Descendants of Jeremiah M. Conrad
of Pennsylvania
Generation One
1. JEREMIAH M.1 CONRAD was born on 17 Nov 1848 at Pike Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. He was baptized on 25 Feb 1849; by Reverend C. Miller. Sponsors: Daniel and Sarah Moyer. He married Emma Amelia Fry, daughter of George Fry and Rebecca Rohrbach, on 9 Apr 1869 at Roman Catholic Church, Churchville, Berks County, Pennsylvania; by Father Augustus Bally. Sponsors: Reuben Baker and Louisa Fry. Rev. Father Augustus Bally was listed as Pastor of the RC Church, Churchville. Pa. He is living close to the Fry family according to the 1850 census.1 He married Vesta L. Reese, daughter of Charles Reese and Sarah S. Fegley, in 1909. He died after 28 Aug 1926.
Much of the data on this family is found in the Jeremiah M. Conrad bible. It is done in ----relief signed by C.G. Hirsh. The uniformity of entries would indicate that the information was entered at one time by a paid calligrapher and not at the time of the events.
Bible links: Bible cover -- Initial family records -- births -- deaths -- marriages
On the marriage license for his son, George, Jeremiah is listed as a conductor living in South Pottstown. His wife is deceased at the time. His residence is listed as 4 West 4th Street, Pottstown, Pa.
A biography on this family states that twins, Florence and Cecilia died in infancy.
CONRAD, JEREMIAH M., p. 1131 Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery
COLEMAN, WILLIAM H.
Surnames: CONRAD, MOYER, RHOADES, SWEINHART, MOSER, DAVIDHEISER, TROUT, FREY, SCHULTZ, GUINTER, WEINGER, DANKEL, FEGLEY, REESE
Jeremiah M. Conrad, of Pottstown, a conductor on the Colebrookdale branch of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, is a member of a family which has been settled in Berks county, Pa., since his great-grandfather Conrad came to this county from Germany, and settled at a place called Stone Hill, in Pike township, Berks county, and followed farming.
George Conrad, son of the emigrant and grandfather of Jeremiah M., was also a farmer by occupation, and died on his farm in Pike township, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He is buried at Hill Church. His children were: Benjamin, Benneville, Gabriel, Sarah and Harriet, the last named still living, in Oley township, this county.
Benjamin Conrad, son of George, was born Dec. 10, 1802, and died in November, 1861. During the fall and winter seasons he followed butchering, but be was a mason and engaged principally at that trade, being a well known contractor in his section of the county. He employed about fifteen men, and many of the barns still standing in Oley township were of his construction. Mr. Conrad was twice married, first to Sarah Moyer, daughter of George Moyer, born Aug. 21, 1811. Eight children were born to this marriage, of whom Isaac, Katie, Amanda and Gabriel died unmarried; George is a resident of Bechtelsville, Berks county; Malinda m. Jacob Rhoades, and lives in Oley township; Jeremiah M. is mentioned below; Sarah m. John Sweinhart, who was with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for fifty-two years, and is now on the retired list, and living at Pottstown, Pa. For his second wife Mr. Conrad m. Mrs. Maria Moser, daughter of Fritz Moser, of Pike township, and they had three children namely: Augustus, a painter, who resides in Boyertown, Pa.; Ella, m. to Jacob Davidheiser, and living at Pottstown; and Kate, m. to Henry Trout, and living at Pottstown. Benjamin Conrad was a member of the Hill Reformed Church, where he and his wife are buried. He was a Democrat in politics, and quite active in the public affairs of his locality, serving as constable and supervisor of Pike township.
Jeremiah M. Conrad was born Nov. 17, 1848, in Pike township, Berks county, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Moyer) Conrad. He has made his own way in the world since he was eleven years old, and he had few early advantages. He received his early education in the township schools, and was employed at farm work until he was nineteen, when he went to work in an ore mine near Barto, continuing there for eighteen months. On May 6, 1872, he went to work for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, starting as front brakeman on a mixed train. He was engaged as brakeman for three years, and then took charge of a baggage car for a time. For the past twenty-eight years he has been a regular conductor on the Colebrookdale branch on both freight and passenger trains, and during that long period of service has been singularly fortunate, having never had an accident. He is a careful and conscientious worker, and has proved trustworthy and reliable.
Mr. Conrad married Miss Emma Frey, daughter of George Frey, of Forgedale, Washington township, Berks county. She died June 30, 1908, aged fifty-seven years two months, seventeen days, and is buried at Pottstown. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad became the parents of eleven children, namely: Mary m. Elam Schultz, of Pottstown, and they have three children, William, Emma and Florence; Katie is the wife of Joseph Guinter, of Pottstown, and has four children, Harry, Paul, William and Florence; Henry F., assistant yardmaster at Pottstown, m. Pauline Weinger; Miss Alice is at home with her father; George is engaged in teaching, giving private lessons in Latin, Greek, German and geometry, at Pottstown; John lives at home; Emma died young; William Jeremiah died young; James died young; Florence and Cecelia, twins, died in infancy.
