Bios: Vol 2 - Part 6: Index and pp. 125-150: Ellwood Roberts' Biographical Annals, 1904: Montgomery Co, PA
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS
OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
CONTAINING
GENEALOGICAL RECORDS 0F REPRESENTATIVE FAMILIES, INCLUDING
MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLERS AND BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS
ELLWOOD ROBERTS, EDITOR
"Knowledge of Kindred and the genealogies of the ancient families deservereth the highest praise.
Herein consiseth a part of the knowledge of a man's own self. It is a great spur to virtue to
look back on the earth of our line."-Lord Bacon.
"There is no heroic poem in the world but is at the bottom of a man."-Sir Walter Scott
ILLUSTRATED
VOL. 2.
T. S. BENHAM & COMPANY
AND
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
NEW YORK CHICAGO
1904
(Picture of Title Page)
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(Page 125 cont.)
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN JONES, son of John Mann and Cordelia Jones, is a native of
Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he was born July 27,
1832. His parents resided at the time on a farm near North Wales. He attended
the schools of the district until he had reached his fifteenth year, besides
performing such work on the farm, as there was sure to be on hand at all
seasons of the year.
(Page 126)
He remained at home after leaving school to assist on the farm until his
marriage, October 29, 1855, to Margaret, born November 11, 1835, daughter of
Wilson and Mary (Dance) White, of Gwynedd township, near Lansdale, farmers. The
couple have had the following children: John, born July 25, 1857, attended the
schools of North Wales, and was employed on the home farm until he learned the
trade of wheelwright and machinist, and married, November 25, 1880, Kate
Hartzell, and resides in the city of Philadelphia; Emma Cordelia, born February
4, 1859, married March 6, 1874, Samuel Yerger, of Kulpsville, in Towainencin
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and lives at that place; Levering
Heist, born May 19, 1862, married, February 15, 1888, Mary Louise Lukens, and
resides at North Wales; he is a printer; May Celia, born May 21, 1865, married,
June 30, 1888, Benjamin Franklin Schlichter, son of Charles and Maria (Kerr)
Schlichter, of Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and resides
at North Vales; Howard, born May 18, 1868, married; Isabella Sarah, born August
13, 1870, married September 12, 1894, and resides in Philadelphia.
Benjamin F. Jones and his family are members of the Baptist church at North
Wales, in which they have always taken an active interest. He is a member of
the Prohibition party and supports its ticket at the polls. He is deeply
interested in local affairs, although he does not manifest it so much as when
he was younger. He was always seconded by his wife, who, although an invalid
for many years, never allowed her interest in neighborhood matters to flag.
John Mann Jones (father) was the son of Hugh and Mary Jones. He was born June
4, 1805, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He obtained such education as was then
within reach in rural neighborhoods, and followed the occupation of farming all
his life. He married, March 22, 1831, Cordelia, born August 6, 1810, daughter of
Edward and Rebecca Jones, farmers, of Upper Gwynedd township, his children
being: Benjamin F., subject of this sketch; Edward A., born January 3, 1834;
George W., born July 25, 1835, resides in Upper Gwynedd township, near North
Wales, and is unmarried; Arabella, born June 10, 1837, married Francis Myers,
and resides in the city of Philadelphia; Emma Rebecca, born November 23, 1839,
is unmarried, and resides with her brother, George W., near North Wales.
HENRY A. COLE, ex-county treasurer, and president of the Royersford National
Bank, is one of the best known residents of that section of Montgomery county.
He is the son of Abraham C. and Mary (Longaker) Cole. He is a native of
Limerick township, where he was born January 22, 1838. He was educated in the
public schools of Limerick township, to which his parents removed, and
afterwards entered as a student at Washington Hall Collegiate Institute, at
Trappe, conducted by County Superintendent Abel Rambo for many years, many of
Mr. Cole's contemporaries being educated there. On relinquishing his studies at
that institution, Mr. Cole engaged in the occupation of teaching school, in
connection with farming, which he pursued with success for a period of fifteen
years, in Limerick township, Upper Providence and Pottsgrove. Many of the
leading men and women of that community owe their superior education and
practical business methods to his instruction and example.
Mr. Cole is a Democrat in politics, being actively interested in the success
of its principles and candidates in the county, state and nation. In 1883 he
secured the party nomination for county treasurer, and was elected to the
position in November of that year. He filled the position for three years with
satisfaction to the public and credit to himself. The finances of Montgomery
county were never in better condition than they were at the end of his term as
treasurer.
Mr. Cole resides on a fine farm of forty acres in Limerick township, and
devotes much of his time to farming, although he is occupied with banking and
other outside business. Whatever he undertakes to do receives such intelligent
consideration and effort as guarantees its proper accomplishment. He has served
for three terms, nine years, in the school board of Limerick township, and is
actively interested in educational matters generally, being an advocate of
progress in methods and equipment. He has been occasionally suggested as the
candidate of his party for the position of representative in Congress from the
district. He is manager of the Perkiomen Valley Fire Insurance Company, and
holds other positions in which his ability is needed, being concerned in the
settlement of estates and other business of that character. Mr. Cole married,
in 1874, Miss Jennie W. Arnold, daughter of Dr. Samuel Arnold, of Plymouth
township. They have no children. He and Mrs. Cole attend the Reformed church.
(Page 127)
Mr. Cole is president of the Royersford National Bank, which was organized
September 16, 1886, with a capital of $100,000. A handsome building was erected
on the main street of that borough, in which the bank commenced business with
Joseph Keely, of Spring City, as its president. He died, and Ephraim Keely was
elected to the position. On the death of Mr. Keely, Henry A. Cole was chosen to
succeed him, and under his management as president the bank is one of the
strongest financial institutions of Montgomery county. Since Mr. Cole became
its president the capital of the bank has been increased to $150,000, and it
has surplus and undivided profits of more than $50,000, and deposits of
$250,000. Mr. Cole is assisted by the following board of directors: Philip
Williard, C. R. Hunsicker, Jared W. Evans, Horace Ashenfelter, H. R. Thomas, A.
F. Tyson, P. W. Reifsnyder, William P. Fenton, Samuel B. Latshaw and Allen T.
Keely. The bank has a large number of depositors, and transacts much business.
The Cole family has long been domiciled in that section of Montgomery county.
Henry Cole, grandfather of Henry A. Cole, was a native of Perkiomen township. He
was a man of intelligence, who received his education through the medium of
neighborhood schools, and he was engaged all his life in agricultural pursuits.
He was honored and respected by the community in which he lived. He married
Barbara Eichelberger, also of that township, and they had a large family of
children, among the number being Abraham C. (father).
Abraham C. Cole was born on the homestead in Perkiomen township, in 1805. He
was educated in the schools of Perkiomen, and was for some years engaged in
farming in that township, but removed to Limerick where he spent many years of
his life. He died in 1871, being one of its most prominent citizens. He was a
Democrat in politics, and was elected by that party to the office of county
commissioner in 1863, filling the position during war times in a most
acceptable manner. He was a friend of the taxpayer, and was deservedly popular.
He served in the position of school director for many years. He married Mary
Longaker (died in 1876), daughter of Peter Longaker, and a sister of Rufus B.
Longaker. They had two children, Louisa F., who married John S. Hunsicker of
Perkiomen township, and Henry A. Cole.
Mrs. Henry A. Cole's father, Samuel Arnold, was born in Plymouth township and
studied for his profession under Dr. Fronefield, and opened an office in Chester
county, and later in Bucks county, where he died in 1848. He married Margaret
Brownback in 1841. She died in 1848, leaving two children Mrs. Cole, and one
son, Granville. He died in the army of fever. He was a member of Rush's
Regiment of Cavalry and of Captain Starr's Company. He was unmarried.
DAVIS LONGACRE, a retired business man of Pottstown, was born September 26,
1832, in Chester county, Pennsylvania. He is a son of John and Mary (Walk)
Longacre, who resided in Chester county, and later in Norristown.
John Longacre (father) was a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Longacre died first, at
the age of fifty-six years. They are both buried at Norristown, in Montgomery
cemetery. The couple had fourteen children, as follows: Elizabeth, Josiah,
Nathan (deceased), Davis, Jacob, Susan (deceased), Mary, Isabella, Sarah, John
(deceased), Henry (deceased), Isaac, William (deceased), Frank. John Longacre
was a Democrat in his politics in his younger days, but later became a
Republican. He and Mrs. Longacre were both members of the Reformed church, and
also of the Methodist church. John Longacre (grand-father) resided in Chester
county. He was a farmer by occupation. He was married and had nine children.
Mr. and Mrs. Longacre both died at an advanced age, and both are buried in a
cemetery in West Pikeland.
(Page 128)
Davis Longacre attended the neighborhood schools until he was about thirteen
years of age, when he engaged in the occupation of farming. Later he became an
ironworker in Phoenixville, where he resided for three or four years. He then
went to Norristown, of which place he was a resident for thirty-five years. He
then removed to Pottstown, where he now resides, at the age of seventy-two
years. He followed nail-making most of his life.
Mr. Longacre married, in 1852, Hannah H., daughter of Samuel C. Recluse, who
died very young. Mrs. Longacre's father resided in Plymouth township at the
time of his death. He came from Germany when a boy, and was a shoemaker by
trade. His wife survived him many years, and died at the age of seventy-two
years. She married for her second husband David Vaughn. Mr. and Mrs. Davis
Longacre's children, eleven in number, were: 1. William H., who lives in
Pottstown, he married Kate Corbett, and they have one child; 2. Elwood, resides
in North Coventry, Chester county, he married Rachel Frick, and they have nine
children living; 3. Samuel; 4. Katie, deceased; 5. Mary Ella, living in
Mooresville, she married Joseph Wells, who is an engineer, and they have seven
children; 6. Enos R., a nailmaker, residing in Pottstown, he married Catherine
Wurtz, and they have one child; 7. Maggie, married John Hickey, a railroader
living in Schuylkill Haven; 8. Edward, deceased; 9. George, married Sophia
Chowers, and lives in Pottstown, he is a painter by trade, he and his wife have
four children; 10. Frank, a bridgeman, living in Pottstown, he married Agnes
Ronyan, who died a year ago, leaving one child; 11. Lizzie, married Davis
Gilbert, who is a roller and lives in Pottstown, the couple have five children.
Davis Longacre is a Democrat in politics. He has been a member of the town
council several terms, and is a member of the United Brethren church. Henry,
his brother, was a soldier in the rebellion, being a member of the One Hundred
and Eighteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died soon after the war,
and was buried at Bethlehem.
DR. FRANCIS MARION KNIPE, a leading physician of Pottstown, was born November
17, 1834, and died August 4, 1894. Dr. Knipe was a native of Pottstown and a son
of Dr. Jacob and Rachael (Evans) Knipe. The parents resided at the Swamp, New
Hanover township. Their children were: David, Mary, Francis M., Jacob, Jr.,
Sarah, Hannah, Septamus, Rachel and Conrad. The last named is deceased.
Septamus is a physician. The mother died in her ninetieth year. Her death was
due to a fractured hip, her injury being received about a week previous to her
death.
Dr. Francis M. Knipe studied medicine with his father, who was also a
physician, and then attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from
which he was graduated in 1856. He afterwards practiced medicine in Frederick
township for many years, and then removed to Philadelphia, where he conducted a
drug store. He next removed to Pottstown and followed his profession, building
up a nice practice. At the time of his death he was a member of the medical
staff of the Pottstown hospital.
