History: Local: CHAPTER LXXX : Whitpain Township: 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. ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ 1162 CHAPTER LXXX. WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP. By Jones Detwiler. IN the years 1681, 1682 and 1683, William Penn, the proprietary, executed leases and re-leases to Samuel Fox for fifteen hundred acres; Charles Marshall, two thousand acres; and James Claypole, one thousand acres. James Claypole shortly afterwards sold his tract to John Marshall, containing in all four thousand five hundred acres, Richard Whitpain, citizen and butcher of the town of London, subsequently became seized in fee of the whole four thousand five hundred acres. This tract, to distinguish it from the rest of Whitpain's purchases, was called or known by the name of "Whitpain's Creek," situated in Philadelphia County. Richard Whitpain made his will and testament, dated April 27, 1689, and willed the payment of his debts and funeral expenses, and authorized his wife, Mary, his executrix, to sell so much of his lands in the province as she should find needful for the payment thereof, and shortly after the said testator died Mary Whitpain, in accordance with the provision of the will, by her indenture dated July 20, 1689, sold the entire tract to Mary Davice, John Eldridge, William Ingram, John Blackhall and John Vace, all of whom were creditors. Shortly afterward John Blackhall, the surviving trustee, sold the great tract above named to William Aubrey, of the town of London. William Aubrey, by his indenture dated April 24 1713, sold the tract to Anthony Morris, maltster and brewer of Philadelphia, and Rees Thomas, of the township of Merion. John Whitpain (the only surviving son and heir-at law of Zachary Whitpain, and also heir-at-law to his uncle, John Whitpain, which John Whitpain, the uncle of the oldest son and heir-at-law of Richard Whitpain) became dissatisfied with the sale. An agreement was entered into, dated May 28, 1718, by which the entire tract fell into the hands of Morris Rees and Whitpain, and they requested of the commissioners a resurvey thereof. In pursuance of a warrant from the commissioners, dated Third Month 20, 1726, the property was resurveyed by Nicholas Scull, May 23,1727, and found to contain four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight acres. John Whitpain made his last will, dated December 20, 1716, and willed the property that was due him (real estate), according to the agreement made with Morris and Thomas, his portion thereof, to his two children, Sarah and Zachariah, and left his wife, Ann, his executrix. Concerning the Whitpain family, Buck, the historian writes,- "Zachariah Whitpain removed on the same the summer of 1685, if not earlier, and making extensive improvements, he settled on the property a number of tenants. In 1686 he married Sarah Owens, and was appointed by the Governor's Council, with Thomas Holmes and Lace Cox, to make inquiry into the cause of the Indian disturbances at the house of Nicholas Scull, grandfather of the Surveyor General, near the present village of Whitemarsh. He died near the latter end of March, 1693, and was buried in Philadelphia. Mention is made in the Colonial Records of a visit paid by Thomas Jenner and Polycarpus Rose, in December of said year, to his plantation. His widow, in 1697, married Charles Saunders. He left a son of the same name, who died in March, 1702. It would appear that he lived a portion of the time in the city." This township is among the oldest in the county, being mentioned as "Whitpain's township" as early as 1701, when the township of Plymouth was first laid out, and is one of the central townships of the county, bounded on the north by Worcester, east by Upper Dublin and Gwynedd, south by Whitemarsh and west by Plymouth and Norriton. It is of regular form, four and a half miles in length and three- in breadth, and contains about eight thousand six hundred and forty acres. The soil is shale and loam, and near the southern corner a strip of sandy soil predominates. On almost all of the farms south of the Stony Creek good quarries of fine building-sand can be found. The township forms a summit-level, from which the water flows in different directions. The eastern and southern portions are drained by the Wissahickon Creek, which crosses I be eastern angle and propels two grist-mills. The word "Wissahickon", according to Heckewelder, is an Indian name, and in their language signifies the "catfish stream, or the stream of yellow water." On Holme's map of surveys (begun in 1681) it is called Whitpain's Creek. Two branches of the Sony Creek have their rise in the township, and drain the western and northern portions, one of which furnishes water to propel one saw-mill and one grist-mill. LAND-HOLDERS, POPULATION AND TAXABLES. - In 1734 there were 24 land-holders, as follows: Philip Boehm, 200 acres Peter Indehaven (Dehaven), 200 Cadwalader Morris, 200 John Rees, 150 William Coulston, 100 Humphrey Ellis, 50 William Robinson, 150 Thomas Fitzwater, 150 Henry Levering, 100 Alexander Till, 100 Henry Conrad, 200 Jacob Yost, 80 George Franks, 200 William Roberts, 100 Daniel Burn, 40 John David, 170 Isaac Williams 100 George Castner 200 William David, 100 Peter Hoxworth, 100 John Thomas, 100 John Mircle, 100 Jacob Levering, 100 Abram Daws, 350. John Philip Boehm, Henry Conrad, Jacob Yost, Jacob and Henry Levering, Peter In De Haven and John Mircle (Markley) were Germans, and paid quit-rent. The lineal descendants of Dehaven, Conrad, Yost and Daws still own a portion, and some the original plantation. Eight or nine of the aforenamed were Welsh, six or eight German and the remainder English. The English were the first to take up and locate, followed by the Welsh, and as early as 1711 we find the Germans making inroads and locating farms. So numerous 1163 have their descendants become that at the last Presidential election held in 1880 nearly three-fourths of the voters were of that extract. Number of taxables 1741, 56 1762, 80 1785, 144 and 14 single men 1788, 119 and 19 single men 1800, 140 1828, 249 1858, 344 1860, 358 1875, 345 1883, 456. In 1785 land was valued at £4 10s. per acre 175 horses at £10 per head 346 cattle at £3 per head 2 bound servants at £20 one phaeton, £30 2 grist-mills,£700 1 saw-mill, £150 one oil-mill, £50 2 tan-yards, £300; (now none, in 1884). In 1786 land was valued at £4 15s per acre 1787, £5 1788-89, £5 2s. 6d. 1796, $8 1800, $10 1810, $10 1820, $30 1830, $30 1840, $20 1860, $50 1870, ---? 1880, 150. Population: 1790, --? 1800, 771 1810, 995 1820, 1126 1830, 1137 1850, 1351 1870, 1350 1880, 1429. Taxes,- 1777: whole amount of supply tax £241 11s. 7d. stationary tax, £251 8s. 9-1/2d. 1785: whole amount of duplicate, £91 6s. 6d. 1788: £187, 1s. 1d. 1794: £90 12s. 6d. 1800: $355.17 1810: $520.18 1860: whole amount of county tax, $1549.41; State tax, $1291.67 1880: county tax, $2,497.50; State tax, $412.00 1883: whole amount of duplicate for county tax, $2410.59. In 1811 the assessor returned 99 dogs liable to taxation according to the act of Assembly, March 23, 1809, which amounted to $27. The tri-annual assessment for the year 1880 is reported as follows: 394 taxables; value of all real estate $1,305,580; value of all household furniture exceeding $300, including gold and silver plate, $3900; horses, mares, geldings. and mules 419, valued at $26,565; cattle 851, valued at $24,545 notes and bonds, $5400 occupations, $31,050 pleasure carriages 103, valued at $6525 aggregate amount of property taxable for county purposes, at the rate of two and one half mills to the dollar, $1,403,565 mortgages and judgments, $83,000 number of gold watches, 12 common watches, 2. In 1788 there were 90 farms, the largest, James Morris, 350 acres; 1883, largest farm, Albanus Styer, 150 acres; number of farms of 100 acres and upwards, 13; number of farms of 80 acres and under 100, 15; number of farms of 50 acres and under 80, 24; whole number of farms over 20 acres, 125 ; 1883, whole number of horses taxable, 389; cows, 821, William Singerly being the largest owner of stock, having 10 heads of horses, and 61 cows taxable. The Styer family are the largest property-holders, holding in the aggregate 555 acres. Next largest, William Singerly, 191 acres. SLAVES OR SERVANTS. -In the assessment of 1763 three slaves are there mentioned. During the Revolution there were several families that held slaves. In the "Pennsylvania Packet" of September 26, 1777, "David Knox offers a reward of twenty dollars for the return and recovery of a mulatto wench, 26 years old, named Stiffany." The last that were held in the district were those of James Morris, two in number, but were freed prior to the year 1799. INDUSTRIES. -The chief occupation of the inhabitants has been farming, there being no minerals (yet discovered) to induce them to engage in other pursuits. The land is now generally cleared and under a high state of cultivation, and produces good crops. The first industry that we have any notice of was that of weaving, carried on in a small log house near Centre Square by Jacob Yost, in 1727. In 1732 he purchased what is known as the "Yost Farm," and carried on the business more extensively. The Yosts were famed far and near for their sickles, scythes and edge-tools, which they made and carried on from 1760 to 1816 at the old homestead. These implements were all forged by hand. In 1746 the first grist-mill in the township was built, on Stony Creek, in the western portion, near the lines of Norriton and Worcester. The mill is yet standing. James Morris, in the latter part of 1779 or 1780, built the grist-mill long known as Wertner's Mill. This was considered the best flouring-mill in the neighborhood. About the year 1804, Charles Mathers built a mill along the Wissahickon. In the assessment of 1785 there are two tanneries, mentioned and one oil-mill. The Conrad augers were first manufactured by John Conrad about the year 1806, and the business was carried on extensively until 1857, when it was removed to Fort Washington, Whitemarsh, and still continued by his sons, Albert and Isaac Conrad. The one horse-power and threshing-machines were made at the Blue Bell by Samuel F. Shaeff in 1847. Mowing and reaping-machines were first introduced and worked by Robert Findlay, of Centre Square. The machine was the Hussey pattern, and when in order for reaping took eight hands, including the driver, to operate it. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. -The first justice was Abram Daws, commissioned May 25, 1752. (Col. Rec. vol. vi). June 6, 1777, Andrew Knox was appointed justice of the peace, and held that position until the time of his death, January, 1808. Job Roberts and John Wentz were commissioned justices of the peace May 26, 1798, and filled that position until 1878. [sic Should be 1818.] In 1818, John Shenenberger was appointed, and filled that position by appointment and-election until about the year 1856. John Heist and John Rile filled the position. Since the change in the Constitution of 1838 the following persons have been justices: David Roberts John Styer Jacob Fisher Ephraim H. Shearer Jacob, R. Yost Jacob L. Rex George G. McNeil Victor Baker. DURING THE REVOLUTION the citizens of the township shared the trials and conflicts of that dark period along with the other districts of the county. 1164 According to the act of Assembly passed June 13, 1777, the county of Philadelphia was divided into seven battalions. The township of Whitpain was in the Fifth, and John Rynear captain. During the Revolutionary struggle, Brig-Gen. Weeden's regiment of Virginia troops was encamped from October 19th to November 2, 1777, on the Morris and Gregar farms. The former is now owned by Saunders Lewis, and the latter by William Heyward Drayton. WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS, "JAMES MORRIS'" OCTOBER, 1777, APPEARS HERE. During their stay here the weather was very wet, rain falling almost every day. The soldiers were compelled to seek shelter during the night in the barns of the neighborhood. Several of the soldiers died here from sickness, and are buried in the graveyard at Boehm's Church. Gen. Washington, during the time of the encampment, had his headquarters in the house then owned by James Morris. The house was built in the year 1736, and remains substantially in its original proportions, with the addition of a south wing (twenty-four feet by twenty-three feet), built in the year 1821. It is situated in Whitpain township, Montgomery County, between the Skippack and Morris roads; about six miles from Norristown, three from Whitemarsh and one from Ambler Station, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. The present owner, Phoebe M. Lewis (wife of Saunders Lewis), represents by inheritance the fifth generation of continuous ownership: through her mother, Hannah M., wife of Dr. Thomas C. James; her grandmother, Elizabeth, wife of James Morris; her great grandfather, Abraham Dawes (son), whose father, Abraham Dawes, purchased four hundred acres of land in the year 1726, and of which the house, with a tract of one hundred and eight acres, is a part. Washington having removed his headquarters from Worcester to Dawsfield House (now the name of the property), called Camp Whippin, or James Morris, as appears by letters addressed by Col. Walter Stuart to President Wharton, dated "Camp Whippin, October 27, 1777," in Hazzard, and one other, by Gen. Reed to President Wharton, dated "Headquarters, James Morris', seventeen miles from Philadelphia, on the Skippack road, October 30, 1777," in which he says, --"The long residence of the army in this quarter has proven very distressing to the inhabitants, whose forage must be drawn from their subsistence." [See NOTE.] [NOTE: "Life and Correspondence of President Reed," edited by his grandson William B. Reed, Phila., 1817, vol. i., p. 332. 