Page: 3, 4, & 5

REV. JOSEPH PRIESTLEY whose residence at Northumberland has probably given I place a wider celebrity than any other circumstance in connection with its history, was born at Fieldhead, near Leeds, Yorkshire, England, March 13, 1733.  His early education was obtained under the tuition of Reverends Hague and Kirby, and at the age sixteen he had acquired a fair knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew.  In September, 1752, he went to the academy of Daventry, where he spent three years, entering the ministry as assistant to the Rev. Mr. Meadows, of Needham Market, Suffolk, at the conclusion of his academic course. There he remained three years; during this period his first published work, "The Doctrine of the Atonement," was issued.  The following three years, 1758-61, were spent at Nantwick, where he wrote an English grammar and "Observations on the Character and Reasoning of the Apostle Paul."  From 1761 to 1767 he taught elocution, logic, Hebrew and the civil law in an academy at Warrington.  During this connection he met Benjamin Franklin at London, and, as the result of this association, began a series of experiments in electricity.  He also gave much attention to the subject of political economy.
  In September, 1767 he removed to Leeds, having accepted an invitation to take charge of Millhall chapel.  Here the first of his controversial treatises was written: he also published an "Essay on Government," "A Familiar Introduction to the Study of Electricity," a "Chart of History," etc.  His house at Leeds adjoined a brewery, and observations of fixed air produced in the process of fermentation led to a series of experiments upon the nature of the atmosphere, ultimately resulting in that discovery with which his name will always he associated.  He began these experiments with but limited knowledge of chemistry, but this apparent disadvantage undoubtedly contributed largely to his success, as he was thus thrown entirely upon his own resources and led to devise new apparatus and modes of operation.  His first publication on the subject of air appeared in 1772; it was a small pamphlet on the method of impregnating water with fixed air.  In the previous year he had already procured g air from saltpetre; he had ascertained the use of agitation and of vegetation, as the means employed by nature in purifying the atmosphere for the support of animal life, and that air vitiated by animal respiration was a pabulum to vegetable life; he had procured factitious air in a much greater variety of ways than had been known before, and he had been in the habit of substituting quicksilver in lieu of water in many of his experiments.  Of these discoveries he gave an account in his paper before the Royal Society in 1772, which deservedly obtained the honor of the Copley medal.  In this paper he announced the discovery of nitrous air: he showed the use of a burning lens in pneumatic experiments: he related the discovery and properties of marine acid air; he added much to the little theretofore known of air generated by animal putrefaction and vegetable fermentation, and determined many facts relating to the diminution and deterioration of air by the combustion of charcoal and the calcination of metals.  It was not until June or July, 1774, that he made the full discovery of dephlogisticated air (oxygen air: the term was introduced to scientific nomenclature by Priestley), which he procured from precipitate per se, and from red lead.  He announced this discovery publicly at the table of M. Lavosier at Paris in October, 1774, and about the same time repeated his experiments before the scientific chemists of Paris.
  In a sketch of this nature it is impossible to pursue his subsequent investigations; enough has been said to show that in the brief space of two years he announced to the world more facts of real importance and wide application in pneumatic chemistry than all his predecessors had previously made known.  His attention was called to the subject purely by the accident of his proximity to a brew-house at Leeds, where he had ample opportunity to observe and determine the properties of fixed air: one experiment led to another, ultimately resulting in the discoveries upon which his philosophical reputation is principally founded.  After a residence of six years at Leeds, he entered the service of the Earl of Shelburne, with whom he traveled in Europe.  In 1780 he became pastor of a dissenting congregation at Birmingham, where, in 1789, he became involved in a controversy regarding the "test act": his expressed approval of the French Revolution provoked a violent attack from Burke in Parliament, and, to such an extent had his political views aroused the hostility of the Birmingham populace, that, on the 14th of July, 1791, his residence was burned by a mob.  This called forth a number of addresses, among which were several invitations to become a member of the French Convention.  During the next three years he resided at London and Hackney, but, finding the hostility of his enemies unabated, he decided to leave England, and embarked for America April 7, 1794.  The considerations that induced his location at Northumberland are thus stated in his "Memoirs":
  "At the time of my leaving England, my son, in conjunction with Mr. Cooper and other English emigrants, had a scheme for a large settlement for the friends of liberty in general near the head of the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania.  And taking it for granted that it would be carried into effect, after landing at New York I went to Philadelphia, and thence to Northumberland, a town the nearest to the proposed settlement, thinking to reside there until some progress had been made in it.  The settlement was given up: but being here, and my wife and myself liking the place, I have determined to take up my residence here, though subject to many disadvantages.  Philadelphia was excessively expensive, and this comparatively a cheap place; and my sons, settling in the neighborhood, will be less exposed to temptation and more likely to form habits of sobriety and industry.  They will also be settled at much less expense than in or near a large town.  We hope, after some time, to be joined by a few of our friends from England, that a readier communication may be opened with Philadelphia, and that the place will improve and become more eligible in other respects."
  In the spring of 1795 he began the construction of a large house, suitable to his requirements and pursuits, on the estate which he purchased to the east of the borough.  It was completed in 1797, and still stands in a good state of preservation on North Way, owned by Robert Scott, Esq.  He laid out a beautiful lawn, sloping to the canal, and set out many shade trees, but the effect has been altered by the construction of the railroad and canal.  Here he had a large library and laboratory, and on the roof an observatory, which disappeared some time ago, and he resumed his experiments and studies.  He was offered the professorship of chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania, but declined, although he delivered two courses of lectures in Philadelphia.  He corresponded with Presidents Jefferson and Adams, and, although a voluminous writer on political economy, never participated actively in the civil affairs of this country, of which he never became a naturalized citizen.  In religious belief he was a Unitarian, and established at Northumberland the oldest church of that denomination in central Pennsylvania; he was also active in promoting the educational interests of the community and was one of the founders of the old Northumberland Academy, the first school of advanced grade in this part of the State.  He became the owner of many thousands of acres in what is now Sullivan county, which he sold to his fellow countrymen very cheap in order to induce them to locate there. The last years of his life were free from the controversy and care that entered so largely into his experience, and thus he died, in peace and quietness, on Feb. 6, 1804. His remains were interred in the little Friends' burial ground at Northumberland.  The "Memoirs of Dr. Joseph Priestley, to the year 1795. written by himself: with a continuation, to the time of his decease, by his son, Joseph Priestley," were printed by John Binns at Northumberland in 1805.
  The centennial anniversary of the discovery of oxygen was celebrated at Northumberland in the summer of 1874, by a meeting of about fifty of the most prominent scientists of the United States and Canada.  David Taggart delivered the address of welcome, and Professor Chandler, of Columbia College, New York, presided.  Appropriate memorial exercises and scientific addresses were the feature of the program. Cablegrams were interchanged with the Priestley Memorial Committee of Birmingham.  This convention and the demonstrations of a similar nature in England attracted wide attention.
 The following is taken from a Sunbury newspaper of April 10, 1910: "The old Unitarian Church in Northumberland famed for its connection with the Priestley family will remain a memorial chapel and library in the future.
  "The steps taken by the American Unitarian Association, of Boston, toward keeping green the memory of Dr. Joseph Priestley, one of the foremost scientists of Ins day and one of the founders of Northumberland, are now being displayed in the renovation of the old Unitarian edifice in Northumberland, where the Priestley family long worshipped.
  "The church was rapidly falling into decay, and had not been used for a longtime.  The trustees, who held possession, secured an order of court to transfer the property to the association, whose main purpose is the preservation of such spots of historic interest.
  "It is the intention to make a memorial chapel and library out of the church.  A cellar is being dug, a furnace will he installed, the building will he wired for electric lighting, and other improvements will he completed."

