(Picture of Isaac Richards)

 

ISAAC RICHARDS, of Norristown Pennsylvania, is descended from two of the oldest Welsh families in Chester and Montgomery counties-the Walkers and the Richards, whose ancestors came from Merionethshire, in Wales, and settled in Tredyffrin township, Chester county. On the Richards side his ancestor was Rowland Richards, who purchased land on the river Schuylkill, lying between Valley Forge and what is now Port Kennedy. The old homestead is still standing, and has been owned in recent years by the Pattersons of Port Kennedy. He appears to have settled first in Tredyffrin, and afterwards to have bought the Merion property.

Rowland Richards married Catharine, daughter of Hugh Jones. The couple had eight children as follows: Rowland, born 2d mo. 22, 1690, married, in 1716, Sarah Thomas; Margaret, born 8th mo. 1692, married, first, in 1711, John Longworthy and (second), in 1715, William Williams; Gainor, born 11th mo. 13, 1693, married, in 1721, Evan Bowen; John, born 9th mo. 9, 1695; Elizabeth, born 7th mo. 22, 1696, married, 1717, Jacob Thomas; Sarah, born 1697, married, 8th mo. 10, 1722, Cadwallader Evans, son of Evan Pugh; Ruth, born 1699, married, 3d mo. 2, 1721, Robert Evans, son of Owen, they being married at Gwynedd Meeting-house, and Robert died in September, 1746; Samuel, born 8th mo. 7, 1700, married, 2d mo. 21, 1726, Elizabeth Evans, who was born 8th mo. 20, 1700, and was the daughter of Owen Evans, of Gwynedd. Owen Evans was the third of four brothers who came from Wales in 1698, he was born in 1659, and died 10th mo. 7, 1723. His wife's name was Elizabeth. The Evans family is traced back to King Ludd, of Britain, who reigned before the Christian era. Rowland Richards died December 1, 1720, and his will was probated December 7, 1720. His son John removed to Philadelphia and there married.

Joshua Richards (great-great-grandfather) was born 1724, and died 2d mo. to, 1785. The following from the records of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting explains his parentage: Married, 3d mo. 21, 1747, Joshua Richards, son of John, of Philadelphia, deceased, and Mary Dickinson, daughter of Joshua, of the same county at Plymouth meeting-house. The witnesses, Joshua, Eliza and Elizabeth Dickinson, Samuel Richards, Joseph Jones, John Rees, and twenty-two others. Joshua and Mary Richards' children were: Caleb, born 9th mo. 8, 1750; Joshua, born 11th mo. 9, 1752, married Margaret Dickinson; Elizabeth, born 2d mo. 9, 1755, died 1st mo. 28, 1756; Mary, Jr., born 11th mo. 4, 1758, died 3d mo. 10, 1761; Abigail, born 10th mo. 29, 1761, died in 1764; Mary (2d) born 10th mo. 16, 1763, died 11 mo. 8, 1840, married a Horn, of New Jersey; John, (great-grandfather), born 12th mo. 8, 1765, died 4th mo. 22, 1824.

 

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John Richards, just mentioned, married Susan, sister of Hance Supplee, of Worcester township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. She was born in 1766, and died 4th mo. 11, 1854. They were married at St. James Episcopal church at Evansburg, in the same county, March 28, 1793, and both were buried at Valley Friends' meeting. Their children were: Caleb, Peter, Isaac, Mary, Ann, and Hannah. Caleb married Jane Walker. Mary married Benjamin Eastburn, and after her death Ann became his wife. Hannah married Peter Colehower, and removed to the west and raised a family and died there, their descendants living in Illinois and Minnesota. Peter Richards removed to Missouri, and his children reside in that state.

Caleb Richards (grandfather) married Jane Walker, daughter of Isaac Walker, who was born at Rehoboth, Tredyffryn township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1792. Caleb Richards resided in Schuylkill township, Chester county, and died 2d mo. 2, 1824. They had three children: John, born 1819, died in 1875, married, first, Mary Ann Thomas, and second Eliza Eastburn; their children died young; Isaac Walker Richards (father); Samuel S. Richards, who married Elizabeth Justice, and had several children, of whom two are living, William B. and Carroll. Jane W. Richards married (second husband) William Hallowell, of Plymouth township, Montgomery county, 3d mo. 20, 1828.

Isaac Walker Richards, father of the subject of this sketch was born in Chester county, Schuylkill township, December 29, 1821. He learned the trade of fulling cloth. He married Susan M. Sands, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, near Quakertown, and removed to Finesville, in New Jersey, on the Delaware, near Riegelsville. Their marriage took place in April, 1846. He removed to New York city in 1850 and engaged in business there. In 1862 he enlisted in the army and served for two years and eight months, receiving an honorable discharge for disability, having been wounded twice. He participated in the Red River campaign and the capture of Port Hudson, where he was wounded. He resided for some time in Philadelphia, where he was engaged in the real estate business, and thence to Norristown, where he died 1st mo. 23, 1899. His wife died 4th mo. 28, 1898, and both were buried at Valley Friends' Meeting. Both were members of the First Baptist church of Norristown, Pennsylvania. Their children: Isaac; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen; Adelaide, married Ransom G. W. Dennison, and has four children; Emma, married John Sherman, and has one child; Jane, died in infancy; William, married Annie Springman, and has one son; Benjamin, married Edith Chace, and has one child, they residing at Newport, Rhode Island; John, died in infancy; Mary, died in her ninth year of scarlet fever.

Isaac Richards was born July 30, 1848, at Finesville, New Jersey, where his father at that time operated a woolen mill. The family removing to New York, he was educated in the West Forty-seventh Street Grammar School, of which James Monteith, author of a series of Geographies and other works, was the principal, graduating in 1863. In March, 1863, he entered the government service as an aide to Captain Jenkins, provost marshal of the ninth congressional district. The office was at the northeast corner of Forth-sixth street and Third avenue, and the conscription took place there the last two days of June of that year. On the following Monday morning the riot, due to the draft, broke out. The office of Captain Jenkins was the first point of attack by the infuriated mob. Captain Jenkins, finding it impossible to proceed with the drawing without a military force, sent Isaac Richards to the provost marshal general, Colonel Nugent, for aid, but before help arrived the office was burned to the ground. This was the beginning of one of the bloodiest riots on record which extended all over the city of New York, all the troops being at Gettysburg, where the three days' battle was then in progress, and the only military force available was the Invalid Corps, composed of wounded soldiers. The Invalid Corps, after a fight in which several were killed, were forced to retire, and the mob committed terrible mischief, burning a colored orphan asylum, different drafting offices, and many private residences of persons obnoxious to the mob. The only repulse they met was at the Arsenal, on Seventh avenue, in charge of the Hawkins Zouaves, which had just been mustered out after serving two years. In a week's time there were thirty thousand troops in New York city, and order was completely restored. The draft then proceeded, under a strong guard of soldiers, and Isaac Richards continued in the government service until 1865, acting a part of the time as quartermaster, distributing clothing to recruits and drafted men. In the latter part of 1865 he entered as an apprentice with Gage Inslee, a well known and prominent architect of that time, whose offices were located at Astor Place and Broadway. He served three years and took the course of mechanical drafting and engineering at nights at the Cooper Institute. Accepting an offer from

 

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a prominent elevator manufacturer, he engaged in that business, then in its infancy, and has been continuously employed in it to the present time. He has designed and constructed elevators for some of the most prominent buildings in the country. He is now general sales manager for Morse, Williams & Company, with offices in the West End Trust Company's building, corner of Broad street and South Penn Square, Philadelphia. Mr. Richards has the reputation of being one of the best all-round elevator men in the country, and has often been summoned to give expert testimony in litigation relating to elevator accidents, etc. In politics he is a Republican with Independent proclivities, but has always supported the presidential candidates of that party. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and takes an active interest in its work. In connection with the elevator business he has traveled in all sections of the United States. He has made many improvements in elevators, a number of which are patented.

Mr. Richards married, October 13, 1875, Martha Warner Richards, by Friends' ceremony, at the residence of her grandmother, Martha E. Richards, No. 706 Swede street, Norristown. They have one child, Helen Eldridge Richards, who graduated from the Norristown High School, class of 1899, and also graduated in theory of music at Spruce Street Conservatory, Philadelphia, in June, 1904. The family reside at 809 Swede street, Norristown.

Martha W. Richards was born in Philadelphia, and is a direct descendant of the same ancestry as her husband, Joshua Richards, who married Mary Dickinson at Plymouth Meeting in 1747, being the great-great-grandfather of each, her line being as follows: Joshua Richards, great-grandfather; John Richards, grandfather; William W. Richards, father. On her mother's side, her grandfather was Hananiah Walker, who married Jane Havard. Hananiah Walker was the fifth in descent from Lewis Walker, who was the founder of Valley Friends' Meeting, and donated the land for the building and graveyard. Hananiah Walker's sister Jane was the wife of Caleb Richards, and grandmother of Isaac Richards, husband of Martha W. Richards. The Havard family trace their ancestry back to Sir Walter Havard, in 1092. The arms of this old Welsh family are very simple: A roughly executed bull's head, and the motto, "In Deo spes." The family were long settled at the town of Brecon, Wales, and the chapel erected by them in the time of Queen Elizabeth is known as the Havard Chapel. The parents of Martha W. Richards were William W., son of John and Martha E. Richards, of Norristown; and Mary Ann, daughter of Hananiah and Jane (Havard) Walker, of Tredyffrin township, Chester county. Martha E. Richards was a Warner, and was born at Valley Forge, September 19, 1799. She was a sister of Ann Wood, wife of James Wood, the founder of the extensive iron manufacturing industries at Conshohocken. Martha E. Richards died in Norristown in June, 1892, in her ninety-third year. The children of William W. and Mary Ann Richards: Martha W., wife of Isaac Richards; Jane, died in infancy; Anna R., twin with Jane; John James, Clara Louisa, Mary H., Thomas Chalkley Wood, married Ida Mullen, daughter of Joseph Mullen, of Port Kennedy; William Warner Wood, twin with Thomas Chalkley, married Sarah Hare, of Port Kennedy; Susan Walker died in 1876; Lewis Walker.

Isaac Richards is preeminently a selfmade man, having gained the position he now occupies solely through his own exertions. His success in life is to be attributed solely to his indomitable energy and strict attention to business. Genial in disposition, affable and kindly courteous to all with whom he comes in contact, he makes friends wherever he goes. His influence in the community is always exerted on the side of right and progress. and he is actively interested in every movement that promises to benefit his fellow citizens.

 

 

J. MONROE SHIVE, the leading merchant of Fagleysville, and one of the most enterprising business men of that section of the county, is a native of Bucks county, where he was born August 22, 1868. He is the son of Samuel and

 

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Lydia (Trumbauer) Shive. His parents are -both deceased, and are buried at Trumbauersville. They were members of the Reformed church. Mr. Shive is a Democrat in politics. By trade he was a shoemaker, and later a farmer. The couple had nine children, of whom five are still living.

James Monroe Shive attended the public schools of the vicinity until he was seventeen years of age. He then went into the milling business, which he followed for a number of years. He rented the mill for ten years at Layfield, Montgomery County. Mr. Shive married, November 5, 1893, Octavia Levengood, daughter of David S. Levengood, of New Hanover, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. They have had six children, of whom only one is living, Helen, born in 1899. Mr. Shive is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Reformed church at Falkner Swamp. He bought out John S. Roos at his present place of business on April 1, 1903. Mr. Roos had conducted the business for eight years previously. Mr. Shive was postmaster, and held several appointments at Layfield for a number of years. He is a most worthy citizen, and although still young, has made a record for himself in the community. He is highly esteemed by all who know him. Mr. Shive has been a resident of Montgomery county for more than twenty years.

