My Genealogy Hound

EDMUND SOUDER. Christian Souder, the ancestor of the Souder family in this country, came from Germany in 1765, and settled in Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The descendants of Christian Souder have, as a rule, been industrious people and good citizens. Christian Souder, grandfather of the subject, was born near Souderton, on the homestead. He was educated in the schools of the neighborhood, and then devoted himself to the occupation of farming, which he followed through life. Among his children was Henry, father of the subject of this sketch, who was born on the homestead in Franconia township. Educated in the schools of his day, he learned the carpenter’s trade, but followed agricultural pursuits during a part of his life. In the latter portion he conducted a lumber and coal business at Souderton. He was successful in his transactions of every kind, and was popular in his neighborhood. His wife was Miss Hannah Hunsberger, of Franconia township. The couple had eight children, among them Edmund H., the subject of this sketch. He was born on the homestead, April 27, 1838. Acquiring a good business education in the schools of the vicinity and in a private school in Philadelphia, he became associated with his father in business, dealing in coal and lumber, continuing until 1892, when he opened a business in Souderton, in the hardware line, in which he has been very successful.

In 1867 Mr. Souder married Miss Elizabeth Oberholtzer, daughter of Tobias Oberholtzer, of Souderton. The couple have had the following children: Martha, Alonzo (deceased), Hannah, Edmund, Jr., Oscar and Sylvia. Mr. Souder is politically an earnest Republican. He has been a member of the Souderton school board for many years. He is a director in the Souderton National Bank. He and his family attend the Mennonite church.

Mr. Souder is a progressive citizen, always interested in whatever promises to benefit the community. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.