My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN STAHLER, formerly a prominent banker of Allentown, was also a wealthy capitalist, dealing extensively in real estate in the city. He is now retired from taking any active part in business affairs other than to look after his own private interests. Mr. Stahler was born in this county, November 8, 1816, and is the son of Lawrence Stahler, who for many years was a prominent farmer and merchant of Lehigh County. He was born in this county, and during his life held the position of Justice of the Peace of Upper Milford Township, where his death took place. He was the son of Nicholas Stahler, who also claimed Lehigh County as his native place.

Mrs. Magdalene (Reinhard) Stahler, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of John Adam Reinhard, and her family for many generations were all born in this county. Reuben, of this sketch, remained on his father’s farm and carried on his education in the district school until reaching his fifteenth year. Then leaving home, he went to Shimerville and began clerking in the store of John Treichler. He remained in his employ for several years, and then embarked in business for himself, carrying a stock of general merchandise for fourteen years. In that enterprise he was very successful, and thinking to better his condition in a large place, in 1855 removed to Zionsville, this county, and while there was elected Justice of the Peace, which responsible position be held for eighteen years. Although still carrying on the business of a general merchant, our subject invested in farming lands, which he rented.

In November, 1869, the original of this sketch came to Allentown, and accepted a position with the Allentown Savings Institution, which he held until May 1, 1876. That year he was made Cashier of the Second National Bank, and remained as such until the spring of 1891, when he resigned and became Vice-President of the Second National Bank of Allentown. The volume of business was greatly increased under his management, and the bank is to-day one of the most reliable institutions of the kind in the state.

May 1, 1893, Mr. Stahler retired from business, and is prepared to spend the remainder of his life in ease and comfort. He is a stockholder in the Iowa Barb Wire Company of Allentown, which he was instrumental in establishing, and was also one of the organizers of the Pioneer Silk Mill of Allentown, in which he still holds stock. He likewise has an interest in the Keystone Silk Mills at Emaus, this county, and is the owner of much valuable real estate in the city.

March 5, 1843, Reuben Stahler was united in marriage with Miss Diana Engelman, a native of this county, and the daughter of Andrew Engelman, a farmer and miller by occupation. They are both members in good standing of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Stahler is deeply interested in the welfare of his community, and in addition to what he has done is at all times ready to bear his part in all those movements which will enhance its material, educational and moral prosperity. He has succeeded well in worldly affairs, and is able to surround himself and family with all of the luxuries of life.