History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 217

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534

USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 217

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Samuel Rittenhouse

He was also one of the committee to carry out the plans for the erection of a memorial stone to the memory of David Rittenhouse, the philosopher, in 1884. He is a member and treasurer of the Lower Providence Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM RITTENHOUSE.

The subject of this biography resides upon the an- cestral land, once occupied by his grandfather, Henry Rittenhouse, who married Sophia Ernhart, and had children,-Christopher, William, Wilhelmina, David, Joseph and Henry. David, who settled on the home- stead in Norriton, married Rachel Zimmerman, 64

whose children are George W., Rachel, Mary, Char- lotte (deceased), David (deceased), William and Su- san, (deceased).

The death of Mrs. Rittenhouse occurred in 1848. Mr. Rittenhouse, the first year subsequent to his mar- riage, resided with his maternal grandmother, and on his return to the homestead worked the farm for six- teen years on shares, when it became his property. Though always active and industrious, he has {for many years abandoned hard labor, leaving the burden and toil to younger and more vigorous hands .. Mr. Rittenhouse cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and afterward became a Whig. He now votes the

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Republican ticket, but he has never sought office, either local or otherwise. He worships with the St. John's Protestant Episcopal congregation of Norris- town, in which church he is a pew-holder.

MICHAEL REED.

Michael Reed, the great-grandfather of Michael Reed, emigrated from Manheim Palatinate, on the Rhine, Germany, about 1728, and settled in Hatfield township, Montgomery Co., Pa. His wife's family fled from Switzerland on account of persecntion, and be for the same canse from Germany. He had three sons and five daughters, named, respectively, Jacob,

John, Andrew, Margaret, Magdalene, Catharine, Elizabeth and Eve; John was killed by lightning in his twenty-third year. The others all lived to an advanced age.

In 1793, Jacob Reed sold his farm in Hatfield and purchased one in New Britain township, Bncks Co., on the County Line road, dividing Montgomery and Bucks Connties. On this farm he resided, and here his wife died August 5, 1804, aged sixty-five years, six months and twelve days. The remaining days of his life were spent with his son Andrew on his farm, where he died November 2, 1820, aged ninety years, four months and four days. His remains lie buried

Win Rittenhouse

Michael, Andrew, Catharine, Frances, -, Elizabeth and Eve.

Jacob, the eldest, and the grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in Hatfield township on the 28th day of June, 1730, and purchased a farmi near the present Hatfield Station, on the North Penn- sylvania Railroad, the title for which he received from Thomas and Richard Penn, who were proprie- tors and Governors-in-chief in and over the province of Pennsylvania, by their patent dated the 23d of Febrnary, 1770.

Jacob Reed married Magdalene Leidy, to whom nine children were born, named Jacob, Philip,

in the Leidy burying-ground beside his wife and others of his family.

Jacob Reed was a man of mnch prominence in his day. He was active and influential as a citizen, fill- ing several positions of public trust in the vicinity. In the church he also took a deep interest, worshiping at the Indian Field Reformed Church, not far distant, in which he served as an elder for a number of years. He was also prominent and active as a defender of his country during the Revolutionary war, serving under General Washington as colonel of the Penn- sylvania militia, and participating in the battles of Trenton, Germantown, Brandywine, etc. He escaped

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1011

unhurt on the field of battle, but on one occasion, when at home visiting his family, he was waylaid by Tories, who first shot him through the leg, then tied him to a tree, tarred and feathered him and com- menced digging the grave in which they purposed burying him. Before completing this last act they were discovered, and fled, when he was released from his perilous situation. The parties engaged in this transaction escaped from the country, and their prop- erty was subsequently confiscated. On another occa- sion, while passing along the highway, he was shot at by a Hessian, who lay concealed in a fence-corner, the bullet grazing his head. Again, on another occa- sion, while the British were lying in Philadelphia,

Reed removed to his farm iu Hilltown township, which adjoined New Britain, which he cultivated until his children grew to mature years and left him. About the year 1846 he sold the farm and purchased a home near the Hilltown Church, where, on June 1. 1856, his daughter Abigail died, in the forty- sixth year of her age, and on June 3, 1861, his wife died, aged seventy-four years. The remaining days of his life were spent with his youngest daughter, Sarah. The last eight years were spent in total blind- ness. His death occurred June 10, 1869, aged eighty- eight years and seventeen days. During his life he was strictly honest in all his dealings, devoted to his family and beloved by his neighbors.

