Jacob B. Waidelich of Allentown, was born in 1861. At the age of fifteen years, he became foreman of his father's wheelwright shop and served that position until he conducted in connection with a general store which he established alter, and after 1885, he devoted his entire time to the mercantile business until in 1888, when he and five associates formed the Enterprise Slate Company, which he served as superintendent from 1889 to 1899. The company employed from thirty-five to fifty men. In 1900 he sold his store business and in 1902 he disposed of his interests in the slate company. In 1901 he won the nomination for High Sheriff of Lehigh County over five candidates and was elected by a large majority. His administration as sheriff was a commendable one. He had been Jury commissioner from 1895 to 1898. In 1912, he was a presidential elector for President Wilson and he attended the famous Baltimore convention. He is one of the Democratic leaders of Lehigh County.

In 1912 he and his brother. Rev. John H., paid a visit to the homestead of their forbearers in Germany. In 1906, he engaged in the drug business at No 643 Hamilton Street, and in 1910 he opened up a retail store at 618 Penn Street, Reading and in 1913 he opened up his third store, at Slatington. All of these stores have an extensive patronage and are conducted under the name of the American Medicine Company.

He and his family are the members of the Lutheran Church. Socially Mr. Waidelich is an Odd Fellow; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Junior United American Mechanics and of St. Mary's Cocnmandeiy. In 1901 he was appointed the Grand Deputy Commander of Lehigh County.

He married Mary, the only child of Jonathan and Sarah (Henry) Mathard.