Dr. Elmer Jesse Dech, son of James and Anna L. (Unganst) Dech, was born in Bath, Pennsylvania, April 24, 1871. He began his education in the public schools, passed to Lehigh Preparatory School, Bethlehem, studied pharmacy for one year, and in 1890 began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Moore, of Philadelphia. Later he studied under Dr. Johnstonbaugh, of Bethlehem. He next entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, whence he was graduated M.D., class of 1894. He at once began practice, locating in Pandora, Ohio, there remaining for six years and establishing a good practice. In 1896 he was elected coroner of Putnam County, re-elected in 1899, serving until 1900, when he resigned, disposed of his practice and returned to Pennsylvania. Before resuming' medical practice, Dr. Dech pursued a course on post-graduate study and work at the New York Polyclinic Hospital, then located in Kaston, where he has become well established as a physician of skill and honor. In 1915 he bought the residence property at Fourteenth and Northampton streets, one of Haston's most beautiful homes, and erected thereon a fireproof addition in which he has his offices, perfectly equipped with every medical or surgical aid to modern treatment of disease or injury. His abundant success is the logical outcome of thorough preparation, zeal and devotion to his chosen work, and a sincere desire to be of service to his fellow men. He has a most pleasing personality, coupled with a calm, serene nature which in itself soothes and brings hope to the suffering. He is a member of and president of the Eclectic Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and is highly esteemed as a physician. Other professional societies are: The Northampton County Medical Association, Pennsylvania State Society, American Medical Society, National Eclectic Medical Society. Through the medium of these societies and their publications he keeps in close touch with the medical world, and all advance in treatment or operation.

Dr. Dech has purchased the old Dech homestead in East Allen Township, and there he indulges to the utmost his love of the out-of-doors, and reverts to the calling of his forebears. He has always been an admirer of the trotter, and in the past has owned some of the best, although only for his own pleasure and personal driving. With the advent of the automobile he adopted the new steed, and is an ardent devotee of the motoring game. A day with rod and reel also appeals to him, and whenever possible he has a day in the woods. He is a member of Dallas Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Pomp Council, Royal and Select Masters; Hugh Dc Payen Commandery, Knights Templar; Rajah Temple, of Reading, Pennsylvania; Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Easton Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Amanda Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor; Easton Board of Trade; and the First Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Dr. Dech married, September 28, 1894, Lizzie H. Miller, daughter of Edwin and Caroline (Smith) Miller, of Bath. Mrs. Dech is active in Red Cross, church and charitable work.