(Picture of William Henry Sutton)

 

HON. WILLIAM HENRY SUTTON. Ex-Senator William H. Sutton, a well known and leading member of the Montgomery county and the Philadelphia bar, is a 'native' of Haddonfield, Camden county, New Jersey, born September 11, 1835. His father, the Rev. Henry Sutton, served many years in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the Philadelphia Conference. In 1832 Rev. Henry Sutton was united in marriage to Miss Ann Craig, daughter of James Craig, who came from the North of Ireland and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Three children were the issue of this union George Howard, who died in the eleventh year of his age; William Henry, mentioned hereinafter; and John Wesley, who died in early life. Rev. Henry Sutton died in 1876, and his widow resided with her son, Senator Sutton, until her death in May, 1883, when her remains were interred beside those of her husband, in West Laurel Hill Cemetery.

William H. Sutton resided at Haddonfield, New Jersey; Coventry and Marshallton, in Chester county, Pennsylvania; at Marietta and. Safe Harbor, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; at Smyrna and Dover, Delaware; at Centreville and Sudlersville, Maryland; at Dauphin and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while his father was filling successive appointments as a minister of the Gospel. He was educated in public schools, in the preparatory school at Carlisle, and in 1853 entered Dickinson College, where he studied for two years. He then engaged in teaching in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, continuing for two years, after which he entered Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Connecticut, from which institution he was graduated in 1857, after completing the classical course. He then filled a term of three years as instructor in the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, at Hartford, Connecticut, after which he studied law at the University of Albany, at Albany, New York. He then went to Philadelphia and entered as a law student with Hon. William M. Meredith, who was attorney-general of Pennsylvania and secretary of the United States treasury. He was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in the year 1863, and has been in active practice ever since. During this long period of more than forty years he has given careful attention to the trial of many important cases, and he has become recognized as one of the most capable and successful jury lawyers in that section of the state. His excellent character, scholarly attainments and marked ability have throughout his career commanded the respect and admiration of the bench and bar. He served in the capacity of assistant to Jacob V. Gotwalts, district attorney of Montgomery county, in the prosecution of Henri Walden, who was convicted of the murder of Max Hugo Hoehne, near Elm station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, in Lower Merion, in 1876. Mr. Sutton was highly complimented for the able manner in which he worked up the details of the case and assisted in securing the necessary proof to convict Wahlen,

 

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who hanged himself in prison before the day set for his execution. In all of the many cases in which he served as attorney in the Philadelphia and Montgomery county courts, he gave his undivided attention to the interests of his clients, and left nothing undone that promised to be to their advantage, and his able and eloquent pleading was often the means of influencing the judge and jury in their behalf. His law office is located at 907 Walnut street, Philadelphia.

Ex-Senator Sutton has been very active in public affairs, as well as in the practice of his profession, and the services rendered by him have been of momentous importance. He was the incumbent of the offices of auditor and school director, and in 1882 he accepted the Democratic nomination for the state senate, and was elected by a majority of five hundred and thirty-five over the Republican nominee. As a member of that body he made an excellent record, and was the author of many bills of importance. For the part in securing the passage of a building and loan association bill, he was honored by the Building and Loan Association of Pennsylvania with a handsomely engrossed set of resolutions of thanks. His name has frequently been mentioned in connection with the nomination for congress and other important positions, and it was placed on the ticket for judge in Montgomery county, but with no expectation of his election, as the county is and has been for a number of years very strongly Republican. He was defeated, of course, but made a very creditable showing, which, under different circumstances, would have ended in his triumphant election. In his religious faith ex-Senator Sutton is a Methodist, holding membership in that body for many years. He has long served in the capacity of a member of the board of managers of the Church Extension Society, of the Tract Society, the Home Missionary Society, the American Sunday School Union, and other similar church organizations. He has also held many honorary appointments in the denomination. He was a delegate-at-large from the United States to the World's Methodist Ecumenical Council held in London, England, in September, 1901. He has frequently been a delegate to the Methodist Conference and to the General Conference of the denomination, and he was president of the lay electoral conference to select delegates for the General Conference held in Philadelphia, in 1884. In St. Luke Methodist Episcopal church, at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, he has placed two handsome memorial windows in honor of his father and mother. He aided materially in the erection of that church, and for many years was a member of its board of trustees, and superintendent of its Sunday-school. He holds an honored and prominent place in the Masonic order, also in many other organizations in the vicinity of Bryn Mawr.

On June 25, 1872, ex-Senator Sutton married Hannah C. Anderson, daughter of Dr. Isaac W. and Martha Yocum (Crawford) Anderson, of Lower Merion. The Anderson family belong to one of the oldest and most influential in the township. Patrick Anderson, their ancestor, was an officer in the Revolutionary war. The family has produced many eminent physicians. Not only was the grandfather, Dr. James Anderson, as well as the father of Mrs. Sutton, a physician, but two of her uncles, Dr. J. Rush Anderson and Dr. Joseph W. Anderson, and a great-uncle, Dr. Isaac Anderson. Mrs. Sutton, a woman of character and refinement, who has performed faithfully every duty that has been required of her as wife and mother, and has also been an earnest and effective church worker, bore her husband the following named children: 1. Howard A,, who graduated from the Wesleyan University and the Pennsylvania University, Department of Medicine, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He resided in Norristown during the prevalence of smallpox in the winter of 1901-02, assuming charge of the Municipal Hospital, and winning many encomiums for his excellent management of the institution. His self-sacrifice and devotion to the interests of his patients were a matter of general comment at the time. 2. William Henry, who died at the age of five years, 3. Helen, who became the wife of N. E. Davis. 4. Isaac C., a graduate of Wesleyan College and now an attorney at law. 5. Grace A., who is a graduate of the Woman's College, of Baltimore, Maryland. 6. Corona. 7. Lucy. 8. Henry Craig, now a student at college. 9. Mildred, 10. Joseph Aubrey. Shortly after his marriage ex-Senator Sutton located at Haverford Station, Lower Merion township, Montgomery county, where he has resided ever since. He has been honored with the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Laws.

 

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GARRIT S. NICHOLS, a descendant of an old New England family, was born at Port Providence, Montgomery county, October 12, 1839. He is a son of the Rev. Dyer A. and Laura (Ward) Nichols.

Rev. Dyer A. Nichols (father) was born in Rhode Island, being the son of James Nichols, of the same state. Dyer A. Nichols was well educated and studied navigation, learning to navigate the ocean. He was afterwards converted to the Baptist faith and attended Hamilton College, at Clinton, New York, to prepare for the ministry. He was ordained at Auburn, New York, where he married. About 1826 he removed to Pennsylvania, his first charge being at Harrisburg. He afterward was called to Roxboro, Phoenixville, Valley Forge and later to the upper part of Chester county. He helped to organize the Rock church in Chester county. He settled at Port Providence, and ministered at many different places. He helped to organize and build the First Baptist church, at Norristown, and many other churches throughout the country. He was an excellent singer and attracted large audiences wherever he went. Although he never inspired to political preferment, he was a strong Henry Clay man, and served as postmaster of Port Providence. He went to Rhode Island to attend to some property, and while he was returning, he had a paralytic stroke near Philadelphia, from the effects of which he died. He was buried in the Morris cemetery, Phoenixville, in 1869, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife survived him and died in 1883, at the age of eighty-five years. Their children were: Egbert K., an attorney-at-law and member of council of Philadelphia who is prominently identified with city affairs; Phineas P., a physician; Ada C. (Mrs. T. F. Highley); Garrit S., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Rev. Dyer Nichols was born in Vermont.

James Nichols (grandfather) was a native of Rhode Island. His wife belonged to a distinguished family of seafaring people. He was a farmer and well known man of his county. He was a leading member of the Baptist church and lived and died in his birthplace.

His children: Benjamin, a farmer; Charles, a farmer; Rev. Dyer A.; Hannah (Mrs. Day); Lucy, married Captain Joseph Spencer, a sea captain. Alexander Nichols (great-grandfather) was a descendant of the immigrant who came from Wales and settled in New England during the colonial days. John and Deborah Ward, of Vermont, the maternal grandparents of Garret S. Nichols, were descendants of early colonial families. John Ward was a drummer boy and soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was a prominent farmer in Vermont for many years, afterwards removing to Auburn, New York, where he died. He was a leading member of the Baptist church, and a Free Mason. Ashley Ward, the maternal great-grandfather, was a soldier in the French and Indian war, and was taken prisoner. During his imprisonment he suffered many tortures, but the Ward family were always noted for the fact that they were willing to lay down their lives for their country. They were farmers, professional men and bankers.

John Ward had several children, among others being: Laura, mother of Garret S. Nichols, and Alexis, for a number of years president of a bank at Olin, New York, Garret S. Nichols lived with his father in Montgomery county during his youth, and in 1861 enlisted in Company E, Eighty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (the Cameron Guards), with Colonel George P. McAllen, for three years service in the Rebellion. He was a private. After long hard service he re-enlisted as a veteran, and fought in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in many skirmishes and many hotly contested battles, his first service being at Cedar Mountain, and he was with his regiment in every battle until he was wounded in the arm at Antietam.

 

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He remained in the field hospital until he was again able to serve and at the preliminary battle of Spottsylvania Court House he again received a bullet wound in the upper part of his left thigh, the ball remaining in his body for about twenty-five years, when he was compelled to have it cut out. He has never fully recovered from the effects of this wound, and it has materially interfered with his business career. He was promoted on merit first to sergeant, then to second lieutenant, and finally to first lieutenant. On account of his wounds he was mustered out of service at the Marine Hospital, and received honorable discharge at Washington, D. C., October 5, 1864. He draws a small pension.

After returning to his home he placed himself under the care of a physician, and was unable to do any work at all for more than a year. He went to Michigan, and at Cold Water served as deputy county register of wills, and later as clerk In an abstract office. In 1869, at the time of his father's death, he returned to Montgomery county.

