THEODORE J. KOEHLER, D.V.S.
Among the honored and respected citizens of Fullerton, this
county, is the subject of this sketch, who was formerly engaged
as a veterinary surgeon. He is a native of this county, and was
born April 20, 1847, to Samuel and Lucy (Biery) Koehler, the
former a native of Northampton County, and the latter born in
Catasauqua.
John Koehler,
the grandfather of our subject, was a life-long resident of this
county. His father, who is said to have come from Germany, was
the founder of this branch of the family in the United States.
His son Samuel, our subject’s father, resided for many years in
Hanover Township, and departed this life February 12, 1892. His
wife preceded him to the better land by many years, having been
called hence November 13, 1875. Of their children seven are now
living, namely: Samuel J., at Catasauqua; William F., of
Whitehall Township; Monroe E.; Amanda, the wife of Martin
Zellner, who resides in Hanover Township; and our subject.
Samuel Koehler took an active part in school affairs and served
for many years as a member of the School Board in Hanover
Township. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, but gave his
aid to every project calculated to advance the interests of the
community. In religion he was a devoted member of the German
Lutheran Church.
Theodore J.
Koehler, the gentleman of whom we write, received his primary
education in the public schools of his native township, and
afterward attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown for a short
time. After fully deciding to follow a professional life, he
studied veterinary surgery and medicine for five years, under
the instruction of Dr. J. C. Foelker, and after graduating he
practiced with his preceptor for two years. At the end of that
time he removed to Nazareth, Northampton County, where he opened
an office and there practiced on his own account for about eight
years. After leaving Nazareth he followed his professional
career for three years in Easton, and finally, in 1885, moved to
Fullerton, where he resided for the same length of time and
built up a large patronage. Again returning to Easton, he made
that place his home for a short time, and then we find him in
Fullerton, in which city he has resided since 1890. Dr. Koehler
owns a well cultivated farm of twenty-three acres, besides his
comfortable brick residence, which is located in Fullerton.
The lady to whom
our subject was married April 20, 1871, was Miss Ellen J. Faust,
who was born in Northampton County, and is the daughter of Paul
and Amelia (Breinig) Faust. The Faust family is an old and
prominent one in the Lehigh Valley. Mrs. Koehler’s father, who
died November 12, 1883, was a native of this county, while her
mother was born in Berks County. The latter is still living and
makes her home in Northampton County. Those of the family of
six children who are still living are: Annie, the wife of Irvin
Borger, who lives in Peru, Ill.; Walter, a resident of Lehigh
County; Mrs. Koehler; Mary A., the wife of John Gibson, who
makes her home in Slatington; and Clara B., who married George
Nichols, and is residing in Catasauqua.
The three
children who have come to bless the home of our subject and his
wife are Edward F., Allen M. and Gertie A. The elder son, who
is a graduate of the American Veterinary College in New York, is
engaged in practice in Easton, this state. In politics Mr.
Koehler is a Democrat. The community recognizes in him a valued
citizen, the high esteem in which he is held having been gained
by a well spent life. He is a member of the German Lutheran
Church, with which his wife is also connected, and is active in
all good works in his neighborhood.