My Genealogy Hound

MARCUS HELLER, a prominent contractor and builder of Shippensburg, was born in this county, on a farm five miles east of Shippensburg, May 29, 1866.

Matthias Heller, father of Marcus, was born in Germany in 1828, and emigrated to the United States when a young man. After his marriage he followed farming in which he was successful. He reared his family to habits of industry and integrity, and became a very valued citizen of his adopted country. His wife, Mary A. Hoch, was born in 1832, daughter of Elias and Mary (Lasher) Hoch. The children born to the parents of Mr. Heller were: Catherine, deceased; Amelia; Matthias J., who resides in Franklin county; Marcus; George W., a farmer; and Susan, who resides with her mother at home.

Marcus Heller spent his youth on the farm, and attended school at Cherry Grove school house, where as a boy he spent the happiest days of his life. When only seventeen, he left school to learn the trade of a carpenter with Thomas Baker. After completing his apprenticeship, he traveled as a journeyman over different parts of Pennsylvania. Returning to Shippensburg he worked at his trade for several years, and then started into business on his own account, and put up some of the finest residences, churches and business blocks in Shippensburg, as well as flat buildings, including the handsome Methodist Church edifice, and the home of Mr. Clever, which is a model residence in every respect, and is a monument to the skill of Mr. Heller.

In 1889, Mr. Heller married Miss Margaret Coleman, of Mongul, Franklin county, who was born in 1867, daughter of Adam and Susan (Swigert) Coleman. The children born to this union are as follows: Clarence A., John O., Mabel V., Hannah, Elva M., Emma J., Susan and Wilbur M. Mr. and Mrs. Heller are members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Heller is trustee. In politics he is a Democrat of the old stamp, but he has never aspired to a public life. He began his business career in a small way; steadily working his way to the top, and he is now generally recognized as one of the leading contractors of Shippensburg. During the season he gives employment to a large force of men, and is regarded as an excellent employer.