Minerd.com Biography of Jesse and Elizabeth (Baer) Fegley of Macungie, PA

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Jesse Fegley
(1807-1904)

Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church, Old Zionsville

Jesse Fegley was born on Sept. 11, 1807, the son of David and Susanna (Gaumer) Fögle -- Americanized to "Fegley" and "Fegely." Jesse lived a long life.

He married Elizabeth Baer (Aug. 8, 1813-1863).

They produced these known offspring -- Maria Sarah "Mary" Bortz, Caroline Fisher, Ephraim B. Fegley, Willoughby Fegley, Elizabeth A. "Lizzie" Rothrock and Martha Ann Schlicher.

Jesse earned a living as a stone mason and, said the Macungie Progress, "helped to erect many a building in this neighborhood. He was an honorable and respected citizen and by his frugality, laid up enough to keep him comfortably..."

Sadly, during the Civil War years, at the age of 49, Elizabeth died on March 23, 1863. The cause of her untimely death is not known. Her remains were placed into repose in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Old Zionsville, Lehigh County.

Jesse lived for another 40 years as a widower. For decades, he lived in Upper Milford near the town of Shimerville. When the 1900 federal census was taken, he made a home with his married daughter Caroline Fisher. In about 1901, he moved into the home of his son Ephraim in the Shamrock community. On Jan. 31, 1904, at the age of 96, he succumbed. Burial was in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, with Rev. F.K. Berndt officiating.

Sanctuary of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Old Zionsville

~ Daughter Maria Sarah "Mary" (Fegley) Bortz ~

Daughter Maria Sarah "Mary" Fegley (1836-1898) was born on May 2, 1836.

She was united in matrimony with David H. Bortz (Jan. 9, 1830-1899), son of Jacob and Susan (Hiestand) Bortz.

They were the parents of nine known children, Henry Bortz, George "William" Bortz, Harry Bortz, Caroline Reitnauer ("Reidnauer"), Charles Oliver Bortz, Emma Fuller, Mary Jane Weida and Annie Bortz.

Early in his working career, David was a mining contractor along the Lehigh River near the East Penn branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. Circa 1870, they were farmers in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County. Their home in 1898 was at 393 Oak Street in Allentown.

The Bortz's grave markers, Longswamp Church Cemetery

At the age of 61, Maria Sarah died from the effects of a stroke on April 25, 1898. After funeral services in their home, led by Rev. Dr. A.R. Horne, her remains were placed on the 12:50 p.m. train for transport for burial to Longswamp Union Church Cemetery in Mertztown.

David survived her by about a year. In February 1899, while laboring at the Iowa barbed wire works in Allentown, he lost an arm in a horrific accident. Reported the Allentown Leader:

Just a little before it was time for the night shift to shut down, Mr. Bortz began to clear away the scrap that had accumulated around the barb machines. Through some misfortune his left hand was caught in a loop that formed in the wire feeding one of the machines. He couldn't extricate the hand. As the loop was drawn toward the machine it tightened around the arm just above the wrist. The machines are exceedingly powerful and run very rapidly. Before it could be stopped the arm was cut off as neatly as if it had been done with a knife. The barbs lacerated the skin and mangled the bone, and the shoulder was dislocated by the force with which he was drawn into the machine. Mr. Bortz was carried into the office where the arm was amputated above the elbow by Drs. [E.H.] Dickenshied and [John] Lear.

Over the next three months, as he recuperated at the home of his daughter Emma Fuller, said the Leader, "The arm healed perfectly." But in April 1899, making a home with his son Harry, he suffered a stroke. He died on April 24, 1899. Rev. Horne held a short funeral service at the Fegley home, with Rev. Humbert providing a longer service at Longswamp Church. Reported the Leader, it "was the fifth funeral at which Dr. Horne officiated this week." One of the daughters was married to Leonard Sefing of Allentown in 1916.

Son George William Bortz ( ? - ? ) lived in Hellertown in 1916-1940.

Son Henry Bortz (1857- ? ) was born in about 1857. He is believed to have relocated to Trumansburg, NY and was there circa 1916.

Daughter Caroline Bortz (1858-1942) was born on Sept. 9, 1858 in Shamrock, Lehigh County. She married Daniel Reitnauer ( ? - ? ), also spelled "Reidnauer." The couple produced these offspring -- David Reidnauer, Alice Fetter, Emma Clauser and Katie Kibblehouse. They dwelled in Allentown at 424 East Court Street. On New Year's Day 1911, she held a special dinner at her home at 282 East Saeger Street and hosted her brothers and sisters and their families. As her health failed due to heart valve insufficiency, added to hardening of the arteries, Carolina was admitted to Sacred Heart Hospital, and after a stay of 27 days, she succumbed on April 14, 1942. Daughter Alice Fetter, with whom Carolina lived, was the informant for the death certificate. Rev. E.C. Conrad officiated at the funeral service, held in the Fetter home, followed by burial in St. Mark's Cemetery. An obituary in the Allentown Morning Call counted her surviving offspring as 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Grandson David Reidnauer lived in Allentown in 1942.

Granddaughter Alice Reidnauer wedded Josiah Fetter. They lived at 424 East Court Street in Allentown.

Granddaughter Emma Reidnauer married (?) Clauser. Her home in 1942 was in Allentown.

Granddaughter Katie Reidnauer was joined in wedlock with Joseph Kibblehouse. They dwelled in North Wales in 1942.

Son Charles Oliver Bortz (1860- ? ) was born on Oct. 1, 1860. He was married to Hannah ( ? - ? ). Circa 1916-1932, they dwelled in Alburtis, Lehigh County. As a widower, Charles was admitted to the Lehigh County Home in Wescoesville. Burdened with pneumonia at age 86, he was admitted to Allentown Hospital and succumbed there on Jan. 6 1947. Mame Smith of 620 West Emmaus Avenue in Allentown signed the death ceretificate. Burial was in Northwood Cemetery in Emmaus.

Lehigh County Home, where Charles O. Bortz spent his final years.

Daughter Emma Bortz (1865- 1932) was born on July 23, 1865 or 1866 in Longswamp, Berks County. On Nov. , 1893, she wedded Clinton H. Fuller (July 24, 1858-1909), son of James W. and Clarissa (Miller) Fuller and a native of Catasauqua, PA. The couple did not reproduce. Clinton attended Muhlenbert College in Allentown in 1871 and 1872. He became affiliated with the Globe Metal Works, eventually becoming proprietor, which manufactured Globe bronze and the Viola and Crane brands of anti-frictions metal products. He opened a "yard" at Fullerton, which included three buildings for handling scrap iron and second-hand boilers and engines. In about 1887, he moved into the city of Allentown. The couple's address in 1899 was 391 Oak Street. Later, they occupied a colonial-style mansion at the corner of 18th and Turner Streets. He was profiled in volume two of the History of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, which said that "In 1889 he disposed of his Fullerton plant and with his brother, Abbott, he established a successful furnace at Catasauqua. The five furnaces he operated by electric motors. In the following year he purchased his brother's interest in the works and conducted a profitable business until in 1900, when fire destroyed his entire plant. It was then that he organized the Fuller Oil and Supply Company, which provided to be a most successful enterprise under the able direction and management of Mr. Fuller." While living in Catasauqua, he was a member of the borough council on the Republican ticket. They were members of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Emma was active with its Women's Missionary Society. Clinton belonged to the Masons lodge of Catasauqua, the Knights Templar of Allentown and the Elks Club of Allentown. Sadly, Clinton died on June 19, 1909. Emma survived him by 23 years and married a second time to Leonard G. Sefing ( ? - ? ). She kept herself busy as a member of the Allentown Woman's Club, the Mid-Week Charity Club, the Allentown Hospital Auxiliary, the Muhlenberg College Auxiliary and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Elks in Allentown. Later, she moved to a residence near the Trexler fishery along the Little Lehigh River. Emma was crippled with septic arthritis and underwent surgery in June 1932. She died 45 days later in Baer Hospital at the age of 66 on Aug. 8, 1932. C.R. Weida of 337 East Union Street in Allentown provided details for the death certificate. Following funeral services led by Rev. G. Harold Kinard of the family church, her remains were lowered into repose in Fairview Cemetery in Catasauqua, Lehigh County. An obituary in the Morning Call referred to her as a "prominent church and charity worker..." By 1932, their former home had become the site of the Church of St. Catherine of Siena.

