(Picture of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin K. Tomlinson)

 

BENJAMIN K. TOMLINSON. Among the early settlers of Montgomery and Bucks counties, Pennsylvania, who suffered all the hard-ships and privations incident to pioneer life, and to whom so much credit and honor is due for their indefatigable efforts in clearing and cultivating the land, building homes and improving the, condition of affairs generally, was the Tomlinson family, so worthily represented in the present generation by Benjamin K. Tomlinson, a successful agriculturist and an esteemed resident of Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

John Tomlinson, grandfather of Benjamin K. Tomlinson, was a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, and his active career was devoted to farming, in which occupation he was eminently successful. He was a well informed man, and therefore, wielded quite an influence in the community. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and a Whig in politics, but never sought or held political office. He married a Miss Tomlinson (no relative) and they reared a large family of children, all of whom became useful and active citizens.

Robert Tomlinson, father of Benjamin K. Tomlinson, was born on the old homestead in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. He acquired the education afforded by the common schools of that day, which enabled him to cope successfully with the duties and responsibilities of an active career. He became thoroughly familiar with all the details of fanning by assisting his father on the home farm, whereon he re mined until he was of age, when he moved to Horsham township, Montgomery county, where he continued farming operations up to the breaking out of the Civil war. He then traded and sold his property, taking up his residence in New York state, but at the close of hostilities between the north and south returned to Horsham township remaining there until his death. As a citizen he was public-spirited and active, promoting to the best of his ability the enterprises calculated to promote growth and prosperity. His political affiliations were with the Republican party Shortly after his removal to Horsham township.

Mr. Tomlinson married Miss Hannah Kenderdine, a daughter of Thomas Kenderdine, who conducted a sawmill in Horsham township, and was familiarly known as "Saw Mill Thomas." The Kenderdine family was one of the most prominent in Montgomery county, its members filling many positions of trust and responsibility. Their children were Edward K., Isadore, Algernon, Selina, Sarah, Rachel, Frank L. and Benjamin K. Robert Tomlinson, the father of these children, after a life of great usefulness, died in 1879. His widow, who was a woman of exemplary character and greatly beloved by all who knew her, passed away in 1893.

Benjamin K. Tomlinson was born on the home farm in Horsham township, near Prospectville, on what was known as the old Armitage farm, September 9, 1848. He obtained a thorough knowledge of the rudimentary branches of education in the common schools of the township, and completed his course of study at Shortledge's Academy, Concordville, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. At this time the Civil war broke out, and being of a patriotic nature and also desiring in her hour of peril to serve the country he loved, he enlisted in three different companies, but was rejected in each on account of his youthful age. He gained his first practical experience by working on the farm of Daniel Foulke, of Gwynedd township, with whom he remained a short time. He then engaged with his brother in the coal business, in the city of Philadelphia, in the management of which he was eminently successful.

 

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In 1880 he removed to Green Lane, Montgomery county, engaged in the ice business, and after continuing the same for five years, returned to the city of Philadelphia and engaged in the egg and butter business. His next place of residence was Roxborough, where for some time he was engaged in the tilling of the soil. In 1891 he purchased the old Freas farm of thirty-nine acres in Whitemarsh township, whereon he has resided ever since, conducting a general farm with success.

Mr. Tomlinson is a practical business man, possessing in a large degree capacity for details, promptness, thoroughness and reliability, all of which are such requisite essentials for success, no matter what calling or profession a man may enter. He is an honored member of the Society of Friends at Plymouth Meeting. He is an Independent Republican in politics, and while he is an earnest party worker has never sought or held public office, preferring the routine of business life to that of the political arena. Mr. Tomlinson is a fair type of a true American citizen, a man who has been prospered in many ways, who enjoys the confidence of all who know him, and whose sterling worth and integrity are well worthy of example.

In 1872 Mr. Tomlinson married Miss Catherine Shaw, a daughter of Lewis and Esther (Fitzwater) Shaw, residents of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Shaw being one of its prominent and successful farmers. Their family consists of the following named children: Edwin K., married Minnie Heyne; Mary J., who became the wife of Lewis Hughes, and they are the parents of three children: Hannah K., Sarah K., Elizabeth, Walter Pamilla, deceased; Charles A., Lorenzo, and Edith B. Tomlinson.

 

 

JOHN MOYER. The Moyers are an old family in Bucks and Montgomery counties, being of German descent, and their ancestors, as well as many of the present generation, were of the Mennonite faith.

Enos Moyer father of John M. Moyer, was born in Franconia township. He obtained his education in the neighborhood schools, and then turned his attention to farming, and later engaged in the grain business with his brother Christian. With his son John he now conducts the business. In politics he is an earnest Republican, exerting himself to secure the success of his party. He has held the office of school director in the borough of Souderton for some years. He is president of the Water Supply Company of Perkasie, and is a prominent member of the Mennonite church. He has been married three times. His first wife was Sarah Kulp, by whom he had three children. His second wife was Mary Moyer, and by the second marriage he had three children: John M., subject of this sketch; Susan and Jacob. His third wife was also named Mary Moyer, but no relation of his first wife.

John M. Moyer was born in Hatfield township, June 17, 1882. He was educated in the public schools of Souderton, and then entered Peirce's College in Philadelphia, where he took a degree in a business course. He then returned to his home, and about a year ago associated himself with his father in business. They are engaged in the hay, grain and feed business at Souderton. He is a Republican in politics, and an active party worker. He is popular in the community, and is likely to be one of the most prosperous and successful business men of Souderton.

 

 

ANDREW M. BARLOW. The earliest ancestor of the family of whom there is any authentic information was John Barlow, great-grandfather of Andrew M. Barlow, who was born May 16, 1763. By his marriage to Phoebe Bolton, who was born March 10, 1761, the following named children were born: Mahlon, born January 3, 1788, died April 28, 1809; John, born August 12, 1790, mentioned hereinafter: Abner, born December 28, 1792; Nathan, born January 27, 1795: Rebecca, born October 3, 1797: Joel, born February 18, 1799, died March 15, 1832; and Phoebe, born May 18, 1802, became the wife of David Evans.

John Barlow, grandfather of Andrew M. Barlow, was born in Limerick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1790.

 

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He was educated in the common schools of that day, and for a number of years thereafter he was employed in farming on the homestead. Later he purchased a farm in his native township, which he operated until his death, in 1848. He was a successful business man, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He married Anna Evans, of Limerick township, a representative of an old family of Welsh descent, the ancestors having come to Pennsylvania in the time of William Penn.

They were the parents of the following named children: Mahlon, Mary, Charlotte, and James Barlow.

James Barlow, father of Andrew M. Barlow, was a native of Limerick township, Montgomery county. He was educated in the school adjacent to his home, and throughout the years of his active career devoted his attention exclusively to farming pursuits. In politics he was a Democrat, always taking an active part in behalf of the interests of his party. He married Sophia Markley, daughter of Andrew Markley, a farmer of New Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

Their children are: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Warren Kuyler, a farmer of Limerick township. Richard, who married Elizabeth Neiman, and after her death married Mary H. Cochran, of New York city; they reside at Linfield. J. Calvin, born January 9, 1854, on the old homestead; he was educated at the common schools and at Washington Hall at Trappe, and followed teaching for ten years in Limerick township, after which he worked in the city of Philadelphia in the Kline & Company, stove foundry, for three years was clerk for the Marsh & Brownback Stove Company at Linfield, and during the year 1903 for the Royersford Trust Company.

He is a Free Mason, and a Knight of the Golden Eagle. He is a Democrat in politics, and during President Cleveland's administration was appointed postmaster of Linfield; he also served for nine years as assessor of Limerick township. His church membership is with the Lutheran church of Limerick township. For the past fourteen years he has made his home with his brother, Andrew M. Brooke M. resides at Limerick Square, is assessor of the township, and a director in the Royersford Trust Company; he married Savilla Walt. Andrew M., mentioned hereinafter. James Barlow, father of these children, died January 25, 1881, aged sixty years; his wife died October 24, 1903.

Andrew M. Barlow was born in Limerick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1858. He obtained his education in the public schools and at Washington Hall at Trappe. He then resided in the home of an uncle with whom he learned the blacksmith trade. On completing his apprenticeship he went to Stempton, where he entered the car shops and worked at his trade, remaining there one year, after which he returned to his old home in Limerick township. He then learned telegraphy, and in 1879 entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, remaining until 1890, when he removed to his present farm, which he purchased in 1886. In politics Mr. Barlow is a Democrat, and aside from serving as school director for five terms has never sought or held office. He is a member of the Masonic order; a Knight of the Golden Eagle; and a member of Humane Fire Company, No. 1, of Royersford.

On December 3, 1881, Mr. Barlow married Ida M. Yeager, daughter of William Yeager, a farmer of Limerick township. Their children, both of whom reside at home, are: Florence S., born October 19, 1882; and William Y., born January 6, 1885. Mr. Barlow was confirmed in the Swamp Lutheran church, April 14, 1877, and is still a member of that congregation. His wife and family were confirmed in the St. Vincent Reformed church, Chester county, Pennsylvania, and are members of that congregation.

 

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MRS. ANNA H. GRISCOM, widow of Joseph W. Griscom, and daughter of Charles and Mary (Buckman) Harper, is a native of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, where she has Made her home throughout her entire life. For three terms Mrs. Griscom has efficiently and faithfully performed the duties of postmaster of that borough. She is also a director of the Abington Library Society of Jenkintown, and vice-president of the Jenkintown Day Nursery and Kindergarten. She is a member of the Episcopal church of that place. Mr. Griscom died August 22, 1892.

Joseph W. Griscom was born at Woodbury, New Jersey, May 5, 1852; a son of David and Jane (Whitlock) Griscom. His mother's parents (Whitlocks) were residents of Frankford, where they resided for many years. They were consistent members of the Society of Friends. Joseph W. Griscom was one of a family of six children. He was educated in the schools of Woodbury, the Friends' Central School of Philadelphia, and after a regular course graduated from the College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia. He practiced his profession as a chemist up to 1883, when he met with a serious accident caused by a chemical explosion, which incapacitated him for further work in his profession. He died August 22, 1892. Mr. Griscom married Anna H. Harper on October 10, 1877.

Charles Harper, father of Mrs. Anna H. Griscom, was a native of Jenkintown, where he was born February 15, 1829. He was a lifelong resident of the town, and one of its most useful and progressive citizens. He died April 5, 1898. When eleven years of age he entered the general store of Thomas Hallowell, on the Old York Road, in the capacity of clerk, a position which he filled for several years. He then formed a partnership with William M. Buckman, and together they conducted successfully a general merchandise business for a number of years, when Mr. Harper purchased Mr. Buckman's interest in the business, operating it in his own interests for many years. He was identified for over half a century with the general mercantile business in Jenkintown, and on his retirement from that occupation became engaged with his son, Thomas B. Harper, in the sinking of artesian wells. In 1880 he erected the handsome residence at the corner of Cedar street and West Avenue, in Jenkintown, now occupied by Mrs. Griscom, where he continued to reside until his death. Mr. Harper was a member of town council for several terms, was at one time a member of the school board, and also held the position of postmaster. He was a charter member of Friendship Lodge, No. 400, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Abington Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He took an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his native town. His cheerful and hopeful temperament rendered him a favorite with all classes of the community in which he lived. Charles Harper married, in 1852, Mary Buckman, born in December, 1833, died in August, 1903. Their children: Anna H. (Mrs. Griscom); Emma C., wife of Franklin Betts; Thomas B., burgess of Jenkintown; Adeline H. The children of Franklin and Emma C. Betts are Charles Harper, Frank and Ralph W. Charles Harper Betts married Harriet Hutzzell, and they have one child, Virginia Hampton.

