BIO:  Adam RISE, Lebanon County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

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Biographical Annals of Lebanon County Pennsylvania.
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1904
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Page 32 - 33

ADAM RISE, late president of the Valley National Bank, and senior member of the 
general hat firm at No. 831 Cumberland street, Lebanon, was at his death by far 
the oldest native Lebanon citizen, having attained the advanced age of eighty-
four years.  For over seventy years, either as assistant or business manager, he 
was connected with the hat business, and was one of the most reliable dealers in 
that line in his vicinity.  He might almost be said to have been born to work.  
His father, Adam Rise, Sr., was a hatter and followed that trade in Lebanon for 
many years.  Among the old settlers ---- was one of the most highly honored and 
respected citizens of the place ------ married Catherine Gessman, and by her had 
five children:  Samuel, He----, Mariah(?) Adam and John, all of whom are 
deceased.

Adam Rise was born in Lebanon, Pa., August 6, 1818, and there grew to manhood.  
In the public schools of this city he acquired an education sufficient for all 
ordinary business purposes, and at the age of twelve began learning the hatter's 
trade.  As the work proved to be in line with his natural bent he progressed 
rapidly, and in the course of time opened the general hat store on Cumberland 
street, with which he was connected up to the time of his death, which occurred 
June 3, 1903.

On January 27, 1839, Mr. Rise married Rebecca Louser, who was born October 16, 
1818, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Louser, pioneer citizens of Lebanon.  Mrs. 
Rise was an admirable helpmeet for nearly sixty-three years, and she died 
December 9, 1901.  Of this union there were four children:  Mariah, who never 
married, kept house for her father; Jacob L. is mentioned below; Catherine S. is 
deceased; and Eliza R. is the wife of C. M. Bowman.

Mr. Rise possessed all the requisites for a successful merchant, and from time 
to time enlarged his stock of hats.  Finally as his trade increased he received 
his son, Jacob L., as a partner.  The profits from his business he wisely 
invested, and besides his interest in the general hat store, he owned a large 
amount of bank stock, several valuable buildings in Lebanon, and had interests 
in other city enterprises.  As a superior business man he was made president of 
the Valley National Bank, and for over fifty years, from the time of its 
organization, he served as treasurer of the Perseverance Fire Insurance Company.

Mr. Rise was a Democrat, and wielded a strong influence in local politics.  
Fraternally he belonged to the F. & A. M. for fifty-five years, and to the I. O. 
O. F. for fifty-seven years.  Personally he was remarkably well preserved, and 
his mind was keen and active.  Honesty of purpose, courage and energy were 
impressed upon his countenance and emanated from his movements and attitudes, 
impressing the beholder with reverence and respect.  That he was a power in his 
community was evident even to casual observers.  In religious connection he was 
a member of the Reformed Church.

JACOB L. RISE, active member of the firm of A. Rise & Son, possesses many traits 
characteristic of his father, and seems to be quite as successful in business, a 
large share of the progress made by the firm in recent years having been due to 
his wise management.  As a young man he served valiantly in the Civil war for a 
full term of enlistment, as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-
seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of 
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville; he was discharged in May, 1863.  He married 
Lizzie Alwine, of Lebanon, who died leaving three daughters, Julia, Rebecca and 
Catherine.  Mr. Rise, like his father, is a Democrat.  Fraternally he is a Mason 
in good standing.  As a business man he is generous and honorable in all his 
dealings, and he has a host of warm friends.