My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM B. NACE. Among the well-to-do and prominent citizens of Moore Township, Northampton County, is this gentleman, who is well worthy of representation in this work, which records the sturdy lives of her best citizens. He was born May 21, 1837, in Bucks County, Pa., his parents being Isaac and Annie (Vorger) Nace. The parents were natives of Bucks County, also, the Nace family having been early settlers in that portion of the state. The maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Midst work and play the early years of W. B. Nace passed without incident worthy of special notice, and when he had reached suitable years he commenced attending the schools of the neighborhood. A few terms at the district schools of the period were about all the advantages in an educational way that it was his privilege to have; therefore it largely devolved upon himself whether or not he should become well informed. Notwithstanding the drawbacks mentioned, he has managed to acquire a good general fund of information, and his practical knowledge has served him in all the vicissitudes of life. In 1857 our subject left his native county and came to live in Northampton County, learning the trade of milling in Allen town Township. For four years he worked steadily in one mill, one year ,as an apprentice, and the succeeding three years as a journeyman. Subsequently we find him in Lehigh County, where he pursued his vocation for only a short time. For a period of about eighteen months he resided in Kintnersville, Bucks County, and later for a year and a-half made his home in Allentown, following his trade at that place.

It was in 1864 that Mr. Nace located in Moore Township, since which time he has engaged in operating a gristmill. In addition to this he has also for a number of years carried on farming. Mr. Nace in 1886 engaged in distilling, which business he has since continued. The distillery, which he owns, and which is located not far from Petersville, is known as the Hokendauqua Creek Distillery, and here is manufactured a fine grade of wheat and rye whiskeys. In his various enterprises Mr. Nace has certainly been successful, and his prosperity is directly traceable to his inherited sturdy characteristics. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres under good improvement.

A marriage ceremony performed December 31, 1861, united the fortunes of Mr. Nace and Lucetta Seem. Mrs. Nace was born in this county December 6, 1841, being a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Knauss) Seem. Her ancestors on both sides of the family were early settlers of Northampton County, and the Seen family were among the first settlers of Allen Township. Mrs. Nace is one of the following surviving children of her parents: Daniel, who is in Kansas; Josiah, a resident of Illinois; Dr. A. K., of this county; Benjamin, who engaged in business in Kansas; Dr. Tilghman, whose home is in Iowa; Rebecca, wife of Conrad Laubach, of Iowa; Mrs. Nace, next in order of birth; and Catherine, wife of David Solt, of this county.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Nace has been blessed with ten children, nine of whom are living: Rosa M. (the wife of John Othinger), Howard W., Oliver F., John H., Almeda M., Annie R., Stella M., William I. and Lillie M. Harvey M., now deceased, was the youngest of the family. Mrs. Nace is a member of the LutheranChurch, and is a cultivated lady. The family are much esteemed in the neighborhood where they reside, and the children possess unusual musical ability.