(Picture of Joseph Addison Buckwalter)

 

JOSEPH ADDISON BUCKWALTER, the well known stove manufacturer of Royersford, was born in Chester county, June 25, 1836. He was educated in the public schools of the vicinity. Mr. Buckwalter is the son of Abraham and Rachel (Ortlip) Buckwalter, he a resident of Montgomery county, and she of Chester county.

 

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Francis Buckwalter, the immigrant, came to America from Switzerland about 1700, and located near Phoenixville, taking tip a large tract of land where he reared his family. The family was of that sturdy, thrifty German stock which settled so largely the upper end of Montgomery county, and like most of them gave their attention to tilling the soil and rearing their families to honorable manhood and womanhood.

Abraham Buckwalter (father) was born in 1797. He was a millwright by trade, which occupation he followed a great part of his life. He resided in Chester county, where he owned and operated a sawmill and a farm. He was a Whig in politics, but had no aspirations in the direction of seeking office. He became a strong Republican during the rebellion, having been an abolitionist and assisted fugitive slaves on what was known as the "Underground Railroad," forwarding them to Canada or other place of safety.

Although not an abstainer in youth, he became an earnest temperance advocate, and founded the Royal Springs Temperance Society, near Kimberton, in 1844, and Mr. Buckwalter and his wife were the first members. He was ever after a faithful temperance man, advocating the cause and circulating petitions until they contained seven hundred names. J. A. Buckwalter has the original roll of the society, which he retains as a relic of his father's work for temperance. He died in 1878. His wife survived and died in 1898 at the age of ninety-three years. She was the daughter of Henry and Mary (Gurris) Ortlip, both of Chester county. Henry was a miller by trade and a hotel-keeper for many years. Their children: Samuel; Rachel (mother); Rebecca; Mary; Andrew; Henry; Osmond; Abram. Abraham and Rachel Buckwalter had eleven sons, as follows: Samuel; William; Elias; Henry Franklin; J. A. (subject of this sketch); Newton; David R.; Lewis; Theodore and John W. Three are yet living: Newton, Lewis and J. A. Buckwalter.

Joseph A. Buckwalter remained under the parental roof, assisting his father until he married in 1861. Later, he and his brother Henry engaged as partners in a small way in the foundry business at Royal Springs, in Chester county-, where the foundation of the present large business was laid, the present extensive stove works being the result. The management now consists of J. A. Buckwalter, president; A. W. Dotterer, secretary; T. D. Buckwalter, treasurer; I. N. Buckwalter, superintendent; Abram L. Buckwalter, director and assistant superintendent.

(Picture of Mrs. Mary H. Buckwalter)

 

Mr. Buckwalter married Miss Mary Hamor, born in Chester county January 13, 1840. She is the daughter of John and Catharine (Hawk) Hamor. The Hamors are of Welsh descent, though long domiciled in eastern Pennsylvania. Their children were: John (died in infancy); John, 2d; James; Hannah (Mrs. A. Ralston); Eliza (Mrs. A. Wilson); Mary (Mrs. Buckwalter). The children of J. A, and Mary Buckwalter are: Katie, widow of David Springer, in real estate and insurance and who was burgess of Royersford at the time of his death; Rachel S., widow of C. Raiser, a glass manufacturer of Royersford, and having one son, Addison B.; William; Laura, (Mrs. J. Grater); Mary S., (Mrs. H. H. Herbine, of Reading); Hannah E. (Mrs. J. Rogers, her husband being in insurance business in New York); Abram L., superintendent of stove factory; Joseph A., graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, and now in Metropolitan Hospital, New York. Mrs. Buckwalter died November 13, 1899.

Joseph A. Buckwalter is the president of the Buckwalter Stove Company of Royersford, known also as the Continental Stove Works; he is also president of the Home Water Company, of that place, and was the first burgess of Royersford, holding the position for several years. He was born at Royal Springs, near Kimberton, June 25, 1836. In the latter part of 1866, Mr. Buckwalter and his brother removed to Royersford, where in convection with C. S. Francis, Henry Francis and John Sheeler they organized the firm of Francis, Buckwalter & Company, which went into operation, January 1, 1867, as proprietors of the Continental Stove Works. For such an undertaking their capital was small, but they were young men and what they lacked in money they more than made up in skill and enterprise. What is somewhat unusual in the case of inventors, the Buckwalter brothers possessed excellent business qualities, and the fact soon became apparent in the rapid success of orders for their wares. At the start the company employed about fifty workmen and in addition to stoves manufactured agricultural implements, and also the new Buckwalter Cherry Seeder.

 

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In 1870 Mr. C. S. Francis withdrew from the business, but no change was made in the style of the firm. In the following year, the firm finding the capacity of their works too limited for their growing trade, erected an additional building which had the effect of nearly doubling the capacity of the plant, but these additional facilities were taxed to their utmost extent. In 1872 Henry Francis retired, selling his interest to the remaining partners, who changed the name of the firm to Sheeler, Buckwalter & Company. The demand for their products continued to grow very rapidly, and in 1875 it was decided that new works were necessary, and in 1876 the present extensive establishment was erected. Since then it has been frequently enlarged. In 1876 Mr. Sheeler died, his health having been failing for several years. The remaining members of the firm, the Messrs. Buckwalter, purchased the Sheeler interest from his heirs, and continued the business under the name of Buckwalter & Company.

The employment of the best material, the most approved methods, and the most skillful workmen were steadily operating to give greater value to the products of the Continental Works, and were carrying them to the most distant parts of the country. The energy of the Buckwalters in anticipating demands upon their resources kept them in a position to fill all orders, however unexpected. Under their management nearly one hundred and fifty men find employment, and through improvements, in the plant the output of the works is nearly four times as great as when fifty men were on the pay roll.

In 1882 Mr. Buckwalter had the misfortune to lose by death his elder brother and partner, Henry L. Buckwalter. He continued the business, the firm name being unchanged until October, 1887, when the present corporation, the Buckwalter Stove Company, was formed. The company increased their plant in 1888, by the addition of a five-story brick warehouse, seventy by seventy-five feet. The capacity of the works at the present time is about twenty-five thousand stoves and ranges. The demand shows a steady increase, and they have sales agencies in several of the largest cities of the country, including Philadelphia, New York and Chicago, the agency in the first named city handling its wares exclusively. The reputation of the company for fair dealing, enterprise, trustworthiness of products, and inventive ability is not surpassed in its line.

As the head of the Continental Stove Works and one of its founders, Mr. Buckwalter is known all over the United States as one of the leading manufacturers of America. In Royersford, where he has resided since 1866, he is interested in every public movement that promises to benefit his fellow citizens, as well as in those of a social, educational and philanthropic character. Early in life he was identified with the antislavery and temperance movements. He was a stockholder and president of the Home National Bank, and the Industrial Savings Bank. In 1902 both banks were converted into the Royersford Trust Company with authorized capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, Mr. Buckwalter being its president. He owns a great deal of Royersford rented property. He has done more than any other man in building up and maintaining the prosperity of Royersford. He erected at great cost a palatial residence, constructed of stone, at the corner of Walnut street and Fourth avenue. It is of modern architecture and finely finished and furnished. It occupies an elevated site and has extensive grounds, being a home worthy of its occupant. In politics he was Republican but of late years is independent, trying to vote for the best man. He was a member of the Union League during the war.

 

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JAMES B. RICHARDS. Joshua Richards, father of James B. Richards, of Royersford, was a native of Wales. He was educated there in the best schools available for the purpose, and on leaving school turned his attention to the grocery business. He remained in that occupation for some years, but deciding to emigrate to America he set sail for this country in July, 1870. He went to Schuylkill county on reaching Pennsylvania, and located at Minersville, remaining there two years, and then removed to Lost Creek, same county, and remained until 1887, conducting a mercantile business while there. He then removed to Royersford, where he conducted a grocery store, and prospered in business. His health giving way, he went to California where he experienced some benefit for a time, but finally died there, April 2, 1892. He was a very worthy man, and reared his family in the principles of the Christian religion. He was respected by the whole community in which he resided. He married, in Wales, Miss Margaret Bowen, who died October 25, 1880, in Schuylkill county. The couple had the following children Julia, deceased; Susan, deceased; Harry, deceased; Arthur, James B., Sarah A., deceased; Mary E., and Lillian, deceased.

James B. Richards, subject of this sketch, is a native of Wales, where he was born at the homestead, April 18, 1867. He was educated in Schuylkill county, his parents having come from Wales and located there. On leaving school he entered a coal mine, where he worked hard, and by dint of saving habits, accumulated some money. He remained in this position until his parents removed to Royersford, where he secured a position at the last named place in the stove works as a nickel polisher. He continued there for seven years, and had by this time saved quite a sum of money. He decided to engage in business on his own account. He purchased the store of J. W. Langdon, of Royersford, who conducted a dry goods store, and at once commenced business. He proved a success in the new position from the beginning, and was very popular with the public. He increased his stock and was ultimately obliged, because of rapidly increasing business, to enlarge his store, which is located in the Latshaw Hall building. He has now one of the best stores of this kind in Montgomery county. He is also interested in the grocery business with his brother, Arthur E., in Royersford.

Mr. Richards married, in October, 1893, Miss Sarah Robinson, daughter of Andrew Robinson, of Royersford, the couple having the following children: Russell L., H. Donald, and Margaret L. Richards.

In politics Mr. Richards is a Prohibitionist, and has been named as a candidate for office many times on his party ticket, although, as a matter of course, he has never been elected. He has been a delegate to several state conventions of the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is an enthusiastic member of the Methodist church, which he attends regularly, and where he is president of the Epworth League and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. He is one of the most enterprising and prosperous business men of Royersford, and stands high in the community.

 

 

BENJAMIN F. ISETT, a leading grocer of Pottstown, was born June 13, 1847, in Limerick township, Montgomery county. He is the son of Samuel and Harriet (Brower) Isett.

Samuel Isett (father) resided in Limerick township, where both he and his wife died, aged about sixty years. He was a miller and a farmer. They are buried in the burial ground of the

Mennonite meeting house. They were members of the Dunkard church. Their children, all living, are Abraham, Benjamin F., Hannah, Augustus, and Mary.

