Blair County PA Archives Biographies.....Isenberg DDS, John W. November 4, 1841 - ????
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Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Philadelphia, 1892.
Author: Samuel T. Wiley

J. W. ISENBERG, D. D. S., 
a graduate from the Pennsylvania college of dental surgery, who has
successfully practiced in the city of Altoona for more than a quarter of a
century, winning distinction in his profession, and acquiring considerable
property, is a son of Samuel and Susanna Isenberg, and was born November 4,
1841, at Williamsburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania.  Samuel Isenberg (father)
was of German descent, and was born in Huntingdon county, this State, in
1810.  In 1837 he removed to Williamsburg with his family, where for many
years he was engaged in the manufacture of shoes.  He married Susanna
Thompson, by whom he had a family of four children, of whom three are still
living.  He married the second time, Mrs. William Slonaker, by whom he had
four children, all living.  He died in 1880, at the advanced age of seventy
years.
   John W. Isenberg was reared in the village of Williamsburg, and received a
good practical English education in the public schools of that town.  He
remained at home working with his father until his twentieth year, at which
time occurred the opening contest of our gigantic civil war, and catching
inspiration from the spirit of patriotism that pervaded his locality, young
Isenberg enlisted as a private in Co. A, 125th Pennsylvania infantry.  He
participated in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, where he was
severely wounded, September 17, 1862, and remained in the hospital until his
regiment was mustered out of service.  He returned home, and in December,
1863, came to Altoona, and began the study of dentistry with Dr. W. S.
Bittner.  At the end of one year he became a partner with Dr. Bittner, and
practiced with him until 1866, when he withdrew from the firm, and
established himself in dental rooms of his own.
   Until 1870 Dr. Isenberg resided in the city of Altoona, but in that year he
removed his family to El Dorado, in Logan township, where he purchased about
thirty acres of land, upon which he erected a picturesque country residence,
and found relaxation in superintending the cultivation of small fruits.  In
that department of horticulture he became authority, and did much to awaken a
public interest in the small fruits, which can be most successfully grown in
this latitude.  For several years he was the Pennsylvania railroad agent and
postmaster at El Dorado, and engaged extensively in the sale of agricultural
implements, this business being superintended by his son, George L.
Isenberg.  The property at El Dorado was sold in 1883.
   In October, 1878, Dr. Isenberg went to Philadelphia, and attended a course
of lectures at the Pennsylvania college of dental surgery, from which
institution he graduated in February following with the degree of D. D. S. 
He had met with success in his profession from the start, and his business
soon became extensive and profitable.  He devoted his attention to dentistry,
with little intermission, for a period of twenty years, when his health became
impaired, and in 1883 he removed to Kent county, Delaware, where he purchased
a farm, and located upon it, hoping the change to country life and outdoor
exercise would restore his shattered constitution.  In his hope he was not
disappointed, and six years of farm life left him in condition to again take
up the duties of his profession.  In 1889 he returned to Altoona, and has
since been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry in that city.  He
still owns the farm which he purchased in Delaware.
   In December, 1865, Dr. Isenberg was united in marriage to Selina F. Green, a
daughter of Allen Green, of Huntingdon county.  To them was born a family of
four children, only three of whom are now living:  George L. Isenberg, Anna
E. Isenberg, and Emma S. Isenberg.
   Dr. Isenberg became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church when only
thirteen years of age, and for many years has been identified with the active
work of his denomination.  He has served his church as steward, class-leader,
and Sunday school superintendent, and has been instrumental in doing much
good.  He has long been known as among the most active and prominent workers
in the cause of temperance, assisted in the organization of the Blair County
Temperance union, and was its fiscal agent and a member of its executive
committee for many years.  He has labored diligently, early and late, by
precept and example, to build up the cause and secure final victory for total
abstinence.  He has won high standing in his chosen profession, and enjoys the
respect and esteem of all who know him.

Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2001. Transcribed by Eileen  

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