 

 

SAMUEL B. BECHTEL, merchant and postmaster at Congo postoffice, Douglass township, Montgomery county, was born August 7, 1854, in the township where he now lives. He is the son of David H. and Mary (Bechtel) Bechtel.

John Bechtel (grandfather) lived upon the farm in Douglass township now owned by the family. He was a very popular citizen. He married Elizabeth High, and they both lived to an advanced age. They were members of the Mennonite church, and are buried at Bally, Berks county, as were his parents also. They had four children: Rebecca, unmarried, and resides in Bally; Elizabeth (deceased); David H. (father); and Anna (deceased), was unmarried. The maternal grandparents of Samuel B. Bechtel lived at Bally, Berks county.

David H. Bechtel (father) was a farmer in Douglass township all his life, dying at the age of forty-five years. He was also a school teacher for many years. He married Mary Bechtel, who survived him for some years. They were members of the Mennonite church, and are buried in Bally, Berks county. In politics David Bechtel was a Republican. Their children: J. Elhanon, married Miss Johnson, and is a farmer near Congo, Douglass township, they having one child, Mary; Samuel B.; Clement B., married Miss Landis, and also lives in Congo, being a farmer, they having four children, Emma, Archie, Lloyd, and Helen; Holmes (deceased); Aaron, living in Philadelphia where he is a bookkeeper, married Miss Weiss, they having one child living, Mabel, and one deceased; Joseph, residing in Philadelphia where he is engaged in the jewelry supply business, wholesale and retail, 725 Sansom street; he married Miss Schultz, and they have two children.

Samuel B. Bechtel attended the township schools until he was about twenty years of age. He then worked on his parents' farm for two years, when he secured a position as clerk in the store of A. H. Keely, at Sassamansville, where he remained one year. He next engaged in farming for a short time, and then returned to the store, remaining there until he went into business for himself at his present location in 1886. He bought out John Frederick, who had conducted the business at that place many years previously.

Mr. Bechtel married Katie, daughter of Jacob B. and Catharine (Bliem) Bahr. They resided at Gabelsville, where he was a farmer by occupation The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel took place December 25, 1880, Rev. L. Groh, of Boyertown, performing the ceremony. The couple have one child, Mary Elsie, born December 17, 1883. Mrs. Bechtel died October 28, 1885, aged thirty-one years and fourteen days, and was buried at. Bally, Berks county. Mr. Bechtel married (second wife) Elmira, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Solladay) Rohrback.

 

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The parents resided in Berks county, where he followed the occupation of a shoemaker, dying many years ago. His widow resides in Berks county, at Huff's church, at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Rohrbach had four children. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Bechtel have had two children: Norman Samuel, born October 22, 1900; and Florence May, born August 4, 1898, died at the age of two years and eleven months.

Mr. Bechtel conducts a very prosperous business at Congo. In politics he is a Republican. He was appointed postmaster in 1886, and has since served as such. He is a Mennonite, and his wife a Lutheran, of Huff's church, Berks county.

 

 

(Picture of A. H. Gottshalk)

 

A. H. GOTTSHALK, the well known tinner of Collegeville, was born at Schwenksville, Montgomery county, March 16, 1825. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education.

The Gottshalks came from Holland in 1735, and A. H. Gottshalk is about the sixth generation from the immigrant. The family have always been members of the Mennonite church, and thrifty, worthy people. Gottshalk Guttshalk (grandfather) was a farmer in Frederick township, Montgomery county, and was a prominent and influential man. He was one of the leaders of the Mennonite church in its early history in this country, and was a deacon in the church. He died at a ripe old age, on the homestead which has been in the family for more than one hundred years, and which still belongs to one of its members. The children of Gottshalk Guttshalk: William (father); Dittman, a farmer.

William Gottshalk, (father) was born and reared in Montgomery county. He and his sons managed a large farm and attended market. He was a Whig and a Republican, but never aspired to office. He was a deacon in the Mennonite church, and one of the promoters and builders of the church at Schwenksville. He died in 1874 at the age of ninety-one years, after a life spent in useful industry. His wife died in 1862. She was Magdalena (Hunsberger) Gottshalk. At the time of the death of William Gottshalk his descendants numbered 272. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gottshalk: Dillman, a farmer; William, a farmer in Lower Salford township, now ninety-two years of age; Adam, a farmer; Moses, a farmer and also a preacher in the Mennonite church, who was possessed of a remarkable memory; Gotshalk, a farmer; Jacob, a farmer; John, a farmer; Joseph, a farmer; A. H., the subject of this sketch; Abraham, a farmer and minister in the Mennonite church; Elizabeth (Mrs. N. Umstead); Catharine (Mrs. Burgin). All of these children lived and reared families, but all are now deceased except William and A. H.

At the age of sixteen years A. H. Gottshalk left his father's home to be apprenticed to the trade of tinner. He served three years, and then worked as a journeyman for seven years in Philadelphia and Norristown. In 1850 he married, and in the next year opened a shop at Perkiomen Bridge. He bought at different times one, two and four acres of land, on which he erected a substantial building, and where he still lives. His home is a three story brick house, and in addition to this there are several other brick houses and a brick shop on his ground. He carried on his store, selling stoves, doing general tinning, spouting, and trimming, and during his active years did a great amount of work. He is still in business, but is not pushing it as he once did, although he is a vigorous, strong man for his years. He is a Mennonite.

A. H. Gottshalk married Miss Mary A. Schwartz, born in Frederick township in 1827. She is the daughter of Andrew and Miss (Heebner) Schwartz: Mr. Schwartz was a farmer and hotel keeper in Montgomery county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz: William (deceased) a farmer, who married and left a family; Henry, a wheelwright; George, a carpenter; James, a farmer; Mary Ann (Mrs. Gottshalk); Catharine (Mrs. D. Smith); Elizabeth (Mrs. J. Kline); Amelia (Mrs. H. Hilabiddle). The Schwartz family were Lutherans.

The children of A. H. and Mary Ann (Schwartz) Gottshalk: Ella, married D. M. Markley, a mail carrier in Philadelphia, and has two children; Lizzie M., married J. A. Johnson,

 

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a real estate dealer of Norristown, and has six children; Andrew, learned the tinner trade, and carried on the business in connection with his father, and was an energetic, pushing man, but died at the age of thirty-four years. He had two children, one dying. His wife also died and he only survived two years. His son Harry, born October 31, 1890, is being reared by his grandparents, A. H. and Mary Gottshalk. Mr. A. H. Gottshalk is a Republican.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Gottshalk, Mr. Hunsberger, was a farmer, and a leading member of the Mennonite church. His children: Isaac, Martin, Abraham, Magdalena (mother); Hannah (Mrs. Wand); Sarah (Mrs. Wyand); Elizabeth (Mrs. Umstead), and Mary (Mrs. Keeler).

 

 

AMANDUS C. MENSCH, a leading farmer of New Hanover township, was born there on March 7, 1850. He is the son of Peter and Anna (Moll) Mensch, both now deceased, she dying in 1898 at the age of eighty-two years, and he in 1901 at the age of eighty-eight years.

Peter Mensch (father) was a tailor and farmer, in accordance with the custom in that section of the county in his day, it being imagined that every one must have a trade in addition to the occupation of farming in order to gain a livelihood for himself and his family. Mr. Mensch followed the tailor trade for more than thirty years, but he owned a farm at the same time. Peter and Anna Mensch had four children, all living, as follows: William A., a well-known farmer of New Hanover; John F., living in Pottstown; Albasena E., married John Heinbach, of New Hanover township, and is divorced from him, they having one child; she then married William Gilbert; Amandus C. (subject of this sketch).

Adam Mensch (grandfather) married Elizabeth Gruber. They resided in Berks county where they followed farming. In politics he was a Democrat, as are all the family. All are members of the Lutheran or Reformed churches. They had eleven children, of whom but two are living, Dr. Mensch, of Pennsburg, and Mary Garner, residing in Lehigh county. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Mensch were John and Elizabeth (Biddenbreiden) Moll, who followed the occupation of farming, and lived in Berks county. He was also a cabinet maker. They had ten children, all of whom are deceased. In politics he was a Democrat. In religious faith the family were members of the Reformed church.

Amandus C. Mensch attended school until he was eighteen years of age, and then taught school. He entered the Boyertown Seminary and studied there for a time. In all he taught school for thirty-five years, and the record of his work is in the lives of his pupils. He was always an esteemed and worthy citizen.

In 1874 Amandus C. Mensch married Elizabeth, daughter of William and Maria (Yost) Zoller. Her father was a carpenter, and now lives retired in New Hanover township. Mrs. Zoller died in 1901, at the age of seventy-nine years. They had two children, Rosa Jane, unmarried; and Elizabeth (Mrs. Mensch). The children of Amandus C. and Elizabeth Mensch: Rosa A., married Levi Moyer, a farmer in Douglass township, and they have two children, Alice I., and Edna May; Ellen M., married Harvey Borneman, a commission merchant in Philadelphia, they having one child, Herbert W.; Harry William Cleveland, unmarried, and resides with his parents; Laura Jane, unmarried, and resides with her parents; Walter A., born 1897, attends the public schools; and two who are deceased.

Mr. Mensch is a Democrat, but not an office-seeker. The family are members of the Reformed church. He has a good farm which he has always cared for during the summer months when he was not occupied with his school work.

 

 

MRS. JOSEPHINE PFEIFFER. Christian Pfeiffer was born May 15, 1847, in Germany, and died December 31, 1902. He was a hotel-keeper during the last years of his life. He emigrated from Germany in 1867, settled in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the brewing and hotel business. He married Josephine, daughter of Daniel and Sybella (Knox)

 

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Leiling, of Germany. They resided in Germany all their lives and died there. Daniel Leiling was a farmer and tax collector in his native land. He had three children who emigrated to America, among them Mrs. Pfeiffer, who came in 1865; Lorenz, who lives in Jersey City; and Mary, deceased.

Christian Pfeiffer was educated in Germany. He was a Democrat in politics, but was not an aspirant for political honors. He belonged to the Order of Odd Fellows, and the Mannerchor. He was a well-known and highly respected man. Christian and Josephine Pfeiffer had the following children: Sophia J., married Frederick Neiman, a carpenter in Germantown, they having four children; Elizabeth, unmarried, resides with her mother; Anna Marie, unmarried resides with her mother; Christian, Jr., unmarried, resides with his sister Sophia, but is employed as a draughtsman in Philadelphia; John M., married Elsie Eck, and is engaged in the asbestos business in Philadelphia, where they live; they have no children; Carl F., unmarried, manages the hotel for his mother; William R., unmarried, resides in Philadelphia; Helena, unmarried, resides with her sister; Alexander Grover, resides with his mother.

The family are all members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Pfeiffer was buried at Glenwood cemetery, Germantown. The family have conducted the hotel at Fagleysville for a number of years, and since taking possession have made extensive improvements. They study the comforts of their guests, and are progressive in every way.

 

 

CHARLES HAMMOND, SR., deceased, was during a long and active life, numbered among the most enterprising and successful manufacturers of Pennsylvania, and his name is perpetuated in connection with the great firm of C. Hammond & Son, located in what was formerly Shoemakertown, near Ogontz, in Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and of which he was the founder.

Mr. Hammond was born June 22, 1805, in Newton, Massachusetts. After acquiring a thorough English education and learning his trade, his inclination for mechanics led him to engage in manufacturing in Boston. He subsequently removed to near Darby, in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where he was successfully engaged for a number of years in the manufacture of hammers and other tools and devices necessary to shoemakers. About 1844, seeking a larger field for his effort, he purchased the site of the present Hammond Works, then occupied by a mill which had been used for the manufacture of cotton or woolen goods. This building he reconstructed, adapting it to his requirements for the production of hatchets and hammers. He gave his personal attention to the superintendence of every detail of the work of manufacturing as well as to the conduct of financial affairs, and his wares became famous and in large demand through a wide scope of territory. In time the business had attained such dimensions that its conduct imposed upon him far more labor and attention than it was proper for one man to bear, and about 1852, he admitted as a partner with himself his son, Charles Hammond, Jr., the firm name becoming C. Hammond & Son, and which style has been preserved to the present time, notwithstanding the changes in management consequent upon the death of the founder and his son.

