Historical Society of Montgomery County, PA

Transcription

BULLETIN
jO/"f/iG.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
JÔ/^/^/STOWN
£omery
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
AT IT5 BUILDING IdS'f DEKALB STREET
NORRISTOWN.PA.
SPRING & FALL 1994
VOLUME XXIX
Nos. 2 & 3
The Historical Society of Montgomery County
OFFICERS
Edward T. Addison, jr., President
Joseph T. Riemer, m.d., First Vice President
Barton B. Proger, Ed.D., Second Vice President
Hon. William T. Nicholas, Third Vice President
William M. McCain, Treasurer
Mrs. Clifford R. Gillam, jr., Secretary
Mrs. William H. Smith, Financial Secretary
TRUSTEES
Mrs. Ella Aderman
Mrs. Edward L. Crawford
Donald Cunningham
Mrs. William B. Daub
Bruce Forman
Mrs. W. Gilbert Frick
Howard W. Gross
James Holton, ej.d
Frederick E. Lobb
Frank L. Miller, M.D.
Mrs. Dorienic J. Pontarelli
Harry E. Reiff, Ph.D.
Mrs. Vivian F. Taylor
Alfred A. Wolsky
Mrs. James A. Young
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Herbert T. Ballard, jr.
Allen Baxter
Mrs. Henry B. Brown, jr.
Hon. Alfred L. Taxis, jr.
THE BULLETIN
of the
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Published Semi-Annually Spring and Fall
Volume XXIX
Nos. 2 & 3
Spring & Fall 1994
CONTENTS
Citizen Soldiers of Color:
Biographical Sketches of Montgomery County's
Black Soldiers in the Civil War
Judith A.H. Meier
3
Meeting, Membership and Treasmer's Reports
146
Index, Citizen Soldiers of Color
155
NOTE
Issues Nos. 2 and 3 of the current volume XXIX have been
combined as a single issue in order to present the article "Citizen
Soldiers of Color" in its entirety. Pagination of this issue will
begin with page 1, and an index to the article has been included.
The next issue of the BULLETIN will be published in Spring,
1995.
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
Harry E. Reiff, Chairman
Edward T. Addison, Jr.
Walter Overstreet
Mildred S. Gillam
Alice G. Smith
Judith A.H. Meier
Walter A. Wilson, Jr.
Copyright 1994 by the Historical Society of Montgomery County
• l-f.
A<"i /,i
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Courtesy Perry Triplett
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Citizen Soldiers of Color:
Biographical Sketches of Montgomery
County's Black Soldiers in the Civil War
By Judith A. H. Meier
INTRODUCTION
Much attention has been directed towards various aspects of
black history in the last thirty years or so. The civil rights move
ment, particularly in the field of education, introduced the study
of black history into public school curricula. Alex Halej^s book
and television mini-series, Roots, launched an interest in black
genealogy (and a renewed interest in white genealogy as well).
And the motion picture Glory, about the colored soldiers of the
Massachusetts 54th Regiment, focused the spotlight on the con
tribution of blacks during the Civil War.
The Historical Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,
with a membership of close to 100 percent white middle class,
reaped very little benefit from this surge of interest in black his
tory and genealogy. An effort was made to be prepared for an on
slaught of Afncan-American researchers, but it never happened.
Several articles concerning black history were published, but
they were superficial for the most part, dealing with fairly well
known stories of the aboUtionist movement and the underground
railroad and recognizing the contributions of black pioneers in
various fields of endeavour in the coimty, the state, and the na
tion.
What was lacking, I discovered, as assistant librarian and the
one usually helping the few black researchers and historians who
came to our Historical Society, was the kind of homely paper
trail, the bits and pieces of past lives that are put together by
family historians when they seek to discover and flesh out their
ancestors.
I knew there were free black people living and working in
Montgomery County since the eighteenth century. I knew they
joined churches, married, bore babies, held jobs, went off to war,
and buried their dead. They joined clubs and participated in a so-
4
CITIZEN SOLDIERS OF COLOR
cial network much as did their white coimterparts. But we had
no files, no compilations of records, no collected documents re
flecting the lives of these long-gone people.
I felt confident that much of this social history is in the cus
tody of African-American families, churches, and fraternal orga
nizations today and is undoubtedly available to anyone who has
the means to search for it there. But I also believed that it was
important for the oldest historical society in the county to be a
repository for this kind of valuable information, not only for the
black researcher but for all people interested in a more complete
picture of our cultural and social history.
It must be said at the outset that it is not easy for a EuropeanAmerican woman to do African-American history. The method
that I chose to use to do this research offered a few problems, the
greatest one being that of recognizing who was black and who
was white.
Although my ultimate goal was to be able to identify every
black person who has lived in Montgomery County in the eigh
teenth and nineteenth centuries, I decided that this first project
should be based on the men from Montgomery County who
served from 1863 to 1865 with the Colored Troops during the
Civil War. My interest was not to discuss the Civil War or the his
tories of the various Colored Regiments but rather to identify the
men and develop brief biographies of each one, so that subse
quent researchers could build their own family histories upon
them.
The sources I used were those available to any researcher:
public documents, church and cemetery records, and newspapers.
Of particular value were the 1890 Federal Census of Civil War
Survivors, the Montgomery County Department of Veterans Af
fairs Burial Permits, Samuel P. Bates' History of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, 1861-5, deeds, wills, administrations, marriage and
death certificates, the various Norristown newspapers, business
directories, the Federal censuses of 1790 through 1920, tax rec
ords, and cemetery records, particularly those of Treemount
Cemetery in the east end of Norristown, where many colored vet
erans are buried.
After all the soldiers had been identified, I applied to the Na
tional Archives in Washington, B.C., for the pension or military
records of every man on my list. With all of this information I was
ahle to put together biographies of almost every man and discov
ered something about his family.
BULLETIN OF fflSTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
5
In an attempt to tell each man's story truthfully, I included
everything I found, whether it was pleasant and flattering to the
veteran and his descendants or not. I believe that historians of
integrity are obligated to tell the unvarnished truth. People are
people, and veterans are veterans, whether we are researching
the nineteenth century, the twentieth century, or the first cen
tury. I found cases of chronic physical ailments, sometimes re
sulting from war injuries, sometimes from what appears to be dehberate official neglect. I found evidence ofwhat might be termed
malingering today. I also discovered alcoholism, violence, and
abusive behavior - what we now might recognize as manifesta
tions of "post-traumatic stress syndrome." And finally I learned
that post-Civil War Montgomery County harbored' a certain
amount of racism, whether covert or blatant, and the black sol
dier and his family experienced it fully.
This project took almost five years to finish and received some
very nice publicity in the press on several occasions. I am in
debted to Edward T. Addison, Jr., and ARCO for a grant which
paid for the pension records. Without this assistance I would not
have been able to complete my research in the way I had envi
sioned it.
Toward the end of my work, I read a remarkable book entitled
Women Who Run With the Wolves, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes,
Ph.D. Dr. Estes introduces her theme by describing La Loba,
Wolf Woman, also called La Huesera (Bone Woman) and La
Trapera (The Gatherer).
To quote from the book,
The sole work of La Loba is the collecting of bones. She
is known to collect and preserve especially that which is in
danger of being lost to the world.... She creeps and crawls
and sifts through the montanas, mountains, and arroyos,
dry riverbeds, looking for wolf bones, and when she has as
sembled an entire skeleton, when the last bone is in place
and the beautiful white sculpture of the creature is laid out
before her, she sits by the fire and thinks about what song
she will sing. And when she is sure, she stands over the
criatura, raises her arms over it, and sings out. This is
when the rib bones and leg bones of the wolf begin to flesh
out and the creature becomes furred. La Loba sings some
more, and more of the creature comes into being; its tail
curls upward, shaggy and strong. And La Loba sings more
6
and the wolf creature begins to breathe. And still La Loba
sings so deeply that the floor of the desert shakes, and as
she sings, the wolf opens its eyes, leaps up, and runs away
down the canyon....
It is my hope that in gathering the bones of many long-forgot
ten citizens of Montgomery County, assembling them, breathing
on them, and singing them to life, I can help others to sing the
lives of their ancestors, leam the lessons they are still teaching,
and achieve inspiration and renewal from them.
JACOB ABLE (ABEL): SC 628-489.*
Jacob Able was a private in Co. E, 24th Regiment, U.S. Col
ored Troops, mustering in on February 22, 1865, and discharged
with the company on October 1, 1865, in Richmond, Virginia
(Bates V:1018).
Jacob Abel was bom in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in
October 1826 and moved to Norristown sometime before 1850.
The 1850 census of the Lower Ward of Norristown listed Jacob
Able, 29, laborer; Mary, 27; Catharine, 10; Charlotte, 7; Harriet,
5; Jacob M., 10 months; along with John Thomas, 42; Charlotte,
21; and Rebecca, 14.
A history of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church states that "Bro. Jacob
Able" was one of the first trustees of the church when it was built
in 1853.
The 1860 business directory of Norristown listed Jacob Abel
(col'd) as a laborer living on the south side of Basin between Wil
low and Powell. Seventeen-year old daughter Charlotte was a do
mestic in the household of John Kennedy of Port Kennedy, Upper
Merion.
Following the war, Jacob Abel was listed in the 1867 Norris
town Directory at the comer of Cherry and Airy streets, at the
comer of Wood and Powell in 1870, and at Markley above Elm in
1880.
The 1870 census listed Jacob Able, 47, owning $400 worth of
real estate; Mary, 45; and William, 17. Living with them were
their daughter Catharine and her husband George Chase and 6month old granddaughter Mary H. Chase. George H. Chase and
Catharine Elizabeth Abel had been married February 3,1868, by
the Rev. John F. Halsey of the First Presbyterian Church.
* Pension File Number
BULLETIN OF HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
7
George H. Chase was the son of George Chase (from
Delaware) and his wife Judith. The elder Chase, a hostler,
bought his first property in Norristown in 1842 (Deed Book 61, p.
429), and in 1871 he purchased a lot on Airy Street near Tremount Avenue on which he had built a small house (Deed Book
192, p. 501).
For a time Abel owned a house on the northwest side of Mgirk-
ley Street southwest of Beech, having purchased it in 1874 from
John and Mary Rhoadarmer and selling it back to Rhoadarmer in
1879. Directories fi'om that period show him to be living on Markley above Elm. His son, William R. Abel, a hostler, was boarding
with the Abel family for a while.
At the time of the 1880 census Jacob Abel, 55, was living on
Beech Street with Mary, 42; and grandchildren Harriet, 15; Wil
liam, 13; Mary Abel, 17; and Mary Chase, 10.
Abel was listed as living on Markley Street in the Special
Schedule of 1890 — Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines,
and Widows, etc., but his regiment was erroneously listed as the
51st Penna. Infantry.
When Able began applying for an invalid pension, he claimed
to be suffering from "kidney trouble, rheumatism, disease of the
heart, and general debility." Nathaniel Curry and Samuel M. H.
Brown came forward as character witnesses for him.
In 1898 Jacob Able reported that he had married Mary (nee
Mullen) in 1845 [sic], in Philadelphia, with Josia Proctor presid
ing. He stated that the Bible record was lost and the minister
dead. He listed his children as William Able, bom September 20,
1843, and Harriet, intermarried with William James and bom
December 10, 1849.
By 1900 74-year old Jacob Abel, a plasterer's helper, had been
out of work for nine months and was living was his grandson
William Abel, a 34-year old caterer. William had been married to
S. Francis for ten years, and they had six children, three ofwhom
were living: Ethel M., Alice R., and William P. The family lived
at 1053 Willow Street.
In 1907 Thomas H. Blackwell and George H. Nicholas ap
peared for the 83-year-old veteran when he renewed his pension.
Jacob Abel died on Febmary 2, 1908, in his 84th year, at the
residence of his grandson, William Abel, 205 East Wood Street.
His funeral was held at the residence and at Mt. Zion Church. In
terment was at Treemount Cemetery (LL-9). He was survived by
one son, William R. Abel, of Philadelphia.
8
In 1826 a woman claiming to be the remarried widow of Jacob
Able wrote to the U.S. Bureau of Pensions claiming a pension.
Mrs. Christy Ann Archer, No. 5 Glenn Ave., Wilmington,
Delaware, wrote on July 31, 1926:
Kind Sir: —
I have understood that their is a pension granted to the
widow who had been married to a civel war soldier and had
been remarried, now I am a widow of such, I am now 86
years old my latter husband has been dead going on two
years and I have no means of support what ever to keep
me. I am at present making my home with my sister she is
a widow herself she gets the Tribune from Washington and
she understood that such was the case by reading it in the
paper. So I thought their would not be any harm done to
write My husband name Jacob Able, living in Lancaster
City, Pa. He was in the Civel war I hope you gentleman of
conggress will be so kind and help me if you can as I am old
and poor, My Address is at presant No 5 Glenn Ave. I am
staying with my niece my home is in Marietta Pa with my
Sister
Yours truly
From Christy Ann the former Husband Jacob Able, later
husband Archer.
Jacob Able soldier in civel war, my home Address is Marretta Pa 35 Walnut St.
The commissioner of the Bureau of Pensions wrote back to
Mrs. Archer on October 19. That letter, mailed to 35 Walnut
Street, was unclaimed. On January 19,1927, Commissioner Winfield Scott wrote to Mrs. Archer again, this time at 5 Glenn Av
enue. There was nothing in Jacob Abie's pension file to suggest
that the claim was ever approved. There is in the index to the
1860 census a listing for J. F. Able in the City of Lancaster.
BENJAMIN ANDERSON
Benjamin Anderson served as a private in Co. A, 39th Mary
land Infantry, from March 15, 1864, to September 1866, accord
ing to the 1890 census of Civil War Survivors. He was living in
LaMott, Cheltenham Township, at the time of that special enu
meration. The History and Roster ofMaryland Volunteers, War of
1861-5, Vol. II, lists a Benjamin Anderson in Co. A, 19th Mary-
9
land Regiment, serving from December 15, 1863, to June 3, 1865
(p. 209).
The 1900 census of Cheltenham indicated that Anderson was
bom in Maryland in March 1833 and was married in approxi
mately 1864 to Mary, who was bom in Maryland in January
1837. Others in this household were Lydia Boigan (April 1864,
MD, married 8 years); James Anderson (June 1867, MD, single);
Rosetta Carter (Nov. 1871, MD, married 8 years); Mollie Ander
son (Dec. 1878, MD, single); Lucinda Anderson (March 1879, MD,
single); John Anderson (Sept. 1883, MD, single): Sarah B. An
derson (July 1886, PA, single); Helen Carter (granddaughter. Get
1896, PA); Richard D. Carter (son, Nov. 1898, PA).
When Benjamin Anderson died on August 8, 1910, his heirs
included Lydia Boyakin of Philadelphia; Mollie Anderson of
Ogontz; Rosetta Carter of Glenside; James Anderson of Hatboro;
Lucy Black of Philadelphia; John Anderson of Glenside; and
Sarah Caldwell of Baltimore. There was no obituary, nor was
there an application for a burial of a veteran.
ABNER ATLEE: WC 857-205
Abner Atlee served as a private in Co. I of the 54th Mass
achusetts Colored Infantry. He was enrolled in Readville, Mass
achusetts, on April 22, 1863, and was discharged August 20,
1865, in Charleston, South Carolina. At the time of his enlist
ment he was a 25-year old single farmer, 5 feet 5 inches tall. Luis
P. Emilio's A Brave Black Regiment: History of the Fifty-Fourth
Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 1863-1865, lists
Atlee's residence as "Morristown, Pa.," but of course that is a ty
pographical error.
According to affidavits filed in Atlee's efforts to obtain a dis
ability pension, he saw action at the seige of Fort Wagner on Mor
ris Island, South Carolina, but after being stmck with severe
chronic diarrhea and a simstroke, he was reassigned to duty as a
teamster.
Bom on July 4, 1838, "back of Beartown [Caernarvon Town
ship], Lancaster County, Pa." he was the son of Isaac Atlee and
Maria Hilton, both of Pennsylvania. He and Hellen L. Bush were
married June 13, 1867, by the Rev. H. Wheat. (The Rev. Hardin
Wheat was pastor of First Baptist Church in Norristown.) They
had no family records of this marriage but believed it to be con
tained in records at the Baptist Church.
Atlee's wife appeared in the 1850 census of the Upper Ward of
10
Norristown as the 3-year old Ellen M. Bush, daughter of 38-year
old Robert and 31-year old Sylvia. She had a little sister, Edith
Ann, 1. Documents in his pension file state that his surviving
children were Debey E. Atlee, bom January 16, 1872, and Sylvey
B. Atlee, bom May 11,1874. The 1888-90 business directory lists
Sylvia H. B. Atley as a domestic at 534 Church.
Other children bom to the couple were Mary Frances, Albert,
and Abner, all dead by the time Atlee began applying for pen
sions.
Abner Atlee appeared in the 1870 census of the Upper Ward
of Norristown. A native of Pennsylvania, he was 30 years old, a
farm worker, and married to Hellen, 26. They were living in the
household of Robert Bush, 60, and Sylvia Bush, 50. On Febmary
17, 1857, Sylvia Bush had purchased the former "Haws School
House" property for $209.00 fi-om John Zieber, Sr., who had pur
chased it the day before from the Directors of the Norristown
School District and the Directors of the Norriton Township
School District. (DB 105, p. 44 ff; 47 ff).
AW If
11
At various times Abner Atlee was listed in the business direc
tories as living at 30 Mogeetown, 247 E. Chestnut, 333 E. Chest
nut, 335 E. Chestnut, and 330 E. Oak. In the 1908-10 directory
Calvin Atlee was living at 335 E. Chestnut while Abner was at
330 E. Oak. In 1910 Abner and his wife Ellen, both 70, were at
335 E. Chestnut, in the Ninth Ward. They had been married 40
years, according to the census.
In November 1887, Atlee ran into legal difficulty when he was
charged with assault and battery. He and Joseph Pearce "had
words together on the evening ofNov. 2 on the farm of Isaac Templin, just outside of the borough of Norristown, when Atlee struck
him (Pearce) in the face. Atlee admitted the striking, giving as an
excuse the hard names called him," according to the Norristown
Herald of December 12. Atlee was found guilty and fined $5.00.
When Abner Atlee applied for a disability pension in 1893, he
was rejected at first but filed for a reconsideration of his disabil
ity claim. The testimonies of such people as Dr. Daniel A. Wilson,
Samuel M. H. Brown, Solomon Hazzard, and Albanus S. Fisher
were submitted.
The affidavit of Albanus S. Fisher, given in 1893, revealed
much about the old colored veteran. Fisher was 63 at the time, a
resident of Norristown, and had known Atlee since 1853. Fisher
had been the Orderly Sergeant of Atlee's company and remem
bered when
said soldier incurred, while the Regiment was engaged in
the siege of Fort Wagner on Morris Island, S.C. severe
Chronic Diarrhea and had a Sunstroke, which incapaci
tated him to such an extent that he was unable to do duty
as a soldier, and was detailed as a Teamster in conse
quence thereof. That said intimacy and acquaintanceship
has been kept up ever since, and that his disability has
continued ever since and has been progressive, and from
my knowledge of him thus obtained, I know that he is un
able to perform or do any hard labor since then, he works
when able to work, as a stable-boss, or some other like
work. That in comparison with a sound able-bodied man,
he knows personally that he is unable to perform more
than % of the work of such able-bodied men, and that at
light work only, that he has been in that condition for more
than two years, that he is a physical wreck...
12
In 1896 Atlee applied for pension assistance because of a
right-sided hernia suffered in June or July of 1893 while he was
mowing grass for Charles Kelley of Pl5Tnouth Township.
Charles Kelley swore on June 1, 1897, that he had been well
acquainted with Atlee since 1885, Kelley "being engaged in deal
ing in cattle and butchering and farming on a small scale." Kel
ley employed him in June 1893 to mow some grass on the lot, and
during the day he had to stop work on account of an attack of
cramp colic.
On the following morning he appeared at my place and
showed me that the Cramp Colic had developed into a
strong rupture. He was then on his way to Norristown, Pa.,
to see a Doctor, I gave him some money at the time to ob
tain a truss & pay for medical treatment. During all the
time I have known him he has been a hard working, sober,
peaceable and industrious citizen, unusually so for a man
in his station in life. During the time I have known him he
has been working and living in my immediate neighbor
hood and have seen him almost daily.
Dr. Daniel A. Wilson ordered a truss for Atlee and told him "to
take good care of himself and do no straining work."
Dr. Wilson was a black Norristown physician for more than a
half a century when he died December 22, 1932. The son of the
Rev. Amos Wilson and Jane Elizabeth Wilson of Portsmouth, Vir
ginia, he had come to Norristown as a boy. He graduated from
Germantown High School and Hahnemann Medical College. At
the time of his death he was a member of the National Medical
Association as well as the Montgomery County Medical Society.
In 1897 Dr. Wilson testified that he had known Abner Atlee
for seven years and had been his attending physician for five
years, having first attended to him for chronic diarrhea in August
1891, and then in July 1893 for an inguinal hernia.
Abner Atlee died May 4, 1917, at the age of 78.
The Norristown Daily Herald reported on May 4, 1917:
Aged Man found Dead in Cellar - Abner Atlee Believed to
have Died of Natural Causes.
Abner Atlee, an aged negro, residing at No. 330 East
Oak street, was found dead in the cellar of his residence at
11 o'clock this morning. There were no marks on the body
13
£ind death is believed to have been due to natural causes.
Atlee lived alone and was last seen on Thursday. He was a
veteran of the civil war. Deceased was about 80 years old.
Coroner McGlathery is making an investigation.
On the following day the newspaper reported:
Death Due to Natural Causes - Aged Colored Man Had
Been 111 With Asthma for Several Years. After making an
investigation, local registrar Charles E. White decided that
Abner Atlee, 78 years old, had died of natural causes. He
was found dead on Friday in the cellar of his residence at
330 East Oak street. Atlee had been suffering from asthma
for several years. He was a veteran of the civil war, having
served in Co. I, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Massachusetts In
fantry.
The undertaking firm of D. W. & H. D. Mowday, 619 DeKalb
Street, buried Atlee in Treemount Cemetery. (A-7). A marble gov
ernment headstone and a GA..R. marker are on the gravesite.
Abner Atlee's widow Hellen began receiving $20 a month pen
sion May 12, which was increased to $25 October 6. Appearing as
character witnesses for Hellen Atlee when she filed for her wid
ow's pension were Harry D. Marston, who had known her for 20
years, and Sylvia Brown, who had been her fiiend for 15 years.
This pension was further increased to $40 per month in 1928.
WILLIAM BOWSER: XC 2610577
According to Afiican-American historian Reginald Pitts, Wil
liam Bowser served as a private in Co. A, 39th Regiment of Mary
land, along with Benjamin Anderson. Bowser enlisted at Camp
Stanton, Bryantown, Maryland, on April 22, 1863, and mustered
out May 16, 1865. He moved to Pennsylvania after the war and
settled in LaMott, Cheltenham Township. Pitts states that Bow
ser died in 1945 at the age of 102.
The 1920 census of Cheltenham listed Bowser as living on
Keenan Street. He was a 76-year-old contractor and hauling con
tractor. He and his parents were born in Maryland. His wife
Mary was 74 and a Pennsylvania native. A son William J., 31,
resided with them.
The index to wiUs and administrations indicates that Bowser
died December 19, 1945 (RW 66574). The Norristown Times Her-
14
aid did not publish an obituary for Bowser, nor does the Mont
gomery County Veterans Graves Registration list his name.
In 1944 William Bowser, 7306 Keenan Street, LaMott (Chel
tenham Township), requested assistance from the Social Service
Department of the Abington Memorial Hospital in obtaining a
Civil War pension. Mary S. Kilbum, Director of Social Service,
informed the Veterans Administration that Mr. Bowser had ap
plied for a pension in 1932 but was imsuccessful because he had
lost his discharge papers. He had been asked to name three wit
nesses to attest that he had enlisted on the side of the North, but
he did not reply because they were all dead or their whereabouts
were unknown.
William Bowser
Veteran returned after the Civil War
15
Indeed, Bowser had explained in 1931 that he had "deposited
all papers he had upon his dischetrge many years ago with a step
mother with whom he was none too friendly, and these papers
were never recovered from her. She has been dead many years."
At that time Bowser claimed to be 87 years old, having been bom
January 23, 1844.
He further stated that after his discharge in the fall of 1865 in
Baltimore, he "lived for a short time at Waterloo, New York, with
his Capt. Saml. J. Wilson; then to Wyeneck, Md., then Frankford,
Phila.," and was a farmhand and then a gardener ever since.
He had a son, William James Bowser, who served as a private
in Co. D, 803 Pioneer Infantry, 15th Pro. Co., Colored Det. 106
D.B., who enlisted August 4, 1918, at Ardmore, PA, was dis
charged July 25,1919, and was still living.
A Philadelphia lawyer informed the Director of Pensions in
1931 that
the petitioner in this instance is somewhere in the
neighborhood of eighty seven years old and is in a very fee
ble condition. His health, in fact, is so precarious that I
doubt if he will survive this winter, and not know what ef
fect his death would have on his right to receive a pension
I wish to bring this fact to your attention.
Dr. T. H. Hilton of Philadelphia added that he had been treat
ing William Bowser of LaMott since 1924 for extreme dea&ess,
arthritis in chronic form, chronic bronchitis, and general debility.
In 1931 he was no longer able to do any consistent or steady
work.
In 1944 Miss Kilbum of Abington Hospital explained that, ac
cording to Mr. Bowser, residents of Maryland had the right to de
cide on which side to fight and that he had chosen the North. He
had recalled to her the names of four comrades: Sgt. Kolman,
Henry Henderson, John Bowman, and Lorenzo Jones, drummer
boy, all members of the 39th Regiment, Co. A. [These names were
given by the Veterans' Claims Service as Leondas Jones, Drum
mer Boy; John Coleman, Orderly Sgt.; Henry Anderson; and John
Homey.]
Miss Kilburn wrote in her letter of December 28, 1944:
The following are some of the facts supplied by Mr. Bowser
relative to his Service. Although he is 103 years old, he has
a remarkable memory.
16
CITIZEN SOLDIERS OP COLOR
Mr. Bowser enlisted at Easton, Maryland, in April 1863,
(One year and a half before the end of the war). He was
sent to Camp Belga, Baltimore, 'From there to AnnapoHs,
Maryland, and then to Washington. He was deputized
under General Bumside and went to Alexandria, Virginia.
He was in front of St. Petersburg when Fort Anderson was
blown up. He was then shifted to Ft. Fisher then to
Raleigh, North Carolina, and did guard and camp duty at
Moorehead City and Wilmington, North Carolina. From
April until Fall Col. Stem was Regimental Commander.
Samuel Wilson was the Captain of Co. B, who was dis
charged because he and his Buddy got drunk and had to be
carried off the battle field after our first battle at Ft.
Fisher.'
Mr. Bowser has been a respected member of this Com
munity for over sixty years having been employed by Mr. J.
B. Stetson for over thirty years as gardener. He was selfsupporting until he was ninety years of age and owns his
own little home. At the present time, he is in a predicament
due to the poor health of his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Griffin,
with whom he lives.
Until October 1944, she has been self-supporting but
since she has an infected foot from diabetes, she has had to
apply for a ReUef Grant and is receiving $4.80 per week.
While Mr. Bowser is eligible for Old Age Assistance, he will
not accept a Grant since he does not wish to have a lien
made against his home by the State upon his death, which
is necessary should he receive an Old Age Pension. Al
though Mr. Bowser recently survived an attack of Penumonia [sic], he is becomingly increasingly infirm due to old
age. The small grant of the Department of Public Assis
tance is not sufficient to sustain him and his Daughter.'
The old soldier told the Veterans Administration that he was
bom in Wyeneck, Queen Anne County, Maryland, on January 23,
1842. His father's name was James, and his mother's was Molly.
Both parents were slaves and were bom in Maryland, his mother
specifically in Queen Anne County. His master's name was Mr.
William Henry Coursey of Eastem Shore, Maryland. At the time
of Bower's enlistment he weighed 175 pounds and was 66 inches
tall.
William Bowser married Mary Jane Watson on October 1,
17
1871, in Philadelphia. She died December 31,1934. In addition to
their son William James Bowser, they were the parents of a
daughter, Sarah, bom July 22, 1884, in LaMott, the Sarah Grif
fin with whom Bowser made his home.
There is no indication in the Veterans Administration
whether William Bowser was awarded a pension. The last com
munication was received at the VA office on April 21, 1945.
BENJAMIN BROWN
There is no indication that this was a colored soldier. Accord
ing to Graves Registration, there is a Benjamin Brown, 2nd Lt.,
Co. I, 6th Regt., NJV Inf., buried in Hillside Cemetery, 11-011909 = A-473-3. Another source says Benjamin Brown was a pri
vate in Co. I, 6th Pa. Cavalry, from Dec. 31, 1862, and was dis
charged. This man was supposed to have been an invalid for a
number of years, died Nov. 1, 1885, and was buried in Mt. Zion
Cemetery, Pottstown.
ROBERT BROWN: 130-657
The name of Robert Brown, 8th Regiment, is on the Norristown Civil War Monument. According to Bates' History (V:980),
there was a Sgt. Robert Brown of Co. F, 8th Regiment, who was
mustered in on October 19, 1863, and died at Tallahassee,
Florida, of wounds received at Olustee, February 20, 1864.
Indeed, according to military records, Robert H. Brown en
listed in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and enrolled in Philadel
phia to serve for three years. He was reported missing in action
at Ocean Pond, Florida, February 20, 1864, and he died at Talla
hassee of wounds received that day.
Sgt. Brown was the son of George Brown. On January 9,1852,
Robert H. Brown and Julia A. McGraw were married by Robert
H. Hoover, J.P., in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. There apparently
were no children bom of this marriage.
The 1850 census of the Lower Ward of Norristown listed
George Brown, 70; Sarah, 53; Esther, 25; Perry Johnson, 24;
Jacob 20; Hugh, 17; Isabella, 15; Samuel, 13; Eliza, 12; and Lucinda M., 3.
Enumerated in the 1860 census of Norristown were George
Brown, 86, a native of Delaware; Sarah, 57; EUza, 19; and Lucy,
12.
George Brown was listed in the 1860 Norristown business di
rectory as a colored basket maker living on the north side of Penn
18
Street above Arch. Other Browns listed in that directory were
Louisa Brown, on the south side of Penn above Arch; Rankins
Brown, laborer, on the west side of Willow above Wood; and
James Brown, laborer, on the south side of Elm above Cherry. In
1863, when needy wives of soldiers were granted a small al
lowance from Montgomery County, George Brown was in a list of
recipients published in the Norristown newspaper.
