In the death of James Schaeffer, 88, retired farmer and merchant, Kutztown lost one of its most loyal Churchmen and citizens. He died yesterday at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Welder.
Born June 26, 1856, in Maxatawny Township, he was a son of the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer, and is the last of his immediate family.
He secured his education at the Keystone State Normal Shoal, later serving as trustee; taught school for several years, and for 32 years conducted his father's farm, which later became his own. In 1909 he retired and moved to, Kutztown, and became a member of the-Stichler and Schaeffer Shoe Retailing firm.
He was confirmed in St. John's Reformed Church, where he was a faithful member, serving for many years on the consistory; and when the present structure was erected, He helped to haul stones and other materials for its foundation. In 1902 he became a member of the Hope Cemetery Association, and served as treasurer from 1912 until last June.
In 1877 he was married to Rosa Bortz, who died In April, 1942, and is survived by seven children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His children are the Rev. David Schaeffer, Tyrone; Dr. William Schaeffer, Allentown; George J. Schaeffer, Kutztown R. D.; Mrs. George Welder, at whose home he died; Mrs. William Hertz, Allentown; Mrs. Daniel Merkel, Fleetwood; and Mrs. C. J. Stichler, Kutztown. Quiet of disposition, he preferred his home to lodges and other organizations, and he likewise enjoyed making occasional trips to the Schaeffer farm, where he did odd jobs for his son George.
His funeral will be held Monday at 2 p. m. in, St. John's Reformed Church, the Rev. E. K. Angstadt officiating. Burial, in charge of the Christ Funeral Home, Fleetwood, will be made in Hope cemetery.
The Patriot; 10/19/1944
James Schaeffer, trustee of the Normal School, is a well-known citizen and prosperous farmer of Maxatawny township, residing on the old Schaeffer homestead where he was born June 26, 1856. He is one of a family of unusual note born to his parents, the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer.
The late David Schaeffer was one of the foremost men of upper Berks county. He was born in Richmond township, in 1820, and died in 1902, aged eighty-one years. He was one of the organizers of the Keystone State Normal School, and was an honored trustee from then on until the time of his death. He was a man of progress, and was a firm believer in education, not only giving his own children the best of opportunities but largely advancing the educational advantages of his whole section. Each of his five sons became men of culture, and four of them are graduates of Franklin and Marshall College, namely: Rev. Dr. Nathan C. since 1893 has been State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Pennsylvania; Rev. Dr. William C. is teacher of Theology at the Reformed Seminary, Lancaster; D. Nicholas is a leading attorney at Reading; Dr. Charles D. is a prominent physician and an ex-mayor of Allentown, Pa.; while James is the agriculturist of the family.
David Schaeffer followed farming all his life, and he purchased the farm now owned by his son James, in 1849, during his lifetime greatly improving it, and the improving has been continued until it ranks with the best in upper Berks county. David Schaeffer, on account of his excellent judgment, was a successful man in all his undertakings and he acquired a large estate. At the time of his death he owned the property at No. 526 Washington street, Reading, the farm of his son James, and a farm of 120 acres situated in Bern township, which is the property of Dr. Nathan C. Schaeffer. He was a consistent member of the Reformed faith and was an official of St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, which he liberally supported. His burial was in the cemetery connected with this church. In May, 1848, he married Esther Ann Christ, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Bieber) Christ. She died in February, 1903, aged seventy-seven years, surviving her husband but eight months. They left many mourning friends who had been attached to them for many years, and they were honored and respected by all who knew them.
James Schaeffer secured a district school education and later entered the Keystone State Normal School which he left in his senior year in order to engage in agricultural pursuits. His tastes lay in this direction, and he preferred the free and independent life of a farmer rather than a professional one as did his brothers. He has followed farming since 1880, and has owned the Schaeffer homestead of 160 acres of some of the finest land in Berks county since the death of his father. It is favorably located in the center of the large and fertile area of Maxatawny township. Mr. Schaeffer keeps eight head of horses and twenty head of cattle. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, and makes use of all kinds of improved machinery. This beautifully situated farm is very level and from the homestead its whole extent, with the exception of one field, can be brought under the eye at one time. Its fertile soil makes it excellent wheat land.
