History: Local: CHAPTERS LIX & LX: Limerick & Lower Merion Townships : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/montgomery/beantoc.htm URL of html Table of Contents and illustrations. 技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技 BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技技 915 (cont.) CHAPTER LIX. LIMERICK TOWNSHIP. By Wm. J. Buck. THIS township is bounded on the northeast by Frederick, southeast by Perkiomen and Upper Providence, south by the borough of Royer's Ford, southwest by the river Schuylkill, west by Pottsgrove and northwest by New Hanover. It is of regular form, its greatest length being nearly five miles and its breadth four and a half, with an area of about fourteen thousand acres, and, excepting New Hanover and Lower Merion, it is the largest township in the county. The borough of Royer's Ford, incorporated June 14, 1879, was wholly taken from this township, and has in consequence reduced its territory and population. The surface is rolling and in its northern part hilly, where the highest elevation is called Stone Hill. For about the distance of a mile and a half along the Schuylkill, between Royer's Ford and Limerick Station, there are quite steep hills rising immediately from the water's edge to a height of from sixty to one hundred feet, which are covered principally with small pines and bushes. Within this distance are extensive quarries of hard red sandstone, the stratification of which will admit of being taken out in huge square blocks. From Limerick Station up the river few more than a mile the land recedes quite gradually. The soil along the Schuylkill is fertile and productive, but the remainder is a stiff clay. Although among the largest townships in extent, its streams are o weak that they only furnish power to propel a sawmill. Mingo Creek has its rise near Limerick Square, and after a course of four miles turns into Upper Providence. Lodle and Mine Creeks have also their sources in this township. Swamp Creek passes for nearly a mile through the north corner. There are several smaller streams, which, in consequence of being easily affected by drought, are of little account. 916 Limerick in 1741 contained 58 taxables in 1828, 315 and in 1882, 646. According to the census of 1800, it contained 999 inhabitants in 1840, 1786 in 1880, 2365. In 1882 the real estate and personal property was rated at $1,461,545, making the average per taxable $2262. The Reading Railroad traverses the township its entire breadth on the Schuylkill, a distance of about five miles, on which is Royer's Ford and Limerick Station. The Reading turnpike crosses for five miles through its centre, and the Limerick and Colebrookdale pike about three miles. The former improvement was completed in 1815 in the latter in 1855. The villages are Limerick Station, Limerick Square, Fruitville and Stone Hill, the first two possessing post-offices. The census of 1850 returned 373 houses, 403 families and 248 farms. No mention whatever is made in the assessments of 1776 and 1785 of grist or sawmills, but two tanneries at the last named date. The township elections have been held continuously, at least since 1838, at Limerick Square. The public schools are twelve, open six months, and five hundred and fifty- one scholars enrolled. Limerick Station, the largest village, is situated on the Schuylkill, thirty-four miles from Philadelphia. It contains about fifty houses, a post-office, several stores, a hotel, steam flourmill, stove and hollowware works, lumber and coal-yards, steam planing-mill sashes, besides other manufacturing and door-factory establishments and mechanic shops. The post- office was located here before 1851 as Limerick Bridge; changed in 1866 to its present name. This place in 1858 contained twelve houses. A short distance above the village is what is generally called Lawrenceville bridge built, in 1849, the name being applied from a place of this name on the opposite side of the river, in Chester County. In this vicinity are, several fine, productive farms. While it posses the advantages of the railroad, the canal passes by on the opposite side of the Schuylkill. Application was made by several of its residents at June Sessions, 1884, to have the village incorporated into a borough, to be called " Linfield." Limerick Square is situated nearly in the centre of the township, at the junction of the Reading and Colebrookdale, turnpikes, twenty-eight miles from Philadelphia. It contains a post-office, hotel, several stores, manufacturing establishments and machine-shops and about twenty-eight houses. The post-office is called Limerick, and was located here before 1830, Dieter Bucher being at that time postmaster. The road through here was laid out quite early, showing that it was an old settlement. Widow Lloyd kept an inn here at the forks of the road at least as early as 1758, and down to 1769. This stand was kept by John Stetler in 1776, who was then rated for one hundred acres and keeping a servant. It remained still in the name as late as 1792, and according to Reading Howell's map, the place in consequence was known as "Stetler's." The elections have been held here continuously for about half a century. In 1858 the village contained a store, brickyard, two smith-shops, large steam grist and saw-mill and sixteen houses, several being commodious three story brick dwellings. At the lower end of the place the Evangelical denomination have a one story brick church, built in 1851. The Colebrookdale turnpike was laid on the bed of the Swamp road, opened sometime before 1758. Fruitville is located on the Colebrookdale pike, out and a half mile, north of Limerick Square, and containing above fifteen houses, hotel, store, school-house and several mechanic shops. Stone Hill is in the northern part of the township, near the line of Frederick, and contains a store, pottery, schoolhouse and more than a dozen houses. Limerick -so called after a city and county in Ireland- was formed into a township at least as early as 1722. Matthew Brooke, who evidently then resided here, was appointed by the county commissioner, in February, 1718, collector of taxes for "Manatawny," then embracing a considerable extent of thinly-settled territory, thus clearly showing that this township could not have been then formed or known by its present name. Application was made at June Sessions of court, 1726, to have the same recorded on account of its having been duly formed several years before as "the township of Limerick." At March Sessions, 1709, a petition was sent from John Henry Sprogell, who then resided below the present Pottstown, and also signed by Mounce Jones and others, for the laying out of a road from Edward Lane's to Manatawny. The court accordingly ordered it to be speedily opened, and it is the same known as the Reading road, commencing, at the Perkiomen Creek. About this time the first settlements were commenced, which by 1734 had increased to twenty-one residents and landholders, whose names were as follows: Edward Nichols, 600 acres John Davy, 300 Enoch Davis, 300 John Kendall, 300 Owen Evans, 400 William Evans, 300 Joseph Barlow, 400 Peter Umstead, 250 Oliffor (or Adolph) Pennypacker, 250 Henry Reyner, 100 William Woodly, 150 Jonathan Woodly, 300 William Malsby, 200 Henry Peterson, 200 Peter Peterson, 100 Nicholas Custer, 7 Hironemus Haas, 250 Lawrence Rinker, 50 Stephen Miller, 170 Barnaby Coulson, 50 Martin Kolb, 150. 917 Among the present land-holders in the township are still found some of the descendants of the aforesaid, hearing the names of Evans Pennypacker Barlow Umstead and Custer. In the assessment of 1776, Henry Yost and John Davis are mentioned as weavers Peter Gerhart and John Sheef, blacksmiths James Evans, joiner Henry Ford, Conrad Eckleman and Michael Deemer, tailors Yost Filman, cordwainer John Stetler and Peter Aichner, inn-keepers. Oliff (or Adolph) Pennypacker was the son of Henry, the ancestor of the family, whose wife was Eve, a daughter of Peter Umstead. The former was born about 1708 and died in May, 1789. As Henry Pennypacker resided in this township for some time, it is very probable, according to the Penn Papers, that he made his purchase here on the 3d of First Month, 1719, for five hundred acres of land. In the assessment of 1776 are found the names of Adolph and John Pennypacker. John Brooke, with Frances, his wife, and two sons (James and Matthew), arrived from Yorkshire, England, in 1699. He had purchased seven hundred and fifty acres of William Penn, and on his death his sons took up the aforesaid tract in Limerick, on which they settled. It occupied the central part of the township, to the northwest of Limerick Square, and included the lot and burial-ground on which the old church is located, near which the brothers erected their buildings. A portion of the stone house built by James Brooke in 1714 has been incorporated into the modern dwelling-house now owned by Henry W. Johnson. Matthew Brooke lived on the place now owned by Henry H. Borneman, whose widow built a stone house in 1721, which stood till 1835, when it was taken down by the father of the present proprietor. In 1776, Matthew Brooke was rated for 350 acres, 3 Negroes, 4 horses and 8 cattle; James Brooke, 160 acres, 1, Negro, 2 horses, 3 cattle, and had sustained a loss by fire; Rachel Brooke, 190 acres 1 horse and 2 cattle; George Brooke was mentioned as a tenant and Benjamin and Thomas Brooke as single men. Owen Evans was an early settler, and took up here four hundred acres of land. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1732, and continued to hold the office until his death. He appears to have been a prominent man, and died in 1754, aged fifty-five years. In 1776, David Evans was rated as holding 450 acres and 1 Negro George Evans, 200 acres George Evans, Jr., 230 acres, 1 Negro, and "maintains his mother" Mordecai Evans, 100 acres Samuel Evans, a single man. The Evans family by, long been an influential one in Limerick. Gunner Rambo, who was rated for 170 acres no doubt moved up here from near Swedes' Ford. Moses Rambo, mentioned as a single man, was probably his son. Francis Hobson removed in 1743 from New Garden township, Chester Co., into Limerick, on a purchase of two hundred and sixty-eight acres of land, This tract, in 1748, descended to his son Francis, in whose name it is rated, in 1776, as containing two hundred and fifty acres. Moses Hobson, his son, inherited the place in 1791; thence descended to his son Francis in 1831. Frank M. Hobson, of Collegeville, is a son of the latter. Among the early township officers here we find Matthew Brooke a collector in 1718, and Barnabas Coulson in 1742; Jacob Nenteenheltzer, constable in 1767; George Evans, assessor in 1776; Peter Eichner, collector; and Jacob Krons, the same position in 1781. Parker's Ford is about a mile above the present village of Limerick Station and five miles below the borough of Pottstown. The road from here to the Trappe is five miles and a half in distance, and was laid out at an early period. The land rises gradually from the river, but on the Chester County side is more elevated. It was at this place, on the 19th of September 1777, where the following incident occurred, as mentioned in the journal of the Rev. Henry M. Muhlenberg, residing at the Trappe: "In the afternoon we had news that the British Troops on the other side of the Schulykill had marched down near Providence and with a telescope we could see their camp. In consequence of this the American Army, four miles from us, forded the Schuylkill breast-high and came upon the Philadelphia road at Augustus Church. His excellency, General Washington was with in troops in person, who marched past here to the Perkiomen. The procession lasted the whole night and we had numerous visits from officers wet breast- high who had march in this condition during the whole night, cold and damp as it was, and to bear hunger and thirst at the same time." The writer visited this place August 19, 1858, on purpose to behold the scene of this occurrence. What a subject, we thought, for a painting, -the crossing of the American army here breast-deep across the Schuylkill ! LIMERICK UNION CHURCH. -John Brooke obtained from William Penn, in 1699, a grant of seven hundred acres, which was to be located in one tract beyond the Perkiomen Creek. In that year he came to America with his sons, James and Mathew, leaving one son, Jonathan, in England. He was detained in quarantine at Gloucester, below Philadelphia, and there died. His will bears the date of 25th of Eighth Month, 1699, directing that his property should be divided between his three sons. James and Mathew Brooke settled upon the tract when located, and were among the very earliest settlers beyond the Perkiomen. About this time the Swedes had made a settlement at Douglasville and several Germans in New Hanover. A road was laid through the wilds from Germantown to the Swedish settlement, and at an early date another called Lewis' road, from where the church now stands to the Schuylkill at Royer's Ford. The settlers soon felt the need of a burial-place, and James and Mathew Brooke set apart a piece of ground for that purpose at the northwest corner of the junction of the two roads. It was measured eighteen rods square, containing two acres and four perches of land. The use of this burial- ground was allowed to all who would unite in bearing the costs of maintaining its proper inclosure. No deed was given at first, but after the death of the grantors, their sons, William and George Brooke, made a title in trust to the following persons, who were entitled to the right of burial there. It is dated July 12, 1738, and is to Jonathan Woodley John Kendall Robert May William Evans John David Peter Peters Jerome Hause William Maulsby John Jordon Henry Coulston John Umstadt Barnabas Coulston Henry Hoven Nicholas Custer Peter Umstadt Claus Brown David Jones Owen Evans George Evans David Evans Henry Coulston Enoch Davis and Michael Hitter, for the consideration of five shillings, to them and their heirs forever, subject to a yearly rent of one peppercorn, if demanded. 918 No house of worship was at that time erected, but at an early day a log school-house was built on the premises, which was also used for funeral services. In 1793, Christian Borneman purchased of Mathew Brook the farm from which the burial-place had been taken. The contributors selected one of their number to have charge of the location and making graves. Jonathan Brooke had this position for several years, or until his death, at Philadelphia, of yellow fever, in 1798, after which it was devolved on Henry Borneman. At what precise date the ground was originally set apart for this purpose, is not now readily ascertained, but it was near the beginning of the last century; the earliest date on the grave-stones is 1732. Religious services were occasionally held in the school-house by the neighboring pastors, the residents of the neighborhood of German descent belonging either to the congregations at the Trappe, Pottstown or New Hanover. About the year 1807 steps were taken to secure the erection of a church. A petition was presented to the Legislature for a lottery to raise the sum of two thousand dollars for the purpose of building a Union Church for the use of the Lutherans, German Reformed and the Episcopalians. A charter for the lottery was granted February 16, 1808, and eight commissioners appointed, but as the enrollment tax was not paid, it remained unauthorized. It was not until the winter of 1812-13 that active measures were taken to carry out the movement. The commissioners were Owen Evans Mathew Brooke James B. Harris James Evans and John Barlow. Agents were appointed and tickets offered, but after a year's exertions not more than one-fourth were disposed of. The highest prize was five hundred dollars. But the impatience of the holders of tickets led to a partial drawing. This was renewed from time to time, until at last the lottery was completed, but the repeated drawings and delays so increased expenses that only about fifteen hundred dollars was realized for the church. The corner-stone was laid April 17, 1817. The ceremony was conducted and the sermon preached by Rev. Jacob Miller, of the New Hanover Church, and Rev. Levi Bull also took part in the services. John Dewalt was master-mason and Frederick Setzler carpenter. The walls were erected and roofed in 1817, completed during the winter and dedicated on Whitsunday, 1818. At the same time the graveyard was enlarged, and on the day of dedication Peter Schaffer, Sr., was buried in the addition. The cost of their church was about two thousand dollars, and there was a debt of five hundred dollars. Two congregations were organized, the Lutheran and Reformed; no Episcopal, nor was any other use made of their right than perhaps to hold an occasional service. Of the German Lutheran congregation the first pastor was Rev. Henry A. Geissenhainer, from 1818 to 1821 his successors were Rev. Dr. F. W. Geissenhainer, Sr., 1821-23 Dr. Jacob Miller, 1823-29 Conrad Miller, 1829-37 Henry S. Miller, 1837-32 George F. Miller, 1852-69, except from March, 1861, to the following April 6th John Kohler, 1869-74 Rev, Oliver P. Smith, from 1874 to the present time. How soon English services were begun by the Lutherans is not easy to decide, it is very probable that Rev. Dr. Geissenhainer and his son both preached in English, at least occasionally, as they were capable of so doing. Dr. Jacob Miller and his brother Conrad did not preach in English. In 1827, Rev. Jacob Wampole became regular pastor of the English portion of the congregation, which then, or soon afterward, was