Hon. Henry S. Ackerman

HON. HENRY S. ACKERMAN, one of the leading and substantial business men of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and ex-member of the Pennsylvania house of representatives, was born April 9, 1845, in Unity township, Westmoreland county, a son of Henry and Catherine (Smith) Ackerman. The progenitor of the Ackerman family in America was Philip Ackerman, the grandfather of Henry S., a native of Germany, who emigrated to this country, settling in Unity township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He married Christina Reed and had a son Henry. 

Henry Ackerman, son of Philip and Christina (Reed) Ackerman, and father of Henry S. Ackerman, was born on his father's farm, February 2, 1801. He followed agricultural pursuits, owned an excellent farm, achieved the most gratifying success in this line, and was held in high esteem by his neighbors. politically he was a fife-long Democrat, and while taking a lively interest in the affairs of that organization never aspired to public office. He cast his first presidential ballot for General Jackson, and served one term as school director. In matters of religion Mr. Ackerman was a member of the Lutheran church at Youngstown, and frequently served as local officer. In 1828 Mr. Ackerman married Carrie Smith, a daughter of Joseph Smith, of Derry township. They had nine children, one of whom as Henry S., mentioned hereafter. The death of Henry Ackerman occurred April 5, 1885, and his demise was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends. 

Henry S. Ackerman obtained his early education in the common schools of Unity township. After leaving school he engaged in the common schools of Unity township. After leaving school he engaged for some years in agricultural pursuits, and later learned the trade of carpenter, which occupation he followed with considerable success for nine years. In 1879 he opened a music store in Greensburg, opposite the Zimmerman House. He carries a full line of fine organs and other first-class musical instruments, and has established an extensive and profitable trade in Westmoreland, Fayette and Indiana counties, and has several men constantly in the field canvassing. Mr. Ackerman is a man of keen business ability, and this with his unflagging energy and tenacity of purpose is a prominent factor of his signal success in business. Politically he is strong defender of the principles advanced by the Democratic party, and works earnestly and untiringly for its success. In 1880 he was nominated by the Democrats of Westmoreland county as a candidate for the legislature and was elected. During his term in the legislature he acquitted his duties with efficiency and credit, his conduct receiving the highest commendation at the hands of his party. In matters of religion he accords with the doctrines of the Lutheran church. Henry S. Ackerman married, Jane 15, 1880, Mollie C. Weaver, the daughter of William Weave, of Mount Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 

Source Pages 72 & 73 History of Westmoreland County, Volume II, Pennsylvania by John N. Boucher. New York, The Lewis Publishing Company 1906 
Transcribed June 5, 2000 by Marilynn Wienke for the Westmoreland County History Project 
Contributed for use by the Westmoreland County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland/)

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