Weiser, Daniel (1799-1875)

Daniel Weiser, youngest of 11 children, was born to Conrad and Barbara Weiser January 13, 1799 in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Pennsylvania. In his youth, he served an apprenticeship and learned the trade of a nail smith in Lewisburg, PA. He served 4 months in the U.S. Army during 1814. In 1819 he began his sacred studies with Rev. James R. Reily in Hagerstown, Maryland. Beginning in 1820, he studied with Rev. Yost Henry Fries in Mifflinburg, Union County, PA. During the September 1823 meeting of the Synod of the United States in Baltimore, Md., Rev. Weiser was licensed. He was ordained in September of 1824 at the Synod in Bedford, PA. He held congregations in Selinsgrove, PA., but was in service for most of his career to the New Goshenhoppen and Great Swamp churches in Montgomery County, Pa (1833-1863). Rev. Weiser was married twice. His first wife was Lydia Ruth of Milton, PA. They married in 1824, but only 7 months later Lydia died suddenly of yellow fever. He was married again in 1826 to Caroline Boyer, daughter of Gen. Philip Boyer of Norristown, PA. They had five children, two surviving to adulthood: Rev. C.Z. Weiser, D.D. and Mrs. Emma H. Miller, wife of Rev. Prof. George H. Miller. Caroline passed away at Pottstown, PA. on August 11, 1834. Rev. Weiser was conferred a Doctorate by Franklin and Marshall College (no date found). He passed away on December 2, 1875. Source: "Fathers of the Reformed Church" volume 5, pages 146-153.