Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 99

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1482

USA > Delaware > Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I > Part 99

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JOHN LINTON PRESS, Yorklyn, Del., son of William Cleland and Margaret G. (Linton) Press, was born near Yorklyn, Christiana hundred, New Castle county, Del., April 8, 1853. He is of Irish parentage. His grandfather was John Press, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, was a farmer, and married Ann Seeds, also born in that county. They had children: I. James; II. Vear; III. George; IV. Jane (Mrs. John- Boles); V. Irvin; VI. William Cleland. Mr. and Mrs. Press died in Ireland ..

William Cleland Press was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1830. He received a good common school education there, and as- sisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. When he was nineteen years old he sailed from Liverpool, England, for America, and after a voyage of six weeks reached Philadel- phia. He remained in Philadelphia only a short time, and then secured employment in the snuff mills of Garrett & Sons, in Yorklyn, to which place he immediately removed. Here he worked for three years at seven dol- lars per month. At the expiration of that time, he was appointed superintendent of No. 4 snuff mill and for thirty-one years filled that position very satisfactorily. He was gen- erally popular. He was a Republican, active in the support of his party, and served as road commissioner. William Cleland Press

married Margaret G., daughter of John Fos- ter Linton, born in Philadelphia; her father was a manufacturer of and dealer in shoes in Philadelphia. Their children are: I. John Linton; II. William V., employee in the snuff mill, married Sarah J. Carter, deceased; III. Eva Martha (Mrs. John W. Wilson), of King's Mill, O .; IV. Emma J. (Mrs. James G. Hendrickson), Mr. Hendrickson is engi- neer at No. 4 snuff mill; V. Margaret G., died when thirteen years old; VI. George T., jew- cler, Oxford, Pa. Mr. Press died in 1883; his widow in 1892; both were buried in the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian church graveyard, of which church they were mem- bers.

John Linton Press attended the public schools of Christiana hundred and of York- lyn. He learned carpentry in Wilmington, completing his trade in the large establish- ment of Pussey & Jones. He worked at car- pentry for nine years. In 1883, on the death of his father, he, was appointed his successor in the responsible position of superintendent of No. 4 mill, and for the past fifteen years has performed his duties with great efficiency. He is a member of Armstrong Lodge, F. & A. M., of Newport, Del .; Hockessin Castle, No. 15, K. G. E .; Washington Conclave, I. O. H., of Centreville, Del .; and Valley Lodge, No. 13, A. O. U. W., of Hockessin. Mr. Press is a Republican and has held the offices of clerk to the school commissioners and school commissioner of Christiana hun- dred. In 1889, in Hockessin, John Linton Press was married to Elizabeth H., daughter of Albert T. and Ann (Brown) Williamson, born in New Garden township, Chester county, Pa. Their children are: I. Mabel M .; II. Ethel A .; III. Elizabeth A .; IV. Wil- liam C .; V. Albert T .; VI. John Linton, 2. Mr. Press is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Press is a member of the L. G. E., and the W. C. T. U.

Thomas Williamson, grandfather of Mrs. John Linton Press, was a farmer and pump- maker of New Garden township, Chester county, Pa., where he resided all his life. He was a Democrat. Thomas Williamson mar- ried Elizabeth Highfield, of Valley Forge, Delaware county, Pa. They had ten children: I. Thomas, 2, of Altoona; II. Harriet (Mrs. Eli Webb); TIT. Matilda (Mrs. Jonathan Strayhorne); IV. Mary (Mrs. Isaac Slack) ;

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

V. Elizabeth (Mrs. William Hoopes); VI. Albert T .; VII. John, deceased; the others died young. Thomas Williamson died in New Garden township, aged eighty-two years; Mrs. Williamson died in New London township, Chester county, aged ninety-four years; both were buried in the Presbyterian church graveyard in New London.