On July 25,1866, George Brown, the father, applied for a pen
sion for himself. He was 95 years old and claimed that he had
been dependent upon his son for support. Laurence E. Corson
represented the elder Brown as his attorney. Jacob Bodey and
William Beale testified that they had known George Brown and
his son Robert Brown for some 14 years and knew that the father
was too old to support himself. Robert had resided at home and
worked faithfully and steadily to support his father. George
Brown's other children were married, and one had left his fa
ther's house.
At the time Julia Brown applied for a widow's pension in 1873,
she was 36 years old and living at 518 South 7th Street, in
Philadelphia. George C. Holland, who also lived at 518 South 7th,
and Charles Hunter of the American Hotel on Chestnut Street,
had known her for 25 or 30 years. They knew her in Lewistown,
MifFlin County, for many years before and after her marriage.
Holland and Hunter had been present at their wedding, and the
former had seen the marriage record in the family Bible.
There is no information on Robert, Julia, or George Brown.
SAMUEL M. H. BROWN
According to Bates' History (V:1050), Samuel M. H. Brown be
longed to Co. B, 32nd Regiment, U.S.C.T. He mustered in on Feb
ruary 16, 1864; was promoted to corporal on March 15, 1864; to
sergeant September 4, 1864; to 1st sergeant April 1, 1865; and
was mustered out with the company on August 22, 1865.
It is not clear whether Samuel M. H. Brown grew up in Nor
ristown.
On May 1, 1848, George Brown accused a Samuel Brown, a
colored lad, of stealing eighteen pieces of silver coin of the de
nomination of half dollars and of thirty-six pieces of silver coin of
the denomination of quarter dollars, totalling eighteen dollars.
The case was throwm out of court.
There were two George Browns in 1850, a 70-year old black
man and a white cotton factory worker in the upper ward of Nor-
19
ristown. Either one could have accused the colored lad of stealing
the money, but the plaintiffs color was not mentioned, whereas
the defendant's was.
The 1850 census of Norristown reveals that a 13-year old boy
named Samuel was living in the household of a black family con
sisting of George Brown, 70; Sarah, 53; Esther, 25; Perry John
son, 24; Jacob, 20; Hugh, 17; Isabella, 15; Samuel, 13; Eliza, 12;
and Lucinda M., 3. It is not clear whether Samuel is a Brown or
a Johnson. The indexer of the Montgomery County Census of
1850 played it safe and indexed both Samuel Brown and Samuel
Johnson. The only black Samuel Brown in the 1850 census is a
baby bom to John Brown in Whitemarsh that year. [The 1860
census lists George Brown, 86; Sarah, 57; Eliza, 19; and Lucy, 12.
This would suggest that all the people in the 1850 household of
George Brown, except Perry Johnson, were Browns, including the
13-year old Samuel.]
A Samuel Brown was again in trouble with the law in May of
1859, when he was charged with fornication and bastardy upon
Lavina or Mulvina Ross. He was found not guilty, and the county
had to pay the court costs.
The National Defender of May 24, 1859, reported on the court
case:
Commonwealth vs. Samuel Brown. F. & B. —Another case
in which that 'blessed baby is the cause of a great deal of
trouble. The mother of the Httle one is Miss Malinda Ross,
well known as a fast young woman of color. Some time ago
Malinda became enceinte, and upon her oath a warrant
was issued for the arrest of Sam, who was claimed as the
father of the child. Sam heard of it and left for parts un
known. A short time ago word reached him that it was a
white child, and he consequently returned. Upon the trial,
Diana (sic) swore positively that he was not the father of
her child, and was accordingly acquitted. Some interesting
developments were expected in this case, had Miss Ross
fastened the paternity of the child on Brown. Rogers for the
Commonwealth. Hunsicker for defendant.
Following the Civil War, Samuel Brown was listed the 1867
business directory as living on Willow Street above Basin. In
1870 he was listed as Samuel M. H. Brown at Beach opposite
Park.
20
The 1870 census showed Samuel Brown, 30, working in a
brickyard; Eliza, 29, bom in Virginia; George, 10; Ida, 9; and
Emma, 7.
Samuel Brown was active in the call for the passage ofthe Fif
teenth Amendment. When the colored citizens of Norristown met
at their hall on the comer of Main £ind Swede in early April 1870,
Capt. S. M. H. Brown made "a few able remarks" to the Union
Mass Meeting.
Nothing is known about the fate of Brown's first wife, but on
January 11,1872, Samuel M. Brown and Elmira Jones were mar
ried by the Rev. Job F. Halsey of the First Presbjrterian Church.
The Norristown Herald and Free Press of January 18, 1872, car
ried the announcement of the Brown-Jones wedding:
On Thursday evening, the 11th inst., by the Rev. J. F.
Halsey, 1st Lieutenant S. M. H. Brown of Norristown to
Miss Elmira Jones of the same place.
Note that Brown was referred to in the 1870 newspaper arti
cle as captain and in 1872 as 1st lieutenant. It has not been as
certained in what military unit Brown held these ranks.
The Browns were listed as living on Moore Street above High
in the 1876-77 business directory.
According to the 1880 Census the Browns were living at 278
Elm Street. Samuel M. Brown was a 59-year old laborer; Elmirah
was 25; and children were Wellington A., 8; Emma N., 7; William
J., 5; Mary E., 1; and Thadius A., 6 months.
The Herald and Free Press of May 6, 1879, announced
The First Colored Juror. Mr. Samuel M. H. Brown, of this
Borough, has been notified by Marshall Kerns, of Philadel
phia, that he has been drawn as a petit juror in the District
Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Penn
sylvania. He is the first colored man in Norristown that
was ever drawn as a United States juror, and probably the
first in the county.
The National Defender reported the same news, adding, "He is
the first colored man trom this county ever drawn as a United
States juror, and we have not doubt that Sam will spread himself
accordingly."
On November 17,1884, the Norristown Herald and Free Press
21
carried this obituary for one of Brown's children: "Brown, on the
12th inst., Harry J. Brown, the son of S. M. H. and Ella J. Brown,
aged 1 year and 7 months." The baby was buried at Treemount
on November 15, 1884, in Lot 7-00.
The Browns lost another baby almost two years later. On Jan
uary 11, 1886, the Herald and Free Press notified its readers of
the death on the 7th instgint, of "Bessie D., daughter of S. M. H.
and Ella J. Brown, aged 15 months and 12 days." She too was
buried at Treemount, on January 10, 1886.
Elmira Brown died July 30, 1897, of "comphcations," after
being sick for a year. She was buried at Treemount on August 5,
according to the Coroner's Death Docket.
Samuel Brown lived at 57 E. Penn Street in 1890. The busi
ness directory of 1900-01 listed him as a waiter, with his home at
210 Strawberry Alley.
The 1900 census listed Samuel M. H. Brown, boarder, bom
March 1837 in Pennsylvania, 73 years old, waiter, widowed, liv
ing at 210 DeKalb Street, with Raymond Brown, born March
1893, 6 years old, attending school.
The old veteran continued to work hard. The June 22, 1901,
Norristown Daily Herald announced:
A new restaurant to be called the Arlington will be opened
on Jime 29 at 223 East Main Street. It will be in charge of
S. M. H. Brown.
He lived for a time on East Lafayette Street, then at the
Friends Boarding Home as an attendant, and then on Swede
near Wood (occupation listed as a stripper).
The old soldier died January 11, 1908. According to the Coro
ner's Death Docket, S. M. H. Brown was a 72-year old widower,
had been bom in Norristown, was a chef, had been sick six days
with general debility, and was buried January 14, 1908, in
Treemount Cemetery.
His obituary in the Daily Herald, January 13, read:
Brown - In Norristown, on January 11th, 1908, Captain S.
M. H. Brown, in his 69th year. The relatives and friends of
the family, also Mt. Pisgah Lodge, No. 33, Masons, are in
vited to attend the funeral services in Mt. Zion A. M. E.
Church at 2 o'clock on Tuesday, the 14th inst. Interment at
Treemount Cemetery.
22
He is buried in Lot LL-9.
Samuel M. H. Brown's name was to come up again in 1932,
when a woman named Mrs. Rebecca Brown of 787 Coates Street,
Coatesville, applied for a pension after the death of her husband,
Samuel M. Brown. She claimed that her husband served in the
32nd U.S.C.T., married her on March 12, 1880, in New Garden,
PA, and died March 10, 1924, in Coatesville. After a long and
complicated exchange of letters from one agency to another, it
was determined that Rebecca Brown's husband had joined Co. G
as a substitute on October 26,1864, from West Chester, Chester
County, and mustered out August 22, 1865, as a private (Bates'
History V:1059). Before the mess was straightened out, an incor
rect Discharge Certificate was even filled out, stating that
Samuel M. Brown of West Chester was the sergeant who served
in Co. B. for three years. It was finally determined that the
Chester County Samuel Brown had been 20 years old, was 5 feet
5 inches tall, had yellow complexion, was bom in Maryland, and
held the rank of private in Co. G, 32nd U.S. Colored Infantry. The
Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs has records of
two Samuel M. Browns buried in that coimty; neither is Rebecca
Brown's husband.
WILLIAM HENRY JAMES CARTER: WC 928-701
William Henry James Carter served as a private in Capt. L.
A. Fumey's Company F, 45th Regiment, U.S.C.T. His discharge
is recorded in Montgomery County Miscellaneous Deed Book 26,
p. 225. He mustered in July 22, 1864, and was discharged No
vember 4, 1865, at Brownsville, Texas. He was absent, sick, at
mustering out. According to the document recorded in Miscella
neous Deed Book 26, he was a 20-year old laborer at the time of
enrollment, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and had a black complexion, dark
eyes, and dark hair. Bom a slave in Williamsburg, Virginia, he
was living in Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County, or West
Chester, Chester County, at the time of enlistment (records con
flict). His service is recorded in Bates' History (V:1116).
The 1880 census of Pottsgrove indicated that William Carter
had been working in the rolling mill but was now unable to work,
read, or write. His wife Sarah and her parents were bom in
Pennsylvania. Son Henry, 17, worked in the brickyard but was
sick. His 13-year old daughter, working as a servant, was also
23
sick. Younger children were Joseph, Lizzie, Maggie, Susie, Han
nah, James, and Samuel.
In October 1886 Carter's first wife, Sarah Johnson Garter,
died in Pottstown. Mary E. F. Redd of Harrisburg, the daughter
of Mary Ann Lewis, who was the sister of Sarah Johnson-Carter,
had nursed Mrs. Carter during her final illness. Martha Potter,
also of Harrisburg, the wife of Carter's son, testified that Sarah
Johnson-Carter was buried "in a small grave yard or cemetery at
Pottstown, Pa., formerly used for the burial of colored people"
[perhaps Bethel A.M.E. Church, Beech and Penn Streets, where
Wolfs Garage is now located (1812-1937)].
On March 19, 1889, William Carter married Sarah E. Deal,
with Alderman Charles H. Howell of Phoenixville presiding.
In 1891, when Carter was 64 years old and living in Phoe
nixville, Chester County, he applied for an invalid pension, citing
"disease of the spleen," which he contracted in August of that
year. Leonard F. Grover, who had known him for four years, and
Nelson Longacker, who had known him for ten, vouched for him.
In 1895, a Phoenixville doctor reported that Carter had con
tracted scrofula in the army and also had been treated for lung
and heart trouble in a Philadelphia hospital. A year later WilHam
L. Morris, 60, and Thomas L. Snyder, 60, both of Phoenixville,
swore that they had known Carter for nine years and knew that
his disabilities were "certainly not due to vicious habits." He
often had to quit work because of his disabilities.
A doctor in 1897 reported that the veteran had contracted
chronic diarrhea and rheumatism in the army. He was most
lately bothered by a large scar on the left side immediately be
neath the last full rib. According to Dr. W. H. Mosteller,
this injury was contracted in the 2d day's fight at Battle of
Bull Run, while fighting his gun exploded and cut a hole
through to the bowels and the intestine came out the open
ing. ... In the same fight at Bull Rim he received a gunshot
wound of the scalp.
Both these scars continued to cause him pain and burning
sensations.
Carter reported two living children in 1898: Henry Clay
Carter, bom November 6,1862, and Esther Carter, bora May 13,
1879.
In 1910 Carter was living at 162 Grant Street, Pottstown,
24
with his second wife, Sarah, from New Jersey, to whom he had
been married for 18 years.
William H. J. Carter died of chronic valvular heart disease on
January 12,1921, and was buried in Edgewood Cemetery, Pottstown, a nonsectarian cemetery at East High and Keim streets.
His death certificate gave his age as about 75 or 80 years and his
birthplace as Virginia. The couple was living at 317 Grant Street
at the time.
When Mrs. Carter applied for her widow's pension, the Rev.
Thomas T. Davis, 85, of 327 Grant Street, testified that he had
known William H. J. Carter since before he became of marriage
able age. He had known Sarah Johnson-Carter until she died on
May 6, 1886, and he had known Sarah E. Deal-Carter. He also
testified that Carter had been at the Southern Branch, National
Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers' National Soldiers' Home,
in Hampton, Virginia, from July 1917 to March 1918.
Mrs. Carter took sick in July 1917, while Hving at 164 Grant
Street, and moved with her husband to her daughter's home in
Harrisburg. William Carter then moved into the Soldiers' Home.
When he was released from the Home in March 1918, he went to
his daughter's home on Railroad Street in Phoenixville. Mrs. Car
ter joined him shortly, and then they secured a house in Pottstown, where they stayed until his death.
In 1922 Mrs. Carter gave some interesting background mate
rial on her own life. She told the Bureau of Pensions that follow
ing her marriage to Thomas Henry Deal, they resided for about
two months at the home of Sarah Catherine Crouse-Green; then
on the farm of Theodore Barnes for two months; then to Doylestown for two years; and then to Phoenixville, where Thomas Deal
died October 2,1887. She did not know her age, but she thought
she was about three years yoimger than Deal, "when her birth
days come," but she did know and he was about 45 at the time of
his death. She did not know that her parents' names were Sarah
and George Worris. She went on to say,
When I was about two years of age I was taken in by Rhyne
and Elnora Van Motter, of Keyport, Monmouth Co., N.J.
They were white people and I remained with them until I
was about 20 years of age. I then started out to work among
the white people in Keyport, N.J., and later took up my
place of residence with Sarah Catherine Crouse-Green.... I
figure the year of my marriage from the fact that I was
25
married about two years prior to the date of birth of my
daughter — Laura Deal-Puller, who was bom on May 18,
1884, at Charlestown near Phoenixville, Pa. I have re
moved from #317 Grant St., Pottstown, Pa., to #1147 Cum
berland St., Hairisburg, Pa. The only explanation that I
can give for having stated in my original declaration for
widow's pension that I had been previously married to
'Thomas Fields' instead of... Thomas Henry Deal' was that
I had in mind at that time the name under which he had
been known while we resided in Keyport, N.J
My for
mer husband, Thomas Henry Deal, stated that he was for
merly a resident of Washington, D.C., and that he had been
a slave as well as his mother.
WILLIAM CLEMENS
William Clemens served as a private in Co. K, 3rd U.S.C.T.,
mustering in December 7, 1864, as a substitute, and was dis
charged on a date unknown (Bates' History V:941). According to
local African-American historian Reginald Pitts, Clemens was
from Montgomery Coimty.
The 1850 census of Gwynedd Township listed William Clemmens, 37; Ann, 30; Joseph, 8; Mary, 6; William, 4; and Thomas, 1
month.
The 1860 census of Upper Dublin Township listed a mulatto
family: William Clemens, 49, quarryman; Ann, 44; Alfred, 23,
quarryman; Joseph, 16; farmer laborer; Elwood, 8; Tacy, 7; and
Harriett, 5.
In 1870 his household consisted of himself, listed as a 60 year
old black farm laborer; Ann, 56; Harriett, 16; and Elmira, 4.
Joseph, 26, was farming for Joseph Lawrence, and Mary was a
domestic servant for Charles Shoemaker.
On March 24, 1871, William Clemmens and his wife pur
chased from Henry Lenhart, Sr., blacksmith of Upper Dublin,
two adjoining lots and a two and a half story frame house (lots 11
and 12 in the Pennville Cottage Lot Association) in Horsham for
$1200. Clemmens property is marked on the 1871 atlas of Hor
sham Township. He and Ann sold the property to Charles T.
Lukens for $815.00 on March 29, 1880. Neither Clemmens nor
his wife could sign their names.
In 1880 William Clemens was listed as a 69-year old mulatto
huckster in Upper Dublin. Living with him were his wife Willy
Ann, 66; Joseph, 37; daughter-in-law Emma, 21, a servant; and
26
grandchildren Clara Jordan, 7; Eliza Lynch, 3; and Rachel Ann
Miller, 2.
The Veterans Graves Registration has no record of William
Clemens.
BENJAMIN HICKMAN CURRY: C 2546-653
Benjamin H. Curry served as a sergeant in Co. K, 45th Regi
ment, U.S.C.T., from August 18, 1864, to August 26, 1865. He
was discharged with his company at Brownsville, Texas. Bates'
History (V:1123) lists him as a private, but the Montgomery
County Application for Burial of a Deceased Soldier listed him as
a sergeant.
Benjamin Curry and his wife Mary E., or Marietta, both mu
lattos, were living in Norristown before the Civil War.
According to pension records. Curry was bom December 17,
1827, in West Goshen Township, Chester County. He was 5 feet
5 inches high, with dark hair and dark eyes, when he enlisted. He
was bom a free man of parents who had never been slaves. Be
fore the war he had been a coachman.
Benjamin Curry married Marietta Williams on Febmary 2,
1860, at Old Swedes' Church, Upper Merion, with the Rev. Wil
liam Henry Rees officiating. A daughter, Jane Hodge (wife ofWil
liam Hodge), was bom June 6,1860, and a son, William J. Curry,
was bom June 8,1868.
The January 18, 1866, issue of the Norristown Independent
carried this item:
Bound Over. Hickman Currie and Tobias Williams, were
bound over last Saturday, by Justice Corson, to appear at
Court to answer the charge of abusing a horse and carriage
they hired of Daniel Davis, Norristown.
During the presidential campaign of 1872 Curry was active
among colored voters, holding the office of secretary of a club of
colored citizens of Norristown who were supporters of John F.
Hartranft.
The 1880 census showed Curry and his wife living with Mari
etta's father, John Williams, 72, a night watchman in a bank.
Also living in the house were Williams' grandchildren William
Curry, Martha Davis, and Kate Smith.
On September 27, 1886, Curry was charged with assault and
battery against his wife, Mary E. Curry. She alleged that at the
BULLETIN OF mSTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
27
comer of DeKalb and Wood streets in Norristown he "did vio
lently knock her down and otherwise beat, kick, and ill treat" her.
Witnesses called were Mary E. Curry, Jennie Hodge, John
Williams, William Hodge, and Annie Davis. Curry was commit
ted to jail for a few hours until he could post bail. The National
Defender reported on October 12, 1886,
Defendant plead guilty. Mrs. Curry, of Norristown, told
how Benjamin had abused her at different times, usually
when he was under the influence of liquor. The Court sen
tenced him to five days' imprisonment, with warning not to
get into Court again.
Marietta Curry died September 30, 1899, at Charity Hospital,
following an emergency appendectomy. The obituary carried in
the Weekly Herald of October 2, stated that she was bom in
Bridgeport in 1843, the daughter of the late John and Mary Wil
liams.
She was a prominent worker in the Ebenezer A.U.M.P.
Church and most active in making the annual collection in
that congregation in aid of the maintenance of the hospital
in which she died.
Mrs. Curry was one of our most highly respected as she
was one of the most useful citizens. There were few func
tions of any importance in the town where her efficient
management was not called into requisition.
Survivors included children Jennie, wife of J. William Hodge,
and William J. Curry, employed in the Treasury Department at
Washington; two sisters in Norristown, Mrs. John Augusta and
Mrs. Arthur Davis; another sister in Wilkes Barre, and two sis
ters and three brothers in Philadelphia.
According to the Weekly Herald of October 9,
The funeral of Mrs. Marietta Curry took place on Wednes
day afternoon fi-om her residence. Wood and Willow
streets. Services were held at the Ebenezer Church and
were in charge of Rev. L. H. Bantum. Interment was at
Treemount Cemetery. A large number of sjrmpathizing
friends met at the house at 1 o'clock. The floral tributes
28
were numerous and very beautiful. Several ministers, be
sides the pastor, were in attendance and made remarks at
the church. The pall-bearers were Samuel Bounds, Charles
Milford, Israel Dorsey, James Dorsey, John Porter, and
John Washington.
In the spring of 1901 Curry applied for an increase in his pen
sion because of a "partial inability to earn a support by manual
labor." While he was cutting firewood at his residence, a piece of
wood "flew up from the hatchet... and struck his right eye with
such force that he, at that time, totally lost the sight of it." Later
he reported that he had been suffering from incontinence for four
years and would like this "newly disclosed disability included" in
his Invalid Pension.
In 1910 Curry's grandchildren Austin W. Hodge, 20, and
Weber C. Hodge, were living with him at 1303 Willow Street.
Benjamin Hickman Curry died October 25, 1912, from cere
bral apoplexy, at Charity Hospital in Norristown. Mrs. Caroline
Lewis was paid to attend the body, and undertaker D. Y. Mowday
buried him in Treemoimt Cemetery (NN-2).
The Norristown Weekly Herald of October 26, 1912, reported:
Hicks Curry Dead. Benjamin H. Curry, a well known col
ored resident of the town, died yesterday at Charity Hospi
tal. Death was due to a stroke of paralysis. Deceased re
sided at No. 1303 Willow street, and was stricken
yesterday morning while sweeping the street in front of the
residence of J. Leedom Jones at DeKalb and Elm. He was
removed to the hospital where he died a few hours after
being admitted. Mr. Curry was about 78 years old. He was
familiarly known as 'Hicks.' One son survives, William, of
Washington, D.C.
ARTHUR J.DAVIS
Arthur J. Davis served in the 13th N.Y. Black Regiment firom
February 19, 1863, to September 10, 1865, according to the 1890
census of Civil War survivors. The 1880 census listed Arthur
Davis, 35, a Maryland native, living at 470 Basin Street with his
wife Annie, 32, and children May, 14; Sallie, 10; Walter, 8; and
Emma, 6.
According to the 1880 Norristown business directory Davis
i
29
was a hostler living on Wood street below Powell. In 1902 he was
listed as a driver living at 413 E. Chestnut.
Treemount Cemetery lists J. Arthur Davis, 1844-1914, along
with other members of his family. The Montgomery County Vet
erans Affairs Office has no record of his burial, and no obituary
could be found.
There was an Albertson Davis who was taxed first as a single
man in Norristown in 1836 and then later as having a stable. It
has not been determined that he was related to Arthur J. Davis.
DANIEL DAVIS
The Civil War Monument in the Norristown Public Square
contains the name of Daniel Davis, 45th Regiment. According to
the Muster and Descriptive Roll kept in the Pennsylvania State
Archives, Daniel D. Davis enlisted in the 45th Regiment,
U.S.C.T., on September 5, 1864, for one year. He was bom in
Chester County, was 41 years 8 months old when he enlisted in
Norristown, and was a farmer standing 5 feet 4Hinches tall. He
trained at Camp William Penn. Davis was credited to Sub Dis
trict No. 6, Bridgeport. He does not appear in Bates' lists of com
panies in the 45th Regiment, however.
It has been suggested that perhaps Davis transferred from the
45th Regiment to the 127th Regiment. Black historian Reginald
Pitts has searched the regimental histories and found a Daniel D.
Davis, musician for Co. I, 127th U.S.C.T., who mustered in Sep
tember 5, 1864, and mustered out with the company. (Bates' His
tory V:1136).
Co. B, 45th Regiment, had a Samuel Davis who mustered in
June 4, 1864, and mustered out with the company November 4,
1865. Co. C, 45th Regiment, had a William Davis, who mustered
in June 25, 1864, and mustered out with the company on No
vember 4, 1865, and a Charles Davis who mustered in June 26,
1864, and deserted July 15,1864. Co. E of the 45th had a George
W. Davis, who mustered in July 12, 1864, and mustered out No
vember 4, 1865.
Charles H. Davis mustered in Co F, 45th Regiment, as a sub
stitute on July 25, 1864, and died January 26, 1865. Jacob Davis
transferred in or out of Co. G of the 45th, but no farther infor
mation is known. John Davis served as a substitute in Co. H of
the 45th from August 5, 1864, to November 4, 1865.
None of these Davises seems to be the soldier on the monu
ment.
CO
o
o
i5\',;-;o(ywvxiWw«7VaV.
Camp William Perm, training camp for colored troops enlisted into the United States Army, located in Cheltenham Township,
Montgomery County, Pa. (From a contemporary lithograph.)
31
SAMUEL DONNELL: WC 337-386
Sgunuel Donnell served as a private in Company A, 25th Reg
iment, U.S.C.T., from January 4, 1864, until December 6, 1865,
when he mustered out with his company. (Bates' History V:1029)
He enlisted at Camp William Penn under Capt. E. B. Morris and
served until he was discharged at Camp Cadwallader in Philadel
phia.
According to testimony of Robert H. Gillin of Lower Gwynedd
Township and John M. Rex of Upper Dublin, they were present
and signed the docket of Joseph Rex, Justice of the Peace for
Upper Dublin, when Samuel Donnell and Sarah Jeine Palmer
were married on March 30, 1869. This was Donnell's first mar
riage, but Sarah Jane has been married before to William Pal
mer, who died about three years earlier.
The Palmers had one son, Jonathan, who was bom about
1861. Jonathan later testified as to knowing all the children of
his mother and step-father, Samuel Donnell. Theodore Johnson
of Moreland Township testified that he knew William Palmer
and that during the war of the rebellion Palmer died of con
sumption at his home in Moreland Township, and that he, John
son, "went around and invited people to his funeral, attended the
funeral, and saw him buried." George W. Pipenger of Horsham
also visited Palmer frequently during his last illness and "saw his
corpse after his death which occurred in the fall of 1864." There
is a colored William Palmer buried at Horsham Friends Meeting
Cemetery (70/78-2).
Samuel Donnell appeared in the 1870 census of Moreland
Township as a 26-year-old farm laborer, together with Sarah J.,
28, native of Pennsylvania, George, 4, and Jonathan Palmer, 9,
who was attending school.
In 1880 the Donnell household was listed in the Moreland
Township census under Samuel "Donald" and included Samuel,
30, husband; Sarah Jane, 50, mother; George Palmer, 14, son;
Maggie, 9, daughter; Samuel, 5, son; Benjamin, 3, son; and Clara,
VA, daughter. Elsewhere in Moreland Township in 1880 was Don
nell's mother-in-law, Margaret James, 60, living in the same
household with David Johnson, 75. [The 1870 census had listed
David Johnson, 55; Margaret Johnson, 60; and Jonathan Palmer,
8.]
Samuel Donnell was listed in the 1890 census of Civil War
survivors as a private and corporal of Company A, 25th Infantry.
He was living in Willow Grove in 1890 and had chronic diarrhea.
32
Samuel Donnell applied for an invalid pension in 1885, when,
at the age of 41 (or 47), he was suffering from chronic diarrhea
and heart disease, which he claimed to have contracted while in
Newbum, NC, sometime around July 15 or 20, 1865,
through exposure & drinking bad water he was not treated
until he reached Florida when he received treatment for
the Diarrhea from the regt. Surgeon Dr. Howley whose
whereabouts he has been unable to leam. On acct of the
severity of his complaint he was almost continually under
the doctor's care & was frequently imable to respond to roll
call, after discharge he still continued to suffer with the
complaint & for the past 11 or 12 years has suffered con
siderably with heart trouble which he believes to be due to
his army complaint he has had several fainty & sick spells
as if he was going to fall over when he would be compelled
to lay by to regain his strength he becoming so weak as to
be unable to do anything whatever. He is now under med
ical care & has been informed that it may end seriously at
any time. He has been advised to be very careful of his diet
& not to do to [stcl much violent exercise as it might result
fatally to him at any moment.
Samuel Donnell died March 9, 1892. A number of character
witnesses appeared for the widow as she applied for a pension,
including Josiah Johnson of Willow Grove, who had been a neigh
bor for many years; Louis B. Sibbet of Hatboro, who had known
Sarah Jane for 30 years; Charles 0. McNair, also of Hatboro, who
had known her for ten years; and Cornesilius F. Yates, who, to
gether with Johnson, knew that Mrs. Donnell was "poor having
no means of support except her own daily labor and no person
who is legally bound to support her."
Sarah Jane Donnell mentioned three living children in her
pension application papers: Benjamin, who was born in 1876 and
therefore over the age of eligibility; Clara, who was bom January
16 (or October 16), 1878; and Caroline, who was born Jime 13,
1886. There was some question about the accuracy of the birth
dates given by Mrs. Donnell because "as to church record the af
fiant does not belong to any church and has never had any of her
children christened."
In the 1900 census of Moreland Township Sarah J. Donnell is
listed as a 56-year old native ofPennsylvania whose parents were
33
both bom in Virginia. Others in her household are her daughter
Clara, 20; grandsons Frank, 5, and Rod, 3; and son Benjamin, 22.
Sarah Jane Palmer Donnell received a widow's pension until
her death on February 4, 1923.
The Donnells and Palmers are buried near each other at Hor-
sham Friends Cemetery. A GAR marker without a tombstone is
in the Donnell plot. Montgomery County Veterans Graves Regis
tration attributes the marker to Samuel Donnell. Beside him are
Sarah J. Donnell (1850-1923) and Margaret Anna James (b. in
Langhome Mar. 4, 1811; d. Mar. 1, 1914, aged 103 years).
The younger Samuel Donnell died December 20, 1908, in the
Alms House at the age of 34 after suffering for three weeks from
syphilis, according to the Coroner's Death Register. Alms House
records show that he was admitted November 13, 1908, from
Hatboro, was 36 years old, could not read or write, was never
married, was a moderate drinker, and was considered "not ablebodied" and a hospital case. His tombstone in Row 58 of Horsham
Friends Cemetery is marked "b. Aug 4, 1874-; d. (illeg.) 1908."
Also buried in Row 58 is Beatrice Donnell, "aged 5 mos."
In Row 64 is Benjamin Donnell, "d. Oct. 19, 1912, aged 37
years." Carrie Donnell (1886-1903) is buried in Row 54 with
Charles Palmer, 68, "A Soldier."
