PERSONALITIES
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| This page will feature notable personalities of the past who lived in Schuylkill Haven. Each month a new biography will be offered. |
ROY H. GUERTLER
Roy H. Guertler, native son of Schuylkill Haven, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Guertler of
Union Street. He was a 1924 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School and a 1928 graduate of West
Point. He was the first West Point graduate from Schuylkill Haven. He was honored upon his
graduation with a festive welcome home parade staged in his honor. A formal reception was held in
the high school auditorium. The town of Schuylkill Haven presented a watch to Guertler. The
Hamilton piece is inscribed, "To Roy H. Guertler West Point '28 by Citizens of Schuylkill Haven June
11,1928". His initials RHG are engraved on the casing.
Assigned to the cavalry, Guertler was sent to Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia. The Air Service
appealed to him and in 1930 he passed his entrance exam. During advanced training at Kelly Field,
an accident occurred. Lt. Guertler and another pilot were on a picture taking assignment on April
7,1931. Guertler was in the rear of the open cockpit at the camera. The plane reduced speed in an
attempt to secure better photos. It is believed that the wind caught the over sized aerial camera,
stalling the plane's engine which caused it to tailspin and crash from an altitude of about 300 feet,
killing Guertler.
Guertler was a popular boy in town, a Boy Scout and ranked first in his graduating class. He
ranked high in his class all four years at West Point. He had been home just a few months ago to
attend the funeral of his mother, next to whom he will be buried.
A funeral was held with full military honors at Kelly Field, Texas after which the body was placed
aboard a train for the journey home. Major Martin, commander of Kelly Field wired the family
expressing their sympathy.
The funeral here was the largest ever held in Schuylkill Haven with a crowd estimated at 20,000
viewing the procession. The two Battery Companies of the National Guard participated along with
some prominent Army men including a number of his West Point classmates. St. John's Reformed
church was filled for the service and amplifiers were placed outside the church so all those present
could hear. A horse drawn caisson carried his remains to the Union Cemetery while four Army
planes flew overhead in a tribute fitting a man held in high esteem.
Union Street. He was a 1924 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School and a 1928 graduate of West
Point. He was the first West Point graduate from Schuylkill Haven. He was honored upon his
graduation with a festive welcome home parade staged in his honor. A formal reception was held in
the high school auditorium. The town of Schuylkill Haven presented a watch to Guertler. The
Hamilton piece is inscribed, "To Roy H. Guertler West Point '28 by Citizens of Schuylkill Haven June
11,1928". His initials RHG are engraved on the casing.
Assigned to the cavalry, Guertler was sent to Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia. The Air Service
appealed to him and in 1930 he passed his entrance exam. During advanced training at Kelly Field,
an accident occurred. Lt. Guertler and another pilot were on a picture taking assignment on April
7,1931. Guertler was in the rear of the open cockpit at the camera. The plane reduced speed in an
attempt to secure better photos. It is believed that the wind caught the over sized aerial camera,
stalling the plane's engine which caused it to tailspin and crash from an altitude of about 300 feet,
killing Guertler.
Guertler was a popular boy in town, a Boy Scout and ranked first in his graduating class. He
ranked high in his class all four years at West Point. He had been home just a few months ago to
attend the funeral of his mother, next to whom he will be buried.
A funeral was held with full military honors at Kelly Field, Texas after which the body was placed
aboard a train for the journey home. Major Martin, commander of Kelly Field wired the family
expressing their sympathy.
The funeral here was the largest ever held in Schuylkill Haven with a crowd estimated at 20,000
viewing the procession. The two Battery Companies of the National Guard participated along with
some prominent Army men including a number of his West Point classmates. St. John's Reformed
church was filled for the service and amplifiers were placed outside the church so all those present
could hear. A horse drawn caisson carried his remains to the Union Cemetery while four Army
planes flew overhead in a tribute fitting a man held in high esteem.
| Above the narrative are pictures of Roy Guertler's tombstone and the larger Guertler headstone that identifies the plot at the Union Cemetery. To the left is his picture and biography as it appeared in the "Blue and Gold" yearbook of Schuylkill Haven on 1924. |
| Roy Guertler in the cockpit of his plane on the right. (225th Anniversary Book of 1975) |
| Is there someone you feel would be a good subject on the Personalities page, email me at: personalities@schuylkillhavenhistory.com |
| LAST UPDATED: MAY 8 |
Gideon Bast was one of the most prominent merchants and coal operators in Schuylkill County
during his time. Born April 1, 1801 in Berks County to John and Mary Elizabeth (Pender) Bast, he
lost both parents by the age of twelve. He was endowed a reasonable property which was lost to
poor management before Gideon became of age to legally claim his share. He had little educational
training and spent his boyhood working on a farm. At the age of fifteen he began his life as an
entrepreneur peddling his wares throughout the valleys of Berks and Schuylkill Counties. He
eventually extended the range of his trade by acquiring a wagon and thus increased his wealth. At
the age of twenty five he partnered with his brother-in-law, Samuel Heilner, and opened a general
store in Berks County. Eight years later they moved their business to Minersville and became
engaged as coal operators. The partnership was dissolved in 1935 and at that time Gideon bast
moved to Schuylkill Haven, where he opened a store while retaining coal operations at Wolf Creek,
in partnership with Lewis Audenreid and with David Pierson at Ashland. By 1838 he had ended his
coal interests and ceased to trade in 1845.
