Vol I - Part 8: pp. 150 - 174.
(Page 150 cont.) WALTER DePREFONTAINE, organist at the First Presbyterian Church, Norristown, is a
native of Whitpain township, where the DePrefontaines, originally of French extraction,
have long been domiciled. He was born at Blue Bell, February 23, 1874, being the son of
Charles Paradee DePrefontaine and Emma Elizabeth (Shields) DePrefontaine. Walter
DePrefontaine attended the Central public school at Blue Bell, also assisting his father
in the store, and graduated from the township high school at sixteen years of age. He
then for one year attended Sunnyside Academy, the well-known school kept for many years
by the Misses Knight, at Ambler. At the same time betook up the study of instrumental
music under private tuition, and ultimately entered the musical profession. Mr. DePrefontaine married, September 26, 1895, Rachael Mitchell, daughter of
Charles and Mary Shaw (Conard) Shoemaker, of Blue Bell. They have one son, Charles
LeRoy, born October 25, 1896. Mr. DePrefontaine was for nine years organist at St. Thomas' Episcopal church, at
Whitemarsh. He also did much teaching of instrumental music in Whitpain and adjoining
townships until December, 1902, when he removed to Norristown, where he continues his
profession of musical director, making a specialty of the organ, (Page 151) and occupies the position of organist at the First Presbyterian church, corner of
DeKalb and Airy streets, one of the largest and most important of that denomination in
the county of Montgomery. Mr. DePrefontaine, apart from his devotion to his profession, takes an active
interest in public affairs. He is a Republican in politics. In religious faith he is a
Methodist, as have been the DePrefontaines for many generations. Charles P. DePrefontaine (father) has for many years conducted the general store
and post office at Blue Bell. He is the oldest child of John and Mary (Megargee)
DePrefontaine. Their son Charles (father), born January 7, 1841, at Milestown, married,
February 22, 1866, Emma Elizabeth Shields, born May 3, 1842, and their children are:
Mary, born January 20, 1868, married Nathan James, son of William and Elizabeth
Megargee, of Milestown, they living in Denver, Colorado, and having two children, Glenn
Earle and Nathan Leslie. Kate, born August 19, 1870, married March 27, 1894, Albert A.
Tyson, of Horsham, their children being; Emma D., born August 17, 1895, Horald, born
October, 1898, and Albert R., born 1900. Anna Rebecca, born August 21, 1872, died in
April, 1895, Walter is the next of the family. Clara, born November 14, 1875, married
July 30, 1895, Albert, son of John Fry, and has four children, Alice, born January 19,
1897; Florence May, born July 19, 1899; Rachel, born in May, 1901; and Albert. Emma,
born April 18, 1877, married, March 24, 1897, Oliver Edward, son of Edward Judson and
Mary Jane (Child) Stannard, of Whitpain, their children being, Clara Elizabeth (1898);
Ethelyn Minerva (1898, died 1899); Mary Jane Child (1901). Alice born March 16, 1880, is
unmarried; Charles born August 8, 1882, married Clara Ward Shook, March 23, 1904. John DePrefontaine (grandfather) and Mary Megargee, his wife, had the following
children Charles Pardee (father); Walter, born in 1845, died unmarried in 1866; Anna,
born in 1848, married Francis Houpt, of Dreshertown; Joseph, born June 6, 1850, died
January 28, 1854; Albert, born in 1852, married Emily Irvin and lived in Philadelphia;
William, born April 12, 1853, married Ida Tyson, of Horsham, and lived at Jarrettown. Rachel Mitchell, daughter of Charles and Mary Shaw (Conard) Shoemaker, was born at
Barren Hill. Her parents soon afterward removed to Blue Bell, where she attended the
public schools and later the Abington Friends school, and, after taking a course at
Pierce's Business School, Philadelphia, was employed at office work for several years.
Charles and Mary Shoemaker had the following children: Joseph Conard, born July 10,
1865, married February 17, 1886, Tacy Conard, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Conard)
Walton, their children being: Elizabeth Walton, born September 15, 1887; Sarah Pearl,
born in 1895; Violet, born 1897; and Joseph Conard, born November, 1899; Enoch
(deceased); Ella, born July 9, 1868, married, March 7, 1895, John Bothwell, son of David
and Mary (Bothwell) Park, of Horsham township, their children being, Benjamin Pennypacker
Wertsner, born December 19, 1895, and John Bothwell, born in July, 1899; Rebecca Jane,
born January 23, 1871, unmarried and lives in Judson Place, Philadelphia; Rachael
Mitchell, born September 10, 1873, married, September 26, 1895, Walter DePrefontaine;
Annie C., born August 26, 1876, unmarried, resides at Judson Place, Philadelphia; Mary
Klauder, born March 29, 1879, and Charles, born September 30, 1881, are unmarried;
Frank, born August 31, 1884, is living in Philadelphia. Benjamin DePrefontaine, father of John DePrefontaine, was born in 1790 and died
October 5, 1828. He married Phoebe Walters. Charles Shoemaker, father of Rachael M. Shoemaker, was born July 8, 1836, and died
January 6, 1898. He married December 24, 1863, Mary Shaw Conard, born December 9,
1840. JOHN BERKHEMER, one of the best-known farmers of Whitpain, was born April 18, 1846,
in Upper Dublin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Jacob and
Tacy Weber (Deaves) Berkhimer, his father being a farmer. The son was brought up to hard
work on the farm, going to school when there was nothing to be done at home, as it was a
well-settled principle at that time that work must not be interfered with for the
secondary purpose of gaining an education. (Page 152) On reaching his eighteenth year he laid aside his books and betook himself entirely
to the cultivation of the soil. At the age of twenty-one years he was apprenticed to the
trade of stonemason, at which he worked for ten years, and then again engaged in the
occupation of farming in Plymouth township, when he rented the old Berkhimer homestead
known as the Maples, succeeding to the title on the settlement of his father's estate,
which occurred in the year 1895. The Maples contains sixty-four acres of rolling and highly fertile land, part of it
heavily timbered, and all in a fine state of cultivation. The farm takes its name from
the many maple trees that surround the dwelling and are found elsewhere on the place.
Mr. Berkhimer operates The Maples as a dairy and truck farm, his products being shipped
to the Philadelphia markets. Mr. Berkhimer has been twice married. His first wife was Susanna Rex, of Plymouth
township. Their children are: Tacy, born June 27, 1868, unmarried; and Mary Ann, born
January 2, 1874, unmarried. Both daughters reside at The Maples. Mrs. Berkhimer died
September 10, 1877, and he married (second wife) Mrs. Josephine Rapine, widow of Jerome
Rapine, of Whitemarsh township. Mrs. Rapine, whose maiden name was Hallman, had two
children by her first marriage. Mr. Berkhimer has always been actively interested in the affairs of his community.
He is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Baptist church, at Cold Point,
Plymouth township, of which he is a trustee. He is a progressive citizen and engaged
earnestly in whatever tends to religious and social improvement. Jacob Berkhimer (father) was born January 6, 1809. He was the son of George and
Margaret Berhimer. He married, November 14, 1841, Tacy Weber Deaves. Her mother was Tacy
Weber, of Fairview Farm, at Sandy Hill, in Whitpain township. Their children are: Susanna
Deaves, born September 27, 1842, married, June 3, 1869, Nicholas R., son of William and
Mary Ann Rex, of Plymouth township; George E., born January 13, 1845, died July 3, 1845,
and was buried at Plymouth Meeting; John, subject of this sketch; William D., born May
22, 1848, married Margaret, daughter of Joel Dewees, of Whitpain township, they living
on the township line near Blue Bell road, in Whitpain; Isaac, born in 1848, died August
13, 1848; Mary Elizabeth, born October 5, 1850, died September 22, 1851; Jesse, born
October 5, 1852, married Sarah, daughter of William Moore, who dying, he married (second
wife) Emily, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Fisher, they living at West Ambler; Jacob
Martin, born December 25, 1854, married Sarah J. Thomas, of Harmonville, in Whitemarsh
township, where they live, having one daughter; Charles, born May 3, 1859, unmarried,
lives at Fairview Farm, and owns the property which formerly belonged to his grandfather
Deaves, and prior to that to his great-grandfather Weber, who held it from his father. The children of Nicholas R. and Susanna D. (Berkhimer) Rex are: Jacob, born
November 11, 1871, died July 11, 1872; Mary Ann, born September 22, 1877, died September
6, 1878; William Berkhimer, born September 24, 1882, unmarried and resides at Fairview,
where he assists his uncle, Charles Berkhimer, in managing the farm. George Berkhimer (grandfather) was born October 1, 1773. George Berkhimer
(great-grandfather) was born in 1750. GEORGE MICHAEL SCHWAB, deceased, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
Oberamt-Kintzelsau, town of Hollenbach, January 16, 1831. He was the son of Tobias and
Barbara (Steichauf) Schwab. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters, three
of whom are now living as follows: Frederick, of Charlotte street, Pottstown; Charles
Tobias, of Stowe, Pennsylvania: and John, of Shelby, Ohio. Barbara, is the deceased,
wife of Leonard Rahn, of Hollenbach, Germany. (Page 153) The father of Mr. Schwab was a baker, land-owner and farmer. He died in Germany at
the age of more than fifty years. His widow lived to seventy years or more. Mr. Schwab's grandfather, Steichauf, was a farmer in Germany and died there at an
advanced age. George M. Schwab, now deceased, was about nineteen years of age when he came to
America. He worked in a bakery in Philadelphia for several years. He then went to
Pottstown and was employed with Michael Spindler in his bakery for four years. He then
opened a bakery on his own account on High street and succeeded in establishing a large
business, which he continued until his death. He also was a director in the Citizens
National Bank of Pottstown. On April 9, 1859, George M. Schwab married Catharine Schurg, daughter of Johann
Michael and Clara (Honung) Schurg. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. George F.
Miller. The couple had seven children, three sons and four daughters: Clara Barbara,
unmarried; Anna Margaret, who became the wife of T. Walter Baer, and they are the
parents of three daughters: Ethel G., Mabel F., and Florence E. Baer; they reside in
Philadelphia; Marie T., who became the wife of Allen A. Trout, of Pottstown,
Pennsylvania, and died two years later at the age of twenty-two years, leaving a
daughter, Flora M., now also deceased; Katharin Elizabeth, unmarried; George, William,
unmarried; Charles Frederick, unmarried; and Martin Luther, unmarried. George M. Schwab died March 7, 1896, in his sixty-third year. His widow, who
survives, was born in Bartenstein, Germany Oberampt Gerebrunn, May 5, 1836. She is an
active member of Emmanuel Lutheran church, as was her husband. He served on the church
council for some years. Mrs. Schwab's mother died when her daughter was a mere child. Her father died in
1876, at the age of seventy-six years. They had ten children, six sons and four
daughters, seven of whom are now living, as follows: York, Lewis, John, Andreas,
Leonard, Catharine (Mrs. Schwab), and Mary, wife of Frederick Schwab. Mrs. Schwab's paternal grandfather was John Schurg. He was a farmer in Germany. His
wife's name was Clara. They had a small family. Mrs. Schwab's maternal grandfather was Michael Honung. He was a farmer and died in
Germany, at the age of eighty-two years. He had three children, one son and two
daughters. Mr. Schwab was an Odd Fellow. In politics he was a Democrat. He was one of
Pottstown's prominent and highly respected citizens. He accumulated money and property
by his industry and good management. He was a man of the highest integrity and was
thoroughly respected by the community in which he lived. He died, leaving behind him a
good name, -the most precious of legacies- to his children. In 1884 he took a trip to
his fatherland and also visited Belgium, France and Switzerland, and in 1888 his eldest
daughter made a trip to the same country. EDWARD JUDSON STANNARD, one of the prominent farmers of Whitpain township, is the
son of Heman and Minerva Stannard. He was born at Fairhaven, Vermont, December 12, 1829.
