Henry William Bloss, bank director former slate operator, agriculturist, ex-county commissioner, and distinguished citizen of Slatedale is a son of Joel and Sarah (Schneider) Blose. He was born near Slatedale, Washington Township, this county, June 19, 1857. He received his early education in the schools of Heidelberg and Washington townships. Reared on his father's farm, he acquired the art and science of farming. At his majority, he embarked in the lumber business in which he was interested for twenty-five years in conjunction with other enterprises with which he identified himself. At first he confined himself mainly to the buying of woodlands converting the timber thereon into mercantile lumber, later, after establishing the lumber yard in Slatedale - now owned by his brother, James - he dealt in rough and finished lumber of all descriptions. For many years he supplied the L. V. R. R. Co with ties. His next adventure was in the slate quarrying and manufacturing business, in partnership with the late Louis Fink and William Merscher. This partnership existed for about a year. In 1893, he was instrumental in organizing the Lion Slate Company, Limited, of which he was president and general manager. This company, employing 35 men, was a very prosperous concern, having its quarries near Slatedale. In 1894, he severed his relations with this company. In 1894-95 he built the Slatedale Bakery and carried on the baking business for about a year. In 1905, he helped to organize the Washington Water Supply Company, which supplies water to Slatedale and vicinity. In 1908, he and Wilson Rex organized the Slatedale Electric Light, Heat and Power Company, which also furnishes Slatedale and vicinity with electric energy in its various forms. In 1880, he located in Slatedale and in 1897-98 he built the handsome residence which he occupies at the present time. As an ardent supporter of our educational system, Mr. Bloss served his township as school director for thirteen years, being secretary of the board for ten yeas, and having done a great deal to advance education and uplift the community with good schools. In politics he is a Republican and for many years, he was committeeman of his district. During Benjamin Harrison's administration, he sewed as postmaster of Slatedale. In the fall of 1905, he was elected county commissioner of this county and three years later, was re-elected. Since relinquishing this office he is devoting his time to farming. His farm which is included in a tract of 7,000 acres of land purchased in 1902 from the executors of the estate of Abraham S. Hewitt, of New York City, is located at the Lehigh Furnace. Fraternally he is a member of the following secret organizations: Slatington Lodge No 440, F. & A. M.; Allen Chapter No 203, R. A. M.; Allen Council No 23, R. and S. M. M., Allen Comnmandery No 20, K. T.; Caldwell Consistory 32, P. R. S.; Rajah Temple, A. A; M. S., Allerntown Lodge No 130; B. P. O. E.; Allentown Aerie No 110,F; Slatington Encampment No 231, I. O. O. F. O. E.; Slatington Lodge No 624. I.O.O F.; Washington Camp No 323; P. OS. of A., and Peters Defiance Council No 298, Jr. O. U. A. M. He is also a member of the Lehigh County Historical Society and of the Citizens Fire Company of Slatedale. He is a director of the Lehigh National Bank of Catasauqua and of the Penn Counties Trust Company of Allentown. In 1877, Mr. Bloss was united in marriage to Evena Louise, estimable daughter of Henry and Adilia (Stopp) Kern of near Slatedale. She was born Nov. 27, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Bloss adhere to the Reformed faith.