My Genealogy Hound

J. H. KOLLER, one of the prosperous business men of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and an extensive dealer in grain and coal, was born in the borough of Mechanicsburg, on the farm adjoining the city, Dec. 28, 1859, son of Jonas Koller, a native of Cumberland county.

Jacob Koller, grandfather of J. H., was an early settler of York county, who moved from the latter county to Cumberland county, and purchased a tract of land near Mechanicsburg, which was handed down in the family, and in time proved to be very valuable property. By occupation, he was a farmer and wheelwright, and he reared a large family, and was widely and favorably known among the old settlers of Cumberland county.

By occupation Jonas Koller was a farmer, and he continued in that line until his death in 1897, when he was in his sixty-eighth year. He married Miss Katherine Binghaman, born in Cumberland county in 1833, daughter of Christian and Sarah (Ritter) Binghaman, formerly of Lancaster county. Their children were: James B., a manufacturer of spokes, wheels, etc.; Mary E., married to A. B. Rupp: J. H.; and William M., also engaged in the manufacture of spokes and wheel material.

J. H. Koller received his education in the public schools of Mechanicsburg, and spent the greater portion of his boyhood days upon the father’s farm. Until he was twenty he thus continued, and then went into the spoke and wheel industry. In 1897 he opened a warehouse, engaging in handling flour, feed, seeds, coal and grain, his place of business being very conveniently located near the track of the Cumberland Valley railroad. In addition to his own business he is interested in the banking life of the city, being a stockholder and director of the First National Bank; is interested in the gas and water works companies, and is one of the original organizers and promoters of the D. Wilcox Manufacturing Company, of which he is now stockholder and director. His executive ability, keen insight into existing conditions, and his excellent judgment make him a very valued member of any commercial or financial concern, and his name upon the list of a board of directors, gives stability and standing to any institution.

In 1883, Mr. Koller was married to Miss Annie B. Gorgas, of Mechanicsburg, a daughter of Solomon P. Gorgas, a prominent citizen of Mechanicsburg, now deceased. Politically, Mr. Koller is a Democrat, but has never accepted public office, his time being fully occupied with his business interests. Fraternally, he is a Mason, and is connected with Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. and A. M.; Samuel C. Perkins Chapter, R. A. M., and Commandery No. 11, Knights Templar.