USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > A history of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and its people; Volume III > Part 47
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The Yocum family is one of old standing in the Keystone commonwealth. Isaac C. Yocum, grandfather of Alonzo H. Yocum, was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1799, the year in which General Wash- ington died. He was reared a farmer and for many years was interested in farming operations. He spent much of his life in Philadelphia and for years conducted a butcher shop on the corner of Sixty-seventh street and Woodland avenue. He was an old-line Whig in his political affiliations and although a pub- lic-spirited citizen could never be prevailed upon to run for office of any des- cription. His demise occurred in Philadelphia, in 1866, at the age of sixty- seven years. He married Susan Gardner and they had the following children: Frances, Margaret, Naomi, Peter G., Isaac C., Jacob H., Sarah L. and William G. All of the sons except William G., who was a mere child at the time of the inception of the war, were gallant Union soldiers. The mother died in 1884 and she and her husband were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was a member of the board of trustees and Sunday school superintendent.
William G. Yocum was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1848. He passed his boyhood and youth in that metropolis and attended the old Davidson School, on the corner of Pascall avenue and Grover lane. He was thirteen years old when the civil war broke out and was left at home to assist his father when the three older brothers enlisted for service in the Union ranks. After leaving school he learned the trade of butchering under the able tutelage of his father and he has continued to follow that line of business during the long intervening years to the present time, in 1913. For a number of years he has been a resident of Darby. He is a shrewd business man and a patriotic citizen ; he is independent in his political views. Mr. Yocum married (first) Anna Heap, and (second) Helen Weber. Anna Heap Yocum was born in Valley Forge and she was a daughter of Joshua Heap, a prominent mill man in Darby, where he died in 1872, aged fifty-two years. Following are brief data concerning the children of Joshua Heap: Susanna, married Andrew Buchanan and she is deceased; Alonzo, married Mary Mackey; Anna, married Mr. Yocum ; Adeline, married William Crawford; Harriet, married George S. Drewes; Susanna and Anna are deceased. William G. and Anna (Heap) Yocum became the parents of six children: W. H., married Alice Smith ; Alonzo H., of whom further; Joseph K., married Alice Sutcliff ; William G. Jr., married Helen Baker ; G. D., married Sarah E. Judge ; Elizabeth, died in in- fancy. Mrs. Yocum was a Methodist in her religious faith.
Alonzo Heap Yocum was born at Darby, Pennsylvania, May 27, 1874. His primary education was obtained in the public schools of Darby and later he was graduated from the Williamson Trade School. Subsequently he pur- sued a special course of study in the Drexel Institute and then took up civil engineering in Drexel College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering. He then spent a year studying special build- ing construction and in 1895 was ready to begin active work as a civil engineer. He has followed this profession ever since and has won marked suc- cess and considerable renown for his fine construction work throughout this section of the state. In 1911 he was honored by his fellow citizens with elec- tion to the office of surveyor of Delaware county for a four year term. He is
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also the efficient incumbent of the office of borough surveyor of Colwyn and of Collingdale, and is borough engineer of Darby township. Mr. Yocum's success is the result of close application to work and an excellent preparation for his profession. Politically Mr. Yocum is a stalwart Republican and he manifests a deep and sincere interest in local politics. He is a member of the Darby borough school board, of which he was president for several years and of which he has been treasurer for the past four years. Fraternally he is affiliated with Fernwood Lodge. No. 543, Free and Accepted Masons, of Phila- delphia ; and with Orphans Rest Lodge, No. 132, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Darby. He and his family attend services at the Methodist Epis- copal church in Darby.
June 27, 1900, Mr. Yocum was united in marriage to Hannah D. Morgan, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hemmingray) Morgan, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. Morgan was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and for many years past he has resided in Darby, where he controls a fine business in coal, lumber and builders' supplies. For his second wife Mr. Morgan married Henrietta Gotshall, who is still living. Mrs. Yocum had one sister who died young. There is one daughter in the Yocum family, Elizabeth Hemmingray, whose birth occurred December 6, 1902.
WOLF Among the successful and enterprising business men of Clifton Heights, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, whose energetic and forceful methods of conducting business have enabled them to acquire considerable wealth, is Samuel D. Wolf, who in a comparatively few years has placed himself at the head of a large business venture. While not a native of this country, he has on every occasion when it was appropriate to do so shown his love for the country of his adoption.