Dr. Knipe took an active part in the affairs of Montgomery county and was
elected on the Democratic ticket to the legislature in 1874, serving in the
sessions of 1875 and 1877. Dr. F. M. married Louisa Maria Schneider, December
9, 1856, at Falckner Swamp, Rev. A. L. Dechant officiating. Mrs. Knipe is the
daughter of William Henry and Mary (Boorse) Schneider, who always resided at
Swamp, where her father was a tanner and farmer. He was also justice of the
peace for fifteen years. He died at the age of eighty-six years. He as one of
the best known men in the upper portion of Montgomery county. Mr. Schneider was
secretary of the Limerick & Colebrookdale Turnpike Company for fifty years. He
was also an active member of the Reformed church. He was twice married. The
first wife of Mr. Schneider was a Miss Boorse, of Mainland, a daughter of Jonas
and Elizabeth (Gottshalk) Boorse, the father a merchant and hotel man at
Mainland. By the first marriage there was but one child, a daughter, Louisa,
now the widow of Dr. Knipe. The second wife of William H. Schneider was Miss
Mary Rhoads, of Oley. The children by the second marriage were: H. W.
Schneider, living in Pottstown; Rosa, wife of Frederick Saylor, of Sanatoga;
Ella, wife of Henry Ritter; and Susan, wife of Henry Stauffer, of New Hanover.
Mr. Schneider owned the grove at Swamp in which the picnics are held.
(Page 129)
Mrs. Knipe's grandparents were Henry and Maria (Nyce) Schneider, who resided
at Swamp. Her great-grandparents were Jacob and Rachel (Gerhart) Schneider, who
also lived at Swamp. The grandfather of Mrs. Knipe was a colonel in the War of
1812, and an uncle, Benjamin Schneider, the brother of her father, was a
missionary at Constantinople. His son-in-law, William Dwight, is a professor at
Vassar College, at Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Knipe was born January 30, 1837.
Dr. Francis M. and Mrs. Knipe had eight children, of whom five are living, as
follows: Ella Olivia, born March 29, 1859, married Edmund W. Lewis, son of David
Lewis, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, whose parents still reside there. He is
deceased. Edmund Lewis was a prospector and miner. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Lewis had
two children, one of whom, Francis Marion, is deceased, and the other, Lesley
Edmund, is learning the trade of a machinist. The latter was born April 23,
1887. Mary Almeda, born April 9, 1864, died June 27, 1864. Rachel Laura, born
November 14, 1865, is unmarried. Rosa Louisa, born February 22, 1868, married
Thomas M. Wells, son of William Wells of Reading. Thomas Wells was a merchant
in Philadelphia. Dr. William Henry, born December 18, 1870, married Mary Ann,
daughter of John B. Pennypacker, of Schwenksville. Dr. William Henry Knipe is a
practicing physician at Limerick Square: They have three children: John F., Paul
9 Kenneth and Thomas Wells. Sarah Jane, born September 24, 1872, lives with her
sister in Philadelphia. Bertha Schneider, born December 3, 1874, died March 15,
1896. Hannah May, born May 26, 1876, died August 26, 1876. Mrs. Knipe is a
member of the Trinity Reformed church of Pottstown, and also of the Ladies'
Missionary Society of that place.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SCHLICHTER, son of Charles B. and Maria Kerr (Hartzell)
Schlichter, was born in Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania,
October 29, 1865. His parents were farmers by occupation, and were engaged in
operating a farm in that township at the time of his birth. In 1868, his father
having died, the mother removed with her family to Sellersville, in Bucks
county, where Benjamin attended the public schools until his eighth year, when
the family removed to Lansdale where he also attended school for a time, and.
then entered the store of his brother James, at Schlichterville, where he
remained until his eighteenth year. He then entered into the employment of the
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company at Sellersville in 1883, as a
telegraph operator, remaining there until August 1, 1884, when he was promoted
to a position in the train dispatcher's office of that company in Philadelphia.
On November 1, 1889, he was promoted to train dispatcher which position he has
held ever since. Mr. Schlichter is a member of the Republican party, and has
always been active in party affairs. He is a school director, and president of
the North Wales school board. In religious faith he is a member of the Reformed
church at Schlichterville.
Benjamin F. Schlichter married, June 30, 1888, Mary Cecelia, daughter of
Benjamin F. and Margaret White (Dance) Jones, farmers, and descended from the
oldest families of that section of Montgomery county. They have one child,
Viola May, born July 9, 1892. Since his marriage Mr. Schlichter has resided at
North Wales. Mrs. Schlichter is a daughter of Benjamin Franklin Jones, whose
sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
(Page 130)
Charles Bodder Schlichter (father) was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Enos Schlichter.
Mrs. Schlichter's maiden name was Bodder. Mr. Schlichter died in 1868. He was
born in Rockhill township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and grew to manhood in
that vicinity. He married Maria Kerr Hartzell, also of that township, who was a
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Kerr) Hartzell. She was born November 23, 1828,
and died August 8, 1904. Their children: James Andrew, married May Keller,
daughter of Francis and Sidney Keller, and resides at Sellersville; Mary Ellen,
married Jacob Daub, son of Francis Daub, and resides at Perkasie; Benjamin F.,
subject of this sketch.
MRS. W. HODGSON BENNETT. William Hodgson Bennett, deceased, the husband of
the subject of this sketch, was a native of Elkton, Maryland, although for many
years one of the best known residents of Norristown. He was born March 7, 1847,
and died January 4, 1904.
Mr. Bennett was educated in the public schools of Elkton, his native town,
which is the seat of justice of Cecil county, Maryland. There he acquired the
rudiments of an education which was very much broadened by contact with the
great world of business in which he afterwards moved. On leaving school he
entered the store of an uncle in the town of Elkton, where he remained a number
of years, and became familiar with business rules which became valuable to him
in after life. On reaching manhood he went to Philadelphia, where he engaged in
the china and queensware business on Market street, which business he still
followed at the time of his death, making a trip daily to the city for that
purpose. They were wholesale and heavy importers. His widow still has an
interest in the business at the same place.
Mr. Bennett married, October 29, 1884, Mrs. Flora (Shannon) Howell, widow of
J. Robert S. Howell, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Bennett is the daughter of Mr.
George Shannon, the well known and highly esteemed cashier of the First
National Bank of Norristown. Mrs. Bennett had no children by either marriage.
Mr. Bennett was a member of the Republican party, in politics, but he never
sought or held office, preferring to give strict attention to his business
interests. He had an excellent war record, having enlisted in the Sixth
Regiment of Maryland Volunteers at the beginning of the rebellion as a drummer
boy. As time passed he was promoted to the position of drum major. He was
captured by the Confederates and was in Libby Prison for three months, in which
place, in common with other Union prisoners, he encountered the most severe
hardships. Mr. Bennett was a man of amiable and kindly qualities which greatly
endeared him to a large circle of friends. He was much respected as an
enterprising and public spirited citizen, always interested in whatever
promised to promote the welfare of the community of which he was an honored
member. In 1890 he made a trip to Europe for his health. He attended the
Episcopal church. Mrs. Bennett resides in a handsome home on DeKalb street,
bought by her husband but a short time before his death, which was sudden and a
great shock to his many friends in Norristown and elsewhere. As a business man,
a citizen, and in every relation of life, Mr. Bennett stood high, and few men
were more appreciated or more kindly remembered than he. (For genealogy of the
Shannon family to which Mrs. Bennett belongs, see the biographical sketch of
George Shannon, elsewhere in this work.)
JOHN McCANN, a leading baker of Pottstown, was born July 14, 1850. He is the
son of John, Sr., and Mary Madeline (Strunk) McCann, who were residents of
Chester county, where Mr. McCann was a farmer and cigar manufacturer. He died
November 27, 1884, aged sixty-eight years, and was buried at East Vincent, in
Chester county. In politics, Mr. McCann was a Democrat. In religion, he was a
member of the German Reformed church. The couple had nine children, as follows:
William (deceased) served in the army, and was killed during the Rebellion, he
losing his life at the battle of Petersburg, on Tune 24, 1864, he being a
member of Company H, Fifth-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania, and was twenty years
of age; Susan, married Harry Oberholtzer (deceased) who was a moulder and
farmer, his widow residing at Spring City with her two children; Elizabeth,
married John Gosshow, of Spring City, where he is a plasterer, the couple have
no children; John (subject of this sketch); Emeline, married Oronto Ortlip
(deceased), a plasterer of Royersford, where she still resides, there having
been eight children; Charles (deceased); Mary Jane, unmarried; Ida A.,
(deceased); Stephen, a stove moulder, who resides at Royersford and is
unmarried. Mrs. John McCann, Sr., who is now nearly eighty years of age,
resides in Royersford. John McCann (grandfather), who was a wealthy merchant,
lived in Philadelphia, he and his wife both dying there.
(Page 131)
John McCann attended neighboring schools until he was fifteen years of age,
and then engaged in farming for one year. He then turned his attention to stove
moulding, which he followed at Royersford from 1867 until March, 1883. He then
went into the bakery business at Royersford, pursuing that occupation from
April 3, 1883, to August 26, 1892, when he sold out. Going a little later to
Pottstown, he built a corner property in 1893, and started a bakery which he
has since operated and is still conducting.
On July 3, 1871, Mr. McCann married Emma, daughter of John and Sallie Mole.
The wife's father was a farmer. They emigrated from England, bringing with them
nine children: Mr. Mole died in Philadelphia in 1861. He was a native of
Yorkshire, and was fifty-four years of age at the time of his death. His
remains were interred in Mount Moriah cemetery, Philadelphia. His wife survived
him for thirty years. Mrs. Mole was buried in East Vincent cemetery, Chester
county. She died at the age of eighty-three years.
Mr. and Mrs. McCann have two children living, five being deceased. They are:
Harry Stephen, born March 28, 1872, died August 8, 1872; Emma Lavinia, born
June 23, 1874, died February 6, 1878; Sallie, born and died in 1876; John, Jr.,
born February 22, 1878, died in infancy; Maurice Wesley, born September 18,
1889, died March 19, 1891; Flora Viola, born November 22, 1884, resides with
her parents, is a thorough scholar and a music teacher. Arthur Ellwood, born
October 22, 1892, resides with his parents, and is attending the public schools
of Pottstown.
Mr. McCann is a Prohibitionist in politics. In religious faith he and Mrs.
McCann adhere to the Methodist church, as do also their children.
THOMAS B. GEATRELL. George Geatrell, a native of the Isle of Wight, was the
founder of the Geatrell family in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He landed at
Philadelphia on July 20, 1821. He entered the county by way of the Bethlehem
turnpike on foot, with all his personal property slung in a pack on his back.
He first found employment at Flat Rock Dam, which was then in course of
construction, and later went to Springhouse. He passed through Chestnut Hill
and Flourtown, making an occasional inquiry of the farmers for work. He did not
allow repeated refusals to discourage him, but made his way to the village of
Springhouse, where he found employment with a Quaker resident of the vicinity,
William Foulke, a member of one of the oldest Gwynedd families, his ancestor,
Edward Foulke, having come from Wales in 1698, and settled in the vicinity. Mr.
Geatrell worked for William Foulke from 1825 until 1830, his wages being a
hundred dollars a year and board.
