[161-50] REV. EDWIN S. ANDERS, b July 18, 1857; s Andrew and Naomi (Schultz) Anders [161-22b]; m Sept. 23, 1880, SUSANNA HEEBNER, b Aug. 16, 1857; dau John S. and Susanna (Kriebel) Heebner [21-29]. Farmer and minister; Lansdale, Pa., R. D. No. 1. (1921.)
Edwin S. Anders was chosen a minister of the Society of Schwenkfelders in 1886, and has served his district faithfully ever since. The selection of Mr. Anders was the last instance of the Sechwenkfelder Church electing a layman to the ministry, as all pastors since that time have had the benefit of a college and theological training. Notwithstanding the fact that Rev. Anders is the only unsalaried pastor, he has always given freely and cheerfully of his time to perform the pastoral duties incumbent upon a rural minister.
Rev. Edwin S. Anders owns one of the finest farms in Towamencin Twp., Montg. Co., Pa., always kept in a fine state of cultivation. Both Rev. and Mrs. Anders are noted for their genuine hospitality. Being leaders in the community they are ofttimes called upon to give advice, and none go away unrewarded. The “latch string is always out’’ for neighbors and friends and also for those needing assistance. Many families have been blessed by the generous and unostentatious benefactions of the Anders family.
Rev. Anders has never sought publie office for he is averse to entering polities, but he has served for many years as director of financial institutions. He is also a trustee of Perkiomen School, a member of the Board of Publication of the Schwenkfelder Church, and is one of the most active members of the Schwenkfelder Historical Library Committee. By diligent and persistent search of the garrets, closets, and store-rooms of many homes, Rev. Anders has discovered hundreds of books, papers, and relics that now repose in the Library at Pennsburg; he is truly a most enthusiastic collector of historical documents and relics, ofttimes delving into his own purse to obtain articles that will not be given gratuitously. The Schwenkfelder Church owes Rev. Anders a deep debt of gratitude for the energy and sacrifices he has so generously made for the welfare of its various organizations.
Children (9): 1161-112] 1: William H., 6 Aug. 10, 1882; m Margaret Wheatley: