DR. SAMUEL B. SWAVELY, residing at the corner of Chestnut and Washington streets, Pottstown, is a native of Potts Grove township, Montgomery county, where he was born April 13, 1847. He is the son of Aaron and Mary (Burdan) Swavely, the father being a native of Berks county and the mother of Montgomery county.

They had five children: four sons and one daughter, of whom Dr. Samuel B., Levi and John survive.

Aaron Swavely (father) was a blacksmith all his life in Potts Grove township, Boyertown and Pottstown. He went to Pottstown about 1868, and was engaged in his trade there to the time of his death in 1896, dying on his seventy-third birthday. His wife died in 1900, aged seventy-four years. The parents of Dr. Swavely were both Lutherans. The father was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, belonging to the One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving nine months in all. He was for one term tax collector of the borough of Pottstown.

Samuel Swavely (grandfather) was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. His Wife was Rebecca Richards. He died well advanced in years. His wife survived him some years. They had a family of five sons and one daughter.

Adam Swavely (great-grandfather) was born in Germany. He came to America and settled in Pike township, Berks county.

Samuel Burdan (maternal grandfather) was a native of New Jersey, and a blacksmith by trade. He belonged to the state militia. His wife was Miss Overman. He died at upwards of seventy years of age, leaving a large family.

Dr. Samuel Swavely lived in Boyertown until he was ten years of age and then went to Pike township, residing in that vicinity until he was twelve or thirteen years of age. He attended the common school and on February 29, 1864, when he was only sixteen years old, enlisted in Company B, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Army of the Potomac, and served until the close of the war. He was in the following actions; battle of the Wilderness, Ny River, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, City Point, and in front of Petersburg, and assisted in undermining Fort Stedman. He was present at the time of Lee's surrender at Appomattox, and then went to Washington, D. C., and thence to Gettysburg, where the regiment took part in the dedicatory services of the monument on that famous battlefield, and was mustered out July 30, 1865. At Spottsylvania his trousers were pierced by a bullet, and his cap while he was on picket duty in front of Petersburg. Again, in front of Petersburg, the tin cup from which he was drinking was shot away. He then entered as a student at Kallyenan Academy, and, on leaving that institution, taught five years in Montgomery county and two years in Berks county, after which he took up the study of medicine at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1877. He began practicing at Blue Rock, Chester county, now called Elverson. He remained there until the spring of 1882, when he went to Pottstown and has practiced there since.

On February 11, 1869, he married Miss Mary D. Buck, daughter of Henry and Annie (Dunn) Buck. They had two children, Cora Alice and one who died in infancy. Cora Alice married James M. Reigner, of Pottstown. They have one child, Charles. Mrs. Mary D. Swavely died November 17, 1880 aged thirty years. She Was a member of the Lutheran church.

On July 11, 1895, Dr. Swavely married Miss Annie Elizabeth Smith, of Phoenixville, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Swavely) Smith. Dr. Swavely was confirmed in the Lutheran church. Mrs. Swavely was raised in the Methodist faith. Dr. Swavely belongs to Madison Lodge, No. 466, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to Graham Post, No. 196, G. A. R.

Politically he is a Democrat and has been an

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active and influential worker in the ranks of that party since 1868. He is a councilman from the fifth ward of Pottstown, serving his second term. He was president of the school board in West Nantmeal township, Chester county. In 1902 he made the canvass for county commissioner on the Democratic ticket, receiving the highest vote polled in the convention, but was defeated at the election by a small vote.

The parents of Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Swavely were natives of Germany and came to America about 1852. Mrs. Swavely was born in Phoenixville, where her parents still reside.

CHARLES GILBERT HAWKINS, proprietor of the Montgomery Hotel, and one of the most popular men in Pottstown, was born at Boyertown, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1870, being the son of Thomas Charles and Sallie W. (Gilbert) Hawkins.

Thomas Charles Hawkins was born in the state of New York, and was reared near Ogdensburg, that state. He was a traveling salesman, dying in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1878. His wife was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and is still living. She and her husband were members of the Lutheran denomination.

They had three children: Charles G.; John, died at the age of six years; and Elizabeth, died at the age of four years. Sallie W. (Gilbert) Hawkins married (second husband) C. W. B. Todd, proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel, at Reading.

Isaac Hawkins (grandfather) was a farmer near Ogdensburg, New York. Elias Gilbert (maternal grandfather) was born in Montgomery county, and was a blacksmith during the early part of his life. He later became a hotel proprietor in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. He conducted the Merchants' Hotel, Pottstown, for ten years, and died in that borough four years after withdrawing from the business. His son, Elias Gilbert, is the present proprietor. Elias Gilbert died in 1899, aged seventy-four years. He married Rebecca Wartman, a native of Montgomery county, who died in March, 1901, aged sixty-eight years. They belonged to the Lutheran denomination.

Their children were: Sarah; John W., of Reading; Ellen, wife of N. K. Gery, of Tioga, Philadelphia; Elias K., of Pottstown; Emma, wife of W. M. Stauffer, of New Holland, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and Howard, of Pottstown. John Gilbert (great-grandfather) was born in Montgomery county, and spent the greater part of his life on a farm. He was twice married, first to Miss Yerger, and second to Miss Nickel, his son Elias being the only child by the first marriage.

Charles G. Hawkins spent the early years of his life in Berks county and in Lehigh county, where he attended the common schools and obtained his elementary education. He afterwards attended the Perkiomen Seminary at Pennsburg, and the John Arms Academy at Pottstown. Mr. Hawkins held his first position with J. Fegely & Son, in their hardware store, and later became one of the proprietors of the Merchants' Hotel, of Pottstown, where he remained until 1902. In 1903 he purchased the furniture and good will of the Montgomery Hotel, of Pottstown, which is located on High street, and has made it one of the best hotels in Pottstown. Mr. Hawkins has been a resident of Pottstown for about twenty years, and is one of the best-known men in the borough. He is a member of the following secret orders: Manatawny Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 214, and Encampment; Washington Camp, No. 641, P. O. S. of A.; Junior Mechanics, No. 353, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 626, of Pottstown. In politics he is an active Democrat, and was tax receiver in Pottstown for six years. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

HARRY A. SHANER, son of George H. and Sarah (Levengood) Shaner, was born on the farm where he has always lived, on March 6, 1869. He is one of the most prosperous and careful farmers in Lower Pottsgrove township, and has won his place in the world entirely through his own efforts.

George H. Shaner (father) was born on the same farm as his son, in Lower Pottsgrove township, and combined with his occupation of farming his trade of shoemaking, in which he was very skillful. He served in the Civil war as a private. In politics he was a Democrat, and was a school director for many years. George Shaner built the house which is now standing on the Shaner farm. He was a member of the following organizations: the Mechanics, and the Grand Army of the Republic. George H. Shaner died in September, 1896, and his wife died in April of the same year. They had three children, one of whom, Alice, died very young. The other two are: Harry A.; Flora, married Frank Radel, and lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where he is a photographer.

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George Shaner (grandfather) lived upon the present home of the estate of John E. Krause, in Lower Pottsgrove township. His occupation was that of a day laborer. He lived to be ninety-four years of age. He married Mary Hartenstein, and they were both members of the Swamp Lutheran congregation of New Hanover township.

Harry A. Shaner received a very limited education, using education in its generally accepted sense. But he has educated himself by persevering in whatever he has undertaken during his life. He was employed in Pottstown for some years, and then learned the trade of stonemason.

He married Laura Wagner, daughter of Martin and Emma Matilda (Smith) Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner resided at that time and still reside in Fegleysville, Montgomery county, where he was a farmer, and is now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wagner bought the farm where they still have their home from Mr. and Mrs. Deiter Smith (parents of Mrs. Wagner) in 1868. The place, which had been used as a hospital during the war and which had been a burying ground for soldiers, still contains some relics of the war. Jacob Wagner (grandfather of Mrs. Shaner) was also a farmer near Fegleysville.

Harry A. Shaner followed his trade of a stonemason until 1806, when he bought his father's farm, and since that time has not only attended to his farming but has also continued in his former business. Before removing to his present hone, Mr. Shaner spent some time in Perkiomen township, being engaged in the milling business.

The farm has been greatly improved under his management, and each year he aims to be in a better position than before. He is a member of the following organizations: the Knights of the Mystic Chain; the Junior Mechanics; the Odd Fellows of Pottstown. He and his wife belong to the German Reformed church of New Hanover township. They have no children. Mrs. Shaner was born in 1872.

JACOB SHADE, a well-known citizen of Royersford, was born in Upper Providence township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1827. He was reared on the farm, attending subscription schools, but owing to the need for his services at home, his educational advantages were comparatively limited. He was the son of Jacob and Mary (Shunk) Shade, both of Montgomery county. The last named Jacob Shade was the son of another Jacob Shade, who married a Miss Buck, also of an old Montgomery county family. Both families were mostly farmers and both are of German descent, but there have been a half dozen generations in Pennsylvania. Jacob Shade was a member of the Reformed church.