THE BUCKMAN FAMILY have long been settled in Pennsylvania. Thomas Buckman, great-great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, accompanied William Penn from England to America in 1682, and settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he conducted business as a blacksmith. His son Thomas succeeded to his father's business, and located in Newtown, at that time the county seat of Bucks. He married, his children being Thomas, Jesse, Phebe (Mrs. Kelly), and Hannah (Mrs. Leedom). Thomas and Jesse, of the sons, were both blacksmiths, the first named marrying Mary, daughter of Abram and Rachel Harding, also of Bucks county.

The children of Thomas and Mary (Harding) Buckman: Abram, Priscilla, (Mrs. Jacob Twining), Rachel, (Mrs. Chillian Cooper), Hannah, Harding, Mary (Mrs. William Bailey), Phebe (Mrs. John Jones), Thomas, Sarah Ann (Mrs. John Jones), William and Benjamin. Of these children Thomas was born December 11, 1802, in Falls township, Bucks county, and after a period of early youth spent with his parents became a member of the family of his brother Harding. He next became a resident of Moreland township, in the county of Montgomery, where he was interested in agricultural pursuits, renting and cultivating a farm. He resided on it for three years, when he removed to Abington township, immediately adjoining, and occupied a farm in the vicinity of Jenkintown.

Mr. Buckman continued his vocation of farmer for a number of years, until an opportunity presented itself to him to engage profitably in the business of lime burning, to which he devoted himself for six years, also purchasing a farm in the state of Delaware. Later he became a resident of Cheltenham township, purchasing land on which he resided for a period of eight years.

 

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In the year 1851 he purchased a farm in Abington township, on which he spent the remainder of his life. He married in 1828, Ann, daughter of Clement and Rebecca Comly. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Buckman: Amos, Alfred, Mary (Mrs. Charles Harper, mother of Mrs. Anna H. Griscom); Jacob, a farmer of Plymouth township, in Montgomery county; William, Thomas and Joseph. The mother died in 1861, and Mr. Buckman married in 1864, Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas Brooke, who served in the war of 1812, and granddaughter of Major William Brooke, a soldier of the war of the Revolution. By the second marriage there were two sons, Linford and Jesse. Mrs. Buckman's mother died in 1883, in her ninety-first year. Thomas Buckman was a member of the Society of Friends and attended Abington Meeting, near his home. In politics he was a Republican, although he never sought or held office.

 

 

ABINGTON LIBRARY SOCIETY.

The Abington Library Society, with which Mrs. Griscom is connected as a director, is one of the most useful institutions of the kind in eastern Pennsylvania. At the beginning of the last century Jenkintown was a village of twenty-five houses. The residents therein were, however, desirous of being intelligent, and they accordingly held a public meeting on the 19th of February, 1903, for the purpose of establishing a library. Thirty-three members were enrolled, and John Morrison, Ebenezer Hickling and William Johnson were appointed a committee to prepare bylaws. The members of the society were in many cases the founders of the prominent families of the present day in the vicinity. Goldsmith's "Animated Nature" was the first book purchased, for $6.50 and it is still in the library in a good state of preservation.

The first election of officers took place January 2, 1804, when John Morrison, John Michener, Thomas Shoemaker, John Moore and Richard T. Leech were chosen directors; William Johnson, treasurer, and Jesse Johnson, librarian. It was then decided to procure a charter. The charter was granted September 5, 1805, and is still preserved in the archives of the society. Besides the names already mentioned, it bears those of Rynear Tyson, Clement R. Shepherd, David Thomas, James Oram, William McCalla, Isaac Clayton, Peter Johnson, Daniel Fletcher, Charles Hallowell, Joseph Phipps, Thomas Fletcher, Isaac Hallowell and Joseph Iredell. These names represented a member of the assembly, a justice of the peace, three merchants, a real estate agent, two physicians, and, in fact, most of the leading citizens within a mile of Jenkintown. January 6, 1806, the membership fee was fixed at $6, the annual dues being $1.50. The membership fee was increased in 1809 to $8, and in 1815 to $10, being reduced in 1821 to $6, and still later to $3, and in 1902 to $1, which also covers the use of the library for one year from the date of payment. It is the desire of the directors to, make the library practically free under certain restrictions to the citizens of Jenkintown and of the townships of Abington and Cheltenham, the management to remain in the hands of the regularly elected members. It has now about two hundred members.

Among the early members were Rev. Robert Steel, who became a member in 1826, Isaac Mather, still living, in 1827. Isaac Mather became treasurer in 1835, serving until 1848. He served as president from January, 1850, until January, 1903. Charles F. Wilson became a member in 1848, and served as librarian from that time until 1878. The library was for many years located in a room over Charles F. Wilson's store at York Road and Greenwood avenue. In 1878 it was removed to a room in the rear of Ridpath's drugstore, in Masonic Hall. Four years later it was removed to a room in the rear of the one it now occupies. Owing to a lack of funds to pay the rent, after seven years it was removed to a room over Joseph Dilworth's grocery store, whose owner, Charles Wilson, generously donated it free of rent for several years. The number of members had fallen in 1902 to thirteen, when the membership fee was reduced from $3 to $1, and 123 persons were immediately elected members. The northeast room on the first floor of Masonic Hall was secured, and the library has entered on a new lease of life, having nearly five thousand volumes on its capacious shelves. The following paragraph from the report presented at the meeting of the Society on June 12, 1903, will give an idea of its condition at that time:

 

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"During the year 1903, $2,636.33 has been received by the Society, $550 of which was given for the purpose of creating an endowment fund. This sum has been securely invested. For current expenses there has been paid during the year $659.20, and for the purchase of books $846.22, leaving the sum of $551.01 in the treasury of the library."

The officers are: President, Clement B. Newbold; secretary, Charles Mather; treasurer, Rudolph J. Mitchell; directors, Andrew H. Baker, Theodore B. Culver, Mrs. Daniel S. Marritt, Mrs. Nathan B. Gaskill, Miss M. W. Lippincott, Rev. Roberts Coles, John W. Ridpath, Mrs. Gideon Stoddart, Mrs. Harry E. Depuy, Miss Helen E. Williams; Mrs. Anna H. Griscom, secretary of board of trustees; Florence M. Ridpath, librarian. The institution is thus in a most flourishing condition.

 

 

CHESTER ARTHUR KRATZ, formerly an educator, and now occupying a responsible position in the custom house in Philadelphia, is a representative of a German family which was planted in America in colonial days.

The founder of the American branch of the Kratz family was John Valentine Kratz, youngest son of John Philip Kratz. He was born in the Palatinate in 1707, and in 1727 emigrated to America, sailing in the ship "Friendship," October 16th. He settled in Salford township, Philadelphia (now Montgomery) county, where he purchased about three hundred acres of land. He became a farmer by occupation. In the then sparsely settled region, with many others, members of the Mennonite church who had been persecuted in the fatherland on account of their religious belief, he established a church of that denomination. His death occurred in 1780, when the colonists were yet battling to throw off the yoke of Great Britain, and was their sincere sympathizer and aider to the last.

His descendants say that he married Ann Clemens, daughter of Gerhart Clemens, who was born in Europe in 1680, and who emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1709, settling in Montgomery county, where he purchased a thousand acres of land. He died in 1745. The children of John Valentine Kratz, the immigrant, were as follows: John, Michael, Gerhart, Philip, Abraham, Isaac, Anna, Valentine, and Isaac (2d).

Valentine Kratz, son of John Valentine Kratz, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, May 16, 1747, and died July 28, 1834. He was a farmer, and lived upon a farm of one hundred and fifty acres inherited from his father. He was a member of the Mennonite church. His wife was Mary Rosenberger, and they were the parents of nine children, among whom was Abraham Kratz, born in 1785. He lived the life of a farmer in Skippack township. He married Elizabeth Cassel, and they became the parents of eight children, among whom was John C. Kratz. The last named was born in Montgomery county, October 23, 1814. He was educated in the neighborhood schools, and was a farmer throughout his life, residing for many years in Lower Providence township. He took active interest in the affairs of the community. With his family he was a member of the Mennonite church. He married Catherine Z. Gotwals, and they were the grandparents of Chester Arthur Kratz, whose descent from the immigrant, John Valentine Kratz, has been traced in the foregoing.

 

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John Gotwals Kratz, son of John C. and Catherine Z. (Gotwals) Kratz, was born in Perkiomen township, Montgomery county, October 28, 1842. He was educated in the common schools and has been a farmer the greater part of his life. He was a lad of nineteen when the Rebellion broke out, and his patriotism impelled him to volunteer in the cause of his country, and he performed the full measure of a soldier's duty to the end of the war. He enlisted in September, 1862 in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. For the first six months his regiment performed the arduous and important duty of guarding the Relay House and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Baltimore and Washington, a line of prime importance for the transportation of reinforcements and supplies to the Army of the Potomac, and which was for this reason a principal object of attack by the rebels. Relieved from this duty, young Kratz marched with his regiment to historic Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and subsequently joined the grand army under Grant. He fought gallantly in the battles of Mine Run, Locust Grove, Beverly Station, and in the dreadful series of engagements in the Wilderness.

In one of the latter he received a severe gunshot wound in the right forearm which incapacitated him from military duty, and he was sent to the hospital, where he was invalided for eight months. After his recovery he rejoined his regiment, with which He served until the rebel army surrendered, and he was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He is a prominent member of Josiah White Post, G. A. R., of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Since he was old enough to vote he has been an ardent Republican, thoroughly believing in the progressive principles of the party. He married Eleanor E. Deeds, born in Lower Providence township, September 23, 1841, only daughter of Jesse and Catherine (Dengler) Deeds. He is a member of Trinity Reformed church of Collegeville, and his wife belongs to St. James's church (Protestant Episcopal) at Evansburg.

Chester Arthur Kratz, son of John Gotwals and Eleanor E. (Deeds) Kratz, was born in Lower Providence township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1873. He received a thorough education in the public schools of the village, meantime engaged with farm labors during the spring and summer months. This township was the first in the county to adopt the graded course of study, and young Kratz took full advantage of his opportunities, and with such success that at graduation he was chosen as valedictorian of the class. He at once engaged in teaching in the public schools of the county, and with the means so earned defrayed his expenses at night schools, and later at the West Chester Normal School and Ursinus College. He gave entire satisfaction as a teacher, being widely known and recognized as able, conscientious and progressive, and would undoubtedly have attained greater distinction in the profession had he not relinquished it.

In December, 1898, however, he was appointed to a responsible clerical position in the office of the United States collector of customs at the port of Philadelphia, winning the same through a competitive examination under the civil service rules, and he is thus engaged at the present time.