1165 In the "Pennsylvania Packet," August 29, 1778, the following, appeared: "Thirty Dollars reward. Stolen from Camp Whippin, 20th of October, 1777, a bay horse, fourteen hands high, with a bald face, and is six years old. The reward will be paid by applying to Andrew Porter, Capt. of Artillery, or Stephen Porter, Worcester township." "Washington, in his march from Pennypacker's Mills to the Battle of Germantown, passed through the township. His course lay along the Skippack Road. Isaac McGlathery, a well-known and respected citizen of the district, acted as a guide to Maxwell's Brigade on that occasion, and led the way until a short distance of Chew's house." After the fatal battle, during the retreat of the American army, a slight skirmish took place at Oil Mill Run, on the Skippack road, near the Broad Axe. A few were slightly wounded. "The English Cavalry pursued the Americans on the Skippack Road, 16 1/2 miles from Philadelphia, into Whitpain Township, as far as the Blue Bell. We have heard from an old friend, a witness, now at that place, that our militia was already there when the British cavalry arrived, an wheeled about to make good their retreat and return. He describes the confusion that existed among the Americans as past the power of description; sadness and consternation was expressed in every countenance. While the dead and dying (which had preceded the halt at the Blue Bell) were before seen moving onward for refuge, there could be men many anxious women and children rushing to the scene to learn the fate of their friends, had to meet, if they could, the fathers, brothers, or other relatives who had been before sent forward for the engagement. Again and again the American officers were seen riding or running to the front of the militia with their drawn swords, threatening or persuading them to face about and meet the foe; but all efforts seemed to fail, and officers and men were still seen everywhere borne along on the retreat. They broke down fences and rushed away in confusion, as if determined no longer a hazard the chances of war in another onset." [ Watson's "Annuals" vol. ii., p. 59.] "Andrew Knox, a prominent citizen of the Township, took an active part in the struggle for Independence. Having served as a Captain of a Volunteer Company, and rendered effectual service, Washington selected him as one, for his courage and efficiency, to prevent supplies being carried to the British army during their occupation of Philadelphia." Upon the news reaching Gen. Howe of his appointment, Howe immediately offered a reward of one thousand four hundred pounds sterling for Mr. Knox's head, dead or alive, and dispatched a squad of men to capture him. "About four o'clock, on the morning of the 14th of February, 1778, seven armed refugees approached his house; two stood sentry at the back windows, while the other five attempted the door. Mr. Knox, seizing the opening door with his left hand, and with a cutlass in the other, saluted the aggressors in a manner they did not expect and repeating his strokes. The assailants meanwhile made repeated thrusts with their bayonets. By these Mr. Knox received two or three very slight flesh wounds, and had his jacket pierced in several places, but the door standing ajar covered his vitals and saved his life. The attacking party presented their pieces and fired five balls and several buckshot through the door, one of the balls slightly wounding Squire Knox. Thinking the reports of the guns would alarm the neighborhood, the enemy retreated towards the city." [Auge's "Lives of the Eminent Dead of Montgomery County."] Buck, the historian, in speaking of the affair, states "that the attack was made by the Tories of the neighborhood, the principal of which was Enoch Supplee, of Norriton, and who immediately fled, and, is supposed, joined De Lacey's battalion, in which he became an ensign, and in 1780 was sent to Georgia, where they got into a spirited skirmish with a detachment of Gen. Pickens' command." "Esquire Knox, at the approach of day, collected some friends and went in pursuit. They tracked the party several miles by the blood on the snow. One of them, who took refuge in a house, was taken, brought back and made an ample confession. This fellow, being found to be a deserter from the American Army, was tried by a court-martial for desertion only, but condemned and executed near Montgomery Square. Another was apprehended after the British left Philadelphia, condemned by a civil court, and was executed." [Norristown Register, January, 1808; Auge's "Lives etc."] The desperation of the struggle at Knox's house is shown by the bullet-holes through the door and bayonet-marks. The door is preserved, and still kept in the family of his grandson, Hon. Thomas P. Knox. "At a meeting of Council, held in Philadelphia, February 24th, 1783, a letter was read from the Commissioners of the County, that John Shearer and Henry Conard, Collectors of Whitpain, had been robbed of Township Funds." [Col. Rec., vol. xiii., p. 515] This robbery was perpetrated by the notorious band of Doan's, of Bucks County, and occurred one dark night at the cross-roads, where the Sandy Hill schoolhouse now stands. According to the Act of Assembly, passed September 21, 1782, Daniel Yost was appointed assessor to assess the damage done to the inhabitants during the time that Gen. Howe held possession of Philadelphia, and returned the amount at six hundred and ten pounds. The heaviest loss was appraised in favor of the Knox family. CHURCHES. -There are at present in the township, four places of public worship, viz.: Boehm's (Reformed) St. John's (Lutheran) Union (Methodist) Mount Pleasant (Baptist). In its early settlement there was little homogeity among the emigrants to its borders; a century ago we find a great mixture of people, differing in lineage and religious faith; and so it has continued until the present day, comprising Friends, who either attended Gwynedd or Plymouth Meetings, Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptists. BOEHM'S REFORMED CHURCH, so called from its founder, is the oldest place of worship in the township and is situated at the intersection of the Blue Bell and Penllyn turnpike road with the old and ancient road, leading from North Wales to Plymouth, near the village of Blue Bell, and sixteen miles from Philadelphia. There is no certain data concerning the time of the organization of the church at this place, on account of the early records having all been destroyed. The records of the founder were all kept as his private property, and destroyed by fire more than a half-century ago in an old house then standing at Second and Quarry Streets, Philadelphia, and those of his successor, Schlater, by the British at Chestnut Hill, when the army held possession of Philadelphia. The earlier members of the church came from the Patatinate [sic], Alsace, Swabia, Saxony and Switzerland between the years 1720 and 1760, and scattered themselves through the townships of Whitpain, Plymouth, Norriton and Upper Dublin. 1166 Many of them were poor, and were sold as redemptioners to pay their passage over. In I. D. Rupp's collection of German names, gives the time of their arrival, and the same names are recorded in the church-book. The Yosts arrived in 1727 Engarts, 1728 Clime, 1731 Sheive, 1737 Rumer, 1741 Kurr, 1743 Shearer, Eberhard (Everhart), Etris and Korndeffer, 1748 Dull, Greger, Lotz, Klarr, Houser, Martin and Seltzer, 1749 Shaub, 1750 Schlatter, Ernst, Gubler, 1751 Singer, 1752. The deed for the property, containing one acre of ground, was given February 8, 1748, by John Lewis, of the township of Merion, to the Rev. John Philip Boehm, Michael Clime, Arnold Rettershan and Andrew Acker, church wardens of the said congregation, for the sum of four pounds and ten shillings, "for the use of the congregation of the High Dutch Reformed Church founded by the Christian Synod, held at Dortrecht, in Holland, in the years 1618 and 1619, so that the said congregation shall hold, follow and adhere to the principles of the Heidleberg catechism and in subordination to the Reformed Classis at Amsterdam (Holland), and for no other use, intent or purpose whatsoever." The first church, a small stone structure with pointed walls, was erected in 1740. At the building of this church Mr. Boehm labored with his own hands. In 1818 a second church was built, forty-six by fifty feet (the first becoming too small), at a cost of four thousand dollars. This stood until 1870, when it was remodeled to the present size, surmounted with a steeple and bell, at a cost of five thousand four hundred and thirty-eight dollars, and can seat five hundred people. A neat parsonage, sexton's house and comfortable shedding for thirty-two carriages adjoins the church. The first sheds were erected nearly fifty years ago. The congregation now, 1884, numbers two hundred active members. The graveyard adjoins the church and covers nearly three acres of ground, with seven acres adjoining to be used for burial purposes when needed. All of the communicant members that are contributors, rich or poor, are entitled to lots for their families, without distinction of race or color. There is a lot of free ground open to all for interment. The most ancient names found on the tombstones are Knorr Etris Martin Greenawalt De Haven Doll Eberhard Singer Sheive Greger Yost Rumer Schlater Shearer Klair Spitznogle Engard Remig; those of more recent, are Hoover Earnest Jones Detwiler Dager Rile Sechler Frantz Wentz Shell Levering Hentz Bodey Wertsner Selser. The pastors have been the following: Revs. John Philip Boehm, the founder, from 1740-49 Michael Schlatter, the missionary, 1749-56 1756-60, supplies; John George Alsentz 1760-69; Christian Foehring 1769-72; Gabriel Gebhard 1772-74; John W. Ingold 1774-75; John H. Weikel 1775-76; 1776-83, vacant; John Herman Winkhaus 1784-87; 1787-89, vacant; Philip Pauli 1789-93; Thomas Pomp 1793-96; Samuel Helfenstein, Sr., D.D. 1796-99; for six months in 1799, supplied (Frederick Herman); 1799-1800, Thomas Pomp, Jr.; Gabriel Gobrech 1800-2; George Wack 1802-34; Samuel Helfenstein, Jr. 1834-44; William E. Cornwell, 1844-50; Jacob B. Keller 1850-54; George B. Wolfe 1854-55; Samuel G. Wagner 1855-68; Charles G. Fisher 1868-73; John H. Sechler 1875 to the present, 1884. The remains of the founder slumber beneath the walls of the present building, being buried there in 1749. In the yard the remains of the Rev. George Wack, who preached for the congregation thirty years, Hons. Philip Hoover and Mahlon Sellers, members of the Pennsylvania Legislature, Jacob Yost, Casper Schlater and Daniel Yost, commissioners of Montgomery County, are interred. PICTURE OF REV. MICHAEL SCHLATTER, APPEARS HERE. During the Revolution the old church was used for a hospital by Brigadier-General Weeden's brigade, which was encamped on the farms of James Morris and George Greger (now owned by Saunders Lewis and W. Heyward Drayton), near the church. Several soldiers that died in the church and at the camp are buried in the yard, without any stone to point to their final resting-place. The old record-book still extant was commenced in 1764 by Rev. George Alstentz, pastor; John Marten, Frederick Dull, Jacob Gobler, John Etris, elders; Philip Rittenhaus and Casper Schlater, deacons. 