He attended school at that place in the intervals of work on the farm, and at sixteen
years of age entered Castleton Seminary, at Castleton, Vermont. After spending a year at
that institution, he returned to the farm and again took up the work of assisting in farm
management until the death of his father, when he assumed its management. In 1869 Mr. Stannard married Mary Jane, daughter of Oliver and Edith (Shaw) Child,
he originally of Carthage, New York, and she of Quakerstown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Stannard was born August 26, 1838. Their children are Ethelyn Minerva, born July 7,
1870, unmarried, resides with her parents; Oliver Edward, born November 2, 1871,
married, March 24, 1897, Emma, born April 18, 1877, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth
(Sheild) DePrefontaine, of Blue Bell, their children being, Clara Elizabeth, born
January 3, 1898; Ethelyn Minerva, born December 29, 1898, and died January 10, 1899;
Mary Jane Child, born July 26, 1901; and one died in infancy; Lewis Judson, born May 2,
1875, married Bertha Elizabeth, daughter of Albert and Mary (Craft) Rile, residing in
the vicinity, and having two children, Mary Elizabeth, born June 13, 1898, and Edith R.,
born May 18, 1900; Edith B., born February 18, 1877, died August 26, 1877; Edward Judson,
born February 20, 1881, died August 30, 1881. (Page 154) In the spring of 1876 Edward J. Stannard left Fairhaven, having purchased the farm
on which he now resides, which is known as South View, the name being suggested by the
slope of the land in that direction, and the great extent of country that can be seen
from the house. The farm contains seventy acres of fine land. It was formerly the
property of William Zorn, who was a relative of Mrs. Stannard. Heman Stannard (father) was the son of Samuel and Jemima (Wilcox) Stannard. He was
born in Collingsworth, Connecticut, December 27, 1780. He married, September 5, 1809,
Minerva, daughter of Samuel Smith, a farmer of Fairhaven, Vermont. Their children:
Betsy, born June 23, 1810, married Almon Bartholomew, of Whitehall, New York; infant,
born June 23, 1812; Samuel, born December 29, 1813, died September 15, 1815; Eliza B.,
born May 15, 1816, married Satterlee Miller, of Fairhaven, Vermont; Julia B., born April
4, 1820, married Edmund Kirtland, of Grandville, New York; Mary Ann, born April 20, 1823,
unmarried, and resides at West Poultney, New York: Heman, born February 3, 1826, married
Maria Kirtland; Edward Judson, subject of this sketch, and Charlott, deceased. Samuel Stannard (grandfather) was born in Collingsworth, Connecticut in 1749, the
family having long been residents of that place. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. He removed to Fairhaven, Vermont, and became a valued member of that community,
much interested in its prosperity. In 1770 he married Jemima Wilcox, born in 1746. Their children Betsy, born August 12, 1771, married Ansel Merritt, and removed to
Pottsdam, New York; Daniel, born January 14, 1773, married Mary Davidson, of Fairhaven,
Vermont; Charlotte, born November 23, 1774, married Bollan Sheppard, and was left a
widow with several children; Eliza married Oliver Childs, whose first wife was Edith,
daughter of John Shaw and Elizabeth (Ball) Shaw, of Quakertown, Bucks county,
Pennsylvania, and mother of Mary Jane Child, wife of Edward J. Stannard; Samuel, born
October 1, 1776, married Reubena Petty, of Georgia, Vermont, their child being General
Samuel George Stannard, of St. Albans, Vermont, who lost an arm at Gettysburg; Heman
(father) born in 1780, died May 16, 1863. Edward J. Stannard is a Republican in politics and has always taken an active
interest in party success. In Fairhaven, where he resided the greater part of his life,
he was more prominently identified with politics than he has been since his coming to
Pennsylvania. He became a member of the party on its organization in 1856, having prior
to that time supported the principles and candidates of the Whig party. The Stannard
family are Episcopalians in religious faith and they are members of St. Thomas'
Episcopal church, of Whitemarsh. Samuel Stannard (grandfather) enlisted in the Revolutionary war in the Seventh
Regiment, Connecticut Troops, under Colonel Charles Webb, and Captain Nathaniel Tuttle,
July 14, 1775. He participated in the battles of Germantown and Monmouth. He was at the
Valley Forge camp ground during the winter of 1778-9 and at Morristown, New Jersey, in
1779-80. He became a sergeant, August 18, 1780, and at the close of the Revolution
returned to Fairhaven, Vermont and received the appointment of captain of the Vermont
state militia. JOSEPH WARREN McCANN was the youngest child of Philip Rees and Elizabeth (Watts)
McCann. He was born February 12, 1866, in the house in which he now lives, which was
purchased by his grandfather, John McCann, in 1814. It is situated on the Blue Bell
road, about a mile south of the village. It is known as Spring Valley Farm, and contains
forty-eight acres of highly cultivated land, sloping toward the south and west. Page 155) Soon after his birth his parents removed to Plymouth township where his father had
rented a farm. Remaining there one year, the family removed to Chestnut Hill where they
resided for some year as tenants, after which they returned to Spring Valley where the
family has since resided, and where Philip Rees McCann died, January 22, 1890. Joseph W. McCann received his education largely at Chestnut Hill school and Bryant
and Stratton's Business College at Philadelphia. He married, September 6, 1892, Mary,
daughter of Ezekiah and Isabella (Deane) Hallman. Their children are: William Phillips,
born May 6, 1893; Joseph Warren, born December 28, 1895; Maurice Albert and Thomas
Jesse, twins, born in 1898. Joseph W. McCann conducts the Spring Valley Farm in conjunction with his sister,
Ann Catharine, who owns the place. They operate the place as a vegetable farm and attend
the Philadelphia market. Philip Rees McCann (father), born September 16, 1816, was the son of John and Ann
(McAffee) McCann. He married Elizabeth Watts, of Sellersville. They had the following
named children: 1. Ann Catharine, born June 20, 1847, proprietor of the homestead,
Spring Valley, is unmarried and makes her home with her brother Joseph. 2. Helen
Virginia, born February 1, 1849, married, October 20, 1883, Frederick Mutchmore, of
Ohio, and had three children, George, born February 12, 1886 (deceased), Minnie, born
August 30, 1888, and Helen, born February 26, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Mutchmore reside at
Mount Airy, Philadelphia. 3. Thomas Jefferson has the following children: Gertrude
Elizabeth, born October 31, 1880, and resides with her parents at Barren Hill; Mabel,
who died August 26, 1901; Grover Cleveland, born May 15, 1899; and Francis, born in
1891; 4. William, born July 22, 1854, married in April. 1903, Elvie, daughter of Jones
Detwiler, they living near Blue Bell. William is road supervisor of Whitpain township.
5. Mary, born August 28, 1856, married James P. Simpson, of Baltimore, Maryland, they
having five children: Grace, born September 13, 1890; Edith Elizabeth, born October 12,
1891; James P., born September 3, 1894; Laura, born September 12, 1897; and Mary, born
in February, 1899. 6. Hepsy Norris, born July 4, 1858, married George L. Watson and
they have three children Ethel, born September 11, 1887, Elizabeth born June 18, 1890;
and Leon, born February 15, 1893. They live in West Philadelphia. 7. Martha Conard,
born April 29, 1860, married Jacob Engleman, of Bustleton, Philadelphia; they having
five children, as follows: Marion Sarah, born March 3, 1888: Edna, born March 12, 1890;
Florence, born March 12, 1892; Myrtle, born January 3, 1896, and Jacob Schlichter. 8. J.
Warren is the subject of this sketch. John McCann (grandfather) was born in Ireland, April 14, 1770, married Ann McAffee,
born April 13, 1778. John McCann was a contractor and farmer in Norristown. CHARLES BERKHIMER, son of Jacob and Tacy Weber (Deaves) Berkhimer, was born at
Fairview, the old homestead of the Weber family, at Sandy Hill, in Whitpain township,
May 3, 1859. He attended school at Sandy Hill until his seventeenth year, besides
assisting his father on the farm during the intervals of school study. After the death
of his parents he became owner of the farm, which takes its name from the elevated
position of the land from which the surrounding country may be seen in every direction
for many miles. Few places in Montgomery county offer better facilities in the way of
scenery than may be enjoyed from the door of the old stone mansion of Fairview Farm. Charles Berkhimer is unmarried and the presiding genius in his household is his
widowed sister, Mrs. Rex, who with her son, assists in the management of the farm. Jacob Berkhimer (father), born January 6, 1809, married November 25, 1841, Tacy
Weber Deaves, born June 23, 1814. Their children are Susanna Deaves, born September 27,
1842, married June 3, 1869, Nicholas Rex, born July 25, 1842, son of William and Mary
Ann Rex, of Plymouth township, their children being Jacob and Mary Ann (died in
infancy); and William Berkhimer, born September 24, 1882, residing at "Fairview Farm,"
with his mother and uncle, his father, Nicholas Rex, having died June 25, 1883. (Page 156) George E., second child of Jacob Berkhimer, born January 13, 1845, died July 3,
1845. John, born April 18, 1846, married Susanna Rex (first wife), whose daughters Tacy
B., born June 22, 1868, and Mary Ann, born January 2, 1874, reside with their father at
the Maples in Whitpain township. Susanna Berkhimer having died December 10, 1877, John Berkhimer married (second
wife) Mrs. Josephine (Hallman) Rapine, widow of Jerome Rapine, of Whitemarsh township,
by whom she had two children. William Deaves, born May 22, 1848, married Margaret,
daughter of Joel Dewees, of Whitpain township, they living on the Township Line road
near Blue Bell. Isaac, born in 1848, died in infancy. Mary Elizabeth, born in 1850, and
died in infancy. Jesse Deaves, born October 5, 1852, married Sarah, daughter of William
Moore, and she having died, married (second wife) Emily, daughter of Samuel and Sarah
Fisher, they residing at West Ambler. Jacob Martin, born on Christmas day, 1854, married
Sarah J. Thomas, of Harmanville, where they live. Charles is the other member of the
family. Mr. Berkhimer's grandfather, George Berkhimer, was born in 1773. He was the son of
George Berkhimer, born in 1750. HENRY FASSETT CONARD was born October 22, 1849, and is a son of Joseph Phipps and
Rebecca A. (Shaw) Conard. The father was born December 24, 1812, and on the 12th of
March, 1835, was married to Rebecca A. Shaw. He died November 26, 1897, and his wife in
April, 1873. They became the parents of the following named: Charles E., who was born
February 9, 1836, died on the 10th of April of the same year; Ann W., born June 13,
1837, married Jacob T. Buckman, April 14, 1859; Mary S., born December 9, 1840, became
the wife of Charles Shoemaker, December 24, 1863; Alice S., born May 10, 1843, was
married February 13, 1877, to John Walton; Elizabeth R., born March 15, 1847, is the
wife of Franklin Stackhouse; Henry Fassett is the sixth of the family; Elwood, born
September 25, 1852, married Ella Burk, September 3, 1883; Israel S., born June 1, 1856,
was married March 16, 1880, to Jane Cline; John R. born January 8, 1860, died April 2,
1861. The father of this family was a strong anti-slavery man prior to the Civil war. He
gave his political support to the Whig party in early life and when the Republican party
was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and was one of
its valiant supporters in his township. His ancestors were connected with the Federalist
party. His farm contains fifty-nine acres of undulating land and the place is richly
cultivated, returning golden harvests for the care and labor bestowed upon it. Henry Fassett Conard attended the central public school at Blue Bell, where he
completed a good education. In the meantime he assisted in the operation of the home
farm until his nineteenth year, becoming familiar with farm work in all of its
departments. At length he succeeded his father in the ownership of the old homestead and
engaged there in general farming and dairying. He is now assisted by his second son
Eugene in the cultivation of the home place and he uses four horses in operating his
land. Everything about his farm is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates his
careful supervision. In his political view Mr. Conard is a Prohibitionist, giving his allegiance to the
party because of his earnest interest in the temperance question. Previous to his
affiliation with the Prohibition party he was a Republican. He is a member of the
Society of Friends, belonging to Plymouth Meeting, in which his ancestors worshipped for
many generations. Mr. Conard was married on the 6th of July, 1875, to Miss Sarah H. Nice, a daughter
of Harper and Mary Kelter (Large) Nice, who were residents of Broad Axe, Whitpain
township, Montgomery county. Her father was born March 29, 1815, at Branchtown,
Philadelphia county, a son of John and Sarah (Harper) Nice. The mother of Mrs. Conard
was a daughter of Jesse and Katherine (Kelter) Large. Harper Nice and Mary Kelter Large were married February 20, 1840, and unto them
were born nine children: Lemuel, born March 29, 1841, was married to Rebecca Fisher,
September 22, 1864; Jesse Large, born June 12, 1842, married Mary Catherine Rossiter,
October 9, 1861; Catherine Large, born December 26, 1843, was married November 5, 1867,
to John N. Slingluff; John, born August 1, 1845, died September 12, 1863; Jacob Large,
born October 13, 1848, was married to Irene Whitcomb, March 18, 1869; Harper, born March
26, 1850, was married to Annie Elizabeth Stout, November 24, 1874; Eugene Edgar, born
July 30, 1852, was married to Hester Wertzner, November 4, 1875; Sarah Harper Large,
born July 25, 1854, is the wife of Mr. Conard; and Horace Humphrey, born April 8, 1857,
died November 4, 1859. (Page 157) Unto Mr. and Mrs. Conard have been born five children: Walter, married Bertha A.
