USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > A history of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and its people; Volume III > Part 12
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
818
DELAWARE COUNTY
He married, in Philadelphia, 12 mo. 19, 1860, Margaret Jones Cooper, born 8 mo. 19, 1837, died 12 mo. 21, 1902, daughter of Townsend, a farmer and carpenter, and Mary R. (Lukens) Cooper. Townsend Cooper was a son of Joseph and Sarah (Townsend) Cooper; Mary R. Lukens, a daughter of Levi and Mary Lukens, of Haverford. Children: I. Mary Lukens, born I mo. 26, 1864 : she married George C. Dickinson. He died May 22, 19II. 2. John Henry, born 6 mo. 17. 1867. He married Sarah L. Hagey.
MCEWEN It is given to few men to live as long and useful a life as has been vouchsafed by Providence to William McEwen, the highly interesting nonagenarian resident of Lansdowne, Del- aware county, Pennsylvania. Within eight years of rounding out his century on this earth, he is to-day (1913) a hearty, healthy man, enjoying full posses- sion of his mental faculties and physical strength, is able to converse on any topic of general interest, and to pursue his vocation if it so pleases him. He descends from an ancient and long lived family of Londonderry, Ireland, the members of which have for centuries been law-abiding, God-fearing subjects of the English Crown. The McEwen family has been established in that stronghold of Protestantism, Londonderry, for many generations; the mem- bers thereof have upheld the faith of their fathers in strain and stress, have given their allegiance to the King of England, and have contributed by their moral, physical and financial support to the growth of their country, their birth place and their church. They have become an integral part of the body politic and economic.
(I) Andrew Crawford McEwen was born in Londonderry, Ireland, about 1770, and died in 1851, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of eighty, soon after he joined his son. William McEwen, in this country. Both he and his wife are buried at Fourth and Race streets, Philadelphia. He was educated in the schools of his native place, being studious and eager for knowl- edge, he readily assimilated all information that was offered him, either in school or by independent reading. He was an omnivorous reader, in conse- quence of which, by comparison. he was able to outline the future trend of events, which made him regarded as a kind of prophet by his fellow townsmen. Always active, energetic, generous and kind there was not a man in London- derry, of whatever station in life, who received a greater respect from the pub- lic than he. He was a clear thinker ; a member of the Protestant Episcopal church when it was dangerous to admit it. Being an expert shoemaker his shop was much visited by the quality in search of foot wear that coincided to their ideas of the fashion. In this way he came in contact with men, and women, who were above his station in life, but none refused him their respect, and many heeded his words of wisdom, to their great benefit. Naturally he was an Orangeman, and led that party to more than one victory. He was an authority on the Bible, making it, during the latter years of his life, his one study. At the age of eighty he gave up his business and emigrated to the United States, to join his children, who had preceded him. He was enabled to appreciate all that had been accomplished by them in the new country, before his death, and great was his pleasure in contemplating it. He married, in Lon- donderry, Susanna Laughlin, the daughter of a neighbor. Like her hus- band she came of Protestant stock, and was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church until the day of her death, which occurred a few years after her husband's, at the home of her son. William McEwen. She is interred be- side her husband. Children: I. Ann, born in Londonderry, Ireland, married. Steele, died at Carakeel, Pennsylvania. 2. James, born in London-
849
DELAWARE COUNTY
derry, died in New York city. 3. Andrew, born in Londonderry, died in Philadelphia, a shoemaker. 4. Mary Jane, born in Londonderry, married Wil- liam Clemens, died in Philadelphia. 5. William, of whom further.
