My Genealogy Hound

CHRISTIAN A. ALDERFER. The Alderfer family were among the earliest settlers in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. They came to this country from Germany and settled near Philadelphia, later removing to Lower Salford township, where they have long been domiciled. For many generations they have been among the thriftiest and most industrious residents of that section of Pennsylvania.

One of the descendants of the early settlers was Abraham, grandfather of Christian Alderfer, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Lower Salford township in 1812, and died in 1895. He was born on the family homestead, and was educated in the schools of the vicinity. He then turned his attention to farming, in which pursuit he was engaged all his life. He married Miss Elizabeth Bergey, of the same township, and by this marriage seven daughters and three sons were born, all of whom grew to maturity and were good citizens in their day. Their son Abraham was the father of Christian A. Alderfer. He was born on the Lower Salford homestead in 1839, and is still living. He was educated in Lower Salford schools, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed until recent years, when he has lived more of a retired than active life. He is a man of wonderful powers of observation, being decidedly above the average in natural ability. He is an active supporter of Republican principles and candidates, and while he has held no office he has at all times been willing to aid his party to the best of his ability with his vote and with his influence, and in any manner that is available. Mr. Alderfer married Miss Helena Allebach, of Lower Salford township, who is also living. They have had the following children: Wilson, Sophia, Henry, Hannah, Allen, Rinehart, Ann, Elizabeth and Christian A., subject of this sketch.

Christian A. Alderfer was born on the homestead in Lower Salford, October 2, 1864. He obtained his education in the ordinary way in the public schools of the neighborhood, also assisting his father on the farm. In 1886 he went to Greenlane, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he clerked in a store and acquired a knowledge of mercantile pursuits. Later he went to Zieglerville and established himself in mercantile business, remaining there five years. He then decided to remove to Souderton and engage in business, which he did, opening a shoe and clothing store in conjunction with his brother Henry, which they have very successfully conducted, being among the leading business men of Souderton.

Mr. Alderfer is an earnest Republican, and is a useful and valued member of the school board of Souderton. He and his family attend the Lutheran church. He is emphatically a self-made man, and enjoys the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens without reference to party affiliations. Mr. Alderfer married, in 1888, Miss Lydia Alderfer, who died in 1904. She was the daughter of John Alderfer, of Lower Salford township. By this marriage the following children were born: Linford, Miriam, Edna, Curtis.