Page: 9 and 10

John Taggert, son of David, born April 12, 1796, in Northumberland, was reared and educated in his native, county and began his business career as a brewer in the town of Northumberland, where he lived and died.  His brewery was located near the present steamboat landing.  When the canal was constructed his brewery was removed to give place to it, and he quit the business.  He was appointed canal commissioner by Governor Ritner, but after holding the position about one year resigned, being succeeded by Thaddeus Stevens.  He was a charter member, stockholder and director of the Northumberland Bank, of which he was president for a number years, and he was regarded as an enterprising man in all his undertakings.  At the time of his death he was a Republican in politics. His death occurred at Northumberland Aug. 23, 1877, and there he and his wife are buried.  They were members of the Unitarian Church.  Mr. Taggert married Hannah Collin Huston, a native of Philadelphia, born Feb. 22, 1796, on Queen street, that city, died Nov. 28, 1870, and they had children as follows: David is mentioned below: Matthew Huston, born Feb. 18, 1824, married Rebecca McCurley, (second) Eliza McCurley and (third) Ella G. Royer (in 1888 he purchased the plant of C. A. Godcharles & Co. at Northumberland, and on Oct. 1, 1889, the establishment became the property of the firm of Taggarts & Howell, manufacturers of iron and of iron and steel nails, his interest in this business covering a long period):  Hannah born Sept. 10, 1825, married Dr. Jos. Priestley and reared four children, Hannah (wife of Rev. H. D. Catlin), Fannie D. (wife of William Forsyth Jr.), Anna and Jennie: Capt. James, born at Northumberland Feb. 4, 1827, married Sarah Cowden, daughter of John H. Cowden (he entered the army in 1861, organizing the Taggart Guards, of which he was elected captain and he was killed at the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, June 30, 1862): John K. born Nov. 12, 1829, was secretary and clerk to his brother David in the paymaster's department in the army, and died Sept. 8, 1868, in St. Louis; Mary was born June 13, 1831; Francis A. born Feb. 26, 1833, entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Philadelphia (he had children: John, William, Joseph, and Mrs. Anna Christy).

Page: 36

William M. Lloyd was born April 9, 1873, in Coal township, near Shamokin, and attended the schools of his native township.  But as was common in those days he commenced work at the age of eight years, as slate picker at the mines near Shamokin, following this vocation for four years.  Then he entered his father's grocery store, clerking there for seven years, after which he engaged in the wholesale bottling business, in Coal township.  He conducted that business until 1900, when he was elected a justice of the peace of his native township, and he served in that capacity until he was elected county treasurer, in November, 1908.  Though a Republican, Mr. Lloyd was given flattering support, having a majority of 234 votes in his run for the treasurer's office.  He is well and favorably known throughout the county, and his successful race for the position was undoubtedly due in large measure to his personal popularity and his high standing for integrity and moral strength.
  Mr. Lloyd is one of the owners of the well known "Windsor Hotel" at Shamokin, of which Mr. J. W. Henrie is in charge, and in this connection is well known to the traveling public: he is vice-president of the company which owns the hotel.  He is president of the Miners' Building & Loan Association of Shamokin. of which Charles O'Connor vice-president.  Mr. Lloyd holds membership in Shamokin Lodge, B. P. O. Elks, and also belongs to the West End Fire Company.
  Mr. Lloyd married Julia Eagan, daughter of William Eagan, of Shamokin, and they have had a family of four children: Letitia, Albert, Valeria and Lyman S.

Page: 60 and 61

DAVID P. ROCKEFELLER, son of Lewis and Catherine (Campbell) Rockefeller, is a well known business man of Sunbury, being president of the Sunbury Table Works, manufacturers of extension and parlor tables, and similar goods.  Mr. Rockefeller was born in Sunbury Nov. 23, 1859, and there received his early education in the public schools.  After a few years' attendance there he went to Philadelphia, where he was a pupil in the school at Seventeenth and Pine streets.  During his residence in that city he clerked for his cousin, John Rockefeller, for a period of ten years.  Returning to Sunbury in 1883, he engaged in the bottling business, which he continued to follow until 1898.  For three years afterward he was engaged in the lumber business, and for a similar period in the mercantile business, in 1905 selling his stock of merchandise to J. K. Frederick.  At that time he began the manufacture of tables, in which he was engaged alone until he established the present concern, in May. 1907.  The plant is located on North Second street, the factory and yards covering nearly a city block.  The main building is 200 feel square, and there is another 50 by 150 feel in dimensions.  The establishment is equipped throughout with the must modern machinery and all improvements designed to facilitate the work, and from seventy-five to eighty men are given constant employment supplying the demands of the large trade.  Mr. Rockefeller has devoted himself to the building up of this business, and his efforts have been rewarded with unusual success.  He is respected and trusted by his fellow citizens, who elected him to the borough council in 1904, and he served in that body from that year until 1908.  He is a Republican in polities and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.  Socially he belongs In the I. O. O. F.
  On Sept. 18th, 1891, Mr. Rockefeller married Agnes Cummings, daughter of Andrew and Harriet Cummings, of Washingtonville, Montour Co., Pennsylvania. 

Page: 67 and 68

OLIVER P. ROCKEFELLER, of Sunbury, was engaged in the bottling business in that borough for many years, and is at present dividing his attention between the "Montour House," at Danville, Pa., of which he is a part owner, and his extensive real estate interests.  He was born in Upper Augusta township, this county, Nov. 6, 1862, son of Lewis and Catherine (Campbell) Rockefeller.
  The Rockefeller family has long been well represented among the best class of citizens in Northumberland county, and one of the townships of the county bears the name, which was founded by Godfrey Rockefeller, from whom David P., Emery and Oliver P., brothers, of Sunbury, are descended in the fifth generation.
  The Rockefeller family traces its beginning in America to one Peter Rockefeller, who was born in Europe and in 1710, on emigrating to America, settled at Amwell, Hunterdon Co., N. J.  He died there about 1740, leaving to his son, who was also named Peter, 763 acres of land in the county mentioned.

