(Picture of Hon. Edwin Hallowell)

 

HON. EDWIN HALLOWELL, of Willow Grove, Abington township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born on the family homestead, where he has resided up to the present time (1904). He is a descendant of John Hallowell,

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the emigrant, who became the progenitor of a numerous and influential family, and from whom descended most if not all of the Hallowells of Bucks and Montgomery counties.

John Hallowell, the emigrant, was twice married, as appears from the records of Abington meeting. His first wife, Sarah, bore him one child, John, born in England 12 mo. 8, 1672. His second wife was Mary, daughter of Thomas Sharpe, who came with him from Hucknow, in the parish of Sutton, Nottinghamshire, England, bringing a Friends' certificate dated 12 mo. 19, 1682.

Of this marriage there were nine children, the first three born in England, and the others in America, as follows: Sarah, born in 1677 Thomas, 1679; Mary, 1681; John, 1685; Elizabeth, 1687; Hannah, 1689; Samuel, 1692; Benjamin, 1694; Jane, 1696.

John Hallowell, on first coming to this country, settled near Darby. On 6 mo. 15, 1696, he bought from Silas Crispin, executor of the estate of Thomas Holmes, a tract of land containing six hundred and thirty acres in Abington township, adjoining Upper Dublin, and on the line of the Manor of Moreland for upwards of a mile, paying therefor 58 pounds and 16 shillings. Shortly after this purchase, John Hallowell removed to his new property, living at first in a rude cabin which, he constructed partly in the ground on the sunny side of a hill, making a habitation which in early days was known as a cave, similar to those constructed by some of the early settlers of Philadelphia. This was at or near what has recently been the residence of the well known horseman, Philip R. Theobald, about a mile and a half southwest of Willow Grove, in one of the finest neighborhoods in Montgomery county.

The Theobald farm formed a portion of the original Hallowell tract. Up to the time of the Theobald purchase from Benjamin Hallowell, son of Isaac and Sarah Hallowell, about 1850, the property had remained in the Hallowell family, and the adjoining one hundred-acre tract has remained in the family name for considerably more than two centuries.

John Hallowell conveyed to his eldest son, Thomas, 8 mo. 1, 1702, two hundred and twenty acres of his tract with the improvements thereon. The remainder, four hundred and eight acres, he divided equally, 4 mo. 11, 1706, between two younger sons, Samuel and Benjamin, as they came of age.

Thomas Hallowell conveyed, 12 mo. 25, 1730, his two hundred and twenty-acre farm derived from his father to his eldest child, William, who purchased from William Dunn, in 1730, one hundred acres in Moreland, which he conveyed, 6 mo., 3, 1736, to his son Thomas Weaver, who had previously occupied it. This tract was situated a mile northwest of Willow Grove, and is the farm which is now owned by Joseph Hallowell, father of Dr. William Hallowell, of Norristown, now long deceased, and on which he was born more than a century ago, he having been a son of Joseph Hallowell, and grandson of Thomas Hallowell. Thomas died in 1788, and his son Joseph in 1843, William dying fifty years later, so that the three generations of the same family, represented by these three individuals, owned the property for a time somewhat exceeding a century and a half, this being a very remarkable instance of longevity in one family.

Benjamin Hallowell, the youngest son of John and Mary (Sharpe) Hallowell, born 10 mo. 31, 1694, died 10 mo. 18, 1758. He settled in Abington and married Mary, daughter of John and Mary Rodgers, at Abington Friends' Meeting, 10 mo. 26, 1715. Mary was born 2 mo. 10, 1690, and died 1 mo. 23, 1766.

Their children were Sarah, born 7 mo. 17, 1716, married Benjamin Holt; Mary, born 9 mo., 11, 1718; Martha, born 3 mo. 29, 1721, married James Hawkins; Hannah, born 9 mo. 9, 1723, married Thomas Palmer; Elizabeth, born 6 mo. 16, 1725; and Benjamin, born 1 mo. 10, 1728.

Benjamin Hallowell, youngest son of Benjamin and Mary (Rodgers) Hallowell, married Eleanor Tyson, seamstress, daughter of Peter Tyson, at Abington Meeting, 4 mo. 21, 1752. Eleanor was born ______ and died 10 mo. 11, 1777. Their children were: Peter, born 1 mo., 22, 1753, married Rachel Taylor; Sarah, born 2 mo., 8, 1755, married Joseph Tyson, son of Rynear Tyson, at Abington Meeting, 10 mo. 17, 1782; Mary, born 2 mo. 22, 1757; and Hannah, born 2 mo., 2, 1760.

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Peter Hallowell, eldest son of Benjamin and Eleanor (Tyson) Hallowell, married Rachel Taylor. Their children were: Julianna, born 9 mo. 2, 1782, died 3 mo. 1, 1785; Joel, born 5 mo., 26, 1784; Sarah, born 2 mo. 25, 1786, died 1856; Eleanor, born 11 mo. 11, 1789; Martha, born 5 mo. 21, 1792; Benjamin, born 2 mo. 3, 1795, died 1795; and Benjamin T., born 7 mo. 11, 1797.

Benjamin T. Hallowell, youngest son of Peter and Rachel (Taylor) Hallowell, was born in Abington township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, 7mo. 11, 1797. He was educated in the neighborhood schools and at the Joseph Foulke Academy, a celebrated institution of learning in its day. He then taught school for some time in Abington and Moreland townships, after which he took up farming in Abington township, and subsequently purchased the homestead farm from his cousin, Thomas Hallowell. He resided thereon during the remaining years of his life, and his children have occupied it up to the present time.

Mr. Hallowell was an enterprising and progressive citizen, and took an active interest in public affairs. He was an ardent supporter of the principles of Democracy, and was elected by his party to the office of justice of the peace, serving in that capacity for a number of years.

In 1845 he was nominated for the position of assemblyman, elected on the Democratic ticket, served one term creditably, and succeeded himself in 1846. The following year he was again the choice of his party for the office, but was defeated in 1848 he was again his party's candidate, and was elected by a substantial majority. His whole career during his public service was marked with a high sense of duty and fidelity to his constituents.

Benjamin T. Hallowell married, in 1833, Eliza Buckman, daughter of Phineas and Letitia (Hough) Buckman, and their children were: Buckman, who married Mary Weckerly; Reuben, who resides in Denver, Colorado; he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, served honorably nearly three years, and was discharged after the close of the war. Edwin, born 4 mo., 2, 1844, mentioned hereinafter. Joshua I., who resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Franklin, who resides in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Sallie, who became the wife of Davis W. Sill; Mary B. Benjamin T. Hallowell, father of these children, died 9 mo. 1884, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Eliza (Buckman) Hallowell, the mother, died 9 mo. 1877. She was a most estimable lady of the old school type, and her decease was regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Edwin Hallowell, third child and third son of Benjamin T. and Eliza (Buckman) Hallowell, was born on the family homestead, near Willow Grove. He was educated in the neighborhood schools, and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. Upon attaining years of discretion he took an active interest in the management of his father's estate. He became closely associated with the public interests of this section of Montgomery county, and his thorough knowledge of the organization of the Democratic party being at once recognized, he was made the party candidate for the assembly in 1876. He was elected to this office and served creditably one term, and in 1878 was re-elected, serving his constituency during the second term with the same faithfulness and efficiency. He served in the capacity of chairman of the county committee, in 1888, was the delegate to the national convention, and in 1890 was chosen as the candidate for representative to congress from the Seventh district. Mr. Hallowell made a successful canvass, and was elected in a district which was largely Republican. He served throughout the Fifty-second congress, and in 1892 was again his party's nominee for the same office, but was defeated by his opponent by a very small majority.

While Mr. Hallowell has not courted public office, he has at all times been an earnest advocate and supporter of Democratic principles. He also evinces a deep interest in the advancement and growth of the community in which he resides, and furthers every enterprise calculated to promote its social and material welfare. He is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 400, Free and Accepted Masons, at Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.

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JACOB R. YOST. The immigrant ancestor of the Yost family of middle Montgomery county was Jacob Yost, who came from Germany in 1727, and purchased a tract of land in the township of Whitpain. In 1732, he married Elizabeth Shambough, also of German descent. He is named in the assessment list of Whitpain in 1734 as owning eighty acres of land, some of which is still in the possession of lineal descendants. There were at that time but twenty-four landholders in the township.

