Robert Zediker, p. 1202

ROBERT ZEDIKER. This progressive and enterprising citizen of South Strabane township is a representative of one of the best-known and most prominent families in the county.

John Zediker, grandfather of subject, was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and in their youth he and his brother David, having an eye to the grandeur and fertility of the then "far West," set out to "spy the land," ostensibly on a hunting expedition, and finally arriving in Washington county, they were so fascinated with the beauties and attractions of South Strabane township, that they here resolved to remain and cast their lot. John, while in eastern Pennsylvania, had learned the trade of blacksmith, which he carried on for many years in the county of his adoption. Soon after his arrival he married Margaret, daughter of Ludwig Smith, who was among the earliest settlers of the county, and the children born to this union were Lewis, Susan (Mrs. Joseph Hallam), Elizabeth (Mrs. George Smith), Julia A. (Mrs. James Schwisher), Mary (Mrs. Matthew Doak) and John. Mr. Smith took a "tomahawk claim" of nearly a thousand acres of wild land, a part of which is now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He early identified himself with the politics of his section, and was prominent among the Federalists. In church matters he also took an active interest, and in the organization of the Lutheran Church in Amwell township he was a prominent factor. In this Society he was an elder for many years.

Lewis Zediker, father of our subject, was born in 1792 in South Strabane township, and passed his boyhood and youth on the home place, attending the subscription schools of his locality. In his early manhood he was married to Isabella, daughter of Robert Henry, and the children born to them were John (deceased), George, Robert, Nicholas, Sarah (Mrs. William Birmingham), Mary A., Susan (Mrs. E. R. Smith), Julia (Mrs. Frank Martin) and Harriet (Mrs. John Redick). After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Zediker took up their residence on the farm of his father-in-law, where he built a log cabin in which they lived some years; then moved to the place known as the "B. B. Zediker farm," on which they passed the remainder of their days, Mr. Zediker dying in 1867, his widow in 1876. Their remains repose in the Pigeon Creek U. P. cemetery. As members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, Mr. and Mrs. Zediker were among its most active and liberal supporters. In politics originally a Whig, afterward a Republican, he was a leading counselor in the ranks of either party.

Robert Zediker was born August 24, 1822, on the old homestead, where he was early inducted into the multifarious duties of farm life. He attended the common schools of the district, and was regarded as one of the most apt scholars of his section. On December 25, 1849, Mr. Zediker was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of John Hewitt, of Amwell township, and the children born to them are Mary J. (Mrs. John Berk), Anna M. (Mrs. Aaron Gamble), Martha B. (Mrs. George Shipe), Margaret K. (deceased), John H. (deceased), Emma G. (deceased), Lizzie (Mrs. John N. White) and Fannie. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Zediker took up their residence on the home farm, where they yet live, and on which they have made material improvements, having built two commodious dwellings; the one in which they at present reside was erected in 1885.

A zealous and enthusiastic Republican, Mr. Zediker has for many years been one of the leaders of the party in his section, and he has ever taken a deep interest in all matters tending to the advancement of his township and county, particularly in educational affairs, in connection with which he has done much to elevate the standard of instruction, and for a long period he served as director of schools. Mr. Zediker, through his liberality and influence, was of valued assistance in getting the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through his locality, giving the right of way, and donating grounds for the station.

Text taken from page 1202 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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