(II) William McEwen, son of Andrew Crawford and Susanna (Laugh- lin) McEwen, was born March 8, 1821, in Londonderry, Ireland, in the fam- ily home, and is at this time (1913) ninety-two years old. He received his education in his native place, and being of a quick mind easily absorbed all that was taught him and demanded more. Like his father, he was studious and anxious for knowledge and he learned a great deal missed by the average youth in the time allotted for study. On leaving school he at once began to learn the painter's trade, and by applying himself with the same assiduous care with which he attended school, he soon mastered it thoroughly. He worked at it until 1848, when, at the age of twenty-seven, wishing to better his condi- tion and advance more rapidly than was possible under the existing conditions in Londonderry, he decided to emigrate to the United States. He accordingly sailed from London that year, landed in Philadelphia, and there located. Look- ing over the field, he decided to specialize along one line of painting, and his choice fell on that of graining, in which he was artistically expert, as the most lucrative branch of the business. He established a shop and had a phenomenal success from the beginning. He continued in this line of endeavor for about fifty-five years, retiring ten years ago from active participation in the affairs of life. Even to-day, when he is ninety-two years old, he is frequently called upon to do work that requires a deft touch, an experienced eye and a keen apprecia- tion of the beauty of the wood that is to be faithfully imitated. He invariably accepts the commission to prove that his hand has not lost its cunning, his eye its clear sight, and that his artistic sense is still predominant. He is known far and wide as one of the best, if not the best, grainers in Southwestern Pennsyl- vania. When the Pennsylvania state fair was held in Pittsburgh in 1856, he received a medal for the beauty of his work. So great is the respect of the trade for him that he was presented with a memorial by the Grainers Association of Philadelphia for the work he had accomplished for that organization while its president in the seventies. In 1893 he moved from Philadelphia to Lans- downe, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where he erected a comfortable house at 29 East Stratford avenue, and has since made his home. When he was past eighty years old the desire seized him to visit the place of his birth and the scenes of his childhood, youth and young manhood, and he made the journey to Londonderry, Ireland. He stood in the old shop where he had learned his trade, just fifty years and one month after leaving it for a foreign country. Memories, pleasant and unpleasant, crowded upon him, and at last he turned away, contented that he had so chosen. He is a remarkable man, not only for his wise old age, but for his superior intelligence, his store of learn- ing and varied experience, his having lived through a history making epoch in the land of his adoption, and his knowledge gained through long years of dili- gent reading. He is an interesting and edifying conversationalist, and has a vast fund of anecdote and historical data that was gained first hand. He is abreast of the times on all political, religious, economic and social questions, and with his past experiences and observations he is able to deduce correct con- clusions with an almost prophetic insight. Like the seer in Lochiel's Warning : "'Tis the sunset of life gives me mystical lore ; and coming events cast their shadows before." His is an ideal old age. After the fever and heat of the strife in Life's battle, he now rests in his own home, surrounded by his chil- dren, friends and a host of admiring acquaintances. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, as are the other members of his family. He mar- ried, in 1848, Elizabeth Evans, a native of Londonderry, daughter of William
55
850
DELAWARE COUNTY
Evans, of that place. She and three sisters came to the United States in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. McEwen are the parents of eight children, four of whom are living: 1. Susan, married Horatio T. Lavender, resides in Lansdowne, Penn- sylvania. 2. Fannie, unmarried, lives with father. 3. William A., employee of U. G. I., married Miss Swayne. 4. Martha. married Edwin Hetherington. resides in Lansdowne. The dead: 5. William Laughlin. 6. Martha, died young. 7. Mary Ann. 8. Died unnamed.
HARRIGAN Of the first American born generation of his family, Dr.
John W. Harrigan, of Darby and Collingdale, has in both professional and business life, achieved a success both satis- fying and permanent. He is a grandson of John Harrigan, of County Tipper- ary. Ireland, who there lived and died, the head of a family.
(II) Rev. John F. Harrigan, son of John Harrigan, was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, died in Kensington, Philadelphia, aged sixty-five years. He was educated in private schools and at the University of Dublin, taking holy orders and becoming a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal church. He continued in the ministry in Ireland until 1864, when he came to the United State, locating in Philadelphia. He was rector of the Frankford Episcopal Church for about eight years, when failing health compelled his retirement, his death occurring not long afterward. He was a cultured, earnest useful minis- ter of the Gospel, and served well the cause of the church he loved. He mar- ried Margaret Welsh, who was born in Tipperary, died in Kensington, Penn- sylvania. Children: Cornelius, deceased; Michael; Edward, deceased ; John William, of whom further : Margaret, deceased ; Julia, deceased ; Isabella : Jen- nie, deceased ; Rebecca and Lilly.
(III) Dr. John William Harrigan, son of Rev. John F. and Margaret (Welsh) Harrigan, was born in Groveville, New Jersey, July 4, 1866. He was educated in the public schools, graduating from Hunter Grammar School, Ken- sington, class of 1882. He entered Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1886, later entering the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of 1890. He then em- barked in the retail drug business, establishing stores at different times at the following locations: Twentieth street, South Philadelphia : Twenty-sixth and Federal streets. Twenty-second and Wharton streets, Thirty-fourth and Wharton ton streets, Twenty-fifth and Christian streets, Fifty-sixth and Haverford streets, Philadelphia : and Wildwood, New Jersey. These stores he operated until an advantageous sale could be made, disposing of the last about 1908. His Wildwood store was built on an expensive corner lot, a square from both rail- road stations, the building being a marvel of builder's perfection, with equip- ment and furnishings of modern expensive style.
