08/15/2023
From "History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh" (Heller, 1920).
https://archive.org/details/historyofnortham02hell_0
Page n73
Plainfield Township — This tovv^nship is bounded on the north by Monroe county; on the east by the townships of Washington and Lower Mount Bethel; on the south by the townships of Forks and Palmer; on the west by Bushkill township. The name Plainfield was given to it as describing its appearance to the first settlers. The surface of the township is almost devoid of trees, except on the margins of the watercourses, where a few dwarf oaks and stunted evergreens grow on the higher lands. The township is watered chiefly by the east branch of Bushkill creek; in the southern part the lands are quite rolling, and in the north the Blue Mountains form a natural barrier and stretch in an unbroken ridge along the northern border. There is an opening, or pass, in the mountains, called by the German settlers “Die Wind Kapf” (the Wind Gap), through whch no stream of water passes. The crest line of the mountain is here depressed nearly as low as the country on each side, forming a notch of peculiar convenience for the passage of travelers and teams. It is the only crossing for wagon roads leading from the township across the Blue Mountains.
Page n73
The first settlers were Germans, who immigrated from their native land, settled around Wind Gap, and erected a house of worship, though there are no authentic records of their names except those of the Benden and Hiller families. These were immediately followed by German settlers, and on December 24, 1762, a decree of the court authorized and ordered the laying out and er****on of the township. A survey was made and accepted. The entire length of the boundary lines was thirty-four and a quarter miles, and within these tracts were three hundred inhabitants.
Page n73
The settlers suffered during the Indian troubles, a temporary fortification being built as a place of refuge. Just before the Revolution the population increased to more than five hundred. A grist-mill had been built by Adam Heimer and a saw-mill by Jacob Heller. Settlements progressed rapidly, and at the commencement of the nineteenth century, Belfast, in the southern portion of the township, near the western boundary line, was regarded as a village, and Hellertown, named for Samuel Heller, who came in 1763 from North Saucon to that part of the township, was laid out in village lots. The population in 1870 was nearly 2,000, and within the township limits there were four grist-mills, two distilleries, one oil-mill, and seven public houses. The development of the slate industry caused a new excess to the population, the villages of Pen Argyl and Wind Gap became boroughs, the influx of wage earners to operate the quarries materially increased the population, and at the present day in the original limits of the township, there are now over 7,000 souls.
Page n94
The settlement of the township dates back to 1730, at the time of the Scotch-Irish settlement at Martin’s creek, when a group of cabins was erected at a point which is now Richmond. Other pioneers much later than this, however, were Philip Shuck, who built a loghouse where Bangor is now located; and the Kerns, Alberts, Oberholtzs and Funks were old pioneer families. Roads from Nazareth to the river were laid out before 1750, but the first local roads were laid out and worked about 1802, one running through Ackermansville to Fox Gap, and two years later one from Henry’s Mill and Wind Gap to Williamsburg. A log mill was built at Ackermansville in 1788, which was soon afterwards followed by the er****on of other mills. The first post-office was established in 1804 at Richmond, which is located in the southeastern corner of the township. This is a small hamlet, situated at a cross-roads, containing a hotel, general store, church, grist mill, and a few residences. The Richmond Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Rev. Charles H. Eyer was pastor in 1915, was organized and built an edifice in 1840, with seating capacity for two hundred and fifty. It has a membership of one hundred and thirty.
Page n117
Wind Gap — The borough of Wind Gap was organized from Plainfield township and incorporated in 1893. At the first election, Benjamin F. Miller was chosen chief burgess ; and Daniel Reed, clerk. The latter was succeeded in 1895 by Samuel J. Heller, and he in turn in 1901 by William D. Werkheiser, the present incumbent.
Page n118
Wind Gap Methodist Episcopal Ghurch was organized and built a church edifice in 1888, having a seating cajjacity of three hundred, and a membership at that time of sixty. The Rev. Alfred M. Kuder was in charge in 1915. The present pastor is Rev. Frank Mark. Trinity Ghapel was organized in July, 1885 ; previous to this, religious services were held in the public school house. A chapel was dedicated, October 23, 1887; in 1894 a church was built with a seating capacity of one hundred and fifty. The church edifice is used by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, and is now known as Trinity Lutheran Reformed Ghurch. The former is in charge of the Rev. P. G. Beer, with a membership of sixty-five. The Reformed pastor is Rev. W. H. Brong, with about seventy members. The First Gongregational Church was organized in 1897, and erected a church building seating two hundred and fifty; its present membership is in the neighborhood of fifty. The Rev. Ivor Thomas was in charge of the congregation in 1915, but at the present time there is no settled pastor. The Wind Gap Welsh Presbyterian Church was organized in 1889, in which year the)^ built a church. The membership in 1915 was sixty; at present there is no settled minister.
