Reuben Edelman

REUBEN EDELMAN. An honorable position among the residents of Palmer Township is held by the subject of this notice, who formerly officiated as Commissioner of Northampton County, and for years has engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits. The energy of his nature and his enterprise in taking hold of and superintending his extensive interests have aided him in the accumulation of a valuable property. He has been more than ordinarily successful, and his example is better than many precepts in pointing the moral that success will follow persistent and energetic efforts when coupled with judgment and honest dealing with his fellow-men.

Born April 12, 1829, the subject of this sketch is a son of George and Leah (Hahn) Edelman, all natives of Northampton County. The original representative of the family in this locality was his great-grandfather Edelman, who in an early day made settlement in Montgomery County, Pa., and later located in Williams Township. His father followed the trade of a blacksmith, and at the same time also engaged in farming. He attained a ripe old age, and passed away in 1863. Of his children to survive, namely: Reuben, of this sketch, and Hiram, whose home is in Easton.

Reared upon a farm, our subject was thoroughly trained in every department of agriculture, and when the time came for him to select a life occupation, naturally chose that with which he was most familiar. As a farmer, his is prudent, thrifty, energetic and persevering, and has become the owner of fifty-four acres of land, the entire tract being under an excellent state of cultivation and well improved with substantial buildings. While he never had very favorable opportunities for acquiring an education, he has been an intelligent reader, and has kept posted concerning topics of general interest. For six years he has served as Judge of Elections for Palmer Township, and also held the office of County Commissioner. In political matters he takes quite an interest, and concurring with the principles of the Democratic party, is one of its earnest supporters. At the present time he is a member of the Democratic County Committee, and has frequently r epresented his party as delegate to county conventions.

A man of firm religious belief, Mr. Edelman holds membership in the Lutheran Church at Easton. He is a generous contributor to the good works of that congregation, as well as to other philanthropic projects. The bent of his mind is practical, which is seen especially in the management of his personal affairs. He is a good farmer, a reputable citizen and a man who enjoys the respect of 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; Page 692.