(Note: Skipped some of the intervening family genealogy)

Oliver P. Rockefeller, son of Lewis and Catherine (Campbell) Rockefeller, attended the public schools of his native township, and later was a pupil at private school in Sunbury.  He followed farm work until fifteen years of age, when he went to Philadelphia.  After clerking there for live years he returned to Northumberland county and settled at Sunbury, engaging in the bottling business with his brother David P., in 1883.  After an association of fourteen years he bought out his brother, in 1898, and thereafter conducted the business alone till November, 1909, when he gave it up after a career of twenty-seven years in the one line.  He was very successful, and by his ability and fine business qualities became one of the leading men of Sunbury.  He lived retired one year, until he and Mr. H. W. Geyer bought out the well known "Montour House'" at Danville, to which Mr. Rockefeller has given most of his time since.  He is also a large real estate owner, the management of his property occupying most of his time.
  Mr. Rockefeller married Jennie Alice Haupt, daughter of the late Dr. Fred L. Haupt.  They have no children.  He is a member of the local lodge of Elks, No. 267, and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  In politics he is a Republican.

Page 295 & 296

MOESCHLIN. The firm of J. & A. Moeschlin, incorporated, owners of the Cold Spring Brewery at Sunbury, was established in 1873 and has been in continuous existence since that time, doing a large business in the borough and surrounding territory.  It was incorporated under the present name Jan. 11, 1911.  The brothers Julius and August Moeschlin, originally composing this firm, were born in Baden, Germany, sons of Jacob Moeschlin, who was also a brewer by occupation.  Jacob Moeschlin was born in 1820 in Wittlingen, Baden, Germany, and learned the trade of brewer in his native land, where he was proprietor of breweries.  Coming to America in 1866 he started a brewery at Norristown, Pa., where he remained three years, thence moving to St. Clair, Schuylkill county, where he was located for a short time before coming to Sunbury, Northumberland county.  After a year and a half at this point he returned to the Fatherland to settle up his business affairs, in 1874 returning to America, where in the meantime his sons Julius and August had become engaged in the brewery business, at Sunbury.  He started the Star Brewery at Williamsport, Pa., but after one year there came to live with his sons at Sunbury, where he passed the rest of his days, dying May 6, 1890, aged sixtynine years, six months, two days.  He is buried at Sunbury.  His wife, Anna Maria (Noll), who was born in Baden in 1817, died Nov. 4, 1890, aged seventy-two years, eleven months, eighteen days (six months later than her husband), and is buried by his side in Pomfret Manor cemetery.  They had two children, Julius and August.
  JULIUS MOESCHLIN was born June 12, 1851, in Loerrach, Baden, Germany, and there received his education in the public schools, which he attended from the time he was seven years old until he reached the age of fifteen.  At an early age he began to learn the brewing business in all its branches, so that he was familiar with the commercial side of the work as well as the trade practically from boyhood.  In September, 1867, when in his seventeenth year, he came to America, landing at New York City.  His lather, who had come to this country the previous year, had a brewery at Norristown, Pa., and the son went there to him, spending his first few years in the United States at that point.  In 1870 the father came to Sunbury, and Julius Moeschlin arrived there on Thanksgiving Day of that year, again to become his father's assistant.  He became brewmaster for Joseph Bacher, who had established what is now the Cold Spring Brewery in Sunbury in 1865, and remained with him until 1873, when he and his brother bought out Mr. Bacher and continued the business on their own account.  During the thirty-seven years of their ownership the plant was improved and enlarged until there is little of the original establishment left in recognize.  The site was chosen for its convenience, the first buildings — all of which have been replaced by modern structures — having been erected over a fine spring, from which the plant derives its name.  The location is at Seventh and Packer streets, and the huge and well equipped buildings are the best evidence of the prosperity the concern enjoys and of the intelligent manner in which the business has been built up.  The output is large, and a good market is found in the home community and in surrounding counties.  A considerable amount is sold at Northumberland.  Employment is now given to thirty men, and fifteen horses and two motor trucks are required for the distribution of the product.  On Jan. 11, 1911, after the death of Mr. Julius Moeschlin, the concern became incorporated under the firm name of J. & A. Moeschlin, and began business as such on Feb. 1st with August Moeschlin as president; Edward A. Moeschlin, vice president: Reinhart J. Moeschlin, treasurer; John H. Otto, secretary and manager; Sophia C. Moeschlin and J. E. Sautters, directors.
  Mr. Julius Moeschlin became one of the substantial business men of his adopted town, and he was interested in the Sunbury National Bank, of which he was a director from 1907.  From 1901 he served continuously as a member of the school board, representing the Sixth ward.  He died Dec. 14, 1910, aged fifty-nine years, six months, two days.
  Mr. Moeschlin had numerous fraternal and social relations, belonging to Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M. of Sunbury; Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, of Sunbury; Lodge No. 89, I. 0. R. M.; Aerie No. 503, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Conclave No. 11, S. P. K.; the Order of Moose; the Temple Club; the Lewisburg Club; the Concordia Saengerverein; and Washington Fire Company, which he served ten years as treasurer.  He was a member of the First Reformed Church.
  On Dec. 28, 1880, Mr. Moeschlin married Sophia C. Mulfinger, of Danville. Pa., and they had eight children, of whom two are deceased, the six survivors being as follows: Edward A., who graduated from the Sunbury high school in 1901, and from Wyatt's Business Academy, of New York City, in 1907, and who is now brewmaster in the employ of J. & A. Moeschlin; Mary H., a trained nurse of Sunbury, who graduated from the Philadelphia Women's Homeopathic Hospital in 1906; Catharine M. (who graduated from high school in 1903), who married Melvin G. Fahringer, of Elysburg, now the bookkeeper of J. & A. Moeschlin, Inc.; Reinhart J., who graduated from high school in 1906 and in 1909 from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy as a druggist: Harriet E., who graduated from high school in 1908 and is now at home; and Annie L., at home
  AUGUST MOESCHLIN was born June 10, 1853, in Loerrach, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, and received a good education in the public schools of his native land, attending between the ages of six and fourteen continuously.  For two years he attended night school.  He learned the trade of butcher, but, he did not follow it long, having given his principal attention to the brewing business.  Coming to America in July, 1873, he was in Philadelphia for about two months, arriving in Sunbury Sept. 21st of that year.  He and his brother purchased the brewery from Mr. Bacher, as previously related, soon after his arrival, and from that time conducted it together, August Moeschlin taking charge of all the outside work, looking after the horses, attending to collections and managing the farm — a most important branch of the work, the firm owning a tract of 170 acres in Upper Augusta township, this county, which they cultivate in connection with their brewing business.  He is an able business man, and though not himself a brewer has thorough familiarity with all the needs of the work, doing his share toward the maintenance and upbuilding of the trade, which has shown a gratifying increase throughout the existence of the firm.
  Like his brother, Mr. Moeschlin is well known socially, holding membership in the Elks, Knights of Pythias, Order of Moose. Odd Fellows, and Owls, all of Sunbury, and in No. 1 Fire Company.  He belongs to the Lutheran Church.  He is a director of the North Branch Fire Insurance Company, of Sunbury, and succeeded his brother as director of the Sunbury National Bank.
  On Nov. 23, 1884, Mr. Moeschlin married Annie Fenstermacher, daughter of Isaac Fenstermacher, of Dalmatia, in Lower Mahanoy township.  Eight children have been born to this union. two of whom are deceased, the survivors being: Gussie, who is now the wife of C. E. Sautters, collector and a director of J. & A. Moeschlin, Inc.; Elena M.; Frank F.; M. Ralph; Rachel V.; and John K.