Page n118
The borough depends for fire protection on a chemical engine, with no organized company. At the eastern portion of the borough is Wind Gap Park, owned by a private individual, which is devoted to amusement and picnic purposes.
Page n120
Near to the former location of the Friedensthal Economy, on the main road from Easton to the Wind Gap, six miles from the former place, is the borough of Stockertown, laid out by Andrew Stocker, from whom it received its name. The village in 1871 contained two hotels, two dry-goods and grocery stores, two saddlery and harness shops, one tin shop, two wheelwright and blacksmith shops, one grist mill, one tannery, one schoolhouse and about twenty dwellings. It was incorporated as a borough by a decree of court, December 17, 1900. The borough, which was originall}’ a part of Forks, afterwards of Palmer township, has an area of three hundred and fifty-five acres and thirty-one perches. The first election for boroiigh officials was held February 19, 1901, when Wilson R. Romig was chosen chief burgess, and A. H. Stoffret, clerk. The borough at the present day, with an estimated population from five hundred to six hundred souls, presents a pleasing appearance: the Northampton traction line from Easton to Bangor passes through its center. At a short distance from the borough is the plant of the Vulcan Cement Company, and between the boroughs of Stockertown and Tatamy the manufacture of potash was at one time carried on; the plant is now, however, abandoned.
Page n175
Simon, in 1764, disposed of his mill site and farm, and moved with his entire family to Plainfield township, then also in Bucks county, where he purchased a large tract of 600 acres lying along the King’s Highway. Here, too, he was a prime mover in organizing a church — the Plainfield Reformed Church — as shown by the old church records. He also acted in various interests of the government in border affairs. He was the principal man on the board of viewers to lay out the road through the Wind Gap and on to Wyoming. It was over this road that Sullivan passed with his army. It is known to this day as Sullivan’s Trail.
Page n175
Jacob Heller (1750-1822), Simon’s third child and eldest son, to whom Simon had transferred all of his plantation on the south side of the Blue Mountains, consisting of 600 acres, conducted his affairs profitablJ^ At the time of his death, according to his will recorded at Easton, his estate consisted of five contiguous tracts of land situated in Plainfield and Buslikill townships, containing all told 902 A. 73 P. strict measure. Jacob conducted . the Post House along the King’s Highway at a point near Wind Gap in the Blue Mountains (now the Woodley House, Wind Gap Borough). Sullivan, on his march to Wyoming, spent a night at this hostelry, while his army bivouacked along the Highway. Jacob was captain of a company of rangers along t’ne frontier during the Revolution. He had eleven children : Susanna, George, Charles,
Page n187
Stotz, was born at Wind Gap, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, m 1836, died April 13, 1878. He was educated in the public schools and at the famous Nazareth Hall, and in early life became a merchant, devoting his adult years mainly to the mercantile business. He served in the Civil War with honor, attaining the rank of second lieutenant of Company I, Northampton’s “Own,” the 153d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Lieutenant Stotz was engaged with his regiment in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, notably Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, came through without serious injury, and returned to his home. His after life was one of prominence as a merchant and local leader of the Democracy during his active years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and took a deep interest in its welfare. He married Mary Ann Heimer, daughter of Adam and Sarah (Hohn) Heimer, of Plainfield township, Northampton county. Children : The eldest child died in infancy ; Timothy Adam, mentioned below; Harrison Franklin, who died in infancy; Clemens L. and William A., sketches of whom follow ; Robert Anthony, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere; Joseph A., M.D., eminent physician of Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania ; and Ella Rebecca, deceased.