Michach H Reed

they engaged in a marauding "expedition to his home while he was on a furlough, and took him prisoner. They were about firing the gun already pointed at him, when the British officer's wife interfered and saved his life. They, however, took his best horse and despoiled him of much other valuable property. Andrew Reed, being the youngest of his children, remained with him and aided in the cultivation of the farm. About 1807 he married Mary Hartman, to whom five children were born, named Jacob, Michael, Julian, Abigail and Sarah, all natives of New Brit- ain township. Jacob and Abigail are deceased; the others still survive.

The year following the death of his father, Andrew

Both Mr. Reed and his wife were consistent Chris tians and worshiped at the church of the Evangelical Association in Hilltown, where their remains lie buried beside those of their daughter Abigail.

Michael Reed was born October 24, 1809, and left his home at the age of seventeen years to learn the hatting business, which occupation he followed during his first two years at Skippackville, and in 1834 re- moved to Philadelphia, where he continued the same occupation until about 1848. He then retired from business and removed to Bucks County, where, on February 15, 1852, he married Mary A. Rockafellow, to whom three children were born,-Franklin, Wil- loughby and Mary.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Franklin is engaged in the hardware business at National City, Southern California, where he mar. ried and is now living. Willoughby is by profession a graduate of pharmacy and also a graduate of Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia. He is married and practicing medicine in Jeffersonville, Montgom- ery Co., Pa. Mary is engaged in teaching.

Michael Reed has resided for the last twenty-eight years in Jeffersonville. He is in religion a Pres- byterian, and elder in the Centennial Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville, which office he has held for many years.

Norriton, where, with the exception of a brief period, his life was spent. He was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of George Freas, of Whitemarsh town- ship, and had children,-Hiram, Mary, Jesse, George, Ann, Myra, Hannah, Samuel, Samuel (second), Isaac, Leah and Rachel. Jesse was born on the 12th of September, 1823, in Whitemarsh township, where he remained until eleven years of age. In 1834 he re- moved with the family to Norriton township, on the farm now occupied by him, where his father was a successful farmer and also followed his trade of black- smith. After very modest educational opportunities

Lefse Roberts

JESSE ROBERTS.

Ellis Roberts, who was of Welsh descent, and the probable pioneer of the family iu Montgomery County, was the first to pursue the blacksmith's craft in that county. He died in 1775, and his wife, Mary, in 1781. Their son Levi, the great-grandfather of Jesse Roberts, resided in Norriton township, and was by trade a shoe- maker, having made shoes for the Revolutionary army while encamped at Valley Forge.

His children were Mary, Ruth and Jesse, the last- named having married Elizabeth Davis, who was also of Welsh extraction, and had children,-Margaret, Levi, Samuel, Jesse, Isaac, Charles, Job and Mary. Samuel was horn on the 1st of September, 1795, in

he learned the trade of a carpeuter, and finding a de- mand for his skill, continued it until 1849, when his presence was rendered necessary on the farm, which he superintended for his father. The homestead was sold in 1868, and a portion purchased by him embrac- ing sufficient land to pursue the healthful occupations of a farmer. Mr. Roberts, in 1851, obtained a patent on a graiu and seed fau he invented, and for several years engaged in their manufacture. They were iu large demand, received premiums from various organ- izations and were conceded to be at the time the best machines of their character in the market. Mr. Roberts, having abandoned manufacturing, has of late devoted himself exclusively to farming. He has been

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since 1867 secretary of the Norristown and Centre he purchased the farm in Norriton township which is now the residence of his widow and son, where much of the time not given to ministerial work was devoted Square Turnpike and Road Company. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and found it easy in the organ- ization of the Republican party to espouse its principles, ' to farming. He was married, in 1831, to Miss Mary, though he has never sought nor accepted office. He | daughter of William Johnson, of Worcester township, was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends.

REV. JOHN L. REESE.

