My Genealogy Hound

J. L. ELSESSER, justice of the peace, Etna, was born March 27, 1828, in Brumath, Alsace, France (now Germany), a son of Jacob and Salome Elsesser, who emigrated to America when J. L. was three months old. They settled in Philadelphia where Jacob L. was educated at the common school. Jacob, Sr., was a city commissioner, and his wife a midwife, she having received her diploma in Europe. The subject of these lines removed to Etna in 1849, where his mother died. Here he followed shoemaking, which trade he had learned in Philadelphia. May 1, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 9th P. R., and served three years. He fought in many of the most noted battles, among them Dranesville, Va., Fredericksburg, the seven days’ fight, Antietam, South Mountain and at Gettysburg, and was wounded at Mine run. After the war he returned to Etna, where he was elected magistrate, his wound preventing him from resuming his trade. He received his first commission from Gov. Bigler, and has now his seventh commission, having served nearly thirty-five years, being three times re-elected without opposition. He married, in Etna, Mary, daughter of Daniel and Salome (Schroth) Hieler, and they have four children: Mary Sandrock, Mrs. Caroline Schultz, John D. and Mrs. Amelia Mell. Mr. and Mrs. Elsesser are members of the G. L. Church. He is a member of the G. A. R., and has been commander two years and adjutant of his post eight years; is also a member of the U. V. L. and the A. F. & A. M., Pittsburgh. He is a republican.