PROPRIETOR OF R. A. SHIMER AND COMPANY- POSTMASTER, RIEGELSVILLE , N.J.- SAINT JOHN REFORMED CHURCH DEACON AND TRUSTEE, RIEGELSVILLE, PA.-BACH CHOIR FESTIVAL PATRON-REAL ESTATE INVESTOR AND ENTREPRENEUR-BANK VICE-PRESIDENT-BELOVED CITIZEN
Robert Anthony Shimer was born in Shimersville, Pa. on October 3, 1836. The house he was born in was built by his grandfather Jacob Seip Shimer for Robert's father, John Beyl Shimer. John Beyl Shimer and John Lerch Shimer, the patriarch of the Warren County Shimer clan, were first cousins. They were both born in Shimersville, Pa.
Robert A. Shimer married Sabilla Baker, a daughter of Isaac Baker and Ann (Young) Baker of Weaversville, Pa. on October 18, 1866. She was graduate of the Bethlehem Female Seminary in 1862. It became Moravian College in 1863. Sabilla Baker Shimer was born in 1845.
The parents of Robert Shimer of the Lutheran faith. Robert joined St. John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. (St. John United church of Christ) with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Leidy Riegel. He was confirmed on November 4, 1854. In 1911 he was president of the board of trustees for the church. Dr. Benjamin F. Fackenthal, Jr., Ph.D. was vice-president.
Robert Anthony Shimer was a Republican in politics. The only society of which he was a member was the Lodge of Ancient York Masons in Bloomsbury, N.J.
In 1892 he bought a one-fourth interest in the Firm Taylor, Stiles and Company in Finesville, N.J. The company manufactured machine knives. When the business incorporated in 1907, he was made vice-president and served until he passed away. For a number of years he held stock in the Fulton Pulp and Paper Company in Fulton, N.Y. and served as a director. He was one of the founders of the Riegelsville Building and Loan Association. It was organized in 1875. He was also a charter member of the First National Bank of Riegelsville, Pa. It was established in 1908 and R. A. Shimer was a director and vice-president.
Robert A. Shimer also invested in real estate from time to time. On March 30, 1893, he purchased a property near Durham Furnance from William Steinach. It included on old blacksmith shop. The shop is no longer standing. It was located across the road from the restored Stone Cottage Woods House. He resold the property on March 30, 1894 to George J. Sloyer.
Robert A. and Sabilla Baker Shimer first lived in a house in Riegelsville, N.J. Their daughter and only child was born there. In 1898, they built a beautiful stone home along mansion row on Easton Road in Riegelsville, Pa. It overlooks the Delaware River. It was built next to the Glacialdrift Mansion. Sabilla and Robert hosted a Shimer reunion at their home in Riegelsville, Pa. on August 12, 1911. Their neighbors, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Fackenthal, Jr. and Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal, built "Glacialdrift" in 1895. The Fackenthals hosted many famous Americans at their home including; President Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford and Henry Cabot Lodge, Sr., to name a few. Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal was R. A. Shimer's niece. The Fackenthals hosted numerous Shimer family reunions at their home as well. In the 1960's, Glacialdrift became a fine dining and bed and breakfast facilty; "The Villa Richard."
Robert and Sabilla Shimer taught Sunday School at Saint John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. Robert became a deacon of the church on November 29, 1879. He also served as a trustee of the church for many years along with Dr. Benjamin Fackenthal, Jr.
