Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 10

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1500

USA > Delaware > Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II > Part 10

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Robert Henry Lewis was married December 28, 1876, to Frances A., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Cooper) Frazier. Their chil- dren are: I. Robert Edwin, born July 10, 1878; II. William Cooper, born July 12, 1880; III. and IV., twins, Elizabeth Cooper and Annie A. Allaband, born July 24, 1883, Annie died June 29, 1884: V. Mildred Lee, born October 29, 1885; VI. Frances Jane, born September 19, 1887; VII. Grace, born January 22, 1890, died May 23, 1890; VIII. Joseph Ralph, born June 21, 1892. Mr. Lewis and his wife are members of the Wesley M. E. church at Dover, Del. Mrs. Lewis is noted for her agreeable manner and kind, motherly hospi- talitv.

Mrs. Lewis's grandfather William Frazier, was married to Anna (Betts) Cook, a widow. Both grandparents died on the old home farm. Mrs. Lewis's father, James Frazier, was an only son. He was born at the old Frazier homestead in North Murderkill hundred, near the Maryland line. Alnost his whole life

840

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

was spent in the cultivation of the homestead. In 1873 he retired from active life and re- moved to Camden, Del., and afterwards to Dover, Del. James Frazier's first wife was Elizabeth Cooper. Their children are: 1. Robert II., an officer under the government; stationed in Montana, born August 1, 1845; II. Frances A., born near Willow Grove, Kent county, Del., April 28, 1848; III. Jomm E., a practising physician in California, married Nettie Putney, of Iowa. Mrs. Frazier died in 1863. Mr. Frazier's second wife was his cousin, Rebecca Frazier. Their children are: I. Alzayda R. (Mrs. John Redgrave); II. Elva; III. J. Rees married Clara Staats. Mr. Frazier died at his home in Dover in 1895.

SAMUEL M. HUFNAL, P. O. Dover, Del., son of Adam and Mary (McClelland) Hufnal, was born on a farm near Newark, New Castle county, Del., January 1, 1845.

His grandfather, Adam Hufnal, was born in 1779, at Hamburg, Germany, where he learned papermaking. Some time after his marriage, Mr. Hufnal, with his wife and fam- ily, emigrated to America, landing at Phila- delphia, Pa. ITe settled at Cobb Creek, Chester county, Pa., and took charge of a paper mill which he managed successfully for forty years, establishing his reputation as a skilful manufacturer. Mr. Hufnal was very hospitable, and many preachers were guests in his pleasant home. His children are: I. Joseph, manufacturer of paper, succeeded his father, and afterwards engaged in the same business at York, Pa., where he died; II. Adam; III. Priscilla (Mrs. Joseph Edwards), died at home in Philadelphia, Pa .; IV. Jacob, M. D., a skilful physician, practiced in Phila- delphia, where he died; and several of whose names there appears to be no record. Mr. Huf- mal died at his home in Philadelphia, in 1855, aged seventy-six; his wife also is deceased.

Adam Hufnal, 2, father of Samuel M. Hufnal, was born in 1818, near Cobb Creek, Chester county, Pa., where he spent his youth. He was educated in the public schools of the district, and remained at home until he attained his majority. In 1839 Mr. IInf- nal removed to Philadelphia, where he was employed as a drayman. He afterwards be- came a contractor, doing a large and luera- tive business. Mr. Hufnal was a member of the Democratic party, actively interested in

local politics, and was elected to a seat in the City Council of Philadelpha. Adam Huf- mal was married to to Mary McClelland, born in Delaware county, Pa., in 1822. Their children are: I. Samuel M .; II. Thomas G., married Miss Cook, of New Jersey; III. Ella; IV. Albert G., traveling salesman, married Eva Gould, of Wilmington, Del .; V. Joseph, butcher, Bryn Mawr, Pa .; VI. Laura. Mr. Hufnal was a member of the Baptist church; he died at his home in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1894. Hlis widow resides at Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Samuel MeClelland Hufnal was a child when his parents removed to Delaware. He attended the public schools of the district, and his parents having removed to Philadel- phia, completed his education in the public schools of that city. After the family re- turned to Delaware, he worked for some time with his father on his farm in East Dover hundred. In 1869 Mr. Hufnal began farm- ing on his own account, cultivating rented land until 1886, when he purchased his pres- ent home., a farm of 100 acres situated in West Dover hundred. Mr. Hufnal is a stanch Democrat, actively interested in local affairs, and has served as assessor and school commis- sioner for several terms.

