Jacob P Kammerdiener
JACOB P. KAMMERDIENER, farmer and miller of Boggs township, Armstrong county, is a man whose industry and enterprise have brought him notable success. Commencing life for himself with no special advantages, he has made the most of his opportunities and circumstances, has added to his property and widened his interests, and is now one of the substantial residents of his locality.Mr. Kammerdiener was born Dec. 2, 1849, in Wayne township, this county, son of John Philip and Catherine (Breitenbach) Kammerdiener. His grandfather, George Peter Kammerdiener, came to America about 1811 with his wife and three sons, Jacob, John Philip and John. The family first lived at Sinking Valley, in Huntingdon county, Pa., thence moving to Dayton, Armstrong county, and later settling on the farm in Wayne township where Jacob P. Kammerdiener was born, the grandfather obtaining 1,200 acres in one tract, for which he paid about two dollars an acre. Building a log house and log barn he set himself industriously to work on the improvement of the place, where he lived the rest of his days. He was a Lutheran in religious connection, and helped to build the log church known as the Jerusalem church. He died Jan. 12, 1849, aged sixty-nine years; his wife Anna Gertude (Breitenbach), died Dec. 6, 1855, aged sevety-seven years.
John Philip Kammerdiener, father of Jacob P. Kammerdiener, was born at Kindheim, Germany. After the family settled on the farm in Wayne township he always lived there, and he greatly improved the property in his time, replacing the origanal log buildings with modern structures and developing the land to a profitable state of fertility. He lived to the age of ninety-three years, dying July 15, 1907. In religion Mr. Kammerdiener was a Lutheran and served his church officially for many years. He was a Republican in political opinion, but never cared for public life or official honors. His wife, Catherine (Breitenbach), like himself a native of Kindheim, Germany, is still living on the old homstead, now aged eighty-two years; she was born June 6, 1832. Twelve children were born to this worthy couple: Louise, Jacob P., Elizabeth, Phoebe, Rebecca, George (deceased), Philip, Peter, Catherine, Anna (deceased), Henry M. (deceased), and Martha (deceased).
Jacob P. Kammerdiener lived on the family homestead in wayne township until he was thirty-three years old, at which time he married and began farming for himself. After his marriage he settled in Boggs township, buying 101 acres where he now lives. There was not even a house on this land, and he built a dwelling and began the work of cultivation, which he has since continued with most gratifying results. As he prospered he added seventy-two acres to his original purchase, and he has devoted himself to general farming and allied interests, finding congenial employment in the different branches of work he has undertaken. He raises fullbred Shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs and grade horses, owns an interest in a threshing outfit, and owns and operates a chopping mill which has proved to be a great convenience in the locality. In addition to looking after his private affairs Mr. Kammerdiener has found time to take part in public matters in his district. The first office to which he was elected was that of assessor, and he has since been chosen school director, supervisor (serving four years) and judge of election (two years). In politics he associates with the Republican party.
In 1882 Mr. Kammerdiener married Sarah J. Houser, who was born May 20, 1856, in Boggs township, daughter of Henry and Ester (Zimmerman) Houser, and they are the paents of three children, born as follows: Mary L., March 22, 1884; Margaret S., Nov. 21, 1888; and James A., Oct 7, 1893. All live at home.
Source: Pages 742-743 Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed October 1998 by Rodney G Rosborough for the Armstrong County Beers Project
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