(Picture of Ellwood Paul)

 

 

(Page 250 cont.)

 

ELLWOOD PAUL. The Pauls are an old Pennsylvania family descended from Quaker ancestry. They were farmers as a rule, and many of their descendants are still to be found in Montgomery county.

Ellwood Paul was born July 30, 1840, and reared to farm pursuits, attending school in the intervals of farm labor, receiving a good common school education. He is the son of Lukens and Hannah S. (Lukens) Paul, of Horsham township. Lukens Paul was the son of Yeamans and Susan (Lukens) Paul. She was born July 18, 1791, and died April 27, 1869. Yeamans Paul was the son of Joseph Paul, who was born July 27, 1739, and died on the homestead in Bucks county, March 13, 1799. His wife, Hannah, was born August 3. 1744, and died December 14, 1802. The couple lived in Bucks county, about a half mile from Davis Grove, in Horsham township, Montgomery County, their farm being just beyond the county line.

The children of Joseph and Hannah Paul were: Sarah, born May 7, 1771, died August 4, 1812: Sidnea, born February 4, 1773; Joshua, born June 3, 1774; Hannah, horn June 21, 1781; Yeamans, born April 5, 1783, died September 10, 1837. Yeamans Paul, the youngest child of Joseph and Hannah Paul, was the grandfather of Elwood Paul. His children were Lukens Paul, father, and Joseph Paul, born February 1, 1817, and died in his thirty-fourth year. The farm on which Luckens Pauls was born is part of an original tract, which contained nearly five hundred acres.

 

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Lukens Paul (deceased) spent his early life on the farm. When he was twenty-six years of age he married Hannah S., daughter of Joseph S. and Susanna Lukens. The marriage took place January 31, 1839. He then purchased the farm of 103 acres which lead been owned by his maternal grandfather, Azor Lukens, and at once settled down to agricultural pursuits, which he continued for a period of twenty-eight years, when in 1867 he retired from active work of this kind. Hiss wife, Hannah Lukens, was also a friend. Her father, Joseph S. Lukens, was born January 21, 1786, and died May 25, 1875. Her mother, Susan P. Lukens, died October 4, 1872, aged seventy-five years. The children of Joseph S. and Susan P. Lukens; Isaiah; Hannah S. (mother), born March 14, 1819; Joshua P.; Sidney A.; Jervis S. died January 21, 1861, aged thirty-two years, his wife, Ann P. Lukens, dying February 18, 1858, aged thirty-four years. Lukens Paul was a Republican in politics, but never sought or held office. He was, however, a member of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Haymarket Association.

The children of Lukens and Hannah S. Paul: Ellwood, subject of this sketch: Isabella, born October 14, 1845, married, April 8, 1869, Oliver P. Knight, their children being L. Paul Knight, born July 16, 1870, and Joseph Ellwood Knight, born September 18, 1876.

Ellwood Paul married, October 24, 1867, Martha Ellen Shoemaker and took charge of the homestead farm, his parents removing to a smaller tract in the vicinity. He was employed in agricultural pursuits for a period of twenty-seven years very successfully. He then rented the farm and accepted employment in a commercial and short-hand school in Philadelphia, assisting in its management. He was then for a time in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for a short time. He then engaged in the livery business for a time in Philadelphia, but sold out and returned to the farm where he made many improvements, remodeling the house and making it a much more desirable place of residence than it had previously been. He remained on the farm until the year 1900, when he removed to Ambler, purchasing a handsome residence in that borough, where he and Mrs. Paul take great pleasure in extending the rites of hospitality to their friends. The barn on the Paul farm was erected tit 1797, and is still in good condition.

On September 20, 1862, Mr. Paul enlisted in at Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, in Captain Samuel Comly's Wissahickon cavalry company, having furnished his own horse and accoutrements at his own expense. The company was not, however, called into active service and Mr. Paul was later honorably discharged, when he returned home. Politically Mr. Paul is a Republican, but has never sought political preferment, and has held only township offices. Mrs. Paul is the daughter of S. Lukens and Ann K. Shoemaker. Her mother died September 29, 1864, at the age of forty-four years, and her father June 2, 1891, at the age of seventy-two years.

Their children Martha E., Mrs. Paul; Linford, a farmer; Walter, deceased; Lydia (Mrs. McMichael). Mr. and Mrs. Ellwood Paul leave two children: Harry Ellwood, born July 12, 1874, and Bertha H., born April 5, 1878. Harry E. received a liberal education, and is now an employee of the Philadelphia Drying Company. The family affiliate with the Society of friends.

 

 

CHARLES C. SLIFER. One of the most remarkable men in Flourtown and in Montgomery county is Charles Cooper Slifer, who resides in a beautiful home on the Bethlehem turnpike in that ancient village. On May 24, 1904, Mr. Slifer was eighty-three years of age, and he has had very little sickness in the course of his life. He has always been an active man, and has very seldom had any occasion to take medicine of any kind, his steady habits and even temper keeping him in excellent health, such as is seldom enjoyed by persons of his age.

 

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Abraham Slifer (father) was reared near Quakertown, and died near Flourtown in 1874, in his eighty-fourth year. His wife was Elizabeth Cooper, of Coopersburg, from whose family that place takes its name. Her father was an immigrant from Germany. She died in her seventy-third year. The parents of Charles C. Slifer, after their marriage, about the time of the second war with England, resided on the old Slifer homestead. Abraham Slifer kept the old Roberts hotel at Quakertown for many years, and it was while he was the landlord, in 1814, that the Light Horsemen, of whom he was one, were called on to assist in expelling the British forces from the country. The members of the troop met one night at the tavern, expecting to leave the place the next morning, but, when the day dawned, orders came countermanding the march, as peace had been made between the two countries. Abraham Slifer was originally a Democrat, but subsequently affiliated with the Republican party.

Later the parents of Charles C. Slifer removed to Salford township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and there Charles C. was born. The family did not long remain in Salford, for in 1823 they removed to Flourtown, which was even then an old settlement, but not as large as it is at the present time, for the long line of market, hay and mill teams, from Bucks, Northampton and Lehigh counties poured down "the Great Road," as the turnpike was then called, in an apparently never-ending stream towards Philadelphia. The father took charge of the Bald Eagle hotel, which was closed many years ago, and a large business was established. At times the yards and pike were filled with teams, and the hotel with teamsters. At that time the property was owned by the Johnson family of Germantown who resided just opposite the historic Chew property of Revolutionary fame, around and in which raged the battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777.

In 1830 the family removed to the old Kline property of forty acres, comprising land lying along the Plymouth Railroad and the Springhouse and Chestnut Hill turnpike. The farm also included the site of the present Springfield Presbyterian church and cemetery. About 1836 Mr. Slifer returned to the hotel property, but not as a tenant, for he had purchased the sixteen acres and forty perches, which the deed calls for and the buildings, from the Johnson estate, and was then owner as well as landlord. He continued in the hotel business at the bald Eagle stand until 1847, when Charles Cooper Slifer assumed proprietorship. Previously, however, the father had erected for himself a home on the tract of land adjoining the hotel, and removed to the new property about 1841 or 1842. There he continued to reside until his death in 1874.

Charles C. Slifer in 1876 made extensive improvements and alterations to the Mansion House. Among them were a bath room and modern conveniences, a mansard roof on the building, and others. Having made his residence complete and modern in its arrangement, he continued to live in it, but still conducted the hotel. From 1847 until 1872 he was the sole proprietor. Charles Slifer sold grains and feed to the farmers who traveled up and down the turnpike between their farms and the city of Philadelphia, making his hotel their headquarters. Of seven thousand loads of hay which passed down the turnpike in a single year, not less than thirty-five hundred, or half of the whole number, were weighed on his scales, and nearly all these teams made his hotel their regular stopping place. He served 1175 meals in a single week, and in the same length of time sold between four thousand and five thousand bushels of mill feed. One contract for bran alone made by him was for twenty thousand bushels. Tons and tons of oil cake were disposed of to the farmers during the winter season. Having conducted a very profitable business, however, which the opening of the North Pennsylvania Railroad somewhat curtailed, and which was diminishing year by year, in 1872, after the stand had been operated continuously by father and son for just half a century, the son decided to retire from business, and enjoy the fruits of his energetic and successful life in his old age. He is a director in the Chestnut Hill Railway Company. In politics he is a Republican.

 

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September 24, 1863, Mr. Slifer married Eliza D., daughter of Major John Dager, of Barren Hill. Through this marriage Mr. Slifer became connected with the Preas family, who were relatives of the Dager family. Nine oil paintings of some of the members of this family hang in Mr. Slifer's home in Flourtown, and the walls of his home are also adorned with paintings of his father and mother.

In October, 1901, Mrs. Slifer, after an illness of five years, died, at the age of over seventy-three years, beloved by all who knew her. She was a member of the Barren Hill Lutheran church in Whitemarsh township, and every Sunday when she was able was taken in her wheeled chair to the services in Zion Lutheran church, at Flourtown, when she could not otherwise have attended. Mr. Slifer was for twenty-five years a trustee of Zion Lutheran church, and a regular attendant at the services, contributing very largely of his means and time to the support of the church, and laboring in every field of church enterprise. In 1896, at his own request, he was relieved of this duty, which he had faithfully performed for so long a time. He still retains his interest, however, and his devotion to all the material and spiritual requirements of the church.

Mr. and Mrs. Slifer had no children, but they adopted a daughter, Mary Smith Cooper Slifer, who came into the family at the age of about five years, lived to womanhood, and died in her twenty-seventh year, in 1894, and was buried in the Union cemetery, Whitemarsh. She had two sisters, whose burial was from Mr. Slifer's own house when they died.

In Union cemetery, at his own expense, Mr. Slifer has erected one of the handsomest monuments to be found in that churchyard. It overlooks the resting place of his wife, and is an exquisite piece of workmanship. The figures of the shepherd and his lamb are beautifully chiseled. The foundations required thirteen tons of stone and concrete, which was allowed to settle one year before the superstructure was placed in position. There are four different kinds of granite that enter into the construction of this beautiful monument, the base being of Westerly granite. The monument is a work of art in every respect.

Not far distant, in the old part of the cemetery, and to the rear of the present beautiful home of the "Lion Lutheran congregation, are the graves of the brothers of Mr. Slifer, as follows: Daniel, born November 4, 1813, and died November 1, 1884, aged seventy years, eleven months and twenty-eight days; Thomas W., born February 8, 1831, died October 26, 1836, aged five years, eight months and eighteen days; Frances, born February 25, 1825, died April 25, 1833, at the age of eight years and two months; Henry, died in infancy. One sister Ellamina (Logan) was buried in Philadelphia.

 

 

WILLIAM H. DANEHOWER. Jacob Danehower, the grandfather of William H. Danehower, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Montgomery township, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was descended from one of the early settlers of that section of the county, was educated in the schools of the township, became a farmer, and followed that occupation through life. He married Catharine Hallman of the same township, and they had eleven children, all of whom are deceased but one. Among them was George H. Danehower.

