BIO:  Thaddeus S. BLOCHER, Littlestown, Adams County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Pages 417-418

THADDEUS S. BLOCHER, carriage manufacturer, Littlestown, was born in Butler 
Township, this county, in May, 1836, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hartzell) 
Blocher, the former a native of Lebanon County, Penn, and the latter of Butler 
Township, this county.  Thomas Blocher was a saddle and harness-maker, and for 
many years served as justice of the peace.  His wife died in Bendersville in 
1879, and in 1880 he also passed away at the same place.  Our subject learned 
the harness and saddle trade with his father, and in 1858 he bought a half-
interest in the harness shop of Mr. Yount at Littlestown, and two years later 
bought out Mr. Yount’s interest and continued the business until 1864, when he 
sold out and bought a half-interest in the coach-making business with Isaac 
Sell.  In 1880 he bought the entire business, and is still carrying it on.  His 
factory occupies the site of the first coach factory ever established at 
Littlestown by Mr. Rahter.  Mr. Blocher at present employs twelve hands, and 
keeps ten hands the year round.  He manufactures annually upward of seventy-five 
fine buggies and carriages, valued at from $100 to $350 each.  The factory has 
the reputation of producing the best and most durable class of fine work.  Mr. 
Blocher is a Republican, and has been elected to and served in every office in 
the gift of the borough of Littlestown, except that of justice of the peace and 
constable.  He married, in 1858, Eliza E. Bishop, a daughter of Jacob Bishop.  
Mr. and Mrs. Blocher have eight children:  Clarence W., Harry F., Emma J., 
Charles L., Mary E., Howard G., Edith M. and Edgar T.  Mr. and Mrs. Blocher are 
members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Mr. Blocher’s factory is one of the most 
important industries of the town and he is known throughout this and adjoining 
counties as an enterprising and reliable business man and citizen.