My Genealogy Hound

FRANKLIN M. HOWER, a prominent resident of Danielsville, Northampton County, has been engaged in slate quarrying for over twenty-nine years. He is a native of this county, having been born April 21, 1827, to John J. and Mary Hower, also natives of Northampton County, which was likewise the birthplace of Grandfather John Hower, who rented land in what is now known as Howertown, Allen Township, where he was an extensive and wealthy agriculturist.

Mr. Hower, the subject of this sketch, was given a fair education in the district schools, and also attended Easton Academy for two years. He has always been a resident of this county. For over a quarter of a century he was engaged as a butcher, but in 1865 launched out in his present enterprise, and for a number of years following had many partners. Besides quarrying slate, he is engaged in manufacturing, turning out slate roofing, school slates, blackboards, mantels, etc., and does an extensive business, giving employment to one hundred and fifty men in both quarry and factory. The articles of which he makes a specialty are sold in all the states and territories, and in the Dominion of Canada. He is now conducting affairs alone, and being an able and shrewd business man, has acquired a handsome property, and ranks among the best residents of the county.

Franklin M. Hower and Miss Lydia Kuntz, a sister of David Kuntz of Treichler’s, were united in marriage in 1852. Their union has resulted in the birth of six children, all now living, namely: Allen, at present a resident of Allentown; Jeremiah, engaged as salesman and correspondent in the quarry of his father; Henry, also connected with the slate works; Amanda, the wife of Cyrus March, bookkeeper for Mr. Hower; Mary, now Mrs. Joseph Fry, of Allentown; and Sarah, who is at home.

In religious affairs Mr. Hower is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church, in which he has held the offices of Deacon and Elder. He is very public-spirited, in favor of everything for the good of the community and to elevate society. In politics he is a straightforward Republican, and takes great interest in the success of the party. His quarry is known as the Peach Hill Slate Quarry and is located in Lehigh Township, this county. Besides this he is the proprietor of a seventy-five acre tract of land, which is well improved in every particular, and pleasantly located in Lehigh Township. He is also Director in the National Bank of Catasauqua, and in various ways has aided in the upbuilding of the community.