Bast erected a luxurious home in 1845 on Center Avenue where he raised his family. On August
5, 1833 he married Mary Moyer of Berks County with whom he had ten children. Bast was a self
made man who with meager beginnings amassed a remarkable fortune. The old Jerusalem Church
was built largely through his monetary donations. He died March 10, 1880 and is buried in the
Union Cemetery in Schuylkill Haven.
during his time. Born April 1, 1801 in Berks County to John and Mary Elizabeth (Pender) Bast, he
lost both parents by the age of twelve. He was endowed a reasonable property which was lost to
poor management before Gideon became of age to legally claim his share. He had little educational
training and spent his boyhood working on a farm. At the age of fifteen he began his life as an
entrepreneur peddling his wares throughout the valleys of Berks and Schuylkill Counties. He
eventually extended the range of his trade by acquiring a wagon and thus increased his wealth. At
the age of twenty five he partnered with his brother-in-law, Samuel Heilner, and opened a general
store in Berks County. Eight years later they moved their business to Minersville and became
engaged as coal operators. The partnership was dissolved in 1935 and at that time Gideon bast
moved to Schuylkill Haven, where he opened a store while retaining coal operations at Wolf Creek,
in partnership with Lewis Audenreid and with David Pierson at Ashland. By 1838 he had ended his
coal interests and ceased to trade in 1845.
Bast erected a luxurious home in 1845 on Center Avenue where he raised his family. On August
5, 1833 he married Mary Moyer of Berks County with whom he had ten children. Bast was a self
made man who with meager beginnings amassed a remarkable fortune. The old Jerusalem Church
was built largely through his monetary donations. He died March 10, 1880 and is buried in the
Union Cemetery in Schuylkill Haven.
| GIDEON BAST |
Much of the biographical information obtained from Munsell's History of Schuylkill County of 1881.
| At left is the elegant home built for Gideon Bast and his family on Center Avenue. At right is an image of him from the 1881 Munsell's History of Schuylkill County. |
| All rights reserved. |
| CHARLES AUGUSTUS "BAGS" GRAEFF |
Charles Augustus Graeff was born April 2, 1894 to Clinton and Hannah Lindermuth Graeff. He was
one of twelve children, several who died at an early age. The family lived for many years at 204 East
Market Street in Schuylkill Haven. He was married to Marian Maberry and had one daughter,
Suzanne Graeff Bell. Mr. Graeff was more familiarly known as "Bags", a nickname he inherited from
a deceased brother. In later years, he was also known as "Mr. Republican" because of his
dedication and active participation in the Republican Party in Schuylkill County. A lifetime resident
of Schuylkill Haven, he died on November 18, 1984 and is buried in the Union Cemetery in Schuylkill
Haven.
Charles Graeff worked in the railroad yards as a young man before enlisting in the Pennsylvania
National Guard in April 1915. He served in Company C, 103rd Engineers Regiment of the
Pennsylvania 28th Division. He was involved in the Mexican Border War of 1916-1917 and later
served overseas in World War One. During his service in France, his unit fought in the battles at
Chateau Thierry, the Fifth German Offensive, Oureq-Vesle, the Meuse Argonne and the Thiacourt
Sector. His brother Clarence "Dewey" Graeff was wounded by shrapnel. Following the war, the
large group of veterans of the 103rd Engineers from Schuylkill Haven had a yearly reunion, with
Charles being instrumental in the planning of the event which continued until his death.
Graeff served as Postmaster in Schuylkill Haven from July 1, 1924 until April 22, 1934 when the office
was located in the Hotel Grand. His appointment ended when the federal administration changed
parties. During his term, the office was advanced to second class status. During the Depression
years, he gained many friends through his efficient handling of the distribution of basic
commodities to the needy which were provided by the government. (*His name is often mentioned
in articles in the "Years Gone By" page of this site of that era as being a leader in civic minded
projects)
A staunch Republican, he played an active role in the political life of the community. He served as
Republican Committeeman in the East Ward of town and was very involved in every election. His
untiring efforts in working with the citizens of the East ward were largely responsible for the
development of the Green Goose playground. After his term as Postmaster, he became a clerk in
the Commissioner's Office in Schuylkill County and had charge of the Veterans Bureau. In 1939 he
was the successful candidate for the office of Controller of Schuylkill County. His constant
generosity, efficient handling of affairs, and the hundreds of favors done for his fellow citizens
gained him high respect and a host of friends. He was reelected as Controller with no opposition
within his party or from the Democrats.
