Emanuel Berger, whose family has been connected with the agricultural interests of Berks County for a century and a half, is now living in retirement on his farm of 152 acres, located in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, Pa. He was born in the house in which he now lives, Jan. 27, 1836, and he is a son of George and Catherine (Boltz) Berger.
Herbert Berger, the great-grandfather of our subject, a native of Germany, upon emigrating to America settled on the farm now owned by our subject; in 1867 he built the house in which our subject resides, and carried on farming all his life. Christian Berger, the grandfather of our subject, was born in our subject's present house, and remained there all his life; following the pursuits of an agriculturist. George Berger, our subject's father, was born September 24, 1810, on the old homestead, where he remained throughout his entire life, engaged in farming. He was united in marriage three times. His first wife was Catherine Boltz, who bore him two children, who were named as follows: Sarah Ann, who died in 1889, the wife of Benjamin Himmelberger, who is also deceased; and Emanuel, the subject of this biographical sketch. His second wife was the widow of a Mr. Feick, and upon her death he formed a third marriage with Mrs. Mary Sunday. The father of our subject passed from this life August 24, 1890.
Emanuel Berger received his education in the common schools of his native township, and in 1859, went West and located in McLean County, Ill., where he engaged in the cultivation of the soil until 1862, when he returned to the old homestead in Berks County, where he is classed among the leading farmers of his vicinity. He is now about to retire from the active duties of life, and the old homestead is in charge of his son Benjamin.
On December 10, 1864, Mr. Berger was married to Christina Sunday, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Balthaser) Sunday, both of whom are now deceased. Seven children resulted from this union, as follows: George, a resident of this county, was wedded to Lillie Mangel; Kate is the wife of Jerome Rutter of Upper Tulpehocken township; Benjamin was united in wedlock with Mary Potteiger; Henry is a miller of Jefferson township; Mary, deceased; Amos is also a miller of Jefferson township: and Sally, the wife of Samuel Feick, both of whom now reside with our subject. In politics Mr. Berger is a stanch democrat, and has served as Judge of elections, school director and in several minor township offices. In religious views he is an active member of the Reformed Church; his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Berger is an honor to his vocation, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors and many acquaintances.
Source: Book of Biographies: This volume contains Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Berks County, Pa. Buffalo: Biographical Publishing Company, 1898, p. 280.
Submitted by Bill.
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