My Genealogy Hound

OWEN ROMICH was one of the shrewdest and most intelligent business men of Catasauqua, as is shown by the success which crowned his efforts. He was descended from one of the oldest and most prominent families in the county, and was engaged as a general merchant, his place of business being located on the corner of Race and Front Streets for many years. He was a native of North Whitehall, this county, and was born September 3, 1819, to Peter Romich, who was also born in the above place.

The grandfather of our subject, who likewise bore the name of Peter, was a native of Saucon Township, this county, where his father, Adam Romich, was a miller. The grandfather, who also made that industry his life work, came to Whitehall Township when a young man of twenty years, and erected a mill on Coplay Creek, which he conducted until his decease. It was then operated by Owen’s father and his brother. The former died June 27, 1867, after having passed his seventy-second birthday. He was a prominent worker in the German Reformed Church, and lived in harmony with his profession. His wife, Mrs. Selma (Wermer) Romich, was born in South Whitehall Township, and was the daughter of George Wermer, who came from Germany to America when a lad of fourteen years. He first located in New Jersey, where he engaged in farming pursuits, and became well versed in the English language. After coming to this county he purchased property in South Whitehall Township, upon which he resided until his decease, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother of our subject became the parent of thirteen children, and departed this life in 1847.

Owen, the subject of this sketch, who is the eldest of the family, attended school but a short time, and when ten years of age began working in his father’s mill. He became thoroughly trained in that business, and four years later was competent to be intrusted with its management. The mill is still standing on Coplay Creek, and is three stories in height, and 30x50 feet in dimensions. When twenty-five years old he rented the property and carried on the business on his own account, having a large custom trade. At the same time he superintended the operations of the farm, which he also purchased later on, and cultivated until 1865. That year he rented his plant to his son Henry.

In the above year Mr. Romich removed with his family into the city, and opened a general merchandise store in company with C. B. Breinig. This connection lasted for two years, when Mr. Breinig retired from the business. His interest was purchased by Mr. Koons, and the style of the company was changed to Koons & Romich. In 1872, however, Mr. Romich bought out his partner’s interest in the concern and afterward carried on the business alone, and was one of the oldest merchants in the city. In 1864 he became the proprietor of the building on the corner of Front and Race, Streets, which is 20x55 feet in dimensions, with two stories and a basement.

Mr. Romich was married May 19, 1840, to Miss Polly, daughter of Joseph Kern. She was born near Egypt Church, in this township, which was also the birthplace of her father, who was a farmer by occupation. The children who were born to them include two sons, Henry K., who is carrying on the mill, and Frank W., who was in business with his father, but is now deceased. Mr. Romich, the subject of this biographical sketch, died October 3, 1894. In religious matters he was an Elder of the German Reformed Church for many years; in politics he was a Democrat. He was a popular man in the community, justly meriting the esteem in which he was held, and his loss will long be felt.