Vol II - Part 12: pp. 275 - 300.
(Page 275 cont.) WILLIAM UNRUH, a retired farmer of Springfield township, Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania, is the son of Abraham and Margaret Unruh. The Unruh
family are of German origin, but their ancestor emigrated at an early date to
this country, landing in Philadelphia, and locating in Springfield township,
whence the family have scattered into surrounding districts. Phillip Unruh
(grandfather) was born in Springfield, was educated in its schools, and engaged
in the occupation of farming, which he followed all his life. He married and had
several children, among them Abraham (father). (Page 276) Abraham Unruh was born on the old homestead adjacent to the Philadelphia
line, in 1807, and died in 1879. He removed at an early age with his parents to
Wyndmoor, in the same township, where he was educated in neighborhood schools
and followed the occupation of farming all his adult life. He was a Democrat in
politics, and filled for many years the offices of supervisor, auditor and
justice of the peace. He married Miss Margaret Unruh, a distant cousin, of the
same township, who died in 1900. Their children: Charles, Abraham, Esther,
Emeline, Sarah J. and William, the last named the subject of this sketch. All
are living. William Unruh was born January 16, 1837, in the family residence at
Wyndmoor, in Springfield township. He was educated in the public schools of the
vicinity, and like his ancestors became a farmer, which occupation he followed
until 1891, when he retired from active labor, and has since lived in
retirement, surrounded with all the comforts of life. Mr. Unruh married, in
1861, Miss Sarah A. Pierson, daughter of John Pierson, a farmer by occupation,
residing on the county line as it is called, between Philadelphia and
Montgomery. They have but one child, John W., who married Mary C. Snyder, and
has one child, William S. Unruh. Mr. Unruh is a Democrat in politics, and has
held the offices of supervisor, assessor, and auditor of the township. He was
drafted during the war for the Union, but sent a substitute to take his place
in the army. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd fellows for
more than forty years. He and his family attend the Baptist church. PHILIP QUILLMAN, a leading grocer of Norristown, is a native of
Zieglerville, Montgomery county. He was born April 14, 1841. He was educated in
the schools of that vicinity, and in a school at Sumneytown, also attending at a
later date the school at Norristown, conducted by John Loch. In 1860, intending to study for admission to the legal profession, he
entered the law office in George W. Rogers, in Norristown, which he remained
for some time. He was then appointed a clerk in the prothonotary's office at
Norristown, a position in which he remained twelve years. He became an aspirant
for the position of prothonotary, and was nominated on the Democratic ticket.
This was in 1872, when, owing to Democratic defection on account of the
nomination of Horace Greeley on the party ticket, all the Democratic candidates
in Montgomery county were defeated. Mr. Quillman then bought out the grocery
store of Daniel Longaker, at Main and DeKalb streets, where he conducted the
business very successfully for five years. In 1875 he again became a candidate for the office of prothonotary on the
Democratic ticket, and this time was elected by a large majority. He held the
position for three years, and filled it very creditably. In 1877 he bought the
Odd Fellows' Hall, the present site of his place of business, where he has been
eminently successful. He has made many improvements, and has gained a reputation
for keeping only the best goods, and has the support of many of the leading
citizens of the town. Such a stock as he carries is seldom found outside of the
larger cities. He is a judicious advertiser and a practical business man who has
won success by deserving it. Mr. Quillman married, March 17, 1864, Miss Susan T., daughter of Matthias
Custer, of Norristown. Mr. and Mrs. Quillman have the following children:
Catherine, married William P. Cox, and has one child; Eleanor, married Rev.
James S. Freeman and has three children, Clara K., Elizabeth and Irene; Philip
Clinton, deceased; Susan C., married James Reed and has one child, Helen
Marguerite. Mr. Quillman is an active Democrat. He has served in town council, where
he was an efficient member. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the most prominent members of
the Reformed Church of the Ascension. Mr. Quillman is somewhat reserved in his
manners, and is thoroughly devoted to his business interests. He is always
interested in the welfare of the community, and an earnest advocate of whatever
is likely to be of public benefit. (Page 277) The Quillmans are of German origin, but have been long domiciled in
Montgomery and adjoining counties. They settled nearly two centuries ago in
northern Chester county, where Jacob Quillman (grandfather) was born July 10,
1784. His wife was Margaretha Faust. He died at Norristown, May 12, 1861. Their
children were: Henry, Catharine, Daniel, Esther, Jacob and Jonathan. The first
named and last named of these died young. Jacob (father) was born February 8, 1815, in Bratuiswig [?] township,
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, to which his father had removed. A few years
later, when Jacob was nine years old, the family took up their residence in
Marlborough township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Jacob Ouillman married
Catharine Auchy, who died quite recently, at the home of Benjamin Quillman.
Jacob Quillman was by occupation a tailor, and was employed at his trade at
Sumneytown and Zieglerville, and in Franconia township. In 1854 he purchased
and removed to the Cross Keys Hotel, in Lower Providence township, which he
conducted for three years, selling it in 1857, and removing to the Veranda
House, at DeKalb and Aury streets, Norristown. He remained there until January,
1865, when he relinquished business until the spring of 1868, when he purchased
the Rambo House, and he was its landlord until the spring of 1873, when he
retired from business. Jacob and Catharine Quillman had the following children: Henry, born in
Franconia, December 14, 1836, died at Royersford, September 30, 1875, leaving
several children: Philip, subject of this sketch; Benjamin, born at
Zieglerville, July 10, 1846, and has been engaged for many years in the stove
and hardware business at Main and Dekalb streets, Norristown, married Caroline
V. Bard, and has several children. Jacob Quillman (the father) died at his
residence on Swede street, above Airy, September 4, 1889, his widow surviving
until January 24, 1904. Henry Quillman, the oldest son, was educated in the common schools and
Freeland Seminary, Collegeville. The greater part of his life was spent as a
hotelkeeper in Philadelphia, Norristown and Royersford. In politics he was a
Republican. He was postmaster of Norristown under Andrew Johnston, and was also
cigar inspector of his district. He married Anna Keatz, and had three children:
Amelia, who married Ellwood Rogers, of Royersford, and she had eight children.
2. Isaac Warren Quillman, married Ida Spotts; he is a bookkeeper in a bank in
Philadelphia. 3. Anna Frances, who married William M. Trimble, and resides in
Philadelphia. MEMORIAL CHURCH OF THE HOLY NATIVITY, Rockledge, Pennsylvania, Rev.
Fordyce H. Argo, rector, is a comparatively new house of worship, the parish
having been founded in November, 1894, as a mission from Trinity church, at
Oxford, in the upper part of the city of Philadelphia. In the earlier days of
the mission, divine service was held in the old school house at Rockledge, by
Rev. H. A. F. Hoyt. The corner stone of the present handsome new church was
laid with appropriate ceremonies on July 16, 1898, by the Right Rev. Ozi W.
Whitaker, bishop of the diocese. About eighteen months later the church was
dedicated by bishop Whitaker, a sermon suitable to the occasion being preached
by the Right Rev. Ethelbert Talbot, bishop of the diocese of central
Pennsylvania. The church is a beautiful edifice of stone, the Gothic style of
architecture being followed in its construction. It has a seating capacity of
about four hundred. The Sunday school connected with the church has an average
attendance of about ninety. Rev. Fordyce H. Argo was the first resident rector
of the parish, he having been assigned to it while it was still a mission, in
1896. During his occupancy of the position of rector, the parish has been
thoroughly organized, the new church edifice erected, the parish house greatly
enlarged, a rectory purchased, and the church property and all its surroundings
greatly improved. The parish is deeply indebted to the late Robert W. Ryers for
many liberal contributions. (Page 278) Rev. Fordyce H. Argo is a native of the state of New York. He was born at
Manlius, and acquired his education in the University of North Carolina located
at Chapel Hill, in that state. He also took a divinity course at the
Philadelphia Divinity School, graduating from that institution in the year
1898. He was ordained a deacon in June, 1898, by Bishop Talbot, at South
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and in January, 1899, was ordained to the priesthood
in the church of which he is now the rector. In 1902 Mr. Argo took a post-graduate course in the Divinity School in
which he had earlier pursued his studies, receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Divinity (B. D). Rev. Mr. Argo is a very successful rector, and is much beloved by his
people. The church is located in a very thickly settled and improving section
of Montgomery county, and it has undoubtedly a very prosperous future before
it. ARTHUR E. RICHARDS is a son of the late Joshua Richards, of Royersford,
Montgomery county. He was born in Minersville, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1870,
and was educated in the schools in the vicinity. After some time he entered the grocery store with his father, at William
Penn, Schuylkill county, and remained there until his parents removed to
Royersford, when he came with them and continued as an assistant to his father
in the store. On the death of his father he entered into a partnership with his
brother Harry D., and they conducted the store together until the death of the
brother, when Mr. Richards engaged in business on his own account. He has since
carried on the business at the old stand, having a commodious and well equipped
place of business on Main street, which is well supplied with the best that can
be procured for his customers. In politics Mr. Richards is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and attends the Methodist church, of which he
is a trustee. He is an energetic and enterprising business man, and is
thoroughly respected by all who know him, being an active, useful and valuable
member of Society. Mr. Richards married, in 1897, Miss Ida Bowman, daughter of George W.
Bowman, a banker of Royersford. Two children have been born of this marriage:
George B. and Mary M. Richards. Joshua Richards, father of Arthur E. Richards, was a native of Wales.
After leaving school he engaged in the grocery business very successfully,
remaining in that occupation for a time, and then deciding to emigrate to the
United States. He located in the town of Minersville, and in other towns in
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, engaged in a mercantile business, until 1887,
when he took up his residence in Royersford, where he also conducted a grocery
store for some time. His health failing, he went to California in the hope of
restoration, and died there. Joshua Richards was twice married. He married in Wales, Margaret Bowen,
who died in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1880. The children of
the couple were Julia, James B., Susan, Harry D., Arthur E., Sarah A., Mary E.,
and Lillian. The following of the children died in Royersford: Susan, Sarah A., Harry
D. and Lillian. The remaining children are: James B., who conducts a dry goods
store Arthur E., hereinbefore fully mentioned; and Mary E., who is at home,
with her mother, the second wife of Joshua Richards, and who was formerly Mrs.
Ann Phillips, of Schuylkill county. MRS. ELIZABETH HALLOWELL is the widow of Penrose Hallowell, who was the
youngest son of John Roberts Hallowell, he being the youngest son of John and
Martha (Roberts) Hallowell. John R. Hallowell (father) married Ann Jarrett.
Their children were: William J., married Tacy Ann Paul; Lydia, married Morris
Paul; Martha, married Edwin Satterthwaite; Joseph W., married Hannah Lloyd;
Penrose, married Elizabeth Warner. (Page 279) Penrose Hallowell was born in Abington township October 2, 1826. He spent
his whole life in the township of Abington, where he was a prosperous and
progressive farmer. He was interested in educational matters, and served for
many years as a school director. He died November 10, 1900. He was married, in
Moreland township, March 17, 1859, to Elizabeth Warner, born 1 mo., 11, 1839,
daughter of Hughes and Rebecca M. (Wood) Warner. Their children: 1. Rachel W.; 2. Hughes Warner, married Anna Davis,
daughter of Samuel and Hannah C. (Kirk) Davis, and their children are Edith,
Elizabeth, Marguerite, Charles K., and Jean D. 3. Morris P., married Katherine
R. Mann, daughter of Albert R. and Rebecca S. Mann, and their children are
Charlotte, Diary, Joseph W., Morris Penrose. 4. John R., who died in infancy.