Jacob Yost had several children, among whom was Daniel Yost, great-grandfather of Jacob R. Yost, subject of this sketch. He was born on the homestead at no great distance from where is now the village of Centre Square. He was reared on the farm and engaged in the business of weaving, then carried on by the family, who introduced it into the township, it having been established at first in a small log house, before the purchase of the farm in 1732. After that time it was carried on still more extensively.

The Yosts were also famed far and near for their sickles, scythes and edge tools, which they manufactured from 1760 to 1816 at the old homestead in Whitpain. These implements were all forged by hand, and had an excellent reputation wherever they were used.

The Yosts were among the earliest members of Boehm's Reformed church at Blue Bell, in Whitpain township, and they appear to have arrived in the colony somewhat earlier than any of their German neighbors.

The name Yost is found on some of the most ancient tombstones in its interesting old burying ground. Two of the members of the family who lie buried there, held the office of county commissioner, namely: Jacob Yost and Daniel Yost. Six or seven generations of the family have been members of the church-including Jacob R. Yost.

Daniel Yost (great-grandfather) was born March 14, 1736. He married Elizabeth Spear, also of that section of Montgomery county. They had a number of children, one of whom was Peter.

Peter Yost, born on the homestead, January 28, 1765, was a farmer, and also engaged in the manufacture of scythes and other edge tools. There was a saw mill on the property, which has long been in ruins. Peter Yost married Elizabeth Ziegler, of a well known Montgomery county family of German descent.

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Among the children of Peter and Elizabeth Yost was Isaac (father). He was born at Crooked Hill, Limerick township, was educated in the schools of the vicinity, and followed farming on the homestead for some time, and learned the tanner's trade with his uncle, Abraham Ziegler, near Skippackville. Later he removed to Berks county, where he followed tanning for seven years, then returning to the old home near Centre Square, and in 1873 removed to Centre Square, where he died at the age of eighty years, and where his widow yet resides, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. She was Miss Mary Reiff, of Skippack township.

The children of Isaac and Mary Yost were: 1. Abram, died in 1892; 2. Michael, who died in 1871; he married Mary Fetter, and to them were born the following children: Annie C., who married Reuben C. Beyer, and they have one child; and J. Irwin, single. 3. Jacob Reiff Yost.

When Jacob R. Yost was about eight years of age, his parents removed from the upper end of the county where the father had been engaged in business as a farmer, and returned to the homestead near Centre Square. He was born in New Hanover township, May 16, 1843. He was educated in the schools of Whitpain, and completed his education at Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College. He then entered the store at Centre Square, kept at that time by Ephraim Shearer, and remained there about three years. He then engaged in the coal, feed and machinery business at Gwynedd station, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad where he was very successful and had an extensive and profitable trade. Having an opportunity to dispose of his business, he sold out, purchased the store at Centre Square of Mr. Shearer, his former employer, and conducted that business until the autumn of 1881. Mr. Yost was a very active Democrat, which party had at that time long been in the ascendant in Montgomery county, but from the year 1872, when the celebrated Grant-Greeley contest had undermined Democratic strength, was gradually losing its prestige. Mr. Yost in 1880 was nominated by way of recognition of his efforts in behalf of party success, for the office of county treasurer. After a most active and energetic canvass of the county on both sides, Mr. Yost was elected by one majority over his Republican competitor, Samuel S. Daub, of Pottstown, in a poll of nearly twenty-five thousand votes.

He entered upon the duties of the position on the first Monday of January, 1881, and, after closing out his business at Centre Square, removed with his family to Norristown, where he has ever since resided, occupying a handsome residence, No. 536 Swede street. He served three years very acceptably in the position of county treasurer, and after the completion of his term, was retained for another three years in the office as deputy treasurer by his successor, Henry A. Cole. He then engaged in the real estate business with Edwin S. Stahlnecker, who had filled the office of sheriff of the county, as his partner, the firm being Stahlnecker & Yost, with offices on Penn street, near Swede, Norristown. The firm was a success from the start, Mr. Yost's extensive acquaintance throughout the county and his knowledge of the value of property contributing greatly to their prosperity. The firm continued until 1893, a period of six years or more, and was then dissolved by mutual arrangement, Mr. Yost purchasing his partner's share of the business, and continuing it on his own account. He is one of the most successful real estate dealers in Norristown, and is often called upon to testify as to the value of land and other property in suits for damages and other cases where it is necessary to have the judgment of experts, there being few men in the county whose knowledge in such matters is equal to his own. Mr. Yost has since removed his office to No. 30, Swede street, in the Albertson building, having a very complete and well equipped suite of offices.

Mr. Yost married, in 1876, Miss Josephine V. Smith, daughter of Lorenzo D. Smith, a well known resident of Whitpain township. Mrs. Yost was born June 2, 1846. Her mother was Jane Supplee, of an old Montgomery county family, who are descended from Andreas Souplis (Andrew Supplee), a French Huguenot, whose ancestors were driven from their native country by religious persecution, and who settled in Germantown in the time of William Penn. They have one child, Miss Mary, who is an artist of considerable ability.

Mr. Yost is one of the best known citizens of Norristown. Although a lifelong Democrat he is not a partisan, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the whole community. He remembers being told by his great-aunt, who lived to an advanced age, many interesting traditions of Revolutionary times. His ancestors at the old homestead manufactured rifles as well as edge tools during the contest with the mother country, and these weapons were used with good effect on the patriot side. Some of these antique guns still remain in the neighborhood, although, unfortunately, none of them are in the possession of the family. A tool used by the Yosts in Revolutionary times in reaming out the barrels of the rifles was sold recently at a public sale in the neighborhood for a few cents. At the time of the attack by a band of Tories on the house of Captain Andrew Knox, in Norriton township, February 14, 1778, an alarm was given to the surrounding country, and a member of the Yost family set out for the beleaguered mansion, but the enemy had been driven away before he reached it with a stock of rifles intended for purposes of defense. The marauders had retreated, and several of them were afterwards captured, two of them being hanged for their share in the transaction.

Mr. Yost is a member of Boehm's Reformed church at Blue Bell, but his wife and daughter are adherents of the Methodist faith, being members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of

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Norristown. Mr. Yost's ancestor, Jacob Yost, the immigrant, was a brother-in-law of the Rev. John Philip Boehm, the founder of the church, and the Yost family have always been among its strongest and most influential members.

 

 

(Picture of Samuel Yeakle)

 

SAMUEL YEAKLE, one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is the son of William A. and Caroline (Rocker) Yeakle. He was born on the farm on which he now resides, August 16, 1853. His early education was acquired in the schools of the township, he attending what is now known as the Williams school, formerly the "Eight Square" school. When he had reached the age of fourteen years, he entered Treemount Seminary, Norristown, as a student, under the tuition of Professor John W. Loch, and continued there four years, until he was eighteen years of age. On his return to the farm he continued in the occupation of farming with the exception of the years 1883 and 1884, when he was engaged in the lime business. He then resumed agricultural pursuits, in which he has ever since been employed on the farm on which his father lived.

On April 5, 1904, Mr. Yeakle took possession of the coal, feed and lumber business at Fort Washington, which was previously conducted by David Knipe, and is thus employed at the present, in addition to operating the farm.

Mr. Yeakle has always been actively interested in political affairs, being prominent in the councils of the Republican party. In earlier years he served on the township election board, being judge of elections for fifteen consecutive years. He is at present a member of the school board of Whitemarsh township, having been a director since 1892, and is the president of the board. He has been identified with many local enterprises of various kinds. He has been connected in membership with Zion Lutheran church, Whitemarsh, since he was eighteen years of age. He is a trustee o£ the church, and superintendent of the Sunday-school since its organization as a Lutheran Sunday-school, in 1895. He is also a trustee of the Union Cemetery, adjoining this church.

He has always been deeply interested in church work. Mr. Yeakle married, March 27, 1889, Madeline E., daughter of T. V. and Elizabeth Rhoads, of Allentown. Mrs. Yeakle was educated in the public schools of Allentown and Fort Washington. The father of Mrs. Yeakle, now deceased, was engaged in business at Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was also United States revenue collector for that district during and after the Rebellion. Mrs. Yeakle's ancestry on her father's side was English, and on her mother's German, Prince Henry von Peterholz, of Alsace-Lorraine, being her progenitor. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Yeakle have one son, William R., born on the homestead, July 30, 1893. He is attending the Williams public school, in Whitemarsh township. Miss Annie H. Yeakle, sister of Samuel Yeakle, is a member of his family, and resides on the homestead. She was educated at the Williams school, and at the Millersville State Normal School.