1167 The first baptism is that of a child of "John and Barbara Schlater, baptized May 27, 1764, and received the name of John." The descendants of Dull and Schlater and Shearer are still in connection with the church as members, and the descendants of the Yosts, down to the sixth generation, are still in membership, and through that long line almost continuously have been officers. A piece of ground was purchased in 1760 for a school-house, adjoining the church, and a building erected thereon, which was kept for several years as a parochial school, and was almost the first school in the township where public instruction was given. This congregation was among the earliest to adopt and open a Sunday-school under the present system. On July 17, 1834, a school was opened with one hundred and seventeen scholars, and has been kept open ever since, and now numbers nearly two hundred teachers and scholars. The following persons have filled the different offices connected with the school since its foundation: Superintendents: Frederick Nuss Benjamin Hill Charles Gearhart James McCombs John Fitzgerald Sr. Anthony Bernhard Abrm. Dull Charles H. Rile Rev. Samuel G. Wagner Hiram C. Hoover Rev. Charles G. Fisher Jones Detwiler Francis C. Hoover Presidents: Rev. Samuel Helfenstein, 1837-43 Rev. William E. Cornwell, 1844-48 John Fitzgerald, 1848-55 Hiram C. Hoover, 1855-58 Rev. S. G. Wagner, 1858-61 Hiram C. Hoover, 1861-84. Secretaries : Benjamin Hill Anthony Bernhard George Hoot Samuel B. Davis Charles H. Rile Jones Detwiler, 1855-84, twenty-nine years Treasurers : John Fitzgerald Charles Gearhart Samuel B. Davis Anthony Bernhard Samuel B. Davis George Hoot Abrm. Dull Jacob Hoover Samuel D. Shearer Francis C. Hoover George Rossiter Alexander Miller REV. JOHN PHILIP BOEHM. -There is nothing at hand to tell us when the subject of this sketch was born. The date of his birth and circumstances of his early life would have probably been learned from certain papers, to which and their loss more particular reference will be hereinafter made. Very little is known of the Rev. Boehm prior to his coming to America. Of the date of his arrival nothing definite is known, nor is it probable that the precise date can ever be known. Certain documents extant enable us to approximate the time. "Among the Protestants who were subjects to the Emperor of Germany, a Prince in Amity with the Crown of Great Britain, transported themselves and estates into the province of Pennsylvania between the years 1701 and 1718." [See NOTE.] [NOTE: Arch. of Penna., vol. vii., 2d series, p. 114. The name of John Philip Boehm is mentioned.] In the translation of the proceedings of the Classis of Amsterdam in regard to the case of the Rev. John Philip Boehm, held in the city of New York, July, 1728, by the Rev. T. W. Chambers, pastor of the Collegiate Protestant Dutch Church, New York (1876), and published in the "Mercersburg Review," (vol. xxiii., October number, 1876), the following is found: "From this document it appears that Mr. Boehm arrived in this country as early as the year 1720. He came from the Palatinate. Having been schoolmaster and foresinger in Worms, a city of Germany, for about seven years, he found a demand for his services as reader (Vorlezer) upon his arrival here. The Reformed people around him were destitute of the means of grace, and he became a sort of pastor to them, without receiving any compensation for his services. So well did he perform these services for the destitute Reformed people that they besought him to assume the functions of his ministerial office. This he did in 1725, receiving as compensation only the voluntary contributions of the people." It appears that he began to officiate as a minister before he had a regular license, to which he was no doubt pressed by the peculiar necessities of the times. That it was not a willful disregard of ecclesiastical order may be seen from the fact, that as soon as the way was open he cheerfully submitted to a regular introduction into the holy office. The great influx of the German emigrants began about the year 1707, and in 1730-40 there were nearly twenty thousand Germans in the province, and many Were connected with the Reformed Church; hence the necessity of having some one to attend to their spiritual wants, -preaching, catechising and the administration of the ordinances. Mr. Boehm was the first Reformed (either Dutch or German) that taught the doctrines of the Heidelberg Catechism in the province of Pennsylvania. When the Rev. Geo. Michael Weiss, the first licensed and ordained minister of the Reformed (German) Church, arrived here, September 21, 1727; he visited Schippach (Skippack) congregation and preached there. This brought him into collision with Mr. Boehm, who had been preaching there for some time without regular license and ordination. Some of the people then disclaimed Mr. Boehm's ministerial acts, because he was not ordained, and wished to retain Mr. Weiss as their regular minister. In July, 1728, the Consistories of the three congregations where Mr. Boehm had been preaching, - Wit Marshen [See NOTE] (Whitemarsh), Schippach (Skippack) and Falkners Schwam (Swamp), -sent an application to the New York Classis to have Mr. Boehm licensed, ordained and his former pastoral acts approved,- "The appeal sets forth that Johan Philip Bohm has so borne himself in the discharge of his Godly office, not only in the doctrine of the Reformed Church, but also in his life, that we have not the smallest complaint to make against him in our hearts. "Our three still small and poor congregations of Falkners Schwam, Schippach and Wit Marshen, of which the greatest is composed of only twenty-four males, the second about twenty, and the least of not more than fourteen, are spread out more than sixty English miles from each other, and full one hundred and seventy distant from New York. "Signed by William DeWees Isaac Dilbeck George Philip Trotterer Frederick Antes Joh. Meyer Jac. Meyer Gabriel Schuller John Berkenbell Sebastian Reifsnyder Ludwig Knauss Laurens Bingeman Joh. Ravenstock Georg Klauer Leonhard Sperr John Stephen Ulrich John Le Fevre, in behalf of the three congregations, July, 1728." [NOTE: Whitemarsh, where the Barren Hill Lutheran Church now stands; Skippack, now Wentz's Reformed Church, Worcester; Falkner Swamp, now Swamp Churches, New Hanover township, Montgomery Co., yet a large and flourishing congregation.] 1168 This appeal was forwarded to the Classis of Amsterdam, in Holland, under whose jurisdiction the American Classis was at the time (and so remained until 1790), and a favorable answer was returned, declaring that all the public acts and ministrations of Mr. Boehm were made valid, dated June 20, 1729. To this Mr. Weiss assented, and on the 23d of November of that year the Rev. Mr. Boehm was ordained and set apart to the work of the holy ministry by Henricus Boel and Gualterius du Bois, under the oversight of the Consistory of the Low Dutch Church of New York. The labors of Mr. Boehm were exceedingly exhausting in Eastern Pennsylvania. His labors extended, besides the congregations already named to Philadelphia, Germantown, Whitpain, Forks of the Delaware, then Bucks County, now Northampton, ministering unto them and laying the foundation for future churches. The Moravians, headed by Count Zinzendorf, inaugurated a Pietistic movement, and called several Synods, and invited Christians of all denominations to meet with them. In the Reformed Church, Jacob Lischy, John Bechtel, Henry Antes and many others favored the movement. Against this movement Mr. Boehm took a firm stand, and had great concern of mind, and had it not been for the timely arrival of Muhlenberg, who sided with Boehm, the Reformed and Lutheran Churches would have been swallowed up by the movement. Schlater, in his journal, says, "Shortly after my arrival in Philadelphia I went to visit Mr. Boehm, one of the oldest ministers of the Reformed Church, and the old man, after he heard of my business, felt very glad and promised to assist me in my labors." At the organization of the first German Reformed Synod, held in Philadelphia, September 29, 1747, the Rev. John Philip Boehm was present. He was secretary of that body in 1748; a copy of the minutes in his own hand is still extant, and shows that he was an excellent penman. The exact time when Mr. Boehm located in Whitpain is not known. Among the list of land-holders marked in the survey of the province in 1734 his name is marked as having two hundred acres, and paid a quit-rent for the same. The deed for the property where he resided at the time of his death (near the church bearing his name), is dated September 9, 1736, and contains two hundred acres, and cost £165 13s. 1d. In Whitpain, Mr. Boehm preached at his own house and other private houses of the neighbors. On the 29th of January, 1749, the Rev. Boehm, at the request of Mr. Schlatter, took upon himself the duty to attend to the wants of Macungie and Egypt (now Northampton County), with his congregation in Whitpain. Confining now his labors to a narrower circle, on account of the growing infirmities, of old age, he continued zealous for Christ and the church up to the day of his death, at the house of his oldest son, April 29, 1749, having on the previous day administered the Holy Communion to the Egypt congregation, in Northampton County. He was interred under the altar of the church, in front of the pulpit, of the church bearing his name. The funeral sermon on the occasion was preached by Martin Kolb (Kulp), a Mennonite minister. On the 7th of May, 1749, Mr. Schlatter, who was absent on a missionary tour when Mr. Boehm's death occurred, improved the occasion and honored his memory with a funeral sermon, delivered in the church at Germantown; and he testifies that his memory is cherished and blessed by many. Mr. Boehm was a man of ability and bore a strong attachment to the church which he labored so hard and zealously to establish and plant in the then new country. He held extensive correspondence with the church in Europe at an early day, and was careful to preserve all such letters, documents and records as pertained to the business of the church in those primitive days. These he carefully kept in a large iron-bound chest. After his death this chest was moved to Philadelphia and was there lost in the flames. Mr. Boehm became a heavy land-owner, although he did not set his heart upon it, as has already been stated. At the time of his death be owned five hundred and fifty acres and one hundred and forty-six perches of land, as follows: In Whitpain, two hundred acres (homestead); Saucon, Bucks Co., two hundred acres; Skippack, Philadelphia Co., one hundred and fifty acres, one hundred and forty-six perches. ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH is situated on the Skippack turnpike, about one mile above the village of Centre Square. It stands upon an elevated spot overlooking the surrounding country in every direction, and is built of stone surmounted by a belfry. The deed for the property, containing one acre, was given on the 26th of June, 1773, by George Kastner and wife to Philip Bower and George Berkheimer, of Whitpain Michael Henkey George Gossinger Adam Fleck Peter Young (of Gwynedd) George Heyberger (of Worcester), building committee. After the church was finished, on the 28th of June, 1773, the building committee conveyed the building and grounds to Abm. Dannebower (of Gwynedd), Michael Hufacre, Jacob Carr and Philip Shenaberger (of Whitpain), and Leonard Berkheimer, and Philip Hoffman (of Worcester), trustees of the congregation. The first positive evidence we have of a church here is in 1769, when the Rev. John Frederick Schmidt, having accepted a call to the charge of the church at Germantown, preached here every alternate Sunday. 1169 The first edifice was erected about the year 1771 and stood until 1838, when the present one was erected. The Rev. Mr. Schmidt served as pastor from 1769 to 1786. When the British took possession of Philadelphia the Rev. Mr. Schmidt, on account of his well known republican sentiments, deemed it most prudent to retire to New Goshenhoppen, where he remained until the royal army evacuated the city. Whilst Washington had his headquarters in Worcester the building was used by the Americans for a hospital. Many of the soldiers of the Revolution, who died from wounds or sickness after the battle of Germantown are buried here, without any stone to mark their final resting-place. A handsome marble stone marks the grave of Christian Moser, who died December 22,1838, aged eighty-four years. He personally shared in the sanguinary conflicts of Paoli, and at the taking of Stony Point and the battle of Germantown. The Rev. Anthony Hecht was the second minister in charge, 1786 to 1792, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Jacob Van Buskirk until 1796, who also had charge of Huff's, Upper Dublin, and the Yellow Church, Gwynedd. There was a vacancy in the pastorate for a short time, which was supplied by the Rev. Messrs. Shaffer, of Germantown. Rev. Henry Geisenheimer came about 1797. The Rev. Charles Wildbahn was the next pastor. Shortly after Mr. Wildbahn took charge death removed him, and his remains lie in the graveyard. In 1806 the Rev. J. C. Rebenach assumed the charge. In 1810 the Rev. John Wiand took his place and stayed until 1826, when the Rev. George Heilig took charge and continued until 1843. He was succeeded by the Rev. Jacob Medart until 1855. The Rev. John W. Hassler was the next pastor until about 1864; the Rev. Rightmyer until 1868. The Rev. E L. Reed preached his introductory sermon June 28, 1868, and resigned June 27, 1869. Rev. H. M. Bickel was elected pastor February 20, 1870, and resigned July 11, 1875. Rev. L. D. Coleman was installed December 12, 1875, and resigned February 20, 1881. Rev. H. B. Strodach was elected pastor October 24, 1881, and preached his farewell sermon July 1, 1883. Rev. L. D. Coleman was again elected pastor January 7, 1884. From its first organization until 1870 the congregation stood in connection with the Gwynedd or North Wales congregation and constituted a charge. In the graveyard in the rear of the church, upon the tombstones the most common are the following names: Osborne Dannehower Fetzer Berkheimer Zearfoss Werkheiser Hurst Hallman Gouldey Layman Dotts Hoffman Preston Choyce Longacre Deal Hoffecker Kibblehouse Lightcap Castner Moser Miller Knipe Lutz Bisbing Cowden Zeiber Hunsberger Markley Fleck Fulmer. The whole inclosure is well shaded with trees and is surrounded with a good and substantial fence. The congregation owns a good and comfortable house for the sexton and fine shedding for horses, and has expended for repairs and buildings since 1880, $1583.69. The present officers are: Elders, Henry Moser Victor H. Baker Deacons, Jacob Denner Samuel C. Seiple, M.D. Trustees, Jacob Beidiman Josiah M. Beyer William Gray. About the year 1840 a Sunday school was first organized, and is regularly kept open during the summer season, and now, in 1883, numbers one hundred scholars. Whole number of communicant members, one hundred and twenty. UNION METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is situated near the centre of the township, on a public road leading from the Skippack turnpike to the Jolly road. The deed conveying the land was given September 4, 1813, by James Buck and Elizabeth, his wife, to Abm. Supplee, Samuel Supplee and Nathan Supplee (of the township of Worcester), John Giffin (of Gwynedd), David Supplee (of Norriton), Isaac Zimmerman and Jacob Zimmerman (of Whitpain), Samual Harvey and Samuel Ashmead (of Germantown), and contained one hundred and twenty-one perches. The above-named trustees were nearly all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church or in sympathy with the same. The next year a stone meeting-house was built. The date-stone says, "Union Meeting-House, built in 1814." The pastors of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church preach here every two weeks. The intent of having a Union meeting-house here was to accommodate ministers of all Christian denominations when not in use by the Methodists. During the excitement, and at the time the division among Friends took place, Edward Hicks frequently preached within its walls; and to this day Friends frequently hold appointed meetings here. The names most common on the tombstones found in the yard are those of Zimmerman Supplee Brown Smith Fitzgerald Kibblehouse Shaeff Roberts Beck. During the summer and latter part of 1882, the building was entirely remodeled, and the present neat structure finished at a cost of one thousand dollars, which was chiefly borne by a few persons; the entire membership at present does not exceed twelve persons. The church was rededicated December 10, 1882; the sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. G. McLaughlin; text, Rev. xxii. 5. The present trustees are George F. Shaeff, Charles De Prefontain and Thomas Stockdale. A Sunday-school is now regularly kept open during the summer-season, with Charles De Prefontain as superintendent. 