Daughter Mary Jane Bortz (1869-1922) was born on Oct. 27, 1869 in Milford Township. On Aug. 27, 1887, the 17-year-old Mary Jane was joined in marriage with John R. Weida ( ? - ? ). The marriage endured for 52 years until cleaved apart by death. They were the parents of seven offspring -- Helen M. Weida, Edith N. Martz, Mrs. William Malesky, Mrs. Edgar Poe, Mrs. Harold Sterner, Vincent L. Weida and Claude R. Weida. The couple were members of the Jehovah's Witnesses. They lived at 337 East Union Street in Allentown in 1940. For the last 15 years of her life, Mary Jane suffered from heart problems, and for a decade from kidney disease. She suffered a heart attack and died at home at the age of 70 on April 22, 1940. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, following Jehovah's Witness funeral services. An obituary was printed in the Allentown Morning Call.

Son Harry Bortz (1873-1916) was born on Sept. 7, 1873 in Lehigh County. He married Mary C. Seng ( ? - ? ). The children born to this marriage were John L. Bortz, Helen M. Bortz, William R. Bortz and Clinton H. Bortz. They lived in Allentown in 1899 at 746 Joran Street. Circa 1916, he was employed as a watchman at the Post & Sheldon Silk Mill. Burdened with an enlarged heart, he died at the age of 42 on May 31, 1916. John L. Bortz of 747 North Fourth Street in Allentown was the informant on the death certificate. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. An obituary in the Allentown Morning Call reported that "He had been ill of a complication of diseases for about three weeks and was in his forty-first year."

Daughter Anna M. "Annie" Bortz (1878-1963) was born on April 4, 1878. She never married but lived a long life in Allentown. Her address in the early 1960s was 719 Linden Street. At the age of 85, she was stricken with acute heart problems and passed away in Allentown Hospital on Sept. 7, 1963. Vincent L. Weida Sr., of 1214 Chew Street in Allentown, signed the Pennsylvania certificate of death. Her remains were placed into repose in Greenwood Cemetery.

Zionsville Reformed Church Cemetery

~ Daughter Caroline (Fegley) Fisher ~

Daughter Caroline Fegley (1838-1920) -- also misspelled "Fehnel" -- was born on Sept. 3, 1838 in Upper Milford Township.

She married Daniel Fisher (Oct. 9, 1830-1901).

Their known offspring were Emma Fisher, Hannah F. "Annie" Anderson Barba, Caroline "Carrie" Garman, John Henry Fisher, Elizabeth Lehman, William Fisher, Martha "Mattie" Oswald, Edward Fisher, James Lewellyn Fisher and Katharine "Katie" Croslett.

Over the years, Daniel labored as a stone mason. Their residence was located between Macungie and Shimersville. In 1900, they provided a home for Caroline's aged father.

Suffering from dropsy, Daniel passed away in Nov. 1901 at the age of about 70. Funeral services and the burial were held at Old Zionsville, officiated by Rev. O.R. Frantz. An obituary appeared in the Allentown Leader.

Zionsville Reformed Church, Old Zionsville

Caroline survived him by 19 years and moved into Allentown.

She became seriously ill in June 1920 and was confined to her bed. She only lived for three more months until death took her away on Sept. 12, 1920, at the home of her married daughter Katharine Croslett. "Death was due to the infirmities of old age," reported the Allentown Morning Call. Funeral services were held at home, led by Rev. R.M. Kern, and in the Zionsville Reformed Church, with Rev. Blatt officiating. Her remains are in repose in Old Zionsville United Church of Christ Cemetery in Zionsville.

Daughter Emma Fisher (1860- ? ) was born in about 1860. Her fate is unknown.

Daughter Hannah F. "Annie" Fisher (1862-1933) was born on Sept. 7, 1862. She appears to have been wed twice. Her first spouse was Anderson ( ? - ? ), a Swedish immigrant. They were the parents of four offspring -- Rev. W. Lloyd Anderson, Mrs. Rev. W.S. Schelley, Clarence Anderson and Ella Ihrie. Sadly, Mr. Anderson is believed to have died sometime before 1900. Federal census records for 1900 show her residence in Allentown. She was a charter member of the Dubbs Memorial Reformed Church in Allentown and regularly attended its Bible Class and sewing circle. On July 15, 1909, age 47, she was united in marriage with 57-year-old widower William H. Barba (March 29, 1852-1936). He was the son of Karl and Elizabeth (Mann) Barba and a native of Lower Sancon Township, Northampton County. The ceremony was performed by Rev. E.E. Kresge, and news of the wedding was printed in the Allentown Morning Call. William had been married previously to Susanna/Christina Smith ( ? -1904) and brought two sons to the second marriage -- Charles E. Barba, P.E. and Dr. Preston Albert Barba. Early in William's career, he designed and manufactured farming tools in Hellertown and Freemansburg. Some of his designs remained widely in use in the 1930s. He eventually obtained a position as foreman with Escelsion Knitting Maching Manufacturing Company in Allentown, covering the span of 32 years. They dwelled in Emmaus at 150 Main Street. In about 1929, Hannah began to attend the Emmaus Moravian Church. Burdened with chronic heart disease, Hannah succumbed at the age of 71 on Oct. 4, 1933. Funeral services were held in the Dubbs church, at Allen and Fifth Streets, and burial was in the Old Zionsville Reformed Cemetery. Stepson Preston A. Barba of 729 North 24th Street, Allentown, was the informant for the death certificate. In an obituary, the Morning Call said "Emaus lost one of its oldest and best-loved residents." She was survived by 24 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. William outlived his wife by three years. He passed into eternity at age 84 on April 24, 1936. Rev. M.F. Klingaman of Allentown officiated at the funeral, with burial in Hellertown Union Cemetery in Hellertown.

Above: Zionsville charge yearbooks (1954, 1964) and rededication booklet, 1964. Below: Zionsville Reformed Church.

Grandson Rev. W. Lloyd Anderson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). As a young man, he belonged to the Dubbs Memorial Church in Allentown, of which his mother was a founding member. Interested in pursuing the ministry as a career, he was taken under the care of the congregation in 1908. He was ordained and lived in Burleitsville, MD in 1916 -- Virginia in 1919 -- and in North Carolina in 1933.

Granddaughter Ella Anderson (1883- ? ) was born on June 1883. She earned income as a silk worker in 1906. In 1906, she married woodcarver Theodore Ihrie ( ? - ? ), son of Emma (Moyer) Ihrie. Rev. E.E. Kresge led the nuptials. At the time of marriage, Theodore was a resident of 438 Law Street. Their two known daughters were Grace Ehrie and Bernice Ehrie. Theodore was the organist of the Dubbs Memorial Church in Allentown and directed its youth choruses over the years. Circa 1913, Ella and the girls spent a visit of eight weeks at her sister (?) Schelley's home in Wadsworth, OH. In 1933, they resided in Allentown. She was pictured in the Morning Call in March 1936, using a 25-year-old image showing her wearing a fancy hat.

