USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > A history of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and its people; Volume III > Part 8
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PHILLIPS The forbears of Jasper R. Phillips of Marcus Hook, were copper miners of Cornwall, England, living at Stonehenge, where his great-grandfather lived and died leaving three sons -William, James, and one, who died in India. His widow, Thamazyne, came to the United States, where she died at Frankford, Pennsylvania. The family were all members of the Church of England.
James, son of the Cornwall miner, was born at Stonehenge, Cornwall, England, 1806, there grew to manhood and obtained his education in the church schools. When a young man he came to the United States, entering the employ of the United States government, as an expert stonemason. He worked on the construction of the stone forts of that period and later aided in the erection of public buildings, notably the bureau of printing. He set- tled at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, prior to 1840, where he died in Febru- ary, 1905, aged ninety-nine years. He was a Democrat in politics and in 1840 served as councilman. He was a member of the Baptist church; his wife a Methodist. He married Eliza Lamplugh, born in Delaware county in 1800, died 1872, daughter of Josiah Lamplugh, a farmer of Boothwyn and his wife, Eliza (Martin) Lamplugh, born in Chichester; children of James Phillips: Jolin, died in infancy ; Mary, married Edward Casey, an electrician; Eliza, married Richard Pearson, now deceased; Thamazyne, married William H. H. Gibson ; William L., see forward.
William L., son of James and Eliza (Lamplugh) Phillips, was born at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1843. He spent his early life at Marcus Hook and Washington, D. C., obtaining his education in the public schools. Later he was regularly bound and apprenticed to the United States govern- ment to learn the machinist's trade, the only government machinist now living, who learned his trade under such conditions. He has resided in Marcus Hook for many years and has followed his trade in various shops of the lo- cality.
WALBER The Walbers came to Pennsylvania from Germany where the. family have long been seated.
Christian Walber, father of Charles Walber, was born in. Munzenheim, Germany, in 1851, died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1896. He came to Philadelphia prior to his marriage, but after he had served his re-
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quired years in the Germany army. He continued in Philadelphia until his death. He married Josephine, daughter of Anthony Schonweitz, born in Ger- many in 1837, came to the United States before his marriage, settling in New York state. He served all through the civil war; was captured at the battle of Cedar Mountain, and for a time confined in Libby Prison. He was for many years in the employ of the state of New York as head electrician at the Sol- diers' Home in Bath, New York, now lives retired at his home in Maple Shade, New Jersey. He married a Miss Arnd of New York City, who died in Philadelphia in 1904; children: Charles, a plumber and tinsmith of Con- voy, Ohio, and an ex-mayor of his town; Josephine, married Christian Wal- ber, of previous mention; Amelia, resides in Philadelphia, unmarried; Fred- erick, now a hardware merchant of Bath, New York. Children of Christian Walber : A son and daughter, both died unmarried; Charles, see forward.
Charles, son of Christian and Josephine (Schonweitz) Walber, was born in Philadelphia, March 13, 1882. He attended the public school at Twelfth and Locust streets, advancing to the eleventh grade before beginning business life. In 1896 he was employed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle, jewelry manufac- turers, and a year later began his apprenticeship at plumbing and tinsmithing. He began with the Laughrey's on Eleventh street, Philadelphia, continued with Mr. Wall at Narberth, Pennsylvania, and for a time was with the Supplee Hardware Company. He was next employed by Mr. Shea, a plumber of Morton, Pennsylvania, then became manager for Charles A. Arnd, an uncle of his mother. In 1903 he established in business for himself at No. 3256 Sansom street, Philadelphia, later moving to No. 3423 Chestnut street, where he conducted a successful business in plumbing, steam heating, ventilating, tin roofing and kindred lines. He also established a similar business in Essington, Delaware county, continuing with his stores until 1907, when he purchased the Riverside Hotel in Essington, from Mr. Miller, who had been its proprietor for thirty-three years. This hotel was established over a century ago, and has long been famous for its planked shad, reed bird and game din- ners; each in their season attracting parties from Philadelphia and surround- ing towns, where the fame of the house is well known.
Mr. Walber was formerly a Democrat, but later became a Republican ; has served as president of the Republican Club at Essington. He is a mem- ber of the following fraternal societies and clubs: Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons; Philadelphia Corinthian Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Philadelphia ; Green Hill Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Phil- adelphia; Loyal Order of Moose, Chester; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Chester; the Essington Fire Company, Essington; West End Boat Club, Chester : West Philadelphia Fidelia Manaechor; Riverside Gun Club (manager) ; Chester Gun Club; Riverside Yacht Club (commodore) ; Clear- view Gun Club; Edgewater Club, Essington ; Media Republican Club; Arti. sans' Order of Mutual Protection ; Owls, of Philadelphia; Delaware County Automobile Association.
