(Picture of Hugh and Alice Roberts)

 

HUGH ROBERTS, a well known builder of Norristown; was a native of Branchtown, in Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Hugh and Sarah (Spencer) Roberts. He was born 8th mo. 5, 1821, nearly four months after the death of his father. His mother married again, and he was reared by his father's sister, Mary Roberts, in the home of his grandfather, Amos Roberts, on Fifth street, near Arch, Philadelphia. When he was about eight years of age he was sent to the farm of his mother's brother, Thomas P. Spencer, in Lower Makefield township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he spent the next eight years, attending the schools of the vicinity. At the age of sixteen years he went to his brother, Spencer Roberts, at the family homestead and mill, the second oldest in the state, where he learned the milling trade. In 1840 he went to Wilmington, Delaware, and was employed for several years at the Brandywine flour mills of the Leas and Canbys.

He married, 8th mo. 8, 1842, Alice A. Gallagher, daughter of John and Margaret (Stotsenburg) Gallagher, of that city. Their children: Charles H., Ellwood (editor of this work), and Mary, wife of Samuel Livezey, of Norristown, Pennsylvania. (See sketches of each of their children elsewhere in this work).

Hugh Roberts followed farming in Delaware and Maryland from 1852 to 1861, when he removed to the Thomas Spencer farm in Bucks county, Pennsylvania: in 1863 to Philadelphia, and in 1864 to Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he spent the remainder of his life, residing on his farm in Gwynedd until 1882, when he removed to Norristown, where he was engaged in building and real estate operations until his death, which occurred 8th mo. 23, 1894, in his seventy-fourth year. He was a man of the highest integrity and of superior intelligence. He was devoted to the Principles of the Society of Friends, living a consistent and honorable life, loved and honored by all who knew him. In politics he was an earnest Republican, but never sought office. He was largely self-taught, and was all his life very fond of reading and study.

His wife survived him nearly eight years, making her home with her son, Ellwood Roberts, at Main and George streets, Norristown, where she died, 4th mo. 10, 1902, in the eighty-third year of her age. Both were buried at Friends' burying ground at Plymouth Meeting.

Alice A. Roberts was a woman of much more than ordinary intelligence and ability. Her home was the center of her life, and she did all that was possible to make it attractive' to her husband, children and friends. Her one thought through life was how to be useful to those around her, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty being characteristic of her through her long life. She was a model of what a wife and mother should be, and transmitted to her offspring many qualities which have been valuable to them in life.

 

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WILLIAM L. ABRAHAM. The Abraham family, one of the most numerous and influential in the township of Upper Merion, are the descendants of James and Margaret (Davis) Abraham, who settled there at an early date. The parents of James were Isaac (probably) and Sarah Abraham. The children of James and Margaret were Keziah, married Samuel Phillips; Miriam, Maria, Isaac (born in 1717), great-great-grandfather, married Dinah Havard, born in 1720, died in 1782; Elizabeth, married Joseph Walker; Abigail and Ezekiel. Isaac and Sarah Abraham came from Wales in 1682, settling in Bucks county.

The children of Isaac and Dinah Abraham were: James, born in 1751, died in 1827, married Hannah George, born in 1752, died in 1813; Margaret, married Benjamin Eastburn; Isaac, born 1756, died in 1813, married Jane Cornog, born in 1758, died in 1822; Dinah, married Abraham Cornog.

The children of James (great-grandfather) and Hannah (George) Abraham; Isaac, born 1775; George, born 1776; Catharine, born 1779, died 1832, married Jonathan Moore; James, born 1783, died 1812; Hannah, born 1784; Joseph (grandfather) born 1788, died 1850, married Ann Davis, born 1799, died March 30, 1873. James Abraham, Sr., came from Bucks county to Merion about the year 1700, and purchased the homestead which is still in the family.

The children of Joseph and Ann (Davis) Abraham; Anna, born 1820, married James Shannon; Sarah, born 1822, married Jonathan Phillips; James, born February 7, 1824, married Susan Eastburn and (second wife) Elizabeth C. Rambo; Benjamin D., born 1826, married Jane Eastburn; Isaac George, born 1827, married Mary Wager; Thomas D. (father) born 1830, married Emily Scott, who died April 19, 1880, and he married (second wife) Mrs. Mary Rambo Pechin. Eliza, born 1831, married Jonathan Supplee; Ann, born 1837, married Owen Evans, who died April 26, 1903; Matilda, born 1836, died in infancy; Emma, born 1842, died in 1860; Joseph, born 1842, died in infancy.

Thomas D. Abraham was born on the homestead farm where Joseph Abraham now lives. He attended neighborhood schools until he was fourteen years of age, when he entered Rev. Samuel Aaron's and later Professor John W. Loch's Treemount Seminary at Norristown, where he studied several years. He was appointed postmaster of Abrams, formerly Merion, and held the position until his death. He was succeeded by Joseph Abraham until 1898, when Ellwood P. Abraham was appointed, and still holds the position.

Thomas D. Abraham was a Republican in politics, and a member of the First Baptist church of Norristown. He was one of the founders of the Union church, Upper Merion, and for several years one of its trustees. In 1850 he became the owner of the saw and grist mill, operating them as well as his farm until 1878. Soon afterwards he enlarged and remodeled the mill, putting in a paper mill plant for manufacturing binders and box board paper. On November 24, 1859, Mr. Abraham married Emily R. Scott, daughter of George Scott, of Norristown, who died April 19, 1880, in her forty-seventh year. Nearly four years later, on January 18, 1884, Mr. Abraham married Mrs. Mary Pechin, widow of George Pechin, and daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Eastburn) Rambo, of Upper Merion. Mr. Abraham's children, all by the first marriage, were: Elizabeth, born October 9, 1860, died January 28, 1867; George S., born February 25, 1862, married Caroline Moreland, they residing in Pittsburg; William L. (subject of this sketch); Ellwood P., born February 19, 1866; Walter S., born February 1, 1869, married and lives in Washington, D. C.; Thomas H., born January 5, 1871, married and resides in Philadelphia, having two children: Howard and George; Emily E., born September 18, 1874, died in infancy.

William L. Abraham was born December 4, 1863, on the home farm, on which he grew to manhood, attending the public schools of the neighborhood and Treemount Seminary, Norristown. He is a Republican in politics, and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the township, holding several minor positions from time to time, although attending strictly to business rather than seeking political preferment.

 

(Page 510)

 

Mr. Abraham married Fannie Pugh, a descendant of an old Radnor family, also of Welsh descent. She was born June 23, 1869, in Philadelphia. She was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Dempsey) Pugh. She was married June 18, 1897. Their children: Caroline, born January 24, 1898: William L., born January 12, 1899; Thomas D., born January 2, 1900, died September 4, 1900; Mary M. and Elizabeth (twins), born November 3, 1900, died in infancy; Edward Pugh, born September 14, 1902, died in infancy.

Edward H. Pugh, Mrs. Abraham's father, was born May 24, 1830, and died January, 1893. Mrs. Pugh, his wife, was born August 23, 1829, and died in June, 1897. Mr. Pugh was born in Radnor, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. At the age of seventeen years he went to Philadelphia and clerked in the grocery store of Michael Sloane. After his marriage he engaged in business with Brerk, Colket & Co. When Mr. Colket retired from the business, the firm became Brerk & Pugh, and after Mr. Brerk retired it became Pugh & Kuke. As the firm of Brerk & Pugh the house did business at Seventeenth and Market streets until their establishment was burned. Then they removed to 2116 Market street, where they remained until the death of Mr. Pugh. In politics he was a Republican but was not an office holder. He was president of the Radnor Garfield and Arthur Club, and took an active part in that campaign. His father was William Pugh, who married Mary Pugh. Their children were Samuel (deceased); John; Johanna, married Mr. Hibbard Hall, and lives at Norristown; Nelson; Sarah E. (deceased); Hunter (deceased); Roland J. and Addison Judson. Miss Sarah lives in Wayne. Edward H. Pugh, Mrs. William Abraham's father, married January 7, 1852, and had children as follows: William I., born February 2, 1853, died February 25, 1854; Sallie F., born March 12, 1855, married Theodore Ramsey; Mary F., born April 27, 1858, died March 31, 1859; Lizzie M., born January 4, 1860, married Joseph M. Fronefield; Edward E. born September 17, 1863, died April 25, 1864; Lillie I., born January 5, 1865, died August 20, 1865.

Benjamin D. Abraham was born on the Abraham homestead February 6, 1826, and lived there until his marriage. He was educated in the public schools. February 6, 1851, he married Miss Jane Eastburn, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Ramsey) Eastburn. Jane Eastburn was born in Upper Merion township, August 19, 1828, on the Eastburn homestead. Soon after their marriage they removed to the farm which has been their home ever since. The farm consists of one hundred acres, and is a part of the original tract purchased by James Abrams. The father of Benjamin Abraham had built a stone house and barn on the tract. He added to these from time to time until no better farm buildings could be found in Upper Merion township. When he took the farm it was nearly entirely in its native state, but he cleared it, planted orchards and shade trees, and it is now one of the best farms for miles around, In religious faith he was a Baptist all his life, and in politics a Democrat although not an office seeker. He died February 7, 1900, and was buried in the Montgomery cemetery in Norristown. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Abraham were as follows:

Anna M., born November 12, 1851, died January 14, 1857; Margaret Julia, born November 27, 1853, married William B. Thomas. Margaret Julia had the following children; Benjamin A. and Francis L. Josephine, born February 18, 1856, married Alfred Taylor. They had one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Taylor died April 8, 1880. George, born March 28, 1858, died in infancy. Emma Jane, born June 29, 1860, married Owen Evans. Their children: Clara Jane, Benjamin and Edward, twins, and Margaret. Edwin, born November 27, 1865. Owen E., born November 24, 1867, is unmarried and resides in Jersey City. He is a practicing surveyor. Alice Lida, born February 17, 1870, married William B. Oberholtzer, and has one son, William A.

 

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Edwin M., the sixth child of Benjamin Abraham, was born in the homestead, and attended the public schools of the neighborhood until he was ten years of age When he was sent to Treemount Seminary at Norristown, taught by Mr. Loch. After four years spent at this school he returned to the farm where he has since resided. He is a member of Montgomery Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been a member for ten years, also a member of Beaver Tribe of Red Men, Norristown Lodge, No. 62. He is a Democrat in politics, and although his district has a Republican majority he was elected supervisor in 1902.

March 24, 1897, he married Elberta Davis, daughter of Jesse C. and Elizabeth (Bartholomew) Davis, members of an old Montgomery county family. Miss Elberta Davis was born May 25, 1865. Jesse C. Davis was born in Chester county, November 3, 1841, and his wife was born October 24, 1843, near Green Lee, in Upper providence township, Montgomery county, where her family had lived for many generations. They had one child, Mrs. Edwin Abraham.

 

 

FREDERICK (or Fritz) J. HARTMAN, Jr., is one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Montgomery township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He is a son of Fritz J. and Katrina (Stine) Hartman, both natives of Germany, the father born in Manheim, Baden, and the mother of Hesse Darmstadt. Both are living and reside in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, where they have lived since 1877. Mr. Hartman, father of the subject of this sketch, is a fine musician, and has been the leader of several bands. He now lives retired at Gwynedd station. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have had the following children: Fritz J., Jr., born October 13, 1858; George, born August 24, 1860, married Anna Mary Marple, and resides at Ambler, Pennsylvania; Henry, born December 28, 1865, resides at Campbell, California; Katie, born in 1875, resides with her parents.

Fritz (or Frederick) J. Hartman, Jr., was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, and also in a German pay school in that city. After leaving school he learned the trade of a musical instrument maker, and followed that occupation four years and a half. He abandoned this calling in consequence of ill health, and engaged in agricultural pursuits as better calculated to promote his physical welfare. He managed a farm owned by his father at Springhouse until 1891. He then rented it and remained as a tenant until 1896, when he rented another farm in Gwynedd township for one year, and in 1898 purchased the farm of seventy-eight acres in Montgomery township on which he now resides.

Mr. Hartman married, in Philadelphia, on May 2, 1891, Louisa Lucy Emonot, daughter of Fritz and Mary Ann Emonot. She was born in Mobelier, France, February 4, 1870. The couple have had the following children: Frederick J., born June 25, 1892, died October 1, 1894; Henry, born June 25,1896; Sophie, born on Good Friday, April 13, 1900.

In politics Mr. Hartman is a Republican, but not an office seeker in any sense of the term. He and his family attend the Lutheran church. He is a man who stands well in the community, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

 

 

MISS ADALINE STOUT. John Stout, the progenitor of the family of that name in Springfield and adjacent townships in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was a native of Germany, who was educated in that country, and at an early age emigrated to the United States, settling with a brother and sister near the city of Philadelphia. He was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1815. He married, and among the children of Mr. and Mrs. Stout, was George (grandfather).

George Stout was a native of Upper Dublin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, to which his father removed soon after coming to this country. The son was educated in the Upper Dublin schools, and after leaving school engaged in the occupation of farming, which he followed very successfully through life. He was married twice, By his first wife he had two daughters. By his second wife he had the following children Jonathan, John, George, Malachi, Charles, Nathan, Rachel and Maria.

 

(Page 512)

 

Jonathan (father) was born on the homestead in Upper Dublin township, March 10, 1805. He obtained his education in neighborhood schools, and then engaged in farming, which he pursued all his life. He died in January, 1888. In politics he was a Democrat, and served as school director for several terms. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was an upright citizen, and was highly esteemed by the community in which he lived. He and his family attended the Reformed church. Mr. Stout married Mary Henk, daughter of John Y. Henk, a farmer of Upper Dublin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. She died in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Stout had the following children: Jesse, born in 1831; Elizabeth, 1833; Francis, 1836; Angeline, 1839; Adaline, 1843; Anna, 1845; Alfred, 1847; William, 1851; Charles, 1853.

Miss Adaline Stout resides with her brother Francis, in Springfield. She is well known for her deeds of kindness and her Christian spirit.

 

 

JOHANON R. WISE was born August 27, 1829, in New Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of David and Hanna (Rhodes) Wise.

David and Hanna (Rhodes) Wise lived in New Hanover township, where he was a farmer and a carpenter. For many years he was a school director in the township where he had lived all his life. He was a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he was a Democrat. David Wise died eight years ago and his wife ten years ago. Their children who are now living, besides two deceased are: Jacob, of Averyville, Berks county; Frederick, of Norristown; Henry, residing in Montgomery county; Johanon; Maria, married Henry Kopling, of Pottstown.

His maternal grandfather Rhodes was a farmer and lived in Montgomery county for many years. Johanon Wise was a carpenter in his younger days, and also engaged in farming. He married Charlotte Becker, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Eagle) Becker, of Lower Pottsgrove township. They were farmers and lifelong residents of Montgomery county. Johanon Wise and wife have been married nearly a half century, living upon their present farm, which they own, ever since their marriage. They have four children: Hiram, a resident of Lower Pottsgrove; David and Lewis, living in Pottstown; and Mahlon, a resident of Lower Pottsgrove.

Mr. Wise was a member of the Lower Pottsgrove school board for many years. He is a member of the Lutheran denomination, while his wife is a member of the Reformed church.