The first of this branch of the Yeakle family in this country was Christopher Yeakle, who arrived in Philadelphia, September 24, 1734, being one of the Schwenkfelder immigrants. There is no record of his birth except that he was eighteen years of age when he came to this country, having accompanied his widowed mother, Regina. His father, who died in Germany prior to the coming of his family to Pennsylvania, was also Christopher. The son was born in Silesia, and the mother in Liegnitz, Lower Silesia, at the town of Harpersdorf.

Christopher Yeakle followed the trade of cooper at his home in Cresheim, Germantown, where the family settled. He erected a log house in 1743, which is still standing. Later he purchased the property on which is now located the Pennsylvania railway station at Chestnut Hill. He acquired considerable property, and lived to a great age, dying January 3, 1810, when he had attained ninety-one years and six months. His wife was Maria, daughter of Balthasar and Susanna Schultz. She was also a native of Germany, and emigrated with the Schwenkfelders to America, as did her husband.

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Christopher Yeakle (3) (great-grandfather) was born October 7, 1757, at Chestnut Hill. He married Susanna, daughter of Rev. George Kriebel, June 6, 1782. They had eight children, five daughters and three sons, but two of the latter died young. He lived and died on the farm inherited from his father, on the summit of Chestnut Hill, where the Pennsylvania railroad station is now located. He followed the occupation of farming, and also left considerable property at his death, which occurred July 10, 1843. The house in which he lived is still standing. The family were long-lived, he being in his eighty-sixth year at the time of his death. He was a member of the Schwenkfelder denomination, and had no special education beyond what was common in his day. He was, like his ancestors, a highly esteemed member of the community.

Samuel Yeakle (grandfather) was the youngest child of Christopher and Susanna Yeakle. He was born August 25, 1798, at Chestnut Hill. In 1823 he married Lydia, daughter of Abraham Anders. In 1824 he engaged in farming on the property now belonging to the estate of Charles A. Yeakle, in Whitemarsh township. He continued in that occupation until he retired to Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1853. He resided at the corner of Oak and DeKalb streets, in that borough, until his death, which occurred April 3, 1887. His wife died December 26, 1846. He afterwards married (second wife) Susanna, daughter of Samuel Dresher, on November 19, 1850. She died November 2, 1881. He obtained all ordinary education in English and German, and could read and speak both languages. He served for a time as a member of the town council of Norristown.

He had three children, all by his first wife, as follows: William A., Charles A., and Abraham A. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Society of Schwenkfelders, diligent and frugal, his manner of living corresponding with the customs of the Schwenkfelders. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and a valuable citizen.

William A. Yeakle, oldest son of Samuel Yeakle, was born in Whitemarsh township, October 20, 1824, on the homestead. He received his education at the public schools of the township, attending the Williams school. Before his marriage he taught school at this place. He married, January 25, 1849, Caroline, daughter of John Hocker, of Whitemarsh. They had two children, Annie H. and Samuel Yeakle. Caroline, wife of William A. Yeakle, died May 16, 1857. William A. Yeakle, after his school days were ended, continued a diligent student and reader, having accumulated a large library of choice books, which is still in the possession of his son, the subject of this sketch. His religious affiliations were with the Schwenkfelders. William A. Yeakle began farming immediately after his marriage, on the farm which had been owned by his father-in-law, John Hocker, and purchased by his father, Samuel Yeakle. He continued farming at that place until his death, which occurred August 11, 1888. He was actively interested in politics, being interested when quite a young man. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party in 1856, when he became an ardent advocate of its principles, and was an active worker in its behalf. He was an earnest Abolitionist. He served as judge of elections in Whitemarsh township for many years. He was nominated for state senator on the Republican ticket in 1874, and was elected, serving three years, being the first Republican elected to that office under the constitution of 1873. He was a valuable member of that body. He always took an active interest in local matters, and was a member of the Whitemarsh school board for sixteen years. His action on local matters and in politics was based on the desire to be right, and when he was assured of this he was very firm in his stand, and not to be moved by any consideration.

Mrs. Caroline H. Yeakle, wife of Senator Yeakle, was a native of Whitemarsh township, and descended from German ancestry. Her father, John Hocker, was a prominent citizen of Whitemarsh. The founder of the Hocker family in this, country was George Hocker, who came to Pennsylvania from Wurtemberg, September 16, 1751. He came into possession of the property now known as Erdenheim, now owned by Mr. Carson, in Whitemarsh township. His son, Martin Hocker, afterward became the owner of the farm now occupied by Samuel Yeakle, and afterwards owned and occupied by his son, John Hocker.

William A. Yeakle was much interested in historical research, and was an active worker in the compilation of the volume, "Genealogical Records of the Schwenkfelders." He worked assiduously on local history until the time of his death, in collecting facts.

He wrote a history of Whitemarsh township which appeared in installments in the Norristown Herald, and was published in full in the first volume of "Historical Sketches," published by the Montgomery County Historical Society in 1895. William A. Yeakle was for some time engaged with his brother, Charles A. Yeakle, in the manufacture of lime in Whitemarsh township, on the property which is now the estate of Charles A. Yeakle, about the years 1870-75.

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A. D. FETTEROLF was born near Collegeville, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1850. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in Freeland Seminary. He is the son of Gideon and Esther (Hunsicker) Fetterolf, both natives of this county.

Gideon Fetterolf (father) was reared and lived all his life in Montgomery county. He died in 1894, aged eighty-seven years. He was in elder and a leader in the Mennonite church, which is now merged into the Reformed church of Collegeville. He passed most of his life in farming, but also spent some time as a merchant in Royersford. He was widely known and highly respected. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Bishop John Hunsicker.

They had the following children: Captain Henry H., of Collegeville, ex-representative of the county; Adam H., president of Girard College, Philadelphia; Susan (Mrs. A. Tyson); Sarah (Mrs. A. Grimley).

Gideon Fetterolf's second wife was Esther Hunsicker, daughter of Bishop Abraham and Elizabeth Hunsicker. They had the following children: Abraham D., the subject of this sketch; A. Curtin, connected with the International Merchant and Marine Company, of New York; Horace G., a prominent manufacturer of rugs and carpets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All the children inherited the business sagacity of the parents, and hold various high positions in the world.

Adam Fetterolf, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a member of an old Berks county family. His children were Michael Samuel, Peter, Daniel, Adam, Gideon (father), Rachel (Mrs. Correll).

Bishop Abraham Hunsicker (maternal grandfather) was born in Montgomery county, July 31, 1793, and died June 12, 1872, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was the son of Bishop Henry Hunsicker. He descended from a family of ministers, and was a man who held liberal views and could look ahead of his time. His ideas caused a division of the Mennonite church. The few followers remained together, and in 1802 Rev. Joseph H. Hendricks was elected minister and took charge of the church. The church flourished, and in 1888 merged with the Reformed Church in the United States, and is among the strong congregations of that denomination. It is still under Mr. Hendricks' supervision, as it has been for more than forty years, and its success is a monument to Abraham Hunsicker's views. Bishop Hunsicker was the founder of Freeland Seminary, and established his son Henry as principal, the institution afterwards becoming Ursinus College. Abraham Hunsicker had children as follows: Henry, who conducted Freeland Seminary for vicars, and later settled in Germantown, where he still resides; Horace; Elias, Mary, married Rev. J. T. Preston: Kate, married Rev. Joseph H. Hendricks; Esther (mother), who still lives at Collegeville; Anna (Mrs. John B. Landis); Abraham, and Benjamin A.

Abraham Hunsicker (father) was descended as follows: Bishop John Hunsicker was his oldest brother. He was born in Montgomery county. Bishop Henry Hunsicker was his father, and is a descendant of Valentine Hunsicker, who came from Switzerland, and was among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. He was one of the leaders of the Mennonite church.