Mr. Walber married, March 7, 1906, at the Baptist church, Thirty-sixth and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia, Mabel Lillian Seiberling, born in Essing- ton, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1882, daughter of Charles and Sarah Seiberling, the former a farmer and coal dealer of Essington.
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Born in the oil district of Pennsylvania, Ross Lynn Elliott has ELLIOTT passed through every form of the oil business and perhaps no other man can be found so familiar with its every phase, from the drilling of the well to the finished product of the refinery.
Ross Lynn Elliott is a son of James Marshall Elliott, and a grandson of John Elliott : the latter born in Ireland in 1818, coming to the United States when young and settling in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. He was a farm- er there for many years, then moved to Rockland, Ohio, where both he and his wife died, both members of the Presbyterian church. Her maiden name was Miller, and she bore her husband ten children.
. James Marshall Elliott was born in Kittanning, Armstrong county, Penn- sylvania, September 17, 1844, son of John Elliott, the emigrant. He attended the public schools, worked on the farm and when oil was discovered, engaged in oil production for many years. He is a Republican in politics and a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served as trustee and in other official capacities. His wife is also a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. He married Mary N. McNanny, born in Shippensville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Henry McNanny, a farmer of Clarion county, deceased. She has brothers and sisters now living : Henry, of Venan- go county, Pennsylvania : Joseph, of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania ; John, of Butler. Pennsylvania : Sophia, married Andrew Schidemantle; Susanna, married George W. Shaw; Margaret, married Henry McGinley, of Wichita, Kansas. Children of James Marshall Elliott : Bertha, born in October, 1871, unmarried ; Ross Lynn, of whom further; James Park, born December 16, 1875, married in February, 1906, Hazel Hyle.
Ross Lynn, eldest son of James Marshall and Mary N. (McNanny) El- liott, was born at Parkers Landing. Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1873. He obtained a good education in the public schools, finishing his studies at high school at Parkers Landing. He early entered the oil fields and con- tinued his operations as producer in the fields of Butler, Armstrong and Alle- gheny counties of Pennsylvania. He has not only mastered every detail of oil production, but of refining in all its branches and for many years has been in the employ of the Pure Oil Company, of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. In politics Mr. Elliott is a Republican ; for the past nine years has been a mem- ber of the borough council of Marcus Hook and for four years has been pres- ident of that body. He is a member of the Masonic order : the Woodmen of the World, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. An excellent business man and good citizen, Mr. Elliott has won the high regard of all who know him.
He married, October 1, 1901, Anna McMurray, of Oakdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born May 3, 1873, daughter of Joseph McMurray, also born in Oakdale, May 1, 1844, a farmer by occupation. He married Margaret Rowley, born at Bridgeville, Allegheny county. in February, 1842, died March, 1901, in her fifty-ninth year. Children : Emma, horn April 28, 1866, married, October 1, 1897, Albert Sturgeon ; Walter, born June 27, 1868: John, November 2, 1870; Anna, May 1, 1873: Bertie, November 1, 1875, married Lewis A. Maire. Children of Ross Lynn and Anna Elliott: James Marshall (2), born February 16, 1905: Joseph Harold, May 7, 1907: Margaret Anna, October 8. 1909, deceased ; Park, January 13. 1911 ; Ross Lynn (2), July 5, 1912, deceased.
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John H. Donohue, of Sharon Hill, is a man much respected
DONOHUE in his community, and one who by strict morality and integ- rity of purpose furnishes an excellent example to others. He is one of the representative business men of Sharon Hill. He was born in West Philadelphia, December 22, 1863, son of Michael and Rose (Sullivan) Donohue, natives of Ireland, from which country they came to the United States about the year 1855, locating in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where her death occurred. After settling in this country Michael Donohue followed the occupations of drover and butcher, and he spent his last days in Sharon Hill. He and his wife were the parents of six children, all of whom are living at the present time (1913).