Mr. Hammond was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Lydia Harris, (nee Cox) and to them were born five children: Charles, Jr., Lydia, Charles, Jr. (2), Frances, and Caroline, all of whom are deceased. After the death of the mother of this family, Mr. Hammond married her sister, Abigail Cox, who was the widow of Jacob Amee. No children were born of this marriage.

Mr. Hammond died February 14, 1874, leaving to his family the priceless legacy of an honored name. His life was one of rare usefulness. As the founder and conductor of an important manufacturing industry he was widely known and highly regarded in the commercial and financial circles of the state. In his village and vicinity he was held in esteem as pre-eminently,

 

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useful, a considerable portion of the population deriving support from the employment which he afforded. In all manner he was a model citizen, exerting his influence and contributing liberally of his means for the advantage of his fellows, in the promotion of religious, educational and social interests. He was sincere in every emotion of his spirit, and his sympathy for the distressed and helpless found expression in kindly deeds and generous benefactions. His most lasting monument is the honor in which his memory is held for his own worth, and the example of his character for those who were to come after him.

 

 

CHARLES HAMMOND, JR., was the inheritor of an honored name, and in his own career he was entirely worthy of his parentage.

The son of Charles and Lydia (Cox) Hammond, he was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 14, 1831. He received a liberal education, and at an early age entered upon the active duties of life under his father, with whom his business association was uninterruptedly maintained until the death of the parent. Engaging in his duties with enthusiasm and discriminating intelligence, he mastered every detail of the business of the Hammond Works, mechanical as well as managerial, proving a most capable assistant to his father, whom succeeded after the death of the latter named. For a long period of a quarter of a century, terminating only with his death, Charles Hammond, Jr., conducted the large affairs of C. Hammond & Son with conspicuous ability. During the life of his father and under his own management, the business of the firm was increased to large proportions, the manufacturing plant and its output being greatly enlarged, and many new lines of wares being introduced and placed upon the market, giving to the house an assured position of leadership in the production of hammers and edge tools of unsurpassable quality. At the time of his death, the grounds of the firm had grown to cover nearly six acres, and the well equipped shops afforded employment to about seventy-five operatives.

Mr. Hammond displayed in marked degree the traits of character and tastes which characterized the father. Like him he was held in genuine regard in all circles in which he moved. He held an assured and influential position among the manufacturers of his state, who recognized in him a capable and resourceful man of affairs. He was the soul of honor in every relation of life, and was among the foremost in promoting the welfare of the community by personal effort, example and generous contribution of his means. His death, which occurred September 6, 1899, was viewed as a public loss, and the tributes paid to his memory upon the occasion of his funeral were eloquent in their expressions of regard and sense of loss.

Mr. Hammond was married, in Philadelphia, November 21, 1876, to Miss Emma L. Culin, daughter of George F. and Martha J. (Matthias) Culin. Two children were born of this union: Fannie Matthias, born March 22, 1884, died September 7, 1884; and Earl Culin, born May 17, 1890. Mrs. Hammond continues to make her residence at the family home in Ogontz, a place endeared to her through many tender memories. She is a communicant of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church.

 

 

HUBERT R. HAMMOND, for more than a half-century an esteemed and honored resident of Cheltenham township, is a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born, November 6, 1835. His parents resided at Tullytown, at that time.

Mr. Hammond acquired his education in the public schools of Philadelphia, which he attended for a number of years. After completing his studies, he entered the office of his father in the city of Philadelphia, remaining there until 1853. Since that date he has been continuously in the employ of Charles Hammond & Company, of Cheltenham, in various capacities in their works and since 1884 as bookkeeper and accountant. The Hammond establishment where Mr. Hammond has been so long employed, is an edge tool manufactory, is located on the Tacony creek, over half a mile below Ashbourne. The buildings are all of stone, and the plant has been enlarged from time to time since it was erected

 

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about 1840. The chief products are axes, hatchets, sledges and hammers. The establishment is an important industry, many hands being employed, with an office at their works at Ogontz.

Mr. Hammond has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah E., daughter of John and Diana Yerkes. The ceremony that made them husband and wife was performed January 31, 1859. They had two sons, Harry K. and William. Mrs. Hammond having died, Mr. Hammond married Amanda L., daughter of Edward D. and Esther Leach. The couple have had four children, as follows: Elizabeth T., Clara L., Martha J. and Edward W.

Mr. Hammond is a member of Abington Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is a member and a vestryman at St. Paul's Episcopal church at Ogontz.

 

 

(Picture of Henry L. Buckwalter)

 

HENRY L. BUCKWALTER (deceased) was born at Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and died in 1882. He was educated in the public schools of that vicinity.

On relinquishing his studies he entered as an apprentice to the trade of cabinet making. This he followed for some time, but, being of an inventive turn of mind, originated a cherry seeder which soon became popular, and is still extensively used. With the money earned in this way he opened an iron foundry at Kimberton, in Chester county, and conducted it very successfully for some years. He then went to Royersford, where he established the Buckwalter stove foundry which afterwards developed into so important an industry. .These were known as the Continental Stove Works, and were established January 1, 1866, by the firm of Francis Buckwalter & Company the members being C. S. Francis, Henry Francis, John Sheeler, H. L. Buckwalter and J. A. Buckwalter. The mechanical ability of H. L. Buckwalter, as well as of the other members of the firm, soon enabled them to build up a trade which in a short time taxed the establishment to its fullest capacity. They employed fifty men. They also made agricultural implements, and the celebrated Buckwalter cherry seeder, invented by H. L. Buckwalter in 1871 by C. S.

Francis withdrew from the firm. In 1872 the firm built an addition to the works, increasing the capacity about fifty percent. In 1874 Henry Francis retired from the firm, the remaining partners purchasing his interests, and the firm name was changed to Sheeler, Buckwalter & Company. The works were again enlarged and improved in 1876, being practically rebuilt. Mr. Sheeler retiring, the firm was reduced to H. L. and J. A. Buckwalter, the firm being Buckwalter & Co. The death of H. L. Buckwalter in 1882 left J. A. Buckwalter the only surviving partner of the original company. H. L. Buckwalter's interest was disposed of partly to William M. Stauffer and partly to I. N. Buckwalter, the family retaining the balance.

Mr. Buckwalter married, in 1851, Miss Margaret March, daughter of John and Mary (Millier) March, of Chester county, Pennsylvania. She is still living, surrounded by some of her children, in a handsome residence at No. 2310 North Thirteenth street, Philadelphia. The children of H. L. and Margaret Buckwalter: Jennie, married Dr. A. B. Harbison; Clara, died young; Edward, married May ---, and has five children; Ida, married Joseph Perdue, and has four children; Melissa, married John Lichty, who died in 1883, leaving one child; Charles, married Belle Leedom; Elmer, unmarried; Olla B., married Arnold Seaman, and has one child.

Mr. Buckwalter was an earnest Republican in politics, and served as a member of the first town council of the borough of Royersford. He was thoroughly respected by all who knew him. He was a useful man in the community, and actively interested in whatever promised to promote the welfare of those around him.

 

 

MRS. CATHERINE CLAYTON is the widow of Abraham Clayton, who was a well known resident of Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. She was born in that township, August 10, 1828. Her husband was born August 10, 1826.

Abraham Clayton was the son of Ezekiel and Ann (Snyder) Clayton. He was all his life a resident of that vicinity. In early life he learned

 

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the trade of a harness maker. He was engaged in that occupation for many years, but in later life was occupied with agricultural pursuits. He died December 18, 1864. Abraham Clayton married, in 1848, Catherine Wynkoop, daughter of Henry and Maria (Hoagland) Wynkoop, residents of that vicinity. There are seven living children of the couple, as follows: Henry Harrison, Charlotte, wife of William Johnson; Snyder, Lucy, wife of Christian Stout; Louisa (Mrs. Vanzant); Eleanor, wife of Harbeson Kinsey; Christian S., and four others who are deceased.

Christian S. Clayton, the youngest living child of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Clayton, was born in Huntingdon Valley, August 11, 1868. Educated in the public schools, he has been since boyhood a clerk in the store of Andrew Ervin, the leading merchant of Huntingdon Valley, and now occupies the position of head clerk in the establishment.

The Hoagland family, of which Mrs. Catherine Clayton is a member, are among the oldest in that section of Pennsylvania. Henry Wynkoop, father of Mrs. Abraham Clayton, was a well known farmer. He married, December 23, 1824, Maria Hoagland, born July 22, 1802, daughter of Derick and Hannah Hoagland, of Moreland township. Maria (Hoagland) Wynkoop died September 12, 1836, and her husband, Henry Wynkoop, died May 3, 1883. This old couple had four children, viz.: William, born December 15, 1825; Catherine (Mrs. Clayton); Lucy V., born June 24, 1833; and Charles, born May 4, 1836.

 

 

CHARLES H. CULIN, manager of the firm of C. Hammond & Son, manufacturers of edge tools and hammers, is a native of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, born October t, 1867, son of George F. and Martha (Matthias) Culin.

He received a liberal education in the Friends' School, and afterward engaged with C. Hammond & Son, in whose works he perfected himself as a manufacturer of the wares there produced.

On his majority in 1888, he was admitted to a partnership in the firm. For ten years thereafter and until 1898 he represented his firm in the capacity of traveling salesman, and with abundant success, introducing its wares into new fields and greatly extending the scope of its trade. For a year preceding the death of Charles Hammond, Jr., Mr. Culin aided in the management of the Hammond business, and on the death of Mr. Hammond in 1899 he succeeded to the sole charge, in the interests of his sister, Mrs. Charles Hammond, Jr., and of himself.

Mr. Culin affords intelligent and generous assistance to the promotion of community interests, and is held in high regard for his public-spirit and fine personal qualities. He is a communicant of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church of Ogontz.

Mr. Culin was married, in Philadelphia, April 27, 1892, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, a daughter of Joseph L. and Elizabeth (Collins) Jones. Two children have been born of this union: Helen, March 27, 1893; and Margaret, February 7, 1901.

 

 

WASHINGTON F. LEIDY, a merchant of New Hanover township, is the descendant of an old Montgomery county family, all of his ancestors having been prominent citizens. He was born February 18, 1847, being the son of Peter S. and Maria (Feather) Leidy.

Rev. John Philip Leydich (great-great-grandfather) was born April 28, 1715, in Briel, Holland, and came to America, September 15, 1748, accompanied by his wife, two children, and two sisters of his wife, one of whom afterwards married Casper Achenbach, and the other Andreas Sassaman. He was sent to America by the Reformed Synod of South Holland, and a collection was taken for the expenses of his voyage. The sum realized was 115 guilders, 15 stivers and four pence, which was given to him and which he used for his passage. He was assigned the pastorate of Falkner's Swamp and Providence, where he preached at the same time. He selected a spot on the banks of Swamp Creek for his home, and on October 16, 1749, bought of Conrad Frick, of Germantown, 105 acres of land there in Frederick township. This tract had been bought on May 1, 1728, by Ludwig Engelhart, of Andrew Frey, and sold by him on November 2, 1748,

 

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to Conrad Frick. Mr. Leydich preached to his congregations until 1765, when he was succeeded by Rev. Nicholas Pomp, but he lived in Frederick township the rest of his life, and he and his wife are buried at Leidig's grave yard, in Frederick township. In Holland he married Maria Catharina Hammichhaus, and they had the following children: Franz, born in Holland, March 26, 1745; Elizabeth, born in Holland October to, 1746, married Alexander Dieffenderffer; Leonard, married Catharine Nyce, daughter of Zacharias Nyce; Philip (great-grandfather) married Rosina Bucher, daughter of George Diedrich Bucher; Maria Magdalena, married John Nyce; Catharine, born April, 753, married Philip Miller, died August, 1823; and Sophia, married Gabriel Schuler. The Leidig private burial ground where Rev. Leydich was buried is the largest of its kind in Frederick township, containing a quarter of an acres of ground taken from four adjoining farms. It is enclosed with a stone wall. The location is in the southwestern part of the township, east of Swamp. It was established prior to 1764, as a draft of the lands of Christian Stetler, then made by David Shultze, shows that the land was taken from the farms then owned by Christian Stetler, Rev. John Philip Leydich, Henry Smith and George Michael Kuntz. Another quarter acre was given by the will of the late Christian Stetler. The wall was built in 1783. Included among the family names of those buried here are many prominent in the upper section of Montgomery county.

