BIO: Jacob KERSTETER, Centre County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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  JACOB KERSTETER, one of the best known agriculturists of Penn 
township, Centre county, might almost be said to have established a 
standard of success in his calling through his successful management of 
his large farm. Although he has lately retired from active work and 
made his home in the pleasant little town of Coburn, he has by no means 
lost the prestige which his shrewd application of the principles of 
modern science to the business of farming won for him.
  Mr. Kersteter is a native of Penn township, born May 2, 1838, and was 
the second son and child of John and Anna (Musser) Kersteter. As a boy 
he obtained an education in the subscription schools of the 
neighborhood, but after the age of fourteen he attended but little. 
Realizing to the full the value of a thorough preparation for life's 
duties, he gives his hearty endorsement to the later improvements in 
our educational system. At fourteen he began to learn the millwright's 
trade under Thomas Strayhorn, of Hartleton, Union Co., Penn., serving 
an apprenticeship of three summers, and receiving during the first year 
only $5 per month. The first mill that he worked upon was the one known 
as the Pine Creek mill. After becoming a full-fledged workman, he 
followed the business fourteen years, most of the time as a master 
millwright, and was employed at various points in Centre county and the 
region adjacent.
  In November, 1861, Mr. Kersteter was married in Aaronsburg, by Rev. 
Mr. Welker, to Miss Harriet Fiedler, who was born in Penn township, 
Centre county, August 3, 1840, the daughter of Henry and Susan (Stover) 
Fiedler. Some years after his marriage Mr. Kersteter turned his 
attention to agriculture, settling upon the farm called the "old Jacob 
Fiedler farm," which he still owns. In 1882 he built a comfortable home 
in Coburn, and March 20, 1894, he took up his residence there, turning 
over the active work of his estate to other hands. He owns 265 acres of 
land aside from his place in Coburn, and is one of the substantial 
citizens of the locality.
  In political affiliations, Mr. Kersteter has always been a Democrat, 
and his advice carries much weight in the local councils of the party. 
He has served ably in various township offices, such as assessor, 
auditor, supervisor, overseer of the poor, school director and tax 
collector. He is also a member of the Grange, and he and his 

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  413

wife are both actively interested in the work of the Lutheran Church, 
to which they are liberal contributors. They have one son, James W., 
born August 1, 1864, who is now engaged in agriculture. He married Miss 
Annie Alexander, of Penn township, Centre county, a daughter of Christ 
Alexander, and they have three children - Bertha, Marion and Alfred.