Benjamin F. Isett completed his education when he was sixteen years of age, and went to Washington, D. C., where he was employed to drive a wagon for the paymaster's office, and served in that capacity during the war. Later he learned the carpenter trade, and followed it for seven years. He started the butchering business, and continued thus occupied for twenty-four years in Limerick Square. At the end of that time he removed to Pottstown and established the grocery store which he has managed ever since. Mr. Isett is a Republican in politics. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and the P. O. S. of A., of Schwenksville, and is a prominent worker in these lodges.

 

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In 1871 Benjamin F. Isett married Mary Kendall, daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Evans) Kendall. The Kendall lived in Limerick township, where he was a farmer. Mrs. Mary Isett died in 1871, she and her infant child dying of the smallpox. Later Mr. Isett married Sallie, daughter of John and Catharine (Cassel) Cassel, of Perkiomenville, where Mr. Cassel was a farmer. By the second marriage Mr. Isett had four children: 1. Clayton, who married Mary Wisimer; they have one child, Alma, born in 1900, and reside in Pottstown. 2. Hattie, married to R. K. Kline, and they reside at Douglassville; they have two children, Katharine and Dorothy 3. Emma B., who is a school teacher. 4. Viola B., who is a seamster.

 

 

(Picture of Jacob T. Trinley)

 

JACOB T. TRINLEY was born in Chester county March 6, 1838, being the son of John and Mary (Taney) Trinley. He was reared on the farm and obtained a good education in the schools of the neighborhood.

John Trinley (father) was born in Montgomery county and lived there until after his marriage, when he settled in Chester county. He was a laboring man and went from home in pursuit of work, when he died in 1853. He was a plain, honest man. Mrs. Mary (Taney) Trinley was born in Chester county, and they were married there. After the death of her first husband, in 1855 she married (second husband) Peter Miller, a native of Pennsylvania and a laborer and a butcher. They remained in Chester county, where they both died. The children of John and Mary (Taney) Trinley were: John W., a well-to-do farmer of Chester county; Priscilla (Mrs. John Bund); Jacob; William, went to England and has never been heard of since; Mary (Mrs. Philip Minch). Peter and Mary (Trinley) Miller had no children.

The paternal grandfather of Jacob Trinley came from Germany and died in America. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His children were: Mrs. Nogengost; John (father). The family were Protestants.

John Taney (maternal grandfather) was of German descent. He was a laboring man, skillful with tools, and built boats for use on the Reading canal. He also worked on different farms. He maintained a good home and was comfortable but not wealthy. Be was a member of the German Reform church. His children Elizabeth (Mrs. A. Soures); Barbara, married Peter Yeager, who served in the war of 1812, his wife still drawing a pension; John, worked in iron foundries and became a skilled laborer, dying near Johnstown; Ablena (Mrs. Charles W. Wisner); Hannah (Mrs. David Lloyd), her husband being a machine molder; and Mary (mother), who was the second child.

Jacob T. Trinley remained at his home until he was fourteen years of age, when he obtained employment among the different farmers in order to assist his father in the support of the family. When he was eighteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of stone and brick mason. After the first year he worked under instructions and received better wages. He followed his trade for about six years in the country, and then worked for the Reading Railroad for four years. He went to Philadelphia and while there helped to build the foundation for the Masonic Temple, worked on Broad and Jefferson Street church, and other brown cut stone churches, among them the Jewish synagogue and buildings in West Philadelphia. During the war time wages were good and after working for fourteen years and saving his money, he returned to Chester county. He loaned his money and lost nearly all of it.

Obliged to make a second start he went to Linfield, in Limerick township, Montgomery county, and engaged in the manufacture of soap. He continued in this business for five years and succeeded well. At the end of that time he was able to buy a small tract of land, where he removed and still lives. He removed his factory to his own farm, and three years later, in 1876, started a fertilizer factory in a small way. He now operates his machinery by steam, and has the latest improvements. For some years he manufactured about one thousand tons annually, but since competition has increased, the market demands only about nine hundred tons each year, nearly all of which he sells in the vicinity of the factory.

 

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About 1883 he added a switch to his factory and has since sold coal in large quantities. He next added a feed mill to his factory, and does custom work and buys grain for the farmers, but depends on the west especially for his supply of grain. He also has a hay press, which he put in operation about 1890 and which does a large business. In 1902 he bought the mill at Limerick Square which he conducts, grinding and selling grain both wholesale and retail.

Mr. Trinley owns three well improved farms, some of which he manages himself, two tracts of land without buildings and one other with buildings. He is a self-made man, and by hard work and honest dealing he has been able to acquire a competency for himself, and also give work to from twelve to sixteen men in the business. He is a widely known and highly respected man.

His coal sheds are 160 feet long, his wareroom, 40 by 107 feet, his machine house 20 by l00, with the best improved machinery; his office is 16 by 20 feet with everything complete.

In 1861 Jacob Trinley married Miss Elizabeth Reifsnyder, born in Montgomery county, She is the daughter of Tobias and Elizabeth (Walt) Reifsnyder, he a prominent and successful farmer, and a member of an old Pennsylvania German family. In his younger days he was a choir singer and leader. He was a member of the Reform church, and she was a Lutheran. Their children: Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Trinley; Andrew, a blacksmith located at Royersford Peter, farmer and creamery manager, residing in Limerick township; Catharine (Mrs. C. Umstead), residing at Trappe.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Trinley John William, who operates the mill at Limerick Square; Webster T., engineer at the factory; J. Allison, clerk at the office, unmarried. Mrs. Trinley and her husband are members of the German Reform church. In politics he is a Democrat, but votes usually for the best man.

 

 

GEORGE YEAGER, one of the oldest residents of Pottstown, who lives retired in that borough, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on Christmas day, 1815. He is the son of Michael and Mary (Evans) Yeager.

Michael Yeager (father) was a lifelong merchant in Reading, as well as one of its most prominent citizens. He was one of the largest property owners in Berks county. He was an active church member, belonging to the Lutheran denomination. He and his wife died many years ago, and were buried in the beautiful Charles Evans cemetery- at Reading, whose name is derived from the same family to which the wife of Michael Yeager belonged. Mr. Yeager was a Whig in politics, but never took a very active part in partisan affairs and never sought or held office. The Yeagers belonged to the family which originally spelled the name Yager, a German word, of which the English signification is Hunter. Many of the family have anglicized the name to that of Hunter, and are related to the Yeagers of Berks county and Upper Montgomery. The family was very prominent in Germany during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The opportunities of George Yeager for obtaining an education was very meagre, as the entire time he spent at school did not exceed six months. From early youth he devoted himself actively to business, in which he was very successful from the beginning. He first learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed for some time, then taking up successively the occupations of masonry, cabinet making and the contracting and building business, in connection with which he carried on the feed and coal business at Reading. He acted as superintendent of the Union Canal for thirty-two years, constructing a large part of it, those engaged in the work being under his supervision and control and following out his plans. In many sections of Reading can be seen old and substantial buildings which were erected by Mr. Yeager. At one time he had over a thousand men on its payroll, a very large number for that day. Mr. Yeager was active in business until a few years ago, when his health began to fail, compelling him to relinquish most of his business enterprises.

Mr. Yeager married Elizabeth Sherman, of Reading. The couple had four children: Evans, George, Morris (deceased), and Sherman. (George and Evans served in the Union army during the Rebellion). Mr. Yeager married (second wife) Ellen Hains, and had one child, Ellen (deceased). Mr. Yeager married (third wife) Catharine Fichthorn, by whom he had three children: Lehman, Harry, deceased, and Annie. His wife died about 1886. Mr. Yeager has two great-grandchildren. He enjoys life as much as ever, but would prefer the more active life to which he was formerly accustomed. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Lodge No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, of Reading. He was also one of the first members of the Odd Fellows, in Reading.

 

(Page 158)

 

WILLIAM JOHNSON NICE, son of Samuel and Sarah (Heller) Nice, was born at what is now 6303-5 Germantown avenue, Philadelphia, October 21, 1838. He attended in his boyhood days the old Concord school, one of the landmarks of Germantown. His father was engaged in the business of an undertaker and upholsterer, and the son was early inducted into the mysteries of the business by his father. At the age of fifteen years he relinquished school studies to engage in the more active employment which he received as an inheritance in the family, first, however, at the age of seventeen years, going to live with Thomas Wentz at Hope Lodge Farm, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he had an experience of early rising and hard work early and late that made him willing to go back to the business of his father, which as a boy he had felt would be somewhat disagreeable as a lifelong occupation.

He married, June 21, 1866, Mary Jane, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Katz) Van Winkle, of Flourtown, in Montgomery county, well known farmers of that vicinity. After his marriage, Mr. Nice located on East Washington Lane, Germantown, and continued the undertaking business. Their children: Samuel Van Winkle, born in 1867, attended the public schools of Germantown until his sixteenth year, worked with his father, and married Margaret Gould, daughter of James Gould, who is engaged with the firm of Kirk & Nice, undertakers; Linford C., born 1869, attended Germantown schools until his sixteenth year, and then learned the hardware business, engaging in it until 1887, when he secured a position in the Northern National Bank, at Ridge and Girard avenues, Philadelphia, as messenger, and is now paying teller in the institution; he married, January 22, 1902, Annie Fitzpatrick; Elizabeth, married Jesse Doyle; Anita, attended Germantown schools, and resides with her parents; Elsie, attended the school of the Misses Hibbs, Germantown, from which she graduated and resides with her parents.

The Nice family are one of the oldest in Pennsylvania. John Nice (great-grandfather) was a son of Anthony Nice, who came to the Province of Pennsylvania from Germany in William Penn's time. The family have been long domiciled in and about Germantown, where they have won an enviable reputation for honesty, industry and general ability.

 

 

HARRY H. SMITH, a hotel proprietor of Pottstown, was born May 27, 1844, in Philadelphia. He is the son of Henry H. and Elizabeth (Schallcross) Smith.

