My Genealogy Hound

LEONARD YAEGER, one of the highly esteemed citizens of Mauch Chunk, who for many years was prominently connected with the business interests of this place as a manufacturer of furniture, was born in Baden, Germany, on the 26th of October, 1824, and is a son of Melchisedeck and Elizabeth (Fosetel) Yaeger, who were also natives of Germany. The family lived in the Fatherland until 1834, when the parents with their children bade adieu to the old home and crossed the broad Atlantic to America. They landed at New York City, whence they went to Newark, N. J., and then came to Pennsylvania. Here they took up their residence in Bethlehem, and finally settled in Allentown, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood.

Mr. Yaeger, of this notice, was a child of only ten summers when the family emigrated to the United States. He attended school until thirteen years of age, and then began life for himself. He was a mere boy, but since that time has been dependent upon his own resources, and the success he has achieved is therefore due to his own efforts. He first began working with George Detrick, a cabinetmaker, with whom he served a three years’ apprenticeship. On the expiration of that period he went to Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade for two years. We next find him in Newark, N. J., where he spent six months, and afterward in New York City, where he remained for a year and a-half.

Mr. Yaeger then returned to his old home, but after a short time, in 1846, he came to Mauch Chunk. He worked for others for a few months, and then began business on his own account, manufacturing furniture. This he continued for many years, his business constantly increasing until he was at the head of a large factory. He received orders from many places, and his extensive trade yielded him a handsome income which made him one of the substantial citizens of the community. At length he determined to retire from active life, and in 1888 sold out to his two sons, William L. and George J., who now continue the business under the firm name of Yaeger Bros., and like their father they enjoy a good trade.

In 1847 was celebrated, the marriage of Mr. Yaeger and Miss Catherine S. Esser, of Allentown, daughter of John Esser. They became the parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living: Alice, now the wife of L. F. Geiring, of Bethlehem, Pa.; Hannah, wife of H. Hohl, of Mauch Chunk; Emily, now the wife of W. J. Thompson, of Philadelphia; Mary, wife of R. G. Ross, of this city; and William F. and George J., who compose the firm of Yaeger Bros., manufacturers of furniture.

Mr. Yaeger has been a Director of the Second National Bank for a number of years, but is now practically living a retired life, spending the most of his time in looking after his interests. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He has long been a public-spirited and progressive citizen, ever ready to advance the best interests of the community. He always carefully looked after the details of his business, and his sagacity, enterprise and straightforward dealings were the important factors in his success. He has won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and throughout the community he is held in the highest regard.