Granddaughter Viola E. Anderson (1886- ? ) was born in Feb. 1886. She wedded Rev. Warren S. Schelley (1885- ? ), also spelled "Shelly." They produced four known children -- Eunice A. Shelly, Warren L. Shelly, Heremona R. Shelly and Kenneth T. Shelly. As Warren was transferred to new congregations over the years, their homes included Wadsworth, OH in 1913-1916 -- Illinois in 1925 -- and Carson City, Montcalm County, MI in 1933.

Grandson Clarence R. Anderson (1889-1916) was born on Feb. 26, 1889. He relocated to Michigan as a young man where he earned a living as a fireman. He remained there for the balance of his relatively short life. He married Anna ( ? - ? ) and produced two daughters, Grace Anderson and Ruth Anderson. Their home in the mid-1910s was in Negaunee, Marquette County, MI. Clarence became seriously ill with pulmonary tuberculosis and was admitted to Morgan Heights Sanitarium. Unable to recover, he died there at the age of 27 on March 6, 1916. Interment was in Park Cemetery in Marquette.

Step-grandson Charles E. Barba, P.E. (1878-1953) was born in 1878. He grew up in Hellertown, Northampton County. He received his higher education at Lehigh University in 1901 and was licensed as a professional engineer. In about 1905, Charles wedded Marguerita Dunn (1879- ? ), a native of the District of Columbia. They produced nine children -- Charles E. Barba Jr., Margarita Barba, Mrs. Bernard Wesers, Preston A. Barba II, Francis Barba, William H. Barba, Elizabeth Barba, Robert Barba and John Barba. Immediately upon graduation from Lehigh, he accepted a position with the U.S. War Department in Washington, DC. Then by 1904, he became employed as a mechanical engineer with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona, PA. He eventually went to work for Midvale Steel Corporation. Between 1918 and 1920, they had relocated to Newton, Middlesex County, MA, where he was superintendent of an arsenal in Watertown, NY. Remaining in Newton, he was named mechanical engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1926 and was a consulting engineer in 1936. Their address in 1938 was 11 Willard Street, and they are known to have spent the summer of 1938 on vacation at Wheeler's Point. During World War II, he accepted a position as production manager for the Baldwin Locomotive Company of Philadelphia, which manufactured howitzer cannons to support the war effort. His final assignment was with Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. In retirement, he and Marguerita established a home in West Alexander, PA. He passed away at home at the age of 76 on Sept. 5, 1953. Funeral services were held in the Christ Evangelical Reformed Church in Hellertown.

Great-grandson Charles E. Barba Jr. (1906- ? ) was born in about 1906. Unmarried at the age of 24 in 1930, he lived and home and worked as an oil salesman in Newton, MA. He married (?) and had a son Peter Barba, making a home in New Haven, CT in 1932.

Great-granddaughter Margarita C. Barba (1907- ? ) was born in about 1907. Single at age 23 in 1930, residing at home, she was employed as a bookkeeper for a telephone company in Newton, MA.

Great-granddaughter Dorothy A. Barba (1908- ? ) was born in about 1908.

Great-grandson Preston A. Barba II (1910-1990) was born on July 2, 1910. He earned income as an apprentice in the rubber industry in 1930. He passed away in St. Louis, MO on Feb. 15, 1990.

Great-grandson Francis Barba (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913.

Great-grandson William H. Barba (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and circa 1938 held the rank of lieutenant. He was married to Marjorie Hathaway, daughter of Lt. Commander F.W. Hathaway of Coronada, CA.

Great-granddaughter Elizabeth Barba (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916. At the age of 22, spent spent the summer of 1938 as a swimming instructor at the Girl Scouts Camp Mary Day in Natick, MA.

Great-grandson Robert Barba (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918.

Great-grandson John Barba (1923- ? ) was born in 1923 in Newton, MA.

Muhlenberg College, Allentown, where Dr. Preston Barba taught German

Preston A. Barba

Step-grandson Preston Albert Barba (1883-1971) was born on April 7, 1883 in Bethlehem. He was 26 years of age when his father married our Hannah (Fisher) Anderson. He married Eleanor Martin (March 29, 1893-1966), a native of Corydon, IN and the daughter of George and Anna (Nealy) Martin. They may have met when teaching at the University of Indiana. They were the parents of two sons, George Barba and Dr. William Barba. He is known to have spent the summer of 1905 in the British Isles, having sailed there on the Astoria. He was a 1906 graduate of Muhlenberg College and then spent a year at Yale University doing graduate study for a master's degree in arts. From there he was named professor of German at Western Maryland College for the 1907-1908 but resigned to become assistant instructor in German at the University of Pennsylvania. During that time he traveled widely in France and listening to lectures at the University of Paris. In 1909, he received the Harrison Fellowship in Germanics and studied at the University of Heidelberg. At one point he taught at Heidelberg College in Ohio. Then in 1910 he conducted research in Berlin and Munich, returning to Penn that fall and remaining there until 1911, receiving his doctorate. He published several books while a doctoral student and secured his Ph.D. Upon graduation, he studied the "German novel" at the Amerika Institute of Berlin and also spent time in Goettingen. He secured a faculty position in Germanics with the University of Indiana. Circa 1911-1912, he spent a year in Germany researching "the effect of German immigration on German literature," said the Allentown Democrat. The outbreak of World War I, and our nation's revulsion with all things German, may have been a temporary setback.

In 1922, Preston returned to Allentown to teach German at Muhlenberg College and remained there for nearly three decades until retirement in 1951. During the 1923-1924 year, he founded Der Deutsche Verein -- "The German Club" -- open to all students except freshmen. Meetings were held every two weeks in the homes of its members. "At these meetings the speaking of German is done as much as possible," said the 1926 college yearbook Ciarla. "German songs are quite in vogue and speeches on various interesting and educational topics are given by different members throughout the year. After the meetings a typical German luncheon is usually served, much to the delight of all present." He was profiled in the 1926 Ciarla and was praised for the higher values he imbued in his students:

Realizing that there is far more in German literature than the translation of words and idioms Doctor Barba has delved into the lower currents of thought not readily perceptible a the surface. He has caught the inspiration of the great classics and he is transmitting it in a very fascinating way to the students in his classes. Moreover, from his yearly trips to Germany he brings us many glimpses of the surroundings amid which the great masters wrote. Of Heldelberg he relates the joys and pranks of student life, and from Weimar he culls the spirit of Goethe and Schiller that gives us the incentive to study German Literature. But, above all, he has impressed us with the superficiality of our aspect on life. He has taught us that in our college studies it is not sufficient merely to pass, but that the world today demands men who know more than our college studies give us, men who are more efficient than student activities can make us. He has shown us the world crisis; he has told us what we need to face it. A professor of German? Yes, but also a professor of life.

Dr. Preston Barba, right, aboard the Bremen in June 1925 during one of his annual summer travels to Europe, seated with Mrs. Nagle and Professor Lambert. He appears either to be laughing or about to take a bite.

Dr. Preston Barba, Switzerland, 1925

Muhlenberg conferred upon him an honorary dictorage of literature degree in 1952, and he received a distinguished achievement award from the Muhlenberg Alumni Association in 1968. Preston authored many publications and books, among them They Came to Emmaus, 1939, considered the standard history of the community. For 34 years, he edited a weekly column in the Allentown Morning Call, " 'S Pennsylvanisch Deitsch Eck," considered the "authoritative ... recounting the history, customs, and traditions of the Pennsylvania German." He traveled back to Europe every year and led 40 tours for scholars and friends from the Lehigh Valley. His community activities included membership in the Pennsylvania Folklore Society, the Pennsylvania German Society and as an officer and board director of the Lehigh County Historical Society. He was a member of the Goethe Society of America, the Sons of the American Revolution and the Modern Language Society of America. Eleanor was an artist who illustrated many of his articles, and his traveling companion on annual trips to Europe.