ALBANUS S. FISHER: WC 854-970
Albanus S. Fisher served as a sergeant in Co. I, 54th Massa
chusetts Regiment, under Col. Robert Shaw. He enlisted April
22,1863, and was discharged at Charlestown, South Carolina, on
August 20, 1865. He was a 32-year old married laborer at the
time of his enlistment, according to the regimental history. He
has been memorialized in the book titled On the Altar of Free
dom: A Black Soldier's Civil War Letters from the Front, by Cor
poral James Henry Gooding and edited by Virginia M. Adams.
Corp. Gooding regularly sent reports of the activities of the 54th
Massachusetts Regiment to the editor of the New Bedford (Mass
achusetts) Mercury. The January 14,1864, edition of the Mercury
carried a description of a "Solemn Convention" held by the col
ored troops on January 2 on Morris Island in Charleston Harbor,
South Carolina. In addition to prayers from the chaplain and of
ferings from the Musical and Vocal Club, the soldiers heard a
number of their comrades speak about the Emancipation Procla
mation. Among the speakers was Albanus S. Fisher, aged thirtytwo, from Norristown, Pennsylvania. Gooding wrote:
34
Sergeant Fisher was the next one announced, but as he
was very much like a ship at sea, without a compass, the
world will remain a blissful ignorance of his sentiments.
After Sergeant Fisher's homily, the Chaplain ascended the
forum and gave a very interesting exposition of the Consti
tution as regards slavery.
Albanus Fisher first appeared by name in the 1850 census of
Port Kennedy, Upper Merion Township, when he was a 17-year
old boatman living with Leah Hector, a 60-year old black woman,
and Joanna Hector, 2.
In 1820 and 1830 Edward Hector had been enumerated in Ply
mouth, and in 1830 Isaac Hector was in Whitemarsh. Other Hec
tors listed in 1850 were Stephen Hector, 75, living in the house of
Cadwalader Evans in Upper Merion; and in another household
Edward B. Hector, 50, quanyman, and his wife Ann, 45, a mu
latto. In Norristown in 1850 there was an Anne E. Hector, 17, liv
ing in the home of Judge David Krause in the Lower Ward;
Stephen Hector, 23, and Elizabeth, 48, living in the Lower Ward;
and Rachel A. Hector, 14, mulatto, living in the household of
Francis E. Lewis and next door to Thomas Gibbs, the black min
ister.
The 1860 census listed Albanus Fisher, 30, laborer; Caroline,
25; George E., 7; Martha, 4; Judy A., 3; and William, 1. The 1860
Norristown business directory listed their address as the west
side of Walnut street below Airy. In another household, on the
south side of Lafayette between Mill and Walnut, lived Perry
Fisher, 50, laborer; Lydia, 40; and Mary E., 1. Also Uving in Nor
ristown in 1860 were Edward Fisher, 31; Martha, 28 (bom in Vir
ginia); Edward, 4; William Henry, 3; Charles, 6; and Emma, 1.
They were on the south side of Spruce above Stony Creek.
Leah Hector, 60, washerwoman, was living near Frederick
Naille's Hotel in Bridgeport in 1860. Joanna Hector, 12, was in
the household of William B. Roberts in Port Kennedy, and Ed
ward Hector, 61, a farm laborer, was also there with his wife
Ann, 55.
The 1867-8 directory indicated that Albanus Fisher had
moved to the comer of Green and Marshall, while Leah Hector
was on the comer of Arch and Front streets in Bridgeport.
In the 1870 census Albanus Fisher, 41, laborer, owned real es
tate worth $800 and a personal estate of $150. His wife Margaret,
35
^1%
""mmm
if
i
Black troops of the 54th Massachusetts battle hand to hand with Confederate
defenders on the parapet of Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863.
30, was keeping house and caring for George E., 18; Alfred R., 8;
Harry E., 3; Willard H., 2; Alice S., 1; and Leah L., 2 months.
Their home was at the comer of Powell and Spruce. Elsewhere in
Norristown in 1870 were Robert Fisher, 27, laborer; Eliza, 21;
Harry, 6, mulatto; Victoria, 2 months; and Harriet Fisher, 18, a
mulatto seamstress who could not write. Living in the household
of George Chase's family were Judith Fisher, 12; William, 10;
Charles B., 4; and Winfield, 2.
By 1870 Leah Hector was keeping house in Bridgeport and
saying she was 90 years old. She stated that she was bom in
Maryland and had real estate worth $100. With her was James,
10. Perry Fisher, 65, a Maryland native, was also in Bridgeport
with his 50-year old wife. Edward Fisher, 35, laborer, had per
sonal property worth $150 and a family consisting of Martha, 32
(Virginia); Edward, 14, working in the brickyard; William H., 13,
also in the brickyard; Emma J., 11; Hannah F., 9; Ambrose C., 6;
Mary H., 3; and Isaac D., 1.
36
Albanus Fisher married his first wife, Caroline Chase, some
time before 1860. According to pension records of his third wife,
Caroline Chase Fisher died on or about August 22, 1860.
Albanus Fisher married his second wife, Margaret Ann Camp
bell Skinner, on February 7,1861, with the Rev. Job F. Halsey of
First Presbjrterian Church presiding.
One of Albanus Fisher's major interests was Mt. Zion African
Methodist Episcopal Church, which had purchased land for a
building from Thomas Bruff, Alfred Davis, and Henry Hogan on
June 26,1839. Trustees of the church, according to Deed Book 56,
p. 458, were John Lewis, Henry Vandyke, William Yoimg,
Charles Brise, Jacob Hockins, Alfred Griggs, and Thomas Gibbs.
When the church was chartered in 1867, Fisher was one of the
trustees, along with Samuel Jones, William Thomas Harris,
George W. Vauileer, John Whitlock, Thomas Emerson, and Henry
Van Dyke [Misc. Deed Book 12, p. 536].
In 1886 Mt. Zion received $200 from the estate of Eliza John
son, who also gave money to Ebenezer AUMP, Trinity Reformed,
Oak Street Methodist, the Mite Society, Norriton Sunday School
(where Maria Johnson attended), Norristown Preparatory Meet
ing of Friends, and the American Female Guardian Society.
Amos Wilson was President and Oliver W. Caldwell the secretary
of the church, [Miscellaneous Deed Book 8, p. 278].
When the congregation voted on July 19, 1883, to sell the
church property to the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad,
Albanus Fisher, William Willmore, George Nicholas, George W.
Chase, Robert Jackson, Jacob Abel, and Mordecai West were
trustees [DB 275, p. 34].
Albanus Fisher was active in the effort to obtain voting rights
for Negroes. T/ie Herald and Free Press and Norristown Republi
can of April 14, 1870, reported on a Mass Meeting.
Pursuant to the call of Wm. Nesbit, President of the
Pennsylvania State Equal Rights League, the colored citi
zens of Norristown held a Union Mass Meeting in their
hall, comer of Main and Swede streets, last Thursday
evening.
The meeting was organized by appointing the following
officers: President, Albanus Fisher; Vice President, Wm.
Todd; Secretary, William F. Augusta; Assistant sec'y.,
Louis H. Sinclair. [William Todd was a laborer living on
Wood Street near Green Lane. Lewis H. Sinclair was a hair
37
dresser on Mill Street near Lafayette. William Augusta
was not listed in the 1870-71 business directory of Norristown, but John Augusta was a barber at 226Â Main.]
Mr. Fisher made a few remarks on taking the Chair,
after which the Secretary read the call for the celebration
of the ratification of the Fifteenth Article to the Constitu
tion, on the 26th instant, which was approved.
Mr. Ben Johnson addressed the meeting on the subject
for which they were called together, and was frequently ap
plauded.
He was followed by Capt. S. M. H. Brown in a few able
remarks, after which the following resolution was offered:
Resolved, That we have Church on the 26th inst., in the
morning, a parade in the afternoon, and a festival at night
of the same day.
The Mass Meeting must have been anjrthing but quiet. The
April 28 edition of the newspaper reported:
Police Intelligence. Our police intelligence latterly has
been somewhat limited. This fact, however, speaks well for
the peace and good order of our town. A case before Squire
Hallman, involved a difficulty between Albanus Fisher and
John Ross. The two got into an altercation, when Ross told
Fisher he was 'a copperhead.' The latter, being one of our
newly enfranchised citizens, could stand almost anything
but that, and in reply laid his hand rather roughly upon
Ross's mouth. Hence the suit for assault and battery. The
case was settled before the parties left the 'Squire's office.'
Fisher was also an active member of Mount Pisgah Lodge, No.
32, which was instituted in December 1856 and met at the comer
of Egypt and Swede streets on the first Thursday of each month
at 7:30 p.m. The 1860 Norristown business directory listed the of
ficers of Mount Pisgah Lodge as W. M. - Holland Nixon; S. W. Albanus Fisher; J. W. - John A. Smith; Sec. —Samuel H. Amos;
Treas. — Thomas Bruff. [Bruff sold land to Mt. Zion A.M.E.
Church; Nixon was a trustee of Ebenezer AUMP; Amos was pas
tor at Ebenezer and a shoemaker.] The 1898 directory listed
Fisher as the Worthy Master.
In 1879 Fisher applied for an invalid pension, declaring that
on April 10, 1865, he had sustained a rupture "while making a
38
charge, caused by jumping a ditch, this in action." In 1890 he re
ported that he also had a chronic stricture of the right kidney and
impaired hearing on the left side.
Margaret A. C. Fisher died on September 30, 1896, at 3:30
a.m. The Coroner's Death Docket listed that she was colored, 56,
died in Norristown of consumption, was sick for a year, and was
buried October 4, 1896, in Treemount Cemetery. Margaret's per
sonal property was worth $70.00 and her real estate $1000.00.
She gave the house at 1536 Willow Street to her husband. Wit
nesses to her will were Frank S. Johnson, a laborer who lived on
Willow above Roberts; Sarah J. Johnson; John J. Corson (real es
tate); and Mordecai West, a colored veteran who lived on the cor
ner of Ford and Green in Bridgeport.
The Norristown Weekly Herald of October 5, 1896, reported
the death "At 1536 Willow street, Norristown, on September 30,
1896, Mrs. Margaret A. C. Fisher, wife of Albanus Fisher, in the
56th year of her age." There is no record of her being buried at
Treemount, although the coroner's records state that she was.
Pension papers state that Margaret Fisher's maiden name was
Flowers.
Albanus Fisher remarried the following year. According to
Marriage File No. 8310, A. S. Fisher, 65, son of Harry H. Fisher,
married Catharine Butler, 42, daughter of Lula L. Butler, on No
vember 4,1897, by the Rev. Santee Burch. Burch was the pastor
of Mr. Zion A.M.E. Church, which was then on Basin Street near
Powell, and he lived at 120 E. Spruce.
Albanus S. Fisher died October 21, 1900. His obituary was
carried in the October 29 Weekly Herald:
Abanus Fisher Dead. Recently imderwent an Operation
and Had a Portion of his Tongue Removed.
Albanus S. Fisher, aged 73 years, one of the oldest col
ored residents of this borough, died Sunday evening week
at his residence, 1536 Willow Street, of cancer of the
throat. Several months ago Mr. Fisher underwent an oper
ation in a Philadelphia hospital. He had been suffering
from cancer for some time and it was found necessary to
amputate a portion of the tongue. For several months he
had relief, but the disease spread and for the past month
his condition has been serious, he being unable to eat.
Mr. Fisher was bom in Bridgeport and was the son of
Leah H. Hector, who was a Black Hawk Indian. He was a
BULLETIN OF HISTORICAL SOCIETy OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
39
veteran of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers,
which was afterward commanded by Col. Edward Schall.
Deceased was a member of Post No. 80, G.A.R., of Philadel
phia, Mt. Pisgah Lodge, and Olive Branch Lodge, No. 17, of
this borough. He is survived by a wife and ten children by
a former wife.
The Coroner's Death Docket listed Albanus Fisher, C (col
ored), 72, bom in Bridgeport, occupation Calciminer, was sick
two months, and was buried at Treemount Cemetery October 25.
Executors of his will were Catherine Fisher and William F.
Dannehower. To his son William went his guns, rifles, toma
hawks, arrows, swords, and all other weapons, books, papers, ef
fects relating to the secret orders to which he belonged; to daugh
ter Anna went a walnut bedroom suite and a cabinet organ; to
wife Catharine went furniture, books and ornaments. They were
to sell his rigging, tools, ladders, planking, and appurtenances
pertaining to his occupation as rigger. The house at 1536 Willow
street was to be sold to pay his debts, and his widow bought it.
She signed her name in various places as Chatrine, Kate, and
Catharine Fisher. Fisher's former wife, Margaret A. C. Fisher,
had purchased the Willow Street property on the Brown Farm
from Comly S. Wood on March 29, 1893. Her will, dated Decem
ber 22, 1894, and probated October 13, 1896, had left the house
to her husband (Will Book 24, p. 536).
Albanus Fisher was buried at Treemoiznt Cemetery. A stone
on Lot JJ-4 is inscribed "A. S. Fischer, Co. 154th Mass. Col." Also
buried in Lot JJ-4 is Alice Gaunt, buried August 22, 1906. The
August 21, 1906, Daily Register stated that "Miss Alice Gaunt,
who formerly resided here, died yesterday at her home in
Philadelphia. Undertaker Kogelschatz will bring her remains
here for interment." Another Gaunt is buried nearby. The March
20, 1906, Daily Register reported that "Edward G. Gaunt, aged
80, died last night at his residence, 120 E. Spruce St., after an ill
ness due to old age and infirmities." The Weekly Herald of April
2,1906, reported the death on March 28, 1906, of Edward Gaunt
in his 81st year. The coroner's death docket listed Edward Gaunt,
B (black), 86, widower, bom in Washington, D.C., carpenter, died
March 2, 1906, in Norristown, of old age, sick 11 days, buried at
Treemount Cemetery on March 31,1906. There is also an Amelia
A. Gaunt, who was buried May 24,1907, on plot 10-LL. We do not
know how the Gaunts fit into the Fisher family.
40
Other Fishers buried in Treemount are Hannah Fisher
(buried August 11, 1882); Harry 0. Fisher (buried December 13,
1881); Alonzo Fisher's child (still born, buried June 20, 1900);
Martha Fisher (buried January 23, 1881); Edward Fisher (buried
December 18, 1884); John Fisher (buried January 29, 1879);
Robert Fisher (buried September 3,1875); Edward Fisher (buried
February 26, 1875); Austin Fisher (buried May 30, 1876); and
Sarah Fisher (buried February 8, 1884).
After the death of Albanus Fisher, his widow, Catherine R.
Fisher, applied for a pension. Several persons gave affidavits
stating that they had known the Fishers for many years: Carrie
Lockley, 42, of 1718 DeKalb Street, and Mary Watson, 56, of 13
Roberts Street. In fact, Mary Watson lived a block away from the
Fisher home.
The Montgomery County Veterans Affairs Office records show
that the county paid money toward the burial of the deceased's
widow on August 26, 1927. No obituary for Catharine Fisher
could be found.
The marriage application and license for one of the Fisher
children was located. Harry Eugene Fisher, 21, son of Albanus
and Margaret Fisher, was married to Margaret E. Harris, 18,
daughter of William T. and Kesiah Harris. He was a laborer and
Margaret was a housekeeper. Amos Wilson performed the wed
ding on February 2,1888 [File No. 817]. Amos Wilson was a gro
cer at 18 W. Elm Street with his home at 14 W. Elm. He was also
pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. Harry Fisher later lived on
Willow Street above Roberts.
ROBERT FLOWERS: WO 455, 361
Robert Flowers served as a private in Co. F, 6th Regiment,
U.S.C.T., from August 27, 1863, to September 20, 1865 (Bates'
History V:956; 1890 Census).
The 1850 census of the Lower Ward of Norristown enumer
ated a Robert Flowers, 34, laborer; Sarah A., 35; Margaret, 10;
Anna M., 8; William, 6; Eli, 4; and Washington, 1.
The 1860 census listed this same family as Robert Flowers,
49; Sarah A., 44; William B., 16; Ely, 14; Warrington, 11; Robert,
8; and Margaret, 20.
The 1880 census listed a Sarah Flowers, 60, living at 194
Basin Street, with James and Mary Green.
There was a Robert Flowers buried at Treemount Cemetery in
1861 according to church records (9-L), but this was not the Civil
41
War soldier. This man was probably the husband of Sarah Flow
ers, "widow of Robert," who appears in the Norristown business
directories. Annie Flowers was buried at Treemount on July 16,
1864 C3-Q).
On November 10, 1862, Robert Flowers was charged with as
sault and battery upon Sarah Ann Flowers. The assault occurred
September 20, 1862, and the warrant was issued September 20.
In another court case, adjudicated September 2,1862, William
alias David Flowers was charged by Charles Lukens of Norris
town with stealing two chains used for hauling logs along with a
lot of old iron, valued at about $10.00.
The Montgomery County Poor List of 1863 included the name
of Sarah A. Flowers, with one child, as a recipient of financial aid.
Most of the people on this particular list were impoverished be
cause the heads of household were serving in the military.
From all of this data it is not clear which Robert Flowers
served in the Civil War. The Robert Flowers who was 8 years old
in the 1860 census would have been 11 at the mustering-in date.
Robert Flowers' pension records state that he was bom in
Chester County, was enrolled August 27, 1863, mustered out
September 20, 1865, was 42; 5 feet 5 inches high, had a colored
complexion, dark eyes, and black hair, and was a laborer. Robert
Flowers died October 24, 1869, leaving his widow Sarah A. They
had been married June 1, 1842, by Jacob Byers, J.P., in Chester
County. When Widow Flowers applied for a pension in 1890, she
was receiving a small amount of money from the Norristown Bap
tist Church through I. N. Harrar, 320 DeKalb Street, Norristown,
the church treasurer. Mr. Harrar wrote several letters to the
Pension Office on Mrs. Flowers' behalf, including one in which he
stated he was paying her $4.00 every month, a donation from sev
eral persons. Other papers submitted to the Pension Office in
cluded a letter written at Camp "William Penn," Chelten Hills, by
Aaron N. Buckman, 1st Lieut., commanding company, and
Robert B. Beath, Captain Commanding Regiment, stating that
Robert Flowers of Montgomery Coimty had enlisted for three
years or more during the war. In 1864 Mrs. Flowers was drawing
money from the Montgomery County Board of Relief because she
was trying to support herself and her family. She was the mother
of five children and was drawing relief for one. She was a well
known resident in Norristown, having lived there for eighteen
years.
The 1890 census of Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines,
42
and Widows includes the name of Robert Flowers, Private, Co. F,
6th Regiment. This entry must be for his widow, since the pen
sion records state that he had died in 1869. The 1892-94 Business
Directory lists Sarah Flowers, widow of Robert, as living on Old
Arch road above Wood.
WILLIAM FLOWERS
Reginald Pitts, an Aftican-American researcher, iuformed me
that William Flowers was a private in Co. K, 3rd U.S.C.T., mus
tering in July 24, 1863, and deserting August 10, 1863. He cited
Bates' History V:956. That Bates entry, however, was for Robert
Flowers, Co. F, 6th U.S.C.T.
Bates does list a William Flowers in Co. F, 22nd U.S.C.T., who
mustered in on March 2, 1865, as a substitute and mustered out
with the company on October 16, 1865. (V:1009).
No other information has been found on William Flowers.
STEPHEN FRAZER (STEPHEN PRYOR)
According to the 1890 census of Civil War survivors, Stephen
Frazer (col.) of Ambler served as a private in Co. C, 3rd Colored
Infantry, from July 31, 1863, to October 31,1865. Bates does not
list him in the Third Regiment.
Bates does list a Stephen Pryor in Co. C, 3rd U.S.C. Regiment
(History V:931). He served as a private, mustering in on January
14,1865, as a substitute, and mustering out with the company on
October 31, 1865. In Co. G there was a John Pryor who served
from July 15, 1863, to October 31, 1865.
At the time of the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument and
the celebration of the anniversary of the Emancipation Procla
mation in 1869, the Norristown Herald and Free Press reported
that Stephen Pryer marched with a delegation of Norristown col
ored people. The National Defender of September 28, 1869, listed
Stephen Fryer among the participants.
EDWARD GRIFFIN: WC 826-581
Edward Griffin enrolled on September 10, 1863, in Baltimore,
as a private in Co. I, 2nd Regiment U.S.C.T., commanded by
Capt. John F. Bartholt, and was discharged January 5, 1866, in
Key West, Florida.
Griffin was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 3,
1842 (one source says 1841), the son of James Griffin and Anna
Winder Griffin.
43
According to his widow, Edward Griffin "went from Baltimore
to enlist in the army during the civil war and his uncle James
Smith brought him here from Baltimore sometime in March
1866-."
He married Mary Eliza Williams on September 30,1869, with
the Rev. John W. Leekins of Ebenezer A.U.M.P. Church, Norristown, officiating. Theodore F. Smith of 622 Arch Street and John
R. Porter of 43 E. Wood Street, testifying in 1917, stated that
they were witnesses to that wedding. Rachael Matthews, 78, of
1077 Powell Street, and her deceased husband were also there.
She stated that Ebenezer Colored Church was at the comer of
Basin and Arch streets, "and after they were married they went
to her mother's house & they always lived together as man &
wife... There were a number at the wedding but most of them are
dead...."
Mary E. Griffin testified that
he always told me that he was never married before he
married me and I have every reason to believe from after
spending a very happy live [sic] together for 46 years 8 mos
& 29 days I have every reason to believe him... to the best
of my knowledge all his people are dead and I know nobody
in Baltimore that knew him.
Mary Griffin was bom a slave at Cambridge, Maryland. At the
age of 14 she went to Baltimore for a year and then went to
Auburn, New York, for three years. She then moved to Norristown.
The Griffins had two children, Percifor Leroy, bom August 6,
1879, and William Herbert, born February 17, 1881.
In 1887 Edward Griffin was charged with deserting his fam
ily. William Williams, Mar^s father, alleged that he had been
supporting the family for a long time while Griffin had absented
himself. When he was ordered by the court to pay for the support
of his wife and child, he stated that he was willing to have them
retum to him, for he had a good and comfortable house for them.
He testified that he believed she was influenced by her father and
mother, who have "an unaccountable gmdge" against him. Grif
fin believed it was useless to convince his wife to join him and pe
titioned the court to reduce his support payments to cover only
one child. John Washington went with Edward Griffin to the
Williams home to effect a reconciliation, but Mrs. Griffin, influr
44
enced by her parents, refused to leave their home. The court re
duced the pa5Tnent from $2.50 per week to $1.75 for the support
of the child Percy LeRoy Griffin. Witnesses called over the sev
eral months required to settle this case were Mary Griffin, Emily
Williams, Dr. H. H. Whitcomb, Percy LeRoy Griffin, William
Williams, John Washington, Wm. Herbert Williams, Kate B.
Curry, Edward Bradley (the constable), and Benjamin Quillman.
When Edward Griffin applied for a pension in 1912, the cou
ple were living at 1014 Green Street. Friends vouching for him
were A. Lincoln Saxton of North Wales, who had known him for
35 years, and Charles V. Finley of Norristown, who had known
him for 30 years.
Edward Griffin died June 29, 1916, of chronic interstitial
nephritis, complicated by a Valvular heart." He was buried in
Treemount Cemetery (Lot BB-5) by undertaker H. J. Kogelschatz. He was a tinsmith at the time of his death. Another doc
ument says he was a roof painter.
His obituary, published June 30, 1916, stated:
Edward Griffin, aged 75 years, a well known colored resi
dent of the town, died this morning at his residence, No.
1027 Green street. Deceased assisted Janitor Thomas
Blackwell at the City Hall when the latter took a vacation.
Mr. Griffin is survived by a widow and two sons, Percival
L. and William H Griffin. The funeral will take place Mon
day.
His widow Mary E. Griffin continued to live on Green Street.
Also buried in that Treemount plot are Rowdell Griffin (19121916) and Emily Williams, wife of William Williams (coloured),
who was buried November 27, 1887. Emily Williams' obituary,
published in the November 28, 1887, Norristown Herald, stated
"Williams. In Norristown, on Nov. 24, Emily Williams, wife of
Wm. Williams, in the 54th year of her age."
Mary E. Williams Griffin called on a number of her friends to
vouch for her and her deceased husband. Rachel M. Milford (a
laundress) had known her for 40 years and Oliver W. Caldwell for
30.
Theodore F. Smith, 57, of622 Arch Street, had known Edward
Griffin since he was a boy, when Smith's father "James Smith
brought him to Norristown and he worked for my father he
droved team for him for a number of year..." Jane Dorsey, 79, of
45
1718 DeKalb Street, had known the couple since they were quite
young and not yet married, as had Mary Jane Johnson (widow of
Benjamin), 72, of 1728 DeKalb Street.
Sara Edsell (Mrs. Abram), 63, of 120 East Spruce Street, knew
Mary E. Griffin "ever since she was 18 years of age Eoid in fact I
knew her ever since she came to Norristown and she lived with
her father and mother on Willow St. Norristown...."
Mary E. William Griffin died January 5, 1921, from chronic
bronchitis and aortic insufficiency. Dr. Daniel A. Wilson and
Edith B. Griffin attended her medically. Undertaker Robert F.
Smith buried her in Treemount Cemetery. She had been making
her home with her son William S. Griffin, a teacher, and daugh
ter-in-law Edith, at 1041 Green. The other Griffin son, Percifor
L., became a sign maker living at 122 W. Elm Street.
WILLIAM GRIFFITH: SC 591-530.
William Griffith served as a private in Co. F, 127th Regt.,
U.S.C.T., from August 31, 1864, to September 8, 1865. He was
discharged with his company at Brazos, Santiago, Texas.
The 1870 census of the Lower Ward of Norristown showed
William Griffith, 45, native of Maryland, working as a domestic
servant in the household of James C. Cresson, woolen manufac
turer. The same census of the Middle Ward listed William Grif
fith, 42, farm laborer, native of Pennsylvania, with wife Sarah A.,
35; Harriett, 17; Sarah A., 1; Aaron Wessler, 40, brickyard
worker; Henry Rhoads, 40, a clergyman ovming real estate; and
Sophia Rhoads, 40. The 1880 census listed William Griffith, 60
farm hand, and Sarah, 58, and 12-year old daughter. It is unclear
at this point which is the correct William Griffith. There are sev
eral in the business directories.
According to the 1890 Census Griffith had been wounded in
the right foot during the war and was living on Scott's Farm,
Swede Street, Norristown.
When Griffith first began appljdng for an invalid Pension, he
complained of chronic rheumatism, general debility, and a frac
ture of the left arm above the wrist. Testifying to his physical con
dition and character were William H. Jackson, who had known
him for 26 years, and John D. Harden, who had been his friend
for 16 years. Jackson, of 1051 Willow Street, had been a near
neighbor of Griffith's since their return from the army and was in
the same Co. C of the same regiment as the claimant. He knew
Griffith to have been a great sufferer from Rheumatism; that his
46
left arm had been broken above the wrist by jumping off the cars
at Locust Grove on the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Rail Road
Co. in 1889; he was unable to do hard manual labor on accoimt of
his ailments and the loss of power of his left hand. C. P. Saylor of
211 East Oak Street, Norristown, had worked as a farm laborer
at Port Kennedy for a number ofyears with Griffith and knew he
suffered from Rheumatism and a broken left arm and knew the
condition was getting worse. Both men stated that Griffith did
not have any 'Sdcious habits."
By 1891 comesil ulcers had affected the vision in his left eye
severely. In 1892 he reported an injury to his left foot "by a horse
tramping on it while employed at the Steel Works at Ernest near
Norristown, Pa, and disease or injury to bone of right left." By
1893 Griffith was severely visually impaired in both eyes.
According to his obituary published in the Norristown Herald,
William Griffith died March 8, 1894, in his 68th year. He was
buried in the Jonathan Roberts Cemetery, Red Hill, King of Prus
sia. Franklin T. Beerer, Griffith's attorney, reported to the pen
sion board that he had left no widow or children under the age of
16. Charles Blockson, in the Bulletin of the Historical Society of
Montgomery County, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, p. 347, said
Civil War veteran William Griffin is still remembered by
his Norristown descendants. He carried the flag of the
Grand Army of the RepubUc year after year in Norristown
parades.
Did he mem William Griffith? The 1878 Norristown business
directory listed a Margaret Griffin, widow of William Griffin, at
Moore and High.
LYTTLETON D. HANDY: SC 599-623
According to the 1890 census of Civil War Survivors, Ljfttleton
J. Handy (Col.) ofAmbler served as a private in Co. I, 3rd Colored
Infantry, from July 31, 1863, to October 31, 1865. Bates' History
(V:939) hsts him as a sergeant, having mustered in on July 21,
1863, promoted from corporal October 25, 1863, and mustered
out with the company October 31, 1865.
He died in Ambler on November 28, 1911. There is no sign of
him in the Burial Application book or in the obituaries of the Nor
ristown Daily Herald.
The 1900 census ofAmbler shows Littleton D. Handy, 60, bom
47
June 1839 in New Jersey, working as a laborer in a manufactur
ing company. With him Maple Street is his wife of 28 years, Kate
M., also 60, who was bom in Maryland to Maryland parents. Also
in the household are a number of bo£irders and one servant.
The 1910 census of Ambler listed Littleton D. Handy, 70, a
chemist in a chemical manufactory; and his wife of five years,
Carrie, a mulatto, shown as having one child who did not live.
When Handy's estate was administered, his heirs were listed
as the widow Carrie Handy of Ambler and a daughter Clara Roy
of Berks Street, Philadelphia. Yet in an Orphans Court document
of September 26, 1912, it was stated that Handy was survived
only by his widow and no children. Carrie Handy realized
$101.90 fi'om the sale of his real estate.
Handy's pension papers reveal that he was born June 11,
1839, in Greenwich, Cumberland County, New Jersey; enlisted in
Philadelphia on July 21, 1863; was mustered in as a corporal on
July 26; and was discharged in Jacksonville, Florida, on October
31, 1865. At the time of his enlistment he had been a farmer, 5
feet 7 inches tall.
After his discharge he lived in Cumberland County for five
years, then at 813 Lawrence Street, Philadelphia, for 15 years,
before moving to Ambler on November 17,1885, where he resided
at 208 Maple Street. He did "job work" at the Keasbey & Mattison Laboratory in Ambler.
In 1871 L5d;tleton D. Handy married Cathrine L. Brown in
Philadelphia, with the Rev. Joseph Smith of the A.M.E. Church
officiating. Cathrine, or Kate, as she is called on the census, died
in 1895. Handy married Carrie Dorsey in Philadelphia on July
12, 1897, with the Rev. Mr. Copman presiding. When the old vet
eran began applying for a pension, he complained that he had
"contracted a disease of the head caused by the jar from the fir
ing of the guns." He also suffered from "weak lungs." He claimed
that he had received medical attention for these complaints while
in the army, but the attending doctors kept no records of it.