Montgomery Co. Their only son, William J., pursues the life of an agriculturalist. Mr. Reese later in life studied theology, and believing that the gospel should be free to all men, gave his services to the churches to which he ministered without compensation, at Valley Forge, Goshen, Chester Co., at Lower Providence and elsewhere at Baptist Churches of the county. His Abolition sentiments led to affiliation with the Re-

Evan Reese, the grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch, was descended from Welsh par- ents, and resided in Upper Providence township. He was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Bell, and had children,-Daniel, Samuel, Benjamin, John, Evan publican party in politics, though never serving

REV. JOHN L. REESE.

and Sarah. Of these, Benjamin was a native of Upper Providence, and married Jane Lloyd, whose children were Thomas, David, John L., Samuel, Eliza (Mrs. Benjamin Johnson), Hannah (Mrs. Jacob Jobn- son), and Margaret, the last-named being the only survivor. John L. was born on the 18th of June, 1804, in Upper Providence township, and received in his youth but limited advantages of education. He, however, cultivated habits of observa-

actively in its ranks. His death occurred May 2, 1861' in his fifty-seventh year.

WILLIAM J. REESE.

William J. Reese, the grandson of Benjamin and Jane Lloyd Reese and the son of Rev. John L. and Mary Johnson Reese, was born on the 15th of Novem- ber, 1834, in Norriton township, where he has been a tion and thought which were of more service than the ; life-long resident. His youth was devoted to the knowledge derived from books. He early engaged in teaching, the summer months being devoted to labor on the farm of his father and the winter to the various schools at different times under his charge. At the age of twenty-five, desiring to become independent improvement of such opportunities as were offered at the neighboring schools of his township, after which he became a pupil of the Treemount Seminary, Norris- town. He for a while pursued the avocation of a teacher, but ultimately returned to the paternal roof

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

and engaged in the labor incident to a farmer's life. On the death of his father the property became his by inheritance, and is now, as before, his home. Mr. Reese was married, on the 10th of February, 1870, to Miss Anna, daughter of John Hardy, of Lower Provi- dence township, whose children are John W., Ella May and William J., Jr. Mr. Reese's known ability and integrity have caused his services to be frequently in demand in the capacity of guardian and as the custodian of momentous trusts. Thongh a Repub- lican in politics, his interest in matters of public

John Sanders, of West Philadelphia, and had chil- dren,-Emily, Hester, Susannah, Anna, Zoe, Mary, Sarah, Jane, Elmira, Joseph and John S. The last- named son was born on the 21st of November, 1828, in Germantown, though a part of his youth was spent in Delaware County, Pa. He became while a lad a pupil of the common school, and when sufficiently advancel in years, engaged in farming, with his father. He was in 1854 married to Rachel Haws, daughter of Samuel Haws, of Norristown. Their children are Ada B., Hamilton, J. Wilmer, Lilius M.

Mrm. J. Rese

concern is evinced simply by the casting of his ballot, | (Mrs. Edwin K. Kneule, of Norristown) and Alice G. neither the honors of office nor its rewards having for | him attractions. Mr. Reese and his family are wor- shipers at the Baptist Church of Lower Providence.

JOHN S. HARDING.

Mr. Harding is descended from English stock. John Harding, his father, resided during his early life in Germantown, Pa., and later purchased a farm at Eagleville, in Lower Providence township, to which he removed. He married Elizabeth, step-daughter of | than that of school director of his township. In his

Mr. Harding, soon after his marriage, rented the farm of his father-in-law, which for several years he culti- vated, purchasing, in 1872, the valuable property in Norriton township which is his present home. Though engaged in general farming, he has devoted much attention to the products of the dairy, in which he has been remarkably successful. Mr. Harding is a Republican in his political associations, and though active in politics, has aspired to no local office other

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NORRITON TOWNSHIP.

religious belief he is a Presbyterian and a supporter of the church of that denomination at Jeffersonville, where the family worship.

WILLIAM KNIGHT, SR.

William Knight, the grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch, emigrated from England and settled in Cecil County, Md., where he became the owner of a tract of land embracing one thousand acres, and ranked as one of the leading agricultural- ists of the county. Among his sons was Thomas, who married Ann Kirk, of the same county, to whom were born children,-William, Emily, Lydia Ann, Levi

period of eighteen years in the latter place. He was married, on the 9th of September, 1841, to Jane, daugh- ter of Colonel Samuel H. Coats, of Upper Merion. Their children are Margaret A. (Mrs. Joseph Frantz), Emily (Mrs. John R. Pugh), Samnel C., William T., Gertrude (MIrs. Harry T. Walter), Grace I. (wife of Dr. T. L. Adams), Blanche E. (Mrs. T. R. Vernon), Paul G. and two who are deceased. Mr. Knight eventually left Germantown and became a resident of Chester County, where for eighteen years he cultivated a farm. In ISS1 he purchased a farm and residence in Norriton township, near Norristown, and continued actively employed until his death, on the 8th of July,

