USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 9
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In religion Mr. Daly is a Roman Catholic, for years being a promi- nent member of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, Conshohocken. He has on several occasions been chairman of committees raising funds for the erection of the beautiful edifice now in that parish.
In politics Mr. Daly is a Democrat and has always adhered closely to party principles. While he has on several occasions been approached with regard to accepting the candidacy for State, county and borough office, he has always declined. During the years Mr. Daly has resided in Conshohocken he has always been a strong advocate for any movement looking towards the betterment of the town. He is a prominent member of the Conshohocken Chamber of Commerce, and of Conshohocken
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Council, No. 1603, Knights of Columbus, of which his son, Walter Joseph, is the head. Mr. Daly is also a prominent member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and of the American Federation for the Recognition of the Irish Independence, and while he has always been a strong advocate of the principles of his adopted country, he has ever been an ardent worker in the cause of Irish independence. To summarize, Mr. Daly is a type of citizen whose example may be emulated for the common good of any community and for a better United States of America.
Mr. Daly married, in 1885, Hannah Devanney, daughter of Martin and Margaret Devanney, from which union six children were born : Mary Elizabeth, Madeline Regina, Rosalie Veronica (deceased), Walter Joseph, Martin (deceased), and Margaret Francis.
EDWARD LEWIS VAUGHAN, SR .- In Norristown, Pennsylvania, the venerable Mr. Vaughan is highly esteemed as a citizen whose long and useful career has contributed to the welfare and progress of the people. Mr. Vaughan comes of an old and honored family of Montgomery county, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Fryer) Vaughan, his father a lifelong farmer, successful in his chosen field of endeavor and a prominent citizen of the community. The family consisted of nine children, his five sons being : Edward Lewis, of whom further; William, Thomas, Joshua and John ; and his four daughters: Kate, who married William G. Smith ; Mary, who married Henry Newberry; Emma, who married George Simpson ; and Martha, who married Charles B. Nicholas.
Edward Lewis Vaughan was born in Lower Merion township, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, December 18, 1843. He received only the advantages of a common school education, and as a young lad took up the work of the home farm side by side with his father. He con- tinued as his father's assistant until thirty-two years of age, then rented the farm from his father and took entire charge of the agricultural oper- ations. He carried on the farm for about twenty-three years, then, in 1898, he entered the coal and feed business at Belfrey, also in this county. Shortly afterwards he returned to farming, conducting a place in East Norriton township and running a milk route in Norristown. In 1910 Mr. Vaughan definitely retired from farming and came to Norristown to live. He was not, however, satisfied to be idle, and accepted a position as janitor for the Bell Telephone Company. Later he was with the Mont- gomery Trust Company as a night man, but in 1921, concluded to relin- quish all activity, and has since been retired, residing at No. 501 Green street, Norristown. Mr. Vaughan has always been a supporter of the Democratic party, but has never sought nor accepted political honors. He was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Ardmore; and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the members of his family are also members.
Mr. Vaughan married, on January 6, 1876, in Lower Merion township. at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage, Rev. Nathaniel Turner perform- ing the ceremony, Clara A. Hood, who was born February 16, 1854, and was a daughter of William P. and Ariadne (Llewllyn) Hood. Mr.
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Edward L Haughan ST
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and Mrs. Vaughan's children are: I. Araminta, who was born February 8, 1877, and became the wife of Harry R. Simon, a retail milk dealer. They have two children: Hazel, born August 16, 1910; and Virginia, born September 6, 1911. 2. Edward L., Jr., who was born February 8, 1884, is an iron worker by occupation, and is married. 3. Benjamin Rodney (B. Rodney), who was born March 4, 1886, and was educated for his present profession at the Eckles College of Embalming, covering sanitary science, bacteriology and chemistry. He was graduated at the head of a class of seventy-one students, having made an average of 99-7/10 per cent. in scholarship during the course. Going to Baltimore. Maryland, after his graduation, he managed the undertaking business of J. B. Cook for five years, then, in 1919, came to Norristown and estab- lished his present successful interest as undertaker and funeral director. 4. Earl, who was born October 25, 1888, and died February 11, 1893. 5. David, who was born January 3, 1890, and died in June of the same year. 6. Ioelean Hood, who was born September 10, 1895, and became the wife of William Kopeland Wilson, assistant comptroller of the Fisk Tire Company, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; they have two children : William K., Jr., born May 26, 1918; and Earl Vaughan, born February 15, 1920.
