My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM WILLAUER, a contractor of Pottstown, was born in Union township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, December 31, 1839. He is the son of Peter and Margaret (Weal) Willauer.

Peter Willauer (father) was a native of Pennsylvania and during the latter part of his life removed from Berks to Chester county, and later to Montgomery county, where he died in 1887, aged seventy-six years, his remains being interred at Shingels church, Chester county. He was employed in manual labor. Margaret (Weal) Willauer died in 1846 and Peter Willauer afterward married Mary Moser. They had one child who died at the age of one year. He was a member of the German Reformed church. He was supervisor of North Carpenter township, Chester county, for twenty-eight years. Peter and Margaret (Weal) Willauer, had thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, two of whom are now living: John Willauer, of Philadelphia; and William Willauer.

Peter Willauer (grandfather) was born in Pennsylvania and followed various pursuits. He died at an advanced age, leaving a large family.

William Willauer removed with his parents to Chester county when he was about four years of age, and grew to manhood in that county. After coming of age he returned to the county where he was born. He enlisted in the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, Captain Brooke commanding the company. He re-enlisted in the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving three years and one month, holding the rank of a non-commissioned officer. He participated in the battles of Hanna Court House, Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and other important battles and skirmishes. After the war was over he returned to his home and worked in the rolling mill at Birdsboro.

On July 3, 1866, William Willauer married Miss Emma Rotz, daughter of George and Rebecca (Stubblebine) Rotz. They had three children: George W. married Ellen Altenderfer, and is bookkeeper and clerk for his father; Mary Elizabeth married Ion Lachman; Irene died when she was fourteen months and a few days old. Mr. and Mrs. Willauer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Willauer belongs to Neversink Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Birdsboro, and M. E. Richards Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he is independent in his views.

Mr. Willauer removed to Pottstown April 4, 1870, and has lived there ever since. He owns his residence at No. 529 King street, and also other business and residence property of the borough. He takes contracts for railroads and has been instrumental in building successfully several lines of railroad, and has constructed large reservoirs, among others the Pottstown reservoir. He also was employed with the Kew York Aqueduct Company for four years.

William Willauer received only a common school education and is a self-made man. He helped on the farm when a boy, being bound out until he was sixteen years of age. He afterwards worked in the rolling mills for a number of years. His experiences have been varied, and he has traveled much while attending to his business. In 1894 he was engaged in constructing a railroad in the San Domingo islands.