13 April 1899: Edward Gebhard, Sr., one of the city's oldest and most esteemed citizens, died Wednesday evening about 5 o'clock at his residence, 712 Chestnut Street, of general debility. For the past year he had been in failing health and nine weeks ago was compelled to take his bed. Recently there were signs of improvement in his condition, but they were only temporary. The city loses one of its best citizens by his death, the family a kind and loving father. Born on November 11, 1815, in Lebanon township, the son of George Gebhard, he at an early age learned the hatter's trade, John P. Catilias, of town, being his preceptor. For some years, he was employed at the trade by Adam Rise, father of Adam Rise, of the present firm of A. S. Rise & Son, and then went to Reading. Subsequently he opened a hat store on the site of the present store of A. Rise & Son and after a time continued the business in the John George building, near Eighth Street. Entering the butchering business in 1851, he continued it until 1882, when he retired from active business life. His sons, Edward G. and Henry L. Gebhard, succeeded to the management of the Chestnut Street market and today the latter remains in charge, the former establishing a market at Cornwall. Since his retirement, Mr. Gebhard lived a quiet, happy life, enjoying the fruits of his successful business career. Ten years ago he lost his wife, Mary, by death and since his daughter, Miss Maria, attended to his wants. He was a faithful member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran church. The surviving children are Miss Maria Gebhard, living at home; Mrs. John B. Embich, Lebanon; Mrs. Solomon Stine, Lebanon; Mrs. Artemus Wilhelm, Wilmington, Del.; Edward G. Gebhard, Cornwall; Recorder Henry L. Gebhard, Lebanon; Mrs. Henry Fortna, Bernville, Berks County, and Mrs. William J. Swope, Lebanon; also 31 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. [Lebanon Daily News]