Montgomery County PA Archives Biographies.....Alderfer, Christian A. October 2, 1864 - 
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Source: Biographical Annals of Montgomery County Pennsylvania, T. S. Benham & Company and the Lewis Publishing Company, 1904
Author: Ellwood Roberts, Editor

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 town-ship, 
where they have long been domiciled. For many generations 
they have been among the thriftiest and most industrious 
residents of that section of Pennsylvania.

On 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 
selfmade 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.

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