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Abraham D. Fetterolf received a good education and started in life with principles fixed by the training of his parents. At the age of sixteen he became a teacher in the public school. When he became of age he went to Philadelphia and engaged in mercantile pursuits. From 1871 until 1875 he was a lumber inspector, and then formed a partnership which carried on a flour and feed business. From 1888 to 1890 he was a member of the firm of Roberts & Company Machine Works, at Collegeville. In 1882 he was elected a justice of the peace of Upper Providence township, and served until he resigned to accept a county office. In 1885 he was elected transcribing clerk of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the following year was promoted to speaker's clerk; in 1889 was journal clerk; in 1893, resident clerk; in 1895, chief clerk, and in 1897 and 1899, resident clerk. In 1890 he was nominated for the office of register of wills of Montgomery county, and failed of election by only a small majority. In 1891 he was appointed deputy clerk of the courts of Montgomery county. In 1892 he was unanimously elected chairman of the Republican committee of Montgomery county, and that he conducted the campaign successfully is shown by the fact that the entire Republican ticket was elected with a single exception. He resigned this office to become secretary of the Republican state committee during the campaign of 1893-4.

At the present time Mr. Fetterolf is burgess of the borough of Collegeville, elected in the spring of 1903, and also has a real estate and loan investment office in Philadelphia which receives the most of his attention. He is a broad-minded business man, and widely known and respected. His home is on Main street, Collegeville. Since July, 1889, Mr. Fetterolf has-been secretary of the Perkiomen Mutual Fire Insurance Company. For years he was a director of the National Bank of Schwenksville. He is a director in the Times Publishing Company, of Norristown, and of other corporations. He became a Mason in Warren Lodge, Trappe, and served as master in 1880, and as secretary for ten years. He is a member of Royal Arch Chapter, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 190; of Hutchinson Commandery No. 32, Knights Templar, of Norristown; and of the Patriotic Sons of America. He is a director in the Valley Forge Memorial Association.

He married (first wife) Miss Sallie Graybill, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry N. and Ann Musser Graybill, originally of Lancaster county. He was a bishop of the Brethren church, and a prominent farmer.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Graybill were: Martha (Mrs. H. A. Kaufman); Mary, married Attorney J. S. Freeman; Sallie (Mrs. Fetterolf); Elizabeth (Mrs. L. Royer); Rebecca, died unmarried; James M.; Christopher; Jay N., and Henry.

Abraham D. and Sallie (Graybill) Fetterolf had the following children: Gertrude, died young; Henry, died in infancy; Clement G., received a good education and gave promise of great success in the business world, was the youngest member of the New York Produce Exchange, but was cut off in his early manhood, dying February 23, 1899; Horace N., born in 1885, now a student at the University of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Fetterolf died in 1889. She was a member of the Reformed church of Collegeville.

On June 21, 1891, Abraham D. Fetterolf married (second wife) Miss Bertha Kooken, who was born at Mercersburg, the daughter of John R. and Mary (Prizer) Kooken, both natives of Pennsylvania of German descent. Mr. Kooken was a highly educated man and a well known educator and minister of the Reformed church. He conducted Elmwood Seminary, near Norristown, which was the second seminary in the county. Under President Buchanan's administration he was appointed consul to Trinidad-de-Cuba. When Lincoln became president he returned to his home, and at the beginning of the Civil war raised a company and served as captain of Company C, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was killed in battle at Fredericksburg, and was buried in the national cemetery at that place. Mr. Fetterolf still has Captain Kooken's sword in his possession, and it is highly prized by the family. At one time Mr. Kooken was a teacher in the Mercersburg Academy. His wife, who survived him

(Page 13)

some years, was the daughter of Henry Prizer, the first principal of what was long known as Washington Hall Boarding School at Trappe. The children of John R. and Mary (Prizer) Kooken were: Warren, of Philadelphia; Robert, died at the age of twenty-two years; Bertha C. (Mrs. Fetterolf). Abraham D. and Bertha C. Fetterolf have no children. The family are members of the Reformed church.

Judging from his past record and considering that Mr. Fetterolf is now in the prime of his life, it is highly probable that new and still higher fields of usefulness will be opened to him in the future.

 

 

(Picture of William P. Henszey)

 

WILLIAM P. HENSZEY, a member of the firm of Burnham-Williams Co., owning Baldwin Locomotive Works, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also actively and prominently identified with other corporations, is a man well endowed with rare business and executive ability, and the high position he occupies in business circles has been won through earnest and honorable effort. He is a native of the city of Philadelphia, the date of his birth being December 24, 1832.

The family of which William P. Henszey is a member originated in Amblecote county, England. Joshua Henszey (great-great-grandfather) was a noted glass maker, conducting extensive operation in that vicinity, and achieving great financial success. He was the owner of vast estates in his native country, and was a man of high standing and influence. He married an English lady and they reared a large family of children.

Joshua Henszey (great-grandfather), son of Joshua Henszey, was born in England, reared and educated there, and about the year 1686 came to America, becoming the founder of the American branch of the family. He was a glass maker by trade, which occupation he followed in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in which section of the country he settled upon his arrival in the new world. He was united in marriage to Mary ________.

Joseph Henszey (grandfather), son of Joshua and Hard Henszey, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon attaining years of maturity he accepted the position of steward of the old Philadelphia Hospital, and his wife, Deborah Henszey, served in the capacity of matron of the same. They, held the positions for a number of years, and were faithful and conscientious in the performance of their duties. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Ann, Joseph, Joshua, Thomas and Samuel C. The father of these children, after a life of great usefulness and activity, died in 1706.

Samuel C. Henszey (father), son of Joseph and Deborah Henszey, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1788. He was educated in the best schools of the day, the knowledge thus obtained thoroughly qualifying him for an active career. He accepted a clerkship in the Bank of North America, in Philadelphia, which he held for the long period of twenty years. He was later in life appointed secretary and treasurer of the Western Saving Fund, retaining that position until his death in 1862. He was a man of sterling qualities, and therefore merited the respect and esteem in which he was held by all who had the honor of his acquaintance. He married Priscilla H. Peddle, deceased, a daughter of George Peddle, a member of an old Philadelphia family. They were the parents of several children, among whom was a son, William P. Henszey.

William P. Henszey obtained his early education in the public schools of his native city, Philadelphia, and then pursued a course of advanced studies at the high school, from which he was graduated in 1848. He then entered the employ of a wholesale boot and shoe house as clerk, and while serving in that capacity made the start that resulted in his being in his present position. He purchased a number of books and with no other aid began the study of mechanical engineering.

In 1859 he entered the employ of the Baldwin Locomotive Works at Philadelphia as a draughtsman, and by paying the closest attention to the details of the work, and also by the display of mechanical genius and ability, rose rapidly in the estimation of his employers, and in 1870 was admitted as a member of the firm, since which time he has kept a general supervision over the engineering department. He is a member of the board of directors of the Bank of North America and the Delaware Insurance Company, and manager of the Western Saving Fund. Mr. Henszey is a Republican in politics, has never sought or held political office, but at all times is ready and willing to aid his party to the extent of his power and ability. He is a member of the Society of Friends, holding a birthright in Philadelphia Meeting.

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Mr. Henszey was united in marriage in 1857 to Miss Anna B. Hitchcock, a daughter of Dr. Hitchcock, of Maine. One child was the issue of this union, Mary L., wife of Dr. Thomas G. Ashton, and mother of one child, Anna H. In 1879 Mr. Henszey removed to his beautiful and commodious home at Wynnewood, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

 

 

JOSEPH MAURICE HAYWOOD, publisher of the Ambler Gazette, is a native of Ambler, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, having been born on his father's farm, now within the borough limits, April 25, 1872.

Claudius William Haywood, grandfather of Joseph M. Haywood, was born in England August 5, 1795, and came to this country early in the thirties. His wife died not many years after. He was a cutlery manufacturer, and the owner of a large plant at Sheffield, England, where he conducted a successful business, which he sold on removing to the United States. He purchased a farm in, the vicinity of Philadelphia, which he sold later, purchasing another at Germantown, which he also disposed of, thereafter becoming the owner of a farm in Lower Merion township, Montgomery county, which is still in the possession of his grandson, Joseph M. Haywood. His last purchase of property was a farm in Lower Gwynedd township, lying on the opposite side of the road from the home of Joseph Haywood. He passed away on his eighty-second birthday, August 5, 1877. He was a well-preserved man, whose strong convictions manifested themselves in what are regarded as eccentricities. One of these peculiarities was his opposition to the attendance of his children at public or private schools, they being taught by him at home. He was, however, a practical business man, with a cultivated taste for music, which he encouraged also in his children, teaching them music, and each of them could play on an instrument of some kind. He had in all eleven children, most of whom died young. William lived to the age of seventy-two, dying in 1899, and Joseph, father of Joseph M. Haywood, is the only survivor of the family.

