower floor is used as an oftre, paper stock house and press room, while the second floor is used as a composing room, job press room and editorial room. This fine building gave Mr. Esser ample room to arrange his machinery, type cabinets, etc., in a more convenient and accessible manner. The change marked an epoch in the history of local newspaperdom and from that date until the present the paper and other products of the plant have greatly increased.
A Live Wire Spurt
In the fall of 1894 there appeared upon the stage of Kutztown journalism a new live-wire performer destined to make his de- but on the Patriot stage and then rise by easy stages to one of the highest positions in the New York newspaper world. This was Howard C. Hillegas, a brother-in-law of Mr. Esser. He was a recent graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, at Lan- caster, vigorous of body and mind and im- bued with all the elements that enter into the make-up of a born journalist. He was made editor and promoter of the Patriot. The patent outside was discarded and the paper turned into an all home-print sheet that made the papers and reading public of Eastern Pennsylvania look up and read. The Patriot gained rapidlv in circulation and influence. But the Hillegas spirit soon found the field too narrow and at the expira- tion of seven months of meteoric work he resigned his position to take charge of a Bloomsburg daily. From there he left for still larger fields and rose and rose until to- day he is one of the leading editors of the AVk' York Herald. Leaving the Patriot he had the following kind words to say of his successor :
"Mr. Conrad Gehring, who will next week assume editorial control of this paper, has been in the newspaper business the greater part of his life and for twenty-five vears has catered to the wants of the public
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
throvigh the columns of the Kutztovvn news- papers. On November 4, 1871, he took editorial charge of the Kiitclozcn Journal and with the exception of seven months in 1873, he has since then had charge of that standard publication. He is an experienced, well-read and enterprising newspaper man and fluent writer, and the readers of the Patriot may expect a decided improvement of the paper." ( The concluding phrase, of course, was complimentary).
Hillegas, after a series of upward steps, became connected with the famous New York Journal and in the interests of that naper undertook a trip to the Boer Republic in South Africa at the outbreak of the . Boer- English War. He personally met Oom Paul, the venerable president of that oeaceful and thrifty reoublic, and subse- fiuentv wrote an interesting book on "Oom Paul and his people."
In September, 1909, the Daily City Item, of Allentown, refers to him, in connection with others, in the following article :
"The Nczii York Sun of Tuesday had an account of the Independence League ( Hearst League ) giving a banquet at the Cafe Boulevard, in New York City, to Charles E. Gehring, chairman of the county committee, at which were present some of the most prominent politicians in New York.
"The Charles E. Gehring, mentioned above, is the son of Conrad Gehring, for many year.s editor of the Kuiztmvn Patriot and Journal and now of the proof room of the Reading Eagle. Charles learned the trade of printer in the office of the Patriot and then struck out for New York. He caught on, and for years worked on the Tribune and other papers. He became in- terested in politics and became one of Hearst's right hand men.
"It is peculiar the number of Kutztown boys who learned their trade in the old Patriot office under Conrad Gehrinsr, who won out in New York, where the failures are so many and the successes so few. One young man who left for New York from the Patriot office is now one of the leading and foremost Masons in that city. (The writer refers to Martin O. Good). Sev- eral others occupy responsible positions on the Nevj York Herald. World and Tribune. and all are doing well. Howard Hillegas, the assistant citv editor of the Neiv York Herald, started his career as a newspaper man on the Patriot. Friend Conrad lias ample reason to feel proud of the calibre of bovs he turned out in the old Patriot office." (If I mistake not the above article was penned by my deceased friend Oliver
C. Henninger and his well-known modest\- forbade him to mention that he was one of the brightest of those Kutztown boys. He went to New York, made good, came back to Allentown and made good as an editor and besides became a brilliant orator, whose speeches were sought and heard in different parts of the countr}^)
Threu EpiTors Now When Hillegas left, j\Ir. Esser, the pub- lisher said to the writer, "Hillegas left but the high standard of the Patriot must be maintained. Whom can you suggest as a suitable successor?" I mentioned several names. He said, "I want a few days to consider the matter." After the lapse of the few days he invited me to a walk and incidental private conversation. He said, "What's the matter with you taking the position?" "Well," I said, "If vou give me Rev. Dr. W. W. Deatrick as editorial writ- er on the Patriot and Julius Schneider (who had taken my place when I was down with tvphoid fever) as assistant on the Journal. I will tmdertake it." "That suits m'e," Mr. Esser said and so it came to pass. And this hour marked the beginning of another epoch of substantial growth and progress.
Rev. W. W. De.-\trick. Sc. D. The man whom I selected as editorial writer for the Patriot is a man of extra- ordinary qualities. He had become a mem- ber of the faculty of the Keystone State Normal School, coming here from the west- ern part of Pennsylvania, where he had been prominently active both as a minister of the Gospel and an educator. He is a Re- formed minister, the son of a minister and the brother of another Reformed minister Rev. E. R. Deatrick, B. D., pastor at Mar- tinsburg. Pa. I soon learned to admire him for his scholarship, his indomitable industrv, his capacity for work, his classic English and his manliness in dealing with a foe- man of opposite view on any question. Those are the sterling qualities any com- munity needs in its public men, for after the contests are over, the losses and gains compared, there can only be one result — plus.
Julius Schneider The man selected for the German i«per was picked up from the ore mines. He was one of those who are generally classed as shipwrecked by their own fault. Born at Halle an der Saale, ( the same citv whpre once was active Rev. Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, the father of the Lutheran Church in America) he enjoyed unusual opportunities for education and social life.
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CEXTEXNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
His father was a prosperous merchant, who gave his only son the choice between a mer- cantile career or the ministry. Julius chose neither, but set sail for America, to seek his own fortune. After working on farms in New York and New Jersey, he drifted to Eastern Pennsylvania, where the iron ore business was then in its zenith. His social dualities and culture, that hard work could not wear off, made him friends wherever he came in contact with people. That was the way in which the writer learned to know and appreciate him and landed him in the chair of local editor of the KttfcfoztTi Journal.
Karl Julius Herman Schneider, the faith- ful editor of the Kutztoivn Journal for sev- enteen years, was born Feb. 27, 1848 at Halle on the River Saale. Province of Sax- ony, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany. He came to America on March 17, 1868. He came from a fine family in Germany and received a good education. He worked in various caoacities in New York and New Jersey and finally came to Berks county where the iron ore industry was then in its zenith. Being a man of culture and win- ning social qualities, he readily made friends and his services in various capacities were always in demand.
He died on Tuesdav, October 24. iqii. at the Reading Hosnital, from heart failure, and was buried in Hope Cemetery.
Rev. F. K. Bernd, Editor op the KuTzTowN Journal And this is the way it happened. Julius Schneider became dangerously sick in Oc- tober, 191 1. He could not get out the edi- tion of the Kutctozvn Journal for October 25. The proprietor, J. B. Esser, hastened to the home of the Rev. F. K. Bernd on Normal Hill, and asked him to come down to the printing office for the week and help him out. Mr. Esser told Bernd that Mr. Schneider would have to be taken to the hospital, and he hoped within a few weeks he would be able to take his old place again. After a good deal of coaxing Mr. Bernd promised to come to the office and see what he could do. The material was gotten readv and the paper published on time. The following week the report came that there was hardlv anv hope of Mr. Schneider's recovery. The new editor pro tem was prevailed upon to get the next edition in shape, and before it was put on press Mr. Schneider had died. Mr. Esser not knowing in what direction to look for the man he wanted, again prevailed upon Mr. Bernd to continue the work for at least a while, and thus it happened that he is still at the post, doing the work.
Rev. F. K. Bernd became Julius' suc- cessor as editor of the Journal and still fills the position.
Gehring Goes to New York This plan worked very well and the print- ing office enjoyed another era of prosperity. In the meanwhile the health of the writer had become impaired, so much so that he concluded the onl^- remedy would be a change of climate. This change was made easy by a combination of favorable circum- stances. When he learned his trade the construction of a practical type-setting ma- chine was considered impossible. Many at- tempts had been made, but all proved fail- ures. In course of time, however, Otmar Mergenthaler, of Baltimore, a skilled Ger- man machinist, invented the linotype which revolutionized the printing trade all over the world. As the machine does the work of six men, five men out of every six found themselves out of employment wherever the machine was introduced. As a million-dol- lar syndicate had taken hold of the patent, the machine was introduced fast in all leading newspaper offices. To give union printers a chance io "learn the machine," the writer's son, Charles E. Gehring, who had become an expert operator on the N'ew York Tribui'e. opened a linotvpe school in the Worlc^ Building, in New York. Know- ing his father's ardent desire to master the machine before he should die of old age, he requested him to come to New York to as- sist him in runninsf the school and inci- dentally become proficient himself. The of- fer was accepted, the writer resigned his nositions on the Patriot and Journal and on Jan. I, T903, left for New York.
Wm. S. Rhode Becomes Editor His successor as editor of the Patriot was Wm. S. Rhode, who had entered the office as an apprentice to the printers' trade. Rhode was one of the boys who had ambition and was willing to do the extra work that spells success. Knowing where he was deficient he burned midnight oil to advance himself. He took extra lessons in English under Dr. W. W. Deatrick, of the Keystone State Normal School and other- wise took advantage of everv opportunitv to increase his store of knowledge to fit him for the editorial chair that apparently was waiting for him. When the proper time came he was advanced to the chair and filled it with credit and during his adminis- tration the Patriot was enlarged from four to eight pages and the circulation nearly doubled.
In due time his enterprising spirit caused him to broaden out and establish the Rural
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
127
Delivery and the Commercial County Direc- tories, at first limited to Berks county, but subsequently extended to most of the ad- vanced counties of eastern Pennsylvania.
In igo6, besides his newspaper work, he published the first rural delivery directory in this part of the country. After issuins^ a number of creditable volumes of director- ies in Berks and adjoinin.^ counties Mr. Rhode discovered that the business people, especially those in the larger cities, required a more complete publication when he de- termined to publish the names of one and two counties under one cover and include a financial department in them. These pub- lications are now known as Rhode's Com- mercial County Directories and the names are alphabetically compiled. Besides this information all property owners are desig- nated, giving the assessed valuation and monies on interest. The acreage of farms is also included. With this information Rhode's Directories are easily in a class by themselves for completeness and unique compilation. Arrangements are now under wav to issue a directory of eight Pennsyl- vania counties under one cover.
On April igth. iqo.=;. Mr. Rhode was married to Miss Edna C. Gehman. daugh- ter of Henry M. Gehman and his wife Clara fnee Laros) of Allentown. Mr. and Mrs. Rhode are the parents of one daugh- ter. Constance E. Rhode.
In loii Mr. Rhode resigned his position to devote his entire attention to the publish- ing of County Directories.
Mr. Williamson Becomes Editor He was succeeded as editor by Fred. T. Williamson, who became foreman of the printing office in 1905. Mr. Williamson filled the chair of editor most creditably for two years. He is now foreman of the job and proof reading departments.
Chas. H. Esser Assumes Duties Chas. H. Esser is now filling the position as editor of the Patriot. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Esser and was born in Kutz- town. He graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1909 and from Muh- lenberg College in 191 3. While at college he devoted a great deal of his time to Eng- lish and journalism. He was employed as a reporter for the Allcntouii Morning Call for a few months. Notwithstanding his brief experience, but having really grown up in a printing office, he is becoming a very cap- able editor and business man. He was married on April 27, 1915, to Miss Ruth Rupp, of Lehighton. He is a member of Huguenot Eodge, No. 377, F. and A. j\I.,
Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. C, and of Adonai Castle, No. 70, K. G. E.
J. B. EssER Retires and Kutztown Pub- lishing Company is Formed BY REV. F. K. bernd
Owing to failing health Mr. J. B. Esser, the proprietor of the printing plant, felt constrained to retire from the active life which he had led for many years. It is well known that about a year prior to July, 1913, Mr. Esser was stricken with a slight stroke of apoplexy and from that time on he had lost to a large extent his former activity and push. The business, therefore, reciuired a new head. Mr. Esser and his son, Charles, made an offer to Wm. S. Rhode, a former employee, who bought a half interest in the plant.
This happened in June of 191 3. In the beginning of July of that year he sold out his interest to his son, Charles H., and Wm. S. Rhode. The new firm adopted the name The Kutatozvn Publishing Company, Mr. Rhode acting as president and Mr. Esser as secretar)'.
Mr. Rhode's two years' absence from the office in which he was a conscientious work- er and learned his trade were most profit- ably spent. Through his directory work he was thrown into direct contact with some of the best and biggest business houses in the United States. He has many friends throughout Berks and adjoining countis who are now favoring him with their printing orders and use their influence in his behalf.
During the two years of its existence the firm has made many important improve- ments, having revolutionized the entire plant. The Patriot was in a short time increased from eight to twelve pages, a number of new machines were installed, and in fact the entire office was rearranged and a new open front put in the buildins", which gives the establishment a cosmopol- itan appearance. The plant is thus prepared to do practically all kinds of work nertain- ing to a fully equipped printing establish- ment. The amount of new work brought in has been enormous, taxing the present efficient corns of "'orkers at times to their fullest capacitv. The work is of the highest order. In job and book printing, in fact in all lines of work, the new firm is easilv able to compete with anv establishment of its kind and canacitv. The linotvne machine i= in oneration dav and nieht. This historic- al edition of the Kutztown Centet^riial \'=- sociation is one of the manv bookc turned out bv the new firm. We besoeak for them an exceeding'lv nrosoernns future.
Their publications are The Kiitztoivn Pa-
128
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVX
triot, an English weekly newspaper of twelve pages, the KiifcfozvnJoiinial, the only German newspaper in Berks county, Rhode's Commercial Countv Directories, and the Public Sales Bulletin. The latter publica- tion is the vest pocket edition of public sales of spring farm stock, is issued annually in January, 'and is in great demand. Of these booklets upwards of ten thousand are mailed direct to the farmers, butchers, drovers, hucksters, and others in Berks and Lehigh counties.
CoNR.U) GEHRING
Everybod\- in town and community knows about Conrad Gehring. The name has -i familiar sound. Although not any longer a resident of Kutztown, nevertheless from the time of his arrival in 1871 till his final de- parture in 1902, he took such a deep inter- est in the highest welfare of our borough, that any history of Kutztown w.ould be incomplete without mention of his name.
Mr. Gehring hails from Switzerland. He was born in ''Buchberg, Canton of Schaf- fausen, Switzerland, on the 5th of January, icSsi. He studied in the town schools up to his 14th year when he entered the Aca- demy of Eglisan, and later attended the Realschule in the city of Schafifausen. In the fall of 1867 he came to America by wav of Paris and Liverpool on the "City of Paris." He landed in New York and from then he went to Philadelphia. In 1871 he accepted the editorship and managtment of the Kutrjtown Journal and became a citizen of our borough. During his spare hours he devoted himself assiduously, without the aid of a teacher, to the study of English. He soon became proficient in its use and could quite readilv converse in German, French and English. He uses choice Eng- lish in conversation and in writing. In i8q5 he became the editor of the Kntctozvii Patriot. In 1907, at the request of John W. Ranch, then the superintendent, secre- tary and treasurer of the Rcadins: Eaglr Company, a poem dedicated to the Friends of the Reading Shriners, was translated by him from the German language into Eng- lish. The rythmn is exact and the choice of words used shows that he had by that time acquired a large working vocabulary of the language. The citizens of Kutztown entrusted four times in succession the hioh- ost office of the borough — that of Chief P>urgess — into his care. He showed him- self an efficient and active official.
Mr. Gehring is a man of small stature but big brain. When Governor Pattison who was a man of large stature, visited Kutztown, Mr. Gehring welcomed him in
a few well chosen words. The address of welcome was made on the porch of the Keystone Hotel. The tall and straight form of the governor, as he stood in front of our Mr. Gehring, who was almost a head shorter than Mr. Pattison, was a scene." which has impressed itself very vividly oti our mind.
But the real life of Mr. Gehring, and the influence he exerted upon our townspeople and vicinity was brought out more especial- ly in his utterances in our papers — both German and English. He wielded a ready pen. There was absolutel}' no tendency towards sensationalism. Under his man- agement the columns of the Journal and Patriot were always clean.
His friendship, opinion and counsel have always been highly valued. In every sub- stantial improvement he was ever an earnest promoter. At social gatherings he was always in his happiest of moods and was much in demand. Likewise, as a churchman he was ecjually prominent. He was a very active member of St. Paul's Reformed church. He was a leader in the Sunday School, a member of the Consis- tory and an active promoter of all socie- ties in the church. He was most valuable in all directions. When he bade Kutztown g'ood-bye, the to^vn felt as though one of her staunchest friends was about to leave.
Mr. Gehring will always be most pleas- antly rem'embered by all who were brought into contact with him.
Printers Turned Out
Among the many good boys who started their careers in the Kutztown printing office and subsequently became of the salt of the earth, doing well in their respective chosen fields, we mention the following:
Jacob Spohn, now a member of the firm of Lins and Spohn, job printers, of Read- ing.
Lewis Marx, who left for Wyoming, where his brother had become a State Senator.
Martin O. Good, already mentioned as an expert linotype operator, who was sent out b>' the Mergenthaler Linotype Company, wherever it introduced machines, to teach the printers the secrets of the new machines. He is still one of the most progressive mem- bers of the craft and one of the highest ]\Iasons in the State of New York.
Oliver S. Henninger, deceased, who be- came a famous editor and orator, of Allen- town.
J. B. Esser, who became owner of the i:)lant in which he learned his trade, a prom-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
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inent factor in Berks county politics and Clerk of Quarter Sessions of his county.
A. F. DeLong, foreman of the press room department of the Kutztown Publishing Company's plant.
C. E. Gehring, who became known as one of the expert linotype operators in New York, established a linotype school and then entering politics, became Wm. Ran- dolph Hearst's first lieutenant. He held the office of deputy county clerk of the county of New York, and at the expiration of that term was made superintendent of records. He is now the publisher of the New York Hotel Register and Review.
Wm. G. Kern, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., an experienced linotype operator and publisher of directories.
Jacob C. Hoch, still prominent school teacher of Maxatawny, with his residence in Kutztown.
E. M. Angstadt, the first linotype opera- tor in the Patriot office and still operates the machine satisfactorily.
Ed. Eshelman, an expert linotpye opera- tor in New York and noted for his speed and accuracy.
John D. Wink, who as teacher and print- er is at present employed by the Kutztown Publishing Company.
Charles Berkemeyer, who made the Beth- lehem Star shine as a star of the first magni- tude and still is active in the newspaper world of Allentown and in the political cir- cles of that city.
Robert Berkemeyer, who cut his path to fame as a Bethlehem hotelkeeper and then allied himself with the Schwab inter- ests.
Henry H. Bieber, who at the completion of his apprenticeship opened a job printing office here in Reading, which he is still con- ducting and where he is turning out good work.
Thomas S. Sharadin, a job printer, who is assisting the Reading Eagle Company and the Kutztown Publishing Compan3' during the busy seasons.
James O'Neil learned his trade here and is now employed by the Kutztown Publish- ing Company.
The present force of the Kutztown Pub- lishing Company numbers fourteen.
Articles of the Homr One Hundred Ye.\rs Ago
I30
CEXTEXNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
INDUSTRIES, OLD AND NEW
A few locations in our borougli liave been well-known business places almost from the beginning. One of the oldest established places is that of William S. Christ, known for many years as Bieber"s Store, situated on ]\Iain street, about one-half block from Greenwich street. In the long, long ago, a Mr. Wilson had a drygoods store at this place. Next came a candy store under the management of Samuel Bast. This was followed by another effort at a drygoods store in the hands of Reuben Bast, only to be followed again by a candy store.
Later on the propert}' was bought by Joshua S. Bieber, who was married to a sister of Mr. Bast. From that time on to the present time it continued as a dry- goods and general merchandise store. At the death of Mr. Bieber, the property went over to his son, W'alt. B., who successfully carried on the same line of business until the day of his death in 1910. The property then went into the hands by jnu'chase of Solon A. Stein, who conducted the busi- ness for a short time when the property again exchanged hands. Dr. George Stim- mel buying the property and rented the store room to William S Christ, the present proprietor. The old building was torn down and the present large brick structure erect- ed by Dr. Stimmel.
During Joshua S. Beiber's time a whole- sale liquor store was also established at the same place and was continued by his son, Walt. B., and Solon A. Stein, — ^Alr. Stein having given over this business to his cous- in, Byron A. Stein. It was discontinued a few years ago.
Shankweiler's store is another location where for many years the drygoods busi- ness was carried on. Simon Arnold handled the yard stick at this place many years ago ; from him the business passed over in suc- cession to David Fisher, then Helfrich and Fisher, — the firm consisting of Charles H. Helfrich, Lewis S., and Frank Fisher. Then the property was bought by Joshua G. Hint- erleiter and he and his son, William G., carried on the business until the death of the father, from which time it was con- ducted by his son, William G., until his death in 1904. The widow of Mr. Hinter- leiter rented the store-room then to J. V. Shankweiler and his sons, H. O., and E H. These continued in the partnership business until Feb. i, 1907, when the three brothers H. O., E. H., and J. S. Shank- weiler continued its management. On the
1st of Feb. 1909, the brother, H. O., retired from the firm and since that time to the present, the two remaining brothers, E. H., and J. S., constitute the firm.
The corner of Main and White Oak streets, in the center of town, is another old stand for business. Here we find that in the long ago, Jacob Sunday, and George Y. Kemp, conducted a business for a num- ber of years, .\fter them came Charles Lesher, and Richard Dunkel ; they were fol- lowed by Richard Dunkel, and John S. Dunkel. Later on Richard left the firm and John S. conducted the business alone. He sold out to Valerius S. Reinhard, who after having managed it alone for some years, took in as partner, Bartolet Reinhart. From this party it passed into the hands of Sam- uel Rahn. Then came James E. Alerkle, and Solomon Y. Peters. Then we find Harry H. Ahrens holding forth. Next comes Harvey O. Dietrich. At this point the business was discontinued for some years, when lulius liram and Jacob S. Kemp launched out in the delicatessen and caterer business for a while. At the pres- ent time John F. Angstadt conducts a groc- ery store at this place. The building was remodeled during the early part of the present year and is well adapted for a business place.
Another location where our people could buy their dry goods and groceries for many \'ears, is the northwest corner of ilain and White Oak streets. The first proprietors of a store at this corner were William Heiden- reich, and Daniel B. Kutz. They were brothers-in-law, Mr. Heidenreich having married Louisa, a daughter of Dewalt and Elizabeth (Sassaman) Bieber. About the year iS.^S thev went out of business and were followed by Lewis Hoflfman. After Mr. Hoffman came Egedius Butz, the fath- er of our worthy and venerable townsman, Lewis Butz. Simpson Schmehl and Na- than Zimmerman formed the next business firm of this corner. Then followed Lewi* ,\. Stein, and William B. Stein ; after a short time Mr. Lewis A. retired, leavino- the business in the hands of William B. Stein, who added a wholesale liquor store to the business. Oscar Merkel took the store froui the hands of Mr. Stein and continued it for some years. At the oresent time the cous- ins. Richard, and Francis Sharadin, hold the niace under the firm name of Sharadin and Sharadin.
The corner of ^Main and Greenwich
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
13'
streets has likewise since 1875 become a business centre. It was here where Mr. Mihon T. Donmoyer, who had been in the saddlery and harness business since 1869, settled himself in 1875. It had been the property of Col. Daniel Levan. Mr. Don- moyer secured it and conducted the harness business until early in the go's. He was succeeded by f. M. Wolf, who was followed by Stephen Keinert. Mr. Keinert bought the property. He continued in the harness business until 191,^ when he sold the build- ing tothe Saul Brothers. Mr. Keinert trans- ferred his saddlery to his new home erecteci on the rear of the same lot which he re- tained, fronting on Greenwich street. Mr. Keinert still continues in business in his new place. The Saul Brothers' building is now occupied by the Kutztown post office.
In the early days all the stores were open on Sunday. People came to church bringing their produce, which they would leave, with orders for what they desired The orders were filled while the country folk attended church. These folks often came in their shirt sleeves. Devout in church, men entering the pew. would stand and pray into their hats. The same cus ■ torn prevailed even among ministers ; we remember a highly respected pastor of a large parish, the father of two sons, also in the ministr_v and later receiving the title of D. D., who would enter the chancel, take off his hat, and in front of the altar, hold a minutes' devotion, holding his hat in front so as to pray into it.
After the services were over, the church people returned to their homes, first stop- ping at the store for their goods.
Hat Making Charles W. Esser, a native of Maxatawny township, father of Jacob B. Esser and grandfather of Charles H. Esser, member _ of the Kutztown Publishing Company start- ed hat making in Kutztown. He learned the trade of hat making early in life. His place of business was located on Main street in the building now owned by J. P. S. Fenstermacher, the front room serving as a salesroom for the stock manufactured in the shop to the rear. He died in 1863, aged fifty years.
Hardware
At first all the general stores kept a supply of hardware along with their other goods. As the town increased in size and the demand for hardware became greater, stores were established, where the business was almost exclusively confined to the hard- ware trade.
The first man who conducted a regular
hardware store was Simpson S. Schmehl. He had his store where the barber, Wm. Livingood, now holds forth. This was in the 70's. x\fter him we have N. S. Schmehl who bought out his Uncle Simpson,
In 1888 Zach Y. Miller started a hard- ware store where N; S. Schmehl had been up to this time, Mr. Schmehl having moved his store to its present quarters.
On Nov. I, 1892, E. P. DeTurk bought out Zach Y. Miller and in 1903-04 erected the large building on Main street where he has successfully conducted the business ever since.
Undertaking Business
During and before the Civil War there were two parties who conducted the under- taking business. The one was Paul Hilbert, and the other Daniel Gehret. The Hilbert establishment was located on Noble street. After some years Mr. Hilbert retired.
Daniel Gehret established himself on Main street where the Boston Grocery Store now is. In 1867 he turned the business over to his son, William, who continued until 1902 — a period of 35 years — when fail- ing health comoelled him to retire.
For a while David Sharadin started un in this business on Lower Main street ; this was in the 80's.
In IQ02, after the retirement of Mr. Gehr- et, y. H. Stump began business on Lower Main street and has continued ever since.
William Fritz has conducted a similar business for the last one and one-half years on Lower Main street.
Drug Business
Late in the 70's, Tacob Breininger opened a drug store on Main street where John Kohler's lot is, in a one story building ; later he procured quarters in the Snvder build- ing, now the property of the Snvder Es- tate. Here he continued until his death. The business was then carried on by his brother, Toe, and still later, for a short timt by the widow of Jacob Breininger, when it was discontinued.
About this time another drug store was started bv Dr. Berkemyer, across the way from Breinineer's, in the building then own- ed by Dr. T- S. Trexl'-r. This was in the 8o's Dr. Berkemyer movins" to Allentown, sold his interests to the Whittiker Bros., who in turn sold it to Dr. Trexler. In 18S7 it passed into the hands of the present pro- prietor. Dr. E. J. Sellers.
Tanneries
In the lower oart of the borough a tan- nery was operated for a number of years,
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CENTENXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
with success, by Nathan Levan, who was also a currier by trade. It was removed about twenty-five years ago.
From 1870, for some thirty years, J. D. Sharadin conducted the Silver Spring Tan- nery. It consisted of a main building, thirty-three by seventy- two feet, two stories high, with an extension thirty by thirty feet. The power was furnished by a ten horse-power engine. The product was chiefly oak-tanned harness-leather, although kipp and calf-skins were also prepared The site of this building is now occupied by the Kutztown Motor Car Company and J. S. Knittle, dealer in agricultural imple- ments.
Kutztown Furnace Kutztown Furnace was erected by the Kutztown Iron Company which was incor- porated in 1872. Most of the stockholders lived in Kutztown and vicinity, although some persons from abroad were interested. A tract of five acres of land was secured from the D. S. Kutz farm, near the bor- ough, and thereon the furnace was built in 1873, the first ground having been dug July 2d, by Henry Boyer. The contractors were Lee, Noble, and Company. The furnace was first operated under a lease by Charles H. Nimson and Company, with Henry C. Cooper as manager. In the course of a few years the furnace became the proDerty of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, who leased it to different parties. William M. Kauffman and Com- pany have been the most successful opera- tors. In July, 1883, the boiler of the fur- nace exploded upsetting the smoke stack, which fell across the casting house and de- molished it. Several workmen were fatally injured. Since that time the property has lain in ruins. The capacity of the furnace was nearly two hundred tons per week.
Kutztown Brick Yards John H. Mohr and William Weaver each had large and well-appointed brick yards, just outside the limits of the borough, which gave employment to a large number of hands.
Keiser and Miller are the present lessees of the Kutztown Brick Yards, owned bv Wm. F. Stimmel. This plant is one of the finest equipped in the state. The operations are conducted b}^ steam power throughout. The bricks are steam dried, thus enabling the work to run the entire year. The pro- prietors, who also operate a plant at Top- ton, are running their industries to their ut- most capacity. Thev took possession in the spring of 1915 and employ sixteen men. The daily output is 16,500 bricks Thev
make only the common bricks. The com- pany ships the product of their plants to Reading and Allentown and sujiply the local demand.
Cigar Industries
In the borough the manufacture of cigars was carried on by Fritch and Merker, Har- vey Bast and C. W. Keiter, the latter em- ployed sixteen hands.
The cigar industry of Kutztown is taken care of by four concerns, namely : J. B^ Kei- ter, O. R. Keiter, Ed. L. Schatzlein and S. Dries. J. B. Keiter has the largest plant, lo- cated on Noble street, and employs about five men. His product, such as "Ten Inches for S Cents" are well known to many. Ed. L. Schatzlein, the maker of the popular cigar, "Smokers Inn" has been in the tobacco business for many years. The past year he confined himself entirely to the vholesak trade. S. J. Dries, a veteran cigar maker but a new manufacturer, will no doubt make a success. He is located on Upper Main street. O. R. Keiter's factory is located on Walnut street, and his "Durham" brand is very popular.
Hosiery Mill Eck's Hosiery Factory was established in the fall of 1882 by J. L. Eck. He began operation with three machines, and steadily increased his business, until there were thir- ty weaving and knitting machines in the factory. A new building was fitted up in 1884, with steam for motive power. The operatives were girls and boys and the pro- ducts were plain and fancy hose, chiefly for women and children. About three hundred dozen pairs were manufactured weekly.
Lime and Crushed Stone Lime was manufactured extensively by John D. Deisher, Neff Bros., Lewis Brown, A. W. Fritch and William Wessner. The first named had a dozen kilns. This busi- ness afforded occupation for a large num- ber of men.
Dr. U. S. G. Bieber. veterinarian and an extensive builder of homes is conducting two stone crushing and hydrated lime plants, one in Kutztown and the other at Mburtis, employing upwards of 25 men. Dr. Bieber finds a ready market for his products.
Martin Koller is the proprietor of a lime and crushed stone plant near Kutztown. Mr. Koller employs a number of men the entire year.
Milk Depot and Creamery Many farmers bring their milk daily to a depot operated by L. G. Balzreit, of Phila- delphia, and managed by Mr. Musselman,
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
133
who only a few weeks ago moved to Kutz- town from Lititz. Most of the milk is separated and both cream and milk is ship- ped daily to Philadelphia where it 13 bottle 1 and sold to the general public. They ship daily thirty-five to forty 40-quart cans of milk and two cans of cream. Mr. Balzreit is conducting several other stations in this vicinity.
An association with forty-nine members was organized in the spring of 1881 for the manufacture of butter and cheese, and on the following summer a fine two-story brick building (thirty-four by forty- four feet) was put up, and the other necessary buildings provided to carry on the business. The entire outlay was about four thousand dollars. In 1885 William S. Kutz was president; David S. Schaeffer, treasurer, and Jonathan Biehl, secretary.
Pipe Organs One of the first industries of the place, aside from the ordinary mechanic pursuits, was the building of pipe organs by the Openheimer Brothers, who moved to Read- ing where they followed the same occupa- tion.
Marble and Granite Works Prior to the year 1855, Charles Sharadin conducted a stone cutting establishment in Kutztown. This establishment never grew beyond the needs of the immediate commu- nity.
About the year 1855, a German stone cutter came to Kutztown and started the stone cutting business on a small scale. This was Philip Wenz. He was the father of the Wenz brothers. The father retired in 1895 and gave the business over to his sons, who carried it on under the firm name of Wenz Bros.
The plant, situated on Greenwich street, grew year after year; additional ma- chiner}' of the most modern type was in- stalled until it had grown to such propor- tions that it competed favorably with any marble yard in the State. Soon the plant became known far and wide. There is hardly a cemetery to be found in eastern Pennsylvania where their work in the shape of tombstones, beautiful and imposing monuments, vaults or mausoleums are not to be found. The firm extended their business year after year and in 191 2 felt themselves obliged to seek larger space for the growing industry. Kutztown not of- fering a site sufficiently large, they felt themselves constrained to move to Allen- town, which they did on July i, 1913. When they left Kutztown they employed about 50 men, all told.
The company was entirely reorganized and the work begun at Allentown. The present officers are : Wm. Wenz, president ; T. E. Hensinger, secretary and treasurer. Directors, William Wenz, T. E. Hensinger, J. D. Wenz, J. Lawrence Rupp, Esq., C. L. Hollenbach, E. S. Eberts, and Harvey Bas- com.