On Aug. 4, 1909, Mr. Conrad married Mrs. Vesta L. Dankel, daughter of Charles and Sarah S. (Fegley) Reese. Mrs. Conrad had three children by her first marriage, born as follows: Elsie C., Feb. 24, 1894; Pearl S., May 2, 1896; and Edith M., July 11, 1898.
Mr. Conrad's home is at the corner of Fourth and Johnson streets, Pottstown, Montgomery county, Pa. He is a member of the Philadelphia & Reading Relief and Conductors' societies. In religion he is a Catholic.
The Reading Eagle, Thursday, May 7, 1903: "Jerry Conrad rounded out 31 years of service as a railroader, commencing his career May 6, 1872. Mr. Conrad is off duty now, through sickness, but is improving.". He was confirmed on 4 Nov 1866 at Hill Reformed Church, Pike Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania; by Reverend P.P.A. Hoffman.1
EMMA AMELIA FRY was born on 19 Apr 1851 at Washington Twp., Berks County, Pennsylvania. She was baptized at infancy; by Augustus Bally. Sponsors: Sallie Melcher and Reuben Burkhart. She died on 30 Jun 1908 at age 57. She was confirmed circa 1862 at Roman Catholic Church, Churchville, Berks County, Pennsylvania; by Reverend Augustus Bally.
Children of Jeremiah M.1 Conrad and Emma Amelia Fry were as follows:
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i. MARY ELLEN2 CONRAD was born on 29 Jun 1869 at Washington Twp., Berks County, Pennsylvania.1 She was baptized on 14 Sep 1869; by Fev. Father A. Bally. Sponsors: George Fry and wife Rebecca. She married Elam B. Schultz, son of Joseph S. Schultz and Elizabeth Burdan, on 24 Dec 1887 at Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania.2 She died on 3 May 1937 at age 67.
ELAM B. SCHULTZ was born on 11 Apr 1863 at Bucks County, Pennsylvania.2 He died after 1930. He was carpenter, millman.
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ii. ANNIE KATHARINE "KATIE" CONRAD was born on 3 Sep 1871 at Washington Twp., Berks County, Pennsylvania. She was baptized on 12 Nov 1871; by Father A. Bally. Sponsors: Aaron Rohrbach and wife Mary. She married Joseph Elias or W. Ginther, son of Jacob Guenther and Mary Ann Wummer, circa 1893. She died before 3 Aug 1955.
Katharine T. on the 1900 census.
JOSEPH ELIAS OR W. GINTHER was born on 19 Jun 1872 at Pennsylvania.3 Joseph is found with his family on the 1900 census, Pottstown, Montgomery Co., Penna: ED 278, sheet 9, line 78. He is listed as married seven years with two children who are both living at that time. His father was born in Germany and his mother in Pennsylvania. In 1900 he is listed as a topper at a hose mill, rents his home which is at 7 Fourth Street, Pottstown. He is listed as Joseph E. The birth record for Joseph lists him as Joseph Elias Guenther born to Jacob Guenther and Maria Ann Wummer.
The 1920 census Pottstown shows they are still living at Fourth Street and Harry and Paul are no longer living with the family. The births for the other children are found: William, Agnes and Florence. The family name was originally spelled Gunther.
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iii. JAMES ELMER CONRAD was born on 22 Mar 1873 at Washington Twp., Berks County, Pennsylvania.1 He was baptized at infancy; by Rev. Father A. Bally. Sponsors John Bauer and wife Rebecca.
He died on 13 Dec 1883 at age 10.1
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iv. EMMA REBECCA CONRAD was born on 28 Jun 1875 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 She was baptized at infancy; by Rev. Father A. Bally. Sponsors: Aaron Fry and wife Anna. She died on 15 Feb 1878 at age 2.1
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v. HENRY FRANCIS CONRAD was born on 28 Oct 1877 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 He was baptized at infancy; by Father Coghlan. Sponsors Mary Yeager and Francis Wingard.1 He married Pauline Marie Wingert, daughter of William Wingert and Josephine (Bauer???), on 24 Jun 1902 at St. Patrick's Church, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He died on 30 Apr 1937 at home of brother-in-law, Harry H.Smith, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, at age 59. He was buried at St. Patrick's Church, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Henry F. and his wife Pauline are found on the 1920 Pottstown, Pennsylvania census without children.
PAULINE MARIE WINGERT was born in Sep 1879 at Pennsylvania.4
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vi. ALICE BERTHA CONRAD was born on 27 Apr 1882 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 She was baptized at infancy; by Father Wagner. Sponsors: George Fry and wife Rebecca The Grand Parents.1 She died after 7 Apr 1930.
