Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

GEORGE
FAMILY

p. 1308

Surnames: GEORGE, MAYER, DIETRICH, KOHLER, ZIMMERMAN, BLEILER,
SHOMO, NOECKER, SPOHN, HARING, LEIBY, WILLTROUT, HILBERT, PEIFFER,
SEITLER, BAST, NEFF, ADAMS, KERSHNER, HARRIS, MECHLEY, MERKEL,
HUMMEL, STETTLER, KLOTZ, FRITCH, ROTHERMEL, KLINE, SCHLENKER,
RAMER, MILLER, WALBERT, BRUNNER, SITLER

The George family, planted in America some one hundred and fifty
years ago, is found active in many different walks of life, and has
been distinguished by industry, thrift and good citizenship. At the
present time Rev. Dr. Jonathan V. George is successfully carrying
on the Reading Collegiate Institute; Samuel George is a successful
contractor and builder in Reading; and Daniel S. George is a
prosperous farmer in Maxatawny township.

(I) Jost Heinrich George was born in 1707, at Breitenbach, near
Herborn, Nassau, Germany. His children were: (1)Johann Heinrich.
(2) Heinrich came to America Aug. 11, 1750, and tradition says he
settled at Harrisburg, where he owned blocks of houses. He had a
palatial residence, and it is said he received a princely
inheritance from Germany after his father’s death, but before he
died he burned all the papers he had belonging to his father, as
well as all his correspondence pertaining to his inheritance from
Germany. He had a son, and a daughter, Anna Catharine, whose name
was not given, but was referred to in a letter written by her
father on May 2, 1783.

(II) Johann Heinrich George, son of Jost Heinrich, came to America
when his oldest son was nine years of age, according to family
tradition. His wife was Anna Maria Nicks, and they settled in
Greenwich township, Berks county. Their children were: Jost
Heinrich; Heinrich Jacob; and one referred to in letter.

(III) Jost Heinrich George, son of Johann Heinrich, married
Elizabeth Mayer (1769-1840), and she is buried in the cemetery at
Dunkel’s Church. They lived in Greenwich township. Their children
were: Elizabeth, m. to Christian Dietrich (1783-1873); Barbara
(Bevy), m. to Hans Georg Kohler, and the mother of Rev. Daniel
Kohler; J. Jacob (1790-1859), m. to Catharine Zimmerman, and had
children ____Maria (m. Charles Bleiler), Joseph, Jacob, Henry
(inherited the home), Phoebe (m. Charles Shomo ), Charles and
Daniel; Eva, m. to Jacob Noecker; Maria, m. to Peter Spohn; and
Hannah, m. to George Haring.

(III) Heinrich Jacob George, second son of Johann Heinrich, was
born Feb. 27, 1774, and he died July 3, 1832, aged fifty-eight
years, four months, six days. His wife was Maria Catharine Leiby,
born 1778, died 1865. Their children were: Jacob m. Polly
Willtrout; Heinrich m. Polly Hilbert; Elizabeth m. Daniel Peiffer;
Rebecca m. Jacob Seitler; Maria m. William Bast; Felde (Valentine)
m. Kate Neff; Charles m. Sarah Adams; and Lydia m. John Haring.

(IV) Jacob George, son of Heinrich Jacob, was born in Berks county,
and when a young man learned the trade of gunsmith which he
followed for several years, then taking up a tract of eighty-four
acres in Greenwich township, which he farmed for the remainder of
his life. He died in 1881, at the age of eighty-three years. He
married Polly Willtrout, and to them were born children as follows:
____m. Jacob Kershner; Daniel W. is mentioned below; ____m. Reuben
Harris; Jonathan lived in Greenwich township; Sallie m. Jonathan
Mechley of Greenwich township; Jacob; Fianna m. Daniel Mechley;
Jackson is deceased; Mary m. ____Adams; and Benjamin.

(V) Daniel W. George, son of Jacob, was born in Greenwich township,
Nov. 8, 1826, and he died on his farm in Maxatawny township April
25, 1904, aged seventy-seven years, five months, seventeen days,
and was buried at Dunkel’s Church. He was a life-long farmer, and
owned a tract of thirty-three acres in Greenwich township, upon
which he made his home until 1899, when he bought the Jacob Merkel
farm in Maxatawny township, to which he moved. He m. (first) Hannah
Hummel, daughter of Benjamin Hummel, who died aged about sixty
years. No children were born of this union. He m. (second) Judith
A. Hummel, daughter of Solomon Hummel, of Greenwich township, born
August 9, 1853. Three children were born of this union, namely:
Daniel S.; Miss Lillie L., an invalid; and Judith A. M., m. to
Ambrose Stettler, a farmer on the old George homestead in Greenwich
township, by whom she has children ___ Alvin C., Samuel O.,
Franklin D. and Verna M.

(VI) Daniel S. George, son of Daniel W., was born in Greenwich
township, Oct. 29, 1879, and was early trained to agricultural
pursuits to which he has devoted his life. He worked for his father
until the latter’s death in 1904, and in December of that year came
into possession of the Jacob D. Merkel farm in the eastern part of
Maxatawny township. His farm is well stocked, and he has fifteen
head of cattle, and six horses. His milk is all sold at the
Rothrocksville creamery. His fraternal connection is with the Jr.
O. U. A. M., of New Smithville, in which he has held various
offices. He is a member of the Reformed Church, while his wife is a
Lutheran. On April 4, 1903, Mr. George was married to Jennie Klotz,
daughter of Samuel and Lucy Ann (Fritch) Klotz, of Topton, and they
have had two children: Daniel Edgar; and Helen Agnes, who died aged
six months and seven days.

(V) Benjamin George, son of Jacob, was born in 1835 in Greenwich
township, and as a young man learned the carpenter’s trade, which
he followed for about fifteen years. He then engaged in farming in
Greenwich township, and There died Feb. 20,1903. He was a Democrat
in politics, and in religion a member of the New Jerusalem Church
of Greenwich township. He married Catharine Rothermel who survives
and still resides in Greenwich township. Their children were:
Lovina died young; Samuel; William died young; Elias is of Reading;
Emanuel is deceased; Benjamin lives in Reading; Elizabeth died
young; Emma m. Alvin Adams; Mary A. m. Alvin J. Kline; and Katie L.
m. John Adams.

(VI) Samuel George, son of Benjamin, and now one of the well known
contractors and brick layers in Reading, was born in Greenwich
township, Sept. 2, 1864. He attended the schools of his native
township, until he was seventeen, and from that time until he
attained his majority he engaged in farm work. He then went to
learn the trade of brick layer, which he followed two years in
Greenwich, finishing his apprenticeship in Allentown. He came to
Reading in 1894, here working as a journeyman for one year, and in
1895 he engaged in business with Charles Schlenker, a partnership
which was most successfully and pleasantly continued until Mr.
Schlenker’s death in 1901. In 1904 Mr. George formed a partnership
with James H. Ramer, under the firm name of Ramer & George, and
they have erected a large number of buildings in the northeastern
part of the city. Mr. George is a good business man and excellent
workman, and has an enviable reputation for honesty and integrity.
Mr. George married Lovina M. Leiby, daughter of Jacob U. and Annie
(Miller) Leiby, who died March 14, 1900, and was buried at Dunkel’s
church, Greenwich township. One daughter was born of this union,
Miss Annie E. In politics Mr. George is a Democrat, although now
not an active worker in political affairs. He belongs to the
Maccabees, in which he is justly popular. He is an active member of
St. Thomas’s church (Reformed), Reading, in which he has held the
offices of deacon, elder, treasurer and trustee, acting in the last
named capacity at the present time.

