Edward Sherer was born Jan. 31, 1817, and early in life he followed the millwright trade. In 1857, with others, he engaged in the foundry business at Allentown under the firm name of Barber, Sherer & Brobst and they continued until 1867. Their foundry was the largest in Allentown at that time. This foundry through Mr. Sherer made the first turbine water wheel ever made in this country, but they failed to have it patented and owing to the rapidly failing health of Mr. Sherer he retired from the firm and was an invalid until his death, July 8, 1877. He was a Democrat for some years, but later became a republican. On Mar. 14, 1841, he married Anna Snyder, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Schantz) Snyder, of Snydersville (Hillside). She was born Feb. 15, 1824, and departed this life Apr. 12, 1859. She was buried in he Jordan Lutheran cemetery but seven years later was reinterred in the Union Cemetery at Allentown.