p. 1492
Surnames: FOLGER, HEMIG
Walter Folger, a well-known hotel man of Reading, Pa., proprietor of the Folger hotel and cafe, on North Fifth street, was born in Boston, Mass., Aug. 13, 1866. Mr. Folger received his education in his native city, and for some years was employed as a reporter on the staff of the Boston Herald, later being connected with the Burkhardt Brewing Co. of that city.
Mr. Folger came to Reading, Pa., in April 1901, and on September 22nd of the same year engaged in his present business. His cafe bears the reputation of being one of the most up-to-date and finest in the city of Reading, catering to the commercial trade, and to the theatrical profession. As a hotel proprietor, Mr. Folger is popular, and his up-to-date hostelry is fitted with every modern improvement of convenience to his patrons. Mr. Folger was married in Reading to Miss Annie Hemig of this city, daughter of William H. Hemig.
In fraternal circles Mr. Folger is popular and belongs to a number of organizations, among them the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 66, of which he was for one year president (he was one of the members to walk through the woods and select the site of the present beautiful home of this order); Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias; the Maccabees; Neversink Fire Company; Junior Fire Company; Humane Association; and other fraternal and social bodies.
Surnames: FOLK, HEINLY, HOCH, ALDENDERFER, GEHRET, HAFER, MELL, KOLLER, MOYER, ROTHENBERGER, RUTH, MERKEL, SCHAEFFER
Charles A. Folk, who was living retired in Fleetwood up to the time of his death, Jan. 12, 1907, was born in Richmond township, Berks county, Pa., Feb. 22, 1837. He was descended from George Folk, the first of the family in America, through Jacob and Jacob, Jr.
George Folk was a German by birth, and came to Philadelphia in 1754, with a company of some 145 other passengers. He made his permanent home in Richmond township, Berks county, where his name appears on the first tax list of the place, made in 1768.
Jacob Folk continued to reside where his father had settled, and was a farmer and stone mason by trade. His children were: Jacob, Jr.; Solomon, of Reading; Samuel, of Maxatawny township; John, living near Hamburg, Pa.; Mrs. Jacob Heinly; and Mrs. Daniel Hoch.
Jacob Folk (2) was born July 17, 1797, and died Jan. 25, 1871. He married Miss Lydia Aldenderfer, who was born March 2, 1802, and died Jan. 9, 1875, and they had children as follows: Benjamin, born in 1825, who died in 1889; Jacob, born in 1826; Joseph, born in 1827, who died in 1883; Sarah, who married (first) Peter Rothenberger, and (second) Christian Ruth, of Austin, Kan.; William, born in 1831; John born in 1834; Charles A.; Hettie, born in 1838, who married Joel Gehret, and died in 1864; Mary, Mrs. Benjamin Hafer; Benneville, born in 1842, who died in 1866; Moses, born in 1843, who died in 1890; and Diana, born in 1845, who died in 1901, and who was the wife of William Mell.
Charles A. Folk chose carpentry as his trade and for the greater part of his life worked in that line. For a long time he was a coach maker, and during a period of twenty years was employed by Schaeffer, Merkel & Company, implement dealers in Fleetwood, part of the time as their principal pattern maker. In 1900 he retired, and having disposed of his property, made his home in Fleetwood with his step-son Oscar Koller, at whose home he died. Mr. Folk was always a good citizen, endeavoring to promote the public good, and for six years sat in the council of Fleetwood, elected on the Democratic ticket.
Charles A. Folk and Miss Sophia Moyer were joined in wedlock, and their happy married life continued till the death of Mrs. Folk in 1890. Both united with the Lutheran Church in Fleetwood. They had no children. Mr. Folk married a second time. Mr. Folk's life was useful and upright, and he stood as an example to those around him.
p. 1530
Surnames: FOLK, REIFSNYDER, ALDENDERFER, HARTMAN, HOMAN, MACHMER, KEIM, MOHN, STOUDT, ENDLICH, SCHUCKER, GINDER
John R. Folk, a prominent citizen of Mt. Penn borough, who has been closely identified with the growth and development of this section for some years, and where he is now serving as assessor and tax collector, was born Nov. 9, 1866, in Lower Alsace township, Berks county, Pa., son of John A. and Hannah Mahela (Reifsnyder) Folk, and grandson of Jacob and Lydia (Aldenderfer) Folk.