His children were: Henry, Daniel, Jacob (father), Elizabeth, Christina, and Catharine, who died unmarried; and Margaret (Mrs. B. Place).

Jacob Shade (father), after his marriage, engaged in farming in Upper Providence township, Later he removed to Limerick, where he spent one year and then returned to Upper Providence. He again went back to Limerick, and engaged in farming near the locality where Royersford now stands. He died in 1829. He was a member of the Reformed church. His wife survived him, and married Benedict Garber, a blacksmith, who at first located in Upper Providence township, but in 1834 removed to Limerick, where he worked at his trade a number of years. In 1848 he retired from active labor and lived for a tine in Philadelphia, but later went back to Royersford and built a home, where he died, and his wife died in 1871 or 1872. His children were: Francis, a blacksmith; and Martha (Mrs. Evan Lewis).

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Jacob Shade's children were: Abel, who died at the age of thirty-two; Jeriah, a Reformed minister; Henrietta (Mrs. F. Isett); Charlotte (Mrs. Peter Cramer), both died in Philadelphia; Daniel, a wheelwright first and later a physician; and Jacob, mentioned hereinafter, who is the only member of the family now living.

Jacob Shade was only about eighteen months old at the time of his father's death. His mother cared for him, although others of the children were scattered, as she married again. Jacob grew up with his step-father, and learned the trade of blacksmithing, remaining under the parental roof until the retirement of his step-father, when he married and continued the blacksmithing business at the shop near Limerick church. He remained a dozen years, or until 1860, when he removed to a location near Linfield, conducting business there until the year 1901, when he retired and settled in Royersford. He bought a handsome residence where he now lives, enjoying himself as best he can. He still retains the shop and six acres of land near Linfield. During his early days when he and his step-father worked together at the blacksmith business, a different state of things prevailed from that of later times. Honesty and fair dealing were the rule in almost every community, and all were striving to make an honest, even though it might not be a luxurious living. Mr. Shade was an active Democrat. He was well informed upon all subjects of general interest. He took a hand in working for party success, and was everywhere regarded as an influential citizen. As the result of his activity in politics, he received the nomination of his party at one time for recorder of deeds of Montgomery county, but his party was in the minority that year, and his Republican competitor was elected to the position. He was only defeated, however, by a small majority. He served as township auditor and in other minor offices. He was recognized as an effective campaign worker, who was always willing to do his share towards securing party successes.

In 1851, he married Miss Mary A. Major, who was born in Limerick township, August 10, 1827;, being a daughter of Jacob and Mary M. (Schwenk) Major. Jacob Major was the son of John Major, while John's father was Jacob Major, who came from Wales to this country during colonial days and settled in Montgomery county, emigrating along with the Evans family and others who settled in Limerick and adjoining townships. The Majors were mostly farmers. John Major was a leading Democrat. He filled several township offices, including constable and tax collector.

His children were: Jacob, William, John, George and Hannah (Mrs. Daniel Miller). Jacob Major was reared in farm pursuits and learned also the shoemaker's trade. He died in Limerick in 1851. His wife survived hint seventeen years, dying in 1868. She was the daughter of Matthias Schwenk, a tailor, who was of German descent, and a member of the Lutheran church. He had only one child-Mary Magdalene, mother of Mrs. Shade.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Major were: Matthias, John, Louisa, Mary A. (wife of Jacob Shade), Elizabeth, David Enos and Catharine.

The children of Jacob and Mary A. Shade were: Charlotte (Mrs. William Saylor), John M., Zephanian, Samuel, a stove mounter, Jacob A., Catharine (Mrs. Charles Hetrick), who died in 1891, leaving two children: Mary D. (Mrs. Daniel Shelcup); Harriet, unmarried; Frederick L, who is employed at the Royersford Water Works; and Charles M., who learned the trade of a blacksmith, but later engaged in the life insurance business. Of these children, Jacob A. died when he was twenty-two years of age.

SAMUEL M. YERGER, a farmer of Towamencin township, Montgomery county, was born in Lower Pottsgrove township, October 30, 1859, his parents. being Abraham and Sarah (Miller) Merger, in whose family were eleven children Ann Amanda, deceased, Josiah M., Sarah A., Abraham M., Mary A., Henry J., Jacob M., Samuel M., Milton J., John F. and Daniel.

Samuel M. Yerger began his education in the common schools and continued to pursue his studies there until eighteen years of age. He lived on a farm until twenty-two years of age, after which he learned the harness-making trade, serving two years apprenticeship. He worked as a journeyman for sixteen years, at the end of which time he purchased the harness shop of his employer, C. S. Stover, of Kulpsville. He also bought a barber business of the same man, and is now conducting this. In 1898 he purchased twenty acres of land in Kulpsville, upon which he has since made his home.

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Mr. Yerger gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and has served as judge of elections and is now filling the office of township assessor. He formerly belonged to the Lutheran church.

In 1884 Mr. Yerger was married to Miss Emma C. Jones, a daughter of B. F. Jones, of Upper Gwynedd, Montgomery county. Unto their have been born two children: Stanley J. and Le Roy J.

WILLIAM W. DAVIDHEISER, treasurer of the Manatawny Knitting Company, of Pottstown, was born in Amity township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1851. He is the son of John and Sarah (Weasner) Davidheiser, both born in Pennsylvania.

John Davidheiser (father) was a miller and later a farmer in Berks county, Pennsylvania, living to the age of sixty-seven years, seven months, and fourteen days. He died in 1900. His wife died in 1894, aged sixty-three years. Both he and his wife were Lutherans, and in politics he was a Democrat. They had three children: William W.; Harriet, wife of Luther Fisher, of Boyertown; and Jacob, of Pottstown.

George Davidheiser (grandfather) was also born in Pennsylvania, and spent the greater part of his life in Berks county. He died at the age of sixty-seven years, leaving a large family.

Jacob Weasner (maternal grandfather) was also a native of Pennsylvania and lived in Berks county. He died many years ago at the age of seventy nears. By occupation he was a farmer. He married Mary Romich and they had six children. The Weasner family is of German origin.

William W. Davidheiser was reared on his father's farm in Berks county and attended the district schools in the vicinity of his home. He began life on a farm of two hundred and fourteen acres in Amity township, and remained on this farm, which belongs to the estate, until 1878. On removing from Amity township, he went to Greshville, and purchased a farm of two hundred and fourteen acres and seventy acres adjoining. He also owns this at the present time. He lived at Greshville until 1901, at which time he went to Pottstown, where he now lives.

He owns a beautiful home at the corner of Third and Johnson streets. He also is the owner of four houses in Boyertown and he has an interest in the Manatawny Knitting Mills of Pottstown, of which he is treasurer.

January 1, 1877, William W. Davidheiser married Miss Matilda Bahr, daughter of Jacob and Kate (Bliem) Bahr. They had two children: Minerva, and one who died in infancy. Minerva married Daniel R. Swaively and they reside in Amityville. They had three children, two of whom are now living: Leon and Stella. Mrs. Matilda (Bahr) Davidheiser died in 1880, when she was twenty-six years old. She was a member of the Lutheran church.

November 26, 1882, William W. Davidheiser married Miss Melinda Moyer, daughter of John and Maria (Moyer) Moyer. Mr. Davidheiser and wife belong to the Lutheran church at Boyertown. John Davidheiser, son of William W. and Melinda (Moyer) Davidheiser, married Miss Katie A. Turner, of Boyertown, Pennsylvania. They have one child, William Warren. John is a clerk for the Manatawny Knitting Company. The wife of John Davidheiser is the daughter of William and Kate (Arman) Turner. William Turner was a hotel-keeper and now lives on a small farm.

Mr. Davidheiser is a Democrat in politics and was a school director in Douglass township, Berks county. He is a stockholder in the Reading National Bank, and also in the Security Company at Reading, and in a canning factory at Boyerstown. He is also interested in the stonecrushing business in Douglas township, Berks county.

Mrs. Davidheiser's parents were born in Berks county. John Moyer was a farmer and died in 1863, at about thirty-six years of age.

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His wife died in 1890 at the age of fifty-six. They had six children, as follows: Amanda, wife of Henry Romich of Boyertown; Melinda, wife of Mr. Davidheiser; William, of Reading; Katie, wife of Henry Trout, of Pottstown; Augustus, of Boyertown; and Ellen, wife of Jacob Davidheiser.

John Moyer, grandfather of Mrs. Melinda (Moyer) Davidheiser, was born in Pennsylvania and was a farmer. His wife was Catherine Dierolf, who lived to be ninety-three years of age. He died well advanced in years. They had three children.