 

 

GEORGE W. STEMPLE. Davis Stemple, grandfather of George W. Stemple, the subject of this sketch, was a well known resident of Conshohocken. He was educated in such schools as were available in his day. Among his children was John Stemple, born in Conshohocken.

John Stemple was educated in the public schools, and on reaching manhood engaged in the express business. He is now a contractor in that borough. In politics he is a Democrat, and attends the Methodist church. He contributed much by his efforts to the welfare of the community. He married Cecelia Wills. Their children: Mary, Bertha, Davis, John, Cecelia, Alfred, Howard, Walter, Margaret, and George W.

George W. Stemple was born in Conshohocken, April 1, 1879. He was educated in the public schools, and on leaving school engaged in the undertaking business, being employed in several Conshohocken establishments.

In 1901 he went to New York, where he engaged in the same business, pursuing it successfully. He remained there until 1903 when he removed to his present home at Lansdale, where he is doing a good business in the undertaking line. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never sought or held office. He is a member of the Masonic order. He attends the Lansdale Methodist church.

 

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GEORGE BERKHIMER SLINGLUFF, son of William Hallman and Margaret Ann (Shepherd) Slingluff, was born September 9, 1857. He became a member of the family of George and Phebe Berkhimer, of Franklinville, in Whitpain township, Mrs. Berkhimer being his mother's sister. He remained with them until he had reached his thirty-fourth year, after which he made his home with his brother Levi, near Union church, in Whitpain township.

Mr. Slingluff married; February 28, 1895, Ella B., widow of his brother, William Slingluff. Their children: Walter George, born February 28, 1896; Samuel Seiple, born December 14, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Slingluff reside on a farm which he bought from the Philips estate, on the State road, near Centre Square, in Whitpain township, which he operates as a farmer and trucker. In politics he is a Republican. He has never sought nor held office, his interests centering in the home rather than in public affairs.

William H. Slingluff (father) was the son of Henry Slingluff and his wife, Elizabeth Slater. He was born December 20, 1825. He was educated in the schools of Whitpain township, and turned his attention to farming. He married, January 1, 1852, Margaret Ann, daughter of Levi and Hettie (Wilkinson) Shepherd, residing near Springhouse, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He had learned the carpenter trade, at which he was employed for several years, but soon after his marriage he engaged in farming, attending the Philadelphia market. He was located at first near North Wales, but in 1870 purchased the Jones farm, a half mile south of Blue tell, containing twenty-three acres of improved land, very eligibly situated on a southern exposure, and very productive. William H. Slingluff and wife had the following children: Emma Jane, born May 28, 1853, died in 1881; William Hallman, born September 18, 1854, married Ella Long and had several children; Levi Slater, born May 22, 1856, married Adella, daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Wood) Berkhimer, and resides at Blue Bell; George B. Slingluff, subject of this sketch; Henry Geiger, born February 20, 1859, married April 20, 1880, Flora Margaret, daughter of Andrew Jackson and Christiana (Dungan) Krewson, of Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and had the following children: Della Bertha, born March 8, 1881, married April 10, 1901, Eugene Nice, son of Henry Fassett Conard and his wife, Sarah Nice, of Blue Bell, their child being Verol Leto, born June 20, 1903; Ethel, born July 3, 1882; Lyle Krewson, born March 3, 1885, resides with his father and assists in the management of the home farm. William H. Slingluff (father) died very suddenly several years ago.

(For further particulars of the Slingluff family, one of the best known in that section of Montgomery county, see other Slingluff sketches, as per index).

 

 

LEWIS STYER, who was cashier of the People's National Bank of Norristown from the time of its organization in 1881 until his death, was born August 2, 1832. He was the son of John and Hannah Styer. Their children were Amos, Alfred, Lewis, W. Augustus and Mary, of whom W. A., residing in Norristown, is the only survivor. (For an account of the Styer family, which is of German origin, see sketch of Freas Styer, elsewhere in this work.)

Lewis Styer was educated in schools in the vicinity of his home, which was in Whitpain township, where the Styer homestead was located, until about thirty years prior to his death. In early manhood he taught school, and during the Rebellion was one of President's Lincoln's deputy internal revenue collectors. He was a partial invalid for many years of his life.

He married Rebecca E., daughter of Davis Slyer, of Florence Heights, New Jersey, who preceded him several years in death. Lewis Styer was a member of the Society of Friends. In politics he was a Republican, and exerted himself behalf of its candidates and principles. In 1872, when the party won its first triumph in Montgomery county, and Septimus Roberts, also of Whitpain township, was elected to the office of register of wills, received from him the appointment of deputy in the office, which position he filled in the most satisfactory manner. He remained at the county seat after the expiration of his term in the office, engaging in the real estate business, in which he was associated with Edmund M. Evans. The two organized the People's National Bank, in which Lewis Styer received the appointment of cashier, relinquishing his real estate business to perform its duties. He was compelled to leave his desk on the third of May, 1903, by illness, and gradually sank, dying on the 27th of the same month. His funeral took place on the 30th of May, from the residence of his brother, W. A. Styer, No. 1206 DeKalb street, Norristown, where he had made his home for several years prior to his death. His remains were interred in Friends' burying ground at Plymouth Meeting.

 

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Lewis Styer was a man of the highest integrity, careful and correct in all his dealings, and affable and gentle in his manners. He enjoyed the respect and confidence of the entire community.

 

 

CHARLES ALLAN SMITH, whose ancestors have lived in Pottstown for three generations, was born in that borough on July 30, 1874. He is the son of Jacob and Hanna (Auman) Smith.

Jacob Smith (father) was, as has been stated, born in Pottstown, and spent his life there. He was a brick manufacturer, and did a large business for many years. In politics he was a Democrat, and acted as constable for a great many terms. He was also tax collector. In religious faith he was a member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife. He died in Pottstown, February 15, 1894, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow still survives him, being now sixty-nine years old. She lives on Evans street, in Pottstown. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Smith had six children, all of whom grew to maturity and are still living except George, who died young. The others are: Camilla, married Samuel Longacre, of Pottstown, who is a painter and a paper hanger in that borough; Mary married Albert Keiffrider, of Pottstown, where he is engaged in the rolling mill business; Lyman M., married Sallie Shader, daughter of David Shader, of Pottstown. Lyman M. Smith is his father's successor in the brickmaking business in Pottstown; Charles A.; Clarence E. is unmarried and resides in Pottstown, being employed as a bricklayer.

Isaac Smith (grandfather) was born and died in Pottstown. During the first part of his life he was a tailor, and was afterwards a drover and a hotel proprietor, having had a varied experience in his long and well-spent life. He died in Pottstown at a very advanced age, his wife having died several years before him.

Charles A. Smith spent the first sixteen years of his life in acquiring an education, and then like all of his father's children he learned the trade of bricklaying, his father being engaged in the brick-making business. After becoming skilled in this trade, he followed it for three years, and then worked in the steel works for several years before his marriage.

He married Laura Amanda Idle, daughter of and Sarah (Reutenhauer) Idle, of Pottstown. Her father was a carpenter by trade and died many years ago. His widow is still living in Pottstown, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Smith have two children: Earl Raymond, resides with his parents; Erma May, also resides with her parents.