John Af Harding

and Thomas, of whom Lydia Ann (Mrs. John Sum- mers) and Emily (Mrs. Henry Sheaff) are the only survivors. William was born March 29, 1812, in Cecil County, Md. After a plain English education he be- came an apprentice to the trade of a carpenter, which. however, engaged his attention for a brief period only. He gratified his taste for travel by an extended tour in the West, which was made a source, not only of diversion, but profit, and on returning became a con- tractor and builder, constructing various bridges for the Pennsylvania Railroad when under the auspices of the State, in 1832. Removing to Germantown, he continued his business as a builder, residing for a

1884. Mr. Knight bore a reputation for great ability in business transactions, as also for the most scrupulous integrity, his influence being always on the side of morality and religion. The principles of justice and nierey were exemplified in his daily walk and conver- sation. His religious training was that of the Society of Friends, though since his residence in Norriton a worshiper with the congregation of the Old Swedes Church (Protestant Episcopal), of Bridgeport.

WILLIAM R. KENNEDY.

The Kennedy family trace their lineage from Ireland. William Kennedy, the father of the sub-

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

ject of this biography, resided in Easttown town- ship, Chester Co., Pa., where he was the owner of a productive farm. He married Esther daugh- ter of David Robinson, of the same county, whose children were Margaret (deceased), Hetty Ann (Mrs. John Dampman), Rachel, Alexander (deceased), William R., Robert (deceased), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Peter Supplee, deceased). William R. was born March 23, 1816, in Easttown township, Chester Co., and devoted his early youth to aequiring such edu- cation as the schools near his home afforded. His time was then occupied in labor upon the land owned

Co., but in 1848 found superior advantages offered in the purchase of a farm of about one hundred acres from the estate of Jesse Bean (deceased), located one quarter of a mile southwest of Jeffersonville, in Norriton township, where he remained pursuing the avocation of a farmer until 1870, when his present home, at Jeffersonville, in the same township, was purchased. Having been from his youth aceustomed to habits of industry, his willing hands now find occupation in the improvement of the land about his home. Mr. Kennedy has, as a Democrat, served the township in various capacities, though not active in

Hp & Hennedy

by his father until 1845, when, on the 20th of Feb- ruary of that year, he was married to Miss Abigail E., daughter of Peter Supplee, of Schuylkill township, Chester Co., Pa. The children of this marriage are William (deceased); B. Franklin, married to Eliza, daughter of James Smith, of Montgomery County ; John S., who is united to Susan, daughter of Thomas P. Potts, of Norristown; Emma S. (Mrs. Abner Cor- nog) ; and Robinson, whose wife was Maggie, daugh- ter 'of Benson Schrader, of Armstrong County, Pa. Mr. Kennedy, in 1847, two years after his marriage, removed to a farm in Tredyffrin township, Chester

public matters. He is a member of the Jefferson- ville Presbyterian Church, and among its foremost supporters.

FRANCIS NACE.

Mr. Nace is of German descent, his grandfather having been De Walt Nace, who resided in Upper Salford township, where he was a representative far- mer. Ilis wife was a Miss Barndt, whose children were five sons and four daughters, among whom was Christian, born on the homestead October 18, 1785,

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1017

where he was both a distiller and a farmer on the laud formerly the property of his great-grandfather. He was united in marriage to Susanna, daughter of Philip Singmaster, their children being Francis, Samuel S. and Mary Ann. Francis, whose birth oc- curred at the paternal home on the 3d of June, 1820, at the age of eleven years, removed to the farm which is his present home, in Norriton township, his father having purchased the property. He was educated at the common schools, and early instructed in the varions departments of farm labor, first assisting his father, and later superintending his business. On the death of the latter he inherited a portion of the !

Providence township, whose two children, Bertha Nace and Frank John, reside with their parents and grandparents on the homestead. Mr. Nace is a Dem- ocrat in politics, but has invariably declined official position either in the township or county. He has been on frequent occasions appointed guardian, and held various positions of responsibility and trust. His religious convictions are in harmony with the creed of the Reformed Church, his membership being in connection with the church in Franconia township.

SAMUEL F. JARRETT.