1170 MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH is situated on a high and beautiful location on the Morris road in the eastern portion of the township. The deed for the property was given by Thomas C. James, of the city of Philadelphia, Doctor of Medicine, and Hannah, his wife, to Philip Matthias, Benjamin Mattis and Jacob Conrad, all of Montgomery County, and is dated 3d of Seventh Month 1834, and contains three-fourths of an acre. The same year a stone building was erected, not of large dimensions, but repaired and assuming its present appearance in 1865; surrounding is a small graveyard, beautifully laid out, and shedding erected for several horses. The most common names in the graveyard, are Coleman Matthias McClay Bartleson Rynear Jones Conrad Speery Gregar Pontzler Davis Caldwell. The first organization of the congregation took place May 24, 1834, with sixteen members. The Church Council consisted of Revs. Joseph Kennard, Levi Beck, David Trite and Jacob Coleman. The congregation now numbers about one hundred and twelve. The Pastors have been Rev. Levi G. Beck, the founder; Rev. R. F. Young of Chestnut Hill. The stay of Mr. Young, embraced three years, and was succeeded on the 20th of September, 1837, by Rev. Thomas S. Griffith, whose pastorate lasted nearly five years. Rev. John S. Eisenburg was ordained March 17, 1842. Rev. John S. Baker succeeded him July 1, 1843, in which year Charles Matthias and Jacob Conrad were elected deacons, and still fill that position with much credit to themselves and acceptance to the church. Baker's term expired in May, 1848. Rev. John S. Christine became his successor. A vacancy of two years occurred. In 1850 the church was supplied by the venerable Rev. Joseph Matthias, of Hilltown, Bucks Co. On the 8th day of September, 1852, the Rev. Uriah Cauffman became pastor; his stay was short. In March, 1853, the Rev. Joseph Sagebeer took charge. In August, 1856, Rev. Thomas C. Trotter became pastor, and remained until 186O. In 1865, Mr. Trotter again took charge and stayed until 1870. In 1860 the Rev. W. B. Toland became pastor and remained during the war of Rebellion. In 1870, on the 1st day of October, the Rev. Chas. T. Hallowell, a student from the Crozer Theological Seminary, at Chester, took charge and remained until 1875. He was succeeded by Rev. C. T. Frame, who remained until 1879. The Rev. Joseph Sagebeer is the present pastor. Jacob Conrad and wife, Ann, of the original founders, are still living, 1884. "In December, 1823, the Rev. John S. Jenkins, of the Baptist Church, Lower Providence, preached the first sermon over delivered by a Baptist minister in that neighborhood. Nine years later Mr. Jenkins, in company with the Revs. T. Robinson and Horatio Gates Jones, held meetings for two days near the present locality of the church, and four persons were afterwards baptized." The Wissahickon Creek is then usual place for baptism. In 1868 the annual meeting of the North Philadelphia Baptist Association was held with the church at this place. PRIVATE BURYING-GROUNDS. -The first and probably the oldest are on the farm of Wm. Funk, along the Skippack turnpike, nears the bridge over Oil Mill Run. At one time, tradition says, there were fifty or more graves visible here. There is one large stone (made of soapstone) yet standing, and containing the following inscription: "Here lyeth ye body of Ann, late wife of Thomas McCarty, who departed this life March 21, ye year of our Lord 1714-15, aged 57." On the back of the stone the following quaint inscription is contained: "Although my body lies in earth, I wish my friends both joy and mirth, Their interest prize To live with Christ, we all shall rise , For as the Scripture text declares That we shall rise; and if not heirs Then woe be to that mortal man That in God's judgment cannot stand." On the farm now owned by Tyson Wentz, on the road leading from the Skippack turnpike to the Morris road, the remains of a burying-ground are yet visible. Two graves are marked with head-stones, with the following inscriptions: "Barbara Kress, died January, 1757, aged 62 years"; "Charles Kress, died November 10, 1766, aged 72 years." Tradition says that it was originally intended to erect Boehm's church on this spot. VILLAGES. -CENTRE SQUARE is situated at the intersection of the State of Swedes' Ford road with the Skippack turnpike. Nicholas Scull on his map mentions an inn here in 1758, called the "Waggon." On the maps prepared by the British during the Revolution in the campaign of 1777, it is marked and called by that name. In 1762, Thomas Fitzwater is marked in the number of taxables as inn-keeper here. The first post-office in the township was established here in 1828, and James Bush appointed postmaster. The distance from Washington is one hundred and fifty-three miles; Harrisburg one hundred and six miles. It is still kept here, and Mr. Rouff is postmaster. In the past few years the village has rapidly improved, and now contains one inn, two stores, post, office, wheelwright and blacksmith, tin, baker, and shoemaker-shops and forty private dwellings. The walks are laid with boards. A store was first started here about 1800 by Thomas Humphrey. For many years an extensive lumber-yard was carried on here by Thomas H. Wentz, who afterwards became a heavy dealer in lumber and a builder in Norristown. The general elections and the township business has been transacted here since 1867. The Centre Square Creamery started in 1880 is here located, and does a flourishing business. Centre Square Lodge, I.0. of 0.F., has a large hall with two dwellings underneath, and holds their regular meetings on Saturday evenings. 1171 At a large meeting of the citizens of the county, held here October 8, 1806, it was agreed to locate the present site for the Montgomery County Almshouse. The Centre Square Association of Montgomery County for the recovery of stolen horses and the detection of thieves, was first organized at the public-house of Samuel Wentz, Centre Square December 11, 1819. The permanent organization took place at the public house of Abram. Wentz on the 23d following, when twenty seven persons signed the constitution, as follows: Joseph Butler Daniel Wentz Jonathan Paul Samuel Wentz Jonathan Ellis Edward Foulke Cadwalader Roberts Abrm. Wentz William E. Davis William Ellis Jr. Evan Jones John Holt Jesse Jenkins Levi Foulke John Styer Henry Stern, Morgan Morgan, Jr. Nathan Evans Thomas Humphrey Jesse Spencer David Acuff Antrim Foulke, George M. Wentz Isaac Shoemaker Isaac Ellis, Jacob Styer Daniel Kneedler. The first president was Abrm. Wentz, succeeded by Evan Jones in 1822, who held the position twenty years; then John Rex, who held the position for a few years, and was followed by John Styer, Esq., who filled the position until his death. The annual meetings are held alternately in the townships of Whitpain and Gwynedd, on the second Thursday in November, and no person can be a member who does not reside within seven miles of the point where the Swedes' Ford road crosses the line dividing the townships of Whitpain and Gwynedd. Present officers (1884): President, Algernon S. Jenkins, Esq. Secretary, William Jenkins Treasurer, Aaron Styer Committee on Accounts, Septimus Roberts Frank Zimmerman J. W. Bisson George Castner. BLUE BELL is situated at the intersection of the old North Wales and Plymouth road and the Skippack turnpike. The place contains one inn, store, post-office, blacksmith and wheelwright shop, and nine dwellings; population in 1880, sixty-one. In 1758 there was an inn here called the "White House," and the military maps of the surrounding country, prepared in 1777, call the place by that name. In the year 1774 there was a large stone house built by James Bartleson on the west side of the Skippack road, and an inn was established here called the "Black Horse," a license was granted at the May Sessions of 1796, and the inn was kept open until about 1826. In this house the terrible Rader tragedy occurred on the morning of June 2, 1877. For many years the village was known by the name of Pigeontown. The name is supposed to have originated from the large flocks of wild pigeons that frequented that section fifty years ago, and from an old resident, Morgan Morgan, who was a great trapper of pigeons and a famous gunsmith. The name was changed to that now in use in 1840, and the present post-office established, (Benjamin Hillan, ex-member of the Legislature, appointed postmaster), which is still kept by Charles De Prefontain. "On the evening of October 22, 1813, Pigeontown was illuminated in honor of General Harrison's capture of Malden," ("Norristown Herald" of that date). In the same paper, dated October 15, 1812, "Samuel Ashmead advertises a house and lot of six acres, a noted store-stand at Pigeontown." In 1814, there was a volunteer infantry company rendezvoused here, by the name of Pigeontown Guards, commanded by Captain Kneezel. The Whitpain Library Company, founded December 16, 1817, is kept here. The library contains two thousand volumes. Original price of shares, four dollars; present, three dollars. The collection contains many valuable and rare books; number of shareholders about fifty. Present managers, Benjamin P. Wertsner William H. Slingluff Jesse Streeper Charles De Prefontain Charles K. Shoemaker George G. Rossiter Jones Detwiler. The Blue Bell Horse Company, for the detection of thieves and the recovery of stolen horses, was first organized here November 23, 1841, with 54 members. Present officers : President, George F. Shaeff Vice-President, Linford S. Preston Secretary, Joseph P. Conard Treasurer, David De Haven Committee of Accounts, Jacob Hoover, Benjamin P. Wertsner and George G. McNeil. The Annual meetings are held alternately at Centre Square; number of members eighty. The Blue Bell Live-Stock Insurance Company organized September 15, 1855, holds its regular meetings here. Present officers : President, George F. Shaeff Secretary, Jones Detwiler Treasurer, Linford S. Preston Managers Jacob Hoover Andrew Hart Rynear Bradfield George H. Tippin George Amberg, Sr. Henry C. Hoover. The Blue Bell Benevolent Society was first organized April 15, 1867; number of members 133. Present officers : President, Jacob Hoover Vice-President, George Shoemaker Secretary, George G. Rossiter Treasurer, William H. Slingluff Trustees Samuel D. Shearer Linford S. Preston Henry F. Conard BROAD AXE is situated in the lower part of the township along the Whitemarsh line, at the intersection of the Skippack turnpike and the Upper Dublin and Plymouth turnpike roads. The village contains one inn, store, post-office, blacksmith and wheelwright-shops and six dwellings. A portion of the village is in the adjoining township. Reading Howell, on his map of 1792, denotes a tavern here called "Broad Axe." The sign originally contained a broad axe, square and compass. The post-office was first established here in 1855, with John Cadwallader, postmaster. The office is still kept here, and Jacob G. Dannehower, postmaster. 