5. Alfred, married Anna M. MacFarlan, daughter of Morris and Diary (Woodward)
MacFarlan. 6. Penrose, Jr. 7. Martha. Penrose Hallowell, father of the family
named, died November 10, 1900. The family are all members of the Society of
Friends, and most of them attend Abington Meeting. The Woods are an old family whose ancestor settled at an early date in
Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Mary Samms Wood was the
daughter of Nathaniel and Ann (Kirk) Samms. She was born 4th mo., 29, 1755,
and died 7th mo., 6, 1844. John Wood, her husband, was born in 1745, and
married (first) Elizabeth Kennard, who died and left one child, Esther. His
second wife was Mary Samms. They had the following children: John, born 8th
mo., 18, 1782; Elizabeth, born 2d mo., 14, 1784, died 7th mo., 15, 1784; Amy,
born 9th mo., 22, 1785, died 12th mo., 8, 1785; Ann (Nancy) born 3d mo., 1,
1781, died 9th mo., 3, 1844; Sarah, born l0th mo., 20, 1786, died 1st mo., 3,
1866; Joseph, born 5th mo., 3, 1788, died 8th mo., 12, 1875, married Rachel,
daughter of John and Rachel G. Malone. Sarah, mentioned above, married Jacob
Walton. John, Jr., born 6th mo., 11, 1792, died 9th mo. 29, 1856. PHINEAS P. GHEEN. The Gheen family have been residents of Pennsylvania
since a very early day, the progenitor having emigrated here from the north of
Ireland. The name seems to have been originally spelled "Gahagan," and in
confirmation of this an advertisement has been found that mentions Thomas
Gahagan, in New Providence (now Montgomery county), in 1760. In 1768 the same
person doubtless is named Thomas Gheen. On December 7, 1768, at Christ church,
in the city of Philadelphia, Joseph Gheen married Elizabeth Ingram, and removed
soon afterward, it is thought, to Goshen township, Chester county. His children
were: Thomas, John, William, Joseph, Jonathan and Levi. Thomas Gheen was married three times. His first wife's name was Alice, his
second was a Miss Brinton, and the third Ann West, a widow. His children, so far
as known, were William A., Levi A., Elizabeth, Martha, Sarah and Mary Ann. Levi
Gheen, born March 3, 1783, married Mary Chamberlin, who was a daughter of
Thomas and Chamberlin, and their children were: Titus W., Jonathan, Palmer,
Lydia, Elizabeth, and Taylor. Levi Gheen resided in Goshen township; his death
occurred December 12, 1839. Taylor Gheen, youngest son of Levi and Mary (Chamberlin) Gheen, was born
at East Goshen township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1826. He
received his education at the Barren Hill public schools, and was reared to
manhood on his father's farm. After the death of his father the property was
left to his several children, Taylor taking the farm in charge for the heirs,
remaining and conducting the affairs of the same for the long period of
forty-six years. He then moved to the farm of Samuel R. Downing, tilling this
property and receiving for his compensation an equal share of the profits.
After remaining here for five years he removed to the farm of Clarence Hipple,
this property being located in East Goshen township, Chester county, and this
he also farmed on share of profit for a period of sip: years. He then
purchased a farm of thirty-seven acres, known as the Enos Garrett property,
also situated in East Goshen township, upon which he remained until his demise,
April 22, 1890. He was united in marriage to Mary Kimes, daughter of David and
Mary (March) Kimes, and two children were the issue of this union; Phineas
Pratt, mentioned hereinafter; and Hannah M., born May 11, 1862, who became the
wife of Frank M. Dampman. Mrs. Gheen died April 29, 1865. Taylor Gheen married
(second), December 27, 870, Mary Jane Bailey, daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Patterson) Bailey, who survived him. (Page 280) Phineas Pratt Gheen was born in East Goshen township, Chester county,
Pennsylvania, February 1, 1860, the only son of Taylor and Mary (Kimes) Gheen.
He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and resided with
his parents on the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-six
years. He then moved on the farm of Joseph Passmore, this property being
located in East Goshen township. He tilled this land for five years on spare of
profit, and then rented the farm of James Connor, which is also situated in East
Goshen township, remaining there for two years. He then moved to the farm of
William C. Grubb, which is also located in Ghoshen township, and for two years
he farmed this property on shares. On March 20, 1895, he accepted the position
as superintendent of the farm of William West Frazer; this property consists of
over eight hundred acres of arable land which is under a high state of
cultivation, and is located on the east side of York Road, Willow Grove,
Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. By adopting the most
practical and progressive Methods he has achieved a large degree of success in
the management of this farm, which is one of the most productive in this
section of the state. Mr. Gheen is member of the board of school directors of
Moreland township, having served in that capacity for a number of years. He is
an honored member of the Masonic order. Politically he is an ardent supports of
the republican party, and is well informed on public questions and passing
events. Mr. Gheen married Sarah J. Williams, daughter of Jesse and Susannah
Williams. One son was the issue of this marriage, Russell, born February 21,
1890. WILLIAM MORTON, the well known farmer and quarryman of Montgomery
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a native of Germantown, where he
was born October 20, 1837. He is the son of Alfred and Mary (Reckard)
Morton. The Morton family are of English ancestry. Alfred Morton was the son of
Samuel Morton. He was born near Manchester, England. Samuel Morton emigrated to
the United States after he had reached middle age, locating in Philadelphia
where he died at an advanced age. Alfred Morton (father) came to America with
his parents in early life. He was a weaver by trade, and, coming to
Philadelphia, engaged in the manufacture of shawls, table cloths and ingrain
carpets in that city, and died at the age of thirty-three years, in 1846. He
married Mary Reckard, who died in 1855. The couple had six children of whom the
following three survive: William, subject of this sketch; Adam, residing in
Germantown, Pennsylvania; Sallie, widow of Harry Hirst, residing at
Germantown. William Morton worked as a boy for truckers and dairymen, and, owing to
the untimely death of his father, did not enjoy the advantages of education to
any great extent. At an early age he entered the United States army, enlisting
November 19, 1855, in the first regiment Infantry, serving five years in that
organization. He enlisted in the Twentieth Massachusetts Infantry Regiment at
the breaking out of the Rebellion, July 1, 1861. He served sixteen months in
that regiment, and was transferred October, 1862, to Battery C, Fourth United
States Artillery. He served in that regiment until February 12, 1867. During
his term of service he participated in no less than forty-one engagements, and
was promoted to corporal. At the close of the war he returned to Germantown,
and was engaged in business as a stonemason four years. In 1871 he removed to Montgomery township, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, worked for John Steever and at making door mats and other
occupations. He also kept a tollgate. He quarried stone for Daniel Foulk, and
in 1881 purchased his present quarry and farm. (Page 281) Mr. Morton married, in Philadelphia, June 12, 1869, Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel A. and Catherine (Halderman) Wright, born in Horsham township. Their
children are five in number as follows: Frank, married Elizabeth Haynes;
Sallie, wife of George Kerns; Harry, married Susan Holbine; Ella, wife of
Howard Walker; Emily, wife of Harry Jackson. In political views Mr. Morton is
an Independent. He operates extensive stone quarries and a stone crusher,
crushing stone for macadamizing roads. Mr. Morton is a prominent citizen of his
community, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. SAMUEL STYER, a substantial and enterprising business man, and a
representative and leading citizen of Ambler, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania,
possesses those qualities well calculated to will and retain the respect and
esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or social life.
He was born at Ambler, Pennsylvania, in 1856, a son of Dr. Albanus and Sadella
(Thomas) Styer, grandson of Jacob Styer, who was a member of the Society of
Friends, and the father of three sons- Samuel, John and Dr. Albanus- and a
descendant of an old and honored Montgomery county family. Dr. Albanus Styer (father) was a native of Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania. He was reared to farm life, and during the winter season attended
the district school, as was the custom of boys in those days. Later he studied
medicine, becoming an able and skillful physician, and he practiced his
profession for many years in the village of Montgomery Square, Montgomery
county. During the latter years of his life he resided at Ambler, where he
owned a farm on which he conducted extensive operations, and in addition to
this he was the proprietor of a drug store in the village of Ambler, from which
he derived a goodly income. His career was a most successful and deserving one,
and he was highly respected by all who knew him. He married Sadella Thomas, daughter of Isaac and Tacy (Paul) Thomas, and
two children were born to them: Tacy, now the widow of William Acuff; and
Samuel, mentioned hereinafter. Mrs. Dr. Styer died while her son was an infant.
Dr. Styer married for his second wife, Hattie Young, daughter of Matthias
Young, a merchant of Montgomery Square, and their children are: George,
Rudolph, Helen (Mrs. Griffith), who resides in Norristown; and Della,
unmarried. Dr. Styer died January 3, 1901. Mrs. Styer is living at the present
time (1904), a resident of Ambler. Isaac and Tacy (Paul) Thomas, parents of
Sadella (Thomas) Styer, reared a family of children, namely: Hannah, who died
unmarried; Anna (Mrs. Jarrett); Sadella, aforementioned as the wife of Dr.
Albanus Styer; Susan (Mrs. Charles Shoemaker); Joseph, Jonathan, George, and
David. Both the Thomas and Paul families are colonial, the former named being
of Welsh and the latter of English descent. Samuel Steer was reared and educated at Ambler, and on attaining manhood
marked out his own course in life. He gained his first business experience by
conducting a small coal yard at ambler, which line of work he abandoned when he
received the appointment of postmaster of Ambler, under the Cleveland
administration. Later he went to Philadelphia, and was employed as salesman in
an old established coal firm, which position he retained seven years. He then
began business on his own account, taking all the output of one mine, and
ultimately he purchased the mine, which he still holds. It is located in
Osceola, Clearfield county. His next venture was the purchase of a mine at
Mineral Point, Cambria county, and later he purchased another mine at Sweigard,
Clearfield county. He operates all three at the present time, the product,
bituminous coal, being shipped to New York, Buffalo, New England, Chicago, and
St. Louis. He also buys extensively of other operators, taking the output of
other mines than his own, for which he finds a profitable market. He also
conducts stores at the mines which he works. By giving his entire attention to
his business it has increased to large proportions, and he now ranks among the
most extensive dealers of that article in the state. His office is in the Real Estate Trust Building in the city of
Philadelphia. The success which he has attained fully justified his judgment in
selecting this business, and great pecuniary gain has been the result. (Page 282) Mr. Styer married, in 1894, Emma Graver, who was reared near Plymouth
Meeting, a daughter of Lewis K. Graver, who was born and grew to manhood in the
vicinity of Quakertown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, but subsequently removed to
Plymouth Meeting, where he is an extensive lime burner; in addition to this
enterprise he operates a coal yard in Philadelphia. He is a member of the
Reformed church. The children of Mr. Garver are as follows: Emma,
aforementioned as the wife of Samuel Styer; Anna, wife of Mr. Kane; Eva,
unmarried; Harry, who is employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr.