(IV) Charles George, son of Heinrich Jacob, engaged in farming all
his life in Maxatawny township. In 1887 he retired from active work
and located in Kutztown, where his death occurred. His wife, Sarah
Adams, survived him until 1895, when she passed away at the age of
seventy-six years. Their four children were: Henry, of Bath, Pa.;
Charles; Mary Ann, m. to W. A. Walbert, of Maxatawny township; and
Rev. Jonathan V., D. D.

(V) Rev. Jonathan V. George, D. D., son of Charles and Sarah, was
born in Maxatawny township, May 23, 1860, and is now conducting the
Reading Collegiate Institute, an excellent preparatory school. He
secured his preliminary education in the common schools of his
native locality, and after graduating from the Keystone State
Normal School at Kutztown, he took a special course in Franklin and
Marshall College. He graduated from the Theological Seminary in
1890, and pursued a special post-graduate course, receiving the
degree of B. D. From Harriman University (Tennessee) he received
the degrees of S. T. D. and D. D. He also took a special course at
the Northern Illinois College, graduating with the degree of Ph.
D., and was ordained in June, 1890. He served at Reamstown, Pa.,
for nine months, and was then elected to the Allegheny charge in
Berks county, which he is still serving, the charge consisting of
five congregations. Since 1903 he has been conducting the Reading
Collegiate Institute, formerly the Scientific College conducted by
the Hon. D. B. Brunner, an institution preparing both young men and
young women for college and for teaching. Under his management the
school has been very successful, and has come to be considered one
of the best of its kind in the State. Dr. George was married to
Sarah L. Sitler, of Weisenburg township, Lehigh county, and one
child has been born to them, Jennie Belle, a teacher in the public
schools of Reading. Dr. George is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Royal Arcanum.
In political affiliation he is independent.

. p. 436

Surnames: GERBER, HARTMAN, DRASE

Edwin R. Gerber is a son of Levi R. and Chesta (Hartman) Gerber,
and his early ancestors were some of the first inhabitants of
Reading. He was born at Reading Nov. 30, 1856, and was educated
there in the common schools and Keystone State Normal at Kutztown.
Upon quitting school he learned printing and turned his attention
to reporting on the Reading ‘Daily News’. In 1887 he became
prominently connected with the Reading ‘Telegram’ as one of the
founders, and he continued with this daily newspaper until 1905,
when he was obliged to discontinue his active services on account
of having become mayor of the city, to which position he had been
elected at the spring election of that year on the Democratic
ticket. His activity, ability and sterling qualities for a number
of years in the city had won the respect and confidence of his
political associates, and his advocacy of municipal improvements
had been so earnest and successful that his elevation to the office
of mayor was quite natural.

Mr. Gerber served very efficiently as secretary
of the Board of Trade for five years from 1900 to 1905, and as
president of the Board of Public Works for four years from 1901 to
1905. He was re-elected for another term in both positions, but he
was obliged to resign on account of his duties as mayor so as to
devote all his attention to the office. He has been a very active
member of the Americus Club, the Elks and the Press Club. Mr.
Gerber is president of the General Light Company of New Jersey,
engaged in the manufacture of acetylene gas machines, and is
secretary and treasurer of the Langer & Gerber Engraving
Company of Reading. His more active duties are as business manager
of the ‘Reading Telegram’. He has ever been much interested in
public charities, and is now a member of the local board acting
with the State Board of Charities.

Mr. Gerber was married June 7, 1881, to Lizzie
J. Drase, daughter of Jacob H. Drase, of Reading. They have two
children: Viola, and Howard, the latter a chemist in the city
laboratory. They are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

(REV.), p. 458

Surnames: GERHARD, KAUFFMAN, BUCKS, BEAVER, KNODERER, KLOPP

Rev. George Washington Gerhard is by descent, as well as by
education and choice, a lifelong member of the Reformed Church. His
great-great-grandfather, Frederick Gerhard, who emigrated from
Langenselbold, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, to America in 1737, and
settled in Berks county, Pa., was a stanch upholder of the Reformed
faith. The same is true of the father, grandfather and
great-grandfather.

His parents were Elias Gerhard and his wife
Sarah (daughter of Daniel and Judith Kauffman). He was born at
Bernville, Berks Co., Pa., and was thirteen years old when his
father was accidentally killed by a runaway horse. His mother had
died six months prior to his father’s accidental death. After the
father’s death the young boy made his home with Aaron R. Bucks, at
Stouchsburg, Berks Co., Pa., where he spent his youth on the farm.
He worked on the farm during the summer and attended the Whitehall
Academy of Stouchsburg during the winter months. At the age of
sixteen years he taught one term of public school in Alsace
township ( school), close to Spies’s Reformed and Lutheran church.
At the close of the school term, April, 1876, he entered Palatinate
College, Myerstown, Pa., where he remained one year. In the fall of
1877 he entered the Sophomore Class of Franklin and Marshall
College, Lancaster, Pa., and graduated from that institution in
June, 1880. In September, 1880, he entered the Theological Seminary
of the Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa., and graduated in May,
1883. After his graduation he traveled four months through the
West. On Sept. 1, 1883, he received a call from a Mission at Lock
Haven, Pa., which he accepted, and entered upon the active duties
of the pastorate the same month. In this congregation he labored
faithfully and energetically for nine years. During these nine
years the membership increased rapidly, the indebtedness was wiped
out, the church property improved, and the congregation brought to
self-support, paying the pastor a living salary. During his
pastorate at Lock Haven, the Rev. Mr. Gerhard was elected in the
spring of 1887 Chaplain of the 12th Regiment of the National
Guards, of Pennsylvania, which office he accepted, receiving his
commission from Gen. James A. Beaver, then Governor of the State.
He served six years as chaplain, and spent three weeks with his
regiment at Homestead, during the memorable labor strike of 1891.

In 1890 Rev. Mr. Gerhard was elected Colonel of
the Sons of Veterans of the State of Pennsylvania, at the Annual
Encampment at Wilkes-Barre. At the expiration of his term of office
it was a source of great pleasure to him to find that the division
under his command had made commendable progress. Like his father,
he is very patriotic. His father served his country during the
Rebellion, being mustered in Nov. 10, 1862, in the 167th Regiment,
commanded by Col. Charles A Knoderer. The regiment passed through
some rough experiences, and at the expiration of his term of
enlistment he was mustered out, Aug. 12, 1863, and returned to his
home without a single injury.

On Oct. 14, 1890, the Rev. Mr. Gerhard was
married to Miss Lillie Rebecca Klopp, of Stouchsburg, Pa. William
A. Klopp, father of Mrs. Gerhard, was a successful business man and
highly respected citizen of Stouchsburg, his native town, where he
spent the whole of his busy life, excepting the last few years
which were passed at Wernersville, Pa., where he died June 1, 1900,
and he was buried at Tulpehocken Reformed Church, near Myerstown,
Pennsylvania.

There was born to the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard
one son, Earl, a bright and interesting boy who in all probability
will follow in the footsteps of his father and enter the holy
ministry of the Reformed Church.