Joseph Haywood, father of Joseph M. Haywood, after being schooled under the care of his father, was employed at farming, commencing with a small tract of land and adding to it by another purchase until he had sixty-eight acres, all of which was included within the borough of Ambler, at its incorporation. He was an advocate of the organization of the borough, but declined the honor of being its first burgess. Later, however, he served three years as burgess, afterwards was elected a town councilman, and on the expiration of his term was unanimously re-elected, but declined to serve any longer, although at that time a member of the body. For the past twenty years he has been connected with the First National Bank of Ambler, was one of its incorporators, and a member of the board of directors from the beginning. He served as secretary of the board of directors for several years, and later was elected its president, serving in that capacity until January, 1904, when, at his own request he was relieved from the duties of that office, but consented to remain as a member of the board. He takes an active interest in the Ambler Presbyterian church, of which his wife was a charter member, and has served as president of the board of church trustees from its organization. He also served for a number of years as secretary and treasurer of the Ambler board of health. Mr. Haywood is an independent Republican in politics. He is now seventy-two years of age.

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On March 17, 1865, Mr. Haywood married, Caroline Hartzell, daughter of Samuel and Mary Hartzell, whose family consisted of the following named children: Samuel, David, Thomas, Matilda (Mrs. Ward), Caroline (Mrs. Haywood), Sarah, and Frank. Samuel Hartzell was, a mason by trade; for a number of years he lived in Rockhill township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Manayunk, where he and his wife died.

Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Haywood removed to London, Ontario, Canada, where they remained four years, and where their first child was born. Their children were: John Lincoln, who died at the age of two years and was buried in Canada. Claudius William, born March 2, 1869, resides at Ambler on the homestead, and is engaged in the operations of the Philadelphia Arms Company, at Wayne junction, being treasurer of the same.

Joseph Maurice, born April 25, 1872, mentioned at length hereinafter. Venie, born July 16, 1877. Caroline, born September 29, 1878, Mary Maud, born July 20, 1881. The last three named are unmarried. Mrs. Haywood, the mother of these children, died suddenly on October 26, 1902.

Joseph M. Haywood was reared on his father's farm, attending the public school of Lower Gwynedd township, and later Sunnyside school, at Ambler, conducted by the Misses Knight, from which he was graduated in the year 1889. He at once entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, having pursued the Wharton school course in finance and economy.

In 1894 he entered the establishment of Arthur H. Thomas, proprietor of the Ambler Gazette, and remained with him until February, 1897, when he purchased, the newspaper plant and has conducted the same up to the present time (1904). He has made many improvements, increasing the facilities for the publication of a good newspaper, and thus largely increasing the circulation and making progress generally. The paper enjoys a large patronage in one of the most intelligent and thickly populated communities of Montgomery county.

The Gazette is generally regarded as one of the very best of the weekly newspapers of the county. There is connected with the office a job printing plant, which also comes in for a large share of public patronage. Mr. Haywood is a Republican in politics and served the borough of Ambler for five years as secretary and treasurer of the board of health.

Mr. Haywood married, October 15, 1902, Elizabeth B. Godfrey, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Godfrey, of Ambler, and granddaughter of the late Andrew Godfrey, who was for many years a hotel proprietor in Germantown, in which place his death occurred. The children of Samuel and Elizabeth Godfrey are as follows Annie (Mrs. C. W. Haywood); Margaret B., unmarried; Dr. Andrew, of Ambler; and Elizabeth B., aforementioned as the wife of Joseph M. Haywood. Mrs. Haywood is a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal church, at Ambler, Pennsylvania.

 

 

HENRY G. LANDIS is principal of the public schools of Lansdale, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, to which position he was elected in 1902, and for which he is eminently qualified, being endowed with a strong mentality, sound judgment and rare executive ability. The family of which he is a member was among the early settlers of Montgomery county, and the descendants thereof have been active and public-spirited citizens of this commonwealth.

Abraham D. Landis, grandfather of Henry G. Landis, was born in Skippack township, Montgomery county. The common schools of the township afforded him the means of education, and subsequently he chose for his words in life the occupation of farming, which he conducted along practical and progressive lines, and which yielded him a goodly profit for his labor. He adhered to the tenets of the Mennonite church, and his political support was given to the candidates and treasures of the Republican party. He married Elizabeth Rife, a member of an old and honored family, and thirteen children were born to them, two sons of whom died in infancy.

The surviving members of the family were: George, John, Isaac, Henry, Garrett, Elias, Samuel, Susanna, Elizabeth, Mary, and Abraham R.

Abraham R. Landis, father of Henry G. Landis, was born in Lower Salford township, to which section of the county his father moved in the year 1840. He obtained a good English education in the common schools of his native township, and from the completion of his studies until recent years, when he retired from active business, his time and attention were given exclusively to the cultivation of the soil. His operations were attended with a large degree of prosperity, and at the present time (1904) he is enjoying the fruits of his many years of ceaseless activity. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party, but has never sought political preferment. In religion he is a follower of the Mennonite faith.

His wife, whose maiden name was Sabina Gargus, a representative of an old Bucks and Montgomery county family, bore him the following named children: Elizabeth A., wife of Frank M. Nace, and mother of five children; Abraham G., unmarried; and Henry G. Landis.

(Page 16)

Henry G. Landis was born on the home farm in Lower Salford township, January 16, 1870. He attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home, and took a term at the West Chester Normal School, graduating there in 1895 with honors. He then taught school for two years in Lower Salford township, and two terms in Church's school in Buckingham township, Bucks county. He was then elected principal of the Chalfont grammar school, and served there two terms, and went from there to New Hope, for five years. While in the latter two places he instituted graduation exercises, which feature has added to the efficiency and interest in the schools. In 1902 he was elected to his present position, that of principal of the public schools of Lansdale, Montgomery county, and since then has efficiently discharged the duties assigned him. He has more than five hundred pupils under his control, all of whom thoroughly admire and respect him for his many excellent characteristics, and in order to give the best instruction possible, devotes his time to reading and study. He is well versed in literature, mathematics and science, and topics of general interest, but especially in the line which will aid him most in his chosen field of labor. He is progressive without being radical, and leaves the imprint of his personality upon his work. Mr. Landis firmly adheres to the principles of Republicanism.

In 1895 Mr. Landis married Sadie K. Markley, a daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Kulp) Markley, residents of Towamencin township, Montgomery county. Three children have been born to them as follows: Ada Lourene, deceased; Henry Elson, deceased; and E. Eugene. Mr. Landis and his family attend the Reformed church, and he serves in the capacity of superintendent of the Sunday school connected therewith.

 

 

JOHN H. GEHRET, the well known general agent and dispatcher of trains for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at Bridgeport, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born at Douglassville, Berks county, March 24, 1856. He removed with his parents to Bridgeport in 1860, attending the public schools of that borough until he was fifteen years of age. He entered the service of the railway company in 1871, and has been employed in various capacities, having occupied his present position at Bridgeport since 1888.

Levi Gehret (father) was born in Pricetown, Berks county. He was a stonemason by occupation. He entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company as a worker in masonry. Later he was appointed supervisor in charge of the maintenance of the tracks at Schuylkill Haven, being transferred to Douglassville, and in 1860 to Bridgeport, where he was employed in the same capacity until 1891, when failing health compelled him to resign the position after having been in the service of the company for a period of forty years. In politics Mr. Gehret was a Democrat, but in the year 1896, when William McKinley became the Republican nominee for the presidency, he decided to support him, and remained a Republican until his death, which occurred May 28, 1902. Until his marriage he was a member of the Lutheran church. He then withdrew from that denomination and became with his wife a member of St. Gabriel's Episcopal church at Douglassville. After the removal of the family to Bridgeport, they became attached to Swedes (Christ) church, and Mr. Gehret was the efficient superintendent of its Sunday school for a number of years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd

 

(page 17)

Fellows for nearly a half century, and a charter member of Monocacy Lodge of that order. He continued to hold his membership with that lodge as long as he lived. He married Miss Sarah A., daughter of John and Sarah Kirlin. Mrs. Gehret was born in 1824. Their children: Augustus B., married Miss Annie Deysher, they living in Philadelphia, where he is employed as a carpenter for the American Ice Company; George W., married Miss Rebecca J. Rambo, and resides in Bridgeport, where he is an engineer in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, having served in that capacity since 1877; John H., subject of this sketch.

