Biographical Sketch of Charles W. CHAMBERS (1904); Chester County, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by John Morris <jmcdmorris@comcast.net>. *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** "Historical Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs of Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania", Vol. 2, edited by Gil- bert Cope and Henry Graham Ashmead, Lewis Publishing Company, New York, 1904, page 370. "CHARLES W. CHAMBERS. Among the prominent and successful agriculturists of London Grove township, who have achieved financial success through their own energy and perseverance, is Charles W. Chambers, whose ancestors were among the pioneer settlers of Chester county, Pennsylvania, their history being closely interwoven with its industrial activities and pros- perity. He was born in West Bradford township, March 24, 1843, a son of Caleb E. Chambers, whose birthplace was on the old Chambers homestead in London Grove township. "Charles W. Chambers acquired his preliminary education at Kennett Square public school and this was supplemented by a thorough course of instruction at the Millersville (Pennsylvania) State Normal School. Upon the comple- tion of his studies he returned to the old farm and assisted his father for several years with the labor and management of the same, thereby gain- ing a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. He then located in what is now known as Whitford, West Whiteland township, Chester county, resided there for twenty-three years and during this long period of time was ac- tively engaged in the cattle business. This industry proving a profitable means of livelihood, he continued to pursue it in the towns of Downingtown and Honeybrook in succession, being a resident of those localities until the year 1899. He then moved to Lenape, Pocopson township, spent three years there, then located in London Grove township and four years later purchased a seventy-five-acre farm which was formerly the property of Hannah Michener, whereon he has since conducted an extensive and general farming business. That this enterprise has proved successful and remuner- ative is entirely due to the excellent preparation he acquired on his father's farm in early life, and also to his own careful management and progressive business methods. Mr. Chambers is a Republican in politics, and has creditably filled the office of school director in West Whiteland township for a number of years. "Mr. Chambers was married, at Thorndale, Chester county, February 11, 1867, to Mary P. Smedley, who was born August 3, 1843, a daughter of Ezra and Esther Ann (Pratt) Smedley. Ezra Smedley was born April 21, 1812, married, at Willistown Meeting, November 3, 1842, Esther Ann Pratt, who was born at White Horse, Willistown, July 12, 1819, a daughter of Joseph H., and Mary (Lewis) Pratt, of Willistown. Mr. Smedley died at Honeybrook, Chester county, December 24, 1893, and his remains were interred at Goshen Meeting. The following named children were born to Charles W. Chambers and his wife, Mary P. Chambers: 1. Maurice L., born 2 mo., 21, 1868, married Alice E. Lloyd, and to them were born the following named children - Lloyd, born 10 mo., 22, 1899; Charles, born 7 mo., 5, 1901, died in 1902; and Mildred, born 12 mo., 5, 1902. 2. Ezra S., born 1 mo., 12, 1870, died 7 mo., 3, 1886, and was buried at Friends' Cemetery at West Chester. 3. Eugene M., born 4 mo., 28, 1872, married, in 1898, Sarah Snowden Rumford. 4. Caleb E., born 9 mo., 28, 1878, and upon attaining young manhood was engaged by his father to cultivate and improve the farm adjoining his property. Mr. Chambers and his family are members of the Society of Friends, and are active and regular attendants at their meetings."