Dockery Smith (grandfather) was a merchant on Market street, Philadelphia, and lived to an advanced age. He was twice married, but had no children by the second marriage. He had three children by his first wife. In politics he was a Republican. He emigrated from England, and settled in America. Ezra Schallcross (maternal grandfather) and his wife Sarah (Kenton) Schallcross lived in Byberry, Philadelphia, where he was a wealthy farmer. He was a prominent Whig. His children: Emaline, Henrietta, Elizabeth and Morgan. His wife's father was Ezra Kenton, who emigrated to America and was prominent in politics.

Henry H. Smith (father) lived in Philadelphia, where he followed his trade of morocco dresser. He retired from labor early in life. He was a soldier in the Civil war, belonging to the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania (Bucktail Regiment). He was a Republican in politics. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian, but his wife was descended from Friends. He died at the age of sixty-eight years. She lived a widow ten years, and died at the age of seventy-three years. They are buried at Mount Moriah cemetery, Philadelphia. They had children of whom all are living but one: Lavinia, married Mr. Mars (deceased), who lived in Delaware county, where he was a merchant in milk, she surviving with a family of thirteen children; Elizabeth, married Mr. Dunn, they living in Philadelphia, where he was a blacksmith, they having five children; Morgan married and has several children, residing in Philadelphia where he also follows the occupation of blacksmith; Harry H., subject of this sketch; Norris, unmarried, living in Philadelphia, where he is in the livery business; Robert, killed in Custer's last fight with the Indians; John, married Miss Danfield, living in Atlantic City, where he is an insurance agent, the couple having two children.

 

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Henry H. Smith attended the neighborhood schools until he was thirteen years of age, and then learned the trade of house painter. He enlisted in the army daring the rebellion, at the age of seventeen years. He was at first a member of the Thirty-third Pennsylvania Regiment, but was discharged from that and enlisted in the Second New Jersey Cavalry, in which he served two years and six mouths. After leaving the army Mr. Smith resumed his occupation of painting, which he continued five years. He was then employed at Philadelphia in one of the state departments. He went to Pottstown and engaged in his present business. This was in 1900.

Mr. Smith married, in 1871, Mina, daughter of Jacob Van horn, of Bucks county, where he was a farmer. They have two son: Melville V. Smith, married Hattie Nevegold, of Bristol, and they have one child, H. Lester Smith, born in 1897; Oscar G., married Susie Mauger, he being engaged in business at the Delaware House, Newhope, Bucks county, and having no children. Harry H. Smith is a Republican in politics, and had an appointment as tax collector. He also served as harbor master in Philadelphia, and has filled several minor offices. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, being one of the oldest members. He is also a member of the Veteran Association of the Second New Jersey Cavalry. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian.

 

 

JOHN G. BROWER, a well-known carpenter of Pottstown, is a native of Pottsgrove township, where he was born April 18, 1837. He is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Gilbert) Brower.

Isaac Brower (father) was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation until his retirement early in life. He died November 20, 1855, aged fifty-eight years and eleven months. He was buried at Boyertown cemetery. His wife survived him, and died May 14, 1857, aged fifty-two years. He was a Democrat in politics. The couple had but one child, John G. Brower. Mr. Brower had been previously married, his first wife being Elizabeth Erb. There was but one child by that marriage, Elizabeth (deceased).

Isaac Brower (grandfather) married Maria Gable. He came from Hamburg, Germany. Both grandparents are buried at Boyertown. They were members of the Lutheran church. The maternal grandparents of John G. Brower were John and Maria (Shaner) Gilbert. They resided in Pottsgrove township. He was a weaver by trade. He died when James K. Polk was elected president of the United States, and was buried at Swamp. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith the couple were Lutherans. They had six children.

John G. Brower attended the neighborhood schools until he was sixteen years of age, and then learned the carpenter trade, teaching school during the winter for eighteen terms in Colebrookdale, Berks county, and working at carpentering during the summer months. He still follows the latter occupation. He went to Pottstown on April 3, 1882. The home which he occupies, he built nineteen years ago. He married Elmina R., daughter of Jacob and Dorothy (Reinhart) Hausman, who lived in Lehigh county, and later in Berks county. Mr. Hausman was also a weaver. He was a Democrat in politics, and the family were members of the Lutheran church. They are buried at Lobachsville cemetery, Berks county.

 

(Page 160)

 

They had twelve children, of which seven are still living: Tillman, Rolly, Bertha, Eliza, Sarah, Elmina, and Emaline.

John G. Brower married Elmina R. Hallsman on September 12, 1857, in Friedensburg; the ceremony was performed by the had four daughters, all living and married: Eleanora, married John W. Dotterer, a merchant, farmer, creamery and hotel merchant of Berks county, and they have two children, Charles B., who is a doctor, practicing in Zieglerville, Montgomery county, and Hettie B.; Clara, born December 21, 1859, married Henry B. Yerger, and they live in Reading, where he is a teamster, having four children, Charles, Edgar, Stella, and Brower; Sarah, born November 14, 1862, married William G. Snyder, and lives in Reading, where he is a coal, feed and provision merchant, and has three children, Elmina, William, and John; Annie, born November 28, 1865, married Amos B. Dotterer, and lives in Bechtelsville, Berks county, where he is engaged in the hotel business, they having three children Minerva, Elmina and Elizabeth.

John G. Brower is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. He is a member of the board of health, and has been a delegate to different conventions.

 

 

(Picture of Garret E. Brownback)

 

GARRET E. BROWNBACK is a descendant of two honored pioneer families of Pennsylvania. He was born in Vincent township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1846, near the old Bethel church on his father's farm, land originally settled by his great-great-grandfather, Gerhard Brumbaugh (as formerly spelled) in 1716. He attended the public schools of the vicinity, later the Guldin School at Pughtown, and the State Normal School at Millersville. He is the son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Christman) Brownback, of Chester county. Jesse was born March 18, 1807. Elizabeth was a daughter of Jacob Christman, the family being of German descent.

Jacob Christman was a large land owner and prominent citizen. During the days of general musters he was prominent in military affairs.

He was a member of the Lutheran church. His children: Jacob; Henry; Susan; Elizabeth (mother of Mr. Brownback). Jesse Brownback was born March 18, 1807, and died at the homestead, August 3, 1899. His wife died in 1853. Jesse Brownback was a practical and successful farmer. He had ten children, nine of whom are yet living, as follows Penrose W., of Linfield; Clementine (Mrs. S. B. Stauffer); Anna (Mrs. F. Stauffer); Garret E., subject of this sketch; Martha (Mrs. P. W. Beerbower); Frederick, residing in Montana; Jacob C., who served in the rebellion and resides in Chester county; Edith (Mrs. N. Yeager); Margaret, (Mrs. W. F. Setzeler, deceased); Lewis C., of Chester county.

Garret E. Brownback's generation is the fifth of the family in America, the family line being Garret, Jesse, Peter, Henry and Gerhard, the last named being the immigrant. Gerhard Brumbaugh and wife were the parents of two sons and five daughters: the sons, Benjamin and Henry Brownback.

Gerhard Brumbaugh (the name being anglicized later into Garret Brownback) was born in Europe in 1662, coming from Germany to America about 1683. He settled at Germantown when only one house had been erected in that place. He married Mary Papn about 1716. She was born in 1695 and died at the homestead in Chester county. She was the daughter of Heivert (Howard) Papn, who married Elizabeth, daughter of William Rittenhouse, who carne from Holland in 1688. About 1720, Gerhard Brownback removed and settled in Vincent township, Chester county, where he took up about one thousand acres of land, erecting log buildings and making permanent settlement about 1736. He had a tavern license granted hint, the first in that part of the country. At that time an Indian village was within a few miles of his settlement. He made friends with the Indians and gave them provisions in exchange for labors. He was obliged to go to Valley Forge to get his plow irons sharpened, which was about ten miles from his home. He was the founder of the German Reformed church, known as Brownback's church, giving the land on which the church is erected and also the land for burial ground. The first building was erected in 1741; the first preacher was from Germany, his name being Peter Minicus.

 

(Page 161)

 

Gerhard (Garret) Brownback had two sons and five daughters as follows: Benjamin; Henry; Mary; Magdalene; Catharine; Elizabeth; and Anna M.

Gerhard Brownback built a saw mill in Chester county and owned a half interest in a grist mill. He died in 1757. Benjamin Brownback succeeded his father in the hotel business and later served in the war of the Revolution. He replaced the log house with a commodious stone house.

Henry (great-grandfather) married and reared a family and died in Coventry township, Chester county. Among his children was Peter Brownback (grandfather), who, on March 29, 1803, married Susan Defrain, widow of Edward Brownback, by whom he had two sons, Jesse (father) and John, both deceased.

William Rittenhouse was born 1644, near Mulheim. Later he resided in Holland, whence he came to America in 1688 and about 1690 erected the first paper mill in America, near Germantown. He died in 1708, at the age of sixty-four years, and was buried at Germantown in the Mennonite church yard. He founded this church and was the first Mennonite bishop in America. He brought with him three children, Nicholas, Gerhard and Elizabeth. By his will, Nicholas succeeded his father at the paper mill, and, by Nicholas' will, his son William inherited the property. He died intestate, and the property was divided equally among his children, Nicholas, William, Jacob, Abraham, Isaac, John, Mary, Susan, Margaret and Barbara. William was born at the paper mill property in 1691. The Rittenhouse forefathers had long carried on the paper manufacture business at Arnheim, Holland. Nicholas Rittenhouse succeeded to the Germantown paper mill and was the father of Matthias Rittenhouse, who was the father of David Rittenhouse, the greatest astronomical and mathematical genius of his age.

Garret E. Brownback was reared in Chester county, near the old Brownback's church. After receiving a liberal education he entered on a business career. He was employed one year as clerk in Jesse Reinhart's store and formed a partnership with his brother, Penrose, in 1867, becoming a dealer in general merchandise at Linfield. After three years of successful experience, he built a commodious block for store purposes, where Penrose remains in business. The firm continued until 1876, when Garret carried on business alone, but later closed out to Penrose, retiring from mercantile business in 1887, engaging in what has led to his present occupation. He commenced attending Philadelphia market in a small way, with butter made by himself and bought from his neighbors.

