ELI H. HILDEBRAND was born August 27, 1859, upon the old homestead farm consisting of 175 acres, in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. His grandfather, Michael Hildebrand, also a native of West Bethlehem, born in 1796, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was considered an exceptionally successful farmer, and was a well-informed man. He was married to Christine Harsh, a daughter of Philip Harsh, and to this union were born children as follows: Demas, Andrew, Sarah Ann (who married Samuel Walton), Mrs. John Doak (deceased in 1876), Levi (a resident of Amwell township, this county), and Mrs. John Hanna. Michael Hildebrand was one of the sturdy Democrats of his township, although not an active politician, and he and his wife were adherents of the Lutheran Church. He passed from earth December 13, 1885, in his ninety-third year, followed by his wife May 30, 1886. Andrew Hildebrand was born on his father’s farm in February, 1827. His education was obtained in the common schools, and he became an eager reader and well-informed man. He had always been associated in business with his father, but received no assistance from him until he had, by his own unaided efforts, accumulated a considerable amount of property. In 1855 he married Mary Tombaugh, who has borne him the following children: Marion (a minister of the Gospel at Webster, this county), Eli H., Mrs. J. L. Brady, Rachel C., Frank (a teacher at Corning, Ark.), Zoe and Alvin O. Mr. Hildebrand has always been a Democrat, and has served as school director and road supervisor. He and his wife and four of the children are members of the Methodist church. Eli H. Hildebrand, the subject of this sketch, acquired his elementary training at the common schools, and afterward attended Pleasant Valley Academy two years. At the age of twenty-one he taught his first term in West Bethlehem township, and continued in this work about six years, attending school during the intervals between terms. He spent one term at Washington and Jefferson College, also a term at the State Normal University, Normal, Ill. About six years ago he left the profession, and has since been engaged in farming. In 1890 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Matthew and Elisabeth McKeen, of Claysville, this county. Mr. Hildebrand is a successful business man, and in politics is a Democrat. He is one of the auditors of his township. He is a member of the Brethren Church, and his wife is an adherent of the Methodist Church. His brother Alvin has always lived upon the homestead, and after securing his education at the common schools, has followed the business of farming. Like the rest of the family he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Church.

Text taken from page 707 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed July 1997 by Barbara Bower of Yorktown, VA as part of the Beers Project. Published July 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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