My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN H. KISTLER, M. D., is a well known physician of Lansford. He was born in Schuylkill County in the year 1843, and comes of a family of German origin, which was founded in America in Colonial days by ancestors who settled in Lehigh County. The grandfather of our subject was John Kistler, and the father was David Kistler. The latter was a tanner by trade, and a native of the Keystone State. Having attained to years of maturity he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Houseman, and for many years they traveled life’s journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. They became the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters, seven of whom are yet living. The father and mother were called to their final rest on the same day, August 31, 1884.

Dr. Kistler, who is both widely and favorably known in this community, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in western Pennsylvania. His early education, which was acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood in which he lived, was supplemented by study in Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, where he continued his studies for two years. His literary education being then completed he began the study of medicine. This was in 1866. He commenced reading in the office of Dr. Fred Corss in Kingston, Pa., and later entered the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated in the Class of ‘70. He then went to West Penn, where he opened an office and continued in general practice for six years. From 1876 until 1885, he was located at Summit Hill, where he did a large and lucrative business.

During that period, in 1877, Dr. Kistler was married to Miss Louisa K. Mantz, of West Penn, daughter of William Mantz. By their union they became the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter, as follows: George (deceased), Mary M. and Robert H. The family continued to reside in Summit Hill until 1885, when they came to Lansford, where the Doctor has since engaged in general practice. He is now well established in his profession, and the public, recognizing his skill and ability, give him a liberal patronage. He is a member of the Carbon County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the Lehigh Valley Medical Society, and is the physician for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. He is also resident physician for the Benefit Fund of the latter company, in which capacity he has served since 1884.

In his social relations the Doctor is a Mason, holding membership with Tamaqua Lodge No. 530, F. & A. M. He also belongs to Summit Hill Lodge No. 576, I. O. O. F. His entire life has been passed in the Keystone State, and he has a wide acquaintance. Wherever he is known he has made many friends, and by all is held in high regard. In his profession he has prospered and has won an enviable reputation.