John A. Folk, father of John R., was born Sept. 23, 1834, in Richmond township, and died Dec. 4, 1894, in Mount Penn, where for many years he had been engaged in wheelwrighting. Mr. Folk owned his own home in the borough three weeks before his death, when he sold out. In political matters he was a Democrat, and served ably as a school director in Lower Alsace township. Mr. Folk and his family were members of Spies's Church until the organization of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Penn, when they identified themselves with the latter, Mr. Folk becoming an official member. In the year 1858, Mr. Folk was united in marriage with Hannah Mahela Reifsnyder, daughter of Samuel Reifsnyder, and to them were born children as follows: Mary, born Feb. 15, 1859, married Thomas Hartman of Reading; Catherine, born Sept. 21, 1860, married William H. Homan, of Mount Penn; Emma R., born July 30, 1862, died Jan. 11, 1868; Charles A., born Sept. 16, 1864, married Hattie Machmer of Reading; John R.; Sallie A., born Oct. 5, 1869, married John Keim of Reading; Samuel, born Sept. 11, 1870, married Mary Mohn; Jacob, born June 4, 1873, married Mary Stoudt of Reading, where they now reside; William, born March 5, 1875, died Nov. 5, 1882; Bessie, born Sept. 3, 1880, and Sadie, born Nov. 12, 1882.
John R. Folk attended the public schools of Lower Alsace township until fourteen years of age, and then worked for three years on the farm of Judge G. A. Endlich's father. For the next fourteen years he was a pipe cutter at the Reading Iron Works, but in 1893 he engaged in the retail milk business, supplying a large route in Reading and disposing of a daily average of 110 quarts. This business, however, he was forced to abandon in 1897 on account of ill health. In that year he was appointed supervisor of Lower Alsace township, an office in which he served very efficiently until the incorporation of Mount Penn in 1903. In 1898 he was appointed tax collector of Lower Alsace township, served in that position until the incorporation of the borough, and has continued in the office to the present time giving general satisfaction. He has also been assessor of the borough since its incorporation. Mr. Folk is a man of high sense of honor, and he commands the esteem and confidence of the entire community. He has been thrifty and industrious and resides in his own home on Cumberland street, which he erected in 1896. In political matters he is a Democrat, and in addition to his present office, has been delegate to numerous county conventions. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Friendship, No. 28, of Reading, and Neversink Tent, Modern Woodmen of America, of Reading. He is a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Mount Penn, of which he was an elder and treasurer from 1893 to 1907, and at the expiration of his term of office was elected deacon. Mrs. Folk is connected with Zion's Reformed Church of Reading.
On June 2, 1888, Mr. Folk was married to Hattie Schucker, born Feb. 8, 1867, daughter of William and Maria (Ginder) Schucker, the former born in Richmond township, Sept. 12, 1831. To Mr. and Mrs. Folk have been born children as follows: Edna M., born Oct. 11, 1889; Calvin M., born Sept. 5, 1891; Cora E., born May 2, 1894; William Raymond, born Aug. 27, 1897; J. Harold, born Jan. 1, 1901; and Elmer, born July 15, 1906.
p. 436
Surnames: FOOS, SCHMECK, KOCHEL, MELLINGER, SCHMEHL, DEMAREST
Charles S. Foos. The city of Reading takes justifiable pride in the high status of its public school system, and the prestige gained along this important educational line has been to a large degree due to the able and untiring efforts of the present superintendent, Charles S. Foos, whose popularity is of the most unequivocal order. He is prominent in educational circles in the State and nation, and is thoroughly en rapport with his work.
