(Picture of Dr. Willoughby H. Reed)

 

DR. WILLOUGHBY H. REED is a member of one of the oldest and most distinguished families in this section of Pennsylvania. He is a native of Norristown, where he was born January 20, 1856. He is the son of Michael Hartman and Mary A. (Rockafellow) Reed.

Michael H. Reed (father) was born in New Britain township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1809. In early life he attended a Mennonite day school, and later, when his parents removed to Hilltown township, he attended school until he was sixteen years of age, when he was indentured with Henry Shellenberger, of Line Lexington, to learn the trade of hatter. His apprenticeship completed, he worked for Shellenberger for a time, and then accepted a position in Schaffer's hat factory at Germantown. In 1832 he opened a hat and fur store, and manufactured hats at Skippackville, being appointed postmaster by President Andrew Jackson while engaged in business there. After two years he sold to George Ruth, and removed to Philadelphia, opening a hat and fur store on Fourth street below Vine, in that city. Disposing of his business after several years, he and Jesse Shellenberger opened a similar establishment on Second street below Noble. His health failing, he retired from business, and removed to Bucks county, in 1847. On February 15, 1852, he married Mary A. Rockafellow. In 1855 he removed with his family to Norristown, remaining there two years, and then locating at Jeffersonville, where he remained the rest of his life. He died January 17, 1898. His wife died on November 5, of the same year. The couple had three children, Franklin P., who is engaged in the hardware business at National City in southern California, and is married; Willoughby H., subject of this sketch; and Mary E., who resides with her brother, Dr. W. H. Reed, at the homestead at Jeffersonville.

Andrew Reed (grandfather) was the son of Colonel Jacob and Magdalene (Leidy) Reed. Being the youngest child he remained at home and cultivated the farm in New Britain township, Bucks county. On April 21, 1807, he married Mary Hartman. The couple had five children, Jacob, Michael (father), Julian, Abigail and Sarah. Jacob married Sarah Leidy, Michael married Mary Ann Rockafellow, Julian married Jacob Bender, Abigail married Allen Hackman and Sarah married Henry Heckman. After the death of his father Andrew Reed removed to his farm in Hilltown township, Bucks county, adjoining New Britain, cultivating it until his children were grown up. About 1846 he sold the farm and purchased a home near the Hilltown church, where his wife died, June 3, 1861, aged seventy-four years. His daughter Abigail had previously died June 1, 1856, in the forty-sixth year of her age. Andrew Reed's remaining days were spent with his daughter Sarah, he being totally blind the last eight years of his life. He died on June 10, 1869, aged seventeen days more than eighty-eight years. A man of the highest integrity, kind disposition, and was much respected by all who knew him. He and his wife were attached to the Church of the Evangelical Association, at Hilltown. In its adjoining graveyard their remains he interred.

 

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Colonel Jacob Reed (great-grandfather) was the son of John Philip, or Philip, and Veronica (Bergey) Reed. He was the oldest of eight children. He was born in Salford township, afterwards Malborough township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1730. Liberally educated in the schools of that day, he was reared on a farm. About 1755 he married Magdalene Leidy, their children being: Philip, Jacob, John, Andrew (grandfather), Margaret, Magdalene, Catherine, Elizabeth and Eve. John was killed by lightning in his twenty-third year; the others lived to old age, and married as follows Philip married Elizabeth Solliday, Jacob married Anna Maria Mowery, Andrew married Mary Hartman, Margaret married Jacob Redline, Elizabeth married Jacob Conver, Catherine married William Lindsay, Magdalene married Jesse Wilson and Eve married Wendle Fisher.

Jacob Reed located early in life in Hatfield township, and purchased a faun near where is now Hatfield station, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad, which was confirmed to him by a deed from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, February 23, 1770.

In 1793 he sold his farm and purchased another in New Britain, on the County Line road. His wife died there, August 5, 1801, aged sixty-five years, six months and twelve days. He then resided with his son Andrew until his death, which occurred November 2, 1820, at the age of ninety years, four months, less four days, his remains being interred in the Leidy burying ground, in Franconia township, where his wife and other members of the family live. Jacob Reed was a man of much prominence and influence in his day, in church and state, being a defender of his country during the Revolutionary war, and an elder in the Indian Creek Reformed church. He filled several important public positions.

In 1777 he was elected lieutenant colonel of the first battalion of Philadelphia county militia, recruited from the townships of Upper and Lower Salford, Towamencin, Hatfield, Perkiomen and Skippack. He rendered valuable service to General Washington during the campaign of 1777-8, his knowledge of the country being a matter of importance to the American commander which was highly appreciated by him. He participated in the battles of Trenton, Germantown and Brandywine. Tradition has preserved the recollection of several incidents of his life. On one occasion he was waylaid by Tories who were numerous and bold, who shot him in the leg, tarred and feathered him, tied him to a tree and commenced digging his grave as they proposed to kill and bury him. Before they accomplished their purpose, help appeared, and he was released from his uncomfortable and perilous position. His persecutors escaped from the country, but their property was subsequently confiscated. On another occasion he was shot at by a Hessian soldier from behind a fence, the bullet grazing his head.

Philip Reed (great-great-grandfather) was the immigrant. He came to this country from Mannheim, in the Palatinate, on the Rhine, in Germany, landing at Philadelphia from the ship Friendship, from Rotterdam, October 17, 1727. He located in what is Marlborough township, but was then attached to Salford, bought a farm, and engaged in agriculture. Prior to 1734 he paid quitrent for over a hundred acres; in that year he was assessed for fifty acres; still later he became an extensive owner of land near what is now Hoppenville. He was one of the original members of the Goshenhoppen Reformed church, in Upper Hanover. He married Veronica Bergey, who was born in the canton of Bern, in Switzerland, February 13, 1702 (old style), and died December 13, 1792. Her family fled from Switzerland on account of religious persecution; as he had done from Germany. Philip Reed was born January 26, 1698, and died September 3, 1783, in his eighty-sixth year. Both were buried in the New Goshenhoppen Reformed burial ground. Their children: Michael, married Anna Maria Mowery; Jacob, married Magdalene Leidy: Andrew, married Anna Maria Leidy; Catharine, married Abraham Arndt; Eve married, first Valentine Dickenshied, and, second Joseph Kochen; Margretha, married Theobold Wink; Anna Maria, married Michael Welker; Elizabeth, married John Eberhard.

 

(Page 178)

 

Dr. W. H. Reed was educated in the public schools of Norriton township, which he attended until his seventeenth year, when he took a position in the Jeffersonville grocery store. Later he entered the office of the Trite Witness, in Norristown, conducted by Moses Auge in the interests of temperance, following that occupation for a year and a half. He next became a clerk in the drug store of I. M. Buckwalter, at Phoenixville, remaining there four years. He entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1877 and graduated from that institution in 1879. The following year he spent in a Philadelphia drug store, and in reading medicine, entering the Jefferson Medical College in 1880, and graduating therefrom in the spring of 1882. He practiced for a time at Cape May Point, also conducting a drug store, remaining there two seasons, and then practiced medicine for a time at Jeffersonville. In 1884 he removed to Norristown, purchasing the property at the west corner of Marshall and Astor streets, where he is still located. As a member of Company D, Tenth Regiment, he participated in the suppression of the Pittsburg railroad riots of 1877.

Dr. Reed married, November 5, 1884, Annie R., daughter of Samuel F. and Amanda (Crawford) Jarrett, a prosperous farmer of Norriton township, near Jeffersonville. Mr. Jarrett is a descendant of John Jarrett, who came from Scotland and settled in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, prior to 1714, and married Mary, daughter of Jan Luken, who came from Holland and landed at Chester in 1683. Mary was born November 18, 1693. Of the children of John and Mary (Lucken) Jarrett, a son John married Alice Conrad, August 9, 1740. John Jarrett was born March 3, and his wife August 3, 1718. They had twelve children: John, Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Rachel, William, Alice, Jonathan, David, Jesse, Tacy and Joseph. Of these Jesse, born March 26, 1757, died August 30, 1828, married Elizabeth Palmer and had six children: Mary, David, Alice, Joseph, Tacy and John.