R.A. Shimer had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He was a brother-in-law to John Leidy Riegel, founder of the Riegel Paper Corporation. From about the age of twelve, he lived with his sister and brother-in-law J.L. Riegel in Riegelsville, Pa. There he attended the local school. He was mentored by his industrialist brother-in-law who set him up in business in Riegelsville, NJ. At the age of 15 he was made a clerk in the merchandising store. Five years later, in 1856, he was given the entire management of the enterprise. In 1858, he purchased the entire stock of the store from J. L. Riegel. In 1893, he admitted one of his clerks, Sanford W. Sounders, to partnership, and thereafter operated as R. A. Shimer and Company. An older wooden store, built prior to 1851, occupied the current site until it was torn down in the spring of 1895. The current brick structure was built immediately after the demolition and expanded by Benjamin Riegel, who inherited the property from his father John L. Riegel. The brick building measures 30 feet by 90 feet and includes a second floor and basement. It became a full scale department store. Sanford W. Souders worked there for 62 years until he sold out in 1934 to L. K. Johnson and R. N. Hidenbach. The store closed in the early 1960's and was left vacant for almost 50 years. It was donated to Pohatcong Twp. and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon thereafter, an extensive renovation project was undertaken.
R. A. Shimer worked at the store up until four days before his passing. He walked to work from his home in Riegelsville, Pa. A distance of about three-quarters of a mile. He rarely missed a days work at the store in 74 years.
Robert A. Shimer was an ardent supporter of the Bach Choir Festivals in Bethlehem, Pa. from 1900-1918 and operated as Postmaster in Riegelsville, N.J. from 1862-1886. The Post Office was located within the store. The town, at that time, was called Musconetcong. Robert A. Shimer owned the Captain Peter Hart Farm for several years which he sold to Austin Hart. Samuel Hart, his brother, assumed control of the farm at a later time.
Robert and Sabilla had one daughter, a maid, Florence L. Shimer. She was also an important member of the church. Florence served as the registrar for the 35th. Shimer Reunion held at the Edward Beyl Shimer House in Forks Twp., Pa. The brick house was erected in 1830. The reunion took place on August 11, 1936. Florence recorded 100 attendees.
R.A. Shimer passed away in Riegelsville, Pa. on December 22, 1925. Sabilla Baker Shimer died in 1930. Their daughter died in 1958. They are all interred in the Riegelsville Union Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
In 1927, Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. wrote this about his friend and neighbor R. A. Shimer, "Mr Shimer was a lovely Christian gentleman, who had the rare faculty of making friends and keeping them. The writer of this biographical notice knew him and his environment probably better than any other person outside of his wife and daughter. He was never heard to speak an evil word of anyone, and doubts if he had any real enemies or if he ever lost a customer at his store. His dealings were always fair and honorable and his friends soon learned to appreciate that fact. The Shimer family can well feel proud to have a man of his character as one of its members. His example was always for good and for the uplift of his fellow man; one who has made the world better and sweeter for his having lived in it, for the influence of such a man never dies, but is felt for all time to come.
Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr., was a metallurgist and iron industry executive. He began work at the Durham Iron Works of Cooper & Hewitt in 1866, and from 1879 to 1892 he was superintendent of the works and general manager of Cooper & Hewitt's blast furnaces and mines. From 1893 to 1913 he was president of the Thomas Iron Company. In later life he was president of the Taylor, Stiles & Company knife works. Fackenthal was also a noted educator, professor, historian and genealogist. He authored 103 works in 151 publications and are currently held in 524 libraries worldwide. In 1937, he donated $250,000 to build the Fackenthal Library at Franklin and Marshall College where he served as president of the board of trustees. He was one of Pennsylvania's best known educators. He died in a tragic car crash at the age of 90. His chauffeur survived the crash.
Terry T.
March 2021
Robert Anthony Shimer was born in Shimersville, Pa. on October 3, 1836. The house he was born in was built by his grandfather Jacob Seip Shimer for Robert's father, John Beyl Shimer. John Beyl Shimer and John Lerch Shimer, the patriarch of the Warren County Shimer clan, were first cousins. They were both born in Shimersville, Pa.
Robert A. Shimer married Sabilla Baker, a daughter of Isaac Baker and Ann (Young) Baker of Weaversville, Pa. on October 18, 1866. She was graduate of the Bethlehem Female Seminary in 1862. It became Moravian College in 1863. Sabilla Baker Shimer was born in 1845.
The parents of Robert Shimer of the Lutheran faith. Robert joined St. John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. (St. John United church of Christ) with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Leidy Riegel. He was confirmed on November 4, 1854. In 1911 he was president of the board of trustees for the church. Dr. Benjamin F. Fackenthal, Jr., Ph.D. was vice-president.