Page 301 & 302

P. H. FUHRMANN was born at Frankenthal, Rhenish, Bavaria, June 16, 1863.  He received his early education in the public schools in his native town and afterward graduated with honors from a Real gymnasium.  He then held a responsible position with Klein, Schanzlin & Becker. proprietors of one of the largest German machine factories, who designed and constructed the then most modern sugar refineries, chemical factories and breweries in Europe.  He became private secretary to the general manager, which position enabled him to gain a thorough business education and acquire an excellent knowledge of machinery, and it was but natural that soon after arriving in America he found a position where he could make use of his executive and technical abilities.  In 1883 he accepted a position as assistant manager with Charles D. Kaier, of Mahanoy City, brewer and rectifier, whose business he increased in a few years to enormous proportions, when he was advanced to the position of general manager, and as such built the present large brewing and rectifying plant.  As a reward in 1891 he was made a partner of the Charles D. Kaier Company.
  Looking for a field to satisfy his ambition of building up a large business of which he could own the controlling interest himself, he dissolved his connections with the Kaier Company in the year 1895, and bought from Martin Markle a small frame brewery in Coal township (on the outskirts of Shamokin), with an annual output of about eight thousand barrels.  While he was trying hard to establish a trade, and devoting all his time to that purpose, both building and refrigerating machines of the old plant collapsed during the first summer, a calamity which ordinarily would have meant ruin, especially at that particular time of the year.  But not so in this case.  On the contrary, having been used to hard knocks and bumps all his lifetime, Mr. Fuhrmann was equal to the situation, and by clever management not only kept the plant going, even if badly crippled, but built a complete new brewery around the old one and within one year from the time he first took hold of the plant had erected a modern brewery and also acquired trade enough to keep it going to its full capacity.  This has been kept up ever since, with a steady increase, so that the brewery to-day is one of the best equipped in the whole country and has an annual output of fifty thousand barrels.
  In 1896 Mr. Max Schmidt became a partner with Mr. Fuhrmann in the firm of Fuhrmann & Schmidt, which in 1906 was incorporated the style of The Fuhrmann & Schmidt Brewing Company, of which Mr. Fuhrmann is president.  The brewery enjoys the reputation of having a pure, wholesome product, the quality of which cannot be excelled by any brewery in the country, a fact which is recognized by the people of Shamokin and immediate vicinity, as well as by the great number of travelers and societies visiting Shamokin on many occasions, and especially during the many conventions through which Shamokin has gained an enviable reputation all over the State for her hospitality.
  On June 3 1896 Mr. Fuhrmann was married to Caroline B. Hahn of Philadelphia, and to them was born a son Harry, on Oct. 3, 1897, and a daughter Mary Anna, on Feb. 2, 1911.  Mr. Fuhrmann is a member of the Cresco Club, the Motor Club, the Order of Elks and the Order of Eagles.

Page: 506

Edward Earley began work when but seven years old as a slate picker at the mines at Locust Gap, this county.  He moved with the family to Carbon County, where he continued to work as a slate picker until he became a regular miner, following that line of work for twenty years.  During the great strike of 1887 he was a prominent worker in the Knights of Labor.  He then gave up mining, and going to Wilkes-Barre found work with the Sheldon Axle Company, with which he remained until his removal to Shamokin, in 1889.  Here he entered the employ of his brother-in-law, W. A. Kearney, who was in the wholesale liquor business, being associated with him until he withdrew to engage in business on his own account, in 1898.  He has ever since been located at No. 142 Market Street, Shamokin, and has built up a profitable trade.  Besides, he is local agent for the Kaier Brewing Company, of Mahanoy City, Mr. Earley's perseverance and executive ability have won him success, but his industry and faithful attention to detail have been no less factors in his prosperity, which he well deserves.  That Mr. Earley has high standing in the city of his adoption is shown by the honors he has received at the hands of his fellow citizens.  In October, 1905, he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Patrick J. Glennon, as councilman from the Fourth ward, and at the next election he was a regular candidate for the office, elected on the Democratic ticket and indorsed by the Republicans.  In March, 1909, he was the successful candidate for president of the council, which office he filled for one year, with the highest efficiency.  The amount of business transacted by the council during his year as presiding officer, and the many excellent measures acted upon, are creditable to the entire body, which won universal public approval for services of a high order.  Mr. Earley is president of the local lodge of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (No. 3) and also county president of that fraternity. He is a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church.
  Mr. Earley married Cecelia Kearney, daughter of Patrick Kearney, of Shamokin, and they have had four children: Mary, who died when four years old; Edward P., a, telegraph operator; Eileen V., a graduate of the Shamokin high school, class of 1909; and Catherine K., a graduate of the Shamokin high school, class of 1911.

Page: 527

WILLIAM D. WITMER, son of Benneville, born Feb. 25, 1867, in Lower Mahanoy township, received his education there in the common schools.  He worked for his lather until he was twenty-three years old, on the farm and in the sawmill, and then marrying settled in Dalmatia (Georgetown), where with the exception of a few months, during which he was with his family at Sunbury, he has since had his home.  Upon coming to this locality he began work for his father-in-law, Isaac Fenstermacher, upon the farm, continuing thus for twelve years.  At the end of that time he began the manufacture and bottling of soft drinks, for which he found a ready sale throughout the eastern end of Northumberland county.  Mr. Witmer has prospered to such an extent that he now owns his own home and place of business, his establishment being equipped with all modern machinery for the facilitation of the work, which has grown to considerable proportions.  He ships his goods to various towns.  Mr. Witmer has been much interested in the local public welfare, particularly the matter of public education, and was serving as school director at the time of the election of the modern two-story, four-room building, in 1894.  He has been quite active m the local affairs of the Republican party, and has served as delegate to the county convention.  While living at his early home Mr. Winner served as organist for the Reformed congregation of the Vera Cruz Church, and for some years he was a member of the choir of the Reformed congregation at Dalmatia, of which he is a member; his wife is a member of the Lutheran congregation of the same church.
  In January, 1891, Mr. Witmer married Lizzie A. Fenstermacher, daughter of Isaac and Lena (Reitz) Fenstermacher, and four daughters have been born to them: Lena A., Oct. 10, 1891; Anna M., June 19, 1896; Mary H., July 31, 1901, and Elsie M., Jan. 17, 1904.