Albert T. Williamson, father of Mrs. John Linton Press, was born in New Garden town- ship, in 1831. He was educated in the public schools and learned carpentry with Jonathan Strayhorne. He was engaged in contracting and building in Chester county for a num- ber of years, and in 1879 removed to Hockes- sin where he is extensively engaged as a builder. He was a notary public in Hockes- sin for seven years, and is now constable of Mill Creek hundred. Albert T. Williamson married, in New Garden, Pa., Ann, daughter of Dr. Brown. Their children are: I. John, died young; II. Thomas, of Hockessin; III. Elizabeth H. (Mrs. John Linton Press); IV. Henry, carpenter, of Hockessin. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are highly esteemed resi- dents of Hockessin.

GEORGE W. PUSEY, P. O. Ashland, Del., son of Jesse D. and Hannah D. (Yeat- man) Pusey, was born at London Grove, Chester county, Pa., November 10, 1868.

The Pusey family came early to America, some of its members accompanying William Penn to this country. For years those bear- ing the name have been among the most re- spected and substantial citizens of Chester county, Pa., and Delaware.

Solomon Pusey, grandfather of George W. Pusey, was born in Kennett township, Chester county, and began and ended his life as a farmer. After his marriage he removed from the homestead to London Grove, Chester county, and there purchased a farm of 106 acres, on which he made many improvements and on which he remained until his death. He was an industrious, earnest and useful citi- zen. In politics he was first a Federalist and afterward a Whig. Solomon Pusey married Sarah Pusey, a sister of Israel Pusey, a mem- ber of the Wilmington branch of the family. They had children: I. Anna Eliza, deceased, married George Walton, a brother of Mar- garetta Walton (the well known preacher of the Society of Friends); IT. Joel, deceased,

was a hardware merchant in Havre de Grace, Md .; III. Jesse D. Mr. and Mrs. Pusey died on their farm at London Grove, and were buried in the London Grove Friends' grave- yard; both were active members of the Society of Friends.

Jesse D. Pusey, father of George W. Pusey, was born on the home farm at London Grove, Chester county. He received a good education, and then began his career as a farmer on the homestead, near which he after- ward purchased another farm. He is now living on the homestead farm, but has given the management to his son, Philip C. Pusey. Mr. Pusey has been a prosperous farmer; his crops were large, his horses and other live stock of fine strain. He appreciated the value of education, and afforded to his children ample intellectual training. IIe is exceed- ingly kind and unselfish, and has extended a helping hand to many needy persons. In his politics he is a Republican. Jesse D. Pusey was married to Hannah D. Yeatman, born in London, Britain township, Chester county, Pa., and daughter of Marshall and Mary D. (Chandler) Yeatman. Mr. Yeatman was of Scotch-Irish descent and proprietor of the well known Yeatman flouring mills in Britain township, Chester county, now owned by his son John C. Yeatman, of Kennett Square, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Pusey had children: I. Mary (Mrs. Oscar F. Passmore), resides near the homestead; II. Solomon J., grain, coal and lumber dealer of West Grove, Chester county, and bank director in Avondale, same county; III. Marshall Y., grain merchant, West Chester, Pa .; IV. Sarah J., widow of Edwin Livezey, son of Joseph Livezey, a minister of the Friends' meeting of Clarksburg, N. J .; V. George W .; VI. Philip C., on the home farm; VII. Edgar, died young; VIII. Norris, died young; IX. Elbert N., miller resides with George W .; X. Anna, at school. Mrs. Pusey died at London Grove in 1894, and was buried in the Friends' graveyard. She was an honored wife and mother. Mr. Pusey is an active member of the Society of Friends.