George Foos, the father of Charles S., was born in Reading, son of George Foos, Sr., a prominent contractor and an organizer of the first school board of Reading, and for many years also a member of the city councils. George Foos, father of Charles S., attended the public schools and later learned the carpenter's trade as an apprentice to his father. At the opening of the Civil war he enlisted and served his term. On his return to Reading he entered into partnership with his father and conducted a large contracting and building business, with offices in the old Foos carpenter shop, on Reed, near Washington, street. The building was in the possession of the Foos family for one hundred years, and has been sold but lately. Mr. Foos was interested in all public affairs and served on the school board from 1887 to 1895, representing the Eighth ward. He was instrumental in the enlargement of the Poplar street building, and also advocated the erection of the Girls' high school, and that the location be at Eleventh and Washington streets. He cast his first vote for Lincoln, in 1860, and never missed an election, being a stanch Republican. He was twice married, his first wife being Catherine, a daughter of the late Benjamin Schmeck, a prominent farmer of Muhlenberg, and his second wife was Lizzie Kochel, who survives him. Beside his widow there survive three children: Charles S., Mrs. A. H. Mellinger and Mrs. S. T. Schmehl, all of the city of Reading. Mr. Foos was a genial, public-spirited man, and had a host of friends. About ten days before his death, after a long walk into the country and seemingly in the best of health, Mr. Foos was stricken with apoplexy, and lingered in a semi-conscious condition until he passed away Nov. 4, 1906, aged 68 years, 9 months and 14 days.
Charles S. Foos was born in Reading Dec. 17, 1863, son of George and Catherine (Schmeck) Foos. He is indebted to the public schools of his native city for his early educational discipline, and was graduated from the Reading high school as a member of the class of 1882. He was Latin salutatorian of his class, and delivered the first address of the sort ever given in the school. In 1883 he was graduated from the Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, Conn., after which he matriculated at Yale, from which institution he was obliged to withdraw by reason of a disordered condition of his eyes. Later, however, he carried forward his higher educational work, having completed special courses in Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and the University of New York. In 1898 he received the degree of Master of Arts from Lafayette University. Mr. Foos early identified himself with newspaper work, having been a reporter on the staff of the Reading Eagle and other Reading papers at different times. In 1888 he was appointed instructor and later principal of Union Academy, Morganfield, Ky.; in 1888-89 he was an instructor in Stewart Academy, Reading; in 1889-90 he was principal of the high school at Orwigsburg, Pa.; in 1890 he became instructor in English in the Boys' high school, of Reading, retaining this incumbency until 1899, when he became principal of the school, which was at that time reorganized upon its present amplified basis. In 1902 he withdrew from the principalship to assume the duties of his present responsible position of superintendent of the public schools of Reading, in which capacity his work has been admirable in every respect.
He was re-elected by unanimous vote in 1905 and again in 1908, and in 1905 was also granted an increase in salary without a dissenting vote.
Mr. Foos is a member of the National Federation of State Educational Associations, of which he was elected president in 1909; was elected president of the Pennsylvania State Educational Association in 1908 and is a member of the executive committee of the Association, and is a frequent contributor to leading educational periodicals. His services are much in demand as a public speaker, especially in conventions of educators and as a commencement orator, anniversary and post prandial speaker. In this line of work he is called upon several hundred times each year, and is always timely and felicitous in his utterances. He is a member of the board of managers of the Reading Young Men's Christian Association, is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of whose Sunday school he was superintendent, and he was also a member of the executive committee of the Berks County Sabbath School Association. He is prominent also in fraternal societies, especially the Masonic order, and he has been a frequent delegate to national and State bodies of the same. He is past master of the Schuylkill Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., of Orwigsburg; a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, Royal Arch Masons, of Reading; past commander of Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar. He is past regent of Wyomissing Council, No. 1584, Royal Arcanum, and is affiliated with the Sons of Veterans, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America, besides holding membership in the Reading Board of Trade, the local Press Club, and other organizations.
On Nov. 25, 1895, Mr. Foos married Miss Mary Demarest, of Paterson, N. J., and they have four children: Irvin Demarest, Frances Alice, Charles George and Florence Demarest.
p. 436
Surnames: FOOS, SCHMECK, KOCHEL, MELLINGER, SCHMEHL, DEMAREST
Charles S. Foos. The city of Reading takes justifiable pride in the high status of its public school system, and the prestige gained along this important educational line has been to a large degree due to the able and untiring efforts of the present superintendent, Charles S. Foos, whose popularity is of the most unequivocal order. He is prominent in educational circles in the State and nation, and is thoroughly en rapport with his work.
