BIO: Henry SECHRIST, Beaver County, PA
  
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  BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.  This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches 
  of Leading Citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania.  Buffalo, N.Y., 
  Chicago, Ill.: Biographical Publishing Company, 1899, pp. 248-250.
  _________________________________________________________________ 
  
  HENRY SECHRIST, a progressive dairyman, and stock and feed farmer, of Big
  Beaver township, ranks among the most up-to-date agriculturists of Beaver
  county, Pa. Mr. Sechrist commenced the dairy business about 1872, when he
  purchased the homestead farm from his father. Previous to that, he had
  followed farming ever since leaving school, and the complete management of
  the farm had been left to him for several years. He removed to Beaver county,
  when nineteen years of age. Having good business ability he was quick to
  realize that money was to be made in the dairy trade. He started with only
  twelve cows, but has since had as many as thirty-five. At first, he kept only
  the short-horn variety, but later changed to the Holstein breed, and now keeps
  only Jerseys. The dairy products of his farm were formerly shipped to
  Allegheny and Pittsburg. Later, he purchased a retail route in Beaver Falls.
  Disposing of that, Mr. Sechrist now ships to Beaver Falls. He also raises
  hogs and horses, and large quantities of grain and hay. Most of the latter
  is, however, feed for his stock. Soon after purchasing it, our
  
  BEAVER COUNTY  249
  
  subject built a new house on his farm; this house was destroyed by fire in
  1894. In March, of the same year, was begun the erection of his present
  handsome residence, which was constructed from plans drawn by himself. He
  also built fine, large barns, equipped with all modern conveniences. Only the
  latest and most improved farming implements are to be found on his farm, and
  when not in use, these are carefully sheltered under neat sheds prepared for
  the purpose. Everything about his place goes to show the superior ability and
  management of its owner, the entire premises being a model of neatness and
  convenience. Besides keeping up the old orchards on the farm, Mr. Sechrist
  has recently planted a fine, large peach orchard containing the choicest
  varieties to be found.
  
  Henry Sechrist was born in Johnstown, Pa., July 18, 1840. He is a son of
  Henry, Sr., and Nancy (Flinchbaugh) Sechrist, and comes of good German stock.
  Henry Sechrist, Sr., was born in York county, Pa., in 1806. He was instructed
  in the public schools, and afterward learned milling. He subsequently built a
  mill, which he conducted himself, carrying on a successful business for twenty
  years. He then moved to Cambria county, Pa., and rented a farm for a brief
  period. Removing to Indiana county, he rented another farm, but did not like
  the country, and moved again. This time he located in Allegheny county, where
  he followed agricultural pursuits for eleven years.
  
  In 1860, he purchased a farm in Beaver county, and immediately occupied it.
  This is the identical farm now occupied by the subject of our sketch. It was
  then an improved farm of 140 acres, with a frame house and barns. It was much
  deteriorated, however, - with buildings out of repair. Henry Sechrist's father
  rebuilt the house and barns and set about enriching the land. He set out fine
  fruit orchards and put many modern improvements on the place. His marriage
  was celebrated in New York City, where he espoused Nancy Flinchbaugh. Mrs.
  Sechrist was a native of York county, Pa., where she received a good
  scholastic training. She proved a worthy helpmeet to her husband in every
  way. Eight children were born to them, namely: Sarah (Scott); William; Jacob;
  Henry, the subject of this sketch; Susan (Miller); Annie, who died in infancy;
  Mary, who never married; and Sylvester, who also died young. Henry Sechrist,
  Sr., was a prominent Democrat. He served as supervisor and as school
  director. Early in life he embraced the faith of the Methodists, but
  subsequently became a member of the United Presbyterian church, of which he
  served many years as trustee and steward.
  
  The subject of this record was the recipient of a practical education while
  yet in Allegheny county. In 1887, he wedded Lizzie M. Dillon, a charming
  daughter of James and Barbara Dillon. Mrs. Sechrist was born, reared; and
  educated in Beaver county. One son, William L., born July 11, 1895, blesses
  their home and renders life more happy. In politics, Mr. Sechrist is an
  ardent Democrat. He has served as school director and supervisor,
  
  250  BOOK OF BlOGRAPHlES
  
  has held many of the township offices, - among them, that of treasurer. He
  favors the Methodist religion, and is trustee and steward of the church of
  that denomination. In fraternal associations, he is an active member of
  Meridian Lodge, No. 411, F. & A. M., and of Harmony Chapter, of Beaver Falls.
  Such men as Mr. Sechrist are valuable acquisitions to any community.