Later he was appointed baggage master and car inspector at Perkiomen Junction for the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. He later became brakeman and then train master on the Perkiomen road, filling almost every position there was to offer. At the end of eight years he was obliged to resign on account of his wounds, and remained unemployed for two years. Then the railroad company placed him as watchman at the Schuylkill bridge, where he still remains. He has been in the employ of the railroad for thirty years. From his earliest voting he has been a strong Republican, and has worked for his party in campaigns.

Garrit S. Nichols married Miss Mary E. Rossiter, who was born at Port Carbon, Pennsylvania. She received a good education and was a school teacher for a number of years. Their children: Orville, died in 1896, at the age of twenty-six years; Herbert S., died in 1895, at the age of twenty-three years; Ward, born In 1874, is a railroad man; Laura M., and Breta A. All are unmarried. In 1892 Mrs. Mary E. Nichols died. She was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Her husband is a Dunkard. Mrs. Nichols was the daughter of Armot and Mary E. (Coates) Rossiter, both natives of Montgomery county. He was a school teacher and a prominent educator. He served in the war of 1812, and died at Port Carbon. He was a brother of Lindley Rossiter, a prominent man. The Rossiter family were members of the Society of Friends, and the Coates family Episcopalians. The children of Armot and Mary E. (Coates) Rossiter: Linsley, a pattern maker; Preston, died while serving in the Civil war; Samuel C., a literary man; Rachel (Mrs. H. Acker), and Mary E. (Mrs. Nichols).

 

 

RICHARD S. SMITH, a well known tinsmith of Gratersford, is a native of Montgomery county. He was born at Salfordville, March 9, 1855, the son of Daniel H. and Catharine (Swartz) Smith.

Daniel H. Smith (father) was the son of Frederick and Mary (Heitelbel) Smith, both of Montgomery county. The ancestor of the family settled in Montgomery county during colonial days, being among the pioneers who contributed largely to the growth and development of the community. Daniel H. Smith learned the shoemaker's trade, and after he was married went into the business, and later became proprietor of a boot and shoe store, in which he continued until 1901, when he retired, and resides in South Bethlehem. He was born in 1830. In politics he is a Democrat, but always declined to hold office of any kind. He is a member of the Reformed church, to whose funds he is a liberal contributor. He has filled many offices in the church. He is a man of the highest integrity, his word being as good as his bond, to quote an old maxim. His wife died about 1873. She was the daughter of Andrew Swartz, a prominent and able farmer and member of the Lutheran church. The children of Andrew Swartz: Mary, Mrs. A. H. Gottshall; Harry H., a wheelwright, Norristown; Catharine (mother); George, proprietor of a hotel and later of a cigar box factory; Amelia, Mrs. Heitelbel; James, a hotel man. The children of Daniel H. and Catharine Smith Richard S., subject of this sketch; Augustus, of New York city.

 

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Daniel H. Smith married a second and third time, but had no children by either of the last two marriages. He is again a widower.

Frederick Smith (grandfather) married Mary Heitelbel. He was a shoemaker by trade, and was engaged in that occupation for many years. Later he became a justice of the peace, filling that position a long time until his death, which occurred at Salfordville. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the German Reformed church, in which he filled many offices. His children: William, Jacob, Daniel, father; Valentine, Augustus, George, Kate, Mrs. H. Gable; and one who died in infancy.

Richard S. Smith was reared in Montgomery county, being brought up on the homestead farm until he was seven years of age. He was educated in the public schools of the township and the high school. After graduating from the high school at the age of eighteen years, he learned the tinsmith trade, following that occupation as a journeyman until 1876, when he enlisted in the United States army for a term of five years, and was detailed in the quartermaster's department at forts, doing all of the government tin work. He was employed in different states as far west as Dakota and Montana, at Utah, Texas and at Presidio, California. In all he was engaged in the United States service for a period of six years, and in this time had a very varied experience. He was honorably discharged at San Francisco with letters of commendation from his colonel, captain and other superior officers.

After his discharge be returned to his old home in Montgomery county, and soon afterwards engaged at Spring Mount in the stove, tinware and hardware business. He continued at that place for eight years, and in 1891 removed his stock and fixtures to Gratersford, where he now does an extensive business. In 1876 he married, and during his service in the west left his wife with his father's family. He has been a very successful business man, and owns a good house as well as a business block in Gratersford. In politics he is an ardent Republican, but has been very modest in his demands for public position.

He has been treasurer of the Gratersford Beneficial Association for some years, and since 1893 one of the Managers of the Schwenksville Live Stock Insurance Company. He is also a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, of the American Mechanics, and of other secret society organizations. On September 11, 1897, he received from President McKinley the appointment of postmaster of Gratersford, which office he still holds, filling it with entire satisfaction to all his patrons.

The first wife of Mr. Smith was Elizabeth Reed, daughter of James A. and Polly (Smale) Reed. James A. Reed, father of Mrs. Smith, was a farmer and carpenter, and served in the army during the Rebellion for a period of three years, was honorably discharged, and settled in Montgomery county, where he and his wife both died. They were members of the Lutheran church.

Their children: Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Smith; Sally, Mrs. M. Kehs; James and Samuel, carpenters; Maggie, Mrs. I. Shaner; Mrs. Kline, and Frank, a cigar maker. The children of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Smith are six in number, as follows: Lydia, unmarried; Daniel, a blacksmith; Jacob, a tinsmith; Ella, Robert and Pauline, residing with their father. Mrs. Smith, who was a member of the Lutheran church, died in 1897. In 1899 Mr. Smith married Miss Lucy Tyson, daughter of William Tyson, a shoemaker by trade, who served as supervisor of the township for several years. He was a member of the Mennonite denomination, and died in 1902. The children of William Tyson: Lucy, wife of R. S. Smith; Anna, Mrs. C. Engle; Lizzie, Mrs. J. Bickel; Alfred, and Mrs. J. Undertuffler. The child of Lucy and Richard S. Smith, is William McKinley Smith, born in January, 1900.

 

 

(Picture of George D. Heist)

 

GEORGE D. HEIST, one of the citizens and business men of Glenside, Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born in the vicinity of his present home, January 3, 1834, a son of David and Dorothea L. (Ottinger) Heist.

The earliest ancestor of this family of whom there is any authentic information was Henry Heist (great-great-grandfather), who, accompanied by his wife

 

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Catherine Heist, came from Germany to the United. States about the year 1753. Three children accompanied them, one of whom died on the passage across the ocean, and was buried on landing. Shortly after their arrival at Philadelphia the family settled at Goshenhoppen, then being rapidly peopled by the German element.

George Heist (great-grandfather) was born August 3, 1754, at Goshenhoppen, Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Be resided in the vicinity of his birthplace during his entire lifetime, was an active and public-spirited citizen, and reared his children to lives of usefulness and activity. He died September 11, 1809.

George Heist (grandfather) was born December 29, 1781, on the homestead in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. On reaching manhood he removed first to Salzburg, in Northampton county, and later in life to the vicinity of Flourtown, in Montgomery county. He married, March 25, 1806, Catharine Cope, of Hilltown township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and their children were as follows: Charles, Joseph, David, mentioned hereinafter; Mary Ann (Mrs. Henry Stout); Catharine (Mrs. Benjamin Fisher); Elizabeth (Mrs. Arnold Green); Lavinia (Mrs. William Coffman); Julia Ann (Mrs. William Conover). George Heist, father of these children, died May 20, 1855.

David Heist (father) was born January 17, 1810, in Salzburg, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. His opportunities for obtaining art education were somewhat limited, as the schools of his day and neighborhood were very inferior. At the age of eighteen years he became a resident of Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, and entered at once in the business of farming, For a dozen years after his marriage he leased a farm in Cheltenham, and at the expiration of that period of time purchased property at Glenside, to which he removed in the spring of 1847, continuing to reside thereon until his death, which occurred June 13, 1881, in his seventy-second year. The property then became the inheritance of his son, George D. Heist. Mr. Heist was a leading man in his community, being highly esteemed and trusted by all. He was active in promoting neighborhood interests, and was for many years a director of the Limekiln Turnpike Company. In politics he was a Democrat, but never sought or held office, party affiliation being a matter of principle with him. He was a man of decided religious convictions, and was for many years a member of the Lutheran church at Germantown, and later of the Whitemarsh Lutheran church. He made a bequest to the last named, and also to the Lutheran church at Chestnut Hill. Mr. Heist was united in marriage to Dorothea L. Ottinger, of Springfield. township, born March 22, 1817, and died March 12, 1842.

They were the parents of the following named children: George D., mentioned hereinafter; Henrietta, deceased, who was the widow of Daniel H. Wentz; Anna Cecelia, widow of Albert D. Wentz. Mrs. Heist died March 12, 1842. Mr. Heist married for his second wife Margaret Lenhart, of Cheltenham, and the only child of that marriage was Elizabeth F., now deceased, who was the wife of H. P. Appleman, of Bethlehem.

George D. Heist was educated in the public schools of Cheltenham township and the institution known as Treemount Seminary, in Norristown. On completing his school studies, he engaged in teaching in the schools of Cheltenham for about three years, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed for a few years. Afterwards he was occupied with mercantile pursuits for ten years at Edge Hill, in Cheltenham, and since the year 1872 he has been engaged in the lumber and coal business, as well as giving attention to the supervision of his extensive farming interests. He is a director of the Jenkintown National Bank. For a number of years he served as a member of the Cheltenham school board. The success which has attended the efforts of Mr. Heist in his various enterprises is due entirely to his capable business ability, perseverance and thrift. He is genial and affable in disposition, attentive to his home and family, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all

 

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with whom he is brought in contact, either in business or in social intercourse.