Styer has a birthright in the Society of Friends, and his wife is a member of
the Reformed church. They reside at Ambler during the summer months, and in
Philadelphia during the winter months, having a fine and commodious home at
each place. HARRY B. HARMER, one of the leading business men and one of the most
prominent citizens of Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was
born in Abington township, March 9, 1858, his parents, Henry S. and Tillara
(Bitting) Harmer, having resided at that time in the old village of Mooretown,
now Abington. The Harmer family are descended from Quaker ancestors who came to America
from England in the time of William Penn, about the (late of his second coming
to Pennsylvania. There are said to have been four Harmers, brothers, one of
whom settled at Winchester, Virginia; one at Harmersville, Salem county, New
Jersey, the town taking its name from the family; one in Germantown,
Pennsylvania; and one in Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.
The last named is said to have received a grant of one thousand acres of land
from William Penn, on a portion of which the borough of Jenkintown and vicinity
is now situated. James and Mary Harmer, great-grandparents of Harry B. Harmer, were the
parents of a son, Samuel Harmer (grandfather), whose wife, Deborah Ann Harmer,
bore him the following named children: James, who died in infancy; Hannah, who
became the wife of Ephraim Miller, and had six children: Carrie, John, Alfred
S., Annie, William and Emma; Caroline, who became the wife of Christian
Ottinger, and had three children: Hattie, Sadie and Harry; Henry S., mentioned
hereinafter; Harriet, who became the wife of Samuel Gilbert, and had two
children: Jesse and Harmer Gilbert; she married for her second husband George
Waterfield, and their children were: Laura and George Waterfield; David, who
married Susan Tustin, and their family consisted of three children: George,
Hattie and Samuel: Mary, who became the wife of Charles Unruh, and they are the
parents of five children: Emma, George, Charles, Abraham and James; James, who
married Kate Oldfield, and they had one son, James; John, who married Mary
Michener, and their children are: Annie,, Emma, Samuel and James; Samuel, who
married Mary Gerfnon, no issue. Henry S. Harmer (father) was born March 4, 1830, in Cheltenham township,
near Glenside, close to what has been known for many years as the Harmer Hill
Methodist church. He was educated in the public schools of his native township,
residing at home with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he went to
what was then known locally as Guineatown, now Edge Hill, and learned the trade
of wagon and carriage building. After completing his apprenticeship he went to
Anderson, Indiana, and obtained employment at carriage making, continuing there
about three years. He then returned to the east and located at the village of
Three Tuns, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He engaged in business at that
place on his own account, but after a short residence removed to Mooretown,
Pennsylvania, where he continued in the same line of business. He then removed
to Hilltown, Bucks county, where he engaged in the occupation of farming,
returning later to Three Tuns, where he resumed his former calling. He was
located at the last mentioned place from 1861 to April, 1867, when he removed
to Flourtown, in the picturesque valley of Wissahickon, in Whitemarsh township.
He continued in business there until 1902, when he retired, although residing
there. Mr. Harmer married, March 10, 1853, Tillara Bitting, and they were the
parents of two children: Charles, who married Elmira Leister, and the issue of
this marriage was one daughter, Florence; and Harry P. Harmer. (Page 283) Harry B. Harmer was educated in the public schools of Whitemarsh township,
having been ore of the pupils in 1873 and 1874 of Ellwood Roberts, who was
principal of the school at that time, along with Senator John J. Wentz and
others, who have since attained prominence in various pursuits of life. He left
school at an early age to learn the trade of carriage building with his father.
After acquiring a thorough knowledge of all the details, he left home in order
to engage in the saddlery and hardware business in the city of Philadelphia,
entering what was then the largest establishment of the kind in America, that
of George D. B. Keim & Co. In 1893 he severed his connection with of establishment and became
connected with another world-renowned firm, that of the Frank Miller Company of
New York and London, England, and he now has charge of the Business interests of
that firm in the east. Throughout his business career Mr. Harmer has been very
successful, diligent attention to business and natural ability having achieved
remarkable results. Mr. Harmer has been a member of the Cheltenham township school board since
1892, and treasurer of the board since 1900. He has been very actively
interested in educational progress and in the work of the Directors' and
Teachers' Association of the Lower End of Montgomery County he is a member of
the Ashbourne Presbyterian church, and has been secretary of its board of
trustees since 1894. He is also a member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a Republican, and an active worker in behalf of party
success. He is a selfmade man, universally recognized as a valuable member of
the community in which he lives. Mr. Harmer married, May 3, 1883, Emma Jones, daughter of William S. and
Sophia Jones, who were also descended from old Quaker family that came to
Pennsylvania in colonial times. They had three children, as follows William H.,
born September 18, 1885; Walter J., born July 15, 1880; Ellen M., born December
13, 1891. The mother of these children, Emma Jones farmer, died April 14,
1904. CHARLES A. SIMONS, the well known farther and marketman of Limerick, is a
descendant of a German family long domiciled in this country. James Simons (grandfather) was born in Philadelphia. After acquiring such
education as was to be had in the common schools of that day. He learned the
trade of a baker, which occupation he followed throughout his life. Among the
children of James Simons was James (father of our subject), also born in
Philadelphia, and, like his father, a baker in that city. He removed from
Philadelphia to Bird-in-Hand, where he continued his business of baking and
also gave some attention to farming. He lived seven years with his son Charles
A., and died there in 1885. He was a Republican in politics, and a very
reputable citizen. He married Eliza Wood (also now deceased) and had the
following children: James and William both deceased, Emma, Elizabeth deceased,
and Charles A., subject of this sketch. Charles A. Simons was born at Bird-in Hand, Upper Merion township,
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1845. He was educated in the public
schools in the vicinity of his home and at Bryn Mawr, and on leaving school
engaged in farming on the homestead, remaining there for a number of years. In
1885 he removed Limerick township, where he purchased his present farm and
engaged in the culture of berries and fruits, in which he has been very
successful, having a large and thrifty orchard and a large area in small fruits
and berries. He had a stand in the Philadelphia market, at Nineteenth street. (Page 284) 1872, there being no children by the marriage, and (second) in 1878 to his
present wife, Miss Elizabeth Berry, daughter of George Berry, of Norristown,
Pennsylvania. By the second marriage Mr. Simons has the following children:
Crawford, married Susan Wise, and has two children; Elsie, married Harry.
Jefferson, and has four children; Gertrude, married Harry DeHaven; Allen,
unmarried; Pauline (deceased) and Adolf, unmarried. Mr. Simons is a successful farmer, very attentive to business and never
neglecting any interest on the farm. He is not only an industrious and
enterprising farmer, but a good neighbor and a useful citizen, and is well
esteemed in the community in which he lives. He is a Republican in politics,
but has never sought or held office. When it has been offered him he has
declined because of the pressure of other business. His buildings and other
equipment are all that are required on a modern well managed farm. In religious
faith Mr. Simons is a Methodist, and his wife is a Baptist and attends that
church. MORGAN R. WILLS. The Wills family are of English origin, although for many
years resident of Ireland, prior to the coming to this country of the ancestor
of the American branch. It has long been a tradition in the family that their
English ancestor went to Ireland between 1650 and 1655, when Cromwell was
engaged in renewing the population of that island with large accessions of
English and Scotch. The ancestor of Morgan R. Wills, whose name was Michael Wills, came to
Pennsylvania in the spring of 1728; in company with his family, accompanied by
the Mather family. His parents were left in or near Rathdrum; Wicklow county,
Ireland, they living to a very advanced age. Michael Wills, the immigrant, was
a resident of Lower Merion, where his will was dated, November 28, 1748. His
son, Michael Wills, married Jane Mather, who was about ten years younger than
himself. He had three sons: Jeremiah, Michael and John; also three daughters:
Rebecca, Mary and Elizabeth. The first of the sisters married Michael Mather,
the second Jacob Whiteman, and the third, John Mather. Michael Wills was a
careful business man. He finally purchased a farm in Plymouth. It contained 225
acres of land, and the price was £ 1,180, Pennsylvania money. He died in 1794,
and left all of his property to his widow, who survived him ten years, just the
difference in their ages. Each was about eighty-six years of age at the time of
death. Both were buried at Radnor. Michael Mills, the third of the name, married Ann, daughter of Andrew and
Elizabeth (Keyser) Wood. Andrew Wood owned a fine farm in what is now
Roxborough, the house in which he lived standing on the Ridge turnpike, between
the sixth and seventh mile-stones. His land on the Schuylkill side included a
shad fishery, the canal having not yet been constructed. During the winter of
1777, a party of Virginia cavalry having gone into the barn to sleep, they were
surprised in the night by a scouting party from Howe's army, then in
Philadelphia, who killed a number of them and set fire to both house and barn.
The house was saved through the efforts of the wife, Ann Wood. Andrew escaped
and hid himself in a cave on the river bank, where he remained three days
without food or drink. There was an old servant in the house, Nicholas, whom
the British mistook for the owner, and wounded with their swords as they ran
until they killed him. Michael Wills, it is said, met with some mishap near
Andrew Wood's house, while attending the Philadelphia market; on going there
for assistance to make repairs he met his future wife. Michael and Ann Wills had fourteen children, and raised nine of them. The
nine who grew to manhood and womanhood were: Elizabeth, Ann, Jane, William and
Mary (twins), Ann, Allen, Rebecca and Sarah. Elizabeth married Levi Evans, and
had four children, all boys. Andrew married Sarah Hannum. William married
Elizabeth Marple and had a family. Mary married first John Hunter, and
afterwards Francis Parke, but had no children. Ann married John Gorgas, and
left one daughter, Susannah. Rebecca died in her minority, and Sarah never
married. Jane married John B. Hahn, and had eight children. Michael Wills died
January 15, 1829, and his widow, April 29, 1832. (Page 285) Andrew (father), born June 18, 1798, studied medicine, graduated at the
University of Pennsylvania in 1825, and married on November 12, 1826, Sarah
Hannum, born May 2, 1807. She was the daughter of James Hannum, and Sarah Edge
Reese, the two latter having married on the 13th of December, 1803. Andrew
practiced medicine in Chester county, Pennsylvania, forty-six years, and died
July 7, 1871, at Lionville, aged seventy-three years. Dr. Andrew Wills and wife had fourteen children: Sarah, died at the age of
fourteen years; Mary, married Washington T. Koplin, of Norristown, who died many
years ago leaving one child; Ellen, Morgan R., Edward S., married Fannie
Hemiston, and afterwards Annie Isbell; Clara, married Hunter E. Von Leer;
Rebecca, married D. Smith Talbot; Andrew, killed at Fort Donelson; Horace, died
at the age of sixteen; Francis, also died young; Ann, married T. Louis Vickers;
Elizabeth, married D. Webster Evans; Florence, married George R. Hoopes; Susan,
died in infancy. In the latter part of his life Dr. Andrew Wills resided one
year in Norristown, but returned to Lionville, where he died. His remains were
interred in the cemetery of St. John's church, Norristown, where his father and
mother were also buried. Morgan Reese Wills, editor and proprietor of the Norristown Herald, was
born in West Whiteland township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, October 21,
1831. He attended the common schools, and received instruction from Rev. George
Kirk, of Downingtown, until 1847, when he went to learn printing on a temperance
sheet, the Crystal Fountain, published in the office of the Jeffersonian, at
West Chester. In September, 1847, he went to Norristown, completing his
apprenticeship on the Register. He has since resided there, with the exception
of a few months spent in Springfield, Illinois, in the early fifties. In 1859
he became a bookseller on Main street, combining with it job printing. Mr.
