My Genealogy Hound

JOHN C. SCHAFER, a popular and successful young business man of East Catasauqua, is proprietor of the Fountain House, and as one of the intelligent and useful citizens of the city, we are glad of the opportunity of presenting his sketch. He was born on Second Street, in this city, September 25, 1862, and is the son of Conrad Schafer, whose birth occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1827. The grandparents of John C. kept a hotel in the Old Country, but the father of our subject followed the carpenter’s trade in his native land prior to coming to America. On emigrating to America, he made his way to this city, and after working for a time at his trade, opened a restaurant and saloon on Second Street. Later he built the Eagle Brewery, and in company with H. Kostenbader was engaged in its operation until about 1870, when he sold his interest to his partner. The following two years he lived a retired life, and when again entering upon a business career erected the Fountain House, which he managed until 1877, when he sold out to our subject. He is not now engaged in any business, but lives retired in a comfortable residence on the corner of Second and Union Streets. He is always found on the side of progress, and does all in his power to promote the general welfare and to aid in the upbuilding of town and county. He served for two terms as Supervisor of Hanover Township on the Democratic ticket, and also filled the office of Township Treasurer.

Mrs. Louisa (Swertzer) Schafer, the mother of our subject, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, and was a daughter of Gotleib Swertzer. Mrs. Schafer on emigrating to America made her home first in Allentown, and later resided in Catasauqua. She departed this life in the former city, December 28, 1885. Of the four children born to her, our subject was the eldest but one, he and a brother being the only ones now living.

John C., of whom we write, was reared in this city, and was educated in its public schools. Having early displayed considerable talent for music, he began the study of that art when nine years of age, under the instruction of Professor Herman, of Allentown. His next teacher was Professor Kennan, of Allentown, with whom he studied until 1879, when he entered the musical department of the State Normal at Millersviile. After two years in that institution he went to Philadelphia, where he received further training under Professor Schultz on both pipe organ and piano. After completing a course of two years, he returned home and was appointed organist in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, which position he held for eighteen months. He was then chosen organist of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, remaining there for two years, when he resigned in order to engage in business for himself. He has in his possession testimonials of the highest order as to his ability, and during the time he was organist taught both the piano and organ, having a large class in the city and vicinity. In addition to being a brilliant performer on these instruments, he has composed some excellent music, which he has had published, and perhaps the most salable of which was a waltz called “My Sister’s Waltz.”

Mr. Schafer purchased the Fountain House from his father in 1887, and has since continued to operate it as “mine host.” It is located near the machine shops of Davies & Thomas, and is a large brick structure, containing besides its numerous bedrooms and parlors a large ballroom and bar. In addition. to his beautiful residence, which is located on Ray Street, he owns considerable other valuable real estate in the city. He was married in West Catasauqua, January 7, 1886, to Miss Minnie A. Eagle, who was born in that city, and is the daughter of Augustus G. Eagle, a retired hotel man of this place. They became the parents of three children, one of whom is living, Mamie M. Those deceased are Augustus and Oscar.

The father of Mrs. Schafer was born in Germany, April 8, 1838, and was the son of Martin Eagle, also a native of the Fatherland, where he was a barber. His mother bore the name of Henrietta Erich prior to her marriage, and was a Lutheran in religion. Mr. Eagle came to America in 1855, and in Allentown joined his brother Frederick, who had come hither two years previously. Later he came to this city and found work with the Crane Iron Company, and after leaving their employ was for two years in Eberhart’s stone quarry, August 21, 1861, Mr. Eagle enlisted in the Union army, and with Company F, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, was mustered into the service at Harrisburg. About a week thereafter he was made Sergeant, and April 1 of the following year was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He fought in many prominent engagements, and September 12, 1864, was honorably discharged and returned home.

Soon after his return Mr. Eagle opened a bakery on Front Street, in this city, which he operated for a year, and then sold it to his brother. In 1865 he went to New York City, and was engaged in the restaurant business on Third Street for two years. Later he returned to West Catasauqua and built the Fairview House, which he operated with good success until 1890, when he sold out, and is now living retired in a comfortable residence on Bridge Street. He was married, December 11, 1868, in Bucks County, to Miss Charlotte Wurster, a native of Philadelphia. The two children who were born to them were Oscar H., now deceased, and Minnie A., Mrs. Schafer.

Mr. Eagle has been Treasurer of the School Board of Whitehall Township for three years, and during that time was instrumental in erecting three now schoolhouses. Socially he is an Odd Fellow of good standing, and belongs to Fuller Post, G. A. R. He also holds membership with Union Veteran Legion No. 18, of Allentown. He is connected with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in which he has been Elder and Treasurer, and is a prominent Democrat in politics, having served on the Standing Committee, and has been a delegate to various county conventions.