Mr. Geatrell married, in 1823, Ann Bartlett, also a native of the Isle of
Wight, and continued at work in the vicinity. In 1830 he purchased a small farm
of John Slingluff, in Whitpain township, not far distant. He retained it one
year and farmed it, selling it at the end of that time. He then rented a small
farm on the Skippack turnpike, near the village of Blue Bell, where he remained
one year and then removed to the farm now owned by J. Sims Wilson, also in
Whitpain township, where he remained until 1834. He then removed to the
Saunders Lewis farm, also in Whitpain township, where he was engaged in
farming as a tenant for the long period of twenty-one years. In 1855 he retired
from farming, and went to live with his son Thomas, who was at that time engaged
in farming in Horsham township, in Montgomery county, where he remained one
year, and in 1856 he purchased the property now occupied by his grandson
George, son of Thomas, at Penllyn.
(Page 132)
George Geatrell was a member of the Whig party, and took an active interest
in local politics. He and his family were members of Boehm's Reformed church,
at Blue Bell. He was known as an intelligent and industrious farmer, and
enjoyed the respect and confidence of the entire community. For many years
until his death, in 1868, he served as an elder in Boehm's church. The children
of George and Ann Geatrell: Thomas Bartlett, born March 19, 1824, while his
parents resided at Springhouse; Elizabeth, and Mary. Elizabeth was the mother
of George G. Hoover, formerly of Norristown, where he practiced law, but more
recently of Washington, where he held a position under the national government.
Thomas B. Geatrell's early life was spent on the farm with his parents, his
education being obtained at the schools of the day, such as they were, in that
neighborhood. In 1850, he engaged in farming for himself on his father's
property, but remained there only one years, at the end of that time purchasing
and removing to the Iredell farm in Horsham township. There he was engaged in
farming, butchering, and attending the Philadelphia markets. He thus continued
until 1870. The farm contained more than a hundred acres, including 28 acres of
woodland. He attended the Callowhill street market for twenty years, and later
the Germantown market, which really consisted in going from house to house to
wait upon customers. When he retired from the active work of the Horsham farm
in 1871, he was succeeded by his son George, who remained on the farm only a
few years and returned to Penllyn, where he has for many years conducted the
business of an auctioneer, real estate and general business agent, attending to
the settlement of estates and other matters involving care and ability. Since
1883, Horace A. Geatrell, another son of Thomas B. Geatrell, has occupied the
Horsham farm, and has conducted it successfully, operating it as a dairy.
Thomas B. Geatrell was educated partly at the old Eight Square School, in
Gwynedd township, on the Bethlehem turnpike, but he had also as a teacher John
Murray, who was proprietor of the store at Springhouse. He also went for a time
to a school at Mount Pleasant, in Whitpain township. Mr. Geatrell is a member of
Boehm's Reformed church at Blue Bell, and was for many years one of its trustees
and later an elder. He was one of the organizers of the Ambler National Bank,
and for a period of seventeen years one of its directors. He now lives with his
son George in the house bought by his own father in the days of his retirement.
Notwithstanding his burden of eighty years he is still an active man, and
maintains his interest in the happenings of the vicinity with which he is so
familiar. Mr. Geatrell married, December 25, 1848, Elizabeth, a daughter of
Joseph and Ann (Jackson) Ashton, the father being a farmer and hotel keeper at
Dunk's Ferry, on the Delaware river, near Bustleton. Mrs. Geatrell was born May
17, 1828, and was the youngest of four children. Her mother died in 1842, and
her father in 1849.
The children of Thomas B. and Elizabeth Geatrell: George, born December 8,
1849, married Caroline, daughter of Abram and Caroline: (Nice) Kulp, and
resides at Penllyn; Mary, born September 23, 1852, married R. Comly Wilson, of
near Newtown, Bucks county, and died when she was about nineteen years of age;
Horace A., born August 23, 1860, married Mary Smith, and resides on the
homestead farm in Horsham township; Anna, born December 13, 1866, married,
February 26, 1885, Robert Comly, of Horsham township, a farmer, originally, but
now resides at Gwynedd, where he is merchant and postmaster.
JAMES WASHINGTON BISSON, son of Hilary and Hannah (Skeen) Bisson, was born
September 17, 1842, near West Point, in Upper Gwynedd township, Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public school on the Morris Road, which
was then taught by the Rev. Reuben Kriebel, author of the Schwenkfelder
Genealogical Record. On reaching his twentieth year he took a course at Bryant
and Stratton's Commercial College and School of Business in Philadelphia,
remaining at that institution for one year. He then returned to his home to
assist his father in operating the home farm, which contained thirty-one acres,
known at the present time as Chestnut Grove, because of the many chestnut trees
that at the present time adorn the premises. During the rebellion James was a
member of a company in an emergency regiment, the company having been raised at
Bethel, in the vicinity.
(Page 133)
Mr. Bisson married, February 20, 1869, Catharine, daughter of John S. and
Sarah (Kneedler) Dannehower, of Kulpville, Towamencin township, Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania, and had one child: Lillie May, born September 18, 1884,
died July 15, 1902. She was a girl of more than usual promise, and was greatly
beloved by all who knew her. Her mother's death, which occurred in September,
1901, much affected her.
In politics James W. Bisson is a Republican, and has always supported the
principles and candidates of that party since he cast his first vote. He has
served the community as school director for a period of six years, and has been
auditor of Upper Gwynedd township, and inspector and judge of elections for more
than twenty years. In all movements tending to the welfare of the community, he
has been foremost. He has been road supervisor of the township for a number of
years. The family are members of Bethel Methodist church, in the vicinity of
their home.
Hilary Bisson (father) was the son of Evan and Ann (Reiff) Bisson. He was
born the fifth of February, 1813, in Worcester township, not far distant from
where he spent his life. He was educated in the schools of that day, and at the
age of seventeen entered into an apprenticeship to the trade of a stone mason
and worked at the business of masonry, contracting and building until 1850. Mr.
Bisson was twice married. His first wife was Rebecca Eaton, and two children
were born of this union: Evan R., and Phebe, who died in infancy. Evan R.
Bisson was educated in the public schools 4 Gwynedd, and afterward learned the
trade of carpenter in Philadelphia. He subsequently removed to Galena,
Illinois, and there worked at his trade until the breaking out of the Civil
war. In 1861 he enlisted in an Illinois Regiment, served four years and three
months, and attained the rank of first lieutenant for bravery. After the close
of the war he returned to Illinois and married Mary Mudget. About 1870 he
removed to Nebraska and took up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of
bounty land. He built a sod house on this land, in which he resided for three
years. Subsequently he erected the first frame building in Platte county, in
which he now resides. Since his residence in Nebraska, he has purchased
government land from time to time, and is now the owner of about a thousand
acres. By his marriage to Mary Mudget eight children have been born to him, all
of whom are living. In 1841, his first wife having died, Hilary Bisson (father)
married Hannah Skeen, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Zilling) Skeen. By this
union the children born were: James W., subject of this sketch; and Elizabeth
Virginia, born November 1847, married Chalkley Jarrett, a farmer of Worcester
township. She died September 30, 1903. Eleven children were born to them, four
of whom survive, namely: Ella, married Harvey Burke, who died July 2, 1904;
James, married Elizabeth Quinn; Mary, unmarried; and Sylvania, unmarried.
Evan Bisson (grandfather), son of Charles Bisson, was a native of Worcester
township, and followed the common occupation of the people of that section of
the county-farming. He was an industrious and frugal husbandman, and acquired
some landed estate.
Charles Bisson (great-grandfather) was a tailor by occupation. He was a
native of France, and settled at Bethel, in Worcester township. He made his way
among his German neighbors, married, and reared a large family.
JOSEPH F. HOLLER, who lives retired in Pottstown, is a native of Sprung
township, Berks county where he was born October 6, 1837. He is the son of
George and Rebecca (Fox) Holler who resided in Berks county, where the father
was a farmer. Both died there, Mrs. Holler surviving her husband several years,
and dying forty-five years ago. Both were buried at Sinking Springs. They were
members of the Lutheran church. They had two children, Joseph F. (the subject
of this sketch), and a daughter, Mary, who married Charles Bachman, who was a
blacksmith by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Bachman are both deceased. Charles Bachman
lost a leg in the rebellion. The couple had no children. They resided in
Reading.
(Page 134)
Joseph F. Holler attended school until he was seventeen years of age,
following at the same time the occupation of farmer, as is usual in the rural
districts, either at home or on neighboring farms. He then sought employment at
a rolling mill at Reading, where he worked for three years. He then went to West
Reading, where he was employed for a further period of thirteen years. After
further changes he returned to Reading for an additional three years, and then
removed to Port Clinton, and thence to Keystone, where he worked for Cray &
Koch for two years, and thence to Mount Carmel, where he remained for some
time. He then went back to Reading, from which place he removed to Pottstown,
where he was one of the first men to work at the Glasgow Furnace. To the time
of his retirement Mr. Holler had been connected with the establishment for the
long period of thirty-seven years.
Mr. Holler married, May 26, 1860, Angeline, daughter of Thomas and Catherine
A. (Ager) Rorick. Mrs. Holler's parents resided in Berks county, where he was a
blacksmith by occupation. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. They were members
of the Lutheran church. Mr. Rorick died first, at the age of seventy-three
years. His wife survived for several years and died at the age of seventy-eight
years. Both were buried at the Charles Evans cemetery, Reading. They had
fourteen children: Catherine, the only one besides Mrs. Holler who is living,
resides in Reading. She married Levi Snyder, who is engaged in a planing mill
in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have three children living. Mrs. Holler was
born October 1, 1839. The other children of the family are Rose, Sarah, Mary,
Thomas, Jr., Frank, Reuben and Elizabeth. Mr. Holler is a Republican in
politics, and voted for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Knights of the
Golden Eagle and of the Brotherhood of the Union. Mr. and Mrs. Holler are both
members of the Lutheran church.
HENRY GILBERT, a retired resident of Pottstown, is a native of Gilbertsville,
where he was born May 21, 1832. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bickel)
Gilbert.
Jacob Gilbert (father) was a farmer nearly all his life, and a resident of
Montgomery county. In politics he was a Democrat. In religious faith he and
his wife were members of the Lutheran church. He died first, at the age of
seventy years. She survived for several years, and died at the age of
seventy-three years. Both were buried in the Pottstown cemetery.
Henry Gilbert attended school until he was sixteen years of age. After
leaving school he engaged in farming some time, but became employed in canal
boating for two years. He next turned his attention to learning the carpenter
trade, which he followed for ten years, removing to Pottstown, where he has
ever since resided. He married Elizabeth Geist, daughter of Nathan Geist. Her
mother was a Miss Bickhart. The Geists lived in Montgomery county, where he was
a farmer. They both died at a very advanced age. They had four children: Frank,
John, Elizabeth (mother) and Mary, of whom only John survives.
The marriage of Henry Gilbert and Elizabeth Geist took place June 4, 1865.
Mrs. Gilbert died in 1887, at the age of forty-nine years. They had five
children, of whom two are living: Mary Esther, born January 12, 1866, died
December 28, 1871; Jacob, born April 14, 1867, engaged in the bottling business
in Pottstown, his father residing with him and his wife, who was Ellen
Swinehart, daughter of John Swinehart. They have three children, Ralph, Paul,
Raymond; Matthias, born May 6, 1868, died December 26, 1871; Henry, born
January 15, 1871, died January 26, 1872; Elizabeth, born February 10, 1874,
resides with her brother Jacob, is unmarried.