Mr. Heist married Eleanor Gilbert, born October 7, 1834, daughter of Jesse and Ann Gilbert, of Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Their children are as follows: 1. David Franklin, born May 11, 1861, died October 13, 1885; he married Anna M. Wilson, June 17, 1884, and they were the parents of one son, George D., born July 14, 1885. 2. Alma, born November 21, 1862; she became the wife of Dr. F. S. Slifer, October 3, 1899, and their children are: Eleanor H, and Ruth L. Slifer. 3. Flora, born March 30, 1865. 4. Howard, born December 21, 1866, died February 6, 1885. 5. An infant son, born August 4, 1868. 6. Gilbert, born March 9, 1871, died February 18, 1872. 7. George, born October 15, 1873; he is a graduate of Dickinson College, and is now practicing law in Philadelphia; he was married to Lillian M. Hoffner, and their children are Gilbert, born December 12, 1901, and Virginia, born December 26, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. George D. Heist are members of the Lutheran church. They attend Zion Lutheran church, of Whitemarsh, at Flourtown, of which Mr. Heist has been a trustee for many years.

 

 

HENRY G. HUNSICKER, a successful farmer of Skippack township, was born near Creamery, where he still lives, February 16, 1855. Mr. Hunsicker was reared on a farm. He is the son of Isaac C. and Mary (Garges) Hunsicker.

Isaac C. Hunsicker (father) was born October 3, 1819, on the old homestead. He was a farmer by occupation, and followed it very successfully, becoming a prosperous and prominent citizen. He was a man of sound judgment, and possessed the confidence of his neighbors. He was a member of the Mennonite church, and liberal in his contribution to its support. In politics he was a Republican, although he never aspired to political preferment. In the latter years of his life he retired from farm work, renting his farm, but still made his home on a portion of the property until the death of his wife, when he went to live with a son at Souderton, where he died in 1896, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife died in 1890. She was a daughter of a well-known farmer of Upper Salford whose wife was a Miss Zink. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Hunsicker were: William; John, of Norristown; Sarah (Mrs. Boyer); Phebe (Mrs. Keyser); Mrs. Heist; Mrs. Brey. The Garges family were members of the Reformed church. The children of Isaac C. and Mary (Garges) Hunsicker: James, born January 7, 1846 (deceased); Isaac, born January 7, 1848 (deceased); Anna, born February 26, 1852 (deceased); Henry G., the subject of this sketch; John G., a merchant of Souderton, born June 4, 1850.

Isaac Hunsicker (grandfather) was a lifelong farmer. His first wife was a Cassel, and after her death he married a Miss Stauffer. He was the father of the following children: John, a farmer; Sallie (Mrs. H. Johnson); Katie, married Rev. Mr. Kulp, a prominent and well-known Mennonite preacher; Barbara, died unmarried; Isaac (father). Isaac Hunsicker (great-grand-father) was a native of this county. He was the father of thirteen children. The family are descendants of Valentine Hunsicker, who came from Germany in 1717, and settled in Skippack township. His descendants are very numerous in this and adjoining counties.

Henry G. Hunsicker received a good education, mostly in the schools of the neighborhood. He remained with his parents until his marriage. Since his marriage he has followed farming and kept a dairy, selling milk at the creamery. He is a practical and successful farmer. In politics he is a Republican, taking an active interest in all public questions. He has been judge of elections and assessor, filling these positions in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. He never aspired to public office, however, but in every instance it has been a case of the office seeking the man. Mr. Hunsicker is an active member of the Reformed church, as is his wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Croll, born in Upper Salford township, January 10, 1856.

 

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Mrs. Hunsicker is a lady of very superior intelligence, being a daughter of Michael and Mary H. (Geisinger) Croll. Her father was a son of Frank and Elizabeth Croll, of Upper Salford. Frank was a son of Jacob Croll, a prominent business man and hotel keeper who at onetime was the proprietor of the hotel at Skippack. Frank Croll (grandfather) kept a hotel at Trappe. For five generations the family were hotel keepers, and the occupation descends to the present generation, Henry C. Croll being a hotel proprietor at Skippack. Frank Croll died at Salfordville. In politics he was a strong Democrat. He was widely known and highly respected.

His children: Jacob, died in Washington territory, leaving three children: Michael, father of Mrs. Hunsicker; Sophia, Mrs. Horning of Wisconsin, where her mother died. Michael Croll was born at Salfordville in 1824 and was reared on the farm, rendering his father such assistance as he could about the hotel. Later he learned the saddlery trade, which he followed a number of years, farming at intervals, and about 1856 engaged in hotel keeping at Lederachville, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Later he went to Norristown, where he was proprietor of the Rambo House, remaining there two years. He then bought a hotel at Skippack, where he continued until 1890, having been engaged in the business thirty years, then he retired from it and turned its management over to his son; Henry. G. Croll. He died on August 13, 1892. He was a man of steady and industrious habits, and was very successful in his vocation. He was a member of the Reformed church, and politically a strong Democrat.

On October 26, 1846, Michael Croll married Mary Geisinger, born February 17, 1826. She was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Hiltebeitel) Geisinger. Samuel Geisinger was the son of Philip, who was a widely-known miller of Berks county, Pennsylvania. The Hiltebeitels, like the Crolls, are a very old family of Upper Montgomery and Berks county. Samuel Geisinger abandoned the milling business and engaged in hotel keeping. Still later in life he became a farmer. He was a prominent and influential citizen, highly respected by all who knew him. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Reformed church, as was his wife. Both died at Salfordville. The children of Samuel and Mary Geisinger: Mary (mother of Mrs. Hunsicker); Hannah (Mrs. G. Raudenbush); Leah Ann (Mrs. Jacob Gearhaupt); Caroline (Mrs. A. Ziegler); Amanda (Mrs. N. Heavey).

The children of Michael and Mary Croll: Amelia (Mrs. A. Barnaman), who died in 1884, leaving three children; Jesse, a painter by trade who lives in Philadelphia; Samuel, a carpenter in Philadelphia; Hannah E. (Mrs. Haldeman); Henry G., a hotel keeper in Skippack; Mary A. (Mrs. A. Halderman); Caroline (Mrs. E. Gottshalk), died leaving no children; Wallace, a business man of Souderton, Montgomery county. Mrs. Mary Croll is still living at the age of seventy-seven years, having been born in 1830, and lives with her son Henry G., at Skippack. She belongs to the Reformed church.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Hunsicker have no children.

 

 

JACOB BUCKWALTER, one of the leading farmers of Skippack township, is a descendant of an old family in eastern Pennsylvania. He was born in Lower Providence, Montgomery county, December 28, 1834, the son of William and Anna (Fry) Buckwalter,

William Buckwalter (father) was the son of Jacob and Mary (Essick) Buckwalter, and was of German descent. He was born and reared on a farm, and after his marriage farmed the old homestead two years, then removing to Lower Providence, where he bought a small tract of land to which he added a larger tract, making substantial improvements to the buildings and remaining there many years. He devoted his attention to general farming and attended market, being a practical and successful business man. In politics he was a Whig and later a Republican, but never aspired to public office. Late in life he sold the farm and retired to Norristown for two years, removing later to Evansburg, where he made his home with his son. Both he and his wife died at the home of our subject, he at the age of eighty-six years, his widow surviving him ten years and dying at the age of eighty-six years. Both belonged to the German Reformed church, he filling a number of important offices therein, including deacon, trustee, etc. Mrs. Buckwalter was a daughter of John Fry, a farmer of Lower Providence township, of German descent, and a member of the Reformed church at Trappe.

 

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The children of John Fry: Mary, Mrs. F. Alderfer; Anna (mother); Hester, Mrs. Cook; Abraham, a farmer. The children of William and Anna Buckwalter: Elizabeth, Mrs. Isaac Fry, whose husband removed later to Norristown, where he was coroner of the county and held other positions; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Abraham, a prominent farmer of Collegeville; Sarah A., Mrs. H. Foley; Emma, married F. Law. All are living.

Jacob Buckwalter (grandfather) was a farmer by occupation. He was a member of the Muhlenberg Lutheran church at Trappe. He had several brothers, among them Joseph, who served in the war of 1812. Jacob reared a large family and lived to an advanced age. He married Mary Essick, and their children were Abraham, who settled in Chester county, was a millwright and machinist by trade and operated a saw mill, born in 1797, married Rachel Ortlip, died in 1878, his wife dying in 1898, at the age of ninety-two years; she was the daughter of Henry and Mary Ortlip.

Their children were: Samuel, William, Elias, Henry, Franklin, J. Addison, whose sketch appears elsewhere; I. Newton, David R., Lewis, Theodore and John W. The other children of Jacob and Mary Buckwalter were: Joseph, a widely known and popular business man and hotel proprietor; Jacob, a farmer who settled in Cass county, Indiana; William (father); David, a stone mason, who settled in Upper Providence; George, a shoemaker by trade, who located in Upper Providence; Mary, Mrs. Cressinger; Hannah, Mrs. Kramb; Sarah, Mrs. A. Coulston. The first ancestor of the Buckwalters in this country was Francis Buckwalter, who came to America from Switzerland early in the eighteenth century, locating near where Phoenixville is now situated, and taking up a large tract of land.

William Buckwalter (father) was a man of the highest integrity and accumulated a considerable estate.

Jacob Buckwalter remained with his parents until he was about thirty years of age, when he married and farmed the homestead for two years. He then bought a farm in Upper Providence, remaining upon it seven years. He then sold it, worked at his trade of wheelwright for two years, and in 1872 bought the farm on Skippack Creek, near Keyser's Mill, on which he now lives. It contains seventy-five acres. He has remodeled the house and added to it, besides putting the land in good condition and building a large barn and convenient outbuildings. He has given attention to general fanning, and attended market for fourteen years. He raised some stock. Of late years he has lived retired from active labor, his son attending to the farm work. At one time he engaged at Norristown with Jacob G. Landis in the feed business, but later sold his interest and gave attention to his farm. Politically Mr. Buckwalter is a Republican. He has filled many township offices, having been township supervisor for ten years, and could have continued but declined to serve longer. He was school director for nine years, filling all these positions creditably to himself and with satisfaction to the public. He is a member of the Reformed church at Trappe, and is a trustee there. During the rebellion he served in the state militia four months, doing guard duty in Maryland and Virginia. He was in several skirmishes, but did not participate in any battle. He was honorably discharged when he had served his time, having enlisted when the rebels proposed to invade Pennsylvania.