Honored in his children, as well as in the record of his own upright and sincere life, Edward Lewis Vaughan, Sr., may well approach the sunset years of life with satisfaction, both in the retrospect and in the forward look.
WILLIAM STEMPLE -- One of the well known names in Montgom- ery county, Pennsylvania, is that of Stemple, its early members coming from Chester county and settling in Conshohocken early in the nineteenth century. William Stemple was widely known in Montgomery county, having lived to the great age of nearly ninety-six years. He was a son of John Stemple, a farmer by occupation, and a member of a very old family of Colonial days in Chester county, Pennsylvania. In coming to Mont- gomery county John Stemple purchased the historic Jacoby place, in a section of Conshohocken known locally as "Whiskey Lane," where he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He married, in his native place, Julia Patterson, also of an old Chester county family, and they were the parents of four sons: John, William, Davis, and Reuben.
William Stemple was born in Goshen, Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1814, and died in Conshohocken, Montgomery county, this State, May 16, 1910. His education was begun in the public schools of his native place, and with the removal of the family to Conshohocken in his boyhood, he completed his studies in the schools of this community. At the age of fourteen years he left school to assist his father on the farm, as was the custom in those days, and remained on the home farm until the time of his marriage. He then purchased land nearer to the village, on what is now Fayette street, but then little more than a wilderness. There he built a small cottage, to which he added improve-
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ments as time passed, keeping pace with the growth and dignity of the borough. He continued his interest in farming to some extent, but his principal business was the buying and selling of horses and cattle, in his day a branch of mercantile activity involving good business judg- ment, a broad knowledge of relevant conditions, and a thorough famili- arity with the stock handled, and to these qualifications was added, in Mr. Stemple's case, a great love of animals, and kindly consideration for their well-being. He became widely known in this and neighboring States, and was largely successful in the business in which the greater part of his life was spent. With the development of the town and its absorption of the suburban districts which included his own neighbor- hood, Mr. Stemple saw the possibilities of profitable investment which should also contribute to the general welfare, and built a large business block on the property which he originally purchased as a home for his bride. He became a stockholder in the First National Bank of Consho- hocken, and was for a number of years a member of the Town Council, his political allegiance always given to the Republican party. By relig- ious faith he was a birth-right Friend, and was a member of Plymouth Meeting Congregation of Conshohocken.
Mr. Stemple married, November 21, 1835, Elizabeth Hornkeith, daughter of Henry and Mary Hornkeith, of Conshohocken, where the ceremony was performed. They were the parents of eleven children : John, Henry, Elizabeth, Joan, Margaret, Annie; Julia A., who still resides at the family home on Fayette street; George; Miles, a sketch of whom follows; William R., also the subject of a following sketch ; and Martha.
MILES STEMPLE-There is no loss to a community keener than that of the man to whom the people have entrusted their common safety, and whose judgment and fidelity to his trust have preserved to them their lives and property. This was the relation to his fellow-citizens held by Miles Stemple, who throughout a long and active life devoted his ceaseless endeavors to the welfare and protection of the community, giving far more of his time and energies to the public service depart- ment of which he was the head than to any personal affairs or interests.
Miles Stemple was born in Plymouth township, near Conshohocken, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, which has been his life residence, February 12, 1849, his birthplace being the farmhouse located at the junction of Mill road and Colwell's road, which is now the property of the Alan Wood Iron and Steel Company. He was a son of William Stemple, whose life is reviewed in the preceding sketch, and Elizabeth (Hornkeith) Stemple.
As a lad Miles Stemple attended the "Eight Square" school of Ply- mouth township for a time, but the removal of the family to Consho- hocken was an event of his boyhood, and his education was completed there. The family home was on Washington street, then the main thor- oughfare of the community, and his father, who was an extensive dealer in horses and cattle, did considerable hauling for the blast furnaces in
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the vicinity of Spring Mill. As a young man Miles Stemple took an active part in this work, and for many years was more or less identified with his father's interests along this and similar lines.