Mr. Charles A. Smith is a Democrat in politics, but has never held office nor desired to hold it. They are members of the Trinity Reformed church. For some years after his marriage Mr. Smith was engaged in the stove business, also dealing in fine grades of stock and breeds of pigeons. He had twelve hundred pairs of pigeons, besides rabbits and other animals, his trade in these birds and beasts yielding him a very considerable income. He raised all varieties of poultry, making a specialty of Duffs and Plymouth Rocks. After purchasing his present home from Evan Brooks, who had lived there many years, he began a course of improvement from which he has never desisted. He added thirty-six acres to the original lands in 1903, making it a very large farm. He has planted orchards on the place, and they all give promise of doing well. There the twenty-four hundred trees, including three hundred and sixty-five plum trees, five hundred and sixty-seven peach trees, and three hundred apple trees that are already bearing. Mr. Smith has charge of the Ellis & Lessig mills, where nails, etc., are manufactured. He is a director in the company, and has been a stockholder for several years.

 

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J. HOWARD ELLIS, teller in the People's National Bank of Norristown, is descended from one of the oldest families in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The Ellis progenitors were among the earliest comers from Wales to Radnor, in Delaware county, afterwards removing to what is now Plymouth township, on the east side of the Schuylkill river, and settling in that and the adjoining townships of Whitemarsh and Whitpain where they have ever since been represented by different generations.

John Howard Ellis is the son of Reuben Amos and Mary Ann (Slingluff) Ellis, both deceased. He was born in Upper Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1852. Henry Slingluff Ellis, Catharine Augusta Ellis, Elizabeth Ann Ellis, Jacob Reiner Ellis and Samuel Harley Ellis were brothers and sisters.

Reuben A. Ellis, father, was the son of Amos and Catharine Ellis, of Whitpain township. He was born March 30, 1824, in Whitpain township, and died in Norristown, May 6, 1903. He followed farming most of his life, but was for some years near the close of his life watchman at the People's National Bank. His wife, Mary Ann, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Schlater) Slingluff, was born September 17, 1824, and died March 16, 1898. The Slingluffs and Slaters are both old families of Montgomery county. The Slingluffs of the county are descended from Henry (Hendrick) one of seventy-five Palatines who with their families came to Philadelphia, August 19, 1729, in the ship "Mortonhouse," from Rotterdam. He was accompanied by his wife Christiana, and a son Paulue.

J. Howard Ellis was educated in the public schools and in Washington Hall Collegiate Institute, which institution he attended three terms. He then engaged in teaching school as an occupation, continuing in it for about fifteen years and teaching one year each in Limerick, Worcester, Lower Providence and Perkiomen townships; seven years at Puff's School in Upper Dublin; two years at the Eight Square school in Gwynedd township; and one year in Towamencin. He then came to Norristown and accepted a clerkship in the People's National Bank, being promoted successively to bookkeeper and teller, which position he has held for several years. He became an employe in the bank May 17, 1884, at first performing for a short time the duties of night watchman. During all this period of more than twenty years Mr. Ellis has rendered the most faithful and efficient service to the institution.

Mr. Ellis is a Republican in politics, and has always been actively interested in the success of its principles and candidates. He held the position of registry assessor in the seventh ward, in which he resides, for several years. He was elected a member of the Norristown school board in February, 1903, having been previously appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of C. Henry Fisher. As a member of the school board Mr. Ellis had been attentive to educational interests generally.

In religious faith Mr. Ellis is a member of the German Baptist Brethren church. He was for many years a member of the Upper Dublin church of that denomination. Since his removal to Norristown, over twenty years ago, he has been connected with the Barbadoes street congregation, being a deacon. He is also the superintendent of the Sunday school. He has been for a number of years secretary of the church board, and he has frequently served as a delegate to district meetings. Mr. Ellis is a member of the beneficial societies at Eagleville.

Mr. Ellis married Elmina Letitia Tinney Wentz, daughter of Samuel and Mary Wentz, of Upper Dublin. Her parents, who were members of a family long resident in that section of Montgomery county, are both deceased, Mr. Wentz was a millwright by trade.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. Howard Ellis are: Morris R., born September, 28, 1881, died in May, 1885; Carrie W., born November 2, 1883, graduated at the Norristown high school in the class of 1903, and is engaged in teaching in the primary grade at the John F. Hartranft school in Norristown; Anna Myrtle, born November 16, 1888; Raymond, born December 23, 1891.

 

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Other children of Samuel and Mary Wentz were Caroline P., Amanda C., Thomas T., Morris T. and Enos T. Wentz. All are deceased but the last named.

 

 

(Picture of Charles D. McAvoy)

 

CHARLES D. McAVOY, a member of the Montgomery county bar, and the able chairman of the Democratic standing committee of Montgomery county, is a young man to achieve such high honors and to have had such important responsibilities committed to his charge so early in life. He was born November 11, 1877, at Danborough, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where his father was at that time engaged in farming. He is the son of Dennis and Mary (Nolan) McAvoy.

Mr. McAvoy's parents were both born in Ireland, his father in Kings and his mother in Queens county. Both came to this country with their respective parents at an early age, and some years afterwards were married in the city of New York. In the early spring of 1886, when the subject of this sketch was nine years of age, the family removed from Danborough to Roundwood farm, located a short distance below the village of Centre Square, in Whitpain township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, the proprietor of which was Charles Nolan, an uncle. About one year after the removal of the family to Montgomery county, the father of Mr. McAvoy died, leaving the following children; all of whom now reside in Norristown: Mrs. Mary, widow of Francis J. Curley; Patrick L., Miss Katherine V., and Charles D., who is the youngest of the family. Mrs. Mary McAvoy, the mother of the subject of this sketch, resides with him in Norristown.

Charles D. McAvoy obtained his early education in the public schools, graduating from the Whitpain high school in the class of 1893. In September of that year he entered Villa Nova College, graduating from that institution in the class of 1898, the degree of B.S. (Bachelor of Science) and A.B. (Bachelor of Arts) being conferred upon him at graduation. In 1902 his alma mater conferred upon him the additional degree of A.M. (Master of Arts). Mr. McAvoy was ambitious and industrious, and during his college life was the recipient of many high honors. One year after his graduation from college, he entered the law office of Louis M. Childs, Esq., as a student, and was admitted to the bar of Montgomery county, June 28, 1902. Two weeks after his admission to the bar, and when he was but twenty-three years of age, he was nominated upon a Democratic-Fusion ticket as a candidate for the state legislature, and although running ahead of the ticket, he was defeated by a small plurality, with the rest of his associates on the county ticket.

Mr. McAvoy is a rising member of the bar, and has without a doubt a brilliant future in store for him. He has continued in the active practice of his profession since his admission to the bar, and in conjunction with his practice has reported the court proceedings for the Norristown daily newspapers, the Herald and Register, performing the duties of that position in the most satisfactory manner.

In politics Mr. McAvoy is a Democrat, and has achieved much prominence in the councils of his party. He became secretary of the Democratic standing committee at the early age of twenty-one years, and while holding that position, showed himself such an adept in the details of political work that he was chosen chairman April 6, 1903, at a time when the party to which he belongs was suffering from the disadvantages consequent upon an incomplete organization. His ability to organize and his indefatigable efforts in behalf of the party's principles and his candidates when public sentiment was opposed to a change of administration, achieved much success in cementing the lines of organization and in polling the party vote. He was twice elected to the chairmanship of the standing committee over opposing candidates, and conducted a vigorous canvass in the presidential campaign of 1904, the personal popularity of President Roosevelt, however, carrying the county and nation by large majorities for the Republican candidates. In 1904, Mr. McAvoy was alternate delegate to the Democratic national convention which nominated Alton B. Parker for president and Henry G. Davis for vice-president.

 

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Mr. McAvoy is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church. He has been president since its organization of the Norristown Catholic Club, and is a member of Norristown Lodge, No. 714, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and advocate of Norristown Council, No. 772, Knights of Columbus, of Norristown.