separately organized. The pastors of the English Lutheran congregation were Revs. Jacob Wampole, 1827-34 J. W. Richards, 1834-36 Jacob Wampole, again in 1836-38 Henry S. Miller, 1838 to May 20, 1852 George F. Miller, 1852 to March 31, 1861 George Sill, 1862-64 John Kohler, 1864-74 succeeded by Oliver P. Smith. At first the Lutherans occupied the church one Sunday in four, and after the formation of the English organization two Sundays in four, usually in the afternoon. The pastors of Reformed congregation were Revs. Jacob William Dechant, 1818-33 H. S. Bassler, 1833-44 Samuel Seibert, 1844-52 N. S. Strassburger, 1853-62 Joseph H. Dubs, 1862-69 L. D. Leberman, 1869-81 C. Herbst, from 1882 to the present time. A Union Sunday-school was organized in 1840, and soon numbered one hundred and twenty-five scholars. No stoves were used in the church for several years and the first was presented by Reuben Trexler, of Long Swamp. In the time of the prevalence of bilious fevers along the Schuylkill, in 1821-24, a hundred burials took place. In 1831 the old log school-house was torn down and a new one erected on a strip of land four by eighteen rods, which was conveyed at that time to trustees by Mathew Brooke for school purposes for twenty dollars, situated between the burial-ground and the Lewis road. In 1834 the debt on the church was paid off, and the following year it was repaired and painted and the yard inclosed. The burial-ground was enlarged in 1818, again in 1824, and in 1854 a piece ninety-five feet in width and twenty-two perches long wits added and divided into lots, which were all sold, when another lot was included, which now constitutes the present cemetery-grounds. An organ was built in 1860, for the congregation, by Samuel Bohler, of Reading, and dedicated December 1st. The church erected in 1817 was taken down, and a new church, also of stone and rough-cast was erected in 1875, the congregations for the time holding services in the school-house. It was completed and dedicated the following year. 919 The church is situated about half a mile above Limerick Square, on the west side of the Reading turnpike, and from its elevated position affords from the churchyard a fine view of the surrounding country. The oldest stone observed in the grave. yard bears the date of 1732, one of 1754 and several of 1787. A great many have been buried here, particularly of the name of Evans. The most common names noticed on the tombstones are those of Evans Shaner Kraus Smith Snell Missimer Nettle Kohl Groff Klein Miller Wagner Christman Schaffer Barlow Hallman Beyer Boyer Fox Geiger Royer Walt Mench Brant Hunsberger Grubb Linderman Johnson Schwenck Kendall Worley Stetler. ASSESSMENT OF LIMERICK TOWNSHIP FOR 1776. George Evans, assessor, and Peter Eichner, collector. John Kraus, 330 Acres, 2 horses and 3 cows John Cunning, 1 c Daniel March, 3 h., 5 c Edward Nichols' estate, 300 a Conrad Yost, estate Henry Yost, weaver, 1h 1c John Davis, weaver, 106a., 3h., 4 c George Evans, 200 a., 4 h., 4 c Mordecai Evans, 100a., 2 h., 4c Constantine 0. Neal William Davis, 190 a., 3 h., 6 c Elijah Davis', estate, 100 a David Evans, 450 a.,1 negro, 4 h., 7 c Edward Miller, 1h I c Henry Roreman, 1c David Davis, 100a, 2h., 2 c Jacob Filman, 1 c William Stall, 90 a., 2h 2 c James Stall, 120 a., 2 h., 2 c Jacob Lever, 100 a., 1h., I c Gunner Rambo, 170 a., 2h., 5 c Edward Bolton, 200 a., 2 h., 4 c Henry Ford, Taylor, 70 a., 1h 2 c Michael Hinderliter, 190 a., 2 h., 1c Michael Deemer, tailor, 1 h. 2 c Jacob Longaker's estate Catherine Hoover, 40 a., 1 c Conrad Baker Jacob Kraus, 150 a., 1 h., I c John Henry, 100 a., 2 h., 2c George Brant, 90 a., 2 h., 3 c Jost Felman, cordwainer, 1 c. Michael Ickes, 150 a., 2 h., 3 c Nicholas Koontz, 150 a., 2 h., 2 c Abraham Kern Michael Coghler, I c Jacob Miller Harman Neiman, 170 a 2 h., 4 c., 9 children Conrad Eckleman, tailor, 1 c Jacob Brandt, 78 a., 1 h., 3 c Rachel Brooke, 190 a., 1 h., 2 c George Brooke, I h., 1 c Jacob Layman James Brooke, 160a., 1 negro, 2 h., 3 c., loss by fire Abraham Updegrave, I h., 3 c George Reigner, 200 a., 2 h., 5 c., a cripple Margaret Reiner, 114 a., 2 h., 2 c Benjamin Casselberry, 1c George Moyer, 170 a., I h., 2 c Henry Kough Philip Federolf, 127 a., 2 h., 3 c Mathias Coghler, 1 c Adolph Pennebacker, 250a., 2 c Nicholas Snider, 200 a., 2 h., 3 c John Pennebacker. 3 h., 3 c Harman Umstat, 200 a., 2 h., 4 c John Schrack, 100 a., 2 h., 2 c John Stetler, innkeeper, 100 a., 1 servant, 1 h., 3 c Jonathan Bolton, weaver 57 a., 1 h., 1 c Henry Saler Michael Raiser, 90 a., 2 h., 2 c Francis Hooven, 100 a., 1 h., 2 c Daniel Baker, 100 a., 1 h., 2 c Christian Shunk, 60 a., 1 h., 2 c Erasmus Lever, 125 a., 2 h., 3 c Frederick Sower, 118 a., 2 h., 3 c Thomas Wilburham, cordwainer Francis Hobson, 250a., 2 h., 4 c Nicholas Creeman, 200 a., 2 h., 4 c George Gate, 100 a., 1 h., 2 c John Pinchbeck, 170 a., 1 servant, 2 h., 3 c Adam Pretzman, 300 a., 4 h, 5 c Conrad Boyer, 200 a., 2 h., 4 C John Umstead's estate John Fry, 178 a., 2 h., 3 c John Miller, tailor, 1 c Jonathan Koster, 100 a., 3 h., 4 c Henry Kendal Anthony Harp, 3 h., 2 c Michael Bastian's estate, 150a John Nagel, 150a., 1 h., 4c Charles Holf, 25 a., 1 c Peter Gerhart, smith, 30 a., 1 h., 2 c John Keeler, 100 a., 1h 3c Martin Keeler, 200 a., 1 h., 3c Frederick Bingerman, 1 c Peter Acker, 200 a., 2 h.1 c Jacob Winey, 40 a.1 h., 1c Samuel Stetler, 66 a., 1h., 3c Mathew Brooke, 350 a., 3 negro 4 h., 8 c., an idiot son Peter Aichner, inn-keeper 150 a. 2 h. 2 c John Sheef, smith Valentine Kuntz, 100a. 2 h. 3c John Keeley, 1 h. 1 c Sebastian Keeley's estate, 100a Anthony Bitting, 60 a, 1h, 1c Jach Bernhart, 100 a, 1h. 1c Baltzer Maurer, 1c Michael Neuteenhelzer, 78a 1h. 2 c Peter Saler, 50a. 2h. 2c Godfrey Longlane, 100 a 1h. 2c Ann Mary Miller, 100a John Kulb, 1c Godfrey Saler, 1h 2c John Yawn, 100a.1h. 2 c Conrad Teesenbacher, 100 a. h. 2c John Peltz, 118 a. 1h 2 c Daniel Kraus Conrad Acker, 1 c. Adam Kulb, 150 a., 1h., 1c James Evans, joiner, 170 a. 1 h. 2 c. Matthias Koplin, 1c George Evans, Jr., 230 a., 1 negro. 2 h. 5 c. maintains his mother; Hartman Haas, 100 a. 2h. 3c. 9 children David Paul, 100a 2 h. 3 c Abraham Paul, 80 a. 2 h. 3 c Michael Moyer, 100a 2h. 3c Jeremiah Weiser, 100 a. 1 h., 1c John Heffelfinger, 117 a. 2 h 2 c Frederick Koons, lO0 a. 1 h. 2 c John Diteer John Cole, 20 a, 1c SINGLE MEN. Barnabus Hedinger Christopher Rimby Moses Rambo William Coulston John Coulston Abraham Poley Henry Hooven Benjamin Brooke Moses Hobson Adam Henry Thomas Brooke Henry Longhane Peter Smith Samuel Evans Garret Ringaman Henry Neiman Adam Harris Conrad Sheetz William Jones. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. THOMAS B. EVANS. The Evans family settled in Limerick township about the year 1716. William Evans, who emigrated from Wales in 1698 and located in Gwynedd township, according to family tradition, removed to Limerick about 1715, though the deed for the lands, of his family was made to his widow, Ann Evans, (or Evan), is dated January 16, 1716, and was executed by Tobias Collett, Daniel Quare and Henry Gouldney, of London, conveying four hundred acres of land in Limerick township. A large part of this land has been continuously in the possession of the Evans family since that date. William Evans had three sons, -Owen, George and William. Owen Evans, of this number, had three sons,- David Thomas Benjamin, of whom David Evans bad one son, Owen, and daughters, -Sarah, wife of James Garrett, of Robison township, Berks Co., and Mary, wife of Amos Evans, of Limerick. By his will, probated in 1800, he devised the above tract of land to his Son Owen, who married Rachel, daughter of John Brooke, and had five sons,- John David Matthew Robert Thomas. He divided his farm into four parts, and gave one part each to David, Matthew and Thomas, and the children of Robert, then deceased. Thomas Brooke Evans was born on the old Evans homestead, in Limerick township, in the house now owned by Charles W. Reid, April 21, 1809. He received ordinary advantages of education, and afterwards taught school for a brief period. He then learned the trade of a tanner, with William Snyder, at Falconer's Swamp, and soon after concluding his apprenticeship, engaged in the tanning business on his own account in Limerick township, removing to Knauertown, Chester Co., April 1, 1834, where he embarked in the same business. He married Mary Ann, daughter of Daniel and Mary (nee Kendall) Schwenk, on the 9th of November, 1834, and April 1, 1838, returned to Limerick township, and the next year erected the farm buildings on land allotted to him by his father, and now owned by R. Brooke Evans. In the fall of that, year he removed to the. farm, remaining until March 28, 1856, when he removed to a house built by him near Davis's school-house, and there remained until his death, December 13, 1863, after an illness of more than two years. Mr. Evans was a public-spirited citizen. He held the office of school director for many years, was justice of the peace from 1841 to 1861, clerk for the county commissioners for twenty years, and for the directors of the poor for about the same period. He was a skillful accountant, a careful business man, and held many positions of pecuniary trust. 920 He was a man of excellent judgment, very firm in his conclusions and accurate and concise in speech. Influential in his neighborhood, his opinions were regarded with deference both in business and politics. PICTURE OF THOS. B. EVANS, APPEARS HERE. The surviving members of Mr. Evans' family are his widow, and children, R. Brooke Evans, a farmer and justice of the peace, living on the farm in Limerick; Mary Elizabeth, who married Frank Saylor, and resides in St. Louis, Mo.; Charlotte Evans, who lives with her mother in Limerick; Emma, who married Garret E. Brownback, and resides near Limerick Station; Montgomery Evans, lawyer at Norristown; and Zella, whose death occurred a few weeks after her father's. Two other children, Frank and Montgomery, died in youth. DAVID EVANS. The grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch was David Evans, his parents being Owen and Rachel Evans, all of whom were born and spent their lives in Limerick township on the farm part of which is occupied by John Evans. David Evans was born in 1802 in Limerick township, where, with the exception of a brief period, his whole life was spent. He received in youth such advantages of education as the primitive schools of the day afforded, after which his Services were required upon the farm, where he became proficient in all departments of labor. His father having become the owner of a tract of productive land in Limerick Township embracing four hundred acres divided it equally among his sons. 921 David received his portion and at once began a successful career as a farmer. He added to the dimensions of this property by purchase, and continued during his lifetime to reside upon it. He was married to Phebe, daughter of Abner Barlow, of Limerick Township, and their children were Amos (who died in youth) and Rebecca (who married Samuel Kulp and is still living in Iowa). He married, a second time, Mrs. Susanna Barlow, daughter of John Hollowbush, of Limerick township, whose children are Owen, John, Emily (deceased) and Anne (who married John Frey and is now deceased). Mr. Evans, while assiduous in his attention to private interests, found time to devote to affairs involving the public good. He was, as a Democrat, chosen to represent his constituents in the State Legislature, serving during the sessions of 1848, 1849 and 1850, and being appointed on various important committees. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Reading Turnpike Company. Mr. Evans, during his active life, bore a reputation for honor and purity of character, which inspired confidence and caused him frequently to be appointed to positions of trust, which were filled not less with fidelity than with signal ability. PICTURE OF DAVID EVANS, APPEARS HERE. His death, which occurred in December, 1872, was sincerely deplored. HENRY S. WALT. Mr. Walt is of German descent, his grandfather, Henry Walt, having emigrated with his wife, Catharine, from the Fatherland. Among their children was Andrew, who resided in Upper Salford township, Montgomery Co., where the major portion of his life was spent as a farmer. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Abram Schwenk, whose children were Catharine (Mrs. Jacob Smith), Elizabeth (Mrs. D. Reifsnyder), Abram, Mary (Mrs. George Brandt), Henry S., Samuel, Fanny (Mrs. Abram Anderson) and Jacob. Henry S. Walt was born on the 6th of December, 1806, in Upper Salford township, where he remained until his removal to Limerick, at the age of fourteen years. His father's death when the ]ad was a school-boy rendered his educational opportunities very limited, and made his presence upon the farm invaluable, as the chief dependence of his widowed mother. After renting the homestead farm for two years he removed to another belonging to his grandfather Schwenk in Skippack, Montgomery Co., the land of which he cultivated for ten years. In 1842, desiring to be more independent than was possible as a renter, he purchased his present home in Limerick township. This he cultivated and improved, devoting a period of thirty years to the employments of a farmer. In the year 1872, having retired from the labor and responsibility it involved, his son became the owner, by purchase, of the property. 922 Mr. Walt was, on the 26th of March, 1829, married to Elizabeth, daughter of Abram Stauffer, of Limerick township, and has children, -Esther Ann (Mrs. Josiah Evans), Elizabeth (Mrs. Augustus Kehl) Matthew, Ann Jemima (Mrs. Jeremiah Krause), Henry, Andrew, Sarah Ann, Abram, Mary M. (Mrs. B. F. Dismant) and J. Warren. Mr. Walt is a Republican in politics, and has served as school director of his township. He has for half a century, been identified with St. James' Lutheran Church of Limerick, as elder, deacon and treasurer. PICTURE OF HENRY S. WALT, APPEARS HERE. JOHN M'CLELLAN HOOD. John McClellan Hood was born at Newton Stewart, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1778. He came to this country in 1799, settled in Philadelphia and was engaged in the wholesale grocery business, -the firm of Hood & Hamilton, and afterwards Hood & Wilson. Leaving the city when the yellow fever prevailed, he was so pleased with the beauties of Limerick that he purchased the farm still held by his family. In 1834-35 he built the mansion to which, for a number of years, his family came out in the summer season, and now occupied by his grandson, T. Richard Hood the only living descendant of his name. He called this place "Bessie Bell," the name of a small eminence near his native home. He was married, in 1805, to Eliza Forebaugh, who was of German descent; they had twelve children. Mr. Hood's health was broken, in 1840, by the death of his son, Washington Hood, captain of topographical engineers, who, in the prime of life, contracted his last illness in the service of the government while laying out the boundaries of the far Western States. Mr. Hood died in 1848, an ardent Presbyterian in his religious belief. He was always strongly attached to and proud of his native land. DANIEL KENDALL. Joseph Kendall, the great-grandfather of Daniel Kendall, resided in Philadelphia County. His children were six in number, - John Joseph William Henry Mrs. Bingaman Mrs. Koons, of whom Joseph and Henry settled in Limerick township. 923 Henry, who was born in 1751, followed the occupations of a farmer in the latter township, and was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Lane Stahl, to whom was born one son, Joseph, on the 24th of April, 1789, at the homestead in Limerick township. The latter remained a resident of this township, where he engaged in farming pursuits during his active life. He married, in 1808, Miss Anna March, of the same township, whose children are Mary, deceased, Catharine (Mrs. A. Hunsberger), Elizabeth (Mrs. David Miller), Henry, Joseph, Daniel and Anna. The married life of Joseph Kendall and his wife extended over a period of nearly sixty years, and all their children, with the exception of the eldest, still survive. Daniel was born in Limerick on the 3d of January, 1820, and during his boyhood became a pupil of the neighboring school, after which he engaged with his father in the labor of the farm, remaining thus occupied until the death of the latter, in February, 1868. Having for some years worked the estate on shares, he ultimately became the owner of the homestead by inheritance, and continued to follow the healthful pursuits of a farmer until 1873, when, after a short interval, he made Norristown his residence. Mr. Kendall was married, on the 10th of April 1884, to Priscilla J. Heustis, a lady of English parentage. In politics Mr. Kendall was formerly a Republican, but has recently supported the Prohibition party. He has never been an active worker in the political field, though frequently a delegate to county conventions. Mr. Kendall's sympathies are with the Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. Kendall is a member. PICTURE OF DANIEL KENDALL, APPEARS HERE. CHAPTER LX. LOWER MERION. By Wm. J. Buck. THIS township is bounded on the north and east by the Schuylkill, on the northwest by Upper Merion and the borough of West Conshohocken, southeast by Philadelphia, and south and southwest by Delaware County. Its greatest length is six and a half miles, with a width of four miles, embracing an area of fourteen thousand five hundred acres. In its situation it is the most southerly in the county, and the greatest in extent and population. By the erection of West Conshohocken into it borough, in 1874, its territory was reduced about two hundred and fifty acres. The surface is generally rolling, the highest elevation being near West Conshohocken, rising probably three hundred and fifty feet above the Schuylkill, and at the cemetery to the rear of Pencoyd two hundred and twenty-five feet, the most level portion being in the vicinity of Ardmore. The soil is generally a productive loam, approaching a stiff clay only in the vicinity of Bryn Mawr. Extending through its breadth is a belt of serpentine, accompanied by steatite or soapstone, which is quarried on the Schuylkill, a mile above Mill Creek. In connection with the aforesaid formation, tale, dolomite and some other kinds of stone abound. 