Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Sommer, H.
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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 N-Z


   H. SOMMER cigar manufacturer, P.O. Quakertown.  One of 
the largest manufacturers of cigars in the county is Henry 
Sommer, who was born January 6, 1837, in Baden, and is a son 
of Francis Henry and Eve (Ohl) Sommer.  In 1859, when he was 
22 years of age, he came to this state and worked for L. 
Bamberger & Co., and had charge of their business for one 
year, when, with the modest capital of $15, he embarked in 
business for himself, continuing here until the breaking out 
of the war.  He enlisted May 15, 1861, as private in company 
F, 29th New York regiment, for two years.  He served his 
time and was honorably discharged June 6, 1863, and after 
one year he enlisted in the marines and served until his 
discharge in January, 1866, when he returned to Philadelphia 
and engaged as bookkeeper for his old firm, continuing in 
their employ for one year and a half.  In December, 1867, he 
came to Milford Square and took charge of a factory for his 
employers, continuing at that place for three years, when he 
came to Quakertown and for two years longer had charge of 
their business.  He then began for himself.  His largest 
annual production has been 10,500,000 cigars.  He has now 
about ten factories in charge.  He was married May 18, 1866, 
to Mary, daughter of J. A. and Anna C. (Gundel) Rhuel, who 
came to America in 1859.  They have five children:  Mary K., 
Ferdinand L., Henry J., Edward F. and Martha W.   Mr. Sommer 
has been successful in his business.  In 1885 his factory 
was burned and he lost about $8,000, but he has since 
rebuilt.