JOHN H. KLEPPINGER, one of the well known agriculturists of Allen Township, is engaged in operating his well cultivated farm in Allen Township. His life has been passed in Northampton County, his birth having here occurred March 9, 1842. His parents, John and Annie Kleppinger, were born in Northampton County and Philadelphia, respectively. George Kleppinger, the father of the former, many years ago resided on and operated the farm on which his grandson, our subject, now makes his home, and was one of the early settlers of the township.
John Kleppinger, Sr., whose life was mainly spent in this township, was, like his forefathers, a farmer, and he, in turn, succeeded to the farm settled upon by his father, which is still in the possession of the family. He was called from the shores of time in January, 1872. His wife, after surviving him for many years, departed this life, April 22, 1893. Of their children the following survive: Maria, the wife of Hiram Hower, of Kansas; Hannah, who became the wife of William Lawfer, of Allentown; Sarah, the wife of John H. Miller, of this township; John, and Belinda, the wife of Francis O. Fenicle, of this township. The father, who was a Republican in politics, belonged to the Lutheran Church, and served the same in the offices of Elder and Deacon. He was at one time Road Supervisor of Allen Township, and was a successful and much respected man.
From his earliest years Mr. Kleppinger has resided on a farm, and was early inducted into the proper methods of carrying on agriculture. His education in early life was limited, being confined to that of the district schools of the period. On reaching manhood he was united in wedlock, in 1866, with Sarah Lichtenwalner. Her father, Jonas Lichtenwalner, was a prominent man and well-to-do farmer. Of their children the following are yet living: Sylvanus; Aquilla, wife of Jacob Levan; Myranda, Sarah and John J. Mr. Kleppinger and his present wife, formerly Mrs. Catherine, widow of Isaac Odenwelder, were united in marriage in June, 1883. Her birth occurred near Catasauqua, this county, January 23, 1850. Her parents are Benjamin and Belinda Schaden, of Allen Township. The former is now over seventy years of age, and his wife is past sixty-five years. Mrs. Kleppinger's daughter by her former marriage, Laura B., is at home with her mother.
Mr. Kleppinger owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which is under good improvements. He is a thorough business man, and has made a success of those enterprises to which he has devoted his time and attention. He is a self-made man, and much credit is due for the manner in which he has discharged the duties devolving upon him. For some time he served as one of the School Directors, and under his influence good schools have been maintained in the district. While he holds membership with the Lutheran Church, Mrs. Kleppinger is identified with the Union Stone Church of the Reformed Association.
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 344-345.
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