Patrick McAvoy (grandfather) was a barrister and landed proprietor of Castlebrack, Kings county, Ireland. His father was Lawrence McAvoy, who married Margaret Delaney. Patrick McAvoy married Anna Tracy and had a large family of children. James Nolan (maternal grandfather) was an extensive contractor and railroad bridge builder. His father was Charles Nolan and his mother Katherine Corcoran. He married Anna Bennett, whose father was Thomas Bennett, and whose mother was Mary Bergan. James and Anna (Bennett) Nolan, maternal grandparents, had seven children, five sons and two daughters, the sons being William, Charles, James, Thomas and Edward, who composed the firm of Nolan Brothers, railroad contractors who operated extensively in the east, having constructed the Wissahickon bridge at the entrance to Fairmount Park in Philadelphia; also the Richmond street bridge in the same city; and numerous railroads, among which was the Shamokin, Sunbury and Lewisburg; in New York state, bridges at Port Jervis, Hancock and Hornellsville, were constructed by them. Two of the brothers survive: Charles, residing at Roundwood Farm, near Centre Square, in Montgomery county; and James, president of the Reading Trust Company, residing at Reading, Pennsylvania. Mrs. McAvoy is the oldest of the family, the other daughter, Mrs. Katherine (Nolan) Kerens, being the wife of William Kerens, of the contracting firm of Kerens & Egan.

 

 

IRWIN FISHER, long a member of the Norristown school board, and one of the most progressive citizens of Norristown, resides at 211 East Chestnut street. He holds the position of assistant cashier of the Centennial National Bank, Philadelphia. Mr. Fisher was born at Blue Bell, Montgomery county, November 28, 1864. He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Lightcap) Fisher, both natives and lifelong residents of Montgomery county.

Jacob Fisher (father) was a farmer and auctioneer, the latter occupation being his principal business. He removed to Norristown from Whitpain township in 1866, and lived at the county seat until his death, which occurred in 1873, in his seventy-second year. He was born January 5, 1801. Sarah Fisher (mother) survived him until 1899, and was seventy-one years of age at the time of her death. Both were members of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Fisher was a justice of the peace for a number of years. He was previously married to Rachel Barnes, and there were nine children born of that union, only one of whom is now living: Sarah, wife of Samuel D. Shearer, residing at Blue Bell.

His second wife was also previously married, her first husband having been Paul Kenderdine, and they having four children, two of whom are now living: Charles L. Kenderdine, of Reading, and Maggie A. Kenderdine, of Reading. Heinrich Fisher (grandfather) was of German descent. He lived in Upper Dublin township.

Irwin Fisher has lived all his life in Montgomery county, and in Norristown since he was two years of age. He attended the public schools, passing through all the different grades, and graduated from the high school in the class of 1882. He then engaged in the newspaper business for one year, being employed on the Norristown: Times, and doing occasionally special work for other newspapers. He studied for a year in Treemount Seminary, and then took a position in the Centennial National Bank of Philadelphia to learn the banking business, and since 1899 has been assistant cashier.

 

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On November 22, 1888, he married Miss Annie Amelia Schall, daughter of J. Calvin and Susanna (White) Schall. They have four children, two sons and two daughters- Jacob Calvin, Ellwood Corson, Edith Caroline and Susanna Schall Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church of the Trinity on DeKalb street, Norristown. He belongs to Norris Lodge, No. 430, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Norristown Encampment No. 37, I. O. O. F. Mr. Fisher is an earnest and uncompromising Republican. He has been secretary of the borough executive committee of the Republican party of Norristown for the past ten years. He was borough auditor for three years from 1894 to 1897, and has been a member of the Norristown school board since 1897; representing the fourth ward in that body.

The parents of Mrs. Fisher were well-known residents of Montgomery county, the Schall family having been long prominent. Mrs. Fisher has an only sister, Caroline, wife of Robert Barry, of Jersey City, and a half-sister Delia wife of James B. Senior, of Louisville, Kentucky. Her father, J. Calvin Schall, was in the iron trade in Norristown for a number of years. His wife died November 8, 1872, aged thirty-six years, Mr. Schall being her second husband. Mrs. Irwin Fisher's paternal grandfather was William Schall, a native of Oley township in Berks county. His wife was Caroline Trexler. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Fisher was John White, a native of Montgomery county. His wife was Maria L. White.

In the school board of Norristown, Mr. Fisher has been a useful and valuable member, having served on several important committees and taken an active interest in every movement in favor of progress in public education. He was elected secretary of the board in June, 1903, and still holds that position.

 

 

MRS. MARGARET SCHALL HUNSICKER is the daughter of General William Schall, who in his day was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Montgomery county. The Schalls are an old family in this section of Pennsylvania. In the year 1743 Tobias Schall, his wife and son George, came to America, from the Pfaltz, Valdeck, on the borders of France and Switzerland, in Middle Sheflentz, Moshbruce Ampt. George Schall was born in the year 1735, and baptized in the Lower Sheflentz church and confirmed in the Middle Sheflentz Reformed church. The Schalls settled in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where George married Catharine Newhard, in Whitehall township (now in Lehigh county).

The Schalls left their native country because of religious persecution, they being of the German Protestant clement which enters so largely into the population of Montgomery county. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1684 and subsequent measures intended to crush out Protestantism, induced the Schalls and many other French Huguenots to leave their native land and emigrate to America, where their descendants now form a very substantial portion of the community, having intermarried in various generations with those who have sprung from other nationalities.

The Schall coat-of-arms, belonging to the twelfth century, a period when simplicity and purity were the rule in heraldry, is of architectural structure, formed by two beams joined at an angle. The checking is a characteristic emblem (squares of alternating colors), of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, signifying activity and alertness on the field of battle. This symbol is the pride of many ancient and illustrious families on the continent, and shows that the arms were extant at that early age, when the hereditary use of arms was employed to distinguish families connected. In the sixteenth century members of the Schall family settled in Livonia, and obtained the office of hereditary marshal for the family, they having been originally a noble family of Cologne. In the eighteenth century they also appear in Bavaria. That the family is very ancient is shown by the ancestral registers. Robert Schall appears as far back as 1150, and Johann Schall von Bell was rewarded with the Thurnhof, a manor at Friesdorf.

The arms of the Schall von Bell family are as follows: Azure, a fess; Cheque). Gules and Argent, consisting of two rows of ten squares each. This family had high honors under the empire. Their name appears to have been originally only von Schall, but later, in the fourteenth century, they added Bell to it, Bell being their manor near Glacbach.

 

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In the first half of the eighteenth century the title of baron was conferred upon the family, and in connection with this, Ferdinand, Baron Schallvon Bell, was married first in 1747. He was admitted to the knighthood of Bergen. The motto on the coat-of-arms is "Virtutas Sola Nobilitas," meaning "Virtue alone ennobles." The crest forms two outstretched wings with cheque), repeated on them. The Schall family has always been prominent and patriotic in America as well as in Europe. They have been represented in every one of the country's wars that with the French and Indians in colonial times; the Revolutionary war; the war with Great Britain in 1812; the Mexican war, the rebellion, and the Spanish-American and Philippine wars. The immigrant Schalls first landed in South Carolina, but ultimately settled in Pennsylvania.

George Schall, son of Tobias, had one son George, who rose to some eminence, being a member of the state legislature from Berks county. He married Catharine Eyster. They had the following children: George, John, David, William (father); Hannah and Catharine. Hannah married Daniel Jacoby, and Catharine married Dr. William Herbst. David was the father of General John W. Schall, of Norristown.

