(Picture of Thomas Holland)

 

 

 

THOMAS HOLLAND, deceased, was the first member of this branch of the family to emigrate to America. He was a native of Oldham, Lancashire, England, where he was born June 13, 1829. His father, John Holland, was a silk weaver by occupation and spent his life's career in Lancashire, which county in England is celebrated for its many silk and woolen factories.

John Holland had twice married. By his first union he had a son James and a daughter Elizabeth, who grew to Years of maturity. The son James came to the United States in 1844, settling at Conshohocken, where he married and had one son by his first wife. After her death he married (secondly) Bella Harrison, by whom he had a son Horace R., and a daughter Euphemia. James, the father of these children, died at Norristown, February 22, 1894.

John Holland, father of Thomas of this review, married secondly, and by this union had born to him three sons: Joseph, William, and Thomas. The latter was educated and reared to manhood at Oldham, where he also learned the trade of his father, that of silk weaving.

 

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In 1856 he decided to come to the United States, hoping to find here a broader field for his skill and labor. He accordingly sailed for New York, and after a long and tedious voyage of fourteen weeks he landed at New York, whence he at once came to Conshohocken, where he found employment with Dr. John R. Reed, with whom he remained for over two years. During this time he was frugal and industrious, carefully husbanding his resources, and in 1858 he decided to open a hotel in the building which the family now occupy on Fayette street, and which had formerly been used for a manufactory for weaving cloth and jackets for army use. After having made the necessary alterations and changes to the building Mr. Holland began to conduct an orderly and well kept house under his license, which was granted November 15, 1858. He continued keeping a hotel in this building uninterruptedly up to the time of his death, which occurred March 22, 1896. During these nearly forty years of his successful career he became well and favorably known as a genial and obliging host, and was regarded by his patrons and neighbors alike as a good neighbor and worthy citizen.

Thomas Holland married, July 3, 1858, Mary Ann Bawden, who was born October 19, 1831, and is daughter of William and Thomazine (Roseberry) Bawden, both of whom were natives of Cornwall, England. To this marriage were born two surviving children: John, who was born February 28, 1861, married, February 28, 1882, Mary Sockendency, who died February 18, 1894, leaving no issue; Thomazine, the second child of this family, was born June 13, 1865. She married Henry Pearce November 30, 1884, and they have one son, John H. Pearce, born July 26, 1901.

John Holland, son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Bawden) Holland, was educated in the schools of Conshohocken, and upon attaining to years of manhood learned the bricklaying trade, which occupation he followed until the death of his father, since which time he has assisted in the management of the interests of his father's estate.

Politically he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in such enterprises as are likely to benefit the community in which he lives.

 

 

H. H. YELLIS, a leading businessman and contractor and builder of Gratersford, was born in Montgomery county on January 17, 1853. He is the son of Henry D. and Mary M. (Hunsicker) Yellis.

Henry D. Yellis (father) was born and reared in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He learned the trade of miller, and after his marriage followed his trade for one year in Germantown. He then purchased the mill at Franktoning, where he was very successful, but was prevented from acquiring a very large estate by his early death, in 1856. He had always devoted all his attention to milling, and was an industrious and highly respected man. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Reformed church.

At the time of his death his oldest child was but three years old, and both he and his younger brother were reared by relatives. The widow of Henry D. Yellis, Mary M. (Hunsicker) Yellis, married (second husband) William Koter, a carpenter and a skilled mechanic, who lived in Bucks county, where he died. His widow still survives, and resides with one of her children in Collegeville, Montgomery county. She was born in 1833. The children of William and Mary Koter: Elizabeth (Mrs. Klausfelder); James, a hatter residing in New Jersey, and Harvey, an employee of the trolley company.

The father of Henry D. Yellis settled in Bucks county, where he died. Little is known of his history. He had the following children Peter, a miller by trade, who settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania; Henry D. (father); Catharine, married Joseph Mann; Elizabeth, died unmarried; Mary, Mrs. Isenhart. The parents were members of the Reformed church, and he was a Democrat in politics.

Mary M. (Hunsicker) Yellis, the wife of Henry D. Yellis, is the daughter of Henry C. and Lydia (Markley) Hunsicker. Henry C. Hunsicker was born in Perkiomen township, and was reared on a farm. He learned the trade of miller.

 

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In 1833 he removed to Franconia township where he was engaged as a farmer until 1850 when he returned to his native township and purchased the mill near Iron Bridge, which was built in 1747. He managed this mill until his retirement from business, a few years before his death, in 1871. He was a loyal man during the Rebellion, and in politics a Whig and a Republican. In 1833 Henry C. Hunsicker married Lydia, daughter of Philip Markley, of Perkiomen township, and their children were: Mary M. (Mrs. Yellis); Philip M., born November 18, 1836, married in 1858, Lizzie R. Tyson, was formerly engaged in the feed, coal and lumber business at Rahn Station; Charles M., a farmer; Daniel M., a miller at the old Hunsicker mill; Henry M., died; Henry M., the second; Anna M., married James Koons; Deborah, married H. T. Johnson; Lydia, married Benjamin F. Saylor; and Catharine M., never married. Henry C. Hunsicker married (second wife) Susan, daughter of David Rittenhouse, and widow of Mr. Bechtel. She was a descendant of William Rittenhouse, the first Mennonite bishop of America, and her father was a cousin of David Rittenhouse, the famous astronomer.

The children of David Rittenhouse: Jacob, David, William, Martin, and Susan, married Mr. Hunsicker. There were no children of the second marriage of Henry Hunsicker. Henry Hunsicker was a Dunkard in early life, but later did not affiliate with any church.

Henry C. Hunsicker, father of Mrs. Yellis (now Mrs. Koter), was the son of Henry and Mary (Detwiler) Hunsicker. His mother was the daughter of John Detwiler. His brothers and sisters were: John D., Daniel D., William D., Elizabeth, Mary, Catharine and Susanna. Henry Hunsicker, grandfather of Mrs. Yellis, was the son of Valentine Hunsicker, who came from Switzerland to the United States in 1717, and about 1720 settled in Perkiomen township, Montgomery county. This Valentine Hunsicker was the ancestor of all the Hunsickers in this section of Pennsylvania.

The children of Henry D. and Mary Yellis were: H. H., the subject of this sketch; and William, a carpenter by trade who resides in the state of California. The mother is a member of the Reformed church of Collegeville.

H. H. Yellis was, as has been said, three years old at the time of his father's death. He went to live with his grandfather, Henry C. Hunsicker, and was reared near Iron Bridge. He assisted his grandfather in the mill and on the farm, and attended the public schools. Later he was employed as a farm hand, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade, which he followed for several years. He also learned and followed the trade of millwright. He built a shirt factory at Rahn Station, and engaged in business, but was not successful and lost all his money, besides being much in debt. He was not discouraged, however, but went to work at his trade of carpenter, and soon paid off all his debts. At the end of five years he married, and settled at Gratersford, where he built a large shop and became a contractor and builder, also furnishing all kinds of building supplies, including doors, frames, and slate for roofing. He does an extensive business, and has been very successful. The shirt factory he afterwards rented for other purposes, and it finally burned down, being a total loss in every way. When Mr. Yellis started in his present business he had very little capital, but has been rewarded for his hard work, and now regards with pride his struggle to gain a competency. He is still engaged in active business, and constructs all kinds of buildings, furnishing both material and labor. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Yellis married, in 1882, Francis, daughter of Garret and Catharine Kohl. She was born in Perkiomen township in 1859 Garret Kohl was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Ottinger) Kohl. Jacob Kohl was the son of Ichelberger Kohl, who emigrated to America and became a highly respected farmer. The children of Ichelberger Kohl: Joseph, Daniel, Jacob, Henry, John, Catharine, Mrs. Wagner; Abraham. All the family were members of the Lutheran denomination. Jacob Kohl, grandfather of Mrs. Yellis, was a farmer all his life. He lived at several different places, and finally settled at Providence Square, where he died. He and his family were members of the Reformed church. His children: Garret, father of Mrs. Yellis; Henry, Joseph, Nathan, Jacob, Barbara, never married; Sarah, Mrs. Wolf; Elizabeth, Mrs. Zimmerman; Lavina, married Thomas Miller.

 

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Garret Kohl, father of Mrs. Yellis, was reared on his father's farm, and assisted on that and the neighboring places until his marriage, in 1854. He then purchased the farm near Gratersford, which he still owns, and where he lived and worked until his retirement. He attended market in Norristown, and continued as an active and leading farmer until 1880, when he retired. He now resides near the homestead, which he rents to his son. Mr. Kohl was born in 1821, and both he and his wife are in good health. He married in 1854, Catharine, daughter of Henry and Catharine (Kulp) Gotwals, who was born in Perkiomen township, December 4, 1831, and is still living, She and her husband are members of Christ church. Their children: Garret, Jr.; Lydia, Mrs. E. Tyson; Francis G., Mrs. Yellis; Jacob, still unmarried, a missionary for the Nazarene church in China.

Henry Gotwals, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Yellis, was the son of Abraham and Magdalena Gotwals. Abraham Gotwals' father emigrated from Switzerland at an early date, and was a farmer. Abraham Gotwals, maternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Yellis, owned and operated the mill at Iron Bridge. His children: John, Adam, Abraham, Henry (grandfather); Nancy, Mrs. Horning; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Bean; Fannie, Mrs. Dr. Hammer; Catharine, Mrs. Rittenhouse; Hannah, Mrs. Joseph Markley; Mary, Mrs. High. Henry Gotwals, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Yellis, was reared to farming and milling, and bought the mill between Schwenksville and Gratersford. There he not only ground flour and feed but also carded wool, doing an extensive business for many years. He sold the mill and bought a large farm on a portion of the land where the town of Gratersford now stands, and devoted his entire attention to farming. He died there August 9, 1854 at the age of fifty-three years. His wife was born in 1807, and died November 1, 1880. They were members of the old Mennonite church. Mrs. Henry Gotwals was the daughter of Henry Kulp, a farmer of Montgomery county. Henry Kulp was a Mennonite. His children: Catharine (Mrs. Gotwals), and Susan (Mrs. A. Wismer).

Henry Gotwals, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Yellis, and his wife Catharine (Kulp) Gotwals had the following children: Frances, Mrs. T. Price; Catharine (mother), married Garret Kohl. After the death of Henry Gotwals the family sold the land, and there Gratersford was afterwards plotted.