Their address in Emmaus was at 150 Main Street, and they belonged to St. John's United Church of Christ. Sadly, at the age of 73, Eleanor suffered from Parkinson's and was stricken with bleeding on the brain and was admitted to Sacred Heart Hospital. She passed away there on July 14, 1966. Burial was in Hellertown Union Cemetery. Preston survived his wife by five years. He died on Easter Sunday, April 11, 1971 at the age of 88. He was eulogized in the Morning Call as "one of the foremost authorities on the life, literature and lore of the Pennsylvania Germans." In summarizing the "Eck" column, the Morning Call said that "He projected this unique newspaper feature primarily to bring new generations the heritages of this area's pioneer forebearers and their descendants but also used it to encourage contemporary writers by publishing some of their work. he himself wrote little for the column except for the editorial comment, but his vast knowledge of his subject and where to find the material he used is what gave it substance. He himself once said that when he began the Eck, he knew most persons recognized the humorous columnist in the dialect but had come to believe this humor was all there was to the Pennsylvania German dialect. His aim was to bring their more serious cultural contributions to public attention and thereby help preserve them. Because the Eck was a mixture of English and Pennsylvania German, it had wide readership. It was sent to libraries across the country and in many parts of the world and has become an important source for scholarly research as well as for pleasant, entertaining reading."

Step-great-grandson George M. Barba (1919-1989) was born on Sept. 25, 1919. He resided with his parents in Emmaus. Their historic house was constructed in 1760 and, during the Revolutionary War, was a hospital. After his parents' deaths, he continued to dwell in the home. George died on Feb. 13, 1989. After his passing, the contents of his estate, including many of his parents' German books, artwork, redware, lighting, guns, glass flasks, walnut cupboard, French bronzes, china and pewter were sold at auction.

Step-great-grandson Dr. William M. Barba (1922-1994) was born on Nov. 11, 1922. He lived in Warren, OH in 1971. William succumbed in Warren in Nov. 1994.

Dr. Preston Albert Barba's Authored/Edited Publications

They Came to Emmaus

They Came to Emmaus. Emmaus, PA: Borough of Emmaus, 1959.

German Lyrics and Ballads: From Klopstick to Modern Times. Henry Holt and Co., 1929. Co-authored with Bert J. Vos.

"Steam-boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Before the Civil War." Indiana Magazine of History, June 1915, vol. XI, No. 2. Edited memoirs of Capt. Wilson Daniels.

Snow Hill Cloister: The Dialect Poems of Ralph Funk. Pennsylvania German Society, Allentown, PA, 1968. Co-authored with Charles M. Treher and Ralph Funk.

Balduin Möllhausen: The German Cooper. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1914.

The Life and Works of Friedrich Armand Strubberg. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 1913.

Lewis Miller, Pennsylvania German Folk Artist. Allentown, PA, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, 1939. With Eleanor Barba.

Pennsylvania German Tombstones: A Study in Folk Art. Pennsylvania German Folklore Society: Schlecter's, Allentown, PA, 1954. With Eleanor Barba.

Hex Signs of the Pennsylvania Dutch. R.W. Cummings, 1945.

Gezwitscher, 1938

In Memoriam, John Birmelin. Allentown, PA, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, 1951.

Humorous Tales Told by Contemporary Pennsylvania Germans. Allentown, PA, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, 1950.

In Memoriam, Lloyd A. Moll. Allentown, PA, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, 1947.

Gezwitscher. Allentown, PA, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, Vol. 3, 1938. Includes an article by Anita L. (Smith) Eyster, "Notices by German Settlers," mentioning Johann Heinrich Jungken (Younkin).

In Memoriam, Edwin Miller Fogel. Allentown, PA, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, 1949.

Pennsylvania German Cookery: A Regional Cookbook. Schlecter's. Co-authored with Ann Hark.

Four Pennsylvania German Studies: ... Rachel Bahn, Pennsylvania German Poetess. Pennsylvania German Society, Breinigsville, PA, 1970, Vol. III, No. 3.

A Pennsylvania German Grammar. Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, Allentown, PA, 1965. Co-authored with Albert Huffington.

Henry Meyer: An Early Pennsylvania German Poet. Pennsylvania German Folklore Society, Allentown, PA, 1955. Editor.

Daughter Caroline "Carrie" Fisher (1864-1926) was born on Oct. 7, 1864 in Upper Miford Township. She was united in wedlock with James B. Garman ( ? -1927), the son of William Garman of Shimersville. The couple produced one son, William E. Garman. They initially dwelled in Macungie and moved to Allentown in 1892 and remained there for decades, where they were members of St. Andrew's Reformed Church. Early in his working career, James was a driver on the Allentown and Bethlehem Rapid Transit which eventually became Lehigh Valley Transit Company. Circa 1899, he was employed as deputy warden of the Lehigh County Jail. He then resigned to begin work in the insurance business and in 1901 served on the common council of Allentown's 10th Ward. He was brought back to the deputy warden position when he spent a total of nine years, followed by a promotion to warden, in which he served for a decade. After retirement, he went back to the insurance business and then was named county tax collector for Allentown's 9th Ward. He was a longtime Mason. Their home in the 1920s was at 622 Washington Street. In about 1925, he began to suffer from "nerves of the back and those surrounding the ribs," said the Allentown Morning Call. Then, in the winter of 1926, she began to be afflicted with acute indigestion and heart failure, Carrie succumbed at the age of 61 on Jan. 28, 1926. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, with Rev. M.F. Klingaman of Dubb's Reformed Church officiating. A local news obituary said that "her death came as a severe blow to her relatives and intimate acquaintances." Seemingly lost without his wife, James suffered a nervous breakdown after her passing, and was treated by Dr. Elmer Bausch. In early September 1927, in company with his son and daughter-in-law, in company with friends I.A. Moser and Howard Minner, made a 600-mile drive to Watkins Glen, NY. James drove and he "was in excellent spirits on leaving and drove the entire distance," said the Morning Call. "Throughout Sunday he was in good health and derived great pleasure in touring familir parts of Watkins Glen, which is a summer watering resort, and before retiring in the evening was apparently well." But he suffered a stroke overnight or the next morning and passed away quickly. Word was telegraphed to his only niece, Jennie Lichtenwalner, living at 1032 Hamilton Street in Allentown. His to begin planning the arrangements. His remains were transported to their home at 622 Washington Street for burial. Services were "attended by many sorrowing relatives, friends and members of the organizations with which he was affiliated," said the Morning Call. The funeral was led by Rev. R.M. Kern of the family church, with additional Masonic services conducted at the gravesite. Under the terms of his last will and testament, James bequeathed his entire estate worth $10,000 to their son, except for $100 for the Fairview Cemetery Association to maintain the Garman family plot of graves.

Lehigh County Jail, where James B. Garman was warden in 1916-1920

Grandson William E. Garman ( ? - ? )

Son John Henry Fisher (1867-1906) was born on April 8, 1867 or 1869 in Lehigh County. He married Flora ( ? - ? ) and produced a son, Raymond Fisher. They lived in Easton, Northampton County, PA in 1901 and South Easton in 1906, where he earned a living as a plumber and steamfitter in the erecting department of Lehigh Valley shops. He belonged to the South Easton Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Lehigh Valley Relief Association and St. Peter's Reformed Church. Their address in 1906 was 608 Mauch Chunk Street. The family was plunged into grief in March 1906 when John, having suffered for two-and-a-half years from tuberculosis of the pharanyx (bronchitis), leading to an ability to swallow, passed away at the age of 39. Burial was in South Easton Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Allentown Morning Call.