George Foos, the father of Charles S., was born in Reading, son of George Foos, Sr., a prominent contractor and an organizer of the first school board of Reading, and for many years also a member of the city councils. George Foos, father of Charles S., attended the public schools and later learned the carpenter's trade as an apprentice to his father. At the opening of the Civil war he enlisted and served his term. On his return to Reading he entered into partnership with his father and conducted a large contracting and building business, with offices in the old Foos carpenter shop, on Reed, near Washington, street. The building was in the possession of the Foos family for one hundred years, and has been sold but lately. Mr. Foos was interested in all public affairs and served on the school board from 1887 to 1895, representing the Eighth ward. He was instrumental in the enlargement of the Poplar street building, and also advocated the erection of the Girls' high school, and that the location be at Eleventh and Washington streets. He cast his first vote for Lincoln, in 1860, and never missed an election, being a stanch Republican. He was twice married, his first wife being Catherine, a daughter of the late Benjamin Schmeck, a prominent farmer of Muhlenberg, and his second wife was Lizzie Kochel, who survives him. Beside his widow there survive three children: Charles S., Mrs. A. H. Mellinger and Mrs. S. T. Schmehl, all of the city of Reading. Mr. Foos was a genial, public-spirited man, and had a host of friends. About ten days before his death, after a long walk into the country and seemingly in the best of health, Mr. Foos was stricken with apoplexy, and lingered in a semi-conscious condition until he passed away Nov. 4, 1906, aged 68 years, 9 months and 14 days.
Charles S. Foos was born in Reading Dec. 17, 1863, son of George and Catherine (Schmeck) Foos. He is indebted to the public schools of his native city for his early educational discipline, and was graduated from the Reading high school as a member of the class of 1882. He was Latin salutatorian of his class, and delivered the first address of the sort ever given in the school. In 1883 he was graduated from the Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, Conn., after which he matriculated at Yale, from which institution he was obliged to withdraw by reason of a disordered condition of his eyes. Later, however, he carried forward his higher educational work, having completed special courses in Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and the University of New York. In 1898 he received the degree of Master of Arts from Lafayette University. Mr. Foos early identified himself with newspaper work, having been a reporter on the staff of the Reading Eagle and other Reading papers at different times. In 1888 he was appointed instructor and later principal of Union Academy, Morganfield, Ky.; in 1888-89 he was an instructor in Stewart Academy, Reading; in 1889-90 he was principal of the high school at Orwigsburg, Pa.; in 1890 he became instructor in English in the Boys' high school, of Reading, retaining this incumbency until 1899, when he became principal of the school, which was at that time reorganized upon its present amplified basis. In 1902 he withdrew from the principalship to assume the duties of his present responsible position of superintendent of the public schools of Reading, in which capacity his work has been admirable in every respect.
He was re-elected by unanimous vote in 1905 and again in 1908, and in 1905 was also granted an increase in salary without a dissenting vote.
Mr. Foos is a member of the National Federation of State Educational Associations, of which he was elected president in 1909; was elected president of the Pennsylvania State Educational Association in 1908 and is a member of the executive committee of the Association, and is a frequent contributor to leading educational periodicals. His services are much in demand as a public speaker, especially in conventions of educators and as a commencement orator, anniversary and post prandial speaker. In this line of work he is called upon several hundred times each year, and is always timely and felicitous in his utterances. He is a member of the board of managers of the Reading Young Men's Christian Association, is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of whose Sunday school he was superintendent, and he was also a member of the executive committee of the Berks County Sabbath School Association. He is prominent also in fraternal societies, especially the Masonic order, and he has been a frequent delegate to national and State bodies of the same. He is past master of the Schuylkill Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., of Orwigsburg; a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, Royal Arch Masons, of Reading; past commander of Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar. He is past regent of Wyomissing Council, No. 1584, Royal Arcanum, and is affiliated with the Sons of Veterans, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America, besides holding membership in the Reading Board of Trade, the local Press Club, and other organizations.
