BIO: William H. KEPNER, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JAWB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm _______________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, page 232. _______________________________________________________________ KEPNER, WILLIAM H., son of Samuel Kepner and Sarah -----, was born in 1810, in Bern township, Berks county, Pa. His father was a millwright, came to Harrisburg in 1823, and erected the first steam flour mill in the neighborhood of Harrisburg. William H. adopted the business and trade of his father, and at the death of the latter continued the business, acquiring an extensive reputation in this and adjoining States for the superior quality of his millstones. For a period of twenty years Mr. Kepner filled various prominent positions in the municipal affairs of the borough and the city. He served several terms in the old town council, and upon the amendment of the borough charter was elected the councilman-at-large. He was elected the first mayor of the city of Harrisburg, an office he filled with becoming dignity. He was at one time the Democratic candidate for associate judge of the county, and although his party were greatly in the minority, came within a small vote of an election. He was one of the organizers and president of the Harrisburg Fire Association. In all public positions he was faithful to his trust, and conscientiously exercised the authority reposed in his hands. In the city of his adoption he took a large and liberal interest in its growth and general prosperity. He died January 18, 1871, at Harrisburg, aged sixty years. Mr. Kepner married, in 1842, Cassandra Loucks, daughter of George Loucks (1786- 1849) and Susan Weltzhoffer (1795-1842), of York county, Pa., and their surviving children are George L. and Ida J., married O. P. Good, of Harrisburg.