Bios: Richard B. Raudenbush: Cumru Twp, Berks Co, PA

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From:  Morton L Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks
County, Pennsylvania.  Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co., 1909.  p 1563

Surnames mentioned:
Baum, Eckenrode, Esterly, Ettinger, Hemmig, Merkel, Raudenbush, Schlichter,
Schuster, Wentzel, Zacharias.

Note: Surnames of related families have been capitalized, but are lower case
in the original.

RICHARD B. RAUDENBUSH, who owns and operates a valuable farm in Cumru
township, Berks county, is one of the leading citizens of his community,
where the greater portion of his life has been spent.  Mr. Raudenbush was
born in Manor township, Lancaster Co., Pa., son of Joseph and Sarah (BAUM)
RAUDENBUSH.

John RAUDENBUSH, the great-grandfather of Richard B., was a native of
Wurtemberg, Germany, where he followed the milling business.  He and his two
brothers came to America, one settling where St. Louis now stands, one in
Schuylkill county, and John in Goshenhoppen, below Boyertown.  He was one of
the earliest millers of this portion of the State, an occupation which he
followed until his death.  His son, also named John, learned the milling
trade under his father, and this business he followed in Lancaster county
for many years, coming thence to Berks county.  His death occurred in Cumru
township, and he was buried at Yocom's Church, of which he was a Reformed
member.  Mr. Raudenbush married a Miss HEMMIG, also buried at Yocum's, and
to them were born:  Adam, John, Daniel, Joseph, Henry; Eva m. Levi HEMMIG;
Elizabeth m. Henry ECKENRODE; and Sarah m. George ESTERLY.

Joseph RAUDENBUSH, the father of Richard B., was born in 1821, in Lancaster
county, and for 30 years followed the trade of his father.  He then
purchased a farm of 147 acres in the Poplar Neck district, the one now owned
by his son, Richard B.  Here he made many improvements and erected all of
the present buildings with the exception of the house.  Mr. Raudenbush died
in his 66th year, while his wife, Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth
(ZACHARIAS) BAUM, lived to be 77 years of age.  These children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Raudenbush:  Mary A., died at the age of 13 years; Elizabeth m.
Augustus SCHUSTER; Richard B.; John, deceased; and Sarah A. m. Ezra WENTZEL.

Richard B. Raudenbush attended the schools of Berks county, and as a boy
worked on his father's farm, which he has operated since his parents' death.
 This farm, which is one of the finest in Cumru township, is situated on the
Pennsylvania railroad, which company purchased 3-7/10 acres of his land, on
which to lay tracks to enter Reading.  He has a fine herd of cows, and his
milk finds a ready market in the city of Reading.  Mr. Raudenbush's farm
commands an excellent view of the Schuylkill river and the mountains.

Mr. Raudenbush married Elizabeth A., daughter of Isaac SCHLICHTER, of
Reading, and to this union have been born five children:  Sara A. m Levi
ETTINGER, of Cumru township; Joseph S. and Franklin S. are at home; Annie E.
m. Samuel MERKEL; Matilda I. is at home.  Mr. Raudenbush is a member of
Yocom's Reformed Church.  In 1893 he was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge, No.
227, F.& A.M., and he also belongs to Reading Chapter, No. 237.