Blair County PA Archives Biographies.....Hiller, John A. August 1, 1829 - ????
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Judy Banja http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00004.html#0000757 December 12, 2024, 1:58 pm

Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Philadelphia, 1892.
Author: Samuel T. Wiley

JOHN A. HILLER, 
an old, well known, and prosperous citizen of Tyrone, who enjoys the
distinction of being the oldest harness maker in this section, is a son of
John and Mary (Reichle) Hiller, and was born in Weidemburg, Germany, August
1, 1829.  His father was a native of the same place, and passed his life
there, dying February 26, 1843, at the early age of forty-five years.  He was
a farmer by occupation, and, by his marriage to Mary Reichle, had a family of
fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, three of whom emigrated to
America: John A.; Isaac, who is at present located at Houtzdale, this State;
and Martin, now of Marion, Marion county, Ohio.
John A. Hiller was reared in his German home at Weidemburg, and received a
good German education in the schools of that place.  After leaving school he
learned the trade of saddler and harness maker in his native country, and, at
the age of nineteen, bid farewell to the Fatherland and started across the
treacherous ocean to seek a home in the new world and among a strange
people.  After his arrival in America he made his way to Pittsburg, this
State, where he located and worked at his trade as a journeyman until 1855. 
In that year he removed to Tyrone, this county, then a small village, and
engaged in the harness business.  At first there was not much work to be
done, but, as population increased, and the excellence of his work became
known, his business grew and it was not long until he had all he could do. 
He has continued to reside here since 1855, and for nearly thirty-seven years
has applied himself closely to his business, being very successful and
accumulating considerable property.  Although he now owns a store supplied
with a complete stock of harness and all accessories, and is proprietor of
one of the finest business blocks on Main street, he still spends a good deal
of his time at the bench, handling the awl as rapidly and accurately as he did
when a young man.  He is naturally industrious, and is perhaps never happier
than when busily employed in his useful occupation.
On May 6, 1852, Mr. Hiller married Margaret Braun, who died February 7,
1892.  To this union was born a family of seven children, only four of whom
are now living:  Wilhelmina, at home; William F., now engaged in the
insurance business at Tyrone; Mary, married John E. Bottger, an engineer on
the Vanderbilt railroad system, residing at Fort Wayne, Indiana; and
Henrietta, living at home with her father.
In politics Mr. Hiller is a republican, and has served as a member of the
town council and school director.  He is a member of the First English
Lutheran church, and of Tyrone Lodge, No. 52, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of which he is treasurer.  He is also a member of Altoona
Encampment, No. 129, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Sinking Spring
Lodge, No. 127, Knights of Pythias.


Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2001. Transcribed by Eileen

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