Mr. Kratz has from his student days been connected with the principal literary and educational societies in his part of the state, and has been primarily instrumental in the organization of a number of them. He was the first president of the Highland Literary Society, which until a few years ago flourished in Lower Providence. He has also held official position in the Methadon Literary Society in Lower Providence, and the Crescent Literary Society in Upper Providence. He is a member of the Lower Providence Alumni Association, having served as its president, and of the Montgomery County Alumni Association, an organization of the graduates of all the public schools in the county, including the various borough high schools; in the body last named he has held various offices, including those of vice-president and president, and has been a member of the board of managers from the inception. He is also a member of the Sons of Veterans, and of the Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Kratz was married at Providence Manor, Arcola, Pennsylvania, to Miss Kathryn M. Horton, and of this marriage was born a son, Francis Horton Kratz, in Philadelphia, August 14, 1904.

Mrs. Kratz received her education in the public schools of Lower Providence, in which she completed the graded course, graduating with honor. She is a daughter of J. Prank Horton (deceased), and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Plush. Her father was a miller, and operated the mill on the place in Lower Providence where once lived John James Audubon, the distinguished ornithologist. Mr. Horton was a member of the Masonic brotherhood.

 

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HENRY T. HUNSICKER, a descendant of an honored, early family of Montgomery county, and a coal, flour, feed and lumber merchant at Iron Bridge, Perkiomen township, was born March 24, 1861, in Skippack township, Montgomery county.

He spent his boyhood days about his father's mill, and in attending the common schools. Later he took a course at Ursinus College, Collegeville, in the West Chester State Normal School, and completed his education in Bryant and Stratton's Business College in Philadelphia. He remained with his father in business, and in 1884, on the retirement of Philip M. Hunsicker, he succeeded him in the business in which he has since been engaged at Iron Bridge. He takes contracts for building houses and barns, and keeps on hand all the materials necessary for construction. He has an extensive trade in each line of his business. He owns a fine brick residence, and has established an enviable reputation for business ability. Mr. Hunsicker has been a committeeman in Perkiomen township for fourteen years, and during all the political campaigns he has been an active worker in the interests of the Republican party.

In religious faith he is a member of the Reformed church of Collegeville. He belongs to the following secret organizations; Warren Masonic Lodge, of Trappe, of which he has been secretary for three years; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 714, Norristown; Royal Arch Masons, Chapter 190, Norristown; Hutchinson Commandery, No. 32, K. T., Norristown; Lulu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Philadelphia; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Economy Lodge, No. 297, Collegeville; Red Men, Tohikon Lodge, Green Lane; Iron British Castle, No. 104, Knights of the Golden Eagle, which he has served as treasurer for the last ten years; Washington Camp, No. 267, Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Iron Bridge, of which he has been treasurer since 1893, and of the Gratersford Beneficial Society. He is treasurer of the Mingo Express Horse Company of Montgomery county, is treasurer, stockholder and an incorporator of the Sterling Mine and Tunnel Company, of Idaho Springs, Colorado; and secretary and treasurer of the Royersford Street Railway Company.

On September 15, 188, Henry T. Hunsicker married Emma C., daughter of John S. and Louisa (Cole) Hunsicker, who was born in Perkiomen township, December 18, 1863, John S. Hunsicker is the son of Henry Hunsicker, who was the son of John Hunsicker, all of them being descendants of Valentine Hunsicker. The children of Henry Hunsicker, grandfather of Mrs. Henry T. Hunsicker; Enos; F. R. C., a minister in the Presbyterian church; Mary, Mrs. Markley; Sallie, Mrs. Holdman; Kate, Mrs. Umstead; and John S., father of Mrs. Hunsicker. John S. Hunsicker was born at the old homestead near. Rahn Station (now Iron Bridge), in Perkiomen township, where his father was born, reared, and in turn reared his family. He is a highly respected farmer, and holds the office of justice of the peace and assessor of the township, being also secretary of the Mingo Express Horse Company. His wife is the daughter of Abraham Cole, a farmer.

The children of Abraham Cole; Louisa (Mrs. John S. Hunsicker); Henry, a farmer, ex-treasurer of Montgomery county, and president of the Royersford Bank. The children of John S. and Louisa Hunsicker: Emma C. (Mrs. Henry T. Hunsicker); Irene, Mrs. F. Saylor; Wilmer, resides with his parents; Harry, an employee of the railroad. John S. Hunsicker is a deacon in the Reformed church, of which he and his family are members.

Philip M. Hunsicker, father of Henry T. Hunsicker, was born November 18, 1836, in Franconia township, Montgomery county, where he spent his youth, being a pupil at a day school, and afterwards at Freeland Academy at Collegeville. Oh the completion of his studies he entered his father's Mill on the Perkiomen to learn he trade. He assisted his father for a time, and hen rented the mill, operating it until he engaged in the lumber, coal, and feed business at Rahn Station, now Iron Bridge, as a successor to his father, continuing thus until 1884, when his son succeeded him. He then retired from active business, and now resides in Philadelphia.

 

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Mr. Hunsicker married, September 18, 1858, Lizzie R., daughter of John Z. Tyson, of Perkiomen township. The children of John Tyson: Henry R., Elizabeth (mother); Mary, Mrs. Hallman; Sallie, unmarried, and Enos. The children of Philip M. and Elizabeth Hunsicker: Melvin T., a merchant at Iron Drudge; Henry T., subject of this sketch; Clayton, born in 1863, engaged in the batting business; Norwood P.; born 1869, deceased; Elmer Ellsworth, born 1873, in Chicago; Addie T., born in 1875, deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Hunsicker died May 4, 1882, and Philip Hunsicker married (second wife), October 26, 1882, Mrs. Ella C. Kulp, daughter of John H. Custer, of Worcester township, Montgomery county. Mr. Hunsicker has one daughter by the second wife, Eleanora, unmarried. The children of Henry T. and Emma C. Hunsicker: Le Roy, died at the age of fifteen years; Stanley, Sadie, Elsie.

Henry T. Hunsicker is an active politician, and exercises great influence in township affairs, as well as in county politics. He is a very strong advocate of permanent road improvement, and at the election.

In February, 1904, advocated the adoption of that policy in Perkiomen township, but the proposition was defeated, owing to false economy on, the part of voters. Mr. Hunsicker is an aspirant for. the position of recorder of deeds, and his energy is a guarantee that he will succeed in the object of his ambition. He is popular and highly esteemed in the community in which he resides.

The progenitor of the Hunsicker family in Montgomery county was Valentine Hunsicker, a native of Switzerland, who emigrated to the United States in 1717, and three years later settled in what is now Perkiomen township. His son Henry married Mary, daughter of John Petviler. Their children: Henry C., John P., Daniel D., William D., Elizabeth, Mary, Catharine and Susanna. Henry C. Hunsicker (grandfather) was born in Perkiomen township. He married, in 1833, Lydia, daughter of Philip Markley.

Their children: Philip M., Charles M., Daniel M., Henry M., Henry M., second; Mary M., Mrs. Henry Yelles; Ann M., Mrs. James Koons; Deborah, Mrs. H. T. Johnson; Lydia, Mrs. Benjamin Saylor, and Kate Al., never married.

 

 

(Picture of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Ridington)

 

THOMAS T. RIDINGTON. John Ridington, father of Thomas T. Ridington, was born in England. He was educated in that country, and became a contractor and civil engineer, which occupation he followed through life. He married Miss Rosina Symons, also of England. Among their children was Thomas T. Ridington, the subject of this sketch.

He was born on the homestead in county Cornwall, England, June 13, 1829. He was educated therein such schools as were available, and went to work with his father in the contracting business. Later he learned the trade of blacksmith and boiler maker, and also gave some attention to carpentry. He remained in England until June 15, 1866, when, having decided to emigrate to America, he set sail for this country on the steamship, "City of Boston," and landed in New York, after a voyage lasting twelve days. He then went to New Hampshire; where he followed the trade of carpenter. After remaining there some time he came to Norristown, and secured a position with Boyer & Wentz as a carpenter. He was a man who could adapt himself to any and all circumstances, and had the confidence of his employers because he had their interests at heart. He remained with Boyer & Wentz until 1875, when he removed to his present home at Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He established himself in the iron business, becoming associated with Heebner & Sons. He remained in that business for many years and was very successful. He retired a few years ago, and has since lived at leisure in his handsome Home in Lansdale, where he is surrounded with all the comforts of life.

He married in England in 1853, Miss Wright, who died in 1894. They had the following children: Thomas, married Annie Wetherill, and has thirteen children; Joseph, died unmarried; John J., married Esther Krupp, and has one child; Richard M., married Mary Cassel, and has three children; William R., unmarried, a minister at Malvern, Chester county, Pennsylvania; Mary J., married J. B. Stokes, and has two children. Mr. Ridington married (second) Agnes Sibbald, of Philadelphia. No children were born of this marriage.

Mr. Ridington is a Prohibitionist, although he was formerly a Republican. He never sought or held office. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is secretary of the Lansdale Water Company. He attends the Methodist church, manifesting much interest in its welfare and growth, Mr. Ridington is a useful citizen, and is highly respected by the whole community.

 

(Page 409)

 

 

JOSEPH B. YERKES, Jr., justice of the peace and general business agent at Willow Grove, is a native of Warminster township, Bucks county. He was born March 8, 1846. He is the son of Harman and Rebecca (Valentine) Yerkes. Harman Yerkes (father) was the son of Harman and Margaretta (Long) Yerkes, both natives of Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

Joseph B. Yerkes was educated in the public schools of Warminster township; at the Loller Academy in Hatboro; at the Tennent School, at Hartsville. Pennsylvania; and at Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Massachusetts. After completing his studies at school he followed the occupation of teaching school for one year, and then became deputy treasurer of Bucks county, holding that position for four years. He also studied law for a year or more. He served as clerk for the Pennsylvania Mining Company on Lake Superior for a year aid a half. He was justice of the peace at Hatboro for five years, and for the past two years has held the same position at Willow Grove. He is a Democrat in politics, and while he was a resident of Bucks county was an active worker in that party.

Mr. Yerkes married, at Hatboro, February 24, 1869, Mary E. Boucher, the daughter of Professor H. H. Boucher, of Kinderhook, New York. Their children were: 1. Henry Ross, married Estella Miller, of Camden, New Jersey, and they have three children, Earle, John and Yerkes. 2. John, who died in childhood. 3. Joseph, died in childhood. 4. Maud, who married Earnest A. Lau; they have four children; Earnest, Lillie, Rebecca and John. 5. Rupert A. 6. Rebecca. Mary E. (Boucher) Yerkes died in March, 1892. The Yerkes family made their appearance in Bucks county, settling in Warminster more than a century and three-quarters ago. Harman Yerkes purchased about that time one hundred and eighty-one acres of land on the Street Road, in Warminster township. The first settlers were probably of Dutch (Holland) origin. The name was spelled in various ways at first, but has finally settled into its present form.

 

 

JOHN H. J. HOLT, a practical florist whose spacious greenhouses are situated at North Wales, is a native of the county of Kildare, Ireland, where he was born April 16, 1864. He is the son of Samuel and Anna Holt, both natives of Ireland. The father is now deceased, but the mother survives, and resides in Kansas.