Of these, David, the oldest son, born October 24, 1797, died October 20, 1890, married Rebecca Farra and had eight children, as follows Jesse, Samuel Farra (father of Mrs. Reed), Charles P., Atkinson F., Elizabeth, John, Lucretia and Chalkley, of whom only Samuel F., Elizabeth and Chalkley, survive. Samuel F. Jarrett has been long prominent in Republican politics in Montgomery county, having been elected its first Republican treasurer in 1872, and served five years in all; he is a director of the People's National Bank of Norristown, and interested in many other enterprises. His wife belongs to an old family of Scotch-Irish descent, but long domiciled in the county. Mrs. Jarrett's grandfather, Major John Edwards, was during the Revolution an officer in the Philadelphia county militia, serving his country faithfully during that eventful period.

Mary Ann Rockafellow, mother of Dr. Reed, belonged to an old family of Holland ancestry. She was the eldest daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth (Probasco) Rockafellow, of New Britain. Jonas was the son of William and Rachel (Thatcher) Rockafellow. William was the son of John and Margaret (Kitchen) Rockafellow. John was the son of Peter and Mary (Bellis) Rockefelt. Peter's father was also named Peter, the last named being the son of Johannes Peter Rockefelt, who, with his two sons, Peter and Johannes, emigrated to America, Peter settling near Flemington, New Jersey, and his brother in New York state, the latter being the ancestor of John D. Rockefeller, the Standard Oil magnate and millionaire.

Mary Hartman Reed (grandmother), wife of Andrew Reed, was the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Harner) Hartman, who removed from Montgomery county to Lykens Valley, Pennsylvania, and both died there. Sarah Harner (great-grandmother) was the daughter of Christian Harrier, a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

 

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Dr. W. H. Reed is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant for office, although he held the position of school director for several years. He is a member and trustee of the Jeffersonville Presbyterian church. He is a life member of the Montgomery County Historical Society, and has been very active in its work, his tastes inclining him to research in local history and genealogy. He has written many valuable historical papers which have been read at the meetings of the society, and collected much material bearing on family history.

In 1901, in conjunction with his brother, Franklin P. Reed, of National City, California, Dr. Reed erected as a tribute to the memory of their ancestor, Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Reed, a granite monument in the form of a sarcophagus over his grave, in Leidy's cemetery, Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The location is near the flourishing borough of Souderton. It bears the following inscription: "In memory of Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Reed, Hatfield township, Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania." "A patriot and soldier of the Revolution, an officer of the Philadelphia county militia. Served his country actively during the whole war. Participated in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, etc."

The monument was dedicated on October 8, 1901, the Montgomery County Historical Society holding its autumn meeting there for the purpose. A number of interesting historical papers were read, which have been collected in a volume and published under the direction of Dr. Reed. In this connection the following notice taken from Poulter's Daily Advertiser of Philadelphia, of November 22, 1820, will be of interest:

"Died-In New Britain township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d instant, Colonel Jacob Reed, in the ninety-first year of his age. He served his country faithfully during the whole of the eventful period of the Revolution, and before the close of the war was honored with a colonel's commission."

Dr. Reed is an indefatigable worker in the line of historical investigation, and he is a public-spirited citizen as well. He takes an active interest in the affairs of the community, and is one of Norristown's most highly respected business men. He is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and a frequent and valued contributor to medical, pharmaceutical and general literature. He is a member and has been president of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association; also member of the Alumni Association of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, of the Philadelphia Botanical Society, of the order of Knights of Friendship, and of the Pennsylvania German Society. He is a member of Norristown Lodge No. 120, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norristown Chapter No. 190, Royal Arch Mason, and of Hutchinson Commandery No. 32, Knights Templar, all of Norristown. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution.

 

 

RICHARD E. DUFFIELD was born near Jenkintown, in Abington township, Montgomery county, June 14, 1852. He is the eldest child of Christian Bosbyshell and Mary Jane (Williams) Duffield.

Richard Edwin Duffield attended the public schools of Abington township until his nineteenth year, assisting his father on the farm in the meantime. After leaving school he, took a still greater interest in farming operations, and remained with his parents until the spring of 1876. He married January 20, 1876, Cecilia Morton, daughter George F. and Sarah H. (Clayton) Shelmire, both deceased, of Southampton township Bucks county, Pennsylvania. After his marriage, Mr. Duffield established himself as a farmer at Huntingdon Valley, where he remained six years, after which he removed Montgomery Township.

After remaining there two years longer, engaged in farming, he returned to Bucks County. His next removal was to Broad Axe, Whitpain township, Montgomery County, where he rented a farm for four years, after which he became a tenant: of his father at the Duffield homestead. The following year he removed, however, to Penllyn for two years, and then removed to the farm of Caroline R. Miller, near Blue Bell, where he remained seven years. He then removed again to his father's farm, managing it for three years and finally purchasing it at the settlement of the estate after the death of his parents. The Duffield farm contains fifty-eight acres of very superior land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation.

 

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Mr. Duffield operates the farm in the usual Way, giving considerable attention to his dairy and to the raising of vegetables, his produce being shipped to the Philadelphia markets.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Duffield are: Lizzie Davis, born March 9, 1878, married Howard Fronefield, May 11, 1896, and had one child, Edwin Morton. In June, 1900, Mrs. Fronefield was divorced from her husband, and in June, 1903, was married to Benjamin E. Doan, of Auburn, New York, where she now resides. Horace George, born October 17, 1883, married, January 14, 1903, Harriet May, daughter of Jacob B. and Margaret (Wright) Clayton, and have one child, Mildred May. Horace, who resides with his parents at the homestead, assists his father in the management of the farm.

Mr. Duffield is a Republican in politics, although he gives more attention to the management of his farm than he does to political affairs. He has never sought or held office. Mr. Duffield and his family attend the Baptist church at Ambler.

Christian Duffield (father) was born in 1828. His children: Richard Edwin, subject, of this sketch; John Ellwood, born in 1855, married Clara H. Engle; Mary Ella, married Harvey Fesmire, of Moreland township, having seven children; Harvey Alfred, married Anna Hallman; Frank Wesley, born September 25, 1861, married, December 27, 1885, Ellen, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Collard) Walton, having several children; Harriet Ida, married Thomas H. Fetter; Frederick, married Abbie Eisenbrey; William, Collard, married Mary White; Daniel J., married Mary E. Reinhart; Flora L., born October 8, 1875, unmarried, and resides in Philadelphia. The father and mother are both deceased. The father died January 27, 1893, and the mother September 24, 1901. The father was a Republican in politics, and a deacon in the Baptist church at Ambler.

 

 

FRANK W. HOFFMAN, a prominent merchant of Pottstown, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1865. He is the son of Ephraim and Mary Ann (Wein) Hoffman.

Ephraim G. Hoffman (father) lived in Berks county for many years, and later removed to Montgomery county. He was an iron worker, but afterwards entered the mercantile business in which he is still engaged in Phoenixville. His wife died in 1899, and was buried at the Pottstown cemetery. Mr. Hoffman is a Lutheran in religious faith, while his wife belonged to the Reformed church. In 1898 there was a photograph taken of the entire family, all the children being grown. The children of Ephraim G. and Mary Ann Hoffman: William, resides in Wissahickon, Pennsylvania, married Miss Ayers, and they have several children; he is a merchant; Amanda, married Augustus Smith, who is employed in Pottstown, they having five children: Frank W.; John, married Miss Freas, and they reside in Spring City, where he is a merchant, they have several children; Catharine, married George Rushong, and they reside in Pottstown, where he is a carpenter, they having four children; Howard, married Ida Gebhard, and is a merchant in Pottstown, where they reside, they having no children; Charles, married Lulu McAfee, and is a merchant in Boyertown, they having no children; Edward, married Elizabeth Shoup, and is in business with his father in Phoenixville, they having five children; Ammond, married Sallie Rhoads, and they live in Spring City, he being a miller, and they having no children; Albert, unmarried, is employed by his father at Phoenixville; Annie, married Calvin Eberhart, a painter and contractor in Phoenixville, they having no children.