Geo. W. Ramer, the owner of a marble and granite works on Greenwich street, Kutztown, started out on a very small scale in 1905. He was the only workman at first but his business grew to such an extent that today he employs eight people and has in- stalled a steam plant and the latest machin- ery. He has turned out some very fine tombstones and monuments, which can be seen in the Kutztown cemeteries and the burial grounds of many other places.
Kutztown Bottling Works
The Kutztown Bottling Works has been in existence for about 30 years. It was started by Ed. Immel and carried on succes- sively by C. J. Rhode and Charles H. Rhode, and C. J. Rhode and Son (John W.) Harry Sharadin bought the business from that firm and after conducting it for four years sold out in 1908 to J. P. Dreibelbis, who is the present proprietor. The business has grown considerably and Mr. Dreibelbis with the aid of a Mack Truck covers quite a territory. He makes all kinds of bottled drinks and also bottles Barbey's beer. His product can be seen at almost every hotel and restaurant in Berks and Lehigh coun- ties.
The Shirt Factory
The Kutztown shirt factory is located in the building on White Oak street which was for years the public school of Kutz- town. The first proprietor was C. U. Bens- ing, formerly of Kutztown, who started in 1897 and after being in business six months sold out to Daniel Sharadin, who d-nducted the same from 1897 to 1900 and in turn sold the business to his son, Francis E. He conducted the business successfully for nine years and then sold out Nov. 16, 1909, to S. Leibovitz and Son.
S. Leibovitz and Son have theii general office in New York City, 75 Leonard street. They are classed as one of the largest man- ufacturers of shirts in the country, being proprietors of 65 factories, located in Penn- sylvania, New York, Delaware, as far south as South Carolina. Forty-one hands are employed here and their output is about 350 dozen shirts per week. Their product is sold to wholesalers.
Mrs. A, H. Fritch is the general manager.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
KuTZTOWN Foundry and Machine Company, Inc.
The Kutztovvn Foundry is our largest enterprise and is in a prosperous condition. I'he business was organized b\- Chas. G. and Fred. S. Zehm, wno came to this coun- tr}' from Herzberg, Germany. They locat- ed at Reading, but being desirous of get- ting into business for themselves, came to Kutztown in 1866 and started business in the old Kutztown Foundry and Aiachine Company's shops, located on Kutz's Alle}-, near the centre of the town, where the livery stable now stands.
In 1869 they bought three acres of ground near the railroad station and that was the beginning of the present shops. The busi- ness was run as Zehm & Brother until April I, 1896, when Chas. G. Zehm retired. It was then run as Zehm and Company until Oct. 15, 1896, when it was incorporated into the Kutztown Foundry and ^Machine Company.
This JDusiness has had a steady growth from one employing half a dozen men until now about 200 men are employed, with buildings covering approximately 80,000 square feet. The officers are : G. T. Schnatz, President, Philadelphia; Chas. Edgerton, \'ice President, Philadelphia ; Irvin Bair, Secretary, Philadelphia; Arthur Bonner, Treasurer and Superintendent ot Works, Kutztown ; Philadelphia Office, 800 Morris Building, 142 1 Chestnut street.
The company had a disastrous fire on Dec. 8, 1898, destroying part of main shop, office and most all the patterns, after which all buildings were built one story. When enlarging the shop later on it was found necessary to have more ground, and the company purchased the farm of the late Rev. B. E. Kramlich.
They manufacture a general line of med- ium size castings, and of late have made some very large ones. They make a spec- ■ ialty of garbage work, sometimes furnish- ing roller presses and parts, and other times have contracted complete plants. They en- gineered and built complete plants at Co- lumbus and St. Louis. Roller presses have been sold in a number of States and in South America. Another snecialty is eva- porators. Recent orders filled cover all sizes UP to i^ feet inside diameter, which had to be made in sections for handling and shipping. Shipments of evaporators have been made to a number of different States, Cuba, and Europe.
Fred S. Zehm was born in Plerzberg, Germany. Feb. 2. 18^(1, educated and learn- ed machinist trade there, came to Reading fune g, 185,^. worked at John Noble's Ma-
chine Shop, then at Addison and Mellert's Machine Shop, then Franklin Iron Works. Chas. G. Zehm came to Reading in 1854. Both came to Kutztown in 1866. Bought ground at railroad in 1869.
Isaac and John F. Wentzel operated a machine shop in town for a number of years. They were in business in Leesport before coming here, starting there in 1854, and on August 3, 1868, came to Kutztown. Isaac Wentzel was then steward at the Normal School for several years and John F. Wentzel was his assistant. In a few years they started in the machine business in the old foundry building where the livery stable now stands. In 1872 they moved down to a building adjoining Zehm Bros', shops, near the railroad. They worked here for several years until the building was destroyed by fire. From there they moved up-town to a shop in the rear of Richard Miller, Sr., coachmaker's shop and remain- ed there about one year.
They then moved to Jacob Sanders' coachmakers shop on Walnut street, which I^ropert}- is now owned by Jacob Kemjj, and remained there about three years. From there they moved down town to a new shop the}' built, where John F. Wentzel now lives. Two years later they built an addi- iton in the rear for a dwelling.
Henry Biehl built the present paper box factory, expecting to start his son in it, as a roller flour mill, but it was never used, the son having died at college. The Wentz- els occupied this building for a while and then sold the business to Kroninger Bros., who also built and sold implements and wagons. Later on they sold out to Abram Zimmerman.
After this the building stood idle for some time, but later on the Saucony Shoe Company was started and occupied the place until thev built their present brick factory on Hefifner street.
Chas. L. Ahn started up a paper box factory in the Biehl building, and later on sold out to U. B. Ketner who now runs it.
Carriage Industry
The carriage industry of Kutztown is al- most as old as the town itself. .\t diflferent times various parties had opened establish- ments of this kind with varied success. .\mong them we might note Jacob Sanders, who for awhile had his works on Walnut street, Charles Hefifner on White Oak, Wil- liam Albright on Noble, William Smith on Greenwich, and Sanders and Wagner on Main street, just across the Saucony where the Zehm property now owned by Dr. L'. S. G. Bieber is located. All these have passed away. The one that has continued
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
135
success full)' for 75 years is the present well known carriage factory of R. IViiller's Son, managed by our enterprising townsman, Chas. W. Miller.
The carriage business under the linn name of R.. Miller's Son, of which Chas. W. Miller is the sole owner, was started many years ago by his father, the late Rich- ard Voung Miller. He was a native of Lancaster County, born in East Cocalico Township, where he spent the earl}' days of his life. He assisted his uncle on the farm at Muddy Creek Church until he ar- rived at the age when the matter of learn- ing a trade was taken up with his mother, and they concluded that he was well fitted for a carriage wood worker. He found a place in a town in Lebanon County where carriage building at that time was carried on Cjuite extensively, building principally six post rockaways and the famous old carry-all. They were all built at that time with a drop wooden axle. Some of the rockawa3's of that time were built with sword cases in the rear of the seat for the storage of weapons. At that period the men were obliged to cut their own lumber in the woods, splitting spokes for light and heavy work and selecting such logs for lumber as were suitable for the construction of the vehicles they were building. The spokes were all manufac^ tured on the hand lathe, and the rims for the wheels were all cut with the hand whip- saw from planks. Before the time Mr. Mil- ler became an apprentice it was the cus- tom to round out the rims with an adz, and the mechanics were well exper- ienced in doing that kind of work. In a blacksmith shop all the different accessor- ies that go into the assembling of a run- ning part, as bolts, clips, nuts, fifth wheels, shaft schackles, springs, etc., had to be forged by hand, as no finished work of this kind could be had. In the trim room all the stitching was done by hand, sewing- machines being unknown. J\Ir. Miller served an apprenticeship of four years, after which he was employed by Mr. Elatt of Third Street, Reading, Pa. However, he was not so well satisfied with the position at Reading. He happened to become ac- quainted with Mr. Isaac Strasser, a young- man of Kutztown, and he concluded upon the request of Mr. Strasser to seek his for- tune in our good old town. He found em- ployment with Mr. Sigman, who started business about the year 1837, the carriage and repair shop being located on the lot now occupied by the Farmers' Bank, Mr. Schlenker's Store and Mr. Christ's Book Store. Verv little new work was done at
the time with the exception of a few rock- aways, and quite a number of the old fash- ioned square box sleighs, of which Mr. Mil- ler would complete one every day, working froni five o'clock in the morning till nme o'clock at night, and by so doing he could earn about nme dollars a week. Kutztown being the stopping place for the stage line between Reading and Allentown, daily re- pairs to these coaches brought in quite a nice revenue in the carriage business.
Mr. Sigman's health became impaired and he died soon after Mr. Miller had found employment with him. While being em- ployed at this place Mr. ]\Iiller became ac- quainted with Catharine Bast, a daughter of Samuel Bast, whom he married in the year 1840. After his marriage he con- tinued business at the old place, but finally concluded to make his home at Reamstown, Lancaster county. The place however, not being congenial to his wife he remained there but a few months and moved back to Kutztown in the month of March the fol- lowing year when he started in business again for himself, his capital being limited to the sum of $7.50 when he made another start in life. When the old building was demolished he bought the property, an old log and frame building, located on Main street and Sander Alley, the property be- longing to the old Christian Copp estate, where the business has been carried on to the present time by himself and later, by his sons and for the last thirty-five year's by his son, C. W. Miller, the present own- er. In the year 1850 he was also running a blacksmith shop for horse shoeing and general repair work in connection with his carriage business. This shop was located next to the building of the late Dr. J. S. Trexler, on the lot now occupied bv the Elmer J. Sellers Drug Store. The build- ing was made of logs and was a genuine village smithy.
Having had a desire to extend his busi- ness he entered into a partnership with Mr. Charles Wink on January 29, 1848, for the sale of improved straw cutters, patented by Daniel Sechler, of Wooster, Ohio, having all of Berks county as their territorv, in- cluding the city of Reading, but this "busi- ness did not turn out very satisfactorily and the firm dissolved partnership. In the year 1850 he entered into partnership with Mr. Emanuel Reider. This partnership con- tinued only two years when it also was dis- solved, and from that time on he personally conducted the carriage business and re- mained the sole owner until 1870 when he took his son, C. W., as a partner. In 1873 his son Zacharias, now of Monowi, Ne-
136
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
braska, entered into partnership and re- mained a member of the firm until the year 1876 when he sold his interest to the pres- ent owner. After disposing of his share Zacharias moved with his family to a farm in Warren County, Indiana.
This carriage factory has the unique dis- tinction of being the only firm in Kutztown that has been in business for seventy-five years in one name.
Dery Silk Mill
D. G. Dery, manufacturer of .-ilks, of Catasauqua, bought the Kutztown mill and took possession on January 22, 1912. Chas. W. Moyer, formerly of AUentown, is the superintendent. Ninety-two hands are em- ployed and arrangements have been made to double the product of this industry which means an addition to the present mill.
Mr. Dery is the largest individual pro- ducer of silk in America or in the world. He is the operator of sixteen plants of which fifteen are located in Pennsylvania and one in Massachusetts. His general of- fices are located in the AUentown National Bank Building at AUentown, Pa., and the salesrooms at 381-385 Fourth Avenae, New York City.
Mr. Dery has on his payroll 3284 people in Pennsylvania and 350 in Massachusetts, a total of 3934, who earn annually in wages almost $1,700,000. The output of his plants is 12,500,000 yards annually, valued at seven and a half million dollars.
As a business man Mr. Dery has a noble record. His work shows that he i''^ a busi- ness man of the first magnitude. He is a good example of what a man can accom- plish by the exercise of talent and industry, and has risen to the distinction of having the greatest silk organization ever perfected by any one man.
A little more than a quarter of a century ago Mr. Dery, a college graduate, and trained in the best weaving schools of the Eastern World, began his business car- eer in the United States. He had acquired a thorough knowledge of silk weaving and all the attendant details of silk manufacture in Europe, and with this as his chief capital at the beginning he has risen to a height in the silk manufacturing world that he then little dreamed of.
His career in this work furnishes one of the most striking illustrations of the suc- cess that can be attained by a right-minded, clean-living, ambitious young man, with a definite view in life. Beginning as a super- intendent, Mr. Dery in a few years became a manufacturer, added mill after mill in
different localities, until today he is the largest individual silk manufacturer in the world.
Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Company, Inc.
In April, 1898, a co-partnership was formed by Walter C. C. Snyder, Wm. A. Donmoyer, T. S. Levan, and B. F. Reider, Sr., under the firm name of Saucony Shoe Co. The plant began operations in the building owned by Mrs. Hannah Biehl and now occupied by U. B. Ketner's Paper Box Manufacturing Company. The business was carried on until January, 1902, when it was deemed necessary by the co-partners to form a corporation in order to continue and increase the business. An application was made and a charter granted on Janu- ary 21, 1902.
John R. Gonser was elected the first president, which office he is still filling The firm continued to transact business in the Biehl building until February, 1906, when larger quarters were imperative. On January 19, 1905, building operations were started on the present company's new fac- tory building, located on Heffner street. In February, 1906, the firm took possession of the new plant and added more modern machinery and merchandise to their equip- ment. The Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Company are manufacturers of infants' and children's turn shoes and sandals. The ca- pacity of the plant is 250,000 pairs of shoes annually. The firm employs ninety hands and the pay roll is $5000.00 per month.
The present officers are : John R. Gonser, president ; M. T. Donmoyer vice-president ; T. S. Levan, treasurer; W. C. C. Snyder, secretary, and C. S. Siegfried, general man- ager.
The present directors are: M. T. Don- moyer, John R. Gonser, W. C. C. Snvder, U. S. G. Bieber, T. S. Levan, Samuel H. Heffner, and Chas. D. Herman.
Deisher Knitting Mills About 1884 a hosiery mill was started by J. L. Eck on the second floor of the Red Front Millinery store, now occupied by I. B. Stein & Son's liquor store.
A few years later a barn in the rear and across the alley was fitted out for a knit- ting mill, and underwear machinery was installed. The ribbed underwear business was in its infancy at this time.
April I, iSgo', H. K. Deisher left the emolovment of W. G. Hinterleiter as clerk and joined Eck as partner. This partnership was dissolved October 1892, H. K. Deisher succeeding and the mill was moved to its
CENTENNIAL lllSTORV OF KUTZTOWN
137
present location on Noble street, which building had been occupied as a creamery since 1881.
In igoo the entire building was raised three feet from its fovuidation and another story added. Annexes were built in 1003 and 1907.
Deisher Knitting Mills was incorporated May I, 1913- This industry has always furnished employment to about fiftv hands and the merchandise has made itself a reputation in the retail trade.
Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Out of the firm name Levan, Stein, L,entz & Company, grew the Keystone Shoe Man- ufacturing Company of Kutztown. This concern started business on January 15, 1884, in a building on Sander alley, for some years occupied by the Kutztown Bottling Works and later turned into pri- vate dwellings. The company manufac- tured ladies', misses", and children's shoes. In 1885 the name was changed to I^evan, Stein & Company, with offices and sales- rooms in Trexler Block. They did a job- bing business at that time.
In 1887 the name was changed to the Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Company, with an office at loi Main street, Kutztown. The company was composed of the follow- ing memljers : L. A. Stein, Dr. J. S. Trex- ler, Wm. F. Stimmel, and C. W. Miller. The present buildings were erected in Octo-
ber, 1888, and operations in the new ])lant began February 25, 1889.
On November 14, 1900, L. A. Stein be- came the sole owner of the plant.
On June 7, 1910, the company was incor- jjorated, and on September 18, 191 1, was reorganized. The present officers are : John R. Gonser, president; C. J. Rhode, vice- president; Philip D. Hoch, treasurer; O. Raymond Grimley, secretary, and C. S. Siegfried, superintendent.
They manufacture children's, misses', and growing girls' Goodyear welts. The output is approximately 200,000 pairs an- nually. The employees number 150. Pay- roll, $7000.00 per month. The goods are sold exclusively to jobbers and wholesalers.
The directors are : Wilson P. Krum, Phaon S. Heffner, R. H. Angstadt, John R. Gonser, N. S. Schmehl, Philip D. Hoch, John Hunsicker, C. S. Siegfried, Wm. T. Breinig, C. J. Rhode, and .J. B. Esser.
Paper Box Factory U. B. Ketner started in business Dec. 3, 1906, in what was formerly the Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Building. He equip- ped it with a new steam plant and all modern machinery. He manufactures box- es of all sizes and descriptions, sapplying manufacturers of Kutztown, Topton, Lyons, Trexlertown, Reading, Allentown, Macun- gie and Bath.
He has ten hands employed. His output in a year is at least 560,000 boxes. He has built up an extensive trade.
138
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
KUTZTOWN'S FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
KuTZTowN National Bank The Kutztown National Bank was in- corporated Dec. 17, 1897. bmce its incor- poration tlie bank has earned 20 good divi- dends for its shareholders and accumulated a surplus and undivided prohts to the amount of over $100,000.00, also d deposit list of over half a million dollars, by courte- ous and kind treatment to everyone, great or small, rich or poor ; straight forward- ness in everj'thing, trying to say "no" as pleasantly as "yes, presentation of facts in soliciting business, in an unobtrusive way, not buymg or begging accounts, which is contrary to ethics of good banking and lastly being" so accommodating that some think that IS what the bank stands for, and yet allowing no overchecks.
This institution has not only kept apace with the classical little city of Kutztown, but it has kept abreast of the progressive spirit of the times, by its progressive and yet conservative policy and has won the confidence of the banking public. Such in- stitutions as the Kutztown Nation-il Bank are causing the old timers to empty their former depositories ( old stockings, tin cans, etc. ) and placing them in financial institu- tions where they not only know their funds are safe, but where the\' can get a small rate of interest.
It is a source of satisfaction to the officers and stockholders of this bank to see this steady advance in its resources, realizing the fact that the public universally appreci- ates the facilities and accommodations con- sistent with the business principles that this institution maintains.
The Farmers Bank
The Farmers Bank was chartered June 15, I'py, and opened for business on Jul\ 27, it,oy. Ihe capitalization of this in- stitution is $50,000.00 and although in busi- ness less than in six years it has r^ surplus of $30,000.00 and undivided profits of over $5000.00.
This bank started paying interest on tim.^. and savings deposits thereby complying with the requests of the community ...ml thus bringing money back from the cities where it had been deposited for years. It also made people deposit money that bad been lying idle. iSIoney that was hoarded v^'a.s again put into circulation and today our town, as a banking community, ranks among the highest in the state.
That this institution is enjoying the con- fidence of the community may readily be seen by its steady growth, both in deposits and in the number of customers. In less than six years the deposits of this bank have increased from $50,000.00 to almost $400,000.00 while its depositors have in- creased proportionately.
The bank is well ec[uipped in a'l its de- partments, having an immense concrete vault, manganese steel safe, and safe de- ]50sit boxes for the use of its patrons. Adequate insurance, increased from time to time is carried against burglaries, hold- ups, or fire.
This bank was the first in the county to install a modern adding and subtracting machine which is used to post the individual ledgers and to make out depositors' state- ments.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
139
BOROUGH IMPROVEMENTS
The Kutztown Park A laro'e park, comprising ten acres, sit- uated in the eastern addition to the borough along the main thoroughfare to Allentown, was estabhshed by a private corpoi-ation in 1903. Since then it has attracted from thirty thousand to fifty thousand vis- itors annually. The park is well equipped with buildings. In 19 14 a band shell was erected. Besides there is a dining room, refreshment stand, dancing pavilion, etc. The park has been improved by the plant- ing of selected shade trees and shrubbery. A base ball field is also included in the ]5ark improvements.
The Auditorium iVn improved and modern amusement- l^lace in the form of a theatre was provided b_y the Kutztown Auditorium Company in 1907. A superior brick building was erect- ed and equipped at a cost of between $30,- 000 and $31,000 with a seating capacity of one thousand people. There is a com- modious stage, suitable scener)', and the company has its own electric light plant. The theatre part is located on the second floor. Besides the theatrical engagements it is a popular place for concerts, banquets. festivals, etc. The basement is taken up by the Kutztown Steam Laundrv. while the
The Kutztown Auditorium
Water Supply
In 1889 the Kutztown Water Compan\- was organized and incorporated bv Dr. T- S. Trexler, Sell D. Kutz, J. Daniel Sharadin, and Peter D. Wanner for supplying Kutz- town with water. They established a reser- voir on Kutz's Hill, a mile west of the town, with a capacity of i.ooD.ooo gallons. and put down mains to and through the borough. The water was secured from springs, from Kemo's Run. and from an artesian well, 800 feet deep, with a flowing daily capacity of ioo.ood gallons. Dr. Trex- ler was president of the company until his death in 1902, and Mr. Wanner officiated up to his death in 1914. The latter's son. John P.. is now at the head of the com- pany.
first floor is equipped with bowling alleys, pool tables, and ice cream parlor.
TROLI.EY IvINES
A street railway line was opened for travel from Kutztown to Allentown in igo2, and from that time dwellings began to be erected east of the Saucony creek, creating a large and valuable addition to the bor- ough. In 1903 a trolle}' line was extended to the borough from Reading, thereby op- ening through travel from Reading to Al- lentown. Bethlehem, and Easton. via Kutz- town.
Similar building operations have been carried on beyond the western limits of the borough, opposite the Keystone State Nor- mal School, making that section also very fittractive. As elsewhere, the influence of
140
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
this railway has been felt in the general development of the place. A power house was established at Kutztown in igo2, and this has supplied the power to and from Trexlertown and to and from Temple since the extension to Reading.
Streets and Sidewalks The principal streets have been macadam- ized and upwards of seven miles of cement sidewalks have been put down in recent years. Efforts are under way for street paving.
Herman's Plav House
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Board of Trade
The Kutztown Board of Trade is an or- ganization of progressive citizens, business and professional men, whose purpo.3e is, by joint and concerted effort, to promote the general welfare of the borough, and espec- ially to protect, aid, and develop its indus- trial, commercial, and business interests.
It was organized on the loth of January, 191 5, in the reception room of the Keystone House. Regular meetings are held the sec- ond Tuesday of each month. The first of- ficers were: Cvrus J- Rhode, President;
A-^ictor H. Hauser, Secretary, and Nathan S. Schmehl, Treasurer.
The following were the charter members : Harry H. Ahrens, Llewellyn A. Angstadt, Arthur Bonner, Jacob K. Boyer, Dr. U. S. G. Bieber, Frank Cadmus, A. S. Christ, Rev. J. J. Cressman, Dr. W. W. Deatrick, Henry K. Deisher, Walter 8. Dietrich, Dan- iel Dries, Jacob B. Esser, EHwood D. Fish- er, John Z. Harner, Victor H. Hauser, Al- bert S. Heffner, U. B. Ketner, A. K. Lesh- er, A. N. Levan, Chas. W .Miller, Fred. Moyer, D. Levan Nicks, Nicholas Rahn,
A. N. I, EVAN. Pres.
M. K. YOriEK. Sec.
N. S. SCHMEHL, Treas.
CENTENXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
141
Benjamin F. Reider, Cyrus J. Rhode, Tohu W. Rhode, Dr. H. W. Saul, John A. Schwoyer, Nathan S. Schmehl, Francis Sharadin, Howard S. Shaiadin, L. A. Stein, and Wm. F. Stimmel.
Space does not permit to enumerate all that the Board of Trade did for Kutztown. Below are a few items in which this or- ganization was instrumental in getting ac- complished :
Annexing to the borough certain outly- ing portions adjacent to the borough, ef- fecting a greater Kutztown and creating a stronger spirit of aggressiveness.
Removing the old Main street bridge across the Saucony to Normal avenue and getting a concrete structure instead. This organization took all the preliminary steps necessary and obligated themselves finan- cially in part.
Half trolley fare within the borough lim- its.
Better railroad freight rates.
Two wards giving better voting accom- modations and better organization.
A new bridge on Heifner street.
The present officers are : A. N. Levau, President ; Mabry K. Yoder, Secretary ; Victor H. Hauser, Assistant Secretary, and Nathan S. Schmehl, Treasurer.
Board of Heai.th The Board of Health was first estab'ished in 1893. The preamble in the minute book reads thus :
"Whereas, The Town Council of the Borough of Kutztown has, accord- ing to an Act of Assembly passed JMay II, 1893, appointed the following per- sons, viz : Conrad Gehring, Reuben Dewalt, N. Z. Dunkelberger, M. D., Dr. I. L. Peters, and Dr. E. L. Hotten- stein as a Board of Health, they in pursuance of said Act met at the house of Ulrich Miller, the eighth day of September and organized by electing the following officers for the ensuing year : For President, Conrad Gehring ; for Secretary, Reuben Dewalt.
"No further business being before the meeting the Board on motion adjourned to meet at the public house of Henry Bowers, Sept. 15, 1893, at 8 o'clock, P. M.
Reuben Dewalt, Secretary."
On September 29, Dr. Peters was unani- mously elected treasurer.
On March 30, 1894, Mr. Gehring re- signed from the Board and was succeeded by Mr. D. F. Bieber.
October 2, 1894, the board re-organized
with Dewalt F. Bieber, president ; Reuben DeWalt, secretary and health officer, and Dr. Peters, treasurer.
On Dec. 5, 1895, Reuben Dewalt handed in his resignation and on January 22, of the following year, 1896, N. S. Schmehl was installed as a member ; Dr. Peters act- ing as secretary and Dr. Dunkelberger as health officer.
At this point the name of Dewalt F. Bieber and Dr. E. L. Hottenstein disap- peared from the minutes. The board then consisted of Drs. Dunkelberger and Peters, Messrs. E. P. DeTurk, N. S. Schmehl and Geo. B. Kohler, the latter being the health officer.
October 26, 1897, Geo. B. Kohler re- signed as member of board and also as health officer ; and he was succeeded by Dr. H. W. Saul, who took the oath of office as a member of the board at a special meet- ing held December 2, 1897.
One year later, Oct. 25, 1898, the term of Dr. Dunkelberger as a member expired but he was re-elected by Council, and Dr. H. W. Saul was elected president of the board. This board a'DDarently continued to serve until Jan. 15, 1901, when their records cease.
Under this caption the records of Jan- uary II, 1904, appear with the following entry on the minutes : "At a meeting of the Town Council the president of said Council appointed as a Board of Health :
Term Expires N. Z. Dunkelberger, to serve 5 years 1909 C. J. Rhode, to serve for 4 years . . 1908 B. M. Deibert, to serve for 3 years. . 1907 E. P. DeTurk, to serve for 2 years . . 1906 W. R. Sander, to serve i year .... 1905
"The new board organized at the resi- dence of N. Z. Dunkelberger by electing the following officers : President, C. T. Rhode ; Secretary, N. Z. Dunkelberger ; Treasurer, E. P. DeTurk, and Health Officer, B. M. Deibert."
This board continued to serve until 1908, when the record of their last meeting ap- pears. During their four years of official life many important matters appeared be- fore the board for their consideration, the principal one being the water supply of the borough.
On July 7, 1908, the records show the appointment of still another new board which held a meeting for organization on the evening of that date. This board con- sisted of Dr. E. K. Steckel, (.^ years), Geo. H. Smith, (t. vears), D. W. James, (4 vears), Fred T. Williamson, (2 years"), and Solon A. Stein, (i year). The members took the oath of office in the Council Cham-
142
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
ber on ^Monday evening, July 6. The fol- lowing officers were elected at the organiza- tion meeting: President, Dr. E. K. Steck- el : Secretary, S. A. Stein : Treasurer, Geo. H. Smith : Health Officer, D. W. James.
On August 3, 1909, an elaborate set of rules and regulations were adopted, which were later drafted into an ordinance and passed by Councils for the proper control of the health of the town and these rules,
H. 1'. BOGER, Pl-es.
F. T. WII>LI.A.MSON, Sec.
with but a single amendment, are in force today.
October 5, 1909, Solon A. Stein resigned as a member, having left Kutztown and F. T. Williamson was elected to serve as secre- tary.
In October, 1912, I. L. DeTurk was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Solon A. Stein and this board
continued in office until legislated out b}' an Act of the Legislature in the fall of 191 3.
The present board was appointed in January, 1914, and took the oath of office on February 28, of that year. The board consists of George H. Smith, Dr. I. L. Pet- ers. H. P. Boger, I. L. DeTurk, and Fred. T. Williamson. The officers are : H. P. Boger, president ; Fred. T. Williamson, sec- retary, and D. W. James, health officer.
Yearly reports showing work done by the board are submitted to Councils at the first meeting in January.
Musical Organizations
A baud of music has been maintained at Kutztown for many years which gained a great reputation for the recitation of clas- sical music in a superior manner. The in- structors and leaders have been James Sand- ers, Henry Druckenmiller, and Theophilus Wagenhurst. Prof. Preston A. Metzgar is the present leader: Richard Alissbach, pres- ident ; Paul Metzgar, secretary, and S. W. Keinert, treasurer.
A very active musical organization is the Kutztown Drum Corps, organized March 24, 191 1. They render principally martial music but are at the same time capable of furnishing other kinds of music. The corps consists of twenty-five members. William S. Gab is the leader.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
143
FIRE COMPANIES OLD AND NEW
From the town records interestino- ex- tracts, relating to protection from fires and the improvement of the streets, show that in 1816 fire ladders were provided. Will- iam Henninger was authorized to take the
The Oi.d Hand Pump and Fire House
same to the shop of Jacob Baldv and have them shod. As early as 1820 stejjs were taken to secure a fire engine, but none was purchased until 1830, \vhen Dr. Christian L. Schlemm, George Bieber and William Heidenreich, as a committee, purchased an
bought, and January 1, 1841, Dr. Bieber was apopinted a committee to procure a fire bell for the use of the American Fire Company.
Americwn Fire Company
This company became an incorporated body April 2, 1844.
In 1854, there being no fire company in existence, owing to the engine being out of repair, the young boys of the borough peti- tioned the Council for permission to organ-, ize a company. The request was not al- lowed. The engine was repaired bv Paul Hilbert and Henry Glasser, but not thor- oughly, it would seem, for in 1858 two hund- red dollars more were expended for this purpose, through D. B. Kutz and Companv. In i860 the Borough Council decided to build an engine house, but the Civil War caused the matter to be suspended. The building was not put up until 1871. It is a two-story brick, twenty-one bv thirty feet, and cost one thousand three hundred and forty-nine dollars. In it are housed the old fire engines, but no company to man the same is now maintained.
On January 14th, 1908, a fire companv was organized with the following- officers: President. C. D. Herman ; First Vice Presi- dent, X. M. Rahn ; Second Vice President, Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger ; Third Vi'^e Presi- dent, E. P. DeTurk ;' Secretarv. W. S. Die- trich ; Assistant Secretarv, D. M. Saul; Chief. W. R. Sander; Assistant Chief, Tohn D. Geiger, and Second Assistant Chief, Marion Hertzog.
The present officers are: President, C.
The New Brockway Motor Eouipmekt, Just Pkocur>d
engine. The following vear an engine house was built by Benjamin Bachman for $44-75- In 1836 the fire companv then in existence complained that the engine was out of repair. In 1840 another engine was
D. Herman ; First Vice President, W. E. Meyers ; Second Vice President, Wm. P.. Schaeffer; Recording Secretarv, Jno. D. Geiger; Financial Secretarv, Peter K. Steck- el; Treasurer, Geo. B. Kohler ; Trustees,
144
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
Jno. R. Gonser, H. S. Sharadin, S. J. Dries, C. I. G. Christman, A. Bonner, O. D. Herman, A. K. Lesher, Dr. Geix Stim- mel, T- P- S. Fenstermacher, J. D. Shara- din, C. W. Miller, and U. J. Miller.
The present membership is 115. Recent- ly the company- bought a Brock\va\- ]\lotor Fire Truck from the Brockwa}' Motor Com- pany, of Cortland, N. Y., for $3000. It was delivered on July I, 191 5.
Tov;^ Xa>.u ,K>'t^town,pa
The New Town H.\i,i, and Central Fire Station
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
145
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr. Ephraini Becker practiced medicine in Kutztown up to the year 1814, when he died, just one year before the village was incorporated into a borough. Soon afterwards, Drs. David and William Baum came, but stayed a short time only, when they both removed to the West.
Dr. Christian Ludwig Schlemm lived and practiced medicine in a house where now stands the carriag'e works of R. JMiller's son. He began to practice his profession here in 1818. In after 3'ears he moved to Richmond Township to a place which bears his name, Schlemmville, where he died in 1850. Later his son, Dr. Charles W. Schlemm also took up the practice here.
Dr. James Donagan was born in Phila- delphia in 1793. He studied medicine with Dr. John C. Baum, of Exeter Township. After his graduation at the University of Pennsylvania, he located in Kutztown, where he practiced medicine for a number of years in the house in which is located the Kutztown Post Office, at the corner of Main and Greenwich Streets. Later he built the house on ?ilain Street which at present is occupied by Dr. Henry W. Saul. This house, ever since its erection, was oc- cupied by a physician ; other physicians, who were occupants besides Dr. Donagan and Dr. Saul were Dr. Charles A. Gerasch and Dr. J. S. Trexler. Dr. Donagan later moved to Reading, where he studied and nracticed law. He died in 1862, and is buried in Charles Evans Cemetery, Read- ing.
Dr. Reuben Hains practiced here from 1836 to 1842 and lived in the house where the Pennsylvania Hotel stands. After this period he moved to Reading.