There have been found no obituaries or marriage notices for
Cathrine Brown and Carrie Dorsey.
JOHN D. HARDEN: WC 451-003.
According to Bates' History (V:1104), John D. Harden was a
private in Co. K, 43d Regiment, U.S.C.T., and served from May
31, 1864, to October 20, 1865. He had enrolled in Waterford,
Pennsylvania, served under Col. Stephen B. Yeoman, was mus-
48
tered out in Brownsville, Texas, and discharged in Philadelphia.
Most of the time he was detailed as a teamster, and he was for a
while stationed at Ft. Bumham. Harden was 5 feet 6 inches tall.
John D. Harden and Edith A. Bush were married December
27, 1866, by the Rev. C. H. Hurst in Norristown, according to an
affidavit filed in 1896.
The 1870 census showed him living in the Lower Ward of Nor
ristown with his wife Edith A., three-year old daughter Eliza
beth, one-year old daughter Lucretia A., and two-month old son
Joseph W. He was listed in the 1877 tax book as living in the sec
ond ward on Beech street above Swede. The 1880 census listed
his address as 384 Swede Street and stated that he was bom in
Kentucky. Children living with the couple were Elisabeth,
Samuel M., George I., Lillie M., Robert, and Edith T. The busi
ness directories of the era show that Harden and his family
moved around, living at various times at Roberts near Powell,
Chain near Stanbridge, Swede above Beech, 37 E. Marshall, and
1224 Green.
According to the special census of Civil War veterans of 1890,
Harden been wounded in the right foot during the war. He was
living in the eighth ward at the time of this census.
No obituary has been found for John D. Harden, and the Vet
erans Affairs Office has no record of him. There was an obituary
for a child of John D. and Edith A. Harding, Samuel J., who died
on Tuesday, March 8, 1892.
Charles Blockson (quoting Edward Hocker) said in the Bul
letin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, p. 348,
The county's first black juror, John Harding, bore the scars
of slavery on his back. From his birth under oppression, he
found his way through forced service in the Confederate
Army to voluntary service in the Union Army, and finally
to an ultimate expression of freedom on the grand jury in
1877.
Indeed, the February 6, 1877, edition of the Herald and Free
Press included "Harding, Jno." on its list of Grand Jurors for the
March term. The Grand Jury acted upon sixty-five bills of indict
ment, of which they found fifty true bills and fifteen not true bills.
They also visited the borough lockup and declared it a nuisance
and disgrace to the borough of Norristown, and recommended
that the borough erect suitable buildings for that purpose. They
r
n
2
O
a
•—I
CO
H
o
2
o
m
Dressed in bits and pieces ofcast offFederal uniforms, black teamsters await work ina supply depot.
50
CmZEN SOLDIERS OF COLOR
foTond the prison to be in very satisfactory condition, but the
prison was entirely too small for the number of prisoners con
fined. They farther recommended that the prison library be en
larged at an expense not exceeding one hundred dollars. The
Grand Inquest concurred with a previous recommendation to
erect suitable buildings for vagrants in Norristown rather than
at the almshouse, the cost not exceeding $3000. They also recom
mended steps to stop loitering around the court buildings and the
defacing of the wall of the Court House buildings.
The March 13, 1877, edition of the National Defender voiced
an opinion on the appointment of Harding to the grand jury:
For the first time in the history of Montgomery county a
colored man was drawn as a juror. John Harding of the
First Ward , Norristown, is the colored individual and was
drawn on the grand Jury. He is as black as the ace of
spades, and cannot read or write, and of course was set in
the back ground by his white brethren in their delibera
tions. Republican Jury Commissioner Preston, should se
lect from among his colored constituents the more intelli
gent — those who can read and write.
For a short time (1878-80) the Hardens owned a frame house
on the northwest side of Swede street, adjoining Henson Shaw,
Thomas Bruff, Markley street, and Elias Neavel. When they sold
it to Horatio F. Ortlip in 1880, only Edith could sign her name;
John signed with an "K."
John D. Harden began applying for a pension in 1879 because
of a disability arising from a war injury. At Fort Harrison, Vir
ginia, his right foot had been crushedby a cannon wheel passing
over it, and he had been treated for at least three weeks in City
Point Hospital, Virginia, in January 1865.
Harden was not able to document his injuries because he
could not obtain affidavits of either the surgeon or the assistant
surgeon ofhis regiment. He testified in 1885 that SurgeonJames
Burke could not be found, and he couldn't get the affidavits of any
commissioned officers because none were present at the time the
injury was incurred.
By 1892 he was totally unable to support himself because of
the injury to his right foot, a hernia on the left side, piles, chronic
rheumatism, and injury to his right arm and third finger of his
right hand, visual problems, deafiiess ofthe right ear, chronicdi
arrhea, and general debility.
51
Harden moved to 1702 Alter Street in Philadelphia and filed
another pension claim. He testified that his rupture occurred in
the winter of 1863 at Fort Harrison, on Chapins Farm, in Vir
ginia, when, "while canning rough timber to erect winter quar
ters, in crossing a gutter, he fell and the piece of timber hit him
in the side and caused the rupture." Harden's right foot was in
jured "by the passage of the gun-carriage over his foot, mashing
the toes, in January 1865, at Fort Harris, subsequent to the rup
ture, that he was treated for said injury to footby Surgeon A. Waterhouse, in camp, and afterwards in Hospital at City Point, Va.,
in the same month, where he remained for about three weeks."
Some time later bones were removed from the foot, and Dr. P. Y.
Eisenburg of Norristown treated it. For many years Harden could
work at only driving a horse and cart, but that was too painful to
do in cold weather.
Some of the witnesses appearing on John Harden's behalf
were William H. Jackson, Louis Epps, John R. Potter, and
Napoleon M. Scott.
John D. Harden entered the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and
SailorsHome in Erie on November 5, 1895, and died on May 20,
1896, of pericarditis, complicated with lobular pneumonia.
Harden's widow, Edith A. Harden, living at 2042 Femon
Street, Philadelphia, applied for a widow's pension. She earned
her living by washing and doing general housework. She was
dropped fi-om the pension rolls on March 22, 1933, after her
death. Her name had reappeared in the Norristown Business Di
rectory of 1930-31 as living at 1041 Green Street. On her last
pension file her address was listed as 1032 Willow Street.
JOHN H. HARRIS: WC 461-686
Listed in the special 1890 census of Norristown was Annie
Hams, widow of John H. Harris, who served as a private in Co.
G, 31st Regiment, U.S.C.T., from January 22,1864, to November
7, 1865. She was living on East Basin street below Arch at the
time. The 1890 business directory lists her as living there too.
In fact, Annie Harris's pension applications papers tell an in
teresting tale.
John H. Harris was bom in Kent County, Maryland, and was
a 44-year-old cook when he enrolled in Co. E, 31st Regiment,
U.S.C.T., on April 21, 1864, at Elbridge, New York. He enlisted
as a private on April24 at Willets Point to serve three years. Har
ris's Invalid's Army Pension states that he enlisted at Syracuse
52
on January 16 in Company E, commanded by Capt. Goldwood,
and was discharged in December 1865. While in the service he
suifered a "gun shot wound in the right ankle on July 30, 1864,
at the Battle before Petersburg, Virginia; a gunshot wound in the
right arm above the elbow at the same battle; and was also "in
jured in the hip jointwhile onthe marchby falling from off a log
while crossinga creek,in May 1864, the day beforeGenl. Lee and
his army surrendered [sic]."
Annie Harris, formerly Annie Ryman, believed that she and
John Harris were married in Reading on December 10, 1867, by
a Rev. Mr. Cuff. She had lost the certificate, but she knew it was
around the holidays. Proof was finally secured that they were
married January 3, 1867, by the Rev. Thomas A. Cuff. Her first
husband, Thomas Ryan, had died in the fall of 1860 in the Berks
County Alms House and wasburiedin the county buryingground
for paupers.Theyhad had eight children , the youngest ofwhom,
William, was bom three months before his father's death.
The Harrises moved to Norristown sometime in 1869, where
they resided until the summer of 1872, when John disappeared.
He told his fnend George Williams that he was going to Philadel
phia to draw his pension and was never seen again. Indeed, the
pension agent verified that no more money had been drawn on
the pension, and Mrs. Harris remained in Norristownliving as a
widow.
Mrs. Harris had no means of support except what she could
earn by taking in washing and cleaning houses. She had four
children, three ofwhom were by her former husband and one by
John H. Harris, with whom she was living. This married daugh
ter had small children of her own. It was believed that only the
help of her children prevented her having to enter the Poor
House. An old friend, Benjamin Brown, had helped her to pur
chase a small frame shanty and a lot of land on Basin Street
below Arch. In 1895 she had to sell the shanty in order to pay her
doctor bills. The house had so decayed, she said, that it was torn
down.
Some of the people testifying to Mrs. Harris' character and cir
cumstances were Josephine Harris, William Rjman, and Albanus S. Fisher of Norristown, Elizabeth Sanders of Reading,
and Susanna Wilson of Philadelphia.
Eighty-seven-year old Charlotte Scott, a resident of the east
comer of Roberts and WiUow streets and widow of Anthony Scott,
had known Annie Harris for more than forty years. Mrs. Scott
53
had known Thomas Ryman as well; he had learned his trade as
a forgeman with Mr. Scott and had lived with the family when he
was an apprentice to her husband. Sometime around 1859, cer
tainly before the war of the rebellion, Thomas Ryman called at
the Scott house at Gibraltar Forge, Berks County. He had been at
the Tulpehocken Forge and was now so sick that he entered the
Berks County Poor House, where he died, probably of consump
tion. Rjmian's death was widely known, and Annie Rjonan re
mained widowed until after the war was over, when she mgirried
John H. Harris. Sometime after their marriage, they moved to
Norristown, where the Scotts had moved some years before that.
Sometime in 1872 Charlotte Scott visited the Harrises and found
John to be very sick. She had not known him before, and she
never heard from him after he disappeared.
Living in the house at 191 Basin Street in 1880 were Annie
Harris, 50, a servant; Julia Irons, 39, her daughter, also a ser
vant; William Raymond, 20, son; Joseph Harris, 11, daughter;
Emma Scott, 8, granddaughter, and several boarders. Elsewhere
in that census was an Annie Harris, 49, a domestic servant in the
home of Thomas O'Neil, music teacher, at 17 Jacoby Street.
There is no obituary or other record of the death and burial of
John H. Harris or of Annie Harris.
MOSES HARRIS: SC 589-555
Moses Harris mustered in Co. H, 45th Regiment, U.S.C.T., on
August 8, 1864; was promoted to corporal August 15, 1865, and
was mustered out on November 4, 1865, Brownsville, Texas.
After the war he worked as a porter in William StahleFs drug
store and as a janitor at Charity Hospital.
Moses Harris was bom on Christmas Day in 1833, 1841, or
1844 (he gave all those dates in the various pensions applications
he filed) in King William County, Virginia. He could not read or
write. According to the Department of the Interior, Harris died
December 17, 1915, in the National Soldiers' Home in Virginia.
He was buried in Treemount Cemetery (BBB-8). His son Walter
was buried at Treemount on May 2, 1886 (PP-5).
An article in the January 13, 1916, edition of the Herald and
Free Press reported that Mount Zion A.M.E. Church had lost out
on a bequest from Virginia Henry, formerly of Norristown. In ad
dition to payment of funeral expenses, a portion of her bequest
was to go to next of kin, Carrie Harris, who was to care for Mrs.
Henry's step-father Moses Harris. Moses Harris had recently
54
died in the soldiers' home at Hampton Roads, according to the
news report.
Moses Harris's (1905) pension papers are filled with details of
his early life. He stated that he was bom a slave on the planta
tion of Thomas C. Carter, known as "Pampetite Plantation," on
the north east side of the Pamumkey River adjoining the same,
in King William County, Virginia; that he left the plantation with
Hooker's Army in 1863 as a contraband; that there existed no
family records except that of the plantation. His mother always
told bim he was a "Christmas Boy" bom in 1833. He thought that
he gave his age at the time of enlistment as 25, but it was really
30.
Another pension appUcation states that Harris was bom De
cember 25, 1841, and that he came to Norristown from the War
and lived here ever since.
An application for a disability pension stated that Harris was
lame and had a "sore back caused by lifting heavy logs in service."
He suffered "severe and sharp pains along the spine and in the
small of the back, frequently necessitating a cessation from labor
and consequent loss of wages."
Contrabands served as cooks.
55
Moses Hams stated to a Norristown justice of the peace in
1913 that he was baptized "about 25 years ago" in Wayne,
Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He claimed that there were
about 125 slaves on the plantation and that he ran off with the
Union soldiers and came north and was here one year and then
enlisted in the Union Army about 1863.
A pension application in 1915 stated that Harris was bom on
December 25, 1844, and enlisted from Old Church Talbott, King
William County, Virginia. He was married to Mary Oney in Nor
ristown by Rev. Collins, but was separated from her in 1867. The
three children of Moses and Mary Harris were Solomon (bom
March 30), Archie Glase (bom April 25), and Carrie (born April
1). He could not remember the years they were bom. There was
a Mary E. Oney buried in Treemount Cemetery on June 26,1886,
and an infant Oney buried June 6 of the same year (PP-8). The
1900 census of the 8th ward of Norristown lists Mary Oney, a 68year old widow who was horn Febmary 1832 in Delaware; Vir
ginia Henry, granddaughter, born January 1870, mother bom in
Delaware; Carrie Harris, granddaughter, bom March 1881, fa
ther bom in Virginia, mother bom in Delaware; and Leona Oney,
granddaughter, bom April 1882, mother and father bom in
Delaware.
Still another pension form, filed in 1898, contains information
about other marriages. He stated that he had been married to
Adlaide Harris (Adlaide Henry). They were married in 1885 in
Norristown by Rev. C. S. Temple. [The Rev. Comelius A. Temple
lived on Basin street below Spmce and was pastor of Ebenezer
First Colored Methodist Protestant Church.] She died July 28,
1886. Harris claimed a former wife, Mary Fisher, also dead. This
application form listed children, but the copy is so poor that the
names cannot be read.
The Norristown Herald and Free Press of August 2, 1886, did
indeed carry the obituary of Adline Harris, who died on July 30
on Green Street. Adline Henry was buried August 2, 1886, in
Treemount Cemetery (PP-8).
SOLOMON HAZZARD
Solomon Hazzard was a private in Co. B, 54th Massachusetts
Infantry, and was wounded in the left leg. He was discharged on
August 20,1865. Emilio's regimental history states that Hazzard
was a 22-year old single farmer from West Chester, Pennsylva
nia, at the time of enlistment. He was wounded in 1863, but
56
Emilio did not have the details. Pension and military records are
not available.
At various times after the war he lived on Walnut Street near
Penn, Roberts above Willow, Airy below Walnut, Moore above Vi
olet, and the comer of Moore and High.
Solomon Hazzard died Thursday, March 10, 1892, and was
buried at Treemount Cemetery in Section 4 Range NN. There is
no stone recorded in the Treemount Cemetery records in the
HSMC collection, but the County Graves Registration states that
there is a marble memorial with a G.A.R. marker. The obituary
in the Herald said he was in the 52d year of his age.
On several occasions Hazzard's behavior drew attention to
him. In May 1870 Elizabeth Gibbs charged that Solomon Haz
zard was the father of two of her children, Katie, and Mary Jane,
and that he had separated himself from them and neglected and
refused to maintain them. Hazzard was committed to the Mont
gomery Coimty Prison until the trial (which was not reported in
the newspaper). By late summer 1870, when the census was
taken in the Lower Ward of Norristown, Solomon Hazzard, a 29year old laborer, was living with Elizabeth, 25; Mary J., 3; Kattie, 5 months; Samuel H. Gibbs, 8; and William T. Gibbs, 6.
Although Solomon Hazzard had been living with Elizabeth
Gibbs and had apparently fathered several of her children, it ap
pears that he had married Julia Crummills.
Julia Hazzard was the daughter of David Crummills. In the
1850 census of the Upper Ward of Norristown the Cromell [sic]
family consisted of David, 29, laborer; Ann, 35; Mary Jane, 8;
Margaret Simpson, 14; Julian Cromell, 3; David, 3/12; Judge
Payne, 20; and Jane Pajme, 56. The 1860 Norristown Business
Directory listed a David Cromer, col'd, musician, living on the
north side of Penn above Walnut.
Julia again appeared in the Crummills household in the 1860
census. David was a 40 year old black lager beer saloonkeeper;
his wife Fanny was a 24-year old mulatto; Julia was a 12-year old
black girl; and Jane was an 18-year old black girl. Ann, a black
woman, had obviously died between the 1850 and the 1860 cen
sus, and David had married a mulatto woman.
The 1867-68 directory listed a David Crumwell, laborer, at
Airy street between Arch and Walnut. The 1870-71 directory
listed David F. B. Croummills, laborer, Airy near Walnut; and
Mary J. Croummills, widow of Hirem, Airy near Walnut. At tiiis
time Solomon Hazzard was living on Moore near Violet.
57
The 1870 census listed Mary J. Crummels, 85; David, 52;
Julia, 22; and Idela, 2, in the Lower Ward.
By the time of the 1880 census Julia Hazzard was Hsted as a
33-year old divorced woman keeping house for her father and
younger sister Idella in an Airy Street house, and Solomon Haz
zard, a 41-year old married man, was boarding in the Roberts
Street home of Lydia Landis, a white seamstress, and her young
children.
David Crummels had established quite a reputation for him
self. A little article in the February 1, 1859, National Defender
stated:
Crommel's Party — We hope our friends who delight in
'tripping the light fantastic toe,' will not forget that the
Complimentary party to Mr. David Crommell's takes place
next Thursday night. Preparations have been made to
make this the party of the season. As Dave is a goodfellow
and a good fiddler, we hope he may have a party that will
bring joy to his heart and many dollars to his pocket.
The following week's newspaper reported on David Crom-
mells' Party — "This was a small but pleasant party. We venture
to say that all enjoyed themselves. — It was such a company that
Dave should be proud of."
David F. B. Crummills died October27,1883, in his 65th year,
according to the Herald, and was buried in Treemoimt Cemetery
(8-P). The church and cemetery records give his name as David
Crosswells.
The Norristown Register of October 29, 1883, reported:
A Well-known Colored Man Dead. David Crummel, one
of the best known colored citizens of Norristown, died at his
home on Airy street, above Walnut, on Saturday, aged 66
years. Deceased was a native of Upper Providence town
ship, but came to Norristown in 1848, and made his living
by odd jobs of various kinds. Mr. Crummel was a great fid
dler and for a long period of years furnished the music for
all the high-toned balls, parties, etc., in Norristown. His
wife died some twelve years ago.
Crummills' estate papers listed his children as Mary Jane
Crummels, Julia Hazzard, the wife of Solomon Hazzard, and
58
Idele Crummels, a minor who would be 17 on March 3, 1885.
John Fisher was appointed Idele's guardian, while Joseph Fisher
was the executor of his will. The two-story frame house on Airy
Street was eventually sold to settle his estate.
The 1884-86 business directory lists both Mrs. Julia Hazzard
and Solomon Hazzard as living on Airy below Walnut.
The September 11, 1877 edition of the Herald carried the re
port of a court case. Commonwealth vs. Julia Hazzard.
"Keeping a disorderly house. Julia is a colored lady who has
been keeping a house on Walnut street this borough where it is
alleged music and dancing take place and from which emanate
loud noises, profanity and obscenity. Several of the neighbors tes
tified to those facts. The noise was heard at all times during the
night and at the distance of a square. One lady residing next door
to Mrs. Hazzard's never heard very loud noises, and she never
heard anything wrong in particular. The night the descent was
made upon the house, there was more noise than had been for
some time, and they had a party. Officer Hoffinan who helped to
make the arrest found everything all right, all sober, except Mrs.
Hazzard, who was intoxicated and in bed. All were colored except
two women. One witness gave a good description of the entire
matter. In the estimation of the witness, and he was there often,
no noise would take place only when Mr. Hazzard would object to
the company, his wife would insist upon their remaining. An
other witness testified that the prosecutor offered to settle the
case for $15. Verdict not guilty, and the prosecutor H. C. Parvin,
to pay one half the cost."
The Norristown Weekly Herald of January 13, 1890, carried
an interesting story of "An Unprovoked Assault."
Wm. Thomas again Committed to Prison. He Brutally Beat
and Kicked Solomon Hazzard — A Bad Loafing Place —
Thomas' Record in Jail and in the Penitentiary — The Man
Who Threw A Stone Into A Car Window.
Burgess George W. Grady gave a hearing Thursday
night to Wm. Thomas, a colored man who has figured con
spicuously in the police annals of the Borough. Thomas was
arrested by Officers Evans and Gotwals yesterday after
noon on Lafayette street opposite the Pennsylvania rail
road station. Thomas, with a party of other colored men,
was loafing about the rear premises of J. G. Landes, flour
and feed dealer, which ends in a private alley on Lafayette
street, opposite the DeKalb street station. The same party
are accustomed to loaf about this alley, and it is alleged are
often seen with bottles of whisky passing round among
them. It is said they frequently insult people passing by ob
scene remarks, and the authorities at the railroad station
have several times complained of them as an annoyance.
While the gang were loafing in the alley yesterday after
noon, Solomon Hazzard, an industrious colored citizen,
came along, but paid no attention to the gang, merely
speaking to them. Thomas, however, at once began to pick
a quarrel with Hazzard, and without the slightest provoca
tion, as testified to before the Burgess, assaulted him and
struck him in the mouth, breaking several teeth, and after
throwing him down kicked him unmercifully. Hazzard fi
nally drew a pocket knife on his assailant in self defence,
and would probably have used it if the by-standers had not
interfered and caused the arrest of Thomas, the officers
having been notified in the meantime. The troublesome
man was taken to the station house and locked up until
evening, when he was given a hearing by the Burgess on
charges of assault and battery preferred by Hazzard, and
drunkenness. Besides Mr. Hazzard's testimony the
Burgess heard that of Rufus Y. Yerkes employed in the
ticket ofiice; Benjamin Reilly, night watchman, and Joseph
Hunsberger, baggage master, of DeKalb street station,
Pennsylvania Railroad, all of whom had witnessed the un
provoked assault and corroborated the statements of Haz
zard. The Burgess committed Thomas to jail in default of
$300 bail to answer the charges of assault and battery at
court. Thomas is a notorious character. He was only re
leased from the county jail on Wednesday, having served a
three months sentence for assault and battery upon which
he was convicted at the October term of Court. Previous to
that time he had been in jail for a longer period on similar
charges. When he was released on Wednesday he immedi
ately celebrated the event by getting drunk and he contin
ued on his spree imtil yesterday when he got into this trou
ble which is likely to send him back to jail. The police
records show that Thomas has also been an inmate of the
Eastern Penitentiary. He was released last March from
that institution, along with Benjamin Diggs, who it will be
remembered is now in jail for the robbery of Gus Lantz's
59
60
jewelry store, a short time ago. Thomas has served one
year in the Penitentiary for throwing a stone through a car
window on the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad
and injuring a lady passenger who resided in Phoenixville.
He is altogether a very dangerous character and the police
regard him with a suspicious eye whenever he is at large.
He wears an ugly scar across his face which he obtained in
a fight and which gives him a villainous looking appear
ance. His incarceration in jail is looked upon by peace lov
ing people as a good thing for the community.
The peace loving people of Norristown never heard about Hazzard's recovery from his injuries, however.
STEPHEN HECTOR
Stephen Hector served as a private in Co. G, 22nd Regt.,
U.S.C.T., mustering in January 11,1864, and mustering out with
the company October 16,1865 (Bates V:1004). It is supposed that
Hector came from Montgomery County. The 1850 census of
Upper Merion listed a 75-year old Stephen Hector working for
Cadwalader Evans. The census of the Lower Ward of Norristown
listed a 23-year old Stephen Hector living with 48-year old Eliza
beth Hector.
Stephen Hector's name does not appear in the index to the
1860 census of southeastern Pennsylvania, nor does it appear in
a name-by-name search of the census of Upper Merion Township.
Edward Hector, 61, a mulatto farm laborer, was in Upper Merion
with his 55-year old wife Ann and two children, Mary E. Euston,
12, and Josephine Euston, 4. Elsewhere in Upper Merion, Joanna
Hector, 12, was working in the household ofWilliam B. Robert in
Port Kennedy.
Montgomery County Veterans Graves Registration has no
entry for Stephen Hector.
ISAAC HOPKINS
Isaac Hopkins' name is on the Norristown Civil War monu
ment to dead soldiers in the public square. He is supposed to have
served with the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. The 1860 census
lists Isaac Hopkins, 29, mulatto, laborer, bom in Pennsylvania;
Catharine, 32. Elizabeth Hopkins was a servant at John West's
house. There was also an Isaac Hopkins in Whitemarsh, black, a
farm laborer; living with John Scott, 36; Catharine Hopkins, 40,
61
servant; Fanny Gibson, 40; all of whom were working for James
Gresson, a farmer. The 1860 Norristown Business Directory
listed an Isaac Hopkins, gardener, who lived on the west side of
Willow street above Roberts. The County Veterans Affairs office
has no record of Isaac Hopkins.
According to the Adjutant General's Office of the Common
wealth of Massachusetts, a search of Massachusetts Soldiers,
Sailors and Marines in the Civil War failed to show Isaac Hop
kins as serving in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment or being
killed in action.
The regimental history of the 54th Massachusetts does not list
an Isaac Hopkins, but Peter Hopkins served as a private in Co.D.
He was a 20-year old waiter from Philadelphia; enlisted March
21, 1863, was mustered in March 30, and was wounded at Fort
Wagner, S.C., on July 18. On February 20,1864, he was wounded
again, this time at Olustee, Florida. His wounds were so serious
that he was discharged on July 17, 1864. {Massachusetts Soldiers
7:677).
AMBROSE C. JACKSON
Ambrose Jackson's name is on the Civil War monument in
Norristown, supposedly having been killed while serving with the
41st Regiment. The Montgomery County Veterans Affairs Office
has no records of him.
Bates lists an Ambrose C. Jackson, a private in Co. E, 43rd
Regiment, U.S.C.T., who mustered in April 2, 1864, and died Au
gust 1, of wounds received at Petersburg, Virginia, on July 30,
1864. (Bates V:1094).
The 1860 census of Norristown shows an Ambrose G. Jackson,
18, bom in Virginia, living in the household of Emma Jackson,
48; William, 19; and Mary V. Jackson, 7.
Casualty Sheets in National Archives records lists Private
Ambrose C. Jackson of Capt. Joseph Forbes' Co. E., 43rd Regi
ment, U.S.C.T., as having been wounded in action before Peters
burg,VA, on July 30 and dying in a field hospital on August 1,
1864. He had not received any pay but apparently had been is
sued Camp & Garrison Equipage, 1 cash letter, 1 Bugle, 2 (illeg
ible), 2 Great Coat Straps, 1 Knapsack, 1 Haversack, 2 Canteens,
and 1 piece of shelter tent. The soldier died ovdng $2.00 to the
sutler, Thos. McCabe.
Ambrose C. Jackson was bom in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and
was recmited by Capt. Freedley, Provost Marshal, at Norristown,
62
Pennsylvania, on April 2, 1864. He was a 20-year old farmer at
the time and stood 5 feet 6 inches tall. Another government form
states that he was bom in London, Virginia, while still another
form states that he was enlisted by Capt. Greedley in Morristown, New Jersey. This, of course, was incorrect, since the 43rd
was recruited almost exclusively in Pennsylvania and was
equipped at Camp William Penn.
EMANUEL JACKSON: SC 924-134
According to the Record and Pension Office of the War De
partment, Manuel Jackson (the name Emanuel Jackson was not
found) served as a private in Co. G, 30th Regiment, U.S.C.T.,
from March 31, 1864, to December 10, 1865. He was treated for
tonsilitis at "McKinis Hospital, Baltimore, Md.," from April 16 to
May 16, 1864, and was absent sick again from August 30, 1864,
to Feb. 20, 1865. On August 31, 1865, he was "on detached duty
as teamster." [Other pension records state that he served from
March 1, 1864, to December 24, 1865].
Jackson applied for an Invalid Pension in 1891, claiming that
he was partly unable to support himself by manual labor because
of "asthmatic or chest troubles, varicose veins, vertigo, and gen
eral debility arising therefrom." Two of his old fnends, John J.
Glisson and Mordecai West, came forward to testify as to his dis
ability and character. Glisson, a 55-year old Bridgeport resident,
had known Jackson for 18 years. Now an employee at Cox's
Brewery in Bridgeport, Glisson had employed Emanuel Jackson
for about 15 years while he was foreman at Maginnis' Limestone
Quarries. He knew Jackson to be a sober and industrious man,
always complaining of chest troubles and still suffering from
them. West, a 52-year old resident of Bridgeport, was a common
laborer and neighbor of Jackson's. He had known Jackson for 10
years and had worked with him. Always complaining about chest
troubles, Jackson often had to quit work.
Jackson reported that he had his first attack of "Lumbago" or
rheumatism in the back of the early spring of 1887, while work
ing in the quarries of Hugh Mclnnis in Upper Merion. He had
been informed that the condition was chronic and permanent,
rendering him unable to work steadily for the last two years. His
first claim for a pension was denied because he was deemed "not
disabled for manual labor in a pensionable degree." The following
year he filed again, this time successfully. Dr. C. H. Mann and
others testified that that finding was erroneous and that he was
63
fit only for light manual labor such as driving a team. Dr. Mann
was a white Bridgeport physician.
In 1894, Jackson reported an additional disability arising
firom "weakness of heart action and obesity." George H. Chase
and Andrew Supplee, both residents of Norristown and acquain
tances of 12 years, testified on his behalf.
According to the Application for Burial of Deceased Soldiers,
Emanuel Jackson served as a private in Co. G, 30th Regiment,
U.S.C.T. After being sick for over a yesir, he died on April 9,1901,
and was buried at Treemount Cemetery (MM-11). The Coroner's
Death Docket records his death as occurring in Bridgeport on
April 23, with burial on April 28, but the obituaries substantiate
the April 9 date. The Norristown Daily Herald reported:
He Died Digging Garden. Emanuel Jackson, of Bridgeport,
Stricken in his Yard. He Lived Alone - Other News of the
Borough Across the River of a General and Personal Char
acter.
