My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN G. ZERN, a worthy representative of the mercantile interests of Lehighton, now deals in boots and shoes, hats, caps and clothing. He has a good business, which has been secured through straightforward and honorable dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons. He carries a well selected stock, and his trade is constantly increasing.

Mr. Zern was born in Montgomery County, Pa., on the 10th of March, 1853, and is the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom seven are living at this writing, in the summer of 1894. The parents of this family were Rev. Jacob and Sophia (Gilbert) Zern. The father is a minister of the Evangelical Association, and is now living in Terre Hill, Lancaster County. His wife was called to her final rest in 1878, while living in Berks County, Pa.

No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of our subject, who was reared in his parents’ home. He began his education in the district schools, but his early privileges were afterward supplemented by study in the State Normal School of Kutztown and in the Normal of Millers ville, Pa. On leaving the schoolroom he began clerking in a store, later he commenced to learn the trade of cigar-maker, following that business for a period of seven years, after which he accepted a clerkship in the dry-goods establishment owned by Nathan Snyder, of Weissport. There he remained for several years. He labored earnestly in the interest of the store, and was a popular salesman and a faithful and trusted employe. His next place of residence was in Coaldale, Schuylkill County, where he embarked in business for himself as proprietor of a general mercantile store, whicb he carried on for ten years.

In 1874 Mr. Zern was united in marriage with Miss Etta M. Snyder, a daughter of Nathan Snyder, his former employer, a leading merchant of Weissport and one of the oldest. Their union has been blessed with a famity of three children, viz.: Florence M., Edward N. and Arline.

Mr. Zern dates his residence in Lehighton from 1878, at which time he removed to this city and established his present business. The store which he occupies is 20x75 feet in dimensions, and is a well equipped establishment, supplied with everything found in his line. Socially Mr. Zern is connected with the Odd Fellows’ society of Lehighton, and Knights of Malta, and in politics is a Republican. He is the owner of a fine residence in Lehighton, built in modern architectural design and supplied throughout with all of the new improvements. It is also richly and tastefully furnished, and there the comforts which go to make life worth living may be found. Mr. Zern may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out empty handed, with no capital save a young man’s bright hope of the future. Steadily he has worked his way upward from a humble clerkship until he is now at the head of a good business. His example is one well worthy of emulation, and should encourage others to press forward in the duties of life.