George H. Danehower (father) was born on the homestead in Montgomery township in 1815, and died in 1899. When he was but two years of age the family removed to Gwynedd township, where he obtained a fair education for those days, and became interested in agricultural pursuits, which he followed until incapacitated from age. He was a leading man of his township, and was much respected by everybody that knew him. He was a Democrat in politics, and was active in support of its candidates and principles, although he declined on several occasions to hold offices when they were offered him. He attended the Lutheran church. Mr. Danehower married Catherine Phander, of an old family in Gwynedd and Horsham townships, of German descent.

 

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His wife died at the age of thirty-nine years. She was a daughter of Philip Phander, of Horsham township. Mr. and Mrs. Danehower had the following children: Charles, Phebe, Catherine, deceased, Jacob, George and William H., subject of this sketch.

William H. Danehower was born on the homestead in Gwynedd township, January 30, 1851. He was educated in the public schools, and then devoted himself to farming on the homestead, which occupied him until 1882, when he removed to his present home in Hatfield. Mr. Danehower married in 1882 Catherine A. Beaver, daughter of Frederick and Margaret Beaver, farmers, of Gwynedd township.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Danehower: George H. and Frederick B., both unmarried. Mr. Danehower is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran church. He has held to the same principles, religiously and politically, as his forefathers. He is a man who stands high in the community, and is thoroughly respected. His farm contains more than sixty acres, and he is very successful in the management of it.

 

 

JOHN RAINEY, a well-known and highly respected resident of Flourtown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a native of county Cork, Ireland, his birth having occurred in the year 1844. His father was Michael Rainey, a farmer of that vicinity.

John Rainey was educated in the schools near the place of his birth, and after obtaining the educational advantages to be derived there he decided to emigrate to the new world, this being in his opinion the best way to improve his condition. Accompanied by his two brothers, William and Thomas, he sailed for America in 1867, landing in New York, from whence he removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later to Norristown, same state, where he secured employment as a laborer.

In 1875 he took up his residence in Flourtown and began mining ore for the firm of McGuire, Boyd & Stinson, the two latter named being well known and prominent lawyers of Norristown. A few years later he began mining by the ton for the same firm, continuing at this occupation for twelve years, at the expiration of which time the ore began to get dull and scarce, and the firm abandoned their mines. Mr. Rainey then took hold of the mines operated by Charles Yeakle and William Luckens, which were well nigh worked out, but his operations met with success both for the firm and himself. After finishing up all the ore that it was possible to get in the old workings, that firm also retired from the business.

Mr. Rainey then went to the adjoining mines operated by Captain Harvey and James Brooks, which were progressing very slowly, as the price of ore was getting low, many of the blast furnaces were closed down, and it was hard to find a market for ore at a price to pay for the labor and hauling. At the time when Mr. Rainey took charge of the latter named mines there were twenty-two men working, and they had not been able to keep one team hauling to the railroad. Mr. Rainey started eleven men to work, and in the course of two days had four teams hauling, and this fact alone gives ample evidence of the chief characteristics of the man's industry, perseverance and executive ability of a high order. The work was kept up for months, until the ore market was entirely played out and ore could not be mined at a profit in the vicinity. Mr. Rainey then turned his attention to farming, purchasing a farm in Springfield township, Montgomery county, to which he removed in 1866. He has since added to his property by the purchase of adjacent land, and his operations have met with success. He attends the Catholic church at Chestnut Hill, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He owes his position in life to his own unaided efforts, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all around him. Mr. Rainey is unmarried.

 

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(Picture of J. Milton Brooke family)

 

J. MILTON BROOKE, a well known farmer of Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, who served a term as prothonotary of the county, was born February 13, 1859. He is the son of James and Eliza (Stout) Brooke.

James Brooke (father) was born November 20, 1820. He had five children, as follows: Henry S., born December 11, 1847; John, born April 22, 1850; George W. born December 25, 1852; Charles, born April 22, 1855; and James Milton. Of these John and Charles died ill infancy. James Brooke Was by occupation a farmer the greater part of his life, he died March 27, 1896.

John Brooke (grandfather) emigrated to this country from Wales. and located in Frankford, in Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, where he started in business as a blacksmith, which occultation he followed successfully for many years. He had three sons and one daughter: James (father), Joseph, Isaac and Sallie, who married John Phipps, and had three children- Tyson, William and Sallie, who died at about twenty years of age; William resides in Arizona, and the residence of Tyson is unknown. Joseph Brooke was a tobacco merchant. He had six children as follows: John, Charles, James, Isaac, Joseph and Mary Ann. Joseph and Mary Ann are deceased within a few years.

Isaac Brooke, son of John Brooke, had eight children, as follows: Evan, Margaret, Emma, Mary and Amanda, all of whom are married, and Rebecca, Alice and Bertha, unmarried. The husbands of Mary and Margaret died about four years ago, and Mary is also now deceased, Evan Brooke is a carpenter by trade, as was his father, Isaac J. Brooke.

Of the brothers of J. Milton Brooke, Henry S. was formerly a farmer, but he now lives retired at Glenside, in Cheltenham township. George W. Brooke and J. Milton Brooke both reside at Roslyn Heights, in Springfield township, where both are engaged in farming. trucking and gardening.

J. Milton Brooke married, March 13, 1883, Sarah E., daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Earnest) Titlow, of Springfield township. Her father is deceased, and his widow resides in Germantown. The children of J. Milton and Sarah Brooke: Ethel S., born April 8, 1884, now a teacher at Willow Grove Heights in Abington township; J. Warren, born December 1, 1885, graduated at Pierce's Business College, in Philadelphia, and is now employed with Erben Harding & Co., worsted manufacturers, their office, being in the Arcade Building, Philadelphia; Lillian, born September 6, 188;, a stenographer, employed with Golding & Co., also of Philadelphia; Sarah May, born October 23, 1889, who graduated from the Springfield public schools in June, 1904: Paul Milton, born November 20, 1892, and still attending school near his home.

J. Milton Brooke was reared on the farm of his father, attending the Harmer Hill Public school, later known as the Audenried school, and later the private school of Hugh Morrow, a celebrated teacher, at Hatboro. He subsequently took a common at the Pierce College of Business in Philadelphia. After his marriage he engaged in farming, in which occupation he has ever since been employed, except while attending to his official duties in the prothonotary's office at Norristown. For about ten or twelve years he and his father were engaged in the mining of ore can his present farm. Mr. Brooke is an active Republican and has always taken a prominent part in the politics of his township and county. He was appointed mercantile appraiser in 1894, serving one terms. His friends, feeling that he would make a strong candidate on the party ticket, induced him to make a canvass for the nomination, which he secured, and in November, 1900, he was elected by a large majority.

He served the term of three years, and then retired in accordance with the custom of late years which does not permit a reelection to what are known as the court house offices. Mr. Brooke, by his courtesy and obliging demeanor, made many friends during his incumbency of the position. He stands high in party councils in the county, and in the community in which he lives. He is a director of the Jenkintown National Bank. He is affiliated with Friendship Lodge No. 400, F. & A. M., Abington Chapter No. 245, R. A. M., both of Abington; and Caldwell Consistory, thirty-second degree. He is also a member of Norristown Lodge No. 714, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The mother of J. Milton Brooke was Miss Eliza Stout, daughter of Henry and Ann (Donat) Stout, of Springfield township, born November 27, 1812. Henry Stout was son of John Jacob Stout,* a native of that part of Germany which borders on the Rhine. He came to the United State about the year 1756. He settled at Rising Sun, in Philadelphia county, below Germantown after his marriage. He continued to live there until after the Revolutionary War when he removed to Cheltenham township, Montgomery county. He was a member of the German Reformed church at Germantown, and was buried there.

* At a meeting of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, Dr. Hiram Corson read a memorial of the late Charles Stout, late president of that body, in the course of which he said: "The seven sons and one daughter whom he (John Jacob Stout) raised have been progenitors of a numerous family. The blood which flowed through the veins of their descendants came down through generations of farmers. Centuries ago they tilled the fertile valleys of Germany, or labored on the vineclad hills of the Rhine. In this country they have not abandoned their vocation, but have steadily labored to elevate it."

 

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Henry Stout (father of Charles) married Ann Donat, daughter of Christian Donat, of Springfield township, in 1795. He died in Cheltenham township, December 27, 1859. The couple had ten children. One of these children was Henry, grandfather of J. Milton Brooke, who was born in Springfield township, May 18, 1804. He married, in 1833, Ann Ott, daughter of Daniel Ott, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Of their seven children, three sons and one daughter reached adult age. They, with their mother, resided on their farm in Whitemarsh township, until a few years ago when the mother died, and the farm was sold. Charles and his sister reside on Butler avenue, Ambler; Christian in Philadelphia, and Henry at Broad Axe, in Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county.

John Brooke and his wife Frances came from Hagg, in the township of Huily, county of York, England, to America in the year 1699. They both died of ship fever shortly after their arrival at Gloucester, New Jersey, and were buried in the Quaker burying ground at Newton Creek, New Jersey. They left issue: a son Jonathan, who stayed in England, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Abigail. Two sons, James and Matthew, came with their parents to America. After burying their parents they located in what is known as Limerick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. James left issue: a son Jonathan, married to Elizabeth Rees, and they left issue, a son James, married to Mary Evans, who were the parents of Jonathan Brooke.

 

 

MRS. HELEN HOVENDEN, of Plymouth Meeting, is the eldest daughter of George and Martha (Maulsby) Corson. She was born at the homestead in Whitemarsh township. After taking a course at the School of Design in Philadelphia, she studied later in Paris. Since her return from Europe she has resided at the family homestead, at Plymouth Meeting. She married, June 9, 1881, Thomas Hovenden, son of Robert and Ellen (Bryan) Hovenden, of Dunmanway, county Cork, Ireland.

Thomas Hovenden was an artist whose paintings won him world-wide fame. His death was due to an accident at a grade crossing, since abolished, where the Trenton Cut-Off Railroad intersected the Germantown Turnpike, within a half-mile of his home. In attempting to cross with other passengers on a trolley car he was struck by a train which had not been seen as it approached, and instantly killed. His remains were interred in Plymouth Friends' burying ground. His death occurred in August, 1895. The loss was severely felt by his wife and family, as well as by a large circle of friends whom he had won by his talent as an artist, and his kindly and lovable disposition. His sympathies were with the down-trodden and oppressed, and the topics he chose for the paintings he executed touched a popular chord. Among them were the following: "John Brown Being Led to Execution," "In the Hands of the Enemy," and "The Breaking of Home Ties." Those were all on exhibition at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, and they attracted the public as much as any that were exhibited on that occasion. His pictures appeal to the finer sensibilities of human nature. He had entered upon the painting of a western scene a short time before his death, and thus left unfinished what would probably have been one of his greatest works.