Samuel M. Hufnal was married in 1869, to Mary Soim, a native of Germany, whose parents emigrated to America when she was five years old. The children of Samuel M. and Mary (Seim) Hufnal are: I. Henry, of Lebanon, Del., married Ella Jarrett; II. Ida; III. Edward; IV. Frank; V. Bertha; VI. Mary; VII. William. Mr. Hufnal and his wife are members of the M. E. church. IIe was for some years superintendent of the Sunday school.

JOSEPHI T. RASII, P. O. Pearson's Cor- ners, Kent county, Del., son of James and Mary (Thompson) Rash, was born on the Dickerson farm near Pearson's Corners, Sep- tember 11, 1832.

The Rash family, Welsh by descent, is one of the oldest in Delaware, and is remarkable for longevity, more than one of its members having been centenarians. John Rash, great- grandfather of Joseph T. Rash, the founder of the American branch of the family, emi- grated from Wales. ITe had two sons: T. Daniel, died in the west, aged one hundred and three; TT. Joseph.

841

STATE OF DELAWARE

Joseph Rash, grandfather of Joseph T. Rash, was born near Camden, Del. He owned and cultivated a farm near Camden; but after the death of his first wife, he sold this prop- erty and bought 300 acres of the Dickerson tract situated near Pearson's village. Mr. Rash made this the homestead, clearing and improving the land, and erecting suitable buildings. This land has been divided into four farms, on one of which his grandson, Ju- soph T. Rash, now resides. Intelligent and re- liable, Mr. Rash soon became influential in the district. Ile was a Federalist, and after- wards a Whig, and was prominent in political circles. Joseph Rash was married near Cam- den, Del. His children are: I. Joseph; TI. John; III. Hester Ann, married first to Mat- thew Cox, and afterwards to -; IV. Eliza- beth, married first to John Jones, and after- wards to Richard Wallace; V. Mary (Mrs. - C'only). The first wife of Joseph Rash died at her home near Camden, Del., after which he married Elizabeth Hurd. Their children are: I. Margaret (Mrs. David Vincent); II. James; III. and IV. twins, Moses, married first to Maria Carson, and afterwards to Cath- erine Lawrence, and Sarah (Mrs. Jonathan Green); V. Ann ( Mrs. John Townsend); VI. Mark, married Sarah Carson. Joseph Rash was a devout Christian, a member of the M. E. church, and as his contribution to its cause, gave three-fourths of an acre of his land as a building site. For years the edifice bore his name; it is now called Asbury church. Mr. Rash died at his home in 1835, aged eighty years.

James Rash, father of Joseph T. Rash, was bom at the homestead near Pearson's Cor- ners, in 1802. His educational advantages were limited but he was an intelligent lad, and pursued his studies at home, while learn- ing farming under his father's supervision. After his marriage, Mr. Rash began farming for himself. He cultivated rented land until his father's death in 1835, when he inherited a part of the homestead. He was a careful farmer, and made many improvements, in- creasing the fertility of the soil and reaping abundant harvests. Mr. Rash was a Whig, but afterwards identified himself with the Republican party. James Rush was mar- ried to Mary Thompson, of Kent county, Del. Their children are: I. William F., died in infancy: IT. Elizabeth (Mrs. Wil-

liam Jones), born April 17, 1826, died in Dover, Del .; III. Emeline (Mrs. Joseph Wil- son), born September 15, 1829; IV. Joseph T .; V. Mary A. (Mrs. Levin P. Jones), born December 21, 1885. Mr. Rash was a devout member of Rash's M. E. church, in which he was a class-leader. He was an earnest Chris- tian worker, esteemed and honored in the community. Mr. Rash died at his home near Pearson's Corners, in 18 -; his widow sur- vived him eight years.