Dr. Charles A. Gerasch, a physician still well remembered by many Kutztown citi- zens, came from Prussia to Berks County to practice medicine and surgery, and located in Kutztown about the year 1840, where he continued in practice up to the time of his death, which occurred on July 22. 1876. Dr. Gerasch was most successful in the practice of his profession, and his services were widely in demand. He took a great interest in school affairs and served as a director of the oublic schools in Kutztown, and as a trustee in the Keystone State Nor- mal School. He was a lover of children and gladdened the hearts of many by his annual Christmas ofiferings, which usually
consisted of a box or bag of candy and an orange.
Dr. Jeremiah S. Trexler, born in Lehigh County, was the son of James Trexler and his wife, Jenette Dankel. He received his early education in the Moravian Seminar}' at Emaus, and at Bethlehem. After read= ing medicine with Dr. Charles A. Gerasch he took a course in and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1854. He became associated with his preceptor and upon his death continued in practice in Kutztown until ten years before his death, which occurred in the fall of 1501. Dr. Trexler served as burgess and various other borough offices ; was a trustee of the Keystone State Normal School and was a member of the Alasonic Fraternity.
Dr. Wm. S. Bieber practiced here during the period of 1830 to 1854 and was located in the Kemp building at the corner of ]Main and White Oak Streets. He was the father of Dr. Lewis Bieber, who practiced in Phil- lipsburg, N. J., up to the time of his death five years ago.
Dr. Charles J. Schultz was located here and practiced his profession on L'pper Main Street in the house at present occcupied by ■Misses Anna and Emma Grim, daughters of the late Daniel P. Grim, Sr.
Dr. L N. E. Shoemaker located here in 1870, in the house at present occupied by Dr. E. L. Hottenstein ; practiced medicine for fourteen 3'ears, when he moved to Phila- delphia where he resides at the present time. His son. Dr. Ira G. Shoemaker, fol- lows the practice of medicine in Reading;;, and is located on South Ninth Street.
Dr. L. C. Berkemeyer practiced medicine here and conducted a drug store in the '8o"s, in the building where our present druggist. Dr. E. J. Sellers is carrying on the busi- ness.
Dr. Isaac C. Detweiler was born in Max- atawnv Township, was graduated from the Homeopathic College, in Philadelphia, in 1 86 1, practiced his profession for two years in Kutztown, and then moved to Reading.
Dr. Charles H. Wanner practiced medi- cine in Kutztown for a number of years, up to the time of his death, which occurred November 12, 1869. He was aged 42 years.
Dr. Cvrus Wanner, the son of Dr. Charles PI. Wanner, started the practice of medicine
146
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
and surger}' here in 1875, ^'""^ ^'^'^^ located at the corner of Main and Noble Streets in the house at present occupied by George Rhode, butcher. Dr. Wanner had a very extensive practice ; he died in February, i8go. His 3'oungest son, Jesse, is a physi- cian, and is in active practice in Nanticoke, Maryland.
Drs. ]ohn Helfrich and his son, J- Henry Helfrich, were Homeopathic practitioners here in the '6o's. They came from Lehigh County. The latter lived here from 1866 to 1877, ^ period of 11 3'ears. The former was here a short time only.
Dr. Edward Hottenstein, whose grand- father, David Hottenstein, was also a phy- sic, studied medicine under Dr. Henrv Geig- er, of Harleysville, Montgomery County.
present is located at the corner of Main Street and Strasser Alley. On Nov. 30, 1889, he was married to Miss Alice Stim- mel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William F. Stimmel.
Dr. William J. Hottenstein, third son, is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, but later took a course in dentistrv, which profession he now follows at Akron, Ohio.
Dr. Charles A. Hottenstein, fourth son, was born in Kutztown on Oct. i, 1871. He received his early education in the public schools of town and at the Ke3'stone State Normal School. He studied dentistry at the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surg= ery and graduated there in 1892. I^ater he took a course in medicine and surgery in Jefferson Medical College, receiving his
Donag.4n-Gerasch-Trexi,er-Saui. House The Home of Physicians
In 1853 he graduated from Jefferson Medi- cal College and practiced in Maxatawnv Township up to 1870, when he located at Kutztown, and practiced here until he re- tired 12 years before his death, which oc- curred on August 26, 19 14. Five sons of Dr. Edward Hottenstein also are graduates in medicine.
Dr. Elmer K. Hottenstein practiced here for several years, after which he moved to Akron, Ohio, where he is now following his profession.
Dr. Edward L. Hottenstein, second son, was born August 12, 1864. He received his early education in the public schools of Kutztown and at the Keystone State Nor- mal School. Later he studied medicine with his father, after which he entered Jef- ferson Medical College, and graduated there in 1886, and immediately thereafter start- ed to practice his profession here, and at
degree from this institution in 1895. He now follows dentistry in this borough at 223 Main Street. On September 10, 1895, he was married to Miss Anna C. Hotten- steiuj daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O. Hottenstein. They are the parents of one daughter Myrl, who is attending the Normal School. Dr. Hottenstein is a mem- ber of St. Paul's Reformed Church and of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M. He is also a member of the Board of Trus- tees of the Normal School.
Dr. Peter D. Hottenstein, the fifth son, is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School of the class of 1891, and of the Medico-Chirurgical College, class of 1894. Later he took a course in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, class of 1899, and is following the drug business and the prac- tice of medicine in Philadelphia at 5100 Market Street.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
147
Dr. N. Z. Duiikelberger is a son of John L., and Mary (Zimmerman) Dunkelberger, and was born in Bethel Township, Berks County. Aug. 16, 1864. His early educa- tion was obtained in the schools of Center 'I'ownship, and by orivate tutorship in the advanced branches. He served as clerk in a general merchandise store, and taught school for a period of six years. Later he read medicine, and entered Medico-Chi- rurgical College in Philadelphia, from which he graduated April 10, i
In the fall
of the same year, he located in Kutztown, and has ever since successfully practiced his profession here. Dr. Dunkelberger proved himself a useful citizen in our bor- ough not only in his professional work, but in municipal affairs as well. He was a school director for 22 consecutive years and was secretary of the board for 16 vears. He is burgess of Kutztown at the present time. On August 30, 1890, he was married to Annie Laura Dunkle, daughter of the late Solomon and Sarah Dunkle, of Maidencreek Township. He is the father of five children, three daughters and two sons.
Dr. Henry W. Saul was born in Kutz- town on April 29, 1869, and is the youngest son of Mr. and J\Irs. David Saul. After receiving his early education in the public schools, he entered the Keystone State Nor- mal School, from which institution he grad- uated in 1889. He taught school, read med- icine, and is a graduate of the Baltimore Medical College and the University of Maryland. On April ist, 1895, he opened his office on Main Street and upon the death of Dr. J. S. Trexler, took possession of the house which the latter had occupied and has ever since practiced his profession there, paying special attention to eye, ear, nose, and throat diseases. Dr. Saul is a member of the Berks County Medical So- ciety, and was its president during the year 1912 ; is a member of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and of the Ameri- can Medical Association. He takes a great interest in municipal affairs. Pie served as
burgess of Kutztown from 1909-1914, and is at present a member of the board of directors of the public schools, and has been deputy coroner for the past 11 years. So- cially, he is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M., Excelsior Royal Arch Chapter, Reading Commandery, No. 42 Knights Templar, and A. A. O. N. Mys- tic Shrine, Knights of the Golden Eagle and Jr. O. U. A. M. On August 16, 1904, he was married to Miss Katie E. Trexler, of Topton, and is the father of three chil= dren, one son and two daughters.
Dr. I. L. Peters was born and raised in Lehigh County, Pa. He attended the pub- lic schools and Albright College. After taking a course in medicine at the Hahne- man Medical College, Philadelphia, he grad- uated in 1888. In 1890 he located in Kutz- town, and has practiced his profession here ever since. He is married and is the father of one daughter.
Dr. Elwood Kutz Steckel, the son of Edward Martin Steckel and his wife, Susan M., born Kutz, was born and raised in Kutztown. Earlv in life, through the kind- Iv influence of his grandfather, Charles Kutz, he entered the Normal School, where he was graduated in 1877. For five years he taught the Grammar School of the Bor- ough of Topton ; in the meanwhile reading medicine and preparing for Medical College under the direction of Dr. Cvrus Wanner. In 1884. he was graduated at Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, and beean the nractice of medicine at Kutztown. On April 28, 1885, he was married to Hettie E. B. Mover, of Orwigsbnrsf. and moved to that prosperous Schuylkill Countv town where he practiced his profession for 24 vears, covering a large and densely popu- lated territory. In IQ08, July 2, he re- turned to Kutztown. where he continues the practice of his profession.
Amon.o- other doctors, who studied medi- cine -at Kutztown, and later settled else- ivhere mav be mentioned: Drs. Beidelman, Kictler. Strasser. So'omon Becker. A.. C. L. Hottenstein, Manderback, and Miller.
148
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
THE LEGAL PROFESSION
Thomas Hardie, the redemptioner school- master, purchased by Johannes Siegfried; (see "Eiducational History,") was the first lawyer, or conve3'ancer, in this section, about 1737-41.
WiUiam Strong-, later one of the judges of the United State Supreme Court, once practiced law in Kutztown, from which place he removed to Reading. He was a native of Connecticut, was admitted to the bar in Reading November 8, 1832, sat upon the Supreme bench of the State of Penn- sylvania, and served upon the famous Elec- toral Commission that counted Tilden out of the Presidency.
Jacob Levan, "Esquire," ist, settling at Eaglepoint, was Judge of Berks County, 1 75 2- 1 760.
Daniel Levan, 3d, son of Daniel Levan of Levan's (Kemp's) Inn, was admitted to the Reading bar, 1768. He served as judge in 1777.
Sebastian Zimmerman was one of the judges of the county court 17&7-1771 and again from 1778- 1784. At that time there were from four to nine "judges."
Other lawyers were Silas E. Biizzard, John K. Longenecker, Henry Kutz. and Frederick John Hatten, admitted June 2, 1801.
William Heidenreich served as associate judge of Berks county prior to David Kutz.
Judge David Kutz in his day was one of the most prominent citizens in these parts. He died July 20, 1870, aged 72 years, 7 months and 17 days. He is buried in Hope Cemetery, Kutztown. He served as associ- ate judge of Berks county for a number of years. He lived on the farm from which Kutztown gets its present water suooly.
The Hon. Hiram H. Schwartz hailed from Whitehall, Lehigh county, and after
graduating from Franklin and Marshall College, studied law and settled in Kutz- town. He soon gathered a large practice, became prominent in politics, and ut the formation of the position of Orphans' Court Judge, June 29, 1883, received the appoint- ment, and by subsequent election held the same imtil his death, August 25, 1891.
J. PL Marx was a native of Kutztown, born February 9, 1846, graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1868, taught very successfully for a number of years in town and at the Normal School — in the meantime reading law under Hon. H. H. Schwartz — was admitted to mem- bership of the Berks County Bar in 1879, and engaged in the practice of law at Kutz- town up to the day of his death, which oc- curred September 3, 191 3. He was presi- dent of the Board of Trustees of the Nor- mal School for a number of years.
F. K. Flood, another attorney raised in Kutztown, received his literary training at the Normal School, graduating i;i both the Elementary and Scientific courses. He later read law with Hon. H. H. Schwartz and J. Howard Jacobs, and after admission to the bar, opened an office in Reading. He served as district attorney for one term.
Among the later lawyers we have such prominent men as Ex-District Attorney Ira G. Kutz, Reading; Assistant District Attorney F. A. Marx, Reading; Harry D. Kutz, Nazareth ; Charles R. Wannei connected with the Department of the In- terior at Washinp^ton, D. C. ; Geo. D. Hum- bert, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ; D. Nicho- las Schaeffer, Reading; Caleb J. Bieber, Reading ; Ex-Senator and Ex-District At- torney W. Oscar Miller, Reading; Edward D. Trexler, Reading.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
149
FAIRS AND BATTALIONS
"As early as 183 1 that peculiar institu- tion, the "Yearly Fair,' had a popular ex- istence in Kutztown. It was not a display of mechanical and agricultural products, but an occasion for hilarious sport, as will be seen from the following annoimcement :
'The Yearly Fair will be held Aug. 12 and 13, 1831. Persons fond of military parades will see Capt. Grim's company of Horse, and Capt. Bieber's company of Infantry, and the Kutztown Band of Music parade on these days. Shows and pastimes of all kinds will be exhibited. Hucksters will be well provided with Beer, Mead, Sweet Meats and all the Fruits in Season. The Youth are informed that there will be an abund- ance of good music and plenty of pretty girls to dance to it.' — Berks and Schuylkill Journal, July 31, 1837.
An example of the fair at a later day is given in the following circular :
'Glaenzende Fair in der Stadt Kutztaun.' 'Am Freytag und Samstag, den 2ten und 3ten naechsten September, wird in der Stadt Kutz- taun eine glaenzende Fair gehalten werden. Un- ter den vielen ansiehenden Gegenstaenden, welche dieses glaenzende Fest zieren werden, brauchen wir nur anzufuehren, dass ein ganzes Regiment Freiwilliger zur Parade ausruecken werden — Cav- allrie und Infanterie, und dass verschieden- artige militaerische manoever ausgefuehrt werden sollen. Die Wirthe haben sich nebenbei mit den besten Getraenken versehen ; stark und schwach, vom besten Braendy bis aufs klare Wasser, so dass auch Temperenz Leute accommodirt wer- den koennen wie auch mit den besten Speisen fuer Van Buren und Harrison Leute — wie auch mit Platz fuer 8000 Mann, denn man erwartet, dass diese Fair ungewoehnlich zahlreich besucht wer- den wird. Fuer gute Fiddler ist ebenfalls gesorgt worden. Dass auch Pferde Wettrennen statt- linden werden, versteht sich von selbst. Nament- lich wird das beruehmte Virginien Pferd Bu- cephalus gegen das vollbluetige importirte Pferd Rosinante springen. Auch werden einige kleine Ballons in die Hoehe gelassen werden.
'P. S. — Es wird erwartet, dass die Laedies voi'i Lande sich ein wenig schoen aufdressen werden — indem die Kutztauner Laedies sich von Kopf zum Fuss mit den praechtigsten neuen Stoffen aus unsern Stohren versehen haben. Kutztaun, Au- gust 17, 1836.'
'At first the battalions and the militia trainings were one and the same thing. When the latter were abolished, the festivi- ties originally connected with them were continued under the name of the former. These were held in the month of ]\Iay, the fairs in September, and the frolics when- ever the humor of the people and the wish- es of the landlords required them. About forty years ago fairs died out. These be- came so unpopular that it sometimes hap- pened that no sufficient notice of the time of their holding was given. As a result of
this, the lovers of fun who lived in the re- moter parts of the county, occasionally made their appearance in Kutztown a day too late. J:"rom this fact originated the well- known phrase ' a day after the fair.'
'The battalions were the occasion of im- mense gatherings. Not onl)' did the militia turn out, but the volunteer organizations swelled the ranks until more than a thou- sand men were in line. General Jeremiah Shappell is best remembered as a brigade inspector who ably handled this body of citizen soldiers, and his military bearing is still remembered by the old citizens. These gatherings were seldom bloodless. Men of brutal disposition looked forward to them as the time when they would meet kindred spirits, and in sanguinary combats deter- mine who should be entitled to homage as the "bully" the ensuing year. Hence fights and brawls were of constant occurrence, and the whole influence was debasing. The bat- talions were not inclined to elevate life, and it was not until the Normal School, with its refining influence, had made them ob- noxious in the sight of the respectable ele- ment of the community that they finally succumbed in 1873. '^^'^^ "Frolic" has also been relegated to the past, and its departure should cause no regrets. It was a low form of amusement, whose existence is not pos- sible among refined people ; and those who regarded it as a form of enjoyment in their youth looked upon it as mad folly in their maturer 3'ears, and so severely discounten- anced it that it died for want of patronage.' — Historv of Befks County (1886) page
358-359- "
Dr. Higbee used to tell a story of how one of the early officers of the militia, at one of the battalions held at Kutztown, not being entirely familiar with martial term- inology and desiring to command in Eng- lish after some hesitancy finally exclaimed, "Men turn mit your front sides to Reading and mit your back sides to Kutztown — for- wards, march." Dr. Higbee also relates how his predecessor, the learned Dr. Wick- ersham, state superintendent of public in- struction, who was colonel of a regiment of students at the time of Lee's invasion, desir- ing to march his soldiers around a pool of water exclaimed, "Bovs, evade the mud."
The Old Kutztown Fair
In 1870 the Keystone AgricuUvral and Horticultural Societv was chartered. Six-
15°
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
teen acres of land were bought, the neces- sary buildings erected and track was built. For many years successful exhibitions took place here annually; in fact, the Kutztown Fair was, and is to-day, one of the principal events of Berks county. The first officers were: Elijah DeTurk, president; John R. Gonser, secretary ; L. K- Hottenstein, treas- urer; and for 1876 George J. Kutz, presi- dent; Jefferson C. Hoch, secretary; A. J Fogel, treasurer ; Dr. J. S. Trexlei-, corres- ponding secretary ; Hon. H. H. Schwartz, attorney.
In dctober, 1872 Horace Greeley, then the Democratic candidate for the presidency of the United States, visited Kutztcwn, and delivered two addresses, one before the society and the other before the students
The Fair ground was purchased in 1903 by Daniel Kline, Jacob B. Esser, and Wil- liam R. Sander, known as the Kutztown Improvement Company, and was divided into building lots.
Previous to this time the fair for a num- ber of years was conducted by Jacob B. Esser.
Kutztown Fair Association The Kutztown Fair Association was char- tered to do business in the spring of 1905. Soon after the "Old Kutztown Fair" be- came a thing of the past the citizens of this community began to agitate the re-or- ganization of a Fair Association because of which agitation the present Association be- came a realitv.
Record Breaking Crowd at the New Kutztown Fair
of the Keystone State Normal School. For 1874, the orator, during the agricultural exhibition, was Alexander Ramsey, United States Senator from Minnesota; 1875, Judge Humphreys, of Washington, D. C. ; 1882 General James A. Beaver and in 1893 Governor Robert E. Pattison.
Jacob R. Heffner and Joshua Levan bought the grounds in 1877. After Joshua Levan's death in January 1884, William H. Heffner and Llewellyn Kaufman bought |l,evan's share, each owning one-fourth. Then Edwin DeLong and Cyrenius Kutz had Jacob R. Heffner's share for three years. Later William H. Heffner boughc out DeLong and Kutz.
In i8go Jacob R. Heffner took William H. Heffner's, deceased, share.
The beautiful and spacious grounds, lo- cated in the northwestern section of the borough were purchased from three par- ties, the greater portion, consisting of over twenty-nine acres, was purchased from the Fairview Stock Farm for a consideration of $5078.28 ; a second purchase of over an acre and a quarter was made from A. S. Christ for $1000.00 ; and later an addition- al lot was purchased from George Heiser for $225.00.
In addition to the purchase of the grounds the largest item of expense at the beginning was for the construction of the race track. Owing to the topography of the land and the nature of the soil the work of construct- ing the track delayed the holding of the first Fair till the middle of October, 1905 ;
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
151
but it is now well that the Fair was delayed till that time, for that gave the Association opportunity to build a half mile track which horsemen all over the country have repeat- edly pronounced second to none in the State.
Besides constructing the race track the Association erected a number of substantial buildings, including the Grand Stand and the Main Fair House, to which have since been added a poultry house, two cattle sheds, stalling over one hundred head of cattle, race horse stalls, accommodating over one hundred horses, a spacious pig sty, a large ofifice building, containing an exhibi- tion space of 40 feet by 80 feet, and a sub- stantial hotel building.
The growth and popularity of the Fair
Fair, a pro rata appropriation of $1000.00 to be used toward the payment of premiums on products; but since 1914 each Fair re- ceives separately $1000.00 for this purpose, so that the Association is now in a position to pay more substantial premiums. In fact, the premiums on products have been more than doubled in the past two years.
Since 1913 this Fair has been laying es- pecial stress on educational exhibits. Work- ing on the hypothesis that the child must be interested in things industrial, agricultural and educational in order that the adult may take the proper interest in the same, this xA-Ssociation make a specialty of paying lib- eral premiums for school exhibits with the result that all expectations have been sur- passed.
An Exciting Race at the New KutzTown Fair
has been such that the exhibits in the var- ious lines have overcrowded every building on the grounds.
The money to defray expenses incurred in purchasing the grounds and improving the same has been raised by the sale of stock. The stockholders, numbering over five hundred, are scattered over Berks and the adjacent counties.
Since its inception the Association has been a member of the National Trotting Association, and for the past four years a member of the "Big Fair Circuit." This last affiliation has been a means of standard- izing exhibitions of speed and brings to the Fair some of the best horses on the turf.
At first the Association had to struggle to raise sufficient funds to pay substantial premiums, but after several years of exist- ence it was recognized by the State, and received, in conjunction with the Reading
The Board of Directors, consists of twen- ty-five of the stockholders, elected at the annual meeting, held the first Monday in February. The first board, elected in the spring of 1905, consisted of the following: Dr. Chas. D. Werley, Topton ; A. G. Smith, Maxatawny ; Geo. A. Dreibelbis, Virgins- ville; F. S. Kutz, Fleetwood; D. M. Her- bein, Fleetwood ; Aaron Brintzenhoff , Bow- ers ; Geo. Schoedler, Lyons ; James B. Fish- er, Monterey; John Barbey, Reading; H. J. Stocker, Reading; Frank D. Smith, Schof- er ; Wilson M. Rahn, Moselem Springs ; D. B. Edelman, Maidencreek ; W. P. Krum, Krumsville ; Solomon Heist, Dryville ; Geo. Isamoyer, Longswamp ; L. C. Schwoyer, Breinigsville ; Abraham DeTurk, Oley ; F. H. Werley, Weisenberg ; James Frey, Kutz- town ; Dr. U. S. G. Bieber, Kutztown; C. J. Rhode, Kutztown; J. B. Esser, Kutztown, and Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger, Kutztown.
152
CENTHNKIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
The l)oard organized by electing J. B. Es- ser, President ; Dr. C. D. Werley, First Vice President ; F. S. Kutz, Second Vice Presi- dent; C. J. Rhode, Secretary, and Dr. U. S. G. Bieber, Treasurer.
The following members of the first board have served continuously in that capacity up to the present time : Geo. A. Dreibelbis, F. S. Kutz, Wilson M. Rahn, W. P. Krum, F. H. Werley, Dr. L'. S. G. Bieber and Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger.
The present board consists of the follow- ing members : Chas. D. Herman, Kutz- town. President ; A. K. Lesher, Kutztown, First Vice President; F. S. Kutz, Fleet- wood, Second Vice President ; G. C. Bord- ner, Kutztown, Secretary ; F. H. Werley, Kutztown, Treasurer ; Llewellyn Angstadt, Kutztown ; Dr. U. S. G. Bieber, Kutztown ; Chester D. Christ, Kutztown; E. P. De- Turk, Kutztown ; Lawson G. Dietrich, Kutz- town ; Geo. A. Dreibelbis, Virginsville ; D. A. Dries, Kutztown; Dr. N. Z. Dunkel- berger, Kutztown ; William Fink, Kutz- town ; David Heffner, Lyons ; S. H. Heff- ner, Kutztown ; Geo. C. Herman, Kutztown ; J. S. Knittle, Kutztown; W. P. Krum, Krumsville ; Chas. H. Rahn, Kutztown ; Wilson M. Rahn, Kutztown ; Albert S. Sar- ig. Bowers ; Geo. A. Schlenker, Kutztown ;
A. J- Seidel, Kutztown ; J. K. Steffy, Lyons. The following additional parties have
served as directors since the Association was chartered : Wilson Hoffman, Calcium ; J . S. Heffner, Kutztown: Nathan Oswald; E.
B. Stoudt, Blandon ; H. O. Zimmerman, Ivutztown ; C. D. Kutz, Lyons ; Abner Dey- sher, Reading ; Samuel J-Iummel, Kutztown ; Henry J. Schmeck, Kutztown.
The Presidents of the Association have been J. B. Esser and Chas. D. Herman ; and the Secretaries have been C. T- Rhode, J- B. Esser, Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger and G. C. Bordner. Dr. U. S. G. Bieber, E. P. De- Turk and F. H. Werle_v have served as suc- cessive treasurers.
The Racing Game in Olden Times In the late twenties and early thirties there was a race course on the farm now owned by fames Schaeffer in Maxatawny township, formerly the property of George Breyfogel. Nothing but running races were conducted on the track. Later the race course was laid out east of Kutztown, nn the land of Jacob Fisher, better known as "Daddv" Fisher, a tract now owned by Frank Schmeck. Racing took place annual- ly and lasted three days. People came from
Philadelphia and New York as well as from nearby points. Some of the local horse- men were David Fister, David Levan, Jesse Overbeck, and Christian Cupp.
A rather tricky game was pulled off one time by a stranger with a lean horse. The man appeared to be ignorant of what was going on. After being told that running races were indulged in he asked if he could enter his nag. Everybody gave the man a merry ha ! ha ! Not being satisfied in losing the first event he entered again and cleaned up the old sports, winning "all kinds of money. x\t first the local horsemen seemed dissatisfied because on the home stretch the man fell accidentally or inten- tionally from his horse but nevertheless the animal finished first without its rider.
He was a game old gentleman and after cashing in his bets left for parts unknown.
In the early part of the seventies run- ding races were held on the Easton Road. The starting point was at Rev. Isaac Roel- ler's home, now the property of Dr. LI. S- G. Bieber, and the finish at Kemp's Hill. This racing was a purely local affair, rival- r}' being keen between the owners of a num- ber of fast horses. On these occasions the streets were lined with interested spectators and much betting was indulged in.
Some Military Notes
1 781 — Militia from Greenwich and Alax- atawny, numbering 120 men, were on a tour of duty.
Data with reference to the soldiers of this region of the Revolutionary War are very scant. We find that on Sept. 27, 1777, a battalion, under Col. Michael Linden- muth, from Bern, was mustered in, consist- ing of 256 men. Of these one company came from Richmond township under the caotiancy of John Rodearmel.
Again in the same year another battalion under Col. Joseph Hunter, from Reading, was mustered in. This company consisted of 2^6 men of which one captain was Mich- ael Togge from Richmond.
In August, 1780, also under command of Col. Joseph Kiester, the Sixth Battalion joined the army of Gen. Joseph Reed in New Jersey, near Cam'den. Jacob Baldy, from Maxatawny, was one of the captains of this battalion. Evidently the soldiers which enlisted from this section were in these different battalions. It is further stated that the militia from Greenwich and Maxatawny townships, which were on a tour of duty, numbered 120 men.
Following is the muster roll of the Wash-
CENTEiVNiAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
153
ington Guards, prominent in the old bat- talion days. These men were the forerun- ners of the now existing National Guards of Pennsylvania :
Captain Daniel Bieber First Lieut. John Kover Second Lieut. John L. Yeager First Segt. David Fister Second Sergt. Peter Gift Third Sergt. Jacob Harmanv Fourth Sergt. John Y. Houck First Corpl. Charles Singmaster Second Corpl. Johnathan Harmanv Third Corpl. William Heidenrcich Fourth Corpl. Charles Fauber Privates :
Peter Angstadt Benjamin Bachman Isaac Baldy Reuben Bast William Bast Edwin H. Bieber Joshua Bieber
David Bobst bamuel Bobst John Dedweiler Jacob Dieter Benjamin Dornmoye Charles W. Esser John H. Esser
Elias Fegley David Fegel)' David Fink Solomon Fisher William Fister Jonathan Fritz Charles H. Gehr Valentine George Daniel Gift William M. Gift Jonathan Grim Jonathan S. Grim Dr. Reuben Haines Samuel Harmany William Heist Henry G. Henningei John Y. Houck Daniel Humbert William Kroll Edward G. Knoskc John Kover Mathias Kruck Abraham Kutz Benjamin Kutz Josiah Kutz James Leidy
Abraham Lcvan David Levan David Ncff John Nehf l-[arrison Ohl Nathan Paltzgrove David Reidenour Levi Reppert William Schlem John Schneider Samuel Schneider Wilham F. Sellers Fayate Shedler David Sheradin Henry Sneydcr Isaac K. Strausser John B. Swenk George Wink Jesse Wink John G. Wink Nathan Wink William Wink Abraham S. Wolf - Jacob Xander John Xander George Young
KuTzTOWN Park Sckne
154
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN
FRATERAL ORGANIZATIONS
Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M.
Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, Free and Accepted Masons, was constituted by the Grand Officers ot the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on November 29, 1866, with the following members as charter members: Achilles J. Fog el, Dr. Jeremiah S. Trexler, Devvalt S. Kutz, Jonathan B. Grim, Lew- is Fisher, Rev. J. S. Herman, William S. Kutz, Daniel F. Wagner and Alvin Dewey.
All of the charter members have died,— the last one to cease labor being our highly esteemed townsman, the late William S. Kutz, who passed away July 10, 1914.
The first Master of the Lodge was Achilles J. Fogel, and the first Secretary, Lewis Fisher.
From the day of its constitution till Novem- ber 21, 1874, the hall of the lodge was located above the store of Daniel Hinterleiter, now known as the store of Shankweiler Bros. On that date they held their first meeting in the hall in the building of James L. Eck, now known as the store of L B. Stein & Son. The lodge's lease of this hall extended over a period of ten years, until April 5, 1884, when they took pos- session of the hall in l3r. Jeremiah Trexler's block, now owned by Chas. D. Herman. Here the meetings have been held ever since.
The following members have ruled the lodge as Worshipful Master ; Achilles J. Fogel, Jere- miah S. Trexler, Dewalt S. Kutz, Levi R. Lentz, Jairus Hottenstein, Daniel F. Wagner, Simpson S. Schmehl, Cyrus F. Reifsnyder, Hiram H. Schwartz, Eldridge Zimmerman, Francis H. Yeag- er, Richard H. Koch, Samuel A. Baer, George C. Young, David S. Keck, Cyrenius W. Kutz, Nath- an C. Schaeffer, Edwin M. Herbst, Edward Hot- tenstein, Oscar L Mellot, John O. Glase, Eli M. Rapp, Charles W. Miller, G. Henry Heinly, James H. Marx, Thomas S. Levan, Jacob B. Esser, George B. Smith, Charles D. Werley, Morris D. Trexler, Frank S. Kfebs, Henry W. Saul, Will- iam R. Sander, Ulrich J. Miller, Howard S. Shar- adin, Frederick A. Marx, Llewellyn Angstadt, Francis E. Sharadin, Quinton D. Herman, George W. Bieber, George C. Bordner, Nathan S. Levan, O. Raymond Grimley, Warren G. Hartman, Amandus M. Dietrich and Charles L Kutz.
The following have served as Secretary of the Lodge : Lewis Fisher, Zacharias C. Hoch, David S. Keck, Albert M. Kline, Nathan C. Schaeffer, Alfred S. Seidel, Cyrenius W. Kutz, George D. Humbert, James H. Marx and the present incum- bent, George C. Bordner.
Since the day of its constitution the lodge has been fortunate in having a steady but conserva- tive growth. Starting with nine charter mem- bers it has grown continuously till the roster at this time shows 195 active members.
Its present membership is composed of men standing high in the professions of education, medicine, law and theology, as well as some of the town's most prominent business men and fin- anciers. Its membership is scattered far and wide, for its mailing list extends over three dif- ferent countries, over sixteen states and over twenty counties.
Junior Order United American Mechanics
Chas, A. Gerasch Council, No. 1004, Jr. O. U.
A. M., was organized on Feb. 2, 1895, by the
following members who were initiated on the
first meeting night : Oliver Brown, Millard Babb, Walla-e A. Dietrich, Henry Eggy, Lenius E. S. Folk, Benjamin F. Hain, George Herring, Wm. G. l\ern, John Mertz, Jas. P. Michael, Samuel Scheidt, William L. bcheidt, Samuel Schmehl, S. M. Smith, Peter Steckel, David Stoudt, J ohn D. Wink, Harry J . Wylie and Henry Zettlemoyer.
Eight of these charter members are still active while the other eleven have either died or were suspended. At first the Council had an up-hill road but the members were wide awake and knew that they had launched a project and were able to handle it and make a success of the under- taking.
It has been proved that the Jr. O. U. A. M. are able to take care of themselves by the mem- bership at the present time which is 430. The first officers were the following : Councilor, S. M. Smith; V. C, Wallace A. Dietrich; Rec. Sec, Wm. G. Kern ; Asst. Rec. Sec, Peter Steckel ; Fin. Sec, David Stoudt; Treas., N. Z. Dunkle- berger; Con., Sam. Scheidt; Warden, Henry Eggv; I. S., Oliver Brown; O. S., Jas. Michael; Jr. P. C, John D. Wink; Trustees, Wallace A. Dietrich, Henry Eggy and Sam. Scheidt.
The present officers are Jr. P. C, Arthur D. Bortz ; Councilor, Geo. M. Welder ; V. C, Joseph A. Reimert: Rec. Sec, C. D. Koch; Asst. Rec. Sec, Paul Angstadt; Fin. Sec, B. M. Deibert; Treas., C. S. Siegfried; Con., Chas. Wanner; Warden, Jas. Kemp; I. S., Fred Kemp; O. S., Robert Luckenbill ; 'Trustees, John D. Geiger, E. G. Rahn, Geo. M. Welder ; Representative, John D. Geiger; Alternate, Eugene D. Dietrich; Chap- lain, Chas. O. Moyer.