The children of H. H. and Francis G. Yellis: William K., born October 2, 1884, attended Schissler's Business College at Norristown, and in October, 1904, left for California to follow his profession as a bookkeeper; Birdella, born June 2, 1889, resides with her parents; Alice M., born January 22, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Yellis are in religious faith, Mennonite Brethren in Christ.

 

 

(Picture of Jacob F. Fell)

 

JACOB F. FELL, deceased, of Norristown, whose life was protracted almost to the years of the octogenarian, was during his entire career a fine type of the old-school gentleman whose gentility and high sense of honor were as manifest in his business relations with his fellows as in domestic and social circles, and the impress of his noble personality is discernable in the community which was so long graced by his presence.

Mr. Fell was descended from an old and honorable family of Swiss origin which bore the name of Foell. His grandparents, Jacob and Jacobina (Beck) Foell, originally from Zurich, Switzerland, emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany, about the year 1807, settling at first in Philadelphia, but soon afterward removing to Oley, in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Here Jacob Fell (or Foell) engaged in the tanning business, which he had followed in the fatherland.

 

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Christian J. Fell, son of Jacob and Jacobina Fell, passed a portion of his life in Oley, where he was born, but the greater and more active part in the city of Philadelphia. Brought up to the trade of his father, he there became associated in business with Adam Dotterer, a well known tanner, and subsequently became senior member of the firm of Fell & Kinsler, which for many years conducted a most flourishing trade as tanner. Mr. Fell married Miss Annie Kinsler, whose mother was a member of the sect which founded the communal settlement known as Economy, near Harmony, and was also a cousin of Jonathan Lentz, one of the twelve apostles, so called, and otherwise prominent in the peculiar sect to which he adhered.

Jacob F. Fell, son of Christian J. and Annie (Kinsler) Fell, was born in Philadelphia, December 25, 1823. His boyhood years were divided between that city and the village of Oley, where his family was still connected. At an early age he entered his father's tannery, where he remained for several years, soon bearing a man's part in the work, which he had thoroughly mastered. The tanning business was to his liking, and upon reaching manhood, in 1844, being desirous of enlarging his business opportunities, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and opened a leather finding store. Shortly afterward he became connected with his twin brother, Christian G. Fell, and they opened a tannery which they operated for a period of time, after which he purchased his brother's interest. Shortly after the purchase was made, the place was destroyed by fire. Later he associated himself with Alexander Swift in the tanning business, subsequently purchasing the interest of his partner, and for some years conducted the business alone. He had not only established his reputation as a most accomplished and successful business man, but he made for himself an enviable record as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. A member of the board of trade of Cincinnati, he manifested an active, interest in the affairs of the city, and his sympathy and means were freely extended to all laudable objects for the advancement of the community along all substantial lines. His residence in Cincinnati covered two years of the Civil war period, and during those exciting days he bore the full part of a patriot citizen in the procurement of means for the recruiting of troops and for the use of that grand instrument for good, the Christian Commission. Nor did his patriotic spirit permit him to use only his means and voice for his country, for in 1861 he served three months in an Ohio regiment, the greater part of the time being engaged in the construction of fortifications for the defense of the city of Cincinnati.

In 1863 Mr. Fell removed to Philadelphia, where he lived in comparative retirement from business pursuits, being only a silent partner with a brother in Ohio, and after a residence of about tell years in that city removed to Norristown, which was his residence thenceforward until his death, February 21, 1903, in his eightieth year. During his thirty years residence, in Norristown, Mr. Fell was an even and unfailing exemplar of all the noblest virtues that grace a true Christian manhood, and his presence was a benediction upon the community. Holding to his highest ideals, he left behind him a record which will long endure to color the lives of many who knew him. He was an earnest but modest laborer in behalf of every worthy cause. He was the sympathizing friend of all who came to him in their distress of body, mind or estate, and he aided them tenderly with his words of encouragement and cheer, and efficaciously with his means. He was a keen student of men and books. His knowledge was enriched and increased by travel, his business taking him over the United States, and he also traveled in Cuba and Europe, visiting Switzerland, France, Germany and other countries. This, combined with a retentive memory, vivid imagination and a rich vocabulary, made him an entertaining and instructive companion and conversationalist. He was active as a member and officer of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was independent, usually voting the Republican ticket, and although often urged by his many friends to accept public office always refused the honor.

Mr. Fell was twice married. His first wife was Miss Josephine Rusting, of Philadelphia, who bore him four children, three of whom died in early life. The surviving child, Sarah Josephine, became the wife of Alfred Brooke, of Norristown, no issue; they are both deceased.

 

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His second wife was Miss Mary J. Custer, also of Philadelphia, who survives her honored husband, and their children were: Frederick N., who attended the Norristown schools and also pursued a course in a business college in Philadelphia; he devotes much of his time to looking after the interests of his late father's estate; he is a member of Charity Lodge, 190, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norristown. Percy J., who also attended the Norristown schools, and a business college in Philadelphia, and since the completion of his studies has been in the employ of Powers & Weightman, manufacturing chemists of Philadelphia, he is a trustee in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Norristown, and an accomplished vocalist; he is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons, and one or more social societies of Norristown. M. Bertha, who is a graduate of the Norristown high school, is a member of the Historical Society of Montgomery county, and a gifted student of literature. The children reside at home with their mother.

Mrs. Jacob F. Fell is a granddaughter of Daniel Custer, a carpenter and builder, who resided near Towamensing, Montgomery county. He married Magdalene Smith, daughter of Joseph Smith, of Towamensing, and Mary Myers, of Spruce Hill, Bucks county. Nathan Custer (father) was born in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and during his business career engaged in the manufacture of scales, and in the coal trade, in the city of Philadelphia. He was an advocate of the principles of Democracy, but never sought or held office. He affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the blue lodge. He married Maria Burrough, who was born near Camden, New Jersey, a daughter of Thomas Burrough and his wife Abigail (Rudderow) Burrough, who resided in New Jersey, on Burlington pike, about six miles from Camden. Abigail (Rudderow) Burrough, mother of Mrs. Custer, was born on a farm located one and a half miles from Maple Shade, New Jersey. Eight children were born to Nathan and Maria Custer, six of whom are living at the present time (1904). Mr. Custer died in Philadelphia, in January, 1876, his wife having passed away in May, 1875. They were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. General George A. Custer, of Civil war and Indian war fame, was related to the family by ties of blood.

Jacob F. Fell passed away at his residence, No. 11 Elm street, on February 21, 1903. The interment was in the South Laurel Hill cemetery.

 

 

JOSHUA W. LIPPINCOTT, deceased, a man of intellectual attainments, sterling character and business ability of a high order, for many years a well known personality in the business circles of the city of Philadelphia, where his career was one of marked enterprise and great financial success, was born at Cinnaminson, near Riverton, Burlington county, New Jersey, October 20, 1840.

He received his primary instruction in the schools of his neighborhood, completing his education by a course at Haverford College, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. In 1861, the year he attained his majority, his uncle, Joshua Lippincott retired from the firm of Lippencott & Parry, and he then took his interest in the firm, which placed him at the head of the concern. At that time they were located at Second and Market streets, Philadelphia, wholesale and retail dealers in cloths, woolen goods, etc. The firm name remained the same until the year 1863, when Mr. Parry by reason of failing health retired, and then the business was conducted under the style of Lippincott & Johnson, Mr. Parry retaining an interest as a silent partner until 1867, when he withdrew from the firm entirely. In the meantime the business was moved to their new building at No. 1021 Walnut street, Mr. David T. Burr was admitted as a partner, and the firm name was changed to Lippincott, Johnson & Co. This name remained the same notwithstanding the fact that Joshua W. Lippincott died August 16, 1896. At the expiration of eight months the interests of Joshua W. Lippincott ceased, and Horace G. Lippincott, his son, was admitted into the firm, thus continuing the name of Lippincott, Johnson & Co.

 

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Notwithstanding that they had unlimited credit, it was with the custom of the firm to pay cash for all purchases, as it enabled them to procure the best of goods for their money. The business was conducted along conservative lines, and by the exercise of sagacity and farsightedness on the, part of Mr. Lippincott their trade increased in a remarkable manner, placing them among the leading mercantile firms in that flourishing city. Mr. Lippincott was a member of the Society of Friends, a Republican in his political views, and a valued and honored citizen.

In 1863 Mr. Lippincott married Mary Elizabeth Parry, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Hallowell) Parry. They had one son, Samuel Parry Lippincott, born October 23, 1865, at No. 1624 Mt. Vernon street, Philadelphia. He received his primary education at the John Dillingham Friends' School, and this was supplemented by a course at Haverford College Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He has been a resident of Cheltenham township for a number of years, near Wyncote, where he has become well known.

Mrs. Joshua W. Lippincott died February 26, 1866. Mr. Lippincott then married Eliza Greenough Lippincott, and they were the parents of one son, Horace Greenough Lippincott, Jr., born August 10 1871. He married Margaret Meredith, a daughter of J. Dennie and Emily Meredith.

 

 

SAMUEL PARRY, deceased, a man of excellent attainments and noble character, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1809. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Lippincott) Parry.

His early life was spent in his native city, where he acquired his education. He was deeply attached to the place, honoring the traditions attaching to its early people, and their best traits of character were impressed upon him and colored his whole life. For a number of years he was successfully engaged in a mercantile business in Philadelphia. He was actively identified with the best life of the community, and by all means in his power advanced its moral, religious and educational interests as well as its material concerns. He resided there during his entire lifetime, and died January 25, 1868.

Mr. Parry married October 16, 1834, Miss Martha Hallowell, daughter of Israel and Mary (Jarrett) Hallowell. She was born March 8, 1809, and died July 5, 1880. They were the parents of the following named children: Israel H., born August 30, 1835, died April 23, 1877; Priscilla, born November 10, 1836; Mary Elizabeth, born April 6, 1839, who was the wife of Joshua W. Lippincott, and died February 26, 1866; Joshua L., born September 20, 1840, died April 1, 1842; and Samuel, born June 26, 1844, died August 17, 1863.

 

 

HENRY H. LIPPINCOTT, deceased, was a fine type of the man of affairs of his day. His characteristics were careful and scrupulously honest methods in mercantile and financial affairs, and in all things that fine sense of honor which made his simple word as binding upon himself as though it were strengthened by a bond or oath.

