My Genealogy Hound

CYRUS F. LERCH. It has often been said that invincible determination will accomplish any desired result, and the effect of its constant exercise is visible in the life of this gentleman, who has won a high place for himself in the community by reason of industry, perseverance and a genial nature. He is at the present time residing in Hanover Township, where he has a fertile estate comprising one hundred and thirty acres favorably located near Bethlehem.

Our subject is a native of Northampton County, this state, and was born December 5, 1845, to William H. and Catherine (Daniels) Lerch. The former was also a native of this state, while his father, William Lerch, came from Germany. He was the first of the family to locate in the United States, making his home at that time in Northampton County, and afterward becoming an early settler in the Lehigh Valley.

William H. Lerch departed this life in December, 1888. He had come to this county when our subject was quite young, and during his residence here was very active in local affairs, and served for some time as Director of the School Board. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious affairs held membership with the Reformed Church. His widow, who still survives, is past three-score years and ten, and makes her home in Bethlehem.

Our subject is the eldest of the parental family who survive, his brothers and sisters being Martin; Maria, the wife of Rev. Frank Bender, of the Cumberland Street Lutheran Church, Philadelphia; Camilla, the widow of David Weaver; Albert and Walter. Our subject passed his boyhood and youth on his father’s farm, which is now in his possession, and prosecuted his studies first in the public schools, and later in a private school. He received thorough training in farm work, so that on the death of his father he was thoroughly fitted to assume the management of the estate, and has ever since conducted affairs in a most profitable manner.

July 2, 1865, Cyrus F. Lerch and Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Caroline Nonnenmacher, were united in marriage. The lady was born in Allentown, this state, and her parents were like-wise natives of this county. The father of Mrs. Lerch is now seventy-eight years of age, while his good wife has passed her seventieth birthday. Their family included the following children: John, Mrs. Lerch, Matilda (the wife of Alvin Deach), Jane (Mrs. William Snyder), Sarah (wife of Ira Flowry), Carrie (Mrs. Q. Ritter), James and Robert. Mr. Nonnenmacher has been very successful in life, and for a number of years was an extensive brick manufacturer. Finally he drifted into farming, of which business he also made a success, and is now living retired in Bethlehem, Northampton County. He is an old and esteemed citizen of that place, and with his wife is an influential member of the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Lerch of this sketch is a Democrat in politics, and holds membership with the Reformed Church of Shoenersville, which he has served as Elder and Deacon. His good wife is likewise connected with that denomination, in which she is an active worker. Mr. Lerch has led a very busy and useful life, and the success that has crowned his efforts is well merited by his honorable and straightforward business career. Mr. and Mrs. Lerch are the parents of one son, George F.