My Genealogy Hound

JOHN H. BOSSARD is the junior member of the firm of Oplinger & Bossard, slate manufacturers, who are carrying on a prosperous business in that branch, having their plant located in Lehigh Township, Northampton County. Mr. Bossard is a native of this county, and was born December 14, 1867, to James E. and Rebecca Bossard, the latter of whom is deceased, her death having occurred October 5, 1875. Her father, the maternal grandfather of our subject, John Henry, was the original owner of many of the slate quarries now operated in the neighborhood of Danielsville. He was an old settler in this region, and an enterprising and well-to-do business man.

The parental family of our subject included the following-named children: John H., who was the eldest; Emma J., who married David Heiney; Sarah R., who became the wife of Milton Zellner; Frank W., Harry W., William J., Lulu Lizzie, Carrie and George. James E. Bossard, their father, was for many years a slate operator, but is now living in Lehigh Township, of which he is also a native, engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he finds more to his taste.

John H. Bossard, the subject of this sketch, was reared to man’s estate in Lehigh Township, and acquired his primary education in the public schools, which was later supplemented by a course at Williamsport Academy. He established a home of his own June 11, 1886, at which time he was married to Miss Gussie M. Oplinger, born in this county, and the daughter of Daniel Oplinger, Jr., a well known and highly esteemed resident of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Bossard have been born two children, James H. and Hilda.

After his marriage Mr. Bossard followed farming, renting property for three years. The succeeding two years were spent as a butcher, which he abandoned in order to become a member of the slate firm with which he is still connected. Socially he belongs to the Junior Order United American Mechanics of Danielsville, and in politics is an ardent Prohibitionist. He is a valued member of the United Evangelical Church, which he is serving in the capacity of Trustee.