William Biecher Jr. ^{1 3 4 5 6 7 8}

   Other names for William were William Beicher Jr.,^{16 17} William Bicher Jr. ^{11 12 14} and Wilhelm Biecher.¹³

   FamilySearch ID: KFJM-JV2.

  Christening Notes:

From the bible of Wilhelm Bicher: Once more they begotten a son. He saw the light of the world on the 11th of September, 1834, and received the Sacred Baptism from the Reverend W. G. Ernst in the course of which he gave him a name of Wilhelm. The sponsor was his grandfather Emanuel Meily Sr.

  Burial Notes:

His tombstone reads: Father - William Biecher 1834-1915 Co K 127 Regt. R.V.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Alt. Name: Christened as surname Bicher (pronouced like Beecher), William later adotped Biecher surname as on his tombstone, unlike his father whose tombstone is Beicher. Bicher is on William's PA death certificate., in 1834, in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA.

2. William moved many graves! in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA about 1850. ¹⁸ From "Old Salem in Lebanon : a history of the congregation and town" published in 1898:

At this period the time of the pastor was taken greatly into requisition by the numerous funerals in the various congregations he served, particularly the funerals of children. They often interfered with the regular services, and the matter was brought before the congregation by advice of the Council. The burial grounds also were beginning to be too small for a congregation of our size, and on December 26th, 1821, a Committee was appointed to purchase a suitable piece of ground as a burial plot. The Committee consisted of George Reinoehl, Christian Suavely, Tobias Fernsler, Philip Fischer and Adam Ritscher. The Committee acted, and purchased an acre of ground on the other side of the Quitopahila from Mr. William Moore. They paid $300.00 for it. This was the lot where the "Old Paper Mill" or rather the flour mill that was built by Myers and Showr now stands. But few were buried on the plot. On account of the lowness of the ground the graves frequently became filled with water while they were being dug in wet weather. It was vacated early in the 50's and the remains of those buried there were reinterred in the Salem grave-yard along side the Eighth Street Wall by Mr. William Biecher.*

At the meeting in 1825 the congregation resolved that in the future all strangers and those who had not been living here for six months as well as those who had not paid for their grant for burial purposes according to the constitution, should be buried upon our new (that is the watery) cemetery.

*J. J. Embich.

3. Census in 1850 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹² William Bicher, age 39, tinner, is living with Susanna, 38; John, 19, shoemaker; William, 17, tinner; Elizabeth, 10; Emelia, 7; Sarah, 5; Emanuel, 2; and Mary Bicher, 70, who we presume is William's mother, nee Michal. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. Their neighbors are Felix Good, 70, and David Carmany, 56.
[Note: Most census indexes list Bicker, not Bicher; the census taker's handwriting can easily be mistaken.].

4. Newspaper: Der Libanon Demokrat, 9 Jul 1852, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹⁹ A notice appeared announcing his marriage: "Married. On the 1st of this month by the Rev. G. F. Krotel, Mr. William Bicher of Lebanon with Miss Louisa H. Embich of Myerstown."

5. Census in 1860 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹⁰ William Biecher, age 22, is recorded in the 1860 Census in Lebanon living with his wife, Louisa, 23; Ann, 5; and John, 3. His occupation is tinsmith and everyone was born in Pennsylvania.

6. Military from 14 Aug 1862 to 29 May 1863 in , , Pennsylvania, USA: Civil War: Corporal in Company K, 127th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. ^{20 21 22}

7. Occupation: Gopsill's Lebanon Directory, 1863-4: Bicher William, tinsmith, Cumberland n Pinegrove; Biecher William, tinsmith, h E Walnut n Chestnut in 1863 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ²³

8. Military from 2 Jul 1863 to 26 Aug 1863 in , , Pennsylvania, USA: Civil War: William Biecher. Company I 48th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia. ²⁴

9. Military from 13 Mar 1864 to 1 Jul 1865 in Harrisburg, Dauphin, PA: Civil War: Co. F 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry 64th Regiment. ¹⁷ His record on file shows the following:
Beicher, William Jr.
F - 4C
Muster Roll
Enrolled: 3-31-64 at Hbg., Pa.
M.I. 3-31-64 as Pvt. at Hbg, Pa.
M.O. 7-1-65
Discharged
Age at enrollment 31
Height: 5' 11"
Hair: Dark
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Occupation: Tim Smith
Residence: Lebanon Co. Pa.

10. Census in 1870 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ²⁵ He is listed in the 1870 Census in Lebanon as William Biecher, age 35, tinsmith. Living in his household are Louisa, 35; Annie 16; Edwin 11; Luther 4; Charles 11 months when the census was recorded on June 22, 1870. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania.

11. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: article about William Beicher and runaway horse, 26 Jul 1879, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ²⁶ Runaway.
This morning Mr. William Beicher hitched the gray mare of Mr. Jeremiah Strayer for the purpose of bringing the animal to the market house, but scarely had he entered the vehicle when she at a rapid rate ran up Cumberland street, and only in front of Fisher's Hall did Mr. Beicher succeed in checking her speed. The mare is still young, and Mr. Beecher having neglected to put blinds on her, she saw the top of the wagon, which had the effect of exciting her and causing her to become unmanageable. The animal was at once put out of the shafts for safety. Nothing was broken by the runaway.

12. Census in 1880 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ^{9 11} The head of the household is William Biecher, blacksmith, age 45. Living with him is his wife, Louisa (45); Charles (12); William (7); Ellen (4); Sarah (2). All are born in Pennsylvania. The listing is in the 1st Ward in Lebanon.

13. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: article about large pumpikins grown by William Beicher, 24 Sep 1889, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ²⁷ Large Pumpkins.

Mr. William Beicher, residing on the southeast corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, has a number of pumpkins growing in his yard which "take the cake" in this section for size. There are five of them, one of which measures almost six feet in circumference. It is as large as a flour barrel and one man could not handle it.

14. Pension Civil War on 18 Nov 1890 in , , Pennsylvania, USA. ^{11 28} The record was filed by his wife Louisa H. Bicher and shows he served during the war in:
Company K 127 Pennsylvania Infantry
Company F 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry
Company E 48th Pennsylvania Militia Infantry.

15. Residence: in 1899 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ²⁹ 1899 Lebanon City Directory
Biecher, Benjamin P., cigar mfr., 734 Walnut, h. do. Mrs. Lizzie.
Biecher, Geo., carpenter, 734 Walnut. Mrs. Lavina.
Biecher, William, blacksmith, 111 S. 8th Mrs. Louisa, Sadie.
Biecher, Wm. H., bottler, 612 Maple. Mrs. Ellen H., Annie L., Charlotte E.

16. Census in 1900 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹⁶ William Beicher, age 65, born Sep 1834, is listed in the 1900 Census living at 111 S 8th Street in Lebanon. Living with him is his wife of 48 years, Louisa, born July 1834. She had given birth to 9 children, 6 still living in 1900. Only one is living with them: Sadie E. born Nov 1878, occupation seamstress. William's occupation is blacksmith.

17. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: Biecher Family Reunion, 21 Apr 1902, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³⁰ Family Reunion
Took Place at the Home of Mr. and Mrs. William Biecher
A family reunion was held on Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Biecher, South Eighth street. Charles Biecher, who had been absent from the city for 12 years, returned home the early part of last week, and on Saturday evening J. Edward Biecher arrived from Marion, Ohio, where he has been residing for 21 years. It was a happy meeting of parents, sisters and brothers.

18. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: The Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Biecher Celebrated, 1 Jul 1902, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³¹ The Golden Wedding
-----
of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Biecher Celebrated
-----
At Their Home Here Today
-----
They Were Married Half a Century Ago in Old Salem Lutheran Parsonage by the Rev. J. F. Krotell, D. D., Who Is Now Pastor of a Flourishing Church in Philadelphia -- They Are Enjoying Excellent Health and Are Light Hearted and Cheerful -- Pure of Gold Given the Worthy Couple by Their Children -- Notes.

(photos of Mrs. and Mrs. William Biecher)

Golden wedding days are always the subject of much interest and many felicitations. To participate in the festivities which mark the end of half a century of union in marriage is to have a mensory delightful to cherish. It means much to a community when such events take place and makes a valuable and valued part of its history.

Today, amid the congratulations which are showered from all sides Mr. and Mrs. William Bicher, of 111 South Eighth street, pause for a little while to gaze down the golden vista of fifty years and marvel at the swift visions they present.

Half a century ago they stood side by side with the light of the morning of life shining upon them. The young man was strong and fearless in the strength of his early manhood, while his girl-wife glorified the scene then as now. Although the snows of time are lightly touching her head, yet she has the same softness of eye and the same quiet and gentle expression that ever illumined her face. Those who knew her in the long ago say that she surprisingly fair as a girl, and her kind face tells its own story of goodness and gentleness that have ruled her through the flight of years, and now as the afternoon of life draws on, the beauty of her youth is not missed as it melts into the beauty which kind deeds and unselfish thoughts brings to the face -- the looking glass of the soul.

Few couples enjoy the proud distinction of celebrating such an event and the golden wedding of today will forever remain fresh in the memory of this worthy pair.

A PURSE OF GOLD.