Mr. Buckwalter married, February 6, 1864, Elizabeth Longacre, born in Upper Providence township, November 23, 1834. She is the daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Landes) Longacre, both of German descent, Daniel being a millwright and later a farmer and market man. They were members of the Reformed church at Trappe, and both died on the homestead which he owned and where his wife was reared. He died in his seventy-first year, and his wife survived ten years longer and died in her seventy-first year. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Daniel Longacre: Abram, settled as a farmer near Royersford; John, settled near Gratersford; Jacob, a brick manufacturer of Upper Providence township.

 

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The children of Jacob and Elizabeth L. Buckwalter: William H., who manages his father's farm; he married Kate Hallman, and they have three daughters: Elizabeth, Cora and Eva. Elmer, a clerk in a store. Daniel, a contractor and builder, died November 28, 1899, leaving a wife and one child, Jennie May, who is deceased. Emanuel, a prominent farmer; he married (first) Esther Anderson, and they had one son, Jacob; he married (second) Ella Anderson, sister of his first wife; no issue. Jacob, a contractor and builder of Skippack township; he married Amanda Hallman, and they have one child, Catherine.

 

 

(Picture of Edward Harris Burling)

 

EDWARD HARRIS BURLING, a worthy and respected citizen residing at Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a native of Burlington, New Jersey, born May 2, 1832, a son of John Diehlman and Mary (Githens) Burling. The Burlings are of English ancestry. Three brothers of that name came to America at an early date, settling in New York and New Jersey.

(Picture of John D. Burling)

 

John Diehlman Burling (father) was born at Westfield, New Jersey, in 1808, and spent his whole life in that state. He engaged in the manufacture of carriages, having established the business which has grown to such proportions at the present date. Later he moved to a farm, near the city, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in November, 1855, at the age of forty-seven years, having lost his life by accident in being thrown from a carriage in a runaway. Mr. Burling was an active politician, being a supporter of the Whig party. His wife, Mary Githens, who was born in 1806 and died in the autumn of 1863, bore him the following named children: Edward H., mentioned hereinafter. George Childs, who enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war, raised a company and went out as captain in the New Jersey Infantry; he was appointed colonel of the Sixth Regiment, New Jersey Infantry, and for meritorious conduct on the field was promoted to general, commanding a brigade at the battle of Gettysburg; he was commissioned brigadier-general by President Johnson; his death in 1884 was the result of a wound received at the battle of Chancellorsville. Elizabeth Ellis, wife of Henry J. Budd, of Mount Holly, New Jersey. John Githens, Abraham, Henry, and two children who died in early youth.

Edward H. Burling was educated in the public and private schools of the vicinity, and in Treemount Seminary, Norristown. He resided on the homestead farm, and at the early age of sixteen years, having a bent for commercial life, engaged in the mercantile business at Morristown, New Jersey, and in 1855 on his own account in the city of his birth, Burlington, New Jersey, with a partner, under the firm name of Burling & Rowand. Later he became the sole owner of the business, conducting the same in all about ten years. Having a desire to return to country life, he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Burlington county, New Jersey, and engaged in its cultivation. After a few years an opportunity offering to dispose of the farm, he sold it on April 1, 1869, and moved to his present home in Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, which consists of fifteen and a half acres. While not engaged in any special business, his natural energy would not allow him to be very retired. His time is occupied much in travel, and in attending to his varied and numerous interests, besides taking a part in whatever is for the advantage of the community in which he lives. Mr. Burling was one of the organizers of the Huntingdon Valley Building and Loan Association, and its secretary for many years. He has taken an active part in politics, being an earnest supporter of the interests of the Republican party. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for more than fifty years, and he is a past grand of Phoenix Lodge, No. 92, of Burlington, New Jersey.

At Burlington, New Jersey, February 28, 1861, Mr. Burling married Annie E. Hoeckly, daughter of Christian and Ann Eliza (Herman) Hoeckly. Mrs. Burling died May 18, 1891. Mr. Burling married, November 22, 1899, Mrs. Emma Josephine Chamberlain, daughter of Israel W. and Sarah Morris (Horner) Heulings, and widow of William Chamberlain, of Morristown, New Jersey,

 

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by whom she had one child, William Chamberlain (3d). No children were born of either of these marriages. Israel Heulings was a member of one of the old families of Burlington county, New Jersey.

 

 

FRANK PALMER is descended from an old family of Montgomery county Friends. He is the son of Thomas and Lydia A. (Iredell) Palmer, and was born on the homestead in Horsham township, May 30, 1865. He was reared on the farm and educated in the schools of the vicinity.

Thomas Palmer (father) was the son of Charles and Betsey (Cadwallader) Palmer, both of Horsham township. His ancestor, George Palmer, purchased a large tract of land from William Penn in England, five hundred acres in extent. On his way to this country he made a will, a copy of which is in possession of his descendants. He reached Pennsylvania, however, in 1682, and located his land in Moreland and Upper Dublin townships, then Philadelphia, now Montgomery county. It extended to where is now Horshamville. At that place he dug a saw pit, and by means of a whip-saw obtained the lumber to build a two story house which stood for nearly a century there and did good service. There is a tradition that on his arrival he caught shad and herring in the Pennypack creek near the site of the present turnpike bridge. A portion of the original tract of land is still owned by his descendants, Frank Palmer and his brothers. He was one of the first land owners in Horsham township.

Charles Palmer, grandson of George, better known as Squire Palmer, served as a justice of the peace for many years. He also kept the store at Horshamville, and was among the influential men of Horsham township. He was also a successful farmer. In politics he was a Whig and actively interested himself in securing the success of the principles of that party. He held several minor township offices. In religion he was a Friend, like his ancestors for several generations. His children: Isaac, died young; Jonathan, Thomas, father of the subject of this sketch; Lydia C., Mrs. Walton.

Thomas Palmer (father) was born and reared on the homestead, remaining under the parental roof until he married and settled in the vicinity, renting the Iredell farm. He remained on that for several years, and then returned to the homestead in 1869, where he remained until his death in 1874. In his youth he taught school several years. He was an exceedingly intelligent man, his mind being stored with information through his extensive reading. His wife survived him, dying in 1893, on January 26.

She was a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah B. (Barnes) Iredell, both of old families in Pennsylvania, residing in Horsham township. Jonathan Iredell was an artist as well as a farmer, being an expert in taking daguerreotypes. He resided near Horsham Friends' meeting. He was an overseer of the turnpike, and held other responsible positions. He was a Republican in politics. The Barnes family came to America from England in the same vessel with Thomas Iredell, the immigrant.

Thomas Iredell came to America from Horsham, in Sussex, England, his place of residence in the old country giving name to the township in which he settled. He purchased originally two hundred acres of land on which he erected a house a half mile north of Horsham meeting. In 1717 he was one of the overseers of the meeting. In 1722 he was one of the jurors in laying out the Governor's road, which passed by his house. The township was named prior to 1734. William Penn preached at his native town in England in 1672, at which time it is probable that Thomas was convinced of the truth of Friends' principles. The earliest mention of the name in meeting records as applied to the township is in 1719. The children of Jonathan Iredell: Elizabeth, died unmarried; John B., a teacher, later in charge of a shoe factory in Philadelphia; Lydia, mother of Frank Palmer; William P., served in the rebellion, and died from sunstroke; Daniel W., a farmer; Hannah, died at the age of fifteen years.

Thomas Palmer (father) and Lydia (Iredell) Palmer had three children; as follows: 1. Charles, occupies the homestead, is unmarried. He was born in Horsham township, November 16, 1855, was educated in the public schools, and remained under the parental roof.

 

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In 1869 he came with his parents to the farm where he now resides and since the death of his parents he has assisted in the management of the homestead and his father's estate. 2. J. Iredell, a farmer; 3. Frank, subject of this sketch.

Frank Palmer was reared on the farm and remained under the parental room during the lifetime of his parents. In 1889 he purchased the Horsham Mill, including ten acres of land. It is run by water power, and at one time was a popular grist mill, farmers coming a long distance to take advantage of the opportunity it afforded to have grain ground. Mr., Palmer has made repairs, and the old structure is in a good state of preservation. He grinds only feed, and in addition to his business at the mill he sells farm machinery. In politics he is an earnest Republican, but has never sought or held office.

 

 

JOSEPH H. SIMMERS, merchant and postmaster at Maple Glen, in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is descended from an old Virginia family. He is a native of Horsham township, where he was born April 26, 1830. He was reared to farm pursuits, and educated in the public schools. He is the son of Eli and Elizabeth (Walton) Simmers, both of Horsham township. Eli's father was a native of Virginia, who came to Montgomery county and settled in Horsham township.

Eli Simmers after his marriage conducted for twenty-one years a farm owned by Mr. Perot, who resided in Philadelphia. He then purchased a farm in Upper Dublin, on which he remained during the rest of his life. He was a successful farmer. In politics he was a Republican. He filled for some time the office of township supervisor. He died in 1868. He attended Friends' meeting. He farmed in a general way and attended market, being successful in securing a competency. His wife died some years before Mr. Simmers. She was a daughter of Jeremiah Walton, of a well known family of Friends long resident In Montgomery county. In his later life he was a widower, and made his home with his daughter. The children of Jeremiah Walton: Silas, Lukens, Daniel, Thomas, Elizabeth, wife of Eli Simmers; Mary, who was the second wife of Eli Simmers.

