My Genealogy Hound

JAMES ALBRIGHT, a worthy citizen of Allentown, who died in September, 1894, deeply regretted by family and friends, was engaged in the livery, hack and transfer business in this town. He was a native of Allentown, and was born November 30, 1842. His father, John Albright, was one of the early settlers of this locality, and for many years engaged in freighting from Allentown to Philadelphia, driving from four to six horse teams. He was thus engaged until near the close of his life, which terminated in 1878. He had married for his second wife Matilda, daughter of Peter Lawald, of Northampton County, and she survived her husband two years, passing away in 1880. By their union were born three children.

James Albright was educated in the public schools of his native city, but his advantages were not of the best, for at the age of fourteen he started out to make his own way in the world. He worked hard, taking care of the horses for his father, and driving from two to four horses attached to the freight wagons. He was afterwards employed in other ways whereby he might earn an honest living, until eighteen years of age. He then responded to his country’s call for troops and entered the Union service.

Hardly had the smoke of Ft. Sumter’s guns cleared away when Mr. Albright enrolled his name as a member of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Colonel Enhery. The troops were ordered to Washington, where they did guard duty for some time. While acting as guard on one occasion, Mr. Albright was standing leaning on his gun, which rested on the ground. A comrade coming up to him slipped and fell, when close to him, and in the fall Mr. Albright’s gun was discharged. The ball passed through both of his hands, which were resting on the muzzle, and the injury was so severe that part of the bones of both hands had to be removed. In consequence he was unfitted for further duty, and the accident affected his entire life, for he never after had entire use of his hands, though he was by no means helpless.

Having been discharged from the service, Mr. Albright returned to his home in Allentown, but soon after went to New York City, where he was engaged in buying and selling horses. In 1868 he came to Allentown, where for many years he was engaged in the freight and transfer business. Later he built a large barn, and at the time of his death, in addition to the above business, he carried on a livery stable. He also ran a line of hacks and busses, and had a well established trade.

In September, 1866, Mr. Albright was united in marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of Casper Zeunges, of New York City. The following children were born to them: Harry F., who died at the age of twenty-two years; Tillie; William and Robert, deceased; John, deceased; Florence; George W. and Helen. Mr. Albright was a member of Lehigh Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F., and also belonged to E. B. Young Post, G. A. R. He met with good success in his undertakings, his business proving a profitable one. In the community he was recognized as a valued citizen, who in the discharge of his public duties manifested the same loyalty and fidelity which marked his career as a soldier.