My Genealogy Hound

JOHN A. OPLINGER, lessee of what is now known as Oplinger’s Mill at Howersville, manufactures a high grade of flour, and is also a dealer in all kinds of grain, feed, meal, etc. He is a native of this state, having been born in Northampton County, November 18, 1839, and is the son of Daniel and Lovina (Seip) Oplinger. The family is an old and honored one in the county, the grandparents of John A. Oplinger having located in the Lehigh Valley in a very early day. Daniel Oplinger is still living, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, and is said to be one of the oldest residents of Danielsville, where he makes his home. Of the children in the parental family one is deceased and five survive, namely: John A., the subject of this sketch; Emma, who is the wife of Henry Buck, and resides in Catasauqua; Reuben R., living in Lehigh Township; Mrs. Amandus App, who also makes her home in the above township; and Catherine, who married Jeremiah Hower, and is living in Lehigh Township. Rev. James M. is deceased.

John A. Oplinger was reared to man’s estate in Lehigh Township, in the mean time aiding his father on the home place, and attending first the district schools, where he acquired a fair education. Later he became a student in the Weaversville Academy, and afterward the Asbury Academy in New Jersey, which was followed by a course at the academy in Williamsburg, this county. For several years after completing his education he was employed as a teacher, which occupation he abandoned in order to engage in business for himself. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Alvesta E., daughter of Reuben Leitenguth, a resident of Pennsville, this state. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Henry H., Harvey N., Emma J. and Jeremiah D.

In addition to his milling interests Mr. Oplinger is the proprietor of a valuable farm, comprising eighty well improved acres in Lehigh Township, from the rental of which he reaps a good income.

In politics Mr. Oplinger is a Prohibitionist, and he has done much toward advancing the cause of temperance in this section. The United Evangelical Church, with which he has been connected for many years, finds in him one of its most earnest workers.

The Oplinger Flouring Mill is fitted out with a full roller system, and has a capacity for turning out fifty barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. It is operated by water-power and is one of the best mills in the county. Our subject manufactures a fine grade of flour, making a specialty of the following brands: “Magic,” “Daisy,” “XXXX Patent,” “Pride of Lehigh,” and “Economy.” His two sons, Harvey N. and Jeremiah D., are interested in the mill, and Henry H. resides on the farm. The building, which is made of brick, is four stories in height and located on Indian Creek, in Lehigh Township.