Philip Leidig (great-grandfather) lived on the old homestead, and followed the occupation of farming. He was one of the first to take up arms for his country and served with distinction through the Revolutionary war.

Samuel Leidy (grandfather) married Hannah Schwenck. The couple lived in Frederick township, where he was a farmer until he was fifty years of age, when he retired. He was a Democrat in politics, and held various township offices. They were members of the Reformed church. They had nine children, of whom two survive, Peter and Hannah. Those deceased are: Henry, who was a captain in the army during the rebellion; Philip, Sophia, Sarah, Daniel, Jesse, and Samuel, who died in the army during the rebellion. Sophia married Peter Harburger, her daughter being the widow of Major D. B. Hartranft and residing in Norristown. Captain Henry resided at Boyertown, Berks county, where he was a merchant; his daughter married Dr. Rhodes, president of the Boyertown Farmers' National Bank, and her son, Dr. Thomas Rhodes is a practicing physician at Boyertown. Peter (father), a retired farmer, resides at Swamp. Jesse was in the marble business at Hatboro. Sarah was the wife of Mr. Reifsnyder, who resided in the west. Philip became the proprietor of a hotel at Cross Keys, and later at Roxborough, and subsequently managed the farm of Philip Krause, his father-in-law. Prior to his death he exchanged his farm for the Zieglersville flour mills. He married Elizabeth Krause, and had six children, of whom one was Ephraim, miller and farmer at Zieglersville, and another Lavinia, wife of Emanuel Brendlinger, proprietor of the Hotel Hartranft, Norristown. Philip died July 15, 1895, aged seventy-nine years.

Peter Leidy (father) was a farmer in Frederick township all his life. He was born in 1821, and his wife in 1822. He is a member of the Reformed church, and a Democrat in politics. He has filled the position of school director and other minor offices. He married Maria Feather and they had eight children, of whom five are now living: Milton, a farmer, residing in New Hanover; Washington F., subject of this sketch; Hannah and Peter, died young; Jacob, ex-postmaster of Spring City; Irwin, living in Berks county, where he conducts a creamery; Sarah, died young; Mary, married Milton Ritter, who resides in Alabama, where he has several thousand acres of coal land.

The maternal grandparents of Mr. Leidy were Isaac and Mary (Bickel) Feather, who resided in New Hanover township, where he was a weaver, dying many years ago. The couple had four children, of whom only one is now living, Mrs. Peter Leidy. Mr. Feather was a Demo-

 

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The maternal grandparents of Mr. Leidy were Isaac and Mary (Bickel) Feather, who resided in New Hanover township, where he was a weaver, dying many years ago. The couple had four children, of whom only one is now living, Mrs. Peter Leidy. Mr. Feather was a Democrat and both were members of the Reformed church.

Washington F. Leidy attended the neighborhood schools until he was twenty-one years of age, and then turned his attention to teaching. Later he engaged in farming, the cigar business, and the cattle business. He located at his present place of business in 1887. Since then he has been conducting business there. He is a Democrat in politics, though not an aspirant for office. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Council No. 976, New Hanover. He is a director in the Boyertown National Bank. He owns. several farms, and is a very prominent citizen.

Mr. Leidy married, November 24, 1868, Mary Ann, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Zoller) Hollobush. Mrs. Leidy was born September 18, 1848. Her father, John Hollobush, was a farmer in New Hanover township. The Hollobush family, the name being variously spelled, are descended from an early settler in that section of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Leidy was the only child of her parents. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Washington F. Leidy: one died in infancy; Wallace; Mary, John, and John Washington, all three deceased; Clara, married Rev. W. H. Brown, and they live in Northampton county, where he has a charge, they having two children, Paul and Clara Cordelia.

The grandparents of Mrs. Leidy were Henry and Mary Hollobush. He was a farmer in that section of Montgomery county and a Republican in politics. His family were all members of the Reformed church.

 

 

JOSEPH J. DERHAM, a successful and leading manufacturer of Rosemont, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, as well as one of its most progressive and enterprising citizens, was born in county Galway, Ireland, March 18, 1863, a son of Patrick and Ellen (Gilchrist) Derham.

Being left an orphan at a very early age and therefore largely dependent upon his own resources, the educational advantages enjoyed by Joseph J. Derham were limited to the schools of the neighborhood. He was reared to the early years of manhood in the vicinity of his birthplace, and, being desirous of achieving success in his active career and believing that the United States afforded better opportunities for young men, he emigrated to this country, landing at Boston on May 12, 1880. He had began his apprenticeship to the carriage-maker's trade in his native country, and continued his trade in Philadelphia.

In 1884, he began business on his own account at Rosemont, Pennsylvania. Beginning with a very limited capital, by indefatigable energy and wonderful perseverance he succeeded in building up one of the leading enterprises of Rosmont, where his name has become recognized as synonymous with honorable and straightforward business methods. In addition to his extensive plant and warerooms at Rosemont, Mr. Derham has established branch works and warerooms at Nos. 2047-49 Vine street, Philadelphia. Both these establishments furnish employment for upwards of seventy-five skilled mechanics and laborers, and thus it will be seen that Mr. Derham has by his thrift and enterprise not only benefited himself, but has also materially added to the progress and advancement of the communities in which his establishments are located. Politically Mr. Derham is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

Joseph J. Derham was married January 28, 1892, to Christina Hart, who was born November 3, 1868, in West Philadelphia, a daughter of James and Bridget Hart. Six children were the issue of this marriage: James P., born December 7, 1892; Joseph J., Jr., born August 31, 1894; Philip A., born January 17, 1897; Ferdinand, born November 4, 1898, died February 23, 1901; John, born October 24, 1900; and Enos, born January 3, 1902. Mr. Derham and his family are consistent members of the St. Thomas Raman Catholic church at Villa Nova, Pennsylvania.

 

 

WILLIAM MILES. The life-history of William Miles, late of Lower Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, illustrates what may be accomplished by a man of keen foresight, sagacity and business ability of a high order, coupled with strict integrity, perseverance and enterprise. He was born October 15, 1818, and was a son of William and Mary (Miller) Miles.

 

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William Miles (father) served an apprenticeship at the tailoring trade during the early years of his life, and in the pursuit of this occupation he achieved a large degree of success. He was also the owner of a farm in Lower Merion town ship, adjoining the Episcopal church known as the Church of the Redeemer, and this he cultivated and improved greatly. He married Mary Miller, and six children were born to them, as follows: 1. John, who Married Mary Hedley, and their children are John, Walter, Josephine, Annie, and Catherine Miles. 2. William, mentioned at length hereinafter. 3. Charles, who married Sarah, and their children are William, Austin, Catherine, Mary, and John Miles. 4. Catherine, who became the wife of John Austin, and their family consists of three children: William, Adella, and Walter Austin. 5. Christopher, unmarried. 6. Margaret, who died in infancy.

William Miles obtained a practical education in the common schools of his native township. In early life he learned the trade of carpenter, and upon attaining his majority he began business at building and contracting on his own account. He successfully conducted this line of enterprise for a number of years, during which time he became well and favorably known throughout Lower Merion township as an honorable and straight-forward business man and this reputation he retained during the entire period of his active career. He engaged in the coal and lumber trade at Rosemont, and this proving a remunerative source of income he continued dealing in these commodities until 1883, a period of almost thirty years, during which time he conducted an extensive business. He then retired from active business pursuits, and passed the remaining years of his life in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest.

Mr. Miles had purchased five acres of land situated where Rosemont Station now stands, he having foreseen the practicability of the Pennsylvania Railroad being straightened and running through his land. Here he established his office and coal and lumber yards. Mr. Miles was an excellent citizen in every respect, performing the duties allotted to him in a faithful and conscientious manner. He was also a true friend, always ready and, willing to lend a helping hand to those in need or distress, and his demise was sincerely mourned by many whom he had befriended in their hour of trouble. He died August 12, 1885.

Mr. Miles married Anna Broades, who was born February 20, 1822, a daughter of Richard and Mary (Holland) Broades. Their children were: Mary B., born February 7, 1853, died September 12, 1879; and Margaretta, born July 13, 1858, died October 28, 1863.

 

 

(Picture of Isaac E. Ambler)

 

ISAAC E. AMBLER, son of Andrew and Mary (Johnson) Ambler; is a descendant of an old and honored family on both sides. He was born at the Ambler homestead at Wissahickon, now the borough of Ambler, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1833. He was reared to useful industry in the woolen mill and on the farm, and educated in the schools of the vicinity.

The Amblers are well known residents of Ambler, which borough, formerly the village of Wissahickon, from the beautiful stream of that name which flows through it, received its present designation from the mother of Isaac E. Ambler, Mary J. Ambler. Andrew Ambler, her husband, descended from Joseph Ambler, who on May 1, 1723, purchased of William Morgan ninety acres of land in Montgomery township, then Philadelphia (now Montgomery) county, Pennsylvania. The tract passed in 1768 to Joseph's son Edward, who in 1770 bequeathed it to John Ambler, his brother, who was the grandfather of Andrew. Andrew Ambler was the son of Edward and Ann Ambler. Andrew was a fuller by trade, and in 1832, three years after his marriage, purchased and-located on the tract of land in Upper Dublin township on which was afterwards built the flourishing borough of Ambler, one of the most important towns on the line of the North Pennsylvania Railroad. There had been an old fulling mill on the property which was once owned by Daniel Morris. On the site of the old mill Andrew Ambler erected a more modern structure, which remained in use many years, being the site of an active business carried on by himself and his sons, until the building was destroyed by fire on the last day of the year 1869.

 

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In the summer of 1856 a terrible accident occurred on the North Pennsylvania Railroad some distance below Ambler, in which a large number of lives were lost, the victims being members of Catholic Sunday schools in Philadelphia on an excursion. Their trail collided with another, and a frightful scene was the result. Mary J. Ambler, mother of Isaac E. Ambler, was soon on the ground and exerted herself greatly for the relief of the wounded in the wreck. It was in recognition of her labors for humanity on this occasion that the name Ambler was given to the railway station, and later became applied to the borough. In every relation of life, Mary J. Ambler was a model of what a woman should be. Charitable, kind and loving in disposition, she was esteemed by the whole community.

Mary J. Ambler was the daughter of Benjamin and Abigail (Roberts) Johnson, of Richland (Quakertown) Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Her mother was a granddaughter of Edward Roberts, an early settler at that place, who came to America from Merionethshire, Wales, when he was but twelve years of age. He located first at Byberry, becoming a member of the meeting at Abington in 1699, the year of his arrival.