Bitting, a daughter of C. C. Bitting. They reside at Cheltenham, Montgomery county.
Eugene Nice, born March 24, 1879, married Della Bertha Slingluff, a daughter of Henry G.
and Flora (Kinsen) Slingluff, the wedding taking place April 10, 1901. They reside upon
the old family homestead, Eugene Nice assisting his father in its operation. By his
marriage he has one child, Veral LeRoy Conard, born June 20, 1903. Alice Rebecca, born
January 30, 1881, is at home with her parents. Joseph Harper, born November 1, 1883,
died September 14, 1884. Mary Catherine, born December 30, 1885, resides at home,
unmarried. Archivist's Note: Per granddaughter; Walter Harper Conard (b. 24 Aug 1876)
and Bertha Adelia Bitting (b. 29 Apr 1881). Bertha, the daughter of Edmund Thomson Bitting and Philippine Margerum,
not C. C. Bitting, as shown above. 9/2002. JOHN SCHIRMER, who follows farming in Whitpain township, Montgomery county, was
born in Allfields, in the duchy of Baden, Germany, on the 12th of May, 1837. His parents
were Killian and Joseppa (Yeoman) Schirmer. The father was a farmer by occupation and at
an early age John Schirmer became his assistant in the cultivation and improvement of
the land which he operated. In the winter he was accorded the privilege of attending the
parochial school in the home parish, until his fourteenth year. After that his entire
attention was devoted to farm work until he attained his majority. In the meantime he
had mentally discussed the possibilities of the new world and reviewed the situation as
he understood it, and had resolved to seek a home and fortune beyond the Atlantic.
Accordingly he sailed for the United States and settled in New Jersey, where he remained
for eight months. On the expiration of that period he removed to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed for more than
six years. Leaving that city he took up his abode in Horsham township, Montgomery county,
where he purchased a small farm of ten acres, continuing its cultivation for six years.
He then sold the property and bought an adjoining tract of land of twenty-three acres,
which he also cultivated and improved for a period of six years. He then disposed of his
second farm and purchased his present property, comprising forty acres of rich rolling
land which is highly cultivable and is now splendidly improved. He has lived upon this
place for twenty-six years and his, labors have been effective in making it a very
productive tract so that it returns to him a good income for his labors. After coming to America Mr. Schirmer took out naturalization papers and became a
citizen of the republic. He has always voted the Democratic ticket and while he has
never taken an active part in politics as an officer seeker he has always felt a deep
interest in movements pertaining to the general welfare and his labors have been a
co-operant factor in many measures for the public good. His religious faith is that of
the Catholic church. On the 27th of January, 1861, Mr. Schirmer was united in marriage to Miss
Wilhelmina Keller, a daughter of Anton and Katherine Keller, who were at that time
residents of Philadelphia, but were natives of Canton Arkan, Switzerland. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Schirmer have been born ten children. Mary Caroline, the eldest, born June 13,
1862, became the wife of John Ansel on the 18th of December, 1882, and they reside at
North Wales, Montgomery county. John William Schirmer born December 27, 1864, married
Elizabeth Haines and resides at North Wales. They had six children: Leon Haines, born
October 8, 1887; Roy William, deceased; Hazel Ivy, born September 8, 1891; Verda, who
died in infancy; Faguna; and Iris Edith, born July 25, 1901. Agnes Amelia Schirmer, born
October 26, 1866, became the wife of Harry Irwin on the 18th of June, 1888; and resides
at Burlington, New Jersey. (Page 158) They have two children: Agnes Wilhelmina, born March 9, 1889; and Anna Theresa,
born November 21, 1891. Richard Schirmer, born December 17, 1868, married Miss Mary
Myers, of West Point, Montgomery county, in July, 1894, and they now reside at North
Wales. Their first child died in infancy and they now have a daughter, Margaret, who was
born March 9, 1898. Clara Cecelia Schirmer, born February 13, 1870, is the wife of Isaac
Elmer Manks, of Philadelphia, and their marriage, which was celebrated December 24,
1887, has been blessed with one child, John Schirmer, born April 29, 1889. Ella
Josephine Schirmer, born March 24, 1873, became the wife of William Condon of
Philadelphia, and they now reside in that city. Hannah Theresa Schirmer, born May 16,
1875; Wilhelmina Blandina, born September 19, 1877; George Aloysius, born April 24,
1880; and Joseph, born November 2, 1882, are all at home with their parents. FRANK WESLEY DUFFIELD, born at Jenkintown, September 25, 1861, is one of a family
of twelve children, of Christian Bosbyshell and Mary Jane (Williams) Duffield, the
latter a daughter of Richard and Maria (Castner) Williams. Christian B. Duffield (father) was a farmer at Jenkintown. When Frank W. Duffield
was four years of age he removed to Southamptonville, in Bucks county, where they lived
for a shore time, operating his brother's farm. Their next move was to the farm of
General W. H. David, at Davisville, Bucks county. Frank W. Duffield attended the public schools until his thirteenth year, when he
commenced to do all kinds of farm work and remained at this laborious occupation until
his twenty-second year, when he took upon himself the responsibilities and duties of
married life. He married Ellen, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Conard) Walton, on
December 27, 1883. Mrs. Duffield was born July 30, 1855. Their children: Joseph Walton,
who was born May 22, 1885, attended the George School; Eugene Miller, who was born March
22, 1887, and attended the Friends' School at Plymouth Meeting; Mary Elizabeth, born July
12, 1890; and Grace Ola, born November 28, 1892, at Plymouth Meeting. Frank W. Duffield is a Republican in politics. He has never held office but is
actively interested in the success of the party's principles and candidates. In religious faith the Duffield family in former generations were members of the
Methodist church, both the father and grandfather being attached to that denomination,
but Mr. Duffield attends Plymouth Friends' Meeting, of which his wife and her family are
members. Mr. Duffield operates his farm for general purposes combined with dairying. It is
stocked with twelve head of cattle and five horses. He is one of the most successful
farmers of the township, giving strict attention to keeping his farm in order and
producing abundant crops of hay, grain and other articles. Christian Duffield (father) was the son of George Duffield. George Duffield
(grandfather) was the son of Jacob Duffield, who emigrated from England and settled near
Bustleton, about 1750, and followed the occupation of farming. The children of Christian and Mary Jane (Williams) Duffield were: Richard Edwin
married Cecelia Shelmire, they having two children and residing at the old Conard
property in Whitpain township, on the Chestnut Hill road; John Ellwood married Clara
Engle, of Moreland township, they having four children and residing on the Chalkley
Stever farm, in Whitpain township; one died in infancy; Ellen married Harvey Fesmire, of
Moreland township, and had seven children, he being deceased and his widow residing at
Davisville, Bucks county; Harvey Alfred married Anna Hallman who is a widow with one
child; Frank Wesley, subject of this sketch; Frederick Bickley married Addie Hurlock,
having two children and residing at Belfry on the Stony Creek Railroad; Harriet Ida, one
of twins, married (Page 159) Thomas H. Fetter and has one child, they residing in Hatboro; Daniel Jeanes married
and has one child, residing in Philadelphia; Flora Louisa, born October 8, 1875,
unmarried and resides in Philadelphia. JOHN MEREDITH CONRAD, son of Nathan and Martha (Lukens) Conrad, was born at the old
homestead of the Conrad family in Whitpain township, February 18, 1848. He attended the
public schools at Sandy Hill and the Ellis school on the DeKalb street road near
Washington Square. He also was a student for some time at Treemount Seminary, then in
charge of Professor John W. Loch, Norristown. He married, March 5, 1874, Elma B.,
daughter of Lee and Mary S. (Wood) Garrigues, of Jarrettown, in Upper Dublin township,
Montgomery county. Elma B. Garrigues was born March 1, 1850, and, after attending the
public schools of the neighborhood, became a student at Millersville State Normal
School, where she completed a course and returned to her home at Jarrettown. John M. Conrad and wife have had five children: Mary Garrigues; born November 20,
1875, unmarried, resides with her parents; Ellie Wood, born April 2, 1878, unmarried and
resides with her parents; Lee Garrigues, born June 12, 1881, met an awful fate, losing
his life at the burning of Park Hotel, New York city, February 22, 1902, whither he had
gone with his relative, Henry C. Conrad, his charred remains being afterwards found and
interred in Plymouth Friends' burying-ground; John Meredith, born February 12, 1889,
resides at home and attends the Friends school at Plymouth Meeting: Ida Garrigues, born
July 24, 1893, is a student at the same institution. Nathan and Martha Conrad had the following children: Edwin, born May 17, 1840,
married, February 14, 1867, Annie Yerkes; Ellen M., born December 24, 1842, unmarried;
Ellwood, born August 27, 1844, married Mattie S. Wood, March 20, 1873, and (second wife)
Hannah Edmunds, in 1879; Lukens B., born December 5, 1845, died September 26, 1852; John
Meredith, born February 18, 1848, married Alma M. Garrigues, March 5, 1874; Rachel, born
October 29, 1851, died September 26, 1852; Nathan, born December 26, 1854, died
unmarried. Nathan Conrad (father) was born March 11, 1808, on the old homestead now occupied
by his son, John Meredith Conrad. He was the son of Henry and Anna (Osborn) Conrad. He
married Martha Lukens Meredith. Henry Conrad (grandfather) was the son of John and Ann (Rogers) Conrad, and
married, February 27, 1787, Ann Osborn. John Conrad (great-grandfather) was the son of
Henry and Catharine (Streypers) Cunreds, and died in Norristown township in 1793. Lee Garrigues, father of Mrs. John M. Conrad, was the son of Benjamin and Ann (Lee)
Garrigues, and was born August 1, 1819, and married, February 13, 1845, Mary Wood, born
June 9, 1822, the daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Malone) Wood, and their children were:
Anna Garrigues, born July 11, 1846, died July 11, 1847; Edward Garrigues, born December
29, 1847, died in 1867; Elma B. Garrigues, born March 1, 1850, married Mr. Conrad; James
Sanford Garrigues, born September 9, 1855, married Ida F. Rittenhouse, they residing on
Stanbridge street, Norristown. The Conrad family have always been attached to the religious belief of the Society
of Friends and take an active interest in its affairs. Nathan Conrad (father) was an
overseer and elder of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, of which John M. Conrad and his family
are members, attending Plymouth Meeting. In politics John M. Conrad's forefathers were
Federalists and Whigs. He is a Republican, but has never sought or held office. The
homestead on which he and his family reside contains ninety-eight acres. He devotes his
attention to general farming, combined with a dairy. HORACE CENTENNIAL WOOD, who occupies the old homestead of the Wood family, on
Skippack turnpike, at Centre Square, in Whitpain township, is of the third generation of
the family who has occupied it, he having been born there January 2, 1876. He was the
youngest son of Charles Supplee and Andora (Tyson) Wood. He attended the public school
at Centre Square until he was sixteen years old, helping on the farm during the summer
vacations. After leaving school he assisted on the farm until his marriage. (page 160) On June 30, 1897, Horace C. Wood married Caroline Krauss, sixth child of Jacob and
Sophia (Krauss) Weigner. Their children are: Charles Earle, born January 24, 1898, and
Ruth Mildred, born November 17, 1900. Horace C. Wood and his wife continued to live on
the Wood homestead for one year, then removing to Worcester township, where he farmed.
