JOHN WHERRY, JR., is one of the most widely-known and popular agriculturists of West Bethlehem township. His grandfather, John Wherry, was born in Somerset township, where his father had secured a patent for nearly 500 acres of land, in what was known as the "tomahawk improvement." Here his boyhood was spent, and his education, which was very good for the time, was received in the old subscription school, a considerable distance from his home. After a long and successful career, he died about the beginning of the present century. John W. Wherry, the father of our subject, was born in Somerset township. His education was like that of his father, but the schools were then public or "common." He married Catherine, a daughter of George Weaver, of West Pike Run township, after which they remained upon the farm about twelve years, then removed to West Bethlehem township. To them were born the following named children: Amy, John Jr., William, Elizabeth, Eleanor, George W., Eli, Mary and James; all of whom are living in Washington county, excepting Elizabeth, who died in 1887.
The subject of this sketch was born October 29, 1843, in Somerset township, and his boyhood was principally employed in assisting his father in the care of the farm. After the family removed to West Bethlehem township, he attended the school known as "Wherry's School-house," situated on his father's farm. In 1867 he married Elizabeth Bigler, daughter of Henry Bigler, of West Bethlehem township, after which he moved to the farm he now owns, and where the following children have been born to them: Elizabeth, Mary, William, Ida and Charles, all of whom with the exception of Elizabeth, who died in 1877, are living at home with their parents. In 1890 Mr. Wherry built one of the finest houses in this section. When he took possession there was scarcely a building or fence upon the place, whereas it is now one of the best improved farms in West Bethlehem township. Its strong and neat board fences and elegant buildings bestow upon it an air of thrift and prosperity. Mr. Wherry is a Republican, and although he is no office seeker has been elected to many positions of trust. He was a soldier in Company G, One Hundred and Tenth P. V. I., but escaped in battle, only to meet with injury thirty years later. In November, 1892, while hauling logs, he got his arm broken, which left it crooked and helpless for a time. He is a member of the Ten Mile Baptist Church (of which he is deacon), as are also his wife and children. Mrs. Wherry is a lady commanding the esteem and regard of all who know her. The entire family are intelligent and industrious citizens.
Text taken from page 879 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]