Wills became interested in the Norristown Herald, one of the oldest and most
influential papers in Eastern Pennsylvania, in 1864, when he purchased a half
interest in the paper from Robert Iredell, who died October 24, 1904, aged
ninety-five years. Several changes occurred in the firm, so that Mr. Wills was
left sole proprietor five years later. Having erected the building in which the
Herald is published, he enlarged it and improved it from time to time. The plant
now includes complete arrangements for the publication of a daily newspaper. The
Herald establishment includes also one of the best equipped and most extensive
job printing offices in Pennsylvania. The third story of the main building is
occupied by a complete book bindery. The time having arrived when Norristown
needed a daily newspaper, Mr. Wills began the issue of a daily edition on
December 20, 1869. The venture proved to be a success from the beginning, and
the paper soon attained a high rank among the newspapers of the state, which it
has ever since maintained. Few journals outside of the great metropolitan
dailies are more frequently quoted or better known, and it is everywhere
recognized as among the most progressive. The Norristown Herald was chartered by the Governor March to 1903, Morgan
R. Wills being president, treasurer and managing editor and Ellwood J. Harner,
the business manager of the corporation, being its secretary. On September 6, 1860, Mr. Wills married Mary H., daughter of Daniel H. and
Mary W. Dager, of Whitemarsh. They had two children, Mary D., wife of Harrington
FitzGerald, of the Philadelphia Item, and Helen W., wife of J. Leedom Jones, of
Norristown. Mrs. Wills was a woman of literary culture, and was the author of
many contributions to the Herald. Her two published volumes, "A Summer in
Europe," and "A Winter in California," bear ample testimony to her descriptive
powers. Mr. and Mrs. Wills traveled much in this country and abroad, many of
the trips being undertaken for the purpose of benefiting her health, which was
greatly impaired for several years prior to her death, on June, 1895. (Page 286) Mr. Wills has always taken an active Interest in Republican politics,
being regarded as one of the acknowledged party leaders for forty years or
more. He was one of the twenty-nine electors in 1880, casting the vote of
Pennsylvania for Garfield and Arthur. He took a prominent part in the
organization and construction of the De Kalb Street and Bridgeport Railway,
being a director for a number of years. He was a member of town council, and
also the Norristown Land and Improvement Company and in other local
corporations. In everything that has had a tendency to develop the growth and
prosperity of Norristown, Mr. Wills has participated through his influence as a
newspaper editor and otherwise. Mr. Wills married, August 4, 1896, Elizabeth Willits Marple, daughter of
Rev. A. A. and Harriet Neal Marple, of Norristown. They have one child, Harriet
Marple, born June 11, 1901. MRS. MARY A. McELROY. James McElroy, deceased, husband of Mrs. Mary A.
McElroy, who was a prominent contractor and builder, with offices in
Philadelphia, but residing at his country seat in Montgomery township,
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, during the summer months, was a native of
Ireland. He was born in Belfast about 1833, and emigrated to America with an older
brother, John, about the year 1848, locating in Philadelphia, where he became
an apprentice to the carpenter trade with John Mulvaney. After becoming
proficient in his business he worked as a journeyman. On attaining to the age
of twenty-one years he entered into a partnership with Mr. Mulvaney. A few
years later Mr. Mulvaney died, and from that time the business, which was very
extensive, was carried on by Mr. McElroy solely. This business was so
successfully conducted, by him that he was able in 1875 to retire from active
work, and he purchased the Foreman farm in Montgomery township, on which he
built a very handsome and convenient residence in which he thereafter made his
borne during the summer months, residing in Philadelphia during the winter. He
was a practical mechanic and a very successful business man. He erected many of
the finest residences in North Philadelphia. He filled the position of
councilman from the twenty-ninth ward of that city for many years. He was a
member of the Masonic order. In political views he was a Democrat, and in
religious faith he was a Presbyterian. Mr. McElroy was the son of Alexander and Ann McElroy. His father was a
linen manufacturer at Belfast. Both his parents spent their entire lives in
their native country. James McElroy married, in Philadelphia, June 5, 1862,
Miss Mary A. Tapper, daughter of John and Alma (Smith) Tapper, of Philadelphia.
Mr. and Mrs. McElroy had seven children, as follows: John (deceased); William,
resides in Florida; Martha G., wife of John Humphreys, residing in Denver,
Colorado; Amos Ellis (deceased); George (deceased); Annie, wife of George
Clifton Keim; May. The family are all members of the United Presbyterian church
in Philadelphia. Both parents of Mrs. McElroy were lifelong residents, well and
favorably known. Mr. Tapper was a stationary engineer. Both are deceased. They
had six children as follows: Mary (Mrs. McElroy); Wilhelmina, deceased, wife of
John Everham; Annie, widow of Lamar Quigley, who resides in Philadelphia;
Elizabeth, wife of John Duncan; John, married Annie Archer, and resides in
Philadelphia; Martha, wife of Lewis Archer, who resides in Philadelphia. SYLVESTER C. STOUT, postmaster and station agent on the North Pennsylvania
Railroad at Glenside, is a native of that section of Montgomery county. He was
born at Camp Hill, in Springfield township, April 11, 1847. He is the son of
Charles and Fayetta (Derr) Stout, both natives of that vicinity. The father was
the son of Charles Stout, who married a Miss Coar. The family of the maternal
grandparents of the subject of this sketch removed to the neighborhood from
Lehigh county. Sylvester C. Stout obtained his primary education in the schools of
Cheltenham and Upper Dublin townships. He spent his early life on the
homestead, Subsequently he was employed with George D. Heist, who was engaged
in the (Page 287) coal and lumber business at Edge Hill station, as a clerk, and later was
occupied in the same capacity for a period of four years in the city of
Philadelphia. At the end of that time he found employment nearer home as
weighmaster for the Edge Hill Iron Company, then engaged in active operations,
but long since torn down. On February 22, 1875, Mr. Stout secured a position
with the North Pennsylvania Railroad Company as assistant agent, occupying
himself in that capacity until April 11, 1876, and since that date he has been
station master. He was appointed postmaster of Glenside on October 26, 1893, a
position which he has ever since retained. Mr. Stout has been a member and
treasurer of the Glenside Fire Company since its organization, in which he was
actively interested. Fraternally he is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 400,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Jenkintown. He is also a member of Abington
Chapter No. 245, Royal Arch Masons, and of Mary Commandery No. 36, Knights
Templar. Mr. Stout married Mary, born March 12, 1848, daughter of Nathaniel and
Hannah (Derr) Stout. Their children are: C. Francis Stout, station master on
the Reading Railway at Centre Valley, in Lehigh county, married Lillian Witmer;
Annie H., Emma L. and Candy S., clerk in the postoffice. Mr. Stout is highly
respected in his community, being actively interested in every enterprise that
promises improvement. CHARLES J. SINES, postmaster at Edge Hill, in Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, was born in that village, May 5, 1851. He is the son of Charles
and Lydia (Snyder) Jones Sines, both natives of that vicinity. Charles Sines (father) was the son of George and Margaret (Painter) Sines.
He was born in Springfield township, August 12, 1822. His wife, Lydia Snyder
Jones, was born in Abington township, April 2, 1823. Mr. Sines died March 6,
1903; the mother still survives. Mr. Sines was a shoemaker by trade, and was
engaged in business in Edge Hill for a half century. His children were Adeline,
deceased; George W., Charles J., subject of this sketch; Joanna (deceased) and
Harvey. Charles J. Sines was educated at Harmer Hill School, in Cheltenham
township, more recently known as the Audenried School. He learned the trade of
shoemaking with his father, and since early life has been engaged in that
occupation. In the year 1882, he was appointed post-master, a position which he
has held continuously since that date. He is a member of Tribe No. 223, Improved
Order of Red Men. Mr. Sines was married (first) in Upper Dublin township to Catherine
Eisenhart. They had one child, Lillie Louisa, who is now the wife of Charles
Morris. Mr. Sines married (second wife) Harriet Fox, of Whitpain township, and
the couple have had three children, two of whom are living, Hattie, wife of
Joseph T. Miller, and Charles W. Emma May is deceased. In religious faith Mr.
Sines and his family are Methodists. CHARLES H. WEAK, clerk of the Jenkintown town council, is a native of that
borough, where he was born April 11, 1875. He is the son of Charles Campbell and
Emma (Biddle) Weak. The father, Charles Weak, was a native of Jenkintown, and a
life long resident of that place. He was engaged in the livery business for
thirty years, and was the originator of the hack line in Jenkintown. He was a
member of town council for a number of years, and also held the position of
assessor under a Democratic administration. The mother was a daughter of Cephas
R. and Martha Biddle, who were members of old Bucks county families. She was
born March 4, 1850, and died December 30, 1903. Charles Campbell Weak (father)
was a son of John and Kesia Weak. The children of Charles C. and Martha Weak
were Charles Henry, subject of this sketch and Ellwood S. Weak, the latter born
December 9, 1878. Charles H. Weak obtained his early education at the Jenkintown public
school. In 1888 he graduated from the high school of that borough. After
leaving school he was engaged as a clerk (Page 288) in the express office at Jenkintown. Subsequently he became a clerk in
electrical works in Philadelphia, and later was employed as a stenographer and
bookkeeper. For the past six years he has been cashier and bookkeeper for the
Jenkintown and Cheltenham Gas Company. He served as auditor of the borough of
Jenkintown for two years, and now holds the position of clerk of town council
of that place. Mr. Weak married in Philadelphia, April 22, 1903, Augusta H. Thiele, born
January 27, 1871, daughter of John L. Thiele, of Philadelphia, formerly of Lock
Haven, Pennsylvania. He is a member of Peace and Love Lodge No. 337, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. In political views Mr. Weak is a Republican. In religious
faith he inclines toward the Episcopal church, of which his parents are
members. THOMPSON H. SCHULER, the well known farmer and dealer in fertilizers, of
Montgomery township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born May 17, 1850. He
is the son of Charles and Margaret (Isett) Schuler, both natives of the
county. Charles Schuler (father) was the son of William and Elizabeth Schiller,
who spent their entire lives in the county. William Schuler was a stone-mason
by trade, and followed that occupation for many years in his early life, but
was engaged in farming pursuits during the latter part of his life and up to
the time of his death. The Schulers are of German ancestry, the great-grandfather of Thompson
Schuler being the progenitor of the family in America. He was among the early
settlers of Montgomery county. The Isetts were also early settlers, the
immigrant coming from Switzerland. Thompson H. Schuler acquired his early education in the public schools of
Philadelphia. After leaving school he became an apprentice to the carpenter
trade, and after becoming proficient in this occupation followed it
successfully, being employed in different sections of Pennsylvania until 1894.