In 1908, Dr. Harrigan promoted a large brick manufacturing plant at Glen Olden, Delaware county, that was incorporated under the laws of the state of Pennsylvania in 1909 as the Mink Company. The plant, valued at sixty thousand dollars, covers an area of sixteen acres. In 1911 he established his present business, Harrigan Darby Theatre, on Chester avenue, Darby, Pennsylvania, where he also conducts a prosperous modern drug store. Dr. Harrigan is a member of Keystone Lodge, No. 271, Free and Accepted Ma- sons: University Chapter, No. 256, Royal Arch Masons: Corinthian Com- mandery. Knights Templar : Columbia Post. Order of Foresters; Shawnee Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, and Knights of the Mystic Chain, all of Philadelphia. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian, and in politics a Re- publican.
851
DELAWARE COUNTY
He married, May 17, 1887, Margaret Young, daughter of Thomas Young, a contractor of Philadelphia, now deceased, and his wife, Bess McBrine, born in county Antrim, Ireland, who died in Philadelphia, aged sixty-four years ; children : Margaret, wife of Dr. Harrigan; Rebecca; Jolin, a soldier of the Spanish-American war, now deceased, and Sarah. Children of Dr. J. W. and Margaret Harrigan : Bess, married Karl Muller, and resides in Darby ; Myrtle. died in infancy; John William (2), died in infancy. The family home is in Collingdale, Delaware county.
A lifelong resident of Delaware county, Mr. Levi Malin has been
MALIN
a worker since eleven years of age, when he began the accumula- tion of a fund that later amounted to a sum nearly sufficient to purchase his present farm of eighty-nine acres located at Broomall, in Marple township, Delaware county. From the poor boy with no assets but courage, energy and ambition, he has developed a character strong in its integrity and in worldly goods has acquired a competency.
Levi Malin is a grandson of Benedict Malin, and a son of Levi (1) Malin, the latter born in Delaware county, in 1811, died near the Rose Tree, in the same county, in 1856. He was a carpenter by trade and in politics a Whig. He married Elizabeth Pascall, born in Media, Pennsylvania, died in Spring- field township, Delaware county, in 1862, daughter of Abraham Pascall, a farm- er; children of Levi Malin: Phoebe, resides with her brother, Levi Malin ; Hannah, married Elwood Jayness; Charlotta, twin with Hannah, died young ; Levi (2), of whom further. Levi Malin and wife were members of the So- ciety of Friends.
Levi (2), son of Levi (1) and Elizabeth (Pascall) Malin, was born near the Rose Tree, Upper Providence township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1845. He attended public school and remained with his parents until eleven years of age, then began his career as a bread winner. He at first and for several years worked for a farmer at Edgmont, on the West Chester road-William Taylor. From there he went to a farm in Philadelphia coun- ty, remaining four years, then returning to Edgmont, where he spent two years. He then located in Springfield township on a farm rented from his uncle which he cultivated until 1889. He then rented the Thomas Powell farm in Springfield township for one year; then removed to Isaac Briggs' farm in Marple town- ship, remaining two years. He had been prudent and economical in his busi-
ness affairs, and after leaving the Briggs farm purchased his present farm, pay- ing therefor from his savings the entire purchase price in cash, except the ยท small balance of $300. He has not confined his operations to the raising of crops, but has for the past five years dealt extensively in cattle, buying and selling, until he has reached a position where he farms not more for profit than for the pleasure of compelling the land to produce at his will. He is modern in his methods, uses the best of chemical fertilizers, and has his property in the finest of condition. He affiliated with the Republican party until 1912, but in the campaign of that year supported Theodore Roosevelt for the presidency. His standing in his community is high, and those who know him best and have watched his career from boyhood, respect him the more and rejoice in his suc- cess.
Mr. Malin married, March 25. 1889. Carrie Hurd Castle, born in Media, died at the farm in Marple, in 1904, daughter of John H. Castle, a carpenter. Mr. Malin has no children, and on his beautiful well kept farm is rounding out a life of honor and usefulness, his home being presided over by his maiden sis- ter, Miss Phoebe Malin.
852
DELAWARE COUNTY
A prominent citizen of Broomall, Delaware county, Pennsyl- HIPPLE vania, is William P. Hipple, who in addition to his extensive business interests here is an active participant in public affairs. He has served as clerk of the board of commissioners of Delaware county, has long been school director and at the present time is supervisor of Marple town- ship.