Joseph T. Rash was educated in District schools No. 16. Hle was only able to attend school during the short winter sessions of three months. He was, however, fond of study, and devoted his evenings and his few leisure moments to acquire knowledge. The son of poor parents, he was obliged to work hard; but he was brave and industrious. At twenty-six he hired as a laborer to the neigh- boring farmers, and during his father's sick- ness managed to do much of the work on the home farm in the evenings, that he might not lose his wages. He was a dutiful and affec- tionate son, and devoted his life to his parents, caring for them until their death. Atfer farming for four years on rented land, Mr. Rash removed to the homestead in Kent coun- ty, where he now resides. Ile enlisted in 1862, as a private in Company G, Sixth Dela- ware Volunteers, for a term of nine months. The regiment was detailed for guard duty. Mr. Rash was discharged at Wilmington, Del., and was barely able to reach his home. He had a severe attack of typhoid fever, and for some time was not expected to recover. Since his recovery he has been engaged in general farming; and besides raising large erops of grain, has turned his attention to the cultivation of choice fruit. Mr. Rash is high- ly esteemed and honored in the district. He is a stanch Republican. He is a member of General Talbot Post, No. 3, G. A. R., of Dover, Del.

Joseph T. Rash was married to Caroline Butler, who was born near Denton, Caro- line county, Md. Their children are: I. Andrew Manship Davis, of Kent county, Del., born in 1867, married Florence Gres- ford: II. Mary E. (Mrs. Nathan Hutchins), born October 12, 1869; IIT. Annie C., born January 15, 1871, died aged fourteen: IV. James, born in 1873, died in infancy; V. Howard, born in September, 1875; VI. Clara

842

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

B., born June 12, 1878. Mr. Rash is an active member of the M. E. church, in which he holds the office of trustee and steward.

WILLIAM BROTHERS, P. O. Dover, Del., son of Thomas and Sarah (Bond) Broth- ers, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 11, 1830.

His grandfather, Thomas Brothers, was born, lived and died in the village of Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire, England. Thomas Brothers was married, in his native village, to Miss Griffin. His son, Thomas Brothers, 2, the eldest of thirteen children, was born at Bishops Itchington, January 27, 1788, and educated in a private school in the village of Harbury, England. When his education was completed he was placed with his uncle, James Griffin, a wholesale and retail grocer in London, to learn the business; he was to receive no remuneration except his board and clothing, until he should be old enough to render valuable service. After remaining with his uncle for eight years, Thomas Broth- ers was bound for seven years to a hatter in London. When he had served his appren- ticeship, Mr. Brothers began manufacturing hats in the village of Southam, adjoining Bi-hops Itchington, Warwickshire. While in business in this place, he was married to his cousin, Elizabeth Griffin, of Dorset, Eng- land. Their children are: I. George Thomas, sailor, served for many years under Captain West, was on the vessel which brought Jenny Lind to America, and was afterwards first mate on a vessel bound for Liverpool, Eng- land, supposed to have been lost at sea; II. Mary Jane, married Albert IIowell, of Phil- adelphia, Pa., a sailor who was lost at sea, died in Philadelphia, aged fifty-five, leaving three daughters. Mrs. Brothers died in Southampton. Mr. Brothers' second wife was Sarah Bond, of Long Itchington, England. Mr. Brothers was a student and a lover of freedom. He read and re-read all of the books and papers which he could obtain concerning the struggle for freedom in the American colonies, the organization of the goverment of the United States, and the freedom of its institutions. His admiration was excited and he determined to win for himself a home in this favored land. In 1824, with his wife and his two children, George Thomas, and Mary Jane, he sailed from Liverpool, on the sailing

vessel Montezuma, bound for Philadelphia, Pa., where they arrived in September of the same year. Mr. Brothers settled in Philadel- phia, and began to manufacture beaver hats at his residence 124 South Front street, be- coming a wholesale and retail dealer, and con- finuing the business at the same stand as long as he remained in Philadelphia. While he was in this city, his younger brother, Charles Brothers, came to America; and after serving an apprenticeship with Mr. Brothers, began business for himself on Market St. Charles Brothers accumulated a fortune, and was mar- ried in Philadelphia. When the Civil War broke out he sold his business and bought a farm near Oxford, Pa., where he remained until the time of his death. Shortly after his death, his widow died suddenly of heart dis- vase, in the streets in Philadelphia.

