The following biography is taken from the publication titled Biographical and Genealogical Sketches from Central Pennsylvania, Excerpted from Chronicles of Central Pennsylvania, Volume IV: Personal and Family History:
Born on his father’s farm in Chanceford Township, York County, March 24, 1857, Stephen S. Sechrist is the son of John and Susan (Frey) Sechrist. His early education was received in local schools and Union Seminary, Union County, Pennsylvania, and after graduation he taught school for fifteen terms. During this same period he operated a cigar factory at Felton, York County, for three years. In 1884, Mr. Sechrist came to Red Lion, where he established a cigar factory. At this early period the cigars were all being made by hand. Mr. Sechrist was continuing his educational work, teaching in Windsor Township, and the boroughs of Dallastown, Windsor and Red Lion. At the beginning of the present century (20th century), Mr. Sechrist, with other, organized the Porto Rico Cigar Company (the building is now the location of Red Lion borough municipal offices), becoming the senior member of the firm. The other officers of the concern were: D. A. Horn, T. E. Brooks, Fred Smith, the factory being located on the “Square”. Upon the dissolution of this company in 1912, Mr. Sechrist formed a partnership with H. L. Haines, under the trade name H. L. Haines Company, which was successfully conducted until 1924, when Mr. Sechrist retired from most business activities.
Always public spirited and keenly interested in community affairs, Stephen S. Sechrist served one term on the borough council; was a school director for two terms; and assisted in the organization of the first electric light plant in Red Lion, serving as Secretary. One of the first subscribers to stock in the First National Bank, he has long been a member of the board of directors, and now serves as President. He was also prominent in the establishment of the Red Lion Water Company, being Treasurer of the same, and was President of the Dallastown Water Company in 1925. Mr. Sechrist was instrumental in in organizing, and serves as director and President of the Red Lion Furniture Company, Red Lion Cabinet Company, Red Lion Table Company, was one of the founders and Treasurer of the York County Chair Company and is President of the Red Lion Cemetery Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the Commandery, Knights Templar, and the higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He attends the Lutheran Church.
In 1883, Stephen S. Sechrist married Susan Grove Stein, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Grove) Stein, and they became the parents of three children: 1. Bertha M., who married Charles Zarfos. 2. James B. 3. Elsie G., who married S. S. Laucks, an attorney. Mrs. Sechrist died October 20 1938.
Stephen S. Sechrist died November 30, 1943 in York County, PA and is buried at Red Lion Cemetery in Red Lion, York County, PA.