My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH GOTH is numbered among the well-to-do business men of West Bethlehem, being engaged in taking contracts for painting, which he always executes in a satisfactory manner. His trade is continually increasing; and in the busy season he often employs from twenty to twenty-five men. The birth of our subject occurred December 9, 1855, near Rumburg, Bohemia, Austria. His grandfather Goth was a native of Germany and a baker by trade. After learning the same he worked as a journeyman, and settled in Schoenlinde, Bohemia, where he remained for some years, finally becoming a resident of Wornsdorf , where he died. Our subject’s father, Herman, was born at the same village as his son, and on arriving at suitable years commenced learning the shoemaker’s trade. At the age of sixteen, having become an expert in the business, he took up painting, and adopted the latter trade, which he preferred. In 1867 he brought his family to America and settled in Bethlehem, where several of his brothers had already located. His brother Joseph, a baker, was the first one of the Goth family to settle in America, his bakery being located near the canal. Another brother, Anthony, was the first man to largely engage in contract painting in this city, and in his employ our subject’s father continued for several years. His death occurred in 1877, when in his fiftieth year. Though a Catholic in his native land, having been reared in that faith, he did not hold to it, but with his wife joined the Moravians. The wife of Herman Goth, who was born in Schoenbuchel, was Caroline, daughter of Joseph Schindler, who was a farmer in Germany. She is still living, a resident of West Bethlehem, and now in her sixty-fourth year. Of their family five children grew to mature years and are still living.

Joseph Goth was educated in his native land, and in 1867 came with his parents by way of Hamburg to New York City, and thence to Bethlehem. He attended the public schools for a time and then, desiring to go to work, was apprenticed to learn the painter’s trade with his father. With him he continued working in various parts of the valley, mainly below Mauch Chunk and in the coal regions, until his father’s death, when he returned and worked for his uncles. In 1884 he began business for himself and has made it a success. His specialty is fine general painting and hardwood finish, and among the elegant residences in the city which show his handiwork are those of Harry Weiss, Robert Rathbun and R. P. Linderman.

In 1882 Joseph Goth was married in Bethlehem to Miss Alice O. Ernst, who was born in Lower Saucon and whose father, Henry Ernst, was formerly a prominent lumberman, but is now a resident of Jersey City. The following children graced the union of our subject and wife, Herbert, Edward, Rollin, Carrie, Franklin (deceased), Henry and Joseph, Jr.

Since West Bethlehem has been incorporated as a borough, Mr. Goth has been active in its development and in all local enterprises. He is a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he was one of the originators, being on the Building Committee, and has served for three years as Deacon. In secret societies he is interested, belonging to the Royal Arcanum and to the Knights of the Golden Chain, which he is now serving as Assistant Commander. Politically he gives his vote and influence to the support of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch adherent.