1172 During the days of horse-racing a running course was here, one-half mile in length, extending from the village to the road leading to Wertsner's Mill. Many an exciting race here took place and was witnessed by large crowds. The ground was finally abandoned for that purpose in 1840. The Washington Benevolent Society of the township of Whitpain, organized February 12, 1841, holds its regular meetings on the last Saturday evening, of each month in the hall of the hotel. Present officers,- President, Francis Schlater Vice-President, Charles Harner Secretary, Charles Kehr Treasurer, George Lower Trustees Reuben Ellis Charles Aimen Sylvester Jones Door-Keeper Anthony Hallman. For a period of thirty-eight years Francis H. Kehr filled the position of secretary. The society, from its organization until 1881, paid out the sum of $36,268.42 for relief and $6565 for funerals, making a total of $42,833,42. FRANKLINVILLE is situated near the eastern portion of the township, at the intersection of the Morris and State roads, and contains one inn and seven dwellings. The fine country-seat, farm and summer residence of William M. Singerly, of the "Philadelphia Record," is located here. Here is to be seen one of the finest herds of "imported Holstein cattle" in Pennsylvania. In the assessment of 1882 he returned to the assessor sixty head, mostly of that breed, and kept on the farm. Washington Square is located at the intersection of the township line, dividing the township from Norriton, and Centre square and Norristown turnpike, and contains one inn, wheelwright, blacksmith-shop and five dwellings. Along the line of the Stony Creek Railroad, [See NOTE.] which passes the entire width of the northern portion of the township, are the villages of Caster and Belfry. The former is located in the extreme western part, near the line of the townships of Norriton and Worcester, and contains a steam mill for grinding grain, coal-yard and several fine dwellings. [NOTE: The Stony Creek Railroad was built, commencing in 1871, and opened January 1, 1874.] Belfry is located at the Worcester line, dividing that township from Whitpain and the Skippack road. A flour, feed, coal and lumber-yard, kept by Theodore Harrar, blacksmith shop and several houses constitute the village. There is a post-office here, making the third in the district. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. -The first school-house in the township was located near the centre, along the Skippack road, where the road leading to the Union Meeting-house intersects, and was taught by one William Knox about the year 1766. Philip Dotterra and his wife, Jannegan, by their deed, dated April 16, 1760, sold sixty-one and a half perches of land for five shillings, situated at the junction of the North Wales road and the Pennllyn turnpike, to Philip Wentz, John Martin, Frederick Dull and Jacob Cobler for a school-house. A stone structure was shortly afterwards erected thereon. This was for a parochial school, as it was the custom of the early Germans, as soon as the church building was completed, to provide a school-house and teacher. The school was kept open to all that chose to comply with the regulations. The above-named persons were members and officers of Boehm's Church. The property now belongs to the congregation, and a house for the sexton occupies the old spot. Nicholas Korndoffer taught the school in 1777. Centre School is now located near the original spot of the first school, and was erected in 1800. Ellis' school-house is located in the forks of the Swedes' Ford road and the Centre Square and Norristown turnpike road, and was first built on ground deeded September 10, 1787, by Isaac Ellis, Andrew Knox and wife, Isabella, containing six and one-half perches, for the sum of six shillings. The persons to whom the deed was given resided in the townships of Whitpain, Norriton and Plymouth, and the sum of forty-seven pounds was raised towards building a house, which was built the same season. Sandy Hill school is situated at the Six Points, and was first built on ground deeded by Joseph Lukens and wife, Mary, in 1796, to trustees, members of Plymouth Meeting and Society of Friends. The supporters resided in the townships of Whitpain, Plymouth and Whitemarsh, and it was kept open to all that wished to send there. The teacher was always employed by the trustees In 1837 there were 40 males and 28 females from the district; from other districts, 29 males and 5 females, making a total of 106 scholars, all taught by one teacher, Benjamin Conrad. Centre Square School was first erected on grounds purchased from Henry Groff and wife, Elizabeth, November 1, 1825, by Rev. George Wack and Henry Hurst, trustees appointed by the district. There are at present six school-houses in the district; the last two, Franklinville and Shady Grove, have been located and built since the adoption of the school law. The enactment of the school law, of 1834, raised a storm of opposition, especially among the Germans or their descendants. This was, however, not because they were opposed to education, but because it was "something new." To the credit of the township, be it recorded, that although there was strenuous opposition, it chose to adopt the common school system from the first, and never faltered in its support. The school law first went into operation May 26, 1836; length of term, six months. On May 2, 1837, a vote was taken on the continuation of the system, and was continued by a vote of 70 in favor and 59 against. The last election on the subject was held March 19, 1841, when eighty-nine votes were given in favor of its continuation and fifty-five against. 1173 This virtually ended the opposition to free schools. They have been regularly kept open, varying in term from six to ten months; and to its credit there have been female teachers employed since 1841 -forty-three years. Prior to the adoption of the school law, the usual branches taught were spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic. Some few scholars studied grammar mensuration and surveying. The books in general use were Comly's Primer and Spelling-Book; introduction, English Reader; sequel, Columbian Orator, Scott's Lessons and the American Speaker. The three last were considered high branches. Arithmetics: American Tutor (by Zachariah Jess), Pike's and Rose's. Geographies: Adams', Olney's and Smith's. These were generally used for reading books, and the questions asked by the master (teacher). The early school-houses were all built of stone. The desks were placed around against the walls, and the pupils occupying them sat facing the windows. Benches without backs, for the smaller scholars occupied the middle of the room. A desk for the teacher, a huge wood-stove in the middle of the room, a bucket, tin-cup, splint-broom, and what was called a "pass," a small paddle, having the words "In and Out" written in opposite sides, constituted the furniture of the room. During the time of wood-stoves, it was customary for the larger boys at noon to cut the wood and carry the same in the house and place it around under the desks for use. The larger girls took their turns in keeping the room clean. The law for the education of poor children was passed April 4, 1809. By that act the assessors were required to take the census of all children between the ages of five and twelve years whose parents were unable to pay for their schooling. In 1830 the assessor returned eighteen children from the district to be supported by the county. The first teachers and their salaries in 1836.- Centre School, Dr. Pile, teacher, $20 per month Ellis School, George Roney, teacher, $20 per month Sandy Hill School, Benjamin Conray, teacher, $20 per month Centre Square School, T. G. Bates, teacher, $20 per month Franklinville School, Samuel Arnold, teacher, $20 per month Mount Pleasant School, Joseph Roney, teacher, $20 per month. Teachers and their salaries in 1883.- Centre School, Lizzie Hallowell, teacher, $38 per month Ellis School, Lillian Rynick, teacher, 830 per month Sandy Hill School, Annie Whitcomb, teacher, $30 per month Centre Square School, Reuben Beyer, teacher, $38 per month Franklinville School, Kate Hallman, teacher, $38 per month Mount Pleasant School (now Shady Grove), Maria Taggert, teacher, $38 per month. Whole number of scholars in the district in 1836, 294; whole number of scholars in the district in 1883, 216. Whole amount of cost for tuition and repairs in 1836, $1203.09; whole amount of cost for tuition and repairs in 1883, $1949.41. Directors in 1836- Charles Greger Jacob Fisher Peter C. Evans (secretary) John Styer, John Rile (president) John Heist Abraham Wentz (treasurer, appointed outside of the board). Directors in 1883.- Henry Hobensack (president) Jones Detwiler (secretary) Albert Katz (treasurer) Joseph C. Beyer Samuel D. Shearer Reuben Rodebaugh ROADS. -The main roads that pass through the township are the Skippack, Morris, State or Swedes' Ford, and the road leading from North Wales Meeting-house to Plymouth. The Skippack road, the most important highway in the township, was opened at an early date, concerning the inception of which we happen to have documentary evidence which is transferred to these pages. Before the year 1713, settlers had begun to occupy the country along the Skippack Creek, then known as Bebber's township or tract; that it began to be felt necessary to have a central public highway leading to the northwest that would answer better than the crooked, winding paths through the woods and in places over almost impassable swamps. Accordingly, a petition was drawn up and presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions, held in Philadelphia, June 2, 1713. "To the Court of Quarter Sessions held, in Philadelphia, June 2, 1713: "The petition of the inhabitants of the townships of Skippack and several adjacent plantations in said county, humbly showeth, that whereas, in the aforesaid township and neighbourhood thereof, pretty many families are already settled, and probably not a few more to settle in and about the same, And yet no road being laid out and established to accommodate your petitioners; but what paths have hitherto used are only upon sufferance, and liable to be fenced up. Therefore, your petitioners, both for the public good and their own convenience, humbly desire an order for the laying out and establishing a road or cartway from the upper end of said township down to the wide-marsh, or Farmer's mill, which will greatly tend to the satisfaction of your petitioners, who shall thankfully acknowledge the favor, etc." "Signed by Dick Rosenberry Henry Frey Jacob Kolb Claus Jansen Peter Bon Henreich Pannebecker Thomas Kentworthy Johonas Sholl Peter Bellar John Newberry Peter Wentz Abraham Le Fevre William Renberry John Krey Andrew Shrager Johanes Umstat Hermanus Kuster Heinrich Kolb Daniel Dismant Jacob Gaetshlack Lorentz Sweitzer Mathias Tyson Gerhard In Hoven Gerhard Clemmens James Been Johonas Kolb Martin Kolb Jacob op den Graeff Herman In Hoven." The following is the report of the jury to lay out said road: "Whereas, by virtue of an order of Court obtained by the Petition of the Inhabitants of Skippack fur the laying out of a road from the said Skippack to Edward Farmer's mill, and the same being laid out, dissatisfaction to some of the Inhabitants of Farmer's township, application being made to the next succeeding Court for a review of the road, and persons being appointed, namely, Henry Sellen, James Shadeck, Robert Jones, John Roady, Edward Farmer, and Nicholas Scull, or any four of them, and they having reviewth the said Road, as Likewise a Certain Northeast line extending from the said Farmer's Mill up into the country, dividing Divers parcells of land, as by the platform hereunto annexed May more plainly appear, we do find the said line to be a more Direct and better Road with the variations therein laid down, and considerably and less injurious to the Inhabitants, greatly to the satisfaction of the petitioners and the Inhabitants in general, as witness our hands this twenty-sixth day of February, Anno Domini, 1713-14." (Signed by) "HENDRICH SELLEN "ROBERT JONES "JOHN BRADY "EDWARD FARMER "NICHOLAS SCULL." 1174 The following are the courses and distances: "That this to a true return of the road from Skippack Creek, in Bebber township, by Edward Farmer's mill, unto North Wales road - bearing in course from the Skippack Creek 380 perches, varying from southeast seven degrees easterly; thence due southeast 2829 perches, except two small variations." (Signed) "MATTHEW ZIMMERMAN." The following remonstrance was presented to the court: "Whereas, this Honorable Court has lately granted a Road from Skippack to Edward Farmer's Mill, and the same having been viewed and laid out, We find it to be very much to our Prejudices and hurt, And whereas your Petitioners have already three allowed Roads through the township, and your Petitioners being generally poor, and have but small tracts of land, the said Road last granted Cutts four of these said small tracts, to the great prejudices of the owners, and laid out through four very bad swamps, not passable without bridges; therefore your Petitioners, humbly pray that there may be a second review, and we doubt not but we can lay them out a Road far more convenient and straighter, and your Patitionere shall in duty bound pray." (Signed) " "ABRAHAM DAWS "J. NICHOLAS SLENGLEETZ "CASPER STAHL "NICHOLAS SCULL "and thirteen others." On the northeast side of this road, on the draft, are marked the lands of Edward Farmer, William Taylor, Joseph Knight, Abm. Daws, Richard Whitpain and Basely Cox, passing through Worcester township, which is named "New Bristol." On the southwest side, beginning in the same order, are Casper Stahl, Robert Ashton, John Palmer, Mary Dane, Jonas Smyth and Basely Cox. The bridge on the road over the Wissahickon Creek, near Farmer's Mill, was built about the year 1796. The bridge over Oil-Mill Run, near the Broad Axe, was built in 1804, and cost $1054.15. The Skippack Creek at the road-crossing was bridged in 1826. The Zachariah Creek at Stong's Mill, in Worcester township, was bridged in 1848. An attempt was made in the year 1844 to turnpike the road, and a charter was obtained March 1, 1845. It was to commence at its