William H. "Lebbie" Lebkicher, a wizened, string bean of a man, was a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In 1880, he began working for young Milton Hershey's confectionery store at 935 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia. Milton Hershey's mother's family were farmers in Lancaster County. Lebbie had learned of the job opening while working on an adjoining farm. Thus began a friendship that would endure for more than 50 years.

The Civil War veteran was a boarder of Milton Hershey during the years in Philadelphia and was a jack of all trades at the candy shop. Milton Hershey said, Lebbie was the only man I couldn't outwork. But I could out talk him. He didn't say much, and when he did, he usually snapped at you.

The caramel shop in Philadelphia failed in 1882 and Milton Hershey and Lebbie Lebkicher went their separate ways. Milton Hershey returned to Lancaster in 1883 seeking financial support from his mother's family to start another venture in candy making. The Snavely family refused to assist him and also suggested that he find another place to sleep that night. Milton Hershey returned to Lancaster City and found shelter with his old employee, Lebbie Lebkicher. At this time Lebbie showed the depth of his fondness for young Milton, providing him with a change of clothes, a hot meal, and a place to sleep. When the railroad station complained about the furniture and candy equipment which Milton had sent "Cash On Delivery" and now had no money to release, Lebbie came to the rescue, paid the delivery charges and had it stored. Milton Hershey never forgot this kindness, and after that treated him with all the consideration his own generous nature could show.

Milton Hershey's success in Lancaster with the Lancaster Caramel Company would lead them both to the town of Derry Church, later to be named "Hershey". Lebbie remained a close associate of Mr. Hershey's, heading up the early construction projects for the new town and serving as a director for the Hershey Trust Company and Hershey Industrial School (now Milton Hershey School). Milton Hershey deeply trusted him and asked him to look after his mother and wife when he was out of town. He held many job titles but was most often introduced by Milton Hershey as "My good right hand."

Lebbie Lebkicher never married or had children and perhaps looked upon Milton Hershey as the son he never had. He died on February 10, 1929.