My Genealogy Hound

SILAS G. CROLL. A life-long resident of Pennsylvania, Mr. Croll has since 1873 made his home in the village of Trexlertown, of which he is an honored, popular and progressive citizen. After coming here he was for a time employed in the interests of the Lehigh Grain, Coal & Lumber Company, and gaining an insight into and thorough knowledge of that business, he commenced for himself. His experience, integrity and energy have contributed to the success which he now enjoys, and he is numbered among the efficient business men of the place. In addition to other interests, he is serving as Justice of the Peace.

The Croll family was represented among the earliest settlers of Berks County, Pa., with the history of which they were closely identified for several generations. There our subject’s father, John Croll, was. born and reared, and it was also the birthplace of his wife, who bore the maiden name of Kate DeLong. In early life his occupation was that of a tailor, but later he engaged in farming, in which he continued until his death. About 1854 he removed with his family to Lehigh County, and settled in North Whitehall Township, where he purchased property and conducted agricultural pursuits until his death, in the fall of 1891. His widow still continues to make her home in that township.

Our subject was born September 12, 1847, during the residence of the family in Berks County. He was a lad of seven years when his parents came to Lehigh County, and here his subsequent life has been passed. After completing the studies of the common schools, he attended Freeland Seminary one term, and thus laid the foundation of his present broad education, to which he has since added by self-culture. It has been his aim to keep intelligently posted upon topics of current interest, and in political matters he is a stanch Democrat.

At the age of nineteen Mr. Croll began to work in a gristmill, and continued to work at the trade for eight years. In 1873 he settled in Trexlertown, and here for eight years he was employed as a clerk with the Lehigh Grain, Coal & Lumber Company. Such was the ability which he displayed in affairs that he was given the management of the business, thus gaining a thorough knowledge of the details of this line of work. In 1884 he embarked in business for himself, in which he has since continued. He also buys large tracts of land, and has the timber cut up with a steam sawmill into ties and car wood of all kinds.

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Croll in 1869 was Josephine, daughter of David Acker, and a native of Lehigh County. Four children were born to the union, of whom three are living, viz.: Alfred D., Mamie I. and John P. The only daughter, an accomplished lady, is the wife of Robert Guth, of Trexlertown. In 1887 Mr. Croll was elected Justice of the Peace, and he has since filled that position. On the 20th of December, 1890, Mr. Croll was elected Mercantile Appraiser for 1891 by the Board of Commissioners of Lehigh County. He has also served as School Director of Upper Macungie Township. In the various public offices he has held his conduct has been such as to win the commendation of all concerned. He is a man of firm religious belief and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, of which he is the present Treasurer. Socially he is connected with Lehigh Lodge No. 326, F. & A. M., of which he is Treasurer. He is also a member of the order of Knights of Malta at Alburtis, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Fogelsville.