Samuel D. Wolf was born in Grodene, Poland, Russia, December 17, 1871. He was educated in the public schools of his native country, and when he had attained the age of about twenty-two years became associated with his father in the dry goods business in Russia. A very short time in this line of business in Russia convinced him that the prospects for advancement there were not favorable, and he determined to come to the United States. This was in the year 1893, and upon his arrival in America he located in Long Branch, New Jersey, and there established himself in the same line of business. He re- mained there three years, then removed to Lenni, Delaware county, Pennsyl- vania, and at the expiration of a few years removed to Clifton Heights, Dela- ware county, Pennsylvania. in 1900, and his business activities have been con- fined to this center since that time. He established a Five and Ten Cent Store, which he has conducted on such progressive and attractive lines that it is now one of the largest of its kind in the entire county, and is constantly increasing in scope and attractiveness. Mr. Wolf has dignified his business by his in- dustrious and conscientious efforts, and his executive ability is of an unusually high order. He takes a deep interest in all matters concerning the public wel- fare of the community in which he resides, and those affecting the welfare of the country at large, and gives his active support to the principles of the Re- publican party. His religious affiliation is with the Beth Israel Temple of which he is a liberal supporter. He is a member of several fraternal organi- zations, these being: Empire Lodge, No. 167, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Long Branch, New Jersey ; Court Delaware, No. 87, Ancient Order of Foresters.
Mr. Wolf married. January 26, 1902, Elizabeth Cohen, and they have been blessed with two children: Alexander and Morton. Mr. Wolf is a well read
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and well informed man, and is a creditable type of the foreigner who has come to the shores of this country, and made his way to a prominent position in spite of the additional difficulties he was naturally called upon to contend with.
The Whittakers descend from an old English family, the WHITTAKER first of this branch to come to the United States being James Whittaker, born at New Mills, Lancastershire, Eng- land. He was a spinner by trade, and a member of the Church of England. He married Mary, daughter of James Houghton; children: William, now of Eddystone, Pennsylvania; Daniel, now of Philadelphia; George Howard, of whom further ; and two who died in infancy.
George Howard Whittaker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, No- vember 9, 1867. He was educated in the public schools, and early in life learned the painter's trade. Later he abandoned that trade and learned plastering. He is a resident of Clifton Heights, Delaware county and is now engaged in contracting. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Minnie, daughter of Edward Pilling ; children : Edward, James, William, Earl, George H.
WILLIAMSON The emigrant ancestor of the Williamsons of this record is Daniel Williamson, who came from England under a contract to work for Robert Taylor, of Little Leigh, Ches- hire, in the year 1682. He received from Taylor fifty acres and from the pro- prietary fifty acres of good land in Marple township (now) in Delaware, then Chester county. He married, in 1685, Mary Smith, and eventually moved to Newtown township. He was a member of the Society of Friends, a man of influence, and frequently represented Chester county in the provincial assembly. He died in 1727, while a member of that body. Children: Robert, born Io mo. 3, 1686, married Hannah Coppock ; Daniel, born 8 mo. 6, 1688, mar- lied Hannah Malin; John, born 7 mo. 11, 1690, a minister of the Society of Friends, married Sarah Smedley; Mary, born 7 mo. 25, 1692, married Myrick Davies; Thomas, of further mention; Joseph, born 2 mo. 25. 1697. married Mary Yearsley (?) ; Margaret, born 12 mo. 12, 1698, married Joshua Thomson ; Abigail, married (first) John Yarnall, (second) William Garrett,
Thomas Williamson, son of Daniel and Mary ( Smith) Williamson. was born 10 mo. 10. 1694. He married Ann Malin and settled in Edgmont town- ship, now Delaware county. Children: Margaret, born October 29. 1718, married Nathan Hoopes; Ann, born December 22, 1720; Thomas, of further mention ; Mary, born May 29, 1726; Daniel, born October 8, 1728; William, born August 5, 1731, married his cousin, Sarah Hoopes, and settled in Thorn- bury township, Chester county ; Robert, born July 9, 1738.
Thomas (2) Williamson, son of Thomas ( 1) and Ann ( Malin) William- son, was born July 3. 1724. He married Abigail Jefferies and lived in Chester county. Children : George, Gideon, of further mention, William, Thomas Em- mor, Elizabeth.