924 The surface of this township is agreeably diversified by a number of beautiful streams, thirteen of which empty, within its borders, into the Schuylkill. Though none are large, yet several furnish valuable water- power. So well is Lower Merion watered that scarcely a large farm can be found which does not contain one or more excellent springs of living water. Mill Creek is the largest stream, and lies wholly within the limits of the township. It has its source near the Green Tree Tavern, on the Gulf road, and is a winding, rapid stream, about six miles in length. In this distance it receives fourteen small streams, and a line of steep hills marks most of its course, but none are over one hundred feet above its surface. It was noted for its paper-mills before the Revolution. Nicholas Scull mentions on it, in 1738, "Roberts' grist and paper-mills." In 1858 it propelled the machinery of one plaster, two grist and two saw-mills, besides eleven manufactories. The Merion Cotton-Mill, with nine hundred and forty spindles, was propelled by it before 1822. Trout Run, a branch of Mill Creek, has a course of about two miles, and has received this name from the fish found in it from an early period. In the south part of the township the east and west branches of Indian Creek have their origin; also a branch of Cobb's Creek. Rock Hill Creek and Frog Hollow Run are rapid streams, from one to two miles long, that empty into the Schuylkill opposite Manayunk. As may be well supposed, from its extent and location near a great city, it must possess a considerable population and valuable improvements. The census of 1800 mentions 1422 inhabitants in 1840, 2827 in 1860, 4423 in 1880, 6287, denoting a rapid increase. As the township contains about 20, square miles, its present population is 270 to the square mile. In assessment of 1882, 1508 taxables were returned, and 863 horses and 1536 cattle. The real estate is valued at $4,566,499, and including the personal $4,848,969, being equivalent to $3212 per taxable, being in point of average wealth the ninth in the county. In 1883 nine hotels, two restaurants, two confectionery, two dry-goods, three drug, one stove, one grocery, one provision, three flour and feed, and fourteen general stores were licensed, besides two lumber and two coal- yards. The villages are Ardmore Bryn Mawr Pencoyd Wynnewood Academy Merion Rose Glen Libertyville and West Manayunk, the first seven containing post-offices. Previous to 1830 there was not a post-office in the township. In 1851 the number was only two, -General Wayne and Lower Merion. The public schools are fourteen in number, open ten months, and for the school year ending June 1, 1882, had an average daily attendance of 538 pupils. The churches are ten, belonging to seven religious denominations, of which the Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Methodist Episcopal have each two. The census of 1850 returned 613 families, residing in 588 dwelling-houses, and 195 farms. According to the census of 1870, this was the only township in Pennsylvania where the farm value rated above four million dollars. The turnpike road leading from Philadelphia to Lancaster passes through Lower Merion a distance of four and a half miles. It is said to have been the first road of the kind constructed in America, and was commenced in 1792 and completed within two years after that date. It is kept in admirable repair, and passes through Ardmore and Bryn Mawr. The Pennsylvania Railroad has a course of six miles and four tracks, with stations at Overbrook, on the city line, Merion, Elm, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford College and Bryn Mawr. This road was opened for travel to Columbia in March, 1834, and to Pittsburgh in 1854, a distance then of three hundred and ninety-three miles. The Reading Railroad follows the Schuylkill the entire length of the township, a distance of seven and a half miles. It was incorporated in 1833, placed under contract the following year and finished in 1839. Nearly a mile above West Manyunk is Flat Rock tunnel, nine hundred and sixty feet in length, made through solid rock, at a depth of ninety-five feet below the surface. The stations of this road are Pencoyd, West Manayunk, Mill Creek (lately changed to Rose Glen) and Spring Mill Heights. The Schuylkill Valley Railroad was opened for travel from the city to Manayunk May 12, 1884, a distance of eight miles front Broad Street Station. The stations are Bala, on the city line, and West Laurel Hill. It crosses the river below West Manayunk on a bridge about one-third of a mile long and ninety feet above the water. The view afforded to passengers in looking up or down the valley is grand. The first telegraph line between Philadelphia and Lancaster was established through this township in 1850. Bryn Mawr is regarded as the most populous place in Lower Merion, and is supposed to contain about three hundred houses within a radius of a mile, of its station. Except the older portion on the Lancaster pike, it presents to the stranger the appearance of a scattered collection of country-seats. That it has considerably increased in population may be judged from its containing in 1858 only twenty-one houses, 925 and being then known as Humphreysville. It has an elevated situation, is nine miles from Philadelphia, and adjoins Delaware County, Lancaster and Montgomery Avenues and the Pennsylvania Railroad pass parallel to each other through its whole length, the former containing the larger proportion of its buildings. There are, besides, several other streets crossing in various directions. For years this vicinity has, been a noted resort during the summer months for boarders from the city, at times estimated as high as two thousand. The hotel here is a spacious three-story stone building, belonging to a company, standing within handsome, inclosed grounds, and stated to possess accommodations for five hundred guests. Between the hours of six A.M. and midnight twenty-seven passenger trains stop daily at the station going east and twenty-three west. The mail arrives daily three times from the east and departs for the city four times. The Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Luke is a fine one-story Gothic building, with a steeple and stained-glass windows, situated at the corner of Montgomery Avenue and Penn Street, of which the Rev. J. D. Martin is pastor. The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1873, and a chapel erected of green-stone on Montgomery Avenue was dedicated April 16, 1874. A parsonage, built of brick, was erected on the church lot, and on the 18th of December 1884, the cornerstone of a church edifice was laid. The building is to be of stone, sixty-five by sixty-five feet. The Rev. William H. Miller was chosen pastor in 1874, and is still in charge. The church has a membership of about one hundred. Both churches have worship twice every Sunday and Sabbath-schools that meet at three o'clock P. M. Temperance Hall is a two-story stone building, the upper portion of which is used for society purposes. Here meet the American Star Council, No. 53, of 0. U. A. M. Bryn Mawr Division, No. 10, of S. of T. Bryn Mawr Loan and Building Association, Bryn Mawr Cornet Band. Two weekly newspapers are issued here, -"The News," by Frank A. Hower, established July 1, 1881, and the "Home News" by L. A. Black, originally founded by G. Frank Young, June 6, 1876. Bryn Mawr in the Welsh signifies the great hill, and was the home of Rowland Ellis, a noted scholar and minister among Friends, as well as of several other early settlers, situated near Dolgelly, the chief town of Merioneth. Ardmore is on the Lancaster turnpike and Pennsylvania Railroad seven miles from Philadelphia, surrounded by a level country. It contains nearly one hundred houses, two hotels, one grocery, two drug and three general stores, a Lutheran church, a steam planing-mill and shutter and door manufactory, carried on by Goodman & Brother, and one lumber and coal-yard. In Masonic Hall, Cassia Lodge, No. 273, F. and A. M., meets; also Montgomery Chapter, No. 262, R. A. M. At Odd-Fellows' Hall, Banyan Tree Lodge, No. 378, of I. O. 0. F. The Lower Merion Building and Loan Association meets alternately here and at Merion Square. Haverford College, belonging to the Orthodox Friends, is only half a mile distant, in Delaware County. This village in 1858 contained only twenty-eight houses; the census of 1880 gives it five hundred and nineteen inhabitants. The "Red Lion" tavern was established here before the Revolution, and was kept by John Taylor over a quarter of a century, who disposed of it before 1840. Before the completion of the railroad it was a noted stopping-place for the large teams to the West, as many as fifty of them staying at one time overnight. This stand is still conducted as a public-house. This village was formerly called Athensville, and Cabinet post-office was established about 1852, but since changed to Ardmore. The Athens Institute and Library Association was incorporated here in 1855, but have lately sold their building and dissolved. Pencoyd is situated a short distance above the city line. on the Reading Railroad and Schuylkill River. The village comprises about seventy houses and contains a post-office, two stores and a hotel. Adjoining, to the rear, is West Laurel Hill Cemetery, comprising one hundred and ten acres, tastefully laid out into winding walks and planted with shrubbery. The railroad has a station here, and steamboats from Fairmount ascend this far up the Schuylkill. The name was applied from the extensive rolling- mills here, belonging to A. & P. Roberts & Co., established in 1852, and contains fifteen double puddling furnaces, eleven heating furnaces, three forge-hammers, one rotary squeezer and four trains of rolls of from twelve to twenty-three inches in diameter. The products are channel-bars, beams, ties, angle-iron, hammered and rolled axles, bar and bridge-iron. The annual capacity is twenty thousand net tons, and gives employment to upwards of five hundred hands. The tract of land on which these works are situated is denoted on Hill's "Map of the Environs of Philadelphia," published in 1809, as belonging to "A. Roberts, Pencoed, 298 acres, settled 1684." A member of the firm stated to the writer, in September, 1883, that a portion of this land has never been out of the family since first taken up and settled upon by John Roberts, their ancestor, who arrived from Wales two centuries ago. The original place of settlement was near by, and a part of the tract extended over the line into Philadelphia. Application was made in 1706 for a road from Merion Meeting-house to the present village, a distance of two and a half miles, "where a ferry was to be established." This, subsequently, was called Righter's ferry, authorized in 1741. West Manayunk is at the mouth of Rock Hill or Gully Creek, opposite Manayunk, with which it is connected by a bridge over the Schuylkill, built in 1833. There are here about twenty houses, several manufacturing establishments. a railroad-station and two stores. The Ashland Paper-Mills, S. A. Rudolph & Son, proprietors, employ about ninety hands in the manufacture of printing-paper from rags, wood and straw. These works were founded in 1864, and have produced as high as three million pounds of paper per annum. It is driven by three steam-engines, whose aggregate is two hundred and fifty horse-power, propelling Dixon's patent straw and wood digester, two pulp-dressers and seven paper-machines. Near by, up the creek, are the woolen-mills of Mason Schofield and of John & James Dobson. The latter were not in operation in the fall of 1883. Here, in 1858, Samuel Grant, Jr., & Co., carried on the Ashland Dye-Mills, and not far off, at that date, were Isaac Wetherill's cotton-factory and Grimrod's grist-mill. A " Directory of 1850 " mentions in the township at that time S. Croft's brass-rolling mill, W. Chadwick's, S. L. Robeson's, J. Shaw's and J. Elliott's cotton manufactories, W. H. Todd's woolen-mill and A. S. Nippes' rifle manufactory. 926 Merion Square is located nearly in the centre of the township, at the intersection of several roads, and contains about thirty-five houses, two stores, two churches, school-house, several mechanic shops, and according to the census of 1880, two hundred and seven inhabitants. The post-office is called Lower Merion. The Methodist Episcopal Church was built before 1858, of which the Rev. A. W. Prettyman is the present pastor. The Presbyterian Church was built in 1877; is in charge of Rev. A. W. Long. Both have services twice every Sabbath and Sunday-schools attached. The Odd-Fellows' Hall is occupied by Merion Lodge, No. 210, of I. 0. 0. F. and Montgomery Encampment, No. 115. Merion Square Division, No. 128, S. of T., also meet in the latter building. This village in 1858 contained twenty-six dwellings. Libertyville is a mile northeast of Ardmore on the old Lancaster road; contains nine houses, two stores and a wheelright and blacksmith-shop. Wynnewood, where a post-office has been established, is about three-fourths of a mile below Ardmore The station and grounds are neatly kept. Fine country-seats abound in this vicinity. The name has been applied from the residence of the late Hon. Owen Jones, which is so denoted on Hill's map of 1809, as handed down from the first settlement. Academyville is a mile southwest of West Manayunk; contains about ten houses. Lower Merion Academy, which had its origin in motives of benevolence, is located here. In 1810, Jacob Jones devised a tract of land in charge of trustees, with a sum of money, to which was added other bequests "to be applied to the hiring or employing a tutor or tutors for as many poor and orphan children of both sexes living in the township as the issue and profits of said sum would allow." The trustees, therefore, erected a large building in 1812, which was opened as a boarding and day- school the following year. Keeping boarders was soon abandoned and the day- school alone continued, which was then styled the Lower Merion Benevolent Institution. In 1836 the school was merged into and called a free school, and as such has ever since been continued. It is still controlled by trustees, in accordance with the requirements of the bequest, and has thus received its present name. The General Wayne is the name of an inn on the old Lancaster road, said to have been so called in consequence of that officer having encamped here with his command, probably in 1792, on his western expedition against the Indians. This inn was kept in 1806 by Titus Yerkes, and is noted on Hill's map of 1809. It was kept by Major William Matheys in 1824, and by David Young in 1838, in whose family it has remained until the fall of 1883. The elections of the whole township were continuously held here from 1806 until 1867,-a period of sixty-one years. The elections of the Lower District are still retained here. Before 1851 a post-office was established with this name, perhaps the first in Lower Merion, but it has recently been removed and its name changed to Academy. A plank-road for two tracks was made from here to West Philadelphia in 1855, but has been for some time worn out. The old Friends' Meeting-house here denotes a very old settlement, probably the village of Merioneth, mentioned by Gabriel Thomas, in his "Account of Pennsylvania," published in 1696. Most probably from its being on the old Lancaster road, the same is called Merion by Lewis Evans on his map of 1749. It contains, besides the hotel and meeting- house, some five or six houses and a smith-shop. Near this is Belmont Driving and Race-Course, containing a one-mile track, eighty feet wide between the railing, begun in 1876. Flat Rock is about a mile above West Manayunk, and is a place abounding in interesting scenery and historical associations. Owing to the contracted and rocky channel of the river for half a mile, it is wonderful that persons in canoes and boats could venture to pass in safety, as we know they did before the construction of the canal, in 1818. The name is derived from a bed of huge rocks extending across the river. At this spot a bridge was built in 1810, which was the first that spanned the Schuylkill, within the limits of Montgomery County. In 1824, while several teams were crossing, loaded with marble, it gave way. On being repaired by the contractor, Lewis Wernwag, and requiring but two days for its completion, the river, rose thirteen feet during July 29th of that year, bringing down a great quantity of logs, trees, boats and drift-wood, which swept nearly the whole of the structure away, occasioning a serious and heavy loss to the builder. However, by September 10th he finished it to the satisfaction of the managers. In consequence of a great freshet, September 2, 1850, the Conshohocken bridge four miles above, was swept away, and came down with such force as to take this