STEPHEN O. KISTLER, an enterprising and successful farmer in the Kistler Valley, was born on his father's homestead, Sept. 23, 1872, and having been reared on a farm, he has followed this vocation. He secured his farm of 182 acres in 1905. On it there is a Swiss barn which was erected in 1899, the dimensions being 40x100 feet, and the superior management of the place is reflected in its fine general appearance. The Kistler Valley is noted far and wide for its exceptional fertility of soil, abundant crops, attractive homes and well-painted barns, and its prosperous farmers, and Mr. Kistler's farm is among the best.

Mr. Kistler was married on May 11, 1899, to Mary E. Rabenold, daughter of Peter and Jane (Bortz) Rabenold, of Weissenberg township, and they have one child, a daughter, Edna J. He and the family are members of the Lutheran congregation at the New Jerusalem church, which has been the religious home of nine succeeding generations of this great and influential family, in which he has served as a deacon. In politics, Mr. Kistler is a Republican.