The founder of the Neher family in Troy was John H. Neher, long connected with the leading banking institution of Troy, and at the time of his decease was president of the United National Bank of that city. He was a son of Philip Neher, born November 1, 1783, died at Keeseville, New York, August 4, 1854. He is buried in Oakwood cemetery, Troy. Philip Neher was a carriage and wagon builder and carried on his business for many years at Sandy Hill, Washington county, also had shops at Crescent and Keeseville, New York. He married, September 20, 1829, at Malone, New York, Elizabeth Billings, born March 13, 1799, died in Troy, New York, November 9, 1894. Children:
- John H., see forward.
- Phoebe M., born March 16, 1834, died November 8, 1880; married James Hunter, an importer of New York City.
- Olivia, born March 1, 1839, died November 5, 1845.
(II) John Henry, only son of Philip and Elizabeth (Billings) Neher, was born at Sandy Hill, Washington county, New York, March 2, 1831, died in Troy, New York, March 29, 1906. His parents removed to Keeseville, New York, where he was educated in the schools of that town and at Half Moon Academy, New York. He engaged for a time as clerk in a dry goods store, and in a bank, and then went to Troy and entered the employ of the Farmers' Bank in 1851. Later he was employed in the Union Bank as teller, and subsequently was employed in the capacity of cashier of the Market Bank of Troy, serving in that responsible position until 1864. Abandoning the banking business, he engaged for a time in the manufacture of horse shoe nails, with a plant at Vergennes, Vermont, and for eleven years he was interested in a wholesale millinery establishment in Troy with two partners. Subsequently he returned to the banking business, entering the United National Bank (a consolidation) as teller in 1874, later becoming cashier, and in 1903 was appointed president. Mr. Neher was connected with the banks of Troy for over half a century, always in positions of the highest trust. He was thoroughly familiar with matters of finance, and was a wise, conservative and safe financier. He held high rank among the best business men of his city and state, and his judgment in financial transactions of magnitude was both sought and followed. He was esteemed in private life and contributed his full share to the advancement of the interests of Troy. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He married, September 17, 1856, in Troy, Harriet V. Price, born in Troy, February 4, 1833, daughter of John Price, born January 28, 1810, at Wynantskill, New York, died June 28, 1882, in Troy. He was a merchant of Troy for many years, held many city offices, and was sheriff of Rensselaer county, elected in 1850, serving six years. He was a charter member of Mt. Zion Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He married, October 19, 1831, Caroline Vandenburg, born March 20, 1813. Children: Harriet V. (Mrs. Neher) and Abraham, born December 21, 1818, died August 24, 1819. Mrs. Neher is a granddaughter of Abraham Price, of Wynantskill, New York. Children of John H. and Harriet V. (Price) Neher, all born in Troy:
- Caroline, August 29, 1857, died February 19, 1860.
- John Henry Jr., October 18, 1860, died April 11, 1866.
- George B., December 11, 1862, died April 14, 1866.
- Fred, April 30, 1867; graduated from the Troy public schools, graduate of Princeton University; now professor of chemistry at Princeton University; he married, September 8, 1898, Harriet B. Hutchins, of Beloit, Wisconsin, daughter of Charles Hutchins; children:
- John H., born August 14, 1899;
- Sarah W., born 1902.
Mrs. Neher survives her husband and resides in Troy, New York.