Henry K. Ober, 1899-1951 | Earl H. and Anita F. Hess Archives and Special Collections

Housed with Daniel C. Reber. Folders 5-8, the daybook, and academic regalia was donated by James Miller in 2015.

Henry K. Ober was born near Manheim, Pennsylvania on January 2, 1878, to Michael and Susan Kulp Ober. After attending local schools in Lancaster, Ober enrolled in the Millersville Normal School, where he received his degree in Pedagogy. Ober married Cora Hess in 1899, with whom he had four children. For some time, he taught in a rural school before being hired at Elizabethtown College in 1902. At the College, he taught courses in psychology and education, while also studying for a Master’s degree at Franklin and Marshall College. In addition to his teaching position, Ober worked as business manager and vice president of the College. From 1918-1921, he served as president of the College, and then again from 1924-1928. In between, Ober enrolled in graduate studies at Columbia University for an A.M. degree, and the University of Pennsylvania for PhD courses. However, Ober did not complete all requirements for the PhD degree. In 1924, Ober was asked to return to the presidency, and he returned until January 1928, when he vacated the position for health reasons. During his presidency, Ober ran for State Senate and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Franklin and Marshall College. After his resignation, Ober remained active with the College, serving as secretary for the Board of Trustees from 1930-1939 and as president of the Board from 1936-1939. From 1928-1939, Ober was a pastor for the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren. In 1929, he was elected moderator of the General Conference for the Church of the Brethren. From his background in education and psychology, Ober published “Child Rights: A Plea for Childhood” in 1934. The Ober Residence Hall on the Elizabethtown College campus was named in his honor in 1960. Ober passed away in March 1939 in Montgomery, Pennsylvania.