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Davidheiser, Frederick Moser, was a native of Pennsylvania. His wife was Dena Weand. He was more than seventy years of age at the time of his death. She died before him. They had six children. The father of Frederick Moser was Franz Moser, who emigrated from Germany and settled in Berks county.

CHARLES SIMPSON, although a native of Solebury township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, has been for a number of years a resident of Norristown. He was born Sixth-month 17, 1872, at the homestead purchased by his grandfather, John Simpson, about 1832. It is located about one and a half miles from New Hope, and was occupied by Joseph B. Simpson (father) until Twelfth-month, 1903, when it was purchased by Joseph Rounsaville. He attended the public schools of the vicinity, and the New Hope high school for three years. On leaving school, he came to Norristown to learn the woolen manufacturing business with J. Morton Brown & Co. He remained with the firm six years in that capacity, and was then promoted into the office of the Woodstock Mills, and soon became assistant manager of the establishment, which position he still holds. He is a Republican in politics, and like all his family a member of the Society of Friends, taking an active interest in everything relating to its interests.

The Simpson family have long been domiciled in Pennsylvania, their ancestor, John Simpson, having come to America from Ireland about the year 1730. He was at that time in his eighteenth year, and settled in Abington, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He afterward married Hannah de la Maine, who was of Drench birth. The couple were married in 1736. Hannah was born Third-month 14, 1714, and he in 1712. John Simpson died in 1746, in the thirty-fourth year of his age. His widow, who afterward married Robert Thomson, died Sixth-month 16, 1803, in the ninetieth year of her age.

Their children Mary, born Eleventh-month 7, 1737, married James McMasters. John (great-great-grand-fattier), born Tenth-month 23, 1739, married Ruth Whitson. Hannah, born Third-month 22, 1741, married David Canthorn. James, born Third-month 19, 1743, married Martha Shoemaker. Sarah, born Third-month 31, 1746, died young.

By the second marriage, Hannah, widow of John Simpson, had one child, Elizabeth, born Eleventh-month 29, 1748, married William Neely. Robert Thomson died Eleventh-month 8, 1804, aged eighty-two years.

John Simpson (great-great-grandfather) and Ruth (Whitson) Simpson had five children, as follows: David (great-grandfather), born Fourth-month 4, 1765, married Agnes Wiggins. Hannah, born fourth-month 20, 1767, married Samuel Shinn. John, born Eighth-month 5, 1769, married Elizabeth Blackfan. Ruth, born Twelfth-month 21, 1772, married Amos Hillhorn. James, born Sixth-month 17, 1775, married (first wife) Susannah Satterthwaite, and (second wife) Ann Balderson. Mary, born Seventh-month 14, 1780, died young.

John Simpson (great-great-grandfather) died Eighth-month 30, 1811, aged seventy-one years, ten months. Ruth Simpson, wife of John Simpson, died Third-month 21, 1805. John Simpson married (second wife) Anna Ingham, they being married in 1807. John Simpson was a minister of the Society of Friends, and traveled extensively in the states of the northeast, and also in some of the southern states.

David Simpson (great-grandfather) married Agnes Wiggins, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Warner) Wiggins, who was born Fourth-month 16, 1767. They were married Fifth-month 14, 1791, and had six children: Ruth, born Fourth-month 3, 1795, married William Betts. Sarah, born Tenth-month 13, 1797, married Merrick Reeder. John (grandfather), born Fourth-month 19, 1799, married Letitia Buckman. Rachel born Seventh-month 20, 1802, died unmarried. Hannah, born Second-month 8, 1804, died unmarried. Agnes, born Eighth-month 6, 1808, died unmarried. Ruth died Third-month 16, 1857. Sarah died Fourth-month 7, 1856. Rachel died Second-month 23, 1828, aged twenty-five years. Hannah died Twelfth-month 30, 1868, aged sixty-four years. Agnes died Eighth-month 6, 1868, aged sixty years, David Simpson (grandfather) died Sixth-month 5, 1831, aged sixty-six years, two months. His wife, Agnes Simpson, died Third-month 23, 1831, aged sixty-three years, eleven months.

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John Simpson (grandfather) married, Eleventh-month 15, 1827, Letitia Buckman, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Linton) Buckman, who was born Third-month 22, 1804. Their children Joseph B. Simpson (father), born Twelfth-month 4, 1828, married Macre Ann Flowers (first wife) and Sarah Pickering Eyre (second wife). Benjamin Wiggins, born Second-month 23, 1830, married Rebecca Satterthwaite. David, born Seventh-month 25, 1833, married Tacie Satterthwaite. Elizabeth, born Eleventh-month 20,1837, married Amos Satterthwaite. Agnes, born First-month 5, 1842, harried David Palmer. John Simpson (grandfather) died First-month 31, 1878, aged nearly seventy-nine. His wife, Letitia Simpson, died First-month 15, 1882, aged nearly seventy-eight.

Joseph B. Simpson (father) married, Eleventh-month 14, 1861, Nacre Ann Flowers, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Pickering) Flowers, and they had no children. She died Sixth-month 13, 1865, aged thirty-two years. Joseph B. Simpson (father) married (second wife), Tenth-month 29, 1868, Sarah P. Eyre, daughter of Preston and Nacre (Pickering) Eyre. They had three children: Edward, born First-month 8, 1870. Charles, born Sixth-month 17, 1872. (Subject of this sketch). Martha, born Third-month 16, 1875.

Charles Simpson married, Tenth-month 24, 1901, Annie Brooke Hughes, of King of Prussia, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and S. Emma (Marshall) Hughes. To them a son, Charles Edward, was born, Sixth-month 25, 1904.

Annie B. (Hughes) Simpson, wife of Charles Simpson, belongs to an old family of Upper Merion township. She is of Welsh descent, her ancestors all being members of the Society of Friends for several generations. They are descended from William Hughes (great-great-grandfather) who had four children: Phoebe, Hannah, married Hance Supplee; Elizabeth, married William Carver; and Abner (great-grandfather) married Katherine Lehman. Abner Supplee [sic] [should be Hughes] had four children, as follows: Sara, married John Owen; Phebe, married Thomas Brown; Mary, married Peter Gamble; William (grandfather).

William Hughes, born 6th mo. 10, 1816, died 4th mo. 6, 1899, married, 12th mo. 1841, Hannah Maris. Their children: Annie Elizabeth, born 5th mo. 4, 1843, married Cadwallader H. Brooke, 2d mo. 17, 1865, and had three children, Hannah Hughes, born 12th mo. 11, 1865, died 10th mo. 22, 1898, Elizabeth Adams, born 4th mo. 12, 1872, Athalia W., born 12th mo. 24, 1876, died 4th mo. 17, 1877; Sarah Maris, born 11th mo. 23, 1845, died 8th mo. 19, 1893, unmarried; William, Jr. (father); Rebecca Maris, born 1st mo. 13, 1855, married, 12th mo. 29, 1881, Francis E. Corson, and had one child, Helen Rebecca, born 10th mo. 12, 1882, died 4th mo. 5, 1901, the parents also being both deceased, she dying 1st mo. 16, 1892, aged thirty-seven years, and he 8th mo. 19, 1894; Frank, born 1st mo. 30, 1857, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

William Hughes (father of Mrs. Charles Simpson) was born 4th mo. 2, 1848, on the family homestead at King-of-Prussia, and was educated in the schools of the vicinity, becoming a farmer, which occupation he still follows. He married, 12th mo. 3, 1877, S. Emma Marshall, of Chester county, Pennsylvania. They have only one child, Annie Brooke,

who married Charles Simpson. They reside in Norristown, and have one child.

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The home now occupied by Frank Hughes was a portion of the land purchased by Abner Hughes, who lived there from early manhood until his death. The property then went by inheritance to his son William, who in turn bequeathed it to his son, Frank Hughes. The land owned by Abner Hughes was partly located in Chester county. He bequeathed to each child a share of his estate. Thomas Brown now owns that of his mother, Phoebe, and also his aunt Mary's share, she having left no children. Sarah's share has been recently sold by the Owen heirs to Dr. Downing, who now occupies it. The old saw mill, which has been enlarged and improved, stands where it did in Abner Hughes's time, a hundred years ago.

Christian Maris was the first of the family in this country, they being of German origin. He emigrated to America, and located on a tract of land near the present site of Phoenixville. One of his sons, David, married and had several children, one of whom was Hannah Maris, born 7th mo. 30, 1819, wife of William Hughes. She died 10th mo. 27, 1902, at her home near King-of-Prussia.

THE MORTON FARM is a large property of 106 acres, situated near the south corner of Montgomery township. It fronts the township line road midway between Steever's mill and the Horsham road. The buildings are at a considerable distance from the latter highway, with which a lane connects. The farm lands surrounding are only moderately undulating, and a rivulet flows eastward to join the Neshaminy. The crossroad on the northwest is the boundary on that side. The property is now held by an heir of the Morton family, a non-resident owner, who is Mrs. Matilda Morton Ayars. She has lately been a Philadelphia school teacher. A tenant has for years been the farmer.