bridge entirely away, and it has not since been rebuilt. What helped to heighten the catastrophe was the holding of the Conshohocken bridge firmly together by the railroad track that had been laid across it. 927 heighten the catastrophe was the holding of the Conshohocken bridge firmly, together by the railroad track that had been laid across it. From the western abutment of the bridge, which still remains by the roadside, a splendid view is obtained in a northwesterly direction of the falls of Flat Rock dam and of the Schuylkill for the distance of three miles. Near by is Duck Island, covered with numerous willows, and it is a favorite resort of wild fowl. This is supposed to be the "Beaver Island," mentioned in the Upland court records of 1677 as being in the Schuylkill; if so, it must have been formerly the abode of this animal. Flat Rock dam was constructed about half a mile above the site of the bridge by the Navigation Company and was the means of furnishing much valuable waterpower to the manufactories; in Manayunk. By its raising the water above and thus by reducing his water-power from sixteen feet to about twenty inches, a heavy loss was caused to John Shoburn, who was unable, in consequence, to continue the running of his cotton-mill, near the mouth of Mill Creek. A copper-plate engraving of this dam and adjacent scenery was published in Philadelphia in 1828, showing its attractive features, a reduced copy of which may be seen in the chapter on the Schuylkill. A writer of the time in speaking of Flat Rock, refers to it as "a spot, a few years ago, where the rambler was invited only by its singularly wild and romantic beauties." James Mease in his "Picture of Philadelphia," published in 1811, recommends it as well worth a visit. Just half-way between the site of the old bridge and the dam is the Flat Rock tunnel of the Reading Railroad, nearly one hundred feet below the surface of the hill. The month of Mill Creek is also an interesting place for visitors, being only half a mile above the falls of Flat Rock dam. The highway and the railroad passed over the stream by two bridges nearly adjoining, and twenty feet above the water. Near by is a beautiful small island in the Schuylkill, which is quite a feature in the scenery, containing about half an acre, covered with buttonwood and willow trees. From here up and by the side of the creek for a quarter of a mile to the paper mill is a good, level road, beautifully shaded, which with the surrounding scenery, makes a very attractive walk. The station here, so long called Mill Creek, has recently been changed to Rose Glen, and a post-office established in July, 1884. with Robert Chadwick, postmaster. A boat-ferry, for the conveyance of passengers to Shawmont on the opposite side of the river, has existed above twenty-five years. West Laurel Hill Cemetery is situated half a mile northwest of the city line and immediately to the rear of Pencoyd which is opposite Manayunk. The company was incorporated in 1869 when for the purpose two adjoining estates and part of another were secured containing in all one hundred and ten acres. The choice is stated to have been the result of a examination of the entire vicinity of Philadelphia. Its surface is rolling and variegated, the highest point being two hundred and twenty-five feet above the waters of the Schuylkill. From it a fine view is afforded, particularly in a north and west direction. Since in their possession extensive improvements have been made to adapt it to the purposes for which it is intended. Numerous winding walks have been tastefully laid out and planted with shrubbery, neat buildings erected, as dwellings, lodge, and receiving vault, stabling and sheds. Numerous monuments have been reared to the memory of the dead, the interments having reached in September, 1883, and nineteen hundred. Two stations adjoin the grounds, one at Pencoyd belonging to the Reading Railroad, the other on the Schuylkill Valley road. The latter road has been in operation since May, 1884, and the station is called West Laurel Hill, the cemetery is only four miles distant from Market Street Bridge, and Belmont Avenue leads directly to the place. The office of the company is at No. 115 South Fifth Street. In the northern part of Bryn Mawr, beside the New Gulf road, buildings have been erected for a female college, to being charge of the Orthodox Friends. For this purpose Dr. Joseph W. Taylor, of Burlington, N. J., who died January 18, 1880, aged seventy years, left a handsome bequest. He had purchased here thirty-seven acres and had commenced the improvements a short time before his death, under the superintendence of George W. Ott, who is still retained in charge. In June, 1884, Taylor Hall were nearly completed, it being built of granite from Port Deposit, Md. It is one hundred and thirty feet long and about sixty feet in average width, with a square tower one hundred and thirty feet in height. The other will be called Merion Hall, and is one hundred and seventy-five feet long by forty- six in width. Taylor Hall is designed for instruction while Merion Hall will be used for dormitories and household purposes. Both are substantially built of dressed stone and three stories high, after designs by Addison Hutton, the architect. It is intended to have the buildings finished by March 1, 1885, and that the institution shall be ready for students in the following September. The amount left by Dr. Taylor was about eight hundred thousand dollars, of which a considerable portion is invested and the income only applied to its use. Dr. James E. Rhodes, of Philadelphia, who was named in the will as one of the trustees, was elected president of the board in March, 1884. He has been a physician in Germantown for some time, and is now a minister among Friends and senior editor of the "Friends' Review." Mathew Carey Thomas, of Baltimore, has been selected dean of the faculty and professor of English. It is intended to adopt and maintain a standard of admission arid instruction equal to the best male colleges in the country. Dr. Taylor had been connected with the Haverford College, for boys, which is only a mile distant, and thus, no doubt, was induced to erect here also a somewhat similar institution for girls. 928 Among the ancient houses of worship still standing in Pennsylvania, the Friends' Meeting-house in Lower Merion is one of the oldest. It is situated on the old Lancaster road, at what has been for some time called General Wayne, but little over a mile from the city line. The early Welsh, it appears, who settled throughout this section were nearly all Friends, and are known to have held worship in this vicinity, at the house of Hugh Roberts, as early at least as the Fourth Month, 1684. According to the researcher of the late Dr. George Smith, they built at first a temporary structure of wood in 1695, which stood until 1713, when its place was, supplied by the present substantial stone edifice, which was completed in the fall of that year. Its ground-plan is in the form of a gothic T, with a length of thirty-six feet and the end facing southwest, is twenty by twenty-four feet. It is one story, or about fourteen feet to the roof, with walls over two feet in thickness, and, viewed from the inside, remarkable for the height of its windows above the floor. PICTURE OF FRIENDS' MEETING-HOUSE, LOWER MERION, APPEARS HERE. A stone up in the gable, fronting the road, has cut on it "Built 1695, repaired 1822." This has been the means of leading many astray, they supposing, that the present edifice had been erected at that date, whereas It was the date of the erection of the original building, whose place it supplied eighteen years later. This has now been so long and widely published that the impression will not be so readily removed. It was of stone, pointed, but in repairing it, probably in 1822 or not much later, it was plastered in imitation of large dressed stone, which has marred its venerable appearance. The graveyard adjoining contains only a few recent tombstones that bear inscriptions. There is a tradition extant that when the Welsh Friends of this vicinity went to Haverford Meeting, on the occasion of William Penn preaching there in 1701, many could not understand him because he spoke in English. The Congregation had become small; the writer attended worship here on a beautiful Sabbath-day in 1871, with but seventeen persons present. For a long period of eighty-six years from the early settlement here, it was the only house of worship in the township. The Baptist Church is located at the intersection of the Gulf and Robert road and about a half a mile to the north of Bryn Mawr. It is a two-story stone building, erected in 1809, to which a small addition has been made since 1858. It is in a retired situation, surrounded by aged chestnuts and oaks, trees of the original forest. The graveyard comprises nearly two acres of ground and is neatly kept. There are numerous handsome white marble tombstones here, on which we find the surnames of Clare Preston Restine Hagy Hibbard Foreman Levering Righter Blankley Williamson Jones Young Llewellyn Smith Morris Shubert McClenachan Taylor Bailey Shoester Curwin Ewing Elmer Davis Johnston Barrett Stewart Sheaff Sturges Baldwin Humphreys Evans Lee Suplee Butler Stanley Marshall Yocum Bauman Gore Migs Edwards Casidy Scott Latch Roberts Thomas Shaw Horn Bevan Owens Wilson McBride Praul Burns Hoyle Williamson Zell Haley Gaskill Litzinberg Rogers Wrigley Moore Nagle Crawford Kenzie Fretz Coulter Miller Pyatt Matheys Pechan Stedman Armstrong Castner Pawling Dick and Ripley. Several members of the Gaskill family are buried here, being the descendant of Peter Gaskill, who married Chritiana Gulielma, the daughter of William Penn, Jr., son of the founder of Pennsylvania by his first wife. The congregation was organized and the church founded chiefly through the exertions of its first pastor, Rev. Horatio Gates Jones, D.D., who entered in charge for the long period of forty-four years or until his death, which took place at his residence in Roxborough, December 12, 1853, aged seventy- seven years. In 1858 the Rev. Mr. Anderson had charge. The present pastor is Rev. William Wiley, who has also services in a chapel on Lancaster Avenue. Before the erection of the church the congregation worshiped in a small building near by, which had originally been a school-house, but some time since demolished. About three-quarters of a mile east of Bryn Mawr stands the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, which ranks among the finest church edifices in the county. It is built of dressed stone, fifty by one hundred feet in dimension, with an elegant tower. The grounds comprises about five acres, laid out with walks, and within which is a grove of forest-trees. A neat two-story parsonage is attached. The present rector is the Rev. Edward J. Watson, D.D. Service are held here twice every Sabbath, the Sunday-school at 9:15 A. M. On tombs here are found the names of Morris Yarnall Farnum Wheeler Struthers Miles Wildgoss Lycett Roundlet Haydon Kelly William Peace Crumley Evans Waln Lyons Watts and Harkins. This congregation was represented in the Episcopal Convention of 1883, by N. Parker Shortbridge Rowland Evans and Archibald B. Montgomery as lay delegates. A church was originally built by the congregation on the north side of the Lancaster pike, half a mile distant, about the year 1848, and stood until 1879, when the present commodious edifice was erected in its place, on what had been previously known as the parsonage ground. Near Merionville is the Episcopal Church of St. John, built about ten years ago. The present rector is Rev. C. C. Parker, whose address is Academy. It will thus be seen that of the eleven Episcopal Churches now in the county, two are in Lower Merion. 929 The name of this township is derived from Merioneth, in North Wales, probably one of the most mountainous counties, some of the peaks rising to three thousand feet, with generally a poor soil and not half its territory under cultivation. The early settlers here were nearly all Welsh, and among them it is known that Edward Jones, John Thomas, Robert Owen, Thomas Owen, Hugh Roberts and Rowland Ellis came from Merioneth, which will account for the name of the township. What are now Upper and Lower Merion townships, Gabriel Thomas, in his "Account of Pennsylvania," in 1696, calls Merioneth, this, however, we know was divided and known by their present names before 1714. In 1685 the boundary between Merion and Chester County was ordered to be determined. But a short time before the arrival of Penn, a number of Welsh who proposed settling in Pennsylvania, purchased a tract of forty thousand acres of land, which subsequently was located in Merion, Haverford, Goshen and several of the adjoining townships. How much of this tract lay in this township is not known to us, but no doubt it covered more than half its present area. Thomas Holme, the surveyor-genera], in his map of original surveys commenced in 1682, gives us the following names as purchasers: John Holland Christopher Pennock William Wood William Sharlow Daniel Meredith John Roberts John Humphreys Thomas Ellis Edward Jones and a number of others whose names are not mentioned. About 1683 and the following year several had already settled on their purchases, and the number was yearly augmenting. According to the researches of Dr. James J. Levick, of Philadelphia, probably the earliest settler in Lower Merion was Edward Jones, "chirurgeon," who set sail in the ship "Lyon," John Compton, master, and arrived with forty passengers in the Schuylkill River, August 13, 1682, almost two months before William Penn. In a letter written by him, dated the 26th of that month, he states,- "The Indians brought venison to our door for 6 pence ye quarter. There are stones to be had enough at the fall, of Skool kill, that is where we are to settle, and waterpower enough for mills, but thou must bring Mill-stones and ye irons that belong to it, for smiths are dear. They use both hookes and sickles to reap with." His wife was Mary, the daughter of Dr. Thomas Wynne, and he brought with him his children, Martha and Jonathan. On John Hill's "Map of the Environs of Philadelphia," published 1809, he is thus alluded to: "Jones, -The first British settlement, 18th of Sixth Month, 1682." The place designated is now the estate of his descendant, the late Hon. Owen Jones, near Libertyville. That date, as may be observed, is only five days after his arrival, and it is certainly an early claim. He died 26th of Twelfth Month, 1737, aged ninety-two years; consequently on his arrival he was thirty-seven years old. Thomas Chalkley, in his journal, states that he was buried at Merion, and that his funeral was attended by many hundreds. Samuel Smith, in his "History of the Province," mentions him as "given to hospitality, and generally beloved by his acquaintances." His son Jonathan, who at the time of his arrival here was three years old married Gainor, the daughter of Robert Owen. He died June 30, 1770, aged nearly ninety-one years. Martha married John Cadwallader, at Merion Meeting-house, 26th of Tenth Month, 1699. Robert Jones purchased of William Penn, in England, in 1682, five hundred acres of land, which were afterwards located in this township. He was also an early settler, popular among his neighbors, and in June, 1715, appointed one of the justices of the County Courts, which office he held for several years. In consequence of French and Indian alarms, a company of Associators was formed here for the defense of the province in February, 1747, of which Edward Jones was chosen captain and Griffith Griffiths first lieutenant. John Jones, an extensive farmer and one of the associate judges of the county, died December 26, 1824, in his eightieth year. Robert Jones was a supervisor of highways in 1767, John Jones in 1785, and Israel Jones assessor in 1780. The late, Owen Jones, of Wynnewood, was the son of Jonathan Jones and Mary, daughter of William Thomas. He was elected to Congress in 1856, and served as a colonel of cavalry in the Rebellion. He died December 25, 1878, aged fifty-nine years. The late Dr. George Smith, the historian of Delaware County, was also a descendant of Thomas Wynne and of Edward Jones. Thomas Wynne, a native of Coerwys, Flintshire, North Wales, arrived in November, 1682, in the ship "Welcome" with William Penn, accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, and her daughters, Jane and Margery. As his son-in law, Edward Jones, had preceded him, nearly two months, and had settled in the present township, he was induced to follow and settle beside him. He was a physician and also a minister among Friends. He represented Philadelphia County in the first Assembly, held at Chester, December 4, 1682, of which body he was elected Speaker the following session, and subsequently became one of the judges of the court. He wrote several tracts of a controversial character in defense of the doctrines of the Society of Friends. In connection with John ap John, he is mentioned as having purchased five thousand acres of land some time before 1701. His will bears date of 15th of First Month, 1691, wherein he calls himself a "practitioner of physick," and appoints Thomas Lloyd and Griffith Owen his executors. He died 16th of First Month, 1692, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground, in Philadelphia. His residence was on the site now occupied by the mansion of the late Colonel Owen Jones, which has thus led to the origin and perpetuation of the name of Wynnewood. PICTURE OF THE RESIDENCE OF COL. OWEN JONES, APPEARS HERE. 930 The Roberts