Company C, of Chas. A. Gerasch Council, was organized with 26 members in 1903 and is in a flourishing condition to the present time. They are a great auxiliary to the council attend- ing all patriotic demonstrations. The Jr. O. U. A. M. has paid out of its funds $i2,2.s8.oo for sick and death benefits ; $3900.00 to the Funeral Benefit Department; has $10,150.00 invested while in its treasury $847.00 is held as an emergency fund.
The Oriental Degree, a side issue of the Coun- cil, was organized on Aug. 29, 1895, bv S. M. Smith, Peter Steckel, Oliver Brown, Benjamin Hain, Wm. B. Dietrich, John Bieber, Carmie Heffner, Elmer Kroninger, Millard Babb and Salem J. Bock. It has 373 members and is in a flourishing conditio \
Knights of the Golden Eagle Adonai Castle, No. 70, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was instituted Jan. 14, 1886, with ^y charter members, and today is recognized as one of the strongest castles in the state, and likewise one of the best financially. There was a need of such an organization so that today it is sup- ported by a noble constituency of Sir Knights, who represent the best type of citizenship.
Adonai Castle offers the young men of our town who join an exceptionally good proposition in that it is a good substantial lodge that has withstood the ordeals and tests of time. The Knights of the Golden Eagle is a fraternal, bene- ficial and semi-military order and its objects and aims are to promote the principles of true bene- volence, to assist its members in sickness and adversity, to assist those out of employment, to
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
155
encourage each other in business, to stimulate the moral and mental culture and to elevate the membership towards a higher and nobler life. It studiously avoids all sectarian and political con- troversies and aims to cultivate the social, moral and intellectual feelings of its members and pro- mote their welfare in all walks of life.
The first officers of the castle were : P. C, J. P. S. Fentersmacher ; VV. C, J. H. Marx; V. C.,
C. W. Snyder; H. P., W. M. Hoffman; V. H., R. M. Fritch; S. H , M. T. Donmoyer; M. of R.,
D. L. Wartzenluft; C. of Ex., B. M. Diebert; K. of Ex., N. S. Schmehl; W. C, C. D. Herman; Equs., J. B. Breininger; V\'. G., J. T. Fritch; Eng.,
A. K. Bieber; ist G., Vvilson Sander; 2d G., Geo. Fisher.
The castle at present has a membership of ^•'Q and has paid to its members for sick and death benefits $20,000.00. Its total worth is $23,- 673.28. The officers are: P. C, C. R. Hoppes ; N. C, F. B. Hoch; V. C, Percy Keodinger; H. P., Joseph Haney; V. H., Chas. F. Reinhart; M. of R., Walter E. Herman ; C. of Ex., H. S. Shara- din; K. of Ex., F. H. Werley ; S. H, Adam Youse; W. B., C. W. Kover'; W. C, Chas. Arn- old; Eng., Geo. Carl; Equs., Harvey Gambler; 1st G., Charles Hauck; 2d G., Francis Trexler ; Representative, H. P. Boger.
Fraternal Order 01? Eagles Kutztown Aerie, No. 839, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted on the evening of August 30, 1904, in the old Music Hall. The ceremonies incident to the institution of the lodge were per- formed by the Lehighton Aerie. There were about 50 members initiated on that occasion.
The first officers were : Past Worthy Presi- dent, A. K. Lesher, (Hon. Title) ; Worthy Pres- ident, W. H. Koch ; Worthy Vice President, Percy Ermentrout; Worthy Chaplain, E. Z. Witman; Secretary, Wm. S. Rhode ; Treasurer, A. K. Lesher ; Conductor, John F. Flowers ; Guards, J. Eldridge Dries and Cyrus Kohler ; Trustees, J. T. Fritch, Dr. N. Z. Dunkleberger and Dr. E. L. Hottenstein.
The lodge first held their meetings in the Wash- ington House Hall, but after a few months se- cured quarters in the building next the Kutz- town National Bank, at present occupied by I.
B. Stein and Son. Here they remained until about seven years ago, when they moved into the present handsome quarters at the corner of Park Avenue and Laurel Street.
ihe membership of the lodge has grown stead- ily until at present there are almost 350 mem- bers on the roll. Financiall}', too, the Aerie has been a sitccess, the treasury at this time being in a very healthy condition.
During its eleven years of existence the or- ganization has disbursed a large sum in sick and funeral benefits, besides contributing liberally in assisting other deserving causes outside the lodge proper. (Its latest donation was $100 to the Centennial Fund.)
The present officers of the Kutztown Aerie are : Past W. President, Joseph A. Hanev : W. Presi- dent, Wm. D. Yaxtheimer ; W. Vice President, Wm. D. Fisher; W. Chaplain, Wm. Bortz; Sec- retary, Howard S. Sharadin ; Treasurer, Alvin H. Peter ; Conductor, Russell Brooks ; Inside Guard, Jas. N. Stump ; Outside Guard, Jos. Lam- bert, Jr.; Trustees, E. M. Angstadt, Sealous Fisher and Wm. F. Schoedler ; Aerie Physician, Dr. N. Z. Dunkleberger. Eleven members have passed away since the lodge was organized.
Ladies of the Golden Eagle Purity Temple, No. 124, Ladies of the Golden Eagle, was organized on May 29, 1900, with a charter membership of twenty-four. The pres- ent membership is 113. During the fifteen years of its existence the lodge has paid for relief and charity $2,743.60, and on January i, 1915, its treasurer reported the amount of $1,701.08 in the treasury. Now let us look at the receipts for the last fifteen years.
Receipts from dues $ 5,271 20
Admission Fees 203 00
Other sources 1,227 81
Total Receipts $ 6,702 01
Total expenses during the fifteen years were :
For Relief Work $ 2,743 60
J? or Working Expenses 2,257 33
Total $ 5,000 93
Receipts $ 6,702 01
Expenses 5,000 93
Balance Jan. i, 1915 $ 1,701 08
Of this amount $1,414.00 is invested.
The members all feel proitd of the progress made in fifteen years and are striving to raise Purity Temple to a still higher standard in this town. Purity Temple, No. 124, Ladies of the Golden Eagle, is always anxious to take in new members. The present officers are as follows : P. T., Mary Fritz; N. T., Sallie Bloch ; V. T., Louisa Erb ; M. of C, Mary Smith ; Priestess, Ef- fie Fritch; Prophetess, Lawrena Wentzel ; G. of M., Mantana Wessner; G. of R., Annie Leiser; G. of Ex., Mary Angstadt; G. of F., Kate Drucken- miller; G. of I. P., Mary Angstadt; G. of O. P., Mamie Wylie ; Trustees, Kate Bock, Mantana Wessner and Lizzie Weil.
Fidelity Lodge, No. 102 Fidelity Lodge, No. 102, Order of Shepherds of Bethlehem of North America, was instituted May 23, 1907, in Washington House Hall, with 25 members. Five more members were admit- ted during the following month, after which the charter was closed. The lodge was instituted bv Mrs. Eva A. Wyckoff, of Camden, N. J., the founder of the order. She was assisted by Mrs. Mary L. Koch of Reading, Pa., the prelate of the lodge. The first officers were : Commander, Herman A. Fister; Vice Commander, Mayme Dries; Aid to Commander, Annie Lesher; Past Commander, Annie M. Angstadt ; Treasurer, Geo. H. Smith ; Chaplain, A. W. Hagemeyer ; Marshal, Frank Fegley; Inside Guard, Minnie E. Fox; Outside Guard, Mamie Fritch; Master of Cere- monies, John A. Fox; Trustees, Alice Angstadt, John A. Fox and Carl Ahlandt. Washington House (Yoder's) Hall was selected as a perm- anent place of meeting, at which olace the lodge meets at 8 o'clock, P. M., except on legal holi- days. The motto of the order is Truth, Hope and Faith. Its principles are to promote peace and harmony among its members, to inculcate the teachings of the Holy Bible, and to promote the cause of temperance. The ritualistic work is taken from the Bible, beginning with the beau- tiful story of Ruth, down to the birth of Christ. During the eight years of its work, the lodge has buried four of its members and paid for the relief of the sick and disabled $518.90, for run- ning exoenses $640.00, for entertainment $80.10, for assessments to the funeral fund $576, and
156
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
for the home and orphanage $480.20, and has a balance of $760 on interest. The nieni1)ership on March i, 1915,' was 82.
The present officers are : Commander, Anna Way : Vice Commander, Nora Moll : Past Com- mander, Eliza A. Smith ; Treasurer, Minnie E. F. Fox ; Accountant, George H. Smith ; Scribe, D. W. James; JNIarshal, Lovina Herbein ; Organ- ist, Florence Arndt : Chaplain, Sylvia Pusch ; Mas- ter of Ceremonies, Fred. Bennecoff ; Inside Guard, Sarah Hagemeyer ; Outside Guard, Gertrude Bil- lig; Trustees, Lizzie Wessner, John A. Fox and Mantana Wessner.
Patriotic Okder Sons of America
Washington Camp, No. 677, P. O. S. of A., meets every Monday evening in Washington House Hall. It was instituted at Kutztown, Pa., on July 23d., 1910, with a membership of twenty- three. This was the third institution of a Camp at Kutztown, the other two having become de- funct. The following officers were elected to serve the first term ; Past President. Geo. H. Smith ; President, D. W. James ; Vice President, Calvin H. Smith; Master of Forms, M. J. Rom- berger; Conductor, E. S. Ziegler; Financial Sec- retary, A. F. DeLong ; Recording Secretary, W. F. Schick ; Treasurer, J. E. Dries ; Inspector, W. B. Flexer ; Guard, David Dries ; Chaplain, B. F. Cressman ; Trustees, Geo. H. Smith, B. F. Reider and Irvin Merkel.
Membership, March i, 1915, loi ; valuation, March i, 1915, $562.72; membership in Pennsyl- vania, 115,000. The present officers are: Dis- trict President, W. F. Schick ; Past President, James M. Hafer ; President, John Erb ; Vice-Pre- sident, Leroy Brumbach ; Master of Forms, Frank Williams ; Recording Secretary, Geo. H. Smith ; Financial Secretary, A, F. DeLong; Treasurer, J. Eldridge Dries ; Conductor, Curtis Kramer ; In- spector, Irvin Kemp ; Guard, George Carl ; Chap- lain, Irvin Groninger ; Trustees, H. W. Klein, J. I. Litzenberger and Clinton Braucher.
KuTzTowN Lodge, No. 214 Des Deutschen Ardens der Harugari
Eor twenty years or more there flourished in Kutztown, along with other familiar orders, an unique lodge, known by the name of Kutztown Lodge, No. 214, Des Deutschen Ardens der Haru- gari. It was unique because while it was a dis- tinctively German order, with a large member- ship snread over the entire United States, this particular branch consisted of 90 per cent.of na- tive Americans whose ancestors had belonged to the first German immigration into Penn's colony.
The lodge was instituted May 20, 1870. The first secretary was Aug. Sprenger, watchmaker and jeweler, who was one of Kutztown 's sub- stantial and esteemed citizens for the greater part of his useful life. He was succeeded some years later b3' Conrad Gehring who held the office for many years, serving during that time one term each as district depvity grand bard and representative to the grand lodge. The mem- bership was over one hundred and at one time the assets of the lodge were over $1500. The dvtes were $4.00 a year, the sick benefits $4.00 a week and the mortality benefits $100 for a mem- ber and $50 for the wife of a member. As the members grew older and some permanently in- capacited, the drain on the treasury became too heavy for the income and the lodge finally dis- banded.
Some of the prominent members who made the ineetings lively at times were : Isaac Wagon- horst, Isaac Wentzel, Henry Keiter, George O'- Neil, George Fleischmann, Henry Petersen, Ul- rich Miller, Hugo Wittiger, Henry Stigman, John G. Schofer, John H. Schofer, Tames Os- wald, Myrus Oswald, Jonathan Weida, Daniel B. Kutz, William Brown, Peter F. Wentzel, Clin- ton Graefif, David Saul, John Neff and Ephraim Sharadin.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
157
DRAMATIC CLUBS
The Kutztowii Dramatic Club met in the parlor of the Black Horse Hotel, at the request of Thomas S. Levan. The ob- ject of this meeting was to frame histor}' of the first dramatic organization of Kutztown. for the Centennial History.
The members present at this meeting were Thomas S. Levan, U. J. Miller. E. H. Hot- tenstein, C. W. Snvder, A. F. DeLong, Dr. E. K. Steckel, C. ' L G. Christman, A. S. Christ, C. W. Keiter, H. K. Deisher, Mrs. Elizabeth Humbert Miller, Mrs. Lou Neff Sharadin and Mrs. Annie' Wagenhorst Deisher.
Thomas S. Levan acted as chairman of '.he meeting. H. K. Deisher was chosen as secretary.
The club was organized in 1883 with the object of reading standard literature and give entertainments in select readings and recitations. Later the Kutztown Dramatic Club was formed, ' ( nick-named Kutztown Drowned Cats).
The members were :
Thomas S. Levan, Rev. George A. Kercher, Ulrich J. Miller, Ezra H. Hottenstein, Dr. Edward L. Hottenstein, Jr., Charles I. G. Christman, Alvin S. Christ, David Fister. .'\mandus F. DeLong-. Robert K. Berkemeyer. Francis M. Berkemeyer. Robert T. Fritch, Charles Wanner, Esq., Edward H. Eck, Hiram Hecknian, Tohn D. Frederick, Louis B. Reppert, Charles W. Snyder, Jacob B. Esser, Chas. W. Keiter, H. K. Deisher. Mrs. Elizabeth Humbert Miller, Mrs. Annie Wagen- horst Deisher. Mrs. Annie Kutz Seibert. Mrs, Louisa Neff Sharadin. Mrs. Mary Neff Berke- meyer, Mrs. Mary Christman Levan, Mrs. Louisa Weikusat Wild, Miss Eeniestine Wcikusat, Miss Irene Hinterleiter.
The officers of the club were : Thomas S. Levan, manager and instructor; C. W. Snyder, artist : Dr. E. K. Steckel, property man ; Chas. W. Keiter, ticket man and ad- vertiser; Louis Reppert, chief usher, and Jacob B. Esser, press agent.
Through the courtesy of the school board, the public school building was secured, there being no public hall in town.
The first play rendered was "The Last Loaf," a drama in two acts, and the one act farce "Paddle Your Own Canoe," May I and 2, 1884.
The characters of "The Last Loaf" were :
Mark Ashton, a Silversmith A. S. Christ
Caleb Hansom, a Baker Geo. A. Kercher
Harry Hansom, his Son C. I. G. Christman
Dick Bustle, a Journeyman Baker. . . .U. T. Miller
Tom Chubbs, a Butcher R. K. Berkemeyer
Kate Ashton, Mark's Wife
Miss Elizabeth Humbert
Lillie Ashton, their Daughter. . .Miss Lou E. Neff Patty Jones, a Yankee Girl. . .Miss Annie E. Kutz
The characters of "Paddle Your Own Canoe," were :
Dr. Rubber Dam, a Dentist .A. S. Christ
Orpheus Beethoven Joyful, a Musician
R. A. Fritch
Christopher Croesus, a Nabob A. F. DeLong
Bob Ridley (better known as Dr. Ridley), a
Colored Boy R. K. Berkemeyer
Buskin Socks, an Amateur Tragedian
F. M. Berkemeyer
Larry Lanigan an Irish Porter. . .Geo. .A.. Kercher Till Wah, a Chinese Laundryman
L. E. Hottenstein
Mrs. Morey, Dr. Dam's Landlady
Miss Mary Christman
Kate Croesus, Christopher's Daughter
Miss Mary A. Neff
Milly Morey, Mrs, Morey's Daughter
Miss Ernestine Weikusat
Orchestra — "Homer Orchestra was composed of
Samuel Banner, T. T. Fritch, Solon A. Wan- ner and Horace Bast.
A stage was constructed of hemlock boards in the Primary School room. The roller curtain was loaned by Trinity Luth- eran Church. The old kerosene lamps loan- ed by St. John's Union Church were used rt,^ foot lights. For entrance and exit to the stage a bridge was built outside from window to window to the Secondary School room. The scenery, which was to repre- sent a room, was draped with wall paper and lace curtains.
The play took so well that it was re- peated three evenings. Patrons from Fleet- wood insisted the play be given in their town. When the advance agents arrived, the children ran from the street calling. "Mam, mam, de show leit sin do."
W. G. Hinterleiter remodeled his store in 1885 and at the request of the club, he built a hall on the second floor. People re- marked, "Now Kutztown has a theater." The first play in the new hall was the two act drama, "The Boys of '76," followed by the one act farce, "John Schmidt." C. W. Snyder painted elaborate scenery, common ch.'^irs borrowed from the good neighbors were used as reserved seats, and backless benches served as ordinary seats, which were occupied three hours without signs of fatigue. A stout rone suspended from a rear window of the dressing room was to serve as a fire escape for the club mem- bers.
The next play for the boards was "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," and was enjoyed by a full house.
"LTncle Tom's Cabin," a drama in si.x
158
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
HIRAM HBCKMAN As "Topsy" in Uncle Tom's Cabin
T. S. LBVAN As Uncle Tom, Flogged by Legree
ELIZA'S ESCAPE
Mrs. U. J. Miller and Charles R.
Wanner, Esq., in Uncle Tom's
Cabin
TEN NIGHTS IN A BARROOM
Showing Death of Little Mary. Mrs.
Chas. Messersmith, T. S. Levan
and Mrs. H. G. A. Smith
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
159
acts, was the crowning success. It was played March 5, 6 and 9, 1886, to jammed houses. It was advertised to be rendered every Saturday evening till otherwise an- nounced.
CHARACTERS
Uncle Tom T. S. Levan
George Harris, a Slave C. I. G. Christman
George Shelb}', Tom's Young Master
C. I. G. Christman
Mr. St. Clare A. S. Christ
Phineas Fletcher, a Quaker E. H. Hottenstein
Gumption Cute, Ophelia's Relative
E. H. Hottenstein
Mr. Wilson G. A. Kercher
Deacon Perrj', Ophelia's Lover.... G. A. Kercher
Haley J. D. Frederick
Simon Legree, Slave Trader J. D. Frederick
Tom Loker, a Slave Hunter H. K. Deisher
Col. Skeggs, an Auctioneer H. K. Deisher
Marks, the Lawyer U. J. Miller
Mr. Mann A. F. DeLong
Ouimbo, a Slave R. T. Fritch
Ouimbo, a Slave A. T. Fritch
Waiter E. H. Eck
Sambo, a Slave E. H. Eck
Eva, St. Clare's Daughter Irene Hinterlciter
Eliza, a Slave Miss Elizabeth E. Humbert
Harrv, her Child Little Charlie Wanner
Marie, St. Clare's Wife Miss Lou E. Neff
Emeline, a Slave Miss Lou E. Neff
Aunt Ophelia Miss Annie E. Kutz
Cassie, a Slave Miss Annie Wagenhorst
Aunt Chloe, Uncle Tom's Wife
Miss Annie Wagenhorst
Topsy Master Hiram Heckman
The New Kutztown Dramatic Club, to distinguish it from the old Kutztown Dram- atic Club, was organized in the fall of the year of 1889. The club was organized in the old public school house. The object of the club was to continue the work of the former club, that of beautifying and enlarg- ing the mind with the study of the poets and depicting characters in the drama. The club consisted of the following members, all single at that time :
Thos. S. Levan, leader and instructor ; Mrs. Jennie Donmoyer Messersmith, Mrs. Ella Drei- belbis Baer, Mrs. Annie Wagenhorst Deisher, Mrs. Katie Hefifner Ressler, Mrs. Anna Hotten- stein Hottenstein, Mrs. Beckie Fenstermacher Mar.x Mrs. Oneida Rahn Smith, Mrs. Annie Marx Ort, Miss Anna Hoover, Sam'l H. Heffner, Wm. F. Schoedler, Dr. H. W. Saul, E. M. Ang- stadt, C. E. Gehring, J. W. Sander, J. G. Kercher, E. H. Kercher, W. R. Sander, J. H. Schmoyer, W. C. C. Snyder, G. D. Humbert, D. B. Deisher, A. H. Fritch, W. J. Noble, E. M. Steckel, Q. D. Herman, C. W. Snyder, artist, and C. W. Keiter, ticket agent and advance agent.
Ihe first plav given was entitled, "Among the Breakers," and was given in the new music hall, (so known at that time) which had been built by the "American Orches- tra," assisted by the club as part owners.
This play proved such a great success that the club decided to continue the work
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KUTZTOWN'S MUSIC HALL Recently Razed. Home of The New Dramatic Club
Many social affairs were enjoyed durmg the club's career. The remuneration to the members was a fine gold badge. All are living but two, Mrs. Mary Christman Levan and David Fister.
A pleasant evening was spent. Luncheon served by Mr. Thomas S. Levan was great- ly enjoyed by the attending members, after which the meeting was adjourned sine die.
and the following plays were given, one each year, "The Dead Shot" and "Seeing the Elephant," (two farces), "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," East L.vnne," and "L^ncle Josh."
The last three years of its existence the club paid an annual visit to East Green- ville where they played to crowded houses. On their home trips they enjoyed an ele-
i6o
CEXTENXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
g-ant dinner at Allentown. They called this trip their yearly outing. There were quite a number of social functions enjoyed by the club. Although twenty-six (26) years have passed since the club was organized, there has been but one death, that of jN'lr. John G. Kercher.
The American Orchestra, that rendered excellent music during these entertainments consisted of the following: J- F- Fritch, Leader ; Llewellyn Angstadt. Samuel H. Heffner, E. J. Eshelman, C. E. Gehring, E. M. x\ngstadt, C. J. Leibensperger, Z. K. :Merkel, T- H. Angstadt, T- W. Sander and R. A. Fritch.
Olympian Dramatic Club
Li 1899 the Olympian Dramatic Club was organized by a number of young folks in
Barney Wm. S. Rhodi;
Miss Agnes Belmont Mrs. Q. D. Herman
Miss Ida Lovewell Mrs. S. B. Ammons
Miss Pricilla Peterson .... Miss Sallie C. Marx
Deceased
A strong play entitled "Strife, or Master and ]\Ien," was presented in January 1901, by some of the old members of the dramatic club and the necessary addition of several new ones. There were two colored men, a Dutchman, two comical old men, etc. As the name of the play indicates the plot was directed upon strike and labor 1 roubles. The title, however, does not indi.:ate the amount of comedy sprinkled thioughout the play.
Mrs. Frank SmoU was the instructor and the play was presented in Kntztown, Pennsburg and Boyertown to packed hous- es. The characters were ;
THE O'LY'MPIAX DRAMATIC CLUB
this borough. The first production was a comedy drama entitled "The Soldier of For- tune." The play was presented in Music Hall, Kutztown, in April 1899. It took so well that it was repeated shortly after- wards. Mrs. Frank Smoll, formerly Miss Daisy B. Harkey, daughter of the late Dr. S. L. Harkey, former pastor of Trinity Lutheran church, who has considerable elo- cutionary ability, was the instructor. The cast of characters follows :
Col. Fitznoodle Bernard Schmehl
Mr. Patroni. the villian Howard S. Sharadm
Mr. Belmont Dr. Edgar J. Stein
Cyril Clifford Lieut. Richard J. Herman
Dr. Fargo \\'alter S. Dietrich
Freddie Belmont Arthur B. Hinterleiter
Snowhall Francis E. Sharadiii
Judge Henry Buttons, a retired judge and mill owner Quinton D. Herman
Harold Thomas, the villian Wm. S. Rhode
Henry Hansell, a noble specimen of young man- hood Paul A. Herman
,\ristotle Tompkins and Horatio Squash, intimate
friends of the judge
Tohn Morgan and Paul Herman
Hans Von Staudt, the cook
O. Raymond Grimley
Julius and Neb, two negro servants
Francis E. Sharadin and Louis V. Hottenstein
Laura Bell, the judges' ward
Charlotte Kramlich
Mrs. Hansell, Henry's mother
Mrs. Elmer Maurer
Dollv, a housemaid Mrs. Bert E. Moritz
Mary Harris Victoria .Schwoyer
Policeman, Mob of Strkers, Etc. Location — Wheeling. West Virginia.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
i6i
Thomas S. Levan was manager and in- structor of the Old Dramatic Club, and through his instrumentality the organization was started and maintained. He is a son
Thomas S. Levan
of Col. Daniel R. Levan, deceased. He was born and raised at Kutztown, and his fam- ily, of French Huguenot descent, is one of
the oldest and best known in the county. Mr. Levan received his education in the public schools of his native town and at the Keystone State Normal School.
After leaving school he was engaged in business for some time in Reading and later carried on a successful business in New York. He afterwards sold out and took a course in one of New York's best training schools. Mr. Levan has a wide reputation as an elocutionist. A number of years ago he filled various engagements in that capa- city and frequently took part in amateur performances of local theatrical companies in his native town and Reading. For quite a number of 5'ears he was the indefatigable manager, instructor, and trainer of the Old Kutztown Dramatic Club and had unusually flattering success. He taught very success- full}^ some fifty young ladies and gentle- ment of Kutztown not only in elocution but also in the mysteries of modern stage work. Mr. Levan has played in some of our lead- ing theatrical companies.
He takes a great interest in secret orders and besides being oast district grand chief of the K. G. E. for six terms, is a past master of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M. He is treasurer and a heavy stockholder of the Saucony Shoe Manu- facturing Companv, and a member of the LT. E. Church and he has been the sunerin- tendent of its Sunday School for fifteen vears.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
[Extracts from Gehring's Speech in Patriot]
Centennial Monument — The cost was two hundred and fifty dollars. Of this sum, Mr. Wentz himself subscribed seventy-five . dollars, and the remainder was collected in town and in the Normal School by Mrs. Dr. Charles H. Wanner and the Misses Alesa Helfrich and Harriet B. Swineford. On the four larger sides of the die the follow- ing mottoes are inscribed, which were se- lected by a committee consisting of Rev. Prof. Home, Prof. John S. Ermentrout and County Superintendent Samuel A. Baer.
On the north side— "Unscr Prei Schul 'cvesa kutnt fim da Pennsilfozi'iiish Deitsha har. Dcr Govancr Wolf hat's gcplant tin der Ritiiei- un der Sluink hen's ausge- fuchrt''
On the south — "Nee seire fas est ommia:'
On the east — " Wie Gottniit uiisernl'aet- ern zvar, so sei er auch niit mis."
On the west — "Virtue, L,ibcrty and Inde- pendence."
The monument was unique in that the inscriptions were in Pennsylvania Dutch, Latin, German and English. At the time of re-dedication the Latin inscription was removed and there was inscribed on the same panel : "This nwnuinent zvas ereeted on the K. S. N. S. Campus, July 4, 1876. Removed and Rc-dcdicatcd in the Kutz- tozvn Pari?. 1907.
At the time of its erection on the Normal School Campus the following articles were deposited in, that part of the monument on which the spire rests :
l62
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
"The history of Kutztown and Maxa- tawny; the latest newspapers of the coun- ty ; ancient coins ; ahnanacs and coins of 1876; a catalogue of the Normal School for 1876; the names of contributors to the monument : and the late census of Kutz= town, continental script and a silver quarter dated 1776, donated by A. J. Fogel."
From address of Conrad Gehritig at the rc-dcdication of the monument, August 11, 1907:
As I said before, when in 1876 the nation celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence, Kutztown was in line with the cities. It was the most elaborate demonstration I saw during the 32 years I spent in the dear old town. Pat- riotism was at high tide and the waves roared and dashed and foamed and lapped in a manner to carry with them even the most blunted souls. IMain Street was one mass of people, who had poured into the town from early morning. There wasn't a house that wasn't gaily decorated in the national colors and Old Glory nodded and waved and fluttered from roofs, windows, verandas, steeples, coat lapels, and hats. Everybody was joyful and everyone in a shouting mood. The marchers faced a glar- ing sun and clouds of dust, but that didn't dampen their ardor, except that some look- ed as limp as a sweat-soaked collar b_v the time it was all over.
The order of procession as it appeared in the Kutztown Journal will give you an idea of the magnitude of the narade :
Chief Marshal, Dr. J. S. Trexler.
Marshal's Aids, Z. "T. Miller. Wm. C. Dietrich, Wm. D. Gross, N. S. Schmehl, J. D. Sharadin, D. W. Sheridan, Geo. Eason and Philip Kline.
Ringing Rock Cornet Band, of Fleet- wood.
Chief Burgess S. S. Schmehl and Ora- tors in carriages.
Liberty Car, with thirteen girls dressed in white, representing the Original Colon- ies, grouped around the Goddess of Liberty, drawn bv four horses of John Bieber.
Gen. Geo. Washington and Lady Martha Washington (represented by Albert A. Ad- am and Mrs. H. ]\I. Cloud) and two colored attendants, all on horseback.
Second Liberty Car with 38 girls dressed in white , bearing shields representing the States of the L'nion, drawn by George Kutz's four stately greys.
Greenwich Cornet Band, Prof. N. P. Kistler, leader.
ToDton's large delegation, consisting of Red ]\Ien, Knights of the Mystic Chain and Knights of Pythias, with E. J. S. Hoch as marshal!.
Maidencreek Cornet Band.
Harugari's and Jr. O. L'. A. ^I. of Kutz- town.
Trexlertown Band.
Citizens in carriages.
The day was ushered in with a salute of one hundred guns at 4 o'clock in the morn- ing and at the same time a drum corps paraded the town.
At 7 o'clock a centennial service was held in the Normal School Chapel, when the princioal. Rev. Dr. A. R. Home, preached an eloquent sermon and a specially organ- ized Centennial Choir, under the direction of the late Dr. Wm. Stettler, led the sing- ing. At the conclusion of the services this monument was raised. The foundation and base had previously been laid and the shaft hung in midair suspended from the rope of
a tlerrick, ready to be swung into ]josition. This was done under the supervision of Philip Wenz, the granite dealer and marble cutter, who had been awarded the contract for the monument.
The lamented Prof. J. S. Ermentrout, who was the historian of the association and who had written an interesting pamph- let entitled "History of Kutztown and Max- atawny," placed the customary articles into the box of the monument, which I under- stand has been wisely preserved and is again within the base of the monument.
Prof. S. A. Baer, chairman of the Monu- ment Committee, presented the monument to S. S. Schmehl, president of the Centen- nial Association, who in turn turned it over
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
163
into the care of the board of trustees of the Keystone State Normal School.
It would be taxing your patience too much to go into all the details of the day, so I will cut the story short.
The spectacular parade marched over to this place which was then a picnic ground known as Kemp's Grove. Here a speaker's stand and seats had been erected and here Judge Sassaman, of Reading, delivered an eloquent oration and Senator M. S. Hen- ninger, of Allentown, read an original Penn= sylvania German poem entitled "En Hun- nert Johr Zurick."
After the ceremonies the multitude was
fed from supplies furnished free by the Cen- tennial Association. The multitude num- bered about three thousand, and there was nothing left and even not all were filled.
In the course of the afternoon a burlesque parade took place in which a company of 120 "Mulligan Guards," masked and car- rying wooden guns with tin bayonets, form- ed the leading feature. Besides there were in the grotesque procession a band with tin instruments, makinp" strange but loud music, an improvised elephant, a bear and other fantastic features. This greatly amused the crowd and roars of laughter went up along the line.
"KUTZTOWN, THE HUB OF OPPORTUNITY"
Slogans are all the rage these days. A town such as ours is, should have a slogan. It has one — the one shown here. This slogan, on the suggestion of Wm. S. Rhode, President of the Kutztown Publishing Com- pany, was chosen from some three dozen or more rallying cries, as being peculiarly suitable to Kutztown. The town is situated in the center of the East Penn Valley, one of the fairest, rich- est valleys in the land, and midway between the cities of Allentown and Reading. As in olden
times all roads led to Rome, so now-a-days, many important roads center in Kutztown. Kutztown is not the hub of the universe, not the center of the state, or even of the county — it might have been had the efforts to make the town the county seat of Penn county ninety years and more ago been suc- cessful— but it is the "hub of oppoitunity," that is, a center to which concenter many lines of social, civil, industrial, and educa- tional activity.
The slogan adopted by the Kutztown Board of Trade in 1914, is being extensive- ly used, and with satisfactorily results, in calling attention to the various opportunities ailorded by our town.