Thomas and Helen (Corson) Hovenden had two children, Thomas Hovenden, Jr., born March 11, 1882, and Martha Maulsby Hovenden, born May 8, 1884. They reside with their mother at Plymouth Meeting.

George Corson was the fourth son of Joseph and Hannah (Dickinson) Corson. He was born January 4, 1803, at Hickorytown, in Plymouth township. He was educated in the school of his brother, Alan W. Corson, and being an apt pupil, associated with the brightest minds brought together from different sections of the county and neighboring counties, he was a leader in the studies of the school.

 

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On leaving school he entered the store of Jonathan Maulsby at Plymouth Meeting, and on January 2q., 1832, he married Martha, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Thomas) Maulsby. On the death of his father-in-law, George Corson purchased the homestead and limestone quarries and continued the business successfully until his death, November 18, 1860, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. He was a strong temperance and anti-slavery man, and influential in his neighborhood. He was a very active laborer in the cause of the slaves, throwing open his house to all who were interested. William Lloyd Garrison, Lucretia Mott, the Burleighs, Mary Grew and Abby Kelly Foster, were all entertained by him at his hospitable home when on their speaking tours in which they were endeavoring to rouse the conscience of the nation to the wickedness and crime of slavery.

The children of George and Martha Corson: Susan, died of consumption in her fifteenth year; Mary, died in infancy; Dr. Marcus Heilner Corson, died in his twenty-third year of consumption. Samuel Maulsby Corson, their oldest son, studied in the University of Pennsylvania, and then studied law, and practiced for a time in Philadelphia, but the profession was distasteful to him, and he became a teacher in Whitemarsh township. He was greatly beloved by his pupils. He delighted in historical research, and became a member of the Montgomery County Historical Society, being one of its founders. He died August 7, 1881, in his forty-third year.

The three surviving children of George and Martha Corson are Dr. Ellwood M. Corson, of Norriston, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Mrs. Hovenden, and Ida. The last named is a graduate of Vassar College. She married William A. de Caindry, and resides in Washington, D. C.

(For the ancestry of Mrs. Hovenden see "The Corson Family" elsewhere in this work.)

 

 

CHARLES HANE. Henry Hane, father of Charles Hane, the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, was educated there, and on arriving at manhood emigrated to the United States, landing at New York, and later removing to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he settled and remained until his death. He was a very energetic man, and highly esteemed because of his many excellent qualities. He was a baker by occupation. Mr. Hane married Miss Catharine Taylor, of Germany, and after Mr. Hane's death she married George Ross. By the marriage with Mr. Hane there were thirteen children, among whom was the subject of this sketch, Charles Henry Hane.

Charles Henry Hane was born at New Brunswick, January 2, 1852. As the family ultimately removed to Philadelphia, he was educated in the public schools of that city. On leaving school he became interested in farming, and continued in that occupation until the year 1871, when he removed to Wyndmoor, in Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he established himself in the milk business, and has continued in it ever since with great success. He has a beautiful home at Wyndmoor.

Mr. Hane married in 1873, Elizabeth S., daughter of Henry Earnest, a farmer of Springfield township. Their children: Lydia, married Willis J. Carr, they having five children; Katie married William Barrett, they having one child. Mr. Barrett is a Republican in politics, and displays an active interest in the success of the party and its principles, although not in any sense an office seeker. The family attend the Union church, of Wyndmoor.

 

 

IRA D. BERTOLET, of Philadelphia, a member of the well known Bertolet family who are descended from Jean and Susanna Bertolet, French Huguenots who came to this country in 1726 and settled in Oley township, Berks county, is engaged in the importation of aniline dyes, chemicals, etc. He is a son of Ezra Bertolet, whose wife was Eleana Knipe. He was born January 8, 1865.

Mr. Bertolet was born at Weissport, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, but his parents removed to Philadelphia when he was a child, and he obtained his education in the public schools of that city.

 

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On relinquishing school studies be learned the trade of a dyer. After working at the trade about five years he engaged with the firm of Andreykovics & Dunk as a salesman of aniline dyes. He was very successful, and continued in this capacity from 1887 until 1898, when he became a member of the firm, and has since been identified with it.

Mr. Bertolet married, in 1889, Miss Johanna Kinkley, daughter of John Kinkley. The couple have two children: Marion and Ira D., Jr. In politics Mr. Bertolet is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic order. He and his family attend the United Evangelical church.

Jean Bertolet had five children born in the city of Berne, Switzerland, whence they emigrated to America- Abraham, Maria, John, Esther and Susanna; and one, Frederick, born in America. The children of Abraham were Daniel, Samuel, Nary, John, Elizabeth and Esther. Daniel Bertolet, youngest son of Samuel, was born April 20, 1716, and died February 28, 1868. He married Catharine Gabel, of an old Berks county family. She was born in 1803, and died in 1887.

Their children: Elizabeth, married Elias Fagley; Esther, married Jacob Bliem; John, married Elizabeth Borneman; Ezra (father); Susanna, married H. B. Nace; Daniel, married Eleanor Dunn; Abraham, married Amanda Moore; Benjamin, married Amelia Heberling (see his sketch elsewhere in this work); Maria, married Michael Diehl; Samuel, married Mary Barndt, and (second wife) Mary Bornemen; Abner, married Maggie Davidson. (Much information in reference to the early history of the family is given in the sketch of Benjamin Bertolet.)

 

 

(Picture of William C. Blackburn)

 

WILLIAM C. BLACKBURN, deceased, whose active and successful business career was one of marked enterprise, wherein his reliable methods contributed in a large measure to his prosperity, was a man of keen discrimination, sound judgment and executive ability. He was born July 7, 1842, in Lower Salford, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, a son of Alexander and Susan (Custer) Blackburn.

Alexander Blackburn (father) was a native of England, but at an early age came to the United States and settled in the state of Pennsylvania, in Montgomery county, where he followed farming as an occupation. He married Susan Custer, who was of German descent, and three children were the issue of this union: William C., mentioned at length hereinafter; David, who married and located in Skippack township, where he died, leaving a family of eight children, namely: Jennie, George, Dillman, Alexander, Eunice, John, Samuel and William: Catherine, who became the wife of John G. Tyson, and their surviving children are as follows: Abner, Frank, Harry, Perry, Robert, Catherine and Susan. After the death of Alexander his widow became the wife of Dillman Godshall, and the issue of this marriage was one son, Dillman Godshall, Jr.

After the death of his father William C. Blackburn was placed in the family of Daniel Cassel, of Lower Salford township, where he was reared to habits of industry which served him well in his active and useful life, and where he remained until he attained the age of twenty-one years. He then learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed at Telford, and after his marriage he removed to Collegeville, where he was fair some time employed as foreman of a gang of workmen on the Perkiomen Railroad. After a residence of a few years there he removed to Norristown, where he engaged in the employment of hostler at the Veranda House.

Later he removed to Philadelphia, purchased the Sorrel Horse Hotel, of which he was the proprietor for a few years, and after disposing of that hostlery be returned to Norristown. He then purchased the hotel at Centre Square, which he conducted successfully for about four years, and in addition to this he also owned and conducted the hardware store at the same place. After disposing of the hotel he purchased the tract of land upon which now stands Coleman Seminary, at Centre Square, and for a number of years successfully conducted agricultural pursuits thereon.

 

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Mr. Blackburn exchanged the farm for the Hartranft House on Main street, Norristown, near the station, which he conducted five years and then sold at an advantageous price. He then purchased the Farmers' Hotel, an old stand at the corner of Barbadoes and Main streets, Norristown, and after disposing of this purchased the Montgomery House, now the Hotel Montgomery, but disposed of it before he had taken possession. Mr. Blackburn then lived retired for a short period of time, but being too active a man to be long in a condition of comparative idleness, he again resumed business, purchasing the North Wales Hotel, but after operating this for one year he sold it and purchased the Hotel Ambler. He expended a large amount of money in building additions and thoroughly remodeling the establishment, adding all necessary improvements, and thus making it modern and up-to-date in every respect.

It is one of the best appointed and substantially equipped hotels in Montgomery county, and is made of stone, four stories in height, with basement and wide halls. Its forty rooms are well furnished, its porches are ample, its conveniences complete in all parts of the building, its cuisine is perfect, and in general it is one of the most attractive establishments for the entertainment of the traveling public throughout the state or country. Mr. Blackburn conducted the Hotel Ambler for seven years, and during this time became well known in the community, winning and retaining the confidence and respect of all with whom he had dealings, either as host or employer. He was a self-made man in every sense of the word, was an excellent financier, and in all his enterprises never met with losses. The hotels which he handled in the course of his career were disposed of at an advantage, and it was a matter of wonderment to all familiar with the circumstances how their value appreciated in his hands.

He served as township committeeman, but never aspired to political office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his extensive business interests. His influence was always exerted in behalf of the progress and prosperity of the locality in which he lived. In politics Mr. Blackburn was an active and enthusiastic Republican, not only contributing his efforts but spending his means in behalf of the party principles.

 

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Mr. Blackburn married Catherine Fried Hunsberger, who was born in Telford, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1838, a daughter of Henry and Lena (Fried) Hunsberger, the former named having been a prominent farmer of that vicinity, well known and highly respected, and a representative of an old family of German descent. The children of Henry and Lena Hunsberger are as follows: Sophia (Mrs. John Keller); Catherine F. (Mrs. William C. Blackburn); Susan, unmarried Moses, deceased; Levi, deceased; Jacob, who died in early life; and Lydia (Mrs. Henry Grubb). One child was born to William C. and Catherine I. Blackburn, Irvin H., mentioned at length hereinafter.

Mr. Blackburn lost his life September 2, 1900, in a railroad wreck at Hatfield, due to a collision between the passenger train in which he was seated and the milk train which was standing on the tract that should have been clear at that time for the passing of the express train. He is survived by his widow, who resides at No. 826 West Marshall street, Norristown. She is a member of the German Baptist church, in which Mr. Blackburn also held membership.

Irvin H. Blackburn was born in Telford, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1863. He was reared mostly in the hotels which his father operated, assisting him as he was capable. He received a good public school education, after which he learned the bookbinding trade, and was thus employed two years in all.

After his marriage he located at the Centre Square Hotel, then owned and operated by his father, and when the latter removed to Ambler he went also, and on the death of his father, September 2, 1900, took sole charge of the hotel and has since remained there, devoting all his attention to the business, which has greatly prospered under his management, and has well maintained its reputation as a first-class inn. Mr. Blackburn is an adherent of the principles of Republicanism, but has never sought or held political office.

He has served in the capacity of Republican committeeman. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of Knights of the Mystic Chain, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Foresters of America, and the Knights of the Royal Arch.

Irvin H. Blackburn married, November 8, 1883, Elizabeth White, and the issue of this union was as follows: Katie, born March 9, 1885; Susie M., born February 24, 1887; William, born March 12, 1888, died October 6, 1890; Irvin B., born September 22, 1892, died in infancy; and Elsie, born May 9, 1897. Mrs. Blackburn is a Baptist in religious faith.

