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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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ELMER O. REYER, a prominent young attorney of Northampton County, has thus far in life made a pronounced success in his profession. It often seems that the younger men outstrip their elders in the race for professional and political honors, the energy and activity of youth frequently carrying them forward with a bound to the desired goal, which it has taken others years of patient application to reach. In Mr. Reyer’s case the energy and activity have been supplemented by decided talent, so that his success has hardly come as a surprise to those acquainted with him.

In noting the family history of Mr. Reyer, we find that he is the son of Aaron and Christiana (Beil) Reyer, both of whom were born in Northampton County. The father was for some time engaged in the coal, lime and limestone business, and, being a man of foresight and discrimination, was enabled to give his family good advantages, and accumulated considerable wealth. Now in the sixtieth year of his age (1894), he is living retired from the active duties of life, and at present resides in Allen Township, near the village of Northampton. In politics he is a loyal Democrat, and has been the incumbent of many positions of honor and trust within the gift of his fellow-citizens to bestow. In his religious belief he is a valued member of the Reformed Church.

Conrad Reyer, the father of Aaron Reyer, at the time of his death, and for more than twenty-five years previous, was a Justice of the Peace, and such was his ability as a judicial officer, and so thorough his knowledge of the law and procedure, that his clientage extended to the furthermost ends of Northampton County, and was almost as large as that of the best lawyer. His practice was not limited to cases governed by the laws of Pennsylvania, but as correspondent of law firms in different parts of the German Empire he acquired an extensive knowledge of law and practice in many of the German states.

The subject of this article was born in Northampton County, June 14, 1865. His primary studies were carried on in the common schools of the district, and later he became a student in Muhlenberg College, where he remained for four years. In this way he acquired a thorough and complete literary education. It had from youth been his intention to adopt a professional career, and as soon as his literary studies were finished he entered the law office of Judge O. H. Meyers, of Easton, this state, under whose instruction he pursued his reading for three years. Then passing the required examination, he was admitted to practice at the Bar of the county. In the fall of 1889 he opened an office in Easton, where he remained until 1893, but at that time, deciding that Northampton offered better opportunities for future success, he removed to this place, where he is now numbered among the leading professional men.

August 15, 1893, Mr. Reyer was united in marriage with Miss Sallie D., daughter of William Spangler, late of Allentown. In political elections Mr. Reyer casts his vote and influence in favor of the Democratic party. Religiously he is a member of the Reformed Church. He takes pleasure in assisting, in whatever way possible, the interests of his community, and as an attorney ranks among the best read and most promising in this part of the state.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Northampton County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Northampton County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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