My Genealogy Hound

SIMON D. VON STEUBEN, one of the well-to-do farmers of Bethlehem Township in former years, is now making his home in Hecktown. He still owns his farm in the aforesaid township, comprising some seventy-one acres, and in addition to this owns a one-third interest in one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in Bethlehem Township. He comes of a renowned German family, his grandfather, Peter M. Von Steuben, having been a near relative of the famous Baron Von Steuben, the gallant soldier of Revolutionary fame.

Our subject is a son of Augustus L. and Hannah (Dreisbach) Von Steuben, and was born October 9, 1833, in Northampton County. The parents were natives likewise of this county, and the father spent his entire life in this locality, where his death occurred in 1886.

In his early years Simon D. Von Steuben was initiated into the duties of carrying on a farm, continuing to give his assistance to his father until his majority. He received very fair school advantages, his education being obtained in the public schools of the period, and for a short time he was also permitted to attend the schools of Bethlehem. Not content, however, with this moderate share of education, he has continued assiduously the pursuit of knowledge, believing it to be the duty of every true citizen of this great Republic to keep well informed on general topics relating to her welfare. At the age of twenty-one years the subject of this notice started out to carve his own way as best he could, and after serving a brief apprenticeship followed the trade of milling for a short time. However, as his years had been mainly devoted to agricultural labors, he felt himself out of his true element, and returned to farming, which occupation he followed for the succeeding eleven years. Later on he built a gristmill at Hecktown, where he engaged in the milling business once more for a time. Of late years this mill has been utilized as a creamery, and portions of it have also served as a hall for the Grangers’ and Junior Mechanics’ meetings.

September 25, 1855, Simon D. Von Steuben wedded Eliza N. Koehler, who was born in this county April 1, 1838. The parents of the lady were David and Lavina (Schortz) Koehler, who were both born in Northampton County. The Koehler family are early and favorably known settlers of this locality, and the same might be said of the Schortz family. Mrs. Von Steuben’s grandfather on her mother’s side is said to have been a soldier in the War for Independence, and, at any rate, it is well known that the men of the family have always been patriots, in peace or war. Eight children came to bless the union of our subject and wife: Milton R., deceased; Irvin, Asher, David, Laura, Liddia A., Minnie L. and Ellen C. These children were given good educational advantages, and were faithful attendants on the services and Sunday-school of the Lutheran Church, to which both parents belong. Mr. Von Steuben has for many years officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is a zealous worker in the church. In politics he casts his vote in favor of the candidates of the Republican party. In all general and local affairs he is sure to be found on the side of progress and advancement of the public prosperity.