Rev. Eli E. Hiester, a retired minister of Strausstown, Berks county, Pa., was born near Belleman's Church, in Centre Township, January 14, 1830. He is a son of Thomas and a grandson of Daniel Hiester. The latter, who was born November 5, 1761, died April 16, 1827, at the age of sixty-five years, and is buried at Zion's Blue Mountain Church. His occupation was that of farming, and for many years he resided in Upper Tulpehocken Township, where the name is well known and highly respected. Three times he was married, his last wife being Susanne Ammon, whose birth occurred May 4, 1782. She died October 17, 1862, at the advance age of eighty.
Thomas Hiester, the father of Eli, was born July 10, 1803. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and besides acquiring the usual knowledge of farm work, he learned the trade of wheelwright, which he followed during his long residence near Strausstown, in Upper Tulpehocken Township.