My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. BACHMAN, a representative and well known business man of Freemansburg, has been in the mercantile trade in this place since 1881. He carries a stock of general merchandise, consisting of dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, crockery and hardware, and by his upright manner and honest dealing has gained the respect of the community in which he lives. Mr. Bachman is a native of Northampton County and was born September 24, 1851, being the son of Aaron and Eliza (Laubach) Bachman, natives of Northampton County, but both now deceased. The Bachman family were early settlers in the Lehigh Valley, and well known in the vicinity. Aaron Bachman was for many years a well known canal-boat builder and was a member of the firm of G. & A. Bachman. At different times he filled all the local offices of his township, and also served as County Commissioner for years. His birth occurred April 14, 1808, and he departed this life June 16, 1886. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born December 9, 1815, and passed to the land beyond January 6, 1880.

Of the children comprising the parental family the following survive: Alfred, a resident of Bethlehem; Peter S., who is also making his home in that city; Sylvester A., residing in Philadelphia; Allen H, a farmer in this county; Harvey L., living in South Bethlehem; Mary, the wife of M. J. Hess, of this county; Annie, the wife of Hon. R. K. Bachman, of Bucks County, this state; Aravesta M., now Mrs. Clyde Miller, of Birmingham, Ala.; and George W., our subject. Peter S. has been a member of the State Assembly of Pennsylvania, and is a popular man of the county.

Our subject was reared in Northampton County, attending the public schools of his native place, and also the private schools of Bethlehem. When sixteen years of age he began learning telegraphy in the Lehigh Valley Depot at Freemansburg, and subsequently became station agent at this place, serving as such for five years. After resigning his position as station agent, he became identified with the mercantile business, forming a partnership with R. K. Bachman & Bro. At the expiration of a twelvemonth the connection was dissolved, and our subject became sole proprietor of the store, and in this avocation has become very successful.

October 14, 1874, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bachman to Miss Mary E. Freeman, and of their marriage five children have been born. They are: Estella M., Jennie F., Laura E., Ralph S. and Roland A. Mis. Bachman is a daughter of Dr. G. W. Freeman, a prominent physician of this city. Mr. Bachman is serving as School Director of the borough and is the present School Treasurer of his district. He is also the Secretary of the South Bethlehem National Bank, and one of the Directors, and ranks among the most prominent men of the vicinity on account of his public spirit and enterprise. In politics he is a Democrat and an ardent supporter of the principles of that party. He and his estimable wife are active members of the Lutheran Church, of which he is an Elder and the Financial Secretary.