Grandson Raymond Fisher ( ? - ? ) lived in Easton in 1955.

Daughter Elizabeth Fisher (1869-1943) was born on Sept. 3, 1869 in Lehigh County. In about 1888, when she would have been abljt age 18, she married Milton H. Lehman ( ? -1943) of Lehigh County. The couple remained together for 55 years. They bore one daughter, Sara Holter. In his early working life, Milton was employed by the Reading Railroad as a station agent in East Greenville. He then moved to D.D. and N.D. Fritch Milling Company and remained there for "many years, retiring only when his health forced him to," said the Allentown Morning Call. They were members of Western Salisbury Church near Allentown. Active in the community, Milton served on the school board in East Greenville. He was a charter member of the East Greenville Building and Loan Association. Their home in 1906-1943 was in East Greenville, Montgomery County, on 121 Fourth Street. In 1920, they are known to have attended the funeral of Elizabeth's mother in Allentown, and then in 1929 they went to Lewisburg for the funeral of their grandson Walter Lehman Holter. The couple were members of the New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church of East Greenville. In a sad and unusual twist, the Lehmans died within a week of each other in mid-April 1943. Both Elizabeth and Milton had been ill at home and then, after she had been taken to a local hospital, he suffered a heart attack at the age of 81, dying on April 11, 1943. Elizabeth only survived him by five days and, stricken with heart disease, passed at the age of 73, in Quakertown Community Hospital, in Bucks County, on April 16, 1943. Rev. Dr. C.M. DeLong officiated at the funeral service, with burial in Western Salisbury Union Cemetery near Allentown. An obituary ran in the Morning Call, and son-in-law Walter Holter of Lewisburg signed the death certificate.

Granddaughter Sara Lehman ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On Aug. 15, 1925, she was united in wedlock with Henry "Walter" Holter (July 26, 1894-1956), son of Henry C. and Mary (Hall) Holter of Howard, PA. The "pretty home wedding" was held in the Lehman home in East Greenville, said the Allentown Morning Call, and Rev. C.M. DeLong of the New Goshenhoppen Reformed congregation officiated. "The parlor where the wedding was solemnized was appropriately decorated for the event." Helen Levengood of Boyertown was bridesmaid, and Walter's brother Cameron Holter was best man. They were the parents of Walter Lehman Holter Jr., Nancy Holter and Elizabeth Ann Holter. Walter was employed at Bucknell College as registrar circa 1925-1937, and for decades they resided in Lewisburg, Union County, PA. In November 1936, Sara served as matron of honor in the wedding of Helen Rhodes Levengood and Roy U. Rapp near Boyertown. Exhausted by his work at the college, and suffering from heart disease, Walter was granted a year's leave of absence in October 1946. He apparently returned to work. Their address in the 1950s was 205 South 13th Street in Lewisburg. When he was age 61, Walter's heart valve collapsed and he died within the hour on March 16, 1956. Burial was in Lewisburg Cemetery.

Daughter Martha J. "Mattie" Fisher (1873-1949) was born on March 11, 1873 in Vera Cruz, Lehigh County. When she was 25 years of age, in aboiut 1897, she was joined in holy matrimony with 40-year-old Jonathan I. "John" Oswald (July 14, 1855-1931), son of Henry Oswald. Jonathan had been married previously to Emaline "Emma" Reinert and brought these children to the second union, who became Martha's stepdaughters -- Mary E. Ruch, Anna White and Kate Oswald. Martha and the eldest step-daughter were about the same age. Martha and Jonathan did not have any offspring of their own. Circa 1900, Jonathan was a foreman at the Lewis Furnaces in Allentown's Sixth Ward. The furnaces eventually closed, and Jonathan went to work as a concrete and cement construction foreman for the contracting firm G.H. Hardner. In 1920, when his son-in-law William Ruth was an Allentown city commissioner, John was named commissioner of streets. They were members of the Dubbs Memorial Reformed Church, and she belonged to the home department of the Sunday School. Heartache blanketed the family in 1923 at the death of married daughter Mary E. Ruch at the age of 50. The Oswalds' address in the 1930s was 738 North Seventh Street in Allentown, and in his final years Jonathan was considered "well and favorably known among the older generations of this city," said the Allentown Morning Call. Sadly, Jonathan endured heart and kidney disease and then was badly injured in an accidental fall down a flight of stairs. He was felled by a stroke and died at age 74 on May 7, 1931. Martha outlived her spouse by 18 years and remained in their home. Having contracted hardening of the arteries, Martha suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Sacred Heart Hospital. Six days later, she succumbed on Oct. 24, 1949. Her brother James was the informant for the Pennsylvania certificate of death. Her remains were lowered into repose in West End Cemetery in Allentown.

Step-granddaughter Mary E. Oswald (1873-1923) was born on April 4, 1873 in Mertztown, Berks County. She married William Ruch (Nov. 1868- ? ). They produced five children -- Mrs. Harold J. Schmoyer, Charles A. Ruch, Paul H. Ruch, Richard K. Ruch and Anna T. Ruch. The couple made a home in Allentown, where William labored at a cement works. In about 1920, he was elected as a city commissioner. Their address was 16 North 13th Street. At the age of about 49, Mary was diagnosed with chronic kidney and heart disease which led to an infection of her urinary tract. She lived for another three months but could not rally. Death swept her away at the age of 50 on April 22, 1923. Reported the Allentown Morning Call, she "had been in ill health for several months but had not been confined to her bed until four days ago." Rev. I.F. Bergstresser officiated at the funeral service, with interment following in West End Cemetery.

Step-granddaughter Anna Oswald (1875- ? ) was born in about 1875. She wedded Rev. J.F. White ( ? - ? ) and resided in 1920 in Philadelphia.

Step-granddaughter Kate Oswald (1878- ? ) was born in about 1878 in Allentown. She was deceased by 1923.

Son William D. Fisher (1873-1930) was born on Oct. 27, 1873. He was joined in marriage with a cousin, Ella M.R. Kern (1876-1958), daughter of Edward R. and Mary Ann (Gaumer) Kern of the family of Joseph Gaumer. See their biography for more.

Old Zionsville United Church of Christ

Son Edward J. Fisher (1876-1933) was born on Sept. 22, 1876. He never married. For decades, he dwelled in Allentown where he was considered one of the city's well-known residents. He learned the trade of carpentry and worked in the field and labored as a carpenter. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, Edward and his bachelor brother William boarded in the Allentown household of Elmer and Arabell Knapp. That year, Edward was listed as a carpenter and William as a harness maker. His residence in 1905 was at 523 North Seventh Street, Allentown. On the next-to-last day of 1905, the 29-year-old Edward was joined in marriage with 31-year-old silk weaver Gertude Miller (1874- ? ), daughter of Charles and Mary Miller. Her address at the time was 32 South Hall Street. In filling out their marriage license application, the couple asked that the news not be published in local newspapers. Rev. Theo F. Herman officiated. The union did not last, and by 1910 they were divorced. Then in 1910, he lived under the Madison Street roof of his now-married brother William, continuing his occupational specialty of carpentry, and with brother James "Lewellyn" also in the home. But fate intervened in about 1918, when at the age of about 42 he became partially paralyzed. He no longer could work but continued his membership in the Carpenters' Union. His address in 1933 was with his married sister Martha J. Oswald at 738 North Seventh Street. Sadly, burdened with recurring heart and kidney disease, the 57-year-old Edward suffered a stroke and succumbed on Dec. 8, 1933. His remains were placed into eternal rest in the Old Zionsville Reformed Church Cemetery.

