Bishop Jacob K. Kreider was born July 24, 1838, on the old family homestead, and he was educated in the common schools, occupying himself with farm work. When about twenty-three years old he was married, and then located on a farm of 116 acres, located about one mile west of Lebanon, in North Cornwall township, and here he successfully engaged in farming for twelve years. retiring then from activity. Mr. Kreider at that time erected one of the finest brick residences in this part of the county, at Fairland, on the Reading and Harrisburg Pike road, in the northwestern corner of North Cornwall township, surrounded with beautiful grounds some thirteen acres in extent. Mr. Kreider owns another property in the same locality. For a long period he has been one of the substantial men of the county and prominent in its affairs, a man of excellent business judgment and unimpeachable integrity.

On November 22, 1860, Mr. Kreider was married to Elizabeth Myer, daughter of John and Mary (Royer) Myer, born May 9, 1843, in North Annville township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kreider are valued members of the River Brethren church, in which he has been active since young manhood. In 1871 he was ordained a minister in the church and in 1887 was made a bishop, the only one in Lebanon county raised to that high ecclesiastical office. His bishopric covers Lebanon and a part of Dauphin county, and few men of his religious faith in this part of the State can show more satisfactory results of work done in this line. The church at Fairland was erected under his supervision, as were also the church at Harrisburg, and the one at Hummelstown. His ministrations have been wonderfully blessed, and he is much respected and beloved among the people who have known him from childhood.

Biographical Annals of Lebanon County - p. 95 - 1904