Mrs. Irvin H. Blackburn is a daughter of Thomas T. and Isabella E. (DeHaven) White, and their children were: Henry, a butcher in Norristown; Elizabeth, aforementioned as the wife of Irvin H. Blackburn; Daniel H., a contractor and bricklayer of Norristown, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work: Emma, who died in early life; Horace, also a bricklayer, and assists his brother Daniel; Virginia, who died in early life; Laura M. (Mrs. E. Ramsey); and Mary E., who died in early life.

The mother of these children is a Methodist in religious faith. Thomas T. White was a son of Jacob White, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America and settled in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was a well known citizen, and a member of the Baptist church. The children of Jacob White are as follows: Thomas T., father of Mrs. Blackburn; Jacob, Charles, Daniel, George, Samuel, Martin, Mary (Mrs. Rex M. Jones), and Emma (Mrs. Emanuel Sweed). Thomas T. White, father of Mrs. Blackburn, resided in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and was a prominent contractor and builder of Plymouth township. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity at Norristown. He died February 23, 1870, at the age of forty-one years. His wife survives him and resides in Norristown. She is a daughter of David and Catharine (Hallman) DeHaven.

The ancestors of the DeHavens were among the colonial pioneers of Montgomery county, and Isaac DeHaven and others of the family rendered great assistance to the cause of independence during the Revolutionary war. Isaac DeHaven, father of David DeHaven, was a member of the Episcopal church. David DeHaven, his only child, was a school teacher by profession, which line of work he followed for many years. His wife Catharine (Hallman) DeHaven, died about middle age, after which he went west and never returned. Both he and his wife were members of the Mennonite church. Their children were: Isabella E., mother of Mrs. Blackburn; and Isaac, an employee of a rolling mill. The Hallman family, to which his wife belonged, were old settlers in Montgomery county, of German descent. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hallman were as follows: Susan (Mrs. Swanson), Catharine (Mrs. DeHaven), and Henry Hallman.

 

 

MRS. ELIZABETH LONGAKER, widow of Davis Longaker, who kept the Longaker Hotel at Lansdale, is the daughter of Philip and Eve L. Ullman, of Lower Providence, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. She became the wife of Davis Longaker in 1866.

The Longakers are an old family in Montgomery county. Jacob Longaker (grandfather) resided at Parker Ford, in Chester county, in the early part of his life, but removed from that side of the Schuylkill about 1797 to a farm on the river near Pawling's bridge, where he died in December, 1806.

Jacob Longaker married Catharine Detwiler, of another old family long resident in Skippack township. She was a daughter of John Detwiler, and was the tenth child of a family of thirteen sons and daughters. The sons were Abraham, Jacob and John. One daughter died unmarried. The others were: Susanna, wife of Henry Kolb: Barbara, wife of Isaac Cassel; Elizabeth, wife of Nicholas Halderman; Hester, wife of Henry Hunsicker; Catharine, wife of Jacob Longaker (grandfather); Hannah, wife of Jacob Benner; Magdalena, wife of Abraham Gotwals; Salome, wife of John Connor.

All these had children except Susanna Kolb, and their descendants are now very numerous, the great majority of them residing in Montgomery County. Catharine Longaker survived her husband many years, dying in March, 1817. Jacob Longaker was a farmer all his life. Jacob and Catharine Longaker had a family of eleven children, of whom the best known, perhaps, was Henry, who had a twin brother Isaac.

 

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Henry (father of Davis Longaker) was born February 4, 1792, at Parker Ford. He died November 2, 1872. At the time of his father's death in 1806, Henry Longaker could speak both English and German, but, his parents removing to a neighborhood where only English was spoken as a rule, he lost his knowledge of the language, but regained it when he was later sheriff and associate judge of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade, and his twin brother a shoemaker. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and Isaac resembled each other so closely that even their relatives could not always in their early manhood distinguish one from the other. They were inseparable as companions, and in their first purchase of real estate they were jointly interested. They dressed alike, were similar in growth and in tastes, and they were so nearly alike that only their mother was able to tell them apart, their father addressing each as Henry or Isaac.

In 1825 Henry Longaker was appointed a justice of the peace for Upper and Lower Providence, Limerick, and Skippack and Perkiomen. In 1831 he was elected sheriff and served three years. In 1836 he was elected an assemblyman. and re-elected in 1837. In 1851 he was elected as one of the associate judges of Montgomery county, and commissioned for a term of five years. He was re-elected in 1855. In 1834 and 1835 he was colonel of the militia. As a justice of the peace, a legislator, a judge, and a man of business, he conducted himself with the greatest integrity as well as sound judgment. He was one of the most influential men in Montgomery county for many years. In several important cases which the president judge differed from Judge Longaker, the supreme court of the state affirmed his view, showing that his conclusions were not reached without careful study of the cases. His religious sentiments were those of his forefathers as taught and practiced by the Mennonites.

He married, in January, 1816, Catharine, daughter of Henry and Catharine Brower. His death occurred at the property known as "The Bridge," on the Perkiomen and Reading Turnpike, in Upper Providence township. He died in 1872. He owned at one time or other several properties in Norristown.

The children of Henry and Catharine (Brower) Longaker: John, Henry, Jr., A. Brower, who was judge at Allentown for a number of years; Albert, who spent most of his life in Norristown and became a large real estate owner; Frances B., Sarah, Mary J., and Davis, subject of this sketch. There was also a twin sister of A. Brower Longaker, Elizabeth, who died at the age of sixteen days.

David Longaker was born on the homestead in Upper Providence township in 1833, and died in 1896 at Lansdale educated in the public schools of Upper Providence, and after devoting some years to farming went to the old Bridge hotel on the Perkiomen, which he purchased. Later he engaged in the marketing business in Philadelphia.

At the time of the rebellion in 1861 he enlisted as a musician with the Pennsylvania Reserves in the Collegeville Band, and was thus engaged until the end of the war, when he returned and again took charge of the old hotel on the Perkiomen, remaining there until 1871, when he removed with his family and conducted the hotel at Lansdale, remaining there until his death. His widow, assisted by his sons, has managed it since.

The children of Davis and Elizabeth (Ullman) Longaker; Eva L., Catharine B., Harry D., David B., married Maud Rice; John W., Francis B., Elizabeth S., George E., Abbie W., Helen Larue. Mr. Longaker was an energetic and industrious man who left behind a good record, those qualities endearing him to a large circle of friends. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member of his lodge, and also belonged to the Knights of Pythias. In politics he was a Democrat, as have been most of the Longakers in that branch of the family, and a very active worker for party success. He was elected to the town council of the borough of Lansdale, and served very efficiently in that position. He also served as burgess for two terms. Philip Ullman, father of Mrs. Longaker, was a carpenter in Lower Providence. Mrs. Longaker is very successful in her management of the hotel property at Lansdale, and has well maintained the reputation of the establishment.

 

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(Picture of David Jarrett)

 

DAVID JARRETT, a prominent farmer of Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is descended from one of the oldest and largest families in that section of the state. He is the son of Richard and Gainor (Penrose) Jarrett. He was born at the Jarrett homestead, November 22, 1821.

Jonathan Jarrett (grandfather) was a practical and successful farmer of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and a member of the Society of Friends, taking an active interest in its work and enjoying the respect of the entire community. He prospered in worldly matters also, and was able at his death to provide a farm for each of his children. In politics he was a Whig, but he was never an aspirant for public position of any kind. His children: John, Jonathan, Jr., Isaac, Richard (father).

Richard Jarrett was educated in the Friends' schools of the vicinity, and assisted his father in farming on the homestead until he was of age. He settled on the farm now occupied by his son, David Jarrett, subject of this sketch, the wife of Richard Jarrett having inherited it from her father-in-law's (Jonathan Jarrett) estate. Richard Jarrett died in 1827. He attended market and gave strict attention to farming, making it a success. His wife survived him many years, and died in 1863. She was a daughter of Samuel Penrose, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, of all old family of Irish descent, but originally from England.

Robert, son of Robert and Jane Penrose, born in Yorkshire, England, removed to Ireland in 1669 and married Anna Russell. They had three children, one of whom, born in Blackane, Ireland, married Mary Clayton in 1695, and had thirteen children. With part of his family Robert came to Pennsylvania in 1717. A son Robert, born in 1697, followed the others of the family to America.

In 1731 he married Mary Heacock. The children of Robert and Mary Penrose: Jonathan, born in 1735, Joseph, 1737; John, born in 1739, married Ann Roberts; William, born in 1742, married Mary Roberts, a sister of John's wife, both being daughters of John and Martha Roberts, and granddaughters of Edward and Thomas Roberts, the immigrants, who settled at Richland, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania; Robert, Jr., born in 1744; Samuel, born in 1748, married Sarah Roberts, daughter of Abel and Gainor Roberts (Abel being a son of Edward); Samuel and Sarah being the parents of Gainor (Penrose) Jarrett; Benjamin, Mary and Jesse. Samuel and Sarah Roberts Penrose had ten children: Abel, Gainor (wife of Richard Jarrett); William, Everard, Mary, Benjamin, Susanna, Samuel, Margaret and Morris. They removed to Horsham, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, about 1800, and purchased a, large tract of land known as Graeme Park, which had been a hundred years previously the residence of Governor Keith, the farm including the mansion of the governor, which is still standing, the place being one of the best known of the historic sites in Pennsylvania.

In 1801 a certificate was granted to Samuel and Sarah and four of their children by Richland Monthly Meeting to that of Horsham. Later Samuel bought a farm in Warminster, Bucks county, to which his son Benjamin removed. On the marriage of his son William, Samuel Penrose sold the Graeme Park property to him and removed to the Warminster farm. William Penrose married Hannah, daughter of William and, Ann Jarrett, of Horsham, and had a large family of children. A daughter Hannah married Isaac W. Hicks, son of Edward Hicks, of Newtown, a well known minister of the Society of Friends. The Graeme Park farm is yet in the possession of descendants of Samuel Penrose. The children of Richard and Gainor Penrose) Jarrett: Hannah (died in infancy); Hannah (Mrs. E. Lewis); Samuel, Penrose, Elizabeth and Rebecca, all deceased; David, subject of this sketch; Morris, died at Doylestown.

 

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David Jarrett was educated in the neighborhood schools. He owns a fine farm, having been very successful in his pursuit of farming. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious faith a member of the Society of Friends, as his ancestors on both sides have been for many generations. He married Ida Taylor, a native of New Jersey, daughter of Amos and Rebecca Taylor. They had four children: Louise (Mrs. Heald); Mary A. (Mrs. Smith); Lizzie S. (Mrs. Troth); Ida (Mrs. David Jarrett). The couple have two children, Rebecca P., born July 13, 1895; Gainor, born December 1, 1898.