In 10th mo., 1714, he married Mary, daughter of Everard Bolton, a very prominent Friend of Abington Meeting, who owned five hundred acres of land in Cheltenham township. In the latter part of 1716 a minute was granted to Edward Roberts and wife for removing to Great Swamp, as Richland was then called. The couple actually removed, however, in the spring of that year, where they lived surrounded by Indians and almost alone for a time. A meeting was soon established, however, of which Edward became in time a minister, continuing as such for more than forty years until his death. The fourth child of Edward and Mary Roberts was David, born 1 mo. 10, 1722, died 8th mo. 14, 1805, who married 5th mo. 2, 1754, Phebe, daughter of Thomas Lancaster, another well known minister of the Society of Friends and Phebe Wardell, his wife.

The children of David and Phebe Roberts were: Amos, born 1758, died 1835, married Margaret Thomas, born about 1758, died 1840; Mary, born 1758 (twin) died in infancy; Elizabeth born 1760, married Israel Foulke; Nathan, born 1762, died in infancy; Jane, born 1764, married Samuel Ashton; Abigail born 1767, mother of Mary J. Ambler; Nathan, born 1769, married Margaret A. Ashton; David, born 1772, married Elizabeth Stokes; Evan, born 1775, married Abigail Penrose. All the children of David and Phebe Roberts, with the exception of the two who died in infancy, married and became the founders of families, some of whom having very numerous descendants at the present day.

Benjamin Johnson, father of Mary J. Ambler, was a descendant of Casper Johnson (originally Jansen) who was of German or possibly Scandinavian nationality, and settled at an early date at Richland. The family are still very largely represented in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The children of Benjamin and Abigail (Roberts) Johnson: Samuel, born 6th mo. 8, 1789, married Margaret Roberts; Casper, born 3d mo. 28, 1791, married Mary Gibson; David, born 6th mo. 10, 1793, married Susan Foulke; Elizabeth born 3d mo. 7, 1797, married Samuel Foulke; Joseph, born 1799, died in childhood; Anthony, born 2d mo. 1, 1802, married Elizabeth Foulke (Anthony died at the age of ninety years leaving three children); Mary (mother of Isaac E. Ambler, the subject of this sketch) born 3d mo. 24, 1805, married, 5th mo. 4, 1829, Andrew Ambler, who was born 6th mo. 12 1793, died 3d mo. 7, 1850; Benjamin, born 6th mo. 15, 1808, married Tacy Stratton. Of the brothers and sisters of Mary J. Ambler, Samuel died at twenty-eight years; Casper at thirty-four; Elizabeth at eighty-one; Benjamin at forty-one. Mary J. Ambler died 8th mo. 18, 1868, in her sixty-fourth year.

The children of Andrew and Mary (Johnson) Ambler: Joseph Mather Evans, Benjamin Johnson, Isaac Ellis, Edward Henry, David Johnson, Lewis Jones, Evan Jones, Andrew and Mary J. Of these the following died unmarried or in infancy: Benjamin J., born 10th mo. 30, 1831, died 12th mo. g, 1858; Edward H., born 11th mo. 9, 1834, died 11th mo. 5, 1869; Andrew, born 11th mo. 26, 1842, died 11th mo. 7, 1870; Mary J., born 3d mo. 17, 1848, died 4th mo. 29, 1848.

 

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(Picture of Joseph M. E. Ambler)

 

The remainder of them married, as follows: Joseph Mather Evans Ambler was born on the family homestead, 7th mo. 23, 1830. His educational advantages were acquired in the schools of the neighborhood, and he remained under the parental roof until he attained years of manhood. He married, 2d mo. 16, 1854, Hannah, born 7th mo. 30, 1830, daughter of Solomon and Lydia (Shoemaker) Cleaver. In 1854 he engaged at farming on his own account on the farm now occupied by Isaac E. Ambler. In 1856 he removed to Spring House, and there he leased the Solomon Cleaver farm, and operated it until 1866, when occurred the death of his father-in-law, Solomon Cleaver. Mr. Ambler purchased the farm and successfully continued farming until 1876, when he practically retired from active business pursuits.

The same year (1876) Mr. Ambler purchased the property on Ridge avenue, Ambler, where he resided up to his death which occurred 4th mo. 7, 1895. He was a just and conscientious man in all the affairs of life, and had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. His wife survives him.

David J., son of Andrew and Mary (Johnson) Ambler, was born 3d mo. 22, 1837; married, 3d mo. 6,1862, Caroline F. Penrose daughter of Aaron and Maryetta (Foulke) Penrose, born 5th mo. 25, 1839, died 9th mo. 13, 1891. The Penroses are an old family of Richland of English origin, although they came to Pennsylvania from Ireland. Robert Penrose, son of Robert and Jane Penrose, born in Yorkshire, England, removed to Ireland in Oliver Cromwell's time, along with many other Scotch and English colonists, and settled there. Robert in 1669 married Anna Russell. The couple had three children. A son, also Robert, born in Blackane, Ireland, in 1670, married in 1695 Mary Clayton and had thirteen children with a part of which large family he came to Pennsylvania in 1717.

A son, also Robert, born in Ireland in 1697, followed the others of the family to Pennsylvania, and in 1731 married Mary Heacock. Robert and Mary (Heacock) Penrose resided at Richland, Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

They had nine children, of whom John, born 1739-40, married Ann Roberts, daughter of John and Martha (daughter of Edward) Roberts. It is worthy of note as showing how frequent were the intermarriages among the old families in the little Quaker colony of Richland, that three children of Robert and Mary Penrose, two sons and a daughter married grandchildren of Edward Roberts and raised families. John and Ann Roberts Penrose's family consisted of ten children, of whom the ninth, Evan, born 1782, married Rebecca Ball, of another old Richland family. Evan and Rebecca (Ball) Penrose had several children the oldest being Aaron, born 12th mo. 28, 1809, married, 3d mo. 22, 1838 Maryetta Foulke. Of their three children Benjamin F., elected county commissioner in Montgomery in November, 1902, married Alice Thomson (now deceased); Caroline married David J. Ambler; and Rebecca married David's brother, Lewis Ambler. David J. and Caroline Ambler had one child, Ella, born 34 mo. 27, 1864, married, 5th mo. 7, 1884, Daniel M., son of Dr. Edwin C. and Susan (Lukens) Leedom both deceased. The children of Daniel M. and Ella (Ambler) Leedom: David Ambler, born 3d mo. 9, 1885; Caroline Foulke, born 1st. mo. 11, 1887; Susan A., born 5th mo., 1891, died 2d mo. 8, 1892; Daniel M., born 1st mo. 11, 1894. David J. Ambler occupied for many years a position in. the Quakertown National Bank, but he has more recently lived retired at Ambler.

Lewis J. Ambler, son of Andrew and Johnson) Ambler, was born 2d mo. 17, 1839, married 9th mo. 25, 1862, Rachel Walton, of an old Friends' family, who died 5th mo. 26, 1874. The couple had one child, Benjamin G., born, 6th mo. 9, 1864, died 8th mo. 24, 1890.

Lewis. J. Ambler married (second wife) 3d mo. 4, 1880, Rebecca Penrose, sister to Caroline, wife of David: J. Ambler, his brother. They have one child, Aaron Penrose Ambler, born 5th mo. 10, 1882. Lewis J. Ambler resides in Philadelphia, where he is engaged in business.

 

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Evan J. Ambler, son of Andrew and Mary (Johnson) Ambler, was born 1st mo. 8, 1841, married 4th mo. 26, 1877, Mary, daughter of William H. and Catharine (Hallowell) Jenkins, of Gwynedd. He died 8th mo. 16, 1893, having been engaged as a merchant at Ambler for some years, his widow continuing the business for a time after his death. She now lives retired at that place. The Jenkins family are one of the oldest in that section of Pennsylvania, having descended from Jenkin Jenkins, who came from Wales and settled in Gwynedd in or about 1729, although he ultimately bought land in Hatfield township. The family became noted for industry, enterprise, thrift and longevity.

Isaac Ellis Ambler, subject of this sketch, son of Andrew and Mary (Johnson) Ambler, was born 7th mo. 1, 1833: He was reared at the homestead, remaining there until, on the death of his father, he and his brother Benjamin took charge of the mill, both having learned the woolen manufacturing trade. They conducted the business six years, when Isaac married, 5th mo. 1, 1856, Eliza Moore, and settled himself to farming on the homestead. After the lapse of two years he returned to the mill, where he remained three years, and then located on the farm on which he now resides, on the Bethlehem turnpike, about three-fourths of a mile from Ambler station, but within the limits of the borough. After the death of his mother he obtained this portion of the land of the original homestead. Othor [sic] portions were sold, and about 1870 the town of Ambler was laid out, much of it on the Ambler homestead. Isaac Ambler has given all his attention to the farm and its products, attending market, maintaining a dairy, and selling milk for many years. He is a practical and successful farmer, and has been one of the few who has made farming profitable by devoting his entire attention thereto and making the best of everything. He has sold lots from his farm for building purposes. In politics he is, like all his family, an active Republican, being thoroughly in harmony, with the principles and policy of that party, but he has never aspired to public office or preferment.

(Picture of Eliza M. Moore Ambler)

 

He married 5th mo. 1856, Eliza M. Moore, daughter of Edwin and Phebe (Foulke) Moore, of an old family of Friends in Upper Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Their children: Edwin M. Ambler, born 4th mo. 13, 1860, deceased; Anna, died at the age of five months. Edwin Moore Ambler married, 4th mo. 18, 1883, Annie Foulke Webster, daughter of William (deceased) and Elizabeth (Jones) Webster.

Their children: William W., born 10th mo. 3, 1884; Alice Hannah, born 3d mo. 14, 1889; Eliza Moore, born 9th mo. 6, 1893. Edwin M. Ambler died 4th mo. 14, 1896, as the result of injuries received by the falling upon him of a barn door at his home near Custer station, on the Stony Creek railroad. Annie F., his widow, is connected by descent and intermarriages with many of the leading families of Conshohocken and that section of Montgomery county. Her father, William Webster, born 8th mo. 5, 1825, died 9th mo. 1, 1897, was the son of Jacob and Sarah Webster, and his wife, Elizabeth (Jones) Webster, who survives him, residing in Norristown, is the daughter of the late Jonathan and Eliza Jones.

The Jones family are of Welsh descent, and were long settled on a farm which occupied the present site of Conshohocken. The sons of William Webster, except William, Jr., who resides at Swede and Jacoby streets, Norristown, are resident in the vicinity of Plymouth Meeting. Davis J. married Lillian Potts; Samuel F. married Lydia Conard; Jonathan married Anna Potts; William, Jr., married Annie Ambler. Eliza J., sister of Annie F. Ambler, married Carbon Wolfe.

 

 

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Eliza Moore, wife of Isaac E. Ambler, was born 3d mo. 9, 1835. Her father, Edwin Moore, belonged to an old family of Scotch lineage who appear in the history of Pennsylvania in colonial times, and have been for nearly two centuries. residents of Montgomery county. Edwin Moore married, in a public meeting of Friends at Gwynedd meeting-house, 5th mo. 13, 1834, Phebe Foulke, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Foulke, of Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

Their children: Eliza, wife of Isaac E. Ambler; Joseph F.; Daniel Foulke, a leading merchant of Phoenixville, born in Upper Merion township, July 24, 1841, enlisted during the rebellion in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and served nine months, participating in the battles of Antietam and Chancellorsville, and enlisted a second time in an emergency regiment about the time of the battle of Gettysburg, to repel the invasion of General Lee, was afterwards engaged with the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company as a telegraph operator, and in 1870 organized the firm of Caswell & Moore at Phoenixville in Chester county, which firm successfully carries on the tin and slate roofing, plumbing and hardware business, he is a member of the Society of Friends, and since 1902 has been an acknowledged minister therein; he served as a member of the state house of representatives for three years at the legislative sessions of 1893, 1895 and 1897, being in politics an Independent Republican. He has been twice married, his first wife having been Melissa Conard, of Upper Merion, and his second, Emily M., daughter of Henry Ashenfelter, of Phoenixville, by whom he has one daughter, Martha W.; Richard and Edwin, Jr.