Samuel Hoffman (grandfather) lived in Berks and Montgomery counties all his life, and was buried at Boyertown. He and his wife were farmers and died in middle age. He was a Democrat in politics. William Wein (maternal grandfather) married Christina Gilbert, and lived in Berks county and later in Pottstown. They died there at an advanced age, and were buried at Swampton cemetery, Boyertown, Berks county. He was a carpenter and wheelwright. In politics he was a Democrat, and the family belonged to the Reformed church.

 

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Frank W. Hoffman left school when he was fourteen years of age, and went to work in the Iron Works at Pottstown. He remained there for about eleven years and then started the business which he has conducted since that time.

August 15, 1885, Frank W. Hoffman married Elizabeth Yocum, daughter of George Yocum, of Pottstown. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman: Minnie, born in 1886; Bessie, born August 15, 1891; Rebie, born August 9, 1894.

Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat in politics. He bought the property where he conducts his business four years ago.

 

 

REV. FRANK PHAON LAROS, pastor of St. Paul's German Reformed church of Pottstown, was born March 22, 1878, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, being the son of Jesse and Maria (Mohr) Laros. Jesse Laros (father) county, and now resides in Collegeville, Montgomery county; he is an ore contractor in Lehigh county. He has engaged in his present business for many years, since about 1878. Previous to that time he was a farmer in Lehigh county. Mr. Laros was born in 1844, as was also his wife. They are members of the German Reformed church. He is a trustee of several estates, and has held the office of school director in Lehigh and Montgomery counties. He is also a director in the Agricultural Society of Lehigh county. In politics Mr. Laros is a Democrat. Jesse and Maria (Mohr) Laros had seven children, one deceased; Pruella, married Rev. William Yenser; Rev. Edwin J., Rev. Frank Phaon, Dr. Albert Henry, Catharine E., a graduate of Ursinus College, at Collegeville, who is now assistant principal of the Allentown College for Women; and Malcolm P., who is studying for the ministry.

Jesse Laros (grandfather) always lived in Lehigh county, where he was a farmer and ore contractor. He married Elizabeth Siegfried. He died about 1880, his wife surviving him for a few years, but being also long deceased. They are buried at Ziegel's church cemetery in Lehigh county. They had nine children, three of removed from Lehigh whom are still living. Solomon Mohr (maternal grandfather) was also a farmer in Lehigh county. He married Elizabeth Peters. She died about 1880, and her husband about 1895. They were members of the German Reformed church, and he was a Republican in politics. They are buried at Fogelsville cemetery. They had eight children.

Rev. Frank P. Laros attended the public schools until he was eleven years of age. He then entered the preparatory school of Ursinus College, and after remaining there four years entered the college, where he took a four years' course. He then attended the Ursinus School of Theology, in Philadelphia, for three years. He was ordained a minister, and accepted the charge of St. Paul's German Reformed church, of Pottstown, October 19, 1900, where he still preaches.

On October 22, 1901, Rev. Frank Phaon Laros married Carrie, daughter of Balthasar and Bertha (LaRoche) Stahl. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl reside in Philadelphia, where he has been a florist for many years. Mr. Stahl is a Republican in politics. He and his wife have four children. Rev. Frank Phaon and Carrie Laros have one son, Charles Franklin Laros, born September 4, 1902.

 

 

ISAIAH H. DETWILER, one of the best known farmers in Perkiomen township, was born near Iron Bridge, where he still lives, on September 23, 1842. He is the son of Christian and Catharine (Heebner) Detwiler.

 

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Christian Detwiler (father) was born April 30, 1802, and was reared on his father's farm in Perkiomen township, Montgomery county. He afterwards purchased this farm and lived there until within a few years of his death. He was a practical and successful farmer, and remodeled his home, a commodious brick house in place of the old home. He also added other land to the original tract and made the whole farm one of the best reproved in the neighborhood. He attended the Philadelphia market for many years. In religious faith he was a Mennonite, and was a minister.

On January 15, 1824, Christian Detwiler married Catharine, daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Rittenhouse) Heebner. Their children Abraham, a farmer, died leaving four sons, he being born May 12, 1825; Samuel, born February 18, 1827, a prominent farmer of Worcester township; Margaret, born January 16, 1820, married D. Custer, of an old family; Mary, born November 8, 1831, married Abram Hunsicker, of Perkiomen township; Enos H., born August 4, 1834, married Mary J. Heyser, their son, Mr. Charles H., being proprietor of the Central Hotel at Royersford, and Enos H., residing in Philadelphia, although he owns the old Detwiler homestead; Catharine, born November 5, 1837, married P. Good, and lives in Lower Canada; Isaiah H., subject of this sketch; Christian, born November 16, 1843, for many years cashier of the First National Bank at Norristown, died in 1882, leaving five children; Lydia, born October 7, 1845, married J. G. Gotwals. Christian Detwiler died December 3, 1861. His wife, Catharine Detwiler, after her husband's death, made her home with her son, Isaiah H., until her death on April 2, 1897.

The paternal grandfather of Isaiah H. Detwiler was a prominent man in his day, and lived on the farm in Perkiomen township which is now the property of his grandson, Enos H. Detwiler. He was of German descent. His children: John, Joseph, Abram, Christian, and Jacob. Jacob, the oldest, removed to Canada, where he became quite prominent residing near Berlin. There was also a daughter Catharine, who married George Detwiler, a well-known preacher of the Mennonite denomination.

The Detwilers were among the earliest settlers in that section of Montgomery county. In the assessor's list of June, 1756, Joseph Detwiler is named as being the owner of 180 acres of land, and Henry Detwiler, l00 acres. Ten years later, when Henry Pennebacker was assessor, and John Detwiler collector of the township, John Detwiler, a weaver, was assessed as having 200 acres of land; John Detwiler, Jr., is assessed for 320 acres; Henry Detwiler for 270 acres. The family have intermarried in the course of several generations with many of the leading families of that section of the county.

Abraham Heebner (maternal grandfather) was a farmer, distiller, and teamster of Norriton township, Montgomery county. He was among the leading farmers and business men of the county. He was born December 28, 1766, and married, December 1, 1701, Catharine, daughter of Matthias Rittenhouse. Their children were Sarah, born November 20, 1792, married, November 28, 1811, Benjamin Cassel, they having ten children, and she dying June 30, 1841; Hannah, born October 1, 1794, married G. Metz; Christopher, born January 17, 1707, died January 25, 1797; John, born January 15, 1798, died same day; Joseph, born April 9, 1799, married March 21, 1826, Susanna, daughter of Henry Letherach, they having nine children; Susannah, born July 25, 1806; Catharine, born January 5, 1804 (mother); Rebecca, born July 9, 1806, married, November 9, 1826, Joseph Cassel, son of John Cassel, they having ten children; Mary, born August 27, 1808, married, October 20, 1831, Isaac B. Cassel, they having six children; Elizabeth, born March 23, 1811. Abraham H. Heebner died November 25, 1846, and his wife September 27, 1851. The family were members of the Schwenkfelder church.

Christopher Heebner (maternal great-grandfather) was the son of David Heebner, and married, May 3, 1757, Susanna, daughter of Halls and Anna (Reinwald) Wiegner. Their children: Melchior, born 1759, died 1781; John, born 1761, died 1824; Sarah, born 1763, died 1833; Abraham, born 1766, died 1846 (grandfather); Christopher, born 1770; Susanna, born 1773, died 1777; David, born 1778, died 1783. Christopher Heebner died August 21, 1827, and his wife January 17, 1814. At the time of his death he was eighty years of age, and she died aged seventy-six years.