George W. Pusey attended the public schools of London Grove, was a pupil in the London Grove Friends' Boarding School, taught by Miss Jane P. Rushmore, and pur- sued a two years' course in the State Normal School, West Chester, Pa. During his early

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STATE OF DELAWARE

youth he remained at home with his father; at the Yeatman flouring mills he learned mill- ing under his brother's instructions, and was employed there for three years. lle then formed a partnership with Israel Durham, to conduct the Clifton mills, holding the offices of manager and treasurer of the Clifton Mill- ing Company, by which name the partnership was known. In 1895 he disposed of his in- terest in the company, came to Ashland, Christiana hundred, purchased the Ashland mills owned by A. & J. D. Sharpless, and has operated them with great success for the past three years. He uses the roller process in the mills, and manufactures the well known Pride of Delaware FFFF, Ashland, Morning Star, Fairy Queen, and other special brands. Mr. Pusey is still young, but already his career has been marked by excellent business ability, industry and progressiveness. He is much respected for his integrity of character. In politics he is Republican. In 1897, under the administration of President Cleveland, he was appointed postmaster of Ashland.

In 1894, at the Sharpless farm, George W. Pusey was married to S. Florence, daughter of Samuel and Sarah H. (Cranston) Sharpless. Mr. Sharpless is a well known citizen of Mill Creek hundred, brother of A. & J. D. Sharp- less; he is also a Director of the National Bank of Avondale, Pa. Mr. Pusey is a mem- ber of the Society of Friends in Hockessin.

JEHU DIXON SHARPLESS, P. O. Ash- land, Del., son of Amos and Martha (Dixon) Sharpless, was born in Mill Creek hundred, New Castle county, Del., June 4, 1824.

When William Penn came to America to assume the government of the generous terri- tory granted to him by King Charles II, in payment of his debt to Penn's father, he was accompanied by John Sharpless, an English Quaker who wished to escape from the licen- tiousness and the persecution of the English court. John Sharpless settled in Pennsyl- vania, and was the ancestor of the Sharpless family, whose members reside in almost every state of the Union, and everywhere occupy an influential place in society. The first of the name to build his home in Delaware was Caleb Sharpless, born in Middletown (or Mill- town?), Pa., March 12, 1750. He removed to Delaware in 1772, and settled in Christiana hundred, where for nearly fifty years he was

engaged in the cultivation of his land. On October 20, 1773, Caleb Sharpless was married to Ruhamah Jordon, born De- cember 25, 1750. Their children were: I. Mary (Mrs. Joshua Jackson), born August 26, 1774, died May 18, 1847; II. William, born December 6, 1777, married, first, Plebe Way, second, Rebecca Davis, third, Sarah Alsop, and died June 10, 1840; III. Joseph, born October 10, 1779, died in Lancaster county, Pa .; IV. Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Way), born September 11, 1781, died October 6, 1824; V. Caleb, 2, born July 20, 1783, married first, Mary J. Walters, second, Eliza- beth Taylor, and died September 18, 1838; VI. Amos, born December 2, 1785, died Au- gust 5, 1875; VII. Margaret (Mrs. John Windle), born July 25, 1788, died October 6, 1856; VIII. Edith (Mrs. John Walker), born June 5, 1790, died March 31, 1867; IX. Hannah, born August 3, 1792, died Decem- ber 2, 1823. Caleb Sharpless died on his farm July 4, 1821, and was buried in the Friends' graveyard at Hockessin; he was prominent as a preacher and in the councils of the So- ciety of Friends. Mrs. Sharpless died on the farm in Mill Creek hundred, September 25, 1824; she was distinguished for her eloquence as a teacher of the Quaker doctrine and her gentle, charitable nature.

Amos Sharpless, father of Jehu Dixon Sharpless, was born on the farm in Christiana hundred. He was a farmer and a well known citizen and acquired a large landed property in Mill Creek and Christiana hundreds. Amos Sharpless married, in Mill Creek hundred, Martha Dixon, born November 9, 1798, and daughter of Jehu and Mary (Taylor) Dixon, members of prominent families of Mill Creek hundred. The children of Amos Sharpless were: I. Mary S. (Mrs. W. D. Dixon), born November 23, 1817, died January 28, 1847; II. Ann, born June 12, 1820, resides with her brother, Jehu Dixon Sharpless; III. Edith (Mrs. Samuel Cranston), born March 14, 1822; IV. Jehu Dixon Sharpless; V. Caleb, born August 17, 1826, married Re- becca Hoopes; VI. Samuel, born January 6, 1829; VII. Amos, 2, born October 14, 1832, married Caroline Bailey, of Kennett Square, Chester county, Pa .; VIII. Edward, born February 26, 1835, died November 26, 1855; IX. William, born September 6, 1837, died October 10, 1865, married Jane R. Pyle, had

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one child, Mary D. Sharpless. Amos Sharp- less died on his farm August 5, 1875, and was buried in the Friends' graveyard at Hockessin. He was a leader in the Society of Friends; Mrs. Sharpless died July 17, 1879.

