My Genealogy Hound

F. PIERCE LENTZ, chief clerk of the car department of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, is a representative business man of Lehighton. Holland says that the history of a community is best told in the lives of its citizens, and it is certainly true that such men as the gentleman of whom we write make the history of the place in which they live. We therefore gladly present to our readers the life record of Mr. Lentz, who was born in Parryville, Carbon County, on the 28th of August, 1852, and is a son of Col. John and Elizabeth (High) Lentz. The father was a farmer and contractor and also served as Sheriff and Associate Judge of Carbon County. His birth occurred in 1793, and he served as Sergeant in the War of 1812. He was a man of great foresight and determination, and was ever a public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding. Carbon County was set off from Northampton County while he was serving as Sheriff. He took quite an active interest in the future development of the anthracite coal mines and the building of railroads, and was a man widely and favorably known. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens.

F. Pierce Lentz is the third child born of his father’s third marriage. His literary education was acquired in the common schools, and in the Chistine Academy of Lehighton, after which he studied telegraphy and became an operator in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company in 1866. He was located at various points along the road until 1873, when he embarked in merchandising in Lehighton. For two years he continued business along that line and then sold out, after which he once more entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, serving as operator and clerk until 1888, in which year he was made chief clerk of the car department with headquarters at Packerton.

On the 14th of December, 1872, Mr. Lentz was married to Miss Clara Olewine, daughter of Daniel Olewine, one of the early and highly respected citizens of Carbon County. They have one daughter, Elizabeth E., who is now a student in the Moravian Seminary of Bethlehem, Pa. Their home is an elegant brick residence, richly and tastefully furnished, and supplied with all the comforts of life.

Mr. Lentz exercises his right of franchise in support of the Prohibitionists, takes an active interest in political affairs and is now Chairman of the Prohibition Central Committee of Carbon County. He has been Secretary of the Common Council, Borough Auditor, and was School Director and Secretary of the Board for a number of years. In 1884 he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he filled for ten years and then refused to again serve. He has always been faithful to his duty, and his efficient service has caused his frequent re-election. In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Lentz is a stockholder in the Lehighton Water Company, and in the Lehighton Knitting Company. He and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has served as one of its officers and as local preacher for many years. His public and private life are alike above reproach, and his honorable, upright career has gained him the confidence and good wishes of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.