But it was as the head of the Conshohocken Fire Department that Miles Stemple was best and longest known, for his efforts placed this department in the lead over a wide region, among towns of similar size and population. He became chief of this organization more by the popular recognition of his able leadership than by any vested authority. The Washington Fire Company, which was the original organization from which the present splendid body has developed, was organized in 1872, and Miles Stemple was one of its first members. From that date until his death the history of Miles Stemple and the history of fire pro- tection in Conshohocken were identical. The first apparatus consisted of an old hand-drawn engine purchased from the Wilmington, Dela- ware, department. Through Mr. Stemple's efforts this was early replaced by a model American-La France steamer, and a pair of fine horses. Another early move was the incorporation of the company, which was accomplished in 1874. The appropriation from the borough being too meagre to meet the cost of this improvement, or to warrant any appreciable progress in the years to come, Mr. Stemple conceived the idea of going into business for the company. He purchased a dray wagon and solicited hauling from the business firms about the town, turning the proceeds from this business into further improvements as well as meeting the running expenses of the company. As the years passed a modern motor combination truck was purchased, the cost being met through funds raised by Mr. Stemple, largely to supplement the income from this business, the cost of this truck being $6,000. This necessitated the erection of an adequate building, and rather than burden the people by further subscriptions, he met the cost from his personal resources, accepting the company's promise to pay, an obliga- tion fulfilled only a short time before his death. Further additions to the equipment and buildings were his constant ambition, and were realized from time to time through his tireless efforts, his direct con- tributions to the cause exceeding, to the certain knowledge of a few close friends, the meager stipend which he received from the borough as salary.
During the entire history of the department every penny received by him for the department was accounted for with the most careful preci- sion, and every penny devoted to the particular object for which it was intended. One of the significant reforms which he instituted was the abolishment of the early system of dues for membership, a move which was the means of more cordial relations among the members, and which retained many valued members much longer than would otherwise have been the case. Mr. Stemple was making plans for the fiftieth anniver- ary of the fire company as an incorporated body, which will take place in September, 1924, but although he was aware for some time that he could not live to see the date, his interest in and devotion to the welfare of the organization was keen to the last. His work placed the fire
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department of Conshohocken so far ahead of towns of similar importance in equipment and efficiency that the name of Miles Stemple was recog- nized in many states as that of a man of rare achievements. In other civic affairs Mr. Stemple was also constructively interested. He served from 1905 until 1919 in the Town Council of Conshohocken, and the candidacy was again pressed upon him, but he declined further honors in this connection. His work as chairman of the trees and pavements committee constitutes a monument to his memory second only to the fire department.
Mr. Stemple's health had been failing for many months. While fighting fire at the Moose Home, May 30, 1920, he was at work on the third floor of the structure when the flooring gave way, and he fell upon the joists beneath. An injury to his arm he gave immediate atten- tion to, but said nothing to any one regarding the internal effects of the fall, believing them to be negligible. He continued on duty as usual, and early in the winter developed a serious cold. According to his cus- tom, he gave a party on his birthday, February 12, to the members of the department at the fire house. Although he was ill, he responded to every alarm until the close of the winter, March 14, 1921, being his last active service as a fireman. Liver trouble, with complications, was slowly bringing his life to a close. He made all arrangements for the end, even going to Riverside Cemetery in a motor car and choosing his burial plot. He faced the "Great Adventure" with a dauntless spirit, his only care being the orderly settling of the affairs which he was passing on to other hands. He died at his home on August 20, 1921, the end peaceful and free from suffering. At his own request the funeral obse- quies were held at the fire house, and in the parlors of that building the body lay in state for three hours. The services were conducted by Rev. Thomas A. Armour, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, assisted by Rev. J. Kennedy Moorhouse rector of Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church. Firemen from all the near-by towns and cities attended the services, also representatives from many remoter places. To provide for the convenience and comfort of these many guests the townspeople of Conshohocken offered their motor cars to the number of more than one hundred. The John F. DeHaven Post, American Legion, of Con- shohocken, also formed a part of the funeral cortege. The universal esteem in which Mr. Stemple was held was clearly attested by the pro- found regret expressed by all. The memory of his usefulness and the gallant spirit which inspired all his activities will long be cherished by. the people of this community, who feel that they are indeed blest in his having been among them.