Daughter Kathryn "Katie" Fisher (1879-1955) was born in about 1879 in Vera Cruz, Lehigh County. She wedded Jesse A. Coslett (Aug. 2, 1877-1945), son of John and Rebecca (Dent) Coslett of Buck Horn, Columbia County, PA. The couple did not reproduce. Their address in 1920 was 549 North Ninth Street in Allentown and then in the 1940s at 47 North Seventh Street. She was a longtime member of Dubbs Memorial Evangelical and Reformed Church in Allentown. She earned income over the years as a sales woman with Somach's Store. Jesse endured cardiovascular disease and heart problems and died at age 67 on Feb. 3, 1945. Cremation followed. After her husband's death, she lived with her married niece Ella Ihrie at 15 North Sixth Street. Kathryn passed away at home just four days before Christmas 1955. In an obituary, the Allentown Morning Call noted that "She was the last of 10 in the family." Kathryn left behind an estate valued at $10,000, and she bequeathed $1,000 each to local charitable institutions in memory of her late brother James. These included the Dubbs Memorial Evangelical and Reformed Church, the Phoebe Home and Good Shepherd Home in Allentown and the Bethany Orphans Home of Womelsdorf.

Bird's eye view of Easton and the Lehigh River bridges

Old Zionsville United Church of Christ

Son James "Lewellyn" Fisher (188a-1953) was born on Sept. 26, 188a in Vera Cruz, Lehigh County. He lived at home with his parents in Allentown in 1901, in Easton in 1906 and in Allentown in 1926-1933. On Dec. 21, 1900, when he was 18 years of age, he married Florence A. Meith ( ? - ? ). The couple were the parents of a daughter, Lillian I. Strausser. James reputedly left the home and marriage on April 15, 1908, and went to live with his married brother William. James and Florence eventually separated and may have divorced. Florence brought a legal complaint against him for non-support, but the case was dismissed in 1919. The United States Census of 1920 shows James working as a weaver in a silk mill and boarding with widow Ida Jacoby and her 33-year-old widowed daughter Birdie Hemminger in Allentown, and he remained in the home throughout the 1920s and 1930s even after Ida Jacoby died. His employment circa 1925 was as a mechanic. Then by 1930, James worked as a clerk in the City Streets Department, perhaps as his brother-in-law Jonathan Oswald was commissioner of the unit. He belonged to the Dubbs Memorial Evangelical Reformed Church and to the Jordan Lodge of the Masons. Circa 1940, he earned a living as a clerk in a city garage and then was transferred to the city's Highway Department. He made a home with his sister Kathryn Coslett in his final years at 738 North Seventh Street. James was stricken with a heart attack and became bedfast in October 1952. He succumbed to the Grim Reaper of Death at the age of 71, on Jan. 12, 1953, at home. An obituary was published in the Allentown Morning Call, and burial was in the cemetery of the Old Zionsville United Church of Christ.

Granddaughter Lillian I. Fisher (1903- ? ) was born in 1903 in Macungie. As a young woman, she studied music at Cedar Crest College, and became organist at Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie. To support herself, however, she worked at Bonney Forge and Tool Works. On July 25, 1925, in nuptials held in Macungie, the 22-year-old Lillian married knitter Robert Strausser ( ? - ? ), son of Robert E. and Rebecca (Herbster) Strausser of Macungie. Their wedding was held at Grace church, co-officiated by Rev. George W. Fritch and Rev. Harry J. Donat, with 250 people attending. As her father apparently was not active in her life, she was given in marriage by an uncle, Charles Muth. In a related story, the Allentown Morning Call reported that she "was beautifully attired in white georgette, trimmed with pearls. She carried a bridal bouquet of white roses and lilies of the valley." The article also noted that Robert "is a popular member of the younger set of business men of Macungie." They dwelled in Macungie in 1953.

Longswamp Church Cemetery

~ Son Ephraim B. Fegley ~

Son Ephraim B. Fegley (1847-1913) was born on Jan. 15, 1847.

In about 1869, when he would have been age 22, he was wedded to Emeline "Emma" Berkey (Jan. 20, 1849-1916).

The couple produced nine children, seven of whom were living circa 1900. Among the known offspring were Alice Reinert, Sarah Wean, Victor Franklin Fegley, John Ephraim Fegley, William Henry Fegley, Alice Kratzer and Mary Susan Eck.

Over the years, Ephraim made a living as a tenant farmer, moving from farm to farm as opportunities came and went. When the United States Census was taken in 1870, the family resided in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County. By 1880, they had relocated to a farm in Longswamp Township, Berks County.

Circa April 1897, noted the Allentown Leader, they left the farm of Joel Schugar at Huff's Church and moved to Uriah Biery's farm near Shamrock. He is believed to have volunteered his time as superintendent of a Sabbath School of the Evangelical Church. Circa 1913, they made a home near Mertztown.

The Fegelys entertained their children and grandchildren with a turkey dinner on Christmas 1911. The event was mentioned in the gossip columns of the Allentown Morning Call.

Ephraim was admitted to Allentown Hospital where he succumbed at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 11 days on Nov. 26, 1913. Burial was in Longswamp Union Cemetery in Mertztown, with the body transported there via railroad. An obituary was printed in the Morning Call, which counted 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren among his survivors.

Mertztown landmark: ruins of the old Sally Ann iron furnace

Emeline lived for exactly three more years, and succumbed on Nov. 26, 1916 at the age of 67 years, 10 months and six days. In a death notice, the Morning Call said that "Funeral services will be held from her late home ... which relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend without further notice. Continued services and burial at Longswamp Church. Teams meet 7:45 and 9 o'clock trains at Shamrock." Services were jointly conducted by Rev. Bond and Rev. Meckstroth. Pallbearers included H.C. Fegley, Oscar Luckenbill, Daniel Romig, Harvey Merkle, David Anthony and George Fegley.

Daughter Alice R. Fegley (1869-1927) was born on March 20, 1869 in Upper Milford Township. She married to Nicholas B. Reinert ( ? - ? ) and lived in Reading in 1913. Their offspring were Cyrus Reinert and Minnie Reinert. In July 1925, the Reinerts attended the first annual reunion of the family of Abraham Reineret at the old homestead, located between Fredericksville and Huff's Church. Alice helped cater the affair, and N.B. was elected secretary. Their address in the mid-1920s was at 135 Poplar Street in Reading. Sadly, Alice contracted diabetes and then, when stricken with pneumonia, died at the age of 57 on Feb. 22, 1927. Interment was in Sinking Spring Cemetery.

Grandson Cyrus Reinert

Grandson Minnie Reinert

Daughter Sarah M. Fegley (1874- ? ) was born in about 1874. She wed Reuben Wean (July 12, 1871-1942), a native of Huff's Church, Berks County and the son of John and Elmira "Ella" (Moyer) Wean. They produced these children -- Robert E. Wean, Raymond Wean, Ethel Wean and Erma Wean. In about 1892, they relocated to the Harlem community of Pottstown, Montgomery County, where they stayed for 50 years and made a home at 265 Manatawny Street. For the last six years of his life, Reuben was burdened with a hardening of his heart arteries. Then in late 1941, he was stricken with a heart attack. He lingered for five weeks and succumbed at the age of 71 on Dec. 18, 1942. His remains were placed into repose in Highland Cemetery. Her address in 1959 was in Shillington, PA.

Grandson Robert E. Wean made his home in 1942 at 249 Chestnut Street in Pottstown.

Grandson Raymond J. Wean lived in 1941 in Warren, Trumbull County, OH.

