Joseph P. Hershberger, a prominent Harper county farmer, is a native of the Buckeye State. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, October 26, 1861. His parents Peter and Leah (Hostetter) Hershberger were natives of Pennsylvania, the former, born April 28, 1817, and died July 20, 1867, and the latter, born October 17, 1821, and died in 1897. Peter Hershberger's parents moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio when he was a child. After reaching his majority, he became a school teacher, and later engaged in farming, following this vocation in the State of Ohio until his death. Joseph P. Hershberger is one of a family of twelve children: Levi, born August 29, 1841; Tena, born November 6, 1842; Daniel, born December 29, 1843; Samuel, born February 14, 1846; Lydia, born February 16, 1848; Noah, born May 10, 1850; Eli, born December 13, 1851; Sarah, born June 29, 1854; Peter, born April 29, 1856; John, born February 11, 1858; Seth, born January 21, 1860 and Joseph P., the subject of this sketch. Joseph P. Hershberger spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Ohio, and attended the public schools. In 1884 he went to Illinois, settling in Moultrie county, where he was engaged in farming until 1900. He then came to Kansas, and bought 627 acres of improved land in Harper county, three miles from the town of Harper, where he now has one of the finest farms to be found in southern Kansas, large and commodious buildings and his residence is equipped with all modern conveniences including steam heat and electric light. He is an extensive breeder of Percheron horses, Durham cattle and blooded swine and is the largest alfalfa grower in that section of the State. Mr. Hershberger was married January 12, 1882, to Miss Sarah S. Gonser, a native of Ohio, born September 15, 1861. She is a daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth (Warns) Gonser, natives of Ohio. To this union has been born eight children: Jennie C., born November 11, 1882, died February 1, 1889; Harry E., born January 31, 1884; Lola E., born June 13, 1888; Clara A., born October 14, 1892, died November 4, 1892; Ralph G., born July 26, 1895; Elmer Day and Ella May (twins), born September 13, 1899 and Joseph A., born August 19, 1901. Mr. Hershberger has had a successful business career, and is one of the substantial men of Harper county. He has always taken a commendable interest in the public welfare, and is always ready and willing to support any worthy enterprise, with his time and money. He has held various local offices of trust and responsibility, from time to time. The family are members of the Mennonite church.