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Note: Source: Biographical Annals of Lancaster Co., PA., 1903, by J. H. Beers & Co., page 827-828. MRS. ANNA B. WITHERS. The name of the most estimable lady of whom this short biography is given, carries with it through Eden township the weight of public confidence and high esteem. Her high Christian character, her devotion to her church, and her numberless charities and acts of neighborly kindness have made her not only beloved by her immediate family, but most kindly and affectionately regarded through the whole community. Anna B. Withers was born in Lampeter township, this county Nov. 26, 1824, the estimable daughter of John and Fannie (Erb) Bireley, an old and leading family of this county. John Bireley, the father of Mrs. Withers, married into the prominent Erb family, Miss Fannie Erb belonging to one of the best known families of the county. After marriage they settled in Leacock township, on a farm, remaining there until his death, and his widow also died there, the children, besides Mrs. Withers, being as follows: Mrs. Withers grew up in her pleasant country home with her brothers and sisters, and was educated in the public schools of her neighborhood. In February, 1849, she was united in marriage to Abraham Herr, of this county, and they settled on the present home farm, in Eden township, where the father of Mr. Herr had started in life himself. Three years later Mr. Herr died, and his bereaved widow was left with one son, Abraham B., who died in childhood. The second marriage of Mrs. Withers occurred in 1859, when she was united to Augustus Withers, a prominent and wealthy business man of Lancaster county, who was the founder of the Mount Eden furnaces. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Withers settled on the present farm, and here Mr. Withers engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, Oct. 25, 1868. Again was this estimable lady bereaved, but four children remained as her comfort and stay. These were: John B., born in October, 1860, married Miss Sallie Hall, and they reside in Hanover, York county, where he is successfully engaged in conducting a hotel, and has one son, Howard: Thomas A., born in this home, in November, 1861, married Miss Lizzie Hall, who was a sister to the wife of his brother, and their residence is in Lancaster City, where he is manager of the County Bending Works, and his seven living children are Jessie, Charles, Bertha, Mable, Jennie, Hazel and, Grace, Mary H., born Dec. 17, 1862, and grew to womanhood in the old home, being well educated in the public schools, and in 1880 she was married to Joseph S. Groff, of Colerain township; and Howard H., born Oct. 2, 1865, is still unmarried, and follows railroading. Joseph S. Groff was a son of John and Ellen Groff, the family being long a prominent one in Lancaster county. He and his family now reside at the Withers home, where they have the care and management of Mrs. Withers' farm. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Groff are: John A., born in May, 1881, married Anna Strimbel, of Eden township, and they reside in Quarryville, where he is engaged as a barber, and they have one son, Howard; Eva B., born in August, 1884, is a student in Weidler's Business College, Lancaster City; Earl, born in October, 1888, is also a student; and Clyde, born Oct. 1, 1890. "Mrs. Withers and her family are equally devoted to the Lutheran Church, in which she has been active through many years, and where she is a, liberal supporter of charitable enterprises and mission work. Perhaps no individual in the township has more personal friends than this very lovable and estimable lady."
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