John Vandling Lesher

John Vandling Lesher (July 27, 1866 – May 3, 1932) was an American lawyer and businessman who was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, serving four terms from 1913 to 1921.

Early life Lesher was born on a farm in Blue Hill, Pennsylvania. He attended the rural schools in his native county and the State Normal School at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Career He taught school for several years in Union and Snyder Counties. He graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1897.

Military service He enlisted in Company K of the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1898, and when it was transferred to the Twelfth Regiment he served as a first lieutenant.

Legal and business career He was promoted to quartermaster with rank of captain, serving until 1902. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1900 and commenced practice in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He served as the assistant district attorney of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. He was also engaged in banking and real estate development.

Congress In 1912, Lesher was elected as a Democrat to the sixty-third and to the three succeeding congresses. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to a fifth term in 1920.

Death and burial He resumed the practice of law in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and died in Danville, Pennsylvania. Interment in Riverview Cemetery in Northumberland, Pennsylvania.