He was born in Westfield, New Jersey, June 13, 1832. His youth was passed at the parental home, where he began an education which, later was supplemented by a thorough course in Alexandria (Virginia) College, taught by Benjamin Hallowell. He entered upon a mercantile career in the city of Philadelphia, where he was for many years engaged in the wholesale grocery trade. He was known as one of the representative business men of the city, and bore a splendid character for enterprise and probity. Aside from his own large business, he was interested in various other enterprises, and vas for several years a stockholder and director in the Girard National Bank. He built a modern residence in Cheltenham township, where he resided with his wife and family until his death, August 25, 1893.

Mr. Lippincott was married October 26, 1858, to Miss Priscilla Parry, daughter of Samuel, and Martha (Hallowell) Parry, and they became the parents of four children: Caroline; George H., who died July 8, 1884, at the age of twenty-three years, when he had but fairly set out upon what promised to be an unusually bright and prosperous career; Mary W., and Martha, who became the wife of Wilmer Worthing Hoopes, a member of one of the oldest families of Chester county,

 

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Pennsylvania, residing at West Chester; their child is Priscilla Lippincott Hoopes, born September 25, 1903. The mother of these children makes her residence at Ogontz, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

 

 

WILLIAM CONARD. In the town of Ogontz, Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, stand many monuments to the enterprise and skill of William Conard, who for almost thirty years has been prominently connected with building interests there. He was born in Warwick township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 1, 1831.

Among the early pioneers who came to America was Dennis Conard, as the name was anglicised, who came, in ,the ship "Concord," in 1683, from Crefeld on the Rhine, Germany, the colonists having been preceded by Francis Daniel Pastorius, who had been charged with the duty of finding home lands for them within the province lately granted by the English sovereign to William Penn. After a voyage of seventy-four days the "Concord," five hundred tons burthen, William Jeffries, master, landed at Philadelphia, October 6, 1683. The name of the progenitor was written by himself as both Kunders and Kunrad, and, is mentioned in Penn's charter of Germantown, signed and granted August 12, 1689, as Dennis Conrad, for then he was one of the first burgesses of Germantown, as well as one of the founders. It may be said, however, that Dennis Conrad was also known as Thones Kunders, in the Westphalian, and became Dennis Kunrade, or Conrad, in the Saxon. He settled in the German colony in Germantown, which has since been included within the corporate limits of the city of Philadelphia, and from him all the Conards of Whitpain township are descended.

The family were Friends, and it is to the honor of the German Friends of Germantown that as early as 1688 they addressed the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting at Burlington, protesting against the buying, selling and holding of men, women and children in slavery, declaring it in their opinion an act irreconcilable with the precepts of Christian religion. As early as 1683 the first meetings of the Friends were held at Dennis Conrad's house, and a part of the wall of that ancient house may now be seen an the northwest end of the two houses rebuilt and occupied by Mr. Lisher as an inn. On the site where Dr. George Bensall's house now stands there was an ancient house, pulled down by Dr. Bensall, in which William Penn preached. It was low, and built of frame work filled in with brick. He also preached at Schumacher's ancient house in Melch's Meadows, which was built 1686 and taken clown about twenty-five years ago.

The children of Dennis Conrad and his wife Ellen, who accompanied him from Germany were: Conrad, born in Crefeld, Germany, May 17, 1678, married, first, Anna Klincken, May 31, 1704; married, second, unknown, and died in 1747. Matthias, born in Crefeld, November 25, 1679-80. John, born in Crefeld, June 3, 1681, died probably in 1765. Ann, born in Germantown, May 4, 1684 (probably the first child born in the settlement), married Leonard Streepers, July 29, 1715. Agnes, born in Germantown, September 28, 1686, married Samuel Powell, October 29, 1709. Henry, born in Germantown, December 16, 1688-89, married Catharine Streepers, June 28, 1710. Elizabeth, born in Germantown, February 30, 1691, married Griffith Jones, November 30, 1709.

Matthias Cunard, second child of Dennis and Ellen Conrad, married, May 29, 1705, Barbara Tyson, who survived him. He died in 1726, leaving children: Anthony, Margaret, Cornelius, Magdalin, William, John, and Matthias, all of whom adopted the family name of Conard.

Cornelius Conard, second son of Matthias and Barbara Cunard, married, Mardi 29, 1732, Priscilla Bolton, daughter of Eberhard and Mary Bolton. He was a resident of Horsham, and is described as "yeoman." In 1737 he is described as "weaver," and in 1742 we find him described as of "German township yeoman." He died in 1770. Their children were: Susannah, married, October 13, 1773, Samuel Carew; Samuel, of Horsham, married, November 16, 1772, Hannah, widow of Jacob Kinderdine; John, mentioned hereinafter; Matthew, of Cheltenham, married, April 13, 1760,

 

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Mary Roberts; Everard, Joseph, Mary, married, May 25, 1762, Jacob Watson.

John Conard (grandfather) married Hannah Decoursey, and the issue of this union was the following named children: Charles, born in 1800, died in 1873, married Mary Patterson, and their children were: John, Anna, Robert, and James. 2. Abraham, mentioned hereinafter. 3. Elizabeth, who became the wife of Isaac Frankenfield, and their family consists of six children: Christopher, Charles, Harry, William, Lawrence, and Annie. 4. Isabel, who became the wife of Hiram Cooper, and their children are: William, Hannah, Calvin, Henry, and Emanuel. 5. John, who married for his first wife Sarah Johnson, no issue; his second wife was Charlotte Lukens, who bore him one child, Ellie. 6. Phoebe, who became the wife of John Coar, and their children are: John, Thomas, and Charles.

Abraham Conard (father) was a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, born in the vicinity of Doylestown. He was educated at a pay school near the place of his nativity, and thereafter worked by the day for his livelihood. His death occurred while yet in the prime of life, he being but forty-seven years of age. His wife, Euphemia (Flack) Conard, born in 1802, died June 9, 1838, bore him the following children: 1. Robert, who married Martha Paxson, and their children are Anna and Carrie. 2. Ogden B., who married Catherine Foster, and their children are as follows: Harry, Anna, deceased; William, deceased; Margaret, and Ellen, deceased. 3. Calison, who married Ann Eliza Collins, and one child was born to them, Lillie Janette. 4. William, mentioned hereinafter. 5. Ann, who became the wife of John B. Opdycke, and their children are: George W., Marion, deceased; Jonathan, deceased; Amy Francis, and John B. 6. Francis Marion, who married Aunt Stitch, and their children are Lizzie Irene and William Henry.

William Conard received a thorough and practical education at a pay school near Buckingham township, which was under the excellent preceptorship of Joseph Flack and Henry Kimble, well known educators. After completing his studies, at the age of seventeen years he began an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter. He worked as journeyman about twenty-two years, and at the expiration of this period of time went to business for himself, locating in Shoemakertown, now Ogontz. He has been thus engaged for almost thirty years, conducting an extensive business in building and contracting, giving constant employment to a large number of hands, and has well sustained the reputation for rare integrity, sterling worth and honorable business principles which he established at the beginning of his career.

In 1863 Mr. Conard was united in marriage to Harriet Emelie Duffield, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Toy) Duffield. Their children are: Sarah Adelaide, Elizabeth Rhoads, and Don Carlos Buell, who married Minnie Elsie Broomall, daughter of Nathan and Phiolena Broomall, and they are the parents of one child, Clarice Broomall Conard.

 

 

JOHN B. FAGER, an eminently respected and public-spirited citizen of the city of Philadelphia, was born at Spring City, Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1869, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Bergey) Fager. Andrew Fager (father) was born September 8, 1828. He resided at Spring City, where he was the owner of a farm of ten acres which he cultivated and improved, and at the same time he was employed at the paper mill owned and operated by Egough & Co. He was an honest, industrious man, kind and considerate to his family, which consisted of his wife, Elizabeth (Bergey) Fager, who was born in February, 1834, a descendant from an old Montgomery county family, of whom more is written elsewhere in this work, and eight children, namely: William H., born November 23, 1857; Abraham B., born April 13, 1859, died April 12, 1887; Mary E., born December 6, 1860; Joseph, born January 20, 1866; Margaret, born November 23, 1867; John B., mentioned hereinafter; Katie, born May 25, 1871; Elizabeth, born February 16, 1874, died March 25, 1874. Andrew Fager (father) died February 28, 1874. His wife survives him.

John B. Fager attended the schools of Royersford

 

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and Spring City, thereby acquiring an education which qualified him for the duties and responsibilities of life. He resided in his native place, Spring City, until he attained manhood years, and then took up his residence at Royersford. For a period of fourteen years he was employed in the hosiery mill of E. E. Emmers & Co., situated at Royersford, and the prompt manner in which he executed his work met with the approval and commendation of his employers. In 1897 he went to Philadelphia, taking up his residence at No. 1732 Stiles street, and from that year to the present (1904) has served as clerk with Mr. Penrose.

Mr. Fager was united in marriage to Clara Munshower, a daughter of Henry and Emma Munshower, of Royersford. Their children are Lloyd and Myrtle Fager.

 

 

(Picture of Rev. William Barnes Lower)

 

REV. WILLIAM BARNES LOWER, D. D., pastor of Calvary Presbyterian church, Wyncote, and one of the best known and most popular of the younger clergymen of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born November 9, 1868, in the city of Philadelphia, a son of George W. and Elizabeth A. (Barnes) Lower, who reside in Omaha, Nebraska. The former named is connected with the Omaha World-Herald. The latter named is a daughter of William Barnes, who for a number of years resided near Limerick Square, Montgomery county, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Mainland. On the paternal side Dr. Lower is of Dutch descent, tracing his lineage to Jacob Lauer, who emigrated from Holland in 1760 and settled near Reading, Pennsylvania. On the maternal side he is of English and German descent, his grandfather tracing his ancestry to England, and his grandmother, Mary (Bergey) Barnes, was the great-granddaughter of Hans Ulrich Bergey, who emigrated from Germany in 1726 and settled in Salford township, Pennsylvania.

When William B. Lower was twelve years of age his parents removed to Ottumwa, Iowa, locating there for a time, and then removing to a farm in North Nebraska, At this early age he was introduced to farming and stock raising, and the following seven years of his life was spent in breaking, prairie, planting forest trees, building fences, and other labor connected with the management of a western farm, For a period of time he taught school in Holt county, Nebraska, forty miles south of the Sioux Indian reservation. Desiring to obtain a better education than was possible under such circumstances, he left the farm and entered the University of Omaha, graduating from the academic department in 1892. The following, three years he served as principal of the Bellevue public school, Bellevue, Nebraska, and through his efforts a full high school course was arranged for the pupils and approved by the school board, and the school was brought to a high grade of efficiency. During Dr. Lower's years of study at college and his experience in teaching, he employed his vacations in traveling as the business agent of the Omaha World-Herald, this taking him into the mining and stock raising districts of Colorado, Wyoming, Dakota, Montana, and the western states in general.

