My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS A. SCHERER, M. D. Among the prominent physicians of Lehigh County is the subject of this biography, who is engaged in the management of a general practice that is both extensive and lucrative. He is recognized as a man of superior intellectual attainments, well informed not only in his profession, but also upon topics of general interest and along lines of advanced thought. He opened an office in West Catasauqua in 1884, since which time he has become known as a skillful and successful practitioner, one who is accurate in the diagnosis of diseases and skilled in their treatment.

The Doctor was born near Petersville, Northampton County, October 23, 1856. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Scherer, was born in Lehigh County, but spent the latter years of his life in Petersville, Northampton County; in both places he followed the trade of a wheelwright. Henry Scherer, the father of our subject, is a native of Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, and in early life learned the carpenter’s trade. For twenty years he was a boss carpenter for the Thomas Iron Company in Hokcndauqua. Then coming to Catasauqua, he filled a similar position with the Crane Iron Company until retiring from active business in 1887. His wife, Maria, was born in Lehigh County, where her father, Peter Steinberger, followed the trade of a stonecutter. She is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and a lady of noble attributes of character.

Thomas A. is the elder of two sons, his brother being William, a resident of Catasauqua and a cabinet-maker by trade. Since a child of eighteen months, the Doctor has been a resident of Catasauqua. His primary studies were conducted in the public schools of this place. At the age of twelve he went to Bethlehem, where he carried on his studies in the high school, meantime making his home with his grandmother. On completing his studies he was apprenticed, in 1872, to Barber & Co., of Allentown, in order to learn the machinist’s trade. After becoming thoroughly acquainted with the business, he did journeyman work for some time, and subsequently entered the employ of the Davies & Thomas Company, of Catasauqua.

From youth it had been the intention of our subject to adopt a profession, and choosing that of medicine, he began his studies in 1880, under the instruction of H. H. Reigel, M. D., of this city. In the fall of the same year he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he graduated three years later with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In May, 1883, he opened an office in Slatington, but a few months later removed to Hokendauqua. Thence in 1884 he came to Catasauqua, where he has built up a good practice.

In this city, in June, 1888, Dr. Scherer married Miss Emma Seaser, a native of this place and a daughter of Ferdinand Seaser. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. His membership is in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In everything pertaining to his profession he is interested and is prominently identified with the Lehigh County Medical Society. He owns some valuable real estate in Catasauqua. In his possession is a valuable horse sired by “Barkis,” who in turn was sired by “Rhysdicke,” Hambletonian No. 10. The Doctor’s personal character is of such integrity, and his capacity for financial affairs so decided, that he has won a high place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has become well known to an extended circle of social and business acquaintances.