On March 18, 1893, Rev. Mr. Gerhard received and
accepted a call from the First Reformed Church, Hamburg, Pa. As in
his first field of labor he was eminently successful. On April 4,
1898, St. John’s Reformed and Lutheran Church building was
destroyed by fire. These two denominations had worshipped jointly
in the same church building for a period of 125 years, but when the
church was destroyed by fire Rev. Mr. Gerhard took a firm stand for
a division, and after three months’ discussion and labor, the two
congregations by a majority vote decided to divide the property and
each congregation erected its own building. The Rev. Mr. Gerhard
was untiring in his labors during the erection of the new church,
and specially confined himself to securing funds. When the church
was dedicated and all bills turned in it was found that there
remained only $4,500 of a debt on the beautiful granite structure.
The pastor’s efforts in securing funds were uncommonly successful.
Some time prior to the building of the church he erected a handsome
parsonage costing nearly $4,000. In four years he was instrumental
in raising nearly $40,000 for building purposes only. When he came
to Hamburg the charge consisted of three congregations, Hamburg,
Shoemakersville and Port Clinton. Shoemakersville congregation was
at once detached from the Hamburg charge and added to the Leesport
charge. After the erection of the new church Port Clinton
congregation was detached and added to the Auburn charge. Hamburg
was now the first congregation of the Reformed Church in Berks
county, outside of the City of Reading, to support its own pastor,
and what is more it paid the pastor more salary than did the three
congregations, in addition to the handsome parsonage which the
pastor enjoyed. The liberality of the Hamburg people greatly
increased under his ministry.

On October 16, 1908, Rev. Mr. Gerhard accepted a
call from the West Reading charge, comprising St. James’ Reformed
Church, West Reading, Epler’s in Bern township and Hinnershitz in
Muhlenburg township. He entered upon his present pastorate Nov. 22,
1908. With his former energy he at once began to lay plans to
gather funds for the erection of a fine brown stone church edifice
costing from $25,000 to $30,000 when completed. Success has
attended his efforts from the very beginning, and the prospects for
the growth of the St. James Church are brighter than at any time in
the past.

GERHARD, JAMES RIESER, (M. D.)

p. 1297

Surnames: GERHARD, GROVE, TROUTMAN, RIESER, MILLER, MOYER, OBOLD

James Rieser Gerhard, M.D., a rising young medical practitioner of
Reading, Pa., whose residence and offices are situated at No. 540
Centre avenue, was born in Douglassville, Berks county, Feb. 9,
1874, son of Dr. Frank R. and Lillie Paris (Grove) Gerhard.

Frederick Gerhard, great-great grandfather of
Dr. James R., was a native of Germany, and came to the United
States before the Revolutionary war, becoming one of the pioneer
farmers of Heidelberg township, Berks county.

Frederick Gerhard , Jr., son of Frederick, was a
miller by trade, which he followed in connection with farming, and
lived at Host, Jefferson township. He and his wife, a Miss
Troutman, were members of the Reformed Church, and became the
parents of these children: John, a soldier of the Mexican war,
remained in the West after the close of that struggle; Rev.
William, deceased, was a well-known minister of the Reformed Church
of Lancaster county; Jacob; Isaac was a farmer at Host; Augustus
was a cabinet maker at Nebraska City, Nebr.; Rebecca, Catherine,
Sarah and Amelia, the latter of whom died in infancy.

Jacob Gerhard, son of Frederick, Jr., and
grandfather of Dr. James R., was born Jan. 1, 1814, on the old
homestead farm at Host, and here followed milling and farming all
of his life. A man of high principles, he was honored and respected
by all who knew him, and he was an active and faithful member and
official of the Reformed Church. In politics he was a stanch
Democrat. Mr. Gerhard married Sarah Rieser, daughter of Abraham
Rieser, and to this union there were born three sons and three
daughters: Mary m. Jacob Miller, of Reading; Sarah R. m. Isaac L.
Moyer, of Stouchsburg, Berks county: Dr. Frank R.; John F. is a dry
goods merchant of Reading; Amelia J. m. Elias Obold, of Obold,
Berks county; and Rev. James is a Presbyterian minister at Galena,
Kansas.

Dr. Frank R. Gerhard was born May 12, 1843, at
Host, Jefferson township, Berks county, and was brought up on the
farm and educated in the common schools, and in Franklin and
Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa., from which he was graduated in
July, 1866. Immediately after his graduation from college he took
up the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Frank Rieser, of
Reading, and after three years of study he graduated from the
Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, in March,
1869, and on Oct. 16th, following, began his present practice in
the village of Douglassville. Dr. Gerhard is a close student, a
careful physician and competent surgeon, and he has built up one of
the largest village and country practices in Union township,
showing himself well qualified to handle any case that is entrusted
to him. Fraternally he is connected with the Royal Arcanum, while
politically he upholds the principles of the Democratic party, with
the exception of the silver plank in the Chicago platform.

On May 6, 1873, Dr. Gerhard was united in
marriage with Lillie Paris Grove, daughter of the late Daniel B.
Grove, a piano manufacturer of Philadelphia, and one son, James R.,
was born to this union.

James Rieser Gerhard was educated in the common
schools of Berks county, and graduated from Selwyn Hall, a
preparatory school in Reading, in 1893, and then went to Yale
University, graduating therefrom with the degree of A. B. in 1897.
In that year he entered the Medical Department of the University of
Pennsylvania, and was graduated therefrom in 1901, standing fourth
in his class. He then served one year as Resident Physician and
Surgeon in the Germantown Hospital and Dispensary, after which time
he moved to Reading, Pa. Dr. Gerhard has won the confidence of the
people of his locality, and has shown his skill as a physician in
numerous cases. He keeps himself well posted in the new discoveries
in his profession by his subscription to the leading medical
journals of the country, and he is a member of the city and county
medical societies. In politics he is independent, while he and his
wife are Episcopalians in religious belief, being communicants in
St. Barnabas Church.

GERHARD, MILTON J.

p. 988

Surnames: GERHARD, DE LONG, ROHRBACH, ANGSTADT, KERCHER, DOTTERER,
HILL, BENFIELD

Milton J. Gerhard, farmer of Washington township, living one mile
north of Bechtelsville, belongs to a branch of the Gerhard family
of western Berks county which settled around Wintersville and
Freystown. Rev. Eli Gerhard is also of this family, whose history
has been fully written by Rev. George W. Gerhard, now a resident of
West Reading, Berks county.

Jacob Gerhard, grandfather of Milton J. Gerhard,
was born March 31, 1803, in Longswamp township, near Henningsville
and Fredericksville, and was a farmer, owning the place in that
township which is now the property of Mrs. John De Long. He died
Nov. 6, 1864, aged sixty-one years, seven months, six days, and is
buried at Huff’s Church. His wife, Lydia Rohrbach, born Nov. 6,
1805, died Dec. 17, 1880, aged seventy-five years, one month,
eleven days. They had five children: Lucinda, who married Amos
Rohrbach; Henry, of Longswamp township; Daniel; John, formerly of
Longswamp, now living at Topton, Berks county; and Frank, of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Gerhard, son of Jacob, was born Feb. 1,
1835, in Longswamp township, learned the carpenter’s trade and
followed that calling in the part of Longswamp township where he
lived as well as in the surrounding region. Since 1900 he has made
his home with his son Milton, leading a semi-retired life, and
working occasionally on his son’s farm. He married Eliza Angstadt,
daughter of Jacob and Anna (Kercher) Angstadt, of Rockland
township, and they have three children: Torinda, m. to Matthias H.
Dotterer, a grocer of Reading; Milton J.; and Amanda, m. to James
Hill, of Longswamp township. All of this family belong to Huff’s
Church.