In later years, Graeff was a salesman for Ace Aluminum Doors and Windows in Pottsville and with his
pleasing personality and charming demeanor, became very successful. He was an active member
of saint Matthew's Lutheran Church and also in many local organizations. He was a devoted
husband, father and grandfather always having served his family, his country and his community
with dignity, love and pride.
On a personal note, I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Graeff from my childhood until his passing. I was a fellow member of
Saint Matthew's and as a very young Council President, remember his kind encouragement. He was well known for his
sense of humor. I grew up four homes away from his family homestead, which was occupied by his sister Ruth during my
childhood. He was a frequent visitor and he always had a friendly greeting and the occasional piece of candy. As
mentioned, he was a staunch Republican. When we would see him down the street, we would holler, "Democrat,
Democrat". Bags would cover his ears and say, "Ouuuch, that hurts my ears." He was a kind gentleman and an asset to the
community.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION KINDLY FURNISHED BY HIS DAUGHTER, SUZANNE.
one of twelve children, several who died at an early age. The family lived for many years at 204 East
Market Street in Schuylkill Haven. He was married to Marian Maberry and had one daughter,
Suzanne Graeff Bell. Mr. Graeff was more familiarly known as "Bags", a nickname he inherited from
a deceased brother. In later years, he was also known as "Mr. Republican" because of his
dedication and active participation in the Republican Party in Schuylkill County. A lifetime resident
of Schuylkill Haven, he died on November 18, 1984 and is buried in the Union Cemetery in Schuylkill
Haven.
Charles Graeff worked in the railroad yards as a young man before enlisting in the Pennsylvania
National Guard in April 1915. He served in Company C, 103rd Engineers Regiment of the
Pennsylvania 28th Division. He was involved in the Mexican Border War of 1916-1917 and later
served overseas in World War One. During his service in France, his unit fought in the battles at
Chateau Thierry, the Fifth German Offensive, Oureq-Vesle, the Meuse Argonne and the Thiacourt
Sector. His brother Clarence "Dewey" Graeff was wounded by shrapnel. Following the war, the
large group of veterans of the 103rd Engineers from Schuylkill Haven had a yearly reunion, with
Charles being instrumental in the planning of the event which continued until his death.
Graeff served as Postmaster in Schuylkill Haven from July 1, 1924 until April 22, 1934 when the office
was located in the Hotel Grand. His appointment ended when the federal administration changed
parties. During his term, the office was advanced to second class status. During the Depression
years, he gained many friends through his efficient handling of the distribution of basic
commodities to the needy which were provided by the government. (*His name is often mentioned
in articles in the "Years Gone By" page of this site of that era as being a leader in civic minded
projects)
A staunch Republican, he played an active role in the political life of the community. He served as
Republican Committeeman in the East Ward of town and was very involved in every election. His
untiring efforts in working with the citizens of the East ward were largely responsible for the
development of the Green Goose playground. After his term as Postmaster, he became a clerk in
the Commissioner's Office in Schuylkill County and had charge of the Veterans Bureau. In 1939 he
was the successful candidate for the office of Controller of Schuylkill County. His constant
generosity, efficient handling of affairs, and the hundreds of favors done for his fellow citizens
gained him high respect and a host of friends. He was reelected as Controller with no opposition
within his party or from the Democrats.
In later years, Graeff was a salesman for Ace Aluminum Doors and Windows in Pottsville and with his
pleasing personality and charming demeanor, became very successful. He was an active member
of saint Matthew's Lutheran Church and also in many local organizations. He was a devoted
husband, father and grandfather always having served his family, his country and his community
with dignity, love and pride.
On a personal note, I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Graeff from my childhood until his passing. I was a fellow member of
Saint Matthew's and as a very young Council President, remember his kind encouragement. He was well known for his
sense of humor. I grew up four homes away from his family homestead, which was occupied by his sister Ruth during my
childhood. He was a frequent visitor and he always had a friendly greeting and the occasional piece of candy. As
mentioned, he was a staunch Republican. When we would see him down the street, we would holler, "Democrat,
Democrat". Bags would cover his ears and say, "Ouuuch, that hurts my ears." He was a kind gentleman and an asset to the
community.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION KINDLY FURNISHED BY HIS DAUGHTER, SUZANNE.
| Bags was also involved in Schuylkill Haven's 175th Anniversary celebration in 1925 as evidenced by the photo at left. |