Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Durner, Charles F.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Richland Township A-M


   CHARLES F. DURNER manufacturer, P.O. Quakertown, was born 
April 3, 1838, in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he learned the 
manufacture of pipe organs and is of the fifth generation in 
direct line of organ builders.  His father, Christian, 
grandfather Frederick, great-grandfather Andrew and his 
father before him were all engaged in the same business.  
Coming to this country in 1859 he engaged in the business, 
first at Zion's Hill, in Springfield township, where he and 
his father were together until 1861, when he came to this 
place and began on his own account.  His means being limited 
he began with foot-power and as his business increased he 
started a horse-power, which proving inadequate he put in a 
ten horse-power engine, which has been replaced with one of 
twenty horse-power.  He has built up an extensive business, 
and his church, chapel and parlor organs are used in many of 
the large cities in this and adjoining states and are giving 
the best of satisfaction. One of his pipe organs was on 
exhibition at Philadelphia at the Centennial exposition and 
received the highest honors.  He also got the first premium 
at the state fair in 1878. From his modest beginning with a 
small tread-wheel and a small work-house he has now a 
two-story building, 44 by 60 feet, and a business which 
increases yearly.  On November 8, 1862, he was married to 
Mary Spyker, who was born in Center county and is a daughter 
of William and Lydia (Poorman) Spyker.  They have three 
children:  Charles E., Anna E. and Mary C.   Charles is 
engaged with his father in the manufacture of organs and 
Anna E. is a successful teacher in the public schools in 
Quakertown.