 

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David Heebner (Heebner) (great-great-grandfather) and his wife Maria emigrated from Germany in 1734 and settled in Pennsylvania. He died December 27, 1784 and his wife June 11, 1793. Their children: Christoph (great-grandfather); Susanna; Rosanna, born May 9, 1738; George, born June 21, 1744. David Hebner came to America with the colony of Schwenkfelders.

Isaiah H. Detwiler was reared to farm pursuits and attended the district schools. His, father removed from the old homestead a few years before his death to the present home of Isaiah Detwiler. He built the present buildings and lived there until his death, December 3, 1861. Isaiah managed the farms for his father two years before the latter's death, and has continued there ever since. In 1865 he married Mary Hallman, born in 1845. He has attended market for nearly thirty-five years, adding occasionally to his first purchase, and also selling some land, so that he now owns ninety-four acres of highly cultivated land, the buildings having been very much improved. He has a large herd of cattle, and makes butter at his home, having introduced all the improved machinery for this purpose. He supplies customers regularly with his butter, which gives excellent satisfaction. Mr. Detwiler gives all his time and attention to his business, and is one of the most practical and successful farmers of Perkiomen township. In politics he was reared a Republican, and has always adhered to that party, although he never aspired to public office. He was a school director, however, for a dozen years. He is a member of Trinity Reformed church at Collegeville, and has been in elder since 1891. He takes an active interest in church work and assisted in organizing the Sunday school at Iron Bridge more than a quarter of a century ago, and has been superintendent ever since. Besides being active in Sunday school work he is a good talker, and can interest the children as to secure their attendance. He commands the confidence and respect of the whole community.

Mr. Detwiler's wife was born in Skippack township. She is the daughter of Michael and Anna (Markley) Hallman. He was a prominent farmer and in politics in active Republican, and filled the office of supervisor in the township. He attended Philadelphia markets for many years. He died in 1884 aged seventy-one years. His wife died in 1888. They are members of the Dunkard church. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Anna (Markley) Hallman's father were: Mrs. Tyson, Mrs. Detler, Mrs. Nilly, Mrs. Depsell, and Michael. The children of Mrs. Hallman's father: Jacob, Philip, Anna (Mrs. Hallman); Mrs. H. Hunsicker; Deborah, married James Cassell; Sarah, (Mrs. Harley). The children of Michael and Anna (Markley) Hallman: Jacob, a farmer; James, a merchant; Mary, wife of Mr. Detwiler; Anna, Mrs. S. Brecht; Michael, a farmer.

The Children of Isaiah H. and Mary (Hallman) Detwiler: Warren H. born March 21, 1867, died August 31, 1903: Anna, married Michael, a machinist of Philadelphia; Mary, married F. Bader; Isaiah, unmarried; Norman, a farmer; Elmer, resides with his parents; Herbert S., a student at the normal school; Samuel R., in school; Katie, died of diphtheria; Bertha, died at the same time and Allan, died also during the epidemic of diphtheria. Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler are members of the Reformed church.

Warren H. Detwiler, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler, was among the foremost educators of Pennsylvania. He was a student at the, West Chester Normal School, and taught some in the public school before his graduation, For two years he was principal of the Hatboro public schools, and in 1889 entered Haverford College, from which noted institution he was graduated with honors in 1892. In March, 1892, he was elected to the chair of history and civics in the Bloomsburg State Normal School, and entered upon his duties at once. After remaining in this position for nine years he was elected a professor of history and economics in the Northeast Normal Training School in Philadelphia.

In 1899 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by Haverford College, Mr. Detwiler was always an enthusiast in athletic sports and during his senior year in Haverford College was captain of the football team. At Bloomsburg State Normal he organized the first football team. Later he became an enthusiastic hunter and fisher, being an expert shot with a pistol.

 

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In the summer of 1903, a neighbor called him in to shoot a cat, and in some unknown way he shot himself, being thus cut off in the midst of his promising career. He was highly appreciated and loved by his classmates, scholars and associates, many of whom attended his funeral. His funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Hemmingway, a Presbyterian minister of Philadelphia. A special meeting of the class of 1892 of Haverford College was called in Philadelphia, September 24, 1903, and resolutions were adopted in regard to his death. His death was a great loss to the community and to the schools. He left a widow and two children.

 

 

(Picture of Abel Penrose)

 

ABEL PENROSE, a descendant of one of the oldest families in Pennsylvania, was born near Davis Grove, in Horsham township, Montgomery county, May 3, 1817. His children are the fourth generation of the Penrose family residing on the homestead, where he died July 10, 1893.

The Penrose family are of English origin. Robert, son of Robert and Jane Penrose, born in Yorkshire, removed to Ireland, and in 1669 married Anna Russel. They had three children. One of them, Robert, born in Blackane, in 1670, married Mary Clayton in 1695, and had thirteen children. With a portion of his family he came to Pennsylvania in 1717. A son Robert, born in 1697, followed the others of the family to America. In 1731 he married Mary Heacock. They had nine children, among them John, born 1739, who married, 1764, Ann, born in 1745, died in 1841, daughter of John and Martha Roberts. Another son, Samuel, born 6th-mo. 21, 1748, was the ancestor of the Horsham Penrose. He also married a Miss Roberts, as did another brother, William. Samuel's wife was Sarah Roberts, born 6th-mo., 1758, daughter of Abel and Gainor Roberts, Abel Roberts, her father, was a brother of Martha Roberts, they being children of Edward Roberts, the immigrant, who came to this country from Wales in 1699, and settled first in Byberry, and after his marriage to Mary Bolton, of Cheltenham, Montgomery county, daughter of Everard Bolton, removed to Richland, now Quakertown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he became the founder of a numerous family.

Sarah Roberts and Samuel Penrose married, 10th-mo. 9. 1777, had ten children as follows Abel, Gainor, William, Everard, Mary, Benjamin, Susanna, Samuel, Margaret, Morris. The couple with their children removed from Richland to Horsham, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and 2d-mo. 19, 1801, a certificate was granted by Richland Monthly Meeting to Samuel and Sarah Penrose with their children to Horsham Meeting. He purchased what is known as the Graeme Park farm, and removed to it in that year. Later he bought a farm in Warminster, Bucks county, to which his son Benjamin removed. On the marriage of his son William he sold the Graeme Park farm to him, and removed to the Warminster farm. Of the children of Samuel and Sarah Penrose, William married Hannah, daughter of William and Ann Jarrett. Having bought the Park farm from his father, he resided upon it until a few years before his death, when he purchased an adjoining property, and spent the remainder of his days thereon. Their children: Ann J., married Abraham Iredell, of Horsham, Samuel, died unmarried at the age of thirty-five Years; Jarrett, married Tacy A. Kirk, of Abington; Abel, subject of this sketch; Hannah L., married Isaac W. Hicks, son of Edward Hicks, of Newtown, Bucks county, the well-known minister of the Society of Friends, William, died in infancy; Tacy, married Morris Davis, of Warminster. After the demise of William his estate was divided, Abel succeeding to the homestead consisting of 212 acres with the buildings, including the Governor Keith mansion, built in 1721, now used as a tenant house, and still in good repair, the home itself having been changed to a more eligible location on which a large and convenient stone house was built, with large barns and other outbuildings. The farm is one of the best in the township, and is still in a high state of cultivation. William Penrose was an energetic and successful farmer, and was a Whig and Republican in politics.

 

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Abel Penrose married, 12th-mo. 25, 1856, Sarah C., born 4th-mo. 3, 1836, daughter of Daniel and Mary M. (Keck) Beisel, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Her father was a prominent farmer of Lehigh county, and a member of the Reformed church. Her mother was a Miss Keck. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Beisel: Mary, Mrs. J. Jarrett; Jonas, Franklin, Solomon, of Rossville, Indiana; Henry, Hannah, Mrs. A. Yingling; Ann, Mrs. J. Johenning; Sarah C., widow of Abel Penrose; Rebecca, Mrs. W. Stites.

