My Genealogy Hound

VICTOR D. BARNER, proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel of Allentown, is one of the native sons of Lehigh County, his birth having occurred in Lower Macungie Township, on the 22d of July, 1857. He is the second son of David L. Barner, who served for some years as County Commissioner, and was a leading and influential citizen of this locality. In his political views he was a stalwart Democrat, and one of the active workers of his party. The grandfather, Nathan Barner, was a prominent and successful farmer of Lehigh County, and at one time owned the farm upon which is now located the Lehigh Iron Company’s plant. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Angeline Schaffer, and is a daughter of the late George Schaffer. She is still living with her husband in the borough of Macungie.

In the usual manner of farmer lads, Victor D. Barner spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and during that time became familiar with farm work in all its departments. His early education was acquired in the district schools, and was supplemented by study in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. He also attended the Millersville State Normal, and is a graduate of the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After leaving school he engaged in teaching in Lehigh County, following that profession for six years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Allentown, where from 1878 until 1881 he served as Commissioner’s Clerk. He then received an appointment as Court Crier and Auditor of the courthouse offices, and in the discharge of the duties of that position his time was passed until 1886. In that year he turned his attention to the hotel business, becoming proprietor of the Eagle House, which he successfully conducted until 1891, making it one of the most popular hotels of Allentown. This proved a profitable investment for him, as he received liberal patronage and gained a handsome competence.

In 1891 Mr. Barner purchased the old Black Bear Hotel, which for fifty years had stood upon Hamilton Street, and after removing everything he began the erection of what is now known as the Grand Central Hotel. This is the largest hotel in the city, having one hundred and forty-seven rooms, and is a five-story structure, built of brick in a modern style of architecture, and supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found in a first-class establishment of the kind. It is well lighted and ventilated, heated by steam, conveniently arranged and tastefully furnished. The table is always well supplied with the luxuries of the season, and the hotel since its opening has rapidly found favor with the traveling public.

Mr. Barner has found in his wife a faithful companion and helpmate. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Lillie E. Straut. They have one son, J. Winslow. Mr. Barner is a stockholder and Director in the Second National Bank of Allentown, is a member of the Allen Mutual Fire Insurance Company, is Treasurer of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, and is also a Director in the Keystone Mutual Benefit Association. Pleasant and genial in manner, he is well adapted to his present business, in which he is meeting with signal success. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church.