Edwin Moore, father of Mrs. Eliza Ambler, was the son of Richard and Abigail Moore. The mother was a member of the Eastburn family of Upper Merion township, being a daughter of Benjamin and Margaret A. Eastburn. She and Richard Moore were married 11th mo. 11, 1807.

The children of Richard and Abigail Moore: Eliza, born 3d mo. 5, 1809; Edwin (father of Eliza Ambler) born 11th mo. 29, 1811; Samuel, born 10th mo. 8, 1815, married, ad mo. 18, 1840, Ann Foulke, a sister of Edwin Moore's wife. The children of Samuel Moore were Richard, married Elizabeth Carver; Elizabeth F., married Benjamin Hilles and resides on Jacoby street, Norristown; Henry Clay, married Hannah Jones; Hannah M., married Edward P. Hollingsworth, and resides in Maryland. Joseph F. Moore, brother of Eliza Ambler, married, 4th mo. 27, 1887, Jennie Bunting; her remaining brother, Edwin, Jr., married (first wife) Clarissa Buckwalter, and (second wife) Emma Lukens.

Benjamin Eastburn, grandfather of Edwin Moore, was the son of Samuel Eastburn, and Samuel was the son of John and Grace (Colston) Eastburn. John Eastburn was the son of Robert and Sarah (Preston) Eastburn. John was born in England, 7th mo. 15, 1697, and came to Philadelphia with his parents in the year 1713, when he was sixteen years of age. John purchased 150 acres of land on the Schuylkill river, in Norriton township, now Montgomery county, of Isaac Norris in 1732, and in 1740 one hundred acres adjoining his first tract. The family ultimately, however, migrated to the west side of the Schuylkill, in Upper Merion township, John Eastburn having in 1741, in conjunction with his brother Benjamin, purchased two hundred acres of land in that township of the heirs of William Penn, which land at the death of John, in 1772, at the age of seventy-five years, was devised to his grandson, Benjamin Eastburn, son of John's son Samuel, and great-grandfather of Eliza Ambler.

Edwin Moore remained on the homestead farm near Port Kennedy, which during the Revolutionary encampment at Valley Forge, in the vicinity, was the home or headquarters of General Peter Muhlenberg. The building which he occupied at that time is still standing, although it has been considerably enlarged. Edwin attended the neighboring schools of his day, and continued on the farm, although, in accordance with the custom at that time of having another occupation besides farming, he learned the wheelwright trade but never followed it. He was an energetic and industrious man, and became an influential member of the community. He conducted farming on an extensive scale adding to the paternal acres, and using sound sense and good judgment in all his undertakings. He was for some years president of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, and a director of the Montgomery Mutual Fire insurance Company. He was a Whig, and from 1856 a Republican in politics. He was frequently executor of estates and guardian of minor children, his well known integrity and his superior ability qualifying him for work of this kind, and he discharged every trust ever reposed in him with absolute fidelity. He was a member of the Society of Friends. His last years, after the death of his wife, were spent with his niece, Elizabeth F. Hilles, in Norristown, where he died, 2d mo. 26, 1894, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife died 7th mo. 5, 1876.

 

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Joseph Foulke, father of Mrs. Edwin Moore, was for many years a conspicuous figure among Friends of Gwynedd, where he was born 5th mo. 22, 1786. In 1817 he appeared as a minister in the Society, became a recommended minister in 1821, and continued a prominent preacher until his death, a period of more than forty years, making numerous visits to distant meetings, including those in New Jersey, New York, Canada, Maryland, Ohio and Indiana. He learned the wheelwright trade, originally that of his father, Hugh Foulke, but preferred to be a teacher, which occupation he followed the rest of his life.

Commencing in 1811 he had charge of the Friends' school at Plymouth Meeting for six years, and then taught one year at Upper Dublin, establishing in 1818 a boarding school for young men and boys on part of his father's estate. It was very flourishing for more than forty years. He published a life of Jacob Ritter, and conducted for many years the publication of the Friends' Almanac, making all the astronomical calculations therefor, the Almanac being continued after his death by his son, Joseph Foulke, who with his brother Daniel and his cousin Hugh was long a teacher in the Foulke school. Joseph Foulke was very prominent in Society work, being called to go to Washington as early as 1836 as one of a committee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to influence congress and the national administration against the admission of Arkansas into the Union as a slave state. Joseph Foulke was fourth in line from Edward Foulke, the immigrant, who came with his wife and children from Wales and settled at Gwynedd, in 1698. He died in 1863, having lived a consistent and dedicated life, on 2d mo. 15. His wife, Elizabeth (Shoemaker) Foulke, survived him and died 8th mo. 1, 1873.

The ancestor of Joseph Foulke, Edward Foulke, left records in the Welsh language translated by his descendant, Samuel Foulke, of Richland, in Bucks county, in which he traced the family back to Shirid Flaidd, a tribal leader of note in Wales in the twelfth century.

 

 

JOHN GILBERT THOMPSON, son of Thomas Thompson, was born January 26, 1861, on the place on which he now lives, long known as the Thomas Thompson mill farm. It is situated in Whitpain township, in what is known as West Ambler, bordering also on Gwynedd township.

John Gilbert Thompson attended the Shady Grove school, in Whitpain, and later Sunnyside Academy at Ambler, meantime assisting his father in the grist mill on the Wissahickon, which he operated the greater part of his life, also working at intervals on the farm. He also took a nine months' course at the Pierce College of Business in Philadelphia. He then became a partner of his father in operating the mill and farm, and in 1888 succeeded the father in their management. The mill was in operation until 1899, when Mr. Thompson disposed of the water right to the Ambler Spring Water Company, and the old mill which had for many years supplied flour and feed to the residents of the neighborhood, was abandoned.

Since ceasing to operate the mill, Mr. Thompson has devoted his entire attention to the farm of eighteen acres and to the stone quarrying business. In politics he is a Democrat. He feels an active interest in local affairs generally, especially in educational work, and has served for several terms as school director, having been president of the township school board since 1894. He has also served as judge of elections for several years. In religious faith, Mr. Thompson is a Lutheran, and attends Zion church, Whitemarsh. He is unmarried, and makes his home with his widowed mother, they occupying the convenient and substantial residence erected by his father in 1876.

Thomas Thompson (father) was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Pollard) Thompson. He was born in the town of Wiggin, Lancashire, England, January 12, 1809. The parents emigrated to the United States in 1829, and settled in the state of New Jersey. Soon afterwards the son decided to make a start in life for himself, and went to Philadelphia, where he remained some years, and then removed to Upper Dublin township, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged for some years in a grist mill, known as Haig's Mill, on the Bethlehem turnpike, above Ambler.

 

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In conjunction with his cousin, Robert Pollard, he operated this mill from 1835 to 1837, buying in the last named year the mill on Wissahickon, which he conducted successfully for many years, being the property now owned by his son, John G., the subject of this sketch. He purchased it of Samuel B. Davis.

Thomas Thompson married, November 27, 1848, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Hoss) Gilbert, establishing himself after his marriage in the house adjacent to the mill. Their children, all of whom are deceased except the youngest, were as follows: James, Sarah, William, Daniel, Elizabeth, Thomas, John Gilbert. Mrs. Thompson, born September 8, 1826, was the fourth of six children of Daniel and Sarah Gilbert. She received little education at school, owing to lack of opportunity, the schools at that time being kept open but a portion of the year. The other children of Daniel Gilbert were: Peter, born 1817, married Mary Roberts, of Upper Dublin township, and resided near Frazer, in Chester county, and had several children who live in that vicinity; Jacob, married Catharine Ann Dannehower, of Springhouse, and resided in Chester county; Daniel, married Sidney Williamson, of Coatesville, and lived in Chester county; Anna Maria, married Rowland Dannehower, son of Jacob and Catharine (Hallman) Dannehower, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Amanda Jones, on Tennis avenue, Ambler. Thomas Thompson (father) died May 16, 1891.

 

 

(Picture of Matthias L. March)

 

MATTHIAS L. MARCH, of the firm of I. F. March's Sons, lumber and coal dealers, Bridgeport, was born in Douglas township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, July to, 1862. He is the son of Isaac F. and Sarah (Levengood) March, both natives of Pennsylvania. He was born in Montgomery county, and she in Berks county. They had nine children, seven sons and two daughters: Matthias L.; Ellsworth L.; Irvin; Isaac; Morris; John, deceased; Annie, wife of Harry Koch, of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania; Linton, and Mary.

Isaac F. March (father) was reared on a farm. He learned the trade of a miller, but spent most of his life in the lumber business at Birdsboro, which has been his home for many years and where he has lived retired since 1893. He and his wife are Lutherans in religious faith. He was treasurer of Berks county one term.

John March (grandfather) was also a native of Pennsylvania. He died at an early age leaving a small family. Matthias Levengood (maternal grandfather) was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. He was of German descent. All of his life was spent on a farm, and he lived to be seventy-two years of age. He married Elizabeth (Reinert) Levengood, and had sixteen children. Matthias Levengood (great-grandfather) was a soldier in the War of 1812. Adam Levengood (great-great-grandfather) was the progenitor of this branch of the family in America. He came to the United States when he was eighteen years of age (1733) and settled in New Hanover township, Montgomery county, dying there well advanced in years. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

Matthias L. March was raised in Berks county, and after receiving a good common school education taught school for six years. He learned the miller's trade in his father's mill, and followed the occupation for a number of years. In 1886 he went to Bridgeport, which has been his home ever since. He founded his present lumber and coal business and has devoted his whole attention to it since that time.

On February 20, 1883, he married Sarah J. Ludwig, daughter of Hiram and Ellen (Lorah) Ludwig. They had two children: William Allen and Ethel Naomi. Mrs. Sarah J. March died September 5, 1888, aged twenty-seven years. She was a member of the Lutheran church.

 

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On October 25, 1894, Mr. March married Miss Lilla M. Keiger, daughter of John and Annie (Vandegrift) Keiger. They have three children: Matthias Russell, Anna Levengood, and John Ellsworth March. Mr. and Mrs. March are members of the Lutheran church. He is a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Norristown, and superintendent of the Sunday school.

Mr. March is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master; also of Norristown Chapter, No. 190, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is high priest; and Hutchinson Commandery, of which he is past commander. He also belongs to the Philadelphia Consistory. Politically he is a Democrat. He was burgess of the borough of Bridgeport in 1888, and served as school director for about five years, from 1889 to 1894. He is a director of the Norristown Trust Company of Norristown, a director in the Norristown Brick Company, a director in the Paxtang Cemetery Company, vice-president of the Fame Building and Loan Association of Bridgeport, and vice-president and a director of the I. H. Brendlinger Company of Norristown, Pennsylvania.

 

 

BISHOP NATHANIEL BERTOLET GRUBB, second son of Silas and Elizabeth (Bertolet) Grubb, was born in Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1850. He is a direct descendant of the Grubb family, Mennonites, many of whom suffered martyrdom in Switzerland in the early years of 1600, afterwards drifting to England, thence to America, settling in Pennsylvania in the year 1726. Many of them were members of the Society of Friends. The family name is traced back to England to the year 1200, A. D., when the same were found as members of parliament. These English ancestors had come from Denmark and are traced back to about 1000, A. D., the days of William the Norman. These facts were confirmed in a letter from the secretary of the Royal Archives of Copenhagen, Denmark, in response to an inquiry in 1895. Members of the Bertolet family intermarried with the Frey family, first German settlers in Pennsylvania, both families French Huguenots and Calvinists, but later identified themselves with the Moravians. They emigrated to America, respectively, Bertolet in 1726 and Frey in 1675.

