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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

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.

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

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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B. M. DEIBERT

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=

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

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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-

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

Old Seigfried Homestead - Siegfried's Dai,e

Siegfried's Dale— Famii^y Burial Ground

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

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

«.«io*«i'«jtj^\3

.-m.^

^fe

^fe flili 1

t<tlTT»«»Tli

H Hq««

■■■-■■:,v^

w^ssi':f--

^ \.^l^-^'

a UU-.

f r s i '

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN

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

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

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.

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

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

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

3
10
16
17
15

9
23
2.i
31

9
16
10

7
12

21
22
14

5
12

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

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

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

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-

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

^^"

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

. 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

. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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."

g;^.4.^^ '^■Ui^i^J

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s^l.,-

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. - ■ , ■ ■ ■ *?' ■ ■

Pp. , ^--m-nc^i I'er^Ulsy^^

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-

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

^'' Jj J' W -''«^- -'T**

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN

Trinity Lutheran Church and Ministers of the Congregation

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN

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.

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

*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

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

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-

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

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-

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

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

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

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

105

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

io6

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

107

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN

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CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX

109

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-

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

1 1 I

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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.

ii8

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

H %^m

j^^PBtBBB

^1 s

wKfS^Mfm

^^9n^i

^^^^^K^''

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

124

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.

126

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

129

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,

132

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.

134

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

168

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

169

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.

179

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

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f PUBUCITXl
BAUCE THEATRE BLDQ. READINO PA.

SIGN EXPERTS

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.

196

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19S

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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221

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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

->4jrx

^^^^^B^^B^^HIH^^*^''-~-~

feji

■i

■■'"'" :<iiMlui^^u|^^^,;^ ^

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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229

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.

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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