Draft:Henry O. Souder

Henry Oberholtzer Souder (September 1, 1807 – August 28, 1897) was a prominent Pennsylvanian logger and businessman, known as being the "Father of Souderton".

Early years
Souder was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, the son of Christian Souder, a second-generation German immigrant. His father, who purchased a significant tract of land in 1792, laid the foundation for what would evolve into modern-day Souderton.

In 1835, Souder and his wife Hannah established their first homestead at the intersection of modern-day Main and Chestnut Streets. This piece of land was bounded between the modern-day streets of West Chestnut Street, Penn Ave, Main Street, and West Broad Street. Souder in his early days was described as an "energetic" businessman, owning a lumber mill situated on Main Street.

Souderton's Exapansion
Around the mid-19th Century, the Northern Pennsylvania Railroad extended its line between Philadelphia and Bethlehem. Seeking to enhance transportation for his lumber business, Souder negotiated an agreement with the railroad company, offering his land to facilitate the rail line's passage through the town of Souderton.

Soon after, on June 3rd, 1857, the railroad project was completed, and the inaugural train, named "The Civilizer," traversed through Souderton.

With the introduction of the railroad, the business owners that resided in Souderton were now able to easily import and export many goods. This caused the cigar industry, among others, to thrive.

At the time, Souderton was known as "Souder's Station."

In 1876, amidst the growth of Souderton, a need arose for a secure facility to safeguard the community's finances. On June 12th of that year, Union National Bank was established within the residence of Henry O. Souder.

Death
On the evening of August 28, 1897, Henry O. Souder died due to paralysis, caused by old age. He was buried in the Souderton Mennonite Church Cemetery.

A year later, his wife, Hannah, died and the two were buried together, marked by a double headstone.

Family
Souder married Hannah H. Souder (née Hunsburger) (1814–1898). They had six sons and three daughters:


 * William (September 19, 1835 – January 31, 1915)
 * Edmund (April 27, 1838 – December 8, 1916)
 * Elizabeth (January 30, 1841 – February 15, 1914)
 * Mary (November 7, 1843 – August 31, 1897)
 * Frederick (August 27, 1846 – February 4, 1927)
 * Henry (July 4, 1849 – June 14, 1919)
 * Kate (December 2, 1851 – May 4, 1901)
 * Enos (July 30, 1856 – August 10, 1856)
 * Milton (July 12, 1863 – December 10, 1880)

Honors

 * The previous names of Souderton, including Souder's Lumberyard and Souder's Station, were derived from Souder's surname.


 * A road in Souderton, aptly named "Lumber Street" was constructed through the plot of land once owned by Souder and used as his lumberyard.