junction with the Chestnut Hill and Spring House turnpike road, in Whitemarsh, and running through Skippackville to where the Skippack road intersects the Swamp road in Perkiomen township. John Jones John Rex Abrm. Wentz Sr. Joseph M. Mather Morris Longstreth Jacob G. Sorber Cornelius Tyson Henry Bergstresser Jesse Gable Charles Hendricks Abraham Hydreck, were named the commissioners in the act, and the price of shares was fixed at fifty dollars. This attempt failed, and the subject was again renewed, and another charter obtained dated March 13, 1853, the capital stock to consist of two hundred shares at twenty-five dollars. William Michener Charles Stout John Hobensack Frederick B. Robeson David De Haven George Scheetz Philip S. Gerhard John Fitzgerald, Sr. Francis Kehr John Jones Matthias Farringer John F. Styre Lawrence Lawrence Levi Miller Enos Hoxworth Samuel F. Shaeff Henry Dickinson Samuel Streeper J. L. Rex Joseph P. Conrad Abram Wentz Sr. and Jacob Hoover were the commissioners named in the act, with power to construct a turnpike road, commencing at the Chestnut Hill and Spring House turnpike in Whitemarsh, passing through the villages of Broad Axe, Blue Bell and Centre Square. A supplement to the charter was procured, and extended the distance to St. John's Lutheran Church. Work was soon commenced and the entire distance was turnpiked. The first officers were the following: President, Joseph P. Conard Secretary, Frederick Robeson Treasurer, John Hobensack Managers Charles Stout William Michener Jacob Hoover Francis Kehr. The old Swede's Ford road was laid out in 1730. By an act of the Legislature, passed April 6, 1830, William Stokes, Merrick Reeder, of Bucks County, Joel K. Mann, Henry Scheetz, of Montgomery County, Dr. William Darlington and David Dickey, of Chester County, were appointed commissioners to straighten and widen the road from a point on the Delaware River, in Bucks County, through the above-named counties, and from that time the road has been called the State road. A turnpike road is constructed on portion of the same from Centre Square to Norristown. The Morris road was first laid out according to the order of the court held in Philadelphia, September, 1741, to commence at Morris Mill (now, 1883, Conard's auger works), in Whitemarsh township, to Garret Clemmens' mill, in Upper Salford township. The old road leading from North Wales Friends' Meeting-house to Friends' Meeting, Plymouth, was laid out at a very early date, probably before 1710, as Friends had settled both localities, but its course in the township has been considerably changed. The rest of the roads have all been laid out since the formation of the county. There are four turnpikes in and around the township, viz,: Skippack, Centre Square and Norristown, Blue Bell and Pennlyn, and Plymouth and Upper Dublin, along the southeast portion. By the act of March, 1762 [See NOTE.] the townships of Whitpain and Plymouth were formed into a district; each township was to elect one supervisor, and they were to act jointly in levying the taxes and mending the roads. With this act the inhabitants became dissatisfied, and after the year 1763 the township became a separate district. In the Year 1762 the whole amount of duplicate assessed for, road purposes was £15 19 s. 3d.; whole amount paid for labor on roads £9 1s. 9d.; cash paid John Roberts, supervisor, for commissions, 16s.; cash paid ditto for "assessing and drawing the duplicate and getting the same rectified before two justices of the peace, &c.," 5s. The wages paid at that time were 3s. 6d. per day. [NOTE: "Whereas, John Roberts being chosen Supervisor in the township of Whitpain by the direction of an Act of Assembly of this province in March, 1762, and Barnabas Coulston, in the township of Plymouth, the said townships being made in one district by said act, and to act in conjunction in all expenses on public roades and highways in said district, The said townships being nearly equal burthend with roades, and the inhabitants of each township near as equal in number and ability to maintain the said roads, doth rather chuse to set separately, and for the better confirmation the said John Roberts, of Whitpain, doth hereby discharge and acquit the said Barnabas Coulston, of Plymouth, of all and every charge and expense of what kind soever of all roades in the Township of Whitpain." "Signed by order of the Inhabitants of Whitpain, March ye 19, 1763, John Roberts Charles Jolly Abraham Wentz Jacob Levering Jacob Roberts John Lewis Andrew Knox Thomas Adams Philip Richardson Philip Shenenberger Joshua Dickinson Benjamin Dickinson William Davis Jonathan Taylor Joseph Conrod John Dehaven Joseph Roberts Joshua Richards Jonas Supplee George Robinson William Robinson Owen Thomas William Dehaven. End NOTE.] 1175 TAVERNS AND PUBLIC-HOUSES. -There has always been a good supply of public-houses in the township. Nicholas Scull, on his map of 1758, mentions two, -the "White Horse" and "Waggon." In 1749, John Bouton is marked as an inn-keeper. In the list of taxables, of 1762, Abraham Wentz is marked as inn-keeper, and one hundred and fifty acres of land Derrick Vanpelt, ditto, twenty-five acres Thomas Fitzwater, ditto, and forty acres. At the August Sessions of 1797, Barbara Rynear, John Wentz, Leonard Styer, James Bartleson and Nicholas Swoyer where licensed to keep public-houses. In 1808, Joseph Haws, Thomas Humphrey, Joseph Prichard, John Yetter, Valentine Bush, Jesse Fitzgerald and Jonathan Philips kept licensed houses, and were as follows: Bush's or "White Horse," Centre Square, Wentz, Pigeontown (Blue Bell), "Black Horse," ditto, and Broad Axe. These men all located along the Skippack road, within the distance of four and a half miles. Of this number, Bush's "Big Brick" and Wentz's have been abandoned. Wentzs, having the "Rising Sun" for a sign, was built in 1764. The house is still standing, and in good condition, being built with heavy brick walls, two stories in height, with heavy plaster cornice on all four sides. In the days of wagon travel this was the chief stopping-place for the heavy teams and was called the wheat market. The millers from the lower mills would meet the farmers here and purchase their grain. The general elections were held here from 1831 to 1867, when the house was closed to the public. For one hundred and three years this same building was known as a public-house. On the 4th of October, 1788, the county meeting for the nomination of a county ticket to be supported at the general election was held at the public-house of John Wentz. Francis Swaine, high-sheriff of Montgomery County, advertises the sale, in the "Pennsylvania Gazette," on Monday, February 23, 1789 at the public-house of John Wentz, a tract of land containing fifty acres, the property of Peter Bisbing. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM M. SINGERLY. The establishment, by William M. Singerly, of a country home in Whitpain, at Franklinville, Gwynedd Station, on the North Penn Railroad, was an important event for the people of the township and the county, for it ultimately led to the development of what is probably the most extensive and elaborate high-grade stock-farm in the country, which, as a kind of informal agricultural academy, has exerted a marked influence upon the advancement of farming and stock interests in the region round about. It has, as an educational institution, taught many practical object-lessons. PICTURE OF WILLIAM M. SINGERLY, APPEARS HERE. The way in which it came to pass that a young business man, city-born and city-bred, became the owner and manager of a great farm and herds of cattle and sheep, and gained an intimate knowledge of agricultural methods and scientific systems of feeding and caring for animals, was this: In 1872, his health and strength having become slightly impaired by close and constant application to weighty business matters, and by the varied and unceasing demands always made upon the time and consideration of a man of affairs, he was urged by his father to seek the recuperation which a summer home in the country would afford. Thus counseled, he bought a little farm of sixty-eight acres, to which, in the summer of 1873, he removed. From this little beginning, made with no other thought or object than we have indicated, grew, by occasional additions, the "Record farms" of six hundred acres, which, in their improved condition, with the immense buildings upon them and the stock which they support, represent an investment of about a quarter of a million dollars. The land, which had been somewhat impoverished, was, by careful fertilizing processes, brought into a high degree of richness, a careful plan of drainage was carried out and the utmost pains taken to produce the most desirable crops in greatest possible quantity and best quality. Mr. Singerly's latent natural taste for the healthful freedom of outdoor life, and his love for the nobler domestic animals, were both quickened, and with the energy which has characterized him in other extensive enterprises, and the organizing ability which has made them successful, be entered ambitiously upon the difficult but absorbing task of perfecting the best stock-farm in the State. No effort or expense was spared which tended toward the realization of his ideal in this direction. 1176 Some idea of the extent of Mr. Singerly's stock farming enterprise may be conveyed by the statement that in February, 1885, he had about one hundred and sixty thoroughbred Holstein yearlings, constituting, undoubtedly the finest private herd in the country, and he does not propose selling until he has three hundred, which number will far exceed in size any high grade herd upon this side of the Atlantic, and, perhaps, in the world. He has two hundred cows, heifers and calves, all thorough or high-breds; about one hundred and thirty fattening steers, and eight hundred and fifty sheep. Of the latter he is a very large pen-feeder, and one year wintered over twelve hundred. His sheep are mostly high grade Cotswolds, but he has some South-downs for the purpose of insuring plumpness as well as large size in the spring lambs. In the spring of 1882 he sold in New York, for export, four hundred and forty-three, which averaged one hundred and sixty-six pounds each, and were probably the finest lot of sheep ever sold in the United States. Mr. Singerly is a strong advocate of the system of "soiling" or stall-feeding cattle, and the practice is followed at the "Record farms" on a large scale with the result of proving its great superiority over pasturing in economy of food and production of milk. In one stable, in what has come to be known through-out the Southern part of the county as "Singerly's big barn," are to be seen a hundred handsome Holstein cows, all comfortably stalled, and with pure running water before them. Always fond of a fine horse, Mr. Singerly's regard for the noblest of our dumb friends has increased considerably, as he has become from year to year more interested in his farm and in out-door life. The horses in use at the farm are fine specimens of their kind, but it is in Kentucky that he is interested in steeds of a finer strain of blood and higher spirits. He has ten selected mares, every one of which has shown him portions of a mile at a two-thirty gait. It may be mentioned as indicative of his success in breeding trotting stock, that a colt Ben Van, (foaled by his road mare, Rena C. and sired by Red Wilkes), sold recently for one of the largest prices on record, and was pronounced the choicest yearling of Kentucky. The breeding of stock on such an extensive scale as that followed, at the "Record Farms," of course, renders necessary commodious buildings provided with all of the conveniences known to the most advanced students of farming. The main barn is two hundred and fourteen feet in length by forty-four in width, and two stories in height. The first story is built of brick, resting upon a substantial stone foundation, and the second story is frame. Other structures, extending from either side of the barn proper, increase the line of buildings nearly four hundred feet, while from the centre of the main building a having, thirty feet in width, extends one hundred and fitly feet forward, dividing the yard into equal portions. The great barn present pleasant appearance in detail and as a whole. A writer, in describing, it in a paper, says: "It is certainly about as near perfection as the present state of advancement of agricultural, mechanical and architectural science, coupled with abundance of means, will admit of. It is . . . the model barn of the country, and, in point of capacity, stands, it is said, second to none in the United States." Other buildings are clustered about the large structure, which has been briefly described, or located elsewhere about the grounds, as Mr. Singerly and his superintendent, Mr. Jason Sexton, have thought best. The system of soiling cattle and feeding ensilage, inaugurated in this portion of the country by the proprietor of this farm, made requisite a very large silo, one sufficient to hold three hundred tons of ensilage, an amount which will keep the entire herd of cattle for six months. There is an extensive creamery, in which golden butter is made from the rich milk of the Holstein cows; an engine-house, in which lies the motive-power that is made to serve various purposes; a blacksmith shop, where the horses of the farm are shod and tools repaired, and dwellings for various employees, all well adapted to the uses for which designed. PICTURE OF SINGERLY HOME FARM, APPEARS HERE. The colossal farming enterprise which identifies Mr. Singerly with Montgomery County will not only prove, as years go by, a great benefit to the people of this region in the way of giving innumerable suggestions, but will produce good results throughout the country wherever stock-raising is carried on and improved methods of farming are appreciated. Concerning the other enterprises of the proprietor of the farm, it is scarcely within our province to speak in detail, for they belong more properly to the Philadelphia field of his activity than to that of Montgomery County. As the son of the late Joseph Singerly he enjoyed the advantages of inheriting business ability and receiving a business training. He graduated from the City High School in 1850, immediately entered mercantile life, and after ten years passed amidst commercial surroundings he was called to the management of the Germantown Passenger Railway, in which his father was a large stockholder. His ministration was sagacious and successful. Toward the close of his father's life he had absolute control of the road, a position involving great responsibility; and upon his death, in 1878, came into possession of its stock, valued at $750,000, which he afterwards disposed of for twice that amount. On the 1st of May, 1877, Mr. Singerly secured control of the "Philadelphia Record," and in 1881-82 erected the superb building on Chestnut Street, from which that journal is now sent broadcast through town and country, and which is a monument to its remarkable success. Neither journalism nor stock-farming have, however, claimed all of his time or talent. One of the largest of his recent undertakings has been the building of several hundred dwelling-houses upon a tract of land in Philadelphia, between Seventeenth Street and Islington Lane and Diamond and York Streets. 