In that year he purchased the farm of thirty acres in Montgomery township on
which he now resides, and on Which he has since been engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He has been as successful in farming as in his previous
undertakings. Mr. Schuler has been twice married. His first wife was Rebecca Hartley,
they having five children, as follows: William H., died in childhood; Walter;
Charles, married Sarah Carpenter; John, married Annie Jackson: and Jennie. Mr.
Schuler married (second wife) Isabella Clayton, of an old Delaware county
family, also deceased. The couple had three children: Daisy, Lillie, and
Richard Henry. Mrs. Isabella Schuler died December 24, 1893. In political views Mr. Schuler is independent, supporting what he believes
to be the best men for public office, irrespective of their partisan
affiliations. The family attend the Baptist church, although the parents and
grandparents of Mr. Schuler adhered to the Lutheran faith. HORACE B. KRATZ, the successor of S. H. Longacre, a miller of
Schwenksville, is a native of Frederick township, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, where he was born October 19, 1866. He was reared on a farm and
educated in the common schools of the neighborhood in the intervals of farm
labor. He is the son of Daniel J. and Hannah B. (Boorse) Kratz. Daniel J. Kratz (father) was born in Frederick township, Montgomery
county, November 15, 1826, and died either from heart failure caused by a fall,
of from the fall itself, January 30, 1885, at the age of fifty-eight years.
Daniel J. Kratz was reared to farm pursuits which he followed, attending market
for a number of years. He was a successful and progressive farmer. In politics
he was a Whig and Republican, although he never sought nor held office, but was
honored for his integrity and strict attention to business. In religious faith
he was a Mennonite. His wife died in 1889 at the homestead where her husband
was born, lived and died. She was also a member of the Mennonite church. Their
children: Amanda, Mary, Hannah, Henry, Franklin, Emma, Ellen, Horace B., subject
of this sketch; Daniel, John and Jacob. Henry, Emma and Ellen died in infancy.
There are now (Page 289) living; Horace B., Jacob, Mary and Hannah. Mrs. Daniel J. Kratz was a
daughter of Jacob Boorse. He was a bricklayer, and followed that occupation for
many years, being an excellent mechanic. The Boorses were Mennonites in
religious faith. Their children: Anna, Mrs. J. Lloyd; Sallie, Mrs. E. Landis;
Hannah (mother); Kate, Mrs. A. Kratz. Valentine Kratz (grandfather) was born in Montgomery county on May 10,
1747. He died July 28, 1834. He married Mary Rosenberger. She died in 1805.
They had nine children, as follows: Ann, Daniel (father), Valentine, Abraham,
John, Isaac, David, William, Jacob. Valentine Kratz was a prominent farmer and
a Mennonite. John Valentine Kratz (great-grandfather) was born in 1707, in the
Palatinate, a province in Germany bordering on the Rhine. He died in 1780, at
the age of seventy-three years. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1727 when he
was twenty years of age, on the ship Friendship, landing at Philadelphia in
October of that year. One sister came with him to this country. With others he
emigrated to America on account of religious persecution at home. He was the
son of John Philip Kratz, who was born in Germany, October 9, 1665, and died
there in 1746, at the age of eighty years. His wife died in 1710. The children
of John Philip Kratz: Ann, John, John Philip, Anna Maris, Anna, John Valentine
(great-grandfather), and Ann Elizabeth. John Valentine Kratz is the progenitor
of the American branch of the family which originated in Pennsylvania and has
spread to most of the states of the Union. Horace B. Kratz was born and reared on the old Kratz homestead, remaining
with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, attending in his boyhood
days the schools of the neighborhood, alternating study with farm labor, as is
usual in rural districts. In 1889 he learned the milling business, working as a
journeyman until 1892, when he became a partner in the mill of H. H. Longaker
& Company. In 1892 the old burr-stones were replaced by the patent roller
process. The partnership continued until the death of Mr. Longaker, when Horace
B. Kratz obtained possession of the mill, and is doing a merchant milling and
feed business. He also bales hay, buying it as well as grain from the farmers
of the vicinity. He finds a market for his products in the surrounding country.
He is a Republican in politics, but has never sought or held office. In 1889 he married Sallie B. Longaker, who was born September 6, 1868. She
is the daughter of Samuel H. and Elizabeth (Bardman) Longaker, both of
Montgomery county, Samuel being the son of Abraham Longaker, whose children
were: John, Abraham, Mary, Sarah, Anna, and Samuel H. Samuel H. Longaker was
reared on the farm, and educated in the district schools until the age of
eighteen years, when he entered the historic structure known as the Pennypacker
mill, near Schwenksville, where he learned the trade, and later bought the mill
now operated by Horace B. Kratz. He had previously worked for sonic time at
Arcola. He made many improvements at the mill, buying eighteen acres of land
adjacent, on which he erected a handsome residence. He died March 21, 1903, of
apoplexy, at the age of sixty-one years. He was a Republican in politics, but
never sought or held office. He was a member of the Mennonite denomination, and
at one time was selected for minister, but was relieved on account of the
exacting nature of his business. He was twice married, his first wife being
Elizabeth Bardman, daughter of Solomon Bardman, who with his wife spent his
declining years with the Longakers, and died there. Mr. Bardman was a
blacksmith by trade, and a prominent Lutheran. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Bardman: Jonathan, Josiah, Sallie, Mrs. J. Levengood; Amanda, Mrs. William
Albright; Elizabeth, mother of Mrs. Kratz. Samuel H. Longaker married (second
wife), a widow, Anna Rahn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, of Berks county,
where she was born. By the second marriage Mr. Longaker had two daughters:
Irene, Mrs. W. Slonecker; and Mary, Mrs. E. Undercoffler. The widow resides at
the homestead. She is a Lutheran. Mr. and Mrs. Horace Kratz have adopted an
orphan girl, Edna Schaffer, born in 1898. (Page 290) Horace and Sallie B. Kratz have had three children, all of whom died in
infancy. He and his wife are Mennonites. MELVIN T. HUNSICKER, a prominent merchant, and postmaster at Iron Bridge,
Perkiomen township, was born September 26, 1859, in Skippack township,
Montgomery county. He is the son of Philip M. and Elizabeth R. (Tyson)
Hunsicker. He was reared on his father's farm, and assisted in the mill when he
was not attending school. He received his education in the public schools and in
Ursinus College. Philip M. Hunsicker (father) was born November 18, 1836, in Franconia
township, Montgomery county. He assisted his father in his mill, and attended
the common schools and Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College. He removed with
his father in 1850 to Perkiomen township, and entered his father's mill on the
Perkiomen, opposite Rahn Station, and learned the milling trade. Later he
entered the mill, and operated it until 1875, when he engaged in the lumber,
coal and feed business at Rahn, thus continuing until 1884, when he sold out to
his sons, H. T. and Melvin T. Hunsicker. Mr. Hunsicker Married, September 18,
1858, Lizzie R., daughter of John Z. Tyson, of Perkiomen. Their children:
Melvin T., born in 1859, the subject of this sketch; Henry T., born in 1861, a
prominent business man of Iron Bridge; Clayton H., born in 1863, a manufacturer
of Boston, Massachusetts; Norwood Penrose (deceased), born in 1869; Elmer
Ellsworth, born in 1873, an employee of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in
Chicago, Illinois; and Addie T. (deceased), born in 1875. Mrs. Elizabeth R.
Hunsicker died May 4, 1881. She was a member of the Reformed church of
Collegeville, as was also her husband. Philip M. Hunsicker married (second wife), October 26, 1882, Mrs. Ella C.
Kulp, daughter of John H. Custer, of Worcester township. Mr. and Mrs. Kulp had
two children. The child of Philip M. and Ella Hunsicker, Eleanor, unmarried.
Mr. Philip Hunsicker is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. In
politics he is a Republican, but has never sought office. In religious faith he
is a member of Trinity Reformed church, Collegeville. The brothers and sisters
of Elizabeth R. (Tyson) Hunsicker: Henry, Sarah, Mary (Mrs. Hallman), and
Enos. Henry C. Hunsicker (grandfather) was born in Perkiomen township, where his
early life was spent He learned the trade of a miller, and bought the old mill,
built in 1747, at Iron Bridge, he purchasing it just one hundred years later.
He remained there during the rest of his life. In religious faith he was a
Mennonite, and in politics a Whig and Republican. He married in 1833, Lydia,
daughter of Philip Markley, of the same township. Their children: Mary,
Deborah, Charles M., Philip M. (father); Ann M. (Mrs. James Koons); Kate M.,
Lydia (Mrs. Benjamin Saylor). Mary married Henry Yelles. Deborah married H. T.
Johnson. On the occasion of his marriage, Henry C. Hunsicker removed to
Franconia, and was engaged in farming there until 1850, when he returned to his
native township, where he combined milling with farming until a few years prior
to his death, when he retired from business. Henry Hunsicker
(great-grandfather) married Mary, daughter of John Detwiler, their children
being: Henry C. (grandfather), John, Daniel, William, Elizabeth, Mary and
Susanna. The progenitor of the family in America was Valentine Hunsicker, a
native of Switzerland, who came to the United States in 1717 and settled in
Skippack township. Melvin T. Hunsicker was reared in the vicinity in which he now lives. He
assisted his father in the mill and in the lumber business, and for three years
was station agent at the railroad. Later he clerked for the Iron Bridge Hat
Association, and then went to Philadelphia with another firm, and was with them
there three years, returning to Iron Bridge in 1892. He bought out the store,
conducted it two years, and then bought the large block for a store and
residence, and still later another store in the village. He has greatly
increased the business, and carries a very large stock such as is needed for
farmers and others. He also runs a route wagon, and does a very extensive
business. (Page 291) In 1893 he was appointed postmaster, and has held the office ever since.
He is agent for the Worcester Salt Works, and sells their products in carload
lots. He gives close attention to his business, being a practical, energetic
and successful merchant, as well as a broadminded, intelligent and
public-spirited citizen. He is a stockholder in several leading corporations.
