In today’s column, we are on the Tilghman Vogel farm on Stagecoach Road, north of Kreidersville.

Tilghman’s wife, Ella, is a descendant of Heinrich Kohl, former farmer and veteran of the Revolutionary War whose commander was Col. John Siegfried. They had two daughters, Virginia and Leona. Another daughter, Baby Vogel, died two days after birth.

Locals called Tilghman “Tillie.” He was both a farmer and an employee of Phoenix Forge in Catasauqua.

The farm was a real family affair. It had a small dairy herd, so Tilghman hauled the milk early each morning to Northampton. Do our readers remember the Northampton Dairy on Washington Avenue? It was owned by John Simcoe.

Other past dairies included Howertown Dairy, Freemans and the large one, Lehigh Valley Dairy on MacArthur Road.

The farm included ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, horses and goats over the years.

Ella cultivated a large garden and cleaned chickens and ducks to sell as well as eggs. Talk about a busy farm!

Mr. Vogel was also always ready to help his neighbors. In his early days, he recalled when the men of the area joined together with snow shovels to open Indian Trail Road during snow storms, so farmers could deliver their milk to local dairies.

On a historical note, the men who were part of the Walking Purchase in 1737 walked past the farm. The last of the three walkers, Edward Marshall, completed the historic walk, which ended a few miles west of Lehighton, Carbon County.

Mr. Vogel helped erect the historical marker to commemorate the event. The marker stands a short distance from the farm.

Mr. Vogel also learned how to shoe horses from a neighbor. Tillie became a farmer/farrier. His work and low fees brought many customers - $2 a shoe, $8 for a horse. His work satisfied many horse owners.

Tillie’s last job was at Phoenix Forge in Catasauqua. His pay was $65 a week. This writer met Mr. Vogel as a youth when Willie Smith, a Weaversville farmer and livestock dealer, went to the farm to purchase livestock.

Mr. Tilghman Vogel was a solid Pennsylvania Dutchman, hard working and frugal, who loved the soil and this country.

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In two weeks, we discuss Rosie the Riveter.

This series is dedicated to the memory of Leona Sabia, whose life is a major part of these columns.