THE ROLL OF HONOR
The names of the following persons, members of the Kutztown Centennial As- sociation, having contributed one or more dollars annually for the entire period of the existence of the Association, were, by reso- lution of that body, placed upon this Roll of Honor :
Dr. H. W. Saul A. S. Heffner Rev. .1. J. Cres.sman Wm. F. Stimmel Jas. S. Heffner A. S. Christ Pierce S. Schell
Rev. W. W. Deatrick H. A. Fister J. B. Esser .Arthur Bonner Rev. H. A. Kline Thomas S. Levan C. W. Miller
Chas. D. Herman
Rev. R. B. Lynch
E. P. DeTurk
Sam. H. Heffner
N. S. Schmehl
,T. H. Marx
j. P. S. Fenstermacher
C. I. G. Christman
H. K. Deisher
Sell D. Kutz
Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger
Mrs. Maggie Christ
Dr. C. A. Hottenstein
Walt. B. Bieber
Cvrus J. Rhode
Nicolas M. Rahn
Victor H. Houser John A. Schwoyer M. T. Donraoyer T. D. Sharadin Zach, C. Hoch Wm. B. Schaefer E. K. Steckel, M. D. U. T. Miller
D. L. Wartzenluft Dr. E. J. Sellers
E. L. Schatzline A. M. Herman T. T. Fritch Tohn Hinterleiter C. W. Snyder
Dr. U. S. G. Bieber
164
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
Ed. Slonecker Wm. P. Kutz Clem. J. Stichler W. S. Dietrich Fred. A. Moyer Daniel M. Saul Ezra H. Hottenstein Llewellyn Angstadt William H. Livengood Katie Heffner Ressler Geo. C. Bordner James O. Herman Quinton D. Herman Samuel J. Dries
A. K. Lesher James Schaefer J. B. Keiter
C. L. Gruber Geo. P. Angstadt Wm. D. Yoder C. S. Siegfried
B. D. Druckenmiller Howard S. Sharadin P. F. Moyer
Wm. S. Rhode Chas. A. Frey Francis E. Sharadin Dan. A. Dries R. D. Sharadin Rev. Geo. B. Smith George Rhode I. B. Stein and Son Worth A. Dries Thomas W. Sharadin George Glasser William S. Kutz Wilson B. Kutz Elizabeth E. Miller Howard D. Kutz W. W. Feick and Co. Isaac Grimley Wm. S. Christ O. Raymond Grimley Geo. A. Schlenker H. W. Sharadin Fred. N. Baer Byron A. Stein Paul A. Herman
Rev. F. K. Bernd Roger M. Rentschler William F. Schoedler B. M. Deibert Geo. W. Ramer Harry B. \''oder John F. Angstadt Wm. E. Myers
J. F. Weidenhammer
Charles Herbine
Chas. S. Arnold
Oscar Moyer
Horace Schmehl
Walter C. C. Snyder
Lawson G. Dietrich
Augustus G. Wink
F. H. Moser, Redland, Ca!
John Z. Harner, Bovertown, Pa.
Rev. M. J. Bieber, Halifax, N. S.
J. J. Stigman, Los Angeles, Cal.
Mrs. Morris D. Trexler, Topton, Pa.
Lieut. Richard J. Herman, Philippine Islands
H. H. Ahrens, Reading, Pa.
Tillie B. Gravat, Philadelphia, Pa.
Jno. W. Gravat. Philadelphia, Pa.
Nicholas J. Kutz. Fleetwood. Pa.
Dr. A. C. Rothermel. K. S. N. S.
Rev. Charles C. Boyer, K. S. N. S.
Jno. W. Sander, Allentown, Pa.
Harry A. Taylor, Annville, Pa.
Dr. Albert J. Kutz, Northampton, England
Rosa A. Christ, Philadelphia, Pa.
ODDS AND ENDS OF HISTORY
Some Early Teachers in Kutztown
Besides the teachers mentioned elsewhere the following are said to have taught in town in the early days.
A Mr. Brockway is remembered by some elderly persons as having taught in the old parochial school house.
Mr. Leidy, who came from Philadelphia taught the boys. He is said to have married a Miss Kutz, daughter of Peter Kutz and sister to Charles Kutz.
About the saine time Miss Fehling, com- ing here from Easton, taught the girls in the Snyder house, now occupied by C. W. Snyder, photographer. She married the Rev. Mr. Lukens, spoken of elsewhere.
Miss Catharine Bunnell, an Irish lass, also from Easton, taught in the Snyder house for several years, then went to Ham- burg, where she became the wife of a Mv. Boehm, a hotel keeper.
The Rev. Charles Lukens married jN'Iiss Fehling. After his marriage he remained a year or two in Kutztown, then went to the neighborhod of Germantown, where he opened a boarding school. It is related of him that each evening, before dismissin.c; his school, he would dictate memory gems to his pupils.
Of the Academy teachers Mr. Storv was a Xew Englander, while Mr. Hill came here from Philadelphia.
Fell Dead at a Battalion A story told by an aged friend, illustra- tive somewhat of the customs of the com- munit}' on battalion days is to the effect that quite a commotion occurred when on one of those days a lady from Greenwich fell dead while on the dancing floor at Kutztown.
E.^RLY Stone Masons Peter Kutz, grandfather of Dr. E. K. Steckel, was one of the early stone masons of the town. Henry Nefif, father of Mrs. Elizabeth Wynne, was another worker in the same craft. These two men were mas- ter workmen. They built the old two-arch stone bridge which led Main street across the Saucony. Both men labored together on the foundation walls of the old (lo^, weatherboarded) St. John's Church. They also built the old parochial school house, and the wall around the old St. John's ceme- tery was their handiwork.
The Story oe a Bake Shop The Walt. B. Bieber (now Wm. S. Christ ) store building was built by Neff and Kutz, pioneer stone masons, for a Mr. Wil- son. But Wilson had gone beyond his means. Failure followed and the new build- ing was sold to satisfy the creditors. It was bought at Sheriflf's sale by Mrs. Sam-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
165
uel Bast, who had to borrow the money to paj' the sheriff his fourteen hundred dol- lars, ($1400.00). But she was a dauntless and resourceful woman. She started a bake shop. She borrowed a bag of flour for the first baking. Little by little she earned and saved enough to pay the borrowed mone}'. Joshua Bieber, father of the late Walter B. Bieber, started store keeping in the front room of the building. He fell in love with and married the daughter of Mr. and Mrs Samuel Bast.
Sports in Oldbn Days As far back as we have any records Kutz- town has had among its citizens nvunerous and enthusiastic sportsmen. In those days game was much more plentiful than it is now. It is related that J acob ( better known as "Squire") Graeff, shot the last bear in this section. Some residents of Greenwich township came into town with a report that a big bear was seen rambling around on the Jacob Kohler farm. Squire Graeff, with one companion, started in pursuit ot bruin. They chased him up a tall chestnut tree from which he was finally dislodged by a well-directed shot from the Squire'.t. gun. The might}^ hunters brought theii trophy home and for many years the claws of the bear could be seen hanging on the outside of the barn door in the rear of D. A. G. Wink's home on Main street.
But bear-hunting was not the only sport for the old hunters. Tradition has it that Jonathan Grim was a great fox hunter and always kept a pack of fox hounds. He later met his end while on a fishing trip at Diet- rich's Mill, being drowned in what was then known as the "Devil's Hole."
In the early forties there was a tre mendous flight of passenger pigeons over this county. The birds were so numerous, that "they darkened the sun," and many were caught in nets. The woodland on the John Kemp farm (now the Kutztown Park) was a favorite resting place for migratory birds but on this occasion they taxed the trees to their capacity, and it is related that many of the smaller branches were broken down by the weight of the roosting pigeons. The birds were doubtless attracted by the many buckwheat fields in this section while migrating south to the rice fields of the Carolinas. It is also said that the pigeons were slaughtered by "the bushel basketful" by local gunners. There were later flights of these pigeons through here but none so great as the one above referred to. It is remarkable that a species of birds once so numerous could have be- come practically extinct. There is at pres- ent a standing oft'er from the Smithsonian
Institution at Washington of $10,000 for a single pair of these particular pigeons Like the buffalo of the western plains, these birds have fallen a prey to ruthless pot- hunters.
Many years ago, too, all the streams of this section were literally teeming with fish, the wily trout, of course, predominating, the rainbow trout, now so rare, being then especially abundant. At that time every one was a fisherman. A reminiscent fish- erman tells that it was the custom, im- mediately after harvest, for the farmers to gather along the streams for their "yaerlich wesh-tag," at which time the day was spent in bathing and fishing. They always re- turned with "big catches."
Kutztown As a Show Town
Among the famous show towns of Penn- sylvania in early years Kutztown occupied a position in the front rank. There were few traveling shows that did not stop here. Among the most prominent of these were : Sands-Nathan Co., Howe Brothers, Barnum and Howe's Museum, Durj^ea's Circus, P. T. Barnum's "greatest show on earth," Ad- am Forepaugh, and Dan Rice. The latter started out with a trained pig, and while here Rice asked Judge Heidenreich to loan him a milk-white horse to transport his show to Rothrocksville, but the showman never returned the horse. Some years later, however, after he had become quite famous in the show world, he returned here with his big show and surprised the judge by pre- senting him with a brand new outfit — horse, buggy and harness. The "milk-white" horse which Rice secured from Judge Heid- enreich was later the trained horse of the show.
These frequent shows were a great at- traction to the natives and many folks walked as far as to Breinigsville to meet the wagons and walked back to town with the show.
Early CouNTERFeiTURS Few people, possibly, know of the coun- terfeiters who operated in and around Kutz- town in the late forties and early fifties. The bad money was coined in an old stone building which is still standing near Temple, in Muhlenberg township. This house was known as the "Alsace Bank." This spurious money was put out under an oak tree which stood on the old Fair Grounds, now tht. property of the Kutztown Improvement Company.
In July, 1852, while cradling wheat, George Humbert, one of the men employed by Benjamin Kutz, discovered a quantity of imitation silver mone\- in an abandoned wel!
1 66
CEXTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
on Mr. Kiitz's farm. Amos Rhode and Samuel Marx, father of the late J. H. Marx, went into the well and brought up the coin which amounted to $120.00. The monev was taken to Joshua Bieber, an authority on numismatics, who pronounced it counter- feit. The money was afterwards taken to the office of the Gcisf der Zcit, where Mr. Hawrecht also pronounced spurious. The fact that the money had been found was advertised extensively but, of course, no one ever claimed it.
An Old Well Draw well — "standing on south side of the aforementioned Great or High Road, on the said several acres and one hundred and twelve perches of land, and opposite of the dwelling house of the said Frederick Hit- tie," sold to Dewald Kutz by Frederick and Maria Hittle (deed dated April i, 1795) reserved as to free and unobstructed use for Leonerd Rishel and his heirs as well as for Hittle and his heirs. ^
How Fire was Made in Olden Times John F. Kohler, an aged resident of town, remembers that prior to 1843 h^ fetched live coals (charcoal) from Joe Kutz's to rekindle the kitchen fire so that breakfast might be made. If there were yet any live coals among the ashes on the hearth in the morning then splints dipped in sulphur were used to restart the fire ; otherwise live coals had to be brought from the nearest neighbor. When sulphur match- es first came into use the}' were considered highly dangerous. They were called "schwevelkep." This explains the action of Kutztown Borough Council, Sept. 9, 1833, which imposed a fine of $5.00 for the selling or keeping for sale of any combustible matches, and like articles.
A Maxatawny Slave Unlike their English and Irish neighbors the earl}' Germans of this section seldom owned colored servants or slaves. I. D. Rupp says that "Berks, a German county, having a population of 30,179, in 1790, had only 65 slaves, in the ratio of one to 464 whites. Cumberland county, originally set- tled by Scotch-Irish, with a population in
'So in deed executed April i, 1795 by Frederick and Maria Hittle to Dewald Kutz.
1790 of 15,655, had 360 slaves, in the ratio of one of 44 whites." So far as known the only slave ever kept in this immediate sec- tion was one, Hannah by name, who was the servant of George Keinp, son of Theo- bald (Dewalt) Keinp, the iinmigrant ances- tor of the Kemp family. Both father and ,«cn resided on what was the Nathan S. Kemp farm, on which, in the private ceme- tery, the negro woman is buried.
Governor Edward Y. Miller Lieutenant Edward Y. Miller, Military Governor of the Palawan Islands, in the Philippines, was drowned on May 27, 1910, aged 39 years. Deceased served in the Spanish-American war. Later he entered the regular army as Second Lieutenant and advanced to the rank of captain. The Governor was not aware of his new title, captain, as his commission had not reached him when he was drowned.
He governed 34,000 semi-civilized peo- ple, who lived with him as a brother and master combined. He ruled them by the sheer force of his personality and thus ac- complished in many ways what a host of regulars could not have done.
Governor Miller was born and reared in Kutztown. He was a graduate of the Key- stone State Normal School, and a son of Zach. T. Miller, who long ago left our town for the west. The deceased is survived by his widow (nee Florence Geehr) and one son, Gordon Geehr Miller.
An Incident of the Revolution A story was told by the late Nathan Kemp (son of George W. Kemp, son of Daniel Kemp, son of George Kemp, son of Dewalt Kemp) to the effect that the four-horse team of George Kemp, was im- pressed by Continental soldiers passing this way. The hired man went along with the team. In three weeks the man returned bringing the big horse whip with him but not the team.
Sp.xnish-American War VoluntkERS The names of the Spanish-American Vol- unteers froin Kutztown in 1898 were: Mos- es Reimert, Levi Sassaman, Geo. N. Smith, Samuel Schmehl, (deceased), William Lei- bv. Howard Geiger, Edward Yenser, and Wm. L. Scheldt.
Centennial Committees
Biographical and Industrial Department
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Dr. W. W. Deatrick Chairman
Zach C. Hoch
Wm. S. Rhode Rev. John Baer Stoudt
I. L. DeTurk
H. K. Deisher
Rev. F. K. Bernd
Wilson B. Kntz
EDUCATIONAL DAY COMMITTEE
Prof. Geo. C. Bordner
Roger M. Rentschler Chairman
Harry B. Yoder
AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL DAY COMMITTEE
Clarence S. Siegfried
Wm. F. Schoedler Chairman
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Andrew J. Seidel
FIREMEN'S DAY COMMITTEE
Will. S. Christ
Chas. D. Herman Chairman
Horace Schmehl
CHURCH DAY COMMITTEE
Rev. R.- B. Lynch Rev, E. H. Leinbach Rev. Geo. B. v=mith Rev. S. N. Dis.singer
Dr. A. C. Rothermel
Rev. J. W, Bittncr
Rev. J. O, Schlenkcr Dr. George S. Krcsslcy Rev. D. P. Longsdorf Dr. C. C. Boycr
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FRATERNITY DAY COMMITTEE
William F. Schick Secretary
Harvey P. Boger Chairman
Jos. A. Hancy Treasurer
DECORATING AND ILLUMINATING COMMITTEE
C. W. Snyder Chairman
Samuel J. Dries
Richard D. Sharadin
Clem. J. Stichler
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Chas. A. Stein , , ,, . , ^
Chairman Geo. A. Schlcnker Dr. C. A. Hottenstem Llewellyn Angstadt
HISTORICAL DAY COMMITTEE
Sam. H. Htffner Chairman
V. H. Mauser
F. T. Williamson
Geo. W. Bieber
170
READING AND ALLENTOWN DAY COMMITTEE
U. J. Miller William S. Rhode
Chairman
Chas. T, a. Chi-istman
Chas. D. Herman
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
C. C. Deibert Chairman
U. J. Miller
RECEPTION COMMITTEE
Thomas S. Levan Chairman
Dr. E. K. Steck-el Rev. S. N. Dissinger Samuel H. Heffner
Wm. S. Rhode
W. F. Schick
Chas. D. Herman
Wm. F. Schoedler
Dr. H. W. Saul
A. S. Heffner
H. A. Fister Arthur Bonner
Rev. R. B. Lynch V. H. Hauser E. P. DeTurk
Wm. B. Schaeffer
Dr. N. Z. Dunkelbergcr
Rev. Geo. B. Smith
A. S. Christ
W. S. Dietrich
C. W. Snyder
Roger M. Rentschler
Q. D. Herman, Member of Finance Committee
C. D. Herman, Member of Decorating Committee
HEFFNER-DIETRICH COMPANY
of Kutztown, manufacturers of rye and wheat flour and dealers in coal, lumber and mill work, are the biggest concern in their line in this locality. The business had its inception in 1869, starting under the firm name of Gonser & Heffner. Later James S. Heffner took sole charge of the plant and conducted it up to the time of his death in 1909, when his son, Samuel H., be- came the proprietor. The business increased continually and in 19 13 the present company was formed, composed of Samuel H. Heffner, Lawson G. Dietrich, Calvin Dietrich and Irvin Dietrich.
The daily capacity of the plant is one hundred barrels of wheat and fifty barrels rye.
171
REV. F. K. BERND
Rev. F. K. Bernd is the present pastor of what is known as the Maxatawny-Mertztown Parish, a pan of the parish formerly served hy the late Kev. B. E. Kvamlic'h. A native of Bsypt, Lehigh county, Rev. 'Sir. Kernel has spent all hut twelve years, since 1867, in this place. His first years' were spent as a student in the Normal School. 17 years as Professor iu the same institution and the last fifteen as pastor of the above named parish. From Muhlenberg College he received the honorary title of A. M., and served as President of the Reading- Conference of the Mini&terium of Pennsylvania for three years. He lives with his family on Normal Hill.
KEV. ALPKED M. STUMP
of 121 South 11th St.. Easton. Pa., was born Decem- ber 23, 1S84, at Schofer's, Maxatawny township. Berks county. Pa. lie is a son of John K. and Mrs. Cath- erine Stumip. of Park Ave.. Kutztown. lie was mar- ried on August 2. 1911, to Miss Anna P. Burkhart. of Pottsville, Pa. A son. Alfred M. Stump, Jr., was born October 30. ]91.^. Rev. Stump graduated at the Keystone State Normal School. Kutztown. in 1902. and taught in the public schools for two years. He graduated at Muhlenberg College in 1908 and the Mt. Airy Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1911. He ac- cepted a call to the pastorate of the Washingtonville Evangelical Lutheran Church, and on NoveniTer 1. 1912, began the present pastorate of St. Luke's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, at Easton. Pa.
SAMUEL HUGO SCHEIDT
of 219 West Franklin Ave., Lansing. Mich., was born in Kutztown, August 26. 1S6S. His parents were Harry Scheldt and Susanna (nee Kntz) Scheidt. The subject of this sketch left Kutztown April 1, 1896. He was married to Hannah C. Kline. They have the fol- lowing children : Pearl S., Hcarn, aged 24 years, and Linda A., aged 19 years.
Mr. Scheidt says: "Since I have left the old home I have made good: I have a nice home on one of the principal streets of the city, and I have one of the nii'cst cafes and restaurants in the middle west."
WALTER S. DIETRICH
of Kutztown. was born May 20. 1879, at Grimsville, I'a. His parents are Charles H. Dietrich and Susan M. (nee Grim) Dietrich. Mr. Dietrich was educated in the borough schools and graduated from the Key- stone State Normal School, class of 1896 ; Eastman's Business College. Poughkeepsie. N. Y.. in 1897. The same year he entered the employ of the Kutztown Foundry and Machine Company as book-keeper. Sev- eral years ago he was advanced to the important posi- tion of accountant and office manager. On July 28, 1903, Mr. Dietrich was married to Miss Gertrude A. Gehring. The union was blessed with three sons ranging in age as follows: B. Gehring, aged 8 years, Daniel Grim, 6 ; William Conrad, 4.
172
HARRY B. YOBER
Kutztowu. was born October 21, 1SS9, being a son of Williami D., and his Avife, Annie (nee Barto) Yoder. He is a graduate of the Kutztown High School, class of 1904; Keystone State Normal School, Ivutztown, in 1907. He studied at State College during the siim- mier of 1914, and at Muhlenberg College 1914-1915. Mr. Yoder taught school a numbei' of terms and is at present assistant principal of the puTDJic schools of Kutztown. He was married to Miss Florence O. Esser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Esser. The union was blessed with one daughter, Doris Helen, aged ten months.
WILLIAM S. GABY
Kutztown, was born September 6, 1S90, in Rockland township. His parents are Samuel Gaby and wife, Catharine (nee Seip) . By occunation Mr. Gaby is a shoemaker and a thorough mechanic at his trade. He was educated in the public school at Bowers and is a member of the Reformed Church at the same place, and Kutztown Aerie, No. S39, Fraternal Order of Eagles, of Kutztown. He is employed with the Key- stone Shoe Manufacturins^ Co. Mr. Gaby is also the leader of the Kutztown Drum Corps.
ALLEX A. SCIIUCKER
of Kutztown, was born December 19, 1854. in Green- wich township, t-eing a son of Jacob Schucker and his wife, Caroline (nee Wiltrout). The union was tilessed with one daughter, Annie E. Schucker, aged 34 years, now Mrs. Otis Hartmau. By occupation Mr. Schucker is a mason and is a member of Max- atawny Ziou's Church, having served the congre- gation as elder for a number of years. Mr. Schucker served his township in the capacity of school director in 1901 and assisted in the erection of the Bagle- point schoolhouse. At present he is the road super- visor of Kutztown, having served in this office since 1911. His home is' located on Greenwich street.
JOHX L. CRESS>L\X
of 342 South 13th St.. Harrisburg, Pa., was born Octo- ber 20, 1S70. at Easton. I'a. He is a son of Rev. John J. and Emma C. M. Cressman. Mr. Cressman left here October 7, 1895, and is engaged as a railwav postal clerk. He was married to Katie M. Foose, which union was blessed with the followinE' children: Ellen Margaret, wife of Rev. C. K. Fegely. agtd 23 years; Mary Catharine, aged IS years; Arline Naomi, aged 7 months. Esther Ruth, agfd (3 years, and John Luther, aged 9 months, departed this life. Mr. Cressman was graduated at the Keystone State Normal School in 1889. He took post-graduate work and taught ten terms in the public schools.
173
THE STEIN FAMILY
DISTILLERS FOR FOUR GENERATIONS
JACOB STKIX
distiller and farmei', was born in 1791 in Greenwich townsliio. Berlts county, I'a. He owned over 500 acres of land, which he divided into five farms, and built substantial farm buildings. He also built a school- house for the township, near his home.
In IS.SO he built the original Stein's Distillery. He is known as the Pioneer of fitcin's Pure Rye Whiskeii. Twenty years later he built Stein's Tavern, now known as the Three-JIile House. He died in May, 1872, and is buried in Crirasville cemetery.
ADAM STEIN
distiller and farmer, was born in Greenwich township, Berks Co.. I'a., Dec. IS, 1S19. In 1846 he bousht the Stein homestead from his father, Jacob Stein, consistine: of a 200-acre farm and the well known .Stein s Distill- eni. When the Keystone State Normal School was ori- .ijinated in 1866, he gave liberal encouraijement and support. He was elected one of the first trustees of the institution and continued to fill the position until 1877. In 186-1 he was elected county commissioner and served a term of three years.
ISAAC B. STEIX
distiller and farmer and senior member of the firm of 1. B. Stfin & Son, was burn April 9, 1848. in Greenwich township, Berks county. He cari-ied on farming on his father's farm for a number of yeal■^■. In 1893 he bought his father's business and continued the distillation of the well known brand of fiteUt's Purr Rijc. Having years of experience in the business, he started out with more progressive ideas. The Old Stfin Disti'lery was replaced with an entirely new plant, introducing all the latest equipment known to the distiller's art. In 1905 he moved his family to Kutztown and resides on Noble street.
CHAS. A. STEIN
distiller and wholesale liquor dealer, was lorn May 20, 1879, in Greenwich township, Berks county. He was educated in the public schools and graduated at the Keystone State Normal School in 1900. He taught school three terms. He engaged in the dis- tilling lu.'^iness with his father. Isaac B. Stein, form- ing the firm of I, B. Stein & Sou, distillers and wholesale liquor dealers. He is treasurer of the Kutz- town Rural Telephone and Telegraph i_o . and sec- retary of the Farmers Bank. Kutztown. He is prom- inent in fraternal circles.
174
DAXIEL A. DRIES
of Kutztown, son of David Dries, was born May 30, 1S48. in Maidencreck township, Berlcs Co. Worked on farm until 37 years old. He engaged in the hotel business at Moselem Furnace, Molltown, Fleetwood, Centreport, Lyons and Kutztown. He spent nine years as proprietor of the Keystone House. He is liv- int^ retired in Kutztown. He married Mary .T. Haw- kins, Blandon. Children : Worth A. Dries, present pro- prietor of the Keystone House : Samuel J. Dries, cigar manufacturer : William D. Dries, bar clerk at the I'ennsylvania House, Kutztown. Member of Fleet- wood Castle, No. 374, K. G. B. ; Director of Kutz- town Fair Association : manager of Kutztown Park in 1915.
ROBERT HARRISON WESSNER
of Allentown. was born in Kutztown, Pa., Aug. 22, 1891, the youngest son of Lenious Wessner, deceased, and Lizzie (nee Bieber) Wessner. He attended the public schools, graduating from Kutztown High School in June 1907. Being endowed by nature with a talent for drawing and lettering, the suhiect of this sketch spent most of his spare time in studying this art. In 1909 he lecame the Sign and Show Card Artist at Hess Bros." Department Store, Allentown, Pa., which position he still holds. In 1910 Mr. Wessner married Miss Clara V. Baer. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. -T. Baer. of Kutztown. There is one child from this union — a daughter, Kathryn Helen.
JOHN D. DETURK
of Kutztown, \vas born .Tune 23, 1854, in Oley town- ship, Berks county. The parents were Nathan and Esther (nee Deisher) DeTurk. Mr. DeTurk was edu- cated in the public school and was reared on the farm. During his early career he engaged exten- sively in the cattle business. His present occupation is custom hauling. On .Tune 5, 187'9, he was married to Miss Amanda Merkel. One daughter was born, Louise B. M. DeTurk. widow of William Reinert. Mr. DeTurk is a miember of St. .Tohn's Reformed Church, the Masonic Lodge, Knight Templars and Knights of the Golden EarJe. He has a new home on Bast Main street.
WILLIAM J. BEAR
of Kutz,towu. son of .Tonathan S. and Fanny Bear, was born at Breinigsville, Sept. 11. 1869. He en- gaged in the paint business and later was chief en- gineer and n"iaster mechanic of car barns and power plant of the Allentown-Reading Traction Co.. at Kutztown in 1900. became assistant superinten- dent in 1902. and in 1907 was elected general fuperin- teudent. resigned in 1913. was on his (arm until 1914. when he accepted a position as superintendent of the munrcioal electric light plant, of Kutztown. He was married to BUen E. L. Siegfried. Two children were lorn, Clara, wife of Robert Wessner. of Allentown, and Helen.
175
THE REV. ROBERT BEXJ. LYNCH
of Kutztown, was born at Pennsburg, Mont;;omery county. Pa., November 28, 1860. His parents were Lieut. Thomas J. and Maria (Lons) Lynch. He frrad- • uated from Muhlenberg College in 18S6 and in 1889 from the TheGlo.iiical Seminary at Mt. Airy. Fol- lowins? his ordination he became pastor of Tinicum Charge, in Bucks county. Pa., where he served for al- most fifteen years, when he came to Kutztown as pas- tor of Trinity Lutheran Church, May 15, 1903. Rev. Lynch married Maggie U. Jones, of Reading, who died in Kutztown on April 6. 1904. On December 11, 1913, Rev. Lynch married Anna S. Humbert, a daugh- ter of the late Rev. D. K. Humtert, of Bowers,
PROI'\ HARKV W. SHARADIX
artist, of Kutztown. was born Itecember 22, 1872. the son of J. Daniel and his wife. Carolint (nee Butz). in Kutztown. He graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1891 and attended the Metropolitai. Art School in New York for one year and the Indus- trial Art School, Philadelphia. He opened a studio in ReadiuK in 1894. He was in Reading twelve years. In 1906 he came to Kutztown and accepted the chair of art and drawing at the Keystone State Normal School. He traveled and studied in Rome and Paris on two different occasions, in 1905 and in 1911. He was accompanied by his wife. He was married to Louise Neff. He is a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church, Kutztown. and the Masonic Ijodge.
PROF. WM. S. HALDEIVIAX
was born in Pine Grove. Pa. He entered the Key- stone State Normal School, at Kutztown, in thb -spring of 1900, taught ungraded school in Pine Grove township 1901-02, returned to Normal in the fall of 1902. He graduated from the Keystone State Nor- mal School in 1904. was principal of Clinton High School, Aideuville, Wayne Co., 1904-09; was Secretary of Wayne County Teachers' Association 1907-1909 ; instructor in chemistry in Keystone State Normal School 1900-1913 and 1914-15, and rraduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1914. He was awarded the Austin scholarship in chemistry for 1915- 1916 in the Harvard Graduate School.
GEORGE GliASSER
Kutztown, Pa., was born April 15, 1873, in Maxa- tawny township. His parents were John and Han- nah (George) Glasser. He was married to Alice Rahn, and they have one son, Lester D.. aged 10 years. He worked on the farm for some time and then be- came engaged in the transfer business in Kutztown, He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He be- longs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Knights of Eagle. He has been a school director for twelve years and is at present president of the board. He is also a director of the Hope cemetery board. He re- sides at 335 Main street, Kutztown.
176
GEORGE C. BORDNER
Kutztown, l*a., son of Thomas L. and Malinda Bord- ner, was born May 22, 1870. at Bethel. Pa. He spent the rreater part of his life as teacher and taught in the rural schools and the Kutztown Hifjh School. He attended the Keystone State Normal School. He graduated at Franklin and Marshall College with honors in 1S98, and received the degree of A. M. in 1901. In 1899 he was elected professor of higher mathematics at the Keystone State Normal School and is serving in this capacity at the present time. He is a member of the Kutztown school board, director and secretary of the Kutztown B'air Association, sec- retary of Huguenot Lodge. No. 377. F. and A. M., mem- ber of Maxatawny Pouncil, Royal Arcanum, No. 1807, president of the Alumni Association of K. S. N. S., president of the Berks County School Directors' As- sociation. He is married to Mary L. Berger and they have the following children : Paul B., Claude li.. Grace A., Mary H., Richard T.. Francis v_., and Ruth M.
CLARENCE S. SIEGFRIED
No. 75 Noble street, Kutztown, Pa., was born Decem- ber 22. 1881, at Eaglepoint, Berks county. His par- ents are Simon W. and Caroline (Schlenker) Sieg- fried. He attended the public schools of Berks county and the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, and took a special course in bookkeeping. iDanking and ex- change at Schissler's' Business College, Norristown, Pa., completing the course March, 13, 1900. In 1897 Mr. Siegfried met with a misfortune at Mill Creek creamery which cost him his left arm. In March,
1900, he was employed by Welsh & Ambrose, at Mana- yunk, Philadelphia, as bookkeeper. On December 21.
1901, he resigned his position and accepted a similar position with the Saucony Shoe Company on January 1. 1902. He was elected s'uperintendent of the Sau- cony Shoe Co. October 20, 1906, and later elected su- perintendent of the Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Co., September 1, 1912. He is vice-president of the Deisher Knitting Mills, and is a member of Adonai Castle, No. 70, K. G. E. ; I. O. O. F., No. 634. L^ons ; Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 1004, Kutztown, and is treasurer of the Jr. 0. U. A. M. since July 1, 1906 to date.
He was married to Rachael M. Fretz, and they have one daughter, Irma M., aged 5 years.
ALI.ENTOW1S MORNING GALL
This is a picture of the forty-pp-e printing press on which is' printed The Allentown Morning Call. Circulation over 18.000 daily. 'Phone or mail your want advertisements.
BREINIG & BACHjVIAN
Allentown. Firm established 1877. George F. Breinig and A. P. Bachman are the present proprietors.
177
JOHN WTLSON
Kiitztown Pa., was born at Kimberton, Vincent town- fwp Chester 'county, March 26, 1845 the son of Th?mas and Rebecca Wilson. He is a retired railroad emoloyee. He entered the employ of the P. and B. Co. f" 1870 as carpenter and by faithful work was promoted to foreman of the carpenters and later fire- man; and on April 16, 1877, to engineer. He was at Se throttle on*^ various freight and passenger trains and on June 17, 1902, was transferred to the Kutz- town and AUentown branch, where be served until his reteement He was' married to Mary Louisa Beck, and he^had threl Children His wife and daughter are dead. His sons are Addison and Cleon. He is a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 286. F. and A. M., and Kutztown Aerie, No. 839, F. O. li.
OLAYTOIV F. L/EVAN
Kutztown, Pa., was' born December 19, 1885, in Green- wich township, Berks county. Pa. He -was educated in the public schools of Greenwich township and giadu- ated from the Keystone State Normal School, Kutz- town in 1906. He is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No 377. F. and A, M., and Odd Fellows' Lodge, Lyon Station He is secretary of the Mill Creek Rural Telephone Company. He taught school m Maxatawny township seven years— 1906-1913— and the K.rammar school at Kutztown from 1913 to 1915. His home is on a 22-acre farm in Greenwich township. U.e is a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church, of Kutz- town.
DR. GEORGE SHiOTU KRESSLEY
Kutztown Pa., was 'torn February 8, 1877 at Maxa- tawny post office, the son of Percival N. and Martha T^iJm Kressley. He attended the PutljC ^choo^-- nf Maxatawny and the K. b. N. ».. at ji.uui.owu, taught two terms, entered Muhlenberg College Sep- tlrater 5 1894, graduated in 1S98, entered the Theo- loSea Semfnary at Mt. Airy in tlie fall, and gradu- atSfl in .Tune 1901. He received the degree of A. M ?rom MuWenberg College. He was elected professor o^ arcient and modern languages of the K. b. «■ »■ i" ^Ml He had a leave Sf absence in 1910 and spent the summer semester in the University Goettmgen Germany. After three years of work he received the deo-Se of doctor in literature from. Muhlenberg Col- lege He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was confirmed by Rev. B. B Kramlich m Maxa- tawny Zion's Church in 1891. He resides on Normal Hill.'
RAI/PH C. SHARADIX
of Allentown, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Daniel Sharadin. of Kutztown, was torn m I^utztown Aoril 4, 188^. He left his home town in 1900. He prepared for college at the Keystone State Normal School and gradSIted from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy 7n April 1904. He has been the proprietor of the HamiUon Pharmacy, located at 12th and Hamilton streets.. Allentown, since 1910.
