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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania published in 1904 by T. S. Benham & Company and The Lewis Publishing Company; Elwood Roberts, Editor.  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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JOHN BEAN ALDERFER was born in Lower Salford township, December 9, 1852, and attended the public schools of his native county until he was seventeen years of age. He has been engaged in farming ever since that time. He lived on the H. H. Heebner farm for five years and in 1895 purchased the H. M. Anders farm, where he still lives.

On September 11, 1886, John B. Alderfer married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter J. Bean and Barbara (Keyser) Bean. Mrs. Alderfer was born August 17, 1859. Their children are: Emaline, born August 1, 1887, and Vincent, born August 28, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Alderfer were married in Camden, New Jersey, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J, K. Beverly. Mr. Alderfer is a Republican in politics. He has a good dairy in connection with his farm. He is highly esteemed and trusted by all who know him.

Jacob F. Alderfer (father) was born in Montgomery county, March 14, 1824, and spent his life in farming. He married Susanna Bean, who was born May 1, 1828, and died at the age of seventy-two years. Their children are: John B.; David, who was born March 9, 1854, and resides in Lower Salford township; Mary Ann, who was born February 1, 1856, and married Isaac O. Kratz, of Hatfield township, they having nine children; and Caroline, who married Jacob S. Alderfer, of Upper Salford township, and they have eight children.

Jacob Alderfer (grandfather) was born about 1786, and was the son of Frederick Alderfer. He died about 1846. He married Margaret Van Fossen who survived him some years. Her mother was a daughter of Henry Gotshalk. The Alderfers are very prominent residents of Lower Salford township. The children of Jacob and Margaret Alderfer are: Jacob F. (father); Benjamin and Annie (deceased); Mary; and Elizabeth, deceased, wife of Abraham Bechtel.

Mrs. Jacob Alderfer (mother) had the following brothers and sisters: Abraham Bean, deceased; Mary, widow of John Wismer; John Bean, deceased; and Kate, wife of Rudolph Alderfer.

Mrs. Elizabeth Alderfer, wife of John B. Alderfer, is the daughter of Peter J. and Barbara (Keyser) Bean. Peter J. Bean was born August 6, 1832, and died May 9, 1891, while his wife was born August 26, 1838, and is still living. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bean: Elizabeth (Mrs. Alderfer); Catharine, born March 17, 1861, who married John Rason; Jacob, born October 25, 1862, who lives in Norriton township; Henry, born March 9, 1865, and died February 18, 1877; Lavinia, born August 8, 1867, who married Frank Smith; Amos, born August 19, 1869; Amanda, born August 7, 1872; Joseph, born November 28, 1874; Morris, born June 1, 1878; Emma, born December 13, 1880.

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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in the Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania published in 1904 by T. S. Benham & Company and The Lewis Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

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

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