On Nov. 25, 1895, Mr. Foos married Miss Mary Demarest, of Paterson, N. J., and they have four children: Irvin Demarest, Frances Alice, Charles George and Florence Demarest.
p. 981
Surnames: FOREMAN, STIER, BROOK, WEILER, HARTZ, MORRIS
Daniel B. Foreman, one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Caernarvon township, and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, in which struggle he received injuries from which he has never entirely recovered, is a highly esteemed resident of Morgantown, where he owns a comfortable home. Mr. Foreman was born January 9, 1839, near Morgantown, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Stier) Foreman.
Mr. Foreman was left an orphan when quite young, and at a very early age apprenticed himself out as a farm hand, afterward learning the carpenter's trade, which he has followed with much success during the greater portion of his life. His home in Morgantown is one of the substantial residences of his locality, and adjoining it are several acres of land, which also belong to Mr. Foreman. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word, and as such is esteemed and respected by all who know him. On Sept. 11, 1861, Mr. Foreman enlisted for service in the Union army, becoming a private in the 53d Pa. V. I., Col. John R. Brook.
During his long and active career as a soldier, Mr. Foreman participated in many bloody battles, and at Fredericksburg he was badly wounded. From the battle-field he was sent to Campbell Hospital, Washington, D. C., from which he was discharged March 10, 1863, but he still carries two bullets.
Mr. Foreman married Miss Ellen Weiler, born Feb. 3, 1845, daughter of Levi and Sarah (Hartz) Weiler, and to this union there was born one son: Howard, of Reading, born Aug. 27, 1864 (m. Miss Florence Morris, of Chester county, and has one child, Edith).
Daniel B. Foreman is a Republican in politics, and at present is serving efficiently as treasurer of the board of township supervisors.
p. 947
Surnames: FORNWALD, MOYER, STIELY, BELLEMAN, RHOADS, MICKLEY, GOOD, WHITE, FERGUSON, KAUFFMAN, BECHTEL, KAUFFMAN, ZIMMERMAN
Reily M. Fornwald, a retired locomotive engineer and honored veteran of the Civil war, who since 1905 has made his home in Robesonia, was born April 15, 1842, in Heidelberg township, Berks Co., Pa., son of George and Susan (Moyer) Fornwald.
George Fornwald, his grandfather, was a farmer of Heidelberg township, where he owned a small tract, and both he and his wife are buried at the Corner Church. They had four children: George; Isaac, who lived and died at Jonestown, where he is buried; Jonathan, who died at Myerstown (his children were Adam, Nora, Agnes, Amelia, John and Emma): and Sarah, who married Jacob Stiely, who died in Reading in 1905, at a very advanced age.
George Fornwald, father of Reily M., was born Feb. 15, 1822, in North Heidelberg township, and died Dec. 12, 1893, aged seventy-one years, nine months, twenty-seven days. He was a farmer by occupation, owning a small tract of land in Heidelberg township, near Robesonia, and is buried at St. Daniel's (Corner) Church. He married Susan Moyer, born July 16, 1819, who died Feb. 27, 1895, aged seventy-five years, seven months, eleven days, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Belleman) Moyer, and to this union were born two children, Reily M. and William. William Fornwald, who is cupola runner for the Federal Government, married Susan Rhoads, and they have had these children: Howard, deceased; Franklin; Charles; Samuel; and Erb, who met his death on the railroad at Port Clinton.