John H. Donohue attended the public schools of West Philadelphia until twelve years of age, and then assisted his father in the butcher business, be- coming thoroughly familiar with that occupation, which he followed for a number of years. In 1887 he engaged in the meat business on his own ac- count, locating at the corner of Seventy-second street and Woodland avenue, and continued the same until 1895, meeting with a fair degree of success. In the latter named year he removed to Sharon Hill, and for the following ten years was employed in the meat business, working for various parties, and in 1905 established a meat and grocery store in Sharon Hill, of which he is the proprietor at the present time. He is moderate in his charges, keeps nothing but the best of goods, and being a man of keen business acumen, success has crowned his efforts. He is a communicant of the Holy Spirit Church, a mem- ber of the Catholic Benevolent League, and a Democrat in politics.
Mr. Donohue married, in 1890, Anna A. Bears. Children : Frank J., Jo- seph A., Elizabeth, Joseph, Helen, Hilda and Harriette, twins, James, Walter, Edward, Anna, Paul. Mr. Donohue is a man of progressive ideas, and he is giv- ing his children the best possible educational advantages in order that they may be fitted for the duties of life.
FLAHERTY Among the leading business men of Glen Olden, who are achieving success as the result of industry, perseverance and integrity, must be mentioned Daniel M. Flaherty, whosc standing is high among the citizens of Glen Olden, and who is deservedly respected by those whom he favors with his friendship.
He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1866, son of James T. and Rebecca R. (Murphy) Flaherty, and grandson of James Flah- erty and Daniel M. Murphy, the former named a native of Ireland, from whence he came to this country about the time of the Mexican war, engaging in the same with General Scott, and after the cessation of hostilities returned to Philadelphia, where he followed the occupation of tailor, and the latter named was reared in Philadelphia, learned the trade of tinsmith with a Mr. Williams, with whom he was employed until his death. James T. Flaherty ( father ) was a druggist during his early manhood, and later in life a restorer of pictures, which proved a highly successful vocation. He died in March, 1904, survived by his wife, who is a resident of Glen Olden, where she has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Daniel M. Flaherty was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia and the Mount Vernon Grammar School, this course qualifying him for an active career. He learned the trade of printing with Burk McFetridge and with John A. Bencannon, following this line of work for some time. He then engaged in the magazine business, after which he worked for a contractor, then became a contractor, performing all kinds of work, and in 1897 established
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a business at Glen Olden, dealing in coal, feed, lime, sand, etc., which has proven successful, he being thoroughly practical and progressive in his meth- ods, and reliable in all his transactions. The industry and resolute purpose which lead to honorable success are his and have brought him a comfortable income. He believes firmly in the principles of Republicanism, and has taken an active interest in local politics. In 1893 he was elected supervisor of Darby township, in 1904 treasurer of the borough of Glen Olden, and has also served in several minor offices, in all of which he performed his duties to his own credit and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is a member of Prospect Lodge, No. 578, Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. Flaherty married, September 28, 1898, Clara Maass, of Glen Olden, born July 19, 1875. daughter of Charles and Caroline Maass. Mrs. Flaherty is a member of the Lutheran church, a devoted wife and loving mother. Children: Marie R. and D. Thorp: they are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Flaherty has a wide acquaintance by reason of his business interests and his social qualities, and is popular with his many friends.
VERLENDEN Enos Verlenden, deceased, was a member of a family of important manufacturers of the state of Pennsylvania. By their business and industria! activities they have, both as a family and as individuals, contributed to the wealth and growth of Penn- sylvania.
(I) John Verlenden was born and reared in Avondale. Delaware county, Pennsylvania. Receiving his education in the public schools of his native county, he early decided upon an industrial career, established a business, and in time became known as one of largest cloth manufacturers of Pennsylvania. His record as a business man still remains with his immediate family, and he accumulated wealth through his acumen in matters which others overlooked. or failed to seize the opportunity when presented. Possessing money and in- fluence, he was one of the foremost men of his day. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he gave it his adherence. He held local offices, such as school director, but never cared for others, as his time was engrossed with his business affairs. He married (first) Edith Lane. daughter of Edward Lane, a carriage manufacturer; married (second) Re- becca Boyd. Children of Edward and - (Dixey) Lane: Joel, Edward, David, John, Edith, married John Verlenden. Children of John and Edith (Lane) Verlenden: I. William Lane, married Mary W. Serrill. 2. Enos, of whom further. 3. Elizabeth, unmarried. 4. Sarah, married Charles Lloyd. Children by second marriage: 5. Charles, married Sarah Smith. 6. Harry. married Jessie -. 7. Edith, unmarried. 8. Child, died in infancy. 9. Child. died in infancy.