(Page 135)
Mr. Gilbert is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Immanuel
Lutheran church, of Pottstown. He is one of the most prominent citizens of the
borough. He had a severe accident while working at the carpenter trade which
interfered with his physical well being for several years. He owns considerable
property in Pottstown.
PAUL W. KATZ, son of William and Christiana (Minnich) Katz, was born at
Allen's Lane Mount Miry, Philadelphia, February 2, 1846. He was educated in the
schools of the vicinity until his sixteenth year, but his father having died
seven years previous, he was compelled to turn his attention to assisting to
support his widowed mother and to maintain the home. For several years he was
employed as a laborer, but he soon succeeded in finding something less
laborious and more remunerative. At the age of twenty he secured a position in
the carpet factory of McCallum, Crease & Sloan, and learned weaving. He was
thus engaged for nearly eight years, and also was engaged with John Bromley
Sons, in the factory of Bromley Bros., and with Horner Brothers. In the
meantime he became interested in local politics, as the result of which he
secured an appointment in the Philadelphia post office, becoming assistant
superintendent of the Germantown branch, in which position he continued for
more than five years. On November 1, 1878, he was elected to the position of
receiving teller in the National Bank of Germantown. He held, from time to
time, various other positions in that institution, and became general ledger
and discount cleric in 1894, which position he still holds.
Mr. Katz married, in 1868, Tabitha W., daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Stephenson) Fatkin, natives of Scotland, who emigrated from that country to
the United States and located at Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Fatkin was
for more than thirty years inside mine boss for Pardee & Co., extensive mine
operators. The children of Paul W. and Tabitha W. Katz: Elizabeth F., born June
28, 1869 is unmarried and holds the position of assistant postmistress at
Riverton, New Jersey: Margaret Minnch, born March 23, 1872, married William
Philler, son of Henry and Josephine Philler, of Philadelphia, the couple living
in Germantown, and having one child, William Katz, born November 24, 1903;
Lillian Brazier, born June 18, 1874, married Worthington R., son of Charles and
Susan (Horner) Shivers, of Camden, they living at Collingwood, New Jersey;
Christiana, born October 14, 1877, married Samuel Monroe Human, and resides at
Riverton, New Jersey.
Mr. Katz has always been actively interested in local affairs, being an
advocate of whatever promises to promote the welfare of the community in which
he lives. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and has for many years been
an active worker ill its behalf, supporting its candidates and principles at
every election. He has never, however, sought an elective office, preferring to
attend strictly to business, in which he has been very successful. In religious
faith the family are members of the Baptist church of Germantown, in which Mr.
Katz was a member of the board of trustees several years, and has taken an
interest otherwise.
William Katz (father) was the son of Henry Katz. He was born at Lafayette, in
Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1800. He died
February 13, 1855. He learned the business of manufacturing paper, which he
followed for some years. He married, November 13, 1823, Christiana Minnich,
born November 24, 1805, died July 24, 1885, daughter of one of the old
residents of that section of Montgomery county. Their children: John Henry,
born July 4, 1821, died July 25, 1828; Silas, born January 16, 1831, died March
22, 1900, married Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bowman) Dungan,
of Germantown; Mary Anna, born October 31, 1837, married, April 13, 1858,
Emanuel Lazarus, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Heffle) Hagenbaugh, of
Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, the couple living at Germantown, and
have two children, Ruth Anna, born November 23, 1865 married John Blakely, born
of Edward Olcott Van Houten, of Philadelphia, whose wife was a Blakely, and
William Reitzell, born February 16, 1871, married Ida, daughter of James
Showers, of Mount Airy, Philadelphia, and has one child, William Roy, born
February 15, 1904; Samuel Minnich, born May 12, 1840, died September 25, 1841;
Paul W., subject of this sketch.
(Page 136)
CHARLES HANSELL, a well-known resident of Upper Merion township, was born
June 7, 1832, in that section of Philadelphia formerly the township of
Blockley. His father, Charles Hansell, fought in the second war with England in
1812. He married Catharine Sloan. Their children were: William S., Mary Ann,
Eliza, Davis, Deborah, Rosanna and Charles, the last named the subject of this
sketch. He married (second wife) Mary Rambo. Their children are: Rosanna, Davis
H., George and Rosanna. The father died in Upper Merion, and was interred in
Swedes Church cemetery. His first wife died in Philadelphia and was buried in
Blockley cemetery. His second wife was buried in North Cedar Hill cemetery.
Davis H. Hansell enlisted in the Twentieth United States Cavalry and served
three years; at the battle of Winchester he was shot through the body. He was
in the hospital at Carlisle a long time, but went back as soon as he was well
enough to do military duty, and served his term of enlistment. He was color
sergeant when mustered out.
On the death of Charles Hansell's mother, which occurred when he was fifteen
months old, his father took him to the home of the child's grandmother, who
lived at King-of-Prussia. Here the child remained until the second marriage of
the father, who had in the meantime removed to Upper Merion township,
Montgomery county, and rented farms from different owners. After living with
his father several years, he went to the home of an older brother, William S.
Hansell, who kept the tollgate at DeKalb street bridge, Norristown, remaining
there two or three years, attending the public schools during that time. From
there he went to live with Isaac Eastburn, where he spent two years working on
the farm in the summer time and attending schools for three months in the
winter. He then went to live with George B. Hampton, to whom he was apprenticed
as a blacksmith, remaining four years and learning the trade thoroughly. After
the end of his apprenticeship, he went to Philadelphia and secured employment
in Baldwin's Locomotive Works, in the blacksmithing department, as a forger.
Two years later, he returned to Conshohocken, and was employed by Lewis Davis,
as a blacksmith. Later he was in the employ of George B. Hampton, after which
he worked at Swedes Furnace, for Ellwood and Andrew Norney, limeburners, and on
January 1, 1857, went to William B. Rambo's, as blacksmith, remaining there four
years, or until the breaking out of the Rebellion.
Charles Hansell enlisted April 20, 1861, as first lieutenant of Captain
Reuben Schall's Company D, of the Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers,
Colonel John F. Hartranft commanding. The nucleus of the regiment was the six
companies of the First Pennsylvania State Militia, which arrived at Harrisburg,
April 20, 1861, having volunteered at the first outbreak of hostilities. The
regiment was completed by the addition of other companies then at Camp Curtin
and was organized and mustered into the United States service. The regiment
left Camp Curtin on the evening of April 21, via Philadelphia, to Perryville,
Maryland, to garrison that town. On the following day the right wing of the
regiment went by steamer to Annapolis, where it was joined in a few days by the
rest of the men, receiving, clothing on April 28th. On May 8th the regiment went
to Washington, D. C., and was quartered in the Assembly Buildings and the nearby
church, remaining there a short time, and then going into camp two miles from
the capitol, where the men were furnished with uniforms and camp equipage, and
were drilled and disciplined. On June 24th, an attack on Alexandria being
threatened by the Confederates, the regiment was ordered to that place. No
attack was made, and the men were sent to Shuster's Hill. On June 30th, the
pickets repulsed an attack by the enemy in which the regiment met with some
loss. After this skirmish the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Third
Division of McDowell's army, and joined in the forward movement which resulted
in the first battle of Bull Run.
The term of service of the men expiring on July 20, they were sent back to
Harrisburg and mustered out of service. In all the movements of his regiment
Lieutenant Hansell performed his part faithfully, and was mustered out at
Harrisburg with the others on July 26, 1861, by reason of the expiration of his
term of service. On his return from the army he found his wife very ill, and for
two years thereafter she was under a physician's care, which prevented him from
reentering the service as he had intended doing. The invasion of Pennsylvania
by the Confederate Army in 1863 made it impossible for him to resist the call
to arms, and he enlisted, June 2, 1863, to serve during the emergency as a
private under Captain F. R. Haws in Company B, First Independent Cavalry
Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Emergency Troops, Lieutenant Colonel Richard
F. Mason commanding.
(Page 137)
The battle of Gettysburg resulted in the defeat of Lee's army, and its retreat
to the Potomac river left little more for Mr. Hansell's battalion to do but join
in following up the retreat of the rebel army, which it did, and in doing so
became engaged in a skirmish with the enemy's rear guard. During both terms of
enlistment he was always to be found at his post of duty, both as an officer
and private soldier, and earned a reputation for faithful and soldierly
conduct, of which his descendants may well be proud. Previous to the outbreak
of the Rebellion, Mr. Hansell served for several years in the Pennsylvania
State Militia, first in the "Wayne Artillery," then in the "National
Artillery." After the term of his enlistment expired he returned to the employ
of Mr. Rambo, with whom he remained, in charge of the blacksmithing and
machinery, until his second enlistment. After the expiration of his second term
he again returned to his former employer, and continued his labor until the year
1881. Mr. Rambo, having been elected secretary and treasurer of the Block & Tile
Paving Company and not being able to secure a suitable person to manage his
plant, he insisted on Mr. Hansell taking the position, which he accordingly did
on November 1, 1881, and he has had continuous charge up to the present year,
1904. In politics Charles Hansell is a Republican, voted first for Fremont and
has voted for every Republican candidate for president since that time. He has
been inspector of elections.
Mr. Hansell was married August 14, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Hansell had one son,
Henry H., born March 10, 1860. He was educated at Oak Street school,
Norristown. He also carried on the blacksmithing trade. He married Anna Rambo,
daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Crozier) Rambo. Their children are: Charles H.,
born April 3, 1882, now a fireman on the Philadelphia and Reading Railway;
Isaiah, born April 8, 1883, now employed by William McCoy; Mabel, born December
16, 1886, graduated in the fall of 1902, at Schissler's College of Business,
Norristown, and is now employed in Philadelphia. Henry H. Hansell died October
12, 1898.
GRANT RICHARD McGLATHERY, a member of the house of representatives, in the
legislature of 1901, is of Scotch descent. He was born in Norristown, April 3,
1865. His name was given at the time of the overthrow of the Southern
Confederacy, his two names being suggested by the surrender of Richmond, the
rebel capital, to General Grant, a commander of the arms- of the United States.
He is the son of Charles S. and Mary E. (Anderson) McGlathery, he a native of
Plymouth township, and she of Norristown. They had seven children, four sons
and three daughters, of whom four are now living, as follows: Miss Sarah, Grant
R., George N. and Harry W., all of Norristown. George N. was for a part
of 1902, register of wills of Montgomery county, filling the vacancy caused by
the appointment of Rhine Russell Freed to be chief coiner at the United States
Mint in Philadelphia.
Charles S. McGlathery (father) learned the trade of bricklayer and became a
contractor, and later took charge of the construction of the brick work of the
furnaces at Hooven's Mills, Norristown, which he followed until within two
years of the time of his death. He died December 26, 1901, in his seventieth
years. His wife survives. She is a member of the Baptist church. He was not
identified with any religious denomination, but inclined toward the
Episcopalian faith. He enlisted in the Union army in 1861 in the Fourth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company I, and was second lieutenant. It was General
(then Colonel) Hartranft's regiment, and participated in many important
actions. After the war Mr. McGlathery resumed work at his trade in Norristown.
He was a Republican, but never sought or held office.