The children of Eli and Elizabeth Simmers: Rachel (Mrs. T. Gordon); Rebecca (Mrs. S. Jones); Mary (Mrs. Albert Walton); Joseph H., subject of this sketch; Charles, a wheelwright, residing near Newtown; Ellwood, who died in 1860; Barclay, who died in 1876. Ellwood married and left one daughter. All were reared in the Society of Friends.

Joseph H. Simmers remained under the parental roof until he arrived at the age of manhood. In 1856 he married and engaged in farming on his own account, having rented the homestead farm from his father. He remained there until his father's death. Later he purchased a smaller farm, and later he removed to Upper Dublin township and bought another farm, remaining there twelve years. He then sold it and bought five acres and the store buildings in which he is now doing business. He is a Republican in politics but has never sought political preferment of any kind. Mr. Simmers bought and occupied his present place of business in 1892. He carries a full stock of all kinds of goods desired by his customers. He meets the wants of the people who trade with him, and is a practical and successful merchant. Mr. Simmers had the post office established at Maple Glen, and received the appointment of postmaster in 1893 under the Cleveland administration, and he continues to hold it to the present time.

Mr. Simmers married Miss Susan Barnes, a native of Philadelphia, where she was born April 10, 1836. She is the daughter of Abraham and Mary (Heft) Barnes, the father of Sumneytown and of German descent, the mother of Germantown. Abraham Barnes was a drayman in Philadelphia for many years. He accumulated a competency, retired from business, and died in 1869. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. His widow died in 1876. Their children: Emeline, Mrs. J. Sines; Eliza, Mrs. J. Kezatt; John, served in the army during the Rebellion; Jacob, deceased, assisted his father; George, a carpenter; Susanna, Mrs. Joseph H, Simmers.

 

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The children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Simmers: Harrington, died young; Mary E., unmarried; William, died young; Elizabeth, died at the age of three years; Ida died at the age of forty years, was the wife of B. Stout, and left two children; Edwin W., assisting in store; Walter G., a traveling salesman. Mr. Simmers attends Friends' Meeting at Horsham. Mrs. Simmers died May 16, 1904, after a companionship with her husband of nearly a half century.

 

 

JOHN J. McCORMICK, the well known Norristown and Bridgeport business man, is a native of Port Kennedy, Upper Merion township, where he was born August 9, 1870. When he was two years of age his parents removed to the borough of Bridgeport. He attended St. Patrick's parochial school at Norristown, but at the early age of thirteen left his studies to accept a position in the grocery store of Robert Griffith, in Bridgeport. He remained two years, leaving to accept a more lucrative position with Robert J. Patton, a flour and feed dealer of the same town. Mr. McCormick, then a mere boy, remained in his second position until arriving at the age of manhood; being with Mr. Patton seven years, at which time he decided to embark in the grocery business for himself in his home town.

In June, 1892, Mr. McCormick, with a meagre education and a slender purse, his entire Capital being eighty-five dollars, started his first business enterprise in the corner store at Ford and Fourth streets, Bridgeport. Beginning on a small scale he has by perseverance and giving his undivided attention to his work, built up his business so that today he occupies his own place on the corner of Bush and Holstein streets, and said to be the best equipped and most modern building in the grocery line in eastern Pennsylvania. Six men are employed.

In June, 1899, he purchased the grocery and wholesale liquor store on Main street, Norristown, formerly conducted by the late John McDermott. This combination store is the only one of its kind in Montgomery county, being in business so few years, it is evident that Mr. McCormick owes his success to his own exertions and ambitions, it being very apparent that be is a self-made man. In politics he is a Democrat. He served two terms as a member of town council in the borough of Bridgeport. He is, however, at present no politician, being too much engrossed with business affairs. He is treasurer of the William B. Rambo Building and Loan Association. In religion Mr. McCormick affiliates with the Catholic church, being a member of St. Augustine's parish, Bridgeport.

On June 12, 1895, Mr. McCormick was married to Ella E. Malone, of Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, in the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Mrs. McCormick was for several years teacher in the borough schools of her native town, having the distinction of being appointed while still a high school pupil, and being the youngest teacher in the corps at the time of her election. Later she attended a preparatory school conducted by the late county superintendent, W. N. Wolverton, of Northumberland county, at Milton.

Mr. McCormick's father, Martin McCormick, was a native of Ireland. He was born in Queen's county, and came to America in 1850, when twenty-three years of age. For many years he was employed as powder-man at the extensive lime quarries of John R. Kennedy at Port Kennedy. He died September 1, 1900, at his home in Bridgeport, where he resided since 1872. He married Ann Brophy, at Norristown. She was born in Ireland, but reared in England, coming to America in 1858.

Nine children survive them. Mr. McCormick's mother died October 16, 1901. Their children are: 1. Catharine, Mrs. James Lawless, of Bridgeport. 2. Annie E., wife of Peter Burns, of Bridgeport. 3. Thomas E., employed by John J. McCormick; married Julia Crowe. 4, Martin A., a landscape gardener at Bryn Mawr, who married Mary Durham, 5. John J., the subject of this sketch. 6. William J., hotel keeper at Bridgeport; married Annie McDermott, of that place. 7. Margaret M., in charge of John J. McCormick's Bridgeport store. 8. Mary. 9. Dennis J., also in the employ of his brother, John J. McCormick.

 

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Mrs. John J. McCormick is the daughter of James and Margaret (Hayden) Malone. In his early youth Mr. Malone was a baker. He died in February, 1885. Margaret, his wife, died August 17, 1897. Both were born in Ireland, coming to America at an early age. They were married in New York, a few years later removing to Pennsylvania, where their family was reared. Alexander J., clothier of Philadelphia, married Nellie T. Whitney, who died June 16, 1904. Mary K., married H. J. McCafferty, teacher at Locust Gap, Northumberland county. Their youngest child, Ella E., is wife of the subject of our sketch, John J. McCormick.

 

 

G. CARROLL HOOVER, one of the best known of the younger members of the Norristown bar, is the son of George G. and Eva (Fisher) Hoover. He was born in Norristown, March 7, 1877.

He was partly educated in the schools of Norristown, but removed with his parents to Washington, D. C., where he entered the public schools from which he graduated high in his class in 1894. He then entered the Columbian University in that city, where he took a classical course, and graduated with honors in 1898, the degree of Bachelor of Arts being conferred upon him. Returning to his native city, Norristown, he commenced the study of law with Henry M. Brownback as his preceptor. He passed a very satisfactory examination, and was admitted to the Montgomery county bar, on July 1, 1901. He immediately opened his office, and has been successfully engaged in the practice of law. His offices are in Rooms 9 and 10, Shoemaker building. He is a notary public, and represents a number of corporations of Norristown and of other cities. He has won a number of cases by the exercise of tact and ability. Mr. Hoover as a speaker is eloquent and forcible. While at college he won the gold medal awarded for excellence in oratory. In politics he is an active Republican, and is earnest in his support of the candidates and principles of the party.

Mr. Hoover married, October 14, 1903, Miss Meta I. Moore, daughter of Samuel M. (deceased) and Savilla P. Moore. Mrs. Hoover's father was a prominent real estate agent and extensive property owner, in Norristown, the family having long been identified with the interests of Norristown.

George G. Hoover (father) is the son of Albert C. and Elizabeth (Geatrell) Hoover. Albert Hoover died at No, 34 East Oak street, Norristown, August 24, 1902. The Hoovers are an old and distinguished family in the annals of Montgomery county. (For the earlier generations see biographical sketch of Hiram C. Hoover, elsewhere in this work). The Geatrells are a prominent family of the county long resident in Gwynedd and adjacent townships. Mrs. Albert C. Hoover was a daughter of George and Ann Geatrell, the immigrants, who came from the Isle of Wight about 1812. (See sketch of Thomas B. Geatrell.)

George G. Hoover was born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, May 29, 1853. He was educated in the public schools of that township, and at Treemount Seminary Norristown, under the care of Dr. John W. Loch. On leaving school he engaged in the occupation of teaching in Montgomery county, and later engaged in the study of law with Charles Hunsicker, an eminent member of the Norristown bar, as his preceptor. He was admitted to the bar in 1877 or 1879. Although the Hoover family had always acted with the Democratic party, Mr. Hoover became a Republican, and was the nominee of that party for burgess of Norristown. He was not elected, but later he accepted the appointment of special examiner of pensions, which position he still holds and has held for a number of years, having charge of certain counties in New York. He was appointed by President Harrison in 1889.

Mr. Hoover married Miss Eva, daughter of Leonard Fisher, a native of Montgomery county. He was born at Barren, now Lafayette Hill, but died in Philadelphia at an advanced age.

 

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The children of George G. and Eva Hoover: Ethel, married Frederick W. Johnson, and resides in New York, having two children, Dorothy Webster, and Faris Thayer; Norma E., married Paul D. Connor, Jr., and resides in Washington, where Mr. Connor is an expert telegrapher in the war department; Harriet N., and G. Carroll, subject of this sketch.

 

 

JUSTINIAN K. HALLOWELL, proprietor of the Horsham Hotel, at Hallowell, is a descendant of honored ancestry in the lines of both father and mother. He was born in Montgomery township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1855. He was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of the vicinity. He is the son of Thomas B. and Mary (Kenderdine) Hallowell, both of Horsham township. Thomas was the son of Thomas, Sr., and Lydia (Bye) Hallowell, the former of Horsham township, in Montgomery county, and the latter of Buckingham township, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. The Hallowells are descended from John Hallowell, who came from England in 1682 and settled in Moreland township, now Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. (See Hallowell Family, elsewhere in this work.) The Teas estate in Horsham is a portion of the farm of Thomas Hallowell, great-grandfather of J. K. Hallowell. His children: Thomas (grandfather); Ellen, married George Shoemaker; Margaret (Mrs. Shoemaker); Mary (Mrs. Thomson).