Gideon Williamson, son of Thomas (2) and Abigail (Jefferies) William- son, was born in West Chester. Pennsylvania, in 1750. He married and had issue including a son Thomas Taylor.
Thomas Taylor Williamson, son of Gideon Williamson, was born at the Forks of the Brandywine in 1780. He married Mary, daughter of Joshua Smith, who brought him a dowry of a handsome residence and one hundred and one acres of good farm land that is yet owned in the family. On the front
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of the house is the date, 1758, and the letters I. S. Thomas Taylor and Mary Williamson had issue.
Gideon (2) Williamson, son of Thomas Taylor and Mary (Smith) Wil- liamson, was born at Pughtown, Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1811, died in April, 1874. He spent all his days on the old homestead, where he lived a life of activity and usefulness, taking an active interest in all local happenings, especially in politics, supporting the Democratic party. In religious faith he was a Friend, his wife a Presbyterian. He married (first) Eleanor Pennock, (second) Elizabeth Heyworth Levis, died in Thornbury township, Chester county. Child of first marriage: Mary Ellen, married Joseph Hick- man. Children of second marriage: Thomas Taylor, born January 31, 1845, married Sarah Pyle ; Joseph Pennock, born November 15, 1847, married Stella Fawcett ; Lewis Smith, of further mention ; Wilmer Worthington, died Decem- ber 5, 1878; James F. Talbot, born January 28, 1854, married Amelia Pyle; John Gilpin, born April, 1856; George Brinton, born 1858, died in childhood ; John Brinton, born 1862, married Hattie Guest; Samuel Augee, twin of John Brinton, married Lena Darlington; Mary Ann, born 1866, married George Brinton ; Sarah Emma, twin of Mary Ann, married William Darlington.
Lewis Smith Williamson, son of Gideon (2) and Elizabeth Heyworth (Levis) Williamson, was born at Brandywine Summit, Delaware county, Penn- sylvania, December 4. 1850. He obtained his education in the public schools and at Shortlidge's Academy, spending his earlier years on the home farm. For forty-three years of his active business career he was employed in the Reading terminal market at Philadelphia, later engaging in general farming, at which he has been very successful. His political party is the Democratic, whose plat- form and principles he strongly defends. Both he and his wife were members of St. John's Episcopal Church at Wilmington, which for seventeen years he served well and faithfully as junior warden. He married, December 5, 1878, Laura J. Hollahan, died June 7, 1907, aged fifty-six years, daughter of James Hollahan, a professor in the Maryland Academy, died at Emmits- burg, Maryland, 1861, buried at Mount St. Mary's Cemetery, and Eliza Jane (Hayes) Hollahan. Children of Lewis Smith and Laura J. Williamson : John, born September 29, 1885, died October 3, 1885; Francis Hollahian, of further mention.
Francis Hollahan Williamson, son of Lewis Smith and Laura J. (Holla- han) Williamson, was born on the family homestead at Wilmington, Delaware, November 10, 1889. He obtained an excellent education at Morrison's select school and Wilmington Military Academy, both of Wilmington, and at the Epis- copal Academy, one of Philadelphia's foremost educational institutions. He decided upon farming as his calling in life and has since followed that occu- pation in Brandywine Summit. His political inclinations are Democratic, and he belongs to Concord Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
The Voelkers of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, trace their
VOELKER ancestry to Adam Joseph Voelker, born at Spessart-Asharf- fenburg, Bavaria, Germany, in 1787, died in Germany, 1857. He was in the Bavarian military service all his life. He married and had children : August, died in Germany, aged sixty years; Adam Joseph, of further mention.
Adam Joseph (2) Voelker, son of Adam Joseph (1) Voelker. was born in Spessart-Asharffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, December 14, 1823, died there 1905, aged eighty-two years. He was educated in what corresponds to our prep- aratory schools, called a gymnasium in Germany, and when eighteen years
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of age entered the government service as forester. This is a very prominent position in Germany, because of the immense stress laid upon the preservation of forests in that country. It was his duty to see that all decayed and use- less trees were removed from the forest, and whenever it was necessary to remove a tree, to attend to the planting of two others in its place. Germany is far in the lead of other countries of the world in her conservation of natural resources and the position of forester is one of the many responsible offices the government has created. He was pensioned at the age of seventy-two years and rctired on full pay. With his wife he was a member of the Catholic church. He married Madaline Schwertfeger, born in Alsberg, Bavaria, Germany, died there 1905, aged seventy-two years, daughter of the mayor of the town. Chil- dren of Adam Joseph (2) and Madaline (Schwertfeger) Voelker: John, a cabinet-maker; Leo, postmaster of Spessart-Asharffenburg; Joseph, a railroad engineer of Germany; Charles Adolph, of further mention; Rose, Emily, child, died in infancy.