Robert Anthony Shimer was a Republican in politics. The only society of which he was a member was the Lodge of Ancient York Masons in Bloomsbury, N.J.
In 1892 he bought a one-fourth interest in the Firm Taylor, Stiles and Company in Finesville, N.J. The company manufactured machine knives. When the business incorporated in 1907, he was made vice-president and served until he passed away. For a number of years he held stock in the Fulton Pulp and Paper Company in Fulton, N.Y. and served as a director. He was one of the founders of the Riegelsville Building and Loan Association. It was organized in 1875. He was also a charter member of the First National Bank of Riegelsville, Pa. It was established in 1908 and R. A. Shimer was a director and vice-president.
Robert A. Shimer also invested in real estate from time to time. On March 30, 1893, he purchased a property near Durham Furnance from William Steinach. It included on old blacksmith shop. The shop is no longer standing. It was located across the road from the restored Stone Cottage Woods House. He resold the property on March 30, 1894 to George J. Sloyer.
Robert A. and Sabilla Baker Shimer first lived in a house in Riegelsville, N.J. Their daughter and only child was born there. In 1898, they built a beautiful stone home along mansion row on Easton Road in Riegelsville, Pa. It overlooks the Delaware River. It was built next to the Glacialdrift Mansion. Sabilla and Robert hosted a Shimer reunion at their home in Riegelsville, Pa. on August 12, 1911. Their neighbors, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Fackenthal, Jr. and Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal, built "Glacialdrift" in 1895. The Fackenthals hosted many famous Americans at their home including; President Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford and Henry Cabot Lodge, Sr., to name a few. Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal was R. A. Shimer's niece. The Fackenthals hosted numerous Shimer family reunions at their home as well. In the 1960's, Glacialdrift became a fine dining and bed and breakfast facilty; "The Villa Richard."
Robert and Sabilla Shimer taught Sunday School at Saint John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. Robert became a deacon of the church on November 29, 1879. He also served as a trustee of the church for many years along with Dr. Benjamin Fackenthal, Jr.
R.A. Shimer had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He was a brother-in-law to John Leidy Riegel, founder of the Riegel Paper Corporation. From about the age of twelve, he lived with his sister and brother-in-law J.L. Riegel in Riegelsville, Pa. There he attended the local school. He was mentored by his industrialist brother-in-law who set him up in business in Riegelsville, NJ. At the age of 15 he was made a clerk in the merchandising store. Five years later, in 1856, he was given the entire management of the enterprise. In 1858, he purchased the entire stock of the store from J. L. Riegel. In 1893, he admitted one of his clerks, Sanford W. Sounders, to partnership, and thereafter operated as R. A. Shimer and Company. An older wooden store, built prior to 1851, occupied the current site until it was torn down in the spring of 1895. The current brick structure was built immediately after the demolition and expanded by Benjamin Riegel, who inherited the property from his father John L. Riegel. The brick building measures 30 feet by 90 feet and includes a second floor and basement. It became a full scale department store. Sanford W. Souders worked there for 62 years until he sold out in 1934 to L. K. Johnson and R. N. Hidenbach. The store closed in the early 1960's and was left vacant for almost 50 years. It was donated to Pohatcong Twp. and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon thereafter, an extensive renovation project was undertaken.
R. A. Shimer worked at the store up until four days before his passing. He walked to work from his home in Riegelsville, Pa. A distance of about three-quarters of a mile. He rarely missed a days work at the store in 74 years.
Robert A. Shimer was an ardent supporter of the Bach Choir Festivals in Bethlehem, Pa. from 1900-1918 and operated as Postmaster in Riegelsville, N.J. from 1862-1886. The Post Office was located within the store. The town, at that time, was called Musconetcong. Robert A. Shimer owned the Captain Peter Hart Farm for several years which he sold to Austin Hart. Samuel Hart, his brother, assumed control of the farm at a later time.
