My Genealogy Hound

HON. EDWARD H. LAUBACH. This representative citizen and influential resident of Northampton is known in various walks of life as a prominent civilian, able legislator and successful business man. He has long been influential in the political and social life of this section of Pennsylvania, and has been a potent factor in advancing its commercial and agricultural interests. At present he occupies the honored and responsible position of State Senator from the Eighteenth District, the duties of which he discharges in such a manner as to reflect credit upon himself and promote the welfare of his constituents.

Born in September, 1852, the subject of this biography is a son of Samuel and Lucy (Hess) Laubach, natives of Northampton County. The father, now deceased, during his life engaged in merchant milling and did an extensive mercantile business. The mother, who is still living, makes her home with Edward II. Our subject represents the third generation of the family who have engaged in the milling business in Northampton County. The first representatives of the family in America were Christian and Reinhard Laubach, who left the Palatinate of Germany in July, 1738, embarking at Rotterdam on the ship “Queen Elizabeth,” Alexander Hope master, and landing in Philadelphia September 16 of the same year. They settled in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, on land owned by the Penn heirs. The family have since become numerous, and its members occupy a prominent place in the political, business and professional circles of Northampton and adjoining counties.

In the public schools Mr. Laubach laid the foundation of his education, and at the age of twelve years entered what is now Muhlenberg College in Allentown. After carrying on his studies there for two years he entered Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, where he conducted his studies for two years. His father died when he was but eleven, and on attaining mature years, though his natural inclinations were toward a professional life, it was deemed best that he take charge of the large estate left to the widow and children. Of the family five now survive, those beside Edward H. being Allen D., Peter J., Samuel, and Amanda, wife of Rev. J. F. Delong, of Bethlehem.

After leaving college Mr. Laubach embarked in the mercantile and milling business, in which he has since been engaged. The mill was remodeled in 1886, at which time the latest improved roller system of machinery was introduced. The work is done entirely for the trade, specialties being made of the “Standard,” “Royal” and “XX” brands.

In 1876 Hon. E. H. Laubach and Miss Elizabeth Stewart were united in marriage. The lady was born in Catasauqua, and is a daughter of the late James Stewart. Three children have blessed the union, Mabel S., Samuel T. and James H. In religious faith Mr. Laubach is a member of the Reformed Church. With the exception of Director of Schools in his native township, he never held political office until elected in November, 1890, to the Senate. While not an office-seeker, he has given years of service to his party. He had just attained his majority when elected a member of the county committee of his political party, which place he has held almost continuously since. He has been a member of the Democratic State Committee for many years, and often a delegate to state conventions, in which he has several times been Chairman of important committees. He has also been Chairman of the Democratic County Committee a number of times. His long experience as a politician has been of value to him in his legislative career, and he has been enabled to further the welfare of his district in many important ways. In the convention of June, 1894, he was re-nominated by his party almost unanimously, and was re-elected November 6 following, this being the first instance of a Senator’s re-nomination and re-election from Northampton County. To the duties of this important position he devotes himself assiduously, exercising painstaking diligence and diplomacy in everything tending to the progress of the people, and winning by his recognized ability a prominent position in the legislative body of which he is a member.