The fine farm of 220 acres, occupying the southwest portion of section 6, comprises one of the best-regulated homesteads in Nora Township. It has been in possession of its present proprietor since August, 1868, at which time he first settled in this county, of which he has since been a resident. A period of twenty years, during which he has lived as an honorable and upright citizen, has served to fully establish him in the confidence and esteem of the people. His life occupation has been that of farming, of which he has a thorough understanding; a fact which will at once be recognized in a glance at his homestead and surroundings.

Our subject is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of Andrew H. and Sarah (Swartz) Dobler, who were natives of Pennsylvania; the former was born in Lancaster County on the 2d of November, 1796, and the latter in Northumberland County on the 18th of September 1802. They were married in their native State, May 16, 1822, and settled in Lycoming County, where they lived until 1865. That year they emigrated to La Fayette County, Wis., where the father engaged in farming, and died seven years later, Feb. 17, 1872. The mother subsequently joined her daughter in Warren, this county, at whose home her death took place on the 7th of May following the decease of her husband.

To the parents of our subject there was born a family of eleven children, Simon H. being next to the youngest. He first opened his eyes to the light in Lycoming County, Pa., March 21, 1840, where he developed into manhood and lived until 1865, engaged, like his father, in agricultural pursuits. He accompanied the family to Wisconsin, lived there four years; and then came to this county, as we have already stated.

The 11th of February, 1864, witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Elvina A. Showers, the wedding taking place at the bride’s home in Limestone Township, Lycoming Co., Pa. Mrs. Dobler was born in that county, Oct. 14, 1843, and is the daughter of Joseph and Eva (Sypher) Showers, who were likewise natives of the Keystone State, and the mother spent her last years in Pennsylvania; the father is still living in that State. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born nine children, the eldest of whom, Sarah M., is the wife of James S. Franklin, a native of New York. The others are named, respectively: Joseph A., Melvina, Minnie B., Simon P., Cora M., James L., Elmer R., and Lloyd. The latter died at the age of two years and one month.

Mrs. Dobler is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and excellence, devoted to her home and her family, and held in the highest regard by her neighbors. Our subject, politically, is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and has held the school offices of his district; further than which he has no political aspirations. The education of his children, their personal and moral welfare, engrosses both the thoughts of himself and his high-minded partner, and in rearing these properly he rightly estimates that he has fulfilled all the obligations of a good citizen.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - From Portraits and Biographical Pg 317