John H. J. Holt came to the United States with his parents when he was nine years of age. He attended the Germantown Academy. His parents having subsequently removed to the borough of Conshohocken, he completed his studies in the high school at that place. After leaving school Mr. J. Holt went to Kansas with his parents, and assisted his father in the work of the farm.

In 1891 he returned to Germantown and engaged in the business of a florist, in connection with Mrs. A. M. Baumann, widow of L. C. Baumann, who was in his day a well known florist. He remained in Germantown ten years, perfecting himself in the art of floriculture.

In 1901 he removed to North Wales, and purchased the nursery of Dr. German, where he has ever since conducted a successful business. There is no occupation more pleasing in its character than that of the florist who cultivates and handles constantly the most beautiful of nature's creations, and Mr. Holt is extremely fond of his pursuit. He is one of the leading florists in his section of Montgomery county. He is an expert florist and gardener, and employs a staff of competent assistants, also giving his personal attention to the details of the business. While he makes a specialty of carnations for the Philadelphia market, he also gives his attention to cut flowers, to those intended for wedding decorations and for funeral emblems. His greenhouses include thirteen thousand feet of glass, and are always stocked with a large supply of the choicest flowers. All orders are carefully filled, Mr. Holt being one of the most accommodating of business men, and upon the most satisfactory terms.

 

(Page 410)

 

 

DR. ADAM H. FETTEROLF, president of Girard College for Orphans at Philadelphia, is descended from a long line of Swiss and Dutch ancestry. He is a son of Gideon and Elizabeth (Hunsicker) Fetterolf, for many years residents of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and grandson of Adam Fetterolf. The members of the Fetterolf family were originally Mennonites. The members of the Hunsicker family are descendants of Valentine Hunsicker, who emigrated from Switzerland to America in 1717, settling in Skippack township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. His son Henry and grandson John were bishops of the Mennonite church, and were noted for their intelligence and piety.

Gideon Fetterolf (father) was a farmer, and later a merchant, having been the proprietor of a store at Royersford for a number of years. He was an elder in the Mennonite church, prominent in its councils, and joined the progressive movement which eventually merged those engaged in it with the Reformed church. His first wife was Elizabeth Hunsicker, daughter of Bishop John Hunsicker, and the issue of this marriage was the following named children: Adam H., mentioned hereinafter; Henry H. who served as captain in the Union army during the Rebellion, and is an ex-member of the Pennsylvania legislature; Sarah, wife of Abraham Grimley and Susan, wife of Abraham Tyson. His second wife was Mrs. Esther Detwiler, widow of Christian Detwiler, by whom she had one child, Christian. She was the daughter of Bishop Abram Hunsicker, the founder of Freeland Seminary, which later became Ursinus College.

Three children were the issue of the second marriage: Abraham D., a well known business man of Collegeville, who was at one time resident clerk of the house of representatives at Harrisburg; Andrew Curtin a resident of New York, prominently connected with the steamship trust; and Horace G., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Gideon Fetterolf (father) died at Ms home in Collegeville, in 1894, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was survived by his wife, who is still a resident of Collegeville.

Adam H. Fetterolf was born at Perkiomen, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1841. The early years of his life were spent upon his father's farm, and there was nothing either in the circumstances of his birth or his surroundings to indicate that he was destined for a remarkable work. From his father he inherited those elements of a vigorous but modest character, which he has manifested throughout his career. He began attending school about the time when Pennsylvania adopted a free educational system. When he was fourteen years of age his father removed to Collegeville, where he had the advantages of a good schooling at the Freeland Seminary. By alternately teaching and studying he made himself master of mathematics, Latin and Greek, and at the age of twenty was appointed professor of mathematics in Freeland Seminary, a position which he filled with great credit. He was a progressive teacher, keeping himself informed in all the latest methods, and creating a marvelous spirit of enthusiasm and Interest among the pupils. He subsequently became principal of the Seminary, and conducted it successfully for five years, when the buildings and grounds were purchased for Ursinus College.

Later, on leaving Collegeville, Dr. Fetterolf associated himself with the Rev. Dr. Wells in the ownership and management of Andalusia College, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. After the death of Dr. Wells in 1871, he assumed full charge and continued at the head of the academy until 1880, when he was elected by the board of city trusts of Philadelphia to fill the chair of vice-president of Girard College. Two years later, upon the death of President William H. Allen, he was chosen to succeed him, and has held the position ever since, discharging the manifold duties with the utmost confidence of the board and the full approbation of he public. Girard College was founded by Sephen Girard, who had amassed an immense fortune as a shipping merchant and banker in Philadelphia, where he arrived from France to begin life in an humble way. At his death Mr. Girard bequeathed two million dollars and the residue of his estate, after paying certain legacies, for the erection and support of the college for orphans, in which there are admitted as many poor white male orphans between the ages of six and ten years who are residents of Pennsylvania, as the endowment can support.

Dr. Fetterolf has been twice married. His first wife was Annie, daughter of George Hergesheimer, of Germantown. In 1883 he married Laura M., daughter of William D. Mangam, a prominent New York merchant. He has two sons, Dr. George and Edwin H. Fetterolf, both graduates of the University of Pennsylvania.

 

(Page 411)

 

JOHN CONARD SAYLOR, born January 23, 1846, in Pottsgrove township, is the son of Adam F. Saylor, who died several years ago at the age of seventy-nine years.

Adam F. Saylor came to America when he was about ten years of age, and settled in Pottsgrove township, in which he resided all his life and where he died. He married Johanna Hetzel, daughter of John and Mary Hetzel, of the same township. She died about two years ago. Adam F, Saylor (father) was a boatman, following that occupation for twenty-two years, after which he devoted his attention to the occupation of farming. He was steward of the Montgomery County Alms House for six years. He then retired from farming and lived in Pottstown. He was a Republican in politics. Other offices filled by him were: Supervisor of the township, and enrolling officer when the drafts occurred during the Rebellion. He was a member of the Lutheran church. Adam F. Saylor (father) and wife had eleven children, four of whom are now deceased.

Conard Saylor (grandfather) emigrated to America early in the last century. He was a farmer by occupation, and resided on the homestead in Pottsgrove township, now occupied by John C. Saylor. In his later years he lived a retired life in Chester county, dying there at an advanced age. He was buried in Swamp church-yard. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Lutheran denomination.

John C. Saylor attended school for eight years, and then took up the occupation of farming, in which he is still engaged. He is at present greatly interested in raising peaches, of which he has 3,000 trees, and 250 plum, 150 apple, 50 pear and 200 or more grape vines. He is increasing every year the number and variety of his trees. He is a Republican, and has held the offices of register, assessor and committeeman, and auditor. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Saylor owns three prosperous farms in Lower Pottsgrove township, the one on which he lives having been in the family for several generations.

John Conard Saylor married Mary M. Royer, daughter of Samuel Royer, of Pottstown, who was a printer, later a farmer, and then lived retired until his death. His wife is also deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Saylor: Alberta, married David Levengood, and resides in Pottstown. Adam F., married Miss Schurg, and resides in Pottstown. Clayton R., married Lillie Yerger, and is living on a farm near his father. Oscar A., resides at home. Alice R., married Samuel C. Mein, and resides at home.

 

GEORGE WALTERS, farmer and butcher, one of the best known residents of Montgomery township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born in the province of Sixerland, Germany, May 9, 1853. He is the son of George and Mary Walters, both natives of Germany, and both residing in the city of Chester, Delaware county, Pennsylvania.

George Walters came to America with his parents when he was a child of seven years. The family located in Philadelphia, where George acquired his education in the public schools. After leaving school he learned the trade of butchering, and after completing his apprenticeship followed that occupation for a number of years in that city. He has been a resident of Montgomery township for many years.

About 1890 he purchased the farm of eighteen acres which he now occupies. Later he purchased seventy acres of additional land, and he has greatly improved these properties, building a large and convenient slaughter house and making many other useful and valuable additions to the equipment for his business. He does a wholesale as well as a retail business, attending the market at Second and Callowhill streets, Philadelphia. In political affiliations Mr. Walters is a Democrat. The family attend Boehm's Reformed church, at Blue Bell.

 

(Page 412)

 

Mr. Walters married, in Philadelphia, September to, 1875, Amanda Mary, daughter of Emanuel Haynes. She was born in Whitpain township. Their children: Frank, born November 8, 1876, married in November, 1901, Emma, daughter of D. K. Moore; Ross R., born February 15, 1879, married, June 9, 1903; Arabella J. Lutz, and died August 21, 1904; Murray T., born July 31, 1881; Albert C., born May 18, 1884; Mary A.; born February 23, 1887; George, born February 6, 1890; Blanche C., October 21, 1891; Louis S., February 13, 1893; Edna May, April 17, 1894; Harry M., June 1, 1901.

Mrs. Walters is a daughter of Emanuel and Mary L. (Booz) Haynes. She was born in Whitpain township, September 27, 1858. Her mother is still living.

 

 

(Picture of William Appleton Drown, Jr.)

 

WILLIAM APPLETON DROWN, Jr. The progenitor of the American branch of the Drown family was Leonard Drown, a native of England, who was a settler in colonial times, coming to America about 1670, locating in New England, and at his demise was survived by four sons, Shem, Solomon, Samuel and Simeon, and two daughters, Susannah and Mary. Shem Drown was one of the earliest patrons of music in the United States, and several of the early ancestors held commissions in the early Colonial wars and in the American army during the Revolutionary war.

The line of descent is traced from Erasmus Pierce, the maternal grandfather of William A. Drown, Jr. Erasmus Pierce established a wholesale manufactory of umbrellas and parasols at the corner of Third and Market streets, Philadelphia, this enterprise remaining in the possession of the family for nearly a century. William Appleton Drown, father of William A. Drown, came from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Philadelphia at an early age, and became associated in business with his father-in-law, whom he succeeded, concluding the same successfully up to the time of his decease. He was an active member of the Union League of Philadelphia. He married Mary. E. Piero, and the issue of this union was three children, as follows: William A., mentioned hereinafter; Thomas M., President of Lehigh University; and James Drown.

William Appleton Drown, Jr., was a graduate of the Philadelphia high school, and he was also a native of that city. He succeeded to the business which was formerly conducted by his father and grandfather, and which greatly prospered under his wise and judicious, management. The name of Drown was well and favorably known in commercial circles, and everywhere was regarded as a synonym for straightforward and honorable business methods. He was an active member of the Union League of Philadelphia, As a citizen he was ever alert, earnest and conscientious, keenly alive to everything which concerned in any way the well being of his city. After his marriage he removed from Philadelphia to Oak Lane, and in 1867 they removed to a piece of property in Abington township, Montgomery county, on which the family now resides.