Jehu Dixon Sharpless attended the public schools of Christiana hundred at Ebenezer School, near Ashland. Until he was eighteen years old he remained with his parents on the farm; then he learned milling with Marshall Yeatman, in London, Britain township, Ches- ter county, Pa. He was with Mr. Yeatman for fifteen years, after which period he estab- lished himself in the mercantile business in Fairville, Chester county. Five years later, in 1862, he removed to Ashland flouring mills, which he purchased of George Spencer. For thirty-two years the firm of A. & J. D. Sharpless operated the mills very profitably. In 1882 they equipped their plant with roller machinery at a cost of seven thousand dollars and made other extensive improvements. In 1895 they retired from business. Amos Sharpless now resides in Kennett township, Chester county, Pa., and Jehu Dixon Sharp- less lives in a comfortable home in Ashland. Mr. Sharpless is wealthy, and is an extensive land owner. He has a wide circle of acquaint- ances and is much respected by all who know him because of his honorable life. He was the first postmaster of Ashland, appointed in 1872, and held the office for twenty-five years. While conducting a store in Fairville, Chester county, he was for four years postmaster of the village. He is a consistent Republican, but has never sought office. Mr. Sharpless is a member of the Society of Friends, but is liberal with respect to other denominations.

Samuel Sharpless, brother of Jehu Dixon Sharpless, was born in Mill Creek hundred. He received a good common school education and has devoted himself to agricultural pur- suits for many years. He owns many acres of land in Mill Creek hundred, and is the ac- tive manager of one of his farms in that hun- dred. He is much esteemed by his neighbors and is happy in the possession of numerous friends. In his political views he is a Repub- lican. On January 11, 1855, Samuel Sharp- less was married to Sarah H., daughter of Joseph and Hannah R. (Kelly) Cranston, born in Stanton, Del., May 26, 1830. Their children are: I. Emma C. (Mrs. Edward B. Passmore), born October 22, 1856; 11. Phebe

V., born December 22, 1859; III. Anna, born February 15, 1863; IV. William, born July 8, 1867, married Laura Yeatman; V. S. Florence (Mrs. George W. Pusey), born February 10, 1869. Mr. Sharpless and his family are members of the Society of Friends.

GEORGE J. BIEDERMANN, Wood- dale, Del., son of F. Herman and Mary (Horn- ing) Biedermann, was born in Wooddale, New Castle county, Del., July 1, 1866.

His father was born in Altenburg, Saxony, September 21, 1833, the son of John G. Bie- dermann, a native of Altenburg and a wheel- wright. He was one of four children and re- ceived a good education in his native place. Afterward he learned baking. When he at- tained his majority he determined to come to America, and embarking at Bremen, Ger- many, on the sailing vessel Philadelphia, Captain Sanders, reached Philadelphia on Sunday, May 15, 1854, after a passage of thirty days. He went immediately to Chesa- peake City, Md., and there secured employ- ment on a farm at wages of $13 per month. After five years' residence there, he went to Chester county, Pa., where he was employed for three years in a similar capacity. In 1862 Mr. Biedermann went to Wooddale, Del., and purchased a small tract of land, on which he erected a dwelling house and made other im- provements. For twenty-one years he was em- ployed at the Delaware Iron Works in various capacities, and during that time he built the Spring Hill Brewery at a cost of $2,000; having operated it until 1888, he sold it to his son, George F. Biedermann. This brewery was erected by his own labor and in its car- pentry and the construction of its apparatus, was the product of his mechanical genius. He possessed unusual talent for devising and building iron and wooden machinery and odd toys and scenic representations, and much ability as an artist in colors. One of his pro- ductions is an ingenious piece of mechanism, representing by many miniatures the costumes of former years. It is believed to be the only work of the kind in this country. Mr. Bieder- mann is a member of Hammond Lodge, No. 29, I. O. O. F., of Wilmington, and is a Democrat.

