Joseph F. Romberger, manager of the Western Union Telegraph office, and general merchant, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania, was born in Washington Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 4 February 1848; son of Benjamin Romberger and Amelia [Fisher] Romberger. He attended the common schools of Mifflin Township in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer. He also studied at Berrysburg Seminary, for five terms, thirteen weeks each season, after which he taught in Mifflin Township for two terms. At the age of fifteen he became clerk in the store of Frederick Weaver, Berrysburg. Several years later Mr. Weaver having sold out, he was for a year in the store of William Boyer at Gratz. He then spent three months as clerk in a store in Illinois. Returning, he became clerk for George Lark, Berrysburg, until, with his father as his partner, he bought the stock of Dr. John Beshler; the firm conducted a general mercantile business for several years. Mr. Joseph Romberger subsequently bought his father’s interest, carrying on the business on his own account, and has succeeded in building up an extensive trade. He also deals largely in live stock and horses, shipping from the West. He has a farm of one hundred and forty acres, for which he paid $9,000. He built a fine dwelling in Berrysburg and a store, expending upon them over $12.000. In earlier life he was a butcher. For four years and a half he was postmaster.
Joseph F. Romberger was married, in January, 1870, to Mary S. Yeager, daughter of Henry Yeager, born in Washington Township. They have two children:
Grace Romberger, wife of John Stover, clerk in her father’s store; and
Harry B. Romberger, who died in early youth. Mr. Romberger belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.
He is a member of the Lutheran church, and has been deacon, trustee, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Romberger is one of the solid men of the town. His success in business demonstrates his ability in that line. He also stands in the lead in social circles.
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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.
Portrait of Joseph F. Romberger from an obituary that appeared in an area newspaper at the time of his death.
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