My Genealogy Hound

ERWIN H. SEMMEL, who is Postmaster at Cementon, is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and was born on the 19th of June, 1862, being a member of a family that has long been represented in the Keystone State. His parents, Owen and Mary (Deibert) Semmel, were born in this county, and are now residents of North Whitehall Township. He remained at home until thirteen years of age, when he commenced to work as a farm laborer, and continued thus employed for five years. Subsequently he followed the trades of painter and cooper, and for several years was engaged as an employe in a barber shop. In 1889 he embarked for himself as a barber, and has since conducted an extensive business in that line.

January 12, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Semmel to Miss Annie Litzenberger, who was born in Lehigh County, and is a daughter of Tilghman J. Litzenberger, of Whitehall Township. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Semmel, a daughter named Rosa H. Mrs. Semmel is a lady of great worth of character, a devoted wife and affectionate mother, whose interests center in the welfare and happiness of her family.

For two years Mr. Semmel filled the position of Deputy Postmaster at Cementon, thus gaining the familiarity with the details of the business which now enables him to discharge its duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the citizens. Shortly after the inauguration of President Cleveland, he was appointed Postmaster, in May, 1893, and assumed the duties of the office on the 1st of July following. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, and whether success or defeat comes he stands, with equal loyalty by the platform of his chosen party. Socially he is identified with the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Whitehall, and the Royal Arcanum at Bethlehem. He also holds membership in the Whitehall Beneficial Society. He is a man of sincere Christian belief and is connected with the Lutheran Church. The success which he has attained is well deserved, and as a business man he enjoys the confidence of the community.