In the following year Mr. Wood succeeded his father in the management of the home farm,
which contains fifty acres of rolling land. Mr. Wood has a dairy of eighteen cows, stock
of all kinds, and raises all kinds of vegetables and grains. He attends the Norristown
market. In politics he is a Republican but never sought office. The Wood family have
always been members of Boehm's Reformed church, of Blue Bell. Charles Wood (father) and Andora (Tyson) Wood, his wife, had two sons: Horace C.
and Tyson Supplee, the latter residing with his parents at Norristown. Charles S. Wood
(father) was born on the homestead in Whitpain township, March 31, 1848, and died March
3, 1904. Charles S. Wood (grandfather) was also born in Whitpain township, September 15,
1803. On February 11, 1840, he married Malinda Supplee, who was born in 1804. They had
six children, of whom Charles S. Wood was the fifth. Charles Wood (grandfather)
succeeded his father, Jonathan Wood, son of James Wood of Horsham township, who moved to
Whitpain about 1780. Mrs. Horace C. Wood is a daughter of Jacob A. Weigner who was born in Worcester
township, November 15, 1837. The mother, Sophia Krauss, was born in Upper Hanover
township, January 15, 1841. They were married February 2, 1864, and had eleven children:
Priscilla, born December 21, 1864 and died September 25, 1870, John K., September 25,
1866; Christanna K., December 31, 1867; Mary M., April 25, 1870, and died September 24,
1870: Ida K., October 1, 1871; Laura K., August 8, 1873; Caroline K., March 18, 1875
Sophia K., June 23, 1877; Henry K., April 24, 1879; Ella K., December 31, 1880; and Emma
K., August 21, 1882. (Picture of Willis R. Roberts) WILLIS R. ROBERTS. The name of Roberts is one of the most common among people of
Welsh descent, because of the fact that Robert is one of the common first names
so-called. The custom that formerly prevailed of using the connective "ap," for "son
of," so that the children of Robert were John ap Robert, Thomas ap Robert, and so on,
which in the course of time "S" was added to the surname and the "ap" dropped, became
John Roberts, Thomas Roberts, etc., is at least partly responsible for the great number
of Roberts families that now exist in this state and throughout the country. The ancestor of Willis Read Roberts was Aaron Roberts, born about 1682. It was not
until recently that the names of the parents of Aaron Roberts were ascertained. In a
letter of removal which the father of Aaron brought with him to this country in 1690,
his name is given as Robert Ellis. It is believed that he afterwards signed his name
Ellis Robert, although it has been suggested that this may have been the signature of
one of his sons. Robert Ellis is said to have come to Pennsylvania at the time that Hugh
Roberts, a noted minister among Friends, one of the early settlers of Merion township,
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, returned to this country after a religious visit to his
old home in Wales. Hugh had previously located in Merion, about 1683. The letter of removal given by the quarterly meeting at Tyddyny Gareg to Robert
Ellis, as the name was understood at that time, is very interesting, speaking of himself
and his wife, Elin Ellis, as having been Preachers of Righteousness to and amongst their
neighbors, they having been "convinced of the Truth about twenty years before" (that is,
about 1670). At the same meeting a very beautiful letter was given to Hugh Roberts, then
returning to Pennsylvania after a religious visit in which he had ministered very
acceptably to Friends in Wales. (Page 161) The first son of Robert and Elin Ellis was Abel. He married Mary Prince, in 1701,
and he signs the marriage certificate as Abel Robert. In the family column of names on
his marriage certificate, immediately under the names of himself and wife according to
the custom of that day, appear the names of hoses Robert, Ellis Robert, Aaron Robert and
Evan Robert. These are the, names of four of the children of Robert Ellis as given in the
letter of removal which has been mentioned, and it may be taken for granted that these
four were his children and the brothers of Abel Robert. Willis R. Robert is the son of John and Mary Adamson (Read) Roberts. He was born in
Norristown, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1854. He was educated in the public schools and the
high school of Norristown, and also took a course and received the degree of Ph. D. from
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was employed for a number of years
at the office of the Norristown Herald, in the capacity of business manager. Later he secured a position with The Religious Press Association, a prominent
Philadelphia establishment, with which he has ever since been connected. He married,
June 3, 1880, Margaret M. Jamison, born June 4, 1856. They have three sons: Willis Read,
born May 1, 1881; Victor Jamison, born January 29, 1883; and Paul Greir, born November
15, 1888. In politics Mr. Roberts is a Republican, but he has never sought public office,
preferring to attend strictly to business. In religious faith he and his family are
members of the First Presbyterian church of Norristown, he being an elder of the church.
They reside in the old Jamison mansion at the corner of DeKalb and Airy streets. John Roberts (father) was the son of John and Rachel (Shoemaker) Roberts. He was
born at Norristown, November 8, 1823, and died December 20, 1864. He married November
1, 1849, Mary Adamson Read, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Corson) Read. She was a most
estimable woman, and survived her husband nearly thirty years. She was born September
14, 1824, and died February 4, 1894. Their children were: (1) Elihu Read, born December 12, 1851, married September 3,
1891, Isabella Webster, born August 19, 1856, of Philadelphia. They have one child, Gene
Roberts, born November 9, 1893. (2) Willis R., subject of this sketch. (3) Nellie Jones
Roberts, born November 17, 1858, died March 11, 1863. (4) Joseph, born April 4, 1864,
died January 2, 1865. Elihu Roberts and Isabella Webster were married September 3, 1891.
He is a prominent citizen of Norristown, an earnest Republican, and has represented the
third ward for many years in town council. He has been president of that body for a
number of years, and is a model presiding officer. John Roberts (grandfather) was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Rees) Roberts. They
resided near where Norristown has since been located, in Norriton township. John Roberts
was born Ninth-mo. 8, 1769. He married Twelfth-mo. 10, 1801, Rachel Shoemaker, a member
of an old Montgomery county family of German descent. Joseph Roberts (great-grandfather) was the son of Aaron and Sarah (Longworthy)
Roberts. Joseph Roberts was born in Norriton township, Ninth-mo. 11, 1729, and married,
Eleventh-mo. 13, 1757, Hannah Rees, of an old family of Welsh descent. Aaron Roberts (great-great-grandfather), born about 1682, married, Eighth-mo. 6,
1727, Sarah Longworthy, of an English family. He was the son of Robert Ellis, whose
certificate from meeting at Tyddyny Gareg, in Merionethshire, Wales, is dated Fifth-mo.
28, 1690, and Elin (Ellen), his wife. Robert and Elin Ellis had seven children, as
follows: Abel, Moses, Ellis, Aaron, Evan, Rachel, and Jane, all of whose surnames were
Roberts, or at that time Robert. When they came to Pennsylvania in 1690, Robert Ellis
and his wife were probably both of middle age (probably forty or fifty years old) when
they came to this country in company with Hugh Roberts. Aaron, who was their fourth
child, was probably eight or ten years of age at that time. Aaron bought land in
Norriton township, in or near what is now Norristown, in 1714. His marriage with Sarah
Longworthy, of Radnor, took place in 1727. (Page 162) The maternal grandparents of Willis Read Roberts, Thomas and Sarah (Carson) Read,
resided at what is now known as Maricill's Mill, in Upper Merion township, a short
distance below Port Kennedy, for many years. Thomas Read was a native of Delaware
county, Pennsylvania, as were also his parents, William and Susan Read. Sarah Corson,
his wife, was the fourth child of Joseph and Hannah (Dickinson) Corson, who lived beyond
childhood. She was born December 13, 1793, in Plymouth. township, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, on what has since been known as the Campbell farm, near Hickorytown. In
1816 she married Thomas Read. They lived for a short time at Hickorytown, and then
removed to Pawling's bridge, in Chester county. Pennsylvania, next to the farm and mill
in Upper Merion township, and finally to Norristown, where both died, Thomas on
September 23, 1856, Sarah on May 8, 1859. Their children were: Susan, born October 6,
1817, died at the age of seven years; Sarah, born September 13, 1819, married Charles
Jones; Hannah, born January 2, 1822, married George Schultz, and was for many years a
widow and died September 16, 1901; Mary Adamson, mother of Elihu R. and Willis R.
Roberts; Edwin, died in infancy; Louis Wermya, surgeon-general of Pennsylvania, and one
of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of his time: Joseph Corson, married Minnie
Burrins; Alan Wright, who resided abroad and died unmarried December 29, 1901, at
Copenhagen, Denmark. Sarah Corson Read belonged to a family distinguished in the line of medical and
other attainments. She was a sister of Dr. William Corson, of Norristown, and of Dr.