In 1888, to make himself master of the business, he took a course in pharmacy, in Philadelphia, with special reference to the analysis of milk, and thus prepared himself for the work he has since done in his creamery. Mr. Brownback having made himself master of the butter business, erected his first creamery at Linfield in 1888, since which time he has added to his holdings from time to time until he owns ten creameries, his daily output of butter being thirty-two hundred pounds, while he buys a thousand or more of other manufacturers. He finds a ready market for his product in Philadelphia, where he sells mostly to consumers and to the grocery trade. To facilitate trade in butter he has eight stalls in Ridge Avenue Market, using a dozen delivery wagons, for the purpose of supplying customers with butter, chickens, eggs, and other produce. He also, has two teams at Atlantic City, which are engaged in supplying his trade. He offers to his patrons the purest creamery products on the market, and, delivers orders to all parts of Philadelphia, selling more butter than any other retail dealer. Mr. Brownback's creameries are fitted out with the most improved facilities for butter-making, including separators and other machinery, all operated by steam, and all being the best of their kind, and combining the latest results of progress in butter-making. He also operates an extensive ice plant, using the product in his business.

 

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In his business management, Mr. Brownback is thoroughly progressive, employing every attainable improvement. His offices are equipped, with the best typewriters, desks, safes, and other appliances, and telephone connection supplies facilities for the prompt and successful transaction of business. He is the recognized authority on all matters connected with the operation and management of creameries. In addition to his creamery holdings, Mr. Brownback owns five fine farms, comprising in all five hundred acres. Two Chester county farms contain two hundred and twenty acres of land that has not been out of the Brownback name since the time of William Penn, there being only one deed between the present owner and the proprietor of Pennsylvania: Mr. Brownback is a stockholder and treasurer of the cold storage plant at Linfield; he is also a director of the Industrial Savings Fund, of Royersford; vice president of the Home National Bank of Royersford; vice president of the Royersford Trust Company; and a director of the Ridge Avenue Market Company; treasurer not the Linfield Plough Company; and owns and operates the Linfield Steam Grist Mill

In 1897 Mr. Brownback erected a palatial residence at Linfield, constructed of stone of modern architecture. The grounds are extensive and all the surroundings beautiful. He also owns much other Linfield property.

On January 20, 1874, Mr. Brownback married Miss Emma Evans, who was born August 30, 1848. Mrs. Brownback is the daughter of Thomas B. and Mary A. (Schwenk) Evans. Thomas was a son of Owen Evans, and he a son of David, whose ancestor came from Wales to Pennsylvania several generations ago. The family have long been prominent in that section in Montgomery county. Owen Evans reared the following family: Robert; Mathew; David; John and Thomas B.

Thomas B. Evans received a good elementary education and was a successful business man, filling many positions of honor and trust in his community. He was commissioners' clerk for ten years, and was also clerk of the board of poor directors a number of years.

He was justice of the peace for several terms. Politically he was a Democrat. He retired from active business and lived generally at Linfield, where he died at the age of fifty-four years. The Evans family were Lutherans. Thomas B. Evans's wife survived him and died August 12, 1899, at the age of eighty-seven years. She was the daughter of Daniel Schwenk, Daniel being a son of John Schwenk. John Schwenk came with five brothers to America from Germany at an early date, all settling in Pennsylvania. Daniel Schwenk was reared in Frederick. He was a tanner by trade and also a farmer, and was well known and highly respected. His children were: Mary (Mrs. Thomas B. Evans); Harriet, died unmarried; Amelia (Mrs. William Herb); Elizabeth (Mrs. I. Stetter); Charlotte, died unmarried; Ephraim, died unmarried. The parents and family were Lutherans.

The children of Thomas B. and Mary Ann Evans: R. Brooke, a well known business man, now deceased; Mary E. (Mrs. B. F. Saylor); Charlotte, deceased; Emma E., wife of Mr. Brownback; Montgomery, one of the best known and most prominent members of the Norristown bar.

The children of Garret E. and Emma Brownback: Mary Elizabeth; Caroline; Charlotte Evans; Garrett Arthur; Jesse Evans, and John Kenneth. The daughters are all highly educated, being graduates of college and highly accomplished in music and art, also in languages. Garrett A., is a graduate of Yale College (1904), where he stood well in his class. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society; Jesse attended the Hill School at Pottstown and entered Yale Sheffield School, in September, 1904; John K. is attending the Hill School in Pottstown.

Mr. and Mrs. Brownback are church members; he of the Reformed church and she of the Lutheran. He is a Republican in politics.

 

 

EDWIN WICKERSHAM, the well-known florist at 643 High street, Pottstown, was born January 22, 1874, in Westgrove, Chester county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Frank and Minnie (Jeffries) Wickersham, both natives of Chester county, who had two children, Edwin and H. Rawlins. His father is a miller by trade. He was born in Chester county and lived there until 1875, occupied in various pursuits. He then went to Pottstown and took charge of the office of the Pottstown Iron Company, being with that firm a number of years. He then assisted in organizing the Ellis & Lessig Steel and Iron Company, and is still a member of it. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

 

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Benjamin Franklin Wickersham (grandfather) was a native of Chester county, and a miller by occupation. His wife was Rebecca Lloyd. He died soon after removing to Pottstown, well advanced in years. His wife survived film until 1891, dying at a good old age. The couple had seven sons and two daughters. The Jeffries family, to which the maternal grandfather of Mr. Wickersham belonged, are old residents of Chester county.

Edwin Wickersham has been a resident of Pottstown since 1875, When he was but a year old. He attended the public schools of that borough, and at the age of nineteen years learned the florist's trade, having followed it continuously ever since. He has been in business for himself the past ten years, establishing his present gardens and plant houses in 1892. He has elegant home, and has greatly prospered in leis business.

On September 27, 1890, Mr. Wickersham married Miss Florence, daughter of Samuel Nagle, of a well-known Pottstown family. Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham have one daughter, Etta J. They are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Wickersham is a Republican. The Nagle family to which Mrs. Wickersham belongs, were among the early settlers in the vicinity of Pottstown.

 

 

SILAS WHITE, son of Isaac And Elizabeth White, was born April 27, 1823, on a farm then owned and cultivated by his father, in Montgomery township, Montgomery County. He attended school in the vicinity until his fifteenth year. He then engaged with David Cleaver, a farmer of Montgomery township, a position in which he remained for the comparatively long period of fifteen years. In 1867 he became a farmer for William J. Linnard, of Gwynedd, remaining with him in that capacity for seven years. In 1874 he purchased from Mr. Linnard the farm buildings and twenty-three acres of land, which he occupied until 1883, when he accepted the position of farmer for Algernon S. Jenkins, in the same vicinity. He remained with Squire Jenkins until his death in 1890, when he returned to his own farm, thus remaining for three years, when in 1893 he took a position with Howard M. Jenkins son of Algernon S. Jenkins, and editor of the Friends’ Intelligencer, Philadelphia. After remaining in that position for several years, Mr. White retired from active work and went to live with his sister, the widow of Samuel Myers, of Lower Gwynedd. After her death he continued to live at the same place with his nephew. In politics Mr. White is a Republican, and he has supported the candidates of that party since its formation in 1856. His father was a Whig, and prior to the organization of that party his ancestors were Federalists. In religious faith Mr. White inclines to the Society of Friends, although he is not a member of any denomination.

Isaac White (father) was a native of Cheltenham township, and was a farmer, making that occupation the business of his life. After his marriage to Elizabeth White, he settled with his family at Springhouse, in Lower Gwynedd township, remaining there five years. He then bought a small property, and combined shoemaking with farming. His children Anna born in September, 1808, married William Jones; Hannah, born December 7, 1810, married Samuel Myers, a farmer of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania; Esther, married John Light and removed to the state of Iowa; John born in July 1815, married Catherine Scholl of Montgomery township; Charles born in 1818 July 16, 1904 married Maria Matzinger; Elizabeth, deceased married Samuel Hendricks, of Montgomery township; Silas subject of this sketch; Isaac born May 14, 1825, married Hannah Whitcomb, deceased, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and resided at Fort Washington.

Silas White never married. He has led a quiet, virtuous life, being one of the most useful men in his way in the community. Although owning his own homestead for many years, he appears to have preferred to live elsewhere, probably because he appreciates the comforts of a home and of society. He is widely known as an excellent farmer, who is now enjoying in his old age the rest and retirement which he has well earned. His family is of Welsh descent.

 

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DAVID J. KECK is a member of the fine of Keck Brothers, of Pottstown, leading meat packers and wholesale butchers. He was born on July 17, 1867, in New Hanover township, and educated in its public schools. He remained at home on the farm until 1893, alternating attendance at school with the ordinary duties of farm life. He also worked in the grist mill. He then went to Pottstown, and entered the establishment of his brother J. Y. Keck by whom he was employed for a period of five years, the brother being at that time in the retail butcher business. In 1897 he purchased a half interest in the business, and the firm of Keck Brothers was organized, gradually increasing their business and adding to their facilities until the year 1900, when they engaged in the wholesale line in which they have been very successful, conducting it on an extensive scale, and having gained a reputation as they handle nothing but good stock.

David J. Keck has charge of the sales and of the purchasing department, his brother looking after the butchering of the cattle and the proper preparation of the meat. He gives his entire attention to purchases and sales, and is most of the time on the road. He is a member of U. S. Grant Council, No. 352, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of Washington Camp, No. 295, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and also of the Continental Beneficial Association. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought or held office, preferring to keep to the regular routine of business.

Mr. Keck married, April 26, 1890, Miss R. M. Christman, daughter of Jonas and Emeline Christman, of New Hanover township. Mr. and Mrs. Keck have five children as follows: Allen C., Elmer C., Rufus C., Daniel Harold, and Miriam Frances. The family are members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran church of Pottstown. They reside at No. 19 West Third street, Pottstown.

The firm are also engaged in farming a place of seventy-six acres in Pottsgrove township, on which they produce excellent crops. Mr. Keck is a shrewd business man, who has been prosperous in all his undertakings, and whose qualities insure him a successful career in life.

 

 

RALPH M. DUDEN, of Pottstown, was born May 7, 1882, in Wrightsville, York county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Andrew J. and Amelia (Mann) Duden.