Mr. Stemple married Margaret McGraugh, of Cold Point, who sur- vives him, with one daughter and three sons: Anna, wife of Frank Steiner, of Conshohocken; George, of Norristown; Reuben; and Jesse ; the two younger sons being residents of Conshohocken.
WILLIAM R. STEMPLE-A prominent figure in the life of Con- shohocken, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, for many years, and now
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retired from active business, William R. Stemple is widely known in this section, and is highly esteemed as a useful and upright citizen. Mr. Stemple comes of old Pennsylvania stock, and is a grandson of John and Julia (Patterson) Stemple, and a son of William and Elizabeth (Horn- keith ) Stemple.
William R. Stemple was born in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, July 10, 1858. Receiving his education in the public schools of his native place, he assisted his father as a young man, taking an active part in the cattle and livery business of which his father was the owner. As the father advanced in years the son took more and more responsibility, and being interested in the affairs of the business, eventually made it his life work. The father retired many years before his death, which occurred in the ninety-sixth year of his age. Thus for a quarter of a century, William R. Stemple was the sole head and owner of the busi- ness, which he carried on with gratifying success until about three years ago. He then retired from active business interests, and has since devoted his time to the care of his property, and such public activities as are the pleasure of every progressive citizen. A Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Stemple has served for many years as judge of elections, but otherwise has thus far declined political honors. He is a stock- holder in the First National Bank of Conshohocken, and has a spacious and delightful house at No. 313 Spring Mill avenue. He is a member of the Episcopal church.
Mr. Stemple married, in Conshohocken, May 7, 1882, Laura Nuss, daughter of Edmund and Matilda Nuss, and also a member of an old Pennsylvania family. They have three children: William D., Edward D., and George.
J. ALFRED NOBLIT-Under the careful instruction of his father, Mr. Noblit succeeded for many years in carrying on the business of contractor and builder, but changed his occupation a few years before his death. He resided in West Conshohocken, where he served the community in several capacities in a wholly commendable manner. He was the son of John and May E. (Hartman) Noblit. The father, son of Joseph and Sarah Noblit, was born in Lower Merion township, and was a contractor and farmer until he died in 1894, at the age of sixty-nine years and two months. The mother passed away in 1892, aged sixty.
J. Alfred Noblit, born June 13, 1854, in Lower Merion township, attended the local public schools and Mount Pleasant Seminary. When he had completed his education he went with his father to learn the carpentering trade, and in 1883 he established himself independently in business as a contractor and builder. In 1917 he became proprictor of a garage and continued it, with farming, until his death, which occurred on November 30, 1922, after an illness of five years. His business is now being conducted by his son, Ross H., and the property reverted to his widow. The building, used as a garage, is now two stories, 40 by 200 feet, with storage space for seventy cars. No repair work is done.
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He was an Independent in politics, although nominally a Republican, and was elected to the school board in 1890. He served as a councilman for three terms in West Conshohocken, and had been tax collector since 1918. He was a member of the Gulf Christian Church.
Mr. Noblit married Catherine Hiltner, May 6, 1884, in West Con- shohocken, daughter of Charles and Mary Hiltner, and they had three children : Elva, married John R. Ellis, of Bowling Green, Kentucky : Ida May, married Francis Dougherty, of West Conshohocken, and has four children : Paul, Francis, Marie and Harold; and Ross H., married Berdilla Arters, and has two children: James and Agnes Jane Bry ; he is now employed with the Cooper Creek Chemical Company, where he has been employed for the past three years.
THOMAS ADAMS BROWN-Among those citizens of Montgom- ery county who were widely known and who have passed on to the next life is Thomas A. Brown, former proprietor of the Jeffersonville Inn, who died February 23, 1919, having been a resident of Jeffersonville and proprietor of the Inn for a period of eleven years.