178
GEORGE A. SCHLENKER
Kutztown, Pa., was born Septemiber S, 1884, iu Greenwich township. His parents were Daniel A. and his wife, Sarah L. (Braucher) Schlenlcer. He was married to Mattie L. Wagaman and they have one daughter, Helen S., aged 7 years. He p;raduated from the K. S. N. S., in 1908, taught one year in Green- wich township, and served as principal of the Kutz- town High School for three years. In 1912 he en- raged in the printing business. He started the Kutz- town and Reading: Motor Express in 1913. He belongs to Huguenot Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Golden Eagles, Roy- al Arcanum, .Junior American Mechanics ; also to the Kutztown JFair Association, the Fire Company, the School Board and Democratic Committeeman of the Second Ward.
C. C. DEIBERT
Kutztown, was born September 15, 1884, at Landing- ville, Schuylkill county, the son of George R. and his wife, Mary A. Deibert. He attended the pulilit schools of his home town and graduated from the Or- wiesburg High School. He started work with the P. & R. Railway Company at the age of 19 years as assistant agent at Landingville. and worked at Pitts- ville. Port Carbon, Bridgeport, Chapman's, Landing- ville, and agent at Kutztown. He came here January 16, 1913. He was married to Mary M. Gross, daughter ot .Tohn Gross and his wife, Ellen (nee Strauss), of Adamsdale. They have the following children : John, Lester and Florence. 5Ir. Deibert is a prominent Mason and a member of other local fraternal organ- izations.
WILLIAM F. SCHOEDLER
Kutztown, Pa., was born Januarv 23, 1870, in Kutz- town, the son of William and his wife Sarah (Adam) Schoedler. He is' married to Priscilla Heifley. He is superintendent and salesman of R. Miller's Son'e carriage works and has been in the employ of the above-named firm for thirty years. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Sunday school, Kutz- town : Kutztown Aerie, No. 839, F. O. E. ; Adonai Castle, No. 70, K. G. E., Kutztown, and Travelers' Protective Association. He is assessor of the First Ward 1914-1915. His home is on Park avenue.
EUGENE PEYTON DEATRICK
of 708 E. Seneca St., "Acacia House," Ithaca, N.
Y.,
was born April 7, 1889. His parents are Dr. W. W. Deatrick and wife (nee Balliet). Mr. Deatrick left Kutztown in 1908. He graduated at the Keystone State Normal School in 1906; F. and M. College 1911 ■ A. B. degree. He taught the Boyertown High School from 1911 to 1913 in Sciences'. Entered graduate school at Cornell, 1913. The young mlan was ap- pointed assistant to the instructing staff of Depart ment of Soil Technology, College ot Agriculture, 1915.
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ED^I^ARD R. SCHEIDT
Kutztown. Pa., was born October 15. 1870, in Kutz- town. His parents are Henry and bis' wife Susannah (Kutz) Scbeidt. He was married to Neda Rothermel. February 25, 1892. He is a practical horsesboer and is proprietor of Scheldt's livery. He was raised on the farm until 15 years old, when he learned hi& present trade from his father. He remained here thirteen years as helper, and then took nossession of the business, -which he continued four years. He was next employed in the Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Company's plant for thirteen years. On December 10, 1913. he erected a blacksmtih shop on Foundry alley and purchased the livery stock known as Kutz's liv- ery. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
FRANCIS H. \VERi:/EY
of Kutztown, sou of Ellas Werley, born in Weisenber^ township, I.ehish county. Pa., August 5, 1849. He is a retired farmer and wheelwright and moved to Kutz- town in 1909 and has lived a retired life ever since. He attends to his farms at New Smithville and in Maxatawny. He was married in 1875 to Hannah Le- vau. daughter of Daniel J. Levan, of Maxatawny. One daughter, Mrs. Milton Kuhns, blessed their union. He is a member of Huguenot Lodge. No. 377, F. and A. M.. of Kutztown; was one of the originators of Macuuffie I^dge, I. O. O. F.. Fogelsville ; Knights of the Golden Eagle and Order of Independent Ameri- cans. He is a director of the Kutztown National Bank and treasurer of the Kutztown Fair Association.
I>R. ELMER J. SELLERS
Kutztown. was born June IS. 1861. in Windsor Castle. Pa., the son of Mahlon A. Sellers and wife, Leah. He attended the K. S. N. S., after which he served hifa' apprenticeship with Adam Bodenhorn. of Ham- burri, and Dr. Jacob H. Stein, of Reading. He served as clerk in various places for twelve years, then he- came a registered pharmacist August 15. 1887, and located at Kutztown and has conducted a successful business since, a total of 31 years. He is a member of Huguenot lodge. No. 377. F. and A. M,, Kutztown ; St. Paul's Reformed Church, Kutztown, and various' Pharmaceutical Associations. He resides with his family on Main street.
180
B. G. SHANKWEILER
of 119 West Diamond Ave., Hazleton, was born on March 11, 1873, in Longswamip township. Berks county. He is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (nee Geist) Shank- weiler. Mr. Shankweiler is a dry goods merchant and conducts a modern department store in Hazleton. Mr. Shankweiler says he spent somie of his happiest days in Kutztown. He came here from Shamrock to learn the dry goods business. In 1899 he opened a store in Hazleton in partnership with his former employer, the late William Ti. Hinterleiter. This firm continued until 1915, when on February 10th Mr. Shankweiler bought the Hinterleiter interest. Several years ago he was married to Ella M. Sully.
FRED. A. IVEBB
of Monterey, Berks county, Pa., was horn at Hancock, Lonsswamp township, in 1SS2. He is a son of Daniel C. and Ellen (nee Yaenieh) Webb. The subject of this sketch was born and raised on the farm. Mr. Webb is at present proprietor of the Monterey House. He conducted the Maple Grove Hotel for one year and the Longswamp Hotel for four years. He was mar- ried December 15, 1904, to Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. B. Fox, of Henningsville. The union was blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, namely : Marie Lula, aged S years ; Alma Enstina, 7 ; Eric Freddie, 4 : Harold Wayne, 1. Mr. Webb was educated in the township schools. Keystone State Normal School and Schissler's Business Col- lege.
CYRUS T. WEBB
of Kutztown, was born Septemter 3, 1S77, at Han- cock, in Longswamp township, Berks county. His parents are Daniel C. and Ellen (nee Yaenieh) Webb. Mr. Webb was educated in the putlic schools of Long- swamp -and Maxatawny townships. During his early years he worked in the ore mines at Kline's Corner and on his father's farm. For two years he con- ducted a general merchandise business at Hennings- ville, then came to Kutztown and entered into the wholesale and retail ice cream and confectionery busi- ness with his father-in-law, Jacob F. Reinert. They also iconduct a grocery store and have a big trade. He is married to Annie S. Reinert and they have two children : Ray F., aged 8 years, and Arline D., 4 years.
REV. DR. WM. CHRIST SCHAEPFER
Professor of New Testament Theology in the Reformed Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pa., was born in Maxatawny, Berks county. Pa., April 28, 1851, a son of David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer. After at- tending the Keystone State Normal School, he graduat- ed in 1871, from Franklin and Marshall College, receiv- ing his A. M. degree in 1876, Ph. D. in 1889, and D. D. in 1903. He married Miss Mary H. Dreishach, of East Mauch Chunk, January 11, 1S81. Ordained to tht miinistry of the Reformed Church in 1874, he was pastor at Waynesboro, Danville, Huntingdon, and ChamKersburg, Pa., and since 1904 has been professor in the Seminary at Lancaster.
D. L. WARTZENLtJFT'S
shoe and hat store, Kutztown. Mr. Wartzenluft was born in Shoemalcersville, the son of David and his wife, Rebecca (nee Rothermel) Wartzenluft. He is a gradu- ate of the K. S. N. S., class of 1SS9, and taught school for thirteen years. He entered the shoe busi- ness in Kutztown in 1SS2, when he and L. A. Stein bought the 'business from W. D. Gross. In 1884 W. W. Sharadin became his partner and in 1890 he bought the entire business. In the same year he built an >annex to the store and in 1913 added a big addi- tion, which gave him a store room of 80 feet in depth.. In 1915 he had a new front put in his building.
181
ROEV. E. H. LEINBACH
of Kutztown, a son of Elias A. and Caroline (Hoch) Leinbach, was born in 1861 in Bern townsbip. Berks county. Pa. He was educated at tbe Keystone State Normal School and at Myerstown College. After teaching- for a number of years,, he entered the Theo- loe:ical Seminary, at Lancaster, and graduated in 1895. He was assistant to the late Rev. A. S. Lein- bach D, D , and others until he received a call to be- come the pastor of the Kutztown Charge, consisting of St. .Tohn's congreaation. at Kutztown. and St. Pet- er's in Richmond town&hip. He was ordained, October 4. 1896. He was married to Mary A. Saylor. daurih- ter of Henr" H. and wife. Sarah, of Tuckerton. They have one son. Frederick Saylor, and one daugh- ter. Carolina Sarah.
CHARIiES A. FREY
Kutztown, Pa., was born Anril 8, 1868, in Weisen- terg township. Lehigh county. His parents were Henry and his wife, Priscilla (Xander) Frey. He was marrifd to Emma Wisser, which union was blessed with the followinr, children: Eertua M., aged 24 years; Helen E., aged 22, and Webster J., aged 20. He is employed by C. W. Miller as carriage black- smith. He learned his trade at Seipstown. He was then employed by Eugene Hillegas, in Bucks county, after which he came to Kutztown and entered the em- ploy of R. Miller's Son, where he has worked for 24 years. He is a memt>er of St. Paul's Reformed Church. Kutztown; Junior Mechanics and Fraternal Order of EarJes. He has been tax collector from 1908- 1917. He resides on Upper Walnut street.
J. GEORGE HINTZ, proprietor of Reading's leading Stationery Store.
ELWOOD M. AXGSTADT
of Kutztown, son of William and his deceased wife, Hettie (nee Gravfr) Anrstadt, was born in Kutztown on Aug. 7. 1870. lie attended the borough schools and later entered the employ of J. li. Esser to learn the printing trade. After finishing his trade he worked at New York, I'hiladelphia. Reading and other places. Aug. 18. 1894, he was married to Mary E. (nee Leiby). This union was blessed with two children, ElF-ie M., deceased, and Paul W., residing at home. In the fall of 1894 he accepted a position in the office in which he learned his trade and has been employed there ever since, 'teing at present linotype operator with the Kutztown Publishing Company. He is an active member of several secret organizations.
182
JONATHAN C. DIETRICH
is a son of the late Daniel Dietricli, Greenwich town- ship, Berks county, Pa., born November 26, 1852. He was educated at the Kutztown State Normal School and Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeep.sie, N. J. He taufiht school for two years. Later he conducted the creamery and ice business established by his father, tor fourteen years, and held successively the following positions : teller in the National Bank of Kutztown and when removed to Reading, of the Key- stone National Bank ; Deputy Internal Revenue Stamp t-'lerk ; took-keeper Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Co., deputy to County Controllers during the administra- tions of Livingood and Rhoads. Mr. Dietrich now holds the position of Assistant Postmaster, of Kutztown, Pa.
DR. SAMUEJL A. BAER
of Frostburg, JMd., was born near Kutztown, 50 years ^?' . A^ parents were John and Katharine (net Adam) Baer. Dr. Baer graduated from F. and M Col- /fi, at Lancaster. He tau&ht in the rural schools and at the Normal at Kutztown. Dr. Baer was County Su- permtendent of Berks for six years; City Superinten- dent of the schools of Reading nine years and taught 'Jl Eastern College, Va. He served the Pennsylvania State Teachers Association as president. The past SIX years Dr. Baer had charge of the department of Pedagogy m the State Normal School at Frostburg Md. He was married to Clara Hartman. These chi - yr*^?^ ^,'-''® ''*"■? "> 4'^''™= Captain Joseph A. Baer, Stella Margaret, now Mrs. Jas. R. Kinsloe and Carl A, Baer.
ROGER M. RENTSCHLBR
Kutztown. was born March 24. 1886, in Tilden town- ship, Berks county. Pa. His parents were Jonathan M. Uentschler and wife Isabella R. He is a teacher by profession. Mr. Rentschler was educated in the public schools of Tilden township. Hamburg High School 1904, Perkiomen Seminary 1907, Sluhlenberg College 1911. He taught school in Tilden township 1904-1907 ; assistant principal of the Hamburg High School 1911-1912, principal of Kutztown Hieh School 1912-1915. Mr. Rentschler is a member of the Luth- eran Church and is prominent in Masonic circles.
183
B. F. CHESSMAN
of Umeport, Lehigh county. Pa., was born in South Easton. He is a son of Rev. .John J., and Emma C. M. Cressman. In 1885 Mr. Cressman entered the Model department of Keystone State Normal School, under the tutorship of Prof. C. P. Dry. Later he en- tered the Normal department, graduating in 1895. After two .years of special work in preparing to teach, he later taught in Bethlehem township, Northampton county, and thence in various districts. Mr. Cressman believes in educational replenishment continually, as well as augmenting same. In 1913 the subject of this sketch studied at Wittenberg College. Mr. Cress- man is a member of the teaching force of Lower Mil- ford township, Lehigh county.
Original and Present Plants of the Kutztown Foundry & Machine Co.
at Kutztown, Pennsylvania
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184
ADVERTISING
IRESSLER
YSTEM
f PUBUCITXl BAUCE THEATRE BLDQ. READINO PA.
SIGN EXPERTS
1
185
DANIEL M. SAUL
of Kutztown, was born at Eaglepoint November 11, 1884. He is a son o( Daniel and Sarah (nee Kron- inprer) Saul. In 1903 he graduated from the com- mercial denartment of the Keystone State Normal School. For ten j^ears he was employed as book- keeper with the Kutztown Foundry and Machine Com- pany. Later he formed a partnership with his broth- ers' and engaged in the wholesale liquor business for three years. Several years ago he accepted a position as bookkeeper with Hetfner-Dietrich Co., Kutztown. Mr. Saul is also engaged in the clothing business with his brother, .Tohn. He is married to Laura Christman, and they have three sons. He is prominent in Masonic and other fraternal as well as civic organizations.
NICHOLAS M. RAHN SR.
of Kutztown, was born October 15th, 1864, in Maxa- tawnv township, Berks county. Pa. His parents were William K. Rahn and Caroline (nee Merkel) Rahn. Mr. Rahn is Superintendent of the Machine Shop of the Kutztown Foundr.y and Machine Company. He was married to Annie L. Nicks. These children were born to the couple : Harold H., aged 22 years, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School in 1911 and how a .Junior at Lafayette Collefe, Easton, prepairing for Civil Eng'ineering. Hilton N., aged 20, a graduate ot the Keystone State Normal School taking a post-graduate course at the same institution ; Leon L., aged 18 years, now a student at the Normal School. Willard N. and Margaret A., died in infancy.
RAYMOND W. HINTERLEITER
son of the late William G. and Mrs. Hinterleiter, was born and raised in Kutztown. After s:raduating from the Keystone State Norma! School and completing' a business course at Pierce College. Philadelphia, he clerked in his father's stores in Kutztown and Hazle- ton for several years. He then opened a department store in AUentown, employing about thirty sales-peo- ple. He is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M., Kutz^town ; Hazleton Chapter, No. 277, Ilazleton ; Allen Council. No. 23, and Allen Comman- dery, No. 20. AUentown ; Caldwell Consistory, at Bloomsburg. Rajah Shrine, Reading, and Anne Penn Allen Chapter Eastern Star, AUentown.
I. C. GRIMLEY
for 15 years assistant cashier in the Kutztown Na- tional Bank.
186
WILLIAM WENZ
the son of Philip Wentz. and his wife. Malinda, a born Dieter, was born in Kutztown, December 5, 1866. lie learned the stone cutter's trade from his father. After the father retired from business he f?ave the same over to his sons, who conducted the business under the firm name of Wenz Bros. This was in 1895. This business was conducted on Greenwich street until •Tuly 1. 1913, when it was moved to Allentown. Mr. Wenz is the president of the reorganized plant. He is married and has one son and one daxighter.
JAMES D. WENZ
is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wentz and was borh in Kutztown, December 17, 1864. He learned the trade of stone cutter in his father's place of business, and for a while, from 1895, was a member of the firm of Wenz Bros., who conducted the marble and granite business on Greenwich street. Mr. Wenz left Kutz- town when the firm moved to Allentown and is now the efficient salesman and director of the new firm.
R. Miller's Son Carriage Works, one of the handsomest business fronts in the borous:h of Kutztown. At this location the carriage building was conducted for 74 years. The plant is splendidly equipped to do all kinds of work in their line.
187
A DISTINGUISHED FAMILY OF DOCTORS
' DR. EDWARD HOTTENSTEIN
died on Auffust 26. 1914, aged 82 years. 11 months and 25 days. The Hottenstein family is one of the most prominent in this part of Penn- sylvania. On this page and facinr, are the pictures of this great family of doctors. Dr. Edward Hottenstein is a descendant of Kuno Yon Hottenstein, who was a soldier in the German army. Kuno mar- ried Louisa Von Eers and died in 1563. His two sons were Nicholas and Ernst. The latter married and left three son& who emigrated to America. Dr. Hottenstein was horn in JMaxatawny township, in Oc- tol.er, 1831, and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1853. In 1855 he was married to Sarah Ann, the daughter of Jacob Knabb, of Oley. She was born in 1835. We are pleased to note that the widow of the late Dr. Hottenstein is still living and in good health.
DR. E. L. HOTTENSTEIN
physician and surgeon, of Kutztown, was born August 12, 1864. His early educa- tional training was in the public schools of the borough and the K. S. N. S. Dr. Hottenstein studied medicine with his father, after which he entered Jef- ferson Medical College, graduating in 1886. Dr. Hottenstein has been a suc- cessful practitioner upwards of thirty years. He was married to Alice, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. F. Stimmel.
THE HOTTENSTEIN RESIDENCES
Reading from left to right are the residences of Dr. E. L. Hottenstein, Dr. Charles A. Hottenstein, and Dr. Edward Hottenstein. Sr., deceased.
188
DR. CHARLES A. HOTTENSTEIN
dentist, was' born at Kutztown October 1, 1871. Ht received his early education in the borough schools and the Keystone State Normal School. He gradu- ated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Sur- S'ery in 1892. Later he took a course iu medicine and surgery in Jefferson iVIedical College, receiving his decree from this institution in 1895. September 10, 1895, he was married to Anna C. Hottenstein. They are the parents of one daughter. Miss Myrl. Dr. Hottenstein is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Normal School, is a Mason and a member of St, Paul's Reformed Church,
DR. ELaiER K. HOTTENSTEIN
of 508 E, Buchtel Ave., Akron, Ohio, was born near Kutztown, Pa. His parents were Edward and his wife Sarah Ann Hottenstein, Dr. Hottenstein is a ph.vsician and surgeon and left here in 1886, He was married to Ida Anna Bieber who died in 1904, The union was blessed with two children : Mrs, Clara- belle Evans, 23, and William Edward Hottenstein, 21, Dr, Hottenstein received the degree of M, D, at .Teffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa,, in 1883, He practiced medicine at Kutztown in '83, '84 and '85, He removed to Akron, Ohio, in 1886 where he en- joys an extensive practice. He is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, P, and A. M,, of Kutztown,
DR. PETER D. HOTTENSTEIN
of 5100 Market street, Philadelphia, Pa., was born in Kutztown, July 20, 1874. He is a physician and drug- gist. Receiving preliminary education through the public schools of Kutztown, he graduated from the Key- stone State Normal School in 1896, On Oct, 1, 1896 he entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmac.v, grad- uating in 1899. In Oct. 1900, he entered the Medico- Chirurgical College graduating from that institution in 1904, He since followed both professions at the above address, Mr, Hottenstein was married to Mabel M, Hill, of Paulesboro, N, J, This union was blessed with the following children : Edward S,, aged 10 years'; David F,, 9; Marguerite A,, 7, and Cathene B„ 3.
DR. WM. J. HOTTENSTEIN
of 197 Spicer St,, Akron, Ohio, was born August 28, 1868, He is a dentist by profession and left his native town in the fall of 1890 for Akron, Ohio, Dr, Hottenstein graduated in medicine in 1889 from the ,Tefferson Medical Coller.e, Philadelphia. He prac- ticed one .year, when he took up dentistry, graduating" from the Pennsylvania Dental College, Philadelphia, in 1890,
He is married to Amelia C, (nee Yon Alt) Hotten- stein, and they have one son, Howard William, aged 16 years'.
189
J. H. STUMP
of Kutztown. commenced business in 1902 as funeral director and embalmer. He has a modern equipment and gives prompt service. In 1907 Mr. Stump, with his brother. Curtin D., engaged in the undertaking and furniture business at Fleetwood. The latter had charge of the store until his death in 1913, when J. W. Stump took over the business.
LICHTENWALNER'S MILLINERY STORE
an up-to-the-minute fcfusiness establishment, whert. sylish millinery goods predominate.
GEORGE RHODE'S MEAT MARKET
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The above is a view of Geort;e Ubode*s modern meat market and residence at the corner of JIain and Noble streets. In connection with his biitcherinci' t usiness, Mr. iUiode is operating, an artifical ice plant. The slaughterinj? house and ice manufacturing' plant are located alon^ Saucony creek, several sf|uares from the meat market.
190
THE WHITNER STORE A STORE OP "SER- A^CE" AT ALL TIMES. The "Whitner Service" is extended to you at all times, that is, service that allows for the comfort and permanent satisfaction of all patrons. Vis- itors to the store will find many comforts and conveniences to make their visit as comfortable as their own homes.
A waiting room overlooking the entire store and the street, a restaurant where are served well cooked and appetizing meals at moderate prices, broad aisles and perfect ventilation, together with good light, are among the conveniences this store offers to visitors.
Or, if 5'ou wish us to be of service to you while you remain at home, it will give us great pleasure at any time to respond to your wishes if you will let us know them by telephone or mail. In this case you can depend on perfect satisfaction, just as though you were purchasing in person at our counters. Some of the things constantly to be found in our assortments are:
Women's, Misses', Girls' and Children's
Suits, Coats, Furs, Dresses, etc.. Muslin Un- derwear, Corsets, Women's and Misses' Waists, Infants' Wear and Novelties. Boys' Clothing, Millinery, Embroideries and Laces, Cotton Wash Dress Goods, Men's Furnish- ings, Neckwear for Women, Misses, and Girls, Ribbons, Stationery, Silks, Wci'olen Dress Goods, Domestics, Linings, Art Em- broidery and Supplies, White Waist and Dress Fabrics, Knit Underwear and Stock- ings for Women, Misses, Girls, and Children, Table Linen and Towels, Umbrellas, Para- sols, Toilet Soaps, and Toilet Requisites of all kinds. Notions, Jewelry, Candy, House Furnishings, Kitchen Supplies, China and Glass Ware, Trunks, Traveling Bags, Suit Cases, Rugs, Carpets and Floor Coverings, Art Furniture, Window Shades, Awnings, Home Decoration of many sorts, etc., etc.
We should be glad to hear from you at any time, or to have you pay us a visit.
In business since 1877.
C. K. WHITNER & CO.,
4S8 to 444 Penn Square,
Reading, Pa.
191
CELEBRATING 53rcl ANNIVERSARY
Kline Bppihimer & Co., of Reading.
Making a record that is probably unique in business circles anywhere in the United States, the tirni of Kline, Eppihimer & Co., in April celebrated its 53d anniversary. The founders of the big Penn street department store, way back in April, 1862, Amos Kline and Henry Eppihimer, are still in active control of the business, although the former has reached the age of 83 years and the latter is 85 years old. Both may be seen at the store nearly every day. With them are associated Frank M. Rieser, Rich- ard T. Lenhart, and William W. Kline, who were taken into the firm 2Z years ago. The house enjoys an enviable reputation for squar'^ dealing with the public and with each individual patron, as well as for responsible, high-grade merchan- dise.
The firm began business at 512 Penn street in the earliest and most trying days of the Civil War period. It employed two clerks and was strictly a dry goods store. This store met with public favor and the business grew rapidly. In five years time its quarters were outgrown and the store moved to 522 Penn street. The build- ing was enlarged to four stories and extended to Cherry street. Later 520 Penn was added to the store and still later 518 was absorbed. The additions were made four stories high and ex- tended to Cherry street. A splendid plate glass front covering the three buildings was put in, the various changes making the store one of the largest and best appointed in this part of the state.
When the firm went into business Reading had a population of 23,000. Now the city and suburbs have many more than 100,000 people, and the store, growing with the city, employs over 200 salespeople, not counting the business office force and the employees in the delivery room.
From a single department the store has grown to an establishment of twenty-four divisions. Many handle large quantities of imported goods from foreign houses supplying this store ex- clusively. The departments are : Ribbons and small leather goods, linens and toweling, notions and toilet goods, ladies' gloves, ladies' knit un- derwear, woolen dress goods, wash dress goods, men's furnishings, silks, domestics, carpets and rugs, blankets and bed coverings, upholstery, awnings, porch furniture, ladies' misses' and chil- dren's ready-to-wear outer garments, dressmak- ing, art embroidery, ladies' muslin underwear, ladies' hosiery, linings, china and glass, trunks, bags and traveling accessories, confectionery, toys, hair goods and hair dressing parlor.
The firm sells the Victor Victrolas and Colum- bia Grafonolas and is the largest distributor of Talking Machines and Records in Berks County.
A well equipped Mail Order Department is maintained for out of town customers and others who cannot always make it convenient to go to the store when in need of goods. Experienced buyers fill these orders, shipping the purchases by Parcel Post.
192
JUST 1 5 YEARS AGO
Independent'Telephone Service was instituted— the result of a popular demand for relief from unjust, high rates and limited service.
In 27 Towns and Cities throughout Eastern Pennsylvania local com- panies were organized and now constitute the splendid system of The Consolidated Telephone Company serving 20,000 subscribers.
Good service, courteous treatment, low rates and extensive Long Distance Connections have caused Consolidated Telephone popularity.
CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY
DISTRICT OFFICE-522 COURT ST., READING. PA.
193
CHARLES E. GEHRING
o£ New York City, was born Octobei- 1. 1873, in Miti- dleburffc Snyder Co. lie moved to Kutztown in 1S74. where he resided with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Con- rad Gehring, until 1890. During the early days in Kutztown, in Mr. Gehring's boyhood days he was at various times a newsboy, carried bricks on the Wil- liam Bieber yard, carried water on the farm of Chab. Deisher, spent several summers picking and selling wild berries, and wound up his career in Kutztown as an apprentice in the office of the Kutztown Patriot, where his father was then employed.
Leaving Kutztown March 19, 1890, Mr, i.iehring began his career as a printer in Philadelphia, A year later, when 18 years old, he was superintendent of a printing plant at Moorestown. N. .T. Later he became a linotype operator on the New Yoi-k Tribune. Still later he conceived the idea of establishing a school to teach printers how to operate the linotype. He carried out the idea successfully and profitably, and advanced from the school into a commercial lino- type plant, which soon became the largest of its kind. In 1905 he became interested in New York Citypoli- ticy and soon became prominent in the Municipal Ownership League, later named the Independence League, of which from a member in the ranks he
arose swiftly to leader of his district and later chair- man of the County Committee for three years. After four severe campaigns his party won in 1909 and Mr. Gehring was appointed Deputy County Clerk tor four years at a salary of $6000 per year. At the ex- piration of his term he declined a reappointment tor business reasons, but later, at the solicitation of County Clerk William F. Schneider, accepted an equallv important appointment as Superintendent of Records of the same county, which office he still holds. Mr. Gehring is the publisher and managing editor of the New York Hotel Ilerister-Keview, which is recognized both in the United States and in Europe as the greatest publication of its kind. When it is remembered that Mr. Gehring took this publication when it was an unknown, insignificant monthly with an unenviable reputation, it may well be said that Charles E. Gehring, a Kutztown boy, has indeed made
Mr. Gehring also has his social side. He is a Past Commander of Ivanhoe Commandery, Past High Priest of Corinthi.in Chapter, R. A. M., and a member of many prominent lodges and organizations of national reputation.
194
AMANDUS M. SMITH
was born north of Kutztown, on December 14. 1S74. He attended the public school and the Model School. In 1S90 be entered the Keystone State Normal School, graduating B. E. 1894 ; M. B. 1896, and B. S. 1897. Mr. Smith then taught school for three terms in Greemvich. In 189S he entered the Sophomore Class at Bucknell University and graduated A. B. in 1901. Then Mr. Smith became the head of the Department of Mathematics. Elkhart. Ind.. and principal of the Hich School from 1902 to 1906. He was connected with the Lake Shore Railway Engineering Corps on the Elkhart gravity yard construction and track eleva- tion in Ohicaso during the summer of ly03. In 1906 Mr. Smiith was appointed out of a big field of candi- dates to the office of City Enriineer of Elkhart. For the past eight years Mr. Smith has leen City Engineer and a member of the Board of Public Works, and has charge of over $1,000,000 worth of improvements : fourteen miles of paving, forty-five miles of sewerN, fortv-four miles of side-walks and a number of bridg- es. He is the consultin.Pi engineer for St. Joseph Valley and the Chicago. South Bend, and N. Ind. Traction Companies and engineer on the sewer system of Milford, Ind. Mr. Smith had charge of motortztnu'
the Elkhart Fire Department. He entered the con- tracting business in 1914 and now has miles of sew- ers and street paving under construction. He is a member of the following fraternities' : Kane Lodge, 183, P. and A. M., Master 1907 ; Concord Chapter. 101, R. A. M., High Priest, 1909 ; Elkhart Council, 79, R. and S. M.. Thrice. 111. Master 1912-15 ; Elkhart Commandery, 31, K. T., Em. Com., 1914 : Star Light Chapter. 181. O. E. S., Patron 1908-11 ; Fort Wayne Consistory, A. A. O. S. E. (32 degrees) ; Mizpah Temple. A. A. 0. N. M. S. ; Ma-ha-di flrotto ; president of' Northern Indiana Past Masters Association ; Elk- hart Lodge. 425. B. P. O. Elks : Pulaski Lodge, I. O. O. P. Mr. Smith is the secretary of the Board of Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church. Elkhart ; ^ ecretary of Chamber of Commerce. Elkhart. Recent- Iv Mr. Smith was elected vice president and director of the Elkhart Erirlse and Iron Conioany. In 1907 he was married to Edna Calahan. of Howe. Ind. One sin. Amandus M. Smith, .Tr.. was born to the couple. Thev own a home on the north bank of the beautifnl St. .Toe River in Elkhart, and will be glad to see their friends.
195
OBEDIAH J. KOVER
ail artistic designer and decorator, of Kort Wayne, Ind,, was born May 6, 18,S8, at Kutztown ; parents, .Tohn Kover. born in Sonitrset county, .Ian. S, 1799. and Anna Maria Fetter, born at Saltzbiirji", Nortliamptoi', on August 28. 1800. Mr. Kover left Kutztown in 1863. He is an artist by occupation and his work adorns many churcbes. tbcatres. public buildinrs and halls throujjhout the United States. On September 10. 1842. Mr. Kover was married to l*]meline Shoen- bcrger. of Lehir,h Gap. Pa. The imion was blessed with one child. I'^lward W. Kover. born at Mauch Chunk. Carbon county. February 16. 1861. We are sorry to state that space does not permit us to pive a detailed biography of this uentleman's eventful life. Mr. Kover and lii^ artists, who are divided tip in four crews, frescoed over two thousand churches. In his early youth he attended the lornugh schools. At the ape of 16 years he went to Iteadinu' to learn the printing trade. At the latter place he was confirmed in the Reformed faith by Ilev. Leinbach. After bk, had served an apprenticeship at the black art for four
years he returned to his home where he remained several years, after which he went to Mauch Chunk where he married. When war broke out he showed his patriotism by enrolling as a- recruit but was re- .lected on account of his physical condition, A tew years later he and his wife went to Philadelphia where Mr. Kover served an apprenticeship ^ frescoer and interior decorator. Later he went in business with r. Benson and after beinj: ensased in the frescoing business in Philadelphia a few years went to Decatur. Indiana, thence Fort Wayne. Indiana, his present resi- dence. Mr. Kover worked as a scenic artist in theatres at Cincinnati. Dallas. Te.\as, New York City and other places. Mr. Kover's son, Edward W.. has charge of the management of the business. At a church banquet recently Mr. Kover was presented with a pretty r.old-headed cane and comiplimentary resolutions expressive of the satisfaction of the trus- lees for the splendid decorations be executed in a western church.
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FRED. X. BAER
the florist, Kutztown, Pa. lie erected the first hot- houEe in Kutztown in 1906, and business increased to such an extent that he found it necessary to add an- other hot-house in 1908. In 1'910 he built an addi- tional annex, making it a larp:e up-to-date establish ment, consisting of more than 5000 square feet of slass. These houses are fitted with beds of cut flowers, palms, evergreens and vegetable plants. During this time he also built up an extensive trade in floral de- signs. He furnishes decorations for banquets, wed- dings, commencements and sociables of any kind.
