My Genealogy Hound

DAVID MOLL. Probably the most extensive and successful gardener of Northampton County is the subject of this sketch, who has made a special feature of this department of agriculture. Coming to South Bethlehem in the spring of 1893, he settled upon his present property and established a truck farm. The passing stranger invariably pauses to notice and admire the place, and a single glance convinces him that the proprietor is a man of thrift and energy. The gardens are without doubt the finest in the vicinity, and Mr. Moll takes great pride in keeping them in fine condition.

A native of Pennsylvania, our subject was born in Rittersville, Lehigh County, in 1842. The family has long been connected with the history of that county, and there was born Grandfather John Moll, a soldier in the War of 1812. William, father of our subject, was born in Macungie, the same county, in 1819, and from there he went to Nazareth, Northampton County, where he learned the trade of a cigar manufacturer. In that business he continued with success until his death, December 9, 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His widow, Mary, is still living, and makes her home in Bethlehem.

In the parental family there were eleven children, of whom six still survive. David, the eldest of the number, received a common-school education, and during the intervals of attendance at, school worked at the cigar trade. When fourteen years old he commenced to work for a farmer, with whom he remained until the opening of the Civil War. When the call was made by President Lincoln for men to defend the Old Flag, he was one of those who responded. He enlisted at Harrisburg, Pa., as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-third. Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B, in 1862. With his regiment he did active service in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. After the last-named engagement he was made Sergeant, and was serving in that capacity at the time of the expiration of his period of service. Belonging to the same company and regiment was his brother Thomas, now engaged in raising horses in Iowa.

The war closed, our subject came to Bethlehem, and became a coachman for E. P. Wilbur. After nine years in that capacity he was given charge of a truck farm belonging to the same gentleman, and nine years were spent in the management of this place. As above stated, he located in South Bethlehem in the spring of 1893, and here he has since resided. The farm which he formerly operated was one of the finest in the valley at that time, and upon it were raised thoroughbred Norman draft horses, the finest grades of sheep and hogs, and fine blooded Jersey cattle, some of which were sold for $200 each.

In 1876 Mr. Moll married Miss Delliah E. Duneham, an estimable lady and an active member of the Lutheran Church. In political opinions he is firm in his allegiance to Democratic principles. At the present time he is serving as Supervisor of Fountain Hill, and as he is the first incumbent of that office he finds the position one of great responsibility. In former years he was a mechanic, and for some time was identified with the Ancient Order United American Mechanics.