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The Life of Charles D. Herman

Charles D. Herman, a well-known merchant, tailor and clothier in Kutztown for 55 years and popular citizen who passed away at his home Sunday morning following a lingering illness of dropsy and heart trouble, aged 72 years, 6 months and 19 days was laid to rest this Thursday afternoon in Hope cemetery, Kutztown, with the burial rites of the church and the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. Herman was born April 11, 1855 in Greenwich Township, son of James and Catharine (Hering) Herman. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and he attended the schools of his district.

When 17 years of age he learned the tailoring trade with Henry Williams, of Kutztown. He also took a course in cutting with Mr. Dauphel, of Allentown. On Jan. 1, 1874 in started in the custom tailoring business opposite Walnut Street, on Greenwich, whence he moved to different locations in town. He purchased the present place of business in the fall of 1902, took possession March 31, 1903. He continued in the business until a few months ago, when failing health compelled him to desist.

He was public spirited and on numerous occasions was honored by his fellow citizens, who held him in high esteem, with positions of trust and honor. In his political he was an un-compromising Democrat. He was twice elected school director, served as councilman for nine years and for three years was president of that body. He was chief burgess of town for three years, and while in office the trolley line was built through the town and the Keystone Light plant, and Power Co. was installed here.
He was a director of the Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Co. and of the Hope cemetery Association. For several years he was president of the Kutztown Fair Association.
On August 31, 1876, Mr. Herman married Clara Gross, daughter of David Gross. He was a member of Huguenot Lodge, No 377, F. and A. M., Reading Consistory, Rajah Temple, Junior Mechanics, Knights of the Golden Eagle and Kutztown Fire Co. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of town and served on the consistory.

There survive his widow and four children: Major Richard J. Herman, stationed in Boston, Mass.; Quinton D., and Paul A., both of town; Marguerite R., wife of Frank Bailey, Butler, Pa.; also four grandchildren, one sister, Louisa, of town , and two brothers, Austin M. and Walter E., of this place. The funeral was held this afternoon in Trinity Lutheran Church, Rev. R. B. Lynch officiating. Interment was made in Hope cemetery, this place. Undertaker George R. Schaeffer had charge.

It will be recalled that in August of this year Mr. and Mrs. Herman celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary, which was featured by and elaborate dinner at the Bruce-Orth Tea House and a picnic at the Kutztown Country Club attended by all the children and grandchildren.
Source: The Kutztown Patriot

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1927.11.03
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