William D. Heebner and Elizabeth Shearer [21-104b]

[21-104b] WILLIAM D. HEEBNER, same as above, m 2d time, Nov. 29, 1883, ELIZABETH SHEARER, b Mar. 1, 1863; dau John S. Shearer. Res. Lansdale, Pa.

Children (8): Laie ji. Robert Stanley, 6 Jan. 2, 1885; m | 2. Mary Helen Henne. 21-317a 1. ————:

William D. Heebner was born near Norristown, Montg. Co., Pa. After attending the public schools of his township he served an apprenticeship of seven years in his father’s machine shop learning the business of agricultural implement making.: After completing his apprenticeship, in 1870, Mr. Heebner went to Lansdale and began a partnership with his brother, Isaac, which soon assumed the firm name of Heebner and Sons. In Oct., 1887, William D. Heebner purchased the entire plant and has operated it successfully ever since. Mr. Heebner has succeeded in organizing this plant in such a manner that every department is in charge of a competent person, so that the plant practically runs itself. Not only have Heebner and Sons made and invented various agricultural machines, but the diverse tools used in their construction are also products of their skill and genius. Many labor saving and automatic devices are used for insuring perfection of detail with a minimum of labor. The businesslike methods of the firm and their fair dealings with their customers have given Heebner and Sons a reputation which is known far and wide.

In addition to managing this plant Mr. Heebner has had an opportunity to engage in other interests. He has important business interests in Florida where he spends his winters and owns many orange groves. He has also for a long time been closely identified with the many interests of the town of Lansdale in which his works are situated. He has served as a member of its Council and was Burgess for many years. In addition to his business interest in the town he has also been an active church worker.

Being a musician of some prominence Mr. Heebner has been leader of the choir of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than twenty-five years, and also one of its trustees. He has at various times been the leader of the Lansdale orchestra. Mr. Heebner has been honored by serving as a member of the House of Representatives at Harrisburg for two terms, and also served as State Senator. To Mr. Heebner belongs the credit of introducing a bill making appropriations for freeing the burden of debt from the headquarters of Washington at Valley Forge, and through his active interest this bill became alaw. He has also served two terms as Comptroller of Montg. Co., and was chairman of the Draft Board of the county during the recent World War.