The first of the Jarretts in this country was John Jarrett, who with his wife Mary emigrated from Scotland, being members of the Society of Friends, and settled in Horsham township early in the eighteenth century. They had a son, John Jarrett, Jr., born 3d mo. 3, 1719, all his father's land being deeded to him in 1741.

John Jarrett, Jr., married Alice Conard, and had twelve children, from whom are descended the Jarretts of Montgomery and adjoining counties. Of these children Jonathan, born 1st mo. 31, 1753, was the grandfather of David Jarrett, subject of this sketch. He married Hannah Mather, of an old Montgomery county family of Irish descent.

 

 

GEORGE CORSON, an active and influential factor in the business circles of Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born at the old Corson homestead located near Plymouth Meeting, September 14, 1849, a son of Elias Hicks and Emily R. (Harris) Corson.

The educational advantages enjoyed by George Corson were obtained in the schools of the neighborhood, which he attended until he was fourteen years of age; at the famous Central High School, located at Fifteenth and Race streets, Philadelphia; and at Treemount Seminary, Norristown, where he completed his studies.

During the years 1874-75 he was in the employ of Alan Wood & Company, of Conshohocken, and in the year 1876 he decided to test the business opportunities of the western portion of the United States. Accordingly he went to Minnesota, locating at Willmar, where he entered into partnership with his brother, Henry H. Corson, in the grain and banking business. This connection was dissolved the following year owing to the death of his father, when George Corson felt it incumbent upon himself to return home. From that year until the present time, a period of twenty-seven years, he has been connected with his brother, Walter H. Corson, at Corson Station, in various enterprises, namely: farming, dealing in coal, and in the burning of lime; and by industry, and perseverance they have been enabled to earn a comfortable livelihood, and also to accumulate a competence for their declining years. Mr. Corson is a man of honor and integrity, active and energetic in the promotion of plans which tend toward the development of the community in which he resides, and the esteem in which he is held by his fellow townsmen is evidenced by the fact that he was chosen to serve in various capacities of trust and responsibility. For twelve consecutive years he served as school director of Plymouth township; is a director of the Montgomery Mutual Fire Insurance Company, at Norristown; and vice-president of the Tradesmen's National Bank at Conshohocken.

On March 16, 1881, Mr. Corson married Elizabeth D. Cadwallader, born June 16, 1856, died July 21, 1903, a daughter of Charles M. and Anna (Conrad) Cadwallader, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Three children were born of this marriage: Charles Cadwallader, born January 12, 1882; he is a third year student in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. Percy Harris, born June 15, 1884, died January 23, 1904. George Cadwallader, born September 9, 1889.

 

 

LEWIS P. YETTER, a well known farmer of Whitemarsh township, is a native of Plymouth township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he was born July 30, 1842. He is the son of Abraham and Martha (Petit) Yetter.

He was educated in the public schools of Plymouth township, and on reaching manhood engaged four a time in agricultural pursuits, but in 1862, soon after the outbreak of the Rebellion, entered the army, being then but twenty years of age. On August 26 he enlisted in Captain Stewart's company of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served with credit with the Army of the Potomac, in all the battles of prominence in the Shenandoah Valley, and remained in the army until the close of the war in 1865, and was honorably discharged with his command. He entered the army as a private, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

 

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Mr. Yetter married, in 1866, Miss Sarah A. Carn, born October 28, 1844, daughter of Henry and Mary (Cole) Carn, whose father was a well known farmer of Plymouth township. The couple have had the following children: Elmer E. Yetter, born August 5, 1867; he married Lillie Gillinger, and their children are Russell E. and Helen Yetter. 2. Vernon Yetter, born September 24, 1869, 3. Curtis Yetter, born June 29, 1871; he married Bertha Brennen; no issue. 4. Lewis P. Yetter, Jr., born May 6, 1876. 5. Harry C. Yetter, born October 20, 1879. 6. Chester A. Yetter, born October 9, 1881.

In his younger days Mr. Yetter was engaged for a number of years in the occupation of mining iron ore in Whitemarsh, which he continued until the decline of the iron business in Pennsylvania, when he abandoned it, in common with many others, and engaged in farming pursuits, in which he has been successful and in which he still continues. For many years he has conducted what has long been known as the Hitner farm, in Whitemarsh township. He has gained quite a reputation for raising fine cattle, and also gives attention to general farming. He is an active, energetic, and enterprising citizen, who is interested in whatever is likely to promote the welfare of the community in which he lives. He is well and widely known as an excellent farmer, belonging to the class who attend strictly to business, and make it a success.

In politics Mr. Yetter is a Democrat, but he has never sought or held office, contenting himself with casting his ballot at the polls on the day of election. Fraternally he is a member of the junior Order of American Mechanics. He and his family attend the Evangelical church at Plymouth Meeting.

 

 

(Picture of Charles S. Mann)

 

CHARLES S. MANN, of Maple Glen, in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of colonial ancestry, his forefathers having been identified with the early settlement of the country and with the establishment of the present form of government. He was born at the old homestead on which he resides, being of the fifth generation who have occupied the place. He was born January 26, 1863. Mr. Mann was reared to farm pursuits, receiving liberal education in the public schools of the vicinity, at the Friends' Central School in Philadelphia, and at the State Normal School at West Chester, Pennsylvania.

The Mann family, according to the records which have been preserved, were originally a Norse or Teutonic seafaring people of the Black Isle, locked in by the waters of Cromarty and Moray, firths along the bleak and tempestuous northeastern coast of Scotland. From this unpromising habitation which they occupied for uncounted generations, branches of the race were transplanted to other sections of Scotland and to Ireland.

James Mann and Mary, his wife, were born in Scotland, and in childhood emigrated with their parents to the north of Ireland. This was about 1690. Both families settled in county Antrim. James Mann married Mary Carroll about 1709. Their children were: James, Jr., born in 1710, died in 1748; John, born in 1712; William, 1714; and a daughter Mary, the date of whose death is unknown. John, the second son, became the progenitor of the family in America. He was the only member of the Mann family who left Ulster, which had become the abiding place of the Manns.

His mother died in 1730, and his father in 1736. John, at the age of twenty years, in 1732, embarked at Donegal for America in company with the McNairs and other Scotch-Irish emigrants bound for this country. They landed at Philadelphia and proceeded to Bristol in the autumn of the same year, locating, at different points in Bucks county among Scotch-Irish emigrants, chiefly at Makefield and the Neshaminy settlements. John Mann purchased a farm in Warwick township, and later bought another tract of land in Philadelphia county, now Horsham township, Montgomery county.

 

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In 1736 he married Margaret Mitchell, born in Ireland in 1707. Their children: William, born in 1738; Mary, 1740; John, 1742; James, 1747; Ann, 1750; Samuel M., 1755.

In 1748 John Mann, Sr., purchased a tract of 164 acres of land in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, to which he removed with his family. Their first house was a log cabin, but in 1754 he erected a two and a half story stone house, the dimensions being twenty by thirty feet, which now forms a part of the Mann residence and is in a good state of preservation. The timber used in the structural part of the building was solid oak, and the partition boards of broad poplar boards. Thus John Mann established the Horsham homestead. He died June 17, 1779, aged sixty-seven nears. His wife died in 1777 at the age of sixty-two years. Both were interred at the old Neshaminy cemetery.

Samuel M. Mann, the youngest son, married Margaret Keith, of Upper Makefield township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1777. She was the daughter of William and Margaret (Stockton) Keith. Both the Stockton and Keith families were distinguished by their earnest and unswerving support of the cause of Independence during the Revolutionary war. At the residence of William Keith, General Washington established his headquarters when his army was encamped in the shelter of Jericho Hills in the darkest period of the Revolutionary struggle, and there was planned the attack on the Hessians at Trenton which became the turning point of the great contest for liberty.

From that vicinity the American army set out on that stormy Christmas night, after a scanty supper of beef toasted on the coals on the points of their bayonets, and battled with the drifting ice as they rowed across the Delaware river and came upon the enemy in the midst of their Christmas festivities.

After his father's death, Samuel M. Mann came into possession of the homestead, and his older brother, John, Jr., bought the Upper Dublin tract of 150 acres of his father's estate. Samuel and John Mann, as well as their brother-in-law, Samuel McNair, were in the Fourth Battalion of Philadelphia county militia in the Revolution. John was a captain, and raised a company in Upper Dublin. Samuel Mann and Samuel McNair were in Captain David Marple's Horsham company, in which also Captain John Simpson, maternal grandfather of General Ulysses S. Grant, the hero of the rebellion, had also enlisted.

Samuel and Margaret Mann were the parents of twelve children: Isaac, born in 1778; Martha, 1779; Samuel M., 1781; Margaret, 1783; Mary, 1785, died in infancy: Mary 2d, born in 1786; Elizabeth, 1788: Josiah, 1789; Anna, 1791; James A. 1792, died young; Sarah L., 1793; Hannah R., 1798. Of these twelve children, ten lived to ages ranging from fifty-five to eighty-five years, and all married with a single exception. Samuel Mann was for many years a justice of the peace in Horsham township. Both himself and his wife were the greater part of their lives active members of Neshaminy Presbyterian church. Samuel Mann died in 1826, at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife, Margaret Mann, died in 1830, at the age of seventy-three years.

In the settlement of Samuel Mann's estate the old home and ninety-one acres of land passed to the oldest son Isaac, and the remainder, about eighty acres, fronting on the Welsh road, was taken by the youngest son, Josiah, a dwelling and outbuildings being erected thereon after Josiah was married in 1811 to Susan Yerkes, of Abington. Two of Samuel M. Mann's children, Margaret, who married her cousin, Samuel McNair in 1805, and Samuel M., Jr., who married Susan Burrows, in 1806, emigrated to the frontier settlements of western New York, where they became prosperous farmers of the Genesee Valley.

Charles S. Mann is the son of John and Hannah (Shoemaker) Mann. John, his father, to recapitulate what has already been given, was the son of Isaac and Hannah (Huston) Mann; Isaac was the son of Samuel H. and Margaret (Keith) Mann; Samuel was the son of John and Margaret (Mitchell) Mann. All of the above mentioned resided on the homestead where Charles S. Mann and his children now reside, forming the fifth and sixth generations of the same family who have lived thereon.

 

(Page 266)

 

Isaac Mann, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, died on it in 1852. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, being quartermaster of militia from 1801 to 1814. He actually belonged to the militia from 1801 to 1821, was elected major in 1811, and served in that position until 1814. He served in the war of 1812 in the same regiment with the grandfather of General Winfield Scott Hancock and with John Simpson, the maternal grandfather of General Grant. Isaac was a prominent and influential citizen, filling many township offices, and also positions in the Presbyterian churches of Hartsville and Neshaminy. He was a trustee of the Hartsville church until his death. He was active in local politics, being a Democrat.

The children of Isaac Mann: John (father); Isaac Keith, born March 12, 1834; James A., born November 7, 1836. James A. has resided in the far west since 1856, and Isaac and James served in the rebellion.

