My Genealogy Hound

JOHN F. STIER. No enterprise of its kind in Northampton County is conducted upon a more extensive scale than that of which Mr. Stier is the efficient manager and owner. Establishing in business at Johnsonville in 1876, he began upon a small scale, investing the $1,800 which he had saved through careful economy. Gradually the trade increased, as the reputation of its proprietor for reliability and honesty became more and more established throughout the country. A description of this establishment will be of interest to the reader: The main storeroom, 26x66 feet in dimensions, contains the postoffice, Mr. Stier having held the position of Postmaster for a number of years. It also contains a full line of dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, drugs, notions, paints and oils, and all articles usually found in a first-class country store. The second department is a storeroom, 26x40, directly across from the main building. This is used for the storage of flour and feed and surplus stock of groceries, hardware, etc. In the same building, on the upper floor, are stored oilcloth, wall paper, crockery, glass, earthen and tin ware. In another building are the furniture and household furnishing goods, the size of this structure being about 24x70, with two annexes. There is also a room for agricultural implements, slate fertilizers and salt, and still another building containing slate, nails, pumps, wire netting, and all kinds of fence and poultry wire. In the sixth building is carried a surplus stock of stoves, seeds and grain of all kinds. The stock is valued at $30,000, and the trade is large, including customers from Johnsonville and a large portion of the surrounding country.

In the village where he is now a leading citizen, Mr. Stier was born August 27, 1853, being a son of Hon. Michael G. and Rachel (Brands) Stier, of this place. The father, a native of Finesville, N. J., in company with grandfather, Jacob Stier, moved to Bucks County, Pa., and thence, a half-century ago, came to Northampton County, settling in Johnsonville. All the male members of the family being potters, they established a pottery, which was operated under the firm name of Jacob Stier & Sons, the latter comprising Michael G., William G. and Philip F. The last-named served as Sheriff of the county, and was a man of prominence, as is also our subject’s father, who at one time was a member of the Legislature. Now in his sixty-eighth year, he still makes his home in this place, respected by all who know him. For fifty years he has made his home in this community — indeed the place has grown up around him. As one who has done much hard work and has given valuable aid to the county, he is deserving of the esteem in which he is held. Politically he is a Democrat, and socially holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at East Bangor, and the Knights of Pythias at Johnsonville. His children were two in number, John F. and Minerva, the latter being the wife of J. S. Andrews, of Hainesburg, N. J.

When a lad of ten years, our subject began to clerk in a store at Johnsonville, and later was for one year similarly employed in Altoona, this state. In 1876 he began in business for himself, having a stock worth about $5,000, which he has gradually increased to its present value. He married Margaret A., daughter of William J. Hess, who lives near Mt. Bethel. Four children have come to bless their union, namely: Jennie M., Grace M., Gilbert A. and William A. Politically a Democrat, he has held a number of local offices. In 1884 he succeeded his father as Postmaster, which position he has since held. His life is a busy one and the successful management of his varied interests requires his closest thought and undivided attention. This he gives, and as a result is financially prospered.