Granddaughter Ethel "Essie" Wean

Granddaughter Erma Wean

Longswamp Church Cemetery

Son Victor Franklin Fegely (1876-1941) was born on July 15, 1876 in Shamrock, Berks County. He was united in marriage with Edna "Geneva" Schueck (Feb. 27, 1878-1938), the daughter of Daniel and Amanda (Kehs) Schueck of Spinnerstown, Berks County. They made a residence in Walters Park, Berks County in 1913 and in Mertztown in 1933-1941. The couple bore one known son, Victor Fegely, who sadly died at the tender age of two-and-a-half months on Aug. 27, 1915. The Fegelys also adopted a daughter, Clara. They dwelled in Mertztown and belonged to the Reformed congregation of the Longswamp Church. After the death of Geneva's father, an estate sale was held to auction off household contents, with Victor assisting. Reported the Allentown Democrat, the event "drew together an immense throng of people. Though the crowd was big many were present only out of curiosity. Still the bidding was animated, and good prices were realized on almost everything offered, especially on a lot of relics which had belonged to the household during the whole of the married life of the deceased, and some of which had come down from their ancestry. In the line of these old household goods there was an especially ready demand for blue china and porcelain ware." In 1904, they resided in Wernersville -- in 1911 in Walter's Park, Lower Heidelberg Township -- and in 1924 near Mertztown. Circa 1923, Victor served as secretary of the joint congregations of the Longswamp Church, helped pursue formal incorporation of a Union Cemetery Board, and was named in the association's By-Laws, Rules and Regulations booklet. For a number of years, Geneva was burdened with diabetes and hardening of the arteries. Then, in early November 1937, she began to suffer from a diabetes-related bone infection in her right foot, known as "osteomyelitis." Her health declined after that and, on May 21, 1838, she succumbed. Victor survived for another three years as a widower. He was afflicted with kidney disease and hardening of the arteries and in April 1941 lapsed into a diabetic coma. He died in Maxatawney Township at the age of 64 on April 12, 1941. An obituary in the Allentown Morning Call reported that Rev. Donald Englert of Mertztown and Rev. William F. Bond of Shamrock co-officiated at the funeral service, held in the family church.

Booklet codifying the cemetery association rules and naming Victor.

Granddaughter Clara Hill Fegely (1901- ? ) was born in about 1901, the daughter of George and Jane Hill. Her father had abandoned the family when she was about age two, and her mother subsequently died when the girl was still young. Clara formally was adopted by the Fegelys in May 1911 by order of Berks County President Judge Endlich. In February 1924, when she was age 23, Clara wedded William Dankel ( ? - ? ) of Mertztown, son of Alvin and Elizabeth Dankel. The nuptials were held in the parsonage of Rev. W.L. Meckstroth in Mertztown. At the time of marriage, William was employed as a cutter of chenille, a type of fabric used for furniture, carpets and clothes. They were the parents of Victor Dankel. Their residence in 1941 was in Mertztown.

Longswamp Church Cemetery

Son John Ephraim Fegely (1879-1941) was born on Nov. 22, 1879 in Longswamp Township, Berks County. He worked as a farm laborer and never married. He lived at home with his parents in Longswamp Township, Berks County in 1900-1913. By 1933, he resided in East Texas, Lehigh County, and eventually became an invalid. Burdened with chronic heart disease, he passed into eternity at age 61 on June 29, 1941. Funeral services were held in the home of his married sister Emma Kratzer in East Texas, with additional services in the Longswamp Church. Interment was in the church graveyard. Rev. Donald Englert of Mertztown preached at the funeral. The Allentown Morning Call reported that "Tributes were from: Sister Emma and family; brother William and wife; R.J. Wean and family from Warren, O.; Reuben Wean and family; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Schaffer; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Silfies; Clyde, Edith and Minnie and families."

Son William Henry Fegely (1886-1958) was born in March 1886. He married Carrie Mabel Fenstermacher (1889-1974). He dwelled in Walters Park, Berks County in 1913 and in Mertztown in 1933. He died in 1958.

Daughter Emma C. Fegley (1881-1959) was born in March 1881 in Longswamp Township, Berks County. She was joined in matrimony with H. William Kratzer ( ? -1947). Their offspring were Harold Kratzer, Lloyd Kratzer, Verna Kratzer and Nevin J. Kratzer. Circa 1913, they lived in East Texas in Lower Macungie Township, and remained there for decades. In July 1941, at the death of Emma's brother John, they hosted the funeral in their home. Sadly, William died in 1947. Emma outlived him by a dozen years. Emma spent her final month of life in the home of her married daughter, Mrs. Butterweck, at 336 West Lexington Street in Allentown. She died at the age of 77 on Feb. 27, 1959. Funeral services were held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Trexlertown.

Grandson Harold H.W. Kratzer made a home in Allentown in 1959.

Grandson Lloyd E. Kratzer lived in Macungie.

Granddaughter Verna Kratzer married Lamont Butterweck. In 1959, they dwelled at 336 West Lexington Street in Allentown

Grandson Nevin J. Kratzer resided in Bethlehem, PA.

St. Pauls Union Church, Mertztown, where John
and Mary Susan (Fegley) Eck were members

Daughter Mary Susan Fegley (1883-1933) was born on July 24, 1883 in or around Shamrock, Berks County. She was united in wedlock with a cousin, John F. Eck (Oct. 15, 1880-1959), son of James and Judith (Fegely) Eck of Longswamp Township, Berks County. They were the parents of Robert J. Eck, Lillie Viola Youse, Wallace Ephraim Eck, Elsie Meck and Arlene Geist. Sadly, son Wallace died at the age of two months on March 26, 1907, after suffering from Crohn's Disease and chickenpox. For decades, they made a farm home in Shamrock Station, Longswamp Township. When he was 23, John is known to have helped local farmers with threshing labor. A 1924 article in the Allentown Morning Call referred to their "fine big farm ... near Shamrock." The family belonged to the Lutheran wing of the Mertztown Church, also known as the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Mertztown. The Allentown Morning Call once referred to Mary Susan as "a woman known for her neighborly qualities and charitable works." She was burdened with heart valve closure problems which allowed blood to seep back into the heart. After contracting rheumatic heart disease, she died at age 49 on March 18, 1933. Funeral services were conducted in their home, led by Rev. William Dry. Interment was in St. Paul's Church Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Morning Call. Those providing flowers included daughter Elsie and family, daughter Lillie and family, brother Victor, brother William, sister Emma Kratzer, nephew Raymond J. Wean, sister Sarah Wean, a hand bouquet from son John, baskets from Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Reith and a slumber robe from the family. John survived his wife by more than a quarter of a century. His final years were spent living with son John. He was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away at the age of 78 on Jan. 7, 1959. His remains were lowered into eternal rest in St. Paul's Church Cemetery in nearby Mertztown, Berks County. The Morning Call numbered his survivors as 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Grandson Robert John Eck (1903- ? ) was born in about 1903. On Nov. 8, 1924, he married Annie M. Snyder ( ? - ? ), daughter of George and Sallie (Hile) Snyder.

Granddaughter Lillian Viola "Lillie" Eck (1905- ? ) was born in about 1905 in Longswamp Township. At the age of 17, on April 30, 1922, she was joined in holy matrimony with 17-year-old farmhand Jonathan W. Youse ( ? - ? ), son of Jonas and Amelia (Seip) Youse of Greenwich, Berks County. The marriage ceremony was held in Topton, PA, with Rev. William H. Kline officiating. Their residence in 1933 was in Fleetwood, Berks County and in 1959 in Hamburg, Berks County.