Page: 537

JOSEPH P. KNAPP, outside superintendent of mines for the Mount Carmel and Shamokin collieries, with residence at No. 34 North Shamokin street, Shamokin, is one of the best known men in the Pennsylvania coal fields, as well as one of the most widely experienced.  He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 11, 1846, son of Gregory Knapp.
  Gregory Knapp, the father, came from Germany to America in 1840 and located at Minersville, Schuylkill county, where he remained two years, and in 1851 he moved to Trevorton, following his trade of carpenter.  He died at Trevorton in October, 1873, aged fifty-five years.  His wile. Mary B. Peters, bore him fourteen children, of whom five grew to maturity, namely: Joseph P., John T., Mary, Gregory and Frank.
  Joseph P. Knapp accompanied his father to America in 1849, and as a boy worked as a slate picker at the old Trevorton colliery.  In 1861 his parents removed to Ashland, and there he continued the same work for two years, after which he took up steam engineering.  While there the Civil war broke out, and his loyalty to his adopted country showed in his enlistment March 18, 1864, in Company A, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, for three years.  This company was recruited in Schuylkill county, and was sent to the South, in the Army of the Cumberland, playing a brave part in the battle at Selma, Ala., April 2, 1865.  After serving eighteen months he was honorably discharged, the war closing.  Mr. Knapp returned to his home in Trevorton, and for two years employed as an engineer at the powder mill.  From October, 1865, to April 2, 1866, he was engaged at powder making, but on the latter date the mill was blown up and he was badly injured and was under physician's care for several months.  This mill, owned by Kline & Heim, was at Fisher's Mill, below Shamokin.  After recovering his strength Mr. Knapp worked at mining tor some nine months, and then again took up powder making, following it for two and a half years.  He then spent six months in Sunbury in the employ of Ira T. Clement, at the end of that time returning to Trevorton to engage in mining at the bottom of the No. 1 slope.  For some time he fired the boilers, and then became engineer.  In August, 1874, he left Trevorton and went to Locust Dale to run the bull pumps at the Keystone colliery, a position he held for three and a half years.  In 1878 he was appointed outside foreman of the North Ashland colliery, and served in that position for four and a half years, after which he engaged in the bottling business at Ashland for a" very short time.  When he sold out his bottling business it was to become boss at the Knickerbocker colliery, near Shenandoah, Pa., of which he took charge in February, 1882, and continued in that position until Dec. 1, 1903, when he was made outside superintendent of the Mount Carmel and Shamokin collieries, consisting of seven breakers.
  On Nov. 24, 1874. Mr. Knapp was married to Susan Veith. daughter of former mine superintendent John Veith. a native of Bavaria.  Seven of the thirteen children born of this union are living, namely: Charles I., Minnie M., Catherine B., J. Frederick, Leo W., Alphonso J. and Gregory A.  Mr. Knapp is a member of St. Edward's Roman Catholic Church, and has reared his family in the faith of the Church of Rome.  His only fraternal connection is with Lincoln Post, No. 140, Grand Army of the Republic.

Page: 667

J. WESLEY MARKS, of Ralpho township, storekeeper and assistant postmaster at Bear Gap, has done business in this section of Northumberland county for a number of years and has a wide acquaintance here.  He was born in Columbia county, Pa., April 23, 1862, son of Jonas Marks and grandson of George Marks.  His great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania.  George Marks lived at New Media, Columbia county, and died there. He was a lifelong farmer.
  Jonas Marks, father of J. Wesley Marks, was born in Columbia county.  He was a carpenter by trade and also followed farming.  In 1890 he went out to York county, Nebr., where he died in 1907.  His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Raup, died in Columbia county.  Of their four children, Elizabeth, Ida. Minnie and J. Wesley, all but the last named are in the West.
  J. Wesley Marks attended the public schools and was reared upon the farm.  When nineteen years old he began clerking for J. K. Pensyl, with whom he remained five years, at the end of that period going to Mount Carmel, where he engaged in the wholesale liquor business.  In that connection he became well known throughout this district, following that line tor nine years, after which he bought out the hotel at Helfenstein, Pa.  He conducted it only a short time, however, when he sold out and purchased the "Elysburg Hotel," which he carried on for four years.  He sold that place to G. G. Adams, and on May 5, 1910, bought out the store of Nathan G. Adams at Bear Gap, where he is now located.  He is also assistant to Jacob Leisenring, the postmaster.  Mr. Marks is a business man of substantial qualities, a good citizen, and enjoys high standing among his fellow men.  He is a Republican in political connection and socially belongs to the Elks and the Sons of Veterans, both at Mount Carmel, being entitled to membership in the latter organization through his father's service in the Civil war.
  Mr. Marks married Ida A. Fegely, daughter of Isaac Fegely, and they have had two children, both of whom died in infancy.

Page: 688

LEMUEL C. ROCKEFELLER was born Nov. 8, 1848, son of Lewis and Catherine (Campbell) Rockefeller. His boyhood was spent upon his  father's farm and his first venture for himself was in the bottling business at Sunbury. Pa., where he remained for some time.  He removed in 1890 to Gallitzin, twelve miles west of Altoona, Pa., where he engaged in the wholesale liquor business.  He remained there about twelve years and was most successful in this undertaking. While located there, in May, 1901, he was elected justice of peace of the borough of Gallitzin, on the Republican ticket, in spite of the fact that the town was strongly Democratic.  He later moved to Wilmerding, near Pittsburgh, Pa., where he engaged in the wholesale liquor trade, also the electric light business and ice manufacturing, following this business for eight years.  In 1909 he moved to Sunbury, and started the erection of a home at the corner of Amy and Front streets, but his death, Oct. 18, 1909, occurred before it was completed.  He was an able and honorable business man, and was successful in all his enterprises. He was an active member of the board of trade while residing at Wilmerding.
  On Dec. 22, 1866, Mr. Rockefeller married Harriet R., daughter of Oliver and Elizabeth (Gibson) McClow, of Sunbury, Pa.  They had three children: Catherine, who graduated from the Bingham School for Girls, in the class of 1907; Mary E., who graduated from the same school in 1910; and Margaret M., who graduated from the same in 1911.  Mrs. Rockefeller and her daughters are members of the Episcopal Church of Sunbury.  Mr. Rockefeller was a stanch Republican.  Fraternally he was a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Order of Moose.

