My Genealogy Hound

AMMON ARNER, a venerable and esteemed citizen of Mahoning Township, Carbon County, is a native of this county, within whose limits the main part of his life has been passed. Until this year (1894) he has been actively engaged in commercial enterprises, and has been blessed with success in his business undertakings.

The subject of this narrative was born February 2, 1822, to Henry and Catherine (Moyer) Arner. The father, who died at the age of ninety-five years, was a native of Lehigh County, and a son of William Arner, whose birth also occurred in the same county, but who later became a resident of Schuylkill County, where he continued to make his home until his death. Ammon Arner grew to man’s estate in this county, and early learned the practical duties pertaining to farm life. He was a student in the primitive subscription schools of his day, and his advantages for obtaining an education were very limited. For a number of years he was in partnership with his father in the manufacture of powder and also in the operation of the homestead. On engaging in business for himself, he manufactured phosphates and farm fertilizers for a period of about twenty years, after which he concluded to turn his attention to mercantile pursuits.

In 1869 our subject opened a merchandising business at New Mahoning Postoffice, continuing to run his establishment for about a quarter of a century. His efforts to please his customers and to retain their trade met with success, and for years he derived a good income from the business. In 1894 he sold out to his son-in-law, Lewis Zimmerman, and since that time has confined himself to running his farm.

April 18, 1848, Mr. Arner married Annie Beltz, who was born and grew to womanhood in this county. Her parents were John and Hannah (Hummel) Beltz, likewise natives of the Keystone State. The latter, who is making her home with Mrs. Arner, is now in her eighty-fifth year, and is still hale and hearty. Mr. and Mrs. Arner have four children living and seven deceased. John H. is a resident of Allentown, Pa.; Moses D. makes his home in Kansas; Kate J. is the wife of Lewis Zimmerman, and Emma L. is at home.

Frequently our subject has been called upon to serve in official capacities, and among the positions he has held is that of Inspector on the Election Board of his township. For many years the postoffice of New Mahoning has been located in his store. Religiously he holds membership with the Reformed Church, in which he has served as Deacon, but his wife is connected with the Evangelical denomination. Mr. Arner casts his vote in favor of the Democratic party, and has been identified with its welfare for over half a century.