Hiram Corson, of Plymouth Meeting, as well as of Allan W. Corson, a celebrated teacher,
horticulturist and mathematician, of Plymouth Meeting. All her children are deceased. FRANCIS CONRAD HOOVER, a competent and experienced farmer whose home, "The Pines,"
at Blue Bell, is one of the attractive country places of Whitpain township, Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania, is descended from some of the earliest of the German settlers of
the Lehigh Valley. The family is now widely represented in the professions. and in many
lines of business throughout the state, and the present generation is sustaining the
honorable record which was the bequest of the forefathers. Philip Hoover, grandfather of Francis Conrad, was a sturdy and energetic farmer, a
man of large capacity and uncompromising principles. he was a leader of public opinion
in his township, and a generous supporter of every good cause. Among his children were
Hiram, now Judge Hoover of Hooverton, and Frederick William, who was the eldest son and
the father of Francis Conrad Hoover. Frederick William Hoover, was born January 17, 1806, and was reared to the varied
activities of his father's farm. He attended the country schools, and after finishing
his school-work, succeeded to the management of the homestead farm. He was a capable man
and a worthy citizen. His industry and frugality enabled him to provide the comforts of
life for a large family. His wife was Maria Fleck, who died June 11, 1878, and his death
occurred March 20, 1859. (For full history of the Hoover family see sketch of Judge
Hoover in this work.) Francis Conrad Hoover, seventh son and eighth child of Frederick William and Maria
(Fleck) Hoover, was born January 22, 1845, in Warrington township, Bucks county,
Pennsylvania. He attended the district school until he was fifteen years old, when he
went to live with an uncle, Andrew Jackson Hoover, a farmer of Gwynedd township,
Montgomery county. He remained here as assistant farmer, teaching country school during
the winters, until his marriage in 1870. For two years after this he was established on his uncle's farm as dairyman and
manager, in which capacity he developed much skill. Following this engagement, he moved to the farm of B. P. Mertsner of Whitpain
township, Montgomery county, known as The Evergreen, which he worked on shares for
twenty-three years. His record as tenant of this farm is most unique, for (page 163) during the whole time of his residence there, no written agreement between him and
the owner of the property was ever made concerning a division of profits or of crops and
their relations were always most friendly and harmonious. No better testimonial as to the
character of both men could be given than this simple statement. It implies a living up
to the golden rule that is most unusual in the fierce business competitions of our
times. In the spring of 1895, having purchased the William Dull property, known as The
Pines, below Blue hell on Skippack pike, Mr. Hoover left the Evergreen farm, which he
had conducted so successfully for so many years, for comparative ease and retirement. At
The Pines he has only twelve acres of land, highly productive, but it furnishes him
occupation and interest, while affording a leisure earned by years of arduous labor. Mr.
Hoover has always maintained an interest in public affairs, and he has been school
director in his township for twenty years, as well as for several years justice of the
peace. He and his family are prominent members of the Reformed church, belonging to the
congregation of Boehm's church at Blue Bell, where Mr. Hoover has been superintendent of
the Sunday-school for twenty-five years, as well as for many years an elder and the
director of the choir. He is a Democrat, though he has ever held to principle before party. His
fair-mindedness, kindliness, and integrity, have won universal esteem. He married Marietta, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Wilson) Danehower. of
Spring House, Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, on March 15, 1870. She was born
November 18, 1843, being one of five children. The children born of her marriage with
Mr. Hoover are as follows: Bertha Elizabeth, born September 25, 1875, who married Abram
A., son of John and Priscilla Nash of Warrington township, Mucks county, on October 4,
1900, and has two children, Muriel Frances, born October 10, 1901, and Eleanor Ruth,
born January 3, 1903; Marie and Ada Emily. The two youngest daughters are living at home
and Ada Emily is attending the high school. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MURPHY, a leading farmer and dairyman of Whitpain Township,
Montgomery County, is a man who takes a lively interest in public matters and is always
interested in new ideas for the general good. As a farmer he keeps in touch with the
most approved modern methods, and he is careful in the breeding and selecting of his
stock. John Murphy, father of Benjamin Franklin Murphy, came from the north of Ireland and
settled in Jarrettown, Upper Dublin township, about 1850 four years before his son
Benjamin F. was born. He was a farmer, possessed of the lively disposition and cheerful
humor of his race. He took a leading part in township affairs, and was especially
interested in public education. He served as supervisor of public roads and was fearless and independent in the
expression of his political views, which accorded with the principles of the Democratic
Party. he married Mary Ann (Dean) Gillen, a widow, who bore him four sons, John
Fitzwater, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson and George Dean, who were given all the
advantages afforded by the public schools. John Murphy died August 20, 1887, aged sixty-five years, and his wife died in
1861. Benjamin Franklin, second child and second son of John and Mary Ann Murphy, was
born September 16, 1854, in Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. After
leaving school he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and for eight years he was
occupied with the work of carpentering and building. Ultimately, however, he returned to
the farm and to the activities of his earlier years. He bought the property formerly
known as the Chalkley Potts farm in Whitpain township, which is now his home. The land
is rolling and well drained, and he has brought it to a high state of cultivation. His
dairy herd is carefully bred, and selected with much intelligence. In it are strains of
Holstein, Guernsey, and Alderney blood. March 28, 1878, he married Julia Frances, fifth daughter and ninth child of John
Jacob and Louisa Hoffman. Her parents were Lutherans, and with her husband and family
she adheres to that denomination. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, are as
follows: George Dean, born June 26, 1879, died June 23, 1881; John H., born March 26,
1882, died August 5, 1882; Ida L., born August 7, 1883, died February 24, 1885; Harvey,
born January 13, 1886; Emma Blanche, born November 9, 1887, Benjamin Franklin, born
January 5, 1890, Walter H., born August 12, 1893 and Clara M., born October 11, 1895,
are at home. (page 164) In politics Mr. Murphy is a Democrat when national issues are involved and votes
independently at local elections. He was supervisor of his town for ten consecutive
years, and was a member of the Independent Order Odd Fellows for twenty years, but
withdrew from the organization. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FAMOUS is a member of a well known family long resident west of
the Schuylkill river. He was born in Tredyffrin township, Chester county, Pennsylvania,
at the locality known as "The Eagle." He is the son of John and Susanna (Shenaman)
Famous. When he was of the proper age he attended the public schools of the district,
assisting at the same time in the farm work at home. Mr. Famous married, on March 7,
1874, Hannah Elizabeth Davis, who was born in Camden, New Jersey, June 9, 1856, only
daughter of Charles Gordon and Anna McDowell Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin
Famous have eight children, as follows: Thomas McDowell, born March 17, 187S; Benjamin
Franklin, born December 17, 1876; Anna Louise, born January 17, 1878, who married Albert
Momme, and has two children, Benjamin Theodore and Marion Elizabeth; Emma Catharine, born
January 25, 1881; Oscar Ernest, born June 6, 1883; Smedley Darlington, born February 8,
1886; Caroline Troubat, born August 26, 1888; Clarence, born November 24, 1895. John Famous (father) was a farmer by occupation, and was prominently associated
with others of his community in general improvements. He served for some time as a
supervisor of public roads of Tredyffrin township, where he died in 1885, in his
seventy-ninth year, his wife having died in 1859, in her thirty-ninth year. Charles
Gordon Davis (father of Mrs. Benjamin F. Famous) was born July 24, 1828, at Branchtown,
in Philadelphia. He was the son of Henry and Louisa Gordon Davis, now deceased. Charles Gordon and
Anna (McDowell) Davis' other children, besides Mrs. H. F. Famous, were Charles Thomas,
George Henry and Phineas Louis. Mrs. Famous' mother, Anna McDowell, was a direct
descendant of Toby Leach, who came with William Penn. Benjamin Franklin Famous, Jr., married Lydia L., daughter of William and Lydia
Keech Meigs, on April 4, 1901. They have two children: Emanuel Bollinger, born March 15,
1902, and Benjamin Franklin, third, born August 11, 1903. The farm of the Famous family in Whitpain township is known as "The Willows." It
contains seventy-seven acres of rolling land in a high state of cultivation, and is well
located. The principal interest of Mr. Famous is his dairy. Among the cattle found at The
Willows, are strains of Alderne, Guernsey and Holstein stock. In religious faith, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Famous and family are Lutherans, attending
St. John's Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Famous is a Republican and was supervisor
for eleven years in Tredyffrin township, Chester county. His father and two of his
brothers had also been supervisors of that township. JESSE CHILDS SHOEMAKER, one of the most substantial farmers of Whitpain township,
was born September 6, 1854, at the old homestead of the Shoemaker family, near Blue
Bell, in that township, being the son of Charles Kenderdine and Sarah (Childs)
Shoemaker. He attended the Sandy Hill public school in Whitpain township, until his
seventeenth year, and remained at home assisting his father for several years with the
farming. On January 1, 1880, Mr. Shoemaker married Catharine Annie, daughter of William Grow
and Catharine (Vaughan) Smith, and made his home for the following fifteen years at the
Shoemaker homestead as managing farmer and dairyman. In the spring of 1893, Mr.
Shoemaker bought the property known as the "Wood" farm, near Washington Square, in
Whitpain, to which he soon after removed and where he has since resided. Mr. Shoemaker
has always taken a lively interest in the affairs of his community in both a political
and religious sense. (Page 165) In politics he is a Republican and has served as school director of his district
and rendered valuable service to his party as a member of the vigilance committee. Mr.
Shoemaker is a member of Boehm's Reformed church, Blue Bell, which Mrs. Shoemaker and
the children also attend. The children, eight in number, are as follows: Chauncey Harvey, born January 13,
1881; Catharine Vaughan, July 19, 1882; Gertrude Myrtle, January 5, 1884; Rachel Getty,
March 23, 1886; William Grow, April 23, 1888; John Oscar, September 5, 1889; Charles
Kenderdine, March 13, 1894; and Anna Ethel, March 10, 1897. Charles K. Shoemaker (father) was the son of Thomas Supplee Shoemaker and was born
June 4, 1819. He died January 11, 1892. He married Sarah Childs, who was born December
2, 1818, and died October 23, 1902. They had the following named children: Phoebe
Gouldy, born March 1, 1841, married in 1866, Charles C. McCann; Matthias, who was born
August 17, 1843, and died at Andersonville prison, in June, 1865, enlisted in response
to the three-months call and later joined the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; George,
born February 2, 1845, married, in June, 1864, Harriett Henshall, and lives at Olney;
Philadelphia; Emma Jane, born August 28, 1848, resides at Blue Bell; an infant daughter,
born October 16, 1850, died unnamed; Albert B., born September 6, 1851, married Rachel De
Haven, having three children living and resides at Jeffersonville, where he works as a
carpenter and carries on business as a contractor; Jesse Childs is the next of the
family; Sarah C., born February 2, 1857, married Henry C. Hoover, and lives at Blue
Bell, having two children; Charles Thomas, born November 10, 1859, died December 8,
1876; Anna C., born March 29, 1864, resides with her sister, Emma Jane, at Blue Bell. William G. Smith (father of Mrs. Jesse C. Shoemaker) was born July 23, 1823, he
married Catharine Vaughan, of an old Lower Merion family, July 22, 1847. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith had a large family of children, for data as to whom, see sketch of Thomas V.
