My Genealogy Hound

HENRY W. BLOSS is one of the leading business men of Slatedale, and one of the most enterprising. He was formerly President of the Lion Slate Company, and manager of their quarry near that place. The company was organized in 1890 with Mr. Bloss as President; David Merkle, of Allentown, Secretary, and A. D. Dresher, also of that city, as Treasurer.

Our subject is a native of this county, and was born June 19, 1857, to Joel and Sarah Bloss, the former of whom was a native of Washington Township, where he was a prominent farmer. He is still living, and makes his home on a fine estate near Slatedale. The parental family included besides our subject James F., Benneville J. and Alvin.

Our subject grew to manhood on the homestead, and when of age started out in life for himself. He was engaged in the lumber business for a number of years, supplying the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company with ties. His next venture was in the slate quarrying and manufacturing business at Slatedale, having associated with him in the enterprise L. Fink and W. Mersher. This partnership existed for a number of years, and in 1893 Mr. Bloss organized the Lion Slate Company, which manufactures all kinds of roofing slate and blackboards of the very best quality. It gives employment to about thirty-five men, and a traveling salesman is kept on the road, selling the product of the factory throughout the United States. Mr. Bloss has sold his interest in the company, however, and now devotes his entire time to the lumber business.

Henry W. Bloss was married in 1877 to Miss Elvina, daughter of Henry Kern, of Washington Township, this county. Their union has been blessed by the birth of three children: Clinton J., Lillie and Carrie. Our subject is a thoroughly upright, honest man, always dealing fairly and squarely by all, and his estimable character, as well as his capability, has given him an important place among the business men of Slatedale. He is interested in the cause of education, and as School Director has promoted it in every way possible. In politics he is a stanch Republican.