This is an old homestead where there has been a human habitation since colonial times. Buildings were erected as early as 1761, and probably by Jonathan West. The prior history, of this territory may be told in a few words. It is the central part of a grant made to Thomas Potter in 1688, and sold to Mary Channelhouse in 1692. She married John Starkey, who died poor in 1746. Sheriff Nicholas Scull seized his property in that year and sold to Joseph Kenderdine, this and the later Wilson farm comprising 216 acres. The boundary of this tract in 1761 was Beginning at post of land of Rev. Joshua Jones northeast 204 perches; by John Griffith southeast 170 perches; by land in tenure of William Ston on southwest 90? perches; by Isaac Jones and the Horsham road northwest 180 perches to beginning.

Their deed was witnessed by Joseph Kenderdine, Jr., and Ezekiel Shoemaker, before Archihald McClean. In 1761 Joseph Kenderdine divided the tract and sold the latter Morton place to John Hickman, a blacksmith, for 225 pounds. The same year Hickman sold 104 acres to Jonathan West. This deed was also signed by his wife Margaret before Samuel Esy and witnessed by Samuel Murray.

There is little known concerning West save that the first name of his wife Was Ruth, which was a name common among Quaker women. West held possession for thirteen years, or until 1774, the eve of the revolution. The improvements that he made were of moderate value, for he sold the farm that year for 350 pounds to John Harry, comprising 104 acres with these boundaries: By land of the widow Griffith southeast 172 perches; by land in tenure of William Stenson southwest; by same and land of John Hickman northwest 172 perches; by land of Rev. Jones northeast 99 perches to beginning. The latter named preacher was the pastor of the New Britain Baptist church for many years.

John Harry, who was a Welshman, lived here during the Revolution and until his death long afterwards, a period of twenty-five years. During his ownership he put up better buildings. In the assessment of 1776 he was rated for l00 acres, two horses and three cows. The will of John Harry was made in 1799, and his executors were Thomas Wilson and John Harris.

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The name Harry is synonymous with Harris. This will directed that the place be sold, but it was seven years before this was done. He had a son Isaac then living in North Carolina. Mention is made of grandchildren, Elizabeth, daughter of John Harris, and Samuel, Benjamin, John and Jacob Harris, sons of Isaac Harris. His executor, John Harris, lived in New Britain, and the will was written by Amos Griffith of the same township.

In 1806 Jacob Maderia bought the farm, but only held it four years, when in 1810 he sold to Michael Hartman for 478 pounds, besides paying off a mortgage. Hartman was only a temporary owner, as in 1811 he conveyed to Michael Stoever. The latter bought to keep, and it remained a Stoever property for a generation.

In 1844 Elizabeth Stoever bought it from her husband's estate, but the next year sold to Reuben McLaughlin, a Philadelphian, for $4556. McLaughlin was the owner for a long while. He died in August, 1864, leaving his wife, Mary Ann, his administrator. In 1867 she sold to Charlotte Morton, wife of Thomas Morton, of Philadelphia, for $9000, and the property later came into possession of her daughter, Mrs. Matilda Ayars.

JOHN D. STOUT. Charles Stout (grandfather) was born near Jarrettown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and was educated there in the schools of his day. He was a farmer by occupation, and continued in that business all his life. He was a man of importance in his day, doing much to promote the welfare of the community in which he lived. He married Mary Coar, of the same township, and reared a large family of children. One of them was Seth.

Seth Stout (father) was born on the homestead in January, 1823, and died in 1898. He was educated in the common schools of that day, and on leaving school engaged in work at the lime kilns at Fort Washington, which he continued for forty years. He conducted his farming in connection with this employment in burning little. He married Mary Derr, who is also now deceased, and was a daughter of John Derr, a farmer of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Stout was an active Republican in politics, and held the position of township supervisor for many years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a member and a deacon of the Baptist church for a great many years. The children of Seth and Mary Stout: Charles, one who died in infancy, and John D.

John D. Stout was born on the homestead in Upper Dublin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1849. He was educated in the public schools, of the vicinity, and on leaving school engaged in farming and trucking, which he has continued ever since, having at the present time a farm in Hatfield township which he purchased in 1893. He is an active and earnest Republican in politics, and has held the office of township assessor. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. He and his family attend the Methodist church. Mr. Stout is a popular man in his community, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. He married Miss Margaret Lenhart, who was born in Cheltenham township, March 22, 1855. Their marriage took place in 1873. Mrs. Stout is a daughter of John F. Lenhart, deceased, and his wife, Mrs. Ruth (Addis) Lenhart, who is living at the age of eighty-three years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Stout: Mary V., married Harry, E. Curry; John F., married Leila Bessinger, and has one child; Seth, died young: Lynford, Charles W., Joseph L., William F., Seth R., Ralph M., Ruth M.

JOSEPH S. GARBER, of the firm of Garber & Rhoads, brick manufacturers, Pottstown, is a native of that borough, where he was born January 24, 1853. He is the son of Francis and Sophie (Sellers) Garber. The parents were also natives of the vicinity. They had a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, three of whom are now living, as follows: Phoebe, wife of Henry Yohn; Joseph S. Garber, and George W. Garber, of Los Angeles, California.

Francis Garber (father) was a carpenter and car builder, and was engaged in those occupations the greater portion of his life. He resided in Pottstown for many years, and was employed

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for nineteen years by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. He died in 1866, in Philadelphia, in his fiftieth year. Mrs. Garber survived her husband many years, dying in 1888, at the age of sixty-seven years. She, as well as her husband, was a member of the Reformed church. He was called into the United States military service in the Mexican war in 1847. He was a Whig and Republican in politics, although taking no very active share in party contests.

Joseph Garber (grandfather) was a native of that section of Montgomery county, and resided near Mingo. He was a farmer by occupation. He had four sons and a daughter, and died somewhat past middle life. The family are of German descent but have been long residents in eastern Pennsylvania. Ephraim Sellers (maternal grandfather) lived in Sunneytown. He died young. His children were four in number. Joseph Garber was reared in Pottstown, and attended the public schools until he was twelve years of age. His father dying, Joseph began life on his own account, but assisted his mother in caring for his younger brothers and sisters. His first occupation was work as a gilder of picture frames in Philadelphia. Returning to Pottstown he secured employment in the nail factory in 1866, and was engaged in that occupation for a period of thirty years. In 1890 he embarked in the brick manufacturing business, which he still continues, and makes as many as a million bricks in a year, his firm doing a large business in that line.

On February 5, 1872, he married Miss Mary A. Semling, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Mowerer) Semling. Mr. and Mrs. Garber have six children as follows: Ella, Ida, Annie, Jennie, Harry and Raymond. Ella married Frank Graham, of Pottstown, and they have two children, Harold and Marie. Ida married William Newton, of Easton, Pennsylvania. Annie harried Lester Fisher, of Pottstown. Jennie harried Charles Fisher, and they reside now in Harrisburg. Harry is a moulder, and Raymond died at the age of seven years and nine months. Mr. and Mrs. Garber are members of the Trinity Reformed church of Pottstown.

Mr. Garber is a Republican in politics. He built his present home, No. 422 Lincoln avenue, in 1875. He also owns other business and residence properties in Pottstown, and is an influential and highly respected member of the community.

ABRAHAM KRIEBEL, son of Abraham Heydrick and Susanna (Kriebel) Kriebel, was born November 29, 1867, on his father's farm, in Towamencin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public schools of his district in the intervals of farm labor until he reached his twenty-first year, after which he studied for three months at the Pierce Easiness College in the city of Philadelphia. He married, January 12, 1895, Annie, born February 26, 1870, daughter of Samuel Heydrick and his wife, Mary Kriebel Heydrick.

Their children: Susanna, born September 27, 1896; Elizabeth, born August 9, 1898; Herbert, born November 9, 1900; Miriam, born October 17, 1903.

For two years after his marriage Mr. Kriebel engaged in farming for Elias Snyder, of Towamencin township, after which he rented from his father in Gwynedd township the farm on which he now lives, containing seventy-six acres of land, of which seventy acres is highly improved farm land, the balance being heavily timbered, principally with oak, the land mostly high and rolling, well-watered and drained, and in a high state of cultivation. On account of the numerous springs found upon the place, the name "Springfield", has been given to the farm by its present owners. Mr. Kriebel also operates the farm for dairying purposes, having at present over twenty head of cows of mixed stock, and employing four or five horses in the cultivation of the land. The property is an ideal farm and Mr. and 'Mrs. Kriebel, she having also been reared on a farm, are among the best farmers in Montgomery county.