Page n187
Timothy Adam Stotz, son of Reuben Jeremiah and Mary Ann (Heimer) Stotz, was born at Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1863. His public school education was obtained in the schools of Plainfield township. He later took technical courses in sheet metal working and ventilating systems, and was regularly apprenticed to the painter’s trade, which he followed until 1888 as journeyman and contractor, removing in that year to Easton. There he joined with his brother, William A., in establishing the business which yet continues under the firm name Stotz Brothers, at Second and Northampton streets. The brothers’ original place of business was on College Hill, but in 1896 was removed to its present location. A very large business in heating apparatus and plumbing and heating contracts is transacted, many of the most important heating and ventilating contracts given out in their city having been executed by Stotz Brothers. Mr. Stotz is a member of the Easton Board of Trade; Dallas Lodge No. 396, Free and Accepted Masons; Lehman’s Fishing Club of Pike county, Pennsylvania; the Young Men’s Christian Association (charter member); Sons of Veterans; and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, serving for many years as vice-president of the church council and as treasurer. Mr. Stotz finds his most pleasurable recreation in hunting and fishing, hence his membership in Lehman’s Pike county club, having its club house and large preserves in Pike county, Pennsylvania. He is one of the city’s pioneer motorists, and is one of Easton’s progressive, public-spirited men, active in public and civic affairs. During the Liberty Loan and War Chest campaigns he bore an interested, active part, and could always be relied upon for disinterested public service. In politics a Democrat, he served for three years in Common Council, representing the Third Ward of Easton, retiring from office when Council was abolished by the adoption of the commission form of government.
Page n188
Clemens Lewis Stotz was born at Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1867. He was educated in the school of Plainfield township, Lerch’s Academy, Easton, and Keystone State Normal School. After graduation from the last-named institution he taught for five years in the p.ublic schools, and then completed a commercial course of study at Pierce’s Business College, Philadelphia, finishing in 1890. The years 1892-96 were spent as bookkeeper with the firm of Jacob Rech & Son, Philadelphia, and at the expiration of that period Mr. Stotz joined his brothers, Timothy A. and William A., in Easton. In 1896 he was admitted to a partnership, he taking charge of the office and credit department. The firm continued as Stotz Brothers, each having his own department of the business in his full charge and each an important factor in the success of the business as a whole. There is no better known or more highly regarded firm in the city, its thirty years of business existence under the same name with constantly enlarging borders being its highest eulogy. Stoves, heating systems and hardware are the lines carried, this including an extensive contracting department, the two original partners being practical mechanics. Clemens L. Stotz has been a member of the Easton Board of Trade since its organization. In his political faith he is a Democrat, but most independent in his action. He is a member of Grace Reformed Church, charter member of the Young Men’s Christian Association, member of Dallas Lodge No. 396, Free and Accepted Masons, Easton Chapter No. 173, Royal Arch Masons, Judson Kilpatrick Camp, Sons of Veterans, Northampton County Historical Society, and the Kiwanis Club. He is a man of fine literary taste. Shakespeare and the standard authors are his favorites, motoring and fishing are his recreations, and he holds the high regard of a wide circle of friends.
Page n511
Charles N. Miller was born in Baltimore, Maryland, December 2, 1857, and there was educated in the grade and high schools. At the age of eighteen he became clerk in a Baltimore general store, there remaining three years. In 1879 he located in Bangor, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and formed an association with his eldest brother, Conrad, then engaged in construction of the Bangor & Portland railroad. Erom contracting, be enlarged his lines, and since tbe year 1900 has been officially connected with many of the corporations which have brought to the slate belt an era of great prosperity. Among the corporations which he has aided as organizer or official, and frequently both, are the Albion Slate Company of Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania ; Jackson Bangor Slate CompaiiA of Pen Argyl; Alpha Slate Company of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania; Penn Bangor Slate Company of Wind Gap; Dexter Cement Company of Nazareth, Pennsylvania; Merchants’ National Bank; Slate Belt Trolley Company; Slate Belt Telephone Company; and the Hazen Sand Company, being now president of the last-named company, one of the prosperous enterprises of that section. He has won his position in the business world through well directed effoi't, and in his rise has developed the strong traits of character which alone can bring success. He holds the confidence of the community in which his success has been won, and is widely known.
Page n555
he was in charge of the John I. Blair railroad and industrial interests in the West. He later was president of the Bangor Union Quarry; president and treasurer of the United States Quarry Company, of Pen Argyl ; president and treasurer of the Albion Slate Company; president of the Wind Gap and Alpha Slate Mining companies ; president of the Kansas City, Osceola & Southern railroad in Missouri ; president of the Chicago, Iowa & Dakota railroad ; president of the Kansas City & Westport Belt railroad; president and owner of the Illuminating Gas Company, Slate Bell Telephone Company, Electric Light Company, Foundry & Machine Company; president of the Dexter Portland Cement Company; director of the Northampton Cement Company; the Nazareth National Bank, and other companies. He married, August 31, 1869, Anna M. Werling, daughter of Andrew Werling, of Muncy, Pennsylvania. Children: John A., of further mention; Sarah Virginia; and Margaret Anna.
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