My Genealogy Hound

ALBERT W. LEH. The gentleman whose honored name appears at the opening of this sketch is a representative of the men of energy and enterprise who have made Northampton County so prominent in the state. He is one of the oldest and most reliable architects in South Bethlehem, and has been the designer of many of the finest buildings in the Lehigh Valley. He also deserves prominent mention as a soldier during the late war, being at that time one of the youngest to join the service in the country.

Our subject was born in Northampton County, September 17, 1848, and is the son of Daniel Leh, a native of Berks County, his birth occurring near Pottsville. He in turn was descended from Jacob Leh, also a native of the above county, where he was engaged in farm pursuits and was well-to-do. He was a devoted member of the Reformed Church, and a man greatly respected for his upright and honest life.

Daniel Leh removed to this county when a young man, buying property in Williams Township, and engaged in its cultivation until his decease in 1880. He too belonged to the Reformed Church. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Wolflnger. She was a native of Bucks County, and the grand-daughter of John Wolfinger, who emigrated from Germany and located in Bucks County, where he passed the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject is also deceased, having passed away at the home of her daughter, Malinda Foucht, in Farmersville in 1887.

The parental family included eleven children, six of whom are now living. Albert W. was reared on his father’s farm, and, like all the lads of that day, secured his primary education in the district schools. September 8, 1864, when sixteen years old, he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered into service at Philadelphia. With his regiment he formed a part of the Fifth Army Corps, and with the Army of the Potomac engaged in the battles of Pegram Farm, South Side, Hatcher’s Run and Petersburg. He was wounded at Hatcher’s Run in the right instep, and, although the wound was painful, he remained with his company and reported for duty. For valiant service he was promoted to be Corporal, and was mustered out of service May 15, 1865, at Arlington Heights, Va.

Returning home at the close of the war, young Leh went to Easton and entered Trach’s private school, after which he took a business course. He then began life for himseif as a wood-carver at Durham, under the instruction of a Mr. Steckle, with whom he remained for two years. While in his employ he made a study of architecture, which business he has followed ever since. In 1869 Mr. Leh located in South Bethlehem, with whose interests he has been prominently identified, and has erected some of the finest business blocks and residences in this section. After coming here he worked for a time in the planing-mill of Ritter & Beck, but since 1880 have given his entire time and attention to his present business. His office is located at No. 214 West Second Street. Since 1884 our subject has been associated in business with Col. S. D. Lehr and Howard S. Mertz, architects and engineers, the firm being known as Lehr, Leh & Mertz, with headquarters at No. 720 Hamilton Street, Allentown.

The original of this sketch was married, in Philadelphia, in 1884 to Miss Alice Ruton. Socially Mr. Leh is a member of J. K. Taylor Post No. 182, G. A. R., and belongs to the Knights of Malta. Although voting the Democratic ticket during national elections, he is independent in politics, and reserves the right to cast the ballot for the man who in his judgment will best fill the office.