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Note: k and Horn Academy in Easton, PA. In 1844 he became a salesman in the store of George Weber & Son, at Kreidersville, PA. In 1846 he moved to Bethlehem, PA and took employment with the store of James A. Rice. In 1851, after Mr. Rice had died, John entered into partnership with Rufus A. Grider in the firm of Grider & Lerch. In 1857 John embarked in business on his own account and operated a business known as "Lerch's Bee Hive". In 1865 John admitted Joseph A. Rice, son of his former employer, to a partnership in the business, which became John Lerch & Company. Later the name was changed to Lerch & Rice. John established a weekly newspaper in Bethlehem, which later developed into the "Bethlehem Times". He also served two tours of duty in the Civil War. He was a member of the Reformed Church and served as trustee of Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, PA. In 1878 he was postmaster of Bethlehem. He was also a director of Lehigh Valley National Bank. (Obit in "Bethlehem Daily Times")
In the 1850 census, John Lerch, age 20 and still single, was a clerk in the store of James A. Rice in Bethlehem, PA. (1850 census, microfilm roll #802, Northampton Co., PA, Bethlehem Boro, pg. 236, house #58)
John Lerch, age 40, was listed in the 1870 census as a retired dry goods merchant. He was living in the first ward of Bethlehem, PA, with his wife, Sarah Lerch age 34, and son, Frank Lerch age 6. He owned real estate valued at $30,000 and personal property of $30,000. Also listed in their household were Sophia Snyder age 25 , Ellen Snyder age 14, and John Snyder age 19, all listed as domestic servants. (1870 census, microfilm roll 1381, Northampton Co., PA, Bethlehem, pg. 277, house #136)
In 1880 John Lerch age 50, a merchant, was living in the 1st Ward in Bethlehem, Northampton Co., PA, with his wife, Sarah Lerch age 45, and one son, Frank Lerch age 16 a post office clerk. Also listed in their household were John Dilgert age 19 a hostler and Rebecca Reese age 21 a servant. (1880 census, National Archives Film T9-1160, Page 240B)
Note: John Lerch was reared on his father's farm in Allen Twp. and briefly attended the Kirkpatric
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