William Schall (father) was born in Oley township, Berks county, April 18, 1812, being educated in both English and German, and trained to the management of the iron business, in which his father was engaged. From early childhood William Schall lived at District Forge, in Perks county. In 1833 he built Green Lane Forge, in Montgomery county, operating it successfully until 1848, when he removed to Norristown. In 1835 he had been elected on the Whig ticket to the Pennsylvania house of representatives, serving one year. Early in life he was elected first lieutenant of the Third Troop, and subsequently colonel of the Third Regiment, Montgomery county volunteers.

In 1840 he became brigade inspector, which office he retained until 1847, when he was chosen brigade-general of the county militia. On coming to Norristown he bought the property at the corner of Main and Mill streets, still owned by the family. He also bought land at the junction of the Schuylkill river and Stony creek, where he erected nail works, and later a rolling mill, employing many men. He also built Lucinda Furnace. He operated these establishments a number of years. All of them have long since been demolished. In 1864 General Schall and sons erected a rolling mill in the lower part of the borough, which they operated until 1870.

In January, 1831, William Schall married Caroline, daughter of Reuben Trexler, of Berks county. William and Caroline Schall had fourteen children, of whom those who survived infancy were: Lucy, who married Herman L. Baer, and is now deceased; Reuben T., who is engaged in the iron and coal business at Mill and Lafayette street, Norristown; Edwin and Edward (twins); David and Calvin, all deceased; Margaret, who married Charles Hunsicker, a leading attorney of Norristown (deceased); George, who was killed in the Exeter wreck in May, 1899; he was for several years postmaster of Norristown; Percival, a member of the Third United States Infantry, under General MacArthur, who died in the Philippines, on Friday, October 5, 1901; Alexander, Annie, and Amelia, married John B. Beaver (deceased). David married Mary Jane, daughter of Nathan and Ann Rambo; both died some years ago, leaving one son, William; Reuben, married Virginia, daughter of George White. Calvin married Susanna, daughter of John White. Alexander was killed in a railroad accident near Bristol, Pennsylvania, in 1874. Mrs. Caroline Schall died March 7, 1870. Her husband survived her several years, dying in 1885.

Eight of the sons of General William Schall enlisted in the Union army during the rebellion. They were: Captain Edward and Colonel Edwin; Captain Reuben T., Lieutenant David, privates Calvin, Alexander and Percival; Captain George Schall. Colonel Edwin Schall was killed in the Battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. All the others survived many years, although their health was seriously impaired in several instances by their services in behalf of their country. Percival Schall entered the Union army when not yet seventeen years of age, having volunteered to carry the mails to and from camp. He subsequently enlisted in the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Regiment, was captured and incarcerated in Libby Prison. Being exchanged, he rejoined his regiment and served through the war. He then went into the regular army as second lieutenant, being located at Savannah and later at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, where be remained until ordered to the Philippines. He was with General Custer in his memorable fight with the Indians.

 

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General William Schall was a man of public spirit who entered heartily into everything connected with the interests of the community. He was a school director and a member of town council. In early life a Whig, he became identified later with the Democratic party. He and his family were members of the Reformed church of the Ascension, and for many years he was one of its elders. He was one of the original trustees of the Bringhurst Fund.

Mrs. Margaret S. Hunsicker's mother was Caroline Trexler, a descendant of Major John Lesher, of colonial and Revolutionary fame. He served in the French and Indian war. When Benjamin Franklin was sent to the Forks of the Lehigh in 1756 as commissioner to carry on the war against the Indians, Jeremiah Trexler, Mrs. Hunsicker's great-great-grandfather, was one of Franklin's chief advisors on this occasion, being his personal friend.

Colonel John Lesher, the only son and heir-at-law of Nicholas Lesher, was a native of Switzerland, born January 5, 1711. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1734 and was naturalized in 1743. He first settled in Bucks county, but subsequently removed to Oley township, in Berks county. He erected Oley Forge, in 1744, and became prominently identified with the iron industry of Berks county. He was deputy wagon-master under Conrad Weiser, who was captain in Forbes' regiment, at Fort Henry; in 1758, being appointed because he spoke both English and German. He was elected a member of the general assembly of Pennsylvania, May 26, 1776, serving until 1782; also a member of the committee of safety.

He was a member of the constitutional convention of Pennsylvania in 1776, and one of the commissioners for purchasing supplies for the Continental army. He served as captain in Colonel John Patten's regiment, of the Pennsylvania line, and fought in the battle of Long Island in 1776. He became a major during the course of the war. He died in Oley township, April 5, 1794, aged eighty-three years. The following members of Valley Forge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Norristown, are his descendants: Mrs. Margaret S. Hunsicker, Mrs. Miller D. Evans, Mrs. John B. Beaver, Mrs. Irwin Fisher, and Miss Margaret Schall.

Mrs. Hunsicker is very active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of Colonial Dames, and other patriotic organizations. She has taken a deep interest in various matters connected with Valley Forge, including the furnishing of a room at Washington's Headquarters at that place by Valley Forge Chapter, D. A. R., of which she is regent.

Margaret Schall married, June 13, 1865, Charles Hunsicker, one of the prominent members of the Norristown bar. He belonged to an old Montgomery county family, his ancestors having settled on the Perkiomen a century and a half ago. His family were originally Mennonites, his grandfather, John Hunsicker, being a minister of that denomination, and an extensive land owner and farmer in Upper Providence.

Joseph Hunsicker (father) was born May 29, 1798. He was a farmer and lumber merchant. He married Elizabeth Meyer. Their other children were: John M., Samuel, Joseph W., Anna E. (Mrs. J. A. Henkels), and Davis Hunsicker. Joseph Hunsicker served a term as associate judge, his being the last appointment under the old constitutional provision which gave to the governor the right to select the associate judges. The family were Whigs, and Joseph Hunsicker was appointed associate judge by Governor William F. Johnston. Judge Hunsicker died December 1, 1870.

 

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Charles Hunsicker was born in Upper Providence, October 26, 1836. When fourteen years of age he became a pupil at the Washington Hall Seminary, Trappe, and later entered Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, at Collegeville.

When sixteen years old he entered Union College, Schenectady, New York, being graduated with high honors. He entered the law office of Colonel James Boyd, and in August, 1857, was admitted to the bar. He rose rapidly to a leading position among the lawyers of the county. He was originally a Whig, afterwards entered with much ardor into the Know-Nothing party, and after its brief existence came to an end he joined the Democratic party, in which he soon became an acknowledged leader. His service during the rebellion included a brief tenure as adjutant of the Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and on two occasions as lieutenant, in addition to the emergency period.

In 1865 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the position of district attorney, serving three years with much credit. The highest political position Mr. Hunsicker held was that of delegate to the constitutional convention of 1873, in which he took a very prominent part, introducing the proposition for the review of criminal trials by the state supreme court. He vas trustee of the Norristown Hospital for the Insane by appointment of Governor Pattison, being one of the most active and useful members of the board. He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at Chicago, in 1884, which nominated Grover Cleveland for president, and on other occasions he was similarly honored. His religious affiliations were with the Reformed Church of the Ascension of Norristown, of whose board of trustees he was a member. As a citizen, a lawyer and a politician, Mr. Hunsicker enjoyed a wide reputation. As a campaign speaker he was logical and convincing, his delivery being rapid and his remarks always pertinent to the subject. His ability as a lawyer consisted largely in his powers of persuasion in addressing the court and jury. It is probable that the inroads of the disease (neurasthenia, or nervous prostration) which caused his death, were due largely to overwork in the laborious and exhaustive attention given to the duties of his profession. He was frequently appointed to the position of master and examiner in equity cases, for which his natural quickness of perception and his large experience in law practice eminently fitted him. His decisions in many instances in such cases, were afterwards affirmed by the supreme court. His success in the legal profession may be attributed largely to his industry and persistence. Socially Mr. Hunsicker was genial and affable. He was an excellent talker and a good listener, and his qualities of mind and heart were of a character to attract all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. and Mrs. Hunsicker had two sons: Edwin S., graduated from Union College in the class of 1895; and James Rittenhouse, also a graduate of that institution, Edwin S. was a member of town council for several years. Both sons have a military record, Edwin S. having served in Cuba in the Spanish-American war, and James R. having commanded a company which spent some time in camp, but did not reach the scene of action. The latter was for some time captain of Company F, Sixth Regiment, National Guards of Pennsylvania.