(II) Enos Verlenden, son of John and Edith (Lane) Verlenden, was born March 21. 1849. in Avondale. Delaware county. Pennsylvania : died May 14. 1905. in Darby. Delaware county. He passed his early years in Avondale. attended public school in Darby, and graduated with distinction from the Westchester Academy. On reaching his majority he entered the world of com- merce and industry. and in partnership with his brother, engaged in the man- ufacture of cloth, specializing in jeans. The firm of Verlenden Brothers at once established a name for itself and ere long was doing an extensive busi- ness, not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the United States. As the years passed more and modern machinery was added thus enabling the firm to keep pace with the demand for its class of goods. It brought that part of Pennsylvania into repute as a manufacturing center. Than Mr. Verlenden
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there was no more influential, highly respected and substantial citizen in Dela- ware county. He was a Republican, taking an active interest in all political questions of the day, and was a delegate to the National Republican Convention that nominated James G. Blaine for the presidency of the United States. He was justice of peace one year, and despite the protests of his constituency he declined to accept another term, as his large and ever growing industrial in- terests demanded his entire time and attention. He was vice-president of the cotton mills, which place he satisfactorily filled. He was a member of the Masonic order and of the Manufacturers Club.
He married, August 31, 1881, Ellie S. Lewis, a daughter of Maris W. and Sidney (Seamans) Lewis. The father of Sidney (Seamans) Lewis was Thomas Seamans, who married Jane Smith. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Seamans: Margaret; Sidney, married Maris W. Lewis; Sarah, mar- ried Edward Crispin ; Ellen, married Joseph Sager ; Jane, married Phillip Sig- ler ; William, married Elizabeth Jackson. Children of Maris W. and Sidney (Seamans) Lewis: Joseph, Margaret, Jane, William, Rebecca, Edward; one died unnamed; Ellie S. (see above) ; Rebecca B., Harry B. Children of Enos and Ellie S. (Lewis) Verlenden: 1. Helen L., married L. Hastings Alexan- der ; two children: L. Hastings Jr., and Helen V .: they make their home in Philadelphia. 2. Rebecca, married Dr. H. L. H. Dick, of Darby ; one child, Eleanor. 3. Elizabeth L., unmarried.
LEWIS A generation after William Penn, the great and astute Quaker founder of the colony of Pennsylvania, had transplanted from England to the congenial soil and surroundings of the sylvan dales of the New World, his friends and people of like faith, Thomas Lewis, gentleman farmer, joined them. In common with other Friends he at once entered upon the task of subduing the wilderness, conquering the savages by friendship and barter, if possible, if not, by more forcible means. He was allotted a tract of land by the governor of the province, and at once began his labors toward clearing it for farming purposes, and later erected thereon a house of logs, both comfortable and secure against Indian raids and assaults. With the Friends "an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure," and they early realized that they were at the mercy of a wily and dangerous foe; to-day friendly and placated, to-morrow vengeful enemies, so they constructed their rude log houses accordingly. From Thomas Lewis sprang many of the name in Pennsylvania, especially those who professed the faith of the Friends.
(I) James Lewis, a direct descendant of the immigrant, Thomas Lewis, was born about 1783, or perhaps earlier, in Newtown Square, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, there passed his early years and received his education in the district school of the place. He was a man of unusual prominence in his day, socially, politically and commercially. He established a large shoe manufac- tory in Philadelphia and conducted it successfully for years. The wearing qualities of the Lewis shoe became proverbial throughout the state, and until the day of his death, in Newtown Square, at an advanced age, his product retained its fame. He was an old line Whig in politics, but lived to vote the Republican ticket after the organization of that party. He and his family were Friends and contributed to the dignity and standing of the congregation they attended. He married Rebecca Worrell; to them were born three chil- dren : Maris W., of whom further ; Elisha and Evan.