Andrew J. Duden (father) was also born in Wrightsville, and died there in 1889, his wife having died one year previously, in 1888. They are both buried in Wrightsville. They were members of the Presbyterian church. He was a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Odd Follows, American Machinists, and Free and Accepted Masons. He was a soldier in the rebellion, being a sharp shooter under Smith. He was also engaged in the planing mill business, the firm being known as Zabanch & Duden. He was a bank director, and although a prominent citizen never sought political distinction. The children of Andrew J. and Amelia (Mann) Duden: Sarah (deceased), died in 1885, and is buried at Wrightsville; C. Franklin, a cashier in the Citizens Bank, Pottstown, married Elizabeth Richard, they having two children, Richard and Francis; and Ralph Mann, the subject of this sketch.

John and Harriet (Jack) Duden (grandparents) also lived in York county, where he was a business man.

Ralph Alarm Duden attended the public schools until he was fifteen years of age, and then spent four years at the noted Hill School, Pottstown. He went to California and was engaged in the lumber business for one year. He returned to Pottstown at the end of that time, and has since lived there. He is a director in different corporations, and is connected with several of the enterprises of Pottstown.

 

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JOHN LEJIN BROWN, son of Jacob Jennings and Amanda Elizabeth (Saxton) Brown, was born December 23, 1863, on a farm that had been in the Brown family for several generations, and had constituted their home. It was located in Middletown township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He attended public school, and until his eighteenth year pursued his studies. He then went to Philadelphia and engaged with William King & Company, wholesale and importing grocers, with whom he was employed for a period of eight years. He then engaged as traveling salesman for four years.

In the meantime he married, November 14, 1892, Rachel Swayne, daughter of Thomas B. and Rosa (Stackhouse) Headley, farmers, of Bristol, Bucks county. He settled at Woodbourne, in that county, remaining there a year after his marriage, and erecting a dwelling for a home. His career as commercial traveler had not fitted him, however, to enjoy the quiet and monotony of rural life. He therefore decided to engage in business, and accordingly leased the general store at Penllyn, the property of the Clark Wharton estate, at which place he has established himself and enjoys an extensive patronage from residents of the surrounding country. Besides keeping a general store, Mr. Brown is the postmaster at Penllyn, and is much interested in local affairs. He has been a manager of the Farmers' Mutual Live Stock Association of Montgomery county since 1901. In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican, has frequently served as a delegate to county conventions, and is a member of the board of school directors of Lower Gwynedd. Mr. and Mrs. Brown affiliate with the Society of Friends, and formerly attended Langhorne Meeting at Langhorne, Bucks county.

Jacob Jennings Brown (father), son of Samuel Brown, was born on the Brown homestead, in Bucks county, working on the home farm in the intervals of home study. His children: Wollston, married Ida, daughter of William Davis, contractor, of Philadelphia; George Fremont, married Dora Subers, of Lower Makefield township, and resides at Bristol; William Saxton, married Elizabeth Johnson, of Falls township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and resides on the homestead; Harry Harrison, married Florence Worthington, daughter of Benjamin F. Worthington, a noted hotel proprietor; Mary, married George Douglass, of Hulmeville, Bucks county; John L., subject of this sketch.

 

 

NOAH FAGLEY, a farmer and assessor of Fagleysville, was born December 29, 1829, in New Hanover township, Montgomery county. He is the son of John and Susan (Slichter) Fagley.

John Fagley (father) was a tanner and lived all his life in New Hanover township. He was a Democrat, although not much of a politician. He married Susan Slichter, and they were members of the Swamp Lutheran church. They had seven children, of whom three are now living Frederick, Eli, and Noah.

John Fagley (grandfather) lived and died at Swamp, where he was a, prosperous farmer. He married Maria Linsenbigler, and he and his wife were buried at Swamp. His son, John Fagley (father), died at the age of seventy-years, and John's wife at the age of ninety-one years. John and Maria Fagley had five children. They were members of the Lutheran church. Jacob Slichter (maternal grandfather) was a farmer in Limerick township, and died many years before Noah Fagley was born. He and his wife were members of the Reformed St. James church, and are buried at Limerick. John Fagley (grandfather) was one of the early settlers in Upper Pottsgrove township, and the village of Fagleysville was named for him.

Noah Fagley attended school until he was eighteen years of age. Governor Hartranft was one of his schoolmates, and they were boon companions. He learned the trade of tanner, and followed it for four years. He then became a farmer on the place where he still follows that occupation.

 

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On November 23, 1851, Noah Fagley married Esther, daughter of John and Catharine Bertolet. Mr. Bertolet was a farmer in Frederick township, and a very prosperous man, giving strict attention to business, and looking well after all the details of farm life, not only during the time he was engaged in the planting, culture and harvesting of crops, but at all other seasons.

Noah Fagley had the following children by his first marriage with Esther Bertolet, of whom six are living, as follows: William (deceased), who left a widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Fagley, and three children; he was a store keeper in Philadelphia, and died in March, 1903, aged fifty years, having been born in 1853. A son born July 22, 1855, died in infancy. John, born June 29, 1856, married Miss Shinn (first wife), and had four children, who survive; he married (second wife) Amanda Fegley, they residing in Limerick township where he is a farmer. Horace, born February 1, 1858, unmarried, and living at Limerick Square, where he is employed as a farm hand. Elmira, born August 4, 1859, married Henry Swinehart, they residing in Frederick township, where he is a farmer, and having three children. Susan (deceased), born January 31, 1861, was buried at Swamp. Noah, Jr., born November 2, 1862, died March 15, 1863. Francis, born January 31, 1864, married Mary Reigner, had one son, Calvin, and died at the age of thirty years. Esther, born November 8, 1865, married Jacob Brendlinger, they residing in New Hanover township where he is a farmer, they having four children. Daniel, born May 12, 1867, married Amanda Richard (first wife), left one son, living, and Laura Keyser (second wife), they residing in Pottstown, where he is employed at the Warwick Furnace, and having two children. A. Elizabeth, born May 12, 1870, married O. J. Bickel, they residing in Pottstown where he is engaged in the agricultural works, and they having one child. Noah Fagley's first wife died many years ago.

He married (second wife) Mary A., daughter of John and Annie (Denner) Geiger. Mr. Geiger was a farmer and blacksmith, and resided in Limerick township. He and his wife have both been deceased for many years. Mrs. Fagley (second wife) was also previously married, and had two children by that marriage, of whom Frank G. Hunsberger survives. He is unmarried and a baker by trade, residing at present in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Fagley died February 10, 1904.

Mr. Fagley is a Democrat in political affiliation. He has held the office of assessor in the township for about twenty years. For a period of fifteen years he was a school director, and for ten years or more was secretary of the board. He owns two farms in New Hanover township. He has lived upon the farm which he now occupies more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Fagley and his wife are members of the Swamp Lutheran church, Rev. John J. Kline, pastor, which celebrated its bi-centennial on November 29, 1903. It is believed to be the oldest Lutheran church in America. In 1896 the farm buildings and all their contents on the property belonging to his son were burned.

 

 

EDWIN K. SCHULTZ, a leading farmer and business man of Douglass township, was born upon the present homestead in Douglass township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, August 1, 18n8. He is the son of Amos and Elizabeth (Kriebel) Schultz, both his parents being members of the old Schwenkfelder families.

Amos Schultz (father) was born in Upper Hanover township, Pennsylvania. When he became of age he started out as a farmer in Douglass township, and remained there until 1857. He then removed to Washington township, Berks county, and farmed there until his death, May 10, 1895. He was born May 11, 1809, and on April 16, 1833, married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Kriebel. Both he and his wife are buried in the graveyard of the Schwenkfelder Meeting House, Washington, Berks county. He was a member of the Whig party until the organization of the Republican party, of which he was ever afterwards a prominent member. He was a recognized leader in his section and held the office of justice of the peace from 1840 to 1850.

 

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He was at one time the nominee of his party for assemblyman, but failed to be elected. He was afterwards nominated for state senator, but declined the honor. He was a school director and held other township offices. He built a large grist mill in Washington township, which he carried on in connection with his farm until his retirement from active life, ten years before his death. He was a man of intelligence and great business ability, and also a prominent worker in the Schwenkfelder church. He was president and treasurer of the charity fund in this church for thirty years. He was an original stockholder in the National Bank of Boyertown, and was elected to the office of director, but declined to accept it. He was very successful in all his undertakings, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of the whole community.

The children of Amos and Elizabeth Schultz: Sarah, born August 25, 1836, married Joel Schultz, and had ten children, the family residing in Upper Hanover township, where he was a farmer; Susanna, born September 4, 1838, died December 1, 1883, married Allen T. D. Johnson, who survives with two children, they living in New Berlinville, Berks county, where he is a farmer; Joseph K., born November 20, 1840, married Susan Krauss, they living in Washington township, Berks county, where he is a miller; they have four children; Anna K., born April 5, 1843, died November 14, 1862; Lucina K., born November 10, 1845, unmarried and resides in Washington township, Berks county; Edwin K., subject of this sketch; Owen H., born March 23, 1851, married Leanna Kriebel (first wife), and she dying some years ago, leaving two children, he married (second wife) Mary Schultz, they having no children; he was a farmer but is now retired from active labor; Elizabeth K., born May 4, 1853, married Josephus Gerhard, then residing at Clayton, Berks county, where he is a farmer; they have five children.

Isaac Schultz (grandfather) was born March 4, 1778, married, May 31, 1804, Susanna Schultz, daughter of David Schultz. He was a farmer by occupation and resided in Upper Hanover township all his life. He held several minor offices. He was a man of excellent business capacity, and a leader in the community in which he lived. His children: Amos (father), Isaac, born June 8, 1811, died January 2, 1874; Abraham, born September 16, 1813; Daniel S., born April 10, 1816; Christina, born February 15, 1818; Joel, born April 2, 1820; Philip, born March 11, 1822, died October 21, 1864; Joseph, born March 30, 1824, died September 1, 1827. Susanna, wife of Isaac Schultz, died September 18, 1834; Isaac died October 15, 1867.

