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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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HON. JOSIAH J. EALER, formerly a member of the Lower House of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, now residing in Williams Township, Northampton County, is a native of Forks Township, this county, born September 29, 1834. The family of which he is a representative has long been established in Pennsylvania and identified with this county from an early period of its history. Here were born his father and mother, Thomas T. and Sophia Ealer. His primary education was gained in the public schools of Forks Township, after which he was for a time a student in Wood’s Academy, Easton.

His studies completed, Mr. Ealer entered upon the profession of a teacher, which he followed for several years, and he has also for fifteen years served as Justice of the Peace, In the Democratic party he is a local leader, and upon that ticket has been elected to various responsible positions. For two terms he represented his district in the State Legislature, where he rendered efficient service in the interests of his constituents. He also served as Auditor of Williams Township. His life occupation has been mainly that of agriculture, and he is now the owner of seventy acres of well tilled land.

In 1858 Mr. Ealer was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of William and Rebecca Itterry, late of Plainfield Township. There have been born unto them twelve children. The family is connected with the Lutheran Church, to the support of which Mr. Ealer is a generous contributor. Socially he is a member of Fairview Grange in Williams Township, of which he has officiated as Master since its organization several years ago.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Northampton County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Northampton County, Pennsylvania Biographies

View a historic 1911 map of Northampton County, Pennsylvania

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