William M. Herche
WILLIAM M. HERCHE (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Parker's Landing, born Dec. 10, 1837, in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, son of Henry Herche.William M. Herche came to this country in 1855, and upon his arrival located at Kittanning, Armstrong Co., Pa., which continued to be his home until 1871. During the period of his residence in that city he learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. In 1871 he was attracted to Parker's Landing on account of the excitement over the discovery of oil in that vicinity. Realizing the opportunity for a hotel man, he conducted the "Kittanning House" until 1875, when he purchased the "Mansion House," and operated it very successfully until 1910, which year he retired from active participation in business life. While engaged in hotel-keeping he was largely interested in oil business at Petroleum Center.
On Nov. 25, 1873, Mr. Herche was united in marriage with Barbara K. Blum, who was born Feb. 11, 1854, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Behm) Blum, of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. She died Nov. 3, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Herche became the parents of seven children, five of whom survive: William F., Amelia E. (wife of Hope B. Cooper), Katherine (wife of Anton Conum), Dr. Jeanette B. and Fred C.
While residing in Kittanning Mr. Herche was connected with the German Reformed Church of that borough, and was one of the liberal contributors toward the erection of the new church edifice put up in 1870. Joining the Odd Fellows at Kittanning, he became a charter member of Lodge No. 179 of that fraternity at Parker City, and when he died had the distinction of being its oldest member. From the formation of his party he was a loyal Republican. This most excellent and representative citizen died Nov. 17, 1911.
Source: Pages 445, Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed September 2001 by Vaughn Davis for the Armstrong County Beers Project
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