My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

EDWARD NEFF, well known as a prosperous farmer and brick manufacturer, makes his home in Heidelberg Township. He is a native of this county, and was born October 11, 1834, his parents being George and Susanna (Hundwarky) Neff, also natives of this county. The great-grandfather of our subject was the founder of the family in this township, and was among the earliest settlers here. The father of our subject died many years ago, and of the children born to his wife, the following survive: Caroline, the wife of Daniel Sensinger; Edward, our subject; Joel; Leanna, the wife of Peter Hundwarky, and Maria, Edward Neff was reared to man’s estate in this county, and aided his father on the home farm until reaching his seventeenth year; at that time he began to learn the shoemaker’s trade, and followed that business for the next ten years. At the expiration of that time he again engaged in farming, and in connection with agricultural pursuits commenced to manufacture brick. His estate comprises one hundred and ten acres of well improved land, on which is to be found excellent clay for brickmaking. He is upright and conscientious, and is justly ranked among the most successful men of the county. Mr. Neff is also engaged in the undertaking business in Saegersville, which he has carried on since 1885.

Miss Fiana Hundwork became the wife of our subject in 1857, and to them were born ten children, six of whom are yet living. They are: Charles; Flora, the wife of John Evans; Mary, who married R. Hollenbarch; Wilson P., Henry O. and Annie T. The good wife and mother died in February, 1892.

Mr. Neff is a devoted member of the Reformed Church, to which denomination his wife also belonged. Although sixty years of age, Mr. Neff still does much hard work upon his farm. He is a prosperous man, and is much liked throughout the township for his sterling worth and integrity. He is a member of the Republican party politically, and is ever ready to forward any movement that will enhance the prosperity of the community.

* * * *

This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Lehigh County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Biographies

View a historic 1911 map of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

View family biographies for other states and counties

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.