My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES S. GREENAWALD. The furniture and undertaking establishment of which this gentleman is the owner and proprietor has since 1874 been represented among the leading industries of Steinsville. Having been at its head for twenty years, he is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business, and through energy and the exercise of good judgment has maintained his credit in financial circles and the confidence of the people of Lehigh County. He manufactures various kinds of furniture, also coffins and caskets, employing three men in the shop and three in the furniture department. He also avails himself of all modern appliances for the saving of labor, and has in his shop a turning lathe, jig saw and molding machine.

In addition to the enterprise mentioned Mr. Greenawald is the owner of about seventy-three acres of land, which being advantageously situated and well cultivated proves a valuable addition to his property. The Steinsville Creamery Company was established largely through his efforts, and he is at present serving as a stockholder and Secretary of the company. He has been a resident of Steinsville since 1874, and has identified himself with the development of the place commercially, socially and morally.

The Greenawald family was for several generations identified with the history of Berks County, Pa., and there Charles S. was born October 1, 1845, to the union of Jonathan and Polly Greenawald, natives of Berks County, and now deceased. Our subject was orphaned by his father’s death when he was a lad of thirteen years, and he was afterward obliged to become self-supporting. For four years he was employed upon farms in Berks County, and at the age of seventeen began to learn the trade of a cabinetmaker and undertaker with Peter Burkey, at Hamburg, Pa., serving an apprenticeship of three years. Afterward he followed his trade as a journeyman, and for three years was employed in Hartstown, Crawford County, Pa., in partnership with Samuel Miller, the firm conducting business under the name of Miller & Greenawald.

July 29, 1866, Mr. Greenawald married Miss Caroline Zweizig, a native, of Hamburg, Pa., and five children were born to the union. The four now living are: Howard L., who is studying law at Reading, Pa.; Thomas J., Charles E. and Agnes. In his political views Mr. Greenawald is a Democrat, always supporting with his ballot and influence the principles of that party. He is especially interested in educational matters, and for three terms served as School Director of Lynn Township.

The religious belief of our subject brings him into affiliation with the Reformed Church, in which he has officiated as Elder and Deacon. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is Secretary of the lodge at Steinsville. He holds the same position in the Patriotic Order Sons of America. The Order of the United American Mechanics, Senior and Junior, also number him among their representative members. He gives his co-operation to all progressive measures, and is justly recognized as one of the public-spirited citizens of the county.