My Genealogy Hound

HENRY STEINMETZ has served acceptably for eight years as a member of the Easton City Council, and has also represented the Third Ward in the Common Council. He is a practical business man, and for nine years has been engaged in the manufacture of sash and blinds, having his factory and also a large lumber-yard in this city. He owns, besides this, a lumber-yard in Phillipsburg, N. J., and is doing a lucrative business, affording employment to thirty-two men and running four teams constantly. The firm name is Steinmetz & Zearfoss, his partner, Godfrey Zearfoss, having become associated with him in 1885.

On the paternal side our subject’s grandfather, John, was, it is supposed, a native of Germany. In an early day he became a resident of Plainfield Township, this county, and devoted the remainder of his life to farming. He was a member of the old Piainfield Reformed Church, and was loved by all who knew him. Of his four children the eldest was John, our subject’s father. John Steinmetz, Jr., was born in Plainfield Township and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. He was also a mechanic of no small ability, and led an industrious and active life. For a short time his home was in Stewartsville, N. J., but the most of his life was spent near Easton. In politics he was a Democrat, and religiously was identified with the old Plainfield Reformed Church. His wife, who was in girlhood Rebecca Mitz, bore him seven children, Jesse, Luzetta Rice, Susan Stout, Amanda, Henry, Louisa Deltrich and Mary Andrews. The father died in 1858, aged fifty-four years.

Henry Steinmetz was born in Easton February 28, 1839, and received a district-school education in Forks Township, also attending a night school. When eighteen years old he began learning the trade of a carpenter, and served an apprenticeship of four years. He continued as a journeyman carpenter until 1873, when, in company with Robert T. Horn, he succeeded Levi Bennett, who was one of the most extensive contractors and builders in Easton at that time. The name of the new firm was Horn, Steinmetz & Co., and the partnership was continued for twelve years, at the end of which time the junior member retired from the business. In the factory which he now operates all kinds of sash and blinds, house and building supplies are manufactured and kept in stock.

Soon after the opening of the Civil War Mr. Steinmetz donned the blue and enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac,and engaged in the battles of Antietam, South Mountain, Shepherdstown and Fredericksburg. In the latter engagement he was wounded in the leg, just above the knee, during the last charge on the afternoon of December 13, 1862. The injury was occasioned by a musket ball, which incapacitated him for further army service. He is a member of Lafayette Post No. 217, G. A. R., and has always in practical ways manifested his loyalty and good citizenship. In politics he is a Democrat. As an Odd Fellow he belongs to Lehighton Lodge No. 244, and is a member of Valley Union Encampment.

December 24, 1863, Mr. Steinmetz married Anna M., daughter of John Klutz, of this city. They are members of Christ Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Steinmetz is an officer. Seven children came to grace their union, namely: Ida E., Anna (deceased), Bertha E., Stella E., Dora E., Abbie E. and Gertrude E.