My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES DETWEILER, who is carrying on a good business as a blacksmith in Allenton, was born in this city, May 5, 1833. He is the son of John Detweiler, a native of Berks County, this state, who later in life located in this county. His good wife, prior to her marriage Anna Lohman, was also born in this county. Grandfather Detweiler was born in Holland, and settled in Berks County, where he spent the latter years of his life.

Charles, of this sketch, attended the common schools of his native city, and on reaching the age of eleven years, was deprived by death of his mother, and four years later suffered the loss of his father. He was the eldest in the parental family of five children, and as his father and mother were people of limited means, he was compelled early in life to look out for himself. He worked out on farms for a time, and then served a three-years apprenticeship at the blacksmith’s trade under Peter Heller. After becoming acquainted with the business, he received as his first year’s wages $25 and his board and clothing.

Our subject continued to work for others as a blacksmith until April 8, 1859, where he erected a shop of his own, and now has the largest establishment in the city, giving employment to eleven men. He is known all over the county as an expert horse-shoer and never fails to give satisfaction in any work done. He is interested as a stock-holder in several enterprises in the city, among them being the Iowa Barb Wire Company and the Allentown Brewing Company. In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat, and socially belongs to Lehigh Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F.

In March, 1855, Mr. Detweiler was united in marriage with Miss Anna Reinsmith, a native of this city, and the daughter of Peter Reinsmith, who was born in Whitehall Township. Their union has resulted in the birth of the following named five children: Charles D., George H., Harry L., Robert R. and Flora. All the sons are engaged in business with their father.

In 1890 our subject built his present shop, which is located at Nos. 531 and 533 Walnut Street. It is a brick structure, two stories high, and 40x92 feet in dimensions. Mr. Detweiler is a public-spirited citizen, and in 1884 was elected for a term of three years to represent the Second Ward in the Select Council of Allentown. He took great pride in conscientiously discharging the duties of the office, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.