Charles Adolph Voelker, fourth son and child of Adam Joseph (2) and Madaline (Schwertfeger) Voelker, was born at Spessart-Asharffenburg, Bava- ria, Germany, June 7, 1857. He obtained his education in his native country, attending a private school from six to ten years of age, then taking one year at the Latin Institute in Bavaria, after which he entered college. When he was sixteen years of age he immigrated to the United States landing in Phila- delphia and there beginning the study of natural history and taxidermy. About 1887 he moved to Aldan, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and there purchased a large tract of land a mile from any habitation. Here he built a spacious and beautiful residence and began to acquire a botanical collection as well as one of birds and animals. He hunted every foot of his territory and gathered many fine and rare specimens. The exhibition of his collection of animals won him fame as a taxidermist and his reputation for natural and life-like work is nation-wide. He had charge of much of Ex-President Roosevelt's collection, when the latter shipped his trophies home from Africa for preservation in the National Museum in Washington, D. C. He has erected a bungalow upon his property, which he uses exclusively as a museum and exhibition room, his specimens ranging in size from a swallow perched upon a window ledge to a buffalo courageously guarding the front entrance and embraces most of the in- terme liate orders. In religion he is an adherent of the Baptist faith.
He married, October 23, 1876, Ida R. Van Ardsdalen, born in Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1859, daughter of Jacob, an iron manufacturer, died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aged ninety-six years, and Elizabeth (Gary) Van Ardsdalen. Children of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gary) Van Ardsdalen: Harry, Emma, Mary, Louisa, Gary, Ida R., William, deceased. Child of Charles Adolph and Ida R. (Van Ardsdalen) Voelker: Lida V., born Novem- ber 16, 1877, married William H. White, of the firm of Milton & White, com- mission merchants, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
HEWES The Hewes family came to Delaware county from York county, Pennsylvania, many years ago, Harry Hewes, of Darby, being of the first generation born in this county. Jacob Hewes was for many years a resident of York county, Pennsylvania, later moving to Leiperville, Delaware county, where he established a nursery farm. He planted the great trees that now adorn the court-house grounds at Media, as well as many others in the county, now famous for their shade or fruit. He continued in business at Leiperville until his death there, aged eighty-seven years. His farm is now
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occupied as the site of the great buildings of the Baldwin Locomotive Works. He was a Republican in politics, and a man of genuine worth to his com- munity. He married Miller and had issue: Spencer, of further men- tion. and Charles.
Spencer Hewes, eldest son of Jacob and - ( Miller ) Hewes, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and was brought when young by his parents to Leiperville, Delaware county, where he was educated in the public schools. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Leiperville and vicinity until his death. He was a Republican in politics. He married Sarah Lane, born in Leiperville, died in Chester, Pennsylvania, daughter of William Lane, a blacksmith and wheelwright of Leiperville. Children: Harry, of further mention ; Lizzie, married Eugene Stroud, children : Hildeman and Harry, the latter deceased; William, married Louise Murphy, and resides at 4221 Haver- ford street, Philadelphia ; Mary, died young.