In 1895 he matriculated at the Omaha Theological Seminary, from which institution he was graduated in 1898. On entering the seminary he at once received a call to take charge of the mission at Florence, a suburb of Omaha, the meetings of which were held at that time in the court house. During his middle year at the seminary the First Presbyterian church of Florence, Nebraska, was erected, and during his third year the building was enlarged by the addition of a belfry and social room. A mission chapel was also built on Poncho creek, two miles above Florence. During the year 1898 and 1899 Dr. Lower pursued a post-graduate course at Princeton (New Jersey) University. In March, 1899, he received a unanimous call to become the pastor of the Presbyterian church of Bridgeport, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, which he accepted. He was ordained to the ministry and installed as pastor of the Bridgeport church, May 12, 1899. During his very successful pastorate of two and a half years, he built up a large congregation, a new pipe organ was placed in the church, the interior of the building was thoroughly remodeled, and the edifice was freed of debt. He delivered his

 

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farewell sermon at Bridgeport on September 8, 1901. During the summer of 1900 Dr. Lower traveled through Europe, visiting Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland.

Dr. Lower received and accepted a unanimous call to the pastorate of Calvary Presbyterian church of Wyncote, having been installed by the Presbytery of Philadelphia North September 10, 1901. He entered into his work with all the vigor and ability of a promising, devoted and capable young man in the ministry, and his pastorate has been successful to a degree seldom equalled among pastors. His activity was persistent, and he established a mission known as Calvary Mission Chapel, located on Limekiln turnpike, above Washington Lane, Philadelphia. This venture met with gratifying success. The young congregation, with the aid of leading members of Calvary church, now has a house of worship well furnished and free from incumbrance. The work at the chapel is in a very prosperous condition at the present time, and the Sabbath school connected therewith has h snug little building equipped with everything needful, including a library of four hundred books, with good circulation.

The first effort which was made toward the organization of what is now Calvary Presbyterian church was the calling of a cottage prayer meeting at the homes of Wyncote residents. The result of these meetings was the organization of a mission, January 15, 1891. On January 25, of the same year, a Sunday school was organized and the first preaching service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Green. These services were held at homes in the neighborhood until a sufficient sum of money had been raised to secure a lot and erect a chapel at the corner of Greenwood and Fernbrook avenues. On Easter Day, March 29, 1891, the Wyncote Mission held services for the first time in the new chapel. Denominational lines were ignored, as they have always been, and Calvary church today owes its existence in a large measure to the generosity of Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Friends, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians. At a meeting in April, 1892, a little more than a year after birth, a petition signed by thirty persons was presented to the Presbytery of Philadelphia North, in session at Doylestown, for the formation of the Wyncote Mission into the Calvary Presbyterian church of Wyncote. On May 20, 1892, the committee on home missions, into whose hands the petition was put, met in the chapel, and Calvary church was formally organized with twenty-eight charter members, twenty-three by letters from other churches, and five by confession of faith. In June, 1893, the trustees purchased the ground upon which the manse and church was built. In September the chapel was moved to the spot upon which the church now stands. In April, 1894, ground was broken for the manse, and in September, 1896, a special building fund committee was appointed to secure contributions for the erection of a permanent church building. During the year 1897 over six thousand dollars was raised, and in April, 1898, a contract for building the new church was awarded. Ground was broken on May 9, and the cornerstone was laid July 2, with memorable services conducted by the Rev. Richard Montgomery, of Ashbourne Presbyterian church. On February 5, 1899, the first service was held in the new church, in the "Social Room," with Sunday school services in the Sunday school rooms, where church services were subsequently held until the opening of the main auditorium on Easter Day, April 2, 1899.

The active and successful career of Dr. Lower, together with other valuable service rendered the western interests of the church, and his work as a student, having been known by the faculty of Lenox College, the faculty on June to expressed its appreciation of his services by honoring him with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Those in a position to speak advisedly of the action of that institution do not hesitate to say that Lenox College did honor to itself and the church at large in thus honoring Dr. Lower. As a minister of the gospel, Dr. Lower is an indefatigable worker. He is an eloquent speaker, and bends every energy to the labor which he undertakes, whatever it be. He is a member of the Presbyterian Evangelistic Committee of Philadelphia.

 

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He is a member of the Presbyterian Evangelistic Committee of Philadelphia; of the Ministerial Union of that city; and of the board of advisers of the Presbyterian Home for Widows and Single Women, situated at Fifty-eighth street and Woodland avenue, Philadelphia. He is a poet of no mean attainments, and as a newspaper and magazine writer he has a much wider audience than in the pulpit. He has written much for the Norristown Herald, Scranton Republican, Doylestown Intelligencer, State Journal, of Madison, Wisconsin, and other daily papers. He also writes for The Methodist, Philadelphia; The Presbyterian Journal, The Jenkintown Times-Chronicle, Christian Work and Evangelist, and Current Anecdotes. He holds membership in the Montgomery County Historical Society; Lodge No. 400, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jenkintown; Montgomery Lodge No. 57, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Norristown; and serves as corresponding secretary of the Bergey Family Association.

Dr. Lower married, June 4, 1902, in the First Methodist church of Norristown, Miss Ella Ratcliffe Taylor, daughter of Isaac Taylor, president of the Sterling Mills Company, of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. They have a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born June 25, 1903.

 

 

HENRY GOTSHALK METZ. Among the names of those residents of Towamencin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, who have received from their townsmen the recognition merited by their good qualities both as farmers and citizens, that of Henry G. Metz holds a high place. He is, as his name indicates, of German descent, his ancestors having been of that nationality which has always played so conspicuous and honorable a part in the history of Pennsylvania during the colonial and revolutionary periods, and also in later times, down to the present day.

The grandfather of Mr. Metz was the head of a numerous family, consisting of the following children: 1. Catherine, who was born December 7, 1786, and died May 3, -. 2. Ida, who was born December to, 1788, and died April 12, 1791. 3. Garret, who was born November 7, 1790, and died May 12, 1870. 4. Margaret, who was born April 27, 1793, married John Harley, born June 18, 1798, and was the mother of one child, Mary, who was born November 9, 1820, and died in September, 1836. Mrs. Harley was left a widow April 9, 1833, and died April 4, 1877. 5. Mary, who was born December 19, 1794, became the wife of Abram Kendricks, and died March 12, 1872. 6. John G., who was born January 18, 1797, married Elizabeth Metz, and died July 12, 1863. His wife died, leaving one child. 7. Peter G., mentioned at length hereinafter. 8. Jacob S., who was born September 13, 1802, and died July 11, 1840, in Ohio.

Peter G. Metz, mentioned above, was born November 30, 1798, and led the life of a farmer in Montgomery county. He married Elizabeth Seigler, born March 21, 1803, daughter of Jacob Gotshalk of Lower Salford. The marriage took place in October, 1827, and the following children were born to them: 1. Barbara G., who was born November 23, 1828, married William, son of Benjamin Frederick, a carpenter and farmer of Montgomery county, and had four children; Peter, Emma, Sarah and Irene. 2. J. G., who was born January 6, 1831. 3. Henry G., mentioned at length hereinafter. 4. Rebecca G., who was born November 9, 1836, and became the wife of Jacob C. Stover. 5. Jacob G., who was born February 16, 1839, married Elizabeth Rickenbach, and was the father of two children, Linford R., and Mary. 6. John G., who was born October 8, 1841. 7. Peter G., who was born February 29, 1844, and died September 15, 1855. 8. Eli G., who was born June 3, 1846, and died September 3, 1855.

Mrs. Metz, the mother of these eight children, died June 26, 1881, at the age of seventy-eight. She was survived by her husband, whose death occurred May 11, 1886, some months after he had entered his eighty-eighth year.

Henry Gotshalk Metz, son of Peter G. and Elizabeth Seigler (Gotshalk) Metz, was born May 14, 1834, in Towamencin township, where until reaching the age of eleven years he attended the common schools. His youth and early manhood were spent in assisting his father in the labors of the homestead, of which he became sole manager on reaching the age of twenty-four.

 

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Under his care the farm, consisting of one hundred and two acres, has been maintained in every respect in a most flourishing condition. Attached to it is a dairy of fifteen cows, which, like the farm, testified to its owner's enterprise and efficiency. Successful as he was a farmer, Mr. Metz did not allow his agricultural duties to consume his whole time, but always took an active part in public affairs, aiding to the utmost of his power all measures having for their object the advancement of the well-being of the community. He was placed by the votes of his townsmen in a number of offices of trust. For eight or ten years he served as school director; was justice of the peace for two terms; for twelve years held the office of township auditor, and served a term of three years as assistant assessor; and also held the office of township inspector of election. He was a member of the Mennonite church, in which he served as trustee for a number of years. Although for nearly half a century Mr. Metz was actively identified with the social, religious and political life of the township, he was never a politician in the ordinary sense of the term, and had about him nothing of the partisan. While maintaining always an independent attitude in politics he affiliated with the Republicans. He died September 29, 1904, aged seventy years, four months and fifteen days.

Mr. Metz married, December 11, 1858, Susanna Adelfer, and they were the parents of the following children: 1. Benjamin A., who was born May 11, 1860, and resides on the homestead. He married Lizzie Bower, and their children are: Annie, Susie, Henry (deceased), Katie (also deceased), Harvey, Benjamin, Sheridan, Peter, Aaron, and John. 2. Henry A., who was born June 18, 1863, and is a dispatcher in the depot of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Philadelphia, a position which he has held for a number of years. He married Amanda, daughter of Mahlon Keller of Bucks county. They have no children. 3. Sheridan A., who was born June 2, 1865, and is a merchant at Skippackville, where he holds the office of postmaster. He married Ida, daughter of Henry Groff, of Harleysville. They are without children of their own, but have an adopted daughter about eleven years of age. 4. Peter A., who was born February 23, 1867, and is a farmer. He married Sarah, daughter of Isaac H. Johnson, of Skippack township, and they have three children; Katie, Henry Newton, and Emma Pearl. Mrs. Metz is a descendant of old residents of Montgomery county, her mother having been a native of Lower Salford, of which township her father, Benjamin Adelfer, was a resident. The family of her parents consisted of the following children: Anne; Michael; Susan; Jonas; Abram; Benjamin; and Susanna, who became the wife of Henry Gotshalk Metz, as mentioned above.