On April 23, 1853, Mr. Drown married Elizabeth Darling, who was born January 19, 1836, a daughter of Hon. William and Margarette Darling, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Their children were: 1. Mary, born July 20, 1859, died May 23, 1862; 2. Edward D., born October 1, 1861, mentioned hereinafter; 3. William M., born November 22, 1863, died August 9, 1864; 4. Thomas Darling, born June 26, 1865, died July 13, 1890; 5. Margaret D., born October 17, 1866, became the wife of Francis A. Phelps of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1889, and their children are: William, born September 20, 1890; Alice D., born March 7, 1893; and Francis S., born August 14, 1896; 6. Vaughan D., born April 24, 1868, died March 25, 1891; 7. Elizabeth D., born July 10, 1872, became the wife of Ziba Bennett Phelps, of Binghamton, New York, April 7, 1896, and their children are: Elizabeth D., born October 26, 1898; Emily D., born January 14, 1900; and Martha Bennett, born September 27, 1903; 8. Emily D., born October 4, 1873. William Appleton Drown, father of these children, died December 21, 1890. His widow survives. She is a native of Reading, Pennsylvania.

 

(Page 413)

 

Edward D. Drown, eldest son of William A. and Elizabeth (Darling) Drown, was born in Philadelphia, October 2, 1861; His education was acquired in private schools. He gained his first business experience by working at umbrella making with his father at his factory in Philadelphia, remaining at this occupation for ten years. Subsequently he applied himself to the culture of flowers and trees, and is now a practical nurseryman and florist of Abington township, with an extensive establishment near Weldon. By industry and perseverance he has achieved a considerable degree of success. He devotes his attention principally to ferns and hardy plants, his greenhouses covering more than eight thousand square feet, all of which space is under glass. Mr. Drown takes an earnest interest in politics, being a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party. From 1893 to 1903, a period of ten years, he served as justice of the peace in Abington township. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, the tenets of which his forefathers also adhered to; is an elder therein, and also serves in the capacity of secretary of the Sunday school.

 

 

JONAS S. WAGNER, president of the Tri-County Banking Company, of Pottstown, was born in Obelisk, Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1856, son of Jonas and Esther (Schneider) Wagner, both natives of Pennsylvania. They had nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom five are now living: Michael, of Obelisk; Henry, of Obelisk; Jonas S.; Mary A., wife of Joseph Rawn, of Obelisk; and Lizzie, wife of John Pennypacker.

Jonas Wagner (father) was a farmer in Frederick township, where he died in 1886, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife died in 1890, at the age of seventy-eight years. Both were members of the Reformed church. In politics he was a Republican. Michael Wagner (grandfather) was born in Montgomery county. He was a farmer. He married Mary Boger and they had six children. He was of German descent. Jacob Schneider (maternal grandfather) was born in Montgomery county. He was a farmer and general business man, conducting an oil mill. Be served in the Mexican war. His wife was Mary Grubb, and they had two daughters and five sons. He was a prominent man, and held various offices of trust and honor. He was of German descent.

Jonas S. Wagner was reared on the farm in Frederick township, and attended the district schools and Frederick Seminary, and later Washington Hall at Trappe, and Ursinus College. He taught school three terms. He engaged in the jewelry business at Schwenksville for two years, and then associated himself with his brother Jacob in a general store at Bechtelsville for eight rears. In 1886 he went to Pottstown and did a real estate business until 1891, when he became one of the organizers of the Tri-County Banking Company, and was its president from the beginning. He has continued in this office ever since. He is also connected with the Light Manufacturing and Foundry Company of Pottstown, and is president of its board of directors.

October 7, 1886, Jonas S. Wagner married Miss Adelaide A. Dechant (died April 21, 1904), daughter of Rev. A. L. Dechant and Amanda (Stauffer) Dechant. They have two children, Esther and Frank. The family are members of the Reformed church at Obelisk. Politically Mr. Wagner is a Republican.

 

(Page 414)

 

Mrs. Wagner's parents were also natives of Montgomery county, and had nine children, of whom seven are now living: Rev. Abner S., Rev. Frank, Jacob, Mary, wife of Samuel Summers; Emma, wife of Eugene Scholl; Esther, widow of Professor W. H. Traub; Ella, wife of J. L. Raush. Mrs. Wagner's father was a preacher in the Reformed church, and preached in Montgomery county nearly all his life. He died in 1901, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife still survives. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Wagner was Jacob Dechant. He was also a minister in the Reformed church. His wife was Miss Andre. His father was a minister in the Reformed church, and came to America from Germany. He settled first in Ohio and later came to Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Wagner was John Stauffer, a native of Berks county. He was associate judge of Berks county for some time and served several terms in the Legislature.

 

 

EPHRAIM R. DAVIDHEISER, a farmer of Upper Pottsgrove township, was born on the farm which he at present owns. He is the son of Henry and Sarah (Reigner) Davidheiser.

Henry Davidheiser (grandfather) was among the first to settle in Upper Pottsgrove township, and always lived upon the homestead now occupied by Ephraim R. Davidheiser. By trade he was a shoemaker. He was a commissioned officer in the war of 1812, and won many honors. He married Mary Fagley and they had ten children, four sons and six daughters, all deceased, but who left many descendants.

Henry Davidheiser (father) spent his life on the homestead in Upper Pottsgrove township. In politics he was a Democrat. He married Sarah Reigner. Both he and his wife are deceased, he dying at the age of seventy years, and his wife surviving him a few years, and they are buried in Pottstown. They had ten children, eight sons and two daughters, of whom five are deceased. Those living are: Reuben, married (first wife) Sarah Kepner, they living in Upper Pottsgrove township and having twelve children and (second wife) Anna Schieck, they residing in Pottstown, where he is a carpenter, contractor, and holds the office of street commissioner; Milton, married Annie Lindeman, and resides in Pottstown, where he is also a contractor and carpenter, they having no children; Mary Ann; married Henry Wise, who is engaged in the agriculture business; he was crippled during the Rebellion, and, has a good military record; they have one child; and Ephraim R. Joseph Reigner (maternal grandfather) and his wife Susan Reigner lived in Upper Pottsgrove township, where they were farmers.

Ephraim R. Davidheiser has lived at his present home all his life except one year, when he was engaged in the lumber business in Pottstown. He attended school until he was seventeen years old, and then worked on the farm until he was twenty-one. After spending one year in Pottstown, he returned to the farm.

September 5, 1874, Ephraim R. Davidheiser married Catharine, daughter of Henry and Catharine (Eppler) Steiger. They were married at Pottstown. Mr. and Mrs. Steiger lived in Berks county, where he was a farmer. They had four children, of which four are living: Lucy, Ellen, Henry and Catharine (Mrs. Davidheiser). All except the last named live in Berks county. Mr. and Mrs. Davidheiser have no children. Mr. Davidheiser is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. His wife belongs to the Reformed church of Pottstown. Mr. Davidheiser took charge of the farm the year after his father's death, the estate being settled. He built a new and beautiful home on the old place in 1866, and has improved the property in many ways. The farm is noted for the abundance of refreshing spring water that it yields.

 

 

JACOB D. STOFFLET, one of the best known farmers in Upper Pottsgrove township, was born October 27, 1844, in New Hanover township, Montgomery county. He is the son of Henry and Sarah (Decker) Stofflet.

Henry Stofflet (father) was born in Pottsgrove township in 1820. During the early part of his life he was cabinet-maker, and afterwards engaged in produce dealing for eight years. For a number of years he was a farmer, and also was employed as a stair builder in Philadelphia, residing in Pottstown, while he was so engaged. During the Civil war he served as a state defender, and was present at the battle of Gettysburg.

 

(Page 415)

 

He was a Democrat in politics. He died in 1902, at the age of eighty-two years, and his wife is still living, being eighty years old. She resides with her son Jacob. Mr. Stofflet was a member of the Lutheran church, and his wife belonged to the Reformed church.

Jacob and (Oxenford) Decker (maternal grandparents), lived in New Hanover township, where he was a millwright and a farmer. He died twenty years ago, being about ninety years old at the time of his death, and his wife died several years before him. They had three children, as follows: Sarah, married Henry Stofflet; Maria (deceased), married and had two children; Elizabeth, married John Schneider (deceased), and lives in New Hanover township; they had three children.

Henry and Sarah (Decker) Stofflet had eight children, three of whom are deceased: Elizabeth, married, now a widow, and lives in Philadelphia; she had one child, Edna Becker, living near Media, Pennsylvania. Amanda (deceased). Sarah, married, and lived in the state of New York when last heard from. Eva (deceased). Ellen, married Frank Deckson, and they live in Philadelphia. They had three children, two of whom are living. Henry, lives in Philadelphia and is a builder; by his first wife, Mary Lewis, he had three children, one deceased; he married the second time, Louisa Crawford, of Philadelphia; they had no children. Michael, went west thirty years ago and has not been heard of since. Adam (deceased). Milton, married Catherine Kyler, and lives in Pottstown; he is a painter and a paper-hanger; they have no children. Jacob D. Michael Stofflet (grandfather) lived for many years on a farm near that of Jacob D. Stofflet, and died a long time ago. He was a shoemaker and carried on farming in connection with his trade. He married Catherine Reichner, who also died many years ago. They had eight children, all of whom survived them.

Jacob D. Stofflet attended school until he was fifteen years of age, then worked on a farm for four years. For the next three years he was employed as a clerk in a Philadelphia store. He went with a circus, traveling around for two years, and finally leaving the circus in Philadelphia. Later he went as far west as Iowa, and visited many more states, leading a roving life, and seeing a great cleat of the world. He finally settled down in the lumber region of Pennsylvania, remaining there for fifteen years. He drove a team for seven years, and then engaged in the lumber business for himself for eight years.

At the end of that time he went to Center county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the produce business. On returning to Philadelphia he built stairs for about ten years, and then after so many years spent in different localities, he returned to the vicinity of his birthplace. Since his return he has been engaged in farming in Upper Pottsgrove township.

October 27, 1881, Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Knapp) Hoffman, became the wife of Jacob D. Stofflet. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman were farmers in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, where they settled immediately after their arrival from Germany. They landed in New York city twenty-five years ago, and are examples of that class of immigrants who make the best American citizens. Mr. Stofflet has spent many days with his father-in-law, and has listened to the stories of his adventures. He was told that the first of the Hoffman family spelled the name in a different way. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman had eight children, as follows: Herman, Mary, John, Elizabeth, Annie, Catherine, Christopher, and Peter, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob D. Stofflet have two children: Mary Emma, resides in Philadelphia, where she is employed in a dressmaking establishment. Sarah E., is now at home with her parents. Mr. Stofflet is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Order of American Mechanics.

 

(Page 416)

 

 

JAMES M. WENTZEL, a well-known farmer of Upper Pottsgrove township, was born September 1862, in Upper Pottsgrove township. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Manger) Wentzel.

Joseph Wentzel (father), born in 1832, was a farmer in Upper Pottsgrove township, and is now leading a retired life on his farm. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed church, Joseph Wentzel built the house where his son James M. now lives, and also built several other houses in the neighborhood. In politics he is a Democrat. Joseph and Sarah (Manger) Wentzel had ten children: Hannah, Francis, Mary, James, Charles, Jonas, Elizabeth, Jacob; Sarah, Samuel. Four of these children are deceased, three having been drowned at one lime as they were crossing a creek near their father's home in Upper Pottsgrove. They were in a carriage, and they and the horse were drowned.

Samuel Wentzel (grandfather) lived on the farm adjoining that of James M. Wentzel, and spent his life in farming and in following his trade of shoemaker. He married Emma Reigner, and of their children William, Henry, and Joseph are living, and Carolina, Rosanna, Julianna, and Matilda are deceased. Samuel and Emma (Reigner) Wentzel died many years ago, her death preceding that of her husband. He was more than ninety years of age at the time of his death. Both were. buried in the Pottstown cemetery.

