Fred P. Steckel, slate operator, of Slatington, was born in that borough 3/20/1876, and educated in the public and high schools and Ursinus College, where he graduated in 1896. While at college he was captain of the baseball and football teams, and subsequently played two years as a professional ball player with the Brockton, Mass, team, in the New England League. In his hometown he has taken an active interest in athletics. The illness of his father called him home to conduct his large business interests, which he superintended, after his death, until the death of his mother in 3/3/1907, when the slate business was incorporated as the Columbia Slate company, and the store business as A. P. Steckel and Co., of which companies he is now president and general manager, with office at 667 Main street. Mr. Steckel served two terms in the borough council as a republican, and is a member of the Reformed church. He married, 1/10/1901, Ellen J., daughter of William E. and Jane (Morris) Roberts.