 

The emigrant ancestor of the Grubb family was Henry Grubb, who emigrated to this country about 1718, September 27, 1718, he bought 150 acres of land from David Powell, in Fredrick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He died in 1727. He married Catharine Addis, whose death occurred January 27, 1748.

Their fourth son, Abraham Grubb, born May 19, 1726, died July 27, 1808, was united in marriage to Elizabeth Frea, born June 24, 1737, died October 2, 1823. Their son, David Grubb, born July 19, 1768, married Mary Harley, born July 25, 1773, and their deaths occurred, respectively, September 5, 1852, and March 16, 1851.

Mary (Harley) Grubb was a descendant of Rudolph Harley, who emigrated from Germany in 1719, and the line of descent was through Rudolph Harley, who married Mary Becker, daughter of the Rev. Peter Becker, first Bishop of the Brethren or Dunkards, to Rudolph Harley, who married Barbara Each. Jacob Grubb, son of David and Mary (Harley) Grub was born March 12, 1793, married Mary Martin, born November 1, 1788, a daughter of Christian Martin, and their deaths occurred respectively, September 1, 1867, and March 15, 1867. Their son, Silas Grubb, born November 19, 1819, father of Bishop Grubb, married Elizabeth Bertolet, who was born February 16, 1825, and their deaths occurred respectively, November 11, 1876, and September 9, 1893.

Elizabeth (Bertolet) Grubb, mother of Bishop Grubb, traced her ancestry to Jean Bertolet, who emigrated from Switzerland in 1726, passport dated at Berne, April 29, 1726, married Susanna De Harcourt, daughter of Jean De Harcourt, of French nobility.

Their son, Abraham Bertolet, born December 11, 1712, died July -, 1776; in 1736 he married Esther De Turk, born September 29, 1711, died May 19, 1798. Their son, Samuel Bertolet, born September 14, 1743, died January 1, 1805; he was a member of the militia, and General Washington and his aides made their headquarters at his home while his army was encamped at Camp Pottstown; after the battle of Germantown. His first wife was Esther Frey, and his second Elizabeth Frey, sisters, the latter named born June 6, 1762, died August 8, 1823.

They were descendants of Henry Frey (the first German settler in Pennsylvania), who emigrated from Germany in 1675, married, April 26, 1692, Anna Catharine Levering. Their son, William Frey, born in 1693, married, about 1718, Veronica Markley, and died June 15, 1768. Their son, Jacob Frey, born January 1, 1726, died April 26, 1770; he married Susanna Bertolet, born November 17, 1724, died January 12, 1788. John Bertolet, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Frey) Bertolet, was born November 5, 1790, died January 12, 1864; he married Catharine Detweiler, born February 15, 1799, died March 14, 1842. They were the parents of the following named children: John, Elizabeth, aforementioned as the wife of Silas Grubb, whose occupation was that of farmer, and in their religious affiliation they were Mennonites; Catharine, Mary, Esther, Susan, and Lydia Bertolet.

 

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Nathaniel B. Grubb received his education in the public schools of the township, Frederick Institute, then an academy and preparatory school for teachers, now the "Mennonite Home" for the aged of the church, and later at the "Buildings Anstald" at Wadsworth. He lived and worked on the farm until the age of seventeen, when he was apprenticed to the owners of the Schwenksville flouring mills to learn the trade of a miller.

He followed this calling for about five years, and worked as day laborer for several years. In 1877 he established a printing house for the execution of book and job printing. In response to a call from the better element of the community for a clean local household paper, in the fall of the same year he established The Schwenksville Item, which he conducted on a strictly moral basis, with fearless expressions of religious convictions.

This special feature gave the paper from the first a substantial support, making it a channel of influence and usefulness for good. For six years he continued as editor and publisher, and then having a desire to devote all his time to the Gospel ministry, and having accepted a call to the First Mennonite church of Philadelphia in the fall of 1882, he sold the paper on condition that it must always retain its strict moral tone. This has been retained in a high degree to the present day.

He united with the Mennonite church on confession of faith, and the rite of baptism in the spring of 1865 was administered by Moses H. Gottshall at the Schwenksville congregation. He served as superintendent of the Sunday school at that place for a term of four years, 1869 to 1872. He was called to be assistant in the ministry of the congregation by unanimous vote of the congregation, May 9, 1872, and was ordained on June 30 of the same year by Bishop Moses H. Gottshall, who also ordained him to the office of Bishop in the Philadelphia church, May 22, 1884.

In 1884, while serving as pastor of the Philadelphia and Germantown congregations, a great need for an English publication for the benefit of his people was felt. Plans for such a paper had been formulated and it was about to be published, when several brethren urged that the need of his own congregation was the need of the entire conference.

Accordingly, in the fall of 1885 the prospectus of the Mennonite was prepared and presented to the conference with two propositions: 1. That the conference assume the publication of the same, and elect a committee which shall be held responsible for its management, and thus make it a conference publication. 2. That the paper be published by individuals with the endorsement of the conference and a commendation of the same to the churches. The first proposition was accepted, and for six years the founder was continued as its editor. The great press of pastoral work compelled him to decline the further duties as editor.

In response to a crying need for a local congregational paper to be enabled to better prosecute the more aggressive work in his charge, on January 1, 1897, the Mennonite Endeavorer made its first appearance.

 

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At the suggestion of the pastor the Christian Endeavor Society of the church authorized the publication of the same. The circulation at present is a thousand copies monthly. The paper is distributed free among the members and friends of the congregation and Sunday school. The actual cost is about $350.00 a year. The publication is carried on under the management of the pastor with the assistance of two associate editors. The conditions that no debt can be contracted and that no deficiency can be allowed is strictly adhered to. He served as assistant pastor to Bishop Moses H. Gottshall for ten and a half years prior to his acceptance of the call to the First Mennonite Congregation of Philadelphia. He assumed the pastorate October 1, 1882.

The "Mennonite Home," an institution for the care of the aged and the indigent of the church, was established by his untiring efforts, he first purchasing the property, believing that the offer made would be accepted, and then collecting the larger amount of money needed to place the institution free of debt on a self-sustaining basis. For many years he has been a member of the Evangelical Alliance of Philadelphia; since 1887 a member of the board of management of the same; and since the organization of the Pennsylvania State Evangelical Alliance (1897) its recording secretary. For a number of years he has been the presiding officer of a district comprising twenty-two churches, representing almost as many different denominations.

The object of this organization is not to unite the churches under one government, but to lead the different churches to cooperation on general principles, and to united work against the enemy of the church, thus cultivating charity for each other and loyalty to one's own church and denomination. As a direct result of such work in one winter recently 8700 souls were gathered into the churches of Philadelphia.

For many years Bishop Grubb has been a member of the board of the First Day Society of Philadelphia, now one hundred and twelve years old, composed of thirteen persons, to manage a fund invested a century ago, the income of which is applied to the needy Sunday schools of this city. Amounts of from five to twenty-five dollars a year are donated to such schools as apply and are found to be worthy of support, with no distinction as to denomination or race. He was one of two persons who established the National Anti-Treating Society, and since its organization has served as its general treasurer.

The object of this society is to labor for the abolition of the social custom of treating another to intoxicating liquors. A bill before the Pennsylvania State Legislature three years ago making the treating to malt or spirituous liquors a crime, punishable by fine or imprisonment or both, and defeated only by a majority of three votes, originated in this society.

Since 1872 Bishop Grubb has been a regular delegate to the triennial sessions of the general conference of the Mennonite church of North America, and for nearly twenty years the chairman of the publication board of the same. For six years he has been a member of the board of trustees of Bethel (Mennonite) College, Newton, Kansas; a member of the board of trustees of Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania; chairman of the board of management of the "Mennonite Home," Frederick, Pennsylvania; and a member of the board of trustees of the United Society of Christian Endeavor, headquarters at Boston, Massachusetts. During the winter of 1893, when there was so much suffering among the working people of Philadelphia, and the city spent nearly $200,000 for relief, a large territory was personally supervised by Bishop Grubb, this covering one of the twenty-five districts of the city, and the needs of the people supplied. He visited the homes of the poor and suffering, which included from forty to seventy families, once and sometimes twice a week. Bishop Grubb spent the summer of 1900 visiting eight different countries of Europe.

At Tremont, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, July 4; 1872, by the Rev. Frederick Klinefelder, Bishop Nathaniel B. Grubb was married to Salome C. Gottshall, daughter of Joseph H. and Catharine (Clemens) Gottshall, and a descendant from the earliest Mennonite family in America, as is also her husband.

Six children were born to them, as follows: Silas Manasses, born October 1, 1873, was ordained to the Gospel ministry in the Mennonite church, May 26, 1897; he married Catharine Roth, June 7, 1899, and their child, Robert R. Grubb, was born June 17, 1900. Katie Augusta, born May 27, 1875, died June 23, 1883. Arthur Eugene, born November 30, 1877, died April 23, 1878. William Henry, born September 28, 1879, married Della Reed, January 2, 1904; was ordained to the Gospel ministry, August, 1903. Lizzie Irene, born June 19, 1881, died September 22, 1884. Wallace Bertolet, born September 22, 1883, married Mary Evans Christman, March 28, 1904.

 

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HENRY MARTIN, deceased, was a well known dealer in stock, residing in the township of Worcester, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was a native of the city of Philadelphia, where he was born on the 26th of December, 1848.

The family are of German descent, Nicholas Martin, father of Henry Martin, was a native of the city of Hamburg, in Germany, where he grew to manhood. On reaching the age of thirty years he decided, to emigrate to America. He landed in Philadelphia, where he engaged in business and reared a family, dying in that city at the age of fifty-five years. The only living relative of Mr. Henry Martin is a sister, Mrs. Mary Devau, residing on Seventh street, between York and Cumberland, Philadelphia.

 

 

JONAS WYMAN HALLOWELL, of Moreland township, was a splendid type of the rural citizen. He did honor to the traditions attaching to its early people, and its best traits of character were impressed upon him, and colored his whole life. He was a descendant of John Hallowell, the immigrant, who became the progenitor of a numerous family in that section, and from whom descended most if not all of the Hallowells of Bucks and Montgomery counties.

John Hallowell, the immigrant, was twice married, as appears from the records of Abington meeting. His first wife Sarah bore him one child, John, born in England, 12 mo. 8, 1672. His second wife was Mary, a daughter of Thomas Sharpe, who came with him from Hucknow, in the parish of Sutton, Nottinghamshire, England, bringing a Friends' certificate dated 12 mo. 19, 1682. Of this Marriage there were nine children, the first three born in England and the others in America, as follows: Sarah, born 1677; Thomas, 1679; Mary, 1681; John, 1685; Elizabeth, 1687; Hannah, 1689; Samuel, 1692; Benjamin, 1694; Jane, 1696.

 

John Hallowell, on first coming to the country, settled near Darby. On 6 mo. 15, 1696, he bought from Silas Crispin, executor of the estate of Thomas Holm, a tract of land containing 630 acres in Abington township, adjoining Upper Dublin, and on the line of the Manor of Moreland for upwards of a mile, paying therefor 58 pounds, 16 shillings. Soon after this purchase John Hallowell removed to his new property, living at first in a rude cabin which he constructed partly in the ground, on the sunny side of a hill, making a habitation which in early days was known as a cave, similar to those constructed by some of the early settlers of Philadelphia. This was at or near what has recently been the residence of the well known horseman, Philip R. Theobald, about a mile and a half southwest of Willow Grove, in one of the finest neighborhoods in Montgomery county. The Theobald farm formed a portion of the original Hallowell tract. Up to the time of the Theobald purchase from Benjamin Hallowell, son of Isaac and Sarah Hallowell, about 1850, the property had remained in the Hallowell family, and the adjoining one hundred acre tract has remained in the family name for considerably more than two centuries. John Hallowell conveyed to his eldest son, Thomas, 8 mo. 1, 1702, 220 acres of his tract with the improvements thereon. The remainder, 403 acres, he divided equally, 4 mo. 11, 1706, between two younger sons, Samuel and Benjamin, as they came of age. Thomas conveyed, 12 mo. 25, 1730, his 220 acre farm derived from his father, to his eldest child William, who in 1730 purchased from William Dunn one hundred acres in Moreland which he conveyed June 3, 1736, to his son Thomas, weaver, who had previously occupied it. This tract was situated a mile northwest of Willow Grove, and is the farm which was owned, by Joseph Hallowell, father of Dr. William Hallowell, of Norristown, now long deceased, and on which he was born more than a century ago, he having been the son of Joseph Hallowell, and grandson of Thomas Hallowell. Thomas died in 1788, and his son Joseph in 1843, William dying fifty years later, so that the three generations of the same family, represented by these three individuals, owned the property for a time somewhat exceeding a century and a half, being a very remarkable instance of longevity in one family.