Jacob Mauger (maternal grandfather) resided in Upper Pottsgrove township for many years, he being a descendant of the Mauger who built the mill near Pottstown about a century ago. He was a miller, farmer and shoemaker, combining these occupations, as was so often done a generation or two ago. His wife was Elizabeth Keiser. Both died many years ago and were buried in Pottstown. Their children: Charles, Catherine, Sarah, and Rachel.

James M. Wentzel attended school in the neighborhood in which he lived until he had reached the age of seventeen years; alternating study with occasional work on the farm during the busy season, and attaining the rudiments of an education in the winter season when there was little to be done in the way of outdoor work. he then devoted himself exclusively to the operations of farming until was twenty-one years of age, when, he sought employment in the iron industries of Pottstown. Even then, however, he worked occasionally at farming in the interval of employment at the trade of an ironworker. He removed to the farm where he now lives two years ago, and has since devoted himself entirely to the occupation of tilling the soil.

Mr. Wentzel married Sarah, daughter of George and Catherine (Stetler) Denlinger. Wife's parents resided in Upper Pottsgrove township, where Mr. Denlinger was engaged in farming. He died in 1894: Mrs. Denlinger survives and lives with her daughter, Mrs. Wentzel. She was born in 1819. Her husband died at the age of seventy-six years. He was buried at Swamp. Their children were eight in all, as follows William, Henry, John, Louisa, Hannah, Sarah, and two who died in infancy.

George Denlinger (grandfather of Mrs. Wentzel) was a farmer and carpenter by occupation and lived in the same locality in which his descendants now reside, Mrs. Wentzel's maternal grandparents were Henry and Elizabeth (Fillman) Stetler. They also were engaged in farm big, and resided in Upper Pottsgrove township. Both died many years ago. Mr. Stetler died January 12, 1881, and both are buried in Pottstown. Mr. and Mrs. James M. Wentzel had eight children, of whom five are living, as follows: Ada May (deceased). Ellen, married James Geiger they living in Boyertown, where he is engaged in the shoe manufacturing business. They have Joseph, George, Wilson and Hannah, all living with their parents. William and Snowden (both deceased).

Mr. Wentzel is a Democrat in politics, but has never sought or held office. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. The family are members of the congregation of the German Reformed church at Swamp.

 

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(Picture of John B. Pennepacker)

 

JOHN B. PENNEPACKER, one of the best known citizens of Schwenksville, where he lives retired, is a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was born in Limerick township, April 3, 1845. He is the son of Isaac and Esther (Boyer) Pennepacker, Isaac Pennepacker (father) was born in what is now Skippack township, but was then Perkiomen, May 11 1817. He died in Perkiomen township, May 22, 1868. He had a brother Samuel, born April 22, 1809. Isaac Pennepacker was a farmer throughout his life, and a prominent and well known member of the community. He paid some attention to stock raising, and attended market in his younger days. In politics he was a Republican, never missing an election, but did not care for the emoluments of office. Both he and his wife were members of the Reformed church. His wife died January 12, 1868.

She was the daughter of Charles and Sarah Boyer, both natives of that section of the county, he a weaver by trade as well as a farmer. He resided in Frederick township, and was a strong Democrat, but never sought or held office. The children of Charles and Sarah Boyer: Esther, mother of Mr. Pennepacker; Elizabeth, Mrs. Peter Roth. The children of Isaac and Esther (Boyer) Pennepacker: John B., subject of this sketch; Charles, died at the age of nine years; Sarah, died unmarried at the age of twenty-one years.

John Pennepacker (grandfather), born November 11, 1781, married Mary Snyder, born September 5, 1788. He was born in what is now Skippack township and reared at Pennypacker's Mills. When he had grown to manhood and was married, he removed to a tract of land owned by his father near the old Pennepacker homestead. Later it was sold, and he removed to Limerick, buying a large farm on which he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1858. He was a blacksmith and farmer by occupation, and a good business man. In politics he was a Whig, but never held office. He was a member of the Reformed church, although several of his brothers and others of the family were Mennonites. His wife survived him, dying at the age of ninety years. She was the daughter of John Snyder, a well known farmer and distiller of apple whiskey. John Pennepacker's children: Samuel, and Isaac, father of John B. Pennepacker. Samuel Pennepacker (great-grandfather) had the following children: John (grandfather); Samuel, Benjamin, Jacob, Abraham, Daniel, and William. Peter Pennepacker (great-great-grandfather) was the son of Hendrick Pannebecker, the immigrant. Peter married Elizabeth Keyser, of Germantown.

Hendrick Pannebecker (great-great-great-grandfather), the immigrant, was a native of Holland. He was born March 21, 1674, and died April 4, 1754. He was born at the village of Flamborn, in Holland, and emigrated to America. He was a man of considerable learning, and was a surveyor for William Penn. In 1699 he married at Germantown, Eve, daughter of John Peter Umstat (Umstead). He made a purchase on Skippack Creek, December 5, 1702, upon which he settled, and in 1708 purchased 204 acres more in the same vicinity. He was naturalized in 1731, and prior to 1746 resided for a time in Limerick, where his wife died. He then returned to Perkiomen township, dividing the greater portion of his estate among his children, who were: Martha, born 1706; Adolph, born 1708, died 1789; Peter, born 1710, died 1770; John, born 1713, died 1784; Jacob, born 1715, died 1752; Henry, born 1717, died in 1792. Martha, the oldest child, became the wife of Anthony Vanderslice. The Pennepackers, descendants of Henry, are a very numerous family in Montgomery and Chester counties, Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker having traced the family history to its remotest origin. The members of the family are among the most influential and respected citizens of this section of Pennsylvania.

John B. Pennepacker was reared to farm pursuits, and educated hi the public schools of the vicinity. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of manhood. He married in 1867, and settled on the homestead as a farmer. He, remained there as a farmer until 1893, when he retired from active life and went to live at Schwenksville. He owns three tracts of land; the home farm of 129 acres; 135 acres Limerick township, and another well improved farm in Hatfield township. He carried on the general farming which his ancestors had followed before him, and was well known for his excellent knowledge of the routine of farming. He is the owner of considerable bank stock, is a Republican in politics, but has never sought or held office.

 

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(Picture of Elizabeth W. Pennepacker)

 

He married, January 5, 1867, Elizabeth Wagner, born in Frederick township, Montgomery county, September 19, 1843. She is the daughter of Jonas and Esther (Snyder) Wagner, both belonging to old families of Montgomery county. Mr. Wagner was a farmer. His wife was a daughter of Jacob Snyder, who owned and operated a mill in addition to his occupation of farming. Both are now deceased. Their children: Michael and Henry, farmers; Jacob, watchmaker and silversmith; Milton, a silversmith employed with his brother; Jonas, also a worker in silver; Mary A., Mrs. Rahn; Amanda, Mrs. F. Fegley, she being deceased; Matilda, died at the age of fourteen years; Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Pennepacker. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Pennepacker: Isaac, who farms the homestead; Jonas, a merchant at Schwenksville; Mary, married Dr. W. H. Knipe, of Limerick Square; Elizabeth, unmarried; Sarah, unmarried. The parents and children are members of the Reformed church, in which Mr. Pennepacker has been an elder since 1888. Mr. Pennepacker and his wife are in the enjoyment of health and a sufficiency of this world's goods. Their home in Schwenksville is an elegant brick residence with all modern improvements. The couple are enjoying the reward of a well-spent life.

 

 

FRANKLIN H. BLIEM, a descendant of an old family in Upper Pottsgrove township, was born October 25, 1844, on the farm in Upper Pottsgrove where he now lives.

Christian Bliem, the founder of the Bliem family in America, was born at New Manheim, Germany, December 25, 1711. He emigrated to America in the autumn of 1735, being one of the Huguenots who fled from Germany on account of religious persecution. He was married in his native country, and brought with him his wife and one child. For the first winter he made a dugout, and afterwards built a house of logs, using an oak stump, probably dressed, for a table. He bought 150 acres of land in Hanover township, then a part of Philadelphia, (now Montgomery) county, near Pottstown, where he lived about seventy-five years. During the first months of his residence in America, while he yet had no permanent home, his wife and child remained with her brother, a Bechtel, who owned and lived on a farm, a part of which now belongs to the Gue estate, and includes the Fegley farm (now owned by Furman Kepler), and the Mensch farm. The latter is now owned by the Ringing Rocks Electric Railway Company of Pottstown.

Christian Bliem loaned a neighbor $800 in gold and silver before the Revolutionary war, and it was repaid in Continental money, which, of course, became useless after the war. He begged his neighbor to give him some small payment to offset the $800, saying that he would even be satisfied with a cow. However, he never obtained his request, and lost all the money. He attended Philadelphia market, carrying his produce on a packhorse, and sometimes sold as much as ten dollars worth at a time. He grew wealthy, and purchased a farm for each of his sons, Daniel and Christian.

Christian Bliem and his wife had five children, four daughters and one son. One daughter married Jacob Hoch, of Chester county. Another daughter married Daniel Fretz, of Bucks county. A third married Jacob Oberholtzer, of Berks county, and the youngest daughter married a Strohm, who after living on the old homestead for a number of years, removed to Canada.

Christian Bliem's wife died young, and was buried in the Sprogle burying ground, east of Pottstown, and now included within the borough limits. Christian Bliem died March 9, 1810, and was also buried in the Sprogle burying ground. This cemetery was donated by John Henry Sprogle, before the year 1700, and was to be used as a burying plot forever. The Bliem's have always been connected with it as trustees. The bodies of the Bliem ancestry have, however, all been removed to the cemetery adjoining the East Coventry Mennonite meeting house, the Sprogle ground having been surrounded by iron mills, and being very undesirable as a burying place. Sprogle, the donator, returned to Germany, but left two children buried there in 1714, and his wife Dorethea, buried in 1716.

 

(Page 419)

 

Christian Bliem had one brother in this country and several sisters. The brother settled in Bucks county, and died young. He left two daughters and two sons, Daniel and Christian. They settled in Lancaster county and left families.

Christian Bliem, son of the immigrant, and great-grandfather of Franklin H. Bliem, was born February 25, 1746, and died February 20, 1816. He added 250 acres to his father's tract, thus making 400 acres in all. He and his father .each made wills which are registered in Norristown, and the deeds to the properties also appear on record there. He married in 1768, Salome, eldest daughter of Jacob and Susanna Langenecker. She was born in January, 1746, and died in 1811. Of the Langenecker family we know that they were French Huguenots, who were, according to history, the best people in France. They were present at the massacre of St. Bartholomew in 1572, and the persecution of the French Huguenots in 1678. Christian and Salome Bliem had seven children, as follows 1. Salome, born 1770, married Samuel Moyer, of Perkasie, Bucks county, and died 1812. 2. Christian L., born 1773, died 1831, married Magdalena Hoch, and removed to Northampton county. 3. Philip L., born 1775, died 1847; married a widow Cressman, and removed to Canada. 4. Daniel L., born 1777, died 1844; married Nancy Latshaw, and removed to Northampton county. 5. Mary, born 1782, died 1816; married Jacob Latshaw. 6. John L. (grandfather), born 1784, died 1858; married Barbara Eshbach. 7. Jacob L., born 1788, died r864; married Mollie Hockman. They remained on the old homestead until the death of his father, and then the estate was divided. Those who had left home had received their portion before leaving.