Emanual Jackson, a well-known colored resident of
Bridgeport, was found dead in the yard of his Front street
residence on Tuesday evening. John Collins, a neighbor,
noticed Jackson lying in the yard, and on investigating
found him dead. This was at 4:30, and it is supposed he had
been dead an hour, for previous to that time he was seen
working in the garden, preparing the soil for seed planting.
Deceased had been ailing for a long time with dropsical af
fection. Some weeks ago his life was dispaired of, but he re
covered and was going about as usual. Jackson was aged
sixty-eight years. He was employed for years at the McInnes and Rambo quarries as teamster, but for a dozen
years he has not worked steadily because of illness. He was
a veteran of the Civil War and a member of Mt. Zion
Church, and of Good Will Lodge, No. 1025, Grand United
Order of Odd Fellows. The latter organization will have
charge of the funeral on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock;
interment at Treemount Cemetery.
Jackson's widow never received a pension. In 1898 he reported
that he had married his wife, Catharine Jones, on November 25,
1875, with the Rev. W. W. Winder officiating, and that they had
no children. The date was given as November 25, 1874, in an
other document filed the next year. Jackson reported that his
64
wife possessed the marriage certificate. The Rev. William H.
Winder was pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church on Basin Street
near Powell and lived on Green Lane near Basin.
After Jackson's death, a woman named Mary Jackson, claim
ing to be his widow, was denied a pension on the grounds that the
claimant was not the soldier's wife. A letter from the Montgomery
County Registrar of Veterans' Graves to the Pension Index Sec
tion of the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C., in
1936, stated that that agency had "consulted the daughter who
does not know anjdhing about her father's military record."
Emanuel Jackson had stated, however, that he and Catharine
Jones Jackson did not have children. The census of 1880 listed
Emanuel Jackson, 45, native of Virginia, and Catherine Jackson,
38, native of Delaware, as living on Front Street in Bridgeport; no
one else was in the household. The 1900 census of Bridgeport
shows Emanuel Jackson, a 65-year old widower, living alone on
Front Street. He was bom in August 1834 in Virginia, according
to this census. There is a Catherine Jackson, bom August 1836,
living as a servant in the home of John McKeman elsewhere in
Bridgeport. Her birthplace is given as Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM H. JACKSON: 582196
William H. Jackson served as a private in Co. A, 127th Regi
ment, from August 27, 1864, to September 8, 1865, according to
information he gave in the 1890 special schedule of surviving sol
diers, sailors, and marines, and widows. The Montgomery
County Graves Registration says that he was a member of Com
pany C, 127th Regiment. Indeed, Bates' History lists Wm. H.
Jackson as a sergeant mustering in on August 26, 1864, but not
on the muster-out roll (V:1131).
Jackson's pension records state that he was bom in Harper's
Ferry, Jefferson County, Virginia. He was a 23-year-old laborer,
5 feet 7 inches tall, when he joined. There is a note on one of his
pension papers that the name ofhis former owner was not foimd.
Another note in his files indicates that he had the letters WHJ
over an anchor tatooed on his right forearm in India ink.
On November 3, 1860, the Rev. Job Halsey married William
H. Jackson and Jane E. Bmff, and from that union, according to
pension papers, came Lillie V., bom September 16, 1861; Amy
Adelia, bom August 3, 1863; Emma Jane, bom August 17 or 24,
1870; Hannah E., bom January 18, 1876; and Emeline Bruff,
bom Febmary 3,1881 or 1883. The Jacksons resided at 1055 Wil-
65
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66
low Street, 1051 Willow Street, and Swede Street above Wood
Street in Norristown.
Jackson enlisted on August 27, 1864, in Co. C, 127th Regi
ment, U.S.C.T., commanded by Capt. Williard, and saw service at
Richmond, (Deep Bottom) in 1864 and 1865. He was discharged
in New Orleans in October 1865 according to one document and
in Brazos, Santiago, Texas, September 8, 1865, with the rank of
sergeant, according to another.
He claimed, when filing for a pension, that he had contracted
rheumatism and heart disease from hardships and exposure in
cident to the service. He said that he got a lame toe when a bar
rel fell on it when he had been detailed to unload and reload a
vessel of commissary stores at Brazos, Santiago Island, Texas.
Jackson began receiving a pension for rheumatism, disease of
the heart, and injury of the head in 1890. He applied for an ad
ditional pension in 1898 because of an infection of the right lung
and an injured left shoulder.
At various times Jackson had a number of his fiiends and ac
quaintances appear on his behalf, including William Griffith and
John D. Harden, who had both known him for 26 years, William
A. Thompson and Edward Griffin, Samuel M. H. Brown and Ben
jamin H. Curry, Chas H. Milford, Charles M. Wilson, M. Louise
Beerer, Zieher Hart, who had known him for 21 years, and Wil
liam Lewis, a friend of 30 years. Hart was a builder by trade, and
Jackson had worked for him as a hod carrier for ahout 20 years.
Jackson had suffered head and shoulder injuries several times
while in his service by falling from ladders. He often complained
of rheumatism and vertigo. By the time he was applying for a
pension he wasn't able to do more than one-half the work of an
able-bodied man. Lewis had known Jackson since 1861, when
they lived in the same neighborhood. They served in the same
company during the war, and they had worked along side each
other as hod carriers for more than 21 years. Lewis testified that
Jackson had had a number of falls and injured his head and
shoulder by falling off a cart loaded with bricks which cut him in
the head and shoulder, from which he was laid up for about six
weeks.
By 1904 Jackson had a number of physical ailments which
could be attributed to his age, and he continued to receive a pen
sion.
According to the March 20, 1905, edition of the Norristown
Daily Herald, William Jackson died on March 19, at the age of 65,
67
at his residence, 1207 Swede street. He had been ill since De
cember with a compilation of diseases. He was a member of
G.A.R. Post 80. Jackson's son-in-law was Officer Harry James,
whopatrolled the beat in the Sixth and Eighth wards for 19years
until 1916, when he died of tjT^hoid fever in his fifty-sixth year.
William H. Jackson was buried in Treemount Cemetery (Lot
00-10 according to cemetery records; Lot NN-9 according to the
Veterans Affairs Office).
The 1860 Norristown business directory listed William Jack
son, laborer, living on the west side of Penn street above Arch.
Other Jacksons living in Norristown at the same time were Isaac
Jackson, brickmaker, and Solomon Jackson, carter, both on the
west side of Willow above Roberts. The 1860 census listed Emma
Jackson, 48, William, 19, Ambrose G., 18, and Mary V., 7. All but
Mary had been bom in Virginia.
The 1870 census of the Upper Ward of Norristown listed
William Jackson, 27, bom in Virginia; Jane, 30, bom in Pennsyl
vania; Jane, 8; Adell, 7; Emma, 6; Thomas, 5; and William, 3.
Business directories in later years listed William H. Jackson
at 1051 Willow street. It is likely that William H. Jackson was
the son of Emma Jackson. Jackson's age at death is consistent
with the age of the William Jackson in the 1860 census. The
1876-78 business directory lists Emma Jackson, widow of Albert,
and William H. Jackson, laborer, as both living on Park above
Elm. Emma Jackson died August 26, 1886, in her 83rd year, and
was buried in Treemoimt Cemetery (Lot PP-8).
There was a William Jackson, Pension file number SO 634230, who.had enlisted with Co. F, 127th Regiment, U.S.C.T., on
August 30, 1864, was mustered out with his company September
8, 1865, at Brazos, Santiago, Texas, and died in Carlisle, Cum
berland County, PA., February 25,1910. This man had been bom
in Rappanhanock County, Virginia, and had been employed as a
waiter before the war. His first wife, Charity Alexander, died in
Carlisle in May 1879. He married Sarah M. Mostem on March
21, 1882, in Carlisle, with M. H. Croman officiating.
In the pension application papers for John J. Wilson of Nor
ristown, William H. Jackson swore that he had enlisted with Wil
son, who was a member of the 43rd Regiment. Wilson's applica
tion was eventually denied because the War Department could
not find a record of Jackson's being in Wilson's company. There
was a William Jackson who enlisted in Co. D, 43rd Regiment, on
Febmary 15, 1864, and deserted June 26, 1864.
68
MICHAEL JAMES: WC 81593.
Harriet James came to Norristown as a widow. Michael James
enlisted in Philadelphia as a private in Co. G, 127th Regiment,
U.S.C.T., commanded by Col. James T. Given, on August 26,
1864 (Bates V:1135). Private James died of typhoid fever on July
14,1865, at Corps De Afrique General Hospital in Louisiana, and
Mrs. James began receiving her $8 a month widow's pension in
the summer of 1866, retroactive to the date of her husband's
death. Appearing on her behalf when she first applied for her
pension were Elias R. and Maria A. Milford of Lancaster.
Harriet Whipper and Michael James were married in Bart
Township, Lancaster County, on December 24, 1857, by the Rev.
Edward Thompson of the A.M.C. Church. John Roberts and
Martha J. Slater were the witnesses. Bom to this marriage were
Mary E., June 18, 1858; Harry, April 23, 1861; and Ann Eliza
beth, March 18, 1863, all bom in Lancaster County. Witness to
the birth of all three of these children was Mary Ann Slater of
Colerain, Lancaster County. Mary A. Anthony of Strasburg, Lan
caster County, was also present at the birth of Mary E. James.
Elizabeth Milford of Bart witnessed the birth of Harry, and
Rachel Catharine James of Bart witnessed the birth of Ann Ehzabeth.
Harriett James and her family came to Norristown sometime
around 1878. She appeared in the 1878 Norristown business di
rectory as a widow Uving on the comer of Wood and Willow
streets. A later directory placed her at 45 E. Wood, and the 1880
census listed her at 475 Basin street in the Third Ward. Living
with the 46-year old widow was Mary Ella, 23, Harry, a 19-year
old laborer, and Ann E., 17, and a cousin, Elizabeth Milford, 43.
The 1890 business directory listed Harriet James, wid.
Michael, 45 E. Wood; Henry James, bell boy; Mary E. James; and
Annie E. James, laimdress.
On April 17, 1893, Henry James, a 32-year old waiter, and
Amy Adella Jackson, a 30-year old domestic, appUed for a mar
riage license. They gave their parents' names as Michael and
Harriet James and William and Jane Jackson. The announce
ment of their marriage in the Norristown Weekly Herald of April
24 held an unusual prominence, given the times and their race.
MID-APRIL WEDDINGS.
MR. HENRY JAMES AND ADDELLA JACKSON
MARRIED.
69
Large Numbers of Guests Present
A number of weddings were solemnized Wednesday. Mr.
Henry James and Miss Addella Jackson, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. William Jackson, were married at 8 o'clock in the
evening at the residence of the bride's peirents at 1055 Wil
low street.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Hood, pastor
of Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church in the presence of seventy-five
guests. [The pastor of Mt. Zion was the Rev. Lewis Wood.
The duplicate marriage license was signed by Christopher
Jones.] George Griffith acted as best man and Thomas
Blackwell as usher. Miss Hannah Jackson, sister of the
bride being maid of honor.
The dresses worn by bride and maid were rich material
handsomely made and each carried flowers. The parlor
where the ceremony was performed was prettily decorated
with flowers from Metcalfs greenhouses. The wedding sup
per was served by Bruce.
The bride was the recipient of many handsome presents.
Mr. and Mrs. James will reside at Wood and Basin
streets, where they have a comfortably furnished home.
The summer will be spent at Saratoga.
Guests were present fi-om Norristown, Germantown,
Philadelphia, and Washington. [Thomas Blackwell was a
waiter at Ward's Restaurant on East Main.]
By 1894, "Henry" James, bell boy, and his wife Amy had
moved to 212 E. Spruce Street. Amy James was the daughter of
William H. Jackson, who also served in the Civil War.
The minutes of the April 3, 1899, meeting of the Norristown
Borough Council recorded that the resignation of Francis S.
Emory as a member of the Police Force had been accepted and
that Harry James was recommended as a suitable^person to
serve as Borough Watchman or Policeman. The Norristown Reg
ister followed up the next day with a report on the meeting, in
which it was stated that "Harry James be elected to fill his
(Emory's) place." On May 10, 1899, Harry James participated in
a merchants-policemen baseball game, playing third base. The
merchants won 19-18.
The 1900 census of the Eighth Ward listed Henry James, a 39year old policeman (bom April 1861), wife Amy A., 36 (bom Au
gust 1863); Walter H., bom June 1895; William H., born August
70
1898; and Grace, bom December 1899. They were living at 212 E.
Spruce Street. This date is significant, because Norristown lore
has it that Harry James became Norristown's first black police
man in 1898. It should also be noted that in the 1900 census
Mary Milford lived next to the James family; and Elizabeth Milford, a 60-year old widow, lived at 118 E. Spruce Street with
daughters Harriet A. and Rachel A.; and Amy Milford, 11, was
living with her grandfather William H. Jackson at 1055 Willow
Street.
The Norristown Herald of January 11, 1902, published an
obituary for Anne E. James, who died January 10, in her 29th
year. The fimeral was held from the residence of William Scott,
Swede and Wood streets, and she was buried at Treemount (LL-
11). [William H. Scott, a hostler, was himself a veteran of Co. 0,
24th Regiment, and is buried at Treemount (LL-3).]
Little Ruth James, 6-month old daughter of Harry and Amy
James, died July 25, 1904, and is buried at Treemoimt (MM-11).
Police Officer Harry James died October 30,1916, after being
treated for two weeks in Charity Hospital for typhoid. His obitu
ary stated that he had served on the police force for 18 years, hav
ing been appointed through the efforts of Eighth Ward Council
man William J. Wells. "For many years James patroled a district
in the Sixth and Eighth wards and later was transferred by Chief
of Police Fellman to the Fifth and Ninth wards." James was
buried at Treemount Cemetery with the Rev. Mr. Chippy of Mt.
Zion Church officiating and Thomas Blackwell, Louis Griffey,
William Major, Wood Smith, Charles Milford, and Oliver Caldwell serving as pall-bearers.
Amy James, the widow of Harry James, continued to be listed
in the Norristown business directory through 1951. Extant bur
ial records of Treemount Cemetery do not include Harriet James
or her son and daughter-in-law Harry and Amy James.
BENJAMIN JOHNSON: WC 453-828
Benjamin Johnson, a former slave, came to Norristown in
1845 from Maryland. There is some question as to his activities
during the Civil War. The service record Johnson gave to the cen
sus taker in 1890 stated that he had served as a private in Co. D.,
3rd U.S.C.T., for two years two months, nine days, from July 4,
1863, to July 13, 1865. Bates' History, however, says he was dis
charged on a surgeon's certificate Nov. 28, 1863 (V:9332).
When Johnson applied for an invalid pension in 1881, he was
71
55 years old £ind six feet tall. His military pension records state
that "at William Penn (Camp) near Jenkintown, Penn., about
Sept. 1863, he (Johnson) strained his back by lifting musket
Boxes - that he strained his back - That he was not in the mili
tary service after Nov. 28, 1863 - That he was in the Hospital at
Camp William Penn Euid discharged therefrom by reason of dis
ability for which he claims pension... that while Ufting said mus
ket boxes - that while one was put into place and piling them on
top of each the pile not being regular the top or one of the said
Musket Boxes with muskets (inside) fell on him." Another affi
davit states that Johnson was a rough carpenter at the camp at
Chelten Hills; that a case of muskets slipped from the hands of
one of his fellow workmen and fell on his back; that he was con
fined to his hospital bed most of the time. By the time of this af
fidavit (1883) the surgeon was deceased and could not offer a
statement as to Johnson's disability.
According to the 1850 census, Benjamin Johnson, 27, laborer,
was living in the Lower Ward of Norristown with George Wash
ington, 28 (b. Maryland); Washington Mason, 25 (Maryland);
John, 23; Thomas Douglas, 24 (this was Ben Johnson's half
brother); and Enos Sinclair, 26. Next to them were Thomas
Emerson, 25; Elizabeth Emerson, 19; John Emerson, 1; Hester
Johnson, 50; Martha Johnson, 15; Emanuel Johnson 12; and Juliann Johnson, 8.
On May 27,1854, Daniel H. and Julia L. Mulvany and his wife
sold a quarry lot in Norristown to Benjamin Johnson for $2000
(Deed Book 92, p. 510). The quarry was on Marshall Street, ad
joining a comer of Bolton & Christman, Quarry Alley, Chestnut
Street, gind Freedlejr's Mill Race. This quarry was the site on
which the Adam Scheldt Brewery was later built. Chestnut
Street today leads directly to the precipice of the excavation.
On June 16, 1863, Benjamin Johnson was married to Mary
Jane Lewis of Norristown at the First Presbyterian Church.
The 1867 business directory listed Benjamin Johnson as living
at the comer of Powell and Wood streets. His address in 1870 was
listed as DeKalb near Wood. In 1870 Benjamin Johnson, 45, and
his wife Jane, 27, had children Abraham, 7; John, 5; and Sarah,
3. Jane was also a Maryland native.
According to Deed Book 196, p. 95, dated March 9, 1872,
George Shannon, committer of the person and estate of Laurence
E. Corson, "a lunatic," sold to Ben Johnson a property on the
southeast side of DeKalb street, 215 feet northeasterly from
72
CITIZEN SOLDffiRS OF COLOR
Roberts, adjoining Nathan Dorsey, Green Street, and lots which
Isaac Roberts had sold to Corson. Corson, a well-known surveyor
and realtor, had been declared a lunatic on March 5, 1872. The
court adjudged that he was a lunatic when he agreed to sell the
property to Johnson on March 30,1872, for $713.83 with interest.
The court, having ruled that the contract was still valid, directed
Johnson to pay the balance to Shannon. [This property is one
block north of the Historical Society headquarters, on the same
side of the street. Eventually John Johnson lived in the DeKalb
Street house, and Abraham lived on Willow below Roberts.]
[Nathaniel Dorsey appeared as a 50-year old Maryland native on
the 1870 census, with wife Jane, 35; John, 17; George , 15; Israel,
13; James, 10; and Louisa, 4, all bom in Pennsylvania.]
On June 24,1872, Benjamin Johnson charged Nathan Dorsey
with entering his dwelling house on May 16, and committing as
sault and battery upon him. Isaac Stokes posted bond for Dorsey.
The newspaper coverage of this trial sheds light on how justice
was dispensed to black citizens in Norristown.
The August 29,1872, edition of the Norristown Weekly Herald
reported:
The Colored Troops Fought Again. Nathan Dorsey was
tried on a charge of assault and battery upon Ben Johnson.
The litigants are well known colored men, residents for
many years in this borough, and a dispute arose between
them about a carpenter's rule, which both claimed each
swore to be his own property. Ben Johnson took the rule
out of Dorsey's house. Dorsey followed Johnson, jumped
over the fence which divided their lots, grasped the rule
and broke it when a struggle took place between the pros
ecutor and defendant. They created considerable amuse
ment by the manner in which they gave their evidence, for
each depicted his share in the fracas with demonstrative
pantomimic action. Ben was very sanguine, jovial, and ju
bilant about his case and the effect his testimony had pro
duced, but his face was considerably elongated when six
very respectable citizens took the stand in succession and
swore he was not worthy to be believed on his oath. This
was a settler, and a verdict of not guilty was returned by
the jury.
The National Defender published its own version of the trial
oh August 27:
73
Com. VS. Nathan Dorsey. This was a case in which the
colored people of Norristown showed considerable interest.
The parties were aU colored. The defendant was on trial for
an assault and battery upon Ben. Johnson. It was a very
petty case and ought never to have been brought into
Court. The prosecutor, Ben. Johnson quarrelled with
Dorsey about a foot rule. After the occurrence it was
brought up before their church and settled as all the par
ties interested supposed, but Ben determined to have more
satisfaction, and the jury gave it to him to his heart's con
tent by acquitting the defendant and making Ben pay twothirds the cost. Ben is a noted character in town, and this
prosecution has taught him a lesson not to bring such triv
ial and fiivolous cases into a Court of Justice for the pur
pose of spite and revenge.
In 1874 Benjamin Johnson was sued separately by Lewis
Green, Charles Nicholas, and John N. Nicholas to recover wages
for services of working in a quarry for the defendant. The De
cember 22, 1874, Norristown Herald reported that Green was
awarded $21.83; Charles Nicholas $20.07, and John Nicholas
$37.97.
Johnson and Dorsey were back in the courts again in 1876,
when Dorsey charged Johnson with assault and battery and
Johnson charged Dorsey with stealing a panel and some boards
from another panel of his fence. The National Defender of May 9
reported:
On the Muscle. - Benj. Johnson, a well known colored char
acter of this Borough, was held in bail last week to answer
the charge of assault and battery upon the person of Na
than Dorsey, also a gentleman of color. Johnson and Dor
sey are neighbors, and while Ben was engaged in plough
ing, Dorsey accused him of trespassing on his grounds, Ben
gave the lie to the assertion by knocking Dorsey down. The
case will be an interesting one in Court.
Indeed, the National Defender covered the trial, stating on
June 13:
Com. vs. Benjamin Johnson (colored) - Assault and battery
—Last April while the defendant was harrowing his lot.
74
Nathan Dorsey (colored) entered the premises and took
hold of the harrow and 'flimg' it around. He then made a
'grab' for the bridle of the mule and caught Ben around the
neck. Ben then 'flung Dorsey and mounted him.' At this
time an Irishman came upon the scene, and fearing that
the colored gentlemen would 'destroy each other,' he ad
vised an immediate separation of the belligerents. This he
accomphshed. Verdict of guilty, and defendant was there
upon sentenced to pay the costs.
Further down in the column of reports on court cases in that
same issue of the National Defender was this item:
Com. vs. Nathan Dorsey —Larceny. The Court directed the
jury to render a verdict of not guilty as the Commonwealth
had not made out a case against him.
The 1880 census showed these Johnsons at 284 DeKalb
Street: Benjamin Johnson, 68, quarryman; Mary J., 35; Abra
ham, 15; John, 14; Anna, 11; Mary C., 7; Benjamin, 8; and Laura,
4.
Johnson was back in court when, on October 20,1884, Mary J.
Johnson charged her husband with assault and battery, claiming
that before and since October 1 he had threatened to do her bod
ily harm and had abused and beaten her. Fearing that he would
injure her again, she sought a surety of the peace and had him
committed to the county prison. Called as witness were Abraham
Johnson, Nathan Dorsey, and Mrs. Frances Gibson.
At the trial, according to the Norristown Herald,
Mrs. Benjamin Johnson testified about the 10th of October
last at between ten and eleven o'clock Ben came home in
toxicated. He came to the foot of her bed and threatened to
tear the 'grizzles' out ofher and tramp them under his feet.
Soon after this he caused the arrest of the witness and her
son Abe. They were taken before I. S. Atkinson, Esq., upon
a 'trumped up' charge and compelled to pay $17.70 costs.
On last Saturday Ben told her that he and (Thomas) Dou
glas were going to New York and when they returned
would anniWlate her. She told the Court that she was 'mor
tally afi-aid of her hfe if Ben Johnson was allowed to come
to her house whenever he wanted.'
75
In testimony the following day Mrs. Johnson stated that
she generally received the earnings of her children. Abra
ham Johnson, son of defendant Johnson testified to his fa
ther's unruly actions. Mrs. Gibson saw some of the difficul
ties between Benjamin and his wife. He does not treat her
as becomes a man. Nathan Dorsey lives very close to John
son's and frequently hears Benjamin abusing his wife. Ben
jamin Johnson, the defendant, testified that his wife is the
cause of all their domestic troubles. Squire Atkinson told of
the hearing before him, in which these parties were con
curred. Thomas Douglas was called but not sworn. Judge
Boyer continued the case imtil the next court and bound
each party in the sum of $100 to appear at same.
Johnson was active in G.A.R. Post 80 as well as the movement
for the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment. The Herald and
Free Press and Norristown Republican of April 14,1870, reported
that at the Union Mass Meeting presided over by Albanus S.
Fisher, "Mr. Ben Johnson addressed the meeting on the subject
for which they were called together, and was frequently ap
plauded." He was active in organizing the colored community in
the Hartranft Club in 1872, speaking in public about the slavery
of his race in years gone by, and spoke out when the Democratic
party attempted to lure the colored voters away from the Repub
licans in 1877.
Johnson applied for a disability pension in 1892. He reported
that on September 5, 1890, while at his place of business, at Devault Station, Chester County, "in a flint stone quarry leased by
himself, he was standing near to where Patrick Farrell, one ofhis
employees, was breaking a large stone with a sledge, while so sit
uated a spall or small piece of the stone upon which the workman
was striking, flew into his, Claimant's eye; his eye bled very
fi-eely, and he has frequently been compelled to go under medical
treatment for the same."
When Ben Johnson died, the Norristown Daily Herald ofJune
26, 1893, published the following obituary:
Benjamin Johnson Dead. He Succumbs to an Acute Illness
on Sxmday Morning.
Ben Johnson, one of the best known colored men in this
76
section of the country, died Sunday morning, the 18th inst.,
at his home on DeKalb street near Brown. Mr. Johnson
was only taken sick on Saturday. A physician was called in,
who, after a carefiil diagnosis, found that his patient was
suffering from acute pneumonia, which rapidly wore out
his vitality, rendering succor beyond a possibility. Having
endured many hardships during his long life, his system
was in a condition to succumb at once to the severity of the
disease. Mr. Johnson was over 70 years of age. Ben John
son has been a familiar figure about Norristown for more
than forty years. He came from Maryland where he was a
slave. He was of an enterprising turn and has been a hard
worker all his life. For many years he has been engaged in
quarrying flint which he sold to Philadelphia and New
York firms for various purposes such as the manufacture of
sand paper, door knobs, etc. Johnson served through the
war with Col. E. D. Beiker, of the 'California Bucktails,' and
was with that officer at the time he was killed at Bull's
Bluff. He was a member of Post No. 80, G.A.R., of Philadel
phia. Johnson's stories of that battle and his reminiscences
of an eventful career told in old plantation style are famil
iar. Deceased leaves a widow and six children, three sons
and three daughters.
Ben Johnson was buried in Treemount Cemetery (Lot NN-5).
His estate papers recorded that he had died June 18, 1893, and
that Nancy Jane Johnson was his executrix.
His estate was insufficient for the payment of his debts. At the
time of his death he had an agreement of sale with Henry Freedley. His property was a house on the northwest side of Willow
street northeast from Roberts street. In his will he referred to it
as his 'Tjrick cottage located on Cottage Hill." He mentioned his
half brother, Thomas Douglas. His six children were Abraham,
John, Benjamin, Anna, Laura, and Katie. The will stated that he
was "now largely engaged in quarrying different kinds of quartz
and flint stone throughout the counties of Montgomery and
Chester under certain leases. His three boys shall take charge of
and work the quarries and keep up the leases." He appointed his
fnend Jacob G. Landes and his beloved son Abraham Johnson as
executors. His inventory included a "cart, farming implements,
hogs, shoats, feed cutter, broken fall top wagon, quarry tools, old
car and wagons, about 8 acres of com, one field potatoes, field
77
com 5 acres, grass, etc., and a Lot of Stone at Quarry, 1 lot feed
middlings, black horse, old dog cart, old express wagon, excavat
ing wagon, fall top wagon, hay wagon, horse rake, old fall top
wagon, mowing machine old style, wagon jack, oderless excavt.
apparatus, mustang horse, 2 old mules, 1 old wagon for stone
(home made), red cart, 3 mules, 5 setts sec. hand harness."
Dr. Hiram Corson, an activist in the abolition movement,
wrote an eye-witness account of the underground railroad, pubhshed in Sketches ofthe Historical Society ofMontgomery County,
Vol. II. He had this to say about Ben Johnson:
It was not till 1845 that Ben Johnson and three others
came from Virginia, by way of Harrisburg, direct to Norristown. Ben is now deceased, but the other three and
Ben's wife and grown sons and daughters are still there, occupjdng the house and lot, which he had accumulated while
in the work against slavery.
Soon after he came to Norristown he engaged very
earnestly. I was one evening in the back office of my
brother. Dr. Wm. Corson, when Ben came in with his face
showing that there was serious business on his mind.
There had been some slaves captured now and then during
the time he had been in Norristown, in other countries, and
in Philadelphia, and the Norristown colored man had a
suspicion that one of those in Norristown was sending word
to the owners of any that he could leam had come away
from slavery. And they now had suspicion of one who had
gone to Philadelphia in the cars, as they believed, to betray
them. This he told us and that he was down to watch for
him, and he added, 'he muth die.' 'Oh, Ben, you must not
talk that way,' my brother said. Ben was silent for a brief
time, as if weighing the counsel, then raising his clenched
hand above his head, brought it down with tremendous
force and against said, 'He muth die.'
When Mary Jane Johnson applied for a widow's pension in
1893, Thomas Matthews, 57, and Samuel M. Brown, 57, testified
to their knowledge of the family. Matthews said he had known
Johnson for more than 50 years; that he 'first became acquainted
with him while he was a slave in Howard Cotmty, Maryland.'
Brown knew Johnson 'since he was a young boy and remembered
that he came here as a fiigitive slave.' Both men swore that they
78
CmZEN SOLDIERS OF COLOR
had known Mary since childhood and that her maiden name was
Lewis.
Mary J. Johnson of 1728 DeKalb Street testified that she was
bom in March 1843 in Aberdeen, Harford County, Maryland, and
was married imder the name of Mary Jane Lewis on June 16,
1863, by Rev. J. F. Halsey, pastor of First Presbjrterian Church of
Norristown. She died June 20, 1924, in her 77th year. According
to the Daily Herald, she was survived by Mrs. Anna M. Smith,
Mrs Katherine M. Hastings, Mrs. Laura V. Miller, and Abraham,
Benjamin, and John Johnson. She was buried at Treemount
Cemetery, with the funeral held at Ebenezer Church with the
Rev. V. L. Bantum of St. John's Church, Conshohocken, and the
Rev. S. W. Chippey of Ebenezer Church in charge.
HENRY JOHNSON: SO 595-389.
Henry Johnson served as a private in Co. A, 3rd Regiment,
U.S.C.T. He was mustered in on June 26, 1863, and was dis
charged on a surgeon's certificate on June 6,1865, (Bates' History
V:928 —Bates also lists a Henry Johnson, private, who mustered
in December 14, 1864, as a substitute and was discharged date
unknown).
According to his pension file. Private Henry Johnson of Cap
tain George D. Hart's Company "A" of the Third Regiment of the
United States Colored Troops was enlisted by Lt. Col. Wagner of
the 88th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers at Philadel
phia on June 26, 1863, to serve three years. He was born on the
Eastern Shore of Maryland, and was a laborer standing 5 feet 9
inches.