(II) Maris W. Lewis, son of James and Rebecca (Worrell) Lewis, was born in Springfield township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, June 16,
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1813, died June 26. 1870. in Darby, Pennsylvania. He was reared and educated in Springfield township, and there remained until he was twenty- one. At that time he went to Darby and engaged in the manufacture of car- riages, and here passed the remainder of his life, a highly prosperous, influt- ential and public spirited citizen. He was interested in all matters pertaining to the public good, especially in and around Darby. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party in 1857, when he supported that party with his franchise, and continued to do so until his death. He married Sidney Seamans, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Smith) Seamans. Mr. Seamans was a carpenter in Darby. His children were: Margaret, married ( first) Evan Foster. ( second) William Newton: Sidney, married Maris W. Lewis; Sarah, married Edward Crispin : Ellen, married Joseph Sager : Jane. married Phillip Sigler : William, married Elizabeth Jackson. Children of Maris W. and Sidney ( Seamans ) Lewis: 1. Joseph, born in 1836. died in 1907. aged seventy-one. 2. Margaret, died in 1860. 3. Jane. 4. William, died in infancy. 5. Rebecca, died in infancy. 6. Edward, died aged three. 7. Child, died unnamed. 8. Ellie S., born September 22, 1850, in Darby, Pennsylvania : married, August 31, 1881, Enos Verlenden. 9. Rebecca B., unmarried ; attended public school in Darby, then finished at a young ladies' school. West Philadelphia, where she made a record as a student. She is a highly accom- plished woman, brainy and up-to-date. She makes her home at 5708 Thomas avenue, West Philadelphia, at the present time ( 1913), but hopes in the near future to return to the home of her childhood, for which she has the tenderest memories connected with her parents and brothers and sisters. 10. Harry B., married Martha E. Boyd. Children: Ida, married Harry Shaffer, children, Sidney and Charlie: Ellen, married Frank MeLaughlin, one child, Henry B. Lewis; Thomas S.
RUDOLPH From the time of the settlement in this country of William Penn and his colony of Quakers, the influence of this sect has been felt in a quiet, but none the less powerful, manner in many directions, and invariably to the benefit of the matters with which they interest themselves. The Rudolph family, of Springfield township, and of Upper Darby township. Delaware county, Pennsylvania, is a notable example of this kind. Tradition has it that they are of French descent ; however, it is known as a positive fact that they have been Quakers for a number of genera- tions.
(I) Thomas Rudolph was a farmer and drover, and became very pros- perous, owning two farms in Springfield township. He married Hannah Pow- ell and had children : Abraham, at first a farmer, then removed to Woodbury. New Jersey, where he engaged in the grocery business : Thomas, see forward ; Hannah, married Joshua Longworth, and lived in Abington township; Mary, died young, unmarried: Sarah, married Joseph Longworth, a farmer.
(II) Thomas, son of Thomas and Hannah (Powell) Rudolph, was born in Springfield township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, December 21. 1824. and died February 18. 1887. During the greater part of his life he was en- gaged as a farmer, but in 1872 he was offered, and he accepted the position of superintendent of the Friends' Southwestern Cemetery, filling this office until his death. He was an Independent in political matters, and in religion an at- tendant of the Concord Quarterly Meeting. He married Sarah A. Fogg, born in Philadelphia, February 2, 1828. died October 29. 1894. She was the dangh- ter of Samuel Allen and Elizabeth (Glover) Fogg: the former born February 20. 1805. died November 28. 1893 : the latter born August 16, 1807. died May
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3, 1893. Samuel Allen Fogg was born in Salem, New Jersey, and was a bricklayer by occupation. He was of English descent, and also a member of the Society of Friends. During the latter years of his life he was in the under- taking business. He and his wife raised a large family, of whom there are now living the following: Joseph, lives at Sixteenth and Race streets, Phila- delphia ; Rachel, married John E. Balderson ; Elizabeth, married Harry Stiles. Thomas and Sarah A. (Fogg) Rudolph had children : Samuel F., see forward ; Deborah F., born March 27, 1853, died April 27, 1876; Hannah, born July 24, 1856, died September 28, 1875: Elizabeth, born May I, 1858, died March 15, 1910, married William P. Hall : John M., deceased.
(III) Samuel F., son of Thomas and Sarah A. (Fogg) Rudolph, was born in Springfield township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1848, in the same house in which his father had been born. He received a part of his education in the Friends' School in Chichester township, Delaware coun- ty, Pennsylvania, later attending the public schools. His education was com- pleted when he left school at the age of sixteen years, and he then assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm until his marriage. He rented farms suc- cessively at Beverly, New Jersey, and in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and upon the death of his father in 1887, was appointed to succeed him as super- intendent of the cemetery. He is a member of the Society of Friends, attend- ing the Western District Monthly Meeting. Mr. Rudolph is quiet, even-tem- pered and unassuming in his manner, yet with a perseverance and faithful at- tention to detail which render his services invaluable. He attends to his various duties in a most methodical manner, and the cemetery is kept in a model way.
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