On Dec. 15, 1878, Mr. Schaeffer married Rosa Bortz, daughter of Jonas and Thelena (Wetzel) Bortz, farming people of this township, and they have the following children: Rev. David I., stationed at Dayton, Pa., who is the historian of the Schaeffer family at the triennial reunions, married Anna Ruppert and they have one daughter, Ethel; Hettie m. George Welder, of Maxatawny township, and has one daughter, Rosa; Annie, a trained nurse, who had her home with her uncle, Dr. C. D. Schaeffer, at Allentown, m. Dr. William J. Hertz of Allentown; Katie m. Daniel Merkel of Richmond township; William H., who is a graduate of the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, is engaged in practice in Allentown; Ella I., resides at home; and George J. is a student in the Normal School. All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have been liberally educated and William and Annie are graduates of the Keystone State Normal School and David of Franklin and Marshall College.
In his political views, Mr. Schaeffer is a Democrat. Since the death of his father, he has been a trustee of the State Normal School, the former having officiated in that office since the organization of the school. With his family Mr. Schaeffer belongs to St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and since 1900 one of the elders. He has always been an active church worker, and in his younger years took much interest in the Sunday-school. He is one of the representative men of this section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born June 26, 1856, in Maxatawny Township, he was a son of the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer, and is the last of his immediate family.
He secured his education at the Keystone State Normal Shoal, later serving as trustee; taught school for several years, and for 32 years conducted his father's farm, which later became his own. In 1909 he retired and moved to, Kutztown, and became a member of the-Stichler and Schaeffer Shoe Retailing firm.
He was confirmed in St. John's Reformed Church, where he was a faithful member, serving for many years on the consistory; and when the present structure was erected, He helped to haul stones and other materials for its foundation. In 1902 he became a member of the Hope Cemetery Association, and served as treasurer from 1912 until last June.
In 1877 he was married to Rosa Bortz, who died In April, 1942, and is survived by seven children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His children are the Rev. David Schaeffer, Tyrone; Dr. William Schaeffer, Allentown; George J. Schaeffer, Kutztown R. D.; Mrs. George Welder, at whose home he died; Mrs. William Hertz, Allentown; Mrs. Daniel Merkel, Fleetwood; and Mrs. C. J. Stichler, Kutztown. Quiet of disposition, he preferred his home to lodges and other organizations, and he likewise enjoyed making occasional trips to the Schaeffer farm, where he did odd jobs for his son George.
His funeral will be held Monday at 2 p. m. in, St. John's Reformed Church, the Rev. E. K. Angstadt officiating. Burial, in charge of the Christ Funeral Home, Fleetwood, will be made in Hope cemetery.
The Patriot; 10/19/1944
James Schaeffer, trustee of the Normal School, is a well-known citizen and prosperous farmer of Maxatawny township, residing on the old Schaeffer homestead where he was born June 26, 1856. He is one of a family of unusual note born to his parents, the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer.
The late David Schaeffer was one of the foremost men of upper Berks county. He was born in Richmond township, in 1820, and died in 1902, aged eighty-one years. He was one of the organizers of the Keystone State Normal School, and was an honored trustee from then on until the time of his death. He was a man of progress, and was a firm believer in education, not only giving his own children the best of opportunities but largely advancing the educational advantages of his whole section. Each of his five sons became men of culture, and four of them are graduates of Franklin and Marshall College, namely: Rev. Dr. Nathan C. since 1893 has been State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Pennsylvania; Rev. Dr. William C. is teacher of Theology at the Reformed Seminary, Lancaster; D. Nicholas is a leading attorney at Reading; Dr. Charles D. is a prominent physician and an ex-mayor of Allentown, Pa.; while James is the agriculturist of the family.
David Schaeffer followed farming all his life, and he purchased the farm now owned by his son James, in 1849, during his lifetime greatly improving it, and the improving has been continued until it ranks with the best in upper Berks county. David Schaeffer, on account of his excellent judgment, was a successful man in all his undertakings and he acquired a large estate. At the time of his death he owned the property at No. 526 Washington street, Reading, the farm of his son James, and a farm of 120 acres situated in Bern township, which is the property of Dr. Nathan C. Schaeffer. He was a consistent member of the Reformed faith and was an official of St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, which he liberally supported. His burial was in the cemetery connected with this church. In May, 1848, he married Esther Ann Christ, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Bieber) Christ. She died in February, 1903, aged seventy-seven years, surviving her husband but eight months. They left many mourning friends who had been attached to them for many years, and they were honored and respected by all who knew them.
