My Genealogy Hound

PRESTON E. STEM, M. D., who stands high in his profession in South Bethlehem, has been engaged in practice here since January, 1890. The Doctor was born in Coplay, Pa., July 2, 1856, being a son of George H. Stem, of Stemton, Northampton County. His grandfather, Samuel, was a farmer in Cherryville until he retired from active work, when he removed to Stemton, and there in later years died. The family is of Scotch descent, and its members have been strong adherents of the Reformed Church.

George H. Stem was a carpenter by trade, and was thus engaged while a resident of Coplay. In 1867 he located on the site of Stemton, and started the car shops known as the Stem Car Manufactory. Afterwards he formed, with two other partners, the firm of George H. Stem & Co. Later, with H. H. Fisher, C. W. Cooper and B. E. Lehman, he formed the Lehigh Car Manufacturing Company, in which he was. Superintendent, and succeeded in building up an extensive business. In 1886 C. W. Cooper, the Treasurer, and H. H. Fisher, the President, of the firm died, and with other reverses the firm failed. It was then merged into the Lehigh Valley Car Manufacturing Company, and of this concern Mr. Stem was also Superintendent until he retired from active business. His home is still in Stemton, which he laid out and started, it being named in his honor. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat, and religiously is connected with the Reformed Church. His wife, C. Elizabeth Moyer, was born in East Allen Township, and became the mother of five children.

Dr. Stem was born in Coplay, and there lived until he was twelve years old. He then accompanied his parents to Stemton, and attended the public schools of that place until 1869, when he entered the preparatory department of Muhlenberg College. In 1873 he left that institution and entered the Sophomore class at Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1876 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the fall of 1876 he commenced to read medicine with Dr. V. G. Huebner, of Coplay, and shortly afterward entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1880 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His former preceptor having died, he was sent for to take his place, and he continued there until 1886, when, on account of ill health, he relinquished his practice. In 1887 he engaged in the drug business in Allentown, buying out the firm of Hartzell Bros., and forming the firm of Heiberger & Stem.

In the spring of 1889 Dr. Stem sold out his interest in the drug business in Allentown, and in January, 1890, he came back to his first love — the practice of medicine — and located his office at No. 420 Broad Street, South Bethlehem, where he has succeeded in building up an extensive and lucrative practice. He is a stockholder in the South Bethlehem Building and Loan Association, and is confident that the town has a great future in store. While at Coplay he was Burgess for some years, and also Treasurer and a member of the Council. In politics he supports the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a Mason, being Past Master of Porter Lodge No. 284, F. & A. M., of Catasauqua; and belongs to the Royal Arch Masons of Allentown, and Allen Commandery of that place. Moreover, he is a Knight of Pythias, and belongs to the order of the Golden Eagle.

In 1881 the Doctor was married in Bethlehem to Miss Otillia I., daughter of Dr. L. H. Lawall, who was born in this town. He is a member of the Reformed Church of South Bethlehem, the Doctor’s wife belonging to the Moravian Church of Bethlehem. They are estimable people, and have the love and respect of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.