John Mann (father) was born May 7, 1832, and succeeded to the homestead, where he reared his family and died January 9, 1903, at the age of seventy years. He gave his attention very largely to his farm, and was a practical and successful agriculturist, widely known and highly respected like his forefathers, and enjoying the respect of the community in which he lived.

He married Hannah Shoemaker, born May 3, 1839, daughter of Enoch and Rachel (Mitchell) Shoemaker, of Springfield township, Montgomery county. Mrs. Mann belonged to a colonial family, the ancestor of which came from Germany and settled at Germantown in the time of William Penn. The family have been mostly tillers of the soil, and were prosperous and God fearing people, being members of the Society of Friends. The children of Enoch and Rachel Shoemaker were: Charles, a prominent farmer: Hannah (mother); Sarah J., unmarried.

The children of John and Anna Mann: Charles S., subject of this sketch; William M., born July 16, 1864; Albert, born April 6, 1866; Rachel J., who died in infancy, and Enoch, who died young; Sarah L. died in 1886, at the age of fifteen years; James W. died at the age of ten years; Anna Cornelia, unmarried.

Charles S. Mann remained under the parental roof, assisting in farm duties and attending school, and after leaving his studies taught school for a few years, spending about ten years away from the homestead.

On December 25, 1888, he married, and then rented a farm on which he continued six years, and then returned to the home farm, where he still resides. He is much interested in agriculture, and is a practical and successful farmer. Politically he is an earnest Republican, but has never sought or held office. He has been a delegate to county conventions, and a member of the township election board, and of the State Forestry Association. He enjoys the respect and confidence of the community. In religious faith he and his family are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a trustee and a member of the church council.

Mr. Mann married Miss Anna J. Houpt, of Jarrettown, in Horsham township. She was born December 6. 1863, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Stout) Houpt. Charles Houpt was a successful farmer, and a member of the Lutheran church. He was also a trustee and church worker. He and his first wife are deceased. His widow, his second wife, resides at Norristown. Mrs. Mann was the only child of her parents. The children of Charles S. and Anna Mann: Elsie S., born July 1, 1894; Charles A., born, September 21, 1896; Edna D., born January 18, 1899. Mrs. Mann died December 29, 1902.

Mr. Mann is a person of historical tastes, and is highly intelligent and cultured. He is a member of the Montgomery County Historical Society, and has occasionally read papers at its meetings.

 

(Page 267)

 

FRANCIS H. LUBBE, one of the old and staid citizens of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, where He has resided for many years, is a native of the Fatherland, having been born at the village of Steinbeck, in the parish of Enger, county of Herford, in the province of Westphalia, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, April 9, 1820, a son of Herman and Catherine (Kleinman) Lubbe.

Herman Lubbe (father) was a farmer by occupation, and was a loyal son of the Fatherland, having served in the Prussian heavy cavalry. He was well known for his probity of character and Christian principles, and was a consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran church of his native village, where he died in 1847 at the age of forty-eight years. His faithful wife came to the United States and died at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1869, aged seventy-three years. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, as follows: Francis H., Henry, Herman, Catherine, Anna, Christina, Casper, Elizabeth, and three who died in infancy. Of the above mentioned children, Herman and Anna came to this country with their mother.

Francis H. Lubbe received his educational training in the schools of his native village, which he attended up to fourteen years of age, when he was confirmed and became a member of the Lutheran parish church. He remained under the parental roof for some time, and upon the advice of his parents decided to learn the trade of carpenter, and accordingly began a six years' apprenticeship. He served his master faithfully for that period, and upon the completion of his apprenticeship the young mechanic started out as a journeyman, traveling abroad, as was the custom in those days in the Fatherland. Having been disciplined to practical and methodical methods while at home, Mr. Lubbe kept a diary of his experiences and travels which in course of time became somewhat voluminous, and which he hoped at some future time to put to practical advantage.

In the course of his travels he eventually found himself in Sweden, where he remained for some time, and while there was apprised of the death of his father. Having a desire to visit the United States and not wishing to return home, since the death of his father meant some radical changes in the family, he suddenly decided to sail for the new world. This was in the year 1848, and Mr. Lubbe accordingly made arrangements with Captain John Foster, of the good ship °Monroe," of Norfolk, Virginia, from the harbor of Bremer Haven, and thus secured passage. The vessel finally sailed for America, and after a tedious voyage of sixty-three days landed at Baltimore, Maryland, whence the young German made his way to Philadelphia in quest of employment. He was not successful in his search, and continued his journey to Bridgeport, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he had previously learned that a friend of his resided, and in this town he finally secured employment. He subsequently came to Conshohocken, and during the succeeding winter found employment here with Mr. Hallowell. The following year he was employed at Haddington, Philadelphia, and other nearby places. He lost little time through idleness, and by his methodical ways and frugal habits accumulated the requisite sum to establish a home soon after his marriage, and in 1853 settled at Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, where he has since resided.

During the half century of his residence in Conshohocken, Mr. Lubbe was for a number of years successfully engaged in building and contracting, in which line of enterprise he continued up to 1878, When he engaged in the real estate and conveyancing business with an office in Conshohocken, and this line of industry he conducted up to within recent years, when he retired from active business pursuits owing to the increasing infirmities of age. He was for many years actively connected with several building and loan associations in Conshohocken, and was instrumental in the organization and establishment of the electric light company of the borough, serving as its president for a number of years. It can be justly said that he seldom withheld his aid from any Worthy enterprise having for its object the advancement and progress of the neighborhood.

Mr. Lubbe is a Republican in politics. He has served as treasurer of Conshohocken for two terms, as a member of the school board, and also as a notary public for over twenty-five years. Fraternally he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years. He is now one of the oldest deacons of the First Baptist, church of Conshohocken, being one of its charter members, and has served as its treasurer for over thirty years. He has rendered substantial aid in the erection of the new edifice of the First Baptist church now in course of construction in Conshohocken, his donation making the rebuilding of the church possible. The achievements which Mr. Lubbe has accomplished are both worthy and commendable, and his life has been honorable and upright, commanding for him unqualified confidence and regard. The hope which led him to seek a home in America has been more than realized, and as the result of his capable business energies he is numbered today among those who have acquired sufficient competence to enable them to put aside the active duties of life.

 

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Francis H. Lubbe was married March 10, 1853, to Anna Louisa Caster, who was born February 17, 1831, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Osborn) Custer, of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. To this marriage were born three children who attained years of maturity: 1. Charles C., born June 6, 1857; he was given excellent educational privileges and had attended two years at the University of Pennsylvania, when he was awarded a scholarship at the National Naval School at Annapolis, Maryland, through the intercession of the Hon. Alan Wood, Jr., and graduated from the institution with honors. His brilliant career was suddenly ended by accidental drowning on August 4, 1879, while trying to rescue another person from the same fate at Atlantic City, New Jersey. 2. Ella C., born July 2, 1861, became the wife of David H. Ross, son of John and Jane (McNichol) Ross, and they are the parents of two children: Anna Janet, who died in infancy: and Francis L. Ross, born December 2, 1900. 3. Wilmer F., born October 10, 1864; he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where in addition to the regular course he pursued a postgraduate course in civil engineering. He then entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric Company, and was making a creditable record, having constructed his tenth power and electric light plant in the brief period of his career, among them the power and electric light plant at Conshohocken, when he was stricken down with typhoid fever which terminated his life on February 6, 1889.

 

 

(Picture of John H. Doyle)

 

JOHN H. DOYLE, a descendant of an old and honored family of Pennsylvania, was born in Warrington township, Bucks county, December 29, 1834. He is the son of William and Alice (Hoppock) Doyle, his father of Bucks county and his mother of the state of New Jersey. The Doyle family were of Irish descent. Their family name was given to the seat of justice in Bucks county, Doylestown.

William Doyle (father) was reared to the occupation of farming, but also learned the stone mason's trade, following it in connection with farming for many years. Later he became a contractor and builder, which he continued until his death, December 7, 1838, in middle age. He was a practical business man, and had made a good start in life when overtaken by his last illness. He was a member of the Dunkard church, and politically a Whig, although not an aspirant for public position. He was a contractor on public works, including county and township bridges. His wife, who survived him many years, was the daughter of Mr. Hoppock, married a Miss Buchanan. He was a shoemaker by trade, and later a hotel keeper in his native state of New Jersey. Still later he was the proprietor of the Harrow hotel in Bucks county, where he remained many years. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Lutheran church. His children: William, a farmer; Mary, wife of Dr. W. Lewis, a dentist: Joel, a harness maker; Alice (mother).

The children of William and Alice Doyle: John H., subject of this sketch; James B., who learned the carpenter trade, and later became a contractor and builder. He was a leading contractor in the construction of the buildings for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. He also lead the contract for the construction of the new court house at Doylestown. After accumulating a considerable estate he retired from business, and became president of the Northwestern National Bank of Philadelphia, and was connected with other financial institutions. He was a Republican in politics, but never sought or held office, being too much occupied with business affairs to admit of it. With his brother, John H. Doyle, he made the tour of Europe, and spent some time in seeing the wonders of the old world, as he had already done in the new. He died in September, 1896, at the age of fifty-nine years, leaving a widow and two sons, who reside in Philadelphia.

 

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After the death of William Doyle his widow married again, becoming in the course of a few years the wife of Jonathan Oram, of Bucks county, the two sons by the first marriage learning their trades. There were seven children by the second marriage, as follows: Emma, Maggie, Carrie, Alice, Winfield, Robert, Smith.

John H. Doyle had no father to advise with him or to mark out a course for him to follow through life, and was obliged to make his own way in the world. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, having been the architect of his own fortunes from the very beginning. He was apprenticed to the wheelwright trade at sixteen years of age, serving in that capacity until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He was then a farm worker for two years. On his marriage in 1857, a friend who had been observing his industry and application to business came to him with an offer of $3,000 as a loan with which he could make a start in life. He accepted it, renting a good farm, stocked it, purchasing all necessary implements, and at the end of three years had the money repaid. He continued renting until 1887, when he purchased the farm on which he still resides. The farm was situated near Horsham Meeting of Friends, the buildings being located on an eminence overlooking Horshamville. The farm contains seventy acres. Mr. Doyle has greatly improved the property, erecting additions to the buildings, planting new orchards, and setting out ornamental trees, whereby he has made a beautiful and desirable home for himself and family. The farm is now in a high state of cultivation. He is a trucker and general farmer, and has attended the Philadelphia markets for forty years or more. He was one of the organizers of the Hatboro Building and Loan Association, and has filled the office of president for many years.

In politics he is a Republican, and has filled minor township offices, but has never aspired to the emoluments or honors of public position.

Mr. Doyle married, January 8, 1857, Miss Malinda Klotz, a native of Bucks county, where she was born December 30, 1837, being the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Smith) Klotz, the family being of German descent. Abraham Klotz was in his early life a freighter, using teams of horses to transport goods to different points. Later he engaged in farming, retiring ultimate; and residing at Chestnut Hill, where he died in 1856, at the age of ninety-three years. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. His wife died in 1842.