Abraham Schultz (great-grandfather), son of George Schultz, was born March 23, 1747. He died December 25, 1822, aged seventy-six years. He married, October 24, 1771, Regina, daughter of Christopher Yeakle. Their children: Benjamin, born July 20, 1772, died March 20, 1802; Adam, born September 20, 1775, Isaac, born March 4, 1778; Abraham born February 18, 1781, died March 23, 1802; Frederick, born August 10, 1784, died December 17, 1794; Joseph, born January 22, 1787; Melchior, born June 23, 1789. Abraham Schultz, after some time spent at school, became an industrious reader, and a great lover of books and literature. Being gifted with an excellent memory, he acquired much knowledge, which he employed well during his life. He served the Schwenkfelders as trustee, school inspector, teacher and catechist, and was also a conveyancer and general business man for the community. In 1796 he was elected a member of the lower house of the state legislature. Among his papers after his death were many letters and other matters of interest.

George Schultz (great-great-grandfather), son of Melchior Schultz, born in 171, married, January 31, 1744, Maria, daughter of Abraham Yeakel. Their children: Abraham (great-grandfather); Melchior, born March 25, 1756. George Schultz born October 30, 1776, aged sixty-five years. Maria, his widow, born December 13, 1797, aged seventy-nine years. George Schultz emigrated to America with his two brothers, the Rev. Christopher and Melchior, from Silesia, of which country they were natives. Previous to coming to this country they had wandered considerably in Europe, because of religious persecution.

 

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They spent some time in Saxony, where they enjoyed comparative liberty and quiet under the protection of Count Zinzendorf. The three orphan boys, joining some forty Schwenkfelder families, turned their backs upon their native land and embarked for Philadelphia, where they arrived September 22, 1734, after a tedious voyage of five months. They settled in a dense wood forty-two miles north of Philadelphia, two miles west of what is now the borough of East Greenville. In 1736, with the assistance of Melchior Neuman, a carpenter, they felled the oaks and sawed them by hand into three-inch planks whereof the outside walls of their two-story house was constructed. The three brothers lived together in this house for ten years, when Melchior and Christopher sold out to George. Melchior went about three miles north and bought a farm, and Christopher removed into Berks county. The brothers raised flax and spun their own linen, and at one time when linen was scarce sold some of their product to the Governor of Pennsylvania for eight shillings a yard.

Samuel Kriebel (maternal grandfather) was born June 13, 1776. He was the son of Andrew and Susanna (Yeakle) Kriebel. He married, January 3, 1802, Christina, daughter of Melchior and Salome (Wagner) Schultz. Their children: Sarah, born February 24, 1803; Susanna, born September 13, 1804; Lydia, born May 10, 1809; Elizabeth (mother), born December 23, 1812; William, born October 8, 1815. Christina Kriebel died April 21, 1819. Samuel married (second wife) Catharine, daughter of Henry Letherach, in 1824, and they had one daughter, Sophia. Samuel Kriebel died February 1, 1841, aged sixty-four years. Samuel Kriebel resided in Worcester township. He was a miller and farmer. The mill is still standing, being over one hundred years old.

Edwin K. Schultz attended the district schools until he was fifteen years of age, and then worked for his father on the farm for one year, and the next ten years worked in the mill. He then took the present farm on March 30, 1875, and has managed it ever since. He married, October 19, 1872, Amanda, daughter of Andrew K. and Magdalena (High) Schultz. Andrew Schultz resided in Clayton, Berks county, where he was a prosperous farmer. They had ten children, as follows: Henry H., born July 17, 1844; Mary Ann, October 13, 1846; Andrew H., August 7, 1848; Amanda, September 14, 1850; Edwin H., April 8, 1852; Magdalena, September 30, 1853; John H., May 10, 1855; Diana, April 1, 1857, died at the age of five months; Samuel H., September 9, 1859, died at the age of twelve days; Emma, December 24, 1861. Both Andrew Schultz and his wife are deceased. She died May 6, 1897, and he May 19, 1903, at the age of eighty-five years. Both were buried in Washington graveyard, Berks county. Edwin K. Schultz and wife have six children, namely: Alice, born June 1, 1875; Ida, born August 21, 1879, was married August 11, 1904, to James Monroe Sheller, principal of the Doylestown high school, and son of the Rev. A. S. Shelley, of Bally, Pennsylvania; Minnie, born October 22, 1880; Stella, born September 29, 1882; Magdalene, born January 30, 1884; Andrew, born December 28, 1886.

Edwin K. Schultz is a Republican in politics and has never aspired to any public office. He is a stockholder in many institutions. He gives his attention to general farming and dairying, being a prominent member of the Niantic Dairymen's Association, and president and manager of the creamery at the same place for ten years, when he resigned. He is a trustee of the Perkiomen Seminary, and treasurer of that institution. He is also interested in the National Bank of Boyertown, being a member of its board of directors and vice-president of the same. He is prominent in Schwenkfelder church work.

Edwin K. Schultz is a man who leads in every progressive movement in his vicinity, and enjoys the unlimited confidence of his neighbors, being respected wherever he is known. He is a striking illustration of the inheritance of the best qualities from the old Schwenkfelder stock to which he belongs. Although engrossed in farming operations, he is frequently called aside to attend to public, including service on juries, on road juries and in other situations where good sense and sound business judgment are required. He is in every respect a model man and citizen, performing every duty with conscientious care and fidelity.

 

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(Picture of Reuben Winter, Sr.)

 

REUBEN WINTER, SR., may be called a pioneer of Royersford, he being the oldest now living of the founders of that borough. He was born in Upper Providence township, near Trappe, October 30, 1823, and was reared to farm pursuits by his parents. He was educated in the common schools of the vicinity, which were maintained by subscription, being the immediate predecessors of the public schools which have grown to still greater usefulness in our own time. He was the son of John and Deborah (Raysor) Winter.

The father was born in Berks county, March 6, 1786, being the son of John Winter belonging to a Berks county family whose ancestor came to America in colonial times from Prussia and settled in Pennsylvania.

John Winter (grandfather) served through the Revolutionary war. He kept a hotel in Philadelphia in 1793, on Water street. The Winters were mostly tillers of the soil, however. John Winter died in Upper Providence, in January, 1836, aged over eighty years. His children were Elizabeth, Catharine, John (father). The father's parents were members of the Lutheran church at Trappe, and they were buried in the graveyard adjoining, where he so many of the earlier German residents of that section of Montgomery county.

John Winter (father) came to Montgomery county with his parents in 1812, to a hotel near Trappe, where he remained until he reached manhood. Later in life he succeeded his father in the hotel business, which he continued many years, but ultimately purchased a farm located a half-mile below what is now Royersford, being the Moyer farm, and removed from the, hotel at Trappe to this farm about 1825. In 1831 he sold the farm and removed again to Upper Providence, and built a residence on land he owned in connection with the old hotel property, in 1829. He remained there during the rest of his life. His wife died in 1859. He then made his home with his son. He died in 1870, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a man of the highest integrity, who enjoyed the respect of the entire community. He was a member of the Lutheran church. Politically he was a Whig, and later a Republican. His wife was born in Chester county, being the daughter of Enoch and Mary Raysor. The Raysors are of German descent.

John Winter was twice married, his first wife having been Catharine Moyer, of near Royersford. By the first marriage the children were Isaac, John, William and Peter. By the second marriage, with Deborah Raysor, the children were: Reuben, subject of this sketch; Catharine, who had two husbands, Benjamin Hunsicker and John Nace, and had two children by her first husband, and three by her second; Deborah, died in infancy.

John Winter's first wife died in 1818, and he married his second in 1821. The first wife was the widow of John Buckwalter, of Chester county, by whom she had four children, he dying in May, 1810. John Winter reared the Buckwalter children. They were: Hannah (Mrs. J. E. Gross); Barbara (Mrs. J. Walt); David, died in Philadelphia; Mary (Mrs. Daniel Fry). He thus reared in all eleven children, and all in harmony together.

Reuben Winter remained with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age, when he married. He taught school two terms in the neighborhood in which he lived. He married in 1848, removing at once to Royersford, and engaging in business with his father-in-law, who was postmaster, merchant and hotel-keeper, all combined in one person. Reuben continued thus until 1859, when his father-in-law died, and he was appointed to the vacant postmastership, becoming also the station agent of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, the store having been closed and the hotel previously sold. He continued as station agent until 1881, attending to telegraphing and all office and postoffice work.

 

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He was postmaster in all about twenty-five years, under several administrations. During his agency for the railway company he purchased some real estate, including six acres of land, on which was the residence in which he yet lives. When Mr. Winter married and settled at Royersford, there were only three houses in the village. The postoffice was established in 1844, the railway having been chartered in 1833, and built in 1835. David Gow was the first postmaster of Royersford, and kept the postoffice behind the bar of his hotel. Daniel Schwenk, Mr. Winter's father-in-law, succeeded Mr. Gow. He received his first commission from President James K. Polk. Mr. Winter's commissions were from President James Buchanan and his successors, his last being revoked by President Cleveland, during his first administration, in the appointment of his successor. On leaving the positions of station agent and postmaster, Mr. Winter practically retired from business, being engaged since in looking after his property interests. In 1898 he established, however, a lumber and coal business, the firm being R. Winter & Son. He is the oldest director in the National Bank of Phoenixville. He is also a director in the Royersford Trust Company. He is a stockholder in several other corporations, including Philadelphia institutions. Mr. Winter is emphatically a self-made man, and has accumulated a competency by dint of hard work and the practice of rigid economy in his younger days.

In 1848 Mr. Winter married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Stetler) Schwenk. She was born October 23, 1825. Her grandparents were also of Montgomery county, her grandfather being Daniel Schwenk. The Schwenks were among the early settlers of the county, and have long been prominent in politics and otherwise. Daniel Schwenk (father of Mrs. Winter) purchased the farm of John Winter near Royersford, in 1831, remaining there seventeen years, until 1848, when he bought the hotel property at Royersford which was afterwards converted into the Reading Railway offices. He was also engaged in other business, as has been stated. He had purchased seventeen acres of land at Royersford on which he erected a handsome residence that has since been altered into a hotel. Mr. Schwenk was a successful business man in his day, and was long identified prominently with the interests of that community. He was a Whig in politics, and later a Republican, but never was an aspirant for public office, preferring to follow the walks of private life. He was a member of the Lutheran church, as was his wife, who survived him several years, dying in 1863.