The children of Abel and Sarah C. (Beisel) Penrose: Hanah J., born 6th-mo. 30, 1858, married Dr. A. D. Markley, of Hatboro, and their children are: Penrose and Anna Markley; Morris B., born 3rd-mo. 14, 1860, is engaged in farming the homestead; he is unmarried; William, born 5th-mo. 12, 1870, engaged in the livery business at Willow Grove; Mary M., born 7th-mo. 31, 1877, unmarried, and resides with her mother. All the family affiliate with the Society of Friends.

Few farms in Pennsylvania are equal to Graeme Park in the matter of historical associations. The old house is one of the most characteristic relics of colonial days now existing in Montgomery county, and is still the property of the Penrose estate. William Keith was descended from the eminent Keith family of Scotland, baroneted in 1629, and was appointed by the King surveyor general of customs in America. He resided in Virginia, and later received the appointment of lieutenant governor in America, continuing in office until 1726. In 1718 he bought 1200 acres of land, on a portion of which he erected Graeme Park in 1721. He also had roads laid out by which to reach his mansion. He owned fourteen slaves, and kept twenty horses for the coach and saddle.

 

 

WILLIAM DETWILER, a well known farmer of Lower Providence, has been highly successful in his occupation, and has accumulated a considerable estate. Besides the homestead of fifty-four acres, lie has his capital invested in other valuable property, including a large farm which is rented. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Montgomery county. He was born March 12, 1834, being reared to the occupation of farming, and attending the public schools of the neighborhood in the intervals of farm work, as was customary in those days. Mr. Detwiler is the son of Henry and Margaret (Zeigler) Detwiler, both of that vicinity.

Henry Detwiler (father) was the son of John Detwiler, the family being of German descent, the first ancestor in America coming to this country in colonial days. John Detwiler (grandfather) was also a prominent farmer, and was highly respected by his neighbors and all that knew him. The family were Mennonites. His children: Henry (father), Jacob, John, Abraham, Elizabeth, Susanna, Barbara, Anna. Henry Detwiler (father) was a carpenter, and settled in Worcester township. When young he followed his trade, but afterwards abandoned it and became a farmer. He was a Republican in politics, but never aspired to office. He was a practical and successful farmer, and created a good estate. He was born in 1801, and died at the age of fifty years. His wife survived him until about 1870. She was a daughter of Tillman Zeigler. The Zeigler family were of Montgomery county, and were of German descent. Tillman Zeigler retired from work during the last part of his life. He was also a Mennonite. His children: Margaret (mother); John, William and Andrew.

The children of Henry and Margaret (Zeigler) Detwiler: Abraham, died in 1883; William, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, (deceased); Mary A. (Mrs. J. C. Saylor); Fanny, died voting; Sarah (Mrs. J. C. Tyson), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Hallman).

William Detwiler has been a lifelong resident of the county. He remained under the parental roof until he had grown to manhood, when he spent one year at the homestead, and then bought the farm on which he still lives. He has given all his attention to his occupation of farming, and has been attending the Norristown markets for about forty years. He is a practical and successful farmer, and among the solid men of the vicinity in which he lives, being highly respected by the whole community.

 

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Mr. Detwiler married Mary A. Hendricks, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Stover) Hendricks. At one time Mr. Hendricks was a hotel keeper, and later became interested in the occupation of farming. The latter part of his life he lived retired from farm labor, and made his home with a daughter. He was a Mennonite in religious faith. His children: Elizabeth (Mrs. J. Hartsell); Isabel (Mrs. H. Harley); Mary A., wife of Mr. Detwiler; Aaron, of Philadelphia, who is a professional man; Miltsena (Mrs. L. Shroyer).

The children of Mr. and Mrs. William Detwiler: Elizabeth (Mrs. E. Freed); Rebecca (Mrs. Rittenhouse); Cerena (Mrs. McHone); Theodore, who is engaged in farming the homestead; Diary (Mrs. William Heyser). Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler were members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Detwiler died in 1895.

 

 

A. Z. SCHWENK, the well known slater of Gratersford, Perkiomen township, was born in Limerick township, Montgomery county, August 21, 1845. He is the son of David and Elizabeth (Zern) Schwenk. A. Z. Schwenk was reared on his father's farm, and attended the schools of the neighborhood, and also Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, at Collegeville, and Washington Hall Seminary at Trappe. David Schwenk (father) was the son of Samuel Schwenk, of Montgomery county. Samuel Schwenk was the son of Abraham Schwenk, whose ancestor came from Germany during the colonial days, and assisted in the development of Montgomery county.

Samuel Schwenk (grandfather) was reared in Montgomery county, and after marrying settled on a farm in the Schuylkill valley. He remained there until the railroad came and divided his farm, also compelling him to move his barn. Becoming dissatisfied, he removed to Skippack township, near Gratersford, where he bought a large tract of land and made improvements. He also owned a farm in the valley of the Perkiomen, where his two sons had two farms. Samuel Schwenk attended market, and was widely known as a man of great industry and of habits of scrupulous honest. He was a Lutheran in religious faith, and a Republican in politics. During the Rebellion he was loyal to his country, and did all he could to aid the Union. He died at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife at the age of eighty-three years. Their children David (father); Fanny, married (first husband) J. Bigney and (second husband) Henry Fryer; John, a farmer: George and Samuel, farmers Enos, a farmer; Mary, married George Shoemaker; Eliza, married Josiah Koons.

David Schwenk (father) lived in Montgomery county all his life. After his marriage lie settled on a part of the land in the Schuylkill valley which his father had left after it was divided by the railroad. He remained there during life and devoted all his attention to farming. He attended market. and was a practical and successful farmer. He was a Republican, but never desired public office. He died in 1872, and was survived by his wife for more than twenty years, she dying in 1895. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Zern. Abraham Zern was a prominent farmer of Montgomery county, Frederick township, and served in the war of 1812. He was a Whig, and a member of the German Reformed church. The children of Abraham Zern: George, a farmer; Jacob, a Methodist minister; Maria, married Jonas Erb; Elizabeth (mother); Charles A., a mason by trade; Sally, married John Schwenk; Henry, a farmer and carpenter; Sophia, married R. Landes; Lavina, married J. Grubb. All these children lived to an advanced age and six are still living.

The children of David and Elizabeth Z. Schwenk: Mary, married Jacob Gilbert, who served in the rebellion; A. Z., the subject of this sketch; Emma, married L. Schurg; Samuel, a machinist, and superintendent of the Ellis Agricultural Works of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. All these children are still living.

 

A. Z. Schwenk remained on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age, when lie began to teach school. He taught for seventeen consecutive winters, and passed eighteen examinations, being a competent and very successful teacher. During the summer months he learned the trade of slater, and afterwards went into the slating business. In 1891 he accepted an appointment as agent for the Reading Railroad at Gratersford, and continued in the position for nine years, giving great satisfaction to his employers and to the community. In his trade of slating he has done contract work in Montgomery and Chester counties, and his services are much sought after. He is a Republican, and has voted at every election since 1866, and has filled the office of assessor for his township. He and his family are members of the Reformed church, and he has been deacon, secretary and treasurer since 1872.

 

(Page 187)

 

In 1869 Mr. Schwenk married Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Wagner) Markley. She was born in Limerick township in 1844, and was reared in Perkiomen township. Her father was the son of John Markley, also of Montgomery county. Jacob Markley was a farmer and market man. He was a Republican. He died about 1863. The children of Jacob Markley: John and Michael, farmers; Mary, married E. Schwenk; Sarah, wife of A. Z. Schwenk; Cornelius, a farmer.

The children of A. Z. and Sarah Schwenk Mary L., who is engaged in the dry goods and notions business on Marshall street, Norristown; Martha, married Herbert Heist, of Demoss; Clement, agent for the Perkiomen Railroad, Gratersford. Mrs. Sarah Schwenk died in May, 1895.

