Amos S. Schultz and Elizabeth Kriebel [68-12]

[68-12] AMOS S. SCHULTZ, b May 11, 1809; d May 10, 1895; s Isaac and Susanna (Schultz) Schultz [68-4]; m Apr. 16, 1833, ELIZABETH KRIEBEL, b Dec. 23, 1812; d Mar. 29, 1891; dau Samuel and Christina (Schultz) Kriebel [19-10a]. Amos S. Schultz was a farmer and miller; he resided in Washington Twp., Berks Co., Pa., on farm now (1922) owned by his son, Owen K. Schultz.

Children (8):

Amos Schultz was born on the homestead originally established by the three brothers, George, Melchior and Christopher Schultz in Upper Hanover Twp., Montg. Co., Pa. Reared in an atmosphere which fostered the intellectual as well as the spiritual training of the child, he was early sent to the local private schools, especially those under the direction of the celebrated early Schwenkfelder School System. Beyond this he attended the private school of Dr. James Patterson at Germantown, Phila. Although this limits his actual attendance in the schools of his time, by dint of personal effort he nevertheless improved his mind and gained the reputation of having far more than an average intelligence.

Before the age of twenty-five he entered the service of his uncle, Joseph Schultz, who owned a farm in Douglass Twp., Montg. Co., Pa. Following his uncle’s death, Amos Schultz purchased the farm.

The natural endowments and the perseverance of Mr. Schultz, soon made him a potent factor in every enterprise, which tended to improve the community. Enterprising and progressive as he was, he openly advocated better local educational facilities. One of the first commissions issued under the new constitution of Pennsylvania was granted to Amos Schultz, designating him as a Justice of the Peace; this office he filled very creditably during the decade of 1840 to 1850. The conveyances written and executed by him challenge universal admiration.

As success crowned his persistent toil he added to his holdings of real estate until his domains extended well into Berks County along both banks of the West Branch of the Perkiomen. Diseovering brick clay in one of his meadows, he engaged in the manufacture of brick and these in turn were devoted

to the carrying out of extensive building operations. Among these was the erection of what was for many years known as the County Line Flour and Grist Mill near Niantic, Pa., which has been operating since 1861. Comparatively early in his career, Amos Schultz was unanimously nominated as a candidate for the office of Senator of Pa., and at a time when conditions assured his election, but he insisted that his name be withdrawn from the ticket, and his wishes prevailed. Similarly in the later years of his life he declined an election into the directorate of the National Bank of Boyertown.

Amos Schultz was a devoted member and regular attendant of the Schwenkfelder Church and filled the most important offices of his church at different times. One of the delights of his life was the reading of literature which improved the mind and contributed to the spiritual welfare of the individual. Every worthy cause, irrespective of creed, readily won his support. By nature and training he was a lover of education and although advanced in years he cheerfully became the first contributor toward the re-establishment of Perkiomen Seminary in 1892. It was largely through his influence that this effort was successfully launched and promoted. Similarly he was one of the first to advocate the publication and give his support to the ‘““Corpus Schwenckfeldianorum.”

The career of Amos Sehultz is a notable example of the result of perseverance, industry and rigid adherence to high principles. In all the benevolent services he rendered his time and community he was loyally supported by his wife.

Oil portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Schultz adorn the walls of the library at Perkiomen School; these were presented in 1920, by the Amos Schultz Family Union, an active organization founded by his descendants in honor and to the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Schultz. His name is likewise connected with a considerable number of books and papers in the Schwenkfelder Historical Library. [#. E. S. J.]

Lucina K. Schultz lives at Palm, Pa. (1922). She is one of the most highly respected women in the Schwenkfelder Church today. No one has a deeper interest in the welfare of the Church and its organizations than Miss Schultz. For many years she has engaged in benevolent and charitable work, and has been a most generous supporter of the ‘‘Corpus Schwenekfeldianorum,” ‘‘The Schwenkfeldian,”’ and our missionaries in China. The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Palm Church receives a large share of her attention also. In fact there is no activity of the Church that is not actively supported by her. labor and gifts. All this is done in her quiet modest way, for many of her charities are given anonymousty, as she never desires to have her name mentioned in connection with her benefactions. May she always be loved and honored for her sweet devotion to the interests of the Church.

Miss Schultz is also one of the guarantors for the publication of this book.