He is a strong Republican, and is now township auditor and a member of the
election board. He belongs to Warren Lodge, No. 310, F. and A. M., at Trappe,
in which he has held the offices of senior warden, master of ceremonies, and
steward of lodge, and also belongs to the commandery of Norristown and the
Mystic Shrine of Philadelphia. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, to the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Iron Bridge, and to the
Patriotic Sons of America. He is a deacon in the Reformed church of
Collegeville, of which he is a member, and in connection with two others has
charge of the Sunday school work. Melvin T. Hunsicker married, December 31, 1881, Ellen D. Hunsicker, born
in Upper Providence township, May 22, 1862, a daughter of Abram D. and Mary
(Detwiler) Hunsicker. The children of M. T. and Ellen D. Hunsicker: Carl H.,
born December 22, 1882, received a liberal education, and is now employed at
Chicago, Illinois, by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, still unmarried; May,
born May 1, 1886, resides with her parents; Florence, born March 3, 1891, also
resides with her parents. The ancestor of Mrs. M. T. Hunsicker was also Valentine Hunsicker, born in
Switzerland in 1700, who came to America and settled in Skippack township in
1717. Henry Hunsicker (great-grandfather of Mrs. Hunsicker) was a bishop in the
Mennonite church. His children were: John, Jacob, Henry, Garrett (grandfather),
Abram, Elizabeth, Annie, Kate and Sarah, Garrett Hunsicker (grandfather) was a
practical and successful farmer who lived retired during the last years of his
life. He married Catharine Detwiler, and their children were: Elizabeth, Henry
G., Esther, Christian, Kate, Garrett, Mary, and Abram D. (father). The oldest
of these children was born in 1812. Abram D. Hunsicker (father of Mrs. Hunsicker) was a prominent and well
known farmer. He attended market, and was one of the originators of the Ridge
Avenue Market, of which he was treasurer for many years. He was a school
director, and interested in educational matters. He was at first a Mennonite,
but on the organization of the Reformed church at Collegeville he joined that
congregation, in which he served as deason [sic]. He was a director in the
Spring City National Bank, and was a broadminded business man. When well
advanced in years he sold the homestead to his son, C. D., and he and his wife
retired from active life. They lived among their children, partly with their
daughter in Philadelphia and partly with their daughter, Mrs. Hunsicker. Mr.
Abram Hunsicker died at Iron Bridge, June 2, 1903, and his wife is still
living. She was born near Iron Bridge, November 8, 1831. Mrs. Abram Hunsicker (mother of Mrs. M. T. Hunsicker) is the daughter of
Christian and Catharine (Heebner) Detwiler. Mr. Detwiler was a farmer of
Montgomery county who attended Philadelphia market. He was a Mennonite. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler: Abram, died leaving four sons: Samuel, a
farmer; Margaret (Mrs. Custer); Evan, lives on the homestead farm; Catharine,
married P. Good; Mary, married Abram Hunsicker; Isaiah, a farmer; Christian,
died leaving six children; Lydia (Mrs. Gotwals). The children of Abram D. and Mary Hunsicker: Garrett F., died in August,
1903, in Philadelphia, leaving one child; C. D., lives on the homestead farm;
Ella, wife of M. T. Hunsicker; Mary, married F. Rahm, a hatter of Philadelphia.
All of these children were members of the Reformed church except Garrett, who
was a Lutheran, CHARLES G. McNAMARA, the efficient and popular treasurer of Cheltenham
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is the son of Thomas and Mary B.
McNamara. He was born at Georgetown, opposite Washington, in the District of
Columbia, June 22, 1860. His parents removed to Ogontz when he was only two
years of age, and his education was acquired in the schools of Cheltenham
township. After completing his school studies Mr. McNamara devoted himself for some
time to work at the edge tool establishment of Hammond & Sons, near
Ashbourne, and, subsequently was employed at the Midvale Steel Works, at
Nicetown. He was elected to his present position on February 17, 1903. He is a
faithful and painstaking official, and has earned the esteem of the entire
community by the efficient manner in which, he has performed its duties. He is
an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and has been a delegate
on different occasions to county and other conventions of the party. His
parents were both natives of Ireland, but were, for many years respected
citizens of, Ogontz. Both are long since deceased. Mr. McNamara is
unmarried. (Page 292) LOUIS A. NAGLE, a prominent and progressive business man of Ogontz,
dealing in lime, coal, building materials, etc., is a native of Philadelphia,
where he was born April 19, 1861. He is the son of Myra (McDowell) and Henry W.
Nagle, his, mother a member of an old Germantown family. Henry W. Nagle was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, being a son of
Peter Philbert and Lydia (Bertolette) Nagle, his wife: being of French Huguenot
descent. The Nagle family are of German origin. Peter Nagle, the progenitor; of
the family in this country, came from Germany considerably, more than a century
ago, and settled in Berks county. Henry W. Nagle married, in Philadelphia, in 1859, and his children were
Louis A. and Walter. Henry W. Nagle is a graduate of the Philadelphia High
School. From early life he has been connected with the coal-business, and is
still engaged in it, being connected with the firm of Percy Heiler &
Son. Louis A. Nagle acquired his education in the public schools of
Philadelphia. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship of six years in
the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, where he learned the trade of a
machinist. In 1881 he went to Denver, Colorado, where he was connected with the
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. In 1882 he removed to Salt Lake City, Utah,
where he had charge of the round houses of the Denver & Rio Grande Western
Railroad for one year. During 1883 he was in the employ of the Utah Northern
Railroad, and in 1884 he returned to Philadelphia. After a short stay he went
to Laramie, Wyoming, where he was connected with the Union Pacific Railroad
until the latter part of the year 1886. From 1887 until 1893 he was connected with the Vulcanite Paving Company of
Philadelphia, and in February of the last named year engaged in his present
business in Ogontz with Wilmer W. Dewees. The partnership continued until 1898,
when Mr. Nagle purchased his partner's interest in the business and the property
where it is carried on, and since that date Mr. Nagle has conducted the business
solely in. his own behalf. Since he took sole charge of the establishment he has
greatly extended the business and made many valuable improvements to the
property, which is now one of the most extensive of the kind in the county. Mr.
Nagle is an active Republican in politics. He served four years as supervisor of Cheltenham township with great
satisfaction to the tax-payers, and in 1902 as school tax collector. His name
has frequently been mentioned in connection, with the Republican nomination for
sheriff of Montgomery county, and he stands high in the estimation of his party
friends as well as in the esteem of his fellow-citizens of all parties. Fraternally Mr. Nagle is a member of the following orders: Abington
Chapter, No. 245, Royal Arch Masons; Philadelphia Consistory Corinthian
Chasseurs, No. 53, Knights Templar; Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine; Minnehaha Tribe, No. 111, Improved Order of Red Men; Peace and Love
Lodge, In dependent Order of Odd Fellows; Norristown Lodge, No. 714, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks; Jenkintown Council, No. 39, Royal Arcanum; Quaker
City Lodge, No. 116, Ancient Order of United Workmen; Ogontz Council, No. 59,
Improved Order of Heptasophs; the Columbia and Athletic Clubs of Philadelphia,
and the Jenkintown Club of Jenkintown. (Page 293) Mr. Nagle married, at Atlantic City, April 17, 1888, Miss Ella M.
Whiteside, daughter of William M. and Mary Harding (Moore) Whiteside, of
Philadelphia. They have one daughter, Mary Harding, born in 1889. Politically, Mr. Nagle is an earnest worker, giving his unwavering support
to the principles and candidates of the Republican party, in the west as well as
at home. He is one of the most popular citizens and business men of his section
of the state, having a high reputation for integrity and honor, and being
esteemed and honored in the community in which he lives and wherever he is
known. HORACE G. FETTEROLF The Fetterolfs are an old Montgomery county family
long domiciled in the vicinity of Collegeville. Horace G. Fetterolf was born at
that place, February 20, 1863. He is the son of Gideon and Esther (Hunsicker)
Fetterolf, both of Collegeville. Gideon Fetterolf was the son of Adam Fetterolf, the family being of German
descent. The Fetterolfs were originally Mennonites. Gideon Fetterolf was a
farmer, and later a merchant. The latter part if his life he resided at
Collegeville, where he died in 1894, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was
an elder in the Mennonite church, and prominent in its councils, and joined the
progressive movement which eventually merged those engaged in it with the
Reformed church. He was proprietor of a store at Royersford for a number of
years. His first wife was Elizabeth Hunsicker, daughter of Bishop John
Hunsicker. By this marriage there were four children, two sons and two
daughters, as follows: Adam H., president of Girard College for Orphans at
Philadelphia; Captain H. H. Fetterolf, who served in the Union army during the
rebellion, and is an ex-member of the Pennsylvania legislature; Sarah (Mrs.
Abraham Grimley); Susan (Mrs. A. Tyson). Mr. Fetterolf's second wife was Mrs.
Esther Detwiler, widow of Christian Detwiler, who left one child, Christian.
She was the daughter of Bishop Abram Hunsicker, the founder of Freeland
Seminary, which later became Ursinus College. The Hunsickers are descendants of
Valentine Hunsicker, who came from Switzerland in 1717 and settled in Skippack
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. By the second marriage Mr. Fetterolf
had three children- Abraham D., a well known business man of Collegeville who
has been prominent in Republican politics, and was at one time resident clerk
of the house of representatives at Harrisburg; Andrew Curtin, New York,
prominently connected with the Steamship Trust; and Horace G., subject of this
sketch. The second Mrs. Fetterolf survives, and is a resident of
Collegeville. Horace G. Fetterolf was reared at Collegeville, attending school until he
was about sixteen years of age, and then attended a school at Andalusia, Bucks
county, Pennsylvania. He then took a position with the Lippincott Publishing
Company, Philadelphia, remaining with that firm for seventeen years. In 1900 he
engaged in the carpet and rug manufacturing business at Wayne Junction,
Philadelphia, with Arthur Danby as his partner, the firm being Danby &
Fetterolf. On May 1, 1904, Horace G. Fetterolf succeeded this firm and now conducts
the enterprise on his own account. He is most emphatically a self-made man,
having been the architect of his own fortune. He is a broadminded and
intelligent businessman, and owes whatever success he has achieved to that
fact. He has proved himself to be an excellent financier, accomplishing all
without assistance from any outside source. In 1888 Mr. Fetterolf married Anna S. Holdzkom, of Philadelphia, daughter
of Joseph and Sarah (Michener) Holdzkom, she of Chester county and he of the
state of New Jersey. His father was Isaac Holdzkom. The ancestors of Mrs.
Fetterolf came from Holland about the time of the Revolutionary war. Three
brothers came together, one of them Isaac, grandfather of Mrs. Fetterolf. He
settled in New Jersey, and followed different employments, keeping a hotel at
one time. He was also at one period of his life a seafaring man, being captain
of a vessel. (Page 294) He died in New Jersey. He married and had seven sons and two daughters.
The father of Mrs. Fetterolf, Joseph Holdzkom, was born and reared in New
Jersey, learning the trade of a bricklayer. After his marriage he located In
the city of Philadelphia, where he became a prominent and successful contractor
and builder, rearing many fine structures as lasting monuments to his skill and
enterprise, and erected some of the finest blocks of dwellings and residences
in that city. He affiliated with the Society of Friends, and was widely known
and highly respected because of his industry and strict integrity. He was a
thirty-second degree Mason. He died March 30, 1890. His wife survives, and
makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Horace Fetterolf. She was born in Chester
county, Pennsylvania, in 1824, being the daughter of Nathan and Sophia
(Christman) Michener, she a native of Chester county and he of Bucks county,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Michener's ancestor came to America with William Penn from
England, and settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nathan Michener was
born in Bucks county in November, 1775, and reared on a farm. He succeeded by
the most strenuous exertions in acquiring an education, a much more difficult
task at that time than it is at the present day, and became proficient in the
Greek, Latin, French and German languages, being a teacher, and later read and
studied medicine with the noted Dr. Meredith, of Doylestown. In 1800 he attended medical lectures in Philadelphia, and after graduating
went to Chester county, where he engaged in the practice of his profession, and
soon succeeded in building up an extensive and lucrative practice. He married
in 1824, Miss Sophia Christman, of a prominent old Pennsylvania family of
German descent. In 1840 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace,
and having arrived at an age when he no longer cared to attend to an extensive
practice, in 1860 he retired from active business. He died in December, 1865.