Smith. William G. Smith, who was a Democrat in politics, lived for many years at "Willow
Lawn," a mill and farm in Norriton, and later in Norristown. He served a term as county
commissioner. Mr. Smith was an extensive contractor, being a mason by trade, and built
many county bridges. Mrs. Shoemaker was born in Lower Merion township and attended the Lafayette school
until her twelfth year. The Shoemaker family were pioneers in the settlement of Pennsylvania. Jacob
Shoemaker (great-great-grandfather) had several children as follows: Matthias
(great-grandfather) born in 1736, and died in 1816; Barbara, born in 1738; Jonathan,
born in 1739; Isaac, born in 1741; Hanah, in 1743; Elizabeth, in 1745; Sarah, in 1748;
and David, in 1753. Matthias purchased, March 28, 1777, from John Yedder, forty-seven acres of land,
which with thirty-three acres bought about twenty years later from Henry Conard,
constituted the Shoemaker homestead where several generations of the name were born and
reared. At Matthias Shoemaker's death, the farm came into possession of his only son,
Thomas. The children of Thomas Shoemaker (grand-father) were: Enoch, born 1804; Job, 1805,
died 1828; David, 1807; Alan, 1808; Matthias, 1810; Hannah, 1813, died 1817: Jesse,
1815, died 1854; Charles K., 1819, died 1892. FRANK A. HOWER, deceased, for a quarter of a century the popular and efficient
editor and publisher of The Home News, a weekly paper of Bryn Mawr, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, was born February 29, 1848, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, one of four sons
born to Dr. Joseph B. and Margaret E. (McNaughton) Hower. (Page 166) The early childhood days of Frank A. Hower were spent in Lancaster where he
acquired his education, graduating from the public schools at the age of fourteen years.
Shortly afterward he entered the printing office of the Lancaster Examiner to learn the
printing trade, where he remained until May 26, 1864, when he enlisted in Company K,
Ninety-second Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, then the Ninth Regiment Cavalry, as a
bugler, and was mustered out with the company at Lexington, North Carolina, July 18,
1865. During one engagement he was shot in the calf of the right leg, and up to the time
of his death the bullet was still imbedded in the fleshy part of the limb. He also
partially lost the hearing of the left ear. At the close of the war Mr. Hower returned
to Lancaster and returned work at his trade; from there he went to Reading and worked on
one of the papers in the capacity of compositor, and later went to Coatesville, Chester
county, Pennsylvania, where in partnership with Dr. William George, he started the
publication of the Coatesville Throes, which is still published in that town. After the
paper had been in existence for a short period of time he disposed of it, being actively
connected with the publication of the Rochester, New York, Herald, and the Sunbury,
Pennsylvania, Express. In 1876 Mr. Hower removed to Philadelphia, and being aware of the
fact that Bryn Mawr was going to grow into a thickly populated center, located there and
on June 1, 1877, established the Home News, a weekly paper. His publication office at
that time was in a cottage on the grounds where at present stands the Bryn Mawr
Hospital. At first he had no printing material, type or presses, but gathered the local and
other news of interest and had the typesetting and presswork done at Parkesburg, by
William F. Potts. Several years later Mr. Hower fitted out a printing office in a
building that stood on the ground owned by the Humphrey estate, opposite Dr. Charles T.
Goentner's property, on Lancaster avenue, Bryn Mawr. After conducting business here for
about two years, he sold the paper to Samuel A. Black, and on July 1, 1881, established
The News, a weekly publication, in a building situated north of Lancaster avenue on
Robert's Road, where he remained until January, 1883, when the office was removed to the
"Old Temperance Hall," Lancaster avenue and Buck road. The business was conducted in that building for nineteen years, but when about to
issue the silver anniversary edition of the paper on May 22, 1902, the building was
destroyed bar fire. After this catastrophe the type was set in the parlor of the
residence and the presswork was done in Philadelphia, until a suitable location could be
secured. On August 8, 1890, Mr. Hower again purchased the Home News from the heirs of Samuel
A. Black, and consolidated it with The News, afterward calling the paper The News and
Home News. On August 18, 1902, the office of the paper, as well as the residence, was moved to
its present location, on Lancaster pike, a short distance east of the Bryn Mawr depot. In politics Mr. Hower was always an adherent of the principles of the Republican
party, and whenever an election was about to be held he was found working for the entire
Republican ticket, whether local or national, using the columns of his paper to further
their election. Senator Matthew Stanley Quay and Senator Boise Penrose often consulted
him upon matters of vital interest to the party, counting him as one of the best
co-workers in the political arena. His political acumen was recognized at numerous times by being called upon to
officiate at conferences of the state and national leaders of the Republican party, and
whenever his party controlled the apportionment of office he was foremost in the ranks
to plead the cause of some friend for official appointment, notwithstanding that he had
been earnestly solicited at various times to become a candidate for at least some county
office. In 1889, when the Haverford district was created by the division of the Bryn Mawr
district, he was elected committeeman and continued in that office until 1901. For a
number of years Mr. Hower was a member of the Knights Templar, Knights of the Golden
Eagle, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and Typographical Union, but as his
business enterprise occupied all of his time he allowed himself to run out in the
orders. At the time of his death he was a member of Colonel Owen Jones Post, No. 591,
Grand Army (Page 167) of the Republic, being one of its charter members. He was also a member of the
Bucks-Montgomery Press League, the State Editorial Association, and the Pen and Pencil
Club. On June 4, 1879, Mr. Hower married Miss Anna M. Grubb, daughter of William B. and
Catharine E. (Hagerty) Grubb, at the home of the parents, 2205 Spruce street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their children were: William G., Frank A., Charles M., James
S., Thomas, Harry V., Catharine T., Anna M. and Mary M. Hower. Mr. Hower died October 23,
1902, and the funeral services were conducted at his late residence on Lancaster avenue,
Bryn Mawr, by the Rev. James Houghton, pastor of the Church of the Redeemer. He was
buried in his soldier's uniform, and the casket was draped in the American flag
according to a desire often expressed by him. The interment was made at Mount Moriah
cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. JAMES VAN HORN, cashier of the Hatboro National Bank, was born in Northampton
township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1837, a son of Isaac and Cynthia
(Craven) Van Horn, and a descendant of a family of Holland Dutch extraction. Abraham Van
Horn was the first of this family to settle in Northampton township, Bucks county,
locating there about the year 1720. He married Martha Dungan, and among the children
born of this marriage was a son, Isaac Van Horn, who was born November 5, 1745, and
married Mary Betts, who was born October 2, 1760, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Betts.
Their children were as follows: Isaac was born January 25, 1787; Sarah, born November 5,
1789, became the wife of James P. Moore; Abraham was born January 10, 1791; Samuel, born
October 1, 1792, married Phoebe Twining, and died April 7, 1846; John, born June 26,
1794, married Sarah Martindale; Aaron, born April 7, 1796, married Elizabeth
Scarborough; Martha, born March 29, 1799, became the wife of Jonathan Smith, August 10,
1819, and died January 3, 1857; Charles, born April 18, 1801, married Sarah Twining; and
Ann was born September 19, 1803. Abraham Van Horn, second son of Isaac and Mary (Betts) Van Horn, was united in
marriage, June 3, 1812, to Susan Ruckman, born November 9, 1787, daughter of James and
Mary Ruckman, the former born November 11, 1748, and the latter, a daughter of James
Hart, born January 15, 1752. Mr. and Mrs. Ruckman were the parents of twelve children,
namely: Susannah, born March 11, 1773, died August 1, 1777; William, born October 30,
1774, died January 5, 1775; Jane, born December 10, 1775, died April 15, 1776; John,
born February 20, 1777, is also deceased: William, born February 23, 1779, died
September 27, 1797; Sarah was born April 15, 1781; Elizabeth was born June 25, 1783;
Mary was born August 10, 1785; Susan, born November 9, 1787, is mentioned before as the
wife of Abraham Van Horn; Jane was born October 5, 1789; Isabel was born March 8, 1792;
and Ann was born February 23, 1794. Abraham and Susan (Ruckman) Van Horn were the
parents of eight children, namely: Isaac, born May 2, 1813, mentioned hereinafter; Mary
Ann, born August 19, 1815, who became the wife of Adrian Cornell, January 8, 1840, and
died August 6, 1893; James Ruckman, who was born April 29, 1817, and died May 4, 1817;
James R., born March 21, 1818, who married Anna Craven, January 24, 1872, and died May
4, 1888; Isabella, born June 9; 1821, who married George W. Hunt, October 27, 1847, and
is still living; Sarah Ruckman, born February 11, 1826, who became the wife of W. Earle
Campbell, February 9,1853, and is still living; Elizabeth, born July 16, 1828, who
because the wife of George W. Craven, February 25, 1858, and both are still living; and
Emily Jane, born August 7, 1832, who became the wife of William Godshalk, October 12,
1876, and died September 17, 1898. Abraham Van Horn, father of these children, died
April 7, 1869. Isaac Van Horn, eldest son of Abraham and Susan Van Horn, was united in marriage,
October 1, 1835, to Cynthia Craven, born May 27, 1817, daughter of Thomas and Jane
(Krewson) Craven. Thomas Craven, born February 21, 1785, died August 21, 1868, and Jane
(Krewson) Craven, his wife, was born May 6, 1795. Their marriage ceremony was performed
February 20, 1812, and they were the parents of the following named children: Anna
Eliza, born October 14, 1813, died February 6, 1833; Matilda, born March 13, 1815,
married Aaron Cornell, and died August 5, 1902; Cynthia, born May 27, 1817, is mentioned
above as the wife of Isaac Van Horn; James R., born December 20, 1818, married Mary
Cornell, and died December 22, 1847; Sarah, born January 27, 1821, died June 18, 1821;
and Jane, born May 8, 1828, became the wife of William Moore, March 15, 1854. Isaac and
Cynthia (Craven) Van Horn were the parents of the following named children: Charles
Krewson, born August 3, 1836, died January 16, 1837; James, born December 24, 1837, is
mentioned at length hereinafter; Thomas, born October 11, 1840, married Elizabeth
Webster Hart, September 15, 1862; and Julia A., born October 3, 1845, became the wife of
Abraham A. Slack, September 14, 1870. Isaac Van Horn, father of these children, died
December 21, 1898, and his wife, Cynthia (Craven) Van Horn, passed away May 25, 1899. (Page 168) James Van Horn, son of Isaac and Cynthia (Craven) Van Horn, was educated in the
public schools, and Millersville State Normal School, and for a few years after
completing his studies he taught in the public schools of Bucks county and Philadelphia.
In 1861 he was appointed deputy recorder of deeds by his father, who at that time
held the office of recorder of deeds for Bucks county. He subsequently served nine years
in the internal revenue department, fifth district of Pennsylvania, and after the
expiration of this period of time he was for four years superintendent of coal works in
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. In 1876 he was elected cashier of the Hatboro National Bank, and has served in that
capacity ever since. The high esteem in which he is held in the community is evidenced by
the fact that he served as secretary of the Hatboro school board for nine years, has been
borough treasurer for over twenty years, was burgess of the borough for three years, and
is secretary of the board of trustees of Loller Academy. He is a member of the Abington
Presbyterian church, and has been an elder since 1882. He is an adherent of the
principles of Republicanism. On June 3, 1862, Mr. Van Horn married Rebecca A. Cowell, and the issue of this
marriage was four children: Sarah, born March 27, 1865, died in infancy; Ella, born
November 11, 1866, is the widow of Professor W. H. Detwiler; Edgar, born November 8,
1870, died in childhood; and Arthur, born December 21, 1874, died in infancy. (Picture of William West) WILLIAM WEST, a retired farmer of King-of-Prussia, Upper Merion township,
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, belongs to a family who were among the early settlers
of Pennsylvania. Thomas, his great-great-great-grandfather, came from England in 1713,
and located in Delaware county. He was a farmer, and in his religious views a member of
the Society of Friends. By diligence and the exercise of good judgment, he became the
possessor of a considerable landed estate. Among the children of Thomas West, the immigrant, was Thomas, Jr., born on the
homestead, and reared as a farmer. He married Susanna Powell, of the same county. They
had a number of children, among them being a third Thomas, great-grandfather of William
West. The third Thomas West married Sarah, daughter of Job Yarnall, of Delaware county.
