Charles Laufer

  General Notes:

Charles Laufer, son of Adam, son of Peter, the Revolutionary Shoemaker, born Jan. 10, 1818, died in Broadheadsville, Monroe Co., Pa., Jan. 23, 1902, aged S4 years, and 13 days. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the west end of Monroe County. By occupation he was a farmer. He was married in Jan. 1842, to Catharine Shupp, daughter of George and Susannah Shupp; about the same time he purchased sixty-six acres of land from Joseph Teel, near the post office at Broadheadsville, about twenty acres being cleared, and having on it a small one and a half story stone house, with one room below and one upstairs, and a small log barn. On this place he and his wife went to work, clearing several acres each year, until all was cleared. They put up new buildings, and improved the place in every respect. More acres were added, until it became one of the finest farms in the western end of the county. He worked the farm until within a few years of his wife's death, when he sold the homestead to his son, Joseph, and built himself a new home in the village of Broadheadsville, in which he lived till the time of his death. In January,1865. He and his son-in-law, John Wagner, bought the large gristmill near Broadheadsville, known as the Hufsmith Mill, which they operated, doing business in the name of Laufer & Wagner, doing a large business in flour, feed, grain and lumber. April 1, 1873, he sold his interest in the mill property to his son, Nathan Laufer. He was an ardent member of the Reformed church, which he liberally supported during his entire life. His life was that of a noble Christian gentleman, and his death that of a faithful follower of Christ. Kind, gentle and generous, his counsel was sought by old and young; and his sterling Christian uprightness influenced many to the better course. He was a regular attendant at all services, and was an office bearer for many years. His health was remarkable, until the fall preceding his death, when he began to fail. There was no pain nor suffering, he just grew weaker each day, until four days prior to his death. In his home all were welcomed, and there he dispensed old-fashioned hospita1ity. He was interred in the Broadheadsville cemetery by the side of his beloved wife, who preceded him home fifteen years prior. His surviving children were: Charles, Mrs. Annie Wagner, Mrs. Jeremiah Shafer, of Allentown; George and, Jacob, of Lehighton ; Nathan and Joseph, of Broadheadsville.

Charles married Catherine Anna Shupp, daughter of John George Shupp and Susana Hawk, in Jan 1842. (Catherine Anna Shupp was born on 27 Aug 1822, died on 17 Aug 1886 in Brodsheadsville (Chestnut Hill Township) Monroe County, Pennsylvania and was buried in Brodsheadsville (Chestnut Hill Township) Monroe County, Pennsylvania.)