ELMER C. KISTLER, justice of the peace, farmer, and prominent citizen of Lynn Township, was born in the Kistler Valley, May 18, 1866, and obtained his education in the common schools of the district, and also in the Lynnvilte and New Tripoli academies. When nineteen years of age he was licensed to teach in the public schools and he taught twenty-one terms in Lynn township, one term in Weissenberg and one term in the borough of Lenhartsville, in Berks county, making altogether twenty-three terms. He has held a permanent certificate from the state superintendent for a number of years.

Having been brought up as an agriculturist, Squire Kistler has carried on farming operations where he lives since May 2, 1907, with great success and he has been recognized as one of the most enterprising farmers in the township. His place is equipped with the latest improved farming machinery, and annually he raises large crops of potatoes. His farm is generally known as the "Kistler Farm." Its early owner was Samuel Kistler, who was succeeded by his son John, and John by his son, William B. A large stone dwelling on this farm was built by John Kistler in 1858. A log barn, which was built about the time of the Revolution, was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving night, 1906. The following year, Elmer C. Kistler erected the present barn, loox4o feet. An historic house on this property is mentioned in the descriptive history of the township.

The squire's political affiliations have been with the Republican Party. In 1900 he was appointed census enumerator of the township and he served this appointment with efficiency. From the time he became of age he has helped to hold the annual elections, excepting when his own name was on the ticket for an office. In 1903 he was elected justice of the peace of the Lynnville district, and in 1908 re-elected. Naturally, since 1903, he has become recognized and called as the "Squire," or "Squire Kistler." Under the old delegate system he frequently represented his district before the county conventions; and he has served as a United States juror in the Circuit Court at Philadelphia. He has identified himself with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Squire Kistler and his family are Lutheran members of the New Jerusalem church, which he has served as a deacon, and since 1909 has been serving as an elder.

He was married in 1888 to Annie Reinert, daughter of Adam and Amanda (Wolf) Reinert, and they have three children: George E., who died in infancy; Emma M., a graduate of the township schools, also educated under the tutelage of her father, and a public school teacher since 1908; and William A.

Squire Kistler has been secretary of the KistIcr Family Reunion Association since its organization. This flourishing association was begun in 1898, by Miss Sallie Kistler, of Allentown, a sister of the Squire.