Person Sheet
NameProf. Joseph P. Diebert
Birth1856, Schnecksville, Lehigh Co., PA
Death2 Oct 1944
Misc. Notes
Prof. Joseph P. Deibert, who died October 2, 1944, at the age of 89, was a man who attained prominence in educational and church work and considerable note as a horticulturist, writer, embroiderer, designer of plaques and quilts, and "teacher of teachers".
He was born in Schnecksville, the son of a shoemaker. His education was obtained and broadened in the Schnecksville academy, now closed, first English school in that locality; Keystone State Normal school, where he became valedictorian: and Northwestern University, where he was instructor in English from 1876 to 1878.
He was founder of the Schnecksville Summer Normal School where he prepared many teachers for their certification examinations. He taught school in his native community in his earlier years, and upon return to the East, became principal of the Schnecksville school.
From 1906 to 1909 he was principal of the North Whitehall High school. In 1914 he became assistant county controller under the late Cyrus K. Dilcher. He retained the post until 1926, when he retired from public life.
After that time he wrote many articles, produced many quilts, raised flowers, embroidered, designed. His embroidery received nationwide notice through periodicals and newspapers. Two of his famed quilts are "The Angelus" and "The Flight to Egypt." Writings include "History of the Schnecksville Sunday school", "Historv of the Union Church at Neffs," "Shining Lights of Schnecksville," and "Autobiography and Addenda."
He was an active member of Neffs Lutheran congregation from 1861 until his death. Deibert taught a Bible class for 50 years, and was Sunday school superintendent for 10 years. He was the last surviving charter member of Jordan Lodge No. 12, I.O.O.F., Schnecksville, organized in 1888, and was recording secretary of the lodge for 30 years.
Two of his sons became Lutheran clergymen: Rev. Arthur S. Deibert and the late Rev. William F. Deibert. Another son, Dr. Edward J. Deibert became a proctologist practicing in Hellertown and Allentown.
He died Oct. 2, 1944 and was buried in Unionville cemetery.
He was born in Schnecksville, the son of a shoemaker. His education was obtained and broadened in the Schnecksville academy, now closed, first English school in that locality; Keystone State Normal school, where he became valedictorian: and Northwestern University, where he was instructor in English from 1876 to 1878.
He was founder of the Schnecksville Summer Normal School where he prepared many teachers for their certification examinations. He taught school in his native community in his earlier years, and upon return to the East, became principal of the Schnecksville school.
From 1906 to 1909 he was principal of the North Whitehall High school. In 1914 he became assistant county controller under the late Cyrus K. Dilcher. He retained the post until 1926, when he retired from public life.
After that time he wrote many articles, produced many quilts, raised flowers, embroidered, designed. His embroidery received nationwide notice through periodicals and newspapers. Two of his famed quilts are "The Angelus" and "The Flight to Egypt." Writings include "History of the Schnecksville Sunday school", "Historv of the Union Church at Neffs," "Shining Lights of Schnecksville," and "Autobiography and Addenda."
He was an active member of Neffs Lutheran congregation from 1861 until his death. Deibert taught a Bible class for 50 years, and was Sunday school superintendent for 10 years. He was the last surviving charter member of Jordan Lodge No. 12, I.O.O.F., Schnecksville, organized in 1888, and was recording secretary of the lodge for 30 years.
Two of his sons became Lutheran clergymen: Rev. Arthur S. Deibert and the late Rev. William F. Deibert. Another son, Dr. Edward J. Deibert became a proctologist practicing in Hellertown and Allentown.
He died Oct. 2, 1944 and was buried in Unionville cemetery.
Spouses
1Fianna Sell
FatherCharles Sell (1803-1885)
MotherSara Zimmerman
ChildrenArthur S.
William F.
Edward J.