 

 

ISAAC MICHENER, an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist of Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a representative of a family the first American ancestor of whom, John Michener, a native of Wales, settled near Rising Sun, Philadelphia. He was survived by two sons, John and William. John settled in Moreland township, Montgomery county, and William settled in Plumstead township, near the north branch of the Neshominy, Bucks county. William was the father of six sons: John, Mordecai, William, Mesach, Joseph and George.

John Michener, eldest son of William Michener, purchased from John Brock fifty acres of land located in Bristol township, near Pittsville, or Germantown, Philadelphia county, November 27, 1763, and at his demise was buried on this property. His wife, Mary Michener, bore him seven children: George, Malon, Arnold, Absalom, Mary, Sarah and David.

Absalom Michener, fourth son of John and Mary Michener, was born October 12, 1756. He married Priscilla Kirk, daughter of Isaac and Mary Kirk, whose birth occurred March 13, 1757, and they were the parents of one, child, Isaac.

Isaac Michener, only child of Absalom and Priscilla Michener, was born Mar 11, 1781. He was united in marriage to Martha Parry, who was born September 15, 1783, a daughter of Mordecai and Elizabeth Thomas, and widow of Samuel Parry, and they were the parents of four children: Charles and Priscilla (twins), Elizabeth and Mary Ann.

 

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Charles Michener, eldest son of Isaac and Martha Michener, was born November 3, 1812. He obtained his early education in the schools of the neighborhood and completed his training in the Joseph Foulke boarding school at Gwynedd. He was reared to manhood oil his father's farm, which was situated near Pittsville, Philadelphia county. His father retired from active pursuits in later years, building for himself a residence on his farm, and he then made the property over to his son Charles, who remained there up to the time of his demise, February 5, 1872. By his marriage to Rebecca S. Mather, who was born January 18, 1819, a daughter of John and Martha P. Mather, the following named children were born: Lydia W., born March 30, 1843; Martha, March 18, 1845, died November 4, 1846; Anna, December 2, 1846, died, February 24, 1851; Edward, November 12, 1848, died February 28, 1851; Isaac, July 22, 1850, mentioned hereinafter; Charles, February 28, 1854, married, November 17, 1887, Florence Griest; daughter of Cyrus S. and Letitia B. Griest, of Adams county, Pennsylvania; Ellen M., January 27, 1856; Mary T., August 30, 1858; John M., June 3, 1860, married, October 29; 1884, Elizabeth E. Prickett, daughter of Josiah and Emmaline Prickett, of Vincentown, New Jersey.

Isaac Michener, second son of Charles and Rebecca Michener, acquired his, preliminary studies in the schools adjacent to his home, completing his education at the Friends school, Fifteenth and Race streets, Philadelphia. He then assisted his father with the various duties of the homestead farm up to the time of the demise of the latter, after which he took charge of the property.

In 1880 he purchased from Henry Stout a farm consisting of one hundred and twenty-six acres, situated in Moreland township, along the Bound Brook Road, one and a half miles from Bethayres. The neat and thrifty appearance of his broad acres, with their several substantial buildings, is conclusive evidence of the energy and perseverance of the owner. Mr. Michener is a member of the Friends' Meeting, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party.

On October 10, 1876, Mr. Michener married Alice Williams, daughter of Charles and Hannah Williams, and the issue of this union was three children: Charles W., born November 5, 1877; Morris and Annie (twins), born February 19, 1881. Morris died November 17, 1885.

 

 

(Picture of William Yeakle)

 

WILLIAM YEAKLE, the youngest son of Jacob and Gertrude Yeakle, is one of the best known citizens of Springfield township, where he has resided all his life, having been one of its most respected and influential men.

He was born November 7, 1821. He was educated in an oldtime log school house in the vicinity, the instruction he received being confined to a few months each year in winter, as was the custom in his younger days. Equally important, however, was the religious training given him by parents, who were interested in the bringing tip of their children to habits of honest industry. At an early age he began work on the homestead farm, and later rented it until the death of his father, when he came into possession of the property, partly by inheritance and partly by purchase. He has been all his life a farmer except in the past few years when he has lived retired because of the weight of advancing years.

Mr. Yeakle married, December 27, 1849, Mary, daughter of Jacob Wentz. She was born in Whitemarsh township, September 24, 1826. She died February 1, 1888. Their children: Atwood, born 1850, a leading druggist of Norristown, whose place of business is at the east corner of Marshall and DeKalb streets, was for some years a member of town council, is married, and has three children living, besides one who died young; Gertrude, born 1852, died young; Ambrose, born 1854, married Miss Gilbert, and has three children living, besides two who are deceased; John, born 1857, died young. In politics Mr. Yeakle is a Republican of very pronounced views, but has never sought or held office, preferring, in accordance with the principles of the Schwenkfelder denomination, to which his ancestors belonged, to keep out of official life, although he has frequently been importuned to accept nomination for public office. He is and has been for many years a member of the board of directors of the Montgomery National Bank of Norristown. His farm is one of the finest in the township. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Few men in the community are so highly respected as he.

 

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Jacob Yeakle (father) was born in Springfield township, September 29, 1780, and his entire life was spent on the homestead. His opportunities for education were somewhat limited, but he improved to the utmost possible extent.

Mr. Yeakle was employed on the farm in his earlier years. Soon after arriving at manhood he purchased a farm, and married, November 1, 1808, Gertrude, daughter of George Urffer. Their children were: Susan, born September 4, 1809; Joseph, born April 11, 1811; Leah, born June 4, 1814; Charles, born July 7, 1817; George, born February 27, 1820; and William. George married Amanda, daughter of Peter Streeper, and has two living children– Walter, born July 22, 1855, died in 1864; Mary A., born in 1858; and Horace, born December 12, 1861. Leah married Thomas L. Bates, and had seven children, of whom six are living. Joseph, the oldest son of Jacob Yeakle, married, first, in 1834, Elizabeth Huston, born April 1, 1813, his children being Huston, born December 13, 1835, deceased; James, born December 8, 1837, deceased; Emily (Mrs. Joseph Nash), born October 15, 1839; Eleanor, born, April 29, 1842, deceased; Daniel W., born November 24, 1844, deceased; Jacob, born January 25, 1847; Elvie (Mrs. Cleaver Supplee), born September 5, 1850. Mrs. Joseph Yeakle died June 18, 1852, and Mr. Yeakle married (second wife) Miss Mary Huston, whose death occurred February 14, 1877. Their children were: John H., born August 12, 1853, died March 7, 1854; and Thomas C., born January 19, 1855. He was for some years postmaster at Flourtown.

Charles Yeakle, second son of Jacob Yeakle, inherited his father's farm in 1863. Mr. Yeakle married, March 16, 1843, Sarah, daughter of Michael and Barbara (Urffer) Netts, of Upper Hanover township, whose only child Levi died February, 1861. Charles Yeakle engaged in farming and also in mining iron ore. He was a Republican in politics. Both Joseph and Charles are now deceased. Jacob Yeakle (father) was a Whig in politics, and although interested in public affairs, never sought office. He was a man of the highest integrity, who enjoyed in a remarkable degree the respect and confidence of the community. In religion he adhered to the Schwenkfelder faith in which he was reared.

The progenitor of the Yeakle (Jaeckel) family was Christopher, who died in Silesia. His son Christopher, when eighteen years of age, came with his widowed mother, in 1734, and settled in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He learned there the cooper trade and followed it throughout his lifetime. He built in 1743 the log house at Cresheim, which was his dwelling prior to the Revolutionary war, when he purchased the property on the summit of Chestnut Hill on which he died in 1810, in his ninety-second year, leaving considerable property to his children. Christopher Yeakle married, August 9, 1743, Maria, daughter of Balthaser and Susanna Schultz, whose children were: Susanna, born 1744; Maria, 1747; Regina, 1749; Abraham, 1752; Anna, 1755; Christopher, 1757. Of this number Abraham married Sarah, daughter of Christopher Wagner, October 10, 1776, and had children as follows: Isaac, born in 1777; Samuel, 1779; Jacob, 1780; Susanna, 1782; Maria, 1784. Jacob Yeakle died in May, 1863.

 

 

J. ALLEN BARRETT, for several years health officer of Norristown, and more recently an employe of the United States Mint in Philadelphia, is the son of Jesse and Catharine (Pennypacker) Barrett. He was born in Norristown May 24, 1856.

The Barretts are of German origin, although the family have been long domiciled in Montgomery county, having originally settled in the vicinity of Swamp, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Barrett had three children, Mrs. Walter S. Hutchison, of West Main street, Norristown, and two who died young. Jesse Barrett died in January, 1900, and his widow died September 8, 1904. The Pennypackers are old settlers in that section of the state. Mrs. Jesse Barrett was a descendant of Heinrich Pannebacker, who came from Germany early in the eighteenth century. Mrs. Barrett was the daughter of James Pennypacker. Jesse Barrett (father) had four brothers- Reinhard, Samuel, Charles and William, of whom all are deceased except the first named, who is engaged in the grocery business in Philadelphia.

 

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J. Allen Barrett was reared in Norristown, attending the public schools, and learned the trade of plumber, leaving school for that purpose when he was about sixteen years of age. He learned his trade with Cowden & Jones, a well known Norristown firm. He completed his trade in 1875, and soon afterwards entered the employ of the Norristown Gas Company, for whom he was superintendent for eleven years. He was next employed at the Norristown Hospital for the Insane in the capacity of plumber for a year, leaving that position to accept the post of health officer for Norristown, which he held for three years. He is now employed in the coining department of the United States Mint in Philadelphia. In politics Mr. Barrett has always been an active Republican, working with energy, and enthusiasm for party success. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, becoming a member of the Central Presbyterian church in 1869, when he was but thirteen years of age. Since the removal of the Central church to the west end of Norristown, he and his family have united with the First Presbyterian church at DeKalb and Airy streets.

Mr. Barrett married, December 24, 1879, Miss Elizabeth Ball, daughter of Edward and Ann Ball, both of Norristown, Mr. Ball being long deceased, while his widow makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Barrett. The Balls are of English origin. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett reside at No. 568 East Main street, Norristown. They have three children: Edward, born in October, 1880; Lottie, born in 1884, and Elsie, born in 1887.

Mr. Barrett is a public spirited citizen, and has always favored every measure calculated to promote the progress of the community.

 

 

HANSELL FAMILY. Hiram Hansell, superintendent of the Rittenhouse Moulding Works, in Norristown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a representative of an old and honored ancestry which has been identified with the commonwealth from an early colonial period.

