This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: bchpink1 Surnames: Lesher, Bowman, Mertz, Gebhard, Wagner, Light Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.lesher/461/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Lesher, Samuel H. b.1854- son of Rev. Thomas & Polly (Bowman) Lesher found in a book on HeritageQuest online - not in my line as far as I know Title: Commemorative biographical encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania: containing sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and many of the early Scotch-Irish and German settlers. Authors: Anonymous City of Publication: Chambersburg, Pa. Publisher: J.M. Runk Date: 1896 Page Count: 1223 Notes: "In the compilation of the biographies we were ably assisted by William H. Egle ... A.S. Dudley ... Harry I. Huber ... R.H. Schively." Includes index. ports. ; Reel/Fiche Number: Genealogy & local history; LH 975 Subject Headings: Dauphin County (Pa.) -- Biography. Pennsylvania -- Dauphin County Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County - found on pages 704 & 705 Lesher, Samuel H., farmer, was born on the homestead farm, East Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa., October 8, 1854; son of the late Rev. Thomas and Polly (Bowman) Lesher. He belongs to a family of substance and stability, and of study characteristics. He is the third generation in his line to occupy and cultivate the home farm. His grandfather, Jacob Lesher, was a native of Dauphin county, and a farmer. He was especially enterested in raising fine blooded livestock, and had a reputation for breeding some of the best horses in the region. He was married to Miss Christiana Mertz, and had eight children: John; Jacob; Sallie, wife of a Mr. Gebhard; Gideon; Polly; Daniel; Thomas and Samuel. Both he and his wife died suddenly, without sickness, on the homestead; Mr. Lesher, at the age of ninety-one. Rev. Thomas Lesher, father of Samuel H., was born on the old homestead, East Hanover township, April 4, 1812. He was occupied through life I farming, and was also an honored and useful minister of the United Brethren church. He traveled widely, preaching the gospel and ministering to the spiritual needs of the people. Polly Bowman, to whom he was married, was born in Lebanon county, Pa., daughter of Jacob Bowman. They had six children: Jacob B.; Samuel H; Kate; Lydia; John T. and Mary. Rev Mr. Lesher was an ardent Republican, a warm-hearted and benevolent man, and a devoted father. He died August 14, 1894, aged eighty-two years, four months, and two days. His wife is still in excellent health at the age of seventy-two. She is a faithful member of the United Brethren church. Samuel H. Lesher attended the schools of the township and derived much profit from his school work. He belongs to a family of more than ordinary culture and intelligence, and found much help and intellectual stimulus at home. He learned the business of farming on the old homestead, and when manhood came was prepared to take the honored place of his ancestors as a first-class farmer. In 1875 he took full charge of the home farm on his own account, and has ever since devoted his attention to its cultivation. Mr. Lesher was married, in October, 1874, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Light) Wagner. They have seven children, all living: Kate M., Henry G., Fannie, Cora, Ellen, Lydia and Annie. In 1894 Mr. Lesher was elected treasurer of the Cemetery Association at Union Deposit, Pa., and served for one year. In 1895 he was again elected to the same office. He filled the office of secretary of the Union Sunday school for two years, and has served one year as its assistant superintendant. Mr. Lesher is a prominent citizen, and is very highly esteemed. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.