Milton J. Gerhard, son of Daniel, was born Nov.
11, 1869, in Longswamp township, and there received a fair
education in the public schools. When twenty-one years old he began
checking in the store of Matthias H. Dotterer, at Bechtelsville,
remaining there for several years. Mr. Dotterer is now of Reading.
Mr. Gerhard was next employed in the creamery at Henningsville for
over two years, and thence removed to Schofers, in Maxatawny
township, where he worked in the creamery for about four years. He
then worked in the creameries at Exeter and Womelsdorf, for the
same proprietor who conducted the other creameries mentioned,
continuing at such work for seven years in all. In the spring of
1899 he came to Washington township, settling on the place where he
now resides, and which he bought in the fall of 1899. It was
formerly the property of Abraham Dotterer, and before he owned it
belonged to Matthias Dotterer. It comprises 107 acres of land,
desirably located, and well equipped with substantial buildings,
the barn being 35×90 feet in dimensions, and the house a nice stone
dwelling. Everything about the place is kept in first-class
condition. Mr. Gerhard gives special attention to dairying, keeping
seventeen milk cows, and ships his milk to Philadelphia every
morning.

In 1896 Mr. Gerhard married Ida L. Benfield,
daughter of Abraham Benfield and his wife Leanna Lucinda
(Rohrbach), of Huff’s Church, and they have become the parents of
four children: Paul H., Ralph J., Elsie B. and Elvia B. Mr. Gerhard
and his family are members of Huff’s Church, belonging to the
Reformed congregation.

GERHART
FAMILY

p 399

Surnames: GERHART, SEIBERT, WERNER, LAMM, LAMBERT, PEIFFER, WEBBER,
KNORR, BIEN, REINHOLD, FURRY, FIDLER, PARKER, WENRICH, DEPPEN,
BILLMAN, HIMMELBERGER, KERSHNER, KECK, MILLER, MOYER, FIDLER,
KLOPP, HIGH.

Benjamin Gerhart, the grandfather of Peter William Gerhart, Jr.,
superintendent of the treatment department of the “Grand View
Sanatorium.” and his brother, George W. Gerhart, merchant and
prominent citizen of Rosina, was a farmer of Lower Heidelberg
township. He married Catharine Seibert.

John Peter Gerhart, son of Benjamin, was
formerly a resident of Lower Heidelberg, near Brownsville, and for
the last thirty years of his life was a resident of Wernersville.
His occupation was that of a grafter of trees and gardener. He died
in 1903, aged seventy-six years. He was married to Caroline Werner,
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lamm) Werner, and by her had
twelve children: Calvin E. m. Amelia Lambert; Frank P. m. Emma
Peiffer; Ellenora S. m. Alfred Webber, and after his decease George
F. Knorr; Anna M. m. Gustave Bien; Albert B. m. Sue Reinhold; Agnes
Priscilla m. Thomas Furry;Peter W.; George W. m. Anna Fidler;
Katharine Louisa; Elizabeth Wilhelmina m. Harry Parker; and two
died young.

Peter William Gerhart, Jr., superintendent of
the treatment department of the “Grand View Sanatorium,” a position
he has filled for nearly twenty-five years, was born in Lower
Heidelberg, near Brownsville, on April 18,1862. His mother dying
when he was only eight years old, he was placed on a farm, and
continued there (except for three years he spent at Reading),
helping and going to school, until he was sixteen years old. Then
he went to Cumberland county for the purpose of attending school
there and acquiring a knowledge of the English language while
assisting in farming and stock raising, and he remained there for
three years. He then returned to Wernersville, but remained only
six months when he went to Ohio and secured employment on a farm in
the vicinity of Lima. He continued on this farm for four years, at
the end of which time, his health failing, he found employment as a
reporter on a local newspaper, filling this position for three
years. In 1886 he returned to Wernersville and secured a position
as stable boss in the large stables of the “Grand View Sanatorium,”
and he displayed such intelligent interest in his work, and gave
such satisfaction to the proprietors, Drs. Wenrich & Deppen,
that after the short time of three months they promoted him to the
treatment department of the institution. Showing great
qualifications and ambition, he continued there until the fall of
1888, when under their advice he took a regular course of
instruction in the Philadelphia Polyclinic and College for
Graduates in Medicine, for the purpose of learning massage and
medical electricity. He graduated in June, 1889, and upon his
return to the Sanatorium was placed in charge of the treatment
department, where he has remained until the present time. Being
interested in local educational matters, Mr. Gerhart was elected a
school director of the township in February, 1906, for a term of
three years, and re-elected in February, 1909. He has served as the
school board’s secretary for three successive years, and also was
chosen a representative from Berks county for three successive
years to the State Directors’ Convention, which meets annually at
Harrisburg.

Mr. Gerhart was married to Ida Rebecca Wenrich,
the only daughter of William H. Wenrich, of Bernville, and they
have had three children, Sarah, J. Clarence. and one that died in
infancy Mr. Gerhart was elected an elder of St. John’s (Hains)
Reformed Church in January, 1909, and immediately chosen its
treasurer. Socially he is a member of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 835,
Wernersville.

William H. Wenrich. Mrs. Gerhart’s father, m.
Sarah Billman, daughter of John Billman, of Upper Bern (now
Tilden), and they had three children: Willis E., Ida Rebecca. and
one that died young.

John S. Wenrich, of Bernville, her grandfather,
m. Lydia Himmelberger, and had two children. William H. and
Rebecca, the last named the wife of A. Morris Kershner. Her
great-grandfather was Paul Wenrich.

George W. Gerhart, another son of the late John
Peter Gerhart, was born Aug. 4, 1863, in Lower Heidelberg township.
He received his early education in the township school and
supplemented it with study at the Keystone State Normal School, at
Kutztown. He was first licensed to teach by Prof. D. S. Keck,
former superintendent of Berks county, and commenced his work as
teacher in the fall of 1882 in Heidelberg township, where he was
engaged for five terms. He was reared upon the farm, but has never
followed farming since he began life on his own account, having
continued to teach until he embarked in the mercantile business. In
the spring of 1888 he formed a partnership with Mr. Fidler under
the firm name of Fidler & Gerhart, this relation lasting for
one year. Mr. Gerhart then took Henry Miller into partnership with
him, and they did business together for thirteen years under the
name of Miller & Gerhart, being located on Robeson street, in
Rosina. At the end of this period Mr. Miller, by mutual consent of
the partners, withdrew from the concern, John I. Miller becoming a
member of the firm, the name of which remained unchanged. This
association continued for two years, and in 1904 Mr. Gerhart formed
a partnership with M. A. Moyer, under the name of Gerhart &
Moyer. They enjoy the confidence and patronage of the community to
a gratifying degree, and have a high reputation for enterprise and
progress as well as honorable dealing. They carry a complete line
of general merchandise, and cater to a trade which extends over a
radius of fourteen miles around Rosina.

Mr. Gerhart is a man of active disposition, and
takes part in the life of the community in lines outside of his
direct business interests. He is a stanch Democrat in political
opinion and willing to work for the success of his party, has
served as delegate to county and State conventions, and has been
elected to local offices of trust, having been school director and
tax collector of his township. He is also prominent in church work,
he and his family being members of St. Paul’s Reformed Church of
Rosina, of which Mr. Gerhart is at present an elder. He was most
active in the erection of the present fine edifice, in 1904, which
cost the congregation over $15,000, serving as a member of the
building committee, of which he was treasurer. He has been
treasurer of the church ever since its organization. It is very
prosperous, and Mr. Gerhart has been one of its most devoted
workers. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, holding
membership in Lodge No. 119, of Rosina, of which he is a past
chancellor. He owns the Wagner Hall building, a three-story brick
block 30 x 60 feet in dimensions, the first and second stories of
which are used by the firm of Gerhart & Moyer, and the third
floor as the meeting place of various secret societies. Mr. Gerhart
also owns the property adjoining this building on the north. Here
he razed the old building and built an addition to the store 30 x
50 feet in the rear and 15 x 60 on the north, making the most
up-to-date store in the Lebanon Valley. It is lighted throughout by
electricity, and is heated by steam. He purchased both buildings in
1907. He also owns the property across the street which he uses for
his residence.

