My Genealogy Hound

JACOB RAUB has done more, perhaps, toward the upbuilding and improvement of Easton than any other citizen of the place. For about three years he has been much interested in real estate, and his success is owing almost entirely to his financial ability and sound judgment. Many local enterprises he has fostered and aided, among these being the shoe and felt factories, the suspension bridge and the market house. For some three terms Mr. Raub was a member of the City Council, was President of the Select Council for one term, and inaugurated the first Democratic Mayor ever elected in Easton.

John Raub, the father of our subject, was born in Forks Township, Northampton County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in politics was a Democrat. For some years he engaged in carpet-weaving, and at one time operated a cooperage. He was a man of diversified talents, and won considerable fame as a local doctor. He was also a great hunter, and very fond of fishing, taking much pleasure in these sports. He was twice married, having five children by his first wife, namely: Daniel, William, John, Sarah and Mary. By his second marriage, the lady being Sarah Everhart he had four children: Peter; Amanda, Mrs. Kutzler Emma, Mrs. Franzer; and Jacob. The father died in 1860, but his wife is still living.

Jacob Raub was born January 25, 1854, on his father’s farm in Forks Township. He received a common-school education, but early engaged in making his own living. His first employment was as a farm hand at $4 per month, though for five years previous he had received only his board and clothing. At the age of seventeen years he began learning the trade of carpentering, and was only twenty years old when he built his first house. At this time he received $275 from his father’s estate. In 1876 he became a partner in the firm which was subsequently known as Raub, Franzer & Arner. This partnership was dissolved in 1878, and for a time our subject worked as a journeyman. He built and paid for his home and went into business on his own account. He succeeded very well from the first, as on casting up his accounts at the end of the year he found that he had cleared $1,200; the second year he cleared $5,000, and the following year $3,000. His small shop was at first only 10x12, but its dimensions were necessarily increased in a short time. For years he has given employment to twenty-three men during the entire year, and has frequently done a business of $75,000 per annum.

In 1891 Mr. Raub associated with himself William J. Daub, and embarked in real-estate business. They bought a farm lying within the city limits of Easton, this place being known as Easton Heights. It comprised seventy-six acres, a large portion of which has been sold off in lots and improved with good buildings. The ground on which stands the Moravian Church was donated by the partners, who have contributed liberally to many philanthropic societies and works in Easton. About $75,000 worth of land has been sold, fifty houses have been erected, and numerous others are in process of construction. Mr. Raub was the first person to build a house in this portion of the city, and has been untiring in his efforts to provide industrious workmen and small salaried men with homes on easy terms. He was interested with John R. Osterstock and others in building up the tract known as “the court house lot.”

In July, 1876, Mr. Raub was united in marriage with Aravesta A. Arner, who has borne him seven children, as follows: Arthur L., Howard, Reuben S., Sarah, Gertrude and Edith (deceased). The family are members of the Reformed Church.