James Schaeffer secured a district school education and later entered the Keystone State Normal School which he left in his senior year in order to engage in agricultural pursuits. His tastes lay in this direction, and he preferred the free and independent life of a farmer rather than a professional one as did his brothers. He has followed farming since 1880, and has owned the Schaeffer homestead of 160 acres of some of the finest land in Berks county since the death of his father. It is favorably located in the center of the large and fertile area of Maxatawny township. Mr. Schaeffer keeps eight head of horses and twenty head of cattle. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, and makes use of all kinds of improved machinery. This beautifully situated farm is very level and from the homestead its whole extent, with the exception of one field, can be brought under the eye at one time. Its fertile soil makes it excellent wheat land.
On Dec. 15, 1878, Mr. Schaeffer married Rosa Bortz, daughter of Jonas and Thelena (Wetzel) Bortz, farming people of this township, and they have the following children: Rev. David I., stationed at Dayton, Pa., who is the historian of the Schaeffer family at the triennial reunions, married Anna Ruppert and they have one daughter, Ethel; Hettie m. George Welder, of Maxatawny township, and has one daughter, Rosa; Annie, a trained nurse, who had her home with her uncle, Dr. C. D. Schaeffer, at Allentown, m. Dr. William J. Hertz of Allentown; Katie m. Daniel Merkel of Richmond township; William H., who is a graduate of the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, is engaged in practice in Allentown; Ella I., resides at home; and George J. is a student in the Normal School. All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have been liberally educated and William and Annie are graduates of the Keystone State Normal School and David of Franklin and Marshall College.
In his political views, Mr. Schaeffer is a Democrat. Since the death of his father, he has been a trustee of the State Normal School, the former having officiated in that office since the organization of the school. With his family Mr. Schaeffer belongs to St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and since 1900 one of the elders. He has always been an active church worker, and in his younger years took much interest in the Sunday-school. He is one of the representative men of this section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the death of James Schaeffer, 88, retired farmer and merchant, Kutztown lost one of its most loyal Churchmen and citizens. He died yesterday at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Welder.
Born June 26, 1856, in Maxatawny Township, he was a son of the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer, and is the last of his immediate family.
He secured his education at the Keystone State Normal Shoal, later serving as trustee; taught school for several years, and for 32 years conducted his father's farm, which later became his own. In 1909 he retired and moved to, Kutztown, and became a member of the-Stichler and Schaeffer Shoe Retailing firm.
He was confirmed in St. John's Reformed Church, where he was a faithful member, serving for many years on the consistory; and when the present structure was erected, He helped to haul stones and other materials for its foundation. In 1902 he became a member of the Hope Cemetery Association, and served as treasurer from 1912 until last June.
In 1877 he was married to Rosa Bortz, who died In April, 1942, and is survived by seven children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His children are the Rev. David Schaeffer, Tyrone; Dr. William Schaeffer, Allentown; George J. Schaeffer, Kutztown R. D.; Mrs. George Welder, at whose home he died; Mrs. William Hertz, Allentown; Mrs. Daniel Merkel, Fleetwood; and Mrs. C. J. Stichler, Kutztown. Quiet of disposition, he preferred his home to lodges and other organizations, and he likewise enjoyed making occasional trips to the Schaeffer farm, where he did odd jobs for his son George.
His funeral will be held Monday at 2 p. m. in, St. John's Reformed Church, the Rev. E. K. Angstadt officiating. Burial, in charge of the Christ Funeral Home, Fleetwood, will be made in Hope cemetery.
The Patriot; 10/19/1944
James Schaeffer, trustee of the Normal School, is a well-known citizen and prosperous farmer of Maxatawny township, residing on the old Schaeffer homestead where he was born June 26, 1856. He is one of a family of unusual note born to his parents, the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer.