1177 This, probably the largest building operation ever attempted by any one person in the city, for the erection of more than a thousand houses is contemplated, has in it a large element of practical philanthropy and is one of several actions which entitle Mr. Singerly to be called a public benefactor. Another way in which his business sagacity and money have been determinedly and effectively devoted to the benefit of the public has been in the breaking down of the exorbitant price of coal. He has succeeded in placing it in the market at seventy-five cents per ton less than the rate which railroad discrimination has dictated, -a measure which it would surprise nobody should he characteristically so push it as to save Philadelphia a half-million dollars annually and thus greatly enhance its manufacturing interests and at the same time aid the poor. As Mr. Singerly is scarcely beyond the meridian of life (having been born December 27, 1832), it is within the realm of the probable that he will not only carry forward to successful completion all of the various enterprises he has auspiciously begun in city and country, but that his activity will find exercise in the inauguration of new ones, fully equal in scope and benefit to the "Record Farms" and as worthy of their projector and the promotion of Philadelphia's welfare. PICTURE OF MATHIAS SHOEMAKER, APPEARS HERE. MATHIAS SHOEMAKER. Mathias Shoemaker, now of the city of Philadelphia, is a native of Whitpain township, Montgomery County, where he was a resident for many years. His great-grandfather was Jacob Shoemaker, one of the early settlers of Philadelphia County, who was the father of eight children, viz.: Mathias, born December 14, 1736, died January 17, 1816 Barbara, born June 30, 1738 Jonathan, born December 16, 1739 Isaac, born November 16, 1741 Hannah, born September 10, 1743 Elizabeth, born November 30, 1745 Sarah, born February 3, 1748 David, born January 30, 1753. The eldest of these children, Mathias Shoemaker, and his wife, Hannah (grandparents of the present Mathias) had five daughters, - Agnes Margaret Dorothy Rachel Mary one son, Thomas. In 1777 Mathias Shoemaker, the elder, purchased the farm in Whitpain township, which afterwards became the property of his only son, Thomas, and is now owned and occupied by Charles K., son of Thomas and brother of Mathias Shoemaker, the subject of this memoir. 1178 Mathias Shoemaker, one of the seven sons of Thomas and Jane (Supplee) Shoemaker, was born on the homestead farm of his father in Whitpain, February 17, 1810. Through the years of his youth his life was passed like that of other farmers' sons of his time, doing the boy's work on the farm and studying in the common schools during the short winter terms. His education was obtained in the "Cross Roads School-house" in Whitpain, and at the "Supplee School-house" on the Swedes' Ford road, in Norriton township. In the fall of 1826, when he was a little more than sixteen years of age, he was apprenticed to Samuel Cowden to learn the blacksmith's trade. Cowden's shop was at the "Broad Axe Tavern," on the township line of Whitpain and Whitemarsh. He served four years in his apprenticeship, which closed in the fall of 1830, a few months before he was twenty-one years of age. During those few months he again attended the "Cross Roads School" (then taught by Benjamin Conrad) until the spring of 1831, when he went to Philadelphia, and engaged as a journeyman in the shop of Franklin W. Coggins, on Queen Street above Second, where he remained more than three years. In the fall of 1834 he went to Chestnut Hill, where he worked in the employ of Andrew Fisher. In 1835 he returned to the family homestead in Whitpain, where he commenced business for himself, and worked about four years in a shop which his father built for his use. At that place he commenced the business of making elliptic springs for wagons and other vehicles. The first pair of springs which he made were for John Slingluff, of Whitpain, and they were also the first springs of that kind ever manufactured or used in Montgomery County. In 1839 (being then married) Mr. Shoemaker removed to the vicinity of the "Cross Roads Schoolhouse", where he had purchased a house and about eight acres of land, on which he built a shop. Afterwards he added twenty-four acres by purchase from the estate of Christopher Mathias. At that place he remained engaged in the work of his trade and in farming for more than ten years. In 1850 he moved to Philadelphia, and there worked at journey work for about eight months, after which time, for about one year, he carried on business in a shop which bad been built for him by John Conrad. He then bought a Shop of Samuel Wooley, on Hutchinson Street above Master, where he recommenced the business of spring-making, living in a house which he had bought, located on Master Street. At his commencement of business on Hutchinson Street be employed three hands, but as his business grew he increased the number, so that at one time during the war of the Rebellion he employed twenty-five hands. After the war he put in machinery driven by steam-power, which enabled him to reduce his force of hands. He continued to manufacture springs at his shops on Hutchinson Street for about nineteen years. In 1870 he moved from this city to Abington township, Montgomery County, but still continued to carry on the business in Philadelphia until 1871, when he sold it out to a company. From Abington he removed to Cheltenham township, where he purchased a residence and lot of ground, and lived there till 1874, when he removed to his present residence in Mount Vernon Street, Philadelphia. Mr. Shoemaker was married, February 23, 1837, to Sarah M. Fisher, daughter of Andrew Fisher, of Chestnut Hill. She died October 14, 1883. Their only surviving child, an unmarried daughter, lives with her father in Philadelphia. Mr. Shoemaker is a Republican, but has never held or sought public office. In his youth he, with his father and other members of his family, affiliated with the Friends, but he was never a member of the Society until 1865, when be joined the Green Street Meeting. He is now a member of the Meeting at Fifteenth and Race Streets, Philadelphia. CHARLES K. SHOEMAKER. Charles K. Shoemaker is the great-grandson of Jacob Shoemaker, one of the pioneers of Eastern Pennsylvania, who was the father of children as follows: Mathias, grandfather of Charles K., born December 14, 1736, died April 17, 1816 Barbara, born June 30, 1738 Jonathan, born December 16, 1739 Isaac, born November 16, 1741 Hannah, born September 10, 1743 Elizabeth, born November 30, 1745 Sarah, born February 3, 1748 David, born January 30, 1753. Of these children, Mattis (or Mathias), the eldest, purchased, March 28, 1777, from John Yedder, forty-seven acres of land, upon which his grandson, Charles K., now resides, in the township of Whitpain. April 30, 1796, he added to his original tract, thirty-three acres purchased from Henry Conard and wife, the whole forming the original Shoemaker farm in this township. Upon his demise, Mathias left the farm to be divided equally between his children. By an amicable arrangement between the heirs, the farm came into possession of Thomas, the only son. The children of Thomas were Enoch, born September 25,1804 Job, born October 7, 1805, died August 14, 1828 David, born January 6, 1807 Alan, born September 22, 1808 Mathias, born February 10, 1810 Hannah, born January 3, 1813, died April 10, 1817 Jesse, born March 31, 1815, died June 28, 1854 Charles K., born June 4, 1819, on the farm, and in the house where he now lives, where also his father, Thomas Shoemaker, was born. In 1857, Charles K., purchased from the heirs the old homestead, and although involving himself in a large bonded debt, with little or no capital beyond good health and a strong determination to succeed in life, he has, by honest industry and frugal habits, relieved himself from all financial obligations, reared a large and highly respected family, and amassed a sufficiency of this world's goods, so that in his declining years he has been enabled to retire from the active duties of life, having transferred the responsibility and care of the old homestead upon his son Jesse. Mr. Shoemaker was married, March 4,1841, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Peter and Sarah Childs, of Whitemarsh township, Montgomery Co., Pa. Mrs. Shoemaker was born December 2, 1818, and is still in possession of all her faculties, and in the performance of the active duties of the household. 1179 The children of Charles K. and Sarah Shoemaker, are Phebe G., born March 1, 1842, married, in 1866, to Charles C. McCann, of Whitpain township; Mathias, born August 9, 1843. At the first call of President Lincoln for troops, in April, 1861, to defend the life of the nation against the assaults of the southern slaveocracy, young Shoemaker volunteered his services, and at the end of his term of enlistment returned to the paternal roof, where he remained until the dark cloud of the slaveholders war covered the land, when he once more offered himself as a living sacrifice upon the altar of his country, enlisting August, 1862, in Company H, Thirteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, where, by his strict obedience and soldierly bearing, he passed through the several graduations, to the honorable position of second tenant. While on picket duty in September, 1863, he was captured by the enemy, and consigned to Libby Prison, from which place he was transferred to that hell of the Southern chivalry, commonly dignified by the title of "Andersonville Guard House," or prison. There he was literally starved, and in June, 1865, died the death of a noble martyr. PICTURE OF CHARLES K. SHOEMAKER, APPEARS HERE. George, born February 20, 1846, married, in June, 1864, to Harriet Henshall, of Norristown, Pa. Emma Jane, born August 28, 1848; infant daughter, born October 16, 1850, died same day Albert, born September 6, 1851, married in November, 1875, Miss Ray R. DeHaven, of Whitpain township [Rachel Rhoades DeHaven] Jesse, born September 6, 1854, married, January 1, 1880, Miss Annie C. Smith, of Norriton Township Sally C., born January 19, 1857, married, in October, 1877, Harry C. Hoover, of Whitpain township Charles T., born November, 10, 1859, died December 8, 1876 Anna C., born March 29, 1864. Phebe. G. McCann, daughter of Charles K. Shoemaker, is the mother of children as follows: Mary L., born April 29, 1867 William, born November 3, 1868 Sallie S., born November 11, 1871 Charles S., born February 1, 1874 Anne, born July 18, 1876. 