Page: 706 and 707

MARTIN MARKLE, late of Shamokin, was a resident of that city for over thirty years and during that time maintained business connections which placed him among the most successful as well as progressive men of his day.  For over twenty years he conducted the Eagle Run Brewery, located in Coal township, near Shamokin; he was one of the builders and part owner of the "Hotel Gracemar," one of the finest hotels in the State: he was interested in the First National Bank (now the National Bank of Shamokin), and in the promotion of various public utilities; and he will always be remembered as a man whose public spirit was a perceptible factor in the city's advancement throughout the period of his residence there.
  Mr. Markle was a native of Germany, born Feb. 13. 1835. in Werlhim Ober Balingen. Wurteimberg, son of George and Barbara (Souter) Markle, and grandson, on the maternal side, of Jacob and Katharine Souter.  George Markle, who died in Germany about 1890, held a civil office under the government for forty years.  He had the following children: George Jacob, who came to America two years after his brother Martin and settled in Greenfield, Mass., where he conducted the "Germania Hotel" for twenty years (he died Sept. 22, 1898); Casper, who came to the United Stales in 1851 and settled in Greenfield. Mass., in 1866 (he learned the cutler's trade, following same throughout his residence in this country); John; George and Christina, who remained in Germany; and Martin.
  Martin Markle received a common school education in his native land and remained there, on the home farm, until he was seventeen years old.  In April, 1852, he came to the United States, arriving at New York April 23d, and after a short time in that city came on to Pennsylvania, where he ever afterward made his home.  His first location was at Slatington, where he entered the employ of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company as lock-tender, holding that position for nineteen years.  Having decided to enter business life he engaged in the general mercantile business at the lock (which is still known at Markle's lock) in 1862, continuing at that point for several years.  On Dec. 1, 1871, he settled in Shamokin, where he was in business until his death.  He purchased the John B. Douty Brewery, in Coal township, which for many years was well known under his management as the Eagle Run Brewery, operating it until 1895, when he sold his interests therein to P. H. Furmann and relinquished the more exacting duties of active Business.  But he by no means gave up his participation in the life of the city.  In 1896, in connection with Mr. George C. Graeber, of Shamokin, he built the popular "Hotel Graemar" (the name being made up of the first syllables of both proprietors' names) in Shamokin, which has the reputation of being one of the best hostelries in the State of Pennsylvania; Mr. Markle laid the first brick himself, and he always took great pride in the hotel and its management.  He was a director of the First National Bank of Shamokin (now the National Bank of Shamokin), which he also served as treasurer; a director of the Shamokin Powder Manufacturing Company; a director of the Shamokin & Mount Carmel Street Railway Company (which he helped to organize); and a director of the Shamokin Street Railway Company.  In politics he was a Democrat, in religion a Lutheran.
  On June 17, 1852, Mr. Markle married Helena Eith, daughter of Casper Eith, a native of Germany, and to them were born eight children, namely: Anna is the wife of Pius Schweibenz, proprietor of a brewery at East Mauch Chunk. Pa.; William M., born Aug. 18. 1854, died Aug. 18. 1898; Amandus S. was born Aug. 20, 1856, and died May 5, 1910; Helen married Daniel Staid, foreman in the Eagle Run Brewery, and died Feb. 11, 1905; George F., born Aug. 14. 1861, died March 29, 1906; Sarah A. married (first) Charles Tretter and (second) William Philippi, and resides in Shamokin; Cecelia married Francis O. Rankey, a paper box manufacturer of South Bethlehem. Pa.; Henry died in infancy.  The mother of this family died Nov. 9, 1898, and in 1900 Mr. Markle married (second) Mrs. Emily Allen, daughter of Isaac May, of Shamokin.  Mr. Markle's death occurred Jan. 18, 1905.

Page: 815 and 816

WILSON O. GEIST, of Herndon, proprietor and owner of the "Herndon House," and agent for farm machinery, is a man widely known in and around that borough, and the family has been known in this end of Northumberland county for several generations.  In 1828 one John Geist was a trustee of the Reformed congregation at the old established Himmel Church, in Washington township, with which the Geists have been prominently identified down to the present day.  When St. John's Lutheran and Reformed Church, of Upper Mahanoy township, was organized in 1853, Peter Geist was one of the first trustees.
  Abraham Geist, grandfather of Wilson O. Geist, was born March 20, 1813, in Upper Mahanoy township, and was not only a successful farmer but also an enterprising business man, being one of the first dealers in live stock in his district.  He had the best farm in the township, a place of 160 acres.  He died Aug. 28, 1883, and is buried at Himmel's Church, as is also his wife, Elizabeth (Hepler), who was born June 10, 1813, and died July 14, 1888.  She was a large and powerful woman, weighing nearly three hundred pounds.  Besides John H. Geist they had children as follows; Christian (daughter), born in 1834, who died in 1835; Frank; William; Samuel; Lizzie, who married Alexander Gonser and lives at Lewisburg; William (2); Lydia, who married Daniel Swartz and lived at Urban, Pa.; Hettie, who married Jacob Snyder (they are buried at Leck Kill Church); and Polly, who married Michael Powell and (second) a Mr. Shoemaker.
  John H. Geist, son of Abraham, lived for a number of years in Upper Mahanoy township, of which he was one of the best known residents in his day.  He was a most enterprising business man, a merchant, huckster, butcher, hotel-keeper and farmer, owned Leck Kill and several large farms there, was postmaster at Leck Kill, and in every way the leading spirit of the place.  For ten years before his death he conducted the "Central House" at Williamstown, Dauphin county, and his son John has succeeded him as proprietor of this place.  He died there in 1905, at the age of sixty-one years.  His widow, Harriet (Beisel), is still living at Williamstown.  They had children: Wilson O., William B., Anson, Charles, James, Martin, John and Laura (married to George Troutman and living in Snyder county).
  Wilson O. Geist, son of John H. and Harriet (Beisel) Geist, was born Sept. 14, 1861, in Upper Mahanoy township, this county, and was reared to farm life.  But he began his business training early, assisting his father in the store and hotel, and running a huckster team for him, collecting produce and poultry.  Continuing thus until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, he then began business on his own account, having a bottling establishment at Herndon.  Afterward he embarked in the livery business, and in 1898 he became proprietor of the "Herndon House," purchasing the property in the year 1907. T his is the oldest established hotel in the town and a relic of the early days, the building itself being the oldest in Herndon.  It was built by Peter and Henry Ziegler, and during the construction of the Northern Central railroad to Sunbury and Williamsport served as headquarters.  It is on the main road to Pottsville, what is known as the old stage route road, and was the stopping place for the old-time stage coaches which ran between Lewistown and Pottsville.  Mr. Geist has a first-class livery attached to the hotel, and also deals in horses.  He is district agent for the Osborn Machine Company, selling all kinds of farm implements, and in the pursuit of his various interests has become very well known and popular among his associates.  He does a thriving business in all these lines, and is a natural-born hotel proprietor, understanding the wants of his guests and looking out for their comfort in every way. He is a member of Herndon Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 132.
  In 1882 Mr. Geist married Sevilla J. Updegraff, daughter of Jacob Updegraff, of Valley View, Schuylkill Co., Pa.  They have four children: Harvey, married to Laura Lahr; Irwin, who is at home; Carrie, wife of John Borrell; and Hattie, at home. 