Robert and Sabilla had one daughter, a maid, Florence L. Shimer. She was also an important member of the church. Florence served as the registrar for the 35th. Shimer Reunion held at the Edward Beyl Shimer House in Forks Twp., Pa. The brick house was erected in 1830. The reunion took place on August 11, 1936. Florence recorded 100 attendees.
R.A. Shimer passed away in Riegelsville, Pa. on December 22, 1925. Sabilla Baker Shimer died in 1930. Their daughter died in 1958. They are all interred in the Riegelsville Union Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
In 1927, Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. wrote this about his friend and neighbor R. A. Shimer, "Mr Shimer was a lovely Christian gentleman, who had the rare faculty of making friends and keeping them. The writer of this biographical notice knew him and his environment probably better than any other person outside of his wife and daughter. He was never heard to speak an evil word of anyone, and doubts if he had any real enemies or if he ever lost a customer at his store. His dealings were always fair and honorable and his friends soon learned to appreciate that fact. The Shimer family can well feel proud to have a man of his character as one of its members. His example was always for good and for the uplift of his fellow man; one who has made the world better and sweeter for his having lived in it, for the influence of such a man never dies, but is felt for all time to come.
Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr., was a metallurgist and iron industry executive. He began work at the Durham Iron Works of Cooper & Hewitt in 1866, and from 1879 to 1892 he was superintendent of the works and general manager of Cooper & Hewitt's blast furnaces and mines. From 1893 to 1913 he was president of the Thomas Iron Company. In later life he was president of the Taylor, Stiles & Company knife works. Fackenthal was also a noted educator, professor, historian and genealogist. He authored 103 works in 151 publications and are currently held in 524 libraries worldwide. In 1937, he donated $250,000 to build the Fackenthal Library at Franklin and Marshall College where he served as president of the board of trustees. He was one of Pennsylvania's best known educators. He died in a tragic car crash at the age of 90. His chauffeur survived the crash.
Terry T.
March 2021
PROPRIETOR OF R. A. SHIMER AND COMPANY- POSTMASTER, RIEGELSVILLE , N.J.- SAINT JOHN REFORMED CHURCH DEACON AND TRUSTEE, RIEGELSVILLE, PA.-BACH CHOIR FESTIVAL PATRON-REAL ESTATE INVESTOR AND ENTREPRENEUR-BANK VICE-PRESIDENT-BELOVED CITIZEN
Robert Anthony Shimer was born in Shimersville, Pa. on October 3, 1836. The house he was born in was built by his grandfather Jacob Seip Shimer for Robert's father, John Beyl Shimer. John Beyl Shimer and John Lerch Shimer, the patriarch of the Warren County Shimer clan, were first cousins. They were both born in Shimersville, Pa.
Robert A. Shimer married Sabilla Baker, a daughter of Isaac Baker and Ann (Young) Baker of Weaversville, Pa. on October 18, 1866. She was graduate of the Bethlehem Female Seminary in 1862. It became Moravian College in 1863. Sabilla Baker Shimer was born in 1845.
The parents of Robert Shimer of the Lutheran faith. Robert joined St. John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. (St. John United church of Christ) with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Leidy Riegel. He was confirmed on November 4, 1854. In 1911 he was president of the board of trustees for the church. Dr. Benjamin F. Fackenthal, Jr., Ph.D. was vice-president.
Robert Anthony Shimer was a Republican in politics. The only society of which he was a member was the Lodge of Ancient York Masons in Bloomsbury, N.J.
In 1892 he bought a one-fourth interest in the Firm Taylor, Stiles and Company in Finesville, N.J. The company manufactured machine knives. When the business incorporated in 1907, he was made vice-president and served until he passed away. For a number of years he held stock in the Fulton Pulp and Paper Company in Fulton, N.Y. and served as a director. He was one of the founders of the Riegelsville Building and Loan Association. It was organized in 1875. He was also a charter member of the First National Bank of Riegelsville, Pa. It was established in 1908 and R. A. Shimer was a director and vice-president.
