My Genealogy Hound

FRANK E. SHENTON. Slatedale, Lehigh County, is the home of many energetic and prosperous business men, but none merit more praise than the gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced. He succeeded his father, Francis Shenton, in the slate-roofing business, and has been carrying on a prosperous trade in that line since 1888. He also carries a stock of general merchandise, and his sales each year amount to $25,000. His store is fitted out with dry goods of every description, as well as a full line of staple groceries and agricultural implements.

The subject of this sketch was born in Philadelphia in November, 1859. His father, Francis Shenton, was born and reared in England, where he gained a thorough knowledge of the mercantile business in every detail. On coming to the United States he embarked in business and soon became one of the prominent merchants of Lehigh County, being the proprietor of a fine and well equipped establishment in Slatedale. In this he continued until 1888, when he was succeeded by his son. In addition to his mercantile interests he was also the pioneer slate dealer of Slatedale, in which enterprise he met with flattering success.

Francis Shenton was twice married. By his first union there were born seven children, six now living, namely: George; Elizabeth, wife of L. J. Fick; Annie E., Robert M., Frank E., William S. and Thomas H. His. second marriage resulted in the birth of two children, Dora and Howard. For many years he served as Postmaster at Slatedale, where he is now living in retirement from business cares. For many years he was one of the most enterprising and substantial business men of the place, and it is to such men as he that the town is indebted for its material prosperity.

Frank E. was given a good education in the public schools of Slatedale, and as soon as old enough began clerking in his father’s store, where he learned every detail of the business, so that when the latter retired from active work he was thoroughly competent to succeed him. He possesses superior ability, and the success which has already rewarded his exertions is but an indication of what the future will undoubtedly bring.

In his political affiliations Mr. Shenton is a Republican and lends ready aid to his party. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Lodge No. 624 at Slatington. The Methodist Episcopal Church finds in him one of its most active and liberal members. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Annie Hughes, are the parents of five children, named as follows: Norman, Ralph, Emma, Carrie and Frank E., Jr. Mr. Shenton has before him the prospects of a very successful future and is popular as a citizen and business man.