William S. KUHNS

            William S. KUHNS, a hardware merchant and dealer in plumbers’ supplies of Lehighton, is numbered among the native sons of the Keystone State, and is a representative of one of the early families of Carbon County. He was born on a farm in this county, on the 17th of August, 1856, and is a son of David and Mary (Seiger) Kuhns. The father  was an agriculturist and owned and operated a farm in Carbon County, upon which he spent his entire life. He was called to his final rest in 1864, and his wife also died on the old homestead. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters.

            The member of the family in whom our readers are the most interested is the well known hardware merchant of Lehighton, William S. Kuhns. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood, spending winter months in attendance at the district schools of the neighborhood, while in the summer season he aided in the labors of the fields. Early in life he became familiar with farm work in all its departments. In order to acquire a better education he also attended school in Weissport and Lehighton. He made his home upon the farm until he had attained his majority, when, not wishing to follow the occupation to which he was reared, he left home and began learning the trade of tinsmith with his brother, B. A. Kuhns, who was carrying on a store in Schuylkill County. When he mastered the business he worked as journeyman for several years. In 1882 he embarked in business on his own account in Lehighton, beginning operations on a small scale as a hardware merchant. His stock at first was quite limited, but he enlarged his facilities to meet the growing demand, until he now has a fine store, well equipped with everything found in his line. He also has added a stock of furnaces, and in 1894 put in all kinds of plumbing supplies.

            On the 21st of October, 1877, Mr. Kuhns was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Rhodes, a daughter of Reuben Rhodes, of Lehighton, and their union has been blessed with a family of nine children. The parents are both members of the Evangelical Association, and take a commendable interest in church and benevolent work. Their home is a pleasant residence, and its hospitable doors are ever open for the reception of their many friends.

            Mr. Kuhns is a practical workman in all the departments of his business, and as he thoroughly understands the goods in which he deals, he can order to good advantage and place upon the market his stock at reasonable prices. He has the confidence of the public, and well deserves the same.

Source: Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Page 147

Lea Nissley

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