Thomas (grandfather) was born, lived and died on the homestead. He was a prominent and successful farmer, and a man of integrity, and honor. He was a Whig and Abolitionist, but never aspired to political preferment of any kind. He was an active members of the Society of Friends, attending faithfully all its meetings in their order. He married Lydia Bye, of English descent, an early family of Buckingham, where she was born. Her brothers and sisters: Mercy, Mrs. Eastburn; Anna, Mrs. Brown; Eliza, Mrs. Stokes; Thomas, a prominent farmer; John, a farmer. The children of Thomas and Lydia Hallowell: Thomas B., father of J. K. Hallowell; Aaron, a farmer; Mercy, Mrs. John Teas; George, a successful business man who became very wealthy.

Thomas B. Hallowell (father) located on a part of the homestead when he was married, and later removed to Montgomery township, near where is now the borough of Lansdale, and there engaged in farming. After one year he returned to Horsham township, where he conducted a farm and died April 7, 1865 at the age of fifty-nine years.

Politically he was a Whig, and later a Republican, but never sought or held office. His Wife was born 1st mo., 9, 1811, and died December 25, 1887, aged seventy-seven years. She was the daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Rakestraw) Kenderdine. The Rakestraw family were of English descent and settled in Philadelphia. Joseph Kenderdine was a descendant of Thomas Kenderdine, born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, in 1650. He came to this country prior to 1702, and died in Abington township in 1713. He married Margaret, daughter of John Roberts before 1680. She died in 1710.

At the time he emigrated he had four children- Jenkin, John, Richard and Thomas, and a daughter, Margaret, may have been born in Wales. Thomas is supposed to have settled first in Chester county before coming to Abington. The children of Joseph Kenderline: John, a farmer; Justinian; Hannah, Mrs. D. Longstreth; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Sarah, Mrs. Jonathan Lukens; Joseph, a merchant in Philadelphia; Mary K., mother of J. K. Hallowell; Elizabeth, Mrs. Thomas Childs; Charles, a merchant of Philadelphia; Rebecca, died young.

The children of Thomas B. and Mary K. Hallowell: Lydia, born August 20, 1831, is unmarried, and resides with her brother, J. K. Hallowell; John R., born February 12, 1833, served through the rebellion, enlisting as a private and returning as a lieutenant; Aaron, born 7th mo., 29, 1835, died 7th mo., 27, 1836; Thomas, born, 4th mo., 11, 1838; he left home in 1860 and has not been heard from since; Charles K., born January 24, 1841, served through the rebellion, and resides in Philadelphia; George, born September 23, 1844, was reared to farm pursuits, and later bought the farm and hotel in conjunction with his brother, J. K. Hallowell, and died February 3, 1897, much regretted by all who knew him; Hannah, born April 22, 1850, died 1st mo., 18, 1861; William, born February 28, 1853, died 2d mo., 16, 1854; Justinian K., subject of this sketch.

 

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Justinian K. Hallowell was reared on a farm, attended neighboring, schools, and when about seventeen years of age was employed as a shipping clerk in a wholesale house in Philadelphia for three years. Returning to Horsham he engaged in farming, in which he continued until March 15, 1880, when in conjunction with his brother George he bought the farm and hotel. They conducted both until the death of George, February 3, 1897. A reorganization then took place, and a sister Lydia became a partner in the property. He is a successful hotel man. He has built several houses for tenants, and greatly improved and increased the value of his property. He has furnished much stone for turnpike roads.

Mr. Hallowell succeeded in getting a post office established named Hallowell, and a store, and has assisted with all the enterprises of the neighborhood. He has filled all the chairs in the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is now treasurer, and also occupies a similar position in the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a leading Republican, being county committeeman.

Mr. Hallowell married, November 25, 1886, Miss Ida M. Nash, born July 14, 1855, died January 14, 1889, leaving no children. She was the daughter of Frederick and Mary (Palmer) Nash, she a native of Horsham township, and he of England. He was a farmer of Upper Merion township, where he died. His wife resides at Ambler. Their children: Ida M., Mrs. Hallowell; Harry, of Ambler; Ella, Mrs. Thomas Potts; Frank, a clerk in Philadelphia; Nancy, Mrs. Manderbach.

 

 

WILLIAM TAYLOR BLAKE ROBERTS, the well known master builder who has been so long engaged in operations in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, is of English ancestry. He was born June 15, 1850.

He received his education in the schools of Philadelphia, and during this time manifested a strong liking for the occupation of builder. When he was fourteen years of age his parents removed to Franklin, Venango county, Pennsylvania, where his father became manager for the Asher Petroleum Company, and also devoted a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits. The son engaged in farm work during the spring and summer, and followed the occupation of lumbering in the forests during the remainder of the year. After he had been thus engaged for three years the family returned to Philadelphia, and William T. B. became an apprentice to the trade of carpenter and builder, in which he has achieved so great a success. After the term of his apprenticeship expired he associated himself with his father in building operations, and later continued the business on his own account, becoming a contractor for capitalists and also engaging in extensive operations for himself. He soon achieved a reputation as a capable and honorable business man who could be trusted to fulfill his contracts in the most careful and conscientious manner. The first consideration with him was that his work should be honest and satisfactory, his own profits being a secondary consideration. The houses which he erected were soon found to command a ready sale at good prices, and his services came to be in very active demand. The reputation he won guaranteed him all the business in his line he desired, and his business has increased enormously in the course of the past twenty or thirty years. The field of Mr. Roberts as a builder was at first in the northern section of Philadelphia and in the outlying districts of Tioga and Germantown, where he erected thousands of dwellings. One of the most extensive and important of his. earlier operations was the erection of the Aubrey Hotel, a speculative enterprise during the Centennial Exposition of 1876.

It was located on Walnut street, and extended from Thirty-third to Thirty-fourth streets, costing about a quarter of a million of dollars. The magnificent residence of Peter A. B. Widener, on Broad street, at the corner of Girard avenue, one of the finest residences in Philadelphia, and also two dwellings adjoining it, all three of which were fine examples of his skill and genius, are important additions to the section of Broad street which is devoted to residential purposes. He also erected a number of buildings in Scranton, many of them large and costly structures.

 

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Montgomery county as a field for Mr. Roberts's extensive building operations is of later date. After he had labored successfully in the erection of dwellings which contributed so largely to the growth of Philadelphia, fine blocks of houses which he built connecting the older section of the city with what were formerly outlying farms, he became associated with the operations of Peter A. B. Widener and the late William L. Elkins, they having purchased large tracts of land in the vicinity of Ogontz, in Cheltenham township, as the result of the extension of the lines of the Union Traction Company, in which they were largely interested. They built within the limits of the city and later outside of them, covering tracts of land adjacent to their railway lines with comfortable homes, the entire management of these operations being entrusted to Mr. Roberts. His work was performed so satisfactorily that they gave to him the management of the erection of P. A. B. Widener's, George W. Widener's and G. W. Elkins' palatial residences. Moving steadily northward Mr. Roberts has erected thousands of dwellings for other capitalists and also for himself. At the present time (1904) he is the owner of and is operating very largely in the vicinity of Glenside, where an era of improvement has been inaugurated which is likely to continue until the entire neighborhood is built up. That section of Montgomery county, which has improved more rapidly than any other, owes much to the skill and enterprise of Mr. Roberts. In addition to what he has done in that quarter, he was the builder of a portion of the extensive improvements of the Pennsylvania Iron Company, at Fiftieth street and Merion avenue, including offices, machine shops, foundry, etc.

Mr. Roberts is a man of progressive ideas and views, is ever ready to adopt improved methods, and it is largely through his instrumentality that the section of Montgomery county in which he resides has grown and developed in such a remarkable manner. He possesses many sterling characteristics, has a strict regard for commercial ethics, and a high standard of citizenship. He has given little attention to politics or to social enjoyment, his time and attention being entirely devoted to his business and the society of his family. During the grater part of the year Mr. Roberts resides at Ogontz, where he has a fine and modern mansion.

In June, 1871, Mr. Roberts married Miss Emma J. Britton, and two children have been born to them, a son and a daughter.

 

 

AARON HARLEY, a resident of Philadelphia, is a native of Montgomery county, and is related by marriage to one of its oldest and most prominent families.

He was born October 30, 1849. He received his education in the common schools of his native county, and after completing his studies took up the trade of a slate roofer, and for some time industriously pursued his calling in Norristown. In 1877 he removed to Philadelphia, where he purchased the Farmers' Hotel property, at 1802 Ridge Avenue, which he has since conducted with marked success He is a man of excellent business abilities, and enjoys a wide social acquaintance, being affiliated with various of the most prominent fraternal organizations. He is of the highest rank in the Masonic order, having attained to the Thirty-third degree, Scottish Rite, and is also a Noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is an active member of the Road Drivers' Association Of Philadelphia. In religion he is of the Baptist faith, and in politics he is an independent. He has never sought public life or official preferment, giving all his attention to his business affairs, his family, and his social life.

Mr. Harley married, December 31, 1872, Miss Mary Gable, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Kemmerer) Gable, whose family history is contained in the preceding narrative. Of this marriage were born the following named children: Mary A., who was the wife (first) of William Gotwalts, and to whom was born one child, and (second) of Harvey Houck, and to whom was also born one child; Sarah, Caroline, Elsie, Matthias, and Edith; and two children who died in infancy. Mr. Harley and family occupy a beautiful home at 1809 Poplar street, Philadelphia.

 

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ALAN W. CORSON was born in Norristown, August 23, 1847, and has always resided in that borough. He attended the public schools, being graduated from the Norristown high school in the first graduating class of that institution in 1863. He stood first in the class of seven. He entered the University of Pennsylvania and completed a scientific course in 1866. He returned to his hone in Norristown and entered his father's office. Since that time he has been engaged as a surveyor and civil engineer. He built the East and West Airy street bridges in Norristown, and at least forty bridges on highways in various portions of Montgomery county during the years 1887 to 1900. He has been county surveyor and borough surveyor for Norristown, Choshohocken and Bridgeport for many years. In 1871 he was elected justice of the peace in the fourth ward of Norristown, and has held the position ever since. He was clerk of the town council for a number of years.