In May, 1887, Mr. Gerhart was married to Miss
Annie Fidler, daughter of William and Annie (Klopp) Fidler, the
former of whom was in business in Rosina as a manufacturer of cigar
boxes. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerhart have been born six children namely.
Estella M., Horace (who died in infancy) Robert R., Luke W., Edna
A. and Lyman R. Mr. Gerhart is giving all his children good
educational advantages, being convinced of the value of proper
training. Estella M., a graduate of the township high school was
married in May 1908, to Walter V. R. High (son of D. K. High), who
with his brother Henry V. R High is engaged in the honey business
at Bernville, where they reside. Robert R. is a graduate of the
township high school, and the latter is also a graduate of the
Interstate Commercial College, of Reading, and now holds the
responsible Position of teller in the Wernersville National Bank at
Wernersville. Luke W. is now attending the Interstate Commercial
College.

GERHARDT, HOWARD
ERASMUS

p. 534

Surnames: GERHARDT, WEBER, GERHART, DOBLER, BERTHOLD, FISHER,
BRENDLE, RIEGER, RUETTNER, GERHARD, ROGAERT, YSSELSTEIN, JUNGMANN,
DUNDOR, TROUTMAN, LEISS, SCHOCK, EBLING, STRAUSS, RHOADS, BIXLER,
MEAHLAESEN, BURKHOLDER, POTTEIGER, KLOPP, ZIMMERMAN, HUNTER,
ECKERT, KALBACH, MEISER, FILBERT, STUMP, WAGNER, DUNDORE,
SCHAEFFER, HIMMELBERGER, BURKEY, HIESTER, SEIDEL, LAMB, STOUDT,
SCHULL, KEENER, GRAUL, BEYERLE, HINES, FAHRENBACH, PETERS, HEFFNER,
DANIELS, SCHWARTZ, LESHER, KRAUSE, HARRISON, GRUNWELL, MILLER,
GROH, GRUBER, ROYER, HARTMAN, ZERBE, BOHN, KURR, ROYER, GRUNWELL,
ZIEBER, BROWN, LINDENMUTH, PIEFER, REHRER, HENNINGER, GERMAN,
SNYDER, BORDNER/BORTNER, BROSZ, MEYER, RIETH/READ, KOEBE, LEBO,
SEYFERT, FRENTZEL, SCHWANK, SCHALL, DILLER, KLINE, BROBST, STUMP,
WEBER, PATTON, FURRER, BRAUN, LICHTY, FARR, HILBISH, RITTER,
WEAVER, SPYCKER

Howard Erasmus Gerhardt, dealer in pianos and all kinds of musical
instruments, was born Jan, 18, 1879, in Millersburg, Bethel P.O.,
Berks county, Pa., son of Dr. Erasmus and Agnes (Weber) Gerhart.

The Gerhardt family is of German descent, and
Mr. Howard E. Gerhardt has succeeded in tracing his line back to
(I) Christian Gerhardt, Burgomaster of Grafenhaininchen, Saxony,
Germany, who died July 11, 1637. His wife was Anna Dobler, daughter
of Gallus Dobler, Court Chaplain at Dresden. They became the
parents of a son, Paul.

(II) Paul Gerhardt, son of Christian and Anna (Dobler), was born
March 12, 1607, and he died June 7, 1676. On Feb. 11, 1655, he
married Anna Maria Berthold, daughter of Andrew Berthold. Paul
Gerhardt was known as a religious poet, the Luther of the
seventeenth century hymnology.

III) Paul Frederick Gerhardt, son of Paul and Anna Maria
(Berthold), was born Aug. 2, 1662.

(IV) Christopher Gerhardt, son of Paul Frederick, died Aug. 15,
1736.

(V) William Gerhardt was a son of Christopher.

(VI) Frederick Gerhardt, son of William, was born March 26, 1714,
in Langenselbold, Dukedom of Isenberg, Germany. He emigrated to
America prior to the Revolution. On Jan. 22, 1737, he married
Elizabeth Fisher, daughter of Henry Fisher. With their son John
Peter, born Oct. 28, 1737, they emigrated to America, landing at
Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 1739, having made the voyage on the ship
“Samuel,” Hugh Percy, commander. Shortly after their arrival in
Philadelphia, the wife died, and Frederick Gerhardt located in
Heidelberg township, Berks county, where, Feb. 14, 1740, he married
a widow, Barbara Rieger. On Dec. 1, 1768, he purchased of George
Brendle, a tract of seventy acres of land in Heidelberg township.
By trade he was a wagoner. His parents had been members of the
German Reformed church, but through a sermon preached in 1742 by
the Rev. Mr. Ruettner, a Moravian minister, he became a member of
Reed’s Church, and subsequently he became one of the principal
founders of the Moravian Brethren in North Heidelberg township,
known as the Herrn Hurch. As an elder of the Moravian Church he
attended the first public convention of the Reformed Church in
Pennsylvania, held Aug. 29, 1743. He died Nov. 30, 1779, and is
buried in the cemetery adjoining the church. Through the efforts of
a grandson, John K. Gerhardt, a monument was erected by
subscription. Frederick Gerhardt was the father of ten children,
namely: (1) John Peter Gerhart, born Oct. 28, 1737, m. Elizabeth
_________, and had one child, Andreas (born Oct. 13, 1791, died
Oct. 31, 1791), and was buried at Host Church. (2) Conrad Gerhard,
born Nov. 22, 1740, was engaged in mercantile pursuits in
Heidelberg township until 1808, when he retired from business and
located in Philadelphia. In 1768, he m. Rachael Rogaert Ysselstein,
and they had seven children- Rachael, Elizabeth, William, Mary,
John, Elonora and Thomas. In 1815 he m. (second) Elizabeth
Jungmann, daughter of Rev. George Jungmann. There were no children
by this marriage. (3) Elizabeth Gerhardt was born Sept. 29, 1742.
(4) Frederick Gerhard, born Sept. 23, 1744, m. Susanna Dundor,
daughter of Jacob and Anna Maria Dundor. In his will dated Nov. 30,
1822, he mentions three sons and two daughters: Frederick
(1780-1845) m. Magdalena Troutman, and had eleven children: Jacob,
who m. (first) a Miss Leiss, had two sons, and (second) Catharine
Magdalena Schock, and had eight children; John died in 1852; Anna
Maria m. Jacob Ebling; and Barbara m. a Mr. Strauss, and died in
1840. (5) Johannes Gerhart, born Feb. 12, 1747, located in the
neighborhood of Swamp Church in Lancaster county, and there he and
his wife, Susanna Rhoads, are buried. They had nine children:
Peter, John, Frederick, Jacob, William, Susannah, Barbara,
Christian and a daughter who married a Mr.Bixler. (6) Anna Maria
Gerhart, born June 13, 1750, m. Jacob Meahlaesen. (7) Jacob was
born Jan. 1, 1752. (8) Anthony Gerhart, born Feb. 10, 1754, died in
infancy. (9) Anna Rosina Gerhart, born Oct. 29, 1755, m. Henry
Burkholder, and had children: Daniel, Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth,
Samuel, Sally and Maria. (10) Catharine Gerhart was born Oct. 2,
1758.

