My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES H. KISTLER follows the combined occupations of farmer and wagon-maker, and has a good estate located in Washington Township, Lehigh County. He also has a wagon shop on his place and has been engaged in that business here since 1877. Mr. Kistler is a native of Lehigh County, having been born in Lynn Township November 23, 1850, to Josiah and Caroline Kistler, also natives of the above township.

The death of our subject’s father occurred when he was a lad of eleven years. Three years previous to this, however, his parents being in limited circumstances, he was taken into the home of his uncle, with whom he remained until reaching his fifteenth year. At this time he returned to the home farm and superintended its operation for his widowed mother. She was the mother of a large family of children, of whom five survive, those besides our subject being, Wilson, who resides in Allentown; Lewis H., who lives in Kansas; Mary, the wife of Daniel Tyson, who makes her home in Lehigh County; and Henry H, who is also a resident of Kansas.

Charles H. Kistler began the trade of a wagon-maker one year prior to attaining his majority, in the meantime prosecuting his studies in the schools of that period. He learned his trade at Claussville, where he worked for two years, and subsequently entered the employ of P. A. Semmel, of Slatington, whence he later came to his present stand. Mr. Kistler is the owner of seventy-three acres of land, which he devotes to general farming and has improved in a very able manner.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary C. Anthony was celebrated in 1873. The lady was born in this county, and by her union with Mr. Kistler has become the mother of seven children, viz.: Howard H., George E„ Florence J., Mabel C., Sallie C., Willie W., and Charles, deceased. Our subject has always been greatly interested in educational affairs and for six years served as a member of the Board. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in local affairs. The Lutheran Church finds in him one of its most devoted and consistent members, he having been connected with that denomination for many years. Mr. Kistler is a truly self-made man and one much liked throughout his community for his sterling worth and integrity.