F. Herman Biedermann was married in Chesapeake City, Md., to Mary, daughter of Valentine Horning, born in Saxony, Ger-

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STATE OF DELAWARE

many. Mr. Horning was a wheelwright. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Biedermann are: I. Louise (Mrs. Frederick Horst), widow; II. John P., of MeKeesport, Pa .; III. Eloina (Mrs. Harry Snap), of Wilmington, Del .; IV. George F .; V. Susan (Mrs. K. Harsh), widow; VI. Herman, of the Wooddale paper mills. Mrs. Biedermann died in 1888 and was buried in the Red Clay Creek graveyard. Mr. Biedermann is a member of the Lutheran church.

George F. Biedermann attended the public schools of Christiana hundred and the Dia- mond School. He learned brewing at Sprank's brewery in Wilmington, and worked at his trade in Chester, Pa., and Gloucester, N. J. Afterwards he returned home and assisted his father in the Spring Hill brewery until 1888, when he purchased the establishment and has operated it for the past ten years very profit- ably. He has made additions and improve- ments, and has his brewery very thoroughly equipped. He has also erected for his own occupancy a fine dwelling house. Mr. Bieder- mann is a man of good business ability, gener- ous and warm hearted, and an esteemed citi- zen. He is a member of Brandywine Lodge, No. 18, I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of Malta and St. John, of Wilmington. In his political views he is a Democrat.

On September 18, 1889, in Wilmington, George F. Biedermann was married to Bertha G., daughter of Frederick Baur, a brewer of Wilmington. She was born in Wittenburg, Germany. Their children are: I. Elsie J .; II. George HI. A. Mr. Biedermann is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church.

ROBERT LEWIS ARMSTRONG, Mar- shallton, Del., son of Robert and Elizabeth (Mehaffy) Armstrong, was born in Christiana hundred, New Castle county, Del., March 17, 1834.

The Armstrong family is of Irish descent and has long resided in New Castle county, where it has been noted for thrift and intel- ligence. Robert Armstrong, grandfather of Robert Lewis Armstrong, was born in Chris- tiana hundred, and was throughout his life a farmer. His home was on the Hedge farm of 127 acres, which he brought to a high con- dition of productiveness. During the Revolu- tionary war he was a soldier of General Wash- ington. He was a citizen of influence in his

community. In his political affairs he was a Federalist. The children of Robert Arm- strong and his wife, Rachel Armstrong, were: I. William, known as Major William Arm- strong, grandfather of Robert Armstrong, 3, of White Clay Creek hundred, New Castle county; II. Robert, 2. Robert Armstrong died on his farm, and was buried in St. James P. E. churchyard at Stanton, Del.

Robert Armstrong, 2, was born on the Hedge farm in Christiana hundred and re- ceived a common school education. He was engaged in farming from his youth to his death, and was one of the pioneers in the es- tablishment of the Wilmington markets, which have proved so rich a source to the pro- duce growers of northern Delaware. He served in the American army during the war of 1812. He was a progressive man and an es- teemed citizen. He was first a Federalist and later a Whig; he was active in politics and had much influence, but was not an office seeker. Robert Armstrong, 2, was married to Elizabeth Mehaffy, born in Cecil county, Md. Their children are: I. Lavinia (Mrs. John B. Justice), of Wilmington, widow; II. Ann, resides with her brother Robert Lewis; III. Mary E. (Mrs. James Armstrong), of Wilmington, widow; IV. Rachel (Mrs. Jo- seph W. Springer); V. Amanda, resides with her brother; VI. Robert Lewis. Mr. Arm- strong died on his farm in 1838; his widow died in 1880; both were members of St. James P. E. church of Stanton, and were buried in the churchyard connected with it.