In February 1864, while on the march from Jacksonville to
Baldwin, Florida, Johnson contracted chronic kidney disease and
diarrhea. According to A. M. Barnes, siirgeon of the 3rd U.S.C.T.,
Johnson suffered with this illness for eight months, making him
"unfitted for all soldierly duties, and is disqualified for Veteran
Reserve Corps by reason of color." He was consequently given a
surgeon's discharge on June 6,1865, at Tallahasse.
According to Henry Johnson's own words,
I was then sent to New York by Steamer "Arigo" arrived
there on a Wednesday in Jtme 1865, next morning took the
cars for Philadelphia — then staid in Philadelphia with
Mrs. Price on Middle AUey between 6th and 7th streets
until the following March — came then to Spread Eagle
79
Chester Co. only for a few days — and lived with Christo
pher Brown below Port Kennedy Montgomery Co. I live 2
yrs with C. Brown. Then I lived with John Hampton 4 yrs
near Abrams Station Reading RR — William Ramsey I now
live with as a watchman have lived with him about 4 yrs.
All these person mentioned live near each other and I have
been in the same neighborhood for over 20 years. It started
(sickness) with pains across his kidneys and Diarrhea the
same time. Was in the Hospital at Jacksonville Fla. — I
could not do a fiill days work since my discharge from the
army.
In another affidavit, dictated on Jime 10, 1887, Johnson
stated,
... at the time of my discharge I lived in Philadelphia from
June until March following Spring, Dr. Handy prescribed
for me while in Philada. who is now deceased I lived on
Middle Alley while in Philada since that time several of the
family have been removed by death, and the family broken
up, since then I have been a resident of Montgomery Co.
Upper Merion Township, near Norristown, I have been en
gaged in white washing and other light-work, while the
season was favorable and at the approach of winter I am
oblidged to repair to the Montgomery Co. poor House as I
can not do hard work. My sickness first began with severe
pains through my kidneys, which was of long duration, I
lay in Hospital for a long time do not remember how long
but received my discharge while there. For about two years
I could not work at aU, and since I am now frequently pre
vented from doing even fight work which is likely to occur
at any time, as my constitution seems to have been pros
trated from the sickness I contracted while in the govern
ment service, before that I was a hearty man. Dr. William
Corson treated me since living near Norristown but is now
deceased. Dr Royer Physician at poor House has treated me
since Dr. Corsons death.
Johnson began applying for a disability pension in 1887. He
had numerous physical examinations, both in Philadelphia and
in Camden, New Jersey. Attesting for his character were James
M. McClellan, who sold liquor at the comer of DeKalb and Wash-
80
ington streets in Norristown, and Charles M. Wilson, a laborer
living at Beech below Markley. Edward Schall was the attorney
until he died April 23,1887. An agent came from Washington and
attempted to take Schall's place, hut Johnson appointed John S.
Schall to have his power of attorney.
In the winter of 1882-83 Henry Johnson had become an in
mate of the Montgomery County Almshouse, in the words of J.
Warren Royer, M.D.,
in consequence of a severe injury to his left knee from the
cut of an axe. This unfortunate accident, complicated with
the usual strenuous habit so common to the colored race,
conjoined with previous Rheumatism, eventually brought
about caries of portions of the bones about the knee and ex
tensive ulcerations of the lymphatic glands below the knee.
Complete anchylosis of the knee joint has taken place with
in the past two years. This unfortunate has also been af
flicted for several winters past with Chronic Bronchitis,
which adds not a little to his physical discomfort and gen
eral debility. His physical disability is henceforth without
the pale of remedies, and will always totally disqualify him
from performing any manual labor whatever.
Dr. Charles H. Mann of Bridgeport had also treated Johnson
for his ailment for about ten years.
A doctor examining Johnson in 1887 for a pension found him
to be in fair health for his age, walking lamely with the aid of a
crutch and cane because of the anchylosed knee, and suffering
from lumbago, probably caused by the knee problem.
In 1889 a Pension Board doctor found the 65-year old man to
be presenting "the ordinary phenomena of early senilitjr" as well
as anemia, debilitation, and slight emaciation. There was some
evidence of a previous bout of syphilis.
The 1880 business directory lists him as living on Railroad
street near 4th in Bridgeport.
Henry Johnson died July 25, 1889, at the age of 68, and was
buried in Treemount Cemetery (00-10). A small article in the
July 29, 1889, Herald stated that
Henry Johnson, of Upper Merion, who was bom a slave in
Cecil county, Md., was sent to the Almshouse a few days
ago. He served during the war in the First Colored Infantry
and is a member of Post 80, G.A.R., of Philadelphia.
81
The county paid for Johnson's burial because "he died without
leaving sufficient means to defray the necessary expenses of bur
ial." According to the Application for Burial, $4.00 was charged
for lajdng out the body, $18.00 for the coffin, $8.00 for the grave,
and $5.00 for hire of the hearse.
Edward Hocker, writing in the Norristown Times Herald on
March 7, 1941, said,
In 1889 a Negro named Henry Johnson, who had served in
the Civil war, died in the county Almshouse. Zook Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, proposed to bury his body in
the Post's plot in Montgomery Cemetery. But when the
cemetery officials learned Johnson was a Negro they re
fused permission for the burial. He was then buried at
Treemount. When the first church for Negroes in Norris
town, Mount Zion, was founded, in 1849, a church was built
on Pearl Street, south of Lafayette, £ind, in accordance with
the custom of that time, there was a burial ground along
side the church. The congregation removed to a new site,
on Powell Street, in the 1870's. The bodies were then re
moved from the grounds on Pearl Street to the Roberts
Burial Ground at Red Hill. This ground on DeKalb Pike,
between Bridgeport and King of Prussia, was established
by Jonathan Roberts, member of the United States Senate
in the early years of the nineteenth century. Senator
Roberts himself was buried there when he died in 1854. A
central plot is for members of the Roberts family. By Sena
tor Roberts' provision, indigent persons, white or black,
may be buried in the remainder of the tract.
There is nothing in the Application for Burial that would in
dicate that an attempt was made to bury Henry Johnson in
Montgomery Cemetery; the form says "Treemount Cemetery
Norristown Penna" and is dated July 26, 1889.
An item in the "News ofYesteryear" column of the Times Her
ald of March 24, 1965, stated:
75 years ago a delegation of Robert Bryan Post, No. 80, of
Philadelphia, and a number of comrades of that Post resid
ing in Norristown to the number of over 30, paid a frater
nal visit to Zook Post. A large attendance of the Post and
82
contributing members of the Post welcomed them and an
usually good Grand Army camp-fire was held in the Post
room. The object of the visit was primarily to express their
appreciation of an act of kindness rendered them last Sum
mer in the burial of one of their unfortunate members who
was left here without a friend except his comrades of the
Grand Army.
The original coverage of this incident can not be found. The
"News of Yesteryear" column is based on similar columns 25
years earlier rather than on the actual accounts.
JOHN KELLY: SC 692-005.
John A. (Alfred) Kelly served as a private in Co. I, 39th
U.S.C.T., from March 31, 1864, to December 4, 1865. Bom in
Queen Anne, Maryland, he was a 34-year old farmer at the time
of his enlistment. During his service he received medical treat
ment in the hospital on several occasions during the summer of
1864. After a bout with chronic diarrhea in February 1865, he
was returned to active duty. He was discharged in Wilmington,
North Carolina.
According to pension papers, Kelly never married.
The 1870 census of Norristown showed John A. Kelly, 43, la
borer, bom in Maryland, living in the household of Mary J. Wil
son, along with Samuel G. Kelly, 25, Charles Kelly, 23, Louisa
Wilson, 13, and Thomas Ferrel, 21. In the 1880 business direc
tory a John Kelly was listed as a gardener on Moore street below
High; in 1890 a John Kelly was living on the alley to the rear of
215 E. Penn. It has not been determined whether any of these
men was the Civil War veteran. The 1880 census does not show
a John A. Kelly living in either the fourth or fifth ward of Nor
ristown.
In 1891 John A. Kelly was living temporarily at 216 Searles
Street, in Wilmington, Delaware. He also lived for a time in Royersford, Montgomery County, where his pension payments were
sent until 1901. The May 20,1901, check was returned from Royersford and then forwarded to Kelly, but it is not evident where
that place was.
Kelly began receiving an Invalid Pension of $8 per month in
1891 because of rheumatism. In his original application he
claimed that his debility stemmed from hardships and exposure
in the service. He had been knock-kneed from birth. John D.
83
Harden and James Seifus testified as to his physical condition
and character. His occupation had been that of a hod-carrier, but
his disability had rendered him able to be only a common laborer.
John A. Kelly died July 15, 1904, and was buried in Mingo
Brethren Cemetery, Row 17, in Upper Providence Township. He
had no obituary.
CHARLES A. C. LEAR
Charles A. C. Lear served as a musician in Co. A., Indepen
dent Regiment, from September 27, 1864, to July 25, 1865, ac
cording to the 1890 census. He was born in August 1846, died
March 1, 1923, and was buried at Port Kennedy Presbyterian
Church.
By the time he died, Charles Lear had achieved some kind of
celebrity. The March 2, 1923, edition of the Daily Herald re
ported:
84
Charles A. C. Lear died yesterday in his home at Berwyn.
He was 76 years old. Mr. Lear was one of the best known
colored men in the Schuylkill and Chester valleys. For
many years he was a resident of Port Kennedy. He was a
justice of the peace there for a long time and conducted a
barber shop. For a quarter of a century or more he was a
news correspondent. He discontinued the newspaper work
some time before his removal from Port Kennedy to
Chester county. Mr. Lear was a regular church attendant
and took great interest in religious matters. He had a host
of friends who will be shocked to hear of his death. The fu
neral will take place Monday afternoon. All services will be
held in Port Kennedy Presbjrterian Church at 2:30 o'clock.
Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.
An additional death notice stated that the viewing would be
Sunday afternoon at his late residence on Walnut street in
Berwyn. The Rev. William M. Seel conducted the funeral.
Charles A. C. Lear published his "Recollections of the War" in
the Norristown Herald from September 21, 1891, through De
cember 9, 1891. They were reprinted in the Bulletin of the His
torical Society ofMontgomery County. A native of Virginia, he re
counted that he was serving Lt. Carr in the 4th Marine Infantry
Regiment on May 5,1862. "A boy then was I fleeing from slavery
following the army of God, liberty and justice." Then he hired
himself out to Lt. George W. Trego of the 2nd Michigan Infantry
Regiment, Co. D. In March 1864 he signed on with Capt. H. H.
McCall, Co. D, Pennsylvania Reserves.
Lear bought property in Upper Merion Township in 1892
(Deed Book 367, p. 9) and later sold the right of way to the
Audubon Street Railway Company to operate an electric Railway
on his property on King of Prussia Road leading from Port
Kennedy to King of Prussia (Miscellaneous Deed Book 62, p.
363).
So well known and respected was Lear that he sent a letter to
the editor of the Norristown Herald on January 10, 1889, which
was published under the title: "The Race Question - An Article in
the TIerald' on the Subject commented on by a Well-Known Col
ored Man." To gain an appreciation for Lear's thinking and articulateness, one should read the letter in its entirety.
Your editorial in the Herald entitled "The Race Question,'
85
has my entire approval. It is the most terse, frank and
manly theorem I have ever read. 'The colored people of the
South are not only there —they are there to stay,' is not a
theory but a fact as broad as the United States, and who
denies it? 'But how shall the prejudice of Southern whites
against the Negro be removed? By education which will enhghten and enlarge the views of one, and improve and ele
vate the other.' This is unquestionably true. There is no
'Negro problem' at all, it is the 'problem' of prejudice. Edu
cation, intelligence and refinement is what the Negro
wants and intends to have with all the wealth he can accu
mulate, then who shall dictate his social status or assume
to set apart certain States or Territories or talk about su
premacy ofthis or that race? The fatherhood of God and the
brotherhood of man must assume a better understanding
in the minds of men, then the prejudice will vanish as the
shades of night before the rising sun, and all will then see
the path your editorial points out.
He also authored "An Earnest Appeal To the Colored Voters of
Pennsylvania," which appeared in the October 15, 1894, edition
of the Herald, urging voters of his race to cast their ballots for the
Repubhcan party.
JOHN R. LEWIS: 0-2, 498081.
John R. Lewis served as a private in Co. H, 25th Regiment,
U.S.C.T., from February 3, 1864, to December 6, 1865 (Bates,
V:1042). The 1890 census of Civil War veterans showed that he
was living at William Perm Post Office, West Whitemarsh Town
ship.
According to the obituary published in the July 24, 1922,
Daily Herald, John R. Lewis, 79, died that morning at his resi
dence, 358 East Airy Street, after a brief illness. He was survived
by three daughters, Mame Butler (Mrs. Walter), Miss Clara
Lewis, and Mrs. Horace Smith, and two sons. The funeral was
conducted at the Butler home at 809 Walnut street, and under
taker Robert F. Smith buried him in Plymouth Friends Ceme
tery. The cemetery records list John R. Lewis as 1st Sergeant.
Other Lewises buried at Plymouth are Elizabeth (d. 11-27-1882,
56 yr. 2 mo. lid.); Isaac (d. 3-27-1858, 44 yr. 9 mo. 14 d.); and
Anna (d. 11-19-1863, 12 yr. 3 mo.).
86
The Lewis family had been living in Whitemarsh Township as
early as 1835, when James Lewis, a colored man, was taxed for
six acres and a dwelling. Lewis had purchased this property on
the road from Spring Mill to Philadelphia from Isaac Williams on
July 14, 1834 (Deed Book 50, p. 322). In 1837 the children of a
John Lewis, James, 7, and William, 5, were on the list of scholars
whose fathers could not pay school tuition. A John Lewis began
paying taxes in 1839. James and Caroline Lewis had sold a 2-acre
portion of their property on the road from Barren Hill Church to
Spring Mill to this John Lewis on November 1, 1838 (Deed Book
55, p. 336). In 1891 the Civil War veteran John R. Lewis lost the
larger property that had remained with James and Caroline
Lewis when T. C. McDowell sued him (Sheriffs Book I, p. 474).
The 1850 census of Whitemarsh included a 7-year-old John
Lewis, a mulatto bom in Pennsylvania, living with his parents
James Lewis, 45, black, and Caroline, 28, mulatto, both of Vir
ginia, and siblings Elizabeth, 9, and James 2, both born in Penn
sylvania.
John R. Lewis married Mary Ida Davis on March 26, 1867, in
Spring Mill, with "Revem Rhodes," the minister of Mt. Zion
A.M.E. Church officiating. Mrs Mary Nicholas of 118 W. Elm
Street, Norristown, was a witness. Mary Ida Lewis died October
12,1897. The couple had six children: Isaac Lewis, bom March 7,
1868; died March 29, 1909; Harvey Taylor Lewis, born August 4,
1877; Mary Lewis, bom September 27, 1881; Gertrude Lewis,
bom July 11, 1883; Clara Lewis, bom January 23, 1885; and
Viola Lewis, born November 6, 1893.
By 1870 John Lewis, 40, huckster, was living with his wife
Elizabeth, 39; and John, 24, gardner; William, 23, day laborer;
George, 21, day laborer; Mary, 19; and Josephine Grose, 11. It is
not clear who these John Lewises were in relation to the Civil
War veteran.
The 1880 census of West Whitemarsh Township included
John Lewis, 37, coachman; Mary, 30; Isaac, 12; Harvey, 3; Wal
ter, 11 months. They were living in the village of Barren Hill,
with Charles Staley and Jame Moyer on one side of their prop
erty and Henry Culp and Clarence Staley on the other.
By 1910 John R. Lewis' wife was dead, and he was living at
311 East Basin Street in Norristown. Living with him were his
10-month old grandson Russell Lewis and his 54-year old house
keeper, Harriett Henderson. Elsewhere in Norristown, at 231
Basin Street, were William Butler, 59, driver for a hardware
87
company; Walter, 30; Mary, 29, who had been married to young
Walter for nine years), and the four Lewis-Butler grandchildren,
Amanda, 11; Alice, 8; William, 6; and Helen, 4.
According to pension application papers John R. Lewis was
bom January 24, 1843, at Spring Mill Village, Whitemarsh
Township, Montgomery County, and enlisted in Co. H, 25th Reg
iment, U.S.C.T., at Chelten Hills on Februaiy 3, 1864. He was a
21-year old laborer, had a yellow complexion, and stood 5 feet 9
inches tall. He held the rank of private, corporal, sergeant, and
first sergeant. He was discharged December 6, 1865, at Camp
Cadwalader, Philadelphia.
Lewis began applying for a disability pension in 1905, calling
upon two acquaintances to testify on his behalf, M. Filmore Stempie of Conshohocken, who knew him for 25 years, and Mitcheal
[sic] Holden, who knew him for 15 years.
By 1907 Lewis was living at 311 E. Basin Street in Norristown. Elmer Irons and William Smith vouched for his character.
Irons was a laborer living at 315 E. Wood Street.
In 1912 Lewis testified that the only places he had ever lived
were Spring Mill, Cape May, N.J., and Norristown.
In order to prove the date of his birth, John Lewis took his
family Bible to E. M. Harry, Justice of the Peace at 415 Swede
Street in Norristown. The Bible was very old and very much dis
colored. Lewis's birthdate was recorded under Births, and his
name was followed by the births of brothers and sisters.
John R. Lewis died July 24, 1922, from Bright's disease and
uremic poisoning. Dr. Daniel A. Wilson attended him, but he had
no nursing care. He left no property, but there were two insur
ance policies, the premiums of which had been paid by his daugh
ters, Clara D. Lewis and Mary I. Butler, who were named bene
ficiaries. Mrs. Eva H. Parker of 358 East Airy Street reported to
the Board of Pensions that John R. Lewis, "an old Soldier, died at
my Residence... where he had been Boarding for Eleven Weekes
at Eight Dollars Per Week." Mrs. Parker was awarded $66.00.
Dr. Wilson received payment for his services, as did Robert F.
Smith, the undertaker. Lewis's daughter Clara, living at 23 Jacoby Street, was held responsible for pajdng Parker, Wilson, and
Smith any additional moneys not covered by her father's pension.
Theodore F. Smith of 342 E. Oak Street and Henry W. Taylor of
218 E. Spruce Street certified that they had known Lewis for 50
and 30 years respectively and served as witnesses for Lewis'
daughter Clara.
88
WILLIAM LEWIS: SC 922-261.
William Lewis served as a private in Co. C, 127th Regiment,
U.S.C.T., mustering in on August 27, 1864 (Bates' History,
V:1132). He was discharged at Brazos, Santiago, Texas, on Sep
tember 8,1865. While in the service he was treated for erysipelas
at Jones Landing in 1864 and for conjunctivitis in 1865.
In 1898 William Lewis stated that he was not at the time
married but had previously been married to Eliza Lewis of
Norristown and had two children living, William Lewis, bom
September 19, 1875, and Edward Lewis, bom September 19,
1871.
The 1860 census listed a William Lewis as a 35-year old la
borer, birthplace unknown, with wife Amelia, 40, bom in Penn
sylvania; and children Henry, 10; Hannah, 8; Rebecca, 4; and
Sarah A., 9 months. This was probably not the William Lewis
who served with the Colored Troops. It is more likely that the sol
dier was the 15-year old William Lewis who was living with oysterman Samuel Winters, Frances Winters, and Rachel Hector.
The ages given in the various pension applications would indicate
that the soldier was bom aroimd 1845. The 1850 census ofAbington Township listed a 5-year old mulatto William Lewis living
with father William, a 48-year old mulatto laborer; and Rachel,
18; Charles, 16; Reuben, 13; and Robert 11. No case can be made
for a family relationship there yet.
An 1870 business directory showed a William Lewis living on
Elm Street near Stoney Creek and in 1880 on Wood near Arch.
By the time the veteran began applying for pensions he was re
siding at 231 Basin Street.
William Lewis applied for a disability pension in 1892 because
of an injured back, impaired sight, and rheumatism. The visual
problem was correctable by glasses. In 1896 it had been sug
gested that his use of "stimulant to slight excess" might con
tribute to his rheumatism, but doctors mled against that. A
slight heart murmur was not considered debilitating.
John H. Marshall, 43, of Swede Street, and Samuel M. H.
Brown, 60, of 5 Wood Street, believed that Lewis "contracted the
said Afflictions while 'carrying Hod' in New Buildings, getting
over Heated and sitting down to Rest on the Ground or in a Draft
or on something of a like Nature." Marshall had known Lewis for
36 years and Brown for 45 years.
On another occasion Marshall testified that he had made his
home with Lewis for many years, and William H. Jackson, 53, of
89
1055 WiUow Street had known him for 40 years, 25 of those years
being spent working together canying hod.
William Lewis died January 30,1903, and was buried in Treemount Cemetery (Lot E-14). The Coroner's Death Docket
recorded that he was a 58-year old widower, last employed as a
hod carrier, and had been sick with pneumonia for two days be
fore dying.
The obituary in the February 2, 1903, Herald, read:
The funeral of William Lewis took place yesterday after
noon from the residence of George Fisher, Walnut street,
near Marshall. Services were held in Ebenezer Church and
were largely attended. Rev. L. W. Bantum had charge of
the services, assisted by Rev. John Cole, of New Jersey. In
terment was at Treemount Cemetery. The pall-bearers
were: Edward Fisher, William Pyman, Lewis Epps, and
Lincoln Smith, members of the Hod Carriers Association.
According to the Norristown business directory, Edward J.
Fisher was a laborer living at 339 E. Chestnut Street, and Louis
E. Epps was a hod carrier living on Wood Street above Powell.
GEORGE MARSHALL: WC 425609.
George Marshall enrolled as a private in Co. B, 24th Regi
ment, commanded by Capt. Coxe, on February 1, 1865, and was
mustered out with his company on October 1, 1865. (Bates' His
tory V:104). The records of Treemount Cemetery incorrectly give
his regiment as the 21st.
George Marshall was bom in Pennsylvania and was 5 feet 2%
inches tall at the time of enlistment.
The records of the book of the Rev. Walter Proctor, at the time
in the possession of his daughter Elizabeth L. Bolivar, contained
this entry: "married on the 31st day of december 1840 George
Marshall to Sarah Griggs." Proctor was a minister of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church of Philadelphia.
The 1870 census of the Upper Ward of Norristown listed
George Marshall, 50, mulatto, who was bom in Pennsylvania and
owned real estate; his wife Sarah, 45; George, 22, a teamster;
John, 17, who worked in the brick yard; Teressa, 12; Samuel, 10;
and EUa, 6.
In his old age Marshall suffered from rheumatism, an injury
to his right wrist, and general debility.
90
George Marshall died Nov. 20, 1895, in the 77th year of his
age (November 25,1895, edition of the Norristown Daily Herald).
D. Y. Mowday buried him in Treemount Cemetery (N-2). His
tombstone is inscribed "Our Father." His name was entered twice
in the Coroner's Register. In one entry his age was given as 77,
his birth place Philadelphia, and the cause of death old age after
three days illness. The other entry said he was a 76-year old
black gentleman bom in Delaware County, died on Beech street
from debility, and had been sick for two years.
When Sarah Marshall applied for a widow's pension in 1895,
Samuel M. H. Brown and Harrison Lare, who had known her for
40 years and 35 years respectively, attested to her character.
In papers filed in April 1896, she stated that she was living
with her son-in-law and supporting herself as a clothes-washer
and ironer. Her son rented a small property from her, but he
could not afford pay her.
Thomas Bruff, 83, and Robert Smith, 73, testified that they
had known George and Sarah Marshall for a period of about 55
and 43 years respectively. They were intimate and near neigh
bors of hers and knew her to be an old woman, aged about 73
years. Sarah Marshall herself testified that her great age was
very burdensome to her. No information could be found about
Sarah's death. George W. Marshall, Jr., died of consumption
on Febraary 21, 1905, and was buried at Treemount. The Febru
ary 22 Norristown Daily Register gave his name as George
Thomas Marshall of 146 West Lafayette Street, while the busi
ness directory had listed George W. Marshall at 148 West
Lafayette.
EMERY B. MEANS
According to Charles Blockson, in his "A History of the Black
Man in Montgomery County," published in the Bulletin of the
Historical Society of Montgomery County, Vol. XVIII, No. 4,
Emery B. Means of Abington served in the 54th Massachusetts
Regiment, mustering in on October 10, 1863, and dying May 31,
1864, at Morris Island, South Carolina, of disease.
An examination of Blockson's source, Emilio's History of the
Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers Infantry, re
veals that the entry actually states that Emsly B. Means was a
19-year old single farmer from Abington, Massachusetts, not
Abington, Pennsylvania. Abington, Massachusetts, is south of
Boston. The name of Emery B. Means is included in our list of
91
Montgomery County soldiers only so that the erroneous identifi
cation can be corrected.
LEWIS MONDORE: Military File
Lewis Mondore served as a private in Co. G, 8th U.S.C.T.,
mustering in September 4, 1863, and dying at Hilton Head, S.C.,
January 25, 1864. Bates states that Mondore was drafted (Bates'
History V:983).
According to his military file, Lewis Mondore was born in Rox-
bury, New York, and was drafted from Norwich, the 19th District
of New York on September 4, 1863. He was a 22-year old laborer,
5 feet 8 inches tall. He served in Capt. E. A. Prattle's Company G
of the 8th Regiment, U.S.C.T., in South Carolina. He received
$33.91 from the government for clothing, but he was never paid
any other allowance from the time of his enlistment until the day
he died of disease on January 25,1864, in Hilton Head, S.C. Mondore's company spent some time in Philadelphia, probably for
training, but there is no indication that he ever had any connec
tion with Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
SYLVESTER MONDORE: C 2485, 410
Sylvester Mondore served as a private in Co. C, 24th U.S.C.T.,
from February 9, 1865, to October 1, 1865, when the company
mustered out (Bates' History V:1016).
Sylvester appeared in the 1850 census of Moreland Township
as a 6-year old mulatto boy, in the household of??? Mendore, 45;
Hester, 45; Charlotte Williams, 22; Eliza Mendore, 1; Mary
Green, 70, all mulatto; and Susan Johnson, 28, black. This fam
ily is not in the Montgomery County census in 1860.
According to pension papers, Sylvester Mondore was bom
April 7, 1845, in Delaware County, New York. (Another docu
ment says he was bom in Green County, New York.) At the time
of his enhstment he was a 21-year old laborer in a print works, 5
feet 5%inches tall, with a yellow complexion.
He enlisted in Co. C, 24th Regiment, U.S.C.T., in Holmesburg,
Philadelphia, on Febmary 17,1865, and was discharged at Camp
Cadwalader, Philadelphia, October 1, 1865.
On December 3, 1868, Sylvester Mondore and Sarah Jane
Banks were married by the Rev. George Kidd in Philadelphia.
They had three children: Sylvester, Jr., bom December 1876,
died September 1877; George Condon, bom October 6, 1878; and
Sarah Jane, born July 26,1882. Sarah Banks Mondore died April
92
18, 1893, and Sylvester never remarried. He lived at various
times in Holmesburg, Philadelphia; in Eddington, Maud Post Of
fice, Bucks County; in Comwell Heights; and on Arendell Avenue
in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia.
When Mondore applied for an invalid pension, he was suffer
ing fi'om chronic rheumatism. A number offHends testified on his
behalf, including James Bannister, Jacob Barron, Frank M
Richert, Romulo L. Vasquez, and Jacob Blankenhom, Jr., all of
Holmesburg.
Sylvester Mondore died of valvular heart disease on Jime 15,
1920. He was cared for during his last illness by his daughter,
Sarah J. Guyjet of Torresdale, and Dr. George Enoch of Frankford Avenue, Holmesburg. He was buried at St. Dominick's
Cemetery in Holmesburg by undertaker Warren E. Titus.
wnJ.TAM H. NUGENT: WC 935977
William H. Nugent served in Co. H, 23rd U.S.C.T. He was
bom in Washington, D.C., in 1846, and died November 1, 1907.
He is buried at Treemount Cemetery (Lot LL-3).
Nugent enlisted in the 23rd Regiment on July 8, 1864, in
Washington, D. C., and was enrolled July 14. He was 19 years old
and 5 feet 4 inches tall. One pension document states that he was
bom in North Carolina, while others give his birthplace as Wash
ington. The name of his former owner was not known.
The soldier received a gun shot wound in the left hand in ac
tion at Petersburg on July 20,1864. He was treated first at Jack
son Hospital at City Point and then sent to Summit House U. S.
Hospital in Philadelphia on August 17,1864, and to Beverly U S.
Hospital March 29, 1865. On May 30, 1865, his left thumb was
amputated at White Hall U. S. Hospital, near Bristol, Pennsyl
vania. He was discharged from the army on June 7,1865.
According to a marriage certificate on file with the health offi
cer of the District of Columbia, on December 17, 1896, William
Nugent, 60, native of Washington, D.C., married Mary Jackson,
a 45-year old native of Georgia. It was stated that this was Nugent's first marriage and May Jackson's second. The marriage
was solemnized by J. A. Taylor, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church,
1453 Pierce Place, Washington, D.C.
Nugent himself had stated that he married "Mary An Gooden"
December 17,1894, with Rev. Anson Taylor officiating.
Mrs. Nugent's version was that she was married December 17,
1890, under the name of May Jackson. This statement was given
93
in 1909 when she lived at 20Â Surf Place, Atlantic City, N.J. She
said they moved from Washington to Norristown, Pennsylvania,
the year of McKinleys death. She was bom in Monroe County,
Georgia, had known Nugent for three years before marrying him,
and had been married before. Her former husband was Floyd
Jackson, who died December 17, 1888, in Macon, Georgia, and
was buried at the Oakhill Cemetery in Macon. Mrs. Nugent
stated that after her first husband's death she and William Nu
gent had lived on East Washington Street in Norristown, Ban
croft Street below Fitzwater in Philadelphia; Artie and Atlantic
Avenue and Michigan Avenue in Atlantic City, N.J., 33rd and
Chestnut, 205 South 37th, 22 S. 42nd, 4216 Ludlow, and 4040
Sansom, all in Philadelphia.
William and Mary Ann Nugent had no children.
Nugent first appeared in the Norristown Business Directory
in 1902-04 as a laborer living at 805 Walnut Street. Other years
he lived at 1051 Willow and 217 E. Washington.
WiUiam Nugent died November 1, 1907, from organic heart
disease and chronic passive congestion of the lungs. His death
certificate said that his mother's name was Sarah Turner, but no
other family information was given.