Granddaughter Elsie Eck ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was united in wedlock with Paul Ephraim Meck Sr. ( ? - ? ). They produced these known offspring -- Paul Ephraim Meck Jr., Willard Daniel Meck, Carl W. Meck and Joyce E. Bastian. In 1933, they lived in Alburtis, Lehigh County and in 1959 in Mertztown. Paul Sr. earned a living as a repairman. In 1945, son Paul Jr. worked as an electrician in or around Mertztown.

Granddaughter Arlene Eck was unmarried and dwelled with her parents in 1933. She wedded George Geist ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1959 was in Mertztown.

~ Son Willoughby Fegley ~

Son Willoughby Fegley (1850-1909) was born in 1850. He learned the trade of harness making.

Willoughby married Sarah (1853-1929).

They were the parents of Caroline R. Fairchild.

By 1880, they relocated to Ovid, Seneca County, NY. Later, they moved to Bath, Steuben County, NY.

Willoughby died in or around Bath on Oct. 1, 1909, and is buried in Nondaga Cemetery.

Daughter Caroline R. Fegley ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with (? ) Fairchild.

~ Daughter Elizabeth A. "Lizzie" (Fegley) Rothrock ~

Daughter Elizabeth A. "Lizzie" Fegley (1853-1922) was born on May 18, 1853.

In about 1873, she wedded Edwin Henry Rothrock (Nov. 18, 1853-1911), son of Joseph and Mary (Steaver) Rothrock.

They produced four known offspring -- Clementine V. Ludwig, Ida M. Potts and Carrie Koch.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1880, Edwin labored in local coal mines in Longswamp Township, Berks County. Then by 1910, he had turned to the trade of house painting. The 1910 U.S. Census shows the family in Reading, with 12-year-old granddaughter Helen Ludwig living in the household. Circa 1911, their address was 1021 North 11th Street in Reading, where he earned a living as a motorman.

Edwin suffered from heart disease and succumbed on Sept. 13, 1911, at the age of 57. Burial was in Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading.

Elizabeth passed into eternity at the age of 69, in Berks County, on Sept. 21, 1922.

Son Franklin J. Rothrock (1874-1927) was born on Dec. 3, 1874. He wedded Annie R. ( ? - ? ). He supported the family over the years by working as a machinist. They resided in 1927 at 527 North 10th Street. Burdened with kidney failure and uremia, he died at the age of 52 on Jan. 5, 1927. Interment was in a local mausoleum.

Daughter Clementine V. "Clemmie" Rothrock (1876-1940) was born on July 18, 1876. She married Harry S. Ludwig ( ? - ? ). The couple produced a daughter Helen Ludwig, who was raised by Clementine's parents. They dwelled in Beckersville, Berks County. Burdened with diabetes, gangrene of the leg and hardening of the arteries, she died at the age of 63 on Jan. 4, 1940. Her remains were lowered into repose in Aulenbachs Cemetery in Berks County.

Daughter Ida M. Rothrock (1883-1905) was born on April 7, 1883. At the age of 21, in 1904, she wedded John H. Potts (1869-1943). The Grim Reaper cleaved apart the couple after only about a year of marriage. Ida died at the age of 22 on Oct. 2, 1905.

Daughter Carrie Rothrock (1887-1958) was born on Feb. 11, 1887. In 1912, she was joined in matrimony with John William Koch (1888-1978). She died on Feb. 4, 1958, at the age of 70.

~ Daughter Martha Ann (Fegley) Schlicher ~

Daughter Martha Ann Fegley (1855-1888) was born on Sept. 7, 1855.

On Sept. 7, 1875, her 20th birthday, she married 29-year-old Levinus Schlicher (Nov. 19, 1845-1895), son of David and Emelia (Batz) Schlicher of Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County. Officiating at their wedding was Rev. Eli Keller during his first full year as pastor of the Zionsville Charge. Rev. Keller kept a record of every wedding, baptism and funeral over which he presided, and the Schlichers' was only the seventh marriage he led in advance of the hundreds that were to come during his long career in Zionsville. The original volume of his handwritten records is housed in the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center in Pennsburg, PA. A copy of the typed version, prepared by Raymond E. Hollenbach of Royersford, PA in 1975, is maintained in the Minerd.com Archives.

The couple lived in Shimersville and bore four offspring, Walter F. Schlicher, Ida A.J. Wieser, Cora F. Wieser and one other daughter whose identity is not yet known.

Levinus worked as a laborer in 1870, when he was age 25 and unmarried. By 1880, he made a living loading iron ore on the local riverwharf. In about 1884, the family left Upper Milford and relocated to Easton, Northampton County.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery, Old Zionsville.
Courtesy Burial Record 1758 to 1968, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Cemetery

Booklet naming
George and Louisa

Sadly, at the age of 32, Martha Ann died on May 23, 1888. Her remains were placed into repose in Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Old Zionsville, Lehigh County.

Levinus lived for another seven years as a widower. Afflicted with a meningitis infection, he passed into eternity on May 6, 1895. His funeral was officiated by Rev. Eli Keller, the very same clergyman who had performed their wedding some two decades earlier. In his pastoral record, Rev. Keller wrote the cause of Levinus' death as "meningitis" -- the date of Martha's death -- and that the couple had produced "1 son, 3 dau."

Their burials were duly recorded in church records, and in 1968 their names and reference information were published in the booklet Burial Record 1758 to 1968: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Cemetery.

Son Walter F. Schlicher ( ? -1939) was born in (?). He married Mabel Moyer ( ? - ? ). They did not reproduce. In the late 1930s, their address was 550 Washington Street in Royersford, PA. As his health failed, Walter was admitted to Pottstown Hospital, where he died on Dec. 27, 1939, just two days after Christmas. An obituary was published in the Allentown Morning Call.

Daughter Ida A.J. Schlicher (1876-1962) was born on April 2, 1876 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County. She wedded William H. Wieser (Nov. 8, 1859-1933), son of Jonathan and Catherine/Caroline (Eisenhard) Wieser, also spelled "Weiser." (Her sister Cora married his brother Charles.) The bride was 17 years younger than the groom. The couple did not bear any children. William made a living over the years selling tobacco and cigars in Allentown, while Ida was a weaver at Pioneer Silk Company in Allentown. They were members of Zion's United Church of Christ. Their address was 728 Linden Street. Sadly, having endured hardening of the arteries for years, William began to suffer "cerebral softening" and was admitted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown. Fluid built up in his lungs, and death cut him away on March 6, 1933. Burial was in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Old Zionsville. Ida survived him by a number of years and lived in her Linden Street home. At the age of 86, stricken with senility added to hardening of the arteries and bronchial pneumonia, she passed away on April 18, 1962. An obituary appeared in the Allentown Morning Call.

Daughter Cora F. Schlicher (1879-1940) was born in about 1879 in Upper Milford, Lehigh County. As a young girl, she moved with her parents to Easton, Northampton County, where she resided for the next 21 years. In 1906, when she was 27 years of age, she wedded Charles Wilson Wieser (March 17, 1879-1952), son of Jonathan and Catherine/Caroline (Eisenhard) Wieser, also spelled "Weiser." (Her sister Ida married his brother William.) They did not reproduce. The Wiesers relocated in about 1931 to Newark, NJ, where he was employed with the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Their address in 1940 was 784 Bergen Street. Sadly, Cora succumbed at home in Newark on Aug. 15, 1940. Her remains were transported back to Lehigh County to rest in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Old Zionsville. An obituary in the Allentown Morning Call reported that she was survived by her husband and sister. Charles outlived his bride by a dozen years and returned to Lehigh County in retirement. His address in 1952 was 30 South Dauphin Street in Allentown. He was stricken with a heart attack and died at the age of 73 on Aug. 23, 1952. Burial was in the Zions Lutheran burying ground. Mrs. Ida Hucke was the informant for the Pennsylvania certificate of death.