My Genealogy Hound

HENRY C. ROTH, who died March 31, 1894, was at the time of his death the senior member of the firm of Roth & Sourwine, prominent clothiers and merchant tailors of Allentown, their place of business being located at No. 719 Hamilton Street, and going by the name of “The Anchor Clothing Hall.” The city of Allentown is the home of many energetic and prosperous business men, who have won for themselves both fame and fortune, but none ever merited more praise or were more highly esteemed than he whose history claims our attention.

A native of Lehigh County, this state, our subject was the son of Henry and Rebecca (Ebert) Roth, natives of Lehigh County, and representatives of old pioneer families in this locality. Henry C. received his educational training only in the common schools, but his natural industry enabled him to acquire an excellent business education. His first employment when starting out in life for himself was as an apprentice in a tailoring establishment, and after spending four years in learning that trade he came to Allentown, where he worked in the shops of other parties until launching out in. business for himself. In 1864 he formed a partnership with H. Schnurman and C. L. Newhard, with whom he continued until the death of the senior member of the firm. They handled ready-made clothing and were wholesale dealers in cloths, cassimeres, satinets, vestings, and all other goods appertaining to men’s wear. Mr. Schnurman dying in September, 1893, the partnership was dissolved. Our subject, however, immediately associated himself with Lewis Sourwine, and continued to carry on business at the old stand, No. 719 Hamilton Street, until his death.

Henry C. Roth and Miss Ellen Rice were united in marriage at Allentown, February 8, 1859. Mrs. Roth is the daughter of George and Sally (Berger) Rice, and was born September 8, 1840. By her union with our subject she became the mother of two children, Ellen, and an infant who died. Mrs. Roth is a devoted member of the English Reformed Church, as was her husband, who took great interest in church work. As a business man Mr. Roth was highly regarded, being courteous, just and considerate in all his business and social relations. As a citizen he was ever ready to do what lay in his power toward the well-being of the community, and as a family man he was ever a thoughtful, affectionate husband and father. His death was sincerely mourned by his business friends and personal acquaintances, and his place in commercial, church and social circles will be hard to fill.