John H. Gehret is a Republican in politics. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian. He is a member of Washington Camp, No. 51, Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Bridgeport. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1881, and is connected with St. Albans Lodge, No. 529, of Philadelphia. On October 31, 1882, Mr. Gehret married Miss Ida daughter of Ezekiel and Joanna E. Potts.

Ezekiel Potts, father of Mrs. Gehret, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania. February 17, 1819. He died May 4, 1882. He was for many years a manufacturer of agricultural implements in Bridgeport, and later went into the oil business in Bridgeport, having an office in Philadelphia, and so continued until his death. In politics he was a Republican, and a Friend in religion. He married Joanna E. Pugh, born in Lower Merion township, and who died in 1891. She also was a Friend. Ezekiel and Joanna Potts had five children, of whom three are deceased. The survivors are Mrs. John H. Gehret, and William H. Potts, of Philadelphia, who is connected with the Pullman Palace Car Company.

 

 

JOHN S. BUCHANAN was for a number of years the efficient postmaster at Ambler, and one of its most energetic and successful business men. He is a native of Rouseville, in Venango county, Pennsylvania. The family are of Scotch-Irish descent, as the name indicates, the grandfather of Mr. Buchanan having been, however, a resident of Venango and Crawford counties in his later years. He died in 1879, at the age of eighty-seven years. John S. Buchanan was born March 4, 1861. He is the son of John and Jane (McClay) Buchanan, both of whom were natives of Ireland and came to America in early life, being married in Pennsylvania.

John Buchanan (father) grew to manhood near Titusville, in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, whose enormous resources in the way of the product were as vet unknown at that time. On reaching manhood he removed to where is now Oil City, where, he purchased a farm, and when the oil fever broke out he at first leased it and. afterwards sold it to the firm of Rouse, Mitchell & Co. Some time later he bought another farm near Titusville, which he sold in 1864.

In 1865 Mr. Buchanan visited Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a farm in Upper Dublin township, near where is now located the borough of Ambler, at that time a small village known as Wissahickon, intending to remove to it at once with his family. This was not to be, however, for on Mr. Buchanan's return to his old home in the western part of Pennsylvania, he was stricken with pneumonia, and after a brief illness died. He was an energetic farmer, without any desire to figure in politics or otherwise in public notice. He was a highly valued member of the community in which he lived, being of a social and accommodating disposition. As a business man he displayed sound judgment, making good investments, accumulating a considerable state, and leaving his family in good circumstances. In religious predilections he was a Presbyterian. Mrs. Buchanan survives him, residing at Ambler.

Soon after the death of her husband she decided to follow out the course upon which he had determined in his lifetime, and she accordingly removed with her two sons to Ambler and took possession of the farm which he had purchased prior to his last illness. When later sons, Joseph and John S., were grown to manhood, they, after acquiring the necessary knowledge to enter upon business careers, sought other pursuits than that of farming. The family then rented the farm and, securing a desirable home within the limits of Ambler, removed thereto, becoming citizens of one of the most enterprising of the many prosperous boroughs along the line of the North Pennsylvania Railroad within the limits of Montgomery county.

(page 18)

The parents of Mrs. Buchanan never came to America, but died as they had lived, in Ireland. Their children took a different view of things, however, and after the death of both parents decided to seek a home in the new world. Leaving behind them the old associations and severity; old ties, they, first having made all necessary preparations for the voyage, emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania.

They consisted of the following: Joseph McClay; Jane, mother of John S. and Joseph Buchanan; Mary, unmarried; Anna (Mrs. A. Buchanan); Sarah (Mrs. John Hopkins); and another sister who yet remains in Ireland. Mrs. Buchanan is a member of the Presbyterian church. Her son Joseph is engaged in the real estate business at Ambler.

 

John S. Buchanan was but four years of age when he came to Montgomery county. He remained on the farm until he married, when he bought the farm, rented it and removed to Ambler. His first employment in Ambler was in the capacity of teller in the Ambler National Bank, in which position he remained for five years. He then engaged in the real estate business, in which he continued until 1898, when he received the appointment of postmaster from President McKinley through the influence of Congressman Wanger. Under his management of the postoffice at Ambler it became one of the most important as well as one of the best conducted in the county. He established it in a new and commodious building, fitted up with every requirement needed for the accommodation of its patrons. Besides being the center of a large and increasing business, the Keasby & Mattison Company contribute very largely to its prosperity, because of the enormous amount of mail which they send out daily. Several lines of rural free delivery radiate from Ambler, increasing very materially the business of the postoffice. While Mr. Buchanan was in the real estate business. his energy and good business ability aided greatly in developing Ambler and in securing for that borough a share of the advantages derived from the establishment of manufactories within its limits. He did all that was possible to attract the attention of those seeking new locations for industries, favored street and other improvements, and everything in general that was calculated to advance its interests and its growth. He was one of those who made the town a borough. He was a member of the first town council of Ambler, and for several nears the honored president of that body, serving twelve years in all, and being a member when he was appointed to the position of postmaster. He was a notary public for twelve years, and served in that capacity for the Ambler Bank. He is, as a matter of course, a mail of pronounced views in politics, being an active Republican and all earnest advocate of its principles and candidates.

In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian church. He was one of those who were prominent in the erection of the new church of that denomination at Ambler, and has for a number of years been one of its trustees. Mr. Buchanan is a broadminded, liberal and progressive business man who is a benefit to the community in which he lives. He is a large stockholder and also a director in the Ambler National Bank. He is also a director of the Pettit Ornamental Iron Company of Ambler. He is president of the Wissahickon Loan Association. In February, 1904, he resigned the position of postmaster, and was elected cashier of the Ambler National Bank on the retirement of John J. Houghton, who had acted in that capacity for a period of twenty years from the time of its organization. Fraternally, Mr. Buchanan is a member of the Masonic order, being a Royal Arch Mason. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Buchanan married, in 1884, Miss Ellen H. Hough, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, who was born in 1863, being a daughter of J. Finley and Margaret (Freas) Hough. J. Finley Hough was a son of Benjamin Hough, and Benjamin was a son of Benjamin, Sr. The last named married Hannah Simpson, whose brother, John Simpson, was the maternal grandfather of Ulysses S. Grant, the distinguished general who succeeded in overthrowing the rebellion, and afterwards served two terms as president of the United States. The generations of Houghs prior to Benjamin, Sr., were: Septimus, Robert, John, Joseph, Joseph, Joseph and Richard, the last named of whom was a native of Macclesfield, in the county of Chester, in England. Richard Hough arrived at Philadelphia in the ship "Endeavor," from London, July 29, 1683, bringing with him four dependants, as follows: Francis Hough, Thomas Wood and wife, Mary; and James Sutton.

(Page 19)

Richard Hough settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he acquired two tracts of land, both fronting on the Delaware river, one of them two miles south of the present borough of Yardley, and the other immediately adjoining the manor of Highlands. Richard Hough married Margery Clows, January 17, 1684. He was a member of Falls Meeting of the Society of Friends. William Penn also lived for a time in the vicinity, at Pennsbury the manor of Penn, and occasionally attended Falls Meeting. Richard Hough was one of the commissioners concerned in the organization of the county of Bucks. He also took an active part otherwise in the government of the province, representing Bucks county in the provincial assembly of 1684, 1688, 1690, 1697 and 1700, and also in 1703-4. He was a member of the provincial council, the governing body of the colony, in 1693 and 1700. His first two terms in the assembly, in 1684 and 1688, were eventful periods, owing to the appearance of a dissatisfied element. Richard Hough was among the most trusted friends of the proprietor, William Penn. He was a justice of the peace in Bucks county in 1700, and Penn appointed him, in conjunction with Phineas Pemberton and William Biles, a member of a court of inquiry to investigate the state of his affairs in the province of Pennsylvania, showing his confidence in the capacity and sound judgment of Hough.

The original name of the family, De la Haugh (Norman French) was changed at first to De Hough, and in the sixteenth century to Hough. The family came to England in the year 1066, with William the Conqueror. Richard Hough was drowned in the Delaware river in 1705. The accident happened on the twenty-fifth of March, when he was on his way to Philadelphia.