The late David Schaeffer was one of the foremost men of upper Berks county. He was born in Richmond township, in 1820, and died in 1902, aged eighty-one years. He was one of the organizers of the Keystone State Normal School, and was an honored trustee from then on until the time of his death. He was a man of progress, and was a firm believer in education, not only giving his own children the best of opportunities but largely advancing the educational advantages of his whole section. Each of his five sons became men of culture, and four of them are graduates of Franklin and Marshall College, namely: Rev. Dr. Nathan C. since 1893 has been State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Pennsylvania; Rev. Dr. William C. is teacher of Theology at the Reformed Seminary, Lancaster; D. Nicholas is a leading attorney at Reading; Dr. Charles D. is a prominent physician and an ex-mayor of Allentown, Pa.; while James is the agriculturist of the family.
David Schaeffer followed farming all his life, and he purchased the farm now owned by his son James, in 1849, during his lifetime greatly improving it, and the improving has been continued until it ranks with the best in upper Berks county. David Schaeffer, on account of his excellent judgment, was a successful man in all his undertakings and he acquired a large estate. At the time of his death he owned the property at No. 526 Washington street, Reading, the farm of his son James, and a farm of 120 acres situated in Bern township, which is the property of Dr. Nathan C. Schaeffer. He was a consistent member of the Reformed faith and was an official of St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, which he liberally supported. His burial was in the cemetery connected with this church. In May, 1848, he married Esther Ann Christ, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Bieber) Christ. She died in February, 1903, aged seventy-seven years, surviving her husband but eight months. They left many mourning friends who had been attached to them for many years, and they were honored and respected by all who knew them.
James Schaeffer secured a district school education and later entered the Keystone State Normal School which he left in his senior year in order to engage in agricultural pursuits. His tastes lay in this direction, and he preferred the free and independent life of a farmer rather than a professional one as did his brothers. He has followed farming since 1880, and has owned the Schaeffer homestead of 160 acres of some of the finest land in Berks county since the death of his father. It is favorably located in the center of the large and fertile area of Maxatawny township. Mr. Schaeffer keeps eight head of horses and twenty head of cattle. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, and makes use of all kinds of improved machinery. This beautifully situated farm is very level and from the homestead its whole extent, with the exception of one field, can be brought under the eye at one time. Its fertile soil makes it excellent wheat land.
On Dec. 15, 1878, Mr. Schaeffer married Rosa Bortz, daughter of Jonas and Thelena (Wetzel) Bortz, farming people of this township, and they have the following children: Rev. David I., stationed at Dayton, Pa., who is the historian of the Schaeffer family at the triennial reunions, married Anna Ruppert and they have one daughter, Ethel; Hettie m. George Welder, of Maxatawny township, and has one daughter, Rosa; Annie, a trained nurse, who had her home with her uncle, Dr. C. D. Schaeffer, at Allentown, m. Dr. William J. Hertz of Allentown; Katie m. Daniel Merkel of Richmond township; William H., who is a graduate of the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, is engaged in practice in Allentown; Ella I., resides at home; and George J. is a student in the Normal School. All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have been liberally educated and William and Annie are graduates of the Keystone State Normal School and David of Franklin and Marshall College.
In his political views, Mr. Schaeffer is a Democrat. Since the death of his father, he has been a trustee of the State Normal School, the former having officiated in that office since the organization of the school. With his family Mr. Schaeffer belongs to St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and since 1900 one of the elders. He has always been an active church worker, and in his younger years took much interest in the Sunday-school. He is one of the representative men of this section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born June 26, 1856, in Maxatawny Township, he was a son of the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer, and is the last of his immediate family.
He secured his education at the Keystone State Normal Shoal, later serving as trustee; taught school for several years, and for 32 years conducted his father's farm, which later became his own. In 1909 he retired and moved to, Kutztown, and became a member of the-Stichler and Schaeffer Shoe Retailing firm.
He was confirmed in St. John's Reformed Church, where he was a faithful member, serving for many years on the consistory; and when the present structure was erected, He helped to haul stones and other materials for its foundation. In 1902 he became a member of the Hope Cemetery Association, and served as treasurer from 1912 until last June.
In 1877 he was married to Rosa Bortz, who died In April, 1942, and is survived by seven children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His children are the Rev. David Schaeffer, Tyrone; Dr. William Schaeffer, Allentown; George J. Schaeffer, Kutztown R. D.; Mrs. George Welder, at whose home he died; Mrs. William Hertz, Allentown; Mrs. Daniel Merkel, Fleetwood; and Mrs. C. J. Stichler, Kutztown. Quiet of disposition, he preferred his home to lodges and other organizations, and he likewise enjoyed making occasional trips to the Schaeffer farm, where he did odd jobs for his son George.