In politics Mr. Kriebel is a Republican, but has never sought or held office, although always taking care to go to the polls on election day. His father was among the first voters in the Republican party in Montgomery county, and cast his ballot for Colonel John C. Fremont for president in 1856. His grandfather was an old-line Whig. In religious faith the Kriebels are members of the Schwenkfelder church in Towamencin township.

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Abraham H. Kriebel (father), born August 20, 1833, is the son of Samuel Kriebel, who married a Miss Heydrick. Their children: Nathaniel; Salome, married Reuben Kriebel, of Lansdale; Jeremiah, born February 19, 1865, married Johanna Heckler, daughter of Frank Heckler; Abraham, subject of this sketch; Susanna, born December 27, 1870, married Milton Oberholtzer Landis, son of Isaac Landis, of New Britain township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

Samuel Heydrick (Mrs. Kriebel's father) was the son of George and Maria Heydrick. Maria was the daughter of Abraham and Annie Bergey (Kriebel). Samuel and Maria Heydrick were married November 11, 1862.

Their children: Daniel, born November 15, 1863, died in 1890, married Sophia, daughter of Abraham and Christiana (Kriebel) Rittenhouse, of Gwynedd township, and had children; George, born January 28, 1865, unmarried and lives in West Virginia, where he is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church; Susanna, married November 17, 1888, Anthony Heebner, son of William and Edith (Anders) Heebner, of Gwynedd township, their children being: William H., born August 21, 1890, died July 11, 1895, Ivan, born May 12, 1898, Norman B., born May 10, 1902; Mary, born March 23, 1868, married, August 31, 1898, Howard, son of William and Hannah (Schubert) Schultz, and have one child, Robert, born February 22, 1890; Annie, wife of Abraham Kriebel; Regina, born January 12, 1872, died August 21, 1897; Sarah, born in 1874, married, in November, 1893, Howard, son of William and Hannah (Schubert) Schultz, their children being Russell, born December 9, 1894, Annie, born September 16, 1897; Clarence, born December 31, 1898, Catharine, born August 31, 1901.

FURMAN KEPLER, son of Reuben and Catherine (Wildermuth) Kepler, was born in Lower Pottsgrove township, December 3, 1858. Reuben Kepler (father) was the son of John S. Kepler, the latter being a cabinet maker in early life. He removed to Somerset county, where he died. He followed the occupation of a farmer, and lived in Lower Pottsgrove township.

Furman Kepler attended the schools of the neighborhood until he had arrived at the age of seventeen years. He then secured a teacher's certificate, and taught school for six years in Lower Pottsgrove township, and in New Hanover, the adjoining township. He then engaged in farming upon the homestead where he now resides.

He married Annie J. Fegely, daughter of Solomon and Lydia (Bickel) Fegely, also of Lower Pottsgrove, where the parents were engaged in farming. Mr. Fegely was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Furman Kepler have one child, Walter Emerson, unmarried, and residing with his parents. He is a graduate of the Hill school at Pottstown and at present is a student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Kepler purchased the farm on which he resides in the spring of 1894. He has made many improvements upon it, making additions to the buildings, and greatly increasing the fertility of the land by judicious fertilizing.

Mr. Kepler is an influential man in his neighborhood, and has filled the position of school director for about eighteen years. He is a prominent member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America, and also of the junior Order of United American Mechanics, of the Royal Arcanum, and of other organizations of the kind. In religious faith he is a Lutheran.

A copper mine has recently been located on the property owned by Mr. Kepler, and great expectations are being entertained as to the value of its products.

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ELMER E. SAYLOR, an active business man of Pottstown, is a descendant of an old family in Montgomery county. He was born in Lower Pottsgrove township, May 9, 1861. Educated in the public schools of the neighborhood, he gained also a knowledge of farming. He is the son of Adam F. and Hannah (Hetzel) Saylor, He a native of Wittenburg, Germany, and she of New Jersey. Adam Saylor's father came to America with his family and settled in Pennsylvania.

His children: J. C., who located in Chester county; Marsit (Mrs. J. Miller); Margaret (Mrs. Shimerrer); Adam F. (father). The family were Lutherans, and were prominent in the community in which they lived.

Adam Saylor (father) was twelve years of age when the family came to America. He grew to manhood in Montgomery county. When a mere boy he commenced driving mules on the canal, and later secured a boat of his own, naming it the "J. C. Saylor". He followed boating for many years, being successful in that occupation, and thus obtaining a fair start in life. He then married and engaged in farming, which calling he pursued until he secured the appointment of steward of the Montgomery County Home, continuing in this position seven years, after which he retired from active pursuits, and removed to Pottstown, where he resided the remainder of his life. He died July 3, 1898. Mr. Saylor was a Republican in politics, and used his influence in behalf of the success of the party and its candidates for office. During the rebellion he served as enrolling officer. He also filled the position of road supervisor in his township for several years, and held other minor offices. He was much respected in the community in which he lived, and his integrity was above question. His wife died November 27, 1901. Her brothers were John, and W. F., who was a captain in the Union army during the rebellion. The parents were Lutherans in religious faith.

The children of Adam F. are: John C., a prominent farmer in Pottsgrove; Catharine (Mrs. Ebert); Adam F., Jr., William H., B. F., Elmer E. (subject of this sketch); Rachel M. (Mrs. Stunner B. Frick); Lizzie (Mrs. John W. Stauffer); Harry C.

Elmer E. Saylor remained with his parents until he was seventeen years of age, when he took a position as a clerk in the store of J. & H. K. Boyer, at Boyertown, Berks county. Having been thus employed for two years, he accepted a similar situation with the firm of L. & W. C. Beecher, of Pottstown. Later he went to Royersford, and became a clerk for Jones Rogers, remaining with him for five years, and then, in 1885, he married, and soon afterwards engaged in the grocery business for himself, in which he has been very successful and continues to the present time.

Mr. Saylor is a Republican in politics, although not an aspirant for public position. He served at one time in Royersford as borough auditor. He is a Lutheran in religious faith, and has been a member of the church council of that denomination in Royersford for three years.

Mr. Saylor married in 1885 Miss Annie E. Munshower, a native of Chester county, where she was born January 28, 1862, being the daughter of Henry and Mary Munshower. Mrs. Saylor's father was a prominent merchant of Royersford, but was cut off by death in the prime of life, passing away at the age of fifty-two years.

His widow has since married Jacob Elliott, a blacksmith of Spring City, by whom she has three children; Joseph, Minnie and Hattie. Minnie married George Davis, and, he dying, she married (second husband) John Rich. Hattie is the wife of John Greiner.

There was but one child by the first marriage, Miss Annie E. Munshower, who became the wife of Elmer E. Saylor.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Saylor: Eula, born March 17, 1886; Lizzie M., born 1887; Frank H., born in January, 1890. Mrs. Saylor died April 29, 1903. She was a member of the Lutheran church.

GEORGE McMAHON is a successful business than of Bethayres, where he is engaged in the blacksmith business. He is a son of Thomas and Mary McMahon, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

He was born on the homestead farm in Abington township, April 22, 1873. He acquired an education in the public schools of the township, and on leaving school entered upon the work which he has followed through life. He learned his trade under the instruction of John Barrett, of Bethayres, being employed with him as a journeyman for a year after completing his apprenticeship.

Since 1895 he has been engaged in business for himself at Bethayres, and by industry and strict attention to the needs of his patrons, he has built up a profitable business.

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Mr. McMahon married, at Newtown, Pennsylvania, April 24, 1901, Joie F. Morris, daughter of James and Julia (Hennessy) Morris. They have one daughter, Helen, born June 26, 1902. Mr. McMahon is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Santa Maria Council, Germantown, and also of the Masters' Horseshoeing Association. In politics he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in the success of the organization to which he belongs. He and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church in Jenkintown.

FRANK LESTER SMITH, for many years prominent in municipal management in Norristown, is descended from an old family of Friends who settled in colonial days in Delaware county, this state. His ancestors were mostly farmers, although his maternal grandfather, Dr. Joseph Blackfan, was a well-known physician of Radnor, who in his day had a very extensive practice.

Joseph C. Smith (father) was born in Easttown township, Chester county, in i816, where he followed farming until i874, when the family removed to Norristown. He lived retired until 1890, when he died in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He married Mary, daughter of Dr. Joseph Blackfan, whose wife was a member of the Evans family, also of Radnor. She died over twenty years ago. Dr. Joseph Blackfan had seven children.

John Smith (grandfather) was a native of Easttown township and a farmer by occupation. He lived near where Devon now stands. His family were all members of the Society of Friends. His children, Joseph C. (father), John, Sarah, Hattie, Jane, and Charlotte, are all now deceased.

