My Genealogy Hound

W. E. ZEARFAUS. The name with which we head this biography needs no introduction, the owner being well known as the leading merchant tailor in South Bethlehem. He has been the architect of his own fortune, working his way up from an humble position in life to be one of the prominent business men of the city, by whom he is accorded an honored place in their midst.

Our subject was born in Northampton County, July 18, 1869, and is the son of W. K. and Elizabeth (Stone) Zearfaus, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother a native of the above county. She is now deceased, passing away in 1884, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. Long, in West Bethlehem. W. E. was the youngest in the parental family of six children, and when only eight years of age was thrown upon his own resources. He came to Bethlehem and for four years clerked in the store of Alfred Beidleman. When thirteen years old he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a tailor under the instruction of William Nickum & Son, with whom he remained for three years, or until fully mastering the business. Young Zearfaus then went to Philadelphia and engaged to work in the shop of John Boringer, of that city, until offered the position of cutter for L. M. Becky.

September 1, 1892, Mr. Zearfaus came to Bethlehem and opened a merchant-tailoring establishment in the postoffice building, where by fair and honest dealing and strict attention paid to the details of business, he has worked himself up to the top round of the ladder and now commands the largest trade in the city. He carries nothing but the latest patterns in materials, and also has in his store a large and varied stock of men’s furnishing goods, which he retails at a reasonable price. His establishment is 28x80 feet in dimensions, with fine large plate glass windows, wherein Mr. Zearfaus displays his goods to the best advantage. He gives employment to twenty-two hands, which fact speaks more plainly than words of the extent of his trade.

Our subject was married in the Quaker City in 1891 to Miss Blanche Dugan, a native of that city. Their union has resulted in the birth of two children, Raymond and Russell. Both our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Episcopal Church. The former is a stock-holder in the building and loan association and is respected as a citizen and solid business man of South Bethlehem.