My Genealogy Hound

JONATHAN L. LEINBACH, a well-known merchant of Gilbertsville, Douglass township, Berks county, was born in Muhlenberg township, Berks county, May 15, 1846. He is the son of Louis and Elizabeth (Schmahl) Leinbach.

Henry Leinbach (grandfather) was born in Muhlenberg township, Berks county, and lived there all his life. He was a farmer by occupation. He was a school director, and a prominent and progressive man. The family were members of the Reformed church. Henry Leinbach was born in 1794 and died in July, 1855, at the age of sixty- one years. He was buried in Alsace churchyard, near Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania. His children: Louis, (father); Joseph, William, Henry, Thomas, Jonas, John, Mrs. Mary L. Heifert, Mrs. Harriet Wentzel, Mrs. Sarah VanReed. Mrs. Kate O’Reilly. His wife was Mary Magdalene Baum. She was also born in Muhlenberg township, and died in July, 1855.

Louis Leinbach (father) married Elizabeth Schmahl. The couple had ten children, of whom the following are living: Mrs. K. Rowe, Mrs. K. Reber, Mrs. Rosie Hake, Mrs. Annie Dolch, Mrs. Rebecca Prutzman, Samuel Leinbach (deceased); and Jonathan. Mrs. K. Reber, had seven children, of whom five are living: Ralph, John, Gertrude, Esther, and Helen. Mrs. Rosie Hake had two children: Harry and Ruth. Mrs. Annie Dolch had three children: William, Ellen and Anna. Mrs. Rebecca Prutzman had one daughter. Samuel Leinbach had two children: Elizabeth and Mary. Louis and Elizabeth Leinbach had several children who died young. Louis Leinbach (father) was born in August, 1817. He was a farmer and a member of the Reformed church. In politics he was a Democrat. He died in 1891. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in Roscommon township, Berks county, in 1821. She is deceased. They are buried near Reading.

Jonathan L. Leinbach attended schools of the neighborhood until he was seventeen years of age. He removed to Gilbertsville in March, 1867. He built the house and store at that place and has since resided there. In politics he is a Democrat, although he has never sought or held office. He is a member of the Reformed church at Boyertown, Berks county, where he has been organist for more than thirty years.

Mr. Leinbach married in 1874, on May 2, Sarah Reigner. She is the daughter of Peter and Hettie Reigner. Her parents resided on the farm in Douglass township, but now live at Boyertown. Peter Reigner has held the office of school director.

Mr. and Mrs. Leinbach have had seven children, of whom four died young. The survivors are Harry R., of Boyertown; Mrs. Alice Lachman, of Gilbertsville, and Miss Katie Leinbach, residing with her parents.