She was the daughter of Henry Stetler, of a family well and favorably known in the upper section of Montgomery county. Their children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Winter); Henry, William, Mary (Mrs. Daniel Springer); Daniel, died in infancy.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Winter Mary J. (Mrs. C. S. Swartley), whose husband is deceased, she living in Philadelphia; Ida (Mrs. J. W. Isett), her husband being a business man of Royersford; Reuben, Jr., who conducts the lumber and coal business; Elizabeth (Mrs. Burdett Geissinger).

Mr. Winter's wife died February 16, 1896, on the anniversary of the birth of two of her daughters the oldest and the youngest.

Mr. and Mrs. Winter were both reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, they in turn bringing up their family in the same way.

 

 

DAVID S. LEVENGOOD, a well-known farmer and musician of New Hanover township, is a native of Berks county, where he was born August 16, 1836. He is the son of Solomon and Sarah (Spohn) Levengood, who resided in Berks county the first few years of their married life, but lived for more than twenty years in Montgomery county, where they died, he at the age of fifty-eight years, and she at the age of eighty-three years. They had three children, as follows: Amelia, married John Drey (deceased); Caroline, died unmarried, aged twenty-three years; and David S. Levengood.

The grandparents of David S. Levengood lived and died in Berks county. The grandfather was a farmer. They were all Lutherans in religious faith. They were buried at Boyertown cemetery. The maternal grandparents of David S. Levengood were Casper and Sarah (Frederick) Spohn. They also were lifelong residents of Berks county. Casper was a wheelwright by trade. He was one of the Hessian soldiers in the Revolutionary war, who settled in Berks county at its close. He enlisted in the British service, and came to America from Germany, but finding the situation different from what he had expected he deserted from the ranks, found employment with a farmer, and remained in Berks county. Both grandparents are buried in Oley cemetery, and they had a dozen children.

 

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David S. Levengood attended school until he had reached the age of eighteen years, when he engaged in teaching for one year. He was next employed as a farmer. Later he removed to Montgomery county, where he married Catharine, daughter of David and Susan (Yoder) Drey, residents of Berks county, where Mr. Drey was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Drey died in Berks county, and were buried at Longswamp church. They were Lutherans in religious faith. They had ten children in all, of whom six are now living.

David S. Levengood and Catharine, his wife, were married August 15, 1857. They have nine children, all living, as follows: Oscar, residing in Pottstown; Irwin, living in Camden, a ship builder; Caroline, married Hiram Steltz, they residing in Pottstown, where he is employed in the bridge works as is her brother, Oscar; Andora, married Milton Pool, they residing in Philadelphia, where he is engaged in the bakery business; Annie, married Maurice Brendlinger, they living in Norristown, where he is engaged in produce business, residing on Noble street; David, a milkman by occupation, residing in Pottstown; Octavia, married J. Monroe Shive, who is engaged in business in Fagleyville; Alice, married Daniel Richard, who manages the farm of Mr. Levengood; Charles, employed by the National Biscuit Company, and lives in Norristown.

David S. Levengood is a Republican in politics. He s a member of the Church of Christ. His wife is a Lutheran, as are all her children. Mr. Levengood is interested in many of the enterprises of the community in which he lives, and owns several farms. He is a director of the Boyertown Canning Company. He was a member of the Knights of the Mystic Chain, and of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, being one of the organizers of the Grange, in his neighborhood. He served in the army during the Rebellion. He has accumulated a competence, and is one of the most popular citizens of the community in which he lives.

 

 

JAMES S. FAUST, the son of Hon. Samuel and Mary (Sweisford) Faust, was born December 3, 1861, in Frederick township, Montgomery county.

Peter Faust (great-great-grandfather), being dissatisfied with the condition of society in Germany, his native country, emigrated to America in 1747, and settled in Frederick township, Montgomery county. He was among the first to settle in that community. John Nicholas Faust (great-grandfather) was born in Frederick township in 1765, and followed the occupation of farming in that township all his life. He and his father were both active members of the Reformed church. He died in 1837. John N. Faust married Elizabeth Walwent, and their children were: Elizabeth (Mrs. George Gruber); Peter (grandfather); Jacob, born 1798, married Sarah Hauck, they having nine children, and died June 12, 1860; John; Catharine (Mrs. Jacob Yost); and Mary (Mrs. Jacob Levis). Mr. Faust was a Democrat in politics.

Peter Faust (grandfather) was born October 8, 1794, in Frederick township, near Perkiomenville. On account of the limited educational facilities of that day, his schooling was confined to a few years' attendance at the subscription schools of the neighborhood. He learned the trade of reedmaker, later that of stone mason, and also followed farming for many years. He lived during the latter part of his life in what is now New Hanover township. He was an active member and elder of the Reformed church, and was a leader in Sunday school work.

During the War of 1812 he enlisted and served for three months, being stationed at Wilmington, Delaware. He died January 29, 1875. Peter Faust married Margaret, daughter of Abraham Nece, at one time a resident of Tinicum, Bucks county, who later removed to New Hanover township, Montgomery county. Peter and Margaret Faust had the following children: Hon. Samuel (father); Jesse, born October 13, 1830, deceased; Margaret, married Jacob Gerhart, of Norristown; Peter (deceased), born March 24, 1835, a farmer, powder manufacturer and creamery man of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania; Catharine, born August 12, 1837, died in infancy; Reuben, born January 2, 1840, died in infancy; Jonathan (deceased), born May 18, 1842, was a physician of Zeiglerville, Frederick township, married Amanda Schwenk, daughter of Aaron Schwenk, on November 28, 1868, and they had two children; Mary, born December 30, 1844, died in 1848; Sarah, born February 10, 1847, married John K. Freed, deceased of Norristown.

 

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Hon. Samuel Faust (father) was born October 9 1828, in Frederick township, Montgomery county. He attended the subscription schools in the neighborhood of his home and then entered Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, at Collegeville, Montgomery county, being one of its first pupils, and assisting to suspend the bell in the belfry. After a three years' course, Samuel Faust left Freeland Seminary and became a teacher. He taught for three years before the adoption of the public school system, and then twelve years more. He received a certificate from E. L. Acker, the first county superintendent of Montgomery county. He was a very capable teacher and was always sought for the best positions. At the close of his career as a teacher, he became a farmer on his tract of one hundred and thirty-nine acres in Frederick township, and has always been progressive in his methods. He brought the first mowing machine into Frederick township. Politically Mr. Faust is a Republican, and in 1884 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, and after serving most creditably, was re-elected for a second term. He was prominent in obtaining the passage of the high license law, and of the bill requiring physiology and hygiene to be taught in the public schools as a part of the regular school curriculum.

On November 12, 1856, Samuel Faust married Mary, daughter of Henry Sweisford, and their children were: Alfred; Esther, died young; James S., subject of this sketch; Sarah (Mrs. Noah Krause); Catharine (Mrs. Elmer Koons); Alice (Mrs. George Erb); Clara; Samuel, died young; Margaret; Tennyson, died young; Samuel, and Elizabeth.

James S. Faust attended school until he was twenty years of age. He then became a clerk in the Prizer store at Zieglersville, remaining there for three years. He worked on his father's farm for three years and on other farms for four years more. He was employed by F. A. Roth for two years, after which he resided in Norristown for one year. He then purchased the farm containing sixty-two acres in New Hanover township, which he has cultivated ever since.

James S. Faust married Catharine Kimble, daughter of Owen and Catharine Kimble, of Hatboro, Montgomery county, where they are farmers. The children of James and Catharine Faust Bertha K., Samuel K., Florence K., Mamie K., and Nelson K., all attending school.

Mr. Faust is a Republican, and is secretary of the school board of his township. He has been a committeeman, and has held other township offices. He and his family belong to the Lutheran church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Zieglerville, and the Knights of the Mystic Chain, of Fagleysville.

 

 

(Picture of Benjamin A. Tyler, M. D.)

 

BENJAMIN A. TYLER, M. D., the popular surgeon and physician of Royersford, was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, July 5, 1868. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools and the Salem high school. Later he took a business course at the Palms National Business College and graduated March 31, 1888. In 1891 he took up the study of medicine at the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, Dr. B. A. Waddington being the preceptor, afterwards riding with his teacher in the rounds of his practice. After three terms he graduated, in 1894. For sixteen months he continued in the hospital of that institution, and then spent two years in the Municipal Hospital, of Philadelphia. At the end of that time, in May, 1897, he removed to Royersford and began the practice of his profession. He has given it all his time and attention, and his work has been crowned with success, as he has an extended practice in Royersford and the vicinity. His experience in the hospitals of Philadelphia gave him an insight into contagious diseases, in the treatment of which he is an expert.

 

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In 1898 he was married at Philadelphia to Miss Margaret Hornby of that city. She was born in Philadelphia in 1869 and is the daughter of Robert Hornby. Both Mr. Hornby and his wife are natives of Philadelphia, where he has lived retired since the Civil war, when he served as a soldier. He has filled some city offices and is a prominent man. They are members of the Baptist church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hornby: Margaret (Mrs. Tyler); Nelly (Mrs. R. Strider); Clara, still unmarried, and Daniel, a painter.

Dr. and Mrs. B. A. Tyler have one son, Benjamin A., born May 23, 1900. Mrs. Tyler is a member of the Baptist church. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason. In politics he is a Republican.

Benjamin and Melicent (Busby) Tyler, parents of Dr. Tyler, were both natives of New Jersey, and Benjamin Tyler was the son of John and Beulah (Griscomb) Tyler (grandparents of Dr. B. A. Tyler). The Tyler family came from England during the colonial days. There were three brothers, one of whom settled in Virginia, one in New Jersey and one in Massachusetts. Ex-President Tyler was a descendant of the brother who settled in Virginia, while Dr. B. A. Tyler traces his ancestry from the one in New Jersey. This branch of the family were all members of the Society of Friends, and consequently never aspired to notoriety.

