My Genealogy Hound

JACOB FATZINGER, Jr., a history of whose life is herewith presented to the public, has passed from the scene of earthly joys and sorrows to his final resting-place. He was born in Weaversville, Northampton County, August 9, 1841, and was the son of Jacob and Drusilla (Weaver) Fatzinger. His maternal grandfather, Michael Weaver, was a very early settler of this county, and the founder of the village of Weaversville. The father of our subject was a man possessed of a moderate education, but of excellent business qualities. He was a carpenter by trade, following that occupation in Weaversville for many years.

Jacob, of this sketch, received his education in the academy at Weaversville, making a specialty during his last years in school of the studies of surveying and civil engineering. He was known as an expert in this line, and did much surveying in the northern portion of this county. When ready to establish a home of his own, he was married, October 24, 1879, to Miss Ellen J. Eckert, a native of Siegfried’s, this county. She was born October 24, 1857, and is the daughter of Edward and Diana (Arner) Eckert, who were likewise natives of this section. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Fatzinger on the maternal side, whose name was Thomas Gilmore, left Ireland for America prior to the Revolutionary War. One day, when about twelve years old, he was standing on the docks of the town in Ireland in which he lived just as a vessel was about to leave for America. The little fellow asked the Captain of the vessel to take him with him, and the latter inquired what his parents would say to such a proceeding. “I have no parents, sisters, brothers or friends, and no home,” replied the poor urchin, who had recently suffered the loss of his whole family from an epidemic. “And what can you do to pay for your passage?” asked the Captain. “I will do anything you ask of me — polish your boots or anything,” was the heroic reply. The Captain granted the request, but on landing at Philadelphia sold him for his passage (a custom of that day), but how much his services were to bring is not known. The man to whom he was sold retained him until he was eighteen years old, when he enlisted for the Revolutionary War, under General Washington, crossing the Delaware in the same boat as the latter. He served until the close of hostilities, and after the war married, his wife being a native of Pennsylvania. The mother of Mrs. Fatzinger departed this life March 12, 1893, and her husband now makes his home with Mrs. Fatzinger. He is in his eightieth year, but is still hale and hearty, taking the entire supervision of the mill property which our subject left his widow.

Mr. Fatzinger, in connection with surveying, also operated a gristmill for many years, having a fine plant, fitted with improved machinery. He manufactured a superior grade of flour, which found a ready market in Weaversville and surrounding cities. He was also the proprietor of a small farm, which he conducted in an admirable manner, and by this means added to his income.

Although frequently solicited by his friends to accept public office, he always refused to do so, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his private affairs. As a side issue, he was correspondent for many magazines and newspapers, and was widely known as a talented historical writer. During the publication of the history of Northampton County many years ago, he was one of the staff of writers of the history, compiling the biographies of prominent men in a most readable manner. He was well posted on all the important changes which had taken place in his locality, and this, together with an excellent memory, made his work very acceptable.

To Mr. and Mrs. Fatzinger there was born a son, Thomas E., whose birth occurred February 24, 1883. Our subject was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, with which he was connected for many years. He was a stanch Republican in politics, and supported every measure which had for its object the elevation of his community. Socially he was a Mason of high standing, and took a very active part in that order. In his private life he was a kind father, loving husband and obliging neighbor, and in his death the county lost one of its most valued citizens.