My Genealogy Hound

HENRY F. YERGER, who is a descendant from an old Montgomery county family, was born in Limerick township, November 7, 1847. He was reared in the occupation of farming, and educated in the common schools of the vicinity. He was the son of William and Sarah (Grubb) Yerger, Mrs. Yerger being of Frederick township.

William Yerger (father) was a son of Mary and Rebecca (Duther) Yerger. Mark’s father came from Germany and settled in Montgomery county, buying land.

Mark Yerger (grandfather) was born and reared in Montgomery county, where he always lived. He served in the war of 1812, and was always known as a public-spirited and patriotic citizen. He followed butchering in connection with farming. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. His wife was a member of the Reformed church. Their children were: Michael; Adam, died at Williamsport; William (father); Angeline (Mrs. Hendricks); Mark (deceased); Levi, residing at Gilbertsville; Jesse, of Limerick; Lavina (Mrs. Brant). All are members of the Reformed church.

William Yerger (father) was born and reared in Limerick township. By occupation he was a carpenter and farmer. He worked at his trade for many years. He was a foreman on the Reading Railway for eighteen years, and was successful in laying aside a competency for old age. Politically he was a Democrat, and never aspired to office, although he filled the position of township road supervisor creditably to himself and satisfactorily to the public for three years. He was a man of integrity and honor, was well known and commanded the respect of all who came in contact with him. His wife, Sarah Grubb, was a daughter of Henry Grubb, the family being of German descent. Henry was of the fourth generation in Pennsylvania, and resided in Frederick township. He was a farmer and carpet weaver, and a leading singer in the Reformed church. He was twice married. By the first marriage, the children were: Betsy (Mrs. Pennypacker); John, died at sixty years of age; Maria (Mrs. Rahn); Joshua, of Limerick; Sarah (mother). By the second marriage, the children were: Philip and Josiah (deceased); Hetty, unmarried; Amanda (Mrs. H. Keiser); Aaron (deceased); Henry (deceased), who served in the Rebellion.

William and Sarah Yerger had twelve children: Maggie (Mrs. M. Tyson); Henry F., the subject of this sketch; Mark L., a butcher residing at Sanatoga; Susana (Mrs. R. Kachell) (second marriage Mrs. Weise): Jesse, died at the age of twenty-six years; William, residing in Utah; Joshua, a farmer in Chester county; George, a hotel keeper at Pleasant View; Katie (Mrs. William Mock, who died and left one child, three having died young). Mark worked with the Telegraph Corps on the Reading Railway for sixteen years.

Henry F. Yerger was born and reared in Montgomery county, remaining under the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age. He learned the carpenter trade with Samuel Hallman, serving an apprenticeship of two and a half years, for which service he received thirty dollars ($30.00) and a box of carpenter’s tools. He was employed at the carpenter trade about twelve years. He went to Chicago, October 10, 1871, staying there two years, and then went to Boston after the great fire. He was there four months, and then went on a tour through Canada to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and thence home. After working at his trade for three years, he then engaged in farming. On February 13, 1877, he married. He rented for a time and then bought the farm which he now occupies. It contains fifty acres of choice land. Mr. Yerger has cleared off the woodland, built a commodious barn, and put the farm in good condition. He is a farmer and a dealer in stock, buying horses and cattle and selling them, being very successful in the business. His farm is equipped with improved machinery.

Mr. Yerger married Miss Fanny Schwenk, daughter of John and Sarah (Zern) Schwenk, both of Montgomery county. John is the son of Samuel Schwenk. Samuel Schwenk was the son of Abraham Schwenk, who came to this country from Switzerland. Samuel Schwenk served in the war of 1812. In religion he was a Lutheran. By occupation he was a farmer, blacksmith and tanner, being an enterprising and public-spirited man. He died in 1865. He was a strong Republican in politics.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schwenk : David, Fanny (married three times, her husbands being Bigony, Smith and Fry); John, father of Mrs. Yerger; George; Mrs. Shoemaker; Samuel, Enos, Eliza (Mrs. Koons) . Mr. and Mrs. Schwenk were Lutherans.

John Schwenk, a farmer by occupation, lives retired. His wife was the daughter of Abraham Zern, of German descent, and a shoemaker by trade. He died in 1872, and was a member of the Reformed church, being a deacon and elder therein.

The children of John and Sarah Schwenk: Eliza A., unmarried; Fannie, wife of Henry F. Yerger; John, died at the age of twelve years; Enos, died at the age of six years; Henry, a farmer; Hannah (Mrs. W. Hepner).

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Yerger: John W., born in 1878, unmarried; Sallie, born in 1880; Michael, born in 1882 (deceased); Moses S., born in 1887; Fanny, born in 1890 (deceased). The entire family are members of the Reformed church. Mr. Yerger has filled many church offices. He was treasurer for eight years, deacon for eight years, served twenty years as trustee, and has been president of the board for seven years.

Mr. Yerger takes much interest in educational matters, and has been a member of the school board of the township, serving three terms or twelve years in all. He has also been treasurer and president of the board. He has also filled other township offices. He has been manager of the Horse Company of Gilbertsville for fourteen years, and also collector of same.