Frank L. Smith was born February 13, 1856, in Easttown township. He was educated at the Easttown schools and in Norristown, attending the high school but not graduating therefrom. On leaving school Mr. Smith went into the wholesale hardware house of Buehler, Bonbright Company, in which occupation he remained for six years. He then went into the grocery business in Norristown, locating at DeKalb and Jacoby streets, Norristown, in which occupation he remained about four years. He then engaged in an extensive building operation at Devon, erecting water works and other improvements and a large number of houses. During a portion of this time he was engaged in the real-estate business in Philadelphia.

A need existing in Norristown for an abattoir, Mr. Smith, in conjunction, with John T. Dyer, John Metzer and others, organized the Merchant Ice Company, erecting extensive buildings for the manufacture of ice, the plate method being in use at the establishment, for slaughter houses and for carrying on the coal business. A charter was secured for the company with John T. Dyer as president and Mr. Smith as treasurer. The combination, from a business standpoint, has been very fortunate, the surplus ice, left after the delivery of many thousand tons annually to customers at wholesale and retail, being used for refrigerating purposes in connection with the slaughtering of cattle, sheep, hogs, etc. A large part of the meat consumed in Norristown and adjacent territory is the output of this establishment, of which Mr. Smith is the leading spirit, giving close attention to the business and making it a complete success, financially and otherwise.

The plant includes, as a matter of course, ample provision for cold storage. Mr. Smith is also treasurer of the Montgomery Real Estate Company, formed several years ago, intended to operate in Norristown real estate. He is also a director in the Peerless Paper Company, of Philadelphia, an extensive establishment.

Mr. Smith was appointed by Governor Stone, in 1897, a trustee of the Norristown Hospital for the Insane, and he has been for several years treasurer of the board of trustees of that institution, a position which previously had always been filled by a Philadelphia trustee.

It is, however, in connection with municipal

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improvements in the borough of Norristown, his home since 1874, that Mr. Smith has especially distinguished himself. From the time he came of age, he took an active part in politics, being an earnest Republican, as was his father, and doing everything in his power to promote the success of the principles and policy of that organization. He is serving his seventh term in the town council, having been its honored president for several years, and filled many important committee positions and other appointments therein. His membership in the town council, of twenty-one years, far exceeds the tenure of any other member of that body, and no one else has served so long a time continuously since the organization of the borough of Norristown, in 1812.

Although a comparatively young man, Mr. Smith in thus the father of the town council and he fulfills this designation in more ways than one, having suggested or advocated every prominent measure before that body in the past twenty years. Recognizing the necessity of getting out of the old ruts and having municipal management in the county seat of Montgomery become more progressive, he commenced to advocate very early in his career as councilman the adoption of such measures as will place Norristown in the first rank of cities of the state with reference to street, sewer and other improvements. It required some years to impress upon the older and more conservative element in the town council the importance of progressive methods of proceeding.

Mr. Smith was the author and earnest advocate of the first borough loan for street and sewer improvement. After the measure was adopted by the town council, the proposal to increase the indebtedness of the borough by two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for these purposes, was submitted to the voters of Norristown and adopted by a large majority of them. The money was expended in paving and severing about eighty squares, vitrified brick being largely used, Main street and other leading thoroughfares being permanently paved with that material. The value of these improvements to Norristown real-estate owners can scarcely be estimated.

Having been the author of the project, Mr. Smith took a prominent part in the expenditure of the money, always insisting that the work should be done in the best possible manner. A few years later, in 1902, another loan of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was suggested by Mr. Smith and kindred spirits in the town council. This proposition, on being submitted to the voters of Norristown, was overwhelmingly adopted like the other. This loan was expended largely in putting down the Warren bituminous, waterproof pavement, which has, up to the present time, given excellent satisfaction; there being about fifty squares permanently paved in this way in Norristown.

It is not only in the matter of street improvement that Mr. Smith has taken an active part during his membership in the town council. He has uniformly favored the grant of the streets to trolley companies and otherwise aided in making Norristown one of the most enterprising and progressive cities of the state, affording a very desirable location for those from other sections of Montgomery and of Pennsylvania who are looking for a desirable place of residence. Mr. Smith has taken an active interest in the fire department, the police department and other branches of the city government. He was prominently interested in the borough legislation which led to the erection of the municipal building, the City Hall, which occupies the site of the old borough market on DeKalb street, from Airy to Marshall. No member of the town Council of Norristown has ever made such an impess on the municipal legislation of the place as Mr. Smith, and no one is entitled to greater credit for the creation of a new Norristown, in place of the overgrown village of former times.

In private life, as in public duty, Mr. Smith is a model of what every citizen should be. He is genial and affable in his deportment, practical and business-like in action, earnestly devoted to the interests of his town and county. In politics he is a born leader, and probably no one else has clone so much as he to make Norristown so strongly Republican that, at the recent elections, every district was carried by candidates by that party, and the party majority has frequently exceeded a thousand. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. While he is one of the busiest citizens of Norristown, he finds time for recreation, and is one who thoroughly enjoys life in all its phases. An acknowledged leader in borough, county and state politics, Mr. Smith finds time for the proper performance of every duty as a man, a citizen, and one who gives faithful attention to every business interest.

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Mr. Smith married Miss Cora D., daughter of Benjamin F. and Rachel D. Hagey. They have one son, Frank Lester, born August 13, 1899. They live in a substantial residence on Powell street, in the Sixth ward of Norristown.

HENRY Y. WISE, of No. 33 East Third street, Pottstown, is a native of Earl, Earl township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 19, 1839. He is the son of Samuel and Catharine (Yergey) Wise, both natives of Berks county. Their family included thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, eleven of whom are now living: Henry Y., Urias, John, Ephraim, William, Harris, Mary Ann, widow of Henry Eagle; Ann Amanda, wife of Amos Rhodalmer; Leah, widow of John Houck; Catharine, wife of Jonathan Acker; Sophia, wife of Ephraim Hatfield.

Samuel Wise (father) was a teamster and farther in early life, but later engaged in farming, which occupation he followed all his life. He died at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him several years, and died at the age of seventy-nine years. In religious faith both of them were Lutherans, he being a deacon.

In politics Mr. Wise was a Democrat, although he never sought or held office, being content to deposit his ballot on election day.

John Wise (grandfather) was a native of Pennsylvania, and, as the name indicates, was of German descent. He was a tailor by occupation. He spent most of his life in Berks county. His wife was Barbara (Rhoads) Wise. He died upwards of eighty years of age, leaving a large family. Henry Yergey (maternal grandfather) was also a native of Berks county. He was a carpet weaver by trade. Removing to Montgomery county, he spent the last few years of his life in Pottstown, and died there at an advanced age. He had several sons and daughters. Henry Y. Wise, subject of this sketch, came to Montgomery county with his parents when he was little more than two rears of age. He lived on the farm until the scarcity of volunteers made the first draft necessary during the war for the suppression of the rebellion.

Mr. Wise then enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He was engaged in a number of skirmishes but in no important battle. He was a private in the ranks. On returning from the army Mr. Wise returned his old occupation of working on the home farm, thus continuing for two years. At the expiration of that time he entered the employ of J. Fegely & Co., remaining there for five years. He was engaged in the lumber department. He then secured employment in the planing mill of J. Mengel Fisher, and was thus engaged for a period of twenty-four years. Of recent years Mr. Wise has held a position with the Keystone Agricultural Works Company.

On May 26, 1866, Mr. Wise married Mary A. Davidheiser, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reigner) Davidheiser, also of Pottstown. The couple have one son, Howard D. Wise, who married Miss Jennie Cavanaugh. They have two children, Mary and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Wise are members of the Emanuel Lutheran church of Pottstown. In politics he is a Democrat, although not particularly active in party matters.

PARKER JENKINS is a native of Hatfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he was born at the old homestead near Colmar, June 15, 1847. He was educated in the public schools, and then devoted his attention to farming as an occupation. He was appointed station agent at Colmar by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, a position which he has filled since 1876.

He has served as postmaster at Colmar since 1876, with the exception of four years during President Cleveland's second term. When the Republican administration of Mr. McKinley was inducted into power, Mr. Jenkins again received the appointment, and he still holds it. He is an earnest and active Republican in politics, and one of the workers in the county for party success. He is a charter member of Lansdale Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, and a member of the secret society known as the True Blues.

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Mr. Jenkins married, in 1875, Miss Catherine Dungan, daughter of Martin and Caroline Dungan, farmers, of Hatfield township. She died January 16, 1901.

He is descended from members of the Society of Friends. Charles Todd Jenkins (father) was born April 13, 1812, on the tract of land now owned by Heebner's Agricultural Works at Lansdale, which tract of land at that time formed part of the Jenkins homestead. He was reared in the regulation fashion in those days, working on the farm in summer and autumn, and attending school through the winter when there was no outdoor work to be done. He devoted time to study at home, in which he was assisted by his father, John Jenkins. At the age of eighteen years he commenced teaching school, and taught three winter terms, and afterwards for three full years in succession. In the spring of 1840 he engaged in farming, butchering, and dealing in country produce for the Philadelphia market, which he continued for a period of forty years. In the meantime the North Pennsylvania Railroad was built, and a station located at Colmar.