VICTOR H. HAUSER
of Kutztown. was born on June 17, 1875, in North- ampton County, Pa. The parents, James J. Hauser and Anna (nee Lesh) Hauser. Mr. Hauser is su- perintendent of the foundry department with the Kutz- tDwn Foundry and Machine Company, and is one of the town's most enterprising citizens. In 1904 he en- tered the employ of the local company. He is serving the borough in Town Council and was' Secretary of the Kutztown Board of Trade from 1910 to 1915. On April 6, 1895 he was married to Myrtle Knauss. The following children were born to them: Lillian A., aged 19 years; Gladys B., 15; Stanley L., 12, and Clarence H.. 8.
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THE KUTZTOWN NATIONAL BANK
CAPITAL, - $ 50,000.00
SURPLUS AND UNDIVIDED PROFITS, - - 100,000.00 DEPOSITS OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS
INTERIOR VIEW OF BANK 214
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
|
JOHN R. GONSER |
R. H. ANGSTADT |
|
|
President |
0. P. GRIMLEY Cashier |
Vice President |
PHILIP D. IIOCH
WM. T. BREINIG
JOHN H. HUNSICKER
W. P. KRTJM,
GEO. A. DREIBELBIS
PHAON S. HEFFNER
P. H. WERLEY
FRED. A. MAFOK, Esq.
Solicitor and Director
ISAAC C. GRIMLEY N. W. HENSINGER
Assistant Cashier Clerk and Stenographer
215
DANIEL P. GRIM Clerk
THE FARMERS BANK, KUTZTOWN
CAPITAL, $50,000.00 SURPLUS, $30,000-00
UNDIVIDED PROFITS OVER $5000.00
OFFICERS
CHAS. A. STEIN Secretary
C. W. MILLER President
ARTHUR BONNER Vice President
216
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
H. A. FISTBR Cashier
R. r. ALBRIGHT Assistant Cashier
WALTER S. LOY Vice President
DR. N. Z. DUNKELBBRGER
D. L. "WARTZBNLUFT
DAVID D. KUTZ
U. J. MILLER
O. O. SELL
WM. K. TREXLER
MAURICE D. KUNKEL
GEO. W. KEMP
CHESTER A. WALBERT
JACOB F. ZIMMERMAN JAMES H. GULDIN. JR.
217
D. NICHOLAS SCHAEFFER was born in Max- atawny township, Berks county, Pa., on the 10th day of September, 1853. His father was David Schaeffer, and his mother, Esther, daughter of Solomon Christ.
He attended the public schools during his youth and then attended the Keystone State Normal School, where he prepared for col- lege. He entered Franklin and Marshall College as a sophomore in the fall of 1873 and graduated in June, 1876. After his graduation he was registered as a law stu- dent in the office of George F. Baer, where he pursued his legal tudies for a period of two years, and was admitted to the Berks County Bar November 12, 1878, and to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in February, 1881. He has been actively engaged in the practice of law from the time of his admis- sion to the bar up to the present time.
He was married to Katharine A. Grim, a daughter of Jonathan K. Grim and his wife, Susanna, on the 11th day of November, 1880. He has three sons, viz: Forrest G. Schaeffer, practicing physician at Allentown; Paul N. Schaeffer, a member of the Berks County Bar, and H. Harold Schaeffer.
REV. JOHN FREDERICK KRAMLICH, son
of Rev. B. E. and Sophia Kramlich, was born in Kutztown August 29, 1871. His early edu- cation was received in the Keystone State Normal School, from which he graduated in 1889. For the three following years he taught in the public schools of Lehigh county. He then entered Muhlenberg College and graduated in 1896. He entered the Luth- eran Seminary at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, graduating in 1899. The same year he was ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylva- nia. On August 6, 1899, he was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran congregation, Roy- ersford. Pa. His work has been most suc- cessful and the congregation has greatly prospered during his pastorate.
ALiBERT DIETEIR, of Hallowell, Montgomery county, Pa., was born March 30, 1832. He is a son of Jacob and his wife, Marie Louisa, Dieter. He left Kutztown in 1860. Mr. Die- ter is a harnessmaker by occupation. He was married to Esther daughter of Solomon Heffiner, of Richmond township. The union was blessed with three children, namely: Marie Louisa Dieter, aged 54 years; John Heffner Dieter, 52, and Henry Dieter, 50.
OR. JOHN KTJTZ DETURK, of Erie, Pa., was born in Kutztown, June 21, 1882. His par- ents were James L., and Barbara (nee Kutz) DeTurk. The mother of Dr. DeTurk was a close relative to the early settlers of this borough having been a daughter of David Kutz. Dr. DeTurk graduated from the Key- stone State Normal School, Kutztown, 1901. He then entered the Medico-Chi. College in Philadelphia, graduating in 1906. On July 1, 1906, he entered the Harriot Hospital at Erie; on March 1. 1907, he became assistant surgeon at the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, which position he is still filling. Opening an office in Erie in June, 1909, he soon established an extensive prac- tice. Dr. DeTurk was marred to Georgia R. Randolph, of Erie, Pa. Four children have blessed this union, namely: James R., aged 5 years; John J., 3; Barbara May, 2, and Paul R., aged 9 months.
REV. WILLIAIVI W. KRAMIilCH, a son of Rev. B. E. Kramlich and his wife, Sophia (born Bieber), was born in Kutztown, Pa., January 22, 1866. He attended the Keystone State Normal School and later the Preparatory School at Chambersburg, Pa., from which latter institution he entered Muhlenberg Col- lege, at Allentown, Pa., in the fall of 1883 and graduated in the year 1887. In the fall of the year 1888 he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, graduat- ing in the year 1891, and was ordained in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Pottstown, the same year. In the year 1894 he was united in marriage with Ida Ahrens, of Reading. This union was blessed with one daughter, Clara Virginia. He has been serving parishes in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties. At present he is serving a parish at Weiss- port.
J. D. B. FBNSTERMAOHER, of 1039 North 9th St., Reading, Pa., was born in Kutz- town November 27, 1893, being a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. S. Fenstermacher. Mr. Fenstermacher was in the employ of the Kutztown Foundry and Machine Company about five years. He is a member of Adonai Castle, No. 70, K. G. B., and the P. O. S. of A. Camp, No. 677. He attended the Key- stone State Normal School and the public schools of Kutztown. 'Mr. Fenstermacher is now in the employ of J. D. Hafer, his father-in-law, who is in the hardware 'busi- ness, located at 1044-1046 North Eighth St., Reading. He is a miember of Salem U. B. Church, of Reading.
218
C. I. G. CHRISTMAX
Pi'opiictoi"
Member of the Reading and Allentown Day Committee
THE CHRISTM,\X STORE AND HOME
is a Maxatawnian and was born February 19. 1866. At tbe aji:e of five years be came to Kutztown. After some years in tbe public scbools be entered tbe Normal Scbool, graduating tberefrom in 1883. He taught until 1893. Tbe last position be held was that of tbe principalship of the Kutztown scbools. In April, 1895, he launched out in the dry goods and notions
business at bis present location. After a few years he found it necessary to enlarge the ■ store room and con- sefiuently added 25 feet by 90 feet. In 1905 be erected his handsome home at tbe side of the store, in which he resides with bis family. He is an active member of St. John's Reformed Church and of tbe lodfies K. G. E., No. 70, sai .Tr. O. U. A. M., No. 1004.
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THE HERMAN BLOCK
CHAS. D. HERMAN, Proprietor
The founder of this prosperous business stand, was born April 11, 1855. in Greenwich township, tbe son of .Tames and wife Catharine (nee Haring), daufjiter of Peter and Rebecca (nee Stoyer). He was raised on tbe farm and when 17 years of age, learned the tailoring trade under Henry Williams, of Kutztown. He also took a course in cutting with Mr. Daugbel. of Allentown. On .Tan. 1, 1874. he started in tbe custom tailoring business opposite Walnut street, on Greenwich, from whence be moved to different locations in town. He purchased bis present place of tiusiness in the fall of 1902, took possession March 31, 1903, and has continued his business here since, adding ready-made clothing and gents' furnishing to his line. He has been in business 43 years. His son Quinton D.. bad been in his employ for many years, and three years afo Mr. Herman turned over to bim part of the business. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Kutztown. Pa., and of the Church Council ; Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, P. and A. M.. and K. G. E.. No. 70. He is at present a Trustee of tbe Keystone State Normal School. President and Director of Kutatown Pair Association, and President and member of ICutztown Fire Company. Mr. Herman was married to Clara M. Gross and tbe following children are living : Richard. Lieut, in U. S. Army, located at Philippine Islands : Quinton D., in business with his father ; Paul A., manager of Herman's Playhouse ; Marguerite, wife of Frank Bailey, of Butler, Pa., and three deceased daughters, namely : Gertrude, Louisa M., and Bessie E.
219
A. K, LESHER
of Kutztown, was born in 1S69. a son of John M. Lesher and his wife, Matilda (nee Kline).
Mr. Lesher was educated in the torough schools and the Keystone State Normal School. He started his career as a shoemaker, at which trade he was engagied for ten years. Later he entered the hotel and restau- rant business and conducted one place for fourteen years. In 1913 he sold out and took ur) the auto- mobile business forming a partnership with Dr. N. 2.
Dunkelberger. The firm is known as the Kutztown Motor Car Company, of which Mr. Lesher is secretary and general manag^er, and Dr. Dunkelberger president.
In 1892 Mr. Lesher was married to Miss Annie, daughter of John Gerber and his wife (nee Garman), of Lebanon, Pa.
Mr. Lesher takes an active interest in the welfare of Kutztown and is prominent in secret organizations.
THE L/ESHER HOME ON MAIN STREET
220
CLEM. J. STICHLER
was born in Kutztown February 16, 1884. He received a thorough train- ing in the manufacturing of shoes in the plant of the Keystone Shoe Mfg. Co. He passed through all the departments in the construction of shoes. Next he studied the business of retailing shoes. After 7 years of this training, he entered into business for himself and later on asso- ciated with himself his father-in-law, Jas. Schaef- fer. The firm conducts a successful business on Main street. He is mar- ried to Ella Schaeffer. They have three children, Mildred, Helen and Paul. He is a member of St. John's Reformed Church, and of the Jr. O. U. A. M.. K. G. B., and P. O. B. or- ganizations.
STICHLER & SCHAEFFER SHOE STORE
JAMES SCHAEFFER
was born June 26, 1856, in Maxatawny township. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. (Christ) David Schaeffer. He received his training at the Keystone State Normal School. He taught several yeejrs and for 32 years conducted his fatther's farm, which later became his own. In 1909 he re- tired and moved to Kutz- town. He is now a mem- ber of the well known Stichler and Schaeffer shoe retailing business. He is an active membter of St. John's Reformed Church, having been a member of the consistory for many years. He i"^ also a trus- tee of the Keystone State Normal School and treas- urer of Hope Cemetery Board. In 1877 he was married to Rosa Bortz. They have seven children.
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THE SAUCONY SHOE FACTORY
The Sauconv Shoe JIanuilacturing Company, Inc.. has a capacity of 250.000 pairs of shoes annually. The firm employs ninety hands and the pay roll is ,$5000.00 per month.
KUTZ'S MODEL BAKERY AXH DWELLING
proprietor of the Jlodel Bakery located on East Main St.. Kutzto\vn, came back to his natiye to\yn in 1910 and started in the baking business. In 1912 he erected a fine home and added a storeroom to his bakery and the past year a big stab'e to the rear. In this time he has built up a large trade. He has an average output of 275.000 loaves of bread a year, together with a great deal of pastry. Mr Ivutz is a son of Jacob D and wife Ellameda, and was born in Kutztown, May IT. 1885. Mr. Kutz is the great- great-grandson of Geo. Kutz, the founder of Kutztown. He learned his trade with George Rabich of Allentown. and worked six years at Lansdale when he came back to Kutztown. He is a member of St. John's Reformed Church, of Kutztown. He \vas married to Vera M. Wuchter on June 24, 1905, and their union has been blessed by two children, Mildred and Ethel.
222
WEXZ CO>rPAXY, Allcntown, Pa.
manufacturers of memorials, AUentown, Pa. This industry, which is one of the largest in the State, was formed in Kutztown. The orginators. Wenx Brothers, started in a small way, but gradually grew until to-day they have placed beautiful monumients, tombstones, vaults', and mausoleums in practically every cemetery in the eastern part of Pennsylvania.
In 1912 they built a modern plant on West Hamil- ton street, AUentown, near the Duck Farm Hotel, and moved their business to that city in July, 1913.
They have more than doubled their output and em- ploy close on to 100 men. The present afficers and directors are : Wm. Wenz, president ; T. E. Hensinger, secretary and treasurer. Directors, William Wenz, T. E. Hensinger, J. D. Wenz, Lawrence J. Rupp, Har- vey Bascom, C. L. Hollenbach. and E. S. Eterts.
The above picture is a reproduction of one of the finest monuments in Kutztown, that of John R. Gon- ser, erected by the Wenz Company on Fairview ceme- tery.
223
A. M. HERMAN,
Proprietor
HERIVIAN'S FIVE AND TEN CENT STORE
KutztowD, Pa., was born June 11, 1860, in Greenwich township, the son of James Herman and his wife Catharine Haring. He wab married to Annie T. Hoch, Nov. 1, 1891. They had one child, Charles W., deceased. He learned the coachmaking trade at II. Miller's Son, working five years. He followed the same trade at Reading and Sinking Spring for two years. He traveled through the west for one year and returned to Kutztown in fall when he started in b^lsines&. known as the Five and Ten Cent Store at east corner of what is now Mr. Kohler's residence, where he remained until the spring of 1885 when he moved to his present place where has conducted a successful business for 30 years. Mr. Herman is known by all as "Uncle Aust" and has the credit of opening the first Five and Ten Cent Store in Kutztown. Mr. Herman is a memter of St. John's Lutheran Church. Kutztown, a charter member of K. G. E., No. 70, Kutztown, a member of Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 1004, Kutztown, and also a member of Modern Woodmen, Allentown. He is one of the organ- izers of Kutztown Park Association and is a member of the present board of dire<'tors. His store and home are located on southeast corner of Main, street and Strausser alley.
PLANT OF THE ALLENTOWN DEMOCRAT AND EVENING ITEM
Democrat Publishing Company. Allentown, Pa., publishers of Allentown Democrat, daily morning paper, and Allentown Item, daily evening paper. Largest guaranteed city circula- tion in Allentown.
224
DBISHER KNITTING HDI/LS
Deisher Knittins: Mills furnish employment to fifty or more hands and the mer- chandise has earned a reputation in the retail trade. In 1900 the entire buildmg was raised three feet from its foundation and another story added. Annexes were built in 1903 and 1907. The present officers are : .John R. Gonser, President : Philip D. Hoch, Treasurer ; L. R. Seidell, Secretary, and H. K. Deisher, Manager.
SHANKWEILER BROS.
started in the dry goods, notions, carpets, and rug business in the Hinterleiter Building on Main street. February 1, 1904. For three years the business was transacted under the firm name of .T. V. Shankweiler & Sons. In the year 1907 the senior member of the firm retired, when the name was chan.tfed to Shank- weiler Bros. The firm was composed of H. O. Shank-
weiler, E. II. Shankweiler. and J. S. Shankweiler. In 190'9 the former member withdrew and became af- filiated with R. W. Hinterleiter & Co., of Allento^™. During this period the Messrs. Shankweiler Bros, be- came well established and have a hi,? trade. They have an extra clerk employed and are efficiently meeting the demands of the people.
225
V. S. <;. BIBBER'S STOXE CRUSHIXG PLANT
The Stoue CrusliinR Plant ot Dr. U. S. G. Bieber. of Kutztown, occupies an ideal loca- tion. The works are busy continually in furnishing crushed stone and lime.
GOOD SERVICE HARDWARE STORE
Kutztown. E. P. DeTurk. the owner and proprietor, was born Dec. 11. 1865. in Maxatawny township, the son of William and Elizabeth (Butz). In 1886 Mr. DeTurk was employed by Walter Bieber with whom he served for six years, when he bought out Zach Miller's hard- ware business, located in C. W. Miller's Building on Main street, where he conducted a successful business from 1892 to 1904. He then erected a large store opposite his former business place and stocked it with general hardware. The total floor space is 12.000 square feet, including a warehouse. During these eleven years in his new buildinc he has been very successful in building u-i an extensive trade. He was married to Lizzie A. Deisher in 1880 and the following children are living, one George D. dead : .Tohn W., aged 26, and Ijawrence A., aged 24. are assisting their father in the business; Lloyd E.. 22; Harry C, 19; Olive H. E.. 17; Lillian M.. 15; Grace I.. 12; Chas. A.. 10; Mary A.. 8. and Esther ('., 5. He is a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church and of the consistory ot the church. He Is a borough auditor. He lives in a fine home on Walnut street.
226
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U. B. KETNEK Proprietor
KTJTZTOWN PAJPER BOX FACTORY
U. B. Ketuer, paper bDX raaniifactuier, of Kutztowu, since 1907. was bDru in Upper Bern township, Berks county, April 18, 1S76. He is a son of Isaac B. Ketner and his wife Emma S. (nee BLUman). During his early years Mr. Ketner was engaged in farming and from 1893 to 1897 was a telegraph operator, Mr. Ketner is a member of St. John's lyUtheran Church. Past-president of Kutztown Aerie. No. 839, F. O. E-: a member of Adonai Castle, No. 70, K. G. R., and Charles A. Gerasch Council, No. ioh, Jr. O. U. A. M. He served this borough as constable since igu. He was married to Emma E. Heckraan. The union was blessed with four children ; Osville V. B., aged 19 ; James D., 16; Mabel B., 14, and George E., 8. Thej live on Park avenue.
THE BLACK HORSE HOTEL
The Black Horse Hotel, one of Kutztown's oldest hostelries, situated on the cornet- of Main and Noble streets. .T. E. Wentz is' the present proprietor who through his good service and courtesy has earned the reputation and title ot being one of Berks county's best hotel men.
227
THE KEYSTOXE SHOE FACTORY
Home ot the Keystone Shoe ManutactuririH Company, where 200,000 pairs of children's, misses' and Kro\vinpj-j?irls' goodyear welts are turned out annually. One hundred and fifty employees earn $7000.00 per month.
JONATHAN S. KNITTI/E'S AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKS
dealer in agricultural implements and gasoline engines, has modern quarters and conducts a " ■ business. Mr. Knittle was engaged in farming for a number of years and therefore knows the wants of the tillers of the soil.
228
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THE KEYSTONE HOUSE
Kutztowa, one of the town's well known hostelries and a favorite traveling men's stopping place, conducted on a modern plan ty Worth A. Dries. Mr. Dries is a son of Daniel A. and wife Mary Hawkins, and was born Feb. 18. 1S75, at Blandon, Pa. He spent his early years on the farm and later as bar clerk at the Mineral Springs Hotel. He learned the trade of cigar making and tailoring, and worked at both trades a few years. In 1901 he assisted his father at the Keystone House, Kutztown, becoming the proprietor in 1911. He has conducted this hotel ever since in a manner which is a credit to himself and the town. He is a member of P. 0. S. of A. Lodge, No. 103, Fleetwood ; K. G. E., No. 570, Fleetwood, and F. O. E. No. 839, Kutztown. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Kutztown, and Kutztown Fire Company: was one of the organizers of the Kutztown Poultry Association and at the present time is the president of the local association and vice president of the Pennsylvania State Poultry Association. He was married to Katie F. Dangler on .Tan. 13, 1900, and they have one child, Mary Sarah, aged 10 years.
pennsyIjVANia house
Kutztown, one of the old landmarks, is conducted with success along modern lines by George P. Angstadt. This hotel is known in the entire state b.v its good treatment and fine meals. The present proprietor. Geo. P. Angstadt, was born Oct. 13, 1868, the son of James and wife, Mary Haring. His career started on the brickyard where he worked tour years ; learned the carriage painting trade at R. Miller's Son ; worked 13 years in Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Company, as laster. He became proprietor, in 1900. of Penn.sylvania House in which business he is at present engaged. He has held an annual political banquet tor the last 14 years, which event has become a fixture. As a caterer he is well known to all. serving alumni of Keystone State Normal School, various organizations and associations of all sorts. He was married to Alice Hilbert on May 24, 1895, and the following children bless their union : Ella M.. aged 24 ; Anna, 22, and Marguerite, wife of Dr. A. C. Stever, of Atlanta, Georgia. He is a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church, K. G. E., No. 70, Kutz- town, and F. O. E., No. 839, Kutztown.
230
N. S. SCHMEHL Proprietor
SCHMEHL*S HARDWAKE STORE
Kutztown, N. S. Schmehl, owner and proprietor. The hardware business in Kutztown is an old one and is discussed in the history under old stores. This establishment is the oldest in town. N. S. Schmehl was born Sept. 1. 1850, in Ruscombmanor township, the son of Samuel and wife Marietta (nee Snyder). Mr. Schmehl was raised on the farm till he at- tained the age of 22 years. lie worked as a painter in Reading for one year, and then came to Kutztown, where he was employed as a clerk for two years, by his uncle, S. S. Schmehl, in his hardware store, located wbere Livingood's barber shop now is. He left Kutztown and found employment with J. L. Stichter and Son, hardware business, remain- ing there two years, when he returned to Kutztown and bought out his uncle's hardware business in 1S7S and has been in Kutztown ever since, buying his present property in March. 1889. Mr. Schmehl and his son Trumian, are enjoying an extensive trade which they developed by giving their best attention to it. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Kutztown, l*a. ; member of Church Council for 25 years ; treasurer of the Borough for 26 years, and director of Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Co. His fine home is on Upper Main street. He was married to Louisa Scheidt and they have the following children : Bernard S., Truman. Clara Belle, wife of Harry S. Walker; Hilda S., deceased and Esther I^. Mrs. Schmehl died in February, 1912.
H. J. fegIjEY's show room
plumber, is one of the borough's successful business men. In 1909 he began to serve the people in these parts and has since established a big trade. His volume of business amounts to over $20,000 annually. In 1913 he bought the D. K. Springer home. He made extensive renovations and added a roomy one-story brick structure on the rear of the lot which he uses as a work shop. The sales and show room i& one of the prettiest in the town. In 1909 Mr. Fegley was married to Esther Irene Benedict, of Syracuse, N. Y.
231
>IARK B. HOLL
owner and proprietor of HoU's f^team Bakery. This baking business in Kutatown dates back quite a few years, but its location is still an enterprising establishment. The bakery was started by Charles Aner and was conducted in their order by Wm. Muth. C. J. Rhode. Lichtenwalner and Sacker, C. J. Rhode for 13 years, during which it was rebuilt, Daniel Kercher, Schoedler and Bros., at this time it was again rebuilt by C. J. Rhode who sold to Mark, Herbert and James Holl who conducted the business for two years. James then withdrew from the firm and enjraged in a similar business at Fleetwood. In 1911, Herbert also withdrew and is now located in West Reading. Mark D. Holl, the sole owner, has now lieen in business two years and under his expert guidance, business has freatly in- creased. He has five hands employed and bakes at least 5000 loaves of bread weekly, besides many dozen buns and fancy cakes. Mr. Holl is a son of Benjamin and wife Mary A. Hain, and was born Nov. 15, 1876, at Wernersville. He attended the schools of Lower Heidelberg township and then learned the hat making trade with G. W. Alexander and Company, and was in their employment for eighteen years. He moved to Kutztown, August 22, 1910. He is a memiber of St. Paul's Reformed Church, Kutztown, Pa. ; K. G. E., No. 487, West Reading. Pa. ; Knights of Malta. No. 247. Reading, Pa. ; P. O. S. of A., Read- ing, Pa. ; F. O. E., No. 839. Kutztown, Pa., and Grand Fraternity, No. 70, Reading, Pa.
YOUXG BROS.
of Allentown. House of Betters Hats and Clothes; the store that Kutztown people niiide famous by their patronage.
232
{(JiTVi^
/^eading.Pa^
Hippie and Company, of Reading, the offlcial decorators of the Kutztown Centennial Association. Mr. Hippie and an able corps of assistants, decorated the columns and arches and did all the illuminatinK seen on the streets of Kutztown during Centennial Week Man.v of the business places and homes of the town were decorated by them. No job is too small or too big for Mr. Hippie — they go anywhere.
THE READING EAGLE'S BIG PERFECTING PRESS
The Reading Eagle was established by Jesae G. Hawley and William S. Ritter. the first issue appearing .January 28, 1868. .Tesse G. Hawley became the sole owner of the Daily Basle in November, 1874. February 25, 1877, Mr. Hawley began publishing a Sunda.v edition of the Eagle, which has gained a large circulation. It was started as a folio, but it now comprises 22 or more pages. After the death of Mr. Hawley, April 19, 1903, the Reading Eagle Company was formed with Kate E. Hawley (widow of .Jesse G. Hawley), President, and John W. Ranch, Secretary and Treasurer. The officers of the Reading Eagle Company now are : William Seyfert, President ; Edwin A. Quier, Vice-President ; John W. Ranch, Secretary, Treasurer and Superintendent. As evidence of the progress made by the Daily Eagle, it might be stated that in 1872 its circulation was 2505 copies' a day, while the sworn circulation for the first five months of 1915 was 22,287 copies a day.
233
COMPLETE MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS
marble and granite works, located at the corner of Greenwich and Schley streets, Kutztown. is one of the borough's busiest industries. In 1907 he equipped his plant with all of the most modern appliances, which enables him to handle all orders promptly and satis- factorily. Mr. Ilamer commenced business in 1905 at the present location, doing his work alone ^y hand
A Specimen of Mr. Ramer's Work
for two years. Business increased continually until at the present time he employs eight mechanics.
Mr. Ramer was born January 23. 1879. a son of William and Susan (nee Smith) Ramer. In 1900 he was married to Laura Luckenbill. They have two children, William A., aged 15 ; Howard S.. aged 3 years, and one daughter died in infancy.
KOCH BROTHERS, ALLENTOWN, PA.
THE BIG CLOTHING STORE FOR MEN AND BOYS. ESTABLISHED 1876
234
FEICK & CO.»S COAIv, FEED, AND LUMBER YARDS
Flour, Feed. Coal and I^umber Station. Kutztown. Pa. The members of the company are W. W. Feick, who is the acting' manager and J. K. Wertz. They started in business in April, 1912, purchasing the business conducted by John A. Schwoyer from the Roeller Estate. The farmers bring their grain here for cash or exchange. They enjoy a big coal and lum- ber trade and ship on the average 22,000 bushels of "wheat and large quantities of rye, potatoes, corn, etc. W. W. Feick is a son of Harrison and wife, IMary Wagner, tiorn at Shartlesville. He worked on the farm until he was 24 years old, and then went into the creamery business at Rehrersburg, Uothrocksville and Stony Point; in the feed and grain tiusiness at Bowers, and now in Kutztown. He was married to Elizabeth Wertz and their union Avas blessed with the following children : Willis, Rufus and Edna. J. K. Wertz is a brother-in-law to Mr. Feick and is a son of Wm. Wertz, of Strausstown.
DAVID A. ADAM, CONTRACTOR AND BUILDER KUTZTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Adam has erected many substantial structures in and around Kutztown. He looks after details himself and has a number of efficient employees who assist him in his work. Small job and repair work re- ceive the same attention as big orders Contractor Adam will be pleased to estimate on anything in the building line.
DAVID A. ADAM
A MODERN HOME
235
J. T. FRITCH'S NEW HOME
Kutztown, Pa., was born March 13, 1859. His parents were Allen \V. Fritch and Mary A. (Jackson). Mr. Fritch learned the printers' trade with Isaac Christ; next engaged in cigar business as manufacturer and dealer, started in barber business with his brother at Key- stone House (James Frey. Prop.) ; organized the first laundry in Kutztown at site where now Diesher's knitting mill is located. Solon Wanner and Mr. Fritch opened up the first job printing place, selling out to Al. Christ. He again engaged in the barber business, and in the meantime selling phonographs and framed pictures at the site which is now the business place of Harry Smith. He moved to the Black Horse Hotel in 1908 and remained there till May 10, 1915, and now is located opposite the Central House where he is engaged in the pop corn manufacturing business. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Kutztown; K. G. E.. No. 70, Kutztown; F. O. E.. No. 830. Kutztown; Jr. 0. U. A. M., and Loyal Order of Moose. No. 155, Reading. He was married to S. Ellen Schlegel and tbey have the following children: Gertrude, age 32; Allen H., aged 30; Neda, aged 28; Wayne, afted 25; Wirt, aged 21. and George, deceased, aged 5.
KtTTZTOWX MOTOR CAR COMPANY'S GARAGE
The Kutstftown Motor Car Company, composed of Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger, president, and A. K. Lesher, secretary and general manager, began to do business in 1912. The garage is one of the most modern in Berks county.
236
B. &. J. SAYLOR PENN SQUARE, READING, PA.
For nearly half the life of Kutztown the name " B. & J. Saylor" has stood for pure foods and for the highest value in food stuffs, consistent with qual- ity and excellence.
For many years it has been the largest distrib- utor of foods in the County and one of the big in- stitutions of Berks, because the people have learned to know that if a thing is bought at Baylor's it is right in quality, right in price, and right and reliable in every way.
L. D. CLAUSS
of AUentown, in appreciation of business rela- tions existing between citizens of Kutztown and L. D. Clauss, bottler of Birch Beer and Soft Drinks, 318-329 N. Franklin St., AUentown, Pa.
237
■„.»M
BONE, EAGLE & CO.
corner Eighth and Franklin streets, Reading, Pa. — This well known firm was organized in 1892 as a wholesale and jobbing confectionery house and con- sisted of George T. Bone, Leonard L. Eagle and Charles R. Eagle. In 1906 they erected the building which they now occupy, having found their former quarters inadequate. Some time later they began the manufacture of some lines of confectionery and have established quite an extensive trade, shipping part of their products to the different States.
The withdrawal of Leonard L- Eagle some years ago leaves the firm composed of George T. Bone and Charles R. Eagle, who are always pleased to meet their friends at the "corner," and whose motto is "Always Something New."
STICHTER HARDWARE COMPANY
505 to 509 Penn street, Reading, Pa. — Dealers in Hardware, Iron, and Steel. — Is known as the "Old White Store," established in 1798, and. is the seventh oldest Hardwa/e Store in the United States.
The original building was erected by Colonel Conrad Weiser in 1775, and was used as an Indian trading post for some years.
23S
CHRONICLE AND NEWS
Allentown, Pa. Issued every daj', except Sun- day, by the Chronicle and News PubHshing Com- pany, successors to the estate of Robert Iredell, Jr. Rodney R. Iredell, president ; Florence Ire- dell Berger, secretary and treasurer.
A newspaper that publishes all the news of Lehigh county and the latest telegraphic and State news dailj'. A paper that is read by many. The official Republican organ in the Lehigh A^al- lev.
HERSH BROS.
Allentown, Pa. Congratulations on the one hnn dredth anniversary of Kutztown. Manufacturers of the Hersh, Lehigh, Black Diamond and Dewey Furnaces, Galvanized Iron, Copper Cornices, and Metal Trimmings, 829 Hamilton St., Allentown, Pa.
THE KUTZTOWN PUBLISHING CO.
DESIGNERS AND PRODUCERS OF FINE PRINTING : : : :
239
THE LATE DANIEL P. GRUL Sr.
Formerly one of Kutztown's most esteemed citizens.
240
CENTENNIAI^ HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
241
ANNALS OF KUTZTOWN, PA.
XnTK. — M. B. indicates items taken from the minute bool< of Kutztown Borough Council. W. D. indicates items taken from the diar}' of John G. Wink.
The Historical Committee hereby acknowledges gratefully the kindness of Mr. John D. Wink who allowed them access to the diary and other papers of his father.
1724-
1729 1729-
173^-
1732
1734-
1736- 1736
1740-
1742
1747-
1752
1 75 J f753
1753 1753- 1755-
— Dec. I, one thousand acres patented by Peter Wentz. Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, James Logan, and Thomas Griffitts, com- missioners to Peter Wentz, "Province of Pennsylvania and County of Nev\' Castle- Sussex on the Delaware."
— Johannes and Elizabeth Siegfried came from Oley to Siegfrieds Dale. Third daughter, Mary Elizabeth, (married Johan- nes Rothermel, Windsor township) said to be first white child born in Maxatawn\- township.
—Nov. 17, Jacob Hottenstein bought 116 A. in Maxatawny from Caspar Wislar.
—Nov. 18, Nicholas Coots (Coutz, Cutz, Kutz) purchased 150 acres of land -n Maxa- tawny township, Philadelphia county, for ^52, 10 shillings.
—Jacob and Christina Kutz settled on what is now the "Stock Farm" near Kutztown. (?) — Maxatawny (and Richmond) settled.
—Maxatawny recommended a preaching point by the Rev. John Philip Boehm.
—Road laid out from "King's Highway" in Oley to Jacob Levan's mill in Maxatawny.
(?)-i739 (?) — John Heinrich Goetchius, boy preacher, preaches at "Macedonia" (Maxa- tawny.)
—Feb. 7. Maxadawni [Maxatawny] elders [Daniel Levan and Peter Leibi] promise "four pounds of this country's currency" to the "annual salary of a Reformed minis- ter." Large stone mansion of Levan erect- ed near Eaglepoint.
— Maxatawny township erected. Organiza- tion of Moselem Church. Count Zinzen- dorf, Moravian Missionary, preaches at Le- van's Mill near Eaglepoint. ■Sept. 24, Michael Schlatter visited "Man- natawny" [Maxatawny.] Sept. 27, Michael Schlatter preached at "Manatawny" [Maxatawny].