family is also an early one, and has done much to advance the prosperity of the township, and probably has not been surpassed in energy by any other of Welsh origin in the county. John Roberts came from Pennychlawd, Denbighshire, North Wales, and settled on a tract of two hundred and fifty acres, in 1683, that he had purchased from John ap John and Thomas Wynne. He was married to Gainor, the daughter of Robert Pugh, of Merionethshire, by occupation a mill-wright, and is supposed to have erected the third mill in the province. This was near the present village of Pencoyd, which has received its name from the place of his nativity. A portion, of this tract has never been out of the family. John Roberts, who carried on a grist-mill and two paper-mills on Mill Creek, before 1758, was his descendant; also the late Jonathan Roberts, of Upper Merion, United States Senator, Algernon S. and Percival Roberts, the founders and proprietors of the extensive Pencoyd Iron-Works, and George B. Roberts, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, who resides on his ancestral acres in this township. On the list of 1734 six of the name are mentioned as residing in Lower Merion. Hugh Roberts came from Llanvrawr, in Merionethshire, where he had suffered much for his religious principles previous to his removal to Pennsylvania. He was a minister among Friends, and visited their meetings in Maryland and New England, and made two journeys on this account to Great Britain. On his return from the latter country in July 1698, he was accompanied by a number of immigrants from North Wales, whom he had encouraged to come. Before the building of Merion Meeting-house meetings were frequently held at his house, as shown by the records of Radnor Monthly-Meeting as early, at least, as in Fourth Month, 1684. He died 18th of Sixth Month, 1702, and was interred in Merion burying-ground. On the assessor's list for 1780 we find the names of Algernon Roberts, rated for 224 acres Joseph Roberts, 150 Hugh Roberts, 130 and John Roberts, 50 acres. Rowland Ellis was a native of Bryn Mawr, near Dolgelly, Merionethshire. He arrived in 1686, bringing with him his eldest son, Rowland, then a boy. The ship brought besides about one hundred passengers from North Wales. After remaining here about nine months he returned, leaving his son with his uncle, John Humphrey. In 1697 he came back, bringing his family, besides a considerable number of his countrymen. He was a distinguished scholar, and for the Welsh he performed the important duties of a translator and interpreter. He was commissioned a justice of the peace for Merion in 1707, continued one for many years, and also holding the office of county commissioner. He was the original settler on Charles Thomson's property, now belonging to Naomi Morris. In 1720 he removed to Plymouth township, where be soon after translated from the Welsh Ellis Pugh's "Salutation to the Britains," which was printed by S. Keimer, of Philadelphia, in 1727, in a duodecimo of two hundred and twenty-two pages. While on a visit to his son-in-law, John Evans, in Gwynedd, in 1729, he was taken suddenly ill, and thus happened to die there in his eightieth year. A memorial concerning him was published by the Friends in 1787. Benjamin Humphrey came over in 1683, was a useful man in the settlement, and was widely known for his hospitality, particularly to the newly-arrived immigrants. He died November 4, 1737, aged seventy-six years. David Humphrey was commissioned one of the judges of the County Courts November 22, 1738. In the list of 1734 are found the names of Benjamin and John Humphrey, and of 1780, Thomas Humphrey. It was from members of this family that Humphrevsville received its name. Edward Edwards purchased of William Penn, in England, two hundred and fifty acres, which he located here and settled upon, and he was still living in 1734. Robert Owen came from Wales in 1690. He was a minister, and traveled much on this account, both in his native country and in America. He died in July, 1697, and was interred at Merion-meeting house. Benjamin Eastburn, who is mentioned in the list of 1734 as a resident here, in 1722, married Ann Thomas, of Abington. He was appointed to succeed Jacob Taylor as surveyor-general October 29, 1733, and continued in that office till or near his death, his successor being William Parsons, who was commissioned August 22, 1741. The part that he performed in the "Indian Walk" was not creditable. In his map thereof he has done his utmost to conceal and cover the transaction. With all his subserviency to the interests of Thomas Penn, the latter reflects severely on his character as may be seen in the Penn manuscripts. Griffith Llewellen was commissioned a justice of the County Courts in April 1744, and continued in the office for a number of years. We herewith present a list of the landholders and tenants residing in Lower Merion in 1734, copied from the original manuscript prepared by the constable for Thomas Penn. It contains fifty-two names, and to their descendants cannot fail to prove interesting. Excepting about four or five names, the balance are probably all Welsh, which will show how extensively they were the original settlers here: John (son of Mathias) Roberts Hugh Evans Robert Jones Robert Roberts Robert Evan Rees Price Edward Jones Abel Thomas Benjamin Eastburn Jonathan Jones William Haward Richard Hughs Morris Lewellen Benjamin Humphrey John Humphrey Joseph Williams Rees Thomas William Thomas Peter Jones Humphrey Jones John Griffith Catharine Pugh Rees Phillip Joseph Tucker James John Thomas John John Lloyd Griffith Lewellen Robert Roberts David Jones William Walton David Davis Joseph Roberts John Roberts David Price Issachar Price David Price, Jr. Lewis Lloyd John David Robert (son of Peter) Jones Thomas David John Evans Eleanor Bevan Owen Jones' plantation Evan Harry Nicholas Rapy John Roberts (carpenter) Evan Rees Samuel Jordan James Dodmead Edward Edwards and Garret Jones. The list of 1780 shows a reduction to about thirty-five Welsh surnames out of a total of one hundred and eighty-five, at that date but little surpassing the German element. A study of Hopkins' farm map of the township, published in 1877, shows a great falling off here of the nationality that for the first half-century of settlement were so largely dominant. John Oldmixon, in a visit here in 1708, mentions the Welsh and their tract as "very populous, and the people are very industrious; by which means it is better cleared than any other part of the county. The inhabitants have many fine plantations of corn and breed abundance of cattle, insomuch that they are looked upon to be as thriving and wealthy as any in the province." 931 During the Revolution, particularly while the British held possession of Philadelphia, from September, 1777, to June, 1778, the inhabitants of Lower Merion, in consequence of their nearness, suffered severely from the raids of the enemy. Though no striking events of interest occurred here during the exciting struggle, yet it was compelled to bear some of the trials. Shortly after their departure an assessor was appointed to value the damages, which amounted to 3212, or $8565 of our present currency. Michael Smith was the heaviest loser, to the extent of 451. During this period twenty-nine persons stood attainted with treason within the present limits of the county, yet only one of the number was a resident of Lower Merion, thus showing that the mass of the people here must have been generally disposed to independence. From the township assessment of 1780, as returned by Israel Jones, the assessor, we derive some interesting information. John Righter is mentioned as holding a grist-mill and one hundred acres Catharine Zolly, grist-mill and fifty-two acres Anthony Levering, grist and saw-mill and one hundred and fourteen acres John Jones, saw-mill Catharine Scheetz, two paper-mills and one hundred acres Frederick Bicking, paper-mill and two hundred acres Jacob Newhouse, paper-mill and fifty-two acres Benjamin Scheetz paper-makers, Daniel Claus Simon Claus George Handbolt Jacob Nagle oil-mill, Daniel Burrell inn-keepers, William Stadleman Abraham Streeper David Briggs smiths, Samuel Horten Jonathan Robeson Thomas Humphrey Jesse Thomas wheelwrights, Lewis Thomas John Whiteman millwright, John White weavers, Robert Elliott John Young Thomas Robeson Michael Kline Henry Shulster tanner, Robert Holland clergyman, John Robeson tailors, John Evans Isaac Lewis mason, John Smith shoemakers, Joseph Smith Jacob Coleman Rudolph Latch James Nussel holding Negroes, the first two having two each; Daniel Briggs Philip Pritner Robert Elliott Hugh Jones Isaac Taylor Frederick Bicking Benjamin Scheetz. John Price. The assessment of 1785 mentions 5 grist-mills, 4 saw-mills, 5 paper-mills, 2 tan-yards, 4 taverns, 245 horses, 298 cattle and 7 negroes, the latter number showing a decrease of three slaves in five years. Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, was long a resident of Lower Merion, where he died August 16, 1824, at the advanced age of ninety-four. He was a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1741, in company with his three elder brothers. He first taught school and early formed the acquaintance of Dr. Franklin. At the first meeting of Congress, in 1774, he was called to keep the minutes of their proceedings, and was continued secretary till 1789, when he resigned. He married Hannah, the only child of Richard Harrison, who had died in 1747. Her mother was the daughter of Isaac Norris and a granddaughter of Governor Thomas Lloyd. Mrs. Thomson was an heiress, by whom he acquired a considerable estate, taxed in 1780 for seven hundred and fifty acres, and extending southward nearly to the present Bryn Mawr. His wife having died September 6, 1806, in his will, made a short time before his death, he bequeathed the whole estate to his nephew and executor, John Thomson, of New Castle, subject to the maintenance of his aged sister, Mary Thomson, "during the term of her natural life." The greater part of the estate in 1858 was owned by Levi Morris, who was then rated for five hundred and ninety-six acres. The estate is now held by Mrs. Naomi Morris, and is decidedly the most extensive tract owned by any one person in the township. The mansion occupied by Charles Thomson has been carefully preserved, being a substantial, plain, two-story stone house in the prevailing style of the period in which it was erected. On the Harrison estate, and about half a mile north of Bryn Mawr, is the cemetery of the Harrison family. It is in a secluded situation, being surrounded by woods, and not readily found by a stranger. It is inclosed by a substantial wall, whose dimensions are about ninety by forty-five feet. A stone in the inclosure states that "it is opposite the division between two rows of family graves, wherein are interred Richard Harrison, died March 2, 1747, and a number of his descendants; also Charles Thomson, Secretary of Continental Congress," and Hannah, his wife. "Wherein are interred" the remains of Charles Thomson, looks very much like an intentional mistake. He is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, his remains having been removed from here several years after his death, contrary to the expressed injunction of his will, dated January 29, 1822, on file at Norristown, which states, near its beginning, and first desire to be buried in the old Burying-ground at Harrington," meaning, it is natural to suppose, where his wife had been buried more than fifteen years previously. 932 Hence we do not wonder that it made some excitement, and was the occasion of several pamphlets. Henry Woodman, [See NOTE] of Buckingham, a respected minister of Friends, visited this cemetery in 1858 and wrote an account thereof, published at the time, wherein he states that there was a stone here at that date, in the wall, with this inscription,- "In memory of Richard Harrison, the founder of this cemetery, who departed this life the second day of the First month, 1747, in the 78th year of his age." He, with his wife and children, are buried here, some of whom had died previously, and some subsequently to his death. Being members of the Society of Friends, no monuments were placed to mark their final resting-place. This stone in erected near the centre of them, to perpetuate their memory, 1844." [NOTE: Author of a "History of Valley Forge" and other papers of local interest; died in December 24, 1879, aged eighty-four years. Personally well known to the writer.] It is apparent that the latter stone must have been since removed and the former one inserted. In the enlarged part are more recent stones, with inscriptions denoting the surnames of some six or seven families. Few townships in the county possess better roads than Lower Merion. Of late years great quantities of cinder have been hauled and placed on them from the West Conshohocken furnaces, which, when worn down, make excellent and smooth roads, as may be witnessed on the Township Line road, extending southwestward from the latter place to Merion Square. Pains have also been taken to have them well graded and of good width, which tends greatly to improve the appearance of the country through which they pass. The Haverford road is probably the oldest in the township, having been laid out in 1703 as a public highway from near Haverford Meeting-house to Philadelphia. It enters Lower Merion a trifle over half a mile south of Ardmore, and proceeds directly on about a mile and a half across the southern corner of the township. The road from the meeting-house to Powell's ferry was confirmed in June, 1704. Report of a survey for a road from Merion to Radnor was confirmed in March, 1713. The road from Lancaster to the Schuylkill, at High Street ferry, was laid out November 23, 1741, and is now known as the old Lancaster road, passing through the township a distance of about six miles, and the villages of Merionville, General Wayne, Libertyville, Ardmore and Bryn Mawr. This road is noted on Scull & Heap's map of 1750. Below the meeting-house is mentioned "Griffith's" and "Tunis," on opposite sides, and "Evans" about a mile in an easterly direction. On the making of the turnpike, in 1792, this road was considerably straightened, and in consequence but a very small portion of the original road through this township was used for the purpose. The Gulf road was another early and important highway, noted on Lewis Evans' map of 1749 as extending from Valley Forge to the Lancaster road, a short distance above Ardmore. This road is noted for having on the east side of its course the "Penn milestones," called go from having on the rear side the three balls or platters of the Penn coat-of-arms. They appear to be soapstone, and are generally above the ground about three and a half feet, bearing on the front merely the figures denoting the distance in miles from Philadelphia,--as, for instance, between Bryn Mawr and the Upper Merion line are two, bearing respectively "12" and "13." It is remarkable that these should have been only placed along this road. When and by whom placed and who bore the expense are matters for conjecture. In 1766 a petition was sent to the Court of Quarter Sessions praying for a road from John Roberts' mill "to Rees Ap Edward's Ford, on the river Schuylkill, for the transportation of lime and other necessaries across said ford, for the convenience of the public." This probably is the present Mill Creek road, and consequently this ford must have been in the vicinity of the mouth of the stream, thus indicating the necessity of bringing lime from Whitemarsh and Plymouth. At March Sessions, 1785, Anthony Levering made application for a road from Levering's Ford, on the Schuylkill, by his mill, to the Lancaster road, on the north side of Merion Meeting-house. The court appointed commissioners to lay out the road, which was ordered to be opened. This is evidently the highway commencing at the mouth of the stream at the lower part of West Manayunk, and thence proceeding through Academyville, by Belmont Race-Course to the meeting-house. It was one of the first applications granted for a new road after the organization of the present county. The overseers of the highways in 1767 were Robert Jones and Stephen Goodman; in 1785, William Stadleman and John Jones; and in 1810, Louis Knox and Peter Pechan. Prior to the Revolution those persons in the township that were entitled to vote were obliged to go to the State-House, in Philadelphia. In 1778 the elections for this district were ordered to be held in Germantown, and from thence, in 1785, removed to the court-house in Norristown. By an act of Assembly passed on March 31, 1806, Lower Merion became the Ninth District in the county, and elections were required to be held at the General Wayne, and remained there until 1867, when a division was made into the Upper and Lower Districts. Through the increase of population, the court confirmed, June 3, 1878, the division of the Lower District into East Lower and Lower Districts, the elections for the former to be held at West Manayunk, and for the latter to continue at the General Wayne. The division of the Upper District was confirmed by the court June 10, 1880, to be called West and Upper Districts, the elections for the former to be held at Bryn Mawr Station, and for the latter to continue in Merion Square. We thus perceive that in a large and populous township like this, with its two centuries of history, even the subject of its elections, if inquired into and the materials, brought together could, through the changes connected therewith, be made the matter of an interesting sketch since the days of slavery, servitude and property qualifications. 