My Genealogy Hound

PHILIP L. GEBHARD, the proficient barber at No. 7 Market House avenue, Carlisle, is a native of this place, born Aug. 10, 1866. His parents, Jacob and Annie (Smith) Gebhard, were both born in Germany, and the mother is still living in Carlisle. She came to this country when a young girl. The father died in May, 1867. He was reared in Germany, and on coming to America located in Chambersburg, where he was engaged in brewing ale. Later he came to Carlisle and operated his own plant on the corner of Pomfret and East street, following the brewing of ale until his death. He was successful, and died very well off, the owner of valuable property.

Politically he was a Democrat. Fraternally he was a Mason and a member of the Odd Fellows (lodge and encampment), and always took an active part in the latter order. At his death he left a family of five children: Amanda (deceased) married John A. Floyd, of Carlisle; George H. is a steam-fitter of Carlisle; Margaret married James M. Bixler, of Carlisle; William B., at Harrisburg, is employed in the Pennsylvania railroad shops; Philip L. is the subject proper of these lines.

Until he was thirteen years of age Philip L. Gebhard attended the public schools in his native town, and then he began to earn his living by working in a brickyard. He was next employed in learning the trade of a machinist, and thus continued for two years. The energetic young man then learned the trade of barber with Jacob Spath, of Carlisle, beginning in 1880. By 1892 he was sufficiently known politically to be given a position as private messenger to the clerk of the House of Representatives at Washington, D. C. and served in that position for four years. After his return to Carlisle he opened the shop where he may be found to-day, and it is generally recognized that he has the best equipped shaving parlors in Carlisle.

Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Gebhard has been active along political lines, being a strong Democratic worker, although not an office-seeker. Fraternally he is very well known, belonging to Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, A. F. & A. M.; the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 91; and the K. of P. Lodge, No. 56, Carlisle, having passed all the chairs in the latter order.

On December 21, 1887, Mr. Gebhard was married to Miss Ida Elmer, daughter of William Elmer, of Carlisle, and one child has been born to them, Vena. The family affiliates with St. Paul Lutheran Church. Their pleasant home is located at No. 55 South East street, which Mr. Gebhard erected in 1887. Since January, 1902, Mr. Gebhard has been serving as treasurer of the county almshouse, and as usual acquitting himself creditably. He has an unusually large number of warm personal friends by whom he is highly esteemed, as he is by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.