ROBERT STECKEL, now deceased, but for many years well known as a representative of mercantile and agricultural interests in Lehigh county, ranks among those citizens who uphold the public stability and moral, material and intellectual progress of their respective communities. He was born in Allen Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1823.

Robert Steckel, having attended the public schools in his youth, concluded his education in the Allentown Academy, and subsequently went to New York City, where he entered a wholesale grocery house of which his uncle was the owner. He continued there for some years and then returned home, assisting his father in the operation of his farms for a time, and then taking entire charge. On the death of his father he became the owner of two of the finest farms in the Lehigh Valley, and continued to engage in their operation for twenty-five years, his efforts attended with signal success. He then removed with his family to Allentown, where he had built a beautiful home on North Sixth Street. At that time he gave up active farm work, and resumed merchandising as a member of the hardware firm of M. S. Young & Co., remaining in active connection with the trade interests of the borough until his death, August 30, 1886.

Robert Steckel was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Frederick. Her paternal grandparents were Charles and Magdeline (Ebert) Frederick, and her maternal grandparents were Conrad and Hannah (Kratzer) Haas.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steckel had but one child, Robert Peter, who married Rebecca Henninger and has one daughter, Esther A. Steckel. Since her husband's death Mrs. Steckel has continued to occupy the beautiful home which he provided for her in Allentown, and she and her son belong to the Reformed church, of which Mr. Steckel was also a loyal member for many years. His interest in political affairs was that of a public spirited citizen who recognizes that it is a duty as well as a privilege to exercise his right of franchise and support those measures which he deems will promote the greatest good for the greatest number. He voted with the Democracy, and was called to local office, serving as a member of the board of school directors for a number of years. Still greater distinction, however, was conferred upon him, for he was twice chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, where his course reflected honor upon the community that had honored him. While Mr. Steckel was recognized as a most capable business man and a most trustworthy official, it was not alone his success in agricultural and mercantile pursuits nor his prominence in political circles that won him the respect and love of his fellow men, but his kindly, benevolent spirit, which prompted his generous assistance to the poor and needy, and his fidelity to his friends.

Hon. Robert Steckel, son of Peter SteckeL was born in Allen township, Northampton county, 9/13/1823. He attnded the public schools in his youth, and conculded his education in the Allentown Academy. He then entered the wholesale grocery house of his uncle, in NY City, remaining there several years, when he returned home, and assisted his father in the operation of his farms, later taking entire charge. On his father's death he became the owner of two of the finest farms in the Lehigh Valley, and operated them successfully for 25 years. He then remove to Allentown and became a member of the hardware firm of M. S. Young and Co., retaining his interest therein until his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Reformed Church He was twice elected to the State Legislature, in 1872 and 1873. He was a public-spirited citizen, having a kindly spirit, which prompted his generous assistance to the poor and needy. He died 8/30/1886.

Robert Steckel married Miss Hannah Frederick, daughter of George and hanna (Hass) Frederick. They had but one child, Robert Peter. Mrs.Steckel, since her husband's death, has continued to occupy her home in Allentown, and she and her son were members of the Reformed Church.