My Genealogy Hound

F. A. RUHE, a highly respected and thorough business man, is the senior member of the firm of F. A. Ruhe & Co., furniture manufacturers of Allentown. He was born in Lehigh County, March 3, 1858, and in his youth received a common-school education, spending his time much the same as other boys until he was sixteen years old. On the 18th of November, 1874, he commenced to learn the carriage-builder’s trade, and for three years was apprenticed to R. Snyder & Sons. At the expiration of that time he began to work at his trade, being thus engaged for a short time in Allentown.

From this city Mr. Ruhe removed to the West and settled in Seneca, Nemaha County, Kan., where he embarked in the occupation of agriculture. This kind of life, however, did not suit him, so he returned to Pennsylvania and resumed work at his trade in Allentown. At different times he was in the employ of Bertolet & Bear, B. F. Schlegel, F. W. Weil & Co. and Grossman & Kluenter. December 5, 1887, in partnership with his brother, H. M., he began his present business, and is now successfully running a large factory, in which are manufactured furniture, patent window screens and all kinds of planing-mill work.

The marriage of Mr. Ruhe took place May 25, 1882. His wife, Minnie A., is a daughter of Walter and Sophia Scholl, natives of Lehigh County. They are the parents of two daughters, namely: Florence Sophia, who was born June 25, 1884; and Irene Adeline, whose birth occurred August 3, 1888. The family residence is located on Ridge Avenue, Allentown, and is a comfortable and cosily furnished abode, where an elegant hospitality is dispensed to a large number of personal friends. The family occupies a high social position and enjoys the esteem of a large circle of sincere friends. In their religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Ruhe are members of St. John’s Reformed Church, to the support of which they are generous contributors. Politically our subject is a Democrat and takes an active interest in party affairs. He is well posted in all matters tending to the promotion of the welfare of the community, and does his full duty as a liberal-spirited citizen. Of his business methods it may be said that the manner in which he conducts the large enterprise of which he is the head is such as to bring pecuniary profits to the firm and a substantial footing in business circles.