Some idea of the estimation in which William Penn held Richard Hough may be gained from the fact that when he heard of his death, he wrote to James Logan: "I lament the loss of honest Richard Hough. Such men must needs be wanted where selfishness and forgetfulness of God's mercy so much abound."

J. Finley Hough, father of Mrs. John S. Buchanan, married Margaret Fries, a daughter of Jacob Fries, of Ducks county, the family being of French descent. Finley Hough was a miller by trade, conducting that business very extensively in Bucks county. He died in 1888, and his widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Buchanan, in Ambler. Her other children are Dr. C. B. Hough, of Ambler, and Horace Hough, who resides in Philadelphia.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Buchanan: Joseph, born in July, 1885; Charles, born in April, 1888; Helen, born in December, 1895.

Mr. Buchanan, in addition to what the public schools afforded him in the way of education, took a full course at the Pierce College of Business in Philadelphia. He is a member of Ambler Lodge No. 1045, I .O. O. F., and of Fort Washington Lodge, No. 308, F. and A. M. He was for many years secretary of the Ambler Real Estate Improvement Company.

 

 

JOHN BURTON, of Springfield township, Montgomery county. Pennsylvania, an enterprising and prosperous business man, whose reliable methods have brought to him a large degree of financial success and given to him a prominent place in business circles, was born in England, January 27, 1852, On the old homestead, one of four children of John and Ann (Hand) Burton, both of whom are now deceased.

(Page 20)

His educational advantages were obtained in the schools of his native country, and after laying aside his school books he took up the study of gardening, and for a period of time was employed in the Earl of Stamford's gardens in England.

In 1872 he decided to test the business opportunities of the United States, and accordingly set sail on the steamship "Atlantic," landed in the city of New York, and came on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He secured employment there at his trade, and in 1876 did considerable work on the grounds of the Centennial Exhibition held in that city. He then took up his resident in New Orleans, Louisiana, residing there two years, after which he came to his present home in Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He at once purchased twenty-one acres of land and engaged in the florist business. The enterprise was a success from the beginning, and has steadily grown in proportions from year to year, until now (1904) he has a plant with over two hundred thousand feet of glass in it, and is regarded as one of the leading rose growers in this country. He was recently appointed assignee of Craig & Son, of Philadelphia, florists and growers, and by his careful and conservative methods is bringing this business along in a successful manner.

Mr. Burton is a staunch adherent of the principles of Democracy, and is a leader in politics in his township. In 1891 he was elected to the state legislature, and during his term of office discharged the duties with distinction and credit, giving entire satisfaction to his constituents.

For ten consecutive years he served the township as school director, and the cause of education has always found in him all earnest advocate. He is a member of the Florist Association of America. Mr. Burton was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. Lees, a daughter of George Lees, superintendent of a carpet works in the city of Philadelphia. Their children are: Alfred, who married Edith D. Harper, they have one child; George, married to Rose Taylor, they also have one child; Alice and Elizabeth A., who are unmarried. The sons assist their father in his business. The family are highly respected in the community, where they enjoy the acquaintance of a wide circle of friends.

 

 

THE McLEAN FAMILY are of Scotch origin, and for many generations the clan owned and resided upon the island of Mull, in Castle Duard. Their ancestors fought in the crusades, as shown in their coat-of-arms by the dexter hand grasping the cross. Sir Fitzroy Donald Mclean, the recent chief of the clan, resides in Castle Duard. He visited America during the World's Fair at Chicago, and was hospitably entertained by his American cousins.

The first ancestor of the McLean family of whom the have any authentic information was driven from his home in Scotland on account of his earnest support of the Stewart cause, which ended in the battle of Culloden. He settled in Colerain, county Derry, Ireland, where he married and where all his children were bore. Of his descendants, Daniel McLean married Elizabeth Douglas, who was a descendant of Lord Douglas, of Scotland, the celebrated "Black Douglas," who was the leader of the Douglas clan. The Douglas estates are located at Douglas, in the province of Liddisdale. Scotland, and are in the possession of descendants of James, who was called the "Back Douglas." He was the friend of Robert Bruce, and fought at the battle of Bannockburn.

The following named children were born to Daniel and Elizabeth (Douglas) McLean: James, Sarah, Daniel, Douglas, Margaret, John, and Hugh Douglas. Of these James and Sarah, the two eldest, emigrated to the United States before the rest of the family, settling at Summit Hill, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, and their favorable report of the country resulted in the removal of the entire family from Ireland.

In the year 1857 Daniel McLean, father of these children, removed to Montgomery county and purchased a farm in Norriton township, which is now owned by the estate of John McLean. He died there in 1860, his wife passing away in Philadelphia in 1869, and their remains are interred in Pottstown. They were members of the Brown Presbyterian church in Norristown. Pennsylvania. Mr. McLean was a man of means, and well educated.

James McLean, the eldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth McLean, was a merchant at Summit

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Hill, Carbon county, and was interested in coal shipping. It was during his time that the first coal was shipped from Summit Hill to Mauch Chunk.

Sarah McLean, the eldest daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth McLean, became the wife of Alexander Sampson, who settled near Pottstown when the family left Summit Hill, and there followed agricultural pursuits. Alexander Sampson was cousin to the late Admiral Sampson of the United States Navy.

(Picture of John McLean)

 

John McLean, fourth son of Daniel and Elizabeth McLean, was born in county Derry, Ireland, and at the age of nine years came with his parents to the United States. After acquiring a common school education he attended Lafayette College, and in 1849 went with his brother Douglas to California, that being the time of the gold fever. They went by the way of Cape Horn in a sailing ship, and were six months in making the voyage. They engaged in gold mining, in which John was very successful, but his brother died there, and his remains lie in California. Upon his return from California, John joined his parents on the farm, and at his father's death purchased the interest of his brothers and sisters in the property, which he owned up to the time of his decease. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as school director for several years in N Norriton township.

He was among the first to advocate the public school system and the purchase of school books out of the funds of the township, and at all times manifested great interest in the cause of education. He was judge of elections for many years, and also a delegate to his party conventions.

In 1881 he was elected prothonotary in Montgomery county on the Democratic ticket. He held the office one term, and was renominated by his party, but defeated at the election in 1884 by William L. Woodward, the Republican nominee. He was a member of the Lower Providence Presbyterian church for many years, to which his wife and family also belonged. He was a member of its board of trustees for several years, and was active in Sunday school work, being a Bible class teacher. He was one of the charter members of Charity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norristown, and a member of Hutchinson Commandery, Knights Templar.

Mr. McLean married, July 21, 1868, Margaret McIntry, daughter of James and Margaret (Sinclair) McIntyre, who was born in county Antrim, near Giants' Causeway, Ireland, May 6, 1838. In 1846 her father came to America with his family, which consisted of his wife, son and daughter, and settled in Whitemarsh township, near Chestnut hill, on a farm more recently owned by the estate of Daniel Williams. On this farm he remained twenty-one years, for a time as a farm hand and afterwards as a renter.

In 1859, having accumulated some money, Mr. McIntyre purchased a farm in Whitpain township, on which he remained until 1866, when he purchased a farm now forming part of the tract belonging to the Norristown Hospital for the Insane. He then purchased the Summers farm, on which he resided until his death, April 11, 1987. His wife died January 5, 1881, and was buried by her husband in the cemetery attached to the Lower Providence Presbyterian church. Mr. McIntyre was a Republican in politics, but never sought or held office. He and his wife were for many years members of the Lower Providence Presbyterian church.

Their children were: Margaret, aforementioned as the wife of John McLean, and James, both in Ireland. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McLean were as follows Elizabeth, born May 21, 1869, married William Taggart, their children being: Margaret S., Martha L., Austin L., and Elizabeth McLean Taggart. John Douglas, born October 19, 1870.

He graduated at the Norristown high school in 1888, and also graduated at Prickett's Commercial College, in Philadelphia. He then entered the University of Pennsylvania, graduated from its medical department in 1894, and is now practicing medicine in Philadelphia. He married Agnes R. Williams, of Philadelphia. They have one child, Sydney R. McLean. Mary Agnes, born May 25, 1872. She graduated in 1889 at the Norristown high school, spent two years in the State Normal School at West Chester, and has been a teacher in the schools of Montgomery county for twelve years.