One of the children of Thomas and Sarah West was another Thomas (grandfather). He
was a native of Delaware county, also, born on the homestead, and was a farmer. He
married Elizabeth Maris. One of their children was Caleb West, father of William. He was
born in Springfield township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1801. He learned the
tanning trade with Joseph Rhoads, of Springfield township, Delaware county, and followed
that occupation for some years, but was a farmer later in life. He removed to Radnor
township, also in Delaware county, in 1842, and in 1852 to Tredyffrin township, Chester
county, and died there. In politics he was a Whig. He was a man who was interested in
county affairs and might have held office, but preferred to attend strictly to his
business. Like all the family, he was a member of the Society of Friends. He married
Sarah, daughter of Enos Williamson, a farmer of Newtown township, in Delaware county,
who is also deceased. Their children were T. Ellwood, Sarah E., and William is the
oldest. (Page 169) William West was born in Middletown township, Delaware county, Second-mo. 14, 1830.
He was educated in the public schools of Delaware county, and in Treemount Seminary at
Norristown, conducted at that time by Rev. Samuel Aaron. On leaving school he was
apprenticed to his uncle, Thomas H. West, to learn the trade of tanner and currier,
which was for several generations a sort of inheritance in the West family. He remained
there for several years until he had acquired a knowledge of the business, and then
remained two years longer. He then returned to the home place, where he farmed until
1857, when he removed to Upper Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and
farmed the Roberts farm for sixteen years. In 1873 he purchased the Rebecca Elliott home
at King-of-Prussia. He has an elegant home, in which he is surrounded by all the comforts
of life. He attended the Philadelphia market forty-nine years. William West married,
January 21, 1858, Rebecca K., daughter of Charles Thomas, of an old family of Friends of
Tredyffrin township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, of Welsh descent. The couple have three children, as follows: Ruth A., married David Wilson, son of
Winfield S. Wilson, of Tredyffrin township, and resides in Bridgeport, where he is a
member of town council; they have five children- William West, Emma J., Winfield S.,
Rebecca T., and Elizabeth W. 2. Sarah W., married Charles Evans, a son of Morris J.
Evans, deceased, of Philadelphia; their children are William West, Athalia W., and
Charles Morris. 3. Elizabeth W., married William V., son of Edwin Conrad, and they have
one child, William West. William West is a than of business, being frequently called upon to act in the
settlement of estates and other positions of trust requiring good judgment in the
performance of their duties. He is a member of the board of directors of the Wayne Trust
Company, of Delaware county and of that of the Berwyn (Chester county) National Bank. In politics he is a Republican. He has often been solicited to become a candidate
for office, but has uniformly declined such honors, preferring to attend strictly to
business interests of one kind or another. He is, like his forefathers, an active member
of the Society of Friends, and a man who enjoys the respect and confidence of the
community. WILLIAM G. FREED, a well-known retired farmer of Worcester township, was born in
Franconia township, September 8, 1835, a son of Abraham and Mary (Godshalk) Freed. The
father, who was born February 13, 1806, and was one of a family of seven children,
followed farming in early life and afterward abandoned that pursuit to engage in the
lumber business. On May 17, 1829, he married Mary Godshalk, who was born August 15,
1807, and died February 11, 1844. They had eight children: Enos, Eliza, Isaac, William,
Abraham, John, Jacob and Mary. On the 23d of November, 1846, Abraham Freed married Anna
Sigler, widow of William Sigler. Abraham Freed died June 11, 1862. William G. Freed attended the public schools of the vicinity until he was ten years
of age, leaving home and going to reside with William Moyer on a farm in Franconia
township, with whom he remained two years in that township, and two more after Mr.
Mover's removal to an adjoining township. At the age of fourteen years he returned to
the home of his parents, where he was engaged in assisting his father in building houses
for another year. Deciding to learn the wheelwright's trade, he took up his residence
with his brother Enos, serving an apprenticeship of two and a half years. He then took
charge of the shop, which 11e managed for his father, being thus employed until he
reached the age of twenty-one years. He then took entire charge of the shop and
conducted the business for himself, doing this very successfully. At the age of thirty-one years he sold out his interest in the wheelwright shop and
engaged in farming in Worcester township, remaining there two years. He then bought his
present farm in Worcester, consisting of eighty-eight acres. Mr. Freed has been a very
successful farmer. He is a Republican in politics, and a Mennonite in religious
faith. (Page 170) On March 15, 1862, William G. Freed married Lydia K. Moyer, who was born December
2, 1839. She is one of a family of nine children, and is the daughter of John O. Moyer,
of Worcester township. William G. and Lydia Freed had seven children, two of whom died
in infancy. Elizabeth, born December 24, 1865, married Harman Delp, a farmer, and they
have two children Annie, born September 17, 1867, married Abraham Kulp, a farmer, and
they have four children; Martha, born September 29. 1870, married Henry Nice, of
Norristown, and have three children; Lydia was born August 8, 1872; and William, born
October 7, 1874, is at home with his father. EDWIN M. SHELLENBERGER, of West Point, was born in Towamencin township, Montgomery
county, January 25, 1844. His paternal grandfather was Philip Shellenberger, who was
born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and died at an advanced age, his remains being
interred at Hill Town Church. For many years he conducted a tavern. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Elizabeth Appel, was born in Bucks county, also lived to a ripe old
age and was laid to rest in Hill Town Church cemetery. Their children were Henry,
George, Jesse, Michael and John, all of whom are now deceased. George Shellenberger, father of Edwin M. Shellenberger, was a native of Bucks
county, born in 1792, and he lived to be about seventy years of age, his remains being
then interred in Christ Church cemetery at Kulpsville, Pennsylvania. He married
Catherine Zearfoss, who was born in Whitman township, Montgomery county, and died
September 1, 1887, at the age of eighty-seven years. Her remains were then placed by the
side of her husband's in Christ Church cemetery. Her father, Benjamin Zearfoss, was a farmer and shoemaker and was buried at St.
John's church near Belfry, Montgomery county. His wife, who was also laid to rest there,
bore the maiden name of Matilda Weaver. Their children were Catherine, Fred, Jacob,
Benjamin and Lydia, the wife of Henry Bideman. They, too, are all deceased. The children born unto George and Catherine (Zearfoss) Shellenberger were: Edwin
M., Hillery, George, Jesse, Aaron, Matilda, Lydia, Catherine and Elizabeth. Edwin M. Shellenberger pursued his education in the public schools until about
twenty years of age and then began farming on his father's land, where he remained for
about three years. He next purchased his present property at West Point, Montgomery county, where he
has resided for twenty years. Here he was largely engaged in the production of
vegetables and each week attends the Philadelphia market where he places his products on
sale. He is a Democrat. He and his wife attend the Schwenkfelder church. Mr. Shellenberger was married to Miss Mary Bookheimer, a daughter of Frederick
Bookheimer. Both her paternal and maternal grandparents were early residents of
Montgomery county. Her father was a farmer in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, and
died in April, 1885. Her mother is still living in Gwynedd township, at the age of
seventy-eight years. Mrs. Shellenberger was born March 27, 1848, and was one of a family of eight
children, the others being: Amanda, Addison, Elizabeth, Lydia, Samuel, John and Hannah.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shellenberger have been born the following children: Howard, the
eldest, born, March 18, 1868, married Annie Bruner, a daughter of Mrs. Hannah Bruner,
and they have one child, Elmer E. Howard Shellenberger is now acting as driver for
Benjamin Frederick of West Point. Ida Jane, born October 28, 1869, is the wife of Irwin
Quinn, a son of Mrs. Emma Quinn, and they reside at West Point, he being employed in the
North Wales platting mill. They have four living children: Robert, Lawrence, Edwin and Hazel, and they also
lost two. Jesse Shellenberger, born May 19, 1872, is an engineer in the employ of Henry
Moyer, of West Point. He married Laura Allebach, a daughter of Joseph Allebach. Allen
Shellenberger, born March 30, 1874, is employed by Harry Moyer at North Wales. (page 171) He wedded Mary Booc, a daughter of Jacob Booc and they have a daughter, Grace. Lydia
L. Shellenberger, born May 5, 1877, is the wife of Fred Galbraith, a son of Fred
Galbraith, Sr. He is employed by the Fairview Creamery and they have one child, Mildred.
George Shellenberger, born November 27, 1878, is a farmer of Worcester township,
Montgomery county. Samuel, born December 17, 1884, is employed in a sash factory at
Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Gurness, born September 5, 1886, is on a farm in Worcester
township. Clarence, born August 20, 1889, is at home with his father. SAMUEL SCHULTZ YEAGER, a prominent farmer of Worcester township, was born September
23, 1869, in the township where he now lives. He attended the district schools until he
was fifteen years of age, when he went to work on his father's farm. After five years
spent in this way he obtained employment with Joseph K. Schultz, another farmer, with
whom he remained four years. He then assisted Jacob Fisher on his farm for two years. He
married and removed to Lansdale, working in the flour mills of A. C. Gotshall &
Company for two years. During the first year he lived in a house which he rented, but
the next year he built a house for himself. In the spring of 1898 he sold his home in
Lansdale and bought the farm on which he lives. It consists of thirty-six acres, and has
a good dairy. Mr. Yeager attends the Schwenkfelder church, of which he is a member. He is
a Democrat, as was his father before him. In 1894 Samuel Schultz Yeager married Flora M. Cassel, who was born March 26, 1870,
a daughter of Mahlon H. and Lydia M. (Meschter) Cassel. Samuel S. and Flora Yeager have
one child, Elmer, born July 23, 1901. Mahlon H. Cassel married Lydia K., daughter of Rev. George Meschter, January 25,
1868. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cassel: Minnie M., born November 27, 1868; Flora;
Alice, born July 12, 1871; Martha, born May 8, 1873. Minnie M. Cassel married Milton
Benner, who lives in Worcester Township. Mattie is deceased. Alice married Melvin
Allebach, and is also deceased. Joseph Cassel, the grandfather of Mrs. Yeager, born
April 28, 1805, married, November 9, 1826, Rebecca, daughter of Abraham Heebner. Their
children: Mary, born September 7, 1827; Amos, who was born June 23, 1830, and died March
2, 1858; Sarah, January 31, 1832; Henry, May 30, 1834; Edith, October 28, 1836; Susanna,
April 4, 1839; Mahlon, April 10, 1840; Hannah, July 29, 1845; Christian, November 19,
1846; and Leah, April 21, 1850. Abraham Heebner was the father of the wife of Joseph Cassel (Mrs. Yeager's
grandfather). He married, December 1, 1791, Catharine, daughter of Matthias Rittenhouse.