He established there a depot for coal, flour and feed, which he operated for fourteen years, when he retired and engaged in farming, which he followed until he died. His wife was Sarah, daughter of George and Esther Lukens, of Towamencin township.

She was the mother of the following children: George L.; Anna, died in childhood; Ella, married Oliver M. Evans, of Lansdale; Comly L. Parker, subject of this sketch; Naomi; J. P. Hale, a leading lawyer of Norristown, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Valeria, married George Chapin, of Philadelphia. The ancestor of the Jenkins family in this county (Montgomery) and adjoining counties was Jenkin Jenkin, who came from Wales, and settled in the vicinity in which so many of the name still reside. He had a son and grandson, both named John. The last-named was the father of Charles Todd Jenkins.

Charles Todd Jenkins and Sarah Lukens were married March 26, 1840. She is also deceased.

SAMUEL STETTLE BRANT, the son of Washington R. and Sarah (Stettle) Brant, was born September 3, 1866, in Limerick township, Montgomery county.

Washington R. Brant( father) was a miller for many years, also engaged in the produce business. He now resides on a farm in Limerick township, his farm adjoining that o£ his son, Samuel S. Brant, which is in Lower Pottsgrove township. He is a Democrat, and has been a school director for many years.

Samuel Brant (grandfather) resided on the farm now occupied by his son Washington in Limerick township, which, however, Washington Brant has rebuilt, putting a handsome ]ionic on the place. Samuel Brant died many years ago, and is buried in Limerick township. His wife was Salome (Rahn) Brant and died several years later than her. husband. She is also buried in Limerick township.

Washington R. Brant (father) had eight children, two of whom, Mary and Rebecca, died very, young. The living are: Frank, married Helen Longacre of Pottstown, and they reside in Philadelphia, where he is superintendent of circulation of the "Worth American" newspaper; Samuel S.; Annie, unmarried and resides with her parents; Erwin, married Lizzie Geist, of Pottstown, and resides in Reading, Pennsylvania, he is engaged in the produce business, and is president of the Pasturized Milk Company of Reading; Emma Catharine, unmarried and resides at home; Newton Cleveland, assists his father on the farm.

Samuel S. Brant attended school until he was eighteen years of age. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years of age, except one year spent in work on other farms. He married Miss Ella Rahn, daughter of H. G. and Sarah Rahn, of Lower Pottsgrove. Mr. And Mrs. Samuel Stettle Brant have two children Louis Bickel and Sarah Rahn Brant.

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Mr. Brant is a Democrat in politics. he started to farm for himself seven years ago, and now enjoys the reputation of being one of the most prosperous farmers in the neighborhood. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and of the P. O. S. of A. of Pottstown.

H. G. Rahn, father of Mrs. Brant, is a farmer in Lower Pottsgrove township, and has been a lifelong resident of the township.

HORACE B. RIGHTER. The Righter family is of German origin, tracing the American ancestry to one of three brothers, who, with two sisters, came to Philadelphia. One of them located in Lower Merion township, settling on Mill creek, where he owned a grist mill. He was John, great-great-grandfather of Horace B. Righter. The Righters were Friends, the two sisters being preachers in the Society.

John Righter had a family of children, including Anthony Righter (great-grandfather). Anthony was a millwright by trade, residing in early life in Lower Merion, but living later in Whitemarsh township, on the property purchased by his son John.

Anthony Righter married Catharine Taylor, the couple having nine children: John, Morris T., Isaac, Joseph, Anthony, Richard, Mary (Pontzler), Catharine and Elizabeth (Nuss). He died at the age of eighty-nine years.

John Righter (grandfather), was a native of Lower Merion, being a farmer and later engaged, near Spring Mill, in burning lithe, hauling much of it to Philadelphia. After the construction of the canal large quantities were shipped in that way, three hundred thousand bushels in one year. Later he retired from the lime business, and became a successful farmer at Spring Mill, originally a Democrat, he became a Republican, was interested in the Underground Railroad and was generally active in neighborhood affairs. He died in 186o, aged eighty-three years, his remains being interred in Barren Hill cemetery. His wife was Elizabeth Le Gaux, and their children were: Peter L., Isaac (died young), Joseph, Anthony P., John A., Charles C., Lindley V., George W., and Lucressa R. Mrs. Righter died in 1867, in the seventieth year of her age.

Peter Le Gaux (maternal great-grandfather), a native of France, came from the province of Lorraine to America in 1785. He was an attorney-at-law, having been admitted at Matz in his twentieth year, and at the supreme tribunal, Nantes, in 1768.

He was a member of the Masonic order, a member and correspondent of several academies of science and arts in Europe and America, a meteorologist and a lean of considerable literary ability. In many respects Peter Le Gaux was a very remarkable character. He died at Spring Mill, September 27, 1827.

John A. Righter (father), was born at Spring Mill, September 16, 1821. Hr attended neighborhood schools until seventeen years of age, remaining with his father until 1847. Having married in 1845, he engaged in mercantile business until the war of the Rebellion, becoming interested in the meantime in soapstone quarries in Lower Merion, which he operated for twelve years.

Selling the farm and quarries to Howard Wood and Clement Griscom, he lived a retired life from 1876 to his death in 1900. Mr. Righter was a director in the "Tradesmen's National Bank, in Conshohocken An ardent Republican, he was poor director for three years, and for many years a school director in Whitemarsh. He was a member of Charity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norristown. Mr. Righter was married, December 11, 1845, to Rebecco Kirkner, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Kirkner, of Barren Hill.

They had four children: Daniel, Horace H., Joseph K., and Kate, now Mrs. Michael K. Wood, of Conshohocken, whose sons are Frank A. and John R. Wood, the last named being cashier in the Tradesmen's Bank of Conshohocken.

Horace B. Righter was born February 2, 1856, at Spring Mill. He attended the neighborhood schools, was a student in Professor John Loche's boarding school at Norristown and in a private school in Philadelphia. He became a remarkably fine penman. When seventeen years

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of age he went to Altoona, Pennsylvania, to learn the machinist's trade but remained only six months and after his return clerked for D. O. & H. S. Hitner for fourteen years. He then entered the employ of the railroad company, at Conshohocken, and two years were thus passed after which he assisted his father in the recorder's office as clerk for fifteen years. He was then elected to that office in 1899 and served for one term. He is active and prominent in local political circles and served as a member of the county committee for several rears and has been a delegate to the county conventions of the Republican party. He is a Mason and belongs to the same chapter in which his father held membership. Of kindly, genial disposition he has made many friends in the various public positions he has filled. On the 12th of December, 1900

Mr. Righter married Miss Lettie Lentz, of Spring Hill, daughter of George W. and L. S. (Funk) Lentz. Her father, who was proprietor of a hotel, was born in Whitemarsh township and died April 19, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Lentz had two children, Lettie and Daniel H. Mr. and Mrs. Righter have a daughter, Florence A., born December 3, 1901, and they reside at No. 903 West Marshall street, Norristown.

PETER S. RAPP, the descendant of an old Montgomery county family, was born in East Pikeland township, Chester county, July 5, 1846. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education, supplemented by one year's study in a private school. His parents were Joseph H. and Margueretta Supplee Rapp, both of East Pikeland township, Chester county. Later in life they removed to Phoenixville, where both died, she September 8, 1883, at the age of seventy-two years and eight months, he March 24, 1884, at the age of eighty-one years.

Joseph H. Rapp (father) was born and reared in Chester county on a farm. He learned the trade of wheelwright and conducted a shop on his farm. He was a skillful and successful farmer and mechanic. He served as a school director and took a great interest in educational matters, although he never aspired to notoriety, political or otherwise. He was a member of the Baptist church, in which he was a deacon for many years. His wife, Margueretta Supplee, was born in Schuylkill township, Chester county, and was the daughter of Peter and Hannah (Eastburn) Supplee. Their children were: Benjamin F., a blacksmith and farmer; Joseph E., a retired farmer; George W., who is a farmer and also manages a rolling mill; Silas, died while fighting in the Civil war; Elija [Eliza] J. (Mrs. Townsend) (deceased) had one child; and Peter S. Rapp.

Barnet Rapp (grandfather) emigrated from Germany and settled in Chester county, where he became a prominent farmer. He served as road supervisor, in which position he gave excellent satisfaction. He was a church member, and was highly respected in the community in which he lived. His children were: Joseph H. (father); John, Benjamin, Elizabeth (Mrs. Trainer); Mary (Mrs. Bain); John and Benjamin, who died unmarried.