Thomas Brothers was an intelligent student of political economy; he was well-read, and wrote and spoke effectively on this and on kindred topics. He was a remarkably fine chirographer, always using a quill and detest- ing "that modern abomination," a steel pen. Mr. Brothers soon became actively interested in political questions. In 1835 he began pub- lishing a weekly newspaper, entitled The Radical Reformer and Workingman's .Id- rocate. The first issue appeared June 30, 1835. He promised that this paper would es- pouse the cause of the workingman and pro- tect his interests. This promise Mr. Brothers fully redeemed, advocating what he believed to be pure Democratie Republican principles. He was a contemporary of Daniel Webster, but did not fully accept the views of the great statesman. He was unsparing in his denun- ciations, and his letters styled, "A Senate Un- masked," aroused Mr. Webster's indignation. Mr. Brothers was an ardent admirer of Jeffer- son, Benton, Calhoun, and Jackson, and called himself a Jacksonian silver man. He be- longed to no party or faction, declaring that "party was the madness of many, for the good of the few." During his residence in Phila- delphia, Mr. Brothers made three visits to England. In 1838 he decided to return to his native land, and with three of his children, sailed from Philadelphia, November 19, 1838. While in England, Mr. Brothers was engaged in publishing his books, most of which were written during his residence in Philadelphia. These works contained his

843

STATE OF DELAWARE

comments upon the United States and touched upon the government, its advantages and abuses, state prisons and many other topics. Ilis book entitled The Rights and Wrongs of the Poor, an extraordinary work, was read wherever the English language was spoken. In many respects, Mr. Brothers' views coincided with those of the late Henry George, yet he was unwilling to accept the theories of that celebrated political economy- ist on some important subjects. After spending nearly four years in England, Mr. Brothers determined to return to America, and with his family sailed from Liverpool on the sailing vessel Sarah, bound for Montreal, Canada, where he arrived after a voyage of seven weeks. From Montreal Mr. Brothers went immediately to Toronto, Can- ada, where he settled on a farm of 30 acres, leasing the land for two years. Before his lease expired, he removed to a farm in the neighborhood, which he afterwards sold for $8,500, and bought a small place near New Market, Canada. While at this place he wrote a book dedicated to the farmers and workingmen of Canada, in which he com- ments upon the insolvency, utter ruin, and confusion of the grand trunk scheme to plun- der the people; and stated the reasons why the people should oppose the fraudulent designs of the company. Mr. Brothers frequently cen- sured the newspapers, bitterly denouncing the views which they advanced. He firmly believed that wrong doing would be punished in this world, and that swift retribution would overtake the offender. A young reporter once ridiculed his writings, saying that an old man with one foot in the grave ought not to say such things; it happened, however, that the young man died before the old man. Mr. Brothers' second wife, Sarah Bond, died at her home in Philadelphia, Pa. Their chil- dren are: I. Montezuma, postmaster at Brotherston, Canada, married in Canada to Hannah Cunningham, has a large family; IT. Albert; III. William; IV. Sarah, died in in- fancy.

Albert Brothers was married in Philadel- phia, to Sarah . In 1849, he went to the gold fields of California, leaving his wife and three children in Philadelphia. He had spent three years in the gold fields when he was taken ill with fever, and after his re- covery sold his claim and began business as a

butcher in Stockton, Cal. Some time after- wards he returned to the east and bought a hotel called the Mount Vernon House, at At- lantic City, N. J. In connection with this summer resort, he owned and managed a hotel near Nicetown Station in Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Thomas Brothers died in 1869, aged eighty-two years. His death was caused by fatty degeneration of the heart, or as he ex- pressed it "something was wrong with his pump valves."