He was a man highly respected in his community. He affiliated with the Society
of Friends, although he forfeited his membership by marrying out of meeting.
His father, Isaiah Michener, was a well known resident of Bucks county,
Pennsylvania. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Michener: Sarah, mother of Mrs. Fetterolf;
George, Jane, unmarried; Mary (Mrs. Stubblebine); Phebe, Rebecca (Mrs.
Griffith); Clara (Mrs. Morrow); John, Isabel (Mrs. Wilson). Sarah, mother of
Mrs. Fetterolf, married Joseph Holdzkom, in Chester county in 1854, they
removing soon afterwards to the city of Philadelphia, where he engaged in
business as a con-tractor and builder. The children of Joseph and Sarah
(Michener) Holdzkom; Nathan, died at the age of thirty-three years; Samuel,
died at the age of thirty-nine years; Ann E., William, Emily and Victoria, all
of whom died in infancy; Anna S., wife of Mr. Fetterolf; Margaret (Mrs. F. C.
Stiles); Joseph and George, both of Philadelphia. Joseph Holdzkom was not a
member of any church; his wife was a Methodist. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Fetterolf: Morton H., born January 9,
1889; Mildred E., born September 11, 1894; Allen C., born July 2, 1896; Horace
G., born March 26, 1903, died December 25, 1903. The family attends Trinity
Memorial church at Ambler, of which Mr. Fetterolf is a vestryman. MRS. ANNIE HILL LEAF, who has charge of the postoffice at Fort Washington,
is the widow of Charles Clay Leaf, deceased. She was born in Mercer county, New
Jersey, being a daughter of David S. and Ann (Sutphen) Hill. Her father was a
son of David Hill, also of New Jersey, of a- colonial family. The children of
David Hill (grandfather): Ann, wife of Eli Moore, prominent in the manufacture
of pottery; Elizabeth (Mrs. G. Obert); David S., father. David S. Hill was reared in New Jersey, being trained as a farmer, which
occupation he followed through life, and was one of the most prominent men in
Mercer county, where he spent the greater part of his life, Politically he was
a Democrat, but never aspired to political preferment, and kept the even tenor
of his way as an. honest and successful farmer. After the death of his wife in
1883 he removed to Pennsylvania, and resided with his son in Monroe county,
where he died in 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years. In religious faith he
was a Baptist of the old school type. His wife, Ann Sutphen, belonged to a
family who are among the oldest in New Jersey, having settled there in colonial
times. The Sutphen ancestor came from Holland. Ann was the daughter of Arthur
Sutphen. (Page 295) Derrick A. Sutphen, born March 20, 1785, married Mary Cox. They were the
parents of Lewis Sutphen, who died July 2, 1898, at an advanced age. He lived
and died on a part of the original tract of land settled by the Sutphens, the
immigrant being his great-grandfather. Lewis Sutphen was the
great-great-great-grandson of Richard and Penelope Stout, and also stood in the
same relationship to Derrick van Sutphen and his wife, Lisbeth J. Van Nuys, who
came from the town of Zutphen, in Holland. Arthur Sutphen was reared on a farm
and became very successful in that occupation. His children: Ann (mother);
Edward, William, Lewis, Derrick, Mary (Mrs. Schenck); Sarah (Mrs. L. Labaw). The children of David S. and Ann Hill: Benjamin, a farmer; George, who
located on a farm in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, where his father also lived
and died, after which the son sold the farm and returned to New Jersey, where
he established himself in a real estate business at Newark; Frances (Mrs.
William Reilly); Margaret (Mrs. V. Stout); Laura (Mrs. E. Young); Annie,
subject of this sketch; David, died young. Charles Clay Leaf and Annie Hill were married at Philadelphia. He was born
at Pottstown, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1854, the son of Rev. Edmund and Harriet
Potts (Clay) Leaf, the last named being a daughter of Charles and Maria (Evans)
Clay. The Evans family are among the earliest settlers in Montgomery county. The
Clays have long been prominent in American history. The immigrant was Robert
Clay, of Chesterfield, in Yorkshire, England, and later of Sheffield. He
married Maria Slater in 1687, and about 1700 emigrated to Virginia. Among his
descendants was the great statesman and candidate of the Whig party in 1848 for
president, Henry Clay. Cassius M. Clay is another descendant, as well as Charles
Clay, of Pottstown, who owned a portion of the land on which that borough was
built. His children: Harriet Potts Clay, George Clay, and two daughters, one of
whom was Hannah. Rev. Edmund Leaf, D. D., was a native of Pottstown, where he was born in
1818. He died at Birdsboro, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1890. He was a
rector of St. Gabriel's Episcopal church at Douglassville from 1844 to 1876.
His father, George Leaf, was a pioneer merchant of Pottstown, and died there in
1823. His children: George, Thomas, William, Harlan, Edmund, Mary, Anna, Julia,
Elizabeth. Mary married Thomas Boyd. Elizabeth married Daniel H. Beecher, for
many years a prominent merchant of Pottstown. Edmund was the last survivor of
the family. He graduated at Yale College in 1841, and in 1844 was ordained a
minister of the Episcopal church. In that year he was called to the rectorship
of Christ church, Pottstown, and was in charge there and at St. Gabriel's
church until 1858. In 1850 he commenced preaching at Birdsboro, and from a mission with a few
members who met in a school house a large congregation was gathered. In 1853 a
church building was erected. Mr. Leaf served the three congregations until
1858, when he resigned that at Pottstown; and some years later that at
Douglassville, continuing in charge of the Birdsboro church until his last
illness. In 1844 he married Harriet Potts Clay, who survived him. Their children:
Charles Clay, husband of Mrs. Leaf; Nellie Lane; Edward Bowman, married
Elizabeth Trenchard, and their children are Harriet Clay and Frances Trenchard;
George Herbert. Charles Clay Leaf was reared at Pottstown, receiving a liberal education.
He was by profession a civil engineer. He engaged in the service of the Reading
Railway Express Company, with his office at Philadelphia. He married, and in
1887 removed to Fort Washington, where he engaged in business as a merchant, in
which he continued ten years. He then accepted a clerkship in the office of the
auditor general of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, where he was the warrant clerk.
(Page 296) He continued in this position until his death on May 12, 1898, he being
one of the many victims of the Exeter wreck, being instantly killed, along with
many prominent citizens of Norristown who had been in attendance at the
dedication of the monument to General John Frederic Hartranft, and were
returning home. He was thus removed suddenly from his wife and young family,
his death being a great loss not only to them but also to the community. He was
an earnest and aggressive Republican, and had much influence in politics. He was
the acknowledged party leader in that section of Montgomery county. On March 31, 1902, Mrs. Leaf received the appointment of postmaster at
Fort Washington, and has been able to keep her family together and to educate
them well. They are four in number, as follows: 1. Louis H., born May 21, 1878,
who after his school days were ended enlisted in the United States army, and a
year later was commissioned as second lieutenant of infantry at Fort Meade,
North Dakota, and was ordered from that place at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, and
a few months later to the Philippines, where he rendered valuable services for
nearly two years, being in a number of battles and skirmishes, in one of which
he received a wound in the right leg, which required amputation, and this
operation had to be repeated. After his return home still another operation was
required. 2. Eleanor Clay, who is attending school at Washington, D. C. 3.
Charles L., also attending school. 4. Elizabeth, at school at Germantown. The
family are members of the St. Thomas Episcopal church of Whitemarsh
township. FRANKLIN W. HALLOWELL, of Bethayres, was born on the family homestead in
Abington township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1850. He is a
descendant of John Hallowell, the immigrant, who became the progenitor of a
numerous family in that section, and from whom descended most if not all of the
Hallowells of Bucks and Montgomery counties. John Hallowell, the immigrant, was twice married, as appears from the
records of Abington Meeting. His first wife, Sarah, bore him one child, John,
born in England, 12 mo. 8, 1672. His second wife was Mary, a daughter of Thomas
Sharpe, who came with him from Hucknow, in the parish of Sutton,
Nottinghamshire, England, bringing a Friends' certificate dated 12 mo. 19,
1682. Of this marriage there were nine children, the first three born in
England, and the ethers in America, as follows: Sarah, born 1677; Thomas, 1679;
Mary, 1681; John, 1685; Elizabeth, 1687; Hannah, 1689; Samuel, 1692; Benjamin
1694; Jane, 1696. John Hallowell, on first coming to the country, settled near Darby. On 6
mo. 15, 1696, he bought from Silas Crispin, executor of the estate of Thomas
Holmes, a tract of land containing 630 acres in Abington township, adjoining
Upper Dublin, and on the line of the manor of Moreland for upwards of a mile,
paying therefor 58 pounds, 16 shillings. Soon after this purchase John
Hallowell removed to his new property, living at first in a rude cabin which he
constructed partly in the ground, on the sunny side of a hill, making a
habitation which in early days was known as a cave, similar to those
constructed by some of the early settlers of Philadelphia. This was at or near
what has recently been the residence of the well known horseman, Philip R.
Theobald, about a mile and a half southwest of Willow Grove, in one of the
finest neighborhoods in Montgomery county. The Theo-bald farm formed a portion
of the original Hallowell tract. Up to the time of the Theobald purchase from
Benjamin Hallowell, son of Isaac and Sarah Hallowell, about 1850, the property
had remained in the Hallowell family, and the adjoining one hundred acre tract
has remained in the family name for considerably more than two centuries. John
Hallowell conveyed to his eldest son, Thomas, 8 mo. 1, 1702, 220 acres of his
tract, with the improvements thereon. (Page 297) The remainder, 408 acres, he divided equally 4 mo. 11 1706, between two
younger sons, Samuel and Benjamin, as they came of age. Thomas conveyed, 12 mo.
25, 1730, his 220 acre farm derived from his father, to his eldest child,
William, who purchased from William Dunn in 1730, one hundred acres in
Moreland, which he conveyed, June 3, 1736, to his son Thomas, weaver, who had
previously occupied it. This tract was situated a mile northwest of Willow
Grove and is the farm which was owned by Joseph Hallowell, father of Dr.