Page: 840

CHARLES A. KUNKEL, engaged in the hotel and livery business in Shamokin, is a young man whose enterprise and good management are bring him success.  He was born in Shamokin Feb. 29, 1876, son of Leo Kunkel, a native of Germany, born in 1846, who came to America when a young man of twenty-one.  He first located at Pittsburg, Pa., where he spent two years, thence coming to Shamokin.  He he followed mining until his death, in 1877, and is buried at Shamokin.  Mr. Kunkel married Rosa Gafinski, now living in Wisconsin, and the five children born to them were named as follows: Joseph (who is deceased), Charles A., Tillie, Mary and Polly.
  Charles A. Kunkel received his education in the public schools of Shamokin.  When thirteen years old he became a slate picker at the mines, where he continued to work in various capacities until he reached the age of twenty-one years.  At that time he engaged in the hotel business, but after conducting his place one year sold it and became bookkeeper for Squire Kreiger, with whom he continued for a period of three years.  He then embarked in the wholesale liquor business on his own account, being thus engaged for one and a half years, when he sold out to the Mount Carmel Brewing Company.  In 1906 he bought from Squire Kreiger the hotel stand where he has since done business.  He enjoyed a large business from the time he took the management, having twenty-four rooms, and his being the only hotel in that Shamokin he had a thriving trade, which he succeeded in widening steadily by good business methods and satisfactory service.  There was a fine hall on the top floor of the old building, which Mr. Kunkel rented for fairs, dances and various entertainments; it was headquarters for the Springfield Band.  On Aug. 4, 1910, the hotel building was completely destroyed by fire, the loss being thirty thousand dollars.  With his customary enterprise Mr. Kunkel at once commenced rebuilding, on the same site, his new hotel being thoroughly up-to-date and a credit to the community as well as to the owner.  Kunkel's hall, built on an adjoining lot, is 60 feet square. In connection with his hotel Mr. Kunkel has a livery business, keeping eight horses, for which there is constant demand.
  Mr. Kunkel is well known socially, holding membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Red Men, Fast End and Friendship Hose Companies, several Polish societies, and St. Stanislaus church.  He is a Democrat in political matters.
  On Nov. 26, 1892, Mr. Kunkel married Gertrude Green, daughter of William Green, of Mount Carmel, Pa. They have four children, namely: Clement, Florence, Violet and Alma.

Page: 867

JOHN F. BROSIOUS, son of George, a merchant of Dalmatia (Georgetown), was born Aug. 6, 1863, where he still lives, and received his education in the public schools.  He passed his boyhood upon the farm, assisting with the agricultural work and also helping his father in the butcher business for several years.  He then became clerk in a hotel at Herndon, being thus engaged for two years, and at the age of twenty he went out to Ogle County, Ill., where he did farm work for about one year.  After his marriage he began clerking in a hotel in his native Township, continuing in that position three years, until he engaged in the livery business, in Dalmatia, in 1891, on his own account.  After conducting same about one and a half years he sold out and entered the bottling business, which he carried on altogether about fifteen years, during which time, however, he was also engaged as owner and proprietor of the "National Hotel" at Dalmatia, the leading hotel of the town.  He was interested in the hotel business for six and a half years, selling his property and good will in 1908 to Jacob Bingaman, the present proprietor.  Since the spring of 1910 Mr. Brosious has had a general mercantile and drug business at Dalmatia, carrying a full stock in both lines, and he is agent and distributor for various kinds of farm implements and vehicles of every description.  In this connection he handles the famous Mifflinburg (Pa.) and Michigan buggies and other vehicles, in which line he has a large trade; has the district agency of the DeLaval cream separators, of which he has sold many in his section of the county; is agent for a number of different harvesting machines, many makes of plows and harrows and farm supplies of various kinds, doing the largest business of the kind in the territory south of Line Mountain.  Stoves, heating apparatus and bathroom supplies constitute another line in which he has built up a profitable trade.  Mr. Brosious is vice president and a director of the Mahanoy & Mahantango Telephone Company, director and manager of the Aluminum Paint & Tile Company, of Dalmatia (which employs six men), is the owner of considerable real estate in Dalmatia, and an all-around man of affairs in his community, where he is regarded as a leading business man, and a citizen whose public spirit and progressive influence have done much for the general welfare.  He has gained his substantial position through his own efforts, and the high standing he enjoys is the result of a consistent career of honorable dealings and the pursuit of creditable ambitions. His financial acumen and trustworthy character were recognized by his selection to the office of treasurer of Lower Mahanoy Township, a position he filled for many years.  He is a Republican in politics, socially is identified with the Jr. O. U. A. M., John B. Packer Council, No. 854, of Dalmatia (of which he was elected treasurer in 1896, two months after joining, and has filled the office ever since), and with the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 864 at Herndon, and in religion is a Lutheran.  He belongs to the Lutheran congregation at Dalmatia Union Church, of which his wife is a Reformed member, and served four years, as deacon, declining another two years term.
  On Sept. 3, 1887, Mr. Brosious married Mary G. Emerick, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Spotts) Emerick, and granddaughter of John and Anna (Charles) Emerick.  They have four children: Albert Eugene, Harry F. (born Jan. 17, 1893), Leotta C. and Anna S.