His paternal grandfather, Charles Hansell, was born in Upper Merion township, Montgomery county. He was educated in the country schools of his period, and was brought up to farming, in which calling he continued during his life. He was a Whig in politics, and an earnest and active representative of his party. Among the children born to him was William, born in 1818, in Upper Merion township, and died in 1880. He was educated after the same fashion as was his father, in the district schools. After completing his studies he mastered blacksmithing, and worked industriously at his trade during all his active years. From first to last he occupied various different shops in several different places, and during his later years prosecuted his business in Norristown, which was thenceforward his place of residence. He was a staunch Republican in politics and an uncompromising advocate of his political principles, but was never an aspirant for office. With his family he attended the Protestant Episcopal church. He married Miss Margaret Cummings, who was also a native of Montgomery county. Both are now deceased. Their children were as follows: George, William, James, Anna M., Deborah, and Hiram.

Hiram Hansell, the last named of the children of William and Margaret (Cummings) Hansell, was born in the city of Norristown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1845. He was more favored in an educational way than were his parents and grandparents, for in his day there were excellent common schools in his native town, and he was privileged to attend the best of them. After completing his studies he went to Philadelphia and became a moulder's apprentice in the shops of James Yocum & Co.

 

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He was just about to become entitled to the privileges and benefits of a "journeyman," and at a time when employment in his line was more abundant and better paid than had been the case for several years, when (in 1862) his patriotic feeling moved him to devote his services to his country in its struggle for existence. In 1864, shortly after the expiration of his term of service, young Hansell enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served to the close of the war, participating in the final glorious and victorious campaigns, and in some of the most noted engagements known to history. He had entered the army when eighteen years of age, and had not reached his majority when he had completed his military service and received his honorable discharge a fine type of the volunteer soldier of the most splendid era in American history.

Returning home, Mr. Hansell set himself again to his trade, remaining with his former employers, Yocum & Co., in Philadelphia, for two years. A master of his calling in all its various departments, and an accomplished practical workman, he came to Norristown and secured employment in the Rittenhouse Moulding Works. His capability became apparent in every stage of the company's operations, and he was advanced from post to post until he was made superintendent, a position which he has occupied to the present time, to the entire satisfaction of all with whom he has been associated, in whatever capacity they appear, whether as superiors, patrons or operatives. Mr. Hansell has at the same time occupied a place of usefulness and influence in the social and public life of the community. For fourteen years he served as chairman of the borough executive committee, for eight years he was a member of the board of health, and has been for many years president of the Fairmount Fire Company. In politics he has ever been an unswerving Republican; and has lent his influence and support to every Republican administration from the last days of the lamented President Lincoln to those of President Roosevelt. He is an active and prominent member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Brotherhood of United Workmen. His personal traits are those which mark the modest but strong and resourceful man of affairs, who also cultivates the amenities of life, and meets his fellows in such ways as to beget mutual respect and confidence.

Mr. Hansell was twice married. His first wife was Miss Emma Casselberry, daughter of Arnold Casselberry, a retired business man of Norristown. She died in 1892, having borne to her husband four children- Howard, William, Emma and Margaret. Mr. Hansell subsequently married Mrs. Emily V. Cowden, a daughter of Jacob Cowden, of Norristown. Of this marriage there is no issue. Mr. Hansell is an attendant at the services of the Protestant Episcopal church; his wife is a Baptist.

 

 

SARAH H. TYSON, widow of Samuel Tyson, of Upper Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is the daughter of Jonathan and Eliza H. (Bushby) Roberts. She is a native of Upper Merion township, where she has resided all her life. She married Samuel Tyson, whose first wife was Mary Fitzwater, daughter of George and Rebecca Fitzwater, of an old family long resident in Upper Dublin township, in Montgomery county. The children of Samuel and Sarah H. Tyson: Jonathan R., married in October, 1900, Miss Anna Hughes, daughter of John J. Hughes, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, formerly residing at Gulf Mills, in Upper Merion, they living at Maple Station, on the Chester Valley Railroad; Edward M. and Eliza H., residing with their mother; a twin sister of Eliza H., Mary, having died in infancy. By the first marriage, Samuel Tyson had four children, as follows: Samuel T., George, Rebecca and Sarah; George and Rebecca are deceased.

Dr. Sarah Fitzwater Tyson, a practicing physician whose office and residence are at Marshall and Swede streets, Norristown, was educated at Darby Boarding School, and at Philadelphia schools, and took the course at the Women's Medical College, in Philadelphia, graduating from that institution in 1889. Dr. Tyson, was resident physician at the Lying-in Charity Hospital for a year after her graduation, and then located at 1313 Arch street, later at 1637 Arch street, Philadelphia, where she practiced medicine for ten years, closing her office on account of ill health. In 1900 she came to Norristown, and opened her office at the place already mentioned, and has been in successful practice there ever since. Dr. Tyson is a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, and of the Alumnae of the Women's Medical College.

 

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Samuel T. Tyson, brother of Dr. Sarah F. Tyson, and several years her senior in age, is now and has been for many years a resident of Mexico. He is a metallurgist and mining engineer and stands high in his profession. He was educated at public and private schools, and was in attendance at the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale College when the rebellion began with the firing on Fort Sumter in 1861. He enlisted and served three years in the Anderson Cavalry, and then returned to the Sheffield School, graduated and taught there for several years. He then went to Colorado and became interested in the Little Chief and other mines. He is now the owner of the Arizona Copper and Silver Mine, and is interested in other enterprises of the kind. He has been eminently successful.

Samuel Tyson, husband of Sarah H. Tyson, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in March, 1813. His mother died when he was an infant, and his father when he was but twelve years of age. He then went to Abington, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and resided with relatives. He entered an academy at Hatboro known as Loller Academy, which was in its time a celebrated school. He also pursued his studies still further at Wilmington, Delaware. He inherited the "Hop Yard Farm" in Delaware, which was deeded to his ancestor by William Penn. After leaving school Samuel Tyson went to Norristown, Pennsylvania, and became interested in the lumber business, and later with Mr. Rambo in the lime business. This employment not being suited to his tastes, he engaged in the study of mineralogy and botany, and spent his time in the search for minerals and flowers, becoming an earnest student of nature. He was greatly interested in educating young men along this line, and in the course of his life he gathered several collections of plants and minerals which he sent to various institutions of learning, receiving in return many complimentary letters. When he was twenty-four years of age he married the first time, and took charge of his farm in Delaware, remaining there several years and becoming a widower. He sold the farm, went to Philadelphia, and took a course in chemistry which brought him in contact with many prominent educators, he becoming a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences in that city. In 1859 he purchased a farm near where his widow now resides, he and Sarah H. Roberts having been married in 1858. They built the home in 1860, which was destroyed by fire in 1893. It has since been rebuilt, and Mrs. Tyson has a flue country home, the farm containing 130 acres. Samuel Tyson was a good farmer, always working from a scientific standpoint. He was a strong anti-slavery man and an earnest Republican.

Sarah H. Tyson was reared on the Roberts farm, in Upper Merion, and educated in the private school maintained by her father, Jonathan Roberts. She is a woman of much natural ability and of a kindly disposition, her whole life having been devoted to her family, her husband in his lifetime and her children absorbing her attention. She is an active Member of the Montgomery County Historical Society, and of the Woman Suffrage Association. She is strongly inclined to the Society of Friends.

Jonathan Roberts (father of Mrs. Tyson) was born at Swamp Grass Farm, Upper Merion township, August 16, 1771. His ancestor was John Roberts, who in 1682 emigrated from Penn-y-chlawd, Denbighshire, Wales, purchasing from John ap John and Thomas Wynne 250 acres of land in what is now Lower Merion, on which they built the third mill in Pennsylvania, the first having been built at Chester by Richard Townsend, and the second by the same person who came with William Penn in the "Welcome," on the Wingohocking, in Germantown, and long owned by a different family of Robertses. John Roberts was a millwright. He married Elizabeth Owen, who died young, leaving two sons and a daughter. Matthew Roberts, the youngest child, was the great-grandfather of Sarah H. Tyson. John Roberts, the immigrant, died when his son Matthew was young, bequeathing to him his plantation, a part of which remained in the family until 1885.

 

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Matthew Roberts was a blacksmith, and carried on this business in connection with farming. He married, in 1728, Sarah Walter. They had five children, of whom Jonathan Roberts (grandfather) was the eldest.

Jonathan Roberts was a learned and well read man. In 1771 and for four consecutive years thereafter he was a member of the colonial assembly. Being a member of the Society of Friends, he retired from public life on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, not caring to be involved in bloodshed. After the war he was one of those instrumental in having the county of Montgomery organized, being one of the commissioners named in the act of the state legislature to select a site for the county seat and to erect the county buildings. He became a member of Congress in 1790. At the end of the session he withdrew from public life, and died twenty years later at the age of eighty-two years. He married the daughter of David and Anna (Noble) Thomas. The couple had six children who grew to maturity, one of whom was Jonathan Roberts (father).

Jonathan Roberts was a liberally educated man. He commenced with Lawrence Bathurst, son of Allen, Lord Bathurst, as his tutor. At fourteen he entered the school of Edward Ferris, a famous teacher. He learned the trade of wheelwright, in accordance with the custom of that day of learning a trade in connection with a knowledge of farming. He became an active member of the Republican party on reaching manhood. In 1796 he and his brother Matthew leased the farm of their father, and in three years had saved seven thousand dollars. In 1799 he became the youngest member of the state house of representatives. He was re-elected the next year, but failed of re-election the third year because his strong convictions had made him enemies in his own party. In 1807 he was elected to the state senate. In 1811 he was elected to congress. He severed his connection with the Society of Friends in order to urge consistently a declaration of war against Great Britain. In 1814 he was elected a United States senator from Pennsylvania. He was very prominent in the proceedings of that body. He retired from office and sought the quiet of his farm when the tide of Jacksonism swept over the country. He was a delegate to the national Whig convention which nominated General William Henry Harrison for the presidency.

He served a short time as collector of the port of Philadelphia under President Tyler, but did not afterwards hold public office. The last dozen years of his life were spent in congenial occupations on the farm. He married, in 1813, Eliza H. Bushby, daughter of Mrs. Mary Bushby, a widow, who resided on Capitol Hill, Washington. He died July 21, 1854. His widow survived him eleven years, reaching the age of seventy-six years, and dying, June 11, 1865. Both were buried in the Roberts burying ground, on the road from Bridgeport to King-of-Prussia. Their children: Matthew T., Mary C., William B., Anna M., Jonathan M., John B., Sarah H., subject of this sketch; Matthew and Edward F. Of these Mrs. Tyson is now the only survivor.