When Mrs. Nugent was asked to provide some background in
formation on her late husband when she was applying for a wid
ow's pension, she stated that the only person she knew of who
would have known him was his cousin, Mrs. Jennie Lacey, whose
last known address was "M" and 21st Northeast, Washington,
D.C., but a letter mailed to her was returned as "unknown." She
could get no evidence of her first husband's death or burial be
cause the cemetery kept no records, there was no grave stone,
and the burial society which paid her $40 in death benefits was
no longer in existence.
Nugent's obituary, published in the Norristown Register, read:
Nugent. In Norristown, on the 1st inst., William H., hus
band of Mary Ann Nugent, aged 61 years. The relatives
and tnends of the family are respectfully invited to attend
the funeral from his late residence, 219 E. Washington st.,
on Tuesday, the 5th inst., at 2 o'clock P.M. Interment at
Treemount Cemetery.
The county Death Register stated that Nugent had been ill for
94
11 months and died of "complication." There was no application
made for burial assistance.
Also buried in Nugent's plot was the Rev. Henry J. Rhodes,
who died November 20, 1873, at the age of 41 years 7 months 5
days. Rev. Rhodes owned a number of properties in the vicinity of
Powell, Willow, Wood, and Spruce, and the Mount Zion Afncan
Methodist Episcopal Church. His will left money to Wilberforce
University. He also established funds for the "education of one or
more young men for the ministry of the African Methodist Epis
copal Bethel Connection of the United States ofAmerica, the said
one or more young men to be chosen by the Bishops, and the said
person or persons to be educated at the Wilberforce College at
Xenia, Ohio, or some other Methodist college or seminary." He
left his clothes to his half-brother John Thompson, his library to
his brother-in-law William F. Dickerson, and the residue to his
wife Sophia. Other heirs were Lavina Thompson (Mrs. Thomas
Reavy), Mary Artson (Mrs. William J. Spehce), and Emma Artson
(Mrs. William H. Steele).
Henry J. Rhodes and 40-year old wife Sophia were listed in
the 1870 census of the Middle Ward of Norristown. Rhodes, listed
as a Pennsylvania-bom clergyman, owned $3000 in real estate
and $500 in personal property, but his name was listed after the
names of the white people who appeared to be living in his home.
The widow Sophia Rhodes last appeared in the business directory
in 1892, living on Wood street above Powell.
CHARLES PALMER: WC 586-719
Charles Palmer served as a corporal in Co. A, 22nd Regiment,
U.S.C.T., mustering in on December 4, 1863, and mustering out
on October 16, 1865 (Bates' History V:993).
Palmer's name appeared in a list of draftees published in the
August 18,1863, Norristown Register and Montgomery Democrat
and Watchman.
The 1850 census of Warrington Township, Bucks County,
listed Charles Palmer, 55, native of New Jersey; Mary Ann, 50,
bom in New Jersey; Charles, 11; Mary Ann, 10; Joseph M., 8; Violette, 9; Theodore, 4; and Anna Eliza, 9 months, all bom in
Pennsylvania.
The 1850 census of Horsham Township, Montgomery County,
had listed two Charles Palmers with no notation as to race:
Charles Palmer, 62 (farmer), Elizabeth, 55; Jonathan, 27
(farmer); Thomas, 18 (farmer); Lydia, 8; William Palmer, 12
95
(black); and elsewhere in the census Charles Palmer, 27 (farmer),
living in the household of William Palmer, 61 (farmer); Cynthia
Kelley, 42; Mary Palmer, 33; Lewis Radcliff, 14; and Angeline
More, 16. Two other Palmer families lived in Horsham Township.
The 1860 census of Horsham Township listed Charles Palmer,
50, farmer, bom in New Jersey; Mary 50, bom in Pennsylvania;
and Lydia, 7; Matilda, 5; and Mary E. Johnson, 2. Listed in
Upper Dublin Township was Charles Palmer, a 21-year old farm
laborer living with Samuel Gray, fanner. Sarah Palmer, 23, was
a servant in the household of Charles Paxson, another Upper
Dublin farmer.
The 1870 census of Moreland showed New Jersey native
Charles Palmer, 65, who could not read or write, and Margaret,
25, a native of Georgia, who was likewise illiterate.
Obviously one of the problems of researching the Charles
Palmer who served in the Civil War is determining which
Charles Palmer is the correct one.
Deed Book 105, p. 364, dated March 22, 1856, recorded the
sale of property in Horsham from Charles and Jane Watson of
Horsham to a Charles Palmer, colored man, of Warrington Town
ship, Bucks County. On page 366 of that same deed book, dated
April 1, 1856, is the sale of a lot in Horsham from Samuel and
Sarah Gray of Horsham to Charles Palmer. Deed Book 152, p.
283, dated March 30,1867, records that Charles Palmer (colored)
of Moreland Township sold a house and lots in Horsham to
Jonathan and Jemelle Jackson of Moreland.
Deed Book 257, p. 316, dated July 22,1874, records that when
Charles Palmer died, his will, dated March 14,1872, ordered that
his house and lot in Horsham, on the road from Horsham Meet
ing House, be sold. G. Justice Mitchell of Hatborough, executor of
the will, sold the property to Ann Elizabeth Park, wife of Charles
Park of Horsham. The house in which Palmer had been living
was on the road leading from Horsham Meeting House to Hatboro and had been purchased by him from Sarah Walker in 1868
(Deed Book 157, page 235). This man is undoubtedly the man
who purchased Horsham and Moreland township properties, ap
peared on the Bucks County 1850 census and the Montgomery
County 1860 census, and probably was the father of the Civil War
soldier, who appeared in the 1850 census of Warrington, Bucks
County, as an 11-year old boy.
Montgomery County Veterans Graves Registration records
that Charles Palmer died at the age of 68 and was buried in Hor-
96
sham Friends Cemetery (row 54). His grave is marked by a GAR
marker, and the tombstone inscription reads: "A Soldier." Buried
next to him is Carrie Donnell (1886-1903). Not too far away from
these graves, in Row 66, is a G.A.R. marker, near the stone of
Sarah J. Donnell (1850-1923). The marker undoubtedly is for the
man identified by Graves Registration as Samuel Donnell, Co. A,
25th Regiment, U.S.C.T., who according to Bates, mustered in as
a private on January 4, 1864, and mustered out with the com
pany December 6, 1865 (V:1029). Sarah J. Donnell's grave is
marked "1850-1923." Next to her is Margaret Anna James, who
was bom in Langhome (Bucks County) March 4, 1811, and died
March 1, 1914, at the age of 103.
According to affidavits given in 1890, by Margaret James, 82,
of Willow Grove, Moreland Township, the mother of Palmer's
wife, and Sarah J. Donal, 63, ofWillow Grove, Palmer's sister-inlaw, Charles Palmer and Rebecca James were married in 1860 by
Squire David Newport in Moreland Township. Another document
gives the marriage date as October 15, 1860. Still a third docu
ment gives the date as January 2,1861, in Hatborough. Mrs. Pal
mer was not able in 1904 to obtain an affidavit from Squire New
port because, although he was still living, his mental condition
made bim unable to transact any business.
Rebecca James Palmer was bom in Ettleboro, Newtown, PA,
on May 2, 1845.
According to pension application papers, the Palmers had
seven children: Mary Ellen (November 3,1862), Tacy (August 11,
1866), Chas. (July 31, 1868), Emma (April 28, 1870), Daniel
(March 21, 1872), Anna (December 12, 1875), and Edward (June
10, 1879).
Pension papers record that Charles Palmer enrolled on De
cember 3 or 4, 1863, as a corporal, in Co. A, 22nd Regiment, U.S.
Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Philadel
phia on October 22, 1865.
Palmer claimed that he was 'hurt in the perineum whilst
climbing a fence in front of Petersburg and a fistula resulted
which has bothered him ever since. Also contracted rheumatism
whilst in the service." In February 1864 he was "absent - sick at
Yorktown, Va."
After the war he worked in a livery stable for some years but
had to give it up because of his rheumatism and did "stray jobs"
such as whitewashing, cleaning cellars, and beating carpets. At
the time of his pension claims he was a heavy-set man, between
The Twenty-Second Negro Regiment, Duncan's Brigade, carrying the first line of Confederate works before
Petersburg.
(£>
98
5 feet SVi inches and 5 feet 9)4 inches tall and weighing between
202 and 220 pounds. He complained of a fistula, rheumatism,
heart disease, lumbago, vision problems, dea&ess in the left ear,
and asthma.
Following the war the Palmers lived in Philadelphia at 2232
and 2234 Turner St., 1822 Ringgold Street, and 2435 N. Wamock
Street.
Charles Palmer died October 28, 1904, at the age of 63. The
coroner's report listed his birth place as Bucks County, and his
occupation as driver. Cause of death was given as "injuries acci
dentally rec'd." No obituary could be foimd in the Norristown
newspaper. Undertaker W. H. Battersly of N. Broad Street
buried Palmer in Horsham on November 1. Charles' sister, Sarah
Cook, 67, of 2222 Turner Street, and Mary L. Johnson, 47, of
2226 Turner Street, testified that they had known Rebecca
Palmer since 1854 and 1859 respectively and knew that she had
no other income than that obtained from her daily labor. She re
ceived $50 in insurance.
There is no record of Mrs. Palmer's death, but the last paper
in her file is dated 1917, when she was living at 2411 Taylor
Street, Philadelphia.
GKORGE PRICE: WC 159-4201
The name of George Price, 54th Massachusetts, is on the Civil
War monument in Norristown Public Square. The 1860 census of
the borough listed a George Price, 28, laborer; Hattie, 25; Ed
ward, 6; John, 3; and Charles, 1. The Montgomery County Veter
ans Affairs Office has no record of him. As will be seen, this
Montgomery County George Price can not be the same man who
served in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, and it is not known
why his name was on the Norristown monument.
Emilio's History of the 54th Regiment ofMassachusetts lists a
George Price who enlisted in Co. C on March 21, 1863. He had
been a 30-year old farmer from Montrose, Pennsylvania. Montrose is in Susquehanna County. He was killed in action on the
assault at Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863.
Records in the Government Pension office state that George
Price, 30, enrolled in Co. C, 54th Massachusetts Regiment, under
Col. Hallowell, at Readsville, Massachusetts, on March 21, 1863,
mustered in at Camp Meigs on March 30, and was reported miss
ing since July 18. It was assumed that he was killed on July 18
during the assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina. His body was
^wm
•ir.LW5
99
100
never recovered and was presumed to have been burned or buried
by the Rebels.
On May 22, 1866, Hamilton Young, 27; Benjamin Naylor, 21;
and Charles Smith, 21, residents of Montrose, testified that they
had known George Price and his widow since before the war.
They had been members of Co. C, 54th Regt., and
were engaged in the attack upon Fort Wagner, Charleston
Harbor, S.C., on the 18th day of July, 1863, with their Co.
& Regt. & other Regts., that when they marched out of
camp and went to the Island, and when they commenced
the attack upon the Fort, marching up from the beach and
storming said Fort, he the said George Price was with them
side by wide with them and his Co. & Regt. fighting and
charging as bravely as any one could —they distinctly rec
ollect seeing him on the march up towards the Fort in his
proper place in the Ranks - but in the darkness and hurry
of the hour they did not see him again, nor see him actually
fall but they firmly believe and have no doubt that he was
killed then and there while storming said Fort, and his
body fell into the hands of the rebels and was burried or
burned by them, as they have never seen or been able to
hear from or leam anything about him from that night to
the present time. Four other members of the Regt. were
taken prisoners, and afterwards exchanged and returned
to the Co., and they said he was not among the prisoners that he was a brave, steady soldier, doing his duty faith
fully, and they have no doubt whatsoever that he fell and
died on that night of the 18th day of July 1863 at Fort Wag
ner, S.C., and so close up to or on the rampart or parapets
that his body could not be recovered by his friends and fell
into the hands of the Rebels, that some two weeks after
wards the Rebel prisoners then taken from the Rifle Pits
told deponents that on the morning of the 19th (after the
night of the battle) they burried [sic] Col. Shaw and twenty
three other of the Colored Regt. (54th Mass.) who were
killed in that attack - and deponents believe that the body
of George Price was among the number.
George Price and Emily J. Gilmore had been married August
2,1859, in Montrose, Susquehannah County, Pennsylvania, with
the Rev. Mr. Peck, a Methodist clergyman, officiating. Eliza J.
101
Smith, Ann Johnson, and William Johnson were witnesses. They
had one child, Emily J., bom March 13, 1860. Sarah Jane Gill-
more, 51, and Theodotia Gardner, 48, testified in 1867 that they
had assisted at the child's birth. William Smith, 54, and Sarah J.
Gillmore, giving her age as 48, swore in 1872 that they had
known George Price from the time he was a journeyman until the
time of his death because they were all neighbors. On December
20, 1871, Emily J. Price, widow of George Price, married James
Townsend at Montrose, with the Rev. William Smith, Methodist
Episcopal clergyman, presiding.
WILLIAM PURNELL
William Pumell, an 18-year old ironworker and resident of
Montgomery County, PA, enlisted in Co. A, 55th Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Colored) on May 13, 1863, mus
tered in May 31, 1863, and was killed in action at Honey Hill,
South Carolina, on November 30, 1864. {Massachusetts Soldiers,
Sailors and Marines in the Civil War, Norwood, Mass., 1933,
4:721). Indeed, military records obtained firom the National
Archives bears out this information. Pumell was an 18-year old
native Montgomery County iron worker and stood 5 feet 5 inches
tall. He served under Capt. George M. Woodward. Remarks on
various muster rolls indicate that Pumell was "free on or before
Apr 19/61," was mustered in by Capt. H. W. Reger of the 14th Infsintry, had been "on Daily Duty at Long Island, S.C. 36 - Oct. 2463," was last paid August 31,1864, and owned no personal effects
at the time of his death.
No evidence has been found for William Pumell's residence in
Montgomery County prior to the war. Perhaps he lived in Phila
delphia. Indeed, the Philadelphia Business Directory of 1860 lists
a James Pumell, colored cook, at 641 Middle av.; Joseph Pumell,
colored porter, at 235 Currant alley; and a William Purnell, col
ored porter. 33 Eaken pi.
ALEXANDER REESE: XC 2489-010
Alexander Reese served as a private in Co. L. 1st U. S. Colored
Cavalry, under Captain Bricert and First Lieutenant Getman
Page, Jr., from March 18, 1865, to Februaiy 4, 1866. The 1890
census stated that he served firom 1863 to 1865. He enlisted at
Tomkinsville, New York, and was discharged at Brazos de Santi
ago, Texas. His discharge papers stated that he was bom in New
York, was 16 years old, was 5 feet 3)4 inches tall, and had been a
102
hostler. The Record and Pension Department of the War Depart
ment had no evidence that Reese had ever been a slave. In later
pension appHcation papers Reese stated that he was bom in Red
Lion, Maryland, not New York, on March 1,1847, and enlisted at
Staten Island.
It is not clear when Alexander Reese moved to Norristown,
Pennsylvania. The 1870 census of the Upper Ward of Norristown
listed Charlotte Reese, 40, bom in Delaware; Emma, 3, bom in
Pennsylvania, and Alexander, 22, bom in Delaware.
That same year in the Lower Ward a Charlotte Reese, 50, was
enumerated as a domestic servant in the house of Charles P.
Harry, dentist.
Records of First Presbyterian Church list the marriage on
July 4,1870, of Alex J. Reese and Belmina Emma R. Thomson. In
one pension application paper, filed in 1915, Reese stated that
Rev. Halsey had married him and Bella Thompson in the Pres
byterian Church and that they had one son, Joseph, who was "out
west."
The 1880 census Hsted at 479 Basin Street Alexander Reese,
35, cotton mill worker, bom in Maryland, BeUmina, 27, bom in
Pennsylvania, and Isaiah Smith, 15, a boarder.
The 1880 Norristown business directory Hsted Alexander J.
Reese as a laborer at 53 Wood Street and in 1890 at the comer of
Moore and High.
By 1892 Alexander Reese applied for a pension because of se
vere rheumatism. John P. Stewart, 35, who lived at Erie [sic]
below Walnut in Norristown, had known Reese for upward of 20
years and testified to his attacks of rheumatism that often laid
him up in bed for as long as five or six weeks. In his most recent
attack Reese's feet were "so much swollen that he could not put
shoes on his feet and he lost the use of his legs for a long time."
In 1900 "Elack" Reese was enumerated at 111 Mill Street in
the 4th Ward. His birthdate was given as March 1853 and his
birthplace Maryland. He was a widower.
Reese remained in Norristown until March 10, 1904, when he
moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he resided at 821
Baltic Avenue. He became ill in October 1915 and'died May 31,
1916, from chronic valvular disease. During his last illness he
lived with and was cared for by David C. Blackwell and JuHa
Hazzard of 1118 Baltic Avenue. Other Atlantic City friends of the
old veteran were AHce Nixon of 1104 City Avenue, Jimmie Oliver
of 821^ Baltic Avenue, Benjamin OHver, and Joseph Fisher. At
103
the time of his death friends did not know anything about his de
ceased wife. Julia Hazzard was paid $75 in benefits by the Met
ropolitan Life Insurance Company.
Alexander J. Reese was buried in Pleasantville, New Jersey.
JOHN ROSS: WC 507-044
John Ross served in Co. A, 6th Regiment, U.S.C.T. He mus
tered in on July 26, 1863; was enrolled as a corporal on July 27;
was wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, on June 15, 1864; and was
mustered out with his company on September 20,1865, in Wilm
ington, N.C. (Bates' History V:946.)
Ross' regiment drew fatigue duty at Dutch Gap and Deep Bot
tom, Virginia. For a time he was sick in the base hospital at Point
of Rocks, Va., and later in the general hospital at Fort Monroe,
Va., and Mansfield General Hospital in Morehead City, N.C. He
suffered a sunstroke and claimed later that he could never work
in the sun afterwards.
John Ross married Lydia D. Willings on March 26, 1868, with
the Rev. Hardin Wheat of Norristown officiating. One pension ap
plication paper stated that the existing record of that marriage
was "Honorable & Truly devotion." To that iinion were bom
Theodore C. Ross, on December 19, 1868, and Mary W. Ross, on
November 22, 1874.
The 1870 census of Upper Merion Township listed John Ross,
31, huckster; Lydia, 36, and Theodore, 1.
According to the 1880 census of Bridgeport, the Civil War vet
eran John Ross was a shopkeeper hailing from Maryland. His
wife Lydia was bom in Pennsylvania, but her father was from
Africa. In addition to Theodore, there was a daughter Mary, five
years old. It was probably this Mary Ross who was buried in
Treemount Cemetery. The County Death Docket recorded the
death on February 7, 1899, on DeKalb Street, Bridgeport, of
Mary Ross, 25, single, servant, born in Bridgeport, after being
sick for four months with tuberculosis. The death docket records
the date of burial as Febmary 10; the cemetery records say Febmary 18.
At the age of 53 Ross began appljdng for an invalid pension.
On October 25,1890, he stated that he was totally unable to earn
support because of chronic diarrhea £ind its results. In his own
writing he claimed "aweeke backe an aweeke brest and senesess
an aheadekake whin out in the son in tell i am all moust helpeless an i have a cansor on my hipe i am broke don."
104
CITIZENSOLDIERS OF COLOR
Ross had a number of long-time friends who vouched for him
as he applied for pension aid: Joseph Scattergood, who had
known him for 12 years, and William R. Taylor, who had known
him for 24.
Probably the closest friends were Samuel and Isabella Akins
of Bridgeport. On several occasions Samuel Akins attested to
Ross' temperate habits, his veracity, and his long list of ailments:
lung trouble, chronic diarrhea, rheumatism, rectum disability,
nervousness, bleeding of the nose, headaches, lumbago, weak
heart, sunstroke, and bleeding from the nose.
John Ross died February 18, 1900, and was buried in Tree-
mount Cemetery (Lot NN-8). The veteran's obituary was pub
lished in the February 20 Daily Herald.
In Bridgeport, Montgomery County, Pa., on the 18th
inst., John W. Ross, in his 61st year. The relatives and
friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral from
his late residence, near the DeKalb street toll gate, on
Wednesday afternoon the 21st inst., at 1:30 o'clock. Inter
ment at Treemount Cemetery.
By this time the veteran's son Theodore W. Ross was a waiter
living at home.
In 1906 Lydia D. Willing Ross, living at 1061 DeKalb Street in
Bridgeport, applied for a widow's pension. Samuel and Isabella
Akins of 808 DeKalb Street in Bridgeport, appeared on behalf of
their old fiiend.
On March 10,1912, Lydia Ross died of uremia and was buried
in Treemount Cemetery. Dr. C. H. Mann of 318 DeKalb Street,
Bridgeport, treated her during her last illness. Harry W. Akin, a
deputy clerk of Courts at the Court House, living at 655 Chain
Street, and Harry D. Marston, a bootblack, living at 1538 Willow
Street, in Norristown, verified that Helen Ross provided nursing
care for her mother-in-law dxning the last two weeks of her life.
Theodore Ross inherited his parents' home at 1061 DeKalb
street, Bridgeport.
The 1860 census of Norristown listed another John Ross, who
was 13 and living with Daniel Ross, 65, bom in South Carolina,
and Mary, 40, from Delaware. The 1870 census of the Lower
Ward of Norristown listed a 23-year old John Ross living with his
father Daniel Ross, 60, bom in Pennsylvania, and what appears
to be his step-mother Sarah, a 40-year old woman from Mary
land.
105
The Norristown John Ross was indicted in March 1869 for en
tering a dwelling house in Norristown. According to The National
Defender of March 2, 1869,
John is a colored man and had formerly been in the employ
of Wm. Corson, and on the night in question he was found
under the Doctor's bed. Mr. Harry Brown found the darkey
and hauled him out. John was also indicted for stealing a
pair of pantaloons from Dr. E. M. Corson. Ross entered the
plea guilty. Sentence to one year imprisonment.
Court papers from those hearings are on file at the Historical
Society of Montgomery County.
Dan Ross' record was not without blemish either. In February
1864 he was accused of stealing a set of chains, including two
traces, harness and back bands, belonging to Jacob Bender, from
Ross' own stable on Penn Street. Ross was convicted and sen
tenced to two months' imprisonment.
Bates lists another John Ross in Co. C, 3rd Regiment
U.S.C.T., who mustered in July 3, 1863, and was mustered out
with the company on October 31, 1865. John Nixon and Thomas
West were in the same company. (Bates' History V:931).
CHARLES E. SANDS, ALIAS HENRY G. SMITH
Charles E. Sands, alias Henry G. Smith, served as a sergeant
in Co. A, 26th Regiment, U.S.C.T.
According to pension papers filed in 1888, 1890, and 1910,
Charles E. Sands, using the name Henry G. Smith, enrolled as a
private in Company A., 26th Regiment of U. S. Colored Troops
Volunteers, commanded by Col. Sullivan, on January 4, 1864, on
Rackers [sic] Island, was promoted to corporal on July 1, 1864,
and to sergeant March 1, 1865. His post office at the time of en
listment was Elizabethtown, New Jersey. He was discharged at
Harts Island, N.Y., on August 28, 1865 (one pension paper said
Hilton Head, S.C.). While building breastworks at Grahams
Neck, South Carolina, he received a rupture from lifting heavy
logs. He was not treated in any hospital because the injury oc
curred a few days prior to discharge. Sands testified that he was
born June 26, 1835, in Buckingham Township, Bucks County,
Pennsylvania. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, and had dark com
plexion, eyes, and hair.
106
Among his pension papers is an affidavit in which Henry G.
Smith, alias Sands, made the following statement:
That his reasons for entering the service under the as
sumed name of Henry G. Smith was brought about in this
way when a boy he was indentured to a farmer through
whose brutal treatment he was caused to nmaway at the
time he decided upon this course he changed his name to
Henry G. Smith feeling that if he did not make that change
that he would be apprehended and. returned again and he
compelled to suffer more. I therefore at the date of enlist
ment I gave the name of Henry G. Smith. After the war
closed I returned to the home where I was bom and chris
tened and assumed his original name of Charles E. Sands.
Sands testified that he "lived in Vineland, New Jersey, for
three years after the war and then moved to Norristown, Penna.
and hved here up until the present time."
Sands' occupation had been that of "huckster," but by the time
he was 55, he claimed to be totally disabled.
Charles Sands was involved with the colored voters' move
ment in 1877. The Norristown Herald of October 30, 1877, car
ried this article:
Meeting of Our Colored Voters. Republican Rally - The
Old Ebenezer M. E. Church Crowded — "Labor" Movement
Exposed.
A large meeting of colored citizens was held at the old
church on Arch street, Norristown, on the 22d. They were
addressed by a number of colored speakers and also by sev
eral white speakers, who had been invited to be present.
Mr. Charles Sands was called to the chair, and the fol
lowing officers were elected: Vice President, Edward
Fisher; Secretary, Charles Wilson; Assistant Secretary,
John Ross.
The chairman, in opening the meeting, said that its ob
ject was to call together the colored citizens of Norristown
to take into consideration the issues now at stake, and
their political past, present and future. Now was the time
when every man who professed to be a Republican should
think calmly and sensibly. He then introduced Mr. Albanus
Fisher, who was received with applause.
?-?:cv#jgi5S
The men of the 26th U.S. Colored Infantry form for review in sharply ordered ranks at
Pennsylvania's Camp William Penn in 1865.
o
-4
108
CITIZEN SOLDIERS OP COLOR
Mr. Fisher said that there had been efforts made to con
fuse the minds of the colored people. He could not tell what
the result might be, but it would surely be detrimental to
those who took part in the movement. He wanted them to
take into consideration their best interests. He was a sworn
Republican, and could not in honor be otherwise. He had
seen the oppression and tyranny of Democracy. He knew
those who had home the yoke and his principles were as
deeply planted as though he had home that yoke himself.
He with others had faced death at the point of the bayonet
in defence of a country in which they did not then dare to
claim the right they now enjoyed of casting the ballot. [Ap
plause] If any men should be firm Republicans they should
be the colored men and the ffeedmen, who had received
such great benefits from that party. The colored man, and
more especially the colored freedman, should be the last to
do an5d;hing against the Republican party. In 1863 the in
terests of Pennsylvania were in peril, and fifty thousand
men flew to arms. The boon then secured was one which
every man, white or colored, should feel himself bound to
protect, and to maintain the principles which the chimes of
the State House bell then rang throughout the land. He re
proached severely those who would make themselves tools
to lead illiterate men in an underhanded way from the al
liances to which they were bound by such strong and holy
ties. He urged any colored man who had joined the work
ing-men's party to beware of their leaders. It was a move
ment which no one could penetrate. Its results were such
as no man could predict. The Democratic party had re
sorted in past times to ever3d;hing of which they could
think. They had worked the temperance movement out and
had now taken up the workingmen's. When election day
came they would find every Democrat voting his party
ticket, and laughing at the Republicans who had been de
ceived into voting the workingmen's ticket.
Mr. S. E. Nice invited his hearers to compare the condi
tion of the colored race in 1860 with their condition in 1877,
and to remember who had brought about the great change.
He had seen the slave pens where men and women and
children were sold like cattle to the highest bidders. The re
sult of the war was not favorable to the Government until
President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation.
109
The colored men. were enlisted and fought bravely. The Re
publican party gave them the right to ride on any car on
any railroad. [Applause] The ballot had been given to them.
They had the rights of the jury box. The first colored juror
in Montgomery County had given entire satisfactory to the
court, and some of his fellow jurors had said that they
never sat with a better juryman. One of the Democratic
candidates, Mr. Schell, had voted for a bill to exclude the
colored people from Pennsylvania. How could a colored
man vote the Democratic ticket? [Applause] Men who
never before would come near the colored men were now
striving to lead them astray. If John Brown, or Henry Wil
son or Abraham Lincoln could hear such doctrines, these
men preached, they would almost turn in their graves.
Col. Theo. W. Bean said that he could understand how
some men could leave the Republican party, but he was not
willing to believe that any colored man of Norristown or
Montgomery County intended leaving the Republican
ranks. So long as the Democratic party remained in name
and principle, it was the duty of colored men to antagonize
that party to the death. [Applause] It was in an essential
manner their deadly enemy. It was hostile to every man
who struck a blow for the country in 1860 and there must
be a Republican party to oppose it. The Democratic party
had opposed the emplojnment of colored troops lest the col
ored people should win their freedom. He remembers
when, on the peninsula, the white soldiers were driven
back until they met their colored friends with their gleam
ing bayonets. [Applause] He remembered that there were
as many colored dead as whites. He did not believe that the
new ideas of a Workingmen's party would induce them to
abandon their friends. If they struck down the Republican
party while there was a Democratic party to wheel into
power, their Liberties were not safe. The Republican
county ticket was composed of workingmen of the true
type. At the conclusion of the speech the Colonel was loudly
cheered.
Jos. Y. Allabough, Esq., spoke at some length, charging
that the workingmen's party was an ally of the Democracy.
E. M. Davis, who presided at the county convention, was
not a workingman, but a kid-gloved capitalist. Such men
wanted to reduce the strength of the Republicans. The can-
110
didate for State Treasurer came there to make a speech in
a swallow-tailed coat, and it became real workingmen to in
vestigate the motives of such men. If there was to be a la
boring man's ticket, laboring men should lead it. In Ohio
the Republicans who belonged to the Labor party voted the
ticket, and the Democrats deserted it. A very few votes
thrown away would change the result in the county.
Mr. Samuel' M. H. Brown said he had attended the
Workingmen's meeting held a few days ago, and the lead
ers were all Democrats and opposed to the colored people.
He was surprised to see one or two of the latter engaged in
the movement. He believed that the colored man who
would desert the Republican party was in favor of the men
who starved the colored troops in prison pens and mur
dered them at Fort Fisher. He believed that he was a trai
tor. [Great applause] It might be that the Workingmen's
party had intended to elect some of them to office. [Laugh
ter] If the so-called "Labor part/' were not Democrats they
were the fellows who went with them. Mr. Rynick, their
candidate for Treasurer, had told the speaker that he was
opposed to Abraham Lincoln. His hearers should be careful
with these new party men who would go to the polls with
their tickets rolled up, and vote the Democratic ticket while
the colored men voted the Workingmen's ticket. After they
had elected the Democrats they would say that they had
the nigger where they wanted him.'
H. K. Weand, Esq., said that the colored people had be
come a power in the land and it became them to think well
how they would exercise that power. If gratitude was to
control their action, they would surely vote the Republican
ticket. Things had not altered. It was right that the work
ingmen should wish to elect workingmen to office. The
third ticket had no chance of success and the proper way
was to vote for the workingmen on the Republican ticket.
Captain Hart was a workingman and Mr. Noyes was not.
