My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN ZIEGENFUS, ex-Sheriff of Carbon County, is an esteemed and honored citizen of Lower Towamensing Township. He was born in this county November 25, 1822, and is a son of John A. and Catherine (Harleman) Ziegenfus, the former of whom was a native of Northampton County. He came to this county with his parents when a child, and here passed the remainder of his life.

Our subject grew to man’s estate and received a common-school education in Carbon County. Afterward he attended for a time a private school conducted by Prof. John Vandevere, of Easton, Pa. After passing the necessary examinations the youth obtained a certificate and taught school for several terms in the winter. His first public position was as Constable of this township, in which he served for several terms; and in November, 1864, he was elected Sheriff of Carbon County, serving one term to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

In 1865 Mr. Ziegenfus married Mrs. Mary A., widow of John Miller, and daughter of Conrad Weiss, both formerly of this county. To our subject and wife was born one son, Eugene A., who married Miss Mary Pearsel, by whom he had three children, Minnie M., Jennie and Lillie.

Religiously our subject is a member of St. John’s Union Lutheran Church, in which he is serving as Elder. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at Aquashicola. In politics he uses his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party and has always shown himself to be a patriotic citizen. For many years he has devoted himself to the cultivation of his farm, which has within its boundaries about fifty-three acres. The place is fertile and well cultivated, being kept in a thrifty condition by the industrious owner. Whether acting in public or private capacities, Mr. Ziegenfus has always kept the interests of his fellow-citizens near to his heart and has done everything in his power to aid in the progress and upbuilding of this region. He supports worthy enterprises, and is a strong friend to education. Personally, he bears a creditable name for integrity and a high sense of honor in every relation with his fellow-men.