My Genealogy Hound

B. LUTHER SHIMER, B. S., who is one of the most prominent residents of West Bethlehem, is extensively engaged in dealing in real estate, being part owner of Mt. Airy Park Farm, near the city, formerly known as the Gilt Edge Dairy Farm. Here he breeds thorough-bred Ayrshire and Guernsey cattle, White Plymouth Rock chickens, New Mammoth White turkeys, White African guineas and Mammoth White Pekin ducks.

Our subject is a native of this state, having been born in Redington, January 7, 1868. He is the son of Abraham S. Shimer, who was also born in the above place, and the grandson of Augustus B. Shimer, a native of Shimerville, this state, but who later in life lived in Redington, where he was engaged in farm pursuits. The father of our subject, who is also an agriculturist, is the owner of four valuable estates, and is an extensive fruit-grower and breeder of thoroughbred cattle.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Clara Boyer. She was born in Broadway, N. J., and became the mother of seven children, of whom B. Luther is the eldest. He spent the first twelve years of his life in Redington, where he attended the common schools, and then, going to Bethlehem, entered the academy at that place. He afterward continued his studies in Wyoming Seminary, and in 1884 entered the agricultural college at Amherst, where he was conspicuous in athletics, being football captain, and holding other prominent positions. He also won distinction in other ways during his course, being a prize-winner in the Sophomore oratorical contest, and one of the chosen speakers at the commencement exercises when he graduated, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science.

October 14, 1891, the subject of this sketch was married in Springfield, Mass., to Miss Lena M. Guertin, who was born and educated in Amherst, that state, first attending the public schools and finishing at Oak Grove Seminary. To them has been granted a daughter, Hazel G.

In politics our subject is a stanch Republican, and his religious views coincide with the doctrine of the Lutheran Church, with which he has been connected for many years. He is a member of the Ayrshire Breeders’ Association of America, a member of the Allentown Pigeon and Pet Stock Association, is Secretary of the Bethlehem Township French Coach Horse Association, and is also a member of Bethlehem Grange No. 504, P. of H.

In 1890 Mr. Shimer became part, owner of Mt. Airy Park Farm, bordering West Bethlehem, and there engaged in breeding thoroughbred cattle and poultry. Among his Ayrshire herd are “Lord Bangor” (4130); “Favorite of Bethlehem” (11,698); “Queen of Bethlehem” (11,699); “Belle of Bethlehem” (10,401); and others of the same line of breeding. Among his white poultry are several which took World’s Fair prizes at Chicago. Fine exhibits of his stock and poultry have been made at the various county and state fairs throughout the Eastern and Middle States, many winning first prizes.

Mr. Shimer’s farm is high and nicely located, with the finest scenery in the Bethlehems and Lehigh Valley, within easy access of the electric cars, and only twelve minutes’ walk from Main Street and the depots. With all these advantages it could not help but make an ideal residence site, so during the last few years Mr. Shimer has laid it out in large building lots, and has been opening and grading new streets through it. He sells the lots with the understanding that each party must build back twenty-five feet from the building line, thus insuring a front yard and view along the street. Quite a number of lots are sold, and a number of fine residences can be seen in every direction over the farm. He has donated one block to the public for a park, to be known as Mt. Airy Park, and from this the farm takes its name.