William B. Roberts, brother of Mrs. Tyson, was prominent in Montgomery county Republican politics and became a member of lower house of the state legislature. He married, in 1842, Susan H., daughter of Colonel George W. Holstein, of Upper Merion township, and had eight children, as follows: Eliza A., married David Conrad; Sarah L., married William Wills; Matthew H., married Clara V. Conrad; William H., married Laura Stephens Massey; Jonathan, married Sarah Louisa Beidler; George, Edward and John. Jonathan M. Roberts, brother of Sarah H. Tyson, married Mary H. Abbott, of Norristown, and had seven daughters; John B. married Virginia M. Lewis, of Burlington, New Jersey, and had two children. The others died unmarried.

Mrs. Tyson's family were remarkable for intelligence and uprightness, and always stood high in the community in which they lived. For more than two centuries they were an influential family in Upper Merion township. Mrs. Tyson has inherited the family characteristics, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

 

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FRANCIS XAVIER McMAHON, a progressive and prosperous farmer of Abington township, where he has spent his entire life, was born on the homestead, close to his present residence, July 29, 1867. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Pendergast) McMahon, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

He acquired a good public school education. For nine years after leaving school he was employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at Somerton station. In 1898 he returned to his previous occupation of farming, and this honorable pursuit yet engages his attention. He is a thoroughgoing practical farmer, his well tilled fields and the neat and attractive appearance of all the surroundings testifying to his thrift and industry in his calling, in which he has succeeded very well.

In politics he is a Democrat. He takes an active part in political affairs, and has frequently been a delegate to party conventions. He and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church at Jenkintown. Mr. McMahon is a highly respected resident of the community, enjoying the confidence of all who know him. He served as postmaster at Meadowbrook for four years under Postmaster-General Wanamaker.

Mr. McMahon married, at Trenton, New Jersey, May 20, 1896, Sylvia, born June 21, 1876, daughter of John H. and Mary (Houghterling) Gulden. Their children are: Sylvia, born January 30, 1897; Mary, born November 28, 1898; Moses E., Jr., born October 18, 1900; Jennie, born April 9, 1902, died April 10, 1902; Catharine, born March 21, 1903.

 

 

SAMUEL AKINS, a veteran of the Rebellion, and ex-coroner of Montgomery county, is a native of Upper Merion township, where he was born October 5, 1832. At the age of one year he was placed with a woman by the name of Harriet Davis, remaining, with her until he was eleven years of age. Many years have passed since Mrs. Davis death, but her motherly care and kindness are still as fresh in Mr. Akins' memory as though it were yesterday.

In 1843 he went to live with Mark Brooke on a farm in Radnor township, Delaware county, living with him until he had attained the age of sixteen years, and had learned farming very thoroughly. He then became impressed with the idea that it would be well to learn a trade, and he accordingly went to Chatham, in Chester county, and apprenticed himself to a Friend named Jackson, to learn the trade of machinist. According to their agreement, young Akins was to have board and clothing until he had learned his trade. He remained with Friend Jackson but a short time, on account of being extremely homesick and lonesome. He left Chatham and returned to Mrs. Davis, remaining there, however, but a little while, when he entered the employe of David Rambo, a farmer in Upper Merion; staying with him until his death which occurred about 1850.

Being again thrown on his own resources, young Akins sought and obtained employment with David Roberts, also a farmer. He remained with Mr. Roberts two years, and then drifted from place to place until he entered the employ of John Coats, and was with him three years, driving teams. He then went to Philadelphia, where he was engaged in various capacities until 1860, mostly in the store of his brother-in-law, John Eppelsheimer, a dealer in leather.

In 1860 he returned to Upper Merion, working for a short time for William Epright, a cousin. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, he was engaged in lime burning in Upper Merion township. He was at work when the beating of the drums of the recruiting officers, who were filling the call for 75,000 volunteers for three months, attracted his attention. He listened a moment, and then threw down the tool he was using, and started for Norristown, where he at once enlisted in Company A, Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Captain William J. Bolton's Company, of Colonel John Frederick Hartranft's regiment.

 

(Page 395)

 

On the 16th of April, 1861, the company started for Harrisburg. On its arrival at the state capital, he was mustered into the United States service for three months. This was on April 20.

The regiment was at Camp Curtin, near Harrisburg, for a few days, and then went to Washington by way of Philadelphia, Perryville and Annapolis, Maryland. At the last-named place, the regiment lay two weeks, and then went on to Washington, being quartered for a time in a Congregational church. From the church the men went to Camp Montgomery, and from there to Centreville. At Wapping's Heights Mr. Akins saw his first skirmish. The time of the regiment having expired, the men went back to Washington, were then sent to Harrisburg, and there mustered out of the service of the United States in July, 1861.

Mr. Akins had an attack of typhoid fever about the time of his being mustered out of service, and was sick for some weeks. On his recovery he obtained employment on a farm, remaining with his employer until August 8, 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Captain George W. Guss, commanding the company, and Colonel Simewalt commanding the regiment. On the 20th of August, the regiment was mustered into the United States service. The regiment encamped at Harrisburg for a short time, and then went to the Relay House, near Baltimore, where they were camped nearly a year, guarding the Baltimore and Washington Railroad, his company being at a place called Dorsey's Switch.

In July, 1863, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Maryland Heights, and after two weeks, marched to Washington, and were there but an hour or two when they boarded a car and went to Monoca, Virginia. They were in different skirmishes with the Army of the Potomac, being under fire in their first battle at Locust Grove.

During the winter of 1863-4 Mr. Akins was with his regiment at Brandywine Station, and in May, 1864, accompanied the Army of the Potomac on the Wilderness campaign. He was in the battle of the Wilderness on May 5, and the next day in making a charge, he was wounded in the left arm by a minie ball. He was taken back to Washington and placed in Douglass Hospital. On the 28th of June his arm was amputated some distance above the wrist, and in August following he was transferred to Philadelphia Hospital, at Twenty-fourth and South streets, After his recovery he did light duty about the hospital until he was transferred to a similar institution at Chester, Pennsylvania, where he remained until May 30, 1865, when he was mustered out of the United States service, the war being over.

Mr. Akins then returned to Montgomery county and secured employment in the Philadelphia and Reading Railway as a signal man. He was located at the signal tower at Spring Mill. He remained in this position for six years and a half, leaving it to accept an appointment as policeman for the borough of Bridgeport. He was the first police officer in Bridgeport, and received a better salary than in the position of signalman. Having been on the police force two years, in 1874 he engaged in huckstering.

In 1876 he went to Kansas for a short time. On his return he was tax collector for nine years for Bridgeport. He was elected coroner of Montgomery county in the early eighties, and re-elected on the Republican ticket, serving six years very acceptably. He was also constable for four years. For many years he has been a delegate to Republican county conventions. He has also been judge of elections twice, having been appointed by the Court on one occasion. He is a member of Zook Post No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic, Norristown, and has been for many years, having been its sergeant major, and a trustee for many years. He has also been on the grave-marking committee.

In the army Mr. Akins was a corporal, and was appointed to the position of color sergeant. He was carrying the flag when he was shot down. He has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for over twenty years. He is a member of the Baptist church.

 

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In September, 1865, he married Hannah Lyle, daughter of Charles Lyle, and they had two children: Harry W. Akins, who is now clerk of courts of Montgomery county, who married Miss Mary Taylor, and Mary Elizabeth, married Abraham Prince. Mrs. Hannah Akins having died, Mr. Akins married (second wife) Mrs. Isabella Campbell, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lindsay) Brown. She is a native of Scotland, having come to America in July, 1855, with four sisters and one brother, and located in Montgomery county. By her first husband she had two daughters: Sarah E. and Annie B., who are unmarried, and employed as matrons in the Williamson Trades School, in Delaware county. She has also two children by the marriage with Mr. Akins: Alice A; and William S.

William Brown (Mrs. Akins father) was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in the town of Nucunic, where his ancestors had resided for many generations. They were farmers, and at one time the owners of a valuable estate known as Launfeen, located near a town called Darble. They are Scotch Presbyterians of the old-fashioned faith, and endeavored to live up to it. Their children: William, Agnes, John, James, Ann, Hugh, Jane, Elizabeth, Isabella, and Maggie; of whom Agnes, John, William, James, Hugh and Elizabeth are deceased. All the survivors now live in America. Mr. Akins' father served in the Mexican and Indian wars.

 

 

(Picture of Henry K. Weand)

 

HON. HENRY K. WEAND, additional law judge of the Montgomery county courts, is a native of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He was born March 28, 1838. When he was quite young his parents removed to Philadelphia, where he attended the public schools for some time, and took a course at the "Hill School," of Prof. Meigs, at Pottstown. On leaving this institution he began the study of law with Hon. B. Markley Boyer, of Norristown, afterwards a member of Congress, and still later judge of the Montgomery county courts, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1860, when he was twenty-two years of age.

Shortly after the outbreak of the Rebellion, Mr. Weand enlisted in Company K, Fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, and, on the company being mustered into the service of the United States, at Harrisburg, he was elected first lieutenant of the company, which was enlisted for three months, in accordance with the popular opinion at that time that the war would be of very short duration. The term of the regiment expired just prior to the battle of Bull Run, and it was mustered out of service, but Judge Weand was one of the few who volunteered to remain and participate in that conflict.

In August, 1862, Mr. Weand again enlisted. He entered as a private the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was mustered into the service of the United States at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, on the eve of the battle of Antietam, taking part in that action with a part of his regiment. The regiment was soon afterwards ordered to the west, where it became attached to the Army of the Cumberland, with which it was identified to the end of the war. Captain Weand was promoted to the position of captain, and was mustered out with his regiment in June; 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee. He was promoted through the various grades solely by reason of his merit. He was commissioned as first lieutenant of Company M in the spring of 1863. He participated with part of the regiment in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and was on duty day and night during that fight which continued for several days. The detachment to which he belonged was in the advance in the opening of the battle by General Sherman.

Captain Weand was also a participant in the great battle of Chickamauga, in September, 1863, and took an active part in each day's fighting in that terrible contest. During his three years of service Captain Weand participated in nearly all the engagements of his regiment, including Antietam, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Dandridge, Mossy Creek, Knoxville, Red Hill, and many others. He was on duty in connection with the operations of his command in the following states: Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. He had the respect of his men, and his services were highly appreciated by his superior officers. In February, 1865, he was commissioned as captain of Company H. During the memorable campaign in East Tennessee, where General Longstreet, of the Confederate Army, wintered after his defeat at Knoxville, fighting with Longstreet's troops was a matter of almost daily occurrence, and Captain Weand and his company had much severe service on the French Broad river.