 

 

STEPHEN PORTER STINSON, a member of an old Montgomery county family, was born in Norriton township, December 5, 1813. He was the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Porter) Stinson, of the fourth generation of the family in America, the Stinsons and Porters having emigrated to Pennsylvania early in the eighteenth century, from Scotland or the north of Ireland.

Robert Stinson was the second son of Elijah and Mary (Henderson) Stinson, of Warwick township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Elijah Stinson was the only son of John Stinson, who was an emigrant from Ireland, his wife being a Henderson, of Upper Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Mary Henderson, wife of Elijah Stinson, was one of the eight daughters of Robert and Margaret (Archibald) Henderson, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, whose parent emigrated from Scotland to Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Porter, wife of Robert Stinson, and mother of Stephen Porter Stinson, subject of this sketch, was the oldest daughter of Stephen and Margaret (McFarland) Porter, of Norriton township. Stephen Porter was the youngest of the nine sons of Robert and Lilius (Christy) Porter, of Worcester township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Robert Porter's birth, November 25, 1705, is recorded in the parish of Burt, on an island near Londonderry. His direct ancestor, the earliest known, was a Scotch chief of the clan MacGregor, who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland about 1630. Margaret, wife of Stephen Porter, was the oldest daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth (Parker nee Todd) McFarland, of Norriton township. Elizabeth, wife of Arthur McFarland, was a daughter of Robert and Isabella Todd, who came from Ireland, with five children, about 1737, and settled in Upper Providence township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

Stephen Porter Stinson remained on the farm in Norriton township assisting his father until he was twenty-one years of age. His father was a prominent citizen of the township and served in the state legislature. Stephen P. Stinson went to Norristown on reaching manhood, and entered the store of Jacob), & Gouatt, general merchants. In 1839 he purchased the interest of Lewis Ramsey, then a partner of John McKay, and the firm, under the name of McKay & Stinson, conducted their business in a building on the site at Main and Swede streets now occupied by the Penn Trust Company. The building occupied by them was of stone, and was erected about the year 1830. The firm continued in business until 1869, a period of thirty years, and were very successful, they being the leading merchants in Norristown for many years. The remainder of Mr. Stinson's life was spent in retirement, looking after his investments. He never took a very active part in public affairs, although when he was a young man he had an appointment from Governor Ritner as collector on the state canal at Easton, when it was constructed. He was for many years a member of the town council of Norristown, and rendered valuable services in that body.

 

(Page 188)

 

In politics he was a Whig and later a Republican. He was a director in the Bank of Montgomery County, the predecessor of the present Montgomery National Bank, and for many years the only banking institution in the county. Later he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Norristown, and was a member of its board of directors until his death. He was a prominent member of the Lower Providence Presbyterian church. He died November 26, 1880, honored and respected by the whole community.

Mr. Stinson married, March 14, 1844, Miss Agnes McCleary Jamison, daughter of Samuel and Agnes Jamison. Mrs. Stinson died in June, 1845, leaving a daughter, Agnes Jamison Stinson, who occupies the handsome residence at the corner of Airy and Church streets, Norristown.

Miss Stinson is a liberal giver to charities, including the Aged Woman's Home in Norristown borough, on Swede street, founded by her aunt, Mary Henderson Stinson, M. D., who had charge of her from infancy, she being only four months old at the time of her mother's death. Site is a member of the Lower Providence Presbyterian church, to which her father also belonged.

Dr. Mary Henderson Stinson was born November 14, 1819. Her early education was obtained at the Jeffersonville school, and she also attended Mr. Ashton's private school in Philadelphia and the Female Seminary in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Having been an invalid many years she studied medicine as a hygienic measure, and graduated in the class of 1869 of the Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia. She was recommended by the Woman's Medical College as a candidate for election for assistant physician in the department for women in the Massachusetts Insane Asylum at Worcester in that state, and in July, 1869, she was elected by a unanimous vote to the position.

This was the first appointment of a woman to such a position on record. She continued in the position, performing its duties in the most successful and satisfactory manner, until 1875. She then made a tour of the United States, spending nearly eleven months in this way. After attending and benefiting by the Centennial Exposition, she made a tour of Europe for study and sight seeing, returning after an absence of nearly two years. She declined tale position of resident physician of the Woman's Department of the Norristown Hospital for the Insane, which was tendered her. She was the first woman who became a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, and was a delegate from it to the state and national medical associations. She died February in 1889, leaving a liberal provision for the Aged Woman's Home.

 

 

(Picture of Edwin Twining)

 

EDWIN TWINING, one of the best known citizens of Horsham township, was born in Montgomery county, February 6, 1837. He is the son of Croasdale and Mary (Kirk) Twining, he of Bucks county and she of Montgomery. Croasdale Twining was the son of Jacob and Margery (Croasdale) Twining. Jacob was a son of Jacob Twining, Sr., whose first ancestor of the name in the country was William Twining, who appeared in New England in 1643. His son William was a prominent deacon in the Presbyterian church. His son Stephen was born at Eastham, Massachusetts, in 1659, and died at Newtown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1720. He owned 800 acres of land at Newtown, and had been appointed an overseer and elder in Friends' Meeting in 1713. His son William was born in 1704. The Twinings became very numerous in Bucks county.

Jacob Twining (grandfather) was born near Newtown, and after his marriage went to live at Wrightstown. His children: Croasdale (father); Charles C., Aaron, Stephen, Isaac, Mary A. (Mrs. Eleazer Wilkinson), Deborah (Mrs. R. Scarborough).

Croasdale Twining remained with his parents until he was married, and then came to Montgomery county, where he purchased a farm and remained until 1864, when he sold it and removed to the home of his son. When he was making a visit to Bucks county, he died of heart failure. He was a Republican in politics, and filled minor township offices. His wife survives at the age of ninety-two years. She was a daughter of Isaac Kirk, of an old family of Friends. His children: Caroline, died unmarried at the age of ninety-six years; Mary (mother of Edwin Twining); Hannah, died unmarried; Sarah, (Mrs. W. L. Paxson); Louisa (Mrs. Thomas Snyder); Susanna (Mrs. C. Canby); Rush, a well-known farmer who died in Bucks county.

 

(Page 189)

 

The children of Croasdale Twining: Louisa, unmarried; Edwin, subject of this sketch; George Chapman, died unmarried; Margery (Mrs. William Kite); Caroline (Mrs. William Sharp); Jacob, went west and died there.

Edwin Twining remained with his parents until 1861, having been educated at public schools and at Loller Academy, Hatboro. The rebellion having broken out, he enlisted in the service of the United States Government, and assisted in raising a company of cavalry in Montgomery county. There was no room for them in the quota there, and they proceeded to Trenton, New Jersey, where they enlisted for three years, being Company A of that city, in the First New Jersey Cavalry. Their colonel was William Halstead. They were in the Army of the Potomac, in which they served three years and two months, seeing very hard service and being engaged in many skirmishes and hotly contested battles. Edwin Twining was wounded at the battle of Cedar Mountain, Virginia, by part of an exploded shell which struck him in the ankle. He refused to go to the hospital and remained with his regiment. About ten days later he was captured by the Confederate troops while making a dash, owing to his horse falling. He was confined in Libby Prison at Richmond. After being there a short time he was taken to Belle Isle. Through neglect his wound became much inflamed, and he suffered much pain from it. Six weeks later he was paroled, and sent to Parole Camp at Annapolis, being sent later to Governor's Island, in New York harbor, for better treatment at the hospital. He improved rapidly and rejoined his regiment at Belle Plain. At the battle of Rappahannock he was again captured, but by the exercise of cunning was able to escape from his captors. During his term of service he suffered much privation, he being in the field, the hospital or on the march the greater part of the time. He was brigade commissary sergeant at the time his term of service expired. He returned to Trenton where lie was mustered out of the United States service, receiving an honorable discharge. This was in 1864. He enjoys a pension.

On his return to his home he located on the farm on which he still remains. He has had a checkered career. He is a Republican in politics, but has never sought or held office, except that he has been elected to minor township positions and to the office of supervisor, which he yet holds.

