From the Annals of Lancaster Co, PA: "Aaron lived at home until hewas t wenty-five years of age, and during his boyhood received a goodpractic al education in the common schools. He commenced farming inClay towns hip, continuing thus for eleven years, after which he movedto Brunnerv ille, the place where he now resides. He bought out thefoundry and ma chine shop of Peter Bruner, who died in 1868, and hascarried on the bu siness up to the present time, meeting withsubstantial success. On Ju ly 31, 1898, the shops burned to thegound, but within ninety days Mr. W issler had the re-building so faradvanced that he was able to resume b usiness. The incident ischaracteristic of the man, for he has through out his career displayedan energy of purpose and enterprising spirit w hich fully account forthe success with which his efforts have been cro wned."
"Mr. and Mrs. Wissler are both members of the German Baptist Church.Mr . Wissler is one of the most respected citizens of the communitywhere h e has spent a long life of usefulness."
Aaron Wissler of Brunnerville.
Mr. Aaron Wissler died at his home in Brunnerville om Thursdayevening, February 15, after a lingering illness with dropsy lasting alittle over six years, aged 73 years, 5 months and 21 days. Deceasedis survived by his wife and two children, John K. and Mrs. Reuben F.Hackman of Brunnerville. Five grandchildren, and a brother John B.Wissler, of Lancaster also survive.
Aaron Whissler was the elder son of Ezra Wissler and his wifeMary Bauman, and was born on the old Wissler homestead on the bank ofthe Middle Creek in Clay township, on the 24th day of August, 1832.he lived at home on his father's farm until he became twenty-fiveyears of age, and during his boyhood received a good practicaleducation in the common schools. He grew to be a tall, stout, strongbuilt man and was of great assistance to his father in clearing theland an marketing the timber. In 1865 he was married to Leah, theeldest daughter of John H. and Cassia Keller. This union was blessedwith two children. After his marriage, his father rented the farm tohim and Aaron continued as tenant until 1868. In that year havingmade more inventions in the manufacture of mowers and reapers, he gaveup the farm and moved to Brunnerville, where he and his father-in-law,John H. Keller, bought the foundry and machine shop from the estate ofPeter Brunner. He and Mr. Keller carried on the business for someyears, when Mr. Keller retired and he continued to carry on thebusiness. During this time he gained quite a reputation as aninventor, having invented the universal horse-power jack and thedouble swinging cellar grates, which are known far and wide. He alsomanufactured the Snavely separator, and received additional patents onthe machine. On July 31, 1898, the shop and foundry was burned to theground, but with great energy Aaron had them rebuilt and was able toresume business within ninety days. He quit the business Dec. 1,1905, having sold the foundry.
Mr. Wissler was a consistent member of the German Baptist church.The funeral took place last Sunday at 1 P.M. from his late home atBrunnerville, with interment in the Hammer Creek graveyard, where hewas laid by the side of his forefathers. Services were held in theHammer Creek meeting house, where Rev. J. Kurtz Miller preached in theEnglish language and Rev. David Snader in the German.
