The Life of James Henry Marx
One of Kutztown’s most honored and influential citizens, James Henry Marx, after a lingering illness of over a year passed away at his home on Main Street,, Kutztown on Wednesday morning at 10:15, at the ripe age of 67 years, 6 months and 25 days.
Mr. Marx was one of Berks countys oldest member of the bar and held many positions of trust. He had been suffering for many years with internal troubles and two years ago was told by Philadelphia specialist that his case was incurable, and ever since that time he was failing, but Mr. Marx had sufficient stamina and vigor that he was able to attend to his many duties up to a few months ago. His failed very much the past month and gradually he wasted away until the time of his death.
James Marx was born February 9, 1846, in Kutztown. He was the son of Samuel and Juilia Ann Marx. He was educated in the public schools of Kutztown and graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in the first class that graduated from the school in 1868. The other members of his class are: W. M.. Achenbach, of Gladbrook, Ia.; George H. Heffner, of New York City; B. N. Lehman of Media, Pa.; A. D. Rowe, deceased, and L. F. Springer, of Philadelphia, Pa. Three out of this class of six were and two are still attorneys-at-law.
He was for 30 consecutive years justice of the Pease and six years ago refused a re-nomination. The position which he filled, legally and socially, are numerous and all show the ability and generalship of the man Kutztown has lost with much regret.
He was president of the Board of Trustees of the Keystone State Normal School, he held the position of secretary of the Town Council for many years. He was School Director and borough auditor for several terms. He held the responsible position as legal advisor and solicitor and was also a director of the Kutztown National Bank for many years, and due a great deal to his sharp mind this financial institution has flourished so remarkably.
He was a director of the Berks County Trust Company of Reading, and a trustee of the Kutztown Silk Mill. Socially, he was a prominent fraternal man and an ardent supporter of them. He was a charter member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M., and master of it in 1892-1893. He was secretary of the Lodge for 21 years until last December, when he was compelled to relinquish the work on account of his decline in health. Mr. Marx had a very large legal practice, and his ability as a lawyer was known throughout the whole State. His name appears on more legal documents, we are almost certain, than any other lawyer of his age and time of service.
As a man among men, Mr. Marx was congenial and well liked. Mr. Marx was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served for many years in the church council. Mr. Marx was married to Sarah L. Springer in 1868 by Rev. Dr. George F. Spieker, at that time pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Kutztown, now a member of the faculty of Mt. Airy Theological Seminary, at Philadelphia.
He is survived by his widow, one son, Fred. A., of Reading, Assistant District Attorney of Berks County; one daughter, Annie C., wife of Charles H. Ort, of Quakertown. Five grandchildren, Dorothy, Gertrude, James and Frederick, the children of Mr. And Mrs. Ort, and James, the son of Frederick, also survive. One daughter, Sallie, preceded him in death in 1901. She was 21 years old when she died. Two sons, Charles, who died in infancy, and Edward, who died at the age of 6 years, also preceded him in death. The following four brothers also survive: George<
Mr. Marx was one of Berks countys oldest member of the bar and held many positions of trust. He had been suffering for many years with internal troubles and two years ago was told by Philadelphia specialist that his case was incurable, and ever since that time he was failing, but Mr. Marx had sufficient stamina and vigor that he was able to attend to his many duties up to a few months ago. His failed very much the past month and gradually he wasted away until the time of his death.
James Marx was born February 9, 1846, in Kutztown. He was the son of Samuel and Juilia Ann Marx. He was educated in the public schools of Kutztown and graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in the first class that graduated from the school in 1868. The other members of his class are: W. M.. Achenbach, of Gladbrook, Ia.; George H. Heffner, of New York City; B. N. Lehman of Media, Pa.; A. D. Rowe, deceased, and L. F. Springer, of Philadelphia, Pa. Three out of this class of six were and two are still attorneys-at-law.
He was president of the Board of Trustees of the Keystone State Normal School, he held the position of secretary of the Town Council for many years. He was School Director and borough auditor for several terms. He held the responsible position as legal advisor and solicitor and was also a director of the Kutztown National Bank for many years, and due a great deal to his sharp mind this financial institution has flourished so remarkably.
He was a director of the Berks County Trust Company of Reading, and a trustee of the Kutztown Silk Mill. Socially, he was a prominent fraternal man and an ardent supporter of them. He was a charter member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M., and master of it in 1892-1893. He was secretary of the Lodge for 21 years until last December, when he was compelled to relinquish the work on account of his decline in health. Mr. Marx had a very large legal practice, and his ability as a lawyer was known throughout the whole State. His name appears on more legal documents, we are almost certain, than any other lawyer of his age and time of service.
As a man among men, Mr. Marx was congenial and well liked. Mr. Marx was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served for many years in the church council. Mr. Marx was married to Sarah L. Springer in 1868 by Rev. Dr. George F. Spieker, at that time pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Kutztown, now a member of the faculty of Mt. Airy Theological Seminary, at Philadelphia.
He is survived by his widow, one son, Fred. A., of Reading, Assistant District Attorney of Berks County; one daughter, Annie C., wife of Charles H. Ort, of Quakertown. Five grandchildren, Dorothy, Gertrude, James and Frederick, the children of Mr. And Mrs. Ort, and James, the son of Frederick, also survive. One daughter, Sallie, preceded him in death in 1901. She was 21 years old when she died. Two sons, Charles, who died in infancy, and Edward, who died at the age of 6 years, also preceded him in death. The following four brothers also survive: George<