Bios:  Gregory Achenbach 

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Typed as printed from book Heading: Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
pages 759 & 760

Gregory ACHENBACH, of Pine Grove, has displayed versatile ability in the prosecution of his various 
activities, which have included professional, business and official occupation. At present he gives all his time to
his duties as justice of the peace, which office he has held since 1896.

The Achenbach family is of German origin, and of old standing in Schuylkill county, William Achenbach, 
grandfather of Gregory, having been born in this section. By calling he was a farmer. Removing to Pine
Grove, he made his permanent home there. His children were: Reuben, who is deceased; William; Henry, 
a resident of Nebraska; Emanuel, of Kansas; Israel, of Lebanon, Pa.; Louis, who lives at Iowa; Jacob, deceased;
Angeline; Catherine, wife of Charles BROMMER, of Philadelphia; and Cecilia, wife of Solomon GOTTSCHALL, 
of Elizabeth, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania.

Reuben Achenbach was born near Pine Grove, and having learned the trade of blacksmith established himself 
in busines in the borough, being so engaged until his death, June 24, 1905. He held a creditable place as a
trustworthy citizen, his diligence, honesty and straightforward character winning him the good will of all 
his fellow men. He married Rebecca SOTZIN, who was born in Pine Grove, daughter of Henry SOTZIN, a
native of Switzerland, who came to America many years ago and settled in this vicinity, where he carried on 
farming until his death. His children were: Matthias, Henry, Samuel, Susanna, Mary, Elizabeth and Rebecca
(Mrs. Achenbach), all now deceased. Mrs. Achenbach died Dec. 1, 1884. She was the mother of nine children, 
namely: Isaac, a swheelwright, who lives at Pine Grove; Mary Ann, wife of F. F. BROMMER, of Pine Grove;
Reuben, of Pine Grove, a retired blacksmith by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company; Gregory; Andrew, 
who died young; and others who died in infancy.

Gregory Achenbach was born in 1871 in Pine Grove township, was reared near the borough, and began his 
literary training in the public schools there. After graduating from high school in 1888 he entered the Keystone
State Normal School, at Kutztown, which he attended in 1892, obtaining an excellent education. In his young manhood 
he taught school for eleven terms in Pine Grove township, later turning his attention to business. He had a bakery 
at Pine Grove for eighteen years, building up a wide trade by courteous treatment of his patrons and solicitude for their
wants. He continued the business until 1913, when he gave it up in order to devote all his time to official 
responsibilities. Mr. Achenbach was first elected justice of the peace in 1896, before he gave up teaching,
and has filled that position continuously since. He has also given three years' service on the board of school directors, 
and in every trust to which he has been called has proved his fitness and shown himself worthy of the confidence 
of the community.

Mr. Achenbach has numerous fraternal affiliations, belonging to Lodge No. 148, I. O. O. F., of which he is a 
past grand; to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, of which he is a past chief; to the Independent Americans; and to
the Royal Arcanum, of which he is a past regent. 

On May 25, 1889, Mr. Achenbach married Mary E. LEHMAN, a native of Pine Grove, daughter of Isaac and 
Angelina (HUBER) LEHMAN, both now deceased, who were residents of Pine Grove in pioneer days. Nine children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Achenbach, viz: Laura R., deceased; Mae E.; Alma A., deceased; Harvena M.; Arthur A.; 
Stanley E.; Lyman I.; Grace E.; and Ruth F., deceased. The family home is an attractive residence on the main 
street of the borough.