BIOGRAPHY: Henry ZERBE, Mifflin County, PA

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The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, 
Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, 
Pennsylvania.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume I, 
pages 443-444.
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  HENRY ZERBE, deceased, formerly of Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., was 
born August 8, 1816, at Orwigsburg, then the county seat of Schuylkill 
county, Pa. He was the only child of Henry and Hannah Miller Zerbe. His 
father dying before the son was born, the latter was necessarily dependent 
upon his own exertions early in life. His education in the public schools 
was therefore limited. He learned boat-building, and having mastered his 
trade, began business on his own account. After working at this trade for 
several years, Mr. Zerbe bought a boat, and began carrying freight to 
Philadelphia on the Schuylkill canal. By careful management, he soon 
increased his carrying facilities, and continued for some years in the 
shipping business. He then sold his interest, and engaged in the manufacture 
of coaches and carriages in Reading, Pa. A year later, he removed to 
Lewistown, Pa. and entered the employ of William Coggshall, in the same 
business. It was not long before he bought his employer's business, and 
becoming associated with John Clark, under the firm name of Clarke & Zerbe, 
continued the carriage manufacturing business until about 1855; he then sold 
his interest to Mr. Clark. In partnership with George W. Soult, he now 
embarked in the bottling business, manufacturing soda and mineral waters. In 
1859, having sold his share in this concern, Mr. Zerbe turned his attention 
to mercantile business, and conducted a store on East Market street, near 
the Union House, now the Miller House, with much success until his death, 
which occurred December 16, 1876. From his youth up, Mr. Zerbe was 
industrious and faithful; his rise from a very modest beginning to the 
position of a prosperous business man clearly manifests his ability and 
perseverance. He was faithful and affectionate in his family relations, 
steady and consistent as a Christian, and exemplary as a citizen. Mr. Zerbe 
was warmly interested in local affairs, and took pains to promote every 
laudable enterprise; he was solicitous for the increase of educational 
facilities in Lewistown, and contributed liberally towards church work in 
all denominations. He was among the organizers of the Lewistown Gas Light 
Company, of which he continued to be an officer during the rest of his life. 
Under the original constitution of the Lewistown Water Company, he became 
one of its board of managers, and was always retained in the same position. 
Mr Zerbe was an ardent Republican; he served in various borough offices, and 
as county treasurer, to which office he was elected in 1855. Before the 
formation of the Republication party, Mr. Zerbe was a Whig. Few men have 
been more zealous for the public interests, or have served them more 
faithfully.
  Henry Zerbe was twice married. By his first marriage, to Matilda Speece, 
he had three children; the mother and children all died. On January 1, 1850, 
he was again married, to Hannah M., daughter of Joseph and Susanna 
(McFadden) Rittenhouse. Their children are: Charles A., who married Cartes 
B. Allison, and has two children; Fred Allison and Charles Andrew, who died 
when three years old; Henry R., married Ellen L. Firoved; Edward M.; and 
Frank J. During Mr. Zerbe's later years, he became a member of the 
Presbyterian church.