Benjamin Tyler (father) was a farmer in New Jersey and by honest dealing and hard work acquired a competency for old age, which he is still enjoying at Salem, New Jersey. In politics he is a Republican, but never held office. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler: Hannah (Mrs. Reeves), who resides with her husband at the old homestead at Salem, New Jersey; and Dr. Benjamin A. Tyler.

Isaac and Hannah Perry Clunn Busby were the maternal grandparents of Dr. Tyler. He was an accountant, bookkeeper and real estate dealer, who acquired a fortune. His political beliefs were those of the Republican party. His wife's mother was a sister of Commodore Perry, of war fame, and both the Perry and Clunn families were identified with the early wars of the United States. The Tylers never participated in war, on account of their principles as members of the Society of Friends.

The children of Isaac Busby (maternal grandfather) were: Hannah (Mrs. S. Busby); Melicent (mother); Anna (Mrs. Peniel), both she and her husband being deceased; Isaac, a business man. The Busby family were also members of the Society of Friends.

 

 

HENRY A. RICHARDS, a prominent resident of Pottstown, was born July 22, 1837, in Birdsboro, Berks county, being the son of Anthony and Elizabeth (Ammon) Richards.

John Richards (grandfather) and his wife Mary (Miller) Richards lived in Maryland, but later emigrated to Ohio. They died in middle age, and are buried in the Catholic cemetery, at Canton, Ohio. Their children: Samuel, John, Adam, Michael, a cabinet maker, who died in 1901; and Anthony, who died August 29, 1870. The parents of John Richards were buried at Fleetwood. They were also Catholics. The name was originally spelled Reichart. Davis Ammon (maternal grandfather) lived in Springfield, Berks county, where he was a farmer. His descendants still live on the homestead. He married (first wife) Miss Fisher, and they had these children: John, Henry, Adam, Isaac, Elizabeth, Susan, and Matilda, all of whom are deceased except Matilda. He married a second time. He was a Free and Accepted Mason, and the family belonged to the Episcopal church.

 

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Anthony Richards (father) was a contractor and was connected with the Reading Railroad during the later years of his life. He also had an interest in the Schuylkill Navigation Canal Company. He died August 28, 1870, at the age of sixty-four years, and his wife, Elizabeth (Amman) Richards, died in 1878, aged sixty-eight years. They are buried at the Charles Evans cemetery in Reading. They were members of the Baptist church, and were baptized at Valley Forge. Their children: Henry A., John, born in 1840, died in infancy; J. Howard, born July 30, 1850, resides in Philadelphia, and is president of the Schuylkill Valley Stove Company, of Spring City. In politics he is a Republican. He married Sallie Dunlap, of Limerick township, Montgomery county, and they have no children.

Henry A. Richards left school when he was eighteen years of age, and entered the employ of the Reading Railroad, with whom he remained until 1870. For two years he engaged in the lumber business in Lebanon, and for another two years in the fire brick business in Clearfield. He then went to Pinegrove, where he carried on a mercantile business until 1879. From that time he has been employed as inspector by the Reading Railroad Company.

Henry A. Richards married, April 12, 1864, at Pinegrove, Lila Lutz, daughter of William and Susanna (Barr) Lutz. Her father was a retired iron manufacturer and blacksmith in his later years, residing on the Conestoga creek, in Lancaster and Schuylkill counties. He was a Democrat in politics. He and his family were members of the United Brethren church. They had three children: Cyrus, Pamella, and Lila, wife of Mr. Richards. Mrs. Lutz died first, at the age of seventy-one years. Her husband died at the age of eighty-seven years. Both were buried at Pine grove, in Schuylkill county. Mrs. Richards' grandfather was John Lutz, who resided in Lancaster county, near Reamstown. Casper Lutz came to America in 1733 in the Theressa from Rotterdam, in Holland. Nicholas Lutz, of Reading, who served in the Revolutionary war, was a member of the family, being a brother of Mrs. Richards' great-grandfather.

On Mrs. Richards' mother's side the grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Petee) Barr, who resided in Pinegrove, where they died and were buried. John Barr (grandfather) was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving as captain. He was a wealthy resident of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and was the first postmaster of Pinegrove, which was originally called Barrtown. He had the following children: George, Paul, Mary, Sarah, Jacob, Susanna (mother), John, Eliza, and one child who died in childhood. John Lutz (grandfather of Mrs. Richards) had the following children: Mary, William (father); John, Rachel, George, Samuel, Edward, Hannah, Sallie, Joseph, Jesse, Elizabeth, and Catharine. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Richards was Peter Jacob Lutz.

Henry A. Richards removed to the present homestead in December, 1882, and has since resided there. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have had the following children: William Lutz, born September 22, 1865, died January 20, 1881. Elizabeth Bell, born 1868, graduated in the high school, Pottstown, in 1886, married Charles Frank Duden, son of Emma and Andrew Duden, of York county, who was a contractor and builder of that county, the son, Charles F., being a banker, formerly residing in Pottstown, where he was a cashier of the Citizens' Bank; he died January 7, 1904. They have two children Henry Richards, born January 17, 1899, and Lila Frances, born November 6, 1901. Susanna Barr, born March 8, 1883, a student and musician of Wilson College; she is a singer of considerable reputation. Madge, twin sister of Susanna, died in infancy.

Mr. Richards is a Republican in politics. He has been a member of the town council for a number of years, and has also been a school director for several terms. He is a Knight Templar, and member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons. He is a heavy stockholder in the Light Cycle Company, of Pottstown. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has rebuilt his present home, improving it very extensively, and owns a number of other properties in Pottstown, and also in Schuylkill county.

 

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GARRET F. BEAN, one of the successful farmers and dairymen of Montgomery county, was born in Skippack township, that county, on July 15, 1858. He is the son of Garret and Catharine (Fryer) Bean.

Garret Bean (father) was born on the Bean homestead in Skippack township, Montgomery county, October 14, 1811. Until he was twenty years of age he attended school during the winter months, and assisted his father on the farm in the summer. He afterwards devoted his whole attention to fanning, and after his father's death inherited the home place. He was something of a literary man and wrote a little during his spare time. He attended market regularly, and during his active life did some building in Norristown. For many years he was a director in the old Montgomery Bank at Norristown, and assisted in organizing the First National Bank, in which he was a director for the remainder of his life. He was a Republican in politics, and filled mane township offices, among them that of school director, being deeply interested in educational advancement. During the last years of his life he retired from active labor and resided near Creamery. Like his ancestors he was a member of the Mennonite church. Mr. Bean died May 31, 1892. He was twice married. He married (first wife) Esther Hunsicker, daughter of Jacob Hunsicker, a descendant of Valentine Hunsicker, who came to America from Switzerland in 1717. The children of Garret and Hester (sic) B. Bean: Susanna, married John Drake; Sarah, married Henry Fryer; Magdalena, married Jonathan Wousetler, and one who died infancy, the mother died at the same time.

Garret Bean married (second wife) Catharine, daughter of Christian Fryer, a well known farmer of Skippack township. She was born in 1821, and is still living at Skippackville. Her brothers and sisters were: Barney, a mechanic; Daniel, of Mingo; Henry, a carpenter; Christian, of Philadelphia; Mrs. F. Maddis; Mrs. Ziegler Mrs. Sarah Hendricks; Mary, never married; Susanna, Mrs. Hawk. They were all Mennonites.

The children of Garret and Catharine F. Bean: Henry F., a very prominent farmer, a director in the Royersford Bank, the Ridge Avenue Market Company, the Creamery Association of Skippack, and a deacon in the Reformed church, died April 27, 1903, at the age of fifty-nine Years; John F., born December 2, 1844, a merchant at Creamery for many years; married, January 23, 1869, Sarah H. Hallman, they having six children, and died November 2, 1897, leaving a good estate; and Garret, Jr., the subject of this sketch.

Henry Bean (grandfather) was born in Worcester township in 1788, and lived all his life on a beautiful farm of 130 acres. He was a minister (of the Mennonite church. In politics he was a Whig and a Republican. During the latter part of his life he was a contractor and builder in Norristown, always residing, however, at his Home in Skippack township. He was a very skillful mechanic, and made the old-fashioned log pumps. He married Susan Ziegler, and they had one child, Garret (father). The name Bean is frequently found on the old tombstones in the graveyard of the Mennonite meeting house.

John Bean (great-grandfather) was of German descent. He was born in Philadelphia county in 1761. He was a farmer and served in the war of 1812. He died in 1846.

Garret F. Bean was educated in the common schools of his day, and assisted in the work of the farm. At the age of thirteen years he was employed as a farm hand by his brother Henry, with whom he remained until he was twenty-six years old. He then married and rented a small place, still being employed on farms in the neighborhood of his home. Later he purchased a farm near Creamery, which he sold, and bought the farm where he lives. It was known as the Tyson place, and is near Gratersford. It contains commodious buildings, and is in every way a good home. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Bean keeps a dairy, and raises all kinds of stock for market. He is a stockholder in several banks and has been very successful in his operations. In politics he is a Republican.

 

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Mr. Bean married, in 1885, Alice, daughter of Josiah and Susanna (Pennypacker) Fisher, who was born at Zieglerville, Montgomery county, October 19, 1863. Josiah Fisher was the son of Joseph and Ellen (Hoffman) Fisher of Berks county, they being farmers. Josiah Fisher, a well-known drover and farmer of Skippack township, has been twice married. His first wife was Susanna Pennypacker, who died January 1, 1892. Their children: Alice, Mrs. Bean; Ellen, married John Tyson; Jonas, a farmer and drover; Annie, married H. C. Longacre; John, a drover. Mr. Fisher married (second wife) Mary Kratz, born in Skippack township, the daughter of Abram Kratz. Abram Kratz is a weaver by trade and a farmer, who still lives with his wife near Gratersford, both being more than eighty years of age. The children of Josiah and Mary K. Fisher: Garret B., died at the age of eight months; Paul, resides with his parents. The family are all Mennonites.

Mr. and Mrs. Garret F. Bean have no children of their own but adopted a boy in 1895. This child is David F. Copenhafer, born April 29, 1889; who is in school and is a very promising boy.