BIO: William H. KEPNER, Dauphin County, PA

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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.
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  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.