Robert Lewis Armstrong was born on the Hedge farm in Christiana hundred, the home of his ancestors. His father died when he was four years old. His mother continued the management of the farm for a number of years, and aided in the education of her chil- dren. Robert Lewis Armstrong attended Oak Grove public school and Galey's Board- ing school in Wilmington; after spending three years at the latter institution, he re- turned home, and assumed the management of the farm. His mother and sisters remained with him for a number of years. Mr. Arm- strong made extensive improvements, erected a large stone dwelling house, commodious barn, etc., upon the farm, at a cost of more than $20,000. This property has thus been made one of the most attractive and valuable in Christiana hundred. Order and neatness

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

are two conditions upon which he insists in all his employees. During the Civil War, Mr. Armstrong enlisted in 1864, in the Sec- ond Regiment, Delaware Emergency Cavalry, under Captain Milligan, and spent thirty days at Lewes, Del., and the same time at West- minster, Md., in the service of his country. He is a member and past master of Armstrong Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of Newport, the lodge having honored him by taking his name. He is a man of strict integrity, direct and informal in his manner, but a kindly and firm friend. Mr. Armstrong has much execu- tive ability, and has frequently been called upon by his fellow citizens to occupy posi- tions of trust in New Castle county. He was first elected assessor of Christiana hundred for four years and was then appointed tax collector for two years. In 1872 he was elect- ed sheriff of New Castle county on the Re- publican ticket, by a large majority, and filled the office two years, during which time he of- ficiated at one execution. In 1892 he was elected a member of the Levy Court for the first district of the county, and served four years. During his term several iron bridges were erected, partly at his instance. Mr. Armstrong was for ten years chairman of the farming and building committee of Ferris' In- dustrial School, and during his administration of the affairs of the school much advancement was made. He studied the industrial question very thoroughly and his views were usually adopted without material disagreement. In his counsel he was safe and progressive, and the pupils in the school profited much by his own early experience and his investigation into the methods in use in the leading insti tutions of the country. Mr. Armstrong is a Republican.

In 1859, in Mill Creek hundred, Robert Lewis Armstrong was married to Rebecca, daughter of Henry and Susan (Yarnall) Bracken, born in Mill Creek hundred. Mr. Armstrong is senior warden and a trustee and vestryman of St. James P. E. church of Stan- ton.

WILLIAM J. ARMSTRONG, P. O. Els- mere, Del., son of William and Mary Lober (Banning) Armstrong, was born in Christiana hundred, New Castle county, Del., Septem- ber 17, 1862.

The Armstrong family of Trish descent has

resided in New Castle county, for many years. Robert Armstrong, great-grandfather of Wil- liam J. Armstrong, was a Revolutionary sol- dier. One of his sons was Major William Armstrong, who also had a son William, father of William J. Armstrong. William Armstrong, 2, was born on the Woodland farm, Christiana hundred in 1806. Ile re- ceived a good English education in the public schools of Mill Creek hundred and then learned blacksmithing. Going to Wilming- ton, he secured employment at his trade as a journeyman and remained there until 1850, when he returned to Christiana hundred, pur- chased the Brookland farm of 120 acres, and was successfully engaged in agricultural pur- suits until his death. Mr. Armstrong was a man of more than ordinary executive ability, and was influential in his community. He was well read, and kept himself informed as to all the important events of the day. He was a Whig before the Civil War, but afterwards affiliated with the Democratic party. Wil- liam Armstrong was married to Mary Lober, daughter of John and Elizabeth Banning, of Christiana hundred. Their children are: I. Richard, died when seventeen years old; II. Anna (Mrs. J. W. Reybold), of Wilmington; III. William J. Mr. Armstrong died on his farm in October, 1892; his wife died in 1877; both were members of St. James P. E. church of Stanton, and were buried in its churchyard.

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 99

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa. Number of Pages: 1482

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1482