Page: 905 & 906

STEPHEN A. PRAMUK, of Shamokin, Northumberland county, was born Aug. 20, 1872, in Austria, son of Andrew and Anna (Steffick) Pramuk.  The father, also a native of Austria, died in that country, and the widowed mother came to America with her four children.  She now makes her home with her son Stephen in Shamokin.  The family consisted of four children, as follows: Stephen A. and Andrew, twins, the later now in his brother Stephen's employ; Michael, who lives in Shamokin; and Mary, married to Bert Yankoskie and living in Shamokin.
  In the spring of 1882 Stephen A. Pramuk came to America with his mother, the family landing in New York City.  Their first home here was in Clearfield county. Pa., where they remained only a short time, however, settling in Shamokin in 1883.  Though a mere child at the time they lived in Clearfield county Stephen A. Pramuk was employed at the coke ovens there, and upon coming to Shamokin began work at the mines as a slate picker, later following mining.  In 1896 he gave up that work and engaged in the hotel business in the borough, continuing same for about six years, until he commenced his present business, in 1902.  He has since been established at No. 314 South Market street, where he is engaged as a wholesale dealer in liquors, wines, beer, ale and porter, having a steady patronage.  He is a man of good business ability and an excellent manager, as the growth of his trade testifies.  On April 15, 1909, he was appointed receiver for the Shamokin Brewing Company.  He still keeps up his interest in his former work as a director of the Miners' Loan Association.  Socially he is a well known member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of St. Mary's Church and its affiliated societies.  In politics he is a Democrat.
  On Sept. 8, 1896, Mr. Pramuk was married to Matilda M. Zuschian, also of Austria, and they have had the following children: Mary, Stephen, Adolph, Clara, Bernard, Albert and Benjamin.  The family live at No. 316 South Market. 

Page: 927

Charles E. Rothermel, son of Andrew was born April 22, 1869, in Lower Mahanoy township, and was reared upon the farm.  After reaching manhood he tended bar in Shamokin for a time, and later, in 1888, engaged in the bottling business at Georgetown (Dalmatia), carrying it on for three years.  For the next two years he was in the hotel business at Dalmatia, at the end of that time moving to Sunbury, where he was engaged in the same line.  His next location was in the borough of  Northumberland, where he conducted  'Vankirk House" for several years, after which he purchased the "National House" at Dalmatia and ran it for seven years.  He then returned to Sunbury, where he became proprietor of the "Packer House," being thus engaged for a period of five years, until, in 1909, he became proprietor of his present establishment, the "City Hotel."  It is the leading hotel in the city and is carried on along modern lines, enjoying the patronage of the best trade.  Mr. Rothermel served as school director while a resident of Lower Mahanoy township, and he has always been active in the interests of the Republican party.  Socially he belongs to the of Owls at Sunbury.
  Mr. Rothermel married Sarah Fenstermacher, daughter Michael Fenstermacher, of Lower Mahanoy township, and they have one daughter Arlie May.  Mr. Rothermel and his family are members of the Lutheran Church.

Page: 928

DANIEL STAHL, now living retired in Shamokin, was connected for over thirty years with the old Eagle Run Brewery, in Coal township, a short distance from the city, as brewmaster.  For about twenty years he held that position under the proprietorship of Martin Markle and after he sold out continued for twelve years with his successors, retiring in 1907.  Mr. Staid was born Aug. 10, 1847, at Leonberg, about twelve miles from Stuttgart, the capital of Wurtemberg, Germany, son of Jacob and Wilhelmina (Heiges) Stahl, who brought their family to America in 1853, landing at New York City.  The trip was made by sailing vessel, and took fifty-five days. The family first settled at Newark, N. J., remaining there one year, and then moved to Mauch Chunk, Pa., where a permanent home was established.  Jacob Stahl had been a house builder in his native land.  At Mauch Chunk he found employment in the car shops, and also followed contracting and building to some extent.  He died there in 1875, his wife surviving until 1877, and both are buried at Upper Mauch Chunk.  They were the parents of sixteen children, six of whom died young, in Germany, the other ten accompanying the parents to America, viz.: John, Wilhelmina, Catherine, Mary, Jacobina, Barbara, Christina, Peter, Daniel and Frederick.
  Daniel Stahl attended school at Mauch Chunk.  He learned the carrpenter's trade with his father, with whom he worked during the summers, in the wintertime learning brewing.  In 1875 he came to Shamokin and entered the employ of Martin Markle, for whom he was brewmaster until 1895, when Mr. Markle sold his interests in the brewery to Fuhrmann & Schmidt.  Mr. Stahl was brewmaster with the new owners until his retirement in 1907.  He is acting as one of the executors of the large estate of his father-in-law, Martin Markle. 
  In 1877 Mr. Stahl married Helena M. Markle, daughter of Martin Markle, his employer, and a family of eight children was born to them, Daniel and Sarah dying young; Wilhelmina married John Edmund and lives at Shamokin: Sybilla S. married August Steinhart, of Shamokin: Mary C. married Thomas Morgan, of Shamokin: George D. lives with his father: Henry M. is a resident of Shamokin: Gertrude C. married Ephraim S. Weaver, of Shamokin.  The mother died Feb. 11, 1905, and is buried in the Shamokin cemetery.  Mr. Stall] makes his home at Shamokin.  He is a Lutheran in religious faith.

Page: 978 and 979

WILLIAM J. LINDER has been brewmaster at the Eagle Run Brewery in Shamokin for several years and is a man well known in his line all over the United States.  He has increased the output of the plant with which he is now connected materially by his improvements in the quality of the product.  Mr. Linder was born at Baden, on the Rhine, Germany, Oct. 4, 1873.  His father Adolph Linder was also a native of Baden and became a civil engineer.  Coming to America in 1880 he settled in New York City, where for a number of years he was engaged in contracting and building, doing the frame work on buildings.  In 1886 he bought out the bottling business of the Star Brewery in New York City and also became a member of the firm of the Star Brewery, continuing in this connection until 1892.  He has since had no active business associations.  He married Mary A. Gerold, and they had children as follows: Anna, Charles, Adolph, Theodore, Eugene, Annial and William J.
  William J. Linder was a child when he came with his father to America.  He received a public school education, and has been engaged at the brewing business from boyhood, having begun work in that line Aug. 15, 1889, at the Star Brewery in New York City.  He began at the bottom and learned the trade thoroughly, and after leaving the Star Brewery enlarged his experience by service with various other establishments, being in the George R. Alley Brewery for two years and later in the Atlantic City Brewery for two years.  While at the latter place he made a special brew of Wurzburger which was very successful.  For a year after leaving the Atlantic City Brewing Company he was with Jacob Hornung, in Philadelphia, and then spent short periods in various cities, getting different breweries in satisfactory running order.  In February, 1907, he came to Shamokin to take the place of brewmaster at the Eagle Run Brewery, which he has improved in many ways by his progressive and intelligent methods of manufacture, its output having an excellent reputation in the locality, where the demand has widened considerably within the past few years.  Mr. Linder has always been a scientific brewer. familiar with the most approved and up-to-date processes in the production of beer, and encouraging the various movements which have been made to place its manufacture on the basis which modern hygiene demands.  He is a member of the Brewmasters' Association and was one of the seventeen charter members of the American Brewing Institute.
  Mr. Linder married Amelia Utgen, a native of Germany, and they have two children, Helen and Catherine.
  Socially Mr. Linder holds membership in the I. 0. 0. F.  He is a baseball player of some note, having played with some of the strong teams while in New York City.