James S., born November 29, 1875. He graduated from the Norristown high school in 1895, and later from the Drexel Institute as an electrical engineer, and is following- that profession at Rochester, New York. Hugh D., born August 13, 1878. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood and the Norristown high school, and is now conducting the operations on the home farm. John McLean, the father of these children, died January 28, 1888. He was buried with Masonic honors in the Lower Providence Presbyterian cemetery.

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(Picture of Dr. Hugh Douglas McLean)

 

Dr. Hugh Douglas McLean, the youngest son of Daniel and Elizabeth McLean, was born in Colerain, county Derry, Ireland, in 1837, and two years later came with his parents to this country, they locating at Summit Hill, Carbon county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public schools, and previous to 1850 entered Lafayette College, later matriculating at Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He had but just graduated when the rebellion began, and he at once offered his services, which were accepted, and he was appointed by Governor Andrew G. Curtin as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Moorhead. The regiment became a part of the second corps, and Dr. McLean served with it two years. Then on account of sickness he came home, and shortly afterward resigned. He was with his regiment in all its marches, skirmishes and battles until after the battle of Gettysburg.

Immediately after the war Dr. McLean opened an office at No. 1331 Pine street, Philadelphia, where he practiced up to a few years ago, when he retired from active (duties. He has been a member of the Philadelphia Medical Society for many years. He has also been actively identified with the Masonic order for nearly half a century. He is a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States; and has been a member of George G. Meade Post No. 1, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic, since its organization. He is a member of the Chambers-Wiley Memorial Presbyterian church, of Philadelphia. In politics he is a Republican. He has been abroad four times, his travels extended over Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

In 1876 Dr. McLean married Mary Simpson daughter of John Simpson, who was an attorney of Belfast, Ireland, where both he and his wife lived and died, and where Mrs. McLean was born. Samuel Simpson, brother of Mrs. McLean, now deceased, was for many years a prominent attorney in New York city. Mrs. McLean died October 15, 1899.

 

 

SAMUEL ROBERTS, one of the best known business men of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of Welsh Quaker stock so prominent in the lower section of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The founder of the American branch of the family was Robert Cadwallader, who came from Wales and settled at Gwynedd, and his children, in the Welsh the manner at that time, took the surname Robert, which in the process of time became Roberts. Cadwallader Roberts, or Robert, accompanied the first settlers of Gwynedd in 1698, and the parents and other children came a few years later.

In the (direct line of descent from Robert Cadwallader was Jesse Roberts (great-grandfather), born May 9, 1766, died October 22, 1851. He was the father of several sons, among whom was Samuel Roberts (grandfather), born September 1, 1795, who in early life resided in Plymouth, where he followed his trade of blacksmith. He settled on a farm at Springtown in 1830, residing thereon up to the time of his decease in December, 1877. His religious views were in accord with the doctrines of the Society of Friends, and his political affiliations were with the Whig and Republican parties.

He married Mary Freas, and his children were Hiram, Mary, Jesse, George, Ann, Myra, Hannah, Samuel, Samuel (second), Isaac, Leah and Rachel.

George Roberts (father) was born at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1825. He accompanied his parents on their removal to Springtown, in which place he resided with the exception of a few years in Norristown, where he died on the 13th of November, 1878, in his fifty-fourth year. The active years of his life were devoted to agricultural pursuits. He took an active part in the affairs of the Republican party, but never sought or held public office. For many years he served in the capacity of secretary of the school hoard of Norriton township.

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He married Sarah Ann Schlater, who was born at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, the 80th of April, 1829, daughter of William Schlater, and the following named children were born to them: William, Samuel, Winfield, deceased; Mary, deceased; George, Elizabeth and Anna. The mother of these children died June 1, 1862, at the early age of thirty-three years, leaving a family of small children. Mr. Roberts married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Fulmer, no issue. Mr. Roberts was killed by the cars at the depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Thirty-second and Market streets, Philadelphia.

Samuel Roberts, second son of George and Sarah Ann (Schlater) Roberts, was born at Springtown, a few miles from Norristown, Pennsylvania, on the family homestead, December 7, 1853. He was educated in the public schools, and after completing his studies decided to learn the trade of cabinet making. He followed this occupation in Norristown until 1874, When he removed to Conshohocken, in which borough he has eves since resided.

 

In 1886 Mr. Roberts engaged in business on his own account. He entered into partnership with Samuel Meredith, under the style of Roberts & Meredith, and they are conducting an extensive business in the selling and hanging of wall paper, also in the sale of carpets and all kinds of furniture. They are practical, thoroughgoing business men, and therefore deserve the success which has attended their well-directed efforts.

Mr. Roberts is a director and stockholder in the Conshohocken Building and Loan Association, and the Tradesmen's Building and Loan Association of Conshohocken. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also Fritz Lodge, No. 420, Free and Accepted Masons, of Conshohocken. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Roberts married, in 1877, Miss Martha Mereditb, a daughter of Samuel Meredith, a well known resident of Norristown, Pennsylvania. One child was the issue of this marriage, Howard M., who married Katherine Bodey, of Conshohocken, and they are the parents of one child, Katherine. Howard M. Roberts is employed in business with his father.

 

 

MORRIS HALLOWELL SHOEMAKER, a leading real estate agent, who is also largely interested in life and fire insurance business, his office being located in a building erected and by himself at the north corner of Swede and Airy streets, Norristown, is the son of Isaac Longstreth and Jane (McLean) Shoemaker, both deceased. He was born in Upper Dublin township, Montgomery County February 13, 1860. He is the youngest of nine children, four of whom are living. They are John, Mrs. Emma S. Cottman, of Jenkintown William M., and Morris H. Shoemaker, all residing in Montgomery county.

Morris H. Shoemaker was reared on the homestead in Upper Dublin township, attending the public school at Prospectville until he was nine years of age, when his father rented his farm and removed to Jenkintown, where he attended Abington Friends' School.

In 1870 Isaac L. Shoemaker removed to Norristown, and he entered the schools of that borough, graduating from the high school in 1878. It was the wish of the father that his son should become a lawyer, and he accordingly entered the office of George W. Rogers, Esq. but after a few months deckled that he did not care to pursue legal studies further. He secured a position in a large mercantile house in Philadelphia, in which he filled a number of situations for several years. During this time he obtained considerable knowledge of insurance and real estate business, and decided to make it his future occupation. He resigned his Philadelphia position in March.

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In April, 1893, he opened an insurance and real estate office at the corner of Swede and Airy streets, Norristown, he having secured desk room of Rogers & Long, where a few years previously he had abandoned the study of law. This office is at the present time a leading insurance office of the county, Mr. Shoemaker representing about twenty-five of the strongest and largest fire insurance companies in this country, besides a number of foreign companies. He has given particular attention to local manufacturing risks, and controls more of such than all the other Norristown agencies combined. Mr. Shoemaker also gives considerable attention to the real estate business, and has charge of the sale and leasing of a large number of properties, doing a large business in the collection of rents. Owing to the retirement of Mr. Roger, from active law practice, and the ill health of Mr. Long, his partner, and the fact that Mr. Shoemaker had firmly established himself in business at his present location, he purchased the property of Mrs. H. U. Brunner, the owner, April 1, 1901. He immediately remodeled and greatly extended the building, transforming it into a well appointed office building, and it is occupied by a number of leading attorneys, its location near the court house making it among the most desirable and eligible in Norristown for the purpose to which it is devoted.

In politics Mr. Shoemaker is a Republican, and he has held various positions in his ward. He is treasurer of the Montgomery Building and Loan Association, and is interested in a number of local industries and corporations.

In April 1896, Mr. Shoemaker married Mary, eldest daughter of the late Alexander Hooven, and the couple established themselves in the home of his father, No. 820 DeKalb street, which he had purchased after his father's death, and in which he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have on child, Eleanor, born in 1899.

Mr. Shoemaker is descended on his father's side from Peter Shoemaker, a member of the Society of Friends, who emigrated from Germany, and landed in Philadelphia, August 14, 1685, in the vessel "Frances and Dorothy," from London. His mother's parents were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. They were buried at the old Presbyterian church, at Abington. His father was a member of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting of Friends. He is a pewholder and a frequent attendant at St. John's Protestant Episcopal church, Norristown, of which Mrs. Shoemaker is a member.