(Page 138)
Franklin McGlathery (grandfather) was a farmer by occupation. His wife was
Eliza Hallman. They had a family of several children. Abraham H. Anderson
(maternal grandfather) was a native of Chester county. He was a machinist, and
owned a foundry and machine shops in Norristown, going to that place when a
boy. He died there at the age of about sixty-four years. His wife was Sarah
Finley. They had a large family.
Grant R. McGlathery has lived all his life in Norristown. He attended the
public schools, graduating from the Norristown high school in the class of
1883. He then began clerking in Philadelphia for the Philadelphia & Reading
Railroad Company, and labored in that capacity for two years; he then became a
reporter on the Norristown Herald for five years, assisting also in the
business department. Owing to impaired vision he entered the Tradesmen's
National Bank of Conshohocken as teller, which position he held for five years,
but was compelled to resign because of defective eyesight. He was elected
coroner of Montgomery county in 1898, serving two years, and then resigning
upon being elected to the house of representatives of the Pennsylvania
legislature, where he was an active member and was identified with much of the
important legislation of the session during his term of two years.
He served also as deputy register of wills under his brother, in 1902. He is
now devoting his attention to the real estate and insurance business, still
retaining an active interest in politics, and being close to the Republican
leaders in the county. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church
on DeKalb street, near Marshall. He is a member of Curtis Lodge, No. 239,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is past grand and the representative of
that lodge, and grand conductor of the grand lodge of Pennsylvania for the past
four years. Mr. McGlathery is one of the most active Odd Fellows in the state,
devoting much time and attention to the upbuilding of the order. He is also
past chief patriarch of Norristown Encampment, and a member of Norristown
Lodge, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His home is at 630 West Lafayette
street.
Grant R. McGlathery is an effective and eloquent public speaker, and he has
been frequently called upon to take an active part in campaign work, doing good
service to the Republican party, to which he is devotedly attached.
AUGUSTUS M. CLEAVER, a prominent farmer of Douglass township, Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania, was born September 3, 1852, in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, being the son of Isaac F. and Catherine (Motz) Cleaver.
Isaac F. Cleaver (father) has resided most of his life in Berks county, where
he still lives at the age of seventy-four years. He was a blacksmith and a
farmer during his active life. He worked for Bailey & Shoemaker for thirteen
years. His wife died in 1889 at the age of sixty-five years and was buried at
Hill church, Berks county. He served in the war of the rebellion. In politics
he was a Republican, and although often asked to accept office, he invariably
refused, although his popularity practically guaranteed his election. The
couple had nine children, of whom six are living, as follows: Edwin, married
Annie Miller, living in Lower Providence, he being a brick manufacturer, they
have one child; Isaac, married Catharine Hornetter, and is a farmer in
Pennsburg, they having four children; John, married Alice Drumheller, he being
a furnaceman in Pottstown, and they having six children; Catharine, married
Abner Johnson, a merchant in Pottstown, they having four children; Susan,
married Henry Kleiser, a clerk in the court house at Reading, they having two
children; Amelia (deceased), married Adam C. Stetler, a butcher in Douglass
township, they having had four children; Hannah M. (deceased), died unmarried;
Augustus M., the subject of this sketch.
(Page 139)
John Cleaver (grandfather) married Miss Dutterer and they resided in Berks
county where he was a farmer. Both died at an advanced age and were buried at
Hill Church cemetery, Berks county, Pennsylvania. Adam Motz (maternal
grandfather) lived in Berks county. He died at an advanced age, and was buried
at Hill Church cemetery, Berks county. He was a farmer in that county all his
life.
Augustus M. Cleaver attended school until he had reached the age of nineteen
years, and then became a farmer, spending several years on the Fagley estate in
Pottstown. He has been engaged in the occupation of farming ever since that
time, and has lived in Montgomery county.
In January, 1882, Augustus M. Cleaver married Agnes, daughter of William E.
and Mary Ann (Gresh) Yoder. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder were farmers in Montgomery
county. He died many years ago, and his wife still survives, residing upon the
homestead. He was a Republican in politics. They had nine children. The
children of Augustus M. and Agnes Cleaver: William Isaac, born April 19, 1884,
resides with his parents; Daniel Augustus, born 1886; James E., born September
8, 1888; John Y., born 1894; Edwin, born 1897; Eva, died young, and one died in
infancy.
Mr. Cleaver is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant for public
position. He has lived upon his present property since 1889, and has been very
prosperous in farming pursuits, being one of the leading agriculturists of his
section of the county.
JOHN JONES MARTIN, son of John Ellis and Sarah (Jones) Martin, was born
August 4, 1842, on the homestead in the township of Upper Gwynedd, near the
Bethlehem turnpike, the farm being now occupied by his brother Algernon J.
Martin. He attended the public school known as the "Eight Square," and pay
schools until he had reached his nineteenth year, in the meantime assisting on
the farm during the vacations and in other intervals of school study, when he
devoted his entire time to farm work for one year. When he was twenty years of
age he went to Philadelphia and secured employment with his brother Charles,
who was engaged in the drug business in that city, in the capacity of salesman,
which position he occupied for a year, when he returned to the farm and
continued there with his father until his marriage. He married, April 16, 1867,
Emma Louise, daughter of John G. and Catharine (Knipe) Johnson, who were farmers
of Upper Gwynedd township, and descended from one of the oldest families of that
vicinity.
Mr. Martin rented, immediately after his marriage, the homestead farm and
turned his attention to keeping a dairy, and was thus engaged for two years. He
then rented the James Pope farm of fifty-two acres which he also conducted as a
dairy, remaining there until 1870. when he rented the farm now occupied by Enos
Roberts, in Whitpain township, near Blue Bell, on which he resided until 1880,
conducting it as a dairy and stock farm, attending the Oxford Market, in
Philadelphia. He then removed to the farm which he now occupies, on the Butler
turnpike, near Broad Axe, in Whitemarsh township, containing eighty acres of
land which he conducts as a dairy and general farm, continuing to attend market
in Philadelphia as before.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Martin Winfield White, born December 10,
1868, died August 20, 1869; Warren Dickinson, born January 11, 1871, married,
August 30, 1893, Mary Mitchell, daughter of James Mitchell, whose wife was a
Miss Haight, their children being: Mordecai John, born April 15, 1901, and they
residing at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania: Clifford Horner, born August 13, 1873,
engaged in the stove and heater business at Ambler, is unmarried, and resides
with his parents; Lavinia Iden, born May 5, 1876, died May 25, 1879; John
Edward, born April 2, 1882, is unmarried, and assists on the home farm; Clara
Elizabeth, born March 28, 1884, is a teacher of music on the piano and organ,
is unmarried and resides at the homestead. Mrs. Martin died in 1900. Mr. Martin
married, June 28, 1904, Julia T. Kropp, daughter of John and Caroline Kropp, of
Philadelphia. Mr. Martin and his family are members of the Ambler Presbyterian
church.
(Page 140)
In politics he is a Republican as are his sons, but he has never sought or held
office. He cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln when he was a
candidate for his second term in the office in 1864, and has always since been
actively interested in the success of the party principles and candidates. He
also feels deeply interested in local affairs generally. He is a progressive
citizen, favoring progress and improvement of all kinds, and always willing to
exert himself for the welfare of his community. He is solicitous for the proper
education of the rising generation, including his own descendants. Mrs. Martin
was a woman of strong individuality, domestic tastes and amiable disposition.
John Ellis Martin (father) was the son of John Martin. He was born in Upper
Gwynedd township, on the farm of Evan Jones, now occupied by Algernon J.
Martin. John E. Martin learned early in life the habits of industry which he,
later in life, impressed upon his children. He was a most useful man in his
community. He married Sarah Jones, daughter of Evan Jones, and had the
following children: Henry, who went to California in 1849, when the gold fever
raged so violently, and never returned; Charles, born in 1830, died in 1864;
Mary Ann, born May 16, 1833, married, October 15, 1853, Septimus Wilson Davis,
of Hatfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, they residing near
Gwynedd Square, in Upper Gwynedd township; Ellen, born in 1835, married John
Summers, of Chalfont, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania; Humphrey, born March 20,
1837, died in California; Sarah Jane, married Harry B. Dickinson,
attorney-at-law, of Norristown, both being deceased; John J., subject of this
sketch; Algernon J., married Ella Burnside, daughter of James Burnside, and
lives on the homestead. John E. Martin was an influential man in his day and
generation, being always alive to the interests of the community in which he
lived. He was highly respected by his neighbors and a wide circle of friends.
In intelligence and culture he was far above the average. In politics he was a
Whig and later a Republican, and was an earnest worker in its behalf.
JAMES KILPATRICK, of Bridgeport, was born near Bellemony, County Antrim,
Ireland, May 25, 1830, on a farm where his family had lived since the early
part of the seventeenth century. The land was not owned by the family but they
had been tenants so long that when Mr. Kilpatrick's brother Alexander, the last
of the name to occupy it, sold his tenant right, he received for it more than
the same amount of land would bring in this country. Mr. Kilpatrick's
grandfather and many of his relatives served in the army at various times, and
he well remembers playing, when a boy, with the arms and accoutrements worn by
his grandfather. At one time there were eleven families of the name in the same
town and now but one family remains.
Alexander Kilpatrick (father) was born and died in Ireland. He married Miss
Margaret T. Twadall, a native of Bally parish, Antrim county, Ireland. Her
family were of Scotch origin. Alexander Kilpatrick and Margaret Kilpatrick had
three sons and three daughters: James is the subject of this sketch. Alexander
(deceased) remained in Ireland and reared a family of seven children, all of
those now living, except one, reside in Australia. The one child is the last of
the name in Ireland. Margaret emigrated to America, married Mr. Daffy, reared a
family and now lives in Norristown. Eliza, deceased, also emigrated to America,
married Mr. Van Horn, and reared a family. John, deceased, came to the United
States, married Miss Hutchison, and his widow and children now live in
Norristown. Jane married in Ireland, came to America and settled in Ohio. Mrs.
Margaret Kilpatrick, the mother, died in Ireland.
(Page 141)
James Kilpatrick was nineteen years of age when he came alone to the United
States, on the sailing vessel Afton, landing in Philadelphia after a voyage of
five weeks to the hour, from Londonderry. Two days after his arrival he secured
employment as a boatman on the canal, taking lime to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and
New Jersey. He remained as a workman until 1852 and then rented boats, following
the business on his own account until 1863. With the money thus earned he came
to McGeestown in 1864 and entered into partnership with Daniel McGee in the
lime business, remaining until 1880. In that year he removed to Bridgeport and
rented the store now occupied by Mr. Whitman, where he carried on business
until 1890. During this time he built his present home, and transferred his
store to the present quarters, where he has been established ever since. He
came to America on a ticket purchased on credit and has been the earner of his
success as a business man, owing everything to his good management, honesty and
industry. He has had losses by floods and bad debts but has never given up, and
is today looked up to as one of Bridgeport's successful and substantial
citizens.
In politics he is a Republican and has voted for every Republican candidate
for president since Lincoln, for whom he cast his first vote. He was elected
school director, unanimously except for twenty-six votes, and has served in the
town council. He and his family are members of the First Presbyterian church of
Norristown and the family belonged for some time to the McGeestown church,
where he was a trustee and treasurer.
