My Genealogy Hound

HORACE LEHR. Closely identified with the recent commercial history of Easton is the name of Mr. Lehr, the principal events of whose life we record. He was born in this city, May 14, 1868, and is a son of F. H. and Ellen E. (Walter) Lehr. After gaining the rudiments of his education in the public schools, he fitted for college at Trach’s Academy, Easton graduating therefrom at an early age. In 1883 he entered Lafayette College, and continued a student in that institution until his graduation with the Class of ‘87. He was diligent in his studies, and, though the youngest member of the class, was chosen by his classmates, among a number of other aspirants, to deliver the “Presentation Oration,” the most eagerly desired of all the exercises of class-day.

During his attendance at college, and when but eighteen years of age, Mr. Lehr accepted the position of organist in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Easton, where he had charge of a paid choir. Upon leaving college he commenced the study of law under the preceptorship of his father, in whose office he continued his legal readings for two years. However, he had always cherished an inclination for a business life, preferring its activity to the honors of the legal profession. It is hardly to be wondered at, therefore, that when the opportunity presented itself to him to become the financial manager of a newly organized organ manufacturing concern, he should have accepted a position so congenial to his tastes, and for which he felt himself particularly adapted.

During the short time he was engaged in this position, Mr. Lehr gained thorough familiarity with the business, and felt himself capable of embarking in the trade for himself. Associating with himself Jacob Diehl, who has no superior as a mechanic, and whose entire life has been devoted to the organ manufacturing business, the firm of H. Lehr & Co. was organized. The factory, which occupies a splendid location in Easton, is fitted up with all modern improved machinery (including the Sturtevant Blower System for heating both dry-kiln and factory), and is lighted by electricity. The organs manufactured here are constructed on an entirely novel and improved design. In appearance they are exactly similar to a handsome upright piano, with seven octaves of keys, improved pedal arrangement, no stops to get out of order, but a new method of regulating the different sets of reeds by the knee-levers while playing. These improvements, together with their marked superiority of tone and touch, enable one to execute even the most difficult piano music upon them. The business is wholesale, and organs are sold throughout every part of the United States. There are also wholesale agencies in London, England, and Valparaiso, Chili, which sell to dealers in their respective countries. These organs, which have been introduced to the trade by Mr. Lehr, have become very popular. Other manufacturers have followed the style of organ, but Mr. Lehr protects his own make by patents.

In his political opinions Mr. Lehr is a Democrat, and socially is identified with the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, of which he was organist for five years. February 22, 1892, he married Miss Irene, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Algert, of Easton, and they are the parents of one child, named Horace Algert. The marked success which has attended Mr. Lehr’s efforts proves that he possesses good judgment, energy and business ability, and leads to the belief that coming years will bring to him an ever-increasing prosperity.