JOHN J. UNANGST, a leading merchant and prominent businessman of Nazareth, was born in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County, November 15, 1832, and is of German descent. The first representatives of the family in America were three brothers, Philip, George Henry and John Unangst, who emigrated from Germany to this country in a very early day and settled in Pennsylvania, John Jacob locating in Williams Township, Philip in Mt. Bethel, and George Henry in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County. The latter was the grandfather of our subject and a farmer by occupation. His family consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom are deceased.

JOHN J. UNANGST was reared to manhood in Bethlehem Township, and was educated in the public schools and in Vanderveer's school. Soon after completing his studies he became a teacher in the schools of his vicinity, and continued in the arduous duties of that profession until he attained the age of twenty-two, when he married, and with his young wife began keeping hotel. For fifteen years he was the "jolly host" of the Seip's Hotel. While making his home in Seip's he took an active part in politics, and filled several offices of honor and trust. He was elected Treasurer of the county, and at various times filled most of the local offices of his township. He also served as Committeeman and as a delegate to the county conventions.

In 1869 Mr. Unangst moved to Nazareth and commenced to manufacture farming implements, in which for ten years he conducted a successful business. Misfortune then befell him, for his factory and all its contents were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $30,000. At the time of the fire there was no insurance on the property, and consequently everything was lost. Being energetic and a man of good business ability, Mr. Unangst was not discouraged by this catastrophe, but immediately embarked in the mercantile business, and in that he has succeeded beyond his anticipations. March 1, 1883, the firm title became John J. Unangst & Son. They are dealers in general merchandise, and carry a stock valued at about $15,000. In addition to his other business interests, he owns and conducts a large farm in Bethlehem Township, which is one of the finest in the county. In 1886 he removed to Bethlehem, where he has since made his residence.

Mr. Unangst was united in marriage January 13, 1855, with Miss Susan C, daughter of Peter Seip, a well-known citizen of Seip's. They became the parents of eight children. Politically Mr. Unangst is a Democrat, and has filled several offices of trust. While making his home in Nazareth he served as Burgess of the borough for some time, and also filled the office of School Director. He is an Elder in the Lutheran Church of Bethlehem, and takes an active interest in all church work, also in educational affairs. His business career has been such as to win for him the confidence of his associates, and socially his genial, generous disposition has won for him a host of warm friends.