My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE A. GAUMER, the genial and popular hotel-man, who owns the “Half-way House” in South Whitehall Township, was born in this county August 10, 1857. He is the son of Jonas Gaumer, now deceased, who was likewise a native of this county, and resided in Upper Macungie Township. He was an agriculturist of much influence in his vicinity, and departed this life in the fall of 1886. His widow, who still survives, and is living in Orefield, this state, has passed her sixty-fifth birthday. Jonas Gaumer was a Lutheran in religion, and in politics alwavs cast a Republican vote.

George A., of this sketch, grew to man’s estate in his native county, seeing it gradually developed and improved until it has reached its present state of prosperity. His schooling was received in the home district, alternating attendance at school with his work upon the farm. When reaching his eighteenth year he left home, and, learning the trade of a miller, followed it for about thirteen years.

In 1891 Mr. Gaumer became proprietor of the “Half-way House,” which he is managing in such a manner as to bring him in a comfortable income. The lady to whom he was married, December 11, 1886, was Miss Ellen J. Bastian, also a native of this county, and the daughter of D. H. Bastian, now deceased. Mrs. Gaumer was given a good education in the public schools of her native place, and also attended for a short time in Allentown.

Our subject is an attendant and member of the Lutheran Church, and has been prominently connected with many important measures looking toward the progress of this community. He is a stanch Republican in political faith, and has the high regard of all who know him. The father of Mrs. Gaumer was born in this county, as was also her mother, who died in 1855. The former departed this life in 1891.

He whose name introduces this sketch is a Mason, holding membership with Lehigh Lodge No. 326. He is also a member of Encampment No. 118, I. O. O. F.; of the Lowhill Mutual Aid Association, and the Trexlertown Mutual Aid Association, and is also connected with the same organization at Fogelsville. He holds membership with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, belonging to Pioneer Lodge No, 380, at New Smithville. As an influential Odd Fellow he belongs to Lehigh Encampment in Fogelsville. He is a man whose pleasant, genial nature makes him friends, and in all the relations of life he has borne himself as a kind husband, father and true friend should, as well as an honest man of business.