John Bliem (grandfather) was married in 1813. His wife died in 1845, at the age of fifty years. They left eleven children: 1. David E., born 1814, died 1815. 2. Jacob E., born 1816, married Mary High, died 1883. His wife died in 1874, aged fifty-one years. 3. Mary E., born 1819, married William Stauffer, died 1885. 4. Elizabeth E., born 1821, married Jacob Bechtel, died 1887. He died in 1888. 5. Catharine E.,born 1824, married Jacob Bahr, died 1896. He died 1882. 6. John E., born 1826, married Elizabeth Poland, died 1901. She died 1879. 7. Isaac E., born 1826, married Carrie Arnold. 8. Rachel E., born 1830, married Israel Erb, and died in .1899. 9, Ellen E., born 1832, married John Still, and died in 1898 to George E., born 1834, married Harriet Stauffer. 11. Sarah E., born 1838, married William E. Brodbeck, and died 1888. He died in 1894.

Jacob E. Bliem, who died October 7, 1883, aged sixty-seven years, left seven children, as follows: 1, Franklin H., married Henrietta Snell. She died in 1900. 2. Katie H., married Joshua B. Lessig. She died in 1884. 3. David H., and Henry H. (twins), unmarried. 4. Jacob H., married Mary Hartenstine. 5. Isaac H., died unmarried in 1896. 6. Jacob E. Bliem's farm which is a part of the original tract owned by the Bliems, is now occupied by his son, Franklin H. Bliem. 7. Jacob L. Bliem, who married Molly Hockman in 1814, owned the original homestead. He died in 1864, aged seventy-six years and six months, and his widow died the following year, aged seventy-five years and seven months. His children: Anna, born 1815, married John Oberholtzer, died in 1.884. Christian, born 1817, married Mary Stauffer. He died in 1892, she in 1888. Jacob, born 1820, married Esther Bertolet. Susan, deceased born 1821, married Jesse Bechtel. John, born 1824, married Hariet Gilbert. He died in 1898. Mary, born 1833, married Jacob L. Fritz.

The farm was transferred to Christian Bliem by his father about 1860, but since his death a portion of the farm has been sold at public sale, and thus first passed out of the Bliem family since 1735. The tract contains a hundred acres with a log house upon it which has stood over a hundred years, and, if not destroyed by fire, will probably stand another century.

Christian H. Bliem left two sons. William S., who married Salome Yost, they having one son Daniel and one daughter, Mary; and J. Stauffer Bliem, who married Emma Kinzer, the couple having no children. Christian H. Bliem died in July, 1900. This account of the family has been brought down to the fifth and sixth generation in America. While none of them has ever ascended the ladder of fame or acquired a great fortune, they are worthy of honor because of the difficulties they surmounted and the hardships, trials and inconveniences which they suffered. Their devotion to their simple religious faith and the manner in which their work was done, leaving a name untarnished to their descendants, causes their memory to be revered and respected.

 

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Franklin H. Bliem, subject of this sketch, resides upon the homestead which he owns, and on which he has made many improvements, and erected several buildings. It comprises one hundred acres, three hundred acres having been sold, as originally stated. Otherwise the homestead is the same as of old. He attended school until he was twenty-two years of age, being a student at a boarding school. He then engaged in the occupation of teaching in Upper Pottsgrove township for about ten years. He then engaged in farming, in which occupation he has been employed ever since.

Mrs. Bliem is the daughter of Conard and Elizabeth (Erb) Snell, of Lower Pottsgrove, where they are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bliem were married November 20, 1873, in Boyertown. They have thirteen children, as follows: 1. Allen S., born November 8, 1874, resides in Pueblo, Colorado, where he is engaged in the iron business. 2. Harry S., born November 15, 1876, is unmarried, and resides in Homestead, Pennsylvania, where he also is employed as an iron worker. 3. Mary Lizzie, born July 30, 1878. 4. Sallie S., born November 18, 1879. She is a trained nurse in the Pottstown Hospital. 5. Samuel S., born August 2, 1881, married Sallie Saylor, 1904. 6. Carrie S., born October 7, 1882, is a stenographer, and is employed in that capacity in Philadelphia. 7. Hattie, born October 13, 1884, resides with her parents. 8. Frank S., born December 8, 1885. 9. Bertha S., born April 27, 1887. 10. Henrietta S., born September 29, 1888. 11. Katie S., born December 2, 1889. 12. Jacob Conard S., born April 30, 1891. 13, Walter S., born October 22 1892.

Franklin H. Bliem is a Republican in politics, and has held the office of mercantile appraiser. He has been county committeeman for his district for ten years, and his name has frequently been mentioned in connection with the party nomination for assembly and other offices. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being connected with Manatawny Lodge, No. 214, of Pottstown. He is a member of the German Reformed church of Pottstown. The house in which he resides was built in 1819, and has ever since been the abiding place of the family in different generations. Mr. Bliem owns the property where the plant of the Pennsylvania Copper Mining Company is located. He leased the property to the company, twenty acres in all, on a royalty. They have sunk a shaft, and have been very successful in their operations.

 

 

(Picture of Thomas May Peirce)

 

THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, deceased, the founder of Peirce School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for many years an eminent and successful teacher of commercial and general business knowledge, was born December 10, 1837, in Chester, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, a son of Caleb Peirce, who removed to the city of Philadelphia after spending some years as a teacher in Chester and Delaware counties. He was prominently identified with public affairs. The family is of English ancestry, George Peirce, the founder of the American branch, having come to Pennsylvania in 1682, with William Penn, taking up a tract of land, which he named Thornbury, in remembrance of the birthplace of his bride. It was then in Chester county, but since the division of the county it forms Thornbury township, Delaware county. He was the father of a number of children, and among his descendants hi the direct line was a great-great-grandson, Caleb Peirce, the father of Thomas May Peirce.

 

(Page 421)

 

Thomas May Peirce was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, graduating from the Boys' Central High School of that city. From the age of sixteen years until he attained manhood he traveled extensively, greatly adding to his store of knowledge. When he was twenty years of age he was appointed teacher of a public school in Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. At the end of the year he was elected to the principalship of the Norristown public school, and during the following seven years filled similar positions in Manayunk, and in the Mt. Vernon grammar school and the Monroe grammar school in Philadelphia. He had the reputation of preparing more students for the Central High School than any other grammar school principal. In 1865, perceiving the need of a school to give special training for business, he established the Peirce Business School, in the Handel and Haydn Hall, at the corner of Eighth end Spring Garden streets, Philadelphia. Over 550 students were enrolled during the first year, and the growth of the school soon rendered it necessary to remove to larger quarters at the corner of Tenth and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia. In 1882 the school was moved to its present home in the Record Building, which had just been completed. The school has increased steadily in magnitude and importance, and at the present time (1904) more than 1,800 pupils are annually enrolled. The reports of the United States Commissioner of Education show that Peirce School is the largest private school in the United States.

After the death of Doctor Peirce, May 16, 1896, the principalship was assumed by his widow, who conducted it with success, and on her death the principalship was taken up by his daughter, Miss Mary B. Peirce, a lady of rare business attainments, who has conducted the school with marked success up to the present time.

Thomas May Peirce was a man of wide and varied attainments. He served very successfully as bank examiner for a number of years, his knowledge as an accountant being of great value in that position. He had also a wide reputation as an expert in handwriting, and was frequently called upon to give experienced testimony in will contests and other cases in which it was necessary to establish the identity of signatures. He received large fees for services of this character, and his great skill and correct judgment proved equal to any and every emergency. In 1879 he was elected president of the Business Educators' Association of America, and held that position for many years. He also served as a director of the Fairmount Park Art Association for many years. In 1875 he introduced into many churches and schools the spelling bee exercises, which proved so successful and profitable in many communities. He was a public speaker of considerable ability and the author of many text books on general business subjects, known as the "Peirce Manuals." As an after-dinner speaker and toastmaster he had few equals. In religious faith he was a Methodist, active and prominent in church work, and in 1887 he was licensed to preach by the Philadelphia Methodist Episcopal Conference, but did not accept the orders, feeling that he could do better service as a layman.

Doctor Peirce married, December 25, 1861, Miss Emma L. Bisbing, daughter of Robert and Mary H. Bisbing, of Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Their children were: Mary B., now principal of Peirce School; Eda May; Phoebe (died in infancy); Anna Margaret (died in infancy), and Blanche T. (died when twenty-one years of age). Mrs. Peirce died in 1870. On October 14, 1871, Doctor Peirce married Miss Roth Anna Stong, daughter of William and Maria Stong, of Chester county, Pennsylvania; she died in 1898, two years after the death of her husband. Their children are: Ruth, Thomas May, Jr., Sallie (died in infancy), Caleb C.

Doctor Peirce was highly esteemed by an unusually large circle of acquaintances, and his death, of Bright's disease, May 16, 1896, was a shock to his many friends. Thousands attended the funeral services, anxious to take a last look at him whom they had known and loved for his many excellent qualities of mind and heart.

 

(Page 422)

 

 

HORACE G. BRINTON, a highly respected resident of Whitpain township, Montgomery county; is descended from in old Pennsylvania family. His paternal grandfather, Moses Brinton, was one of the early settlers in Lancaster county. Moses Brinton was a child when his parents came to Lancaster county, and he was there educated in the ordinary schools of that day. He followed farming throughout his life, and died in Salisbury township, Lancaster county. He was twice married. His second wife was a Miss Chamberlain, who was a native of Lancaster county, and of this marriage was born a son Samuel.

Samuel Brinton was born in Salisbury township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and died in 1890, in Whitpain township, Montgomery county. He was educated in the common schools, and was a farmer by occupation. He was an industrious, quiet man, and of a benevolent disposition, ever ready to extend sympathy and material aid to any one in need, and was held in affection by the entire community. He was a consistent member of the Society of Friends, and in politics he affiliated with the Republican party. He was an earnest exponent of the principles of his party, but his retiring disposition would not admit of his seeking public honors. He married Elizabeth B. Lewis, a member of an old Chester county family, and the following named children were born of this marriage: Joseph, died in 1891; Mifflin, also deceased; and Horace G. Brinton.

Horace G. Brinton, son of the parents above named, was born in Coleraine township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1848. He moved with his parents when young to Upper Oxford township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, and was there educated in the common schools, and also in the academy which has developed into the present splendid West Chester Normal School, and which was even then one of the best academical schools in all this region. About the time he had completed his studies his father purchased a farm in Whitpain township, Montgomery county, upon which has been his home ever since. This place, in the vicinity of Center Square, comprises about forty acres of highly cultivated and very productive land, which he tills to the best advantage, also maintaining an excellent dairy. Mr. Brinton is a birthright member of the Society of Friends, and holds to the faith of his fathers with steadfastness. In politics he has ever been a staunch Republican. He has never been an aspirant for public office.

