Reuben Acker, the eldest son of George and Elizabeth (Frey) Acker, was born in Allentown, in 1825. He spent his youth upon his father's farm and his early education was limited to the opportunities of a farmers boy in the common schools. During the entire period of his active life he was a hard worker at whatever his hands found to do. Mr. Acker, in 1847, at the age of 22 years, left home to seek his fortune, with a capital of one dollar and fifty cents. He went to New York City, from thence to Ohio, working at various employments, but always managing to save some of his earnings. In 1852 he, with others, set out with an ox team for California, and in just six months, they reached their goal. Mr. Acker found work in Alameda County on a farm at 85 dollars per month. He remained five years and with his savings embarked in business for himself. His first years profit was $2400; that of the second year was about the same.

He then engaged in buying and selling cattle, and continued in this business for upwards of eight years, meeting with fair success. In 1864 Mr. Acker returned to Allentown and purchased his parents old homestead of one hundred and twenty-six acres, near Allentown, where he settled in 1865. In vain did he offer to give one half his land to any person who would erect for him suitable buildings on the remaining half of the tract. This proved to be a blessing in disguise, as the growth of the city of Allentown extended to his property and its lands became populous and valuable, from all of which he derived a substantial benefit. He watched this growth and contributed his full share in promoting the interests of Allentown. After retiring from active farm work, he resided at 1125 Turner Street, Allentown, giving considerable attention to real estate. In Sept. 1905, in company with his son-in-law, H. W. Haines, he went to the Pacific coast to visit the places in which he had formerly made his home. While on this visit he died, Oct. 5, 1905, and his remains were brought to Allentown and interred in Union cemetery. In politics he was a Democrat, always taking an interest in the city's political welfare and its institutions. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

Reuben Acker married in California, Sarah Andrews, born Jan. 17, 1838, and died Aug 19, 1896, and who was interred in Union Cemetery by the side of her husband. Their children were: Joseph John, b. 6/7/1868, d. 11/1211885; Ida, born 12/16/1869, d. 2/15/1880; Sarah E., b. 5/15/1871, married Oscar D. Knauss; Agnes, b. 1/9/1873, baptized 10/211873, married Harvey W. Haines. Issue: Ruth A. who married Claude U. Keck; Helen Agnes Haines; Mrs. Agnes Haines has her home at 1613 Chew Street, Allentown; Martha D. married Edward W. Lewis. Issue: Reuben, and John Lewis.