 

 

SAMUEL G. CRIPPS. Richard Cripps (grandfather) was a native of Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania. He was born near Holmesburg, and obtained his education in the schools of the vicinity. After leaving school he learned the trade of stone mason, and became one of the most extensive builders and contractors of his time. He married Judith Wood. They had two children- John, who married Rebecca Hawk, and had several children: Richard, Elizabeth, Rebecca, William, John, Samuel and another who died young; Samuel C., married Mary Hughes, daughter of John and Mary (Ward) Hughes, and had seven children, Anna, Charles C., William H., and Emily H., Rebecca R., Samuel G. and Jesse S. Samuel G. Cripps (father) was educated in the public schools of Frankford, in Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by occupation, owning the homestead farm on the Bristol turnpike, containing about twenty five acres.

Samuel G. Cripps, subject of this sketch, was born August 16, 1843. He obtained his education in neighboring schools, and after leaving his studies learned the trade of carpenter, and is now one of the leading builders and contractors of Ogontz vicinity, at which place he resides.

 

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Mr. Cripps has been twice married. His first wife was Caroline Eadline, daughter of James and Catherine Eadline. By his first marriage there were two children, Ella H. and James E. Mrs. Cripps died in 1880, and he married (second wife) Johannah Weisner.

Mr. Cripps has been successfully engaged in contracting and building in Ogontz and its vicinity for more than a quarter of a century, and has erected some of the finest suburban residences in that improving section of Montgomery county. He is thoroughly trustworthy, and enjoys the fullest confidence of his many patrons and of the community at large. He is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican, and an earnest party worker, although he has never sought or held office. He was for twelve years the efficient president of the Chelten Hills Mutual Improvement Association. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Ashbourne.

 

 

(Picture of Edward F. Britt)

 

EDWARD F. BRITT, deceased, for many years a well known personality in the business circles of Philadelphia, having been endowed with rare business genius, keen discernment, sound judgment and executive ability, was born at Guelph, Wellington county, Province of Ontario, Dominion of Canada, May 16, 1845, a son of Benjamin and Leonora (Nooman) Britt, and a descendant of an English lineage. Edward Britt (grandfather) was born in county Tipperary, Ireland. He obtained his education in the schools of his native county, and for many years thereafter was engaged in linen weaving, thus being enabled to provide a comfortable home for his family, which consisted of his wife, Mary (Wright) Britt, and twelve children.

Benjamin Britt (father), youngest child of Edward and Mary (Wright) Britt, was a native of county Tipperary, Ireland. After completing his education he became a shoe manufacturer, continuing as such until 1835, when he emigrated with his wife and one child to Guelph, Dominion of Canada, where he engaged in the same line of work up to the time of his death in the year 1856. He was a man of education and culture, and possessed excellent business ability. His wife, Leonora (Nooman) Britt, bore him two sons and three daughters, as follows: Catharine, deceased, who was the wife of John Shea; Dennis, deceased; Sarah, wife of Michael Kelly, of Carthage, Missouri; Edward F., mentioned hereinafter; Mary, wife of James B. Hallohan, an electrician of Chicago, Illinois.

Edward F. Britt obtained a good education in the schools of Guelph, and after laying aside his school books learned the trade of dyer, which he followed for some years in Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In 1871 he located in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, where he had secured employment with George Bullock & Company as manager of the dyeing department of their extensive works, a position which he held twelve years. In 1883, having decided to engage in business on his own account, he formed a partnership with James M. Kennedy, under the firm name of Kennedy & Britt, and they located their establishment at the corner of Mascher and Jefferson streets, Philadelphia. In 1889 Mr. Kennedy died and Mr. Britt purchased the interest of his partner in the establishment from his heirs, and conducted the same until his demise, it being one of the largest of its kind in the city. His business was that of a general finisher and dyer, taking the goods direct from the mills and manufactories and shipping them according to directions after they were dyed and finished.

Mr. Britt was preeminently a self-made man, of strong convictions, which he defended with the utmost confidence in their final triumph. He was ever alert in behalf of the interests of the community in which he lived, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all his neighbors, without reference to their party or church affiliations. He served twenty-one years as school director, and several of his terms as president of the board. He was untiring in his efforts to improve the schools. He was burgess of the borough for three successive terms, in the last being elected by the unanimous vote of both parties. He endeavored for many years to have a bridge built over the Reading Railroad tracks at that place during his official connection therewith, and it was owing to his sturdy fight that the trolley franchise was refused to a company who did not offer an equivalent for its value. He was president of the Rising Sun Building and Loan Association, treasurer of the Tradesmen's Saving Fund and Loan Association, and a director of the First National Bank of Conshohocken.

 

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His financial ability brought him in contact with many institutions in which his advice was sought and accepted. He was uniformly successful in his undertakings, his sound sense and good judgment aiding him materially on every subject to which he gave his attention.

Mr. Britt married, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, March 10, 1867, Mary Kelly, who was born at Cavendish, Vermont, November 2, 1845, the only daughter in a family of six children born to James and Elizabeth (Highland) Kelly, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

The children of Edward F. and Mary (Kelly) Britt are: Edward D., a prominent member of the Norristown and Philadelphia bars, and for several years burgess of West Conshohocken; Benjamin T.; Dr. Albert J., a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, who was resident physician of Charity Hospital, Norristown, for a time, and is now located at No, 1614 North Sixth street, Philadelphia; Grace, deceased; Charles C., William K., Rose A., and Walter F. Mr. Britt was an affectionate husband and loving parent, in disposition kindly and benevolent.

The family are members of St. Gertrude's Catholic church, in which Mr. Britt also held membership. Mr. Britt died at his home in West Conshohocken, January 24, 1901. His death was due to pneumonia, and his end was sudden, he having been confined to his bed but one week.

 

 

JULIA STEMPLE, of Conshohocken, belongs to an old family who, with the Harrys and Woods, were among the first settlers of the borough and its vicinity. Her great-grandfather, John Stemple, owned a considerable tract of land in the neighborhood, including that on which is located the extensive stone quarries which have recently been owned and worked by the firm of Boyd, Stinson & O'Brien and others. This land has, however, all passed out of the family and is owned by other parties.

Miss Stemple is the daughter of William and Elizabeth Stemple, of Conshohocken, both of her parents being deceased. She lives retired, having inherited a competence from her father. She is an attendant at the Methodist church, and is interested in everything that relates to the well being of the community in which she lives.

William Stemple, father, was a well known citizen of Conshohocken, and was all his adult life engaged in business as a teamster in that borough. He was a public spirited man and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Stemple had a large family of children, of whom the following, besides Miss Julia Stemple, the subject of this sketch, survive Mrs. Anna Neville, William and Miles, all residing in Conshohocken.

The Stemples are of English descent, their ancestors having come to Pennsylvania at an early date.

 

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON RILE, one of the best known citizens of Whitpain township, resides on the Skippack road between Centre Square and Blue Bell. He is the son of Thomas Rile, who was a well known farmer of that vicinity. He married Miss Fisher, daughter of Jacob Fisher, a prominent auctioneer, who was at one time a Democratic candidate for sheriff, but was not elected owing to a division in the party.