William Hallowell, of Norristown, now long deceased, and on which he was born
more than a century ago, he having been the son of Joseph Hallowell, and
grandson of Thomas Hallowell. Thomas died in 1788, and his son Joseph in 1843,
William dying fifty years later, so that the three generations of the same
family, represented by these three individuals owned the property for a time
somewhat exceeding a century and a half, being a very remarkable instance of
longevity in one family. Thomas, son of John and Mary Hallowell, born 1679, died 1734, married in
1702, at Darby, in what is now Delaware county, Pennsylvania, Rosamond Till,
who survived him, dying in 1745. Both were buried in the old section of the
burying ground adjoining the Friends' meeting house at Abington. Their children
were: John, born 1703; Mary, 1705; Thomas, 1706; William, 1707; Rosamond, 1709;
Elizabeth, 1711; Sarah, 1714; Thomas 1715; Samuel, 1717; Joseph, 1719. William, son of Thomas and Rosamond (Till) Hallowell, resided on his farm
in Abington until 8mo. 23, 1794, where he died at the age of eighty-seven
years. He was twice married. His first wife was Margaret, born 1708, died 1753,
daughter of Matthias (or Mathew) and Mary Tyson. They were the parents of twelve
children: Thomas, bon 1730; Rosamond, 1731; Mathew, 1733; William, 1734; John,
1736; Rynear, 1739; David, 1740; Mary, 1742; Isaac, 1744; John, 1746; John
(3d), 1749; Joshua, 1751. William Hallowell married (second) Agnes, daughter of
Peter Shoemaker, and to them were born four children: Daniel, born 1754; Caleb,
1756; Joseph, 1759; Sarah, 1761. John Hallowell, son of William and Margaret (Tyson) Hallowell, born in
1749, great-grandfather of Franklin W, Hallowell, was a resident of Cheltenham
township, Montgomery county. He married, 11 mo. 3, 1774, Martha, born 3 mo. 9,
1753, in Milford, Bucks county daughter of Thomas, Jr., and Letitia Roberts,
her father being the son of Thomas Roberts, the immigrant. John and Martha
(Roberts) Hallowell lived in Abington township after their marriage, and John
died there in 1793, during the prevalence of an epidemic of yellow fever in
Philadelphia, he having contracted the disease while engaged in the transaction
of business in that city. Their children were: Isaac, married Mary Fletcher;
Israel, further mentioned below; Ann, married Joseph Williams; John R., married
Ann Jarrett. Israel, second son and child of John and Martha (Roberts) Hallowell, and
grandfather of Franklin W. Hallowell, was born in 1778. He was a large property
holder, owning valuable farms in Abington and Moreland townships, and was also a
miller, owning a grist mill on the Pennypack creek, which his father had
operated prior to the Revolutionary war. He married Mary, daughter of William
Jarrett, of Horsham, and their children were: Ann L., who married Isaac Mather,
for whose children see sketch of Isaac Mather, elsewhere in this work; Martha,
married Samuel Parry; John J., married Rachel Williams, and became the parents
of Franklin W.; Tacy, married David Eastburn; William Jarrett, married Lydia
Ann Lloyd; Israel, Jr., of whom further below; Mary, married George Ely; Jonas
Wyman, married Esther L. Fenton. John J. and Rachel (Williams) Hallowell were the parents of the following
named children: 1. Williams, born 8th mo. 27, 1835, died 4th mo. 8, 1859; the
married Sarah Tyson, and they had one child, Willietta, born 3d mo. 26, 1859,
died 7th mo. 31, 1868. 2. Elizabeth W., born 8th mo. 16 1842, died 8th mo. 4,
1861. 3. Franklin W. Franklin W. Hallowell, youngest child and only son of John J. and Rachel
(Williams) Hallowell, has passed his entire life in his native township of
Abington. He is known as a man of high character and usefulness in the
community. He married, March 19, 1873, Sallie S. Fenton, born to mo. 7, 1850, a
daughter of William W. and Caroline H. (Saurman) Fenton. Their children:
Caroline F., born 1st mo. 20, 1876, the wife of John K. Williams, they residing
at Mount Airy; Helen R., born 11th mo. 19, 1884. (Page 299) The Fentons are a numerous and influential family in Cheltenham and
Abington townships, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Eleazer Fenton
emigrated from England to America in or prior to 1680, and settled in
Burlington county, New Jersey. Of his family, Ephraim Fenton, his son, removed
to Buckingham township, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and took up 510 acres of
land about the year 1710. He died in 1748, leaving three sons, Eleazer, Josiah
and Samuel, of whom Samuel, whose death occurred in 1896, was the ancestor of
Mrs. Hallowell. His son Ephraim married in 1782, Mary Thomas, of Milestown, in
Philadelphia county, a relative of the painter, Benjamin West, and settled in
Cheltenham township, Montgomery county. He was the grandfather of Mrs.
Hallowell, her father, William W. Fenton, being one of his children, eight in
all, WILLIAM H. MURPHEY, secretary of the board of township commissioners of
Cheltenham, and ex-member of the house of representatives at Harrisburg, is one
of the best known citizens of the lower section of Montgomery county. He is a
native of the city of Philadelphia, where he was born November 15, 1848, in the
old district of Northern Liberties. He is a son of Henry T. and Emeline (James)
Murphey. His mother was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth James, of Loudoun
county, Virginia. Mr. Murphey's paternal ancestors were of Irish origin, and in
religion were Protestants. His grandparents were Francis and Mary E. Murphey,
both of whom spent their entire lives in Ireland. Henry T. Murphey, father, was born near Durimanway, county of Cork,
Ireland, but came to this country in early life, locating in Philadelphia, and
is still a resident of that city, being the oldest voter in the Twentieth ward.
In early life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and afterwards followed this
occupation through the more active period of his life, although for the past
quarter of a century he has not been engaged in any business. He married
Emeline James, in Philadelphia. Their children: Thomas F., deceased; William
H., subject of this sketch; Mary E., widow of Louis Phillips; Thomas F.,
second, residing in Philadelphia. William H. Murphey acquired his education in the public schools of
Philadelphia. After completing the ordinary course of study he learned the
trade of carriage making, which occupation he followed very successfully for a
number of years in the city of his birth. In the year 1871 he removed to
Ashbourne, at that time a small village, but now a place of considerable
importance in a beautiful neighborhood in Cheltenham township. Mr. Murphey has
from his first vote, cast in 1870, been an active Republican worker, and he
became at once interested in Montgomery county politics. In 1880 he was elected
a member of the Cheltenham school board, and was re-elected at the end of his
term of three years, serving in all six years with entire acceptability to the
people of the township. In his action as a school director Mr. Murphey occupied
the most advanced position, leaving nothing undone to keep the schools at the
highest point as to efficiency and usefulness. The fine reputation achieved by
the schools of the district is due largely to the progressive spirit displayed
by men like Mr. Murphey who have filled the position of director in the past
twenty years. In 1894, his name was prominently mentioned as the Republican nominee for
recorder of deeds in Montgomery county. He did not obtain the nomination at
that time, but he was named as deputy recorder by George W. Keys, the
successful aspirant, and served three years in that position. At the end of Mr.
Keys' term as recorder of deeds, Mr. Murphey, who had made many new friends
during his stay in the office as deputy recorder, was unanimously named by the
Republican county convention for the succession to Mr. Keys, and was elected by
a large majority at the end of a very effective canvass, in November, 1896. He
faithfully performed the duties of the position, retiring at the end of three
years, on the 31st of December, 1899, with the respect and confidence of all
with whom he had come in contact during his term of office. In November, 1900,
Mr. Murphey was elected a member of the house of representatives, and took an
active part in the legislation of that session. While still a member of the
legislature he was elected to his present position, and he has performed its
duties with great ability and success. In political life Mr. Murphey has been
remarkably fortunate, always attaining the object of his ambition, and making
hosts of friends in the fulfillment of his duties. (Page 299) Mr. Murphey married, in Philadelphia, Miss Sarah C., daughter of Henry L.
and Joan Lutts. Their children: Catherine E., Harry L. and William M. Harry L.
is purchasing agent for the Midvale Steel Works. He is married, and has two
children, Margaret and Helen. William M. is now residing in Manila, in the
Philippine Islands. He served an apprenticeship on the schoolship "Saratoga,"
and on the breaking out of the Cuban war, was appointed as an officer on the
steamship "Paris," renamed by the United States government the "Yale." After
the close of the Spanish-American war, he proceeded to Manila as third officer
of the transport "Meade," and was subsequently appointed captain of a vessel in
the coast-guard service which position he still fills. Mr. Murphey's daughter, Miss Catherine, is an assistant superintendent of
music in the Philadelphia schools. Miss Murphey was the first graduate of the
Ogontz High School, and is also a graduate of the State Normal School at West
Chester. She is an able musician and an excellent teacher, and is well esteemed
by her pupils. Mr. Murphey is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the
Golden Eagle. In his political views he is an earnest supporter of the
Republican party, its candidates and principles. He has been a delegate to many
state and county conventions. As an official he is faithful and painstaking,
thoroughly devoted to the interests of the public, and always attentive to the
requirements of the position. He is actively interested in the welfare of the
community in which he resides, and, is universally respected. REBECCA C. REES, widow of John Rees, and daughter of John and Susanna
(Schwenk) Christman, was born in Lower Pottsgrove township, where she has
always lived, December 15, 1818. John Christman (father) was born and always lived in Montgomery county.
Although he learned the trade of a shoemaker he never followed it, devoting his
life to farming. Mrs. Christman was the daughter of a prominent farmer in
Frederick township, but she always lived in Lower Pottsgrove township. Mr.
Christman died in 1857, aged fifty-seven years, and his wife survived him some
years, dying at the age of sixty-eight. They had four children, three daughters
and one son. They all married. Equilla, the oldest daughter, married John
Minter, of Philadelphia, where they reside. She is ninety-four years old and
her husband is ninety. He has been retired for many years. One daughter lives
in Reading, at the age of eighty-seven. The son resides in Washington, D. C.,
or did until a few years ago. Jacob Christman (grandfather) always lived in
Montgomery county, where he was a farmer. He died many years ago. His wife was
Mary Christman. John Rees, husband of Mrs. Rees, died in May, 1892, at the age of
seventy-six years. They removed to the present home of Mrs. Rees in 1840, and
built the house as it stands today. Mr. Rees was the founder of the station at
Sanatoga, and was the progenitor of many other enterprises. In politics he was
a Democrat, and was a great support to the party. He was a member of the
Lutheran church, and is buried at Limerick Center, where generation after
generation of his family were buried before him. He died after a life of
usfulness [sic], honored by all with whom he had ever had dealings. They had no
children, but Mrs. Rees has an adopted daughter, Rebecca Sheeler who is heir to
all the estate of the family. Mrs. Rees has not been in good health for several
years. She is the possessor of many pieces of antique and valuable pieces of
china and furniture which have belonged to the family for many generations. (Page 300) was a farmer and lived on the present home of Mrs. Rees. He owned all the
property for many miles around Saratoga. He was also a shoemaker, and purchased
the farm when he emigrated to America in the time of William Penn. The mill on
the farm is two hundred and ninety years old, and has always been owned and
operated by the Rees family. John Rees, Sr., married Anna Schwenk. Rebecca Sheeler, the adopted daughter, married Bernard Sheeler, and they
have ten living children, viz: John R., Joseph C., Blanche L., Lincoln H., Paul
M., Edith M., William B., Mary E., Emma D., and Jennie. A son Bernard died in
infancy. 
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(Picture of Memorial Church of the Holy Nativity)
(Picture of Rev. Fordyce H. Argo)
(Picture of William Morton)
(Picture of Louis A. Nagle)
(Picture of Franklin W. Hallowell)
Return to Roberts' Biographies: Vol I. Index
Return to Roberts' Biographies: Vol II. Index
Go to Roberts' Biographies: Vol II - Part 13