(VII) Jacob Gerhart, son of Frederick by his second marriage, was
born Jan. 1, 1752. By his father’s will dated Nov. 26, 1779, he
received the old homestead. He was a private in Capt. Ferdinand
Ritter’s Company, 6th Battalion, Berks county militia, commanded by
Joseph Hiester in the service of the United States in 1780. He died
Dec. 13, 1808, and both he and his wife Elizabeth Potteiger (born
May 7, 1752, died April 25, 1824, daughter of Martin and Susanna
Potteiger), are buried at the Eck Church. They had three sons: (1)
Martin Gerhart, born April 6, 1776, died Dec. 7, 1826, m.
Margueretha Leiss, and had four children: Isaac m. Catharine Klopp,
and had four children, Kate, (m. George Zimmerman), Emma (m. Nick
Hunter, and had two sons, Edward and Frederick), Rebecca (m. George
J. Eckert) and Elizabeth; John Gerhart; Elizabeth Gerhart; and
Elias Gerhart. (2) Frederick, born April 13, 1781, is mentioned
below. (3) John (born April 11, 1789, died March 20, 1827) m. Anna
Maria Klopp (born March 5, 1791, died Aug. 28, 1824) and had eight
children: John K., Elias, Isaac. Maria, Joel, Nathan, Elizabeth and
Esther.

(VIII) Frederick Gerhart, second son of Jacob and Elizabeth
(Potteiger), was born April 13, 1781, and died March 20, 1823. He
m. Elizabeth Kalbach (born Sept. 17, 1786, died April 15, 1817).
They had six children: (1) John Gerhart, born May 24, 1805, died
Sept. 5, 1868. He was twice married. By his first wife, Kate Meiser
(1805-1837), his children were: (a) Mary Gerhart m. (first) John
Filbert, and had children- Henry R. Filbert (m. Amelia Kalbach, and
has eight children, Ella, Anna, Nathaniel, Millie, Mary, Ida,
Carrie and Charles); John Filbert (m. Emma Stump); Agnes Filbert
(m. James Wagner); and Emma Filbert. Mary m. (second) Samuel
Dundore, and to this marriage were born four children: Clara
Dundore (m. Clayton Schaeffer); James Dundore (m. Ella
Himmelberger); Thomas Dundore (m. Catharine Burkey); and Darius
Dundore (m. Kate Hiester). (b) Lizzie Gerhart m. Adam Stump, and
their son Levi m. Emma Seidel. (c) Levi M. Gerhart, captain of
Company G, 151st P.V.I., in the Civil war, was mustered into
service Nov. 1, 1862. He m. Elmira Lamb, and their children were:
Beulah, Sallie, James and Kate. (d) Kate Gerhart m. Adam Stoudt,
and had three children, Ida, Kate and Levi. John Gerhart m. for his
second wife, Martha Schull (1810-1878), and they had five children:
Ellen; Louise m. John Keener, and had three children-Adam, Ella and
Sarah; Amelia m. Amos Graul, and had one child; Emma Victoria ; and
John. (2) Mary Gerhart (born July 4, 1807, died Dec. 21, 1894, m.
George Beyerle (born March 19, 1804, died Sept. 20, 1875) and their
children were: (a) Dr. Wellington G. Beyerle m. (first) Anna Hines,
and had eight children: George; Flora Grace (m. Milton H.
Fahrenbach, and has two children, Russel Fahrenbach and Sarah
Fahrenbach); Charles; William Percival (m. Hannah Peters, and has a
daughter, Helen); Louis Allen (m. Gertrude Heffner, and has a son,
Wellington); Ida E.; Walter Henry; and Anna Matilda (deceased). Dr.
Beyerle m. (second) Arabella Daniels, and they have one child, John
Franklin. (b) Mary Ann Beyerle m. Rev. Franklin H. Schwartz, a
Reformed pastor (no children). (c) Percival Beyerle was twice
married, but no records can be found. (d) William Beyerle m.
Valeria Lesher, and had three children: Ida (m. Edward J. Krause,
and had two children- Walter Krause and Alfred Krause); Alice; and
William. (e) Sybilla Beyerle m. Dr. John Brobst, and has six
children: Laura (m. Newton Harrison, and has four children, Edward,
John, Robert and Laura); Mary; Minnie; William (m. Victoria
Grunwell, and has three children, Thomas, Robert and Marshall);
Lillie; and Jennie. (3) Isaac Gerhart, born Nov. 26, 1808, is
mentioned farther on. (4) Elizabeth Gerhart (born May 22, 1811,
died April 4, 1880) m. George Miller (born July 24, 1806, died
March 22, 1888). Their children were: Kate, m. to Nathaniel
Kalbach; and Lizzie m. to Abraham S. Groh. (5) Ephraim Gerhart,
born Feb. 24, 1816, died in infancy. (6) Gabriel Gerhart, born Feb.
24, 1816 (twin to Ephraim), died December, 1891. He m. Catharine
Gruber (born Feb. 1, 1815, died March 24, 1865), and their children
were: (a) Emma S. Gerhart m. John G. Royer, and had two children:
Kate (m. Jeremiah Hartman, and had one child, Edith Hartman); and
Liza Jane. (b) Amelia Gerhart m. Adam D. Stump, and had children:
Laura, Robert, Lillie, Florence, Harvey and Allen. (c) Elmira
Gerhart m. Monroe Zerbe, and had children: Charles; Laura (m. John
Bohn); Edward; Lovey; and Cora. (d) Jonathan. (e) Amos Gerhart died
unmarried.

(IX) Isaac Gerhart, son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Kalbach), was
born Nov. 26, 1808, and died July 12, 1894. He m. Elizabeth Kurr
(born July 3, 1813, died May 9, 1893). Their six children were :
(1) Emma Gerhart, born May 24, 1836, m. Charles H. Zieber (born
Aug. 13, 1840). (2) Ephraim J. Gerhart, born July 1, 1837, m. Mary
Brown (born Feb. 11, 1845) and has children: Lizzie m. John
Lindenmuth; Emma, born Feb. 24, 1871, m. Wall Piefer; Charles W.,
born Feb. 19, 1873, and died Aug. 1, 1873; and Paul W., born June
13, 1882. (3) Minnie Gerhart was born Nov. 11, 1839. (4) Erasmus,
born June 25, 1842, is mentioned in full below. (5) Meranda Gerhart
and (6) Celissia Gerhart died in infancy.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Kurr) Gerhart, wife of Isaac,
was born July 3, 1813, and died May 9,1893. She was a daughter of
John Kurr (died March 28, 1863, aged eighty-one) and Mary (Rehrer)
(died Sept. 9, 1875, aged eighty-one), a granddaughter of Thomas
Kurr (who died Nov. 28, 1832, aged seventy-eight years) and of
Godfried Rehrer (State Representative in 1819 and 1822, who died
Sept. 22, 1823), and great-granddaughter of Thomas Kurr, Sr.
(Deacon in 1757 of the Adtollohoe or German Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Rehrersburg) and of Godfrey Rehrer (who in 1768 had a
tavern in Rehrersburg, where in 1789 was the voting place of the
4th District).

(X) Erasmus Gerhart, M. D., born June 25, 1842, son of Isaac and
Elisabeth (Kurr), died July 27, 1896. He was enrolled Oct. 7, 1858,
as a student in Swatara College at Jonestown, and on Nov. 3, 1859,
at Freeland Seminary, Perkiomen Bridge, Montgomery county. On Oct.
10, 1864, he entered the Medical Department of the University of
Pennsylvania, and graduated therefrom March 14, 1867, with the
degree of Doctorem in Arte Medica. On Dec. 24, 1875, he m. Agnes
Weber (born Feb. 13, 1853), and their children were: Gertrude
Charlotte, born July 1, 1877, m. Hunter Henninger, and has two
children, Marian and John Hunter; Howard Erasmus, born Jan 18,
1879, is the subject proper of this sketch; Ida May, born April 20,
1881, m. Harry E. German, and has one son, Robert German (born Dec.
24, 1906); John Isaac, born May 30, 1884; and Sophia Elizabeth and
Florence Grace (twins), born Jan. 19, 1893.