His grandfather, Henry Hipple, was a native of Germany, and immi- grated thence in company with his brothers, George and John, to America, set- tiing in Pennsylvania. He was engaged in farming operations in Chester county until his demise, at the age of eighty-six years. He married Jane Gar- rett, a representative of an old Pennsylvania family, and to them were born the following children: Henry, George, Elijah, Jesse, Lawrence, Elizabeth, Margaret, Garrett and Sarah.
Henry Hipple, father of William P. Hipple, was born in Goshen, Chester county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1816, and passed to the life eternal on his farm in Marple township, Delaware county, this state, in December, 1878. He lived in Chester county until the age of twenty-two years, and then came to Marple township and purchased a farm in the vicinity of Cedar Grove, the same comprising 160 acres. He worked and improved his estate until it came to be one of the finest in this locality. Mr. Hipple was a Republican in his political faith, and the only office he ever held was that of school director. His wife was a devout member of the Society of Friends. His wife, Rachel Rob- erts in her girlhood, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and passed away in 1908, aged ninety-two years. She was a daughter of Amos and Mary (Ellis) Roberts, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation. The Roberts family consisted of the following children: William, Isaac, Jo- seph, Rachel, Lydia, Mary, Sarah and Jane, all of whom are now deceased. Issue of Henry and Rachel (Roberts) Hipple: Mary J. and Margaret, both deceased ; Elizabeth, a resident of Media, this county ; A. Retta, likewise a resi- dent of Media; Harry L., resides on the old homestead farm in Marple town- ship ; and William P., of this sketch.
William P. Hipple, son of Henry and Rachel (Roberts) Hipple, was born on his father's farm in Marple township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1856. After completing the curriculum of the district schools of his native place, he was a student in the West Chester State Normal School for several terms. He initiated his independent career as a farmer, but in 1912 abandoned that line of work and located in Broomall, where he has since been local repre- sentative of the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company of Philadelphia. In recent years he has become interested in other fire insurance companies and has money invested in a number of local business enterprises. His political al- legiance is given without stint to the Republican party, in the local councils of which he is an important factor. For several years he gave efficient service as clerk of the board of commissioners of Delaware county and was elected in 1896 and served two terms as county commissioner, and he is now the popular incumbent of the office of supervisor of Marple township. He has been a member of the township school board, and in every respect is a loyal and pub- lic-spirited citizen, doing much to advance the prosperity of this section of the county. He is a valued and appreciative member of Newtown Square Grange, No. 1279, of which he was at one time overseer, and his wife is a member of the Friends Meeting at Newtown.
Mr. Hipple married, December 9, 1896, Miss Hanna M. Bartram, a na- tive of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where her birth occured in the year 1865. She is a daughter of William Bartram, born in Marple township, this county, March 21, 1830. Her grandfather, Samuel Bartram, was born in
853
DELAWARE COUNTY
Delaware county in 1800. He was a farmer during his lifetime, and settled on what is still known as the old Bartram homestead, which was recently disposed of in a private sale. In 1826 was celebrated his marriage to Massey Pratt, who was born in Marple township, in 1800, and who was a daughter of Thom- as and Hanna Pratt. The Bartram and Pratt estates adjoined and the latter was owned by members of the Pratt family for over two hundred years. Mr. and Mrs. Hipple are the parents of two sons : William Bartram, born February 19, 1899; and Henry, born May 1, 1901.
OGLESBY The Oglesby family of Chester, Delaware county, Pennsyl- vania, is of recent Irish origin. Since settling in the United States the members have demonstrated their adaptability to a Republican form of government, and their appreciation of the same.
(I) Robert Oglesby, the founder of the American branch of the family. was born in Central Ireland in 1813, and emigrated to the United States in 1846, with his wife and two children. He located first in Philadelphia, and later moved to I.eeperville, Pennsylvania, and became an employe in the James Campbell mill. He remained in this position for many years, but eventually retired and moved to Chester Pennsylvania, where he died October 13, 1900. at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was a consistent member of the Episcopal church; was highly esteemed by those who knew him and was a fine example of a patriotic American. He married, in Ireland, Ann J. Laffan, also of Ireland. She is still living (1913) and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Finnegan, of Chester. Children of Robert and Ann J. Oglesby: I. Theresa, widow of Amos Knight, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2. William J., of whom further. 3. Samuel, wholesale and retail baker, of Chester, Pennsylvania ; lives at 206 Ninth street ; married Mary Ella Rownsly ; he is a civil war veteran and saw much service during his enlistment. 4. James, a baker by trade; resides at 713 West Second street, Chester : married Mar- garet Jenkins. 5. Phillip Powell, a marble cutter ; resides at the corner of Eighteenth street and Edgemont avenue, Chester ; married Elizabeth Morrow. 6. George R., musician and piano maker; resides at 1307 Edgemont avenue, Chester ; married Irene Pyle. 7. Harry, musician and teacher of piano in the Chester Conservatory of Music ; resides at 1119 Edgemont avenue, Chester ; married Annie Warren. 8. Mary. widow of Harry Finnegan; lives at 318 East Ninth street, Chester.