James Kilpatrick married, January 25, 1855, Miss Anna Elizabeth McKay, who
was born in Upper Merion township July 19, 1836. They have had ten children:
Margaret Jane was born December 2r, 1855. Samuel Alexander, born September 23,
1857, is married and lives in Camden, New Jersey. James Henry, who was born
June 13, 1859, and died February 16, 1890, married Margaret Barnshaw and they
had one child, James Kilpatrick, who lives with his grandfather. Catharine,
born October 16, 1862, died October 28, 1862. Mary Anna, born February 27,
1864, is unmarried and lives with her parents. William Thomas, born August 5,
1866, died August 23, 1868. John I., born August 5, 1868, died in September,
1890. Catharine L., born November 7, 1870, married Horace Wambold, and has one
child, James Kilpatrick Wambold, who resides in Norristown. William Thomas, who
was born July 31, 1873, and died August 23, 1900, married Charlotte Cowden, of
Norristown, April 12, 1900. Robert Lincoln, born May 2, 1878, died December 20,
1882.
WILLIAM GEIST KEHL, a leading tailor of Pottstown, was born January 18, 1860:
He is the son of John and Catharine (Geist) Kehl, the father being a tailor in
Pottstown all his life. In politics he was a Democrat; he was a member of town
council, and otherwise participated in public affairs. He was a director in
several local enterprises of the town, including the Gas Company, Fire
Insurance Companies, etc. He died January 18, 1899, aged sixty-eight years.
Mrs. Kehl died before him, being buried in the family vault on Charlotte
street, in Pottstown cemetery. They were both members of the Trinity Reformed
church, Pottstown. The couple had five children, of whom two sons survive. One
of these is William Geist Kehl, the subject of this sketch; the other is Albert
G. Kehl, who married Miss Binder, of Boyertown, they living in Pottstown.
Albert is also a tailor.
Henry Geist was the maternal grandfather. William Geist Kehl attended school
until he was seventeen years of age. He then learned the tailoring trade with
his father, being thus employed for four years. He then went into business as
his father's successor, continuing in the tailoring line until 1899. Mr. Kehl
then traveled for five years, at the end of which time he resumed business at
his present place, July 11, 1903, having one of the finest establishments of
the kind in the country.
Mr. Kehl married in May, 1880, Miss Carrie, daughter of Franklin B. and
Caroline (Coller) Fichthorn, of Reading, who was a grocer and a very prosperous
business man. Mr. Fichthorn was an independent voter. Mr. and Mrs. Kehl have two
children: Daisy May, born in 1883; she is a graduate of Reading High School, and
Kathrine, born in 1888, who resides with her parents.
As a business man, Mr. Kehl stands high. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge
of Pottstown, and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Royal Arcanum and
the Heptasophs Mr. Kehl is the owner of several properties in Pottstown.
(Page 142)
RUSH B. SMITH, for many years a citizen of Norristown, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, is a native of Berwyn, in Chester county, where he was born
February 15, 1854. He is the son of Joseph C. and Mary (Blackfan) Smith, both
of whom were born in that vicinity, and both descended from old families of
Friends who settled in colonial times in Delaware county, Pennsylvania. Joseph
C. Smith had three children, Rush B., Frank L. and J. Cloude Smith, all of whom
now reside in Norristown.
Rush B. Smith lived in Berwyn until he was fourteen years of age, his family
then removing to Norristown, where he continued his school studies. Having
completed these, he entered the drug store of Charles Ellis & Co.,
Philadelphia, and studied pharmacy, continuing with that firm for a number of
years. Later he entered the establishment of Hance Brothers & White, who were
engaged in the same business, and remained with them for twenty-three years.
Mr. Smith is a Republican, and believes in the party and its principles. In
1884 he was elected a member of the school board of Norristown, and in 1887, on
the retirement of Judge Weand, he was elected its president. He has always
occupied an advanced position in everything pertaining to the public school
system, and it is through the efforts of the school board presided over by him
that the public schools of Norristown have been brought to such a high standard
of excellence that private institutions of learning have not flourished in the
borough of late years.
The efforts of Mr. Smith in behalf of educational progress were promptly
appreciated by his fellow members of the school board, and he has held the
presidency of that body continuously to the present time by successive annual
re-elections. He has guided its deliberations with rare sagacity and
discrimination, his decisions on all matters relating to the business before
the board being accepted without question by its members. In everything
relating to the welfare of the community in which he lives Mr. Smith takes the
most active interest. The rising generation owes much to his attention to
school needs, to his earnest and effective work in behalf of educational
progress, and his good judgment in shaping the business of the school board,
through the appointment of its committees and otherwise.
Mr. Smith resides at the old homestead, No. 1349 Powell street, Norristown,
with his two aunts, Misses Sarah and Emma Blackfan. Aside from his connection
with the school board, Mr. Smith has never sought or held office.
WILLIAM SHEPHERD is a native of Tacony, in Philadelphia county, although the
greater part of his life has been passed in Montgomery county. He was born June
18, 1830. He is the son of Levi and Hettie (Wilkinson) Shepherd, both long
deceased. His father was a miller by trade, and was engaged in that business at
Tacony. When William Shepherd was four Years of age his father removed to
Moreland township, in Montgomery county, and in 1843 removed from Moreland to
Montgomery township.
William Shepherd grew to manhood in Montgomery township, attending the
neighborhood schools when not engaged in agricultural pursuits, and acquired
such education as his opportunities permitted. After relinquishing school
studies he remained with his parents, assisting his father in farm work until
his marriage, which occurred April 7, 1861, to Mary E., daughter of Joseph and
Sarah (Taylor) Primer, of Montgomery township, who were farmers. Their
children: Joseph Harry, born March 4, 1862, married, April 2, 1894, Lina C.
Oberholtzer, daughter of Owen and Alice (Cook) Oberholtzer, of Bloomingdale,
Waterloo county, Ontario, Canada, and resides at that place; Charles, born
August 31, 1863, married, in 1890, Laura, daughter of Isaac and Susan
(Swartley) Heckler, and lives Upper Gwynedd township, having purchased a farm
near Kneedler Station in 1901, their children being Leroy, born January 3,
1891, Susan H., born June 3, 1900; Walter, born :March 24, 1865, married,
October 9, 1890, Hannah Ellen, daughter of Joseph and Emeline (Moore) Mitchell,
farmers, of Montgomery township, and have three children, Blanche, born
September 23, 1891, Mary, born December 13, 1895, Walter Leslie, born June 27,
1901; Ella, born November 14, 1868, died June 13, 1890.
(Page 143)
Levi Shepherd (father) was born November 20, 1797, and died February 21,
1889, married Hettie Wilkinson, born October 17, 1796, died April 12, 1865.
Their children: Wilhelmina, married Samuel Conard, of Upper Dublin township,
near Fort Washington; Linford L., married Emily Jones, of Upper Gwynedd
township, daughter of Amos Jones, and lived for many years at Franklinville, in
Whitpain township, Linford being a drover, and they having a large family of
children, of whom Lizzie Kate married Jonathan Cleaver, they live in Plymouth
township, Hester, Eugene, Eulalie and Linford, the father dying March 15, 1894,
at the age of seventy-three years, and Mrs. Emily Shepherd survives and resides
with her daughters in Conshohocken; John, married Sarah Lawrence, and, she
dying, he married Kate Kibblehouse; Phebe, born July 11, 1826, married,
February 27, 1851, George Berkhimer, and is still living at Franklinville, in
Whitpain township, although her husband is long since deceased (see
biographical sketch of George Berkhimer, elsewhere in this work); Margaret Ann,
married, January 1, 1852, William H. Slingluff, son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Schlater) Slingluff, and resided at Blue Bell, in Whitpain township, (see
sketches of Henry G. and George B. Slingluff, elsewhere in this work);
Elizabeth, married Linford Preston, for many years a blacksmith in Blue Bell,
in Whitpain township; Hettie, unmarried and resides at the Shepherd homestead,
on the old State Road, in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania;
Charles, married and resides in the state of Indiana; Levi married Harriet
Walton, and lives on the old homestead in Horsham township.
William Shepherd has been a successful farmer, and enjoys the confidence and
esteem of the community in which he has spent his life. He is an earnest
Republican in politics, and was eluted a member of the board of poor directors
in Montgomery county, filling the position with credit, and being re-elected.
He has also held different township offices. He is an influential man in that
section of Montgomery county. He is domestic in his tastes, and enjoys the
comforts of home, although actively interested in, whatever promises to benefit
those around him.
OTHNEIL LESSIG professor in the Pottstown high school, is the son of Joshua
B. and Amanda (Bliem) Lessig. He was born June 8, 1875. He is a graduate of the
Hill School, Pottstown, and also of Yale College, class of 1899. He is secretary
of the Young Men's Republican Club, and vice-president of the Empire Hook and
Ladder Company.
Joshua B. Lessig (father) is the well-known secretary and treasurer of the
Ellis-Lessig Steel and iron Company of Pottstown. He was born July 25, 1852,
son of Joshua B. and Christiana (Bechtel) Lessig. Joshua B. Lessig
(grandfather) was a business man of Pottstown. He was a Republican in politics
and the family were German Lutherans in religious faith. Their children:
George B., Joshua B. (father); Mary, Mrs. Josiah Freyer); Anna (Mrs. Frederick
Slonaker); Rebecca (Mrs. Charles Frick); Amelia (Mrs. John R. Shaner), Sarah,
and Julia (deceased). Peter Lessig (great-grandfather) married Anna Bair. He
was a shoe manufacturer in Pottstown. Their children: 1. Elizabeth, wife of
Matthias Yergey. 2. Anna Maria, wife of Henry Steinmetz; 3. Catherine (Mrs.
Thomas Reifsnyder). 4. Peter. Jr. 5. Joshua B. 6. Sarah, (Mrs. Anthony Duke) 7.
Rebecca, wife of Isaac Yergy. Christian Lessig (great-great-grandfather) was
born in Bavaria in 1750 and came to America in 1765. He served in Revolution,
and was a storekeeper; he died in 1835. His children: Philip, Peter, Sr.,
Henry Christian, Jr., William, Samuel, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Michael, Christiana.
(Page 144)
Joshua B. Lessig (father) married, in 1874, Amanda H. Bliem, who died in 1884
The first ancestor of the Bliem family in America was Christian Bliem, born in
Germany in 1711, came to America in 1735, and settled in Hanover township. He
had several children, among them Christian, born in 1746, who married Salome
Langenecker. The children of Joshua B. and Amanda Bliem Lessig: Othniel,
subject of this sketch; Mary, born 1877, died 1899; Caroline B., born February
4, 1881; Joshua Bliem, born February 8, 1883; George and Chrissie, both of whom
died in infancy.
Mrs. Lessig died in 1884 and Joshua B. (father) married Emma Dickenshied. Of
this marriage was born one child, Ruth Lessig, February 16, 1890.
THOMAS J. RAMBO, for several years an extensive limestone operator, was born
at Swedesburg, near Bridgeport, where he now resides, July 24, 1849. His
parents were Nathan and Ann (Broades) Rambo.
