Biography from Rick B Monday, October 9, 2006 J. H. Beers' "Schuylkill County Pennsylvania", 1916, page 544 ARTHUR J. BERKHEISER M.D., one of the leading representatives of the medical fraternity in Schuylkill county, is also counted one of the really helpful citizens of Shenandoah. he was born June 9, 1881, near Auburn, Schuylkill co., Pa., a son of Aaron W. and Isabella Rebecca (Reed) Berkheiser. Jonathan Berkheiser, the grandfather of Dr. Berkheiser, was born in South Manhiem Township, Schuylkill CO., Pa., and there passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He had eight children: Franklin, Harry, George, Jonathon, Aaron W., Caroline, Lucy and Sarah. Aaron W. Berkheiser was born in South Manhiem, and has passed his entire life in that vicinity, being engaged at this time in the implement business at Jefferson. He is a well known figure in commercial circles, is popular with a wide acquaintance, and has gained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens through a display of many sterling qualities. He married Isabella Rebecca Reed, a sister of Sherman Reed, of Cresson, Pa., and they became the parents of the following children: William D.; George A.; Arthur J.; Bessie; Mabel; Charles, deceased; and Dora. Arthur J. Berkheiser studied in the public schools of South Manheim township in his youth and supplemented this education by attendance at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, Pa. His independent career was commenced as a teacher in South Manheim Township, but after two years thus spent he entered, in 1902, Jefferson Medical College, there continuing to study one year. In June, 1906, he was graduated from the Medico-Chirurgical College at Philadelphia and became an intern at the Fountain Springs Hospital, Ashland, PA., under Dr. J.C. Biddle, continuing to act in that capacity until 1908, when he came to Shenandoah and began general practice. He has attracted a profitable clientele, his professional business having grown from the start. On January 1, 1916, Dr. Berkheiser was appointed surgeon for the P. & R. C.& I. Company, under the new compensation law. Dr. Berkheiser, was married to Viola Purnell, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Withers) Purnell, her father being a contract miner of Frackville, PA. Mrs Berkheiser has two sisters, Mary and Martha, and two brothers, Levi and Samuel. She and the Doctor have two children: Jonathan and Viola Purnell. Dr. Berkheiser is affiliated with Page Lodge, No 270, F.&. A. M., of Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; Griscom Chapter, No. 219, R. A.M.; Prince of Peace Commandery, No. 39, K. T., of Ashland; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M.S., of Reading, Pa.; the Ptolemy Society of Philadelphia; the J.C. Biddle Surgical Society; The Schuylkill County Medical Society; the Pennsylvania Medical Society; the American Medical Association, and the Shenandoah Medical Society. His well appointed offices are maintained in his residence at No. 126 South Jardin street, where he has a large and valuable medical library, and a stock of modern medical and surgical appliances.