 

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Thomas, son of John and Mary Hallowell, born 1679, died 1734, married in 1702, at Darby, in what is now Delaware county, Pennsylvania, Rosamond Till, who survived him, dying in 1745. Both were buried in the old section of the burying ground adjoining the Friends' meeting house at Abington. Their children were: John, born 1703; Mary, 1705; Thomas, 1706; William Rosamond, 1709; Elizabeth, 1711; Sarah 1714; Thomas, 1715; Samuel, 1717; Joseph, 1719.

 

William, son of Thomas and Rosamond (Till) Hallowell, resided on his farm in Abington until 8 mo. 23, 1794, when he died at the age of eighty-seven years. He was twice married His first wife was Margaret, born 1708, died 1753, daughter of Matthias (or Mathew) and Mary Tyson. They were the parents of twelve children: Thomas, born 1730; Rosamond, 1731; Mathew, 1733; William, 1734; John, 1736; Rynear, 1739, David, 1740; Mary, 1742; Isaac, 1744; John, 1746; John (3d), 1749; Joshua, 1751. William Hallowell named (second) Agnes, daughter of Peter Shoemaker, and to them were born four children: Daniel, born 1754; Caleb, 1756; Joseph, 1759; Sarah, 1761.

John Hallowell, son of William and Margaret (Tyson) Hallowell, born in 1749, great-grandfather of the present Henry W. Hallowell, was a resident of Cheltenham township, Montgomery county. He married, 11 mo. 3, 1774, Martha, born 3 mo. 9, 1753, in Milford, Bucks county, daughter of Thomas, Jr. and Letitia Roberts, her father being the son of Thomas Roberts, the immigrant. John and Martha (Roberts) Hallowell lived in Abington township after then marriage, and John died there in 1793, during the prevalence of an epidemic of yellow fever in Philadelphia, he having contracted the disease while engaged in the transaction of business in that city. Their children were: Ann, married Joseph Williams; John R., married Ann Jarrett.

Israel, second son and child of John and Martha (Roberts) Hallowell, and grandfather of Henry W. Hallowell, was born in 1778. He was a large property holder, owning valuable farms in Abington and Moreland townships, and was also a miller, owning a grist mill on the Pennypack creek, which his father had operated prior to the Revolutionary war. He married Mary, daughter of William Jarrett, of Horsham, and their children were: Ann L., who married Isaac Mather, for whose children see sketch of Isaac Mather, elsewhere in this work; Martha, married Samuel Parry; John J., married Rachel Williams; Tacy, married David Eastburn; William Jarrett, married Lydia Ann Lloyd; Israel, Jr., of whom further below; Mary, married George Ely; and Jonas Wyman.

Jonas Wyman Hallowell (deceased) was born on the old Hallowell homestead now occupied by Ellia and Tacy Hallowell, where the old Hallowell mill is located, April 10, 1824. He was the son of Israel and Mary (Jarrett) Hallowell. He spent his entire life in his native township. His early education was obtained at the old log schoolhouse on his father's farm.

In 1840 and 1841 he attended the academy of Benjamin Hallowell, at Alexandria, Virginia. On his return from school he entered into partnership with his brother, W. Jarrett Hallowell, in the old Pennypack mill, where he remained until 1860, when he located on the farm. He was for some years engaged in the milling business, and also in agricultural pursuits a part of his life, but for ten years previous to his death he lived retired. He was a member of the school board for thirteen years. He was an estimable citizen who enjoyed the respect and confidence of the entire community in which he lived, and throughout his entire life fully exemplified the traditions of his forefathers, and his example was well worthy of emulation.

 

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Jonas W. Hallowell married, April 7, 1859, Esther L. Fenton, daughter of James and Ann (Livezey) Fenton. Esther L. Hallowell was born October 3, 1833. The children of Jonas and Esther Hallowell: Israel, born March 31, 1863, married, January 22, 1890, Ruth A., born June 26, 1866, daughter of George and Ann Elizabeth Branin; and had the following children: George B., born July 25, 1891; Alice E., born December 10, 1894; Mary Elizabeth born January 2, 1902: James F., born January 24, 1865, married, October 22, 1890, Emma W., daughter of John Lloyd, and have one daughter, Marion L. Hallowell, born May 14, 1892; John J., born March 2, 1868, married March 10, 1900, Mary E. Howell; daughter of William and Sarah Howell, of Dayton, Ohio, who have one son, John Wyman Hallowell, born December 8, 1900. Jonas Wyman Hallowell, father of the above named children, died December 25, 1899.

 

 

(Picture of Israel Hallowell)

 

ISRAEL HALLOWELL, eldest child of Jonas W. and Esther L. (Fenton) Hallowell, was born at the family homestead near Bethayres, March 31, 1863.

His early mental training was obtained at the Abington Friends' School, where he attended up to the age of fifteen, when he entered the Friends' Central High School at Fifteenth and Race streets, Philadelphia, where he attended for three years. In the autumn of 1882, at the earnest solicitation of the late county superintendent, Professor R. F. Hoffecker, Mr. Hallowell taught the Mt. Pleasant school in Moreland township. Not intending to make teaching his avocation, Mr. Hallowell, however, passed a successful examination and received a teacher's certificate from Professor Hoffecker, and again taught school in Moreland township during the winter of 1883. In 1886 Mr. Hallowell engaged in farming on his own account on the homestead, in partnership with his brother James F. In 1887 James F. withdrew, and Israel has continued the management of the homestead farm successfully to the present time. Mr. Hallowell's interest in educational affairs has always been of the active kind.

In 1889 he accepted the appointment to fill the unexpired term of Henry Morris, in the Moreland township school board; in 1891 was elected a member of the board to succeed himself, and has since been consecutively elected and served on the board to the present time.

In 1898 he was chosen by the board as treasurer, and has since filled the position to the entire satisfaction of his colleagues. Mr. Hallowell has also taken an active interest in all such enterprises that have tended toward the advancement of his neighborhood. He is a member of the board of directors of the Huntingdon Valley Building and Loan Association; a member of the board of directors of the Fox Chase and Huntingdon Turnpike Company; and has served as assistant clerk of the Abington Friends' meeting for a number of years, and as clerk of the same since 1897. Himself and family are members of the Abington Friends' meeting.

Israel Hallowell was married, January 22, 1890, to Ruth A., born June 26, 1866, daughter of George and Ann Elizabeth Branin, and their children are: George B., born July 25, 1891; Alice E., born December 10, 1894; and Mary Elizabeth, born January 2, 1902.

 

 

(Picture of James F. Hallowell)

 

JAMES FENTON HALLOWELL, second child of Jonas W. and Esther L. (Fenton) Hallowell, was born at the family homestead in Moreland township, January 24, 1865. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof, during which period he assisted with the work on his father's farm. He attended the Abington Friends' school until he was thirteen years old, then entered the Friends' Central High School at Fifteenth and Race streets, Philadelphia, which he attended for three years, and then desiring to enter into commercial pursuits he pursued a course at the Bryant and Stratton Business College of Philadelphia.

His first employment was in the wholesale grocery establishment of Lippincott & Co., 21 North Water street, Philadelphia, where he filled various positions. By industry and fidelity to duty he soon won the confidence of his employers, who rapidly advanced him to positions of trust and responsibility. On January 1, 1897, he severed his connection with this house; and engaged in the brokerage and commission business at No. 11 South Front street, Philadelphia, having entered into partnership with T. A. James, under the firm name of T. A. James & Co. The firm met with immediate success under their well directed efforts, and the arrangement was continued up to January 1, 1902, when Mr. Hallowell withdrew his interests. He then purchased a half interest in the firm of B. S. Janney, Jr. & Co., whole sale grocers, at 119 to 123 Market street, Philadelphia. This firm was subsequently incorporated, Mr. Hallowell becoming its treasurer, and it is needless to say that he is eminently well-fitted for the duties of this responsible position which he is filling at the present time (1904). The wholesome influences of his home training and his careful preparation for a useful business career have been the leading factors in the success he has attained. In addition to his commercial interests, Mr. Hallowell is actively identified with the Central Trust and Savings Company at Fourth and Market streets, Philadelphia, of which institution he was one of the incorporators, and is also a member of the board of directors.

 

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James F. Hallowell was married October 22, 1890, to Emma Lloyd, who was born September 13, 1867, daughter of John and Annie W. Lloyd. They are the parents of one child, Marion L., born May 14, 1892.

 

 

(Picture of John J. HallowelL)

 

JOHN JARRETT HALLOWELL, third child and youngest son of Jonas W. and Esther L. (Fenton) Hallowell, was born at the family homestead in Moreland township, March 2, 1868. His boyhood days were spent in the same manner as the majority of boys reared in the country, assisting in the work of the farm and obtaining an education. His preliminary studies were pursued in the Abington Friends' school, which he attended until thirteen years of age, and this was supplemented by attendance at the Friends' Central High School at Fifteenth and Race streets, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1886.

He immediately took up the practical duties of life by entering the employ of Altemus & Co., commercial stationers, in Philadelphia, with whom he remained for a number of years. He was then employed by the William Mann Company, serving five years with the two firms.

In 1891, owing to the impaired condition of his health, he went to Arizona and spent some time in the west. After recovering his usual health and strength, and wishing to again take up commercial pursuits, he entered the employ of the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, remaining with them until 1901. During these years of active commercial life, he gained an experience which thoroughly qualified him for a practical business career, and in 1901 he bought from his brother James F. his stock in T. A. James & Co. Incorporated, with which he has been connected to the present time (1904). Mr. Hallowell was made treasurer, the duties of which responsible position are faithfully and efficiently carried out by him in a prompt and reliable manner.

John Jarrett Hallowell was married March 10, 1900, to Mary E. Howell, who was born January 20, 1878, daughter of William and Sarah (Applegate) Howell, of Dayton, Ohio. One child is the issue of this marriage, John Wyman, born December 8, 1900.

James Fenton, father of Esther L. Hallowell, was one of eight brothers, all of whom lived beyond the age of seventy-four years. He was a native of Cheltenham township, and was a son of Ephraim and Mary Fenton, and a farmer by occupation. He was regarded as one of the most successful farmers of Montgomery county. He learned in youth the carpenter trade. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Abington township, where Walnut Hill Station is now located, on the Philadelphia, Newtown and New York Railroad and spit his latter years on the farm now occupied by his son William W. Fenton, on the Second street pike. He was of more than ordinary ability, and was a man who enjoyed the confidence of the community. He died January 8, 1865.

 

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James Fenton was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Webster. The couple had four children- Ephraim T., William W., Ann (Mrs. Syrick Shallcross), and Sarah W., widow of Anthony Livezey. His second wife was Ann Livezey. They were married March 15, 1827, and Mrs. Esther L. (Fenton) Hallowell was their only child. Ann Livezey was a daughter of Anthony and Esther (Bailey) Livezey.