Nathan Rambo (father) was born June 27, 1810, in Upper Merion township. He
was a wealthy and influential citizen and took an active interest in politics
and in public affairs generally. Nathan and Ann Rambo were married March 5,
1833. They had a family of seven children, as follows: (1). Eliza Ann, married
Matthias P. Walker, of Great Valley, Chester county, and died leaving a family
of children. (2). William B. Rambo, born April 15, 1836. He has carried on an
extensive lime-burning business since 1857, operating his father's kilns on the
Schuylkill river, below Swedesburg. (3). Mary married David Schall and both are
deceased. (4). Rebecca, married J. P. Hiester Jones, now deceased. (5). Emma P.
is the wife of Thomas P. Merritt, ex-mayor of Reading, who was at one time a
resident of Norristown. (6). Nathan married Clara, daughter of Thomas Walker.
(7). Thomas J. Rambo completes the family.
Nathan Rambo (father) died March 1, 1858, in his forty-seventh year. His
widow, born August 12, 1809, died July 23, 1889, having survived her husband
more than thirty years. The remains of both lie in the cemetery of Christ
Church, Upper Merion, to which church the family have belonged for many
generations.
Jonas Rambo (grandfather) was a lifelong resident of Upper Merion and owned
large tracts of valuable land, underlaid with excellent limestone. The property
passed into the hands of his children. His wife's name was Ann. They had two
children, a daughter and a son. Their daughter, Mary, married Benjamin D.
Hughes, of Bridgeport, and died many years ago. Their son was Nathan, already
mentioned.
Thomas J. Rambo remained at home up to, the time of his father's death, which
occurred in Swedesburg when Thomas was but six years of age. Soon afterward the
family removed to Norristown. He attended the public schools until fifteen
years of age and later pursued a course in the West Chester Military Academy.
When twenty-one years of age he joined his brother in the limestone business,
under the firm name of Nathan Rambo & Brother and they were thus
representatives of industrial interests for fifteen years, employing two
hundred men. About 1885 they dissolved partnership and Thomas continued
business alone for three years, when he sold out to the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company and built his present attractive home in Bridgeport, where he has since
lived retired.
Thomas J. Rambo is a Republican in politics and is a member and vestryman of
Swedes' church. He also belongs to Washington Camp, No. 51, Patriotic Order
Sons of America.
On October 30, 1890, Mr. Rambo married Ida M., daughter of John and Charlotte
Bickings, of Norristown. They have no children.
The first ancestor of the Rambos in America was Peter, a native of
Gothenburg, Sweden, who died in Philadelphia, in 1698, aged about ninety-three
years. He came to America in 1638 with Peter Minuet, settling on the Delaware
river. He was a prominent figure in the government of New Sweden until the
conquest of that province by Peter Stuyvesant. Rambo was also an official under
the Dutch government and when the colony passed over to the English he was
appointed a member of the council, Captain Robert Carr being then deputy
governor. In 1674 he was commissioned a justice of the peace, being one of the
first to sit in the upland court. He held office under the Duke of York and
subsequently under William Penn. He was friendly to the Indians and much
beloved by them, acting occasionally as interpreter between them and the
English and at times taking an active part in their councils. He and his family
were intimately acquainted with William Penn and are referred to in Penn's
correspondence in 1684 and later. His will is dated August 30, 1694, and was
proved in Philadelphia, November 19, 1698. He had four sons: Gunnar, born about
1649; Peter, born in 1650; Andrew; and John, born in 1661. Peter Rambo was a
warden of Old Swedes' church, in Philadelphia.
(Page 145)
Peter's son, Gunnar Rambo, married Anna, daughter of Peter Koch (Cox), and
died in 1724. He was at one time a member of the Pennsylvania assembly and was
a large landowner. His children were: John, Peter, Mounce, Gabriel, Andrew and
Elias. He removed to Upper Merion about 1712.
Mons or Mounce Rambo was born in 1693. He was a famous hunter and his
exploits exist among the traditions of the neighborhood. He is said to have
shot deer in the vicinity of Swedesburg as late as 1770. On one occasion he
shot a panther. In the graveyard of Swedes' church is a large stone, with the
inscription, "In memory of Mons Rambo, who departed this life, October 23,
1782, aged eighty-nine years."
JESSE HEEBNER SYNDER, JR., one of the best-known teachers of Montgomery
county, having had long experience in the profession, is the son of Jesse and
Maria (Schultz) Snyder. He was born February 2, 1859, at the Snyder homestead
in Towamencin township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, now occupied by his
brother, Aaron Snyder. He attended the public schools of the district until he
had attained his eighteenth year, being one of the foremost pupils. He then
attended the North Wales Academy and School of Business, of which Samuel U.
Brunner was principal, having organized and conducted it successfully from his
early manhood to the title of his death. Mr. Snyder also attended Norristown
high school for one year. He next taught for two years in the school in which
he had formerly been a pupil in Towamencin township, being very successful in
the maintenance of order and in imparting knowledge. He then entered as a
student at the State Normal School at West Chester, Pennsylvania, his object
being to qualify himself more thoroughly for his profession of teaching. He
graduated from that institution in the class of 1884, and resumed his
profession of teaching, better equipped than ever for the difficult and arduous
task before him. He was teacher of the Western School, in upper Gwynedd township
for a period of fourteen years, and since 1900 has had charge of what is known
as the "Eight Square" school, in that township, having acquired a reputation as
a capable and conscientious teacher. Mr. Snyder married, November 12, 1892, Mrs.
Elmira (Kriebel) Cassel, daughter of Andrew and Regina (Kriebel) Kriebel, and
widow of Abraham K. Cassel. Mr. Snyder then located at Locust Corner, in
Towainencin township, where he remained until 1895, when, having bought a
property with three acres of land at Gwynedd Square, with substantial
improvements, from the estate of Josiah Snyder, he removed to it, and has since
resided there. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse H. Snyder: John, born November
11, 1894: Mabel, born November 15, 1903.
In politics Mr. Snyder is a Republican, he having always manifested a good
degree of interest in the success of its candidates and principles. He is now
serving his second term as township auditor, a position which in Gwynedd
township has been in past years filled by its leading citizens. In his
religious views he follows the traditions of his forefathers, and adheres to
the Schwenkfelder faith.
Jesse Snyder (father) was the son of Joseph Snyder and his wife, Sophia
(Krieble) Snyder. Jesse Snyder was born February 15, 1812, and died in 1894, on
the farm now occupied by Isaac Snyder, a relative. Jesse Snyder was a farmer by
occupation, and was actively interested in township affairs, especially in
educational work, serving for a number of years as a school director.
(Page 146)
He affiliated with the Whig party, and later with the Republican
organization. In religious faith he was a Schwenkfelder, being for many years a
deacon. He married, November 17, 1836, Maria, daughter of Henry and Anna
(Schultz) Heebner. Mrs. Snyder was born October 31, 1817. Their children:
Hannah, born October 20, 1837, died November 19, 1839; Margaret, born November
8, 1838, died November 2, 1839; Lydia, born October 16, 1840, and lives in
Towamencin township, being unmarried; John H., born January 3, 1843, married,
in January, 1869, Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Silas and Margaret (Davis) Kulp,
is a farmer, and resides in Towamencin township; Elias, born August 24, 1845,
married Lydia, daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Kriebel) Weigner, of Cedars
postoffice, in Towamencin township; Susanna, born November 22, 1847, died
December 29, 1874; Aaron, born October 29, 1850, married Emeline, daughter of
Abraham and Sarah (Kriebel) Dresher; Elizabeth, born March 11, 1853, married
Aaron Bergey Kriebel; Mary, born January 4, 1856, married Adam, son of Abraham
and Mary (Heydrick) Fisher; Jesse H., subject of this sketch; Sarah, born March
4, 1862, died September 10, 1863.
Joseph Snyder (grandfather) was the son of Henry and Regina (Reinewald)
Snyder. He married, April 25, 1811, Sophia, daughter of Abraham and Eve
Kriebel. Sophia was born January 18, 1789. Joseph, her husband, was born
September 17, 1786. Their children: Jesse (father), Margaret, born April 14,
1814; Hannah, born July 25, 1816; Elizabeth, born August 31, 1818, died August
1, 1876; George, born July 16, 1821. Sophia Snyder died September 4, 1824.
Joseph died December 1, 1858.
Henry Snyder (great-grandfather) was the son of Heinrich and Rosina (Neuman)
Schneider. He was born in Gwynedd township, and married, May 10, 1785, Regina,
daughter of Balthasar and Elizabeth (Yeakel) Reinewald.
Their children: Joseph (grandfather); Abraham and Isaac (twins), born July
23, 1789; Job, born November 11, 1793; Regina, born December 8, 1795, died at
the age of one week; Elizabeth, born November 28, 1798. Regina Snyder, wife of
Henry, died November 5, 1825, aged sixty-one years. Henry died April 2, 1836,
aged seventy-three years.
Heinrich Schneider, the immigrant, born August 3, 1729, in Germany, arrived
in Pennsylvania, August 30, 1749, united himself with the Schwenkfelder
Society, and married Rosina, daughter of Christopher Neuman. Heinrich settled
in Gwynedd township, then Philadelphia county, now Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania. His children: Rosina, 1757; George, 1758; Christopher, 1761;
Henry (great-grandfather); Christian, 1764; Abraham and Isaac (twins), born
July 23, 1769; Susanna, 1772; John. Heinrich Schneider and his wife each died
at an advanced age, he April 3, 1779, and she March 16, 1804. Christopher
Neuman, father of Heinrich Schneider's wife, came with his wife, Susanna
Muehmer, in 1734, with the other Schwenkfelders, to Pennsylvania, bringing two
children David and Rosina. He lived in Gwynedd township, near the present
village of West Point.
His wife, Susanna Neuman, died March 27, 1760. He died September 10, 1768. It
has been seen that the Snyders have married Schwenkfelders ever since the coming
of their ancestor, Heinrich, to this country. His descendants are very numerous,
and among the most substantial citizens of the middle and upper end of
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, having retained very largely the traits of
industry, integrity and thrift which distinguished their forefathers.
REV. JOHN J. KLINE, PH. D., a well known Lutheran clergyman, was born at
Rehrersburg, September 17, 1856. At the age of twelve years his parents moved
to Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Jacob E. and Cartherine
(Zartman) Kline.
Jacob E. Kline (father) was a teacher for twenty years and organist for
thirty-five years, being a prominent citizen of that place. Mrs. Mine died
first, in November, 1896, aged sixty-nine years, and was buried at Myerstown,
Pennsylvania. He survived her four years and died at the age of seventy-six
years; he was buried at the same place. He died March 26, 1901. Mr. Kline was a
Democrat in politics. He was a school director for many years. He was a member
of the Odd Fellows Order early in life.
(Page 147)
The couple had eleven children: William H., Mary Louisa (deceased), John J.,
Emma E., (deceased); George C., Henrietta S., Catherine (Mrs. Fry); Sallie J.,
(Mrs. Potteiger); Thomas C. (deceased); Edward E., Matilda A. (Mrs. Schaeffer).
David and Elizabeth (Yensel) Kline (grandparents) resided in Lebanon county.
The great-grandfather was Joseph Kline. The Klines, as the name indicates, are
of German origin. The immigrant was George Kline. He was a German Baptist
minister, and came to America in 1739. He settled in Amwell, New Jersey, and
later in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Jacob and Elizabeth (Hollinger) Zartman
(maternal grandparents) resided in Myerstown, Lebanon county. They were
Lutherans in religious faith.