Mr. Twining married October 20, 1864, Hannah A. Iredell, of an old colonial family of English descent. She was born in Horsham township, September 16, 1839. She is the daughter of Abraham and Ann J. (Penrose) Iredell, both of Horsham township. Abraham Iredell was a son of John Iredell and Ann Jarrett, widow of William Jarrett. The immigrant ancestor of Mrs. Twining was Thomas Iredell, who emigrated from Cumberland, England, about 1700. He brought with him a certificate from the Friends' Meeting at Cumberland to that at Philadelphia. He married Rebecca Williams in 1705, and located on a tract of 200 acres of land near Horsham Meeting. There he reared his family. By his first wife he had two sons, Thomas and John, and by his second wife he had two sons, Robert and Abraham, and five daughters. John Iredell, grandfather of Mrs. Twining, was born October 23, 1762. He married Mary Paul in 1792. After the death of his first wife he married Ann Jarrett, whose maiden name was Williams.

Abraham Iredell, father of Mrs. Twining, had one sister, Tacy, who married George J. Mitchell, son of Dr. Mitchell, of Hatboro. Abraham Iredell was born in Horsham township, July 13, 1811, and he was married April 4, 1833, to Ann J. Penrose, who was born at the old Penrose homestead, Graeme Park, near Davis Grove, and was the daughter of William and Hannah (Jarrett) Penrose.

This William Penrose was a son of Samuel and Sarah (Roberts) Penrose, who purchased a large tract of land which was a portion of Graeme Park, the original homestead of the first Governor of Pennsylvania, William Keith. Samuel Penrose located there about the year 1800. His children: Mary, Susanna, Samuel, Abel, Everard, Benjamin, Morris, Gainor and William, Jr.

 

(Page 190)

 

The children of William and Hannah (Jarrett) Penrose: Ann J., mother of Mrs. Twining; Samuel, Jarrett, Abel, Hannah (Mrs. Hicks); William, Tacy (Mrs. Davis). By his will, William Penrose divided the property, Abel holding the buildings and a portion of the land, and Mrs. Twining's mother receiving the farm on which the Twinings now reside, and which they own. The mother spent her declining years and died there. When she married Abraham Iredell they located on a farm in the east end of Horsham township, where they remained until his death in 1839 at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving his widow with two children. Mrs. Iredell then returned to the homestead. and lived there for some time, when she removed to the home which he had provided for her by his will. She died about 1881.

The children of Abraham Iredell were John, who resided in Bucks county, where he died, leaving a widow and one child; Anna J., Mrs. J. Clark, and Hannah A., wife of Edwin Twining. Their children: J. Howard, a farmer in Bucks county; William P. and Iredell, who farm the homestead; Anna M., Mrs. F. Dager; Ida and Ella, unmarried. Mrs. Twining is a member of the Society of Friends, and attends Horsham Meeting.

 

 

PETER A. METZ, a prominent farmer and business man of Skippack township, was born in Towamencin township, Montgomery county, February 23, 1867. He is the son of Henry G. and Susan (Alderfer) Metz.

Henry G. Metz (father) was born in 1833, and was reared on his father's farm. He became a general farmer and market man, also selling his products to private families. He is a Republican in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace for many years. In religious faith he is a Mennonite, and is a trustee of the meeting. He now lives retired from active duties on the Metz homestead, where he was born. He married Susan, daughter of Benjamin Alderfer, a farmer, miller and market man of Montgomery county. Mr. Alderfer also belonged to the Mennonite meeting. The children of Benjamin Alderfer: Michael, a retired farmer; Abram, a farmer; Jonas, a farmer, Benjamin, Nancy, married J. Groff; Susan (Mrs. Metz). Mrs. Susan Metz was born in 1837 and is still living.

The children of Henry G. and Susan Metz: Benjamin, manages his father's farm; Henry, an operator on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, in the dispatcher's office in Philadelphia; Sheridan, a merchant and postmaster at Skippack; and Peter A., the subject of this sketch. All these children are Mennonites, except Sheridan, who belongs to the Reformed faith.

Peter Metz (grandfather) was reared in Montgomery county, and like nearly all the members of the family was a farmer. He was very successful as a farmer and market man, and was a highly respected citizen. He was a leading member of the Mennonites, and was a trustee of the meeting. In politics he was a Republican, but never desired public office. He married Elizabeth Gottshalk, who died June 26, 1881, aged seventy-eight years. He died on the Metz homestead in 1886, at the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Metz was the daughter of Dillman Gottshalk, of an old Montgomery county family. The children of Peter and Elizabeth G. Metz: Mrs. Barbara Frederick; Rebecca, Mrs. J. Stover; Catharine, never married; Henry G. (father); Jacob G., John G., a prominent man and a bank director.

The ancestor of Peter A. Metz emigrated from Holland and settled in Pennsylvania during the colonial days. He underwent the privations and hardships of pioneer life, and helped to build homes for his descendants in the wild country. In the graveyard of the Mennonite meeting house, about one half mile above Kulpsville, the name of Metz frequently appears on the early tombstones. Some of the inscriptions are written in German, and have become illegible by the lapse of time.

 

(Page 191)

 

Peter A. Metz remained on his father's farm, assisting in its management, until he was twenty-three years of age. In the spring of 1890 he settled on the farm at Creamery, where he has lived ever since. He carries on general farming and keeps a dairy, selling milk to the Creamery. He has always supported the Republican party, and takes an interest in all public questions. He has filled some offices, but has never sought them. He has been township auditor since 1890, and has been notary public since 189_. He has conducted some auction sales, and has clerked at others. He is a stockholder and treasurer in the Creamery, which is one of the largest and most successful in that section of the state. He is a member of the Johnson branch of the Mennonite church, and a deacon therein. He has also been the leader of the singing, and superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years. He is a progressive business man, and is highly respected by all who know him.

Mr. Metz married, January 4, 1890, Miss Sarah Z. Johnson, born at the Johnson homestead, where the couple now live, June 6, 1870. She is a daughter of Isaac H. and Sarah (Ziegler) Johnson, both of old and well-known families of Montgomery county, Isaac H. being the son of Henry G. and Sarah J. (Hunsicker) Johnson. Henry G. Johnson was the son of William and (Gottshalk) Johnson, also of Montgomery county.

William Johnson, great-grandfather of Mrs. Metz, was a prominent farmer and a member of the Mennonite church. Three Johnson brothers emigrated from Switzerland during the colonial days. They were Mennonites. The children of William Johnson: John, Jacob, William, Henry G. (grandfather); Mary (Mrs. Buckwalter); Nancy (Mrs. Spare); a daughter married Jacob Kiser; and Susan (Mrs. Herstine).

Henry G. Johnson (grandfather) was reared on a farm, and received a fair education, although he was chiefly a self-educated man. He taught German schools for thirty-three years, thirty-one years at the school at Skippack meeting house. He was a competent teacher, and also a good musician, which he taught in German in the schools. He supplied well bound singing books, and worked for the advancement of music, in which he was himself an artist. He was born in Upper Providence township, but spent nearly all the early part of his life in Skippack township, where he married and lived. He was a general farmer, and also clerked at sales. He settled estates and managed different kinds of business for the members of the community. He was a bishop in the Mennonite denomination for twenty-eight years, and when the meeting was divided his party retained possession of the building and grant of land that had been made to the Mennonite meeting, and his congregation has since been known as the Johnson branch of the Mennonite church. In politics Mr. Johnson was a Republican, but never desired political preferment. He died on the Fourth of July, 1879, at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife survived until February 15, 1901, being ninety-six years old at the time of her death. Mrs. Sarah J. Johnson was the daughter of Isaac Hunsicker, who was also the son of Isaac Hunsicker, a descendant of Valentine Hunsicker, who came from Switzerland and settled in Skippack township in 1717, and from whom many preachers and bishops in the Mennonite denomination have descended. Isaac Hunsicker, father of Mrs. Johnson, was a prominent farmer, and a trustee in the Mennonite church. The children of Isaac Hunsicker: John, a farmer and deacon; Isaac, a farmer; Sarah (Mrs. Henry G. Johnson); Katie, Mrs. Jacob Kulp. The children of Henry G. and Sarah J. Johnson: Isaac H., father of Mrs. Metz; Rev. H. H., a preacher in the Mennonite church.