William Brothers was a child when his father returned to England. His educational advantages were limited, but he was allowed three years and a half in Harbury, Eng., at the school which his father and grandfather had attended. In 1842 Mr. Brothers began working on his father's farm in Canada; but soon after removed to the United States, and for one year was employed on a farm near Philadelphia, Pa. Ile paid a visit to his father in Canada, but returned to Pennsyl- vania, and after spending one year on a dairy farm, found employment in Philadelphia, Pa., as a carpenter and joiner. Mr. Brothers now decided to settle in Canada, and began business as a cabinetmaker at Holland Land- ing, Can .; he, however, soon sold his stand, and turned his attention to the cultivation of the soil. He still worked at his trade dur- ing the winter months, and for one year was employed in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. In 1876 Mr. Brothers visited the Centennial Ex- position at Philadelphia, Pa., and in February, 1879, bought the farm now owned by Mr. Gehman, in Kent county, Del. Returning to Canada, he disposed of his property there, and with his family took possession of his new home in Delaware, in April, 1879. In 1884 Mr. Brothers sold his place to Mr. Gehman, and purchased his present home, a farm of 72 acres, formerly a part of the old Hargadine property. Mr. Brothers is an in- telligent farmer, interested in all the import- ant questions of the day, genial and affable, and very hospitable. He is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, but as he says, "not of the kind for revenue only, as are many poli- ticians." IIe believes in free trade, and has done so for many years. Mr. Brothers is also an earnest advocate of the Single Tax theory, and of bimetalism. He is well-informed, and speaks fluently and intelligently on subjects pertaining to political economy.

844

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

William Brothers was married to Elizabeth,

daughter of John Hugh and - (Burr) Wilson, who was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Her mother was a member of the Society of Friends, and a descendant of one of the oldest families of Philadelphia. The chil- dren of William and Mary Elizabeth (Wil- son ) Brothers are: I. John Thomas, carpen- ter, Philadelphia, Pa., married in Canada to Lucy Hilliard; II. Charlotte (Mrs. Joseph A. MePherson), of Beeton, Canada; II. Mary Louisa (Mrs. Napoleon Dennis), of Dover, Del .; IV. William Franklin, of Brooklyn, N. Y., mechanical engineer, has taken out a number of patents, among them one of an electrical cable train to be used in stone quar- ries, married Sarah Argoe; V. Sarah Ann (Mrs. Frederick Phillips), died in 1894, leav- ing three children; VI. Charles Albert; VIII. Rebecca, died in Canada, aged seven; IX. Jo- seph Haywood, born August 6, 1872, edu- cated in the public schools of Kent county, and in Dover Academy; X. Emma Alberta, born . in 1874, educated in Conference Academy, at Dover, Del. All of Mr. Brothers' children were born in Canada. Charles Albert Brothers was born September 7, 1865, at Ontario. He attended the public schools of Ontario and of Kent county, Del., and after a course at Dover Academy, and at a business college in Wilmington, Del., re- turned to Canada and completed his educa- tion there under his brother-in-law, Mr. Mc- Pherson. Returning to Delaware, he taught for six years. He is now working on his father's farm. Like his father, he believes in the Single Tax theory and is an earnest work- er for the cause. Mr. William Brothers is a member of the Episcopal church, and was baptised in Christ Church, Philadelphia, Pa.

OBADIAHI THOMPSON, P. O. Pear- son's Corners, Kent county, Del., son of Wil- liam and Thompson, was born on the old homestead in Kent county, Del., March 20, 1830.

The founder of the American branch of the family, John Thompson, was an emigrant from France. He came to America while Indians roamed through the forests of what is now the state of Delaware, and took up 800 acres of land in what is now Kent county, Del. Obadiah Thompson's grandfather, Wil-