Robert A. Shimer also invested in real estate from time to time. On March 30, 1893, he purchased a property near Durham Furnance from William Steinach. It included on old blacksmith shop. The shop is no longer standing. It was located across the road from the restored Stone Cottage Woods House. He resold the property on March 30, 1894 to George J. Sloyer.
Robert A. and Sabilla Baker Shimer first lived in a house in Riegelsville, N.J. Their daughter and only child was born there. In 1898, they built a beautiful stone home along mansion row on Easton Road in Riegelsville, Pa. It overlooks the Delaware River. It was built next to the Glacialdrift Mansion. Sabilla and Robert hosted a Shimer reunion at their home in Riegelsville, Pa. on August 12, 1911. Their neighbors, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Fackenthal, Jr. and Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal, built "Glacialdrift" in 1895. The Fackenthals hosted many famous Americans at their home including; President Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford and Henry Cabot Lodge, Sr., to name a few. Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal was R. A. Shimer's niece. The Fackenthals hosted numerous Shimer family reunions at their home as well. In the 1960's, Glacialdrift became a fine dining and bed and breakfast facilty; "The Villa Richard."
Robert and Sabilla Shimer taught Sunday School at Saint John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. Robert became a deacon of the church on November 29, 1879. He also served as a trustee of the church for many years along with Dr. Benjamin Fackenthal, Jr.
R.A. Shimer had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He was a brother-in-law to John Leidy Riegel, founder of the Riegel Paper Corporation. From about the age of twelve, he lived with his sister and brother-in-law J.L. Riegel in Riegelsville, Pa. There he attended the local school. He was mentored by his industrialist brother-in-law who set him up in business in Riegelsville, NJ. At the age of 15 he was made a clerk in the merchandising store. Five years later, in 1856, he was given the entire management of the enterprise. In 1858, he purchased the entire stock of the store from J. L. Riegel. In 1893, he admitted one of his clerks, Sanford W. Sounders, to partnership, and thereafter operated as R. A. Shimer and Company. An older wooden store, built prior to 1851, occupied the current site until it was torn down in the spring of 1895. The current brick structure was built immediately after the demolition and expanded by Benjamin Riegel, who inherited the property from his father John L. Riegel. The brick building measures 30 feet by 90 feet and includes a second floor and basement. It became a full scale department store. Sanford W. Souders worked there for 62 years until he sold out in 1934 to L. K. Johnson and R. N. Hidenbach. The store closed in the early 1960's and was left vacant for almost 50 years. It was donated to Pohatcong Twp. and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon thereafter, an extensive renovation project was undertaken.
R. A. Shimer worked at the store up until four days before his passing. He walked to work from his home in Riegelsville, Pa. A distance of about three-quarters of a mile. He rarely missed a days work at the store in 74 years.
Robert A. Shimer was an ardent supporter of the Bach Choir Festivals in Bethlehem, Pa. from 1900-1918 and operated as Postmaster in Riegelsville, N.J. from 1862-1886. The Post Office was located within the store. The town, at that time, was called Musconetcong. Robert A. Shimer owned the Captain Peter Hart Farm for several years which he sold to Austin Hart. Samuel Hart, his brother, assumed control of the farm at a later time.
Robert and Sabilla had one daughter, a maid, Florence L. Shimer. She was also an important member of the church. Florence served as the registrar for the 35th. Shimer Reunion held at the Edward Beyl Shimer House in Forks Twp., Pa. The brick house was erected in 1830. The reunion took place on August 11, 1936. Florence recorded 100 attendees.
R.A. Shimer passed away in Riegelsville, Pa. on December 22, 1925. Sabilla Baker Shimer died in 1930. Their daughter died in 1958. They are all interred in the Riegelsville Union Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
In 1927, Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. wrote this about his friend and neighbor R. A. Shimer, "Mr Shimer was a lovely Christian gentleman, who had the rare faculty of making friends and keeping them. The writer of this biographical notice knew him and his environment probably better than any other person outside of his wife and daughter. He was never heard to speak an evil word of anyone, and doubts if he had any real enemies or if he ever lost a customer at his store. His dealings were always fair and honorable and his friends soon learned to appreciate that fact. The Shimer family can well feel proud to have a man of his character as one of its members. His example was always for good and for the uplift of his fellow man; one who has made the world better and sweeter for his having lived in it, for the influence of such a man never dies, but is felt for all time to come.
Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr., was a metallurgist and iron industry executive. He began work at the Durham Iron Works of Cooper & Hewitt in 1866, and from 1879 to 1892 he was superintendent of the works and general manager of Cooper & Hewitt's blast furnaces and mines. From 1893 to 1913 he was president of the Thomas Iron Company. In later life he was president of the Taylor, Stiles & Company knife works. Fackenthal was also a noted educator, professor, historian and genealogist. He authored 103 works in 151 publications and are currently held in 524 libraries worldwide. In 1937, he donated $250,000 to build the Fackenthal Library at Franklin and Marshall College where he served as president of the board of trustees. He was one of Pennsylvania's best known educators. He died in a tragic car crash at the age of 90. His chauffeur survived the crash.
Terry T.
March 2021
Robert Anthony Shimer was born in Shimersville, Pa. on October 3, 1836. The house he was born in was built by his grandfather Jacob Seip Shimer for Robert's father, John Beyl Shimer. John Beyl Shimer and John Lerch Shimer, the patriarch of the Warren County Shimer clan, were first cousins. They were both born in Shimersville, Pa.
Robert A. Shimer married Sabilla Baker, a daughter of Isaac Baker and Ann (Young) Baker of Weaversville, Pa. on October 18, 1866. She was graduate of the Bethlehem Female Seminary in 1862. It became Moravian College in 1863. Sabilla Baker Shimer was born in 1845.
The parents of Robert Shimer of the Lutheran faith. Robert joined St. John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. (St. John United church of Christ) with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Leidy Riegel. He was confirmed on November 4, 1854. In 1911 he was president of the board of trustees for the church. Dr. Benjamin F. Fackenthal, Jr., Ph.D. was vice-president.
Robert Anthony Shimer was a Republican in politics. The only society of which he was a member was the Lodge of Ancient York Masons in Bloomsbury, N.J.
In 1892 he bought a one-fourth interest in the Firm Taylor, Stiles and Company in Finesville, N.J. The company manufactured machine knives. When the business incorporated in 1907, he was made vice-president and served until he passed away. For a number of years he held stock in the Fulton Pulp and Paper Company in Fulton, N.Y. and served as a director. He was one of the founders of the Riegelsville Building and Loan Association. It was organized in 1875. He was also a charter member of the First National Bank of Riegelsville, Pa. It was established in 1908 and R. A. Shimer was a director and vice-president.
Robert A. Shimer also invested in real estate from time to time. On March 30, 1893, he purchased a property near Durham Furnance from William Steinach. It included on old blacksmith shop. The shop is no longer standing. It was located across the road from the restored Stone Cottage Woods House. He resold the property on March 30, 1894 to George J. Sloyer.
Robert A. and Sabilla Baker Shimer first lived in a house in Riegelsville, N.J. Their daughter and only child was born there. In 1898, they built a beautiful stone home along mansion row on Easton Road in Riegelsville, Pa. It overlooks the Delaware River. It was built next to the Glacialdrift Mansion. Sabilla and Robert hosted a Shimer reunion at their home in Riegelsville, Pa. on August 12, 1911. Their neighbors, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Fackenthal, Jr. and Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal, built "Glacialdrift" in 1895. The Fackenthals hosted many famous Americans at their home including; President Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford and Henry Cabot Lodge, Sr., to name a few. Sarah Jane Riegel Fackenthal was R. A. Shimer's niece. The Fackenthals hosted numerous Shimer family reunions at their home as well. In the 1960's, Glacialdrift became a fine dining and bed and breakfast facilty; "The Villa Richard."