Reily M. Fornwald was educated in the common schools and the Millersville State Normal, at Millersville, Pa., and after attending the latter for three years left school to enlist, Sept. 11, 1861, as a private in Capt. Charles B. Mickley's Company G, 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Col. Tilghman H. Good, commanding. The regiment proceeded to Washington, D. C., arriving on Sept. 21st, and encamped at Fort Ethan Allen, where it took part in a minor engagement and later was assigned to the 3d Brigade, Smith's Division, thence moving to Camp Griffin and Bailey's Cross Roads. Later the regiment was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Corps, and participated in the battle of Pocotaligo, S. C., Oct. 22, 1862; moving thence to Key West, Fla., they garrisoned Forts Taylor and Jefferson, the military importance of these positions at this time being very great, remaining there until Feb. 25, 1864, when they embarked on the steamer "George Thomas" for Louisiana, arriving at Algiers; moved via Brashear City, to Franklin and thence with Banks' Red River expedition. Mr. Fornwald participated in the following engagements: St. John's Bluff, Fla., Oct 3, 1862; Pocotaligo, S. C., Oct. 22, 1862; Moneti's Bluff and Cane River, La., April 23 and 24, 1864; Natchitoches, La., May 5, 1864; Bayou de Glaize, La., May 18, 1864; Atchafalaya River, La., July 28, 1864; Summit Point, Berryville and Flowing Springs, Va., Aug. 21, 1864; Halltown, Va., Aug 24 to 27, 1864; Berryville, Va., Sept. 3 and 4, 1864; and a number of minor engagements and skirmishes. The 47th Pennsylvania was the only Pennsylvania regiment taking part in the Red River Expedition. Mr. Fornwald was promoted to the rank of corporal, Feb. 15, 1862, for faithful and meritorious service. He was wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C., Oct. 22, 1862, in the head and groin, by the bursting of a shell, and spent four weeks in the filed hospital, afterward returning to his regiment. He took part in all of the engagements of his regiment except while confined in the hospital, and rendered faithful and meritorious service. Mr. Fornwald received his honorable discharge at Berryville, Va., Sept. 18, 1864.
After his return from the war Mr. Fornwald was employed in operating a blast for White & Ferguson, at Robesonia, for four years, and then operated an engine for Wright, Cook & Co. for one year, at Sheridan. For ten years he ran an engine for William M. Kauffman, and in 1884 he came to Reading, where he resided until 1905, when he erected a fine residence on Upper Main street, Robesonia, at which place he has lived in retirement since. Mr. Fornwald also owns four other houses and a great deal of real estate in his section, and is considered one of the borough's substantial men.
On Sept. 28, 1867, Mr. Fornwald was married to Emma S. Bechtel, born July 11, 1848, daughter of Isaac Bechtel, Sr., who died at Robesonia in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Fornwald had two children: William F., born in 1868, died Nov. 6, 1870; Allen L., born Dec. 29, 1869, married Katie Zimmerman, daughter of George Zimmerman, of Lebanon, Pa., and they have two children, Earl Ethan Allen and Dorothy Katie. Allen L. Fornwald is a clerk at the Oley street mill for the Reading Iron Company, Reading Reily M. Fornwald is an active member of the Union Veteran Legion, No. 43, of the P. O. S. of A., Camp No. 68, and Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., of Womelsdorf.
p. 1118
Surnames: FORRY, HEISTER, ADAMS
William F. Forry, one of the extensive farmers of Berks county, was born there Jan. 9, 1865. He owns the old Governor Hiester homestead in Bern township, one of the landmarks of the county. It is located on the road leading from Hiester's Mill to Reber's Mill, seven miles from Reading, and the farm contains 400 acres of valuable land. The post office address is Roseglen Farms, West Leesport, Pa., R. F. D. No. 1.
Through boyhood Mr. Forry attended the schools of Womelsdorf, after which he went into the knitting mill which his father operated from 1872 to 1903. Later he became a member of the firm conducting the business, and lived at Myerstown, Duncannon and Shamokin, residing in the latter city for ten years. Failing health finally caused both him and his father to retire from that industry. Then Mr. Forry returned to Berks county, and invested in land as above mentioned. He takes a deep interest in his agricultural operations, and as he has the finest water in the county in abundance, and makes use of the best and latest improved machinery, he meets with success. He makes a specialty of hay and potatoes, and breeds thoroughbred Jersey cattle, large English Berkshire swine and pure bred poultry, shipping to cities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Mr. Forry was married in 1889, to Miss Amelia Adams, daughter of Richard Adams, of Bern township, and they have three sons: John W. and W. Frank, twins, and Richard. In politics he is a Democrat but not active. He is a leading member of Epler's Reformed Church.
p. 1125
Surnames: FORTNA, KLEISER, YEAGER, YOCUM, HOFFMAN, HUMMA, BUCH, GEBHART, LOUSER, SHURR, SHIREY, KEINARD, RICHARD
Henry D. Fortna, one of the best known hotel men of Heidelberg township, Berks county, who is successfully conducting the popular "Eagle Hotel," at Robesonia, was born April 28, 1849, in Cornwall township, Lebanon Co., Pa., son of Henry and Elisa (Kleisher) Fortna.