Their children were: Sarah, Hannah, Christopher, John, Joseph, Susanna, Rebecca,
(grandmother); Mary and Elizabeth. Both the Cassel and the Heebner families were
Schwenkfelders. Rev. George Meschter (Mrs. Yerger's maternal grandfather) was born March 28,
1808, and married, May 13, 1830, Sophia, daughter of Andrew Kriebel. Their children
were: Catharine, born May 7, 1831; Abraham, August 31, 1833; Maria, who was born April
6, 1836, and died in infancy; Jacob, born July 4, 1837: George, born May 2, 1840; Lydia
(mother), born June 5, 1843: John, June 15, 1847; and Aaron, who was born April 17,
1852, and died in infancy. He was a minister of the Schwenkfelders and lived in Lower
Salford, near Mainland. He died many years ago. His wife died in 1852. Rev. George
Meschter's father was Christopher, born July 21, 1779, who was the son of Christopher
Meschter, born December 17, 1746, who was the son of Melchior Meschter and his wife
Regina, who came in 1734 to Pennsylvania with the other Schwenkfelders. Jesse Yeager (father), born February 6, 1831, married, October 12, 1858, Mary,
daughter of Frederick Schultz. Their children are as follows: Selina, born May 23, 1859,
married Alfred Bans, a farmer of East Greenville, and they have had three children, one
being deceased. Isaiah, born July 13, 1861, is deceased. Mary Ann, born October 19,
1862, died at the age of eighteen years. Isabella, born October 18, 1861, married
Frederick Rentschler, who came from Germany in infancy and is a farmer of Worcester.
John, born August 27, 1866, married a western woman, and resides in Teas, where he is a
farmer by occupation. They have had one child, now deceased. Samuel is the subject of
this sketch. Irwin, born March 19, 1872, a motorman on the trolley line, living in
Germantown, married Ella Henry, and they have four children. Morris, born September 28,
1874, killed on the railroad at Lancaster, stepping out of the way of one train and
being struck by another which was coming in the opposite direction. (Page 172) Frederick Schultz maternal grandfather, born June 28, 1795, was the son of Rev.
Melchoir Shultz. He married, May 31, 1827, Mary K., daughter of Abraham Kriebel. Their
children: Dinah K., born February 23, 1828, died January 21, 1846; Adonia K., born March
25, 1830; Naomi K., born October 21, 1832; Mary K. mother, born December 17, 1834; Lydia
K., born January 4, 1839, died January 28, 1846; Joseph K., born April 9, 1841, married
October 18, 1864, Sarah S., daughter of Isaac S. Kriebel, and they have eight children;
he was a farmer in Worcester township; Sarah K., born April 12, 1845. Frederick W.
Schultz died April 12, 1867, and his widow died July 20, 1875. Rev. Melchoir Schultz great-grandfather, born March 25, 1756, was the son of George
Schultz. He married Salom, daughter of Christopher Wagner, November 29, 1781. Their
children were Christina, Regina, Maria, Henry W., Sarah, Frederick and Susannah twins,
and Rosina. He lived in Worcester township. George Schultz great-great-grandfather was the father of Melchoir Schultz, who came
to Pennsylvania with the Schwenkfelders in 1731 George Schultz married Maria, daughter of
Abraham Yeakle, January 31, 1744. He died October 30, 1776, aged sixty-five years, and
died December 13, 1797, aged seventy-nine years. Their children were: Abraham, born
March 23, 1747, and Rev. Melchoir. D. MELVIN ALLEBACH, a prominent farmer of Worcester township, was born in Skippack
township, December 30, 1869. He attended the common schools until he was seventeen years
of age, when he became a clerk in the general merchandise store of J. F. Bean, at
Creamery, remaining there for three years. He then was employed as a clerk by A. F.
Scheetz, of Doylestown, for two years, and by J. S. Geller, of Lansdale, for seven
years. At the end of that time he bought his farm in Worcester township, which consists
of nineteen and one-half acres, and where he now lives. He has a good dairy and is a
successful farmer. He and his wife are members of the Schwenkfelder church. In 1893 D. Melvin Allebach married Alice, daughter of Mahlon H. and Lydia K.
Meschter Cassel. She was born July, 12, 1871, and had three sisters, as follows: Minnie
M. born November 27, 1863, married M. B. Benner; Flora, born March 26, 1870, married S.
S. Yeager; and Martha, born May 8, 1873, is deceased. The children of D. Melvin and Alice Cassel Allebach are: Iva, born September 29,
1894, attending the Metz school; Claude, born August 22, 1896, attending school; and
Harold, born November 1, 1901. Mrs. Alice Allebach died April 7, 1902. D. Melvin
Allebach married for his second wife Susan Kriebel, May 21, 1904. Mr. Allebach is a
Republican but not an office seeker. David H. Allebach (father) married Sarah S. Kulp, and they had five children: H.
Wilson Allebach married Minerva, daughter of William Gerges, of Lansdale, and resides at
North Wales, having previously been a clerk at Lederachsville. They have three children.
Maggie Allebach is deceased. Esther married Sylvanus Clemens, a farmer in Hatfield, and
they have three children. Phares is deceased. D. Melvin is the youngest. Henry M. Kulp maternal grandfather had six children, two deceased: Mary Ann, who
married Peter B. Clymer, a grocer at No. 532 Susquehanna avenue. Sarah S. (mother);
Margaret Jane, wife of Benjamin W. Markley, of Towamencin, who is a farmer by
occupation, and they have four children; Sadie, wife of Professor H. G. Landis,
principal of the Lansdale high school, and they have had three children, of whom two are
deceased; Ella May, wife of Frank Landis, of Worcester township, a farmer by occupation,
and they have one child; Verna, who married Howard Ruth, of Towamencin township, a
farmer by occupation and they have one child; and Jennie, unmarried, attending the West
Chester school. David G. Allebach grandfather was born in Montgomery county in 1801, and
died in 1888. He was a farmer. (page 173) J. HOWARD WEBER, of Worcester township, was born November 14, 1864, at North Wales,
Montgomery county, being the son of John M. and Barbara Custer Weber. He attended the
Ander's school in his native township until he was seventeen years of age, when he went
to work on the farm for one year. He then started to learn his trade of blacksmithing,
serving the required term of three years with William Johnson, of Gwynedd Square. He
went to Philadelphia and was employed by the Rapid Transit Company for one year, when he
returned to Gwynedd and engaged in the blacksmith business for himself for eight years.
After an absence of one year, he again returned to Gwynedd Square and remained there
until 1900. In that year he removed to his farm in Worcester township where he farms and
manages his blacksmith shop at the same time. He has twenty-seven acres and nine perches
of good land, and does a dairy business, selling milk to the Center Point Creamery. He
is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Wentz Reformed church. John M. Weber (father) was born in Worcester township, February 5, 1835, and is the
son of John H. and Elizabeth Markley Weber. He was educated in the public schools and
early in life learned the blacksmithing trade. He carried on this business in Worcester
and North Wales for twenty-five years, being one of the old type of mechanics who are
proficient either in country or city work. He was employed at the Cramp's shipyard and
by the Rapid Transit Company, in Philadelphia for some time. He removed to Norristown in
March, 1882, and was employed at his trade by William M. Singerly, proprietor of the
Philadelphia Record, for eight years. Since that time he has been engaged in the box
department of the William K. Gresh & Son, Cigar Manufactory. John M. Weber filled the office of mercantile appraiser in 1872. He was employed in
the custom house at Philadelphia under Grover Cleveland's administration, when John R.
Reed was collector of the port, serving for a period of four years. In politics the
family have always been Democrats. John M. Weber married Barbara Ann Custer, who was born in Worcester township, a
daughter of Nathan and Catharine Umstead Custer. Mr. Custer was a carpet weaver and
farmer at Fairview, and had eight children. The children of John H. and Barbara Weber
are: Warren C., born October, 1859; Catharine, who died young; Emma, who died at the age
of ten years; John Howard; Ida May, who died at the age of four years; and Clara Ella,
who married Winfield Rosco Hartzell, principal of the Plymouth high school. Warren C.
Weber was one of the first five to be appointed mail carrier in the borough of
Norristown, and has held that position ever since. He married Martha Famous, daughter of
Hiram and Catharine Famous. Mr. Famous is a carpenter in Conshohocken. Warren and Martha
Weber have one son, Carbon Lester Weber. John H. Weber (grandfather) was born in Worcester township, April 8, 1798. He
married Elizabeth Markley, born in Bucks county, in 1799. She was the daughter of George
and Elizabeth Markley. Abraham Weber (great-grandfather) was born in Worcester on the same farm. He
married Elizabeth Hoot, a native of Gwynedd township. She was born on the old Hoot
homestead. Jacob Weber (great-great-grandfather) was born in Towamencin township. His wife was
Elizabeth. Christian Weber was the founder of the family in America. He emigrated from
Germany, September 27, 1727, locating in Philadelphia for one year, and then removing to
Towamencin township, at that time in Philadelphia county, and now Montgomery. The family
have all been farmers from one generation to another. John H. and Elizabeth Markley Weber grandparents had six children, of whom four
reached maturity: Abraham, deceased; George M., a school teacher in early life, who was
born in Worcester township, and died in January 1900; Emeline Margaret, born in
Worcester township, wife of James W. Slough, now living retired at West Point; Jacob,
who died in 1888, in North Wales. The Custer family, to whom the mother of J. Howard Weber belongs, emigrated from
Holland among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. The grandfather of Mrs. John M. Weber,
Harmon Umstead, at one time owned a large portion of what is now Franklin Square, at
Sixth and Vine streets, Philadelphia. J. Howard Weber married (first wife) Livia Stohlberger, also of Gwynedd Square,
April 1, 1886. They were married by Rev. W. F. Burns, Mrs. Weber died October 26, 1894,
and was, buried in the Baptist cemetery in Upper Gwynedd. Their children: Philip S.,
born February 24, 1887, at Gwynedd Square, residing with his father; and Linda, born
October 21, 1891, attending school. J. Howard Weber married (second wife) Kate F.,
daughter of Simon K. and Esther Freyer Cassel. She was born November 25, 1868, and the
marriage took place September 26, 1861, Rev. W. S. Anders performing the ceremony. Her
mother was the daughter of Bernard B. and Catharine Kriebel Freyer. Simon and Esther
Freyer Cassel were married September 5, 1865. Their children: Allen F., born December 4,
1866; Jacob, a deaf mute, born November 6, 1870; Kate F., wife of Mr. Weber; Charles F.,
born October 3, 1872; Annie F. deceased, born August 10, 1874; Edith F. deceased, born
July 20, 1876; Susanna, born July 20, 1878, wife of Wilson Keher; George, born December
13, 1870; Elizabeth, born October 14, 1881, wife of Irwin Underkiffler. Daniel K. Cassel grandfather of Mrs. Weber was the well-known genealogist and
historian, author of the "Kulp Family," "Cassel Family," etc. He was born April 22,
1820, and has been deceased several years. His wife was Elizabeth Kulp. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Weber, Bernard B. Freyer, married Catharine
Kriebel, daughter of Job Kriebel, September 13, 1840. Their children: Esther mother,
born August 31, 1841; Jacob, born April 26, 1844; India, born October 2, 1846; and
Susanna, born November 13, 1850. The Cassel family have been very prominent in Montgomery county. They were
originally Mennonites.
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