Edward M. L. Lighter

From History of Frederick County. p. 1094-1095:

Edward M. L. Lighter, who is numbered among the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Middletown District, resides on the old Kefauver place, situated a mile and a-half south of Middletown. He was born on Catoctin Mountain, near Braddock Heights, June 13, 1858, and is son of Charles H, and Virginia E. (Grove) Lighter.

Lawson Lighter, the grandfather of Edward M. L. Lighter, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He voted the Democratic ticket, and was connected with the Reformed Church in religion. The name of his wife was Catharine Bowlus. They were the parents of four children: Charles H.; Mary, married Harmon Remsburg; Samuel L. H., deceased; and Catharine, married Samuel Smith.

Charles H. Lighter, son of Lawson and Catharine (Bowlus) Lighter was born May 6, 1834. He followed the occupation of a farmer all his active life and is now living with his son, Edward M. L. Lighter. Mr. Lighter is a Democrat in his political beliefs, and in religion, he is a consistent member of the Reformed Church of Middletown. He was married to Virginia E. Grove, by whom he had four children: Edward M. L.; Hiram, died aged twenty-one years; Sarah Catharine, died in childhood; and Alma C. V., the wife of Charles Castle, a farmer of Middletown District.

Edward M. L. Lighter, son of Charles H. and Virginia E. (Grove) Lighter, spent his early years on a farm. As a boy he attended the public schools of his native district, and at home became familiar with all phases of farm life. He has followed the occupation of a farmer all of his life. For eleven years he managed the Herman Routzahn farm. In 1901 Mr. Lighter purchased his present farm, which contains 128 acres of good land. He has recently erected a beautiful two-story frame dwelling house, containing eleven rooms. Mr. Lighter is a practical and progressive agriculturist, and is one of the prominent citizens of Middletown Valley. By industry, perseverance and economy he has risen to his present position in life. Mr. Lighter is a Democrat in politics. In religion, he is affiliated with the Reformed Church, being an active member of Christ Church, of Middletown, in which he has served as deacon.

Mr. Lighter was married December 29, 1885, to Jennie G. Sanner, daughter of Daniel W. and Elmyra Virginia (Young) Sanner, a descendant of an old Middletown Valley family. There are nine children by this marriage: Zorah V., the wife of Ira Ifert, a farmer of Middletown District, by whom she has two children. Charles D.; Edith S.; Mary M.; Olive G.; Annie P.; Beulah O.; Grayson E., and Irene B.

Daniel W. Sanner, Mrs. Lighter’s father, was a son of Vincent Sanner, a farmer of Middletown Valley. He and his wife, Elmyra Virginia Young, had five children, four of whom are living: Jennie G. (Mrs. Lighter); Alma P., the wife of Harvey E. Lease, of Frederick City (see his sketch); John Edward; and Daniel Grayson.