[21-27b] DAVID S. HEEBNER, same as above, m 2d time, Sept. 7, 1854, by Rev. J. Schultz to REGINA SCHULTZ, b May 26, 1812; d Jan. 2, 1898; dau Rev. Christopher and Susanna (Yeakel) Schultz [70-3].
One child:
Abraham S., b May 22, 1857; d Oct. 6, 1862.
David 8. Heebner, who died in the 90th year of his life, was elected the first Burgess of Lansdale, Pa., when it was incorporated in 1872. It is said he broke up the nuisance of Sunday baseball playing. He also served as postmaster of Lansdale. [Schwenkfeldian, 1909, p 36.]
David S. Heebner was the founder of Heebner and Sons Agricultural Works, Lansdale, Pa. He first made clocks and established quite a reputation as a clock-maker. When the call came from his neighbors and friends for labor-saving agricultural implements he gave his attention to inventions along this line. He began the manufacture of agricultural machines in 1840, in Worcester Twp., Pa. He sold the first machine to Joseph Allebach of Worcester Twp. Although at first working by himself, he soon had to obtain assistance, as it is said that it took six weeks to build a machine.
He continued improving his machinery and expanding his business until 1862, when he took his sons, Isaac and Josiah, into partnership with him. In 1872, the partnership was dissolved, and David moved to Lansdale, uniting with his sons, Isaac and William, under the firm name of “Heebner Sons and Company.” From this small beginning has now grown the large manufacturing plant of Heebner and Sons which sends machinery all over the civilized world.
The Heebners manufactured horse~powers and grain threshers to take the place of the flail. They made fodder-cutters that greater economy might be practiced in feeding stock; they made various
kinds of smaller useful tools. The Heebner machines were-exhibited and were in daily operation at the Centennial in Phila. in 1876, carrying off high honors. Since that time they have been in constant demand throughout the agricultural world. The Heebner Level Tread Powers and “Little Giant Pennsylvania’’ Threshers are now carried on the backs of pack mules through the mountain passes of Mexico and carried to Asia on camels’ backs. Both Germany and Russia before the war were large buyers of Heebner Machines, and were constantly increasing their orders for the Heebner agricultural implements. At the World’s Fair in Chicago, 1893, the Heebner Level Tread Horse Powers were awarded the highest honors. They also manufacture machines for harvesting peanuts. David Heebner’s son, William D. Heebner, is now sole proprietor of the plant.
Parents’ family: [70-3] Rev. Christopher Schultz, Jr and Susanna Yeakle