(II) William J. Oglesby, son of Robert and Ann J. (Laffan) Oglesby, was born in Central Ireland, February 28, 1844, and came with his parents from Ireland in 1846. He was educated in the common schools, and as a young man worked for T. Reany Sons and Archebold for three years, during which time he began to study music. While he was learning shipbuilding with the above mentioned firm he was one of many who assisted in building the "Sangamon Monitor," and was sent with the ship to Newport News, Virginia, and up the James river, where he remained until the vessel was finished. At the outbreak of hostilities between the North and the South he enlisted, July I. 1862, as a private in Company K. Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, W. B. Thatcher, captain; Richard M. Frame, colonel. He was discharged Septem- ber 10, 1862, and re-enlisted July 1, 1863, in Company A, Thirty-seventh Regi- ment Volunteer Infantry ; was discharged August 2, 1863, at Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania. During his second enlistment he was under Captain W. Frick and Colonel John Trout. After 1863 he was engaged in work in the Chester ship- yards. In 1868, with his brother, Samuel, he established a bakery at 214 East Ninth street, in Chester, and later enlarged the building to meet the increased
854
DELAWARE COUNTY
volume of business. In 1874 he was located in the bakery business at Seventh and Upland streets, Chester, where he remained for eighteen months, after which he removed to West Third street, where he bought and operated a retail and wholesale bakery and confectionery for nine and a half years, selling it September 29. 1885. to David Saylor. Mr. Oglesby retired for a time from business, but in 1890 he again entered the commercial world, and established a bakery at 313 Market street. He is an accomplished musician, and in 1874 he organized the Oglesby Band, which he taught and led. Since its organization it has been called upon to furnish music on many important occasions through- out the country. He is a staunch Republican, has served for fourteen years as common and select councilman and six years as city controller, and also takes an active part in politics, aiding his party in every way in his power. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Blue Lodge, No. 236, and Chapter No. 252. He is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and was married in that church by Rev. Henry Brown. He married, October 19, 1874. Jane Kenworthy, born in 1854. in Chester, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth (Clark) Kenworthy, who were married in Chester, Pennsylvania, August, 1853. where he pursued the occupation of millwright. In 1854 he returned to England for a short visit and there died. leaving his young widow and infant daughter, Jane, in Chester. As a child of six years, Elizabeth (Clark) Kenworthy was among the wee flower girls who, on a bright June day in 1838. strewed flowers in the pathway of Victoria, the young queen of England, as she went to Westminster to be crowned. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Kenworthy married (second) James Gardner, March 3. 1868. He came from Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish descent : died December 31, 1903. his wife dying in 1892. at the age of sixty years. Children of Mrs. Oglesby's mother by second marriage: Mary, widow of J. Morris Chamber- lain, of Chester, Pennsylvania : Elizabeth, died in infancy. Children of Wil- liam J. and Jane (Kenworthy) Oglesby : I. Robert, born July 23, 1875 ; grad- uated from Chester High School in 1894: from Princeton in 1900: attended the law department in University of Pennsylvania one year, read law with Judge William B. Brownall in Chester for one year, and with A. B. Roney in Philadelphia, a year, after which he located in Chester, and also has an office in Philadelphia. Like his father, he is a gifted musician. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Chester Blue Lodge, No. 236, Chapter No. 252, and Commandery No. 26: also is a member of the Princeton Club of Philadelphia. the Springhaven Golf Club of Delaware county, the Alpha Boat Club of Chester, and the Musicians' Club. He has always taken a great inter- est in baseball and football and rowing. Rowed on U. P. crew year of 1901 varsity. 2. Samuel, born February II, 1878; was educated in Chester public schools, attended the University of Pennsylvania for four years, and one year in the Philadelphia Dental College. from whence he graduated in 1902: he located in Chester and also has offices in Philadelphia. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Blue Lodge, No. 236; the Alpha Boat Club of Chester, and the Musicians' Club: he also played foot ball, base ball and rowed while at the University of Pennsylvania. 3. Charles, born August 6, 1880, died aged two years, seven months and five days. 4. Mary Elizabeth, born March II. 1886, died July 17, 1887.
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.