 

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On being mustered out of the military service, Captain Weand returned to Norristown, and resumed the practice of law, in which he soon rose to eminence. He was twice nominated for district attorney on the Republican ticket, but the county being at that time strongly Democratic, he, as a matter of course, failed of election. When General Hartranft was in command of the Second Division of the National Guard, he placed Captain Weand on his staff with the rank of major. He was also judge-advocate of the state, with the rank of brigadier general, on the staff of Governor Hartranft.

Judge Weand served as school director from the fourth ward of Norristown for many years, and was long the president of the school board. He was solicitor for town council, for the county commissioners, and for the sheriff of Montgomery county. He was for many years solicitor for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in Montgomery county, retiring from that position when he went upon the bench. He was counsel for the heirs of Letitia McClenachan, who disputed her will, and he succeeded in having the instrument set aside. He was attorney for the contestant: in the argument before the legislature in the contested election for judge in the Seventh Judicial District of Pennsylvania, in 1872. In 1887 Attorney Weand was appointed additional law judge of Montgomery county by Governor Beaver, and in the following year he was the Republican nominee for the position. He was re-elected for the full term of ten years by a large majority. In 1898 he was again nominated and elected by an overwhelming majority.

As a lawyer, judge Weand stood at the head of the profession in Montgomery county. His ability, legal learning and his mental acumen gave him preeminence such as is enjoyed by few members of the profession. He was very successful in the practice of law, being earnestly devoted to the interests of his clients. His career as a judge has been also brilliant and highly honor able. His opinions are models of brevity and logical reasoning, and he has very seldom been reversed by a higher court. As a lawyer, a judge and a citizen, he enjoys the confidence and respect of the community.

Judge Weand is a member of Zook Post No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic, and also of the Loyal Legion, Commandery of Pennsylvania.

Judge Weand married, April 23, 1868, Miss M. L. Boyer, daughter of John Boyer. Their children: Harriet, wife of H. Jones Brooke, of Norristown; Sarah E. and Ralph H.

 

 

(Picture of Aaron S. Swartz)

 

HON. AARON S. SWARTZ, one of the best-known judges in Pennsylvania, has presided over the courts of Montgomery county since 1887. He has made a reputation as a jurist, and has been frequently mentioned in connection with the supreme court bench of the state.

Judge Swartz is the son of Jacob Swartz; of an old Pennsylvania German family. He was born in Towamencin, township, Montgomery county, February 24, 1849. He was reared on a farm,, and his early education was obtained in the public schools, and in Freeland Seminary, the predecessor of Ursinus College, at Collegeville. After completing the course at Freeland Seminary he entered Lafayette College at Easton, and graduated from that institution in 1871 with high honors. He accepted a position as principal of the public schools at Phoenixville, in Chester county, and taught there very successfully. Having decided to adopt the law as his profession, he entered the office of Gilbert Rodman Fox as a student, and was admitted to the bar of Montgomery county in 1875, passing the requisite examination in May of that year. At that time he was deputy clerk of the United States district court for the eastern district of Pennsylvania. Soon after his admission to the bar he resigned this position, and at once devoted his entire time and attention to the practice of law in Norristown.

 

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In 1877 he was given the nomination for district attorney by the Republican party, of which he has always been a member, and, although the county had been usually Democratic, he was defeated by less than two hundred votes. He rose rapidly in his profession and soon enjoyed. a large and constantly increasing practice, being recognized as a leading member of the bar at an age when most young lawyers are still waiting for clients. He was the nominee of the Republican party for the judgeship in 1881.

In 1882 he became solicitor for the board of county commissioners, performing the duties of that responsible position with ability, sound judgment and fidelity to the public interests. He continued in that position until his elevation to the bench in 1887. Among the more important of the earlier cases in his career as a lawyer was that of Moses Sutton, who was tried for the murder of Mrs. Roeder, at Blue Bell. The case was tried in 1878. He was associated with B. E. Chain, another prominent attorney, as counsel for the defense. The trial resulted in the acquittal of Sutton. In 1887 when the legislature created the office of additional law judge in Montgomery county, Mr. Swartz was by common consent recognized as the person who should be chosen to fill the position. He was appointed to the office by Governor James A. Beaver, and soon became president judge by the death of judge Boyer, and was elected to the position in November of that year by a large majority. Ten years later he was reelected without opposition, the Democrats of the county making no nomination.

As a judge, Aaron S. Swartz has made a splendid record. He is a close and steady worker, his indefatigable industry and conscientious fidelity to right and justice being his strongest characteristics on the bench: His opinions are models of clear statement and logical reasoning, showing the results of careful research and earnest work. His decisions in a multitude of cases brought before him are the best evidence of his sound judgment and his care in reaching his conclusions.

Judge Swartz is prominent in the First Presbyterian church of Norristown, and has been for many years the earnest and esteemed superintendent of its Sunday school. Firm in his religious convictions, he is a model citizen, always manifesting an active interest in the welfare of the community in which he lives, and in the affairs of the county, the state and the nation. In manner he is dignified, but always affable and kind to all. His whole career as a judge proves him to be a man who is not only desirous of enforcing the laws and inflicting the proper punishment for crime, but also solicitous for the reformation of the transgressor. In politics judge Swartz has always exerted his influence in behalf of good government.

In the spring of 1904, when there was a vacancy on the supreme court bench of Pennsylvania, his friends urged his claims to consideration as a candidate. Although he was not named for the position by the Republican state convention, he had the satisfaction of receiving the hearty support of the entire bar of the county, of the newspaper press without regard to party affiliations, and of the people of the county.

Judge Swartz married Miss A. Louisa Keller, daughter of John Keller, a well known citizen of Towamencin township. Their children: Gertrude, wife of R. George Buchanan; Edna, who graduated from Wilson College at Chambersburg; Aaron S., Jr., a student at Princeton University; and Anna, a student of the Norristown High School.

 

 

BENJAMIN QUILLMAN, one of the business men of Norristown, was born at Judgesville, July 10, 1846, and came to Norristown in the spring of 1857, being then in his twelfth year. His father having purchased the good will and fixtures of the Verandah Hotel on the corner of Market street, held possession of the place.

 

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Benjamin Quillman attended the public schools for a few years, when he was sent to the private school of Mr. Davis and Mr. Supplee, and finally to the Treemount Seminary under Professor Loch, which seminary he left at the age of seventeen. He was then apprenticed to the printing business at the Register office, edited by Dr. E. L. Acher. After serving an apprenticeship of three and a half years, during which time he served the weekly paper to the town subscribers, he worked on the Norristown Herald, but for a short time only, paying more attention to the job printing under Ashenfelter & McClellan. Relinquishing the printing trade, he became connected as clerk with his father at the Rambo House, which his father had purchased. Remaining in this business for about five years, he became clerk with his brother in the grocery business at the corner of Main and DeKalb streets, and afterwards at the Odd Fellow Hall grocery on DeKalb street.

In 1885 he bought the stove and tin roofing business of James M. Hoffer, at the corner of Main and DeKalb streets, and having purchased the adjoining property opened a hardware store in connection with his stove and roofing business, and in which he still continues. Mr. Quillman is the senior member of the firm of Crisman & Quillman, electricians, of Norristown.

Mr. Quillman was married to Miss Caroline V. Bard, a daughter of one of the oldest residents in Norristown, November 1, 1870. Five children were born to this marriage, one of whom died in infancy. The two sons are connected with the father in the hardware business.

 

 

GEORGE W. SHRIVER, of Springfield township, Montgomery county, one of its oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, whose usefulness as a man and neighbor has extended over nearly two-thirds of a century, is a descendant of one of the oldest Pennsylvania families of German origin.

His ancestor was his great-great-grandfather, Nicholas Shriver (or Schreiber, as it originally appears), who sailed from Rotterdam in the ship "Charming Nancy," in 1737, landing in Philadelphia. The records show that he took the oath of qualification in that city in the year of his arrival. He purchased land in Philadelphia county, and cultivated his farm throughout his life. He married (name of wife unknown) and his children were Elias, Henrietta, Philip, Nicholas, and John George.

John George Shriver, of the family last named, was born on the family homestead. He married Catherine Ottinger, and to them were born eleven children, among whom was a son John, born in Springfield township, Montgomery county, and who married Sarah Ottinger. George Shriver, one of the four children of John and Sarah (Ottinger) Shriver, was born at the paternal home in Springfield township, Montgomery county, in 1804, and died there in 1880. He received his education in the common schools, and took up farming for his life occupation, without removing from the ancestral home. He was a man of lovable character, and known as a most useful citizen. He held the office of school director for many years. He was a Democrat in politics, and was a most steadfast advocate of the principles of his party. He married Hannah Newberry, of an old Montgomery county family, and of this union were born the following named children: Sarah C., John N., Theodore, and George W.

George W. Shriver, son of George and Hannah (Newberry) Shriver, was born January 10, 1835, on the old family homestead, which has been in possession of the family for more than a hundred years, and upon which he continues to reside. He was afforded a liberal education, after leaving the common schools taking advanced branches in the famous Treemount Seminary at Norristown, and with this as foundation he acquired an excellent mental equipment through his own industrious habit of reading and his discerning observation. After leaving' the seminary he taught school in Springfield and Cheltenham townships for several terms, and so successfully as to have ensured his eminence as an instructor had be continued to serve in that calling. He preferred, however, an agricultural life, and soon took up his abode upon the homestead farm. He has prospered in his labors, and has at the same time been one of the most active citizens of the township in all community affairs, enjoying the esteem and confidence of his fellows for his uprightness, genial neighborliness, and helpfulness to all in want or distress. For many years he held the position of county auditor, and he was at one time or other called to almost every local station in the gift of the people. In politics he is an earnest Democrat. With his family he holds membership in the Reformed church, in which he has been a trustee for many years.

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Mr. Shriver married, December 19, 1867, Miss Anna C. Scheetz; born in 1836, a daughter of George and Susan (Hentz) Scheetz, her father being a farmer of Whitemarsh township. Of this marriage were born three children: Mary S., in 1868, who is unmarried, and lives with her parents; Walter S., born in 1870, and died the same year; and Anna N., born in 1876, who is single, and lives at home.