My Genealogy Hound

HERVEY W. WITMER, veterinary surgeon, is a well known resident of Shippensburg, Cumberland county, where he has practiced his profession with signal success since 1896. Dr. Witmer was born on a farm in Antrim township, Franklin Co., Pa., Nov. 16, 1861, son of John B. and Eliza (Vandarau) Witmer.

The Witmer family is of German extraction, possibly also of Swiss, and the founders in America came to Pennsylvania long before the American Revolution. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Dr. John and Elizabeth (Bear) Witmer, the former of whom practiced many years in Lancaster county. On the maternal side the grandfather, William Vandarau, was born in Lancaster county, removed with the early settlers, to Franklin county, there married and died.

John B. Witmer, father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, near the city of Lancaster, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and his wife was born on the old Vandarau homestead in Antrim township, Franklin county, in 1822; she died May 12, 1893, survived by her husband one year. In politics he supported the Republican party. They had two children, namely: Abner M., who resides on the old Witmer homestead; and Dr. Hervey W.

Dr. Hervey W. Witmer was reared a farmer boy, and he received his primary education in the district schools. These limited advantages did not satisfy his ambition, however, and later he entered a school at Greencastle, where he was prepared to enter a private academy of local note, taught by Prof. Frederick Zigler. After leaving this school, he studied medicine with Dr. C. M. Strickler, of Greencastle, and in 1895 he was graduated from the great Veterinary College, at Toronto, Can. This institution has graduates all over the world, who take a leading place in the profession. After graduation Dr. Witmer practiced for twelve months in association with Dr. C. M. Strickler, and in 1896 came to Shippensburg.

Dr. Witmer has become known through his skill all over Cumberland county, and his practice extends into other counties. In 1901 he erected his fine stable on South Railroad street, with dimensions of 30x120 feet, two stories in height, fitted with two commodious and comfortable offices, and with sanitary and appropriate stalls for his patients. Dr. Witmer can confidently be consulted on any matter connected with his profession. His services have on many occasions saved the lives of valuable animals, and many of “our dumb friends” have received the relief to be obtained only through the skill and thorough knowledge of an able practitioner like Dr. Witmer.

In addition to being a leading member of his profession, Dr. Witmer is a most genial, affable gentleman, talented and scholarly, and one whose conversation is filled with matters of interest. He is a member of Shippensburg Lodge, No. 315, A. F. & A. M., and of Greencastle Lodge, No. 228, I. O. O. F.