The progenitor of the Jarrett family emigrated from

Francis Nace

property, and purchased the remainder, continuing | the Highlands of Scotland to America at a very early his usual avocations and making a specialty of blooded date. Among his descendants was John Jarrett, the great-grandfather of Samuel F., who was born in 1719, and married Alice Conard, also born the same year. Their children were John, whose birth occurred in 1740; May, born in 1742; Elizabeth, in 1744; Han- nah, in 1745; Rachel, in 1747; William, in 1748; Alice, in 1750; Jonathan, in 1753; David, in 1755; Jesse, in 1757; Taey, in 1759; and Joseph, in 1761. Jesse married Elizabeth Palmer, whose children were Mary (Mrs. Isaac Shoemaker), David, Alice, Tacy (Mrs. James Kirk), Joseph and John. stock, for which he has an extended reputation. Mr. Nace is a progressive farmer, and keeps well informed on matters pertaining to his branch of industry. All modern machinery adapted to the wants of the agri- culturalist may be found in use upon his land, and new improvements of whatever character are eagerly sought and applied by him. Francis Nace was mar- ried, on the 19th of March, 1846, to Miss Levina, daughter of Samuel Leidy, of Franconia township, Montgomery Co. Their only daughter, Susanna, is married to William B. Gross, of the Trappe, Upper David, of this number, was born October 24,

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

1797, in Whitemarsh township, and subsequently made Upper Providence township his home, where he engaged in farming pursuits until 1836, when his removal to Plymouth occurred. He mar- ried Rebecca, daughter of Atkinson Farra, of Norris- town, whose children were Jesse, Samuel F., Charles P., Atkinson F., Elizabeth, John, Lucretia (Mrs. Joseph Umstead) and Chalkley. Samuel F. was born in Upper Providence township on the 19th of November, 1825, and at the age of ten years removed to Plymouth, where his youth was devoted to the ac-

his attention largely to farming, making dairying a specialty, in which branch of agricultural industry he is much interested, and has been chosen president of the Crawford Creamery, of Lower Providenec. Mr. Jarrett is in his political convictions a stanch Re- publican. He was, elected in 1872, county treasurer in a strong Democratic locality. His popularity led to his renomination in 1873 by acclamation and conse- quent election. In 1874, he was again chosen for the third term of three years, and closed his official career in 1878. He was among the first to enlist, in 1863, in

Stan Marets 10/

quirement of a rudimentary education. Returning again to Upper Providence, he remained until 1845, when Norriton township became his residence and his occupation that of a farmer. Mr. Jarrett was, on the 3d of June, 1849, married to Amanda Crawford, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Crawford, of Lower Providence. Their children are two daughters,- Emma (deceased) and Anna R., wife of Dr. W. H. Reed, of Jeffersonville. Mr. Jarrett on his marriage removed to a farm in Lower Providence owned by him, and three years later, in 1853, purchased his present home in Norriton township. He has given

response to the call for men for the "emergency," and became a member of the Norris Cavalry, which did valuable service in Maryland, remaining in the field for a period of two months. Mr. Jarrett was educated in the faith of the Society of Friends, but at present worships at the Lower Providence Presbyterian Church.

JOHN HOFFMAN.

Squire Hoffman's grandfather was Jacob Hoffman, who resided in Norriton township, where he culti-

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1019

vated a farm. He was united in marriage to a Miss Slough, whose children were John, Jacob, Samuel, Peter, Joseph, Jesse and three daugliters. Jacob was born in Norriton township on the 17th day of September, 1793, and varied the pursuits of a farmer with the trade of a carpenter. He married Barbara Heebner, daughter of Jolin and Elizabeth Hoffman Heebner, of Norriton township, their only child being John Hoffinan, whose life is here briefly sketched. He was born December 25, 1813, in Norriton, and educated at the schools immediately near his home. For several years after he engaged in teaching, in

residence. He has also, for fifty years, been engaged in the practice of surveying and conveyancing. He is in politics a Democrat, and interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the county. Squire Hoff- man was for eight years assessor. for three years county commissioner, and, in 1848, was elected justice of the peace, which office he still holds. His services are frequently sought as guardian and trustee, and his opinion in matters of public import received with deference in the township. He has recently been admitted to membership in the Lower Provi- dence Presbyterian Church.

fw Hoffman

which he was successful. He married Rosanna, daughter of David and Mary Gouldey, of the same township, and has children-Franklin, Joanna, James and two who are deceased. Squire Hoffman, after his marriage, cultivated the homestead farm, which he eventually inherited. Here his tranquil life has been spent, no excitements or attractions of the world about him having been sufficient to lure him from this peaceful home.

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History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 217

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1534

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534