My Genealogy Hound

LEWIS A. STERNER. Farming and stock-raising have formed the chief occupation of this gentleman, and the wide-awake manner in which he has taken advantage of every method and idea tending toward enhancing the value of his property has had considerable to do with his success in life. He is now living in South Whitehall Township, where he was born October 16, 1840.

Adam and Maria (Yost) Sterner, the parents of our subject, were born respectively in Whitehall and Salisbury Townships, this county, and the grandfather of our subject, Abraham Sterner, was well known throughout the Lehigh Valley. His father was born in Germany, and came to America at a time when Indians were the principal occupants of the Keystone State.

The father of our subject departed this life in 1872, and his three sons and one daughter who survive are: John; Jonathan; Elmina, widow of Levi Freeman; and Lewis A. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and bore his share in the upbuilding and development of the county, being ever found in the front rank of those enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare. In his political views he was a Democrat. Mrs. Maria Sterner preceded him by two years to the better land.

Lewis A., of this sketch, was reared to mature years in Whitehall Township, and during his early life attended the common schools near his home. He had not the advantages of a higher education, but has been a great reader through life, and his studies in private have made him a well informed man. Mr. Sterner was married, December 17, 1863 to Miss Sarah Lichtenwalner, who was born in this township February 15, 1843. She was the daughter of Charles and Eliza (Schaadt) Lichtenwalner, also natives of this county, and who were old and valued residents of Macungie Township. Mrs. Sterner’s parents were also well-known throughout this locality, and reared a large family of children, of whom ten are living at the present time. They are Edwin, Sarah, Leonia, George, Amanda, Charles, Maria, James, Catherine and Lizzie.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sterner two children have been born, Edwin and Clement. In the spring of 1864 they came with their family to South Whitehall Township and located upon their present farm of one hundred and twenty acres. It is under good cultivation and the place is highly improved with substantial buildings and all modern accessories and conveniences. It is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates the enterprise and public spirit of the owner.

Our subject and his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Wennersville and are greatly interested in church work. Mr. Sterner votes the Democratic ticket and is at all times interested in the welfare of the community and the advancement of its moral and educational interests. He has served for many years as a member of the School Board, and since his residence here his honorable and straightforward course has won the confidence and good wishes of a large circle of friends.