WILLIAM F. ROTH was born in North Whitehall, April 17, 1849. He was educated in the township schools, and at Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College. From 1867 to 1897 he held clerical positions at, and did contract for, and was superintendent at the Crane Iron Works and the Bethlehem Iron Company. He superintended the construction of the Redington proving grounds, where the first armor made in America was tested, and assisted in the construction of the monster steam hammer, which was one of Mr. Fritz's greatest engineering feats. On account of his ability in handling bulky articles of great weight, Mr. Roth was selected to take to Chicago and install in place the Bethlehem Steel Company's famous exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition, including some heavy armor, gun forgings and crank shafts.

In 1897 he removed to Allentown and. purchased an interest in the Allentown Leader, of which he became editor, and in 1912, he and his son, George R., became the sole owners. He was justice of the peace in Upper Macungie Township a number of years, while living at Chapmans, and was a Republican in politics. He was a member of the Jordan Lutheran church and of the Lehigh County Historical Society. He died at his home, 446 North Sixth Street Allentown, on Sept. 22, 1913, of Bright's disease, and complications that affected the heart. As a newspaperman he was an indefatigable worker, always fair-minded, and a believer in clean and honorable journalism. He was a lover of the out of doors and an enthusiastic angler, and took great interest in the early history of his native township.

Mr. Roth married in 1872. Miss Annie R. daughter of Benjamin Rupp and his wife, Mary Rauch They had four children: George R., of the Leader; William F., of Newark N. J.; Miss Fannie R., and Leonard R. Roth