Thomas Pepper’s Sons

Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters

Ashland, Pennsylvania

21 November 2013

Perched on ebay is this nice example of a labeled, Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters. The grand description says “Mint* Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters”. Still a great example and fun graphics. See ebay listing

When he left the mining occupation, it was to engage in the bottling of non-intoxicating beverages in Ashland, and in 1872 he embarked in the wholesale liquor business.

Thomas Pepper was a prosperous and influential merchant of Ashland, Pennsylvania. He was born at Mine Hill Gap, South Cass township, Pennsylvania in March 1842. His parents, Patrick and Marcella (Reilly) Pepper, were natives of County Longford, Ireland, and were married in New York city, about 1836. For a number of years the father was employed in a foundry in New York city, but about 1839 or 1840 he came to the coal regions of Schuylkill County, where he earned his livelihood about the mines for a good many years.

Thomas Pepper was reared at Mine Hill Gap and received his education in the common schools there. At an early age, he began to work in the mines as a slate-picker, subsequently becoming a driver and later a miner. In 1863 he married Elizabeth McDonald, of South Cass. When he left the mining occupation, it was to engage in the bottling of non-intoxicating beverages in Ashland, and in 1872 he embarked in the wholesale liquor business. This he continued to conduct personally until 1899, when he disposes of his interests to his sons, who be can operating under the name Thomas Pepper’s Sons. He spent a good part of his life in Ashland where he died at the age of seventy-five.

Reference: History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania: … Including a Genealogical and Biographical Record of Many Families and Persons in the County, Volume 2, Adolf W. Schalck, David C. Henning, State Historical Association, 1907

Read More: The Peppers: From the Coal Mine to a Gold Mine

Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters, Thomas Pepper’s Sons – ebay

Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters, Thomas Pepper’s Sons – ebay

Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters, Thomas Pepper’s Sons – ebay

Pepper’s Laxative Stomach Bitters, Thomas Pepper’s Sons – ebay

Select Timeline:

1842: Thomas Pepper born in Mine Hill Gap, South Cass township.

1863: Married Elizabeth (McDonald), of South Cass.

1866: Thomas Pepper came to Ashland in 1866 and started with bottling of non-intoxicating beverages.

1872: Pepper embarked in the wholesale liquor business.

1893: Mrs. Thomas PEPPER, wife of Thomas Pepper, of Schuylkill county, died suddenly at her home in Ashland on Saturday, Dec 16, 1893.

1897: Thomas Pepper’s Sons, liquors, 100 W. Centre, 1911 Pottsville Directory

1911: Thomas Pepper’s Sons, liquors, 100 W. Centre, 1911 Pottsville Directory

1922: Thomas Pepper’s Sons, liquors, 100 W. Centre, 1911 Pottsville Directory

The similar ALL and RED CROSS Stomach Bitters – John Throop