My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN BARTHOLOMEW. While Lehigh County has much in the way of natural resources and commercial transactions to commend it to the public, the chief interest centers in the lives of those citizens who have achieved success for themselves and at the same time benefited the community in which they reside. Prominent among these men is the subject of this sketch, for many years a successful business man of Whitehall, but recently retired.

A native of Bucks County, this state, Mr. Bartholomew was born April 30, 1844, to Samuel and Maria Bartholomew. Little is known concerning the ancestry of the family, excepting that his great-grandfather was killed in the War of 1812. He was reared in Bucks County, alternating attendance at school with work upon the home farm. His advantages in the former direction, however, were quite meager, and such information as he has gained is the result of close observation and self culture. In this way he has become a man well informed upon all topics of importance. When in his nineteenth year he began to learn the trade of a tin-smith, serving an apprenticeship of two years, after which he was temporarily employed as a journey-man.

Coming to Whitehall in 1869, Mr. Bartholomew began in business on his own account and as a tin-smith and dealer in stoves conducted a large and profitable business until January, 1894, when he sold the stock to his son, Harvey M., the present proprietor of the store. Though beginning with no capital, he has gained more than ordinary success through the exercise of sound judgment and sagacity in his dealings.

In 1870 Mr. Bartholomew was united in marriage with Miss Elamanda Trumbower, who was born in this state. Four children bless the union: Harvey M.; Cora A., wife of Francis Jacoby; Charles S. and Mary A. The religious connections of the family are with the Lutheran Church at Egypt. Politically Mr. Bartholomew supports the principles for which the Democratic party stands, and is a progressive, and enterprising citizen. Socially he is identified with the Independent Older of Odd Fellows, the United American Mechanics and the Whitehall Beneficial Society.