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Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy

Hunsicker, James F.

JAMES F. HUNSICKER, one of Allentown's most prominent merchants and outstanding citizens, was born in Switzer, Lehigh County, Pa., November 7, 1852, the son of Owen and Sarah (Bittner) Hunsicker. He was educated in the public schools, and was variously employed in Catasauqua, Philadelphia and different places in Lehigh County. He was a member of the engineering corps under the late General S. D. Lehr, after which he secured a position in the general store of his uncle, Josephy Krewssley, at Allentown. His next employment was in the store of the Allentown Iron Company, following which he was engaged as a clerk in the dry goods establishiment of A. A. Huber. In 1870 he formed a partnership with his brother, Henry W., under the firm name of Hunsicker Bros., doing a general store business. Two years later when their uncle, Elias Bittner, joined the partnership, the firm name was changed to Bittner & Hunsicker Bros. In 1880 Frank D. Bittner also entered the partnership, whien the firm began to trade under its present name of Bittner, Hunsicker & Co., among the largest wholesale dealers in dry goods in the eastern part of the State. This properous business house is located at 23-25 North Seventh Street. As a citizen Mr. Hunsicker has been an important constructive force, and has contributed much to the betterment of the community. He has been a useful member of the board of control and has served as director of the Allentown National Bank and the Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Allentown. He is a charter member and former president of the Allentown Hospital Association, and is affiliated with Salem Reformed Church, having been the superintendent of the Sunday School for the last twenty-six years. He is a member of the board of trustees of Bethany Orphans' Home, at Womelsdorf, and of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, at Lancaster, Pa. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum and the Golden Eagles.