Mrs. Agnes (Weber) Gerhart was born Feb. 13,
1853, a daughter of John and Sophia (Snyder) Weber. John Weber was
born in 1823, and died in 1900, son of John Adam Weber (born July
13, 1788, died March 12, 1849) and his wife Juliana Bordner (born
May 21, 1791, died Sept. 26, 1869), the latter a daughter of Ensign
Jacob Bordner (born 1754, died 1837, Capt. Lesher’s Company, Col.
Patton’s Battalion, Berks county militia, 1776) and his wife Anna
Maria Brosz (1761-1839). John Adam Weber was a son of Henry Weber
(1758-1799) and Margaret (Meyer) Weber, the latter a daughter of
Court Martial Man Valentine Meyer, of the 6th Company, 6th
Battalion, 1777. Henry Weber was a son of John Henry Weber (born
May 28, 1737, died April 10, 1815) and his wife Elizabeth Filbert
(1741-1813).

Mrs. Sophia (Snyder) Weber, mother of Mrs. Agnes
(Weber) Gerhart, was born in 1830, and died in 1896. She was a
daughter of Peter Snyder (1802-1860) and his wife Eva Rieth
(1806-1871). Peter Snyder was a son of George Snyder, Jr., and his
wife Katharine Koebe, and a grandson of George Snyder, Sr. (the
maiden name of whose wife was Rehrer). Eva (Reith) Snyder was a
daughter of J. Adam Rieth (born 1756, died 1815, a fifer in Capt.
Furrer’s Company, Col. Patton’s Battalion) and Juliana Braun
(1766-1826) and a granddaughter of Leonhard Rieth and Elizabeth
Lebo, who donated between seven and eight acres of land for church
and burial purposes, upon which Reed’s church was built.

(XI) Howard Erasmus Gerhardt attended the district schools of
Bethel township, and later he taught school for one term in
Brecknock township. In the fall of 1897 he enrolled as a student at
the Inter-State Commercial College, Reading, graduating the
following spring. He secured a position with C. H. Lichty as
stenographer, and later was given charge of the Musical Merchandise
and Sheet Music department, where he laid the foundation of his
successful career. On May 19, 1902, he opened a musical merchandise
and sheet music store of his own at No. 757 Penn street, and in
March, 1904 owing to the development of the business he was
compelled to procure larger quarters, moving to No. 809 Penn
street. At this time he formed a partnership with Bertrand H. Farr,
under the firm name of Farr & Gerhardt, and they were the sole
representatives for the Aeolian line of instruments, including the
Weber, Steck, Wheelock and Stuyvesant Pianola pianos, the
Metrostyle and Themodist Pianolas, the Orchestrelle, and the
Sohmer, Wegman, Estey and Becker Bros. pianos. They carried a
complete line of musical merchandise, sheet music, Edison and
Victor machines and records, Regina music boxes, etc. Mr. Gerhardt
retired from the firm on March 10, 1909, and on Aug. 30, 1909, he
opened a complete music store of his own at No. 843 Penn street. He
controls several well-known piano and player piano agencies, and
carries a full line of musical merchandise.

Mr. Gerhardt was received into full communion in
the Salem Reformed Church, Bethel, by the rite of confirmation
administered by Rev. Henry Hilbish, and a few years later he was
transferred by certificate to the Second Reformed Church, Reading.
In his political faith he is a stanch Republican. He is a member of
the following fraternal organizations: Mt. Penn Council, No. 495,
Royal Arcanum; Reading Tent, No. 426, Knights of the Maccabees;
Penn Primary, No. 2, Prudent Patricians of Pompeii; and Progressive
Americans, No. 1. He is eligible for membership in the Sons of the
American Revolution through five different lines, as follows: Jacob
Gerhard, a private in Capt. Ferdinand Ritter’s Company, 6th
Battalion, Berks county militia, in 1780; Capt. Henry Weaver,
commissioned captain of the 6th Company, 6th Battalion, Berks
county militia, May 17, 1777, Henry Spycker, colonel; Court Martial
Man Valentine Meyer, 6th Company, 6th Battalion, May 17, 1777;
Ensign Jacob Bortner (or Bordner), Capt. Fisher’s Company, Col.
Patton’s Battalion, Berks county militia, Aug. 27, 1776; and Adam
Read (or Rieth), fifer in Capt. Michael Furrer’s Company, Col. John
Patton’s Battalion, Berks county militia, stationed at South Amboy,
Sept. 5, 1776.

On Nov. 28, 1901, Mr. Gerhardt was married to
Rebecca Rosella Seyfert, who was born July 5, 1885, daughter of
Charles Robert and Amelia Catharine (Frentzel) Seyfert. To this
union have been born two children: Thelma Seyfert, born May 26,
1903; and Reginald Robert, born March 7, 1906, who died five days
later.

Mrs. Rebecca Rosella (Seyfert) Gerhardt is
descended through her father from Johann Schwank, Mayor of the City
of Fulda, Germany, in 1732, who was born at Neisse, in Schlesien,
Germany, and whose son, George Schwank, also became mayor of Fulda.
John C, Schwank, great-grandfather of Mrs. Gerhardt, was born in
Heinfelt, Germany, in 1796, and died March 14, 1864. He m.
Elizabeth Schall (also a native of Heinfelt), and their daughter,
Catharine Schwank m. Robert Charles Seyfert, Bandmaster of the
Regimental Band in the German army from the Dukedom of Waldeck, at
the Siege of Paris, and later Bandmaster at the Castle at Arolson,
the capital of the Dukedom of Waldeck. Charles Robert Seyfert, son
of Bandmaster Robert Charles and father of Mrs. Gerhardt, was born
Oct. 19, 1854, and he m. Amelia Catharine Frentzel, born Jan. 4,
1860, daughter of Frederick William and Margaret (Snyder) Frentzel.
Frederick William Frentzel was born Dec. 24, 1804, at Spielberg,
Kreis Hanau, Court Vagtersbag, in Kurhessen, Germany, and died
April 18, 1881. Mrs. Margaret (Snyder) Frentzel was born Feb, 14,
1830, daughter of Philip Snyder (born March, 1802, and emigrated
from the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany), and his wife Mary Anna
Diller, and granddaughter of Adam Snyder and his wife Anna Kline.

GERHART, FRANKLIN W.

p.
639

Surnames: GERHART, HENDRICKS, HUBER, KURTZ, REHRER, LANDAW, BODEY,
FRITZ

Franklin W. Gerhart. Among the prominent and enterprising citizens
of Berks county was the late Franklin W. Gerhart, whose death
occurred Nov. 11,1869. He was born in Bedford county, Pa., in 1829,
brother of the late Rev. Henry Gerhart.