Rev. John J. Kline attended neighborhood schools until he was eighteen years
of age, when he taught school in Lebanon county for five terms, and at the same
time prepared for a course of study at Palatinate College, Myerstown. He
attended Muhlenberg College for three years, graduating in June, 1883. He then
attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary, at Mount Airy, Philadelphia. He
located at Swamp, in New Hanover township, in 1886, where he has since occupied
the pulpit. In April, 1903, he moved to Pottstown, and also has charge of Grace
Lutheran church. He took a course in the University of Pennsylvania from 1891
to 1894, taking his-degree in 1899, at Wooster University, Ohio.
Mr. Kline married, April 26, 1888, Georgie R., daughter of Frederick and Mary
( Hill ) Brendlinger, of New Hanover, Pennsylvania. His father-in-law was at one
time treasurer of Montgomery county. Rev. and Mrs. Kline have had three
children, of whom one is now living Frances Marion, born November 4, 1891. She
is attending public school at present. Rev. Kline is a member of the
Pennsylvania Historical Society, of the Pennsylvania German Society, and also
of the Historical Society of Montgomery county.
HERMANN A. DENCKLA, son of C. Paul and Mary (Williamson) Denckla, is a native
of the city of Philadelphia, where he was born February it, 1872. He attended
private schools in that city, among them the DeLancy School, conducted by the
well known scholar and educator, Prof. Henry Hobart Brown. He graduated from
that institution in the class of 1890, and entered the scientific department of
the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in the class of 1894.
He married, in 1895, Edith Benezet, daughter of Herbert B. and Mary (Stuart)
Tyson, of Philadelphia. After his marriage Mr. Denckla located for a time in
Philadelphia. In 1898 he purchased the farm in Lower Gwynedd on which he now
resides, containing fifty-two acres of land, and known as "Trewerryn Farm,"
where he devotes his time to general farming and the raising of poultry,
principally ducks. In 1901 he bought the Joseph Singerly estate, which adjoins
his property and contains sixty-seven acres of fine land, which he also manages
very successfully in the same way as his own. In religious faith the family are
Episcopalians, being members of the Church of the Messiah at Gwynedd, he being
a vestryman. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hermann Denckla: Mary Tyson, born
August 11, 1896; Edith Pauline, born July 18, 1898; C. Paul, born July 16, 1900.
C. Paul Denckla (father) was the son of Augustus Henry Denckla, and he was
born in the city of Philadelphia. He attended the public schools of that city.
He then engaged with the firm of Heaton & Denckla, the senior member of which
was his uncle, and on his uncle's death succeeded him in the firm, their
business being dealing in hardware in a wholesale way. He married Mary,
daughter of Mahlon Williamson, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Their children
Mary Williamson, born April 22, 1868, married Arthur Whitney, son of Rev. Mark
Antony DeWolff Howe, D. D., LL. D., bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church,
Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, and has four children, Paul Denckla, Arthur
Whitney, Williamson Howe and Mary Howe, residing in Philadelphia; C. Paul;
Hermann, subject of this sketch.
(Page 148)
Herbert Benezet Tyson, father of Mrs. Hermann Denckla, is the son of Dr.
James Lawrence and Caroline (Drinker) Tyson. He was born in Philadelphia,
attended the schools of that city, and on reaching the proper age entered the
United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from which he graduated and served as
a lieutenant under the famous fighter, Admiral Farragut, at Mobile bay and New
Orleans. He was with Farragut at the opening of the blockade on the Mississippi
river, being on the same vessel with him through the entire war, and at the
close of the war in 1865. He then retired from the navy and entered the
business office of his father-in-law, who was at that time engaged extensively
in importing dry goods in Philadelphia. He was so engaged until 1892, when he
became assistant collector of the port of Philadelphia, under John B. Read, who
was collector of the port under President Cleveland's second administration.
After serving in that position for four years he resigned on a change of
administration, and entered the banking business. The children of Herbert B.
and Mary S. Tyson Caroline Brinker, married Percival Drayton; Mary Stuart,
unmarried and resides at Penllyn; Rev. Stuart Lawrence, married Catharine
Rosengarten, daughter of Mitchell Rosengarten, of Philadelphia, and resides at
Oxford, England; Edith Benezet, wife of Hermann Denckla; Esther, unmarried, and
resides at Baltimore, Maryland Patty Kyle, married W. Brentwood Smith, son of
Winthrop and Florence (Chapman) Smith, and resides at Chestnut Hill.
Augustus Henry Denckla, grandfather of Hermann Denckla, was the son of
Christian Denckla.
THEODORE W. BAKER, who has served acceptably as clerk of the town council of
Norristown since 1889, is the son of Cornelius S. Baler, M. D., and Elizabeth
(Feaster) Baker. Dr. Baker was a familiar figure in Norristown for many years,
his tall and erect form and dignified bearing being still well remembered by
the older residents of the county seat. He came to Montgomery county in 1854
and settled in Norristown, where he kept a drugstore, the business since his
death in 1882 having been conducted by the firm of Baker & Grady, in which
Theodore W. Baker is the senior partner, his associate being ex-Burgess George
W. Grady. Dr. Cornelius S. Baker had seven children, three sons and four
daughters, as follows: John S., a member of the town council of Norristown for
a number of years; Kate, wife of James A. Curtis, of Baltimore; Aaron F., a
well-known railroad contractor of Norristown; Mary F., wife of John T. Dyer,
also of Norristown; Theodore W. Baker, and Miss Carrie E. Baker, both of
Norristown. Dr. Cornelius Baker's wife survived him one year, dying in 1883.
Both were members of the First Presbyterian church, he being long a valued
elder therein. During the war of the rebellion, Dr. Baker was medical examiner
at Norristown.
Theodore W. Baker, who was born in Norristown, November 8, 1855, has been all
his life a resident of the place, attending its public schools. At the close of
school life he became a clerk in the drug store of his father, where he
acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. He then went to Philadelphia,
where he occupied a similar position in the establishment of Romberger & Long,
wholesale dry-goods dealers, for several years. Entering the store of John
Wanamaker, he continued there for six nears. Close attention to business and
the confinement and lack of exercise consequent upon an indoor occupation
having somewhat impaired his health, he recuperated following an outdoor
calling-railroad contracting-for several years. Returning to Norristown, he
re-entered the drug store, and has remained there ever since-a period of twenty
years or more, a great part of which time he has officiated as clerk of town
council, by successive elections every year, he having performed the duties of
that position ably, intelligently, and in a manner satisfactory to all
concerned.
(Page 149)
On December 26, 1882, Mr. Baker married Miss Sue D. Hitner, daughter of Harry
Hitner, of Marble Hall. Mrs. Baker was a member of an old family in the lower
end of Montgomery county, their ancestor being of German origin. The couple
have one daughter, Edith H. Baker.
Mr. Baker is a member of the Presbyterian church; Mrs. Baker and her daughter
are Lutherans. Mr. Baker is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and
Accepted Masons, and of Norristown Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He has been a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for nearly a quarter of a
century, and is past grand of his lodge. He also belongs to the Improved Order
of Red Men. Politically he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the
success of the party to which he belongs, having been on the election board of
his district a number of years. He resides at 543 George street, where he owns
a handsome residence.
SHERMAN E. YEAGER, a wholesale liquor dealer and business man of Pottstown,
was born September 27, 1852, in Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania. He is the
son of George and Elizabeth (Sherman) Yeager.
Michael Yeager (grandfather) also lived in Reading, where he was engaged in
the mercantile pursuits. The Yeagers are a family of note, descended from
prominent European families. Today members of the family are some of the
largest property owners in Reading and Pottstown. Michael Yeager married Mary
Evans, and they had the following children: John, still living in his ninetieth
year; George (father); Mrs. Henry W. Raudenbush, aged eighty-seven years, and
Joseph E., who died at the age of sixty-two, and is buried in Pottstown.
George Yeager (father) was born December 25, 1815, at Reading, and is still
living with his son, Sherman E., in Pottstown. He was superintendent of the
Union Canal for thirty-eight years, and was also at different times engaged as
contractor, stone cutter, mason, and cabinet-maker. He controlled the canal for
many years. He married Elizabeth Sherman, who died in 1852, at the age of
forty-one years, and is buried at the Charles Evans cemetery, Reading.
He married (second wife) Miss Ellen Hains, of Reading, also deceased. Mr.
Yeager belongs to Lodge No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, Reading, and is also
an Odd Fellow. George and Elizabeth (Sherman) Yeager had four children Evans,
George, Morris (deceased), and Sherman. George and Evans served in the
rebellion. George and Ellen (Hains) Yeager had one child: Helen, deceased.
He married (third wife) Catharine Fichthorn, by whom he had three children.
Lehman, Harry, deceased, and Annie. His wife died about 1886.
Sherman E. Yeager completed his education when he was fifteen years of age,
and immediately entered into the mercantile business. He was troubled with
rheumatism which has disabled him through life. He was employed by Amos W.
Potteiger, and was again taken sick. On recovering he engaged in the cigar
manufacturing business, remaining so until he formed a partnership with P. H.
Hench to carry on the tobacco business. The firm was dissolved after the panic
of 1873, and Mr. Yeager went into business for himself on Penn street, Reading.
At the end of two years he entered the firm of Rahn & Yeager, tobacconists,
where he worked for two years. After a prolonged sickness of two years he was
employed as manager of the wholesale liquor business of John M. Bowman, in
Reading, for ten years. He traveled and attended to the business in general,
but close application brought on an attack of sickness such as to reduce his
weight from one hundred and sixty to one hundred and ten pounds, and he was
obliged to travel. He spent seven months in the west, and after his return
opened the same business in Pottstown, buying out F. E. Hudson, and conducting
the establishment successfully. He closed out his business in Pottstown in
November, 1903, and is now manager of Geiger & Hines' wholesale liquor store.
(Page 150)
In 1874 Sherman E. Yeager married Miss Emma Strohacker, daughter of Edward
and Ellen (Hafer) Strohacker. Mr. Strohacker was a merchant in Reading until
his death about 1885. His wife is still living in Reading. The children of
Sherman E. and Emma Yeager George E., born in 1875, married Miss Kelly, of
Reading; Charles S., born in 1878, married Miss Wentzel, daughter of Augustus
Wentzel, a prominent resident of Reading; Wayne C., born 1882, unmarried; Edith
May, born November l0, 1888; Rosie E., born July 22, 1891. George E. Yeager
graduated at the Reading high school, and immediately entered the employ of the
Standard Oil Company. He has been with the company for thirteen years, and is
now chief clerk of the Camden office. He and his wife have one son, George K.
Charles S. Yeager and his wife live in Reading, where he is the foreman of the
Reading Engraving Company. They have no children. Wayne C. lives at Easton,
where he has charge of the Easton division of the Standard Oil Company. He was
in charge at the age of twenty, and has a very bright future before him. When
he was eighteen years of age he arranged a stock sheet which the Standard Oil
Company now issues all over the world. Edith May Yeager resides with her
parents. She is an accomplished musician. Rosie E. Yeager is a student in the
Pottstown public schools.
Sherman E. Yeager is a Republican, but has never held office. He is a member
of the Lutheran church of Pottstown. He belongs to the following organizations:
Free and Accepted Masons, No. 254, Pottstown; Chapter Hood, No. 271, Pottstown,
Elks, No. 814, Pottstown, P. O. S. of A., Camp 509, of Reading, and is also a
past member of K. of P., Reading. Mr. Yeager is one of Pottstown's leading
citizens, and a general business man. He at one time had charge of a drug store
in Reading for eight years.