My Genealogy Hound

OLIVER D. STEINMETZ. In the township of East Allen, Northampton County, lies a finely improved farm comprising one hundred and thirty-seven acres. This is the property of Mr. Steinmetz, who has placed the land under good cultivation and improved it in many ways. His life has been spent mainly within the limits of the township, and, as a natural result, he is much interested in the progress and development of this section, and has done his full share toward increasing its importance as an agricultural center.

Members of the Steinmetz family were numbered among the pioneers of Northampton County, to which they emigrated from the Fatherland and in the development of which they have been important factors. The parents of our subject, Joseph and Sarah N. (Michel) Steinmetz, were for many years residents of East Allen Township, where they were highly esteemed for their noble lives and upright characters. The father was a progressive farmer, owning valuable and well improved farming land. He was the first to introduce slate posts for fencing in East Allen Township, and was also the first to erect a windmill in this locality. Whatever was to be had in the way of improvement, he was always sure to procure and put in use. In politics he was a Republican, and an upholder of good government. With his ife he held membership in the Lutheran Church of Bethlehem, which he served as Deacon for a number of years. Later he assisted in the erection of the church building” at Bath, in which he officiated as Deacon for seven years. He was called from this life in November, 1893, when over seventy-two years of age. His only surviving children, Oliver D., and Dr. Edwin G, of Hokendauqua, are now building a mausoleum in Bath, which is the first of the kind in this section.

The subject of this sketch was born June 3, 1846. Growing to manhood upon the farm, his early years were passed quietly. He acquired in youth the habits of industry and perseverance in whatever he undertook, which have been among his most marked characteristics. Naturally studious, he made the best of his educational advantages, and is recognized as a man of intelligence and general information. He has always been in favor of giving to children the best possible school privileges, and of elevating the educational system in this country in every practicable way. On starting out in life for himself he turned his attention to farm work very naturally, as he had served a good apprenticeship in that calling. His farm now comprises one hundred and thirty-seven acres of valuable land, which he has placed under good cultivation.

It was in 1861 that Mr. Steinmetz was joined in marriage with Miss Ellen Beisel, a well educated and amiable young lady, the daughter of Jonas Beisel, of Nazareth, Pa. One daughter, Jennie S., has come to bless the union of our subject and his estimable wife. The family are workers in and members of the Lutheran Church. The allegiance of Mr. Steinmetz, in a political sense, is given to the Republican party, and in local politics he takes an active part. In general, he manifests a public spirit and a progressive way of looking at things which is highly commendable, and which makes for the good of the community in which he dwells. As School Director of East Allen Township, he has used his influence in securing good schools and teachers, and in every way does he seek to promote learning, for he believes with many of the wisest men of the age, that in this path, more than any other, lies the solution of the many evils existing in this country. He is a member of the Grand Lodge, and among his fellow-townsmen bears an enviable reputation.