Thaddeus S. Blocher

"THADDEUS S. BLOCHER, carriage manufacturer, Littlestown, was born in Butler Township, this county, in May, 1836, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hartzell) Blocher, the former a native of Lebanon County, Penn, and the latter of Butler Township, this county. Thomas Blocher was a saddle and harness-maker, and for many years served as justice of the peace. His wife died in Bendersville in 1879, and in 1880 he also passed away at the same place. Our subject learned the harness and saddle trade with his father, and in 1858 he bought a half- interest in the harness shop of Mr. Yount at Littlestown, and two years later bought out Mr. Yount’s interest and continued the business until 1864, when he sold out and bought a half-interest in the coach-making business with Isaac Sell. In 1880 he bought the entire business, and is still carrying it on. His factory occupies the site of the first coach factory ever established at Littlestown by Mr. Rahter. Mr. Blocher at present employs twelve hands, and keeps ten hands the year round. He manufactures annually upward of seventy-five fine buggies and carriages, valued at from $100 to $350 each. The factory has the reputation of producing the best and most durable class of fine work. Mr. Blocher is a Republican, and has been elected to and served in every office in the gift of the borough of Littlestown, except that of justice of the peace and constable. He married, in 1858, Eliza E. Bishop, a daughter of Jacob Bishop. Mr. and Mrs. Blocher have eight children: Clarence W., Harry F., Emma J., Charles L., Mary E., Howard G., Edith M. and Edgar T. Mr. and Mrs. Blocher are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Mr. Blocher’s factory is one of the most important industries of the town and he is known throughout this and adjoining counties as an enterprising and reliable business man and citizen. "