ELIAS R. BENNER

ELIAS R. BENNER is one of the wide-awake, ~ energetic and successful business men of Shoenersville. He has made his own way in life, and is in the enjoyment of a competency that is the result of his unaided efforts. He is carrying on a large business as a general merchant t, having his establishment stocked with a large variety of dry goods, groceries, hardware, hats, caps, boots, shoes, flour, feed, etc. He is also a manufacturer of and dealer in cigars, and agent for sew­ing machines and the celebrated Estey & Camp organs.

Mr. Benner is a native of Bucks County, and was born June 2, 1841, to William and Nancy (Rothrock) Benner, who were also natives of that county. Elias R. lived on his father's farm until attaining mature years, in the meantime attending the district school. The knowledge gained therein was later supplemented by a course in the Bucks County Normal and Classical School, after which he taught in the public schools of Shoenersville for seven years.

In 1870 our subject established himself in the mercantile business in this place. He has become well known over a large territory, and as a business man has ever occupied a high position in the esti­mation of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Benner was married in 1866 to Miss Belinda Lapp, a native of Northampton County, by whom he has become the father of three children: Harry, Lizzie and Allen.

Mr. Benner has always been ready for any movement which seemed to promise well for his neighborhood, and has made a favorable impression on all with whom he has come in contact. Since 1870 he has been Postmaster of Shoenersville, and is at present serving as Treasurer of Hanover Township. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and has been Secretary of the Board in his congregation. He is a stanch Demo­crat in politics. He is Secretary /and Treasurer of the Shoenersville Cemetery Association, and the duties thus devolving upon him are executed in a faithful and earnest spirit. Socially he is a Knight of the Golden Eagle at Catasauqua.