933 In connection with this subject, and deserves mention, a map of Lower Merion was published in 1858 by John Levering, from surveys made by himself, all its buildings and various improvements, names of property- holders and the boundaries of lots and farms. This, we believe, was the first effort of the kind for the whole township; a part of the lower portion had been thus given in Hill's map of 1809. ASSESSMENT OF LOWER MERION FOR 1783. Peter Evans, 280 acres 1 horse and 3 cattle Philip Pritner, gent., 100a. 1h. 2c 2 slaves Alexander Oliver, 4 h. 9 c Leonard Nidley, 2h 3 c David Thomas, 2 h. 2 c Lawrence Trexler, 2 h. 3 c Jonathan Brooks, 100 a. 2 h. 3 c Charles Massey, 2 h. 3 c. 1 chair Jesse Jones, 100a 2h Francis Jones, 50 a., 3 h. 2 c Catharine Zolley, 52 a., grist-mill 1h. 2 c David Briggs, innkeeper, 42 a. 2 slaves, 2h. 3 c John Jones, 50a., saw-mill, 2 h, 5c Samuel Horton, smith, 1c Abraham Nanna, 120 a. 2 h. 2 c John Tate, 2 h. 2 c Abraham Tuley, 2h 3 c Jonathan Sturgis, 200a. 2h. 2 c Joseph Smith, cordwainer, 1c John Davis, mason, 1 ?. 1c Elizabeth Crickbaum, 100a., 3h., 2 c Robert Lisle, laborer Robert Elliott, weaver, 100 a., 3 h., 4 c, 1 slave Israel Jones, 2 h. 3 c Llewellyn Young, 2 h, 5c. John Smith, mason, 2 h. 2 c Peter Trexler, rents of Charles Thomson, 750 a. 6 h., 10 c. Henry Pugh, 50a., 1c Thomas Cochran, 150a., 2 h., 4 c George Horn, 77a., 2 h. Andrew Horn, 77 a., 2 h., 2 c. William Broades, 25 a., 3h., 4c Hughes Jones, 334 a. 4h. 12 c., 1 slave John Grover, 1 h., 4 c Wendel Kingfield, 2h., 2 c Hannah Bridson, widow, 93 a., 2 h., 3 c William Tolbert, 93 a. 4h 2 c Joseph Taylor, 1c Isaac Taylor, aged, 130 a., 3 h., 2c., 1 slave John Young, weaver, 1h 1c John Llewellyn, 350 a., 2h., 5 c Mathias Foltz, 50 a., 2 c Abraham Walter, single, 89a Joseph Roberts, 150a., 1 c John Rowland, laborer, 1h, 1c Eleanor Lloyd, 50 a. Isaac Comly, 2h 4 c Meranah Alloway, 2h 3 c Enoch Davis, 40 a., 1c Christ Homiller, 3 c John Fimple, 1h 2 c John White, millwright William Ward, 2 h., 2 c Daniel Burrell, oil-maker, oil-mill 3 h. 3 c., 1 chair Hugh Roberts, single, 130 a., 1h 1c Jacob Amos, 1c 2h Isaac Warner, 2h 2c Anthony Richter, laborer, 1 c John Righter, miller, 100 a., grist-mill, 4 h. 4 c Jacob Hansbury, laborer, I c Joseph Sill, 2h., 2 c Frederick Bicking, 200 a. paper-mill 1 slave 2h 5 c Jacob Newhouse, 52 a. paper-mill, 2h, 2 c Thomas Wilday, 51 a. 1h 1c Thomas Robeson, weaver, 1c John Robeson, clergyman, 1h., 2c. John Robeson, laborer, 1c James Winter, 60 a. 2h 2 c Jonathan Robeson, smith, 151a. 2h. 2 c Daniel Claus, paper-maker Benjamin Scheetz, paper-maker, 1c. 1 slave Catherine Scheetz, 100a. 2 paper-mills 1h. 3 c George Handbolt, paper-maker, 1 c James Underwood, 2h 5 c Ambrose Emery, 2h 4 c Samuel Pawling, laborer, 1c John Grover, 70 a. 2h 3 c Thomas Morgan, 100 a. 3h 3 c Michael Cline, 30 a. 1h 1c., weaver Thomas Waters, 2 h., 2 c Rudolph Exbright, 2h 2 c Henry Miller, 50 a. Thomas Humphreys, smith, 30 a. 1 h, 1 c George Fimple, 2 h. 3 Philip Sing, 45a 2h 2c 1 chair Algeron Roberts, 224a. 5h 7c. John Evans, tailor John Coleman, cordwainer, 40 a Mathias Creamer, 2 h. 1 c Jacob Everman, laborer, 30a. 2 c Jacob Keighler, 3h. 3 c Casper Space, 1h 2 c Rudolph Latch, cordwainer, 75 a. 2h 2c James Calahan, laborer, 1h 1c Wm. Stadleman, inn-keeper, 80a 4 h. 2c Jesse Thomas, smith, 40a. 2h 2c Abel Thomas, 140 a., 2h., 3 c Lewis Thomas, wheelwright, 1h 1c John Zell, 100 a., 4 h 2 Nehemiah Evans, 50a., 2 h., 2 c. John Durnal, 5 h., 5 c. Isaac Hughes, 50a., 3 h. David Shannon, 100a., 3h 5c Henry Bare?, 4 h 5c James Nussel, cordwainer, 2a John Roberts, 50a., 2h 3c Jacob Lobb, 4h 3c John Price, 194a., 1 slave, 5h 8c Walter Walter, 80a., 2h 3c Daniel Lobb, 1c Hugh Knox, 120a., 3h 2c John Cook, 2h 1c Margaret Goodman, 168a., 2h 3c Michael Bower, 100a. 2 h 5c Martin Miller, 35 a. 2h. 2 c Jacob Matson, 1h, 3 c Peter May, 150 a., 3h., 2 c. Henry Shoolster, weaver, 2h. 2 c Abraham Streeper, inn-keeper, 16a 1h 1c Robert Holland, tanner, 40 a. tan-yard, 1h 2 c Michael Smith, 1h 2 c William Smith, 2h 1c Michael Smith, 2h 1 c Simon Claus, paper-maker, 2 c Anthony Tunis, 100 a. 1h 2 c Jeremiah Trexler, 2h 2c David Zell, 100 a., 2h, 2c Jacob Conrad, 4 h., 2 c Isaac Lewis, tailor, 2 h., 2 c Jacob Jones, 230 a. 2h. 2 c John Amos, cordwainer, I c John Whiteman, wheelwright, 1 c Jacob Sloan, 100 a. 2 h. 3 c Anthony Levering, 114 a. grist and saw-mill 3 h 2 c Paul Jones, 130 a. 3 h. 2 c Silas Jones, 140a 2h 2 c Margaret Heller, 180a 1h 3c Frederick Crow, 100a 3h 4 c Israel Davis, cordwainer Nicholas Stoltz, 2 h. 4 c Bartle Righter, 40 a 1h 1 c Jacob Neagle, paper-maker 1 c Michael McMullen, 190a. 3h. 4 c William Roberts, 1c Rudolf Sibley, 180 a. 3 h. 5 c Michael Hersh, 1 h., 1 c. Edward Price, infirm, 200 a Rees Price, 15 a., 2h. 8 c Thomas David's estate, 280 a. John Vanderin, 13 a. Peter Righter, 5 a. ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. -The list of 1734 contains the names of fifty- two residents of Lower Merion, and among them there is not recognizable a single German name, yet they had sufficiently increased by 1765 to have ministers occasionally preach to them in their language and baptize their children. In 1767 the first communion service was held, in which forty- three persons participated. Through the exertions of William Stadleman, Frederick Grow, Stephen Goodman, Christopher Getzman, George Bassler and Simon Litzenberg an organization was effected and a lot of ground purchased, with a view to erect thereon an Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a cemetery attached. A small log house for worship was built thereon in 1769, but no communion service held until May 1, 1774. The Revolution now approaching, the excitement connected therewith impaired the congregation to such an extent that it had but little more than a lingering existence throughout the whole of this period, and even its pulpit was occasionally supplied by ministers of other denominations. Near the close of the century matters began to wear a brighter aspect, and it was determined, as the building was getting dilapidated, to erect a new one of stone in its place. This was accordingly accomplished in 1800, but without securing stated religious services or a regular pastor. Through the efforts of several of its most efficient members, the Rev. B. Keller, of the Germantown congregation, was induced, in 1828, to divide his ministrations with this church. The attendance began now to increase, and through renewed efforts on the part of the pastor and the chief members prosperity became more manifest. A substantial wall was erected along the roadside on the southern part of the lot, and a Sunday-school started under flourishing auspices. The Rev. Jeremiah Harpel succeeded in the charge in 1831, and at the first communion he held eleven persons participated. His energetic labor, materially added to the membership. In 1833 the building was enlarged, and in November of that year dedicated to St. Paul. Mr. Harpel having resigned in 1834, the Rev. Charles Barnitz assumed the charge in the following year, making his residence in the neighborhood, and remained its pastor until 1839, during which period he added to its membership fifty persons. 934 His successor was Rev. Edward Town, who retained the pastorate about two and a half years, or until 1842. A vacancy now occurred, which was filled by Rev. Nathan Cornell in the autumn of 1844, who, within three years., added some twenty-four members. The Rev. William D. Roedel having settled here, the congregation built for his accommodation a parsonage in 1851, on the upper or western end of the church ground. He remained in charge until 1855, during which time he received seventeen into membership. Rev. Timothy Tilghman Titus succeeded, and remained pastor for several years. Henry Woodman, in a visit to this section in the latter part of 1858, thus speaks of this congregation and its previous church building,- "I was informed by some persons residing near the place, that it has at this time the largest congregation of any other place of worship in the township. Thirty years ago, there was only a small house upon the premises used in the double capacity of a meeting and school-house, and the congregation had become very small. All restraints against service being performed in the English language being removed they have now become a largo and highly respectable congregation. The officiating clergyman Informed me that if service was now performed in the German language, they would have to get another congregation to understand it." As these Germans were surrounded by the descendants of the early Welsh settlers and an English-speaking population, chiefly belonging to the Society of Friends, in consequence it was long known through this section as "the Dutch Church." It stood at the intersection of cross-roads, about a quarter of a mile southeast of Ardmore, and was a one-story stone building, surrounded by the graveyard with shade trees. In 1873 it was torn down, and the new church erected on a one-acre lot donated by Mr. Kugler, in the lower part of the village, fronting on Lancaster Avenue. It is a handsome edifice, built of dressed stone, two stories high, fifty-two by seventy feet in dimension, surmounted with a steeple and was dedicated in December, 1875. The present pastor is Rev. W. H. Steck. Services are held twice every Sabbath, the Sunday-school being in the afternoon. The graveyard, which has now been in use nearly one hundred and twenty years, in 1858 comprised about one and a half acres, and has since been enlarged to twice that size. It is neatly kept; and is now partly inclosed by iron railing. As may be expected, a considerable number are buried here. From the numerous tombstones we have transcribed the following surnames, of which fully three-fourth denote a German origin: Stull Keoch Cassidy Hoegue Dolby Brooks Bailey Kenzie Knox Martin Thomas Weest McMinn Smith Lainhoff Kugler Miller Sheaff Goodman Grover Coldflesh Sibley Kensel Ott Uries Freas Zell Stelwagon Trexler Horn Jones Hagy Raser Schrieble Krickbaum Knoll Walkin Prentz McElroy Herse Snyder Righter Wagner Litzenberg Hill Wilfong Wright Helmbold Black Stadleman Leedom Fullerton Griffith Heater Fimple McClellan Amos Latch Wallower Fiss Richter Hoffman Hayworth Barr Tibben Grow Wood Mowrer Rhodes Schofield Garrett Wise Williams Super Warner Hansell Bettle Knoll Gravel Bloom Epright Pouge Lentz Schafer Fryer Vaughan Bowden Hoffman Burns Abraham Seabold Bevan Rodenboh Nagle Pope Pitman Lowbey Hilt Whiteman Grave White Noblet Yetter Clevenger Magee Holland Miles Wilcox Fry Lyons and Young. A neat stone has been erected here to the memory of the late Charles Kugler, which informs us that he was born February 5, 1805, and died October 28, 1879. He was long identified with this church, above fifty years superintendent of the Sabbath-school, a school director of the township thirty-six years, and sixteen years president of the Lutheran Publication Society, besides holding other positions. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF ST. CHARLES BORROMEO. -This institution of the Catholic diocese is situated in the southeastern portion of Lower Merion, and within half a mile of Overbrook Station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The dome, surmounted with an elevated gilt cross, forms an object that can be seen for miles around the country, and its extensive grounds and magnificent buildings attract attention and area subject for comment among visitors on business or pleasure who have occasion to pass through this section. Its origin dates back to 1832, when a house was used for this purpose near St. Mary's Church, on South Fourth Street, Philadelphia. In the year 1838 it was incorporated by an act of Assembly as the "Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo." The incorporators were John Keating John Diamond Joseph Dugan Michael McGrath Marc Antoine Frenaye. These gentlemen constituted the first lay trustees and formed five of the nine required by law. The other four consisted of Bishop Francis P. Kendrick, the president of the seminary the professor of theology and the professor of Sacred Scriptures. In, January, 1839, the building at Eighteenth and Race Streets was completed, when Rev. M. O'Connor, D.D., opened the seminary with eighteen students. The object intended was that those thus educated should share the missions within the diocese of Philadelphia alone. At this date this diocese included the whole of Pennsylvania and Delaware, with the western part of New Jersey; but such has been the increase of churches that since 1869 its territory has been reduced to the city of Philadelphia and nine counties, namely -Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Schuylkill. In 1848, Rev. Thaddeus Amat became president, with twenty-five students, and $4043.26 raised by subscription for their support. The seminary having been enlarged, the number of students in 1851 had now reached to forty-one. Owing to a further increase and the want of sufficient accommodations, Bishop Neuman, in 1859, opened a preparatory seminary at Glen Riddle, Delaware Co., under the direction of Rev. James F. Shanahan, now bishop of Harrisburg. 935 Seeing a necessity for further accommodations, Bishop Wood, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars, in 1866, secured the site known as the Remington Farm, near Overbrook, about four and a half miles from Philadelphia, containing one hundred and twenty-seven acres, and now bounded by City, Lancaster and Wynnewood Avenues and the Hunter estate, the land being diversified, a branch of Indian Creek passing through it and possessing fine meadows, shady woods and stone adapted for building purposes. The corner-stone of the new building for the seminary was laid April 4th, 1866, on which occasion the president, Rev. Michael O'Connor, preached the sermon, when he reviewed its early history and struggles to arrive at what they were now prepared to accomplish. Owing to the extent of the improvements to be made, the seminary building was not ready for use until January 1871. In 1872, Rev. James A. Corcoran, D.D., assumed the rectorship of the seminary, succeeded in the following year by Rev. Charles O'Connor, D.D. The Rev. William Kieran, D.D., who was appointed in 1879, is its present rector. The seminary contains on an average one hundred students, and since its first foundation has supplied the diocese with upwards of three hundred and fifty priests. There are eight professorships, besides several assistant professors. The languages taught are English, German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew and Syriac. The French and Italian Ianguages are cultivated in private by a number of students. Rev. James A. Corcoran, D.D., is the professor of Hebrew, Syriac and homiletics. Every branch of sacred and profane science receives its due attention in the ten years' course required here in preparing the students for their future labors. As this seminary-building ranks among the finest in the country, a brief description will be given. Its architecture is of the Italian style and the general ground-plan somewhat in the form of the letter E. The east, or main front, is three hundred and eighty-four feet in length, three stories high and the central portion surmounted by a dome, the summit of which is one hundred and eighty feet above the ground. In the rear of the central building are the chapel, forty-five and a half by one hundred and three feet in dimensions and admirably fitted up, the decorations and paintings therein being excellent. Besides the main altar, four side altars are built in alcoves, sixteen feet wide and twenty-four feet high. The organ and choir-loft are situated at the east end of the chapel, and the students, when in choir, sit in stalls facing one another, according to the mode adopted in Rome. The central building is devoted to the library, choir- halls, sacristies, reception-room, and parlors. The pavilions contain study and recreation halls. The northwest pavilion and a building adjoining it are the quarter, of the matron and her attaches, the kitchen, laundry, engine-room store-rooms, etc. The southwest pavilion is occupied as students' rooms and a laboratory. The house is built of gray stone, heated by steam, and everything used in its construction is of the most substantial and durable character. The architects were Samuel F. Sloan and Addison Hutton. There are, besides, located on the grounds gas and water- works, two private dwellings for employees, carpenter-shop, barns and large and commodious stables. The library contains nearly eighteen thousand volumes, many of which are valuable and some rare. Among these we shall give space to mention the following works, all folios excepting two: The Bollandist "Lives of the Saints," commenced in 1643 at Antwerp, and still being published, 67 vol; De Lyra's Bible, printed at Rome 1472, the capitals painted by hand; a German Bible, printed in 1534, translated by D. Johan Dieten a Bible in 10 vols., printed in 1645 at Paris, in Syriac, Samaritan, Chaldee, Arabic, Latin, Greek and Hebrew; "Councils of the Church," 11 vols; "Cornelius a Lapide," 10 vols., Antwerp, 1645; Martin's "Corruptions of the Scriptures," 1582; "Bulla Roma Pontificurn," 29 vols.; "St. Augustine," 14 vols.; "Venerable Bede," 5 vols., 1563; "Bellarmine," 11 vols., quarto; "St. Thomas Aquinas," 26 vols.; Montfau峯n's "Antiquities," 10 vols.; Kingsborough's "Mexican Antiquities," 9 Vols.; "Scriptorum Graecorum Bibliotheca," 70 vols.; Lemaire's "Bibliotbeca Classica," 150 vols., quarto. Such a library is calculated to impress one with the antiquity and extent of the church. Many of the volumes have been donated by distinguished persons residing in Europe and in this country. It contains also a fine collection of medals struck by the various popes, commencing in 1417 and down to the present time. The walls of the seminary are also adorned with numerous valuable engravings and paintings. To bring this seminary to its present condition has cost not less than one million of dollars, and requires for its continuation an annual outlay of nearly forty thousand. The result, however, has been that some of the most gifted minds in the church are happy to call it their Alma Mater, and its welfare concerns many thousands of Catholics residing within the diocese. