My Genealogy Hound

J. DALLAS ERDMAN, M. D. Among the prominent and skillful physicians and surgeons of Allentown our subject occupies a high place. He is a native of this county, and was born June 2, 1850, in Ruchsville. His father, John Erdman, was likewise a native of this section, and until his decease, in December, 1883, followed farm pursuits.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Erdman, was born in Lehigh County in 1763, and was the son of John Erdman, a native of Germany, who came from Hesse-Darmstadt to America in 1734, locating at that time in Centre Valley, this county. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Hannah Keck, was born in this county, and was descended from Henry Keck, the first of the family to come to America from his native Germany. This was in 1732, and when locating in this county he spent the remainder of his life in farm pursuits. His sons fought bravely in the Revolutionary War, and became well-to-do in a financial way.

J. Dallas, of this sketch, was the youngest in his parents’ family of ten children, all of whom survive. He spent his boyhood on his father’s farm and attended the district school until he was seventeen years old, when he entered Muhlenberg College. After prosecuting his studies there for a time, he began reading medicine under the instruction of Dr. William Erdman, his cousin. He afterward took a course of lectures in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the Class of ‘72.

When looking around for a suitable location, Dr. Erdman removed to Saegersville, where he practiced for one year, and in 1873 removed to Macungie. He made his home there until the spring of 1888, the date of his removal to Allentown, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice, and is now classed among the most skillful of the profession in the county. He is a member of the Lehigh County and the Pennsylvania State Medical Societies, in both of which he takes a leading part. He is interested in the success of the Democratic party, and never fails to cast his vote and influence in its behalf. The Masonic order finds in him one of its most valued members, he being connected with Lodge No. 326, in Trexlertown, and Allentown Lodge No. 90, K. of P. He is a charter member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is also one of the original members of the Ancient Order of Knights of the Mystic Chain.

In 1876 the Doctor was married to Miss Maria, daughter of Dr. William Kohler, and to them have been born three children, viz.: Elsie, H. Guy and Miriam. They are both members of the Reformed Church, to the support of which they are liberal contributors. They occupy a beautiful residence, located at No. 27 South Eighth Street.