Peter Supplee (maternal grandfather) was born in Montgomery county, and was the son of Peter Supplee. His father died before he (Peter, Jr.) was born, in 1855. Peter Supplee (great-grandfather) was the son of Peter Supplee (great-great-grandfather), who served in the Revolutionary army and died at Valley Forge. He is buried in Bethel cemetery, Norriton, and the Supplee descendants will unveil a monument to his memory in November, 1904. He volunteered as a private in his company, September 12, 1777, and died January 24, 1778. He was the son of Hance Supplee (great-great-great-grandfather) and his wife Mary DeHaven. Hance Supplee's father was Andrew Supplis, whose wife was Ann Stackhouse, and Andrew Supplis (great-great-great-great-grandfather) was the son of Andrew Supplis, a native of France. He was a Huguenot and was driven from his native country by religious wars. He remained for a time in Germany where he married, and then came to America in 1689 [sic] [should be 1684.]. His descendants are very numerous, but the name was changed by Hance (great-great-great-grandfather) to Supplee, as it is now written.

[Archivist note: The information on the Peter Supplees is not correct. There were only two Peter Supplees as ancestors of Peter S. Rapp. Grandfather, Peter Supplee, Jr. born 1778-1859; great-grandfather Peter Supplee, 1745-1778. Peter Supplee, Sr, 1745 was son of Hance Supplee, 1714-1770.]

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Peter Supplee (maternal grandfather) was a prominent farmer in Chester county, and held the office of justice of the peace for many years. He was a leading member of the Baptist church.

His children were: Samuel, Susan (Mrs. N. Roland); Margueretta (Mrs. Rapp); Hannah (Mrs. John Ruse); Ann [sic, s/b Abigail] Eliza (Mrs. W. R. Kennedy), who resides at No. 907 West Marshall street, Norristown; Horatio, the father of Peter S. Rapp's wife; Rachel, died unmarried; Cadwalader; Benjamin; Silas and Peter.

Horatio Supplee was born in Chester county, where he was a prominent farmer, postmaster and useful citizen. He filled several township offices, but was never a politician. He died in Chester county in 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. His wife Elizabeth Kennedy was born in Montgomery county, the daughter of Alexander Kennedy, a native of Ireland. Alexander Kennedy was a farmer and made and sold lime near Fort Kennedy, which was named for him. He died at the Kennedy homestead near Fort Kennedy.

Alexander Kennedy's children were: William, John, Robinson, Alexander, Jane (Mrs. Barker); Margaret (Mrs. William Easton); Elizabeth (Mrs. Supplee, the mother of Mrs. Peter S. Rapp). Horatio and Elizabeth (Kennedy) Supplee had the following children: Margaret (Mrs. John Cobert); Peter, a farmer; Rachel (Mrs. John Supplee); William; Hannah (Mrs. L. Freshcolm); Horatio; Francis, died young; Esther, the wife of Peter S. Rapp.

Peter S. Rapp began to learn the trade of carpenter when he was eighteen years of age, and followed it for sixteen years. In 1873 he married, and after making several changes he finally settled where he has lived ever since. He has made many changes in the farm, which is well improved and is near the market. He has given all of his attention to his family, and is widely known. The office of school director was presented to him, and he has filled it for a number of years. He is one of the most careful and successful farmers in Montgomery county, and the land is in a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Rapp has children as follows: Leonard T., a farmer on the homestead; Leah, who is attending school in Chicago; Frank E., who resides with his parents; Charles Leon, who is at school.

 

 

DAVID E. WOOD, of Conshohocken, is one of the oldest surviving members of this branch of the Wood family in Montgomery county. He was born in Philadelphia, April 22, 1804, and is the son of Israel and Rachel (Davis) Wood. His father, Israel Wood, was born in Plymouth township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, about 1780, and was reared to manhood in that vicinity. His educational training was obtained in the schools of his native township, among them being the old Sandy Hill school, at the old school house in that vicinity, which had a wide reputation in those days. Mr. Wood, upon taking up the practical duties of life, engaged in farming, and was also extensively interested in operating lime kilns, sending large quantities of lime to leading builders and contractors in Philadelphia. Among his patrons were the well known philanthropist, Stephen Girard, James Ferror, and other prominent builders of Philadelphia in those days.

Mr. Wood was a remarkable man in many respects. He was a patriotic citizen, and had a high appreciation of what belongs to American citizenship. During the time of General Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1824, Mr. Wood was desirous of meeting and shaking him by the hand. He set out on foot for Philadelphia, his own horses and teams being engaged, and, not being able to obtain a horse or means of conveyance elsewhere, walked the entire distance. After greeting and shaking hands with the distinguished Frenchman, he returned as he had gone, on foot, considerably fatigued by his day's travel. Soon after Mr. Wood was taken sick, and after a brief illness died in 1824.

By his marriage with Rachel Davis, he had nine children, as follows: James, born in May, 1808, who married Eliza Still, daughter of Henry Still, of Whitpain township, Pennsylvania; John Davis, born in January, 1810, and died February 22, 1846, married Emeline Yetter, of Plymouth township; Joseph D., born in August, 1812, and died in June, 1900, married Margaret Clay, of Whitemarsh township; David E., subject of this sketch; Francis D., born in 1816, married Ann Sorber, of Whitemarsh; Elizabeth D., born July 2, 1818, married Henry G. Hart, of Plymouth; Hilary, born in 1820, who was twice married, his first wife dying at an early age; Hannah, born in 1822, married Charles Ferris, of Philadelphia; Ferran, born in 1824, married.

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Upon the death of Israel Wood, the father of the family, his widow married Baltis Hoffman. There were three children by this marriage: Isabella, who married; Evaline, died at the age of twenty-two years; and one who died in childhood. The mother, Rachel Davis Hoffman, died in Norristown, in her ninety-third year.

David E. Wood obtained his elementary training in the schools of the neighborhood in which his parents resided. He was for some time under the tuition of Alan W. Corson and Benjamin Conrad, both celebrated teachers in their day. He remained under the parental roof until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered on the practical duties of life. His first employment was in a general store at Plymouth Meeting, where he remained until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He was then employed for two rears in a mercantile establishment in Norristown. He then engaged in the storekeeping business on his own account at Hickorytown, in Plymouth township.

In 1836 he disposed of his store and removed to Morristown, where he again engaged in mercantile business, locating at the corner of Main and DeKalb streets, where he was associated with Dr. William Corson, who had an interest in the business.

In 1839 Mr. Wood erected the building and store rooms on the southeast corner of Main and Swede streets, now the Stapler drug store. In 1842 he disposed of his interests in Norristown, and opened a dry goods store at the corner of Sixth and Spring Garden streets, in Philadelphia, in partnership with John M. Keim, of Reading, Pennsylvania. After being in business for two years he disposed of his interests in that enterprise and engaged in the wholesale dry goods trade, opening a store on Third street, above Arch, where he remained for some time, when he removed to No. 228 Market street, Philadelphia, where he conducted a successful business, being for some time the buyer for William Warnock, at that time one of the most successful merchants of Philadelphia.

In 1861 Mr. Wood retired from commercial pursuits and removed to Limerick township, in Montgomery county, where he purchased a large tract of land on which he developed a copper mine.

In 1867 Mr. Wood sold the property and removed with his family to Chesterfield county, Virginia, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, residing there until 1890. He then removed to Gloucester county, New Jersey. In 1893 he removed to Conshohocken, where he has since resided. Mr. Wood is one of Conshohocken's most venerable citizens, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

David E. Wood was married at the home of the bride's parents, Norristown, on February 20, 1838, to Mary Freedley, born October 27, 1818, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Jacoby) Freedley, the family being of German lineage. They had four children as follows: John Freedley, born March 20, 1840, who obtained his preliminary educational training at the Pottstown Academy, and at Nazareth Hall, a Moravian school at Nazareth, Pennsylvania, whence he entered Tuft's College, in Massachusetts, and upon leaving college entered the law office of Isaac Hazlehurst, in Philadelphia, where he read law for some time, and in 1861 enlisted in the Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving throughout the war for the Union, participating in more than fifty battles and skirmishes, and being several times promoted for gallant and meritorious services, and having been commissioned as captain at the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1865, he having been chief ordnance officer of the Department of Virginia. David Irving, born December 6, 1841, enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served creditably throughout the war; was honorably discharged in 1865, and returning home, married Lillie Rogers, of New Castle, Delaware, having one child, Lillie R. Wood, who married Stanley Eilenberger, of New Jersey; they have one daughter, Marie Eilenberger. Mary S., born December 23, 1844, married David W. Harry, of Conshohocken, they having two children, David W., Jr., born August 21, 1873, who was a machinist on the United States steamship "Brooklyn" during the naval battle at Santiago de Cuba, and now chief machinist on the United States steamship "Vicksburg," in the Asiatic Squadron, and Benjamin Rees, born February 10, 1879, residing with his parents.

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Mary (Freedley) Wood died June 10, 1892. She was a faithful wife and mother, and a consistent member of St. John's Episcopal church, Norristown.