JOHN EDELMAN, a representative citizen of Palmer Township, and one of its oldest surviving residents, is a native of Northampton County, born on the 11th of March, 1817. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth Edelman, were also born in this county, to which place his paternal grandfather emigrated from Germany, becoming the founder of the Edelman family in the United States. The father of our subject was a lifelong resident of Palmer Township, a man of industry and enterprise, whose life was one of busy toil. In the township where for so many years he had been a resident he passed away in November of 1826. Of his children, there now survive Joseph, John and David.
The subject of this sketch was reared to a sturdy manhood in Palmer Township, and was thoroughly trained to farm work, which he has conducted successfully throughout life. It was never his privilege to attend public schools, but he was a short time a student in the subscription schools of early days, though his broad knowledge of history and current topics has been gained through self-study. It has been his aim to keep posted upon what is going on in the world about him, and this habit he has never abandoned. During his long and useful career, his residence in this township covering a period of nearly eighty years, he has witnessed the wonderful improvement of this section, and has contributed his quota to the development of its material resources.
The marriage of Mr. Edelman, solemnized many years ago, united him with Mary Yeager, daughter of the late Jacob Yeager, of Palmer Township. There were born of this union five children, named as follows: Samuel, John H., Andrew C., Mary R. and Sarah J. The faithful wife and devoted mother was called from earth July 13, 1858.
The political belief of Mr. Edelman brings him into active co-operation with the Democratic party, to which he has always given his warm support. For several terms he officiated as School Director in Palmer Township, and, appreciating his own lack of early advantages, he has done all in his power to give to the children of this generation the best educational advantages possible. In religion a Lutheran, he holds membership in the Church at Easton. He is well-to-do in this world’s goods, owning seventy-three acres of land in his home farm, and also the well known Fountain House in Palmer Township. Through his labors in life’s prime he accumulated a competence, whereby he is enabled to spend the twilight of his useful existence in the enjoyments of the comforts so well deserved. He has retained through his entire life the confidence of the community where he has been a lifelong resident, and has the regard of all his associates.
Source: Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Pages 184.
