My Genealogy Hound

FRANK J. KESSLER, M. D., who was born and reared in Bethlehem, has always been associated with the history of this flourishing city, and is now Resident Physician and Senior Assistant Surgeon at St. Luke’s Hospital. Though young, he possesses more than ordinary ability, and is remarkably well read in his profession.

Dr. Kessler was born September 12, 1869, and is the son of Thomas Kessler, a native of Northampton County. His grandfather, Philip Kessler, also a native of the Keystone State, followed agricultural pursuits. The Doctor’s father is a blacksmith by trade, having learned the business at Easton, where his marriage was celebrated. In 1858 he became a resident of Bethlehem, where he opened a blacksmith shop. This calling he has followed since he was twenty years old, and he is thoroughly skilled in the same, being one of the most successful in his line in the city. His wife, formerly Eva Roth, was born in Whitehall, Lehigh County, and is the daughter of Jacob Roth, a well-to-do farmer of that county. The Roth family in religion are Lutherans, and are highly respected citizens of the community where their home is made. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kessler became the parents of four children, two of whom are living. The other son, Harvey W., is employed with Weston, Dodson & Co., coal operators.

Dr. Frank J. Kessler passed his boyhood in Bethlehem, attending the public schools until 1887, when he entered the employ of E. T. Meyers in his drug store. Three years later he took up the study of medicine, to which he had decided he would devote his life. For six months he assiduously pursued his studies under the direction of Dr. A. C. Mover, and in the fall of 1890 entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He later passed a severe competitive examination for the responsible position at St. Luke’s Hospital, and out of nine candidates was the successful one. With a groundwork of fine theoretical knowledge, as well as a certain amount of practical service, the Doctor will in his present capacity become thoroughly familiar with actual practice and be finely qualified for his future career. During the absence of the Chief Surgeon the latter’s duties fall upon his shoulders, and he is showing himself equal to all such emergencies. St. Luke’s Hospital, which is finely equipped, is the largest in this part of the country outside of Philadelphia and New York City. In the spring of 1895 the Doctor purposes opening an office in Easton, this state, where he will practice his profession and make his future home. In politics he is a Republican, and religiously belongs to the Episcopal Church.