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES WHEELER Charles Wheeler, who, during the late years of his life, was the owner of the beautiful country-seat and suburban property known as the Wheeler Estate, in Lower Merion township, near Bryn Mawr, was born August 22, 1827, in the city of Philadelphia, which was his place of residence through all the years of his life. In 1847, Mr. Wheeler entered the employment of Morris, Tasker & Co. as a clerk, and continued in that position six years. At the end of that time Wister Morris, senior partner and founder of the house, retired from the business, and, much to the surprise of every one, sold out his interest to Mr. Wheeler, who was then less than twenty years of age and without capital. The preference was the more remarkable as there were clerks in the office senior to Mr. Wheeler and of family relationship to his benefactor. The confidence, however, was not misplaced. He paid for Mr. Morris' interest the sum of five hundred thousand dollars out of his share of the profits of the concern within two years after he entered it. In 1864, Mr. Wheeler sold out his quickly-acquired share in the business for eight hundred thousand dollars, and turned his attention to the Fairmount Iron- Works, of which he was the owner, and to the establishment of the Central National Bank, of which, at its organization, in 1865, he was the largest share-holder. He was one of its original directors, and, in 1873 was elected its vice-president. He continued in the direction of the Fairmount Iron-Works until the land on which they stood was taken by the city for park purposes. 936 In 1876, Mr. Wheeler re-entered and held a controlling interest in the firm from which he had retired twelve years previously, -that of Morris, Tasker & Co. Not content, as yet, with the vast business cares which he had taken upon himself, Mr. Wheeler, in 1878, entered, as senior partner, the firm of John Farnum. & Co., of 233 Chestnut Street, one of the heaviest dry-goods firms in the city. This step was taken in order to carry out the wishes of Mr. Farnum (then deceased), whose daughter, Susan, Mr. Wheeler had married in 1866. Mr. Wheeler was a man of strictest integrity and of thorough business education and character, possessing, in a remarkable degree, the faculties of quick perception, keen discrimination and ready judgment. He was a kindly, genial man, of a warm and generous nature. In person, he was tall and erect, of commanding presence and distinguished appearance. His health was excellent, and continued apparently unimpaired until his death, which occurred, suddenly, in New York, on the 16th of August 1883. At the time of his death Mr. Wheeler was the directing head of two of the largest business-houses of Philadelphia, and of one of its leading financial institutions. Besides these, he held positions in the boards of direction of the North America and Girard Insurance Companies, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, the Cambria Iron Company, the Pottstown Iron Company, the Seaboard Bank of New York, and the First National Bank of Bradford, Pa. The remarkable executive ability of Mr. Wheeler was attested by the impetus which his labors gave to the several mercantile, manufacturing and financial concerns with which he was associated, and especially by the success which followed his efforts, to create, incorporate and establish the Central National Bank. In his politics Mr. Wheeler belonged to the party of good government, -a conviction he evinced by his activity and prominence in One Committee One Hundred from the time of its organization. He took an active interest in city charities, being connected with the Charity Organization Society the Bedford Mission and the Soup Society. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal denomination, and was for many years connected with St. Luke's Church at Thirteenth and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia. Especially was his care and liberality extended to the Church of the Redeemer, at Bryn Mawr, near his country-seat. His city home was at 1217 Walnut Street. JOHN YOCUM CRAWFORD. John Yocum Crawford, one of the most prominent and influential among the leading men of Lower Merion township in his time, was descended from a Scotch family of that name, who came to America before the war of the Revolution and settled onlands purchased from the Swedes, at Swedes' Ford. A short distance below that place, on the west side of the Schuylkill, was the homestead farm of Andrew Crawford, a son or grandson of this first Crawford family, who was living there prior to the beginning of the present century. He had one daughter, Elizabeth, who became the wife of Hugh Long, and four sons,- Samuel Andrew William and Joseph, who was the father of him to whom this biographical sketch has especial reference. The wife of Joseph and mother of John Y. Crawford was Hannah Yocum (originally Jocum), a descendant of a Swedish family of that name, who came to Pennsylvania before the time of William Penn, and were among those of their countrymen who formed the settlement at Wicaco. Afterwards the Yocums were settled at Swedes' Ford, and thence the different branches of the family became spread out and extended through various localities in the country between the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. John Y. Crawford, one of the family of six children of Joseph and Hannah Crawford, was born at his parents' home, Prospect Hill, in the northwest part of Lower Merion township, May 14, 1822. His education, commenced in the common schools of the township was continued at the somewhat celebrated school of Joshua Hoops, at West Chester, and finished by a full course of study at the Treemount Seminary, Norristown, under the Rev. Samuel Aaron. On leaving school he decided to engage in the business in which he had been reared, and which best suited his tastes and inclinations, that of farming. He entered upon it with energy, and at the death of his father purchased from the estate the homestead farm where he continued to live until his death. In his chosen vocation he was progressive, conducting, his business in accordance with intelligent and advanced ideas, and ever ready to adopt well-tested improvements in methods of agriculture. With these characteristics, it was almost a matter of course that his extensive farming should result, as it did, in success. 937 Besides his agricultural operations, he was also engaged in other business enterprises, which proved profitable. During the prosperous times which preceded the financial panic of 1873 he made quite heavy investments in various company stocks, which afterwards appreciated in value to an extent that added largely to his wealth. He was one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank of Conshohocken, and a member of its board of directors from its organization until his death. With reference to his promptness and executive ability in matters of business, the following facts are related: His bachelor uncle, Andrew Crawford, in his old age, wishing to be relieved of the care of his large property, placed it in the hands of his nephew, John Y. Crawford, constituting him his attorney in fact for its management, and afterwards making a will and appointing him executor. In 1870 the uncle died at his nephew's house at the age of ninety-four years, and within three months from the day of his death the executor, Mr. Crawford, had settled the estate (amounting to about two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars), dividing it among the nine heirs to the entire satisfaction of all, and had filed his final account in the orphans' Court. To settle so large an estate in so short a time, dividing it amicably among so many heirs, was justly regarded as a remarkable business achievement. PICTURE OF JOHN Y. CRAWFORD, APPEARS HERE. In matters relating to public improvements and the welfare of the community in which he lived, Mr. Crawford was as progressive in his ideas, and as energetic in action, as he was in the prosecution of his private business. Perhaps the most forcible illustration of this was presented in the attitude which he assumed with regard to the improvement of the highways in his part of the township. When he became proprietor of the property which had been his father's, on Prospect highlands, scarcely a mile from the Schuylkill, there was no way by which the river could be reached with a wheeled vehicle of any kind without great difficulty. The road (if road it could be called) leading to West Conshohocken was little more than a rude cart-path, passing, for a great part of its length, through a rugged ravine, along the course of a small, rapid stream and over rocks and other obstructions, which made it almost impassable at all times and it became entirely so when the stream was swollen by freshets. Under these circumstances Mr. Crawford determined to procure the construction of a new and serviceable road to the river; but he soon 938 found that in this he was to meet a general and stubborn opposition, even from those who would be greatly benefited by the improvement. He caused the matter to be brought before a jury, where he himself made a strong and convincing argument against able counsel who had been employed by the opposition. The jury reported favorably, but the opposition continued, and it was not until after nine successive juries had made favorable reports that the road was finally laid out and built. Very few, if any, who are acquainted with the history of that broad, smooth and solid highway will now deny that for its construction, and for the advantages which have resulted from it, the public are chiefly indebted to the good judgment, energy and perseverance of John Y. Crawford. Mr. Crawford was married, September 19, 1867, to V. Virginia Wright, daughter of Archibald and Jane Wright, of Philadelphia. Their children are Mary Virginia, Annie Elizabeth, John Yocum and Andrew Wright Crawford. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were promoters and liberal patrons of the Mount Pleasant Sunday-school whose meeting-place was in the commodious stone school-house, standing within a few rods of their dwelling, and which was built chiefly by his generous donations. Annually, for several years, the teachers and pupils of the Sunday-school (as also many who were not members of it) were invited to Mr. Crawford's house and grounds for the enjoyment of the "strawberry festival," at which they were always profusely entertained at his expense. At one of these festivals at Mr. Crawford's grounds (in June, 1873) fully three hundred persons were in attendance. In a report of it, furnished for publication by one who was present, the writer said: "Here we found a happy group, the scholars and friends of the Mount Pleasant Sunday-school, with a host of other friends. Here was music and flags, singing by the school and strains of music by the Independent Band, of Manayunk. . . . As we wandered around among the large assemblage we could scarcely decide who were the happier, the friends invited by the generous giver of the festival, the children laughing and romping in the very exuberance of joy or Mr. Crawford, the author of the occasion. Here was a literal fulfillment of the text it is more blessed to give than to receive; for if the guests enjoyed the occasion, he who planned and executed this most successful festival had a double joy. . . It was a gala-day long to be remembered by all present." In 1874, Mr. Crawford's health became impaired so seriously as to induce him to journey South for its recovery. He visited the White Sulphur Springs, in Virginia, where he remained some time with apparently good results, but some time after his return it was found that the improvement had been but temporary his malady came back upon him, and he died at his home on, the 15th of April, 1875, in the fifty-third year of his age. His remains were interred in the Montgomery Cemetery, at Norristown. He left no will, and the estate was administered on by his widow, Mrs. V. V. Crawford, who is now residing in the family mansion. The landed estate of Mr. Crawford consisted of the homestead farm property, and two other farms in Lower Merion township (aggregating four hundred and nineteen acres), and a farm of one hundred acres in Chester County. Included in the Lower Merion lands was the Brookfield property of two hundred and thirteen acres, which has since been sold to the Hon. Wayne McVeagh. DAVID MORGAN. The father of David Morgan, of Lower Merion township, was William H. Morgan, who was a son of Welsh parents, born in London, England, on the 27th of February, 1780. At about the age of fifteen years (his mother being then dead) he came to America with his father, who made his home in Philadelphia, and died there a few years after his arrival. The son, William H., learned the trade of gold-beater, and after a time commenced business for himself as a manufacturer of gold-leaf and of gilt frames for pictures and looking-glasses. To this business he also added that of publisher of children's books, printed illustrations of patriotic subjects, land and naval battles of the Revolution and war of 1812, and portraits of Presidents, generals and other distinguished men of the United States. His location was on the south side of Chestnut Street, between Third and Fourth Streets, the same site now occupied by the building of the Guarantee Trust and Deposit Company. It was then numbered 114 Chestnut street, and was the first business stand opened on that street between Third and Fourth, the square having previously been entirely taken up by dwelling-houses. The building was Mr. Morgan's residence as well as his place of business, and the property remained in his possession until his death. About 1827, Mr. Morgan removed from Chestnut Street to the north side of Market Street, just above, Seventh, the number being then 709, which he also purchased and continued to own until his death. At that place he lived and carried on his business for about fourteen years. His wife was Sarah Colflesh, daughter of Henry Colflesh, one of the oldest residents of Montgomery County, whose residence was at Flat Rock Heights, in Lower Merion township. About 1838, Mr. Morgan closed his business and removed from Philadelphia to the farm which had been occupied by his father-in-law, at Flat Rock Heights. That farm continued in the ownership of Mr. Morgan until a few years before his death, when he sold it to William W. Hubbell. Within the past two years it has been purchased by Percival Roberts, Esq. Mr. Morgan continued to live at the Lower Merion farm until 1848, when he returned to the city and recommenced business on a property which he had purchased on Arch Street, above Fifth. There he resided, and continued the business until his death, which occurred on the 25th of January, 1863, in his eighty-fourth year. His wife had died more than six years before him, November 10, 1856. Both were buried in the family vault., near the Fifth and Arch Streets corner of the ground of Christ Church, of which both had been members, Mr. Morgan having joined its membership soon after his arrival in Philadelphia. 