Robert and Sabilla Shimer taught Sunday School at Saint John Reformed Church in Riegelsville, Pa. Robert became a deacon of the church on November 29, 1879. He also served as a trustee of the church for many years along with Dr. Benjamin Fackenthal, Jr.
R.A. Shimer had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He was a brother-in-law to John Leidy Riegel, founder of the Riegel Paper Corporation. From about the age of twelve, he lived with his sister and brother-in-law J.L. Riegel in Riegelsville, Pa. There he attended the local school. He was mentored by his industrialist brother-in-law who set him up in business in Riegelsville, NJ. At the age of 15 he was made a clerk in the merchandising store. Five years later, in 1856, he was given the entire management of the enterprise. In 1858, he purchased the entire stock of the store from J. L. Riegel. In 1893, he admitted one of his clerks, Sanford W. Sounders, to partnership, and thereafter operated as R. A. Shimer and Company. An older wooden store, built prior to 1851, occupied the current site until it was torn down in the spring of 1895. The current brick structure was built immediately after the demolition and expanded by Benjamin Riegel, who inherited the property from his father John L. Riegel. The brick building measures 30 feet by 90 feet and includes a second floor and basement. It became a full scale department store. Sanford W. Souders worked there for 62 years until he sold out in 1934 to L. K. Johnson and R. N. Hidenbach. The store closed in the early 1960's and was left vacant for almost 50 years. It was donated to Pohatcong Twp. and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon thereafter, an extensive renovation project was undertaken.
R. A. Shimer worked at the store up until four days before his passing. He walked to work from his home in Riegelsville, Pa. A distance of about three-quarters of a mile. He rarely missed a days work at the store in 74 years.
Robert A. Shimer was an ardent supporter of the Bach Choir Festivals in Bethlehem, Pa. from 1900-1918 and operated as Postmaster in Riegelsville, N.J. from 1862-1886. The Post Office was located within the store. The town, at that time, was called Musconetcong. Robert A. Shimer owned the Captain Peter Hart Farm for several years which he sold to Austin Hart. Samuel Hart, his brother, assumed control of the farm at a later time.
Robert and Sabilla had one daughter, a maid, Florence L. Shimer. She was also an important member of the church. Florence served as the registrar for the 35th. Shimer Reunion held at the Edward Beyl Shimer House in Forks Twp., Pa. The brick house was erected in 1830. The reunion took place on August 11, 1936. Florence recorded 100 attendees.
R.A. Shimer passed away in Riegelsville, Pa. on December 22, 1925. Sabilla Baker Shimer died in 1930. Their daughter died in 1958. They are all interred in the Riegelsville Union Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
In 1927, Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. wrote this about his friend and neighbor R. A. Shimer, "Mr Shimer was a lovely Christian gentleman, who had the rare faculty of making friends and keeping them. The writer of this biographical notice knew him and his environment probably better than any other person outside of his wife and daughter. He was never heard to speak an evil word of anyone, and doubts if he had any real enemies or if he ever lost a customer at his store. His dealings were always fair and honorable and his friends soon learned to appreciate that fact. The Shimer family can well feel proud to have a man of his character as one of its members. His example was always for good and for the uplift of his fellow man; one who has made the world better and sweeter for his having lived in it, for the influence of such a man never dies, but is felt for all time to come.
Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr., was a metallurgist and iron industry executive. He began work at the Durham Iron Works of Cooper & Hewitt in 1866, and from 1879 to 1892 he was superintendent of the works and general manager of Cooper & Hewitt's blast furnaces and mines. From 1893 to 1913 he was president of the Thomas Iron Company. In later life he was president of the Taylor, Stiles & Company knife works. Fackenthal was also a noted educator, professor, historian and genealogist. He authored 103 works in 151 publications and are currently held in 524 libraries worldwide. In 1937, he donated $250,000 to build the Fackenthal Library at Franklin and Marshall College where he served as president of the board of trustees. He was one of Pennsylvania's best known educators. He died in a tragic car crash at the age of 90. His chauffeur survived the crash.
Terry T.
March 2021
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