1180 George Shoemaker is the father of George M., born March 17,1865, died July 6,1865 Sarah P., born August 20, 1866, died November 9, 1872 Charles H., born July 9,1870 Fannie M., born June 26, 1873, died August 18, 1873 Ella M., born October 28, 1879, died October 13, 1884. Albert Shoemakers children are Irene D., born October 13, 1876 Lida May, born April 23, 1880. Jesse Shoemakers children are C. Harvey, born January 13, 1881 Katie Vaughan, born July 19, 1882 Gertrude M., born January 5, 1884. Sallie C. Hoover, daughter of Charles K. Shoemaker, is the mother of children, Elsie C., born October 15,1879 Emma S., born April 11, 1881. The children of Mathias and Hannah Shoemaker (grandparents of Charles K.), were Agnes, born 23d Ninth, Month, 1765, died June 29, 1851 Margaret, born First Month 9, 1767, died November 10, 1816 Dorothy, born 25th Seventh Month, 1769, died in August 1777 Thomas (father of Charles K.), born Eighth Month 1, 1771, died January 26, 1853. He was married, December 1, 1803, to Jane Supplee, who died July 6, 1857 Rachael, born Twelfth Month 13, 1773, died January 20, 1855 Mary, born Seventh Month 19, 1776, died in August, 1777 Hannah, wife of Mathias Shoemaker, and mother of the above named children, died in October 1777. PICTURE OF ABRAM WENTZ, APPEARS HERE. ABRAM WENTZ. Colonel John Wentz, son of Abram Wentz, the paternal great-grandfather of the present Abram, was the pioneer of the family of that name in Whitpain township, and came to be one of the prominent and progressive men of his time. Under the old militia laws of the State, John, above named, was commissioned colonel of a regiment, and was ever after known as "Colonel Wentz." His ancestors were either German or of German descent, but when they came to America is not known. Colonel Wentz owned the farm now occupied by Abram, and in the latter part of the last century built the house in which his grandson, Abram, now lives. Colonel John Wentz was not only a military officer, but a civil officer as well. He was for many years a justice of the peace, and was as popular in that capacity as in the military. His justice dockets were neatly and accurately kept, and might properly be used as a model for like officers at the present day. It was customary in those days for justices of the peace to do their share in the matter of uniting lovers in bonds of holy wedlock, and the colonel was as popular in that line as in the other two. His side-board was never empty, and no newly married couple ever left his house without being refreshed with the best of wine, and that in abundance. It is one of the misfortunes that we sometimes labor under, that neither the date of the birth or death of so good and great a man as he was cannot be given. 1181 His son, Abram, inherited the farm, and added to it the farm on the opposite side of the road, where his son Abram Wentz now lives. He, like his illustrious father, was a man of sterling worth, respected by all who knew him. He was one of those unobtrusive men, always attending strictly to the affairs pertaining to the duties of the farm, allowing others to look after township and outside affairs. He died in September 1870, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years; Charlotte, wife of Abram Wentz, died December 1881, in her ninety-third year. His children were Joseph Tyson (who owns forty acres of the old homestead and in whose house he died) Hannah (died in infancy) Mary (deceased) Elizabeth Barbara John (deceased) Abram (who owns the fifty acres formerly owned by his father, Abram, and grandfather, John Wentz) Henry (deceased) It is proper to state here that the property upon which the present Abram now resides has been in possession of the Wentz family for about one hundred and twenty-five years. Abram Wentz was born in the house now occupied by his brother, J. Tyson, on the opposite side of the turnpike, where, and upon his own farm, his life thus far, has been spent. He has quietly and honorably followed in the footsteps of his father, seeking not the plaudits of men, nor places of public trust or political preferment; yet his townsmen discovered in him the qualities best suited to fill a position where honesty is requisite to a just balancing of accounts, and for many years have kept him in the board of township auditors. He has also been honored with a seat in the board of directors of the Montgomery National Bank, at Norristown. He was married, April 30, 1868, to Miss Louisa, daughter of Jesse and Parthena Castner, of Gwynedd township. They are the parents of four children three of whom are deceased. The surviving son, Earl Castner, was born October 27, 1883. Mrs. Wentz's father, Jesse Castner, died September 9, 1883, in the seventy-second year of his age. Her grandfather, Jesse Castner, was in his ninety-second year when he died, and her great-grandfather, Samuel Castner, died when in his ninety-eighth year. Her mother, Parthena Castner, died May 15, 1881. They were all residents of the township of Gwynedd. Mr. Wentz and wife are members of Boehm's Reformed Church, at Blue Bell. JOSEPH P. CONARD. Among the hardy pioneers who sought the shores of America, was one Dennis Conard (as the name was anglized), who came in the ship "Concord," in the year 1683. He was from Saxony, Germany, and upon his arrival settled with the German colony, in Germantown. From him all of the Conards of Whitpain township are descended. The family were Friends, and when Henry, the youngest son of Dennis, moved to Whitpain township May 16, 1711, he brought with him a letter from the Germantown Friends, signed among others by Francis Daniel Pastorius. This letter is now in the possession of Lewis Conard. Upon his arrival in Whitpain, Henry settled on a tract of two hundred and twenty-three acres, a part of which is now comprised in the property owned by the Strogdale family and by Christian Duffield. The Strogdale farm is a part of the original tract owned by direct descendants of the first owners, making a period of one hundred and seventy-four years in which it has been in the possession of the family. Upon the decease of Henry, the land comprising these two farms passed to Joseph, his fifth son, being willed to him under date of September, 1758. Joseph had two sons, Joseph and John, and to them the property descended in equal parts. John Conard, son of Joseph, was born in 1782 and spent the earlier part of his life upon the home farm. Having a taste for mechanics he served an apprenticeship with James Wood, one of the pioneers in the iron business and the first iron-master in Conshohocken. John intermarried with Sarah Childs, of Abington, who was born in 1786, and in 1805 settled upon the Duffield farm. Here he built the house and barn, which are yet standing, and transformed the then uncultivated tract into one of the most productive farms in the neighborhood. Here he also built a log blacksmith-shop, where he subsequently began the manufacture of the "Conard Screw Auger." This business is now greatly enlarged and improved by the introduction of machinery, and is carried on by two of his sons, Albert and Isaac, at Fort Washington, upon the site of Daub's old oil-mill. John Conard's death occurred in Seventh Month 30, 1853, he having lived to the good old age of seventy-one years and filled well the position of an energetic out quiet and modest life of a useful citizen and a sincere and devout Friend. To John and Sarah Conard were born twelve children, - James Mary Peter Joseph P. Tacy John R. Albert Charles Elizabeth Lewis Isaac Levi R. of whom nine are still living. Two of the sons merit special mention, on account of their patriotism. James, the oldest, though having passed the age of those subject to military duty, enlisted in Company B, of the First Pennsylvania Cavalry (Forty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer), and served till sickness caused by exposure necessitated his discharge. Levi R., the youngest son, was a private in the Nineteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died at Columbia College Hospital, from the effects of a bullet wound received at the second battle of Bull Run. He was buried in the Plymouth Friends' graveyard September 21, 1862. Most nobly was the motto of his regiment, "Non sibi sed Patrice" exemplified in him. 1182 Joseph P. Conard, fourth child, of John and Sarah Conard, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born Twelfth Month 24, 1812, upon the original Conard tract in Whitpain township. His early life, until he was sixteen years of age, was spent upon the home farm, and he followed the pursuits incident to his method of life. At that age he began to acquire the trade of screw auger making, which he followed till twenty-one years of age, when he purchased the Wentz farm upon the Skippack Road, near Blue Bell. Upon this farm he has lived the period of forty-six years, till 1882, when he sold it to his son, Henry Fasset, and now resides with his daughter, Mary S., wife of Charles Shoemaker, of Whitpain township. PICTURE OF JOSEPH P. CONARD, APPEARS HERE. He has been for many years a prominent farmer and market gardener, supplying the Philadelphia markets. Though now in his seventy-second year he is hale and hearty, and is enjoying, in his declining years, the fruits of an industrious and useful life. He was married in Meeting, Third Month, 1834, to Rebecca A. Shaw, formerly of Richland township, Bucks Co. To them have been born the following children,- Sarah, who died in infancy. Ann, who was born 13th of Sixth Month, 1837, and married Jacob T. Buckman, of Abington township. Mary S., born 9th of Twelfth Month, 1840, married Charles Shoemaker, of Springfield towhship. Alice, born 10th of Fifth Month, 1843, married John Walton, of Horsham township. Elizabeth, born 15th of Third Month, 1847, married Frank Stackhouse, of Upper Dublin township. Henry Fasset, born 22d of Tenth Month, 1849, married Sarah, daughter of Harper Nice, of Whitemarsh township. Ellwood, born 25th of Ninth Month, 1852, has a large roller grist-mill, at Kellogg, Jasper Co., Ia., and was married to Ella Burke, of Kellogg, Iowa, formerly of the State of Ohio. Israel S., born 1st day of Sixth Month, 1856, married to Jane Cline, of Whitemarsh township. Rebecca A. Conard, died 28th of Fourth Mouth, 1874. The Conard family are nearly all Friends, and Joseph P., is a birthright member of that Society. 1183 CHARLES KRIEBLE. Charles Krieble, who resides near Centre Square, is a descendant and bears the name of an old family of Schwenkfelders. His ancestors upon both sides were early settlers in this region, and his paternal grandfather, Melchoir Krieble, was born in America. His son John married Agnes Yeakle, daughter of the Christopher Yeakle who built the historic house still standing, at Chestnut Hill, a cut of which appears in this volume. Charles, the eldest of five children of John and Agnes Krieble, of whom the juniors were Samuel, now a resident of Norristown Mary (Mrs. Schultz, of Colebrookdale) Susannah (Gerhart), deceased Sarah (Anson), of Worcester township, was born in 1814, at Chestnut Hill. Working during his youth upon his father's farm he acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture, which he put to good use when he began for himself, in 1842, upon the farm of eighty-five acres, where he now lives, and which his father assisted him to procure. Ten years after he removed to this spot, one of the evidences of his prosperity appeared in the erection of the substantial house in which he now lives. Other improvements were made from time to time. His life has been a busy one, and the thrift which has followed industry has enabled him not only to enjoy comparative ease during his later years but to help others. He is a liberal sustainer of the Schwenkfelder Churches in Worcester and Towamencin. He has been a friend of the educational and other interests of the community in which he dwells, and has served a number of years as a school director. PICTURE OF CHARLES KRIEBLE, APPEARS HERE. Mr. Krieble was married the year he made his home in Whitpain, February 18th, 1841, to Sarah, daughter of Abraham Anders, of Worcester township, and enjoyed her loving companionship until her death, November 21, 1884. They were-the parents of two, children, -Hiram A. Krieble, who is a farmer and lives with his father at the old homestead, married Susannah, daughter of Rev. Jacob Meschter, of Upper Hanover. They have had four children, viz: Alan (deceased) May Charles (deceased) Edna. Mary Ann Krieble is the wife of Dr. George K. Meschter, of Worcester township. ENOS ROBERTS. Enos Roberts, of Whitpain, is a descendant of the Roberts family of Gwynedd, which figures largely in the history of that township, and whose progenitors were among the earliest Welsh settlers of Montgomery County, coming over the sea soon after William Penn. Sketches of several other representatives of this family, we may remark in this connection, have places in the present volume. The grandfather of our subject, Enos Roberts, was a resident of Gwynedd, and his remains repose with those of many others of his kindred and faith in the burying-ground at the Friends' Meeting in that township. 1184 The parents of the gentleman we now have in consideration were Nathan and Barbara (Ruth) Roberts (the latter the offspring of David Ruth). He was born in Gwynedd, November 25, 1856, and was the oldest of three children, the younger of whom were David and Annie (now Mrs. David Wismer, of West Point, Gwynedd township). PICTURE OF ENOS ROBERTS, APPEARS HERE. Enos was left an orphan by the death of his father when about four years of age, and was brought up by his paternal uncles, John and Edward Roberts, both of whom are now deceased. He was reared to the vocation of a farmer, which he now follows, and on April 1, 1878, bought his present farm of about eighty acres near Blue Bell, which be has brought by judicious labor into an excellent state of cultivation, and upon which he has a comfortable home. The farm absorbs his attention, and he ranks among the most successful agriculturists of the neighborhood. He is a Republican in politics, but is not a very active worker in the cause of the party, and is not in any sense a seeker for place, being satisfied with such activity as his occupation calls for. The family, of long descent in Montgomery County, is still farther perpetuated through Enos Roberts, for he is married and the father of three children. Miss Clara E. Ralston, of Philadelphia, became his wife upon May 23, 1878. The offspring of this union are Edith E. Annie V. Kate A.