My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN SCHEIDY, whose sketch now claims attention, is Postmaster of the village of Scheidy and is likewise an agriculturist of prominence in North Whitehall Township. He was born in Lehigh County May 3, 1829, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Schneider) Scheidy, the former of whom was a native of Berks County, and the latter born in this county.

Peter Scheidy, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, who on coming to America made location in Berks County, whence he afterward removed to Luzerne County. The maternal aucestors of our subject were early settlers of Lehigh County and were prominent in the affairs of North Whitehall Township.

The father of our subject came to this township in 1826, and here made his home until his decease, October 21, 1888, when in his eighty-fifth year. Only four of his family of children survive, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of David Best, residing in Walnutport, this state; Reuben; Sarah, now Mrs. Joel Clauser, and John, a well known agriculturist of North Whitehall Township. The father of these children had devoted his entire life to farm pursuits, and in politics always voted with the Republican party after its organization.

Reuben, of this sketch, was reared to mature years on his father’s farm and remained at home assisting in its cultivation until 1855, when he removed to what was then known as Rising Sun Hotel and Postoffice, and forming a partnership with Elias M. Kuntz, carried on mercantile business there for four years. In the fall of 1859 he came to his present location, still engaging as a merchant and at the same time conducting a hotel for eighteen years. Mr. Scheidy is also the owner of eighty-five acres of land, to the cultivation of which he gives his personal attention, and makes a specialty of raising Chester-white hogs and Short-horn cattle. He has been prosperous in life and is a man much liked throughout the community for his sterling worth and integrity. For eight years he was a successful iron ore contractor in this county, and during that time gave employment to a large force of men.

June 5, 1862, Mr. Scheidy was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A., sister of Henry D. Keck, of whom a sketch will appear on another page in this work. The lady was a daughter of William J. and Mary J. (Scheirer) Keck; the former is deceased, and the latter now makes her home in North Whitehall Township. They were both natives of this state and the family is an old and highly respected one in this vicinity. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Keck, the wife of our subject is the eldest. The others are Calvin F.; Caroline, Mrs. L. P. Miller; William O, Henry D.; Ellen R., the widow of George Huttle; Mary A. and Frank P.

To Mr. and Mrs. Scheidy have been born three children, Sarah E., Mrs. F. C. Beck; Maggie M., the wife of A. D. Everett, and Ellen R. Public spirited and progressive, Mr. Scheidy takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and does all in his power to upbuild the county. He is a man who keeps himself well posted on topics of interest, and in politics never fails to cast a vote for Republican candidates. He holds membership with the Lutheran Church of Egypt, this state. He was appointed Postmaster July 1, 1891, of which position he is still the incumbent. His store, which is 18x20 feet in dimensions, is well stocked, and he carries a full line of all articles usually found in a good country store.