Their children: Elizabeth (Mrs. E. Strauss), who resides at Chestnut Hill and is past eighty-three years of age; Susan (Mrs. John Mann), deceased; Lavina (Mrs. E. Bachman); Lucy (Mrs. John Dick); Sophia (Mrs. Stillmyer); Rosanna (Mrs. Kerbaugh); Rebecca, unmarried; Matilda, first wife of E. Strauss, who after her death, married her sister Elizabeth; Malinda, wife of Mr. Doyle; Joseph, a carpenter. Abraham Klotz served in the war of 1812.

The children of John H. and Malinda (Klotz) Doyle are as follows: 1. William, born August 16, 1857; he married, May 5, 1881, Lucy Martindale, and by this marriage has four children- J. Walter, born December 2, 1881, died December 13, 1886; Edith May, born January 4, 1883, died December 6, 1886; Ethel L., born February 9, 1889; Francis Florence, born October 12, 1894. 2. Elizabeth A., born November 6, 1858; she married Llewyllen Yerkes, and has one child, Malinda Yerkes, who married Albert Jamison, and has one child, Albert Llewyllen Jamison. 3. Howard, born December 16, 1862; he married, April 5, 1893; Laura Cline, and they have two children- Helen C., born May 5, 1896, and John H., born August 28, 1903. 4. John Warner, born November 4, 1866 died June 14, 1871. 5. Carrie R., born December 10, 1875; she married, April 16, 1902, William Kimbel.

 

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Mr. and Mrs. Doyle are members of the Baptist church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

 

 

JAMES D. O'NEIL, manager of the Abington Brick Company, and widely known as one of the most enterprising and progressive business men in the lower part of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born April 27, 1863, at Ogontz, where he has resided to the present time, and which has been the immediate scene of his busy and useful effort. His parents are Dennis and Ann (Williams) O'Neil, both natives of Ireland, and who for forty years past have been honored and respected residents of the village before named.

Mr. O'Neil was educated in the public schools of Ogontz, and at LaMott, in Cheltenham township. After completing his school studies he entered the employ of a carriage builder, but when he had attained his majority abandoned this occupation for the carpenter's trade, which he thoroughly learned, at the same time acquiring an excellent practical knowledge of architecture. For the latter he displayed a genuine aptitude, and developed such ability as to ensure his success in the calling to which he has since devoted himself.

In 1887 he entered upon what has proven to be a most successful career as a contractor and builder, and he has erected many of the most imposing edifices, public, business and residential, in his portion of Montgomery County, not only contributing to its wealth by the creation of new property, but otherwise advantaging the community by affording employment to a considerable number of skilled mechanics and laborers. He has otherwise proven an important factor in the growth and development of the neighborhood.

One of the most important enterprises which he essayed and has forwarded to success was the Abington Brick Company, organized in 1902, and of which he is the manager. The company property is located in the vicinity of Weldon, near the Germantown and Willow Grove turnpike road, and is central to his principal business district, which in greater part comprises the townships of Abington and Cheltenham. Although in operation less than two years, the Abington Company has successfully vindicated its right and opportunity, and has before it every assurance of usefulness to the community and satisfaction to its projectors and conductors.

Mr. O'Neil was married, on June 18, 1890, to Miss Alice Kennedy, daughter of William and Alice Kennedy. Of this marriage have been born six, children- Alice, Anna, Helen Dorothy, Marion, Esther, and Florence. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, in the faith of which both parents were reared, as were their ancestors from time immemorial.

In politics Mr. O'Neil is a Republican. His personal qualities are of that admirable type which stamp the model citizen and neighbor.

 

 

(Picture of N. Byron Keyser)

 

N. BYRON KEYSER, the well known miller of Lower Providence, is descended from one of the oldest settled families of Eastern Pennsylvania. He was born where he now lives on the old homestead, December 29, 1855. He was reared to farm and milling pursuits, and was educated in the common schools of the vicinity.

He is a son of Peter and Caroline G. (Croll) Keyser, she of Valley Forge, and he the son of John and Margaret (Spare) Keyser, both of Montgomery county, and also of German descent. N. Byron Keyser is the fifth generation of his family in Pennsylvania, which came during colonial days from Europe. Of the first family of settlers all were massacred by the Indians except Peter Keyser, from whom Mr. Keyser's family are descended. John Keyser (grandfather) was a prominent farmer, who resided and died in Skippack township. He accumulated a considerable estate, being a member of the Dunkard church, and well known and highly respected in his neighborhood. His children: Peter (father); Henry, Catharine, John and Hannah.

 

(Page 271)

 

Peter Keyser (father) was born and lived until his death in Montgomery county. He died in 1885. He was a man who believed that he should earn his bread by the sweat of his brow, and always practiced that belief. He was a millwright, and followed his trade for seventeen years. After his marriage he rented the mill where his son, N. Byron Keyser, now lives, known as the Croll mill, on the Skippack creek and the Germantown pike. After renting it for several years Mr. Keyser bought it and the farm. He replaced all the buildings, and also built a new mill and made the whole farm up-to-date. The farm has been a site for a mill since the earliest settling of the country, and is considered a landmark. Keyser's Mill is well known to the present generation for many miles around. Peter Keyser was not a church member until he was baptized late in life by the Presbyterian minister, Rev. Rodenbach, and his last days were spent in peace in the knowledge of a well spent life. Early in life he attended the Philadelphia market. He was a Whig and a Republican. His wife died at the old home in 1896. She was a daughter of Joshua Croll, whose father was the original owner of the farm and mill now owned by Mr. Keyser. Joshua Croll was a gunsmith by trade, and worked for the government during the Civil war, and also managed the farm. After retiring from this farm he made two moves and died in the borough of Trappe. He belonged to the Reformed church and was a Republican. The children of Joshua Croll: Caroline G. (mother) Albert G., Calvin, Mary A. (Mrs. C. A. Rittenhouse), whose husband was a minister in the Reformed church, and Hannah (Mrs. John Steinbright).

The children of Peter and Caroline G. (Croll) Keyser: Henrietta (Mrs. W. O. Hunsberger); Lydia C. (Mrs. B. J. Bowman); Bosora (Mrs. J. K. Kulp); N. Byron, the subject of this sketch Caroline, married Mr. Leisengang, and died soon afterwards; Amelia C., married E. C. Wambold Charles R., a farmer; Sadie C. (Mrs. J. J. Thomas); Albert C., a merchant, and now in the United States mint at Philadelphia; Isadora, died at the age of nine months. Mrs. Keyser was baptized in infancy in the Reformed church.

N. Byron Keyser still continues in the business to which he was reared and which his father inaugurated. He does a general farming and grinding grain, flour, feed and cake meal business, and distributing ice during the season when it is needed. He obtained the farm and mill by will, and by buying the shares of the other heirs. He has erected additional buildings, and is carrying on the business with great energy. He supplies all the surrounding country with his work, and gives attention to feeding hogs and steers for market, also raising some. He was compelled to abandon the dairy business on account of lack of time.

In politics he is a Republican, but always gives his support to the man that he thinks will best fill the office. He is a member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America and of the Beneficial Society.

Mr. Keyser has been twice married. His first wife was Amanda C. Gorges, daughter of Anthony Gorges. She was married in January, 1884, and died in May of the same year.

For his second wife Mr. Keyser married Miss Kate K. Hawk, who was born at Skippack village, and is the daughter of Emmanuel and Eva (Still) Hawk, both of Montgomery, county. Mr. Hawk was a farmer and later a carpenter and millwright. He still lives at Skippackville, where he holds the office of town clerk. He is a strong Republican.

The children of Emmanuel and Eva (Shill) Hawk: Kate K. (Mrs. Keyser); Minerva (Mrs. T. J. Sibert); Lillia, still unmarried; Sallie (Mrs. Ulysses M. Godshall), and Abraham, died young.

Mr. and Mrs. Keyser have had one child, Rachael A1ay, born in 1887, and died in July, of the same year at the age of three months. They are members of the Reformed church of Skippackville.

 

 

ALBERT MATHIAS FRIEND. In business life success depends so entirely upon individual merit that when one has attained a position of prominence, as has Albert M. Friend, a well known and influential citizen of Ogontz, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and a member of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, it is all unmistakable evidence of ability, natural and acquired. He was born in Philadelphia, May 27, 1858, a son of Jacob and Fredrika(Jouss) Friend, and a grandson of John and Hannah (Deemer) Friend.

 

(Page 272)

 

John Friend (grandfather) was a German by birth. He came to this country from Hesse Darmstadt in 1839, and settled where is now North Penn village, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He brought with him from Germany his wife and five children, the mother of hip children, whose maiden name was Miss Deemer, being his second wife.

Their children were: Barbara, who married William Nevins, and they were the parents of one son, William. Hannah, who married John Smith, and their family consisted of five children, namely: John, William, George, Henry, and Edward, Jacob, mentioned hereinafter. Mathias, who married Dora Dothinger, and their children are Emma and Annie. Margaret, who married Peter Noll, and three children were born of this union: Albert, Charles, and Emma. John Friend, father of these children, was a wheelwright by trade. He began business on his own account at North Penn village, continuing at that occupation until his death in 1859, in the seventy-first year of his age.

Jacob Friend (father) came to America with his parents from Hesse Darmstadt, Germane, in 1839, locating in Philadelphia. He learned the art of leeching and cupping, and was thus employed to the time of his marriage, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he engaged in the hotel business. During the Civil war Mr. Friend took sides with the Union army, and served in the engineering corps in the vicinity of his home. After the close of hostilities he returned to Louisville, remaining there until his death, September 3, 1871. He was united in marriage to Fredrika Jouss, daughter of Christian and Margaret (Muench) Jouss, of Philadelphia.

Their children are as follows: Lillian, who died in infancy. Albert Mathias, born May 2, 1858, mentioned hereinafter. Barbara, born February 22, 1861. Caroline and Amelia (twins), born December 15, 1869. Charles, born April 1, 1872, married Margaret Fisher, no issue.

Albert M. Friend acquired his educational advantages in the schools of Louisville, Kentucky, which he entered at the age of four years, remaining there until thirteen years of age, when his father died, and thus his opportunities in the way of education were comparatively small.

In 1871 he came to the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he obtained employment as an office boy in a banking house, and by his industrious habits and obliging demeanor, as well as his fidelity to duty, he advanced rapidly and learned the routine details of the various positions which he filled from time to time. In due course of time he began business on his own account, that of banking and brokerage. He is a member of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, at Third and Walnut streets, and conducts a very successful and extensive business, having long since, by honesty and upright dealings, established himself on a prosperous basis. For many years Mr. Friend was an active member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and is now an associate member of the Old Guard, "State Fencibles."

He is a member of the Union League and other social organizations, and is also prominent in Masonic circles, being a Royal Arch Mason, Knight Templar, a Scottish Rite Mason, and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is a Republican in politics.

