My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN P. FEHNEL, formerly Commissioner of Northampton County, and at present a farmer and stock-raiser of Palmer Township, was born February 13, 1833, in the county where he still resides. Here also were born his parents, Peter and Lydia (Dilliard) Fehnel, and hither in an early day came his grandfather, Conrad Fehnel, the founder of the family in the state, and one of the pioneer settlers of Moore Township.

School advantages were somewhat limited when our subject was a boy, but he availed himself to the utmost of those offered him, and gained a practical education that fitted him for contact with the world. As soon as old enough he began to aid in tilling the soil, and with advancing years increased responsibilities came to him. He remained beneath the parental roof, engaged in general farm work, until he attained his majority, at which time he began to learn the trade of a carpenter. This occupation he followed for a number of years, though his time has been devoted mainly to agriculture.

Removing in the spring of 1862 from Moore to Palmer Township, Mr. Fehnel has since resided in this part of the county. In 1873 he settled upon the farm where he has since resided. This place comprises one hundred and ten acres of land, the larger part of which has been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that at each harvest it yields large and valuable crops. While he has devoted his attention principally to the cultivation of his property, he has found time to give to the consideration of public matters, and is well informed concerning the issues of the age.

Among the local offices held by Mr. Fehnel is that of School Director of Palmer Township. He has also served as Road Supervisor, and for a period of three years filled the position of Commissioner of Northampton County. His wife was Hannah, daughter of George Marsh, late of Moore Township, but now deceased. Six children were born to this union, of whom five are now living: George; Thomas; Ida, who is the wife of Thomas Kunkle; Amanda and Owen P. Clementine is deceased. A Lutheran in religious belief, Mr. Fehnel belongs to the church situated on Bushkill Creek, in Forks Township, and in that congregation is serving as an Elder.