In 1920 and 1930, Alice is living with her sister Mary and Mary's husband Elam Schultz.
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vii. WILLIAM JEREMIAH CONRAD was born on 12 Mar 1884 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 He was baptized at in infancy; by Father Wagner. Sponsors: Jacob Wummer and wife Mary.1 He died on 3 May 1887 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, at age 3; "William Jeremiah, a bright and interesting little son of our townsman Jeremiah conrad, died early this, tuesday morning, at the home of the family, corner of Fourth and Johnson streets. He had been ill with measles, but recovered, and was about again as lively as ever; Last Saturday he was taken with membranous croup, and although every thing that the physician's art and the loving care of his parents could suggest, was done he soon fell a victum to this dread disease, from which there seems to be no escape. The age of the little fellow was 3 years, 1 month and 20 days. Mr. conrad who is one of the courteous conductors on the Colebrookdale Raolroad, has lost four children since moving to Pottstown, thirteen years ago, one them about seven montha since. The family have the sympathy of many friends is their a---. One sond and three daughters are spared to them." - The Montogomery Ledger, Tuesday, May 10, 1887. (membranous croup is diptheria).5
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viii. LAURA CECILIA CONRAD was born on 1 Aug 1886 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 She was baptized at infancy; by Father Wagner. Sponsors: Joseph Brenzinger and wife Katie. She died on 20 May 1887 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.5
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ix. FLORENCE MATILDA CONRAD was born on 1 Aug 1886 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 She was baptized at infancy; by Father Wagner. Sponsors: Salomon Brenzinger and wife Rosann. She died on 8 Sep 1886 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; "Florence Matilda, infant daughter of Jeremiah and Emma Conrad, residing at the corner of Fourth and Johnson streets in Vanbuskirks Addition, died on Wednesday evening, of convulsions, aged 1 month and 7 days. It (sic) was taken ill the same morning. The little girl was a twin, and the other infant daughter, is still living. Mr. conrad is conductor on the Colebrookdale R.R. This is the thrid child the family have lost since reciding in Pottstown - a girl six years ago and a boy two years ago. Funeral private at 2p.m., on Friday.5
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x. GEORGE AUGUSTUS CONRAD was born on 24 Dec 1887 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 He was baptized on 1 Jan 1888; by Father Wagner. Sponsors: Elam Schultz and Mary Schultz.1 He married Anna Elizabeth Wise, daughter of Howard D. Wise and Jennie (Catharine) Cavanaugh, on 5 Sep 1916. He died on 3 Aug 1955 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, at age 67.6 He was buried on 8 Aug 1955 at St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.7
On his marriage license, George is listed as a clerk. He and Anna were married by William A. Wachler.
On the 1930 census, he is listed as a salesman in a produce store. He is living at 116 Chustnut Street, Pottstown.
"Mr. Conrad had formerly operated a fruit and produce business at 314 Johnson street with his brother, John A. conrad. He had retired in 1949 because of his health." - obituary from Pottstown Mercury.
ANNA ELIZABETH WISE was born on 23 Sep 1895 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She died on 14 Jul 1976 at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, at age 80; According to her obituary in the Mercury, Anna "died while a patient at Memorial Medical Center. She had previously been a "guest" for one week at Phoenixville Manor. She was a member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. She was buried on 19 Jul 1976 at St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.7 According to Judy Dutton Schade, Anna converted to Catholicism when she married George Conrad.
- On her marriage license, Emma is listed as living as 32 East Fourth Street, Pottstown, Pa. which is the residence listed for her parents. There is no occupation listed.
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xi. JOHN ALEXANDER CONRAD was born on 17 Oct 1890 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.1 He was baptized on 26 Oct 1890; by Father Wagner. Sponsors: William Clemmex and wife Mary.1 He married Rosella Neiman, daughter of William H. Neiman and Mary Smith (Snaith in obit), on 10 Jul 1917 at St. Aloysius Church, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He died on 6 Jun 1958 at home, 1002 North Evans Street, at age 67.8
He ""Mr. Conrad started in the produce business about 50 years ago, when he bought a horse and wagon with $60, all the money he had in the world.
"During the following years his produce business, located at 313 Johnson street grew until he had six trucks on the road. He sold the business several years ago, to Harrison T. Urner." His brother George worked with him in the produce business. - obituary.
ROSELLA NEIMAN was born on 3 Nov 1896 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.9 She died on 17 May 1974 at Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, at age 77.10 She was buried at St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.7
VESTA L. REESE was born in Nov 1876 at Pennsylvania. She married John Henry Dankel before 1893. She died in Jul 1920 at home, South Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, at age 43; Vesta died at age 45 years, 8 months, 29 days.11 She was also known as Alavesta Reese.
There were no children of Jeremiah M.1 Conrad and Vesta L. Reese.
Please send e-mail to: Janice Smith
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