From the OHS PC Database, derived from A Guide to North American Organbuilders, by David H. Fox (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1991; rev. ed., 1997, with updated information). —

Born July 12, 1823 in Berne, Switzerland; son of Johann Bohler, Sr., brother of Daniel, Frederick and Ludwig {Lewis} Bohler, father-in-law of Gideon Jeffries; he immigrated with his family to Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, between 1829-1833; moved with his family to Reading, Pennsylvania, by c. 1847-1850; and was with the family firm in Reading, Pennsylvania, becoming head of the firm, by 1859; he died August 1, 1896; and was succeeded by his son-in-law, Gideon Jeffries.

Staff: Elmer E. Palm.

Sources:

• Dieffenbuch newsletter (John Speller, Editor, Tannenberg (Central Pa.) Chapter of the Organ Historical Society).
• John Speller.

See main entry: Johann [John] Bohler

Reformed Church Messenger, 6 Aug 1896 issue: DEATH OF SAMUEL BOHLER, the Well-Known Organ Builder - - Taken ill While at Harrisburg. Samuel Bohler, the well-known organ manufacturer, residing at 109 South Ninth street, Reading, died of cholera morbus at 3 p.m., Saturday, aged 73 years. His death was very sudden and unexpected. He left with several workmen on Monday for Harrisburg, where he superintended the erection of a large organ for the Zion's Lutheran Church. On Tuesday evening he was taken suddenly ill, and was confined to his bed at the Hirsche house. Dr. Gerhart, of that place, was called in and did all in his power to alleviate his sufferings, but of no avail. On Wednesday morning, Mr. Bohler's son-in-law, G.S. Jeffries, was telegraphed for and he immediately went to Harrisburg, where he found that Mr. Bohler's condition was very serious. Mr. Jeffries at once made arrangements to have him removed to Reading, and he was taken there on Wednesday evening. His sufferings at times were intense, and death came very peacefully. Deceased was the son of John and Margaret Bohler, both deceased, and he was born in Switzerland, near Berne. His parents went to Reading when he was six years of age and settled there. Deceased learned the trade of organ-making with his father, and after the latter's death he took charge of the business, which was established in 1820. For awhile the family lived in Orwigsburg. Mr. Bohler became widely known as an organ builder, and built instruments for churches in different parts of Eastern Pennsylvania and outside of the state. His factory was located for years on Court street below Eighth, from where it was removed to Bingaman street near Tenth. On January 1st, 1896, Mr. Bohler transferred his factory to his son-in-law, Gideon S. Jeffries, and then retired from active business life, only now and then superintending the erection of an organ. His wife, Malinda (nee Lobach), of Lobachsville, died in 1891. Deceased is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Jeffries, of Reading, and two sisters, Mrs. Owen Seip, of Atchison, Kansas, and Susan, of Freeport, Ill. Deceased was a member of the Second Reformed Church, Reading.