In 1884 Mr. Friend married Clara Tappen, daughter of Alfred W. and Sarah Jane (Lewis) Tappen, of Virginia. Mr. Tappen now resides in Ogontz, Pennsylvania. Two children have been the issue of this union: Ethelyn, born February 5, 1889, died February 24, 1894; and A1bert Mathias, Jr., born February 27, 1894.

 

(Page 273)

 

(Picture of Samuel E. Landis)

 

SAMUEL E. LANDIS. The Landis family, some branches of which spell the name Landes, of which Samuel E. Landis, a member of the firth of Landis & Company, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a worthy representative. was founded in America by Hans Landis, a native of Holland, who left his native land during the early years of the eighteenth century, locating in Douglass township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was the owner of a tract of land located near Congo, which he disposed of to members of the Bauer family, in 1773, for six pounds and seven and a half bushels of wheat as part payment on the property.

Among his descendants was Samuel H. Landis, father of Samuel E. Landis, born in 1819. He received his preliminary education in the schools of his neighborhood, pursuing advanced studies at Freeland Seminary. He purchased about eighty acres of land located near New Berlinville, Berks county, Pennsylvania, adjoining which was a tannery. He tilled his farm and operated the tannery until the latter years of his life, finally taking into partnership his son, David Landis, they conducting the business of tanning leather under the firm name of S. H. Landis & Son, and this connection continued until the death of Samuel H. Landis, at which time the tannery was disposed of.

Mr. Landis and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Ehst, born July 1, 1821, a daughter of John and Mary Ehst, were the parents of children as follows: Kate, Mary, John, Elizabeth, Samuel E., Henry, Emma, David, George, Sue, Eli, Amanda, Magdaline, Tobias, and Annie.

After passing an honorable and useful life Samuel H. Landis died June 12, 1880, in the sixty-first year of his age. He was survived many years by his wife, whose death occurred September 9, 1902, in the eighty-second year of her age.

Samuel E. Landis, second son of Samuel H. and Elizabeth (Ehst) Landis, was born in the vicinity of New Berlinville, Berks county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1847. The educational advantages enjoyed by him were obtained in the common schools adjacent to his home, at Freeland Seminary, under the supervision of Henry Hunsicker, and at the Pierce Business College of Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated in 1866. His first employment was as bookkeeper for the firm of Spare & Derr, wholesale boot and shoe dealers, in the city of Philadelphia, where he remained two years. He then went to Ada, Hardin county, Ohio, where he engaged in the grocery business, but after remaining there about one year he disposed of his interests and returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at once securing employment as bookkeeper in the firm of Graybill & Company.

In 1884 he formed a copartnership with Calbon L. Landis, under the firm name of Landis & Company, locating at 420 and 422 Market street, Philadelphia, where they are conducting a wholesale business in carpets, oil cloths, wood and willow ware. By reliable methods and trustworthy transactions, they have won an enviable reputation in business circles, and their trade is steadily increasing year by year. Mr. Landis is a member of the Mennonite church of Philadelphia, and a Republican in politics.

On September 10, 1871, Mr. Landis married Addie T. Geary, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Geary, and the issue of this union was three children: Preston G., born April 10, 1873; Joseph Edgar, born August 31, 1874; and Grace Lillie, born December 19, 1876, who became the wife of William D. Geyer, April 10, 1901.

 

 

MRS. DANIEL YEAKEL. Mrs. Amanda (Bush) Yeakel, widow of ex-county commissioner Daniel Yeakel, is a native of Northampton county. Her husband was one of the best known residents of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The Yeakels are an old Schwenkfelder family whose ancestor, Christopher Yeakel, came to Pennsylvania with the great body of that denomination in 1734, accompanied by his mother, Regina Yeakel, who was the widow of Christopher Yeakel, and a sister of David and Christopher Heebner, also prominent Schwenkfelders. Her husband had died in Germany previous to the coming of the Schwenkfelders to Pennsylvania. Regina Yeakel died April 4, 1753, aged sixty-five years and seven months.

 

(Page 274)

 

Christopher Yeakel (great-grandfather) married Maria, daughter of Susanna and Balthasar Schultz, August 9, 1743. Their children were: Susanna, born 1744; Maria, 1747; Regina, 1749; Abraham (grandfather), March 14, 1752; Anna, 1755; Christopher, 1757. Maria, wife of Christopher, died March 4, 1807, aged eighty-nine years: Christopher died January 3, 1810, aged ninety-one years and nine months. Christopher Yeakel was about eighteen years of age when he came to Pennsylvania with his mother in 1734. He apprenticed himself to a cooper, and continued during his life to follow that occupation. He purchased a tract of laud in Springfield township, near Chestnut Hill, and lived there all his life, the land remaining in the family ever since. He built the log house still standing at Cresheim, Germantown, which was his dwelling until nearly the time of the Revolutionary war, when he purchased the property on the summit of Chestnut Hill, and died there. His descendants are very numerous.

Abraham Yeakel (grandfather) married Sarah, daughter of Christopher Wagner, October 10, 1776. They had six children, as follows Isaac (father) born November 9, 1777; Samuel, born in 1779, died in infancy; Jacob, 1780; Susanna, 1782; Maria, 1784; Christopher, 1787, died in 1813. Sarah Yeakel died May 28, 1833. Abraham died June 17, 1841. He lived in Springfield township, and occupied the homestead which has been for several generations in the family, having been the home of Daniel Yeakel, and now that of his widow, Mrs. Amanda Yeakel.

Isaac Yeakel (father), son of Abraham and Sarah Yeakel, married Regina, daughter of Andrew Schultz, November 4, 1800. Their children: Jacob S., born October 16, 1802: Sarah, born May 19, 1855; Samuel, June 10, 1807; John, June 10, 1809; Charlotte, November 15, 1811, died June 1, 1854; Emeline, August 25, 1814 Daniel, husband of the subject of this sketch; Mary, November 7, 1818; David W., December 30, 1821. Isaac Yeakel died October 23, 1847. He resided where his son Daniel lived, in Springfield township, and where Daniel's widow now resides. Regina, his widow, died January 16, 1860. Isaac Yeakel was one of the most highly esteemed residents of the community in which he lived. Born on the family homestead, he acquired an education in the schools of the neighborhood, all of them pay schools in his day. He was all his adult life engaged in the occupation of farming.

His wife, Regina Schultz, belonged to a family that resided in the same vicinity. Daniel Yeakel, husband of Mrs. Amanda Yeakel, was born on the homestead in Springfield township, March 27, 1816. He was educated in the neighborhood schools and in a select school at Chestnut Hill, and then engaged in farming on the homestead and so continued until he retired from active labor some years prior to his death. He was a Whig and later a Republican in politics, and ranked among the party leaders for many years in Montgomery county Republicanism. He was elected to the office of county commissioner, serving very acceptably, and being re-elected at the end of his term. His strict integrity and devotion to principle gained for him the respect of the entire community. He was treasurer of the old Bethlehem turnpike company for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and took an active interest in everything that related to the welfare of those around him. He and his family attended St. Peter's Lutheran church, at Barren Hill. Mr. Yeakel died in May, 1903.

Daniel Yeakel was twice married. His first wife was Amanda, daughter of Adam Heilig. They were harried in 1845, and Mrs. Yeakel died in 1849. He married (second wife), June 2, 1868, Amanda, daughter of John Bush. She was a native of Northampton county, but lived at Lansdale at the time of their marriage. Their children: Emma B., born December 8, 1869; D. Dawson, born March, 1871. Emma B. Yeakel married John Faber Miller, son of William (deceased) and Caroline R. Miller, now a prominent member of the Norristown bar. They have three children, Yeakel, Caroline and John F., Jr. D. Dawson Yeakel married Mary Larzelere.

 

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WILLIAM S. TRIOL, treasurer of the borough of Jenkintown, is a native of the city of Philadelphia, where he was born April 26, 1847. He is the son of Francis and Jeannette (Somerville) Triol. The father's family are of French ancestry, and the mother's of Scotch. The grandfather was a native of France who came to Philadelphia. Francis Triol (father), was born September 30, 1819. He resided most of his life in Philadelphia, but was a resident of Jenkintown for twenty-five years. He was a house painter by trade. The later years of his life were spent in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he died November 2, 1892. Mr. Triol's maternal ancestors left Scotland on account of religious persecution and settled in France. From that country his grandmother came to America, locating in Philadelphia. Her first husband was named Clark. He was the manufacturer of the varnish which was used in beautifying the carriage in which Washington made his long tour. Jeannette Somerville (mother of Mr. Triol) was a native of Philadelphia. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Triol; William S., subject of this sketch; Mary T., widow of Harry Swink; Thomas H., since 1872, a resident of Montana; Lee D.

William S. Triol was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia. In early life he became interested in agricultural pursuits on the farm of Reuben Davis, near Norristown. He also has a war record, having enlisted in 1863 in the Fifty-ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, serving in the Ninth Corps of the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war, and participating in its various movements. He was mustered out of the United States service at Readville, Massachusetts, August 10, 1865, and then returned to the home of his parents, who were residing at that time in Frankford, a suburb of Philadelphia. In January, 1866, Mr. Triol reenlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Philadelphia, and served in that department of the navy upwards of four years.

He was with the Asiatic squadron in China, Japan and Africa, on the steamer "Oneida." After two years' service he was detailed as one of the guards of General Van Valkenburg, who was at that time United States minister to Japan. After spending a period of seven months in connection with this ,duty, Mr. Triol returned to his ship, until the vessel was run into by the Pacific and Oriental steamship "Bombay" and sunk, 122 officers and seamen being lost in the disaster, one of the worst that ever occurred to a vessel of the American navy. The fatal collision happened on January 24, 1870. Mr. Triol was one of fifty who were rescued. He was sent to the hospital at Yokohama, and subsequently to New York, where he was discharged, after a varied and remarkable experience, from the United States service.

Mr. Triol went to Jenkintown soon afterwards, reaching that place on July 1, 1870, and has resided there ever since, having thus been a citizen of that borough for a period of thirty-four years. For some time he conducted the painting business previously managed by his father, but sold it and has not for some time followed that occupation. For nine years he has held the position of janitor at the Jenkintown National Bank, and he has filled the office of borough treasurer since 1898. He also served as a member of the school board of the district for four years. Fraternally he is a member of Peace and Love Lodge. No. 337, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Jenkintown; of Jenkintown Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics; and of Lieut. John H. Fisher Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Hatboro, Pennsylvania.

In politics Mr. Triol is an active and earnest Republican, exerting himself to secure its success at the polls, and advocating its principles and general policy.

Mr. Triol married, in Philadelphia, on July 9, 1872, Ella H. Dean, daughter of Charles A. Dean. The couple have had five children, of whom only one survives, Miss Jessie Dean, a teacher in the public schools of Jenkintown. The family are members of the Jenkintown Baptist church.