Isaac H. Johnson, father of Mrs. Metz, was in early life a teacher in both the German and English subscription schools, and was a very competent business man. He was a leader in the Mennonite church, and a trustee. He was active in Sunday school work and in the singing. He was a stockholder and treasurer of the Creamery for many years; a stockholder and director in the Schwenkfelder National Bank from its first organization; a director in the Perkiomen Valley Fire and Storm Insurance Company; a school director for thirty years; justice of the peace; and also at one time township auditor and notary public. At the time of his death he held all these offices except those of notary public and auditor. He wrote many wills and settled many estates. He died November 23, 1903.

 

(Page 192)

 

Isaac H. Johnson was married three times, his first wife being Sarah Ziegler, daughter of Abraham Ziegler, a prominent farmer and Republican. They had one daughter, Sarah, married Peter A. Metz. Isaac H. Johnson married (second wife) Kate Krupp, daughter of Jacob Krupp, a prominent farmer and Mennonite. They had one son: Isaac, still unmarried, and resides with his father's family. Isaac H. Johnson married (third wife) the widow of Bonville Kulp, and daughter of William Gottshalk. She had eight children by her first husband, all grown before her last marriage. There were no children by this marriage.

The children of Peter A. and Sarah Metz Katie, born October 11, 1890; H. Newton, born January 13, 1897; Emma P., born January 19, 1901. Mrs. Metz belongs to the Mennonite denomination also.

 

 

(Picture of Dr. Titus Albright)

 

DR. TITUS ALBRIGHT. The Albright family (Albrecht as it was originally spelled) came originally from Germany, settling in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Daniel, grandfather, was the immigrant. He purchased a large tract of land in Lehigh county after farming for a number of years with great success.

Among his children was Henry S., father of Dr. Titus Albright. He was born in Lehigh county, in 1817, and died in Bucks county in 1874. He removed with his father's family from Lehigh county, locating in Hilltown township, Bucks county, at an early age. He was educated in the schools of the vicinity-and on relinquishing school studies engaged in the occupation of farming, in which he was very successful, continuing therein many years. He also conducted a store in Hilltown, and acquired a knowledge of surveying, doing much work also in that line in the neighborhood. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and held it for a period of twenty-five years. He was a man of excellent judgment and gave attention to the settlement of estates and other business requiring much care and imposing considerable responsibility. He married Catharine High, of Hilltown township, where she was born in 1820. Mrs. Albright died in 1900. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Albright: Lucy, Hannah, Mary, Lydia, Mahlon, Reuben, Henry, Charles, Daniel, and Titus, the last named the subject of this sketch.

Titus Albright was born on the old homestead in Hilltown, February 4, 1861. Acquiring his early education in the public schools of the district, he became a student at the Millersville State Normal School. Desiring to pursue medical studies and become a physician, he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating therefrom with honors in 1885. He then located in the village (now borough) of Hatfield, and entered upon the practice of medicine, which he has continued ever since very successfully, being regarded as one of the leading physicians of that section of Montgomery county. Dr. Albright married, in 1883, Miss Elizabeth E. Eckel, a daughter of J. L. Eckel, a farmer of Bucks county. The children of Dr. Titus and Elizabeth Albright: Eva, Blanche, Helen, Grace, Robert, Markley and George.

In politics Dr. Albright is a Democrat, taking an active interest in the success of his party, principles and candidates. He secured the appointment of postmaster at Hatfield during the second administration of President Grover Cleveland, and conducted the office to the entire satisfaction of the patrons without regard to their political predilections. He was named on the Democratic ticket for the position of prothonotary of Montgomery county, and although the county is strongly Republican was defeated only by a narrow margin. He is not in any sense, however, an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to the duties of his profession. He is examining physician for several life insurance companies, his wide medical experience being of however, great service to him in this capacity. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society; and of the board of health of the borough of Hatfield. He is a progressive plan in every sense of the word, the organization of the borough a few years ago having been at his suggestion, and carried through largely as the result of his earliest work and influence. Having made the first move in that direction be has been called the "Father of the Borough." He has also been the organizer of several beneficial and other societies.

Fraternally Dr. Albright is a member of the Masonic order. In religious faith he is a Mennonite, but his family attend the Baptist church, his wife having been reared in that faith. Dr. Albright is widely known and generally respected. He is always, ready to exert himself for the benefit of the community in which he lives, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.

 

(Page 193)

 

(Picture of Elias T. Grater)

 

ELIAS T. GRATER, the coal, flour, feed and hay merchant of Gratersford, Perkiomen township, was born in that part of Perkiomen township which is now Skippack township, May 14, 1858. He is the son of Elias H. and Sarah (Tyson) Grater.

The ancestor of Mr. Grater settled in Perkiomen township at an early date on a tract of land which was handed down through the different generations of the family until 1883, when it was sold. It is probable that his name was Jacob Kreater (Grater), for he is rated as owning 220 acres of land in Perkiomen township in 1750. It was from him that the village of Gratersford took its name.

Lewis Grater (grand father) was the son of Lewis Grater, and was born in Perkiomen township in 1775. Like his father, he was a farmer and became a large land owner. He and his family were members of the Mennonite church. He married Catharine Hunsicker, a descendant of Valentine Hunsicker. She was born in Oho. Their children: Margaret H. Mrs. J. Alderfer; Elizabeth H., Mrs. John Landes; Henry H., a farmer; Esther, Mrs. J. Stauffer; Abraham H., Elias H. (father); Jacob H.; Catharine H., died at the age of nineteen years. Lewis Grater died February 19, 1847, and his wife March 17, 1853. Elias H. Grater (father) was born in 1816 at the Grater homestead. He spent his entire life as a farmer there, and attended Philadelphia market. He was a well informed man, and took all interest in all questions of his day. In politics He was a Whig and Republican, but never desired office for himself. He was a member of the Mennonite church, and a deacon for thirty years. All his children remained with him until they became of age, and he gave them wise teaching. He died in September, 1883. He married Sarah, daughter of John Tyson, of Perkiomen township, who was a prominent farmer and Mennonite.

The children of John Tyson: Mary, Mrs. J. Hallman; Sarah (mother); Andrew, a farmer; Joseph, John and Jacob, all farmers. The children of Elias H. and Sarah T. Grater: Catharine, Mrs. A. C. Moyer; Elizabeth, married J. Landes; Lewis, a farmer but now a commission merchant residing in Philadelphia; Abraham T., a farmer; James T., died leaving three children; Sarah, Mrs. John A. Grievir; Margaret, died at the age of four years; Mary, Mrs. C. H. Allebach; Elias T., the subject of this sketch; Henry, died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving one daughter; Andrew T., a farmer. Mrs. Sarah Grater died in March, 1880.

Elias T. Grater was educated in the schools and grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was employed as a farm hand for several years, and in 1882, at the age of twenty-four years, he married and settled on his father's farm. He remained there two years, and then built a house near by where he lived four years. During this time he bought timber, had it sawed and sold the product. He worked hard, and in 1889 bought the ground where he established his present business. It lies along the railroad and is very convenient for shipping and receiving goods. In the same year he bought a brick residence Gratersford, and since that time has became more prosperous each year. After he had been engaged in the coal, flour, and feed business for eight years, in 1896 all his business buildings and goods were destroyed by fire except his office. He quickly rebuilt the whole, however on a better plan, and so turned his misfortune into a blessing. His home is beautifully situated, overlooking the town, and is surrounded by large and well-cared for grounds.

 

(Page 194)

 

(Picture of Mrs. Elias T. Grater)