The following is taken from one of the local
papers at the time of the death of the Rev. Henry Gerhart: “Rev.
Henry Gerhart, an aged gentleman, for many years past a resident of
North Wales, died at his home at School street, Tuesday night, Dec.
17, at 11:30 o’clock, of heart disease. He had not been in his
usual good health for a week past, but no serious outcome was
expected from his indisposition. Deceased was at one time a
minister, a school teacher and a soldier, serving in the Rebellion,
participating in the battle of Antietam. He was born in Bedford,
Bedford Co., Pa., Dec. 6, 1821, his father at that time being a
missionary to that country, having been sent from Hatfield by the
Reformed Synod of this section of the State. In 1829 the father
again became a resident of Hatfield, and Henry attended school in
that vicinity. From there he went to Mercersburg College, and after
graduating taught school for eight years in Kentucky. Then he went
to Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster to prepare for the
ministry. After finishing the prescribed courses there he received
several calls to various churches, but never accepted any of them.
He then enlisted for four years in the Union Army under General
Sherman and during his army life contracted several diseases, the
most serious of which was asthma, and for which he received a
pension. Two years ago he was an inmate of the Soldiers’ Home at
Erie, Pa. He was an intelligent and well-read gentleman, and during
his leisure hours wrote many interesting accounts of his war
experiences besides articles upon religious and historical
subjects. The branch of the Gerhart family of which he was a member
is a large one, consisting of ten children, as follows: Fannie, now
living in North Wales; Christiana. of Philadelphia; Mr. & Jesse
Hendricks, of North Wales; Elizabeth, who died in Bedford; Jacob,
of Norristown; Simon, of Lansdale: Samuel who died in Hatfield;
Franklin W. who died some years ago while distributing some mail in
his store at Limerick Square, and Dr. Alexander Gerhart, who died
in Lansdale.”

Franklin W. Gerhart attended the public schools
and Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, and for a time
taught school, later engaging in the mercantile business at
Limerick Square, Pa., where he remained until his death. He was
postmaster at this point, having the office in his store, and rose
early on the morning of his death. While attending to his duties at
his office, his death occurred. He was a well-known and
highly-esteemed man, and his death occurred when he was thirty-nine
years, two months and five days old. He was a member of the
Reformed Church; in politics he was a Democrat. Mr. Gerhart married
Sarah Ann Huber, daughter of Jonas and Maria (Kurtz) Huber, and to
this union were born the following children: Clara m. G. W. Rehrer,
and has three children, J. Franklin, Robert and Paul; Simon W., a
buyer for a dry goods house of Cleveland, Ohio, has these children,
Glen, Clyde, Leslie, Gordon and Margaretta; Mary E. m. William
Landaw, and resides at home with her mother; Ella m. Charles E.
Bodey, who is in the hardware business in Reading, and has had
children, Earle (died Sept. 25, 1906), Maria and Allen. Mrs.
Gerhart came to Reading with her family in 1871, and has since
resided at her home, No. 928 Elm street. Jonas Huber, father of
Mrs. Gerhart. followed farming at Gilbertsville. and was a very
prominent man of his day, serving as deacon and elder of the
Reformed Church. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife
were the parents of three children: Milton, who died at the age of
twenty-one years; Sarah A., who became Mrs. Gerhart; and. Rev. S.
M. K. Huber, of Philadelphia.

The Rev. S. M. K. Huber, a minister of the
Reformed Church. graduated from Mechanicsburg, Pa., seminary. He
married Amanda Fritz, of Limerick, Pa., and they have a family of
seven children, namely: Mary B., Martha D., Ella B., Sallie, Nevin,
Paul and Bertha.

GERHART,
JOHN P.

p. 1437

Surnames: GERHART, BROSSMAN, LERCH, HECK, RUTH, DAVIES, STOHR,
OBOLD, DEISHER, STOYER, DECK

John P. Gerhart, of Reading, assistant engineer of the Reading
Paper Mills, was born Nov. 18, 1857, in North Heidelberg township,
Berks county. He is a grandson of John Gerhart, also a native of
North Heidelberg township, who lived and died there, and is buried
at Hain’s Church. He married Catharine Brossman, and they had these
children: John, Daniel. Peter, Elogius, and Mrs. Adam Lerch. John
Gerhart made his will Dec. 3, 1872.

Elogius Gerhart, father of John P. Gerhart, was
born at the old homestead in North Heidelberg township, and in time
became the owner of that place, which comprised eighty-six acres of
good land. He followed farming all his life. He died in 1872, aged
fifty-three years, and is buried at Hain’s Church, with which he
had been identified as a Reformed member, serving as deacon and
elder of the congregation. He married Annie Heck, daughter of John
Heck, and she died in 1862, at the age of forty years. They were
the parents of two children. Sarah (widow of Francis Ruth, living
near Robesonia) and John P.

John P. Gerhart attended the Lengel school
during his boyhood and early began to do farm work, which he
followed until his removal to Reading. For a period of twenty years
he was thus engaged in North Heidelberg township, where he still
owns the farm which was formerly the property of his grandfather
and father, in turn, the tract of eighty-six acres previously
mentioned. In his possession are some very old and valuable deeds
relating to the ownership of this farm, one of which, dated March
18, 1737, conveyed a certain tract of land in the county of
Lancaster, Heidelberg township (now Berks county), from Thomas and
Richard Penn to Thomas Davis. Another dated April 28, 1770, records
its transfer in the township of Lebanon and county of Lancaster
from Henry Stohr and his wife Rebecca to John Brossman; and one of
March 13, 1822, from Joseph Obold and wife to John Gerhart. John P.
Gerhart came into possession of the place in 1880.

In 1903 Mr. Gerhart moved to Reading, and he has
since rented out his farm. During his residence in the city he has
been employed at the Reading Paper Mills.

Mr. Gerhart married Arabella Deisher, daughter
of William and Sarah (Stoyer) Deisher, and four children have been
born to this union: Esther married Mathias Deck and lives in
Reading; Florence is unmarried; Leon is attending school; a son
died in infancy. The family reside at No. 123 1/2 South Sixth
street, where Mr. Gerhart owns his own home. He is a member of the
Hains Church with which so many of his family have been identified,
and in politics is a Democrat.

GERMAN, WILLIAM H.

p. 1221

Surnames: GERMAN, SAGEE, MAXTON

William H. German, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of
Reading, Pa., and a veteran of the Civil war, was born in Reading,
March 5, 1847, son of John and Deborah A. (Sagee) German.

John German was born at Milton, Pa. and learned
the trade of brush making in Philadelphia. He came to Reading and
engaged in business on Penn street, on the present site of the
opera house, under the firm name of Helms & German, for thirty
years. For a few years prior to his death, Mr. German lived
retired. He and his wife had seven children, four of whom still
survive: Emma M., William H., Edwin F. and Elmer A.

William H. German received his education in the
schools of Reading, going three years to the high school, and when
thirteen years of age went to learn the machinist’s trade with the
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, in the shops of which line he
remained for several years. In 1868 he was appointed to a clerkship
at the Reading postoffice, resigning at the end of one year to
accept the position of census taker of Berks county. The next five
years were spent at his trade, at the roundhouse of the
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. He was then appointed a letter
carrier of Reading, a position in which he continued for eight
years. Mr. German next accepted a position as bookkeeper for the
Deppen Brewing Company, where he remained four years, in 1891
taking his present position, as head bookkeeper, at the Jackson
Rope Walk, one of the oldest business places of Reading.

Mr. German married Anna Maxton, daughter of
David Maxton, a native of Chester county, but later a resident of
Reading. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. German: Harry R.,
who is his father’s assistant; and Charles M. and Frank W., twins.
While a boy at school, Mr. German enlisted as a drummer boy in
Company H., 104th Pa. V.I., but his father refused to let him serve
on account of his youth. Later, in 1863, he enlisted in company C.
42nd Regiment, was out but a short time, and again enlisted, this
time in Company A., 195th Pa. V.I., serving about four months, when
he was mustered out at Harrisburg. Mr. German is a member of Post
No. 16, G.A.R., and for a period of thirty-five years has been
adjutant of the post. In political matters he is a Republican, and
when a resident of the Eighth ward, Reading, served as inspector.
Mr. German is a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, in the
work of which he takes an active part.