Herman R. Tobias

  General Notes:

The 1870 Federal Census for Bern Township, Berks Co., PA, page 62A records Herman Tobias (14) living with his parents John (60-PA) and Mary (56-PA) Tobias and siblings Mary (23) and Sarah (21). John is a farmer and is fairly wealthy with real estate valued at $10,000 and personal property at $2,500. Next door is Herman's brother, Henry Tobias (31) and his family Catherine (32), Mary (4) and Annie (2).

The 1880 Federal Census for Bern Township, Berks Co., PA, District 4, page 56A records Herman (24) and Malinda. (23) Tobias with their daughter Ella (Oct 1879). Also in the household are Herman's "in-laws", David (48-PA) and Matilda (52-PA) Sousely. Herman is employed in what looks like "working on a sand scow" while David is a shoemaker.

The 1900 Federal Census for Ward 15, Reading, Berks Co., PA, District 98, page 272A records Herman (March 1856) and Mary M. (Nov 1856) Tobias with their daughter Ella E. (Oct 1879) are living at 554 Gordon Street. Herman and Mary have been married 26 years having had 4 children of which 1 is still living. Also in the household is Herman's father-in-law, David Sauslyn (Nov 1834).

The 1910 Federal Census for Reading, Berks Co., PA, District 105, page 262B records Herman R. (54) and Mary Ann (53) Tobias with their daughter Emily E. (30) are living at 554 Gordon Street. Charles L. Ryan (37), future son-in-law, is boarding at the house. Herman and Mary have been married 35 years having had 4 children of which 1 is still living. Herman is listed as a Gas Worker/Steel Worker and Charles is a Civil Engineer/Contractor.

see notes on his daughter Emily's husband, Charles Ryan, for 1920 and 1930 census facts.


[Montgomery's History of Berks County PA]
Herman R. Tobias, son of John H., was born in Bern township, March 7, 1856, and was educated in the schools of the vicinity. One of his schoolmates, with whom he attended eight terms, was Attorney Shearer, of Reading, and his first teacher was Daniel Benner. Mr. Tobias worked on the farm until he was nineteen years of age. He learned the wheelwright's trade, at which he worked some years, and then engaged in work at a stone quarry until 1881, when he located in Reading and engaged with William R. McIlvain & Sons, continuing with this firm for a period of fifteen years. He then accepted a position with the Pennsylvania Railway Company, as assistant foreman of construction, resigning this to enter the Carpenter Steel Works, where he remained until July 5, 1904, at which time he entered the employ of the Consumers Gas Company, with which concern he has since been connected.
On May 17, 1874, Mr. Tobias was united in marriage with Mary M. Sausley, born Nov. 5, 1856, daughter of David and Matilda (Rothermel) Sausley, and to this union have been born four children: Ella E., born Oct. 9, 1879, who is at home; and three that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Tobias are members of, the Reformed Church. Fraternally he is connected with Mt. Penn Lodge, K. P., and the Royal Arcanum.

Herman married Mary Malinda Sausely, daughter of David Sausely and Matilda, circa 1874. (Mary Malinda Sausely was born in Nov 1856 in Pennsylvania and died after 1920 in Reading, Berks Co., PA..)