Hershey, Benjamin

BENJAMIN HERSHEY was born in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co.. Penn., June 15, 1827, and is a son of John and Salome Hershey, natives of Eastern Penn., and of Swiss descent, their ancestry having come to this country about 1700. Our subject grew up and received his education in Erie Co., subsequently following farming; he also studied and practiced medicine a short time. "Just enough," says Mr. Hershey, "to know that exercise, good nursing and cheerfulness of disposition are far more efficacious than medicines of any sort." Since giving up practice, he has carried a fair share of the burdens common to inventors, and in that field has work enough laid out to last him the remainder of his days. He says: "In choosing Mary J., youngest daughter of Jacob and Mary Miller, for a wife, I did one of the few sensible acts of my life, as she has been a true helpmeet in the walk and work of life." Mrs. Hershey is a native of Erie Co., and was married April 10, 1852; three daughters— Celestia J., Susan I. and Mary A. are the fruits of this union. Mr. Hershey says:
"Theologically, we are Christians; denominationally, Methodists; and politically, Republicans; and do not care to change them for anything not so good."