While nothing specially marked the celebration during the day, with the exception of receiving congratulations and calls from their children and other friends, the principal features will occur this evening when Mr. and Mrs. Biecher and their invited guests will gather around the happy festive board to enjoy the good things of life. Owing to the fact that the children recently held a family reunion and for the reason that some of them live a great distance from Lebanon they will not all be present this evening. The absent ones however, will think dearly of their parents and be present in thought. All have sent greetings and presents and with the children here an acceptable gift in the shape of a purse of gold, was given to Mr. and Mrs. Biecher, besides a number of other pretty tokens, which are much appreciated by them.

THE FIRST WEDDING.

Fifty years ago today, on July 1, 1852, Wililam Biecher, son of the late William and Susana Biecher, and Louisa Hartman Embich, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Philip Embich, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony at the parsonage of Salem Lutheran church, on North Eighth street, where the present parsonage is now located, by the pastor. Rev. J. F. Krotell. D. D., who is now pastor of a large and flourishing congregation in Philadelphia, and who is regarded as one of the most prominent and distinguished Lutheran divines in Pennsylvania. Their happy marriage was blessed with nine children, of whom the following are still living: Mrs. Annie Meily. Marion. O.; Lena, Earl, Willard and Stella, children of John E. Biecher. of Marion, O., foreman of a large steel works and shovel manufacturing plant at Marion; Charles M. Biecher, of Baltimore; William Biecher, Lebanon; Mrs. Edward Keppleman. Lebanon, and Miss Sadie Biecher. who lives at home. The children dead are: Luther, Katie and Mary.

MANY GRANDCHILDREN.

They have the following grandchildren, all living: Etta, Weidman and Eva, children of Mrs. Annie Meily, Marion, O.; Lena, Earl, Willard and Stella, children of John E. Biecher, Marion, O; Anna and Charlotte, children of William Biecher, Lebanon, and Ruth and Richard, children of Edward Keppleman, of this city. Mr. Biecher has two brothers, Emanuel and George Biecher, Marion, O., and two sisters, Mrs. Henry Embich, Lebanon, and Mrs. Amelia Frescon of Reading. Mrs. Biecher has a sister, Mrs. Matilda Kurtzman, and a brother, Peter Embich, both residing at Myerstown. There are no great-grandchildren but there is a marriage of grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Biecher enjoy the best of health, as they have all their lives.

ABOUT SAME AGE.

Mr. Biecher will be 68 years of age in September, and Mrs. Biecher will be the same age on Sunday, July 6. Mr. Biecher is a tinsmith and blacksmith by occupation, and for nearly 20 years was employed as a blacksmith at the Lebanon manufacturing company's works, which position he held until he reached the age of 60 years, when his eyesight began to fail and soon thereafter he was compelled to quit work. Since then he has been living a somewhat retired life, not being able to do any manual work. He has been a very active man during these many years and is still well preserved. He is of a quiet disposition, and like his good wife, is always glad to meet and greet friends. For years Mr. and Mrs. Biecher have been faithful members of old Salem church.

FINE WAR RECORD.

Mr. Biecher has an excellent war record, having served more than three years in the war of the Rebellion. He first enlisted in 1863, in Co. K. Ninety-third regiment, composed principally of recruits from Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. After being in the service for nine months, he came home and re-enlisted in the Forty-eighth regiment, Penn. militia, and later re-enlisted in Co. A, Ninety-third regiment. Later, during the war, he also enlisted in the Fourth cavalry, concluding his service in the Union army some time in 1864. He was a brave and faithful soldier and was never known to flinch from or shirk a duty.

At the reunion of the children, held some time ago, among those in attendance was Charles Biecher, a son, who came from far off Japan, where he had been staying for some time. John E. Biecher, of Marion, O., was also present at that time.

Today the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Biecher are just as light and cheery as any of those who pressed about them with happy salutations and congratulations. They take life as it comes, serenely and without fear or dread of the future. That they may be spared to enjoy many more anniversaries of their wedding and that great happiness will follow them all the days of their lives is the wish of all.

"Soul to soul for aye and aye.
Glad they tread the field of life;
Hope from every hap distilling,
God's high purposes fulfilling.
Happy husband, happy wife!
Mellow age, reward these twain.
Pass them, adverse winds that blow,
Merry rang their marriage bells
Fifty years ago."

19. Newspaper: Harrisburg Daily Independent: The golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Biecher, of Lebanon, was celebrated yesterday with a family reunion., 2 Jul 1902, Harrisburg, Dauphin, PA. ³²

20. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: William Miley Here, 13 Oct 1902, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³³ William Miley, or Marion, O., is here, the guest of Mr. and Mrs. William Beecher, at 111 South Eighth street. Mr. Miley is on his way home from Washington, where he attended the G. A. R. encampment. He is well acquainted in Lebanon and has a host of friends here.

21. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: Mrs. George Meily Visiting, 5 Oct 1906, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³⁴ ---
Long Away, But Welcome
---
Return, for a visit, of Lady Highly Cherished in Other Days.
---
Mrs. George Meily, of Marion, Ohio, is visiting her parents, Mrs. and Mrs. William Beicher of Chestnut street. This is Mrs. Meily's first visit to the place of her nativity in many years. She was very highly admired for the finest attributes of her sex, when she lived here.

22. Census in 1910 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³⁵ The 1910 census recorded renting a home at 820 Strawberry Alley: William Biecher, laborer helper for blacksmith, 75, married for 57 years to wife Louisa, 74. She had birthed 9 children and 6 were alive in 1910. They and their parents were born in Pennsylvania.

23. Residence: Lebanon City Directory: Biecher Wm H, cigarmkr, bds 127 N 8th. Charlotte. in 1911 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³⁶ The 1911 Lebanon Directoy listed these Biechers:

Biecher Anna L., res 732 N 7th.
Biecher Benjamin P, grocer 1000 Walnut, res 734 Walnut. Mrs. Elizabeth, George R, Helen M.
Biecher Charles E, res 732 N 7th.
Biecher Charlotte E., res 732 N 7th.
Biecher George, cigars, 732 Walnut, h 734 same.
Biecher Wm H, cigarmkr, bds 127 N 8th. Charlotte.

24. Occupation: blacksmith on 26 Dec 1911 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³⁷

25. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: "J. Edwin Biecher, formerly of this city, now of Marion, Ohio, returned home this afternoon on the 1:05 train, after visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Biecher, of 817 Strawberry alley.", 20 Sep 1912, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ³⁸

26. Death Certificate: Certificate Number: 86138. William Bicher, 13 Sep 1915, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹⁴ Place of death: 820 Strawberry Alley, Lebanon, Pa.
Name: William Bicher
Married
Date of brith: 11 Sept 1834
Age: 81 years 0 mos. 2 ds.
Occupation: retired
Birthplace: Lebanon, Pa.
Father: William Bicher, Lebanon, Pa.
Mother: Susanna Meily, Lebanon, Pa.
Date of death: 13 Sept 1915
Cause of death: dilation of the heart
Signed: W. F. Klein M.D. Lebanon, Pa.
Burial: Mt. Lebanon 16 Sep 1915.
Undertaker: P. H. Thompson, Lebanon.
Informant: W. F. Klein, Lebanon.

27. Obituary: Lebanon Daily News: obtiuary of Wm. Biecher with photo on 13 Sep 1915 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ² Wm. Biecher, Aged Veteran, Mustered Out

(photo of William Biecher)

William Biecher, a retired blacksmith, died at eleven o'clock this morning at his home in Strawberry alley, between Eigth and Ninth streets, from a complication of diseases, incident to old age, following an illness of one month. He was 81 years old, being the oldest surviving former member of Salem Ev. Lutheran Church choir. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as a member of Capt. John Widman's company of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and later, in Company E, Forty-eighth Regiment, Pa. Vols., commanded by capt. John Reinoehl. He was a member of Salem Ev. Lutheran Church for more than 65 years, having been confirmed by Rev. William G. Ernst on Whit Sunday, March 12, 1850, and of the Union Fire Company.

THOSE WHO SURVIVE

He was married on July 1, 1852, to Louisa H. Embich, the ceremony being performed by Rev. G. F. Krotel, then pastor of Salem Ev. Lutheran Church. He leaves his wife and the following children: Mrs. Annie Meily, Marion O.; Edwin Biecher, Marion, O.; Mrs. Ella Keppleman, Reading; Charles Biecher, Philadelphia; Mrs. Sadie Weiser, Reading; William Biecher, Womelsdorf.

28. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: Son-in-Law and Sons Bearers at Biecher Funeral, 16 Sep 1915, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹⁵ Three sons and a son-in-law this afternoon acted as pall bearers at the funeral of the late William Biecher, of this city. REv. A. W. Leibensperger, junior pastor of the Salem Ev. Lutheran church, conducted services at the house in Strawberry alley, near Eighth street. Burial was made in Mt. Lebanon cemetery.
The bearers were Edward Biecher, Charles Biecher and William Biecher and Edward Keppelman. P. H. Thompson was the undertaker.

William married Louisa Hartman Embich, daughter of John Phillip Embich and Maria Spengler, on 1 Jul 1852 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA.^{1 2} (Louisa Hartman Embich was born on 6 Jul 1834 in , Lebanon, PA ^{3 10 11 39 40}, christened on 21 Sep 1834 in Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA,¹¹ died on 4 Nov 1917 in Womelsdorf, Berks, PA ^{3 11 39 41 42 43} and was buried on 8 Nov 1917 in Lebanon: Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon, PA ^{3 39 42 43}.)