Edward M. Messersmith, wagon manufacturer, was born at Elizabethville, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 22 December 1852, a son of Adam Messersmith and Polly [Welker] Messersmith.
The father, Adam Messersmith, died at Elizabethville in 1888. The mother died when Edward was four years old. He was one of four children:
William Messersmith;
James Messersmith;
Edward Messersmith; and
Henry Messersmith.
The father, Adam Messersmith, was a Republican in politics and was not a member of any church.
Edward Messersmith was educated in the common schools of his native place. At the age of sixteen years he started to learn the blacksmith trade with WIlliam Palton at Elizabethville, with whom he remained nine months and then worked three months with Samuel Snyder, near Loyalton, after which he was employed in the Williamstown collieries as a blacksmith for the company. His wages at one time were $15 per week and he was at different times employed by the company. In 1893 he formed a partnership with Mr. Byerly for the manufacture of wagons at Elizabethville, and they have built up a large and profitable business. Mr. Messersmith was married at Berrysburg to Miss Mary Snyder, by whom he has seven children:
Nora J. Mesersmith;
Sarah E. Messersmith;
Harry Messersmith;
Walter W. Messersmith;
George A. Messersmith;
Mary E. Messersmith; and
Della Irene Messersmith.
He is a Republican in his political views, but he never sought office. His religious fellowship is with the Lutherans.
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The above information was modified/edited from Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, published in 1896 by J. M. Runk and Company of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. A free download is available from the Internet Archive.
See also:
Findagrave Memorial #104407338. Edward M. Messersmith died on 21 September 1924 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Elizabethville, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.