Family Reunions: The Hafer Family

Source: Morton Montgomery, p. 317

Surnames: HAFER, HOEFER, SCHMID

Hafer.- The Hafer family held its first reunion at Carsonia Park, Reading, in 1908. Much interest was manifested. It traces its history to Mathias Hafer, or Hoefer. He was a German and emigrated in 1773 to Pennsylvania, locating in what is now Ruscombmanor township, Berks county. He first settled in Alsace township, and was married to Julia Schmid. They had eight children, viz.: John, Matthias, George, Benjamin, Isaac, Daniel, Henry and Maria. This is a long-lived family. The early Hafers were strong, robust people. The family is mostly settled in Reading, and the townships to the east of Reading, including Alsace, Exeter and Oley.

Mr. E. E. Hafer, photographer, Reading, is the president of the permanent reunion committee, and much credit is due him for the interest taken in tracing the early history. The list of officers, all from Reading, is as follows:

President, E. E. Hafer.
First Vice-President, Adam E. Hafer.
Second Vice-President, George M. Hafer.
Corresponding Secretary, Samuel G. Hafer.
Recording Secretary, William M. Hafer.
Treasurer, Samuel L. Hafer.