| 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.
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.
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.
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. |