BIO:  J. H. KOLLER, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
  _____________________________________________________________

  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 742-743
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  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/zeamer/

 
    J. H. KOLLER, one of the prosperous business men of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and
  an extensive dealer in grain and coal, was

    CUMBERLAND COUNTY.  743

  born in the borough of Mechanicsburg, on the farm adjoining the city, Dec.
  28, 1859, son of Jonas Koller, a native of Cumberland county.

    Jacob Koller, grandfather of J. H., was an early settler of York county,
  who moved from the latter county to Cumberland county, and purchased a tract
  of land near Mechanicsburg, which was handed down in the family, and in time
  proved to be very valuable property. By occupation, he was a farmer and
  wheelwright, and he reared a large family, and was widely and favorably known
  among the old settlers of Cumberland county.

    By occupation Jonas Koller was a farmer, and he continued in that line
  until his death in 1897, when he was in his sixty-eighth year. He married
  Miss Katherine Binghaman, born in Cumberland county in 1833, daughter of
  Christian and Sarah (Ritter) Binghaman, formerly of Lancaster county. Their
  children were: James B., a manufacturer of spokes, wheels, etc.; Mary E.,
  married to A. B. Rupp; J. H.; and William M., also engaged in the manufacture
  of spokes and wheel material.

    J. H. Koller received his education in the public schools of Mechanicsburg,
  and spent the greater portion of his boyhood days upon the father's farm.
  Until he was twenty he thus continued, and then went into the spoke and wheel
  industry. In 1897 he opened a warehouse, engaging in handling flour, feed,
  seeds, coal and grain, his place of business being very conveniently located
  near the track of the Cumberland Valley railroad. In addition to his own
  business he is interested in the banking life of the city, being a
  stockholder and director of the First National Bank; is interested in the gas
  and water works companies, and is one of the original organizers and promoters
  of the D. Wilcox Manufacturing Company, of which he is now stockholder and
  director. His executive ability, keen insight into existing conditions, and
  his excellent judgment make him a very valued member of any commercial or
  financial concern, and his name upon the list of a board of directors, gives
  stability and standing to any institution.

    In 1883, Mr. Koller was married to Miss Annie B. Gorgas, of Mechanicsburg,
  a daughter of Solomon P. Gorgas, a prominent citizen of Mechanicsburg, now
  deceased. Politically, Mr. Koller is a Democrat, but has never accepted
  public office, his time being fully occupied with his business interests.
  Fraternally, he is a Mason, and is connected with Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F.
  and A. M.; Samuel C. Perkins Chapter. R. A. M., and Commandery No. 11,
  Knights Templar.