In politics Mr. Corson is an active Republican, and has served as delegate many times in county and state conventions. He married, October 9, 1869, Mrs. Delia Maguire, daughter of Thomas Maguire. She was born in Norristown, November 16, 1848. Her mother is of French extraction. Her father came from Ireland in boyhood. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Corson: Mary, born January 14, 1872, married William J. Mulholland, of Albany, New York, purchasing agent for the American Railway Company; they have one child, Ava Corson, born November 30, 1902. Burnside, born October 22, 1874, unmarried and resides in Philadelphia, where he is employed at Cramp's ship yards. Norman Butler, born January 28, 1879, married and resides in Philadelphia, where he is a machinist in the elevator works.

Laurence Egbert Corson (father) was born in Whitemarsh township, April 26, 1819. He was born and reared on the Corson homestead, attending the school of his father, Alan W. Corson (grandfather), which was in existence from about 1810 to 1836. At the age of seventeen years, Laurence E. Corson went to Quakertown, and taught the Friends' school there which had an attendance of two hundred pupils, ten of whom were over thirty years of age, and four over forty years of age. His father's reputation as a teacher had much to do with the large attendance. In the spring of 1839 Laurence E. Corson removed to Norristown and began the study of law, but was, however, never admitted to the bar. He found the business of surveying profitable, and also very congenial to his tastes. Besides, his father was strongly opposed to his becoming a lawyer.

In 1840 he opened a surveyor's office in Norristown and was employed in that business continuously until his death, which occurred on May 8, 1872. His father also followed the business of surveying for more than thirty years previous to that time, and when Laurence E. engaged in the same occupation, the father handed over to the son his business, partly as an inducement to keep him from going on with the study of the law.

Laurence E. Corson was for many years the leading surveyor of Montgomery county. In 1849 he laid out Pottstown, the following year Conshohocken, and the next year Bridgeport. His father had in his time laid out all the additions to the borough of Norristown. In 1855 Laurence E. Corson was elected justice of the peace on the Independent ticket, defeating the Whig and Democratic candidates by more majority than both had votes. He held the office fifteen years, being re-elected twice. The last two elections he had no opposition. In 1853 he was elected by the county commissioners to lay out the new court house. This he did in such a manner as to cause John C. Trautwein, then considered the greatest civil engineer living, to say that he did not believe there was another surveyor in Pennsylvania who could have done the work so well or so correctly, notwithstanding the fact that he broke his instrument at the outset, so that he had only the use of his tape to do the work with. The most wonderful part of it was that not a mistake was made.

 

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In 1828 Laurence E. Corson's father superintended the building of the DeKalb street bridge, Norristown. In 1862 Laurence E. Corson tore it down and rebuilt it as it now stands. He also superintended the erection of the Swede's Ford bridge in 1851, and repaired it in 1869, putting in a third arch to make it strong enough to carry a locomotive. In 1869 he rebuilt all the bridges in Norristown. which were washed away by the great waterspout of July 20, of that year. He was afterwards chairman of the Republican county committee, and alternate delegate to the national convention which nominated General John Charles Fremont for president.

In 1860 he represented the congressional district in the national Republican convention at Chicago, going there a strong Seward man, and returning an enthusiastic supporter of the immortal Lincoln, whom he had assisted in nominating.

Laurence E. Corson married, December 25, 1845, Mary Ann, daughter of Dr. Benjamin and Sarah (Jones) Johnson. She was born October 5, 1824, at Sumneytown, in Montgomery county. Their children: Alan W., born August 23, 1847; Sarah, born October 12, 1849; married Robert R. Garsed, who is now deceased; Mary, died in infancy; Leigh Hunt, died in infancy; Norman Benjamin, born February 16, 1859; Louis Linn, died in infancy.

 

 

ALLEN BERKHIMER, son of Charles Berkhimer, was born on the farm now owned and occupied by Isaac E. Ambler, on the Bethlehem turnpike north of the borough of Ambler, on July 6, 1842. He attended what was commonly known as the Eight Square School, on the Fleck homestead farm, until he reached the age of nineteen years, in the meantime assisting his father on the farm, as is customary in rural neighborhoods. In 1847, his father, having purchased the homestead on Bethlehem turnpike, removed to it with his family in the spring of the year. The farm contains seventy acres of highly improved rolling land. Mr. Berkhimer's father operated it for general farming and dairy purposes, and his son was taught very thoroughly the practical business of farming by one of the most thrifty and progressive agriculturists of the township of Gwynedd.

Allen Berkhimer married, March 4, 1875, Elizabeth P., daughter of Samuel A. and Maria Posey Willett, of Ambler, after which he established himself at Penllyn, where he conducted for one year a coal yard and feed store, located on the north Pennsylvania Railroad. Selling out the coal and feed business, he leased the home farm from his father, continuing thereon as a tenant until 1881, when he succeeded his father in the possession of the farm, and has operated it as a dairy ever since, keeping ordinarily twelve head of cows, of the best stock.

The children of Allen and Elizabeth P. Berkhimer are: 1. Charles William, born April 30, 1876; he attended the Eight Square School, married April 28, 1904, Maud E., daughter of William and Lavina Whittock, of Penllyn and now resides with his wife's parents, 2. Samuel Anderson, born August 14, 1877, attended the Eight Square School and also Peirce's College of Business in Philadelphia, and now assists his father on the farm, being unmarried. 3. Bessie Willett, born October 25, 1879; she married, November 14, 1899, John M. Lowe, son of Jeremiah and Fannie Lowe, of Boiling Springs, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; they reside in Philadelphia; they had two children, John Allen, born June 1, 1901, died September 22, 1904; and Samuel Raymond, born March 17, 1904. 4. Allen Willett, born September 8, 1881, is unmarried and resides in Philadelphia.

Mrs. Berkhimer died February 4, 1891. Mr. Berkhimer married (second wife) March 4, 1893, Margaret Louisa, widow of Joseph Zell, of Bustleton. Mrs. Berkhimer is the daughter of Charles and Susanna 13, Wright. The children by the Zell marriage are two: Bertha Viola, born July 16, 1882; and Susanna, born August 21, 1886. Both are unmarried, and reside with Mr. and Mrs. Berkhimer.

 

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Charles Berkhimer, father of Allen Berkhimer, was born May 2, 1809, at the Berkhimer homestead, "The Maples," in Whitpain township, now owned and occupied by John Berkhimer. Charles Berkhimer was the son of Jacob Berkhimer, whose wife was a Rubicam. Charles Berkhimer attended a free school kept on Skippack turnpike, near Blue Bell, and assisted on his father's farm. He married Mary Ann Fleck, born July 3, 1816, of Springhouse, and, after his marriage, settled near Ambler on a farm.

His children: Mary, born September 3, 1839, married, October 1, 1863, David Dunnett, who kept a store at Springhouse for many years. They live in Philadelphia. Allen, subject of this sketch. Anna, born August 13, 1847, married Charles H. Marple, son of Daniel Marple, they having one child, Mary Ellen, born August 20, 1870, who married George W. Hartman, son of Frederick Hartman, they residing at Gwynedd station and having one child, Anna May, born April 22, 1896.

 

 

WILLIAM M. STEPHENS, one of the best known farmers of Upper Merion township, is a descendant of Evan ap Evan, who came from Wales and purchased a large tract of land in the time of William Penn. His son, Stephen ap Evan, according to the old Welsh nomenclature, married Mary, daughter of William Davis, of Upper Merion, in 1718.

Their children: David, born October 7, 1719; Ruth, born March 9, 1722; Benjamin, born January 30, 1724, died July 20, 1795; Prudence, born December 1, 1727; Micajah, born June 13, 1730; Abijah, born November 30, 1732, died November 1, 1802; Jesse, born February 17, 1734; John, born November 1, 1737. It will be seen that these children, following the Welsh custom, were David ap Stephen, Benjamin ap Stephen, and so on, until in the progress of time the "ap" was dropped by common consent, and "Stephen" became "Stephens," no further change having taken place since.

David Stephens (great-great-grandfather) had three children: Maurice, died unmarried; Abijah (great-grandfather), married Rachel Moore, and after her death, married Elizabeth Moore, a cousin of the first wife; Eleanor married Jacob Richardson.

Abijah Stephens (great-grandfather) had by the first wife, two sons: Maurice and David. By the second marriage he had the following children: Hannah, married Joseph B. Walker; William, married Susanna Davis, and (second wife) Hannah Hall; Ellen, married David Zook, mother of General S. K. Zook, she dying at the age of ninety-seven years; Mordecai M., married Sarah Bull; Abijah, married Matilda Hacker; John.

William Moore Stephens (grandfather), born in 1801, had by the first marriage the following children: Abijah, born March, 1826, died July 19, --, married Lydia R. Havard; Rebecca, born 1827, died 1891; Mordecai D., born 1829, died 185-; Elizabeth M., born March, 1831, married Alvah J. Molony; William, born January 18, 1833, died June 7, 1899, married Mary J. Supplee; Martha E., born March, 1835, died October 26, 1875, married David B. Nyce; Hannah W., born 1837, married Jacob B. Walker; Emma D., born 1839, died 1895, married John M. Walker. By his second marriage with Hannah Hall he had the following children: Susanna D., born December, 24, 1842, married I. W. Williams; Josephine H., married B. F. Williams; Winfield S., married Joanna D. Stephens. William Moore Stephens resided many years on the old homestead, and removed in 1861 to Bridgeport, where he died in 1867. His wife and Alvah Molony and David Nyce also died the same year.

William Stephens (father) married in 1859, Mary J. Supplee, daughter of Cadwalader E. and Catharine Jones Supplee. He was a member of Friends' meeting and a Republican in politics, always taking great interest in the welfare of his country, and in local historical events. He had two children- Catharine, born September 16, 1860; and William M., subject of this sketch.