His funeral will be held Monday at 2 p. m. in, St. John's Reformed Church, the Rev. E. K. Angstadt officiating. Burial, in charge of the Christ Funeral Home, Fleetwood, will be made in Hope cemetery.
The Patriot; 10/19/1944
James Schaeffer, trustee of the Normal School, is a well-known citizen and prosperous farmer of Maxatawny township, residing on the old Schaeffer homestead where he was born June 26, 1856. He is one of a family of unusual note born to his parents, the late David and Esther Ann (Christ) Schaeffer.
The late David Schaeffer was one of the foremost men of upper Berks county. He was born in Richmond township, in 1820, and died in 1902, aged eighty-one years. He was one of the organizers of the Keystone State Normal School, and was an honored trustee from then on until the time of his death. He was a man of progress, and was a firm believer in education, not only giving his own children the best of opportunities but largely advancing the educational advantages of his whole section. Each of his five sons became men of culture, and four of them are graduates of Franklin and Marshall College, namely: Rev. Dr. Nathan C. since 1893 has been State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Pennsylvania; Rev. Dr. William C. is teacher of Theology at the Reformed Seminary, Lancaster; D. Nicholas is a leading attorney at Reading; Dr. Charles D. is a prominent physician and an ex-mayor of Allentown, Pa.; while James is the agriculturist of the family.
David Schaeffer followed farming all his life, and he purchased the farm now owned by his son James, in 1849, during his lifetime greatly improving it, and the improving has been continued until it ranks with the best in upper Berks county. David Schaeffer, on account of his excellent judgment, was a successful man in all his undertakings and he acquired a large estate. At the time of his death he owned the property at No. 526 Washington street, Reading, the farm of his son James, and a farm of 120 acres situated in Bern township, which is the property of Dr. Nathan C. Schaeffer. He was a consistent member of the Reformed faith and was an official of St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, which he liberally supported. His burial was in the cemetery connected with this church. In May, 1848, he married Esther Ann Christ, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Bieber) Christ. She died in February, 1903, aged seventy-seven years, surviving her husband but eight months. They left many mourning friends who had been attached to them for many years, and they were honored and respected by all who knew them.
James Schaeffer secured a district school education and later entered the Keystone State Normal School which he left in his senior year in order to engage in agricultural pursuits. His tastes lay in this direction, and he preferred the free and independent life of a farmer rather than a professional one as did his brothers. He has followed farming since 1880, and has owned the Schaeffer homestead of 160 acres of some of the finest land in Berks county since the death of his father. It is favorably located in the center of the large and fertile area of Maxatawny township. Mr. Schaeffer keeps eight head of horses and twenty head of cattle. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, and makes use of all kinds of improved machinery. This beautifully situated farm is very level and from the homestead its whole extent, with the exception of one field, can be brought under the eye at one time. Its fertile soil makes it excellent wheat land.
On Dec. 15, 1878, Mr. Schaeffer married Rosa Bortz, daughter of Jonas and Thelena (Wetzel) Bortz, farming people of this township, and they have the following children: Rev. David I., stationed at Dayton, Pa., who is the historian of the Schaeffer family at the triennial reunions, married Anna Ruppert and they have one daughter, Ethel; Hettie m. George Welder, of Maxatawny township, and has one daughter, Rosa; Annie, a trained nurse, who had her home with her uncle, Dr. C. D. Schaeffer, at Allentown, m. Dr. William J. Hertz of Allentown; Katie m. Daniel Merkel of Richmond township; William H., who is a graduate of the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, is engaged in practice in Allentown; Ella I., resides at home; and George J. is a student in the Normal School. All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have been liberally educated and William and Annie are graduates of the Keystone State Normal School and David of Franklin and Marshall College.
In his political views, Mr. Schaeffer is a Democrat. Since the death of his father, he has been a trustee of the State Normal School, the former having officiated in that office since the organization of the school. With his family Mr. Schaeffer belongs to St. John's Reformed Church at Kutztown, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and since 1900 one of the elders. He has always been an active church worker, and in his younger years took much interest in the Sunday-school. He is one of the representative men of this section.
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