Hiester, William

Hiester, William a minister of the German Reformed Church, was born in Berks County, Pa., Oct. 11, 1770. In youth he learned the trade of carpenter. He pursued his classical and theological studies with Rev. Daniel Wagner, of York, Pa. He was licensed and ordained in 1799. For a short time he served several congregations in Lancaster County, Pa., when he was called to Lebanon, Lebanon County, Pa., in which charge he labored till his death, Feb. 8, 1828. He is remembered in the German Reformed Church for his earnest piety, great zeal in his pastoral work, and the active interest he took in the establishment of its Theological Seminary. He preached both in the German and English languages. (H. H.)