liam Thompson, was born on this land and cultivated it until the time of his death. Wil- liam Thompson was married to Mary Wallace, of Kent county, Del. Their children are: I. William; HI. Mary ( Mrs. James Rash ); III. Obadiah, married Sarah Jones, both died in Kent county, Del. The remains of William Thompson and his wife rest in the family burial place, on the farm now owned by his grandson, Obadiah Thompson. Their eldest child, William Thompson, 2, was born on the homestead, which, except for ten years, has been in the possesion of the Thompson family since the original grant was obtained. Wil- liam Thompson, 2, was obliged to part with his inheritance, but it was recovered by his son, Obadiah. The children of William, 2, are: I. Mary (Mrs. John Davis); II. Ann (Mrs. Joseph Hurd), deceased; III. Obadiah; IV. Isabella (Mrs. John Taylor), of Wyom- ing, Del .; V. Rebecca (Mrs. Emory Short), of West Dover hundred; VI. Joseph, enlisted during the Civil War in the Union army and served until the end of the war. William Thompson, 2, was a diligent student of the Bible, and a devout Christian. He died at his home in Kent county, aged seventy-five; his widow also reached her seventy-fifth year. Both lie in the family burial ground on the old homestead.

Obadiah Thompson was educated in the public schools of the district, which stood on a part of the original Thompson grant. Be- ing the eldest son, he was obliged to assist with the farm work, and could attend school only for a short time each winter. After at- taining his majority, Mr. Thompson hired as a farm-laborer, but at the end of one year re- turned to the homestead. By his untiring in- dustry and patient economy he redeemed the homestead, which he has improved, having cleared more than forty acres of land. Mr. Thompson was reared under Democratie in- fluences, but is independent in polities.

Obadiah Thompson was married in 1855, to Martha Short, who was born near Pear- son's Corners, Kent county, Del. Their chil- dron are: T. John; II. William; III. Charles, deceased; IV. Sarah (Mrs. Robert Clark); V. Mary (Mrs. Ash Marvel), deceased; VI. Annie, deceased; VII. Rhoda (Mrs. John Phillips): VIII. Nathan. Following his father's example, Mr. Thompson is a diligent student of the Bible.

$45

STATE OF DELAWARE

EBER A. DAISEY, P. O. Dover, Kent county, Del., son of Eber A. and Virginia (Du Barry) Daisey, was born on the home- stead in Kent county, Del., March 17, 1862.

Mr. Daisey's grandfather, John Daisey, farmer, was born in Baltimore hundred, Sus- sex county, Del. John Daisey was married to Ilannah Richards. Their children are: 1. Eber A .; II. Eli R., married first to Miss Ilal- loway, and afterwards to Catherine Bennett; III. Ellen (Mrs. Elijah Halloway), of Balti- more hundred, Sussex county, Del .; IV. Jo- seph, married Ellen Brauser, of Baltimore hundred; V. James, married Maria Hick- man, of Baltimore hundred; VI. Elizabeth (Mis. Thomas Halloway), of Baltimore hun- dred. Mr. John Daisey and his wife were members of the M. E. church. He died at his farm in Sussex county.

Mr. Daisey's father, Eber A. Daisey, Sr., was born on the old Daisey homestead in 1818. Ilis childhood and youth were spent on his father's farm, but quiet country life was too monotonous, and he shipped before the mast. Mr. Daisey became a reliable sea- man, and soon rose to a position of responsi- bility as captain of a coasting vessel, the C. & R. Carson. Later, he abandoned the :ca and returned to his country home. He was interested in local politics, and served in sev- eral county offices. Eber A. Daisey was mar- ried to Virginia, daughter of John and Eliza- beth (Riley) Du Barry, born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1828. Her father, John Du Barry, an emigrant from France, was book-keeper for a firm in Philadelphia, and afterwards taught for several years. He finally purchased a farm in Baltimore hundred, Sussex county which he cultivated until the time of his death. The children of Eber A. and Virginia (Du Barry) Daisey are: I. John F., married Clara Evans, both died in Philadelphia; II. Job R., lost at sea while a youth; III. Peter R., farmer; IV. Eli R., lost at sea; V. Sarah, deceased; VI. Ella, deceased; VII. Eber A .; VIII. Annie (Mrs. William Esham), of Phila- delphia, Pa. Mr. Eber Daisey was a devout member of the M. E. church. He died on the homestead in 1872; his widow resides in Phila- delphia.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 10

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa. Number of Pages: 1500

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1500