939 David Morgan, son of William H. and Sarah (Colflesh) Morgan, was born May 1, 1817, in Philadelphia, at his father's house, located (as before mentioned) on Chestnut Street, where now stands the building of the Guarantee Trust and Deposit Company. Until about the age of eighteen years he attended the schools of the city and learned his father's trade of gold- leaf manufacturer. At about the age mentioned he removed to Lower Merion township and commenced the gold-leaf business on his father's farm at Flat Rock Heights. He remained there until the latter part of 1844, when he purchased about eight acres of land adjoining the property on which he lives, on the Blockley and Merion turnpike, about half a mile from Merion Station and the same distance from Elm Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mr. Morgan was married, May 31, 1846, by the Rev. H. G. Jones, of the Lower Merion Baptist Church, to Catharine H., daughter of Abraham Levering, of Lower Merion township. They have had three children, Emma C., married, December 31, 1868, to William Simpson Jr., of Philadelphia Fannie, died May 80, 1875 David, who died in infancy. For about four years after his marriage Mr. Morgan lived on the small property which he purchased as mentioned. He then purchased and removed to the homestead farm, which he has occupied from that time to the present, though doing business in Philadelphia. He was one of the corporators of the Blockley and Merion Turnpike Company, one of its original and principal stockholders, was secretary find treasurer of the company for about twelve years, and has been one of its board of directors from the time of its first organization. He was one of the original members of the Church of the Redeemer, at Bryn Mawr; was present at the first meeting held for the purpose of organization in Temperance Hall (on which occasion Bishop Potter preached the first sermon to the congregation); was a member of the building committee having charge of the erection of the church edifice, and a liberal contributor to the building fund, and he held the office of rector's warden in that church. Mr. Morgan was also largely instrumental in the organization of St. John's Church, in Lower Merion. He has been a vestryman and warden in that church from its formation, and was (with Isaac Hazlehurst and others) a principal contributor towards the erection of the church building in 1862. Since that time it has been enlarged, more ground has been purchased, and a Sunday-school building and a parsonage built, bringing the value of the church property up to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. HAMILTON EGBERT. Hamilton Egbert, a well-known citizen of Lower Merion township, in which, as a school-boy, merchant, farmer and conveyancer, he has lived for more than sixty years, is a descendant of the first Egbert who came to America in 1664 with the expedition under command of Admiral Carre and Governor Richard Nicolls to expel the Dutch from New Netherlands and establish the authority of the Duke of York. That ancestor made a settlement on Staten Island, where the family remained and increased during several generations, and where many of the name are still living. Lawrence Egbert, grandfather of the subject of this memoir., moved to Montgomery County, Pa., before the Revolution and settled in Plymouth township, where his son, David N. Egbert, was born in 1788, and where Hamilton Egbert, son of David N. and Maria Egbert, was born September 18, 1821, he being the fourth in a family of twelve children, of whom only three are now living, namely--Hamilton, Norman and Emily, wife of William Davis, of Conshohocken. The mother of the family was Maria Yocum, who was married to David N. Egbert in 1815. She died in August, 1834. She was a daughter of John Yocum, of Lower Merion, and a granddaughter of John Yocum, Sr., who was a descendant of a Swedish family of that name, who came to America about 1655, and were among those who formed the settlement at Wicaco. Some of them were soon afterwards living at Swedes' Ford. More than a century later, in the time of the Revolution the Yocum were numbered among the most prominent and patriotic families in the vicinity of Philadelphia. In April, 1823, David N. Egbert removed from Plymouth to Merion Square, where for some years he held the office of justice of the peace, and where he continued the business of merchant and lumber-dealer until the year 1846. His son, Hamilton, worked in the store in the summer season, attending the common schools in winter, and for a term of about six months was under the tuition of Joshua Hoops, at his school in West Chester, where he gained an excellent knowledge of mathematics. In his nineteenth year he became a partner with his father, and at the age of twenty-five, he, with his brother Norman, succeeded to the entire business, his father then retiring from it. Their business was that of a general store, and they made it a point to be always able to furnish any article whatever that might be called for. The labor of such a business (to which was added that of the postmastership of the place for a term of twenty years) was so severe and incessant that at the end of nineteen year., from the time when he first became a partner with his father in the store Hamilton Egbert found his health so completely prostrated as to compel him to relinquish the business. He did so in 1859, and removed to a tract of seventeen acres of land which he then purchased, and which is the same that he, now occupies as his homestead. There he began a new mode of life as a farmer and conveyancer. The change entirely restored his health, and he has continued in those vocations to the present time. He has always declined to accept any public office, but he holds the position of president of the Bryn Mawr Loan and Building Association, and is also a director in the First National Bank of Conshohocken. 940 JOSHUA ASHBRIDGE. Joshua Ashbridge, son of Thomas and Phoebe Garrett Ashbridge, was born in Willistown township, Chester Co., Pa., Seventh Month, 10th, 1806. Joshua Ashbridge was the fourth in descent from George Ashbridge, who belonged to the Society of Friends, and arrived in Philadelphia Fifth Month, 5th, 1698, from England, and settled at Edgemont. He married, Eighth Month, 23d, 1701, at Providence Meeting, Mary Malin, of Upper Providence. He died in 1748. Joshua Ashbridge received a common-school education, then went into the wool manufacturing business with his father, Thomas Ashbridge, in Willistown, at which he continued until 1841, when he went to Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., and engaged in the coal business, and in 1843 came to Lower Merion, Montgomery Co., where he commenced farming and continued in that business until 1859, when he retired to private life. PICTURE OF JOSHUA ASHBRIDGE, APPEARS HERE. In 1848 he married Rebecca E. Pechin, daughter of Peter Pechin, of Radnor township, Delaware Co. They had four children--one son, who died when quite young, and three daughters, who are still living. Joshua Ashbridge has always been a stanch Republican, adhering firmly to his party, and for thirteen years represented his district as committeeman. THOMAS G. LODGE. Thomas G. Lodge is a substantial land-owner, and now one of the oldest citizens of Lower Merion township, where be has lived for more than fifty years on the homestead farm, which he owns and occupies. His father was John Lodge, a farmer of Kingsessing township, Philadelphia Co., and his grandfather on the parental side was Abel Lodge, a descendant from ancestors of the same family name, who came from England to Pennsylvania with the earliest settlers about the year 1682. 941 Thomas G. Lodge, son of John and Elizabeth (Reid) Lodge, was born at Kingsessing, March 23, 1811, he being the youngest, and now the only survivor of a large family of children, of whom only two besides himself lived to maturity, viz.: Abel, the eldest, born in 1794 and died in 1869, and Mary, who was born in 1796, married John S. Davidson, of New Jersey, and died in 1882. PICTURE OF THOMAS G. LODGE, APPEARS HERE. In his youth, like most other farmers' sons of his time, Mr. Lodge enjoyed only such means of education As were afforded by the common schools of his vicinity. Soon after reaching his majority he commenced the business which he had determined upon and which he has followed through all the succeeding years of his life, -the pursuit of agriculture. On the 20th of December, 1832, he was married to Susan Evans, daughter of Joseph and Mary Evans, of Lower Merion township, Montgomery Co., and a little more than a year later, in the spring of 1834, he removed from Kingsessing to the farm of his wife's parents (occupying a part of their house), which, having since been enlarged and improved by him, is now, as it has been for more than half a century, his dwelling-place and his home. Mr. Lodge still owns the Kingsessing homestead. WILLIAM MILES. William Miles, of Ardmore, Lower Merion township, is a descendant of a Welsh ancestor of the same family name, who came with the earliest emigrants from Wales to America, and settled in Chester County, Pa., and from whom sprang the many Miles families who are now scattered through all the eastern part of the State, and less numerously through the states of the South and West. Among the descendants of this Welsh emigrant were three or four Miles brothers, who eighty years ago, were living on farms in the vicinity of Radnor Church, in Delaware County, and one of whom was the father of the elder William Miles, to whose son William this biographical notice has especial reference. On the maternal side, the grandfather of the present William Miles was Christopher Taumiller (subsequently changed to Miller), who, with his brother Tobias, came from Germany to Pennsylvania more than one hundred years ago, and settled in what is now Lower Merion township, where they became well known as substantial farmers and good citizens. Both were original, members in the organization of the Lutheran Church, now of Ardmore, and were among the most liberal of its early supporters. 942 Christopher Taumiller's place of settlement was on lands now of the estate of Charles Wheeler, deceased, north of Bryn Mawr. About 1810 his daughter Mary was married to William Miles the elder, and they became the parents of a large family of children, of whom only four lived to mature age, -John, who died in the summer of 1884; William, now living at Ardmore; Charles, who resides at Manchester, N. J.; and Catharine, wife of John Austin, of Norwood, Delaware Co., Pa. PICTURE OF WILLIAM MILES, APPEARS HERE. William, son of William and Mary Miles, was born October 15, 1818, in Lower Merion township, on the farm a part of which his mother inherited from her father, Christopher Miller. He received only a common-school education, and at the proper age was apprenticed to learn the trade of carpenter. His apprenticeship was, finished about six months before be became of age, and from that time till he was about twenty-six years old be worked as a journeyman at Manayunk, at Roxborough and in Lower Merion township. He then commenced business for himself at Athensville (now Ardmore), in which he continued for about seventeen years. In 1861 he gave up the work of his trade, and commenced at White Hall as a dealer in coal, lumber, lime and such other commodities as are usually kept in a business of that kind. He remained at White Hall until the Pennsylvania Railroad Company began building their straightened line by way of Bryn Mawr and Rosemont. Having purchased land at the latter place, he donated a part of it to the company, thus securing the location of the Rosemont Station, to which be then removed his coal and lumber business, and there continued to prosecute it steadily and profitably until the spring of 1884, when he retired permanently from active business to live in ease and independence on his property at Ardmore, which he purchased for a homestead many years ago, and which was the first real estate he ever owned. Mr. Miles was in his youth, for a number of years, a teacher of vocal music in the counties of Montgomery and Delaware, and in that vocation he realized profits amounting to a very considerable sum, which aided him materially in his later business. Energy, industry and perseverance have always been among his leading traits, and by the exercise of them, together with his excellent judgment, he has amassed an estate more than ample for all his needs and requirements. 943 From the time of reaching his majority he was a member of the old Whig party until it ceased to exist, and from that time to the present he has been a no less steadfast supporter of its Republican successor on all national questions and measures. He is, however, no partisan politician, and has never held or sought office. He is an attendant of the services of the Lower Merion Baptist Church, at Bryn Mawr, and is one of its trustees, though not a member of the religious organization. He has been also one of the vestrymen of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, at Bryn Mawr. In November, 1851. Mr. Miles was married to Anna Broades, daughter of Richard and Mary Broades, of Lower Merion township. They have had two children,- Mary, who died September 12, 1879, at the age of twenty-six years, and Meta, who died of diphtheria in childhood. WILLIAM SIBLEY. William Sibley, son of Jacob and Catharine (Goodman) Sibley, was born July 16, 1810, in Lower Merion township, at the place now known as Ardmore, where he has lived from his birth until the present time. He was the eldest of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters. All the latter are still living, and two of the sons survive,-viz., William and his brother Charles, who resides in the State of Kentucky. Like other boys of his age and time, William Sibley attended the common schools of the neighborhood, which furnished all his means of education, except such as he found in a three years' course of study under the Hon. Joseph Fornance, afterwards a noted lawyer of Norristown, in which he acquired a thorough knowledge of mathematics, land-surveying and such matters of law as are necessary to the successful prosecution of the business of a conveyancer. After the close of this study under Mr. Fornance be commenced the business of teaching, and continued in that calling about six years, his school being taught during the last half of that period in a stone house which he built for the purpose in 1833. At the close of his school-teaching this house was changed into a dwelling, and has been occupied by him as his residence for nearly fifty years. 944 About 1836, Mr. Sibley commenced business as a land-surveyor and conveyancer, in which he has continued from that time to the present, -a period of nearly half a century, -during which he has surveyed the greater part of the lands in Lower Merion, as also a large proportion of those in the other lower townships of Montgomery and Chester Counties and many in the city of Philadelphia, and has drawn more than three thousand conveyances, giving general satisfaction and gaining the entire confidence of the community by constant adherence to the principle which he determined on in his youth, to do exact justice to every one according to the best of his ability, without fear or favor. Mr. Sibley held the office of justice of the peace for five years (1855-60) and served as school director twenty-six years, being treasurer of the board during the last sixteen years,-viz., from 1853 to 1869. At the end of that long term of service he declined to hold the position longer, though solicited to do so. For several years he was one of the trustees of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and also secretary of the board; and he has been a supporter of the Church, though not a member of the religious organization. William Sibley was married, in 1839, to Catharine, daughter of Baltus Whiteman, of Athensville (now Ardmore). Their children are Thomas Jefferson Sibley, born August 18, 1847 and Anna Catherine Sibley, born May 25, 1849, and now the wife, of James B, Law, who served as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly for the term succeeding his election to that office in 1876. SAMUEL LEVIS ROBESON. Samuel Levis Robeson, the youngest of the five children of Samuel Levis Robeson, Sr., and his wife, Margaret Wunder, was born June 28, 1829, in Lower Merion township, on his father's farm, which, a half century earlier, had been the property of his great-grandfather, John Robeson, who, on the 1st of December, 1863 purchased the tract (one hundred and fifty-two acres) of Edward and John Roberts, executors of the estate of Robert Roberts. John Robeson conveyed it by deed, dated October 1, 1791, to his son, Jonathan Robeson, by whom it was occupied during all his lifetime. At his death the. property passed by inheritance to his son, Samuel L. Robeson, Sr., who owned it nearly half a century, and on the 14th of June, 1872, sold it to James Sawyer, of Vineland, N. J., who, in turn, sold to James and Joseph Butler, the first-named of whom is its present occupant and owner. PICTURE OF SAMUEL L. ROBESON, APPEARS HERE. Of John Robeson, the ancestor, no record has been found. Jonathan, son of John and Ann Robeson, "was born 4th day of Ninth Month, 1745, 0.S.," and died February 22, 1825, in the eightieth year of his age. Samuel L. Robeson, the elder son of Jonathan and Hannah Robeson, was born on the 18th day of the Seventh Month, A D. 1789, and died April 16, 1875. His wife, Margaret Wunder, was born October 24, 1796, and died February 16, 1881, in the eighty-sixth year of her age. The five children of these parents were: First, Jonathan Robeson, born February 8, 1817; studied medicine and surgery in Philadelphia, under Dr. McClellan, father of Major General George B. McClellan; was graduated at Jefferson Medical College, March 8, 1838; died in his twenty-fifth year, in Hyde County, N. C., October 20, 1841. Second, Mary W. Robeson, born June 3, 1819, died, unmarried, October 2, 1882. Third, Amanda Robeson, born December 25, 1821. Fourth, George Riter Robeson, born November 8, 1824. Fifth, Samuel Levis Robeson, born in 1829, as before stated, and now (as for many years past) living on a property of twenty-six acres of land, located near the centre of Lower Merion township, on Mill Creek, and adjoining the farm of his brother, George R. Robeson, the two tracts having been originally embraced in one of about fifty-five acres, which was purchased by their father from Mary McClenachan, in April, 1844, it being part of a tract belonging to the estate of John Roberts, which was forfeited under the confiscation act of March 6, 1778. 945 Samuel L. Robeson is not a member of any church or meeting, but his affiliations are with the Society of Friends. He has never been a politician, and instead of seeking, he has avoided the holding of public office. He has always been engaged more or less extensively in the business of farming, to which, for nearly thirty years (1853-1882), he added that of dealer in lumber, being the owner of a good saw-mill on Mill Creek near his residence. On the 24th of June, 1858, he married Louisa E., daughter of Jesse and Esther Thomas, of Lower Merion. Her father, Jesse Thomas, died March 21, 1882; his wife, Esther, died fourteen years earlier, February 14, 1868.