Charles G. Schneller, one of Catasauquas early settlers and prominent businessmen, was born in Bethlehem. Northampton County, Pa., on November 10th, 1821. His parents were George C. Schneller and Mary Brown Schneller. His father was born in the est Indies, his grandfather having come from Saxony, Germany, as a Moravian Missionary. He attended the Bethlehem public schools in the thirties and at the age of fourteen years began a seven year's apprenticeship in tinsmithing. In 1842, He opened a tinstore in Springtown, Bucks County, Pa., afterwards removing to Pleasant Valley, Bucks County, Pa., and in 1848 came to Catasauqua and opened the first tinshop in Catasauqua in the one and a half story frame building still standing on the northeast corner of Second and Mulberry Streets.

On the 15th day of February. 1849, he was married in Allentown, Pa., to Mary A. Heavner, an estimable Christian lady of Haycock, Bucks County, Pa. The happy union was blessed with the following children: Laura Schneller (deceased), Henry D. Schneller (deceased). John P. Schneller. Emma E Schneller, Charles W. Schneller, and Mary M. Heilman (deceased).

Mr. Schneller immediately took active interest in the religious, political and business affairs of the town. He aws one of the organizers of Immanuel
Evangelical Church, Catasauqua, and served that congregation in various capacities. For ten years he was Superintendent of its Sunday School and he served as a trustee from its organization until his death. For a number of years he served as treasurer and was Class Leader for many years. In 1894 he represented the congregation at the sessions of the General Conference held at Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Schneller was elected in 1853 as a member of the first School Board of the Borough of Catasauqua, and was Secretary of the Board for 16 years, and afterwards served as Borough Treasurer. He was a staunch Republican up to the time of his death.

In 1854 he built the three-story brick business block, known as THE SCHNELLER BLOCK, at Front and Strawberry Streets, to which place he removed his business, occupying same until he retired from business in 1887, after 39 years of successful work. He did much of the water-main work performed in the Borough in the fifties and sixties. He was a volunteer during the Civil War and was already on his way to Harrisburg. However, Joshua Hunt needed him so sorely here in the installation of the water system that when he reached Harrisburg tie was ordered discharged and returned home. He became connected with the National Bank of Catasauqua as a stockholder in 1857, and served as a director from 1878 to the time of his death. He was also one of the board of Managers of the Fairview Cemetery Association. He was always interested in the growth and welfare of Catasauqua and at one time owned three acres of land on Walnut Street, between Fourth and Howertown Road, which is now built up and includes the site of Grace M. E. Church.

Mr. Schneller was an upright citizen, active in all which would elevate the moral and business standing of our town, and lived to be a grand old man. On July 13th, 1909, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 3 days, he laid his head upon the bosom of the Universal Mother and, with her loving arms about him, sank into the sweet slumber which we call death.