My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. STOUDT. No better representative of honest, upright manhood can be found than the above-named gentleman, an influential citizen of West Bethlehem, where he is carrying on a large business as a brick contractor and plasterer. If for no other reason, he deserves representation in this volume for the noble part which he played during the late war.

Our subject was born in Moore Township, Northampton County, August 22, 1839, and is the son of John Stoudt, born in Monroe County, this state, where he carried on his trade of a millwright until removing to his fine farm in Moore Township. His wife, prior to her marriage Mary Leh, was born there, and was the daughter of John Leh, a farmer, who is now deceased. Mrs. Stoudt departed this life at the age of seventy-seven years, firm in the faith of the Reformed Church.

William H., of this sketch, was the third in order of birth, of the parental family of eight children, and was reared in Moore Township, and there attended the district school. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm, until attaining his eighteenth year, when he began learning the brickmason’s trade, working in Nazareth. He was thus employed when, in 1862, he offered his services in defense of his country, and became a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. With his regiment he participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and at the latter place was taken prisoner by the enemy, but was soon paroled. With his company young Stoudt was mustered out in 1863, and, returning home in the fall of that year, began farming, becoming the owner of a good estate in Bethlehem Township. He was thus occupied for a quarter of a century, but in 1888 abandoned that industry and, moving into West Bethlehem, worked at his trade until 1890, when he began brick contracting, which he has since followed with signal success, erecting some of the best business blocks and residences in the city. He gives employment in the busy season to twenty or thirty men, and the work when given in his charge always proves satisfactory.

Mr. Stoudt was married in 1863 to Miss Mary A. C. Paulus, a native of Bethlehem Township, and to them have been born three children: Howard, of West Bethlehem; Oscar, engaged in business in Philadelphia; and Clayton, who is at home with his parents. Socially our subject belongs to J. K. Taylor Post, G. A. R., and in religious affairs is a devoted member of Christ Reformed Church. He is a believer in and a supporter of Republican principles, and as an honest and intelligent man commands the respect of all.