Irwin C.[sic] Kreider, is a prominent builder of Cleona, Lebanon county, and is regarded as one of the successful men of that section of the county. He was born in North Cornwall township, this county, October 30, 1882, the son of Jacob S. and Hannah (Rhodes) Kreider, the former of whom was a farmer until the time of his death in 1912 and the latter of whom died in 1927, both being of German and Swedish extraction. His brothers and sisters are as follows: Walter, Miles, Moses, Ida, Ray, who died at Camp Lee while in the army; and Eugene, who was a machine gunner during the World war and was killed in action during the Meuse Argonne offensive, September 29, 1918, his remains being buried in the Mennonite cemetery at the Gingrich meeting house whither they were brought after the cessation of hostilities. Irwin C. Kreider acquired his education in the public schools of his native community, and in 1902, he apprenticed himself to the trade of carpenter. This trade he learned with the thoroughness that has been characteristic of his subsequent career, meanwhile studying other phases of construction work. He determined to engage in building contracting for himself, and since 1925 has been a prominent figure in that field. His business has grown steadily to such proportions that he employs between five and fifteen men, depending upon the season of the year, and he has extended his operations to include the territory surrounding Cleona within a radius of ten or twelve miles. He takes an active interest in the civic affairs of his community, and is now a member of the school board for his borough. In November, 1908, he married Carrie Heilman, daughter of Cyrus Heilman, and to this union have been born three sons, Ralph, Ray, and Paul. He and his family attend the Hill Lutheran church, of which Mr. Kreider is treasurer. He is also a member of the Cleona Fire department.
A History of the Lebanon Valley In Pennsylvania, Volume II. By Dr. Hiram H. Shenk. 1930. Page 206.