William M. Stephens was born March 16, 1862, on the old homestead, on the Port Kennedy Road, midway between Port Kennedy and Valley Forge. He was educated at the public schools of the vicinity and at Treemount Seminary, Norristown. He remained with his parents until his marriage on March 25, 1891, to Martha Taggart, born November 2, 1860. They have had five children, as follows: Austin L., born April 19, 1892, died November 27, 1892; Mary S., born March 31, 1894; William S., born August 16, 1895; Alexander T., born November 22, 1897; Corson T., born January 8, 1899.

 

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Austin L. Taggart, father of Mrs. Stephens, better known throughout Pennsylvania as "Farmer Taggart," was born in Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November, 21, 1836. His father was a merchant and lumber dealer, descended from a long line of ancestors, the first of whom in this country came to Pennsylvania in 1740 and aided to make a commonwealth of people who believe in independence of thought and action. Austin L. Taggart's great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and was killed in battle.

In 1850 Mr. Taggart's father removed to Montgomery county, where Austin was educated in public and private schools. In young manhood he ran the lines and made the maps for a number of counties in Michigan. Returning to Norristown he engaged in the mercantile business, and soon afterwards began farming on a tract of land in Upper Merion, three miles from Valley Forge. In 1886 he, was nominated for the legislature and was elected, being re-elected in 1888, 1890, and 1892, and being very prominent in the legislation of that period. He married Sarah Rudy and had eight children. He died rather suddenly soon after the close of the last legislative session at which he was a member.

After his marriage William Stephens farmed the old Camp farm seven years, during which time he bought seventy-six and one-half acres of the old homestead, and erected thereon his present handsome residence in 1898. The Stephens farm is located on the Valley Forge camp ground.

In 1897 the state authorities, bought nearly, two acres, covering the location of the star redoubt, an advance post held by the Rhode Island troops, commanded by General Varnum, whose headquarters were in the old Stephens mansion, still standing, it having been occupied at the time of the encampment by David Stephens, great-great-grandfather of William M. Stephens. The Stephens homestead has been in the family for seven generations, including the children of the present owner, William M. Stephens. In politics Mr. Stephens is a Republican. He has been inspector of election and tax collector.

William Stephens (father) died June 7, 1899. His widow is living. He was a Republican in politics and attended Friends Meeting, at Valley.

 

 

(Picture of Aaron Sperry)

 

AARON SPERRY, one of the best known residents of Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born November 9, 1826, on the farm on which he now resides, then owned and occupied by his parents, John and Sarah (Sheive) Sperry. John Sperry (father), son of John Sperry, was born in the vicinity in which his son Aaron now resides, on Welsh Road, near the Bethlehem turnpike.

He married Sarah Sheive, and their children were: Mary, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Aaron, mentioned hereinafter; George, who married Margaret Moyer; and Lydia Sheive, who became the wife of Lawrence Hawkins, of Philadelphia. The Sperry family have been for many years members of the Upper Dublin Dunkard church, and John Sperry (father) was associated with the building of the church of that denomination at Rose Valley, near Ambler, and was the first person to be interred in its cemetery, his death occurring April 6, 1842.

Aaron Sperry attended the public school of the township, which was located directly opposite the widely known Joseph Foulke Boarding School; at that time in its most flourishing condition. He spent two winters at school and after that time was, too often needed at home to assist in the work of the farm to obtain more than a mere transitory acquaintance with books and learning. When he was sixteen years of age the demand for his services on the farm becoming more urgent than ever, he abandoned school altogether, and he has from that time devoted himself to the occupation of farming. After the death of his father, April 6, 1842, the farm was sold, and Aaron engaged with Charles Yocum, then a leading farmer of the vicinity, who was then cultivating the farms of Saunders Lewis, in Whitpain township, and with whom he was employed for a year and a half. He then returned to his childhood home and farmed for his mother until his marriage. He then located on the homestead farm, at that time containing sixteen acres of highly improved land, which has since been increased to eighty acres.

In 1868 he erected on the farm a modern and convenient dwelling house. Mr. Sperry has been a lifelong Democrat, for a number of years took an active interest in public affairs, and his name has been frequently mentioned in connection with the nomination of that party for the office of sheriff of Montgomery county.

 

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On May 26, 1851, Mr. Sperry married Sarah Rowe, who was born January 8, 1828, a daughter of Dr. John Augustine and Fannie (Betts) Rowe. Their children are: 1. Eleanor Fannie, who attended public schools in Philadelphia, residing there with her grandparents in order that she might pursue her studies successfully until her tenth year, after which time she attended the private school of Daniel Foulke, on the Bethlehem turnpike, above Springhouse, until her sixteenth year. She then remained with her parents until her marriage, November 25, 1874, to Morris Longstreth Thoman, son of Samuel Thoman, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of one child, Jeannette Sperry Thoman, who was educated at the Friends' and Cedar Hill School, and under private tuition. 2. John Rowe, educated at the neighboring schools, including the private school of William Arrott, at Penllyn, until his eighteenth year, after which he assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage, in 1901, to Laura Grist, of Philadelphia. He is now engaged in the claim department of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway, at the principal office of the company in Philadelphia. 3. Ida May, who was educated at Cedar Hill and Prospectville schools, and the select school of the Rev. D. Levin Coleman, at Center Square, Whitpain township. She resides with her parents.

John Augustine Rowe, M. D., father of Mrs. Sperry, was a physician of the old school of practice, and a man of much mental culture. He married Fannie Betts, daughter of Thomas Wye and Mary (Favil) Betts. The Betts family were from England, and were people of considerable importance in that country.

The children of Dr. and Mrs. Rowe are: Sarah, aforementioned as the wife of Aaron Sperry; Joseph Walter, M. D., born in Gosport, England, married Maria Wheat, daughter of the Rev. A. C. and Priscilla Wheat.

 

 

WILLIAM CASEY was born in 1848 in county Wexford, Ireland. He is the son of Thomas and Margaret (Kelly) Casey. Thomas Casey (father) was born in Wexford, and was a tanner and a farmer. His wife was Margaret Kelly, daughter of John and Catharine Kelly. In religious faith they and their family were Catholics. Thomas Casey died' at the age 0f seventy-five years, and his wife at the age of fifty. Their children: Matthew (deceased); James (deceased); Robert (deceased); Bridget, died in Roxboro; Kitty (deceased); William; John, lives in West Philadelphia.

William Casey attended school at Wexford and Ballecarret until he was fifteen years old. For five years he farmed and dealt in cattle in Ireland, and on April 23, 1869, he set sail for America, landing at New York, on May 13, 1869. For a time he lived at Easton, on the Hudson river, working for William T. Christy, and later went to Brooklyn and was employed in Lockett's pork packing establishment. He spent some time in Philadelphia and Downingtown before settling in Plymouth, where he farmed the Lukens farm for William O'Neil. He engaged in the milk business, which he followed successfully until 1893, when he bought the Daniel Foley farm, where he has since resided. He attends the Manayunuk market with the produce of his farm. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of St. Matthew's Catholic church of Conshohocken.

He married Margaret O'Neil, daughter of John and Margaret (Smith) O'Neil, of Conshohocken. Their children are as follows: Margaret, born January 18, 1880; Thomas, born June 21, 1882; Sallie, born October 29, 1884; John, born July 1, 1887; William, born June 1, 1889; Mary, born August 26, 1891; Kitty, born December 16, 1893, died in 1894; Helen, born March 4, 1895; Bessie, born December 18, 1897.

John O'Neil (father of Mrs. Casey) was the son of Edward and Sarah (Sinnott) O'Neil, and was a native of county Wexford, Ireland. He was a successful quarryman and stone mason. He was a prominent Democrat in Conshohocken, and a member of the council in that place. He vas a member of St. Matthew's Catholic church. John O'Neil died at the age of seventy years in West Conshohocken.

 

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John O'Neil married Margaret Smith, daughter of James and Margaret (Lacey) Smith, of county Wexford, Ireland. Their children are: Mary, married Michael McGinnis, and lives in West Conshohocken, her husband being deceased; Edward, married Mary Ann McGettigen (deceased), they having two children, Margaret and Bella, and residing in Philadelphia; Margaret; Sarah residing in West Conshohocken; Katie, residing in West Conshohocken.

 

 

EZRA BERTOLET was born In Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1827. He was educated there in the public schools, and in a private school in Norristown. On leaving school he engaged in the iron business, with a view to mastering its details, and conducted it in different lines for more than forty years. At the present time he is living a retired life, being interested only in the sand filtering business in Philadelphia. He left Montgomery county on engaging in the iron business, and has since lived in Philadelphia. He resides in Kensington, where he has a pleasant home at No. 1232 Marlborough street.

Mr. Bertolet married, March 18, 1856, Miss Elena Knipe, daughter of Conard Knipe, of Philadelphia. They have had the following children: Canard, deceased; Charles E., deceased; William H. and Ira D. In politics Mr. Bertolet is a strong Republican, although he has never held office In religious faith they adhere to the United Evangelical church. He is a man of excellent judgment, and has prospered in all his undertakings.

The Bertolet family are one of the oldest in eastern Pennsylvania. Their ancestor was Jean Bertolet, who came to Pennsylvania in 1726, and became the ancestor of a numerous and influential body of descendants.

Daniel Bertolet (father) was the youngest son of Samuel and Elizabeth Bertolet, was born April 20, 1796, and died February 20, 1868. He married Catharine Gabel, born 1803, and died in 1887. Their children were: Elizabeth, married Elias Fagley; Esther, married Jacob Bliem; John, married Elizabeth Borneman; Ezra, subject of this sketch; Susanna, married H. B. Nace; Daniel, married Eleanor Dunn; Abraham, married Amanda Moore; Benjamin, married Amelia Heberling; Maria, married Michael Diehl; Samuel, married Mary Barndt, and second wife, Mary Borneman; Abner, married Maggie Davidson.