Mr. Rile was reared on the farm, acquiring his education in the schools of the vicinity. On reaching manhood he engaged with his uncle, Samuel H. Shearer, of Blue Bell, who married another daughter of Jacob Fisher, in the butchering business. He remained with him for a number of years, but has long been engaged in that occupation on his own account, having been very successful in it. He has a wholesale butchering trade in Philadelphia. Mr. Rile is a Democrat in politics, but has never sought or held office except the position of school director which he filled acceptably for several terms, being president of the board several years. He and his family attend Boehm's Reformed church at Blue Bell.

Mr. Rile married Fannie Elizabeth, daughter of Ross Gordon, of near Montgomery Square, the family being of Scotch descent.

 

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They have six children, four sons and two daughters, as follows: Frank Hazelton, who travels in the interest of a prominent plumbing Material firm; Ross Gordon, who is engaged in the butchering business with his father and in farming in the vicinity, and who married Miss Stiles Hemphill Rieger, they having one son, Gordon Cox; Raymond Petitt Hart, who is employed in Philadelphia; Edward Aaron, who is studying for a veterinary surgeon; Frances Ellen, the wife of Dr. Alfred E. Fretz, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania; and Lulu Margaret, residing with her parents.

 

 

(Picture of Anthony H. Seipt)

 

ANTHONY HEEBNER SEIPT. Few men have achieved greater distinction in the mercantile and financial circles of Montgomery county than the late Anthony Heebner Seipt. He is to be numbered among the group of men who have been actively identified with the growth and development of Montgomery county during the past forty years.

Mr. Seipt was of German extraction, both of his parents being members of the sect known as Schwenkfeldians. This denomination consisted of the followers of Casper von Schwenkfeld, a Silesian nobleman of the sixteenth century. Its members were from among the more influential elements of Silesian society, but their weakness of numbers had exposed them to the attack of the Roman Catholics of the province, and to the persecution of the other more powerful religious parties, Finally, after more than a century of endurance, weakened in numbers and reduced by the many confiscations of land and property, little more than their homesteads remaining, many of them took refuge in seeking freedom in Holland, and a year later determining to build up a community in America, a small colony of them landed September, 1734, in Philadelphia, and from there spread out to Montgomery and Berks counties.

In spite of their extreme conservatism they have been recognized by historians as a powerful factor for good in the development of these counties. Among these pioneer Schwenkfeldians were David Seibb, (the name in the following generation. being anglicized to Seipt) his wife and two sons, Christopher and Casper. From the latter is descended George Seipt, father of Anthony H. Seipt, the subject of this sketch.

Anthony H. Seipt was born in Towmencin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1825. His father, George Seipt, was a prosperous farmer; his mother was Anna Heebner, daughter of one of the Schwenkfelder ministers. His early youth was spent on the farm, to which his parents moved a year after his birth. Receiving a limited education in the schools of the township, he began his mercantile career at the age of twenty-three, purchasing a store at Franconiaville, now known as Elroy. Three years later he located at Providence Square, where he remained four years. He then resumed business at Skippack, having Ephraim Z. Keeler, as partner. By reason of Mr. Seipt's remarkable energy his business reached phenomenal proportions, when in 1867 he sold his store, retiring from active mercantile life in order to more thoroughly devote his attention to other interests.

His successful mercantile career had served to stimulate his activity in other directions. He was actively associated with a number of the progressive developments and improvements in the county, occupying an especially prominent position in its railroad advancement. In addition to his connection with the Stony Creek Railroad, he was active both in the inception and development of the Perkiomen Railroad. He was president of this road from 1867 to 1888, during a period which was probably the most successful in its history as an independent road. He was interested in various other local improvements, especially in that of the public highways, serving for a number of years on the board of directors of the Perkiomen and Sumneytown Turnpike Company.

In financial circles Mr. Seipt occupied a prominent place. His keen judgment and conservative opinions in such matters were well recognized and highly esteemed. For a number of years he was a director of the Montgomery National Bank of Norristown. He was one of the organizers of the Montgomery Trust Company, and until his death a member of its directing board.

On March 6, 1852, Mr. Seipt married Lydia Detwiler, daughter of Abraham and Mary Detwiler, who died on March 1, 1883, during a stay in Jacksonville, Florida, after a brief illness. Their children were: Mary Ann, who died in infancy; Emma Jane, and Manilius D.

Emma Jane, the daughter, married Dr. Samuel Wolfe, December 27, 1877, now residing in Philadelphia. Manilius D., the son, resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

On November 20, 1888, Mr. Seipt was married to Mrs. Mary Heckler, who survived his death, which occurred on August 31, 1902, at his, home in Skippack, Montgomery county, the immediate cause being due to apoplectic complications. He was an unusually robust man, and remained active until his last illness. Mr. Seipt had a remarkable personality, which attracted a wide circle of friends. His integrity and absolute firmness in business, his energy, his sound judgment and his kindliness, won the respect and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. He was a devout Schwenkfelder, and out of his wealth, every dollar of which had come as a result of fair dealing and uprightness, he contributed liberally to various philanthropies, usually without allowing mention of his name. This fact calls attention to one of his strongest traits of character-his retiring disposition. He preferred to live in a remote part of the county rather than to locate in a place where the opportunities for advancement were immensely greater for a man of his capabilities. This same trait manifested itself in his political career. Despite his wide acquaintanceship and influence he could never be induced to permit his name to he presented. In politics he was a Republican, but did not allow his views to become partisan.

 

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WILLIAM K. METZ, one of the best known farmers of Worcester township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is the son of Josiah H. and Hannah H. (Keeler) Metz, both of Worcester township, who were married March 31, 1844, by Rev. W. T. Gerhart. He was born November 3, 1859.

Josiah Metz (father) was the son of Garret and Hannah (Heebner) Metz. Josiah Metz was born April 28, 1815, in Towamencin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Hannah H. (Keeler) Metz (mother of William K. Metz) was the daughter of Henry and Susan (Hunsberger) Keeler. She was born June 17, 1822, in New Hanover township, Montgomery county.

The brothers and sisters of William K. Metz: Abraham K., born 1846, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Lydia, died in infancy; Susanna K., born in 1849, died in infancy; Garret K., born in 1851, married Hannah Saylor, and has five children, resides in Philadelphia; Mary K., born Mardi 31, 1852, married Milton Mininger, and has seven children; Hannah K., born September 30, 1853, married John Heffentrager, and has three children; Margaret K., born November 24, 1854, married Joseph Moyer and has five children, one of whom is deceased; Henry K., born March 8, 1856, died in infancy; Jacob K., born August 26, 1857, died in infancy; John K., born August 26, 1857. (See his sketch elsewhere in this work); Joseph K., died in infancy; Samuel K., married Lizzie Gottshall, and had seven children (one deceased); Lizzie K., born August 31, 1866, unmarried and resides with her brother, William K. Metz.

William K. Metz, subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm, and attended the public schools of Worcester township, and later engaged in the occupation of farming on his own account. He married Emma, daughter of Elias Frick. Mr. and Mrs. Metz had three children, two of whom survive, as follows: Bertha, born April 21, 1886, resides with her father; William, born February 9, 1891, is attending school. Mrs. Metz died February 15, 1891, and in 1893 Mr. Metz married (second wife) Anna Frick, sister of his first wife. There is one child by the second marriage, Verna F., born October 3, 1896, now in attendance at school.

 

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Mr. Metz is a Republican in politics. In religious affiliations he is a member of the Reformed church. His farm consists of thirty acres of highly improved land. He has an average dairy of six cows. He is a prominent member of the Worcester Farmers' Union. His first and second wives were members of a family well known in that section of Montgomery county. Their parents had six children in all.