JAMES H. WILHELM, paymaster of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, is a native of Northampton County, Pa., the date of his birth being March 10, 1830. His father, Daniel Wilhelm, was also a native of that locality, and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, following that business for many years. After attaining his majority he was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Beck, of Northampton County. His death occurred in 1861. The Wilhelms are of German Lineage.

The gentleman whose name heads this record spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, and after attending the public schools in the neighborhood for several terms, pursued his studies in Nazareth Hall, a Moravian school. When his education was completed he began clerking, after which he embarked in the clothing business in Nazareth, Northampton County. This proved a profitable investment, and he carried it on until 1868, when he sold out and became a clerk in the general office of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. After a few years he was promoted to the position of paymaster, which he has now held for twenty-five years. His connection with the road covers a period of thirty-four years. He is one of its oldest and most trusted employes, faithful to every task devolving upon him. For the past quarter of a century he has been located at Mauch Chunk, and devotes his entire time and attention to his business interests.

In 1856 Mr. Wilhelm was married to Miss Maria Leibfried, of Nazareth, who died in 1858, leaving one daughter, Alice C., now Mrs. Samuel Carpenter, of Mauch Chunk. For his second wife Mr. Wilhelm chose Miss Martha M. Weaver, daughter of Jacob Weaver, and by their union were born three children, namely: Maggie, who died in 1892; Calvin W., who is employed in the paymaster's department by his father, and is a member of the School Board, and W. Herman, who was graduated from West Point in the Class of '88. He is now in the Tenth Infantry in the Regular Army, with headquarters in New Mexico.

In connection with his other interests, our subject is also paymaster of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, and is Treasurer of the Lehigh Valley Relief Company, which position he has filled for sixteen years, or since its organization. He is a Director in the Linderman National Bank of Mauch Chunk, and is President of the J. H. Wilhelm Building & Loan Association of Mauch Chunk. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to a successful completion, and his industry and good management have been of valuable service in promoting many enterprises. He has been called to fill public offices, and has served as a member of the City Council, and also of the School Board. Both he and his wife hold membership with the Moravian Church of Nazareth, and are highly respected citizens, who have many warm friends in the community. The honorable, upright life of Mr. Wilhelm is one well worthy of emulation, and with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his life.