-(?) — Philip Jacob Michael, begins to serve congregations in Maxatawny as Reformed pastor.
-Berks county erected. March 11, passage of act creating the coun ty out of Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Chester counties.
1760 — ^Jacob Levan, judge or justice of the county courts.
-Colon)' of Moravians from Bethlehem passed through Kutztown to North Caro- lina.
-Petition for opening of Easton Road.
-March 23, death of Jacob Hottenstein.
-Probable date of erection of old Ma.^a- tawny Reformed Church.
1755 — Road from Easton to Reading surveyed by David Shultze.
T755 — June 16, Jacob Wentz and wife, Eliza- beth, conveyed 130 acres along Saucony to George Kutz — Jacob Wentz having in- herited 550 acres from father, Peter Wentz.
1756 — ^Rev. Dan'l Schumacher (Lutheran) preach- es at Maxetanien.
1759 — Reformed "Maxatawny" church secedes (?) under Rev. Michael, moves to Bowers and establishes "Maxatawny" church (now DeLong's).
1763 — Death of "Judge" Jacob Levan.
1765 — Opening of Kemp's Hotel — according to legend on present sign.
1767-1771 — Sebastian Zimmerman was Justice of the County Courts.
1769 — February 18, Authorization of running of lines between Lancaster, Cumberland, and Berks, W., and Northampton and Berks, E.
1771 — Mrs. Elizabeth Drinker at Levan's.
1773 — August 21, "W," Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Miss Kitty and Miss Nancv Lawrence, and Mr. E. Lawrence, passed over Easton Road westward, journeying from Philadelphia to Philadelphia, in topless chairs, via Bethle- hem, Nazareth, Easton, Allentown, Read- ing, and Lancaster.
1775 — Jan. 23, Sebastian Levan sat as member of Provincial Committee for Pennsylvania.
1775 — Tnly, Capt. George Nagle's troops from Reading en route to Cambridge, Mass., passed through Kutztown.
1775 — July 22, Capts. Hendricks and Chambers stopped at Swan Inn.
1775 — July 23, Morgan's Virginia Rifles pass through town.
1776 — F"ebruary, British prisoners taken through to Reading.
1776-1784 — Baltzer Geehr was Justice of the County Courts.
1777 — Sept. 25 and 26, "Congress fleeing from Philadelphia to Lancaster and York by way of Bethlehem," passed through Kutz- town over the Easton Road.
1777 — Sept. 25, John Adams stopped at "A Ger- man tavern, [Levan's] about eighteen miles from Reading."
1777— Sept. — "Congress, fleeing from Philadel phia to Lancaster and York by way of Bethlehem'' must have passed through Kutztown over the Easton Road.
1779 — Kutztown laid out by George Kutz.
1782— Baltzer Geehr a member of the Pennsyl- vania Assembly.
1783 — Dr. Johann David Schoepf, author of "Travels in the Confederation"' passes through Kutztown.
1788— Levan's Inn becomes (George) Kemp's Hotel.
1789 — Berks county divided into five election dis- tricts— the second district known as the Kutztown District, comprising Kutztown, Greenwich (separated 1799), Hereford (separated 181 1), Rockland (separated
242
CE.NTEXXIAL IIISTORV OF KUTZTOWN
1816), Longswamp (separated 1817), Rich- mond (separated 1823), and Iilaxatawny (separated 1841). Polling place at pub- lic house of Philip Gehr.
1790 — Old log St. John's Union Church erected.
1792 — Helfrich's report on Kutztown and De- Long's in Maxatawny.
1797 — July 19, William Henrv. John Heckewelder, John Rothrock, and Christian Clewell, Mo ravians, pass through Kutztown. returning from Gnadenhutten, Ohio.
179S — Oct, vote of Kutztown district for Con- gressman : Joseph Heister, 555 : Daniel Clymer, 30.
1799 — Capt. A'lontgomery's company of light drag- oons from Lancaster pass through Kutz- town to scene of i:"ries' rebellion.
1800 — Stone house, Baldy's Lane and Main street, built by Adam Kutz. Population 203.
1800 — George Kemp commissioned Jvistice of the Peace by Governor Thomas McKean, hold- ing office 34 years.
1802 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: Thomas McKean, Dem., 459 : James Ross, Fed., 34.
1804 — Erection of parochial school begun.
1805 — ^July I, post office established, third in Berks county, Reading, and Hamburg, being first and second. No other post office in this section till Grimville, Jan. 14, 1830.
1805 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor : Thomas McKean, Ind. Dem., 375; Simon Snyder, Dem., 234.
180S — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor : Simon Snyder, Dem., 356: John Spayd, Ind., 287 ; James Ross, Fed,, 66.
1814 — Dr. Ephraim Becker died.
1814 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: Simon Sndyer, Dem., 160 : Isaa ' Wayne. Fed., 246.
1815 — Mar. I, Kutztown erected into a borough.
1815 — May 20, it is "ordained that from and after ten days after the promulgation of this ordinance that no swine be suffered to run at large under the penalty of forfeiting for the use of the borough one hcJf of the value of such swine. — M. B.
1816 — April 26. Fire ladders secured by Mr. Hen- ninger are ordered to be taken by the Su|)- ervisor to Jacob Balty's to be shod. A cov- er is ordered to be erected at the house of Mr. Henninger to protect the ladders from the weather. — M. B.
1816, 1822-24, 1827— David Hottenstein niemlier of Legislature.
1816, 1822-27, 1827— David Hottenstein member of Legislature.
1817 — February 14, Town meeting at the house of Jacob Levan.
1817 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: Wm. Findlay. Dem., 296: Joseph Heister, Fed., 202.
1818 — Dr. Christian Ludwig Schemm began prac- tice in Kutztown.
1820 — Xov. 10, Heister festival at Kutztown. Twenty-five toasts were offered and drunk at a large meeting.
1820 — Vote of the Kutztown District for Gov- ernor: William Findlay, Dem., 283: Jos- eph Heister, Fed., 22;^,.
1823 — .April 18, .-\mongst the officers elected by Council was that of "Corder of Firewood," which was filled by John Behr. — M. B.
182.3 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: J. A. Schidtze, Dem., 184; Andrew Gregg, Fed., IS4-
1824-1841 — Efforts to make Kutztown the county seat of "Penn county."
1824 — ^July 23, An ordinance entitled "An ordi- nance to promote the peace and gcod order of the borough of Kutztown," was reported and passed. — M. B.
1826 — Sunday School established in St. John's Union Church.
1827 — April 17, Clerk is directed to draw up an ordinance to prohibit the exhibition of any shows within the limits of the Borough of Kutztown under the penalty of $2.00. — M. B.
1828 — July 24, Above ordinance was repealed. — 1\L B.
182S — April 12, Sermon by Bishop John Seybert, German Methodist, at the house of Peter Xeff, now owned by Charles Kutz, opposite the Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Com- pany.
1828 — Vote of Kutztown for President : .-\ndrew Jackson, Dem., 230 : John J. Adams, Xat. Rep., 23.
1829 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor; George Wolf, Dem., 217; Joseph Ritner, .Anti-Mason, 109.
18.30 — First fire engine purchased.
1831 — May 3, Complaint to Council is made that the street in upper part of the borough is infected by a set of unruly boys to the great annoyance of passengers. High Constable's attention is directed to the matter— M. B.
1832 — Vote of Kutztown for President: Andrew Tackson, Dem., 271 : William Wirt, X'at. Rep., 15.
18,32 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: George Wolf, Dem., 187: Joseph Ritner, .-\nti-AIason, 146.
1833 — June 12. First number of "The Xeutralist" appeared.
1S34 — .-Vpril 28, An ordinance was reported enti- tled "An ordinance to regulate the exhibi- tion of shows, theatrical representations, etc., within the limits of the borough of Kutztown and passed." — M. B.
1834 — Xov. 20, A petition w'as presented from the Theatrical Society of the borough of Kutz- town praying to be exempted from the uenalty upon the exhibition of shows, thea- trical exhibitions, etc. The prayer was granted. — M. B.
1835 — Franklin Academy opened in Benner house.
1835 — Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: H. A. Muhlenlierg, Dem., 220: George Wolf, Ind. Dem., 100: Joseph Ritner, Anti- ^lason, 120.
1836 — Sept. I, Franklin .\cadeniy transferred to new building.
18.36 — October, Visit of Governor Joseph Ritner; Secretary of State Thomas H. Burrow'es ; Hon. H. A. Muhlenberg, and General Wil- liam Henrv Harrison, candidate for presi- dency of the United States.
1836 — Vote of Kutztown for President : Martin VanBuren, Dem., 2!;2; W. H. Harrison, Whig, 95-
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
243
■ R.V-
1837
1837- 1837-
1838
1838 1838
I839-
1830- 1840-
1840 1840-
—Feb. I, Coach, operated by the Reading and Easton Line, {David Fister, Jacob Graff, and Charles Seagreavcs, proprietors") began daily, except Sundays, runs. Establishment of stage line from Kutztown to Norristown, via Boyertown.
—Feb. 25, Mass meeting at David Fister's Hotel in interests of Hamburg-Kutztown- Allentown railroad.
—Carriage factory established by R. Miller.
3g; 1848; 1849; 1851 — Samuel Fegely mem- ber of Legislature.
— Public Free School System adopted by Kutztown.
— Franklin Academy incorporated.
-Vote of Kutztown District for Governor: David R. Porter, Dem., 282 : Joseph Ritner, Anti-Mason, 156.
-April 19, High Constable John Miller ap- peared before Council and stated that he could not employ any person to superintend the Borough Election unless he promised to pay each fifty cents. Council agreed to pay the amount. — M. B.
-Visit of Martin Van Buren.
-Second fire engine purchased. Population
693-
-Visit of the "Buckeve Blacksmith."
-Jan. II, It was ordered to allow those who are able to earn a full day's wages 65 cents and boys 50 cents. The supervisor was to have $1.00, hauling with two horses and one hand $2, hauling with three hors- es and one hand, $2.50, and hauling with four horses and one hand $3.00.— M. B.
1840 — Mar. 2, Jonathan Grim appeared before the Council and wished the Town Council to dispose of the fire engine and the money received to be given towards purchasing a new engine. It was unanimously agreed to sell the engine. — M. B.
1840 — Sept. .3, "On motion it. was unanimously agreed that Daniel Herzog shall have privi- lege to exhibit his flying horses 48 hours commencing tomorrow evening. Mr. Her- zog being a man with no legs, it was so agreed."— M. B.
1840 — Sept. 25, John Houk and Jonathan S. Grim reported that thev had purchased a new fire engine for Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars. A committee consisting of Bieber, Bachman and DeTurk was appointed to find a suitable place for the new engine and report the following evening. The com- mittee reported the most suitable place for the engine house is where it now stands, it to be so altered as to suit the new engine. This was agreed to. — M. B.
1840 — Vote of Kutztown for President : Martin Van Buren, Dem., 331 : William H. Harris- on, Whig, 134.
1841 — Feb. 13, A motion was agreed to that the American Fire Company shall ascertain how much a fire bell will cost for the purpose of erecting the same on the engine house to give alarm in case of fire.
1841 — Feb. 24, Reported that a letter was received with reference to the fire bell. It was agreed to order an iron bell of j.^ pounds at Reading the cost of which is to lie paid by the borough. — M. B.
1841 — Tune r. Initial issue of "Geist dcr Zeit" by Hawrecht and Wink.
1841-46— Samuel Fegely member of Slate Senate.
1841 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: David R. Porter, Dem., no; John Banks, Whig, ,3.S-
1842 — Feb. 9, It was ordered by Council that all ordinances and accounts which may here- after be passed shall be published in the German paper, "Geist der Zeit" of this bor- ough for which it was agreed to pay $4.00 per year for such publication. — M. B.
1842 — October, Institution of Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 77, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. (Discontinued January 1879).
1844 — Fire Asociation, "American Fire Company," incorporated, April 2.
1844 — Vote of Kutztown for President: Jas. K. Polk, Dem., 135 ; Henry Clay, Whig, 36.
1844 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: F. R. Shunk, Dem., 96 : Jos. Markle, Whig, 28.
1844 — Alfred J, Herman member of Legislature.
1845 — Black Horse Hotel built by Jacob Fisher.
1847 — Select Academy opened by Prof. G. Denig Wolff, of Norristown, Pa.
1848— June 26, President Van Buren paid a visit to our town. — W. D.
1848— Sept. 7, Governor Johnston of Pennsylvania was in town. — W. D.
1848— Feb. 16, Daniel Graef, Mexican soldier, • died in City of Mexico. — W. D.
1848— Feb. 20, Peter Kutz, last of Revolutionary soldiers from town, died. — W. D.
184S— July 31, Lewis Brown and William Marx, the only surviving volunteers from Kutz- town in the Mexican War, returned home and were received with much pomp and rejoicing. — W. D.
1848 — Vote of Kutztown for President : Lewis Cass, 103 ; Zachary Taylor, 38.
1848— Vote of Kutztown for Governor: M. Longstreth, Dem., 98; W. F. Johnson, Whig, 38.
1840— June 24, Old church struck by lightning
and steeple shattered. — W. D. 1850 — Emmanuel Evangelical Association Church
erected. Population, 640. 1851 — Kutztown Iron Foundry and Machine Shop
established bv Elias Jackson and Daniel
B. Kutz.
1851 — Sunday School of Grace Evangelical As- sociation started.
1851 — William Heidenreich elected Associate Judge.
1851 — Aug. 23, Col. Wm. Bigler, Democratic can- didate for Governor of Pennsylvania, was in Kutztown and made a short address. — W. D.
1851 — Wed. Oct. 15, News todav is that Col. Bigler is elected Governor by a large ma- jority. At 8 o'clock, evening, the Whigs are going up Salt River in procession. — W. D.
1851 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: Wm. Bigler, Dem., 119; W. F. Johnson, Whig, 42.
1852 — Public School system accepted by Maxa- tawny.
1852 — Vote of Kutztown for President : Frank- lin Pierce, Dtm., ii,; Winfield Scott, Whig,
4=;-
1854 — .April 6, Indians, Osceola, the great Indian chief, and wife, were in town. — W. D.
244
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
1854 — Allcntowii Railroad Company incorporated.
1854 — June 30, Appeared the lirst number Dcr Hirt, a religious-secular newspaper, edited by Rev. J. S. Herman and printed in Kutz- town. It had a circulation of twenty-two hundred. The last issue bears the date, June 20, 1856.
l8^4 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor : Wm. Bigler, Dem., 89; Jas. Pollock, Whig, 6,3.
1856 — Vote of Kutztown for President: James Buchanan, Dem., 129; Millard Fillmore, American, 48.
1857 — June, Construction of East Pennsylvania Railroad begun,
1857 — First lock-up built by Xathan Levan.
1857 — Organization of Farmers' Mutual Fire In- surance Company of Berks and Lehigh counties.
1857 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor : W. F. Packer, Dem., 136: David Wilmot, Free Soil, 43.
1858 — July 26. Jacob Graeff, Esq., a well known and highly esteemed citizen and formerly a Representative of Berks county in the State Legislature, died in Kutztown, aged 71 years, 10 months and 14 days. — W. D.
1859 — May II, Last spike driven on East Penn- sylvania Railroad.
1859 — August 18, Big fire in Kutztown when the house of John Fister and Jacob Essers house and barn, and S. Heckman's barn were consumed. — W. D.
1859 — The Geist der Zeit states that ^lessrs. J. G., and V. A., D. A. and G. Wink have in contemplation the laying out of a public cemetery near that borough. The ground selected for the purpose adjoins the old burial ground and is one of the most elig- ible situations in the neighborhood. The ground was sold to the Hope Cemetery Association by the Messrs. Wink — W. D.
i860 — Nov. 15, Opening of Fairview Seminary by Prof. H. R. Nicks.
i860 — Vote of Kutztown for President: J. C. Breckenridge, Fusion Dem., 107; Abraham Lincoln, Rep., 80 ; Stephen A. Douglass, Dem., 6; John Bell, American, 3.
i860 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor. H. D. Foster, Dem.. 116: Andrew G. Curtin, Rep., 81.
1861 — ^June 15 and 16, Fairview Cemetery conse- crated.
1861 — Sept. 17, Hope Cemetery incorporated, (Consecrated June 22, 1862).
1862 — Sunday, June 22, the dedication of Hope Cemetery took place. Rev. Mr. Meise preached in the forenoon and Rev. Mr. Krat in the afternoon. Rev. Hinterleiter read the dedication service. — W. D.
1862 — Jan. — First interment in Hope Cemetery. (John D. Bielier, died Dec. 30, 1861).
1862 — Erection of second public school building. White Oak street.
1863 — Dramatic Club organized.
1863 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor : G. W. Wooddward, Dem., in: A. G, Curtin, Rep.. 64.
1863 — Kutztown .\cademy opened in public school building.
1864 — \'otc of Kutztown for President: George" B. McClellan, Dem.. iii: Abraham Lin- coln, Rep., 5t.
1864, — Sept. — Opening of Maxatawny Seminary. (Kutztown Academy with changed name removed to site of Keystone Siate Nor- mal School).
1864 — Feb. 13, The citizens of this enterprising borough without making any fuss about it, sent sixteen volunteers to town last Sat urday, who were duly accepted and placed to the credit of the town thus escaping the draft. The recruits were paid a bounty of $350.00 each, which was raised by a loan of $5,000 on the credit of the borough, authorized by resolution of the Town Coun cil, passed sth inst. The names of the Kutztown volunteers are : James Sander, Jonathan Sander, James Glasser, I.saac Bobst, Frank Breneiser, James Angstadt, John Gross, Thomas Glenny, George Sand- er, Thomas Bower, D. A. Geiger, John Jackson, Daniel Dixon. William B. Leiser, Daniel Reed and David Schneider. — Read- ing Newspaper.
186s — Sept. 17, Laying of cornerstone of Key- stone State Normal School.
i8i5 — Sept. 13. Acceptance of Maxatawnv Sem- inary as Normal School for Third District. Sept. 15, dedication of the Normal.
1866— Aug. 18, John L. Fisher died, aged 77 years, 1 month and 22 days. — W. D.
1866 — David Kutz elected Associate Judge.
i865 — November 29, Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M.. constituted.
i856 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: Heister Clymer, Dem,, 120 : John W. Gearv, Rep,, 62.
1867 — Nov. 24, David Levan died aged 56 years,
8 months and 20 days. — W. D. 1868— Oct. 13, Capt. Alvin Dewev died here to- day aged 66 years, 7 months and 1 1 days.
He was a native of Connecticut. — W. D. 1868 — Vote of Kutztown for President : Hor.
Seymour, Dem., 121 ; U. S. Grant, Rep., 50. 1869 — First grain warehouse erected by Gonser
and Hefifner. 1869 — June 9, Work on Kutztown Branch R. R.
begun. 1869— Nov. 12, Dr. Chas. H. Wanner died, aged
42 years, 2 months and 9 days. — W. D.
1869 — Kutztown Savings Bank established. i86g — Nov. 29, Meeting of Grand Lodge, F. and
A. M., ill Kutztown and institution of
Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, Ancient York
Masons. 1869 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: Asa
Packer, Dem., 130; John W. Gear}', Rep.,
4.S. 1870 — Tan. 10, Initial trip of railroad passenger
train to Topton. 1870 — Feb. 3, Lssue of first number of "The
Kutztown Journal." 1870 — May 20, Founding of the "Harugari,"
"Silver Spring Tannerj-" established liy J.
D. Sharadin. 1870 — Population, 945.
1870 — July 22, David Kutz, of Ma.xatawny died,
aged 75 years. — W. D. 1870 — Peabody Savings Bank organized.
Organization of the American Mechanics.
Junior.
Kutztown Foundry burned. 1870-72 — Hiram H. Schwartz member of Le.gis-
lature.
CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
245
1S71 — May 17, Reformed Sunday School (now St. Paul's) organized.
1871 — Oct. 7, Uncle David Fister died, aged 69 years. He was chief burgess of the bor- ough at the time of his demise and for some years past. — W. D.
1871 — National Bank of Kutztown chartered. Engine house erected by borough.
1872 — May 27, Ca"t. Daniel Bieber died, aged 76 years. — W. D.
1872 — Organization of Knights of Pythias.
Oct. 1872, Horace Greeley visits Kutz- town.
1872 — Oct. 2, Hon. Horace Greeley delivered an address at the agricultural fair. — ^W. D.
1872 — Vote of Kutztown for President : Horace Greeley, Dem., 121; U. S. Grant, Rep., 50.
1872 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: C. R. Buckabew. Dem., 155 ; J. F. Hartranft, Rep., 59.
1873 — February 10, Telegraph service established in the building now occupied by A. S. Christ's stationery store. Calvin Fister was the first operator.
Machine shop erected (near Saucony) by Isaac Wentzel and Sons.
1873 — July 2, Ground broken for erection of Kutz- town Furnace.
1873 — Organization of "Daughters of Liberty"
(disbanded 1876).
(Free) Organization of Maxatawnv Grange
No. 14. 1874 — May, 16, Initial issue of "The American
"Weekly Patriot."
Organization of Maxatawnv Grange No.
1874 — Aug. 2, Cornerstone of Trinity Lutheran chapel laid. Dec. 2S, dedication. Visit of Senator Alexander Ramsej'.
1875 — Kutztown Furnace erected.
1875 — Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Chape! dedi- cated.
Organization of the Berks County Poultry
Association. 1875 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor : C. L.
Pershing, Dem., 186: J. F. Hartranft, Rep.,
6.> 1S75 — Saturday, April 3, George Humbert died,
aged 70 years, 11 months and 61 days. — W.
D. 1875 — 'Wednesday, June 9th, Lewis K. Hotten-
stein died, aged 59 years. — W. D. 1875 — Sunday, Sept. 26, Funeral of John Miller,
of Kutztown, was held. Deceased was 81
years old. — W. D. 1875— Thursday. Oct. 7th, Judge Humphrey and
Governor Hartranft were in town. — W. D. 1875— Wednesday, Dec. i, Daniel Kutz died, aged
92 years, 7 months and 12 days. — W. D. 1876 — The church of the old Union congregation,
Kutztown, was razed. — W. D. 1876— Sunday, June 4th. The cornerstone of St.
John's Union Church, Kutztown, was laid.
— W. D. 1876— Sunday, July 22, Dr. Chas. A. Gerasch died
aged 77 years, 9 months and 5 days. — W. D.
1876— September 2, Judge Isaac Story, of Mass., was a visitor in Kutztown — W. D.
1876— Tuesday, Nov. 28, Funeral of Jacob Hot- tenstein was held. Deceased was aged 89 years, i month and 5 days. — W. D.
1876— October 7th, Ex-Governor Alexander, Ram- sey, of Minnesota, who taught school in Kutztown from 1835 to 1857, was a visitor here.— "W. D.
1876— lune 4, Laying of cornersionc of new St, John's Union Church.
July 4, Erection of "Centennial Monu- ment.'' July 22, Death of Dr. Charles A. Gerasch.
1876 — Celebration of the "Centennial" of Ameri- can Independence.
Erection of "Centennial Monument" on campus of Normal School.
1876 — Vote of Kutztown for President: S. J. Tilden, Dem., 207; R. B. Hayes, Rep., 58
1877— October 28, St. John's Union Church dedi- cated.
1878 — Vote of Kutztown for Governor: Andrew H. Dill, Dem., 185 : Henry M. Hoyt, Rep., 68.
1879 — Feb. 6, David Hottenstein, son of Jacob, died, aged 71 years. — W. D.
1879 — March 2, Wm. Xander, of Indiana, who came to visit his native place died today. -W. D.
1880— March 25, Uncle Isaac GraefT, of town, was buried today, aged 83 years. — W. D.
i83o— July 9, Jacob Sunday died last night after a long and painful illness, aged 72 years, 7 months and 13 days. — W. D.
1880— July 12, Capt. Jacob Humbert died aged 86 years.— W. D.
1879— August 18, Daniel Rose Levan died sud- denly aged 64 years. — W. D.
1880— Sept. 22, David Sheradin died almost sud- denly this morning, aged 73 years, 22 days. — W. D.
1880 — Population, i,ig8.
1880— Vote of Kutztown for President: W. S.
Hancock, Dem.. 212; J. A. Garfield, Rep.,
80. 1881— March 30, Jonathan Bieber, farmer, died,
aged 56 years, 3 months and 2^ days. —
W. D.
1881— October 21, "Wm. B. Wanner died aged 64 years. — W. D.
i88t — Kutztown Creamery Association organized-
1S82— Jan. 20, Wm. Hottenstein, Esq., of Maxa- tawny, died at the great age of 91 vears and 12 days. — W. D.
1882- August 28, Gen. Beaver, Republican candi- date for governor, was in town. — W. D.
1882 — Eck's Hosiery Factory established.
1882- Vote of Kutztown for Governor: R. E. Pattison, Dem., 204: Jas. S. Beaver, Rep., 74; John Stewart, Ind., 2.
1883 — Kutztown Shoe Factory established.
1883— July 17, One of the boilers of the Kutz- town Furnace exploded this morning at 4 o'clock, killing a young man of 20 years of age, named Frank Waltman, and injuring a number of other employees, several fatal- ly, besides damaging the furnace many thousand dollars. — W. D.
1883 — August 14, Solomon Leibensperger, aged 92 years and 7 months, died this morn- ing.—W. D.
1883— Sept. 18, Col. Daniel B. Kutz died, aged 79 years, 4 months and 2 days. Col. Kutz was for 30 years a member of the firm of Heidenreich and Kutz, merchants. — W. D.
246
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN
iPS^— Octolicr 25, Daniel Q. Hottenstein died, n.eed 31 years and 2 days. Five ministers officiated at the funeral. — W. D.
iS8,? — December 27. Jonathan Glasser died, aged 91 years. — W. D.
1884 — Hiram H. Schwartz elected Jud.ee of Or- phans' Court.
1884 — Cleveland Festival, Nov. 21 : 1200 pound ox roast ; grand parade, 300 men on horsc- liack from various points: grand feast: erection of 160 ft. Liberty pole.
1884 — March 26, Joshua Bieber died this evening, aged 67 years, 7 months and 2'-, davs. — VV. D. "
1884 — April 3, Nathan Zimmerman, of our town died suddenly today while planting corn, aged 67 years and 2 days. — W. D.
1884 — July I, John Kutz, son of Samuel, died, aged 63 years. — W. D.
1884 — Aug. ig, Samuel .Angstadt died, aged 38 years. — W. D.
1884 — Oct. 2, Ulrich Miller died, aged 6t years. — W. D.
1885 — March 12, Israel Benner died, aged 73 years, 5 months and 16 days. — W. D.
188=; — Two-story brick church of the Evangelical Association erected.
18S5 — May 31, Attended the lavin.g of the corner- stone of the Evangelical Church. I was present at the laving of the first one in 1850.— W. D.
1886 — January 14, Adonai Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, instituted.
1887 — Jan, 20, Daniel Graefif, a veteran of the late war with England, 1812, died in the 94th year of his age. — W. D.
1887 — April 13, St. Paul's Reformed Church dedi- cated.
1888 — Feb. 9, A terrible calamity befell our town last night. A fire broke out in the house occupied by Daniel Hopp, on Greenwich street and Mr. Hopn and both his children, (boy and girl) were burned to a crisp, besides the three adjoining houses with most of their contents. — W. D.
1888 — Feb. 10, Daniel Zimmerman, proiirietor of Black Horse Hotel, died from the effects of a fall, aged 69 vears, 5 months and 21 days.— W. D.
1889 — Jan. 7, Rev. J. Sassaman Herman died this morning aged 70 years. — W. D. -March 8, Abraham Long died aged 79 years, — W. D.
June 24, The Railroad Hotel in Kutztown and three adjoining frame houses were de- stroyed by fire this forenoon. — W. D. July 30, George J. Kutz died this evening- aged 65 years, i month and 28 days. George was a noble hearted man. — W. D. Aug. 8, William H. Heffner buried today, aged 38 years. — W. D.
■Fall, New Kutztown Dramatic Clul) or- ganized.
Feb. 27, Dr. Cyrus Wanner died, aged 33 years.
May 29, Egedius Butz died aged 84 years. 7 months and 28 days. (Mr. Buiz was a good man and a christian.) — W. D.
Jacob Fisher died at the months and 16
1889- 1889-
1889—
1880- 1889- 1890- 1890-
1890-
1800-
-June I, "Daddy
great affe of 99 vears,
days.— W. D. -Population. I..=i9.>
iSoo — Erection of Music Hall.
i8q2 — Erection of new eight-room pul.-lic school, luted. ( Worshipd for a time in Music
1S92 — (iracc United Evangelical Church consti- tuted. ( Worshipped for a time in Music Hall).
1802 — .Aug. 25, Hon. Hiram H. Schwartz, our Orphans' Court fudge, died, aged 6r years. He was a gocd, honest man as ju<Ige. — W. D.
1892 — Sept. 17, Perry Levan died aged 78 years, II months and 11 days. — W. D.
1893 — Fell. 2, Governor R. E. Pattison is in town. He was given a pleasant reception by the citizens. He made an address at the Farm- ers' Institute in the afternoon. — W. D.
1S93 — Dec. 16, Samuel Snyder died aged 76 years. 8 months and 16 days. — W. D.
1893 — Kutztown Board of Health estaldished.
1894 — July 21, Professo- Tarius G. Neff died, aged 48 years, 10 months and 9 days. — W. D.
1894 — Trinity Lutheran Church erected.
1894 — Sept. 20, Governor Robert E. Pattison ar- rived at 1 1 a. m. and was heartily received. He made an address on the fair grounds t.i 4000 people in the afternoon. — W. D.
1894, Dec. 22, John Kemp died, aged 85 years, 11 months and 21 days, many years proprietor of Kemo's Hotel and was also Squire. — W. D.
1894 — Dec. 22, Richard Y. Miller died, aged 76 years. — W. D.
1895 — February 2, Charles .A. Gerasch Council, 1004, Jr. O. U. A. M., organized.
1895 — .August 26, Death of Rev. John H. Lein- l:ach.
i89.i — Sept. 15, Augustus Sprenger died, aged 79 years, 7 months and 21 days.
i8g6 — May 21, John Humbert died aged 64 years.
1896 — July 25, Dewalt F. Bieber died aged 43
years, 3 months and 8 days. 1897, November loth. Rev. Isaac Roeller, for
manv years a prominent Lutheran minister
of Kutztown, died aged 90 years, 6 months
and 15 days. 1899— J. Daniel Wanner died a,ged 89. — W. D.
1900 — May 29, Purity Temple, 124, Ladies of the
Golden Eagle, organized. 1900 — Population, 1,328.
1900 — December, Through trolley service was in- augurated between Kutztown and Allen- town. Previous to that time the service extended to Maxatawny only. Samuel M. Smith, of Kutztown, was the first passeng- er to lie taken through to Lehigh county's capital.
1900 — January ist. Rev. B. E. Kramlich, Lutheran pastor of Kutztown, died at Fleetwood, aged 68 years. ,A striking coincidence of his death was that the evening before he died he preached a sermon on the text. "It is the Last Time," St. John, Second Chapter and i8th verse.
I90t — Septemlier 2,3, Dr. S. L. Harkev, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, died aged xears, 5 months and 20 days.
1901 — September 24, Dr. J. S. Trexicr, one Kutztown's most prominent doctors, died.
1901 — Oct. 16, Lewis Fisher died, a.ged 70 years, 1 1 months and 7 days.
1901 — Dec. 2;^. Death of John G. Wink.
74
of
CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX
247
190.3 — July 3, Wm. G. Ilinterleiter died, aged 59 years, 2 months and. 22 days.
1903 — Sept. 12, Philip Wenz died, aged ■/-, years, I I months and i day.
1904 — Aug. 21, David H. Hottenstein died aged 90 years, 10 months and 12 days.
1904 — .August 30, Kutztown .\erie, 839, Fraternal Order of Eagles, instituted.
1905 — Kutztown Fair Association chartered.
1907 — Dec. I, Frederick Zehm died aged 79 years, 9 months and 29 daj's.
1907 — Dec. 3, Nathan Levan died aged 79 years.
1907 — Erection of Kutztown .Auditorium.
1908 — New Board of Health appointed.
1909, June 25, James S. Heffner died, aged 66 years.
igio — March 11, Nathan Kemp died, aged 83 years.
1910— Sept. 13, Walter B. Bieber died, a.ged 65 vears.
igio— December 21, David Saul died, aged 77
years, 10 months and 7 days. 1910— Census revealed the fact that Kutztown
was the richest borough in Berks county. 19 1 3— Sept. 3, James H. Mar.x: died, aged 67 years,
8 months and 25 days. 1913— .July I, Formation of Kutztown Publishing
Company.
1914— Aug. 26, Death of Dr. Edward Hotten- stein.
19 14— December 19th, The Berks County Court confirmed the findings and recommenda- tions of the Jury of Viewers in the matter of the division of Kutztown into two ward.^
1914— Jtily 10, Death of William S. Kutz. with Main street as the dividing line.
1915— January 15, Death of Rev. J. J. Cressman.
191 5— .April 22, Death of Col. F. D. Fister, at St. Paul, Minn.
1915 — J.uly I, Population about 2,500. In 1900 when the last census was taken we had 2,360 inhabitants, but since then there has been a substantial increase.
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