Mr. Brinton has been twice married. His first wife was Priscilla Heebner, a daughter of Levi Heebner, of near Lansdale, Montgomery county. The marriage occurred in 1874, and in 1894 Mrs. Brinton died, having borne to her husband six children: Mabel, who is single; Walter, who married Maude Collins; Hettie, single; Olive, who died young; and Agnes and L. Jervis, both of whom are unmarried.

Mr. Brinton subsequently married Mrs. Mollie (Glesson) Raysor, of Bridgeport, Montgomery county. This marriage was without issue.

 

 

JOSHUA B. LESSIG, secretary and treasurer of the Ellis-Lessig Steel and Iron Company of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, during a long and active business career has been known among the most conspicuously useful of his day in furthering the development of the industrial and other interests of his city, and in bringing it to its present high place in the commercial world.

In his own family and in that with which he has intermarried, Mr. Lessig represents an ancestry of age and sterling worth. His progenitors originated in Bavaria, where, the village of Zweibrucken, resided Philip Lessig, who was presumably the father of Christian (great-grandfather of Joshua B. Lessig) and David Lessig. The two brothers came to America in 1765, Christian being then thirty years of age, and landed at Philadelphia, whence they journeyed to where now stands the city of Pottstown, and located about one mile westward therefrom, on Rattlesnake Hill, across the line, in Berks county, and here they made their homes and passed their lives. Christian Lessig was one of the progressive men of his time. He managed a farm, conducted a grocery store and operated a distillery. During the Revolutionary war he performed active service with the Pottsgrove militia. He was a devout Lutheran, and a deacon in the church. He died in 1805 at the age of seventy years, forty years having been passed in America, and he was buried in Zion Reformed church cemetery in Pottstown.

 

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He married Elizabeth Holloway, a widow, who bore him children: Philip; Christina, who married first George Bechtel, and (second) Obadiah Seeley; Elizabeth, who married Matthias Yergey; Sarah, who married Henry Bair; Rebecca, who married Jacob Obenshime, a noted trapper, hunter and Indian trader; Henry, one of whose children is yet living; Peter, of whom further; William, Michael and Samuel. Two children of the last named are now living, almost centenarians.

Peter, son of Christian Lessig, made his home in Pottstown, where he carried on a shoe manufacturing business, and he was constable for many years. In politics he was a Republican, and he and his wife were members of the Union church. He was a large robust man, a champion in athletic sports such as wrestling, and took delight in hunting, trapping and fishing, recreations to which his descendants are similarly disposed. Notwithstanding his vigor, he died comparatively young.

He married Anna Bair, and to them were born children: 1. Elizabeth, born 1800, wife of Matthias Yergey; 2. Anna Maria, born 1803; 3. Catherine, born 1805, wife of Thomas Reifsnyder; 4. Peter, Jr., born 1808; 5. Joshua B., Sr., born August 20, 1811; 6. Sarah, born 1814, wife of Anthony Duke, of Philadelphia; 7. Rebecca, born 1816, wife of Isaac Yergey, of Pottstown.

The maternal grandparents of Joshua B. Lessig, the immediate subject of this narrative, were George and Caroline (Levengood) Bechtel, of West Pottsgrove township. Mr. Bechtel was an extensive farmer; in politics he was a Democrat, and with his wife he was a member of the German Reformed church. Their children were: Elizabeth, wife of Peter Lessig, Jr.; John; Christena, of whom further; George Washington; Hannah, wife of Ephraim Yergey; Augustus, Henry, Lewis and Catharine. Of this family all are deceased but Hannah.

Joshua B. Lessig, Sr., fifth child of Peter and Ann Maria Elizabeth (Bair) Lessig, resided in Pottstown throughout his life. He was an active business' man, engaged at one time in the grocery trade, and then contracting and building upon a large scale. In politics he was a Republican, and he and his wife, who was Christena Bechtel, before named, were consistent members of the German Lutheran and Reformed churches, respectively. Both are deceased, the wife having survived her husband some seven years, and their remains rest side by side in the Pottstown cemetery.

Their children were: 1. John Franklin, born February 3, 1841, died August 19, 1844; 2. George B., born August 1, 1843; 3. Mary, born August 24, 1846, wife of Josiah Freyer; 4. Sarah, born September 16, 1848, who is unmarried; 5. Joshua B., of whom further; 6. Anna, born May 17, 1855, wife of Frederick Slonaker; 7. Rebecca, born August 2, 1858, wife of Charles Frick; 8. Amelia, born October 4, 1862, wife of John R. Shaner.

Joshua Bechtel Lessig, fifth child and son of Joshua B. and Christena (Bechtel) Lessig, was born in Pottstown, July 25, 1851. At the age of fifteen he left school, well grounded in a practical education, to enter upon an active career as a stone and brick mason, and in this vocation he displayed from the very first a remarkable mechanical aptitude and ability. From an age when he was barely able to handle a brick and trowel, he had worked with his father during his school vacations, and when only thirteen was so skillful a workman that he was entrusted with the running up of outside walls. One year after leaving school and giving himself entirely to his trade, under his father, he was, at the age of sixteen, pronounced to be a master workman in all points except ending of his apprenticeship time. When he was seventeen his father promised him his freedom as a journeyman at the expiration of another year. This time limit having expired, young Lessig borrowed from his father five hundred dollars, and with this capital he entered into partnership with his elder brother, under the firm name of George B. Lessig & Brother. They were equally ambitious and industrious, and both were incomparable workmen. They so prospered during their first year that they found themselves with a neat bank account to their credit, and at the beginning of their second year they entered upon larger undertakings. Going outside their contracting business they built upon their own account a number of brick edifices, which they disposed of as soon as they could make a profitable sale, then investing the proceeds in the construction of other buildings for the market. This method was pursued with gratifying success for a period of five years, when the elder brother withdrew from the firm to engage in other business, Joshua B. Lessig continuing in the contracting and building business upon his own sole account, and extending his operations to an unprecedented degree. In 1884 he abandoned this business in order to give his attention to other important interests. Notwithstanding the broad scope of his transactions he slighted nothing. He watched his workmen closely at every stage of their progress, never suffering the use of improper material or slighting of work, bringing all up to the highest standard, and ever ready in case of necessity or for example's sake to pick up a trowel and bring his own masterly skill into use.

 

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Meantime, and before abandoning this business, Mr. Lessig had engaged in a real estate business which had grown into large proportions, and had also made a beginning in manufacturing.

In 1879 he associated with himself his brother George, Jacob Fegely, H. H. Hartman and H. G. Kulp, and purchased ground upon which they erected the Hope Iron Company's works at Pottstown. This plant was successfully inaugurated, and was sold ten months after it had been put into operation. October 29, 1884, in company with George B. Lessig, William S. Ellis and Thomas Searles, was incorporated the Ellis-Lessig Steel and Iron Company, with a capital stock of $300,000, for the manufacture of steel nails. Somewhat later shovel plate and muck bar were added to the products of the works, and at the present time the larger portion of the output is of the last named.

The plant occupies about fourteen acres of ground, situated at the west end of the city of Pottstown. Its business is of vast local importance, affording employment to some six hundred operatives, and stands among the foremost of the manufacturing industries of the Schuylkill Valley. The officers of the corporation are as follows: George B. Lessig, president and general manager; Joshua B. Lessig, secretary and treasurer and assistant general manager; an these, with Thomas Searles, J. B. Lessig, Jr., and Frank Wickersham, form the board of director:

While Mr. Joshua B. Lessig has from the time of the organization of the Ellis-Lessig Steel and Iron Company given his time almost wholly to its service, his progressive public spirit has been manifested in his interest in various other enterprises conducive to the prosperity of the city. He has been one of the principal factors in conducting the affairs of the Pottstown Water Company in which he is a member of the board of managers, and in an entirely personal way he is among the foremost in all worthy causes. He is an earnest friend of education, and has rendered intelligent service as a member of the school board. He is affiliated with Stichter Lodge, F. and A. M., and Nativity Commandery, K. T., both of Pottstown. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Lessig married, in 1874, Miss Amanda H. Bliem, daughter of Jacob (born August 30, 1806) and Mary (High) Bliem, whose children were: Frank, Catharine and Amanda (Mrs. Lessig).

The children of Joshua B. and Amanda H. (Bliem) Lessig were: Othniel, born June 8, 1875, a graduate of the Hill School, Pottstown, and Yale College, and now a professor in the Pottstown High School; Caroline B., born February 4, 1878; and Joshua Bliem Lessig born February 8, 1880, now a student in a military academy at Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. The mother of these children died in 1883, and her remains rest in the Pottstown cemetery.

Mr. Lessig married in 1888, Miss Emma Steinman Dickinshied, daughter of John Henry and Amanda (Steinman) Dickinshied, and of this marriage was born a daughter, Ruth, February 16, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Lessig are members of Emmanuel Lutheran church, of Pottstown. The family home, "The Maples," is one of the most beautiful residences in Montgomery county, and is located immediately north of the borough limits of Pottstown, upon a part of the old Bliem homestead, where members of the Bliem family have resided uninterruptedly since 1735. The family residence was erected by Mr. Lessig in 1894.

 

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SAMUEL D. SHEARER, who after a long life of industrious and successful effort is now living in pleasant and well merited retirement, is a descendant of an old family long identified with Montgomery county.

His paternal grandfather, Jacob Shearer, was born in Whitpain township, in the county named. He received his education in the neighborhood schools. Brought up to farming, he followed that calling throughout his life. He was a Democrat in politics, and an active representative of his party. He married, and among his children was Joseph, who was born on the family homestead, was educated as had been his father, and like him was a farmer his life long, dying at an advanced age. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as a school director for several years. During a portion of his life he resided in Lower Gwynedd township. He married Elizabeth Hoover, also now deceased, a daughter of Jacob Hoover, of the township last named. Of this marriage were born the following named children: Ephraim, William, Joseph F., Elwood, and Samuel D.

Samuel D. Shearer, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hoover) Shearer, was born February 1, 1833, in Lower Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was an infant when his parents removed to what is now his home, in Whitpain township, and he there obtained his education in the common schools. He engaged in farming and followed it successfully for some time, finally relinquishing t and engaged in a butchering business. This he prosecuted for some years with excellent results, and a few years ago retired from active pursuits and entered upon a pleasant retirement at a beautiful modern home near Blue Bell. Throughout his life he has taken an active interest in community affairs of every description. He was one of the founders of the North Wales National Bank, and one of the original directors of that institution. He has been called to various responsible positions, among them those of school director, and in all has discharged his duties with signal ability and scrupulous fidelity to the trust committed to him. As were his ancestors, he is it member of the Reformed church, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He is an active and influential member of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America.

Mr. Shearer married, in 1857, Miss Sarah Fisher, a daughter of Jacob Fisher, a farmer of Whitpain township. Of this marriage were born six children: 1. Ella, who became the wife of David Walker, and they are the parents of one child. 2. Irvin, married Cora Detwiler, and they are the parents of three children. 3. Harry, married Laura Amberg, and they are the parents of five children. 4. Walter, married Gertrude Laubenach, and they are the parents of one child. 5. Jennie F., married Walter Shaepp, and they have three children. 6. Retta, who died at the age of three years.