Harry Hewes, eldest son of Spencer and Sarah (Lane) Hewes, was born in Leiperville, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1858. He was edu- cated in the public schools and resided at home until his seventeenth year, when he became an apprentice to Joseph Cornog, of Chester, with whom he re- mained for one year, learning the rudiments of the tinner's trade. He then came to Darby borough, where he finished his trade under C. H. Hancock, be- coming an expert tin and metal worker. He remained with Mr. Hancock until April 1. 1880, when, on a small borrowed capital, he began business for himself. He began with a small stock of tin and hardware, but as business increased enlarged his line and soon had a prosperous business. He contracted all work in his line giving especial attention to the installation of heating systems. During his first year in business he repaid his borrowed capital of three hundred dollars, and has steadily increased his endeavors until now he has a large brick store in Darby, the hardware department being managed by his son, Mr. Hewes himself attending to the other departments. From a small beginning he has built up a large and well-conducted business that is a monument to his ability, industry and thrift. He is an earnest, public-spirited citizen : has served nine years as a member of the borough council, five of these years being chosen to fill the responsible office of president of that body. During these years he has displayed admirable fidelity to his borough, the wel- fare of which he has striven earnestly to advance. He is a Republican in politics. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Darby Lodge, No. 543. Free and Accepted Masons ; Darby Chapter, No. 256. Roval Arch Masons ; Mary Commandery. Knights Templar, of Philadelphia ; 1 .. ulu Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Fle married. June 29, 1878, Margaret J. Hughes, born in Lancaster county, in 1835. daughter of Isaac and Letitia (Martin) Hughes. Isaac Hughes was born in Lancaster county in 1835, died there in 1902, a farmer, son of Jacob and Margaret Hughes. Letitia Martin was born in Lancaster county, died there aged seventy-seven years, daughter of William and Alice F. (Cogsgrove) Martin. Isaac and Letitia Hughes had three daughters ; Anna Mary : Margaret J., married Harry Hewes; Alice M., married Lin Wilde, deceased. Children of Harry and Margaret J. Hewes : Charles L., married Jennie Lyon and has a daughter, Alice : Frank W., married Mamie Fleming ; Helen L .. unmarried.
HENDRICKSON Edward E. Hendrickson, a worthy citizen of Lans- downe, fully sustains the high reputation of the Hen- drickson family, which for nine generations, or since the year 1663, has been resident in America. They were among the early
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Dutch settlers in New York, Hendrick Hendrickson being the first of the name to come to the new world, and his descendants are now scattered throughout the length and breadth of the United States, actively and prominently identified with the progress of the nation, serving in professional, commercial and politi- cal life.
Nathan G. Hendrickson, father of Edward E. Hendrickson, was born in Monmouth county. New Jersey, 1822, died in 1891. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in early manhood located in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, where he was a contractor and builder of note, successfully following that line of work for many years. About the year 1860 he returned to his native state, locating in Monmouth county, and there purchased a farm consisting of two hundred and fifty acres, which he cultivated and improved, devoting the remainder of his life to that work. He was a member of the Society of Friends, as was also his wife, and they reared their family of six children to lives of usefulness, activity and right living. He married Anna Hardaker, born in Pennsylvania, 1825, died in 1909. Children: 1. George, a veteran of the civil war, member of Company D, Second New Jersey Cavalry ; he resides in Asbury Park, New Jersey. 2. Sarah, married Henry P. Shinn ; resides in New York. 3. Amos, resides in Philadelphia, employed in a hardware store. 4. Emma, deceased. 5. Edward E., of whom further. 6. Charlotte, died in infancy.
Edward E. Hendrickson was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, Feb- ruary 12, 1863. His educational advantages were obtained in the public schools of Crosswicks, New Jersey, and from the completion of his studies until he attained the age of twenty he assisted his father in the labor and duties of the home farm. He then entered the office of an architect in Philadelphia in order to familiarize himself with the details of that profession, and by serving in that and other offices conducted by eminent men along the same line gained a thorough knowledge, he being an apt pupil, having a decided taste from boy- hood for that special work. The company with which Mr. Hendrickson is con- nected is one of the extensive and leading industries of Lansdowne, and its activities extend over a large territory; of recent years it has made a specialty of erecting college buildings, a number of the most important ones standing as monuments of its skill and ability, among which may be men- tioned Cornell, Princeton, and Pennsylvania State College. Mr. Hendrickson is a member of the Episcopal church, in which his wife also holds member- ship, and he is an Independent in politics, casting his vote for the candidate best qualified for the office, irrespective of party affiliation.
Mr. Hendrickson married, in 1895, Mary Belcher, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have one son, Edward E.
GRIFFITH Horace Farnham Griffith, a prominent and leading citizen of Lansdowne, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, is one of the ablest and best known of the younger business men in his sec- tion of the state. For years he has been conspicuously identified with the industrial and commercial life of Lansdowne; has had marked success in all his enterprises, and has attained an enviable prestige, though not yet in the prime of life. Behind him lies, on both the paternal and distaff sides, a long line of true American ancestry. English on both sides, his progenitors came to America a century before the revolutionary war. By their physical and moral courage, as well as brains' and persistence they did their share toward the making of the United States of America possible, and a later generation aided in preserving the Union in its entirety.
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