Henry Fortna was born about 1813, son of David Fortna, the latter a resident of Lebanon county, who was of French extraction. Henry Fortna, the father, engaged in farming and milling all his life, and in the latter business was especially successful, selling his property for $18,000; most of this, however, he lost through unwise loans. He was one of the influential Democrats of his section. Mr. Fortna died aged sixty-nine years, ten months and ten days, and was buried at Lebanon. He married Elisa Kleiser, and to this union there were born the following children: Catherine m. Henry Yeager, of Lebanon; Louisa m. Henry Yocum; Rose, deceased, m. David Hoffman; Cyrus died unmarried; Eliza, deceased, m. Elias Humma; Henry D.; and George is deceased.
Henry D. Fortna was reared to farming and milling pursuits, and continued to work for his parents until twenty-three years old, when he commenced driving a bottling team, which work he continued for some time, and in 1873 he engaged in the bottling business on his own account. In this he engaged for some sixteen years. He had a large business and generally had four or five men working for him. In 1882 he first engaged in the hotel business at Lebanon, where he conducted the "Farmers Hotel" for one year, when he sold out. In 1886 he came to Berks county and located at Womelsdorf, where for three years he was proprietor of the "American House." Then after seven years spent in conducting the "Monocacy Hotel" he returned to Lebanon county and for four years resided at the old home. In September, 1903, he purchased the "Eagle Hotel" from Harry Buch, at Robesonia, where he has built up a large and lucrative trade. This hotel is a modern structure with all the latest improvements, has thirty-two rooms and accommodates many boarders. During the summer months Mr. Fortna's hotel is especially well patronized. Mr. Fortna sets one of the finest tables in the township, keeps his rooms scrupulously clean, and as he himself is genial, whole-souled and courteous it is easy to see why his hotel is so well liked.
In 1871 Mr. Fortna was married to Emma Gebhart, daughter of Edward and Mary (Louser) Gebhart, of Lebanon, and to this union there have been born children as follows: Annie m. Peter Shurr, of Stowe, Pa.; Mamie m. Daniel Shirey, of Douglassville; Carrie m. Albert Keinard, of Stowe, Pa.; Emma m. John Richard, of Stowe; Jennie is unmarried at home; Harry D. assists his father' and Edward W., a cigar maker by trade, is at home.
p. 471
Surnames: FOUTZ, CALDWELL, WILSON
Sherman S. Foutz, supervising deputy of the Knights of the Maccabees for eastern Pennsylvania, is a well-known and very popular citizen of the city of Reading, Pa. Mr. Foutz was born in Harrison county, Ohio, Sept. 3, 1867, where his parents Jonathan and Rebecca Jane (Caldwell) Foutz, were also born on the old Foutz homestead. The father died in September, 1900, aged fifty-five years, while the mother still survives.
Sherman S. Foutz was educated in the Harrison county, Ohio, public schools, and the New Hagerstown Academy, and after leaving the latter engaged in the fire insurance business for four years. He was then appointed to a clerkship in the United States Treasury Department, at Washington, D. C., under President Cleveland. He remained in this position for two years, at the end of which time he resigned his position to become manager of the Knights of the Maccabees for the District of Columbia and Virginia. On April 11, 1902, Mr. Foutz was appointed supervising deputy of the Maccabees for Eastern Pennsylvania. When Mr. Foutz took this office there were but ninety-two members in Eastern Pennsylvania, and there are now therein 3,500 members. Mr. Foutz's duties take him all over the Eastern part of the State, and he is a member of the Supreme body, which meets every four years.
Sherman S. Foutz married Aug. 11, 1887, Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of John Wilson, of Harrison county, Ohio. Two children were born to this union: Oscar W., at home; and Grace, attending Irving College, Mechanicsburg, class of 1910. Mr. Foutz, besides the Maccabees belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Malta and the Modern Woodmen. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and in political principle a Democrat. Mr. Foutz is very popular throughout the Eastern part of the State, where he is well known and highly esteemed for his many sterling traits of character.