EBBERT, DAVID

Portrait and Biographical Record ~ Pages 305-306

Kindly submitted by: Shirley Reese Siltala 

            DAVID EBBERT, who is engaged in the livery and feed and flour business in Lehighton, is one of the wealthy and prominent citizens of Carbon County, and is a self-made man, who by his own efforts has arisen from a humble position to one of affluence.  He well deserves mention among the representative citizens of the community, and with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his life.  He was born in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, December 17, 1842, and is a son of Peter Ebbert, who was a native of the same locality and was a farmer by occupation.  The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Ebbert.  His mother bore the maiden name of Mary Straub, and was a daughter of Jacob Straub.  In the family were only two children:  Polly, now the wife of William Nicholas, of Northampton County, and David.

 The gentleman whose name heads this record received but limited educational privileges, attending the schools of Cherryville and Indian Church, and afterward conning his lessons in Lehighton.  He was early thrown upon his own resources and to make his way in the world he accepted a position as hostler.  He was afterward employed in a hotel kept by Robert Vance, of Cherryville, where he remained until 1869.  He then was with E. J. Kuntz in the same business, and later secured work on the canal, being thus employed for six months with headquarters at Lehigh Gap.  He wished to succeed in life, and was willing to follow any occupation which would afford him an honest living.  Thus he succeeded in getting a start, and the industry and enterprise which have marked his career have brought him prosperity.

Mr. Ebbert dates his residence in Lehighton from March, 1863, at which time he entered the employ of Thomas Kemerer, with whom he remained for seven months.  He was later employed by Daniel Estman, hauling milk three months, and then attended school two months.  On the expiration of that period he embarked in business for himself with a small stock of flour and feed, which he sold to the retail trade.  As opportunity has afforded he has extended his business facilities.  In 1865 he purchased a horse and buggy, and thus began the livery business, which he has since successfully carried on in connection with the flour and feed store.  Devoting his entire time and attention to these interests, he soon found that his trade was growing, and in order to meet the demands of an increased patronage he enlarged his facilities.  Later he bought the sale stable of Daniel Estman on North Street for $3,000, moved his own stock into the same, and now has one of the best equipped stables in Lehighton.  Mr. Ebbert also handles flour and feed by the car load, and has a large local trade, besides making extensive shipments, his flour sales amounting to two hundred sacks per month.

In 1867 Mr. Ebbert was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Hartz, of Lehighton, daughter of Jonas Hartz.  Two children have been born to them:  Mary S., now the wife of Edward H. Brannix, and Ellen J., at home.  In 1880 Mr. Ebbert built the fine three-story brick residence in which he is now living, surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of life.  As his financial resources have increased he has dealt to a considerable extent in real estate, and now owns eighteen houses, which he rents.  He is also connected with several industries of the city and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Lehighton.  His possessions have all been acquired through his own efforts, and are monuments to his thrift and good management.

Submitted by Shirley Reese Siltala