Mr. Brown was born in Philadelphia, October 21, 1865, son of John, who was of Scotch descent, and died of sun-stroke when Mr. Brown was an infant, and of Mary (Adams) Brown, whose name was formerly spelled MacAdams. John and Mary (Adams) Brown were the parents of two children : Thomas Adams, whose name entitles this review; and Sarah, who married John McCormick, now deceased, and had two chil- dren : Thomas B., named for Mr. Brown; and John, who died at the age of fifteen years.
Thomas Adams Brown attended the public schools of Philadelphia, and entered Girard College, in Philadelphia, from which he was gradu- ated in 1881, with the degree Bachelor of Arts. Upon the completion of his college course, he became chief clerk for Adams Express Company, and that connection he maintained until 1908, when, his health having failed, he removed to Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania, and became proprietor of the Jeffersonville Inn, which is now known as Tom Brown's Inn. The Inn is an historic one, and dates back to pre-Revolutionary days, hav- ing been built in 1765 and suffered partial destruction by the British. It has been restored and is now furnished with quaint, antique furniture, old rugs, pictures and old china, which gave it an old-time air and an atmosphere which suggests the stately life of long-past Colonial times. It is a most inviting place and attracts to itself patrons from all over the country, having become famous as one of the old landmarks of that section of the country and as a relic of pre-Revolutionary days.
Politically, Mr. Brown was a Republican, as is also his wife. The Republican meetings of the neighborhood were always held at "Tom Brown's Inn," and it is said that local political "slates" were always made up there. He was well known in fraternal circles where he was a general favorite, being affiliated with Fort Washington Lodge, No. 308, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was a past master; of Fort Washington Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he was a past high
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priest ; Hutchinson Commandery, Knights Templar, at Norristown; and Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The chapter at Fort Washington changed the meeting night from Saturday to Thursday in order that he might be able to attend, and the latter evening has continued to be their regular meeting time. He was also a member of Norristown Lodge, No. 714, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and before the enactment of the Prohibition Amend- ment, was for several years secretary of the Liquor Dealers' Association of Montgomery county. Mr. Brown was a lover of horses and of riding, and in his younger days was fond of football and of fishing. His relig- ious affiliation was with the Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, and when a boy he was a member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church Band, at Philadelphia.
On March 7, 1889, Thomas A. Brown married, at Camden, New Jer- sey, Laura Cassidy, daughter of Henry, deceased, who was a butcher in Philadelphia, and Sarah (Ford) Cassidy, who is a resident of Jefferson- ville. Mrs. Brown was one of three children, the other two being Wil- liam Henry, deceased, and Lucinda Alice, who married William B. Wil- liams, of Oak Lane, Philadelphia. Mrs. Brown is now the capable and successful manager of the Jeffersonville Inn, which has lost nothing of its quaintness and charm under her management, and which is still known as "Tom Brown's Inn."
P. M. STOVER-Having prepared for a business career in a pro- gressive commercial school, and having gained comprehensive experience as both subordinate and executive, Mr. Stover is well equipped to handle the responsibilities of his present position as secretary-treasurer and general manager of the Grander Stove Company. Mr. Stover is a son of Jacob C. and Rebecca G. (Metz) Stover. His father died in 1919, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
Mr. Stover was born at Kulpsville, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, November 10, 1876. His education was received in the public schools of his native place and Shissler's Business College of Norris- town. His first business experience was as a bookkeeper, and he was employed in this capacity with various concerns until he became asso- ciated with the Grander Stove Company, with which he is still identified. He became bookkeeper for this concern in 1904, was elected treasurer about 1906, and in 1910 became business manager, since being active in that capacity. This business was founded in 1880 by Adam Grander, John Flint and others. It was operated as a partnership until 1888, when it was incorporated with a capital of $140,000. The officers at present are as follows: H. E. Campbell, president; P. M. Stover, secre- tary, treasurer and general manager, and the directors include the above, also John Flint. The plant occupies something over three acres, the greater part of which area is covered with improvements, including ten buildings. They manufacture stoves, ranges and heaters in great variety, and make a specialty of enameled goods in this group of products. Mr. Stover is a member of Royersford Lodge, No. 585, Free and Accepted
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