Nathan Dresher was born in Longswamp Township on the farm of his grandfather, Conrad Dresher. His father died when he was twelve years of age, and when he was eighteen the family removed to Allentown. He attended Allentown Academy and a similar school in Doylestown, and acquired a liberal education. He passed some time in Philadelphia, where he studied music and became a most proficient performer on the violin. He engaged in the lumber business in Allentown with Hoffman Brothers, who were then located where Hersh & Sons' hardware store now stands. Later he embarked in the lumber business on his own account on Hamilton street, above Ninth, adjoining his home, and was so engaged until 1856, when he retired and was succeeded by Edwin Jonas & Willoughby Trexler. In 1868 he resumed the lumber business, in partnership with his son Daniel and Jacob Grim. His son died the next year, and he retired, being succeeded by Jacob Grim, Reuben D. Butz and Benjamin Kline, Colonel Harry Trexler having leased the old place.