The leaders of the Workingmen's party were opposing Cap
tain. Did not this show that they were not sincere? What
motive was there in the Workingmen's convention nomi
nating a lawyer if they thought a lawyer was not a work
ingman? Did they think their rights would be better at
tended to by Mr. Apple than by Mr. Swartz? Mr. Young, the
candidate for sheriff, was a workingman. The working-
111
man's movement was a mere tender to the Democratic
party and every Democrat in the movement would vote the
Democratic ticket.
Mr. Ben Johnson took the floor and made a few re
marks, denying that he had gone over to the Democracy.
The meeting then adjourned, the colored Republicans
remaining to organize their ward committees.
When Sands was applying for a disability pension in 1897,
William Stabler, a wholesale and retail druggist at the S.W. cor
ner of Main and Swede streets in Norristown, testified that he
had known Sands, alias Smith, for about 8 years and knew him
to be an industrious, temperate and sober person with no vicious
habits that would cause the disabilities of which he was com
plaining. Wallace Boyer of 716 DeKalb Street, acquaintance of
Sands for 10 years, also testified as to his character.
According to Charles E. Sands' death certificate, he was bom
September 26,1835; his father was Ira Sands and his mother was
Martha Smith. The 1850 census ofBuckingham Township, Bucks
County, shows Ira Sands, 40, a mulatto limebumer bom in Penn
sylvania; Martha, 36, also mulatto; Edward, 14; Rebecca, 18;
Stephen, 10; Phillis Ann, 8; Harriett, 5; Israel, 4; and Tamar Ann,
5 months. The Edward Sands, 14, in the census is about the right
age to be Charles E. Sands, but our Sands may have already been
put out to service. The name Charles E. Sands does not appear in
the 1850 census index. The 1860 census index shows a Charles
Sands living in Plumstead Township, Bucks County.
Sands testified in 1915 that he married his first wife, Mar
garet Hamilton Sands, in 1856; she died in 1870. They had one
son, Jacob Sands, bom March 1858. He married his second wife,
Mary Jane Richardson, on October 29, 1873, at 327 Juniper St.,
Philadelphia, with the Rev. William H. Winder officiating. Pen
sion papers say they had no children. Mary Jane Richardson
Sands testified when applying for her widow's pension that she
was bom April 6, 1846, at St. Louis, Missouri.
By the end of his life Charles E. Sands was receiving a pension
of $50 a month.
The 1880 census of the First Ward of Norristown listed
Charles Sands, 45, laborer, and Mary R. Sands, 34. In 1890 he
was listed as in the Norristown business directory as C. Edward
Sands, canvasser, living at Haws above Oak. In 1896 he was
112
listed as a peddler at 737 Haws Avenue, in 1910 as a peddler at
721 Haws, and in 1919 at 721 Haws.
On January 19, 1881, John and Susan B. Groff of Chester
County sold to Charles E. Sands a lot on the northwest side of
Haws Avenue, near Oak. (Deed Book 257, p. 427). The Groffs sold
him another lot on Haws on December 11, 1883 (Deed Book 281,
p. 435).
Charles E. Sands died in Montgomery Hospital from apoplexy
(arteriosclerosis of two years duration), at the age of 88 year 4
months 26 days. He was buried in Treemount Cemetery, where
his stone is marked "1835-1923" (Lot 2-FF-13).
The Application for Burial of Deceased Veterans stated that
the discharge papers of Sands, alias Smith, were lost. The Norristown newspaper obituary of February 23, 1923, read:
Charles E. Sands. As the result of paralysis suffered
several days ago, Charles E. Sands died yesterday in Mont
gomery Hospital, where he was taken for treatment. He
was 88 years old. Deceased was one of the best known col
ored men in this vicinity. For nearly half a century he sold
medicines in this section. A few years ago he was required
to relinquish his route. He is survived by his wife, Mary J.
Smith, and two children. Mrs. Sands is totally blind and
has been>so afflicted for several years. Their home is on
Haws avenue near Elm street. The funeral will take place
Tuesday afternoon from the parlors of Undertaker R. F.
Smith, on Willow street. Interment in Treemount Ceme
tery.
The last will and testament of Charles E. Sands of Norristown
was signed July 13, 1922. He appointed his friend Abraham H.
Detweiler of Norristown as executor. His fnend, Mrs. Savilla Kelichner, widow of Edward Kelichner, was to have the right to oc
cupy his dwelling house at 935 Jackson Street, she paying taxes
and water rent; all the rest to held in trust, with income given to
the widow, Mary J. Sands; a $500 Liberty Bond to his brother Is
rael; $250 to his friend Lottie Shainline; $150 to his friend Mrs.
Savilla Kelichner; a $500 Liberty Bond to Abraham H. Detwiler... all the rest to the Stephen Smith Aged Colored Folks
Home, 4400 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.... Dr. D. A. Wilson
claimed a debt of $695 for four years medical attendance; Robert
F. Smith, undertaker, $161.25; Montgomery Hospital, $48.50.
113
Sands' friend Mrs. Savilla Kelichner was 65 years old; his widow
Mary J. Sands was 77 years old.
According to the business directory, Sevilla KeUchner, widow
of Edwin, lived at 935 Jackson street. Abraham H. Detwiler was
a grocer at 700 Haws Avenue. Charlotte M. Shainline, saleslady,
worked at 82 E. Main and lived at RD No. 1.
WILLIAM H. SCOTT: WC 671234
William H. Scott served as a private in Co. C, 24th Regiment,
U.S.C.T., mustering in on February 14, 1865, and mustering out
with the company in Richmond, Virginia, on October 1, 1865
(Bates' History V: 1016). After the war he was a hostler, residing
on Swede Street near Wood.
William H. Scott was bom on January 25, 1843, in Washing
ton, D.C. His father's name was James, but nothing else is known
about his family. At the time of enlistment, he was a 32-year old
farmer, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a dark complexion, black hair,
and grey or black eyes.
On December 22, 1878, William H. Scott of Norristown and
Lephy H. Roberts of Norristown were married by the Rev. John
T. Hayslett, the pastor of Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church. Witnesses
were Rachel Milford and Harriett James. When Scott first began
appl3dng for a pension in 1898, he referred to his wife as Sarah
Scott (maiden name Sarah Roberts). The 1878 business directory
of Norristown listed Lepate Roberts, a domestic, living at 806
DeKalb Street.
Two children came from that union: Leora Scott, horn Janu
ary 25, 1880, and James Hoden Scott, bom November 17, 1883.
Two good fiiends came forward in 1907 to vouch for Scott's
character when he was making further appHcation for a pension:
Edward Griffin of 1222 Green Street, who had known him for 30
years, and Mordecai West of 1061 Willow Street, who had known
him for 40 years.
According to his obituary, William H. Scott died on the
evening of August 21, 1908, at his residence, No. 1345 Swede
street, after an illness of several months. In fact, he was treated
by Dr. D. A. Wilson for chronic interstitial nephritis and uremia.
He was survived by a wife and one son, James Scott. He was
buried at Treemount Cemetery (LL-3). Also buried in that plot in
Leppey H. Scott (1854-1927 —"Mother"). The 1910 business di
rectory lists Lepeate Scott as William's widow, living at 1249
Swede. She was living with her son, James H. Scott, at 222
114
Spruce when she died. Lephy H. Scott collected her widow's pen
sion until her death on March 2, 1927. The obituary, published
the next day in the Norristown Herald, stated that Leapeate,
wife of the late William H. Scott, was in her 72d year.
Included in a list of draftees published in the Weekly Register
in 1863 was a William Scott of Upper Merion. The 1860 census of
Upper Merion listed a William Scott, 29, laborer, with the house
hold of John Ramsey, farmer. It would appear that the Upper
Merion William Scott was not the same man who served with Co.
C of the 24th Regiment, U.S.C.T.
JAMES SMITH: NAVY SO 3283
James Smith was in Montgomery County for only a few
months before he died at about the age of 75. He died January
20,1890, and was buried at Treemoimt Cemetery (Lot 00-8, Sec
tion 4). He had been a seaman in the United States Navy and
had been receiving a pension by certificate #3283 at a rate of
$11.25 for 20 years service, according to his burial application
papers.
His death was reported by the Daily Register of Tuesday, Jan
uary 21, 1890:
Died of Heart Disease. Sudden Death of James Smith, A
Colored Man. Coroner Long Holds An Inquest. The De
ceased was an Honorably Discharged Sailor, Without
Friends or Relatives Living.
Coroner Long held an inquest this forenoon in the case
of James Smith, a colored man, who was found dead in bed
at his boarding house at the comer of Marshall and Arch
streets yesterday afternoon. The jury consisted of M. Y.
Fish, Harry W. Rynick, O. N. Umer, Charles O'Neill, Wm.
Levergood, and R. L. P. Reifsnieder. The jury, after viewing
his body at the morgue of Undertaker C. Y. Smith, ad
journed to Coroner Long's office, where the testimony of a
number of witnesses was heard and a verdict agreed upon.
Robert Harrington, a colored barber at 603 Arch street,
with whom Smith resided, testified that he knew Smith for
three years. Harrington came to Norristown in June last
and Smith came with him. Smith served in the United
States navy and had an honorable discharge. He was bom
in New York and leaves no relatives or fidends. He was be
tween 75 and 80 years of age, and was confined to his room
115
since November last with rheumatism. Several days ago he
expectorated blood and his condition became so much
worse that Harrington sent out for a physician, but none
answered the summons. Smith received a pension of $11.25
per month. George Peters, a young colored barber em
ployed by Harrington, testified that about 3:30 p.m. yester
day he heard Smith groan and went to his room. Smith
complained of a pain in his side, and at his request Peters
turned him over in bed, after which he went down stairs to
notify Harrington's wife. Fifteen minutes later Peters en
tered the sick room again and found Smith lying across the
bed dead. Coroner's Physician H. H. Drake, who made a
post mortem examination, testified that Smith was af
flicted with congestion of the lungs, but that the immediate
cause of death was heart disease, and the jury rendered a
verdict accordingly. After Smith's death his body was re
moved to Undertaker Smith's morgue. The remains will be
interred under the indigent soldiers' act.
The Norristown Weekly Herald also contained a report of the
death in the January 27, 1890, issue. The details were the same
as those contained in the Register, with this addition.
He has been living with Harrington about three years,
but the latter has known deceased for over 10 years... He
has no other fidends, was never married and has no rela
tives living. The deceased had a number of papers regard
ing his pension, etc., together with his discharge from the
navy, all of which were turned over to the Coroner, who
will communicate with the committee appointed under the
indigent soldier's act and the deceased will be given the
proper interment under its provisions. He left no property,
having nothing but his pension to live upon and this was
paid to Mr. Harrington who gave him a home.
According to pension records. Smith was born in Manhattanville. New York County, New York, and was 5 feet TA inches
tall. In 1881, when he was applying for an invalid pension, he
was 62 years old £ind had served in the army for 30 years. Phys
ical markings at the time of his examination were a scar on the
left cheek bone and a tatoo of a dancing girl and "R.F.A." He was
living at 113 Lombard Street in Philadelphia. His major com-
116
plaint was a rupture on the right side. Two friends, Sam Evans
and James Mifflin of 4 Catharine Lane in New York, vouched for
his character.
Smith had enlisted in the U. S. Navy in approximately April
of 1845 and served on a number of brigs, gunboats, schooners,
and sloops. During the war years he saw duty on the R. S. Prince
ton, the Gunboat Jas. S. Chambers, the U.S.S. Massachusetts,
the U.S.S. Shamrock, and the U.S.S. Colorado. He was dis
charged as a seaman on November 6, 1878.
There were other Jzimes Smiths in Norristown before and
after the Civil War.
The August 18, 1863, issue of the Norristown Register and
Montgomery Democrat and Watchman carried a list of persons
drafted on August 10, 11, and 12. Included was the name of
James Smith of the Upper Ward of Norristown.
The 1860 census of Norristown enumerated James Smith, 40,
laborer, birth place unknown; Mary, 35, born in Pennsylvania;
Joseph, 7; John, 3; and Theodore, 10 months.
There was a James Smith, 55, native of Maryland, listed in
the 1870 census of the Upper Ward of Norristown, together with
his wife Louisa, 40; and children Joseph, 17; John, 13; and
Theodore, 11. It is quite likely that the James Smith of the 1860
census is identical to the James Smith of the 1870 census, but
there appears to be no relationship between the Norristown
James Smith of the censuses and the old Navy veteran.
ROBERT SMITH: SC 255764
Robert Smith served as a private in Co. A, 127th U.S.C.T.,
from August 19, 1864, to September 18, 1865 (Bates' History
V:1128).
According to his pension file. Smith was a hod carrier before
the war. He enrolled on August 19, 1964, in Norristown, and
mustered in in Philadelphia, serving under Col. Givens and Gen.
Doubleday. From September 28 to December 31,1864, he was de
tached from his unit as a hospital nurse at Camp WiUiam Penn.
He was discharged at Brazos Island, Santiago, Texas, on Sep
tember 18, 1865.
On October 11,1859, Robert Smith and Hester Williams were
married by the "minister of the Swede Church in Sweedsborough" (i.e., Christ Church, Old Swedes, in Upper Merion
Township). They had a total of nine children. The 1870 census
listed the children as Emma J., Isaiah, John, and Thaddeus. By
m
117
118
the time Smith applied for one pension in 1898 the surviving chil
dren were Isaiah, William, Thaddeus, and Catharine.
The 1860 business directory listed Robert Smith as a colored
carter living on the south side of Elm street above Cherry. At
other times he lived on Beech near Barbadoes and on Green near
Spruce.
Although the 1860 census showed him as being born in Penn
sylvania in 1830, the 1870 census listed him as being bom in
Maryland in 1825.
In July 1874 Hester Smith charged Robert Smith with ne
glecting her and their five children and refusing to support them.
Robert Smith attempted to get a disability pension in 1890.
Jacob G. Landes testified that Smith had been in his employ for
36 years and that before the war he had been an able bodied man,
strong and hearty and able to do a full dajr's work. Smith was em
ployed by Landes in the flour and feed business in Norristown
and slept generally in the mill. Since his discharge from the army,
he was not able to do more than one-third of a day's work. Two
years prior to this deposition, Landes was compelled to "dispense
with his service because he was unable to do anything at all."
Zieber Hart, 65, also of Norristown, testified that he had em
ployed Smith as a general laborer for five or six years, but he was
able to put in only about one-third day's work because of an in
jured left leg and rheumatism.
In applying for a disability pension. Smith described the in
jury that continued to plague him long after the war. He
was injured by having his leg mashed (left leg) all the way
up the thigh; that he was in the boats and a man loading a
piece of meat get away from him and it struck him mash
ing his leg as stated, it breaking out on his buttock and
running for five years; that he also contracted scurvy in the
service which troubled him ever since causing poor health
for twelve or thirteen years has been able to do no work;
that he has general debility - falling since he returned
home breaking his right hip bone, and is now very helpless.
Smith was treated in the camp by two regimental doctors, but
there were no records of the incident in army hospital files.
Benjamin Curry and William H. Jackson testified on Smith's
behalf when he was trying to get additional pension funds. Curry
had charged of the squad ofwhich Smith was a part and observed
119
Smith unloading the vessel. Curry said that Smith was hurt by
"a barrel filled with provisions rolling against him and crushing
his leg at the hatchway."
John Q. Adams, Benjamin H. Curry, and William H. Jackson
brought Smith home to Norristown. Another man who knew the
details of the accident, William Taylor, was dead.
In addition to the accident with the barrel of pork, Smith also
was afflicted with scurvy, which he said
came from the water there (Brazos Island) which was of a
salty taste and from eating salt provisions; that he was so
bad there with the scurvy that all of his teeth became loose
and several he lost and his teeth which he has still left are
loose.
By the time Robert Smith was about 75 years old he could do
no work, was helpless, and could not walk without the aid of a
stick or cane.
John S. Baker, 54, of 34 W. Wood Street, Norristown, was em
ployed as an assistant in the store of his father Dr. C. S. Baker.
He informed the Pension Office that he had given Robert Smith
medicine for his scurvy.
When he died, the Coroner's Death Docket recorded that the
81-year old widower had been born in Norristown and died De
cember 14,1901, of old age after four weeks sickness. The obitu
ary, published in the December 14, 1901, Herald, stated that
Robert Smith died on December 11, in the 80th year of his age.
The funeral was scheduled to take place from the residence of his
son-in-law Isaiah Smith, No. 476 Wood Street, on Tuesday, the
17th at one o'clock, with the service to be held at the Ebenezer
Church. He was buried in Treemount Cemetery on December 17,
1901 (Lot 4-LL-ll).
EDWARD SMITH (aka EDWARD SOUTH)
Edward Smith, a 25-year-old waiter from Norristown, served
as a private in Co. D, 55th Massachusetts, Regiment, originally
mustering in as a member of the 54th Regiment, on September 9,
1864. He deserted February 28, 1865, 'Svhile on detached duty,"
according to Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in the
Civil War (4:735). His name appears in the History of the 54th
Regiment of Massachusetts as Edward South in a list of Unassigned Recruits trEinsferred to the 55th.
120
Papers on file with the National Archives record that Edward
South volunteered at Dartmouth on September 7, 1864, in the
54th Massachusetts Regiment. He was paid a bounty of $100 and
was owed another $200. The draft rendezvous was to be Galloups
Island, B. H. (Boston Harbor) Mass.
He was a 25-year old waiter, five feet five inches tall. His en
listment papers stated that he was bom in Norristown in "the
state of Delaware." Remarks on his muster rolls include "note
taken up on the Rolls of Regt.," "Bristol Co. 2 Cong. Distr. Dart
mouth," and "Quota of Dartmouth, 2" Congl Dist, Bristol
County." No National Archives records were available for South's
(Smith's) service in the 55th Massachusetts Regiment.
GEORGE VAN LEAR
The National Archives lists a George R. Van Leer, a native of
Chester County, who enlisted at Readville, Massachusetts, on
March 9,1863, and enrolled in Co. B., 54th Massachusetts Regi
ment at Camp Meigs on March 30. On May 10 and June 10,1863,
he was reported as having deserted from Camp Meigs. When the
rest of the his outfit mustered out at Charlestown, S.C., on Au
gust 20, 1865, his name was still on the rolls as having "pay due
from Enrollment."
At the time of enlistment Van Leer had been a 21-year old
farmer standing 5 feet 8 inches tall with a freckled light com
plexion, brown eyes, and black hair.
In the 1850 census of East Whiteland Township, Chester
County, George Vanleer appeared as a 5-year old mulatto child
living with Lewis and Harriet Reese. He was in West Whiteland
Township in 1860.
On the other hand, in 1850 there was a 40-year old George
Vanlere, laborer, with wife Catharine S., 27; Catharine C., 8; and
Sarah 1, living in Plymouth Township, MontgomeryCounty. The
color was not noted.
In the 1850 census of Upper Merion Township, Montgomery
County, there was another family consisting of Caesar Vanlear,
44, huckster; Mary Ann, 41; Hannah, 12; Caesar, 7; and Su
sanna, 5, all black.
The Norristown Republican of Thursday, May 13, 1858, car
ried this news item:
Robbery - On Saturday night, a parcel of men attacked a
colored man named Van Leer, while near the bridge.
121
knocked him down, took a bundle of clothes he had with
him, and stole what little money he had. One of the party,
named Joseph Dimond, was arrested and had a hearing be
fore Burgess Banks, who sent him to jail, from whence he
will have a chance to be tried for his villainy.
According to court documents, the victim was John Van Lear,
and the robbery took place on the evening of May 8 on DeKalb
Street, between Washington Street and the Schuylkill River. It
was not possible to connect John Van Lear with the family of
George Van Lear.
The May 27 newspaper reported that Joseph Dimond was
found guilty of larceny and sentenced to one month imprison
ment.
On August 19, 1853, Catherine S. Vanleer, wife of George W.
Vanleer, died in her 28th year and was buried in Treemount
Cemetery (N-10), near Emma Vanleer, who was buried March 30,
1853.
George Vanlear married Rachel Glasgo of Norristown on De
cember 25, 1859, at First Presb3rterian Church in Norristown.
The 1850 census of East Whiteland Township, Chester County,
had listed a Rachel Glasgow, 32, wife of Robert Glasgow, 39; and
Susanna, 15; Tacy Ann, 9; Robert, 7; and Mary, 5, all mulattos.
The 1860 census of Norristown hsted George Vanlear, laborer,
48; Rachael, 40; William, 10; and Mary, 8, all mulatto. The 1870
census of the Lower Ward of Norristown listed George W. Van
Lear, 61, laborer, Rachel G., 50, and Rachel G. Thomas, 10.
The 1870-71 business directory listed George Vanleer as a
teamster Hving on Green street near Penn.
In 1880 the Van Lears were living on Basin Street; George
was 68 and Rachel 52.
The 1880-81 Norristown business directory listed George W.
Vanleer as a laborer on Wood Street below Powell. The next di
rectory hsted Rachel G. Vanleer, widow of George W., at Wood
below Willow. The next directory did not list Mrs. Vanleer, only
an Albert Vanleer, laborer, living on East Oak Street.
On February 13, 1882, the Norristown Herald reported the
death of George Vanleer on February 4, in his 68th year. He was
buried February 8 with his first wife in Treemount Cemetery.
A history of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church states that Bro. Vanlier
was one of the first trustees when the church was built in 1853.
It is apparent that the Montgomery County George Van Lear
122
was not the man who enHsted in and deserted from the 54th
Massachusetts Regiment, but it is quite likely that the two were
closely related.
WILLIAM VAN LEAR
The name of William Van Lear, 127th Regiment, is on the
Civil War monument in Norristown. There is no record of a
William Van Lear in Bates' History, in the Montgomery County
Veterans Affairs Office, or in the National Archives.
The 1850 census of East Whiteland Township, Chester
County, hsted a William Vanleer, 19, with Abram Glasgow, 14,
both enumerated with and probably working for James Malin
and his family.
The 1860 census ofUpper Merion Township lists William Van
Leer, 27, farm laborer; Mary 25; Edward Dill, 30; Martha Dill, 31;
David Van Leer, 3; and William Van Leer, 7 months. Nothing fur
ther is known of this man.
MORDECAI WEST: WC 686-310
Mordecai West served as a private and corporal in Co. A, 6th
Regiment, U.S.C.T. He mustered in July 28, 1863, was wounded
in Petersburg, Virginia, June 15, 1864, and was absent on fur
lough at the time of mustering out (Bates, V:946).
According to pension papers, West was bom March 7,1841, in
Valley Forge, Chester County, the son of George West.
The 1860 census indicates that Mordecai West worked as a
farm laborer for William N. Walker in Upper Merion.
At the time of his enlistment, he was 5 feet 4/^ inches tall, had
black complexion and hair, and had hazel eyes. On Jime 15,
1864, in action in front of Petersburg, Virginia, he received a
shell wound in the left hip, affecting his side and laming him. Ac
cording to pension application papers, he was first sent to
Fortress Monroe, Va., remained there about seven weeks, then
retumed to his regimOnt. He was discharged September 20,1865,
in Wilmington, North Carolina
On September 30, 1865, Mordecai West and Elizabeth Irons
were united in marriage by the Rev. James E. Wilson ofthe Great
Valley Baptist Church near Centerville, Chester Coimty. Present
at the wedding were EU Flowers and Harriet A. Flowers. One
child was bom of that union, Annie, on May 17, 1867, who was
later to become the wife of William Bowers of West Philadelphia.
West applied for a invalid pension in 1873, while he was liv-
123
ing and working in the Plymouth Meeting-Whitemarsh area. He
continued to be troubled by his disability in 1878, when he re
ported that he was still under medical treatment. By 1883 he had
stopped receiving pension payments and did not renew a claim
imtil 1887. He had thought that his physicEil condition would im
prove, but now he was losing too much time from work because of
his wound. By this time he was living in Bridgeport and brought
along two other Bridgeport residents, John T. Smith and Em
manuel Jackson, to attest to his condition.
The 1900 census of Norristown stated that Mordecai West was
bom in March 1839 and his wife Elizabeth in December 1842.
On March 1, 1909, Mordecai D West died from diabetes and
cancer of the stomach. Dr. D. A. Wilson had treated him from No
vember 21,1908, to the time of his death. He was buried in Treemount Cemetery (Lot BBB-10).
The Norristown Daily Herald published this obituary on
March 2, 1909:
West, In Norristown, on March 1, 1909, Mordecai D. West,
in his 68th year. The relatives and friends of the family;
also Good Will Lodge, No. 1025, Grand United Order of
Odd Fellows, are invited to attend the funeral from his late
residence. No. 1061 Willow street, on Thursday, the 4th
inst., at one o'clock. Services in Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church at
2 o'clock. Interment at Treemount Cemetery.
The Coroner's Death Register stated that West was bom in
Chester County. The death certificate gave his occupation as
"gardner."
Elizabeth West, 64, began receiving a widow's pension. She re
lied on two old friends to attest for her, Eli Flowers, 69, of 1833
Gerritt St., Philadelphia, and Harriett A. Flowers, 70, of the
same address, who had known Elizabeth and Mordecai West for
over 45 years, even before their marriage. Harriett had "been a
school girl with both of them... all of this time they have fre
quently exchanged family visitations." Charles H. Milford of 1040
Green Street, Norristown, and Eli R. Simmons of 1061 Willow
Street were two other fnends who had known the widow for more
than two decades.
Elizabeth Irons West died on April 9, 1913, and was also
buried at Treemount. A notice of her death appeared in the April
10 Norristown Daily Herald, and a report on her ftmeral was
124
published April 12. The Rev. J. R. Wills, pastor of Sdoam Baptist
Church, was officiant.
THOMAS WEST
According to the 1890 census of Civil War survivors, Thomas
West (col.) of Upper Providence Township had served as a private
in Co. B, 29th Regiment, U.S.C.T., for one year and six months.
Bates does not list the 29th Regiment, U.S.C.T. Bates does list
a Thomas West in Co. C., 34d Regiment, U.S.C.T. (History
V:931).
There is no Thomas West in the 1880 census of Upper Provi
dence.
ISAIAH WILLIAMS
Isaiah Williams is buried in the Williams plot in Treemount
Cemetery (N-6). Information in the cemetery records say that he
was bom April 30, 1836, died April 30, 1872, and served in Co. F
of the New Jersey Colored Troops.
Isaiah Williams was the son of John and Mary Williams of
Norristown.
The 1850 census of the Lower Ward of Norristown listed this
mulatto family:
John Williams, 37, ostler; Mary A., 26; Martha, 16; Isiah J.,
14, laborer; Esther A., 12; Maryette, 10; Catharine, 8; Anna, 6;
John, 4; and Sarah Jane, 7 months. John Williams owned real es
tate valued at $600.
The 1860 census of Norristown listed the Williams family
without Isaiah: John, 48; Mary, 46; Anna A., 18; John H., 11;
Samuel, 6; and Emma, 3 months.
The 1870 census showed that Samuel A. Williams, a brother
of Isaiah, was a barber working for John Augusta, whose shop
was at 226!^ Main Street.
Isaiah Williams did not appear in any business directories or
any other Norristown censuses.
John Williams of Upper Merion, laborer, had purchased his
brick house at Willow and Wood from Jacob S. and Emma S. Pax-
son in 1848 (Deed Book 71, p. 440). Following his death John H.
and Joseph G. Williams and Martha A. Augusta sold this prop
erty to Marietta Curry (Deed Book 326, p. 338). Marietta was the
daughter of John Williams and the wife of Benjamin H. Curry, a
Civil War veteran discussed elsewhere in this paper. For a time
BULLETIN OF fflSTQRICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
125
after his wife's death, Williams, then a watchman at the bank,
shared his home with the Curry family at 1303 Willow Street.
Martha A. Williams, Isaiah Williams' sister, was the second
wife of the barber John Augusta, a man long-active in Norristown's undergroimd railroad. Martha and her brother John Wil
liams were administrators of her husband's estate after his death
in 1882.
Many members of the Williams family are buried at Treemount Cemetery.
Hie Treemount Cemetery records include the following infor
mation about people buried in section N-6: John Williams (June
21,1808—March 18, 1888, aged 79 years 8 months 21 days); Mary
Williams, wife of John Williams (d. February 23, 1878, aged 65
years 1 month 18 days); Mary Elizabeth Williams, wife of Joseph
G. Williams (d. November 8, 1877, aged 33 years 6 months 5
days); and Isaiah Williams (bom April 30, 1836, died April 30,
1872, Co. F, 3rd N.J. Col. Troops).
Other family members are buried in N-5 with Currys and Au
gustas. Emma A. WilHams, daughter of John and Mary Williams,
died April 5, 1867, at the age of 10 years 2 months. Another Wil
liams child, an infant, was buried July 5, 1859. Other Williams
and Augusta family members are buried in NN-1, while Marietta
Williams Curry and her husband are buried in NN-2.
The Norristown Herald carried an obituary for Mary L. Wil
liams on November 13, 1877:
Williams. Of consumption, at Spread Eagle, Chester
County, on the 8th inst., Mary Lizzie, wife of Joseph Wil
liams, in the 23d year of her age.
Isaiah Williams' father, John Williams, died March 18, 1888.
The Norristown Weekly Herald noted that he was in his 80th
year. The report on John Williams' funeral was unusually long
and detailed:
John Williams' Funeral —Fitting Tributes to the Memory
of a Well-Known Colored Man.
The fimeral of John Williams which took place Thurs
day afternoon was one of the largest held in this borough
recently. A large number of friends, both white and colored,
gathered to view the remains at his late home at Willow
and Wood streets, where carriages were taken which con-
126
veyed the mourners and finends to the First Baptist
Church. Here services were conducted at 2 o'clock by Rev.
Mr. Miller of the Cherry Street Baptist Church, Philadel
phia, who preached an eloquent and appropriate sermon
from the Psalmist's declaration, 'A Great Man has Fallen
in Israel.'
About thirty members each of the Montgomery Hose
Company and the lodge of colored Odd Fellows No. 1025,
attended the funeral in a body. Among other beautiful flo
ral tributes was a pillow containing the letter 'M,' con
tributed by the Montgomery Hose Company. The four paU
bearers were also members of that organization and were
Frank Aiker, John Hallman, Wilmer F. Ramsey and Peter
H. Flitch.
After the services at the church the remains were taken
to Treemount Cemetery for interment where the cere
monies were conducted by Rev. C. C. Earle, of Bridgeport.
There were many fiiends present from Philadelphia, Germantown emd other places, besides many Norristown peo
ple among whom the deceased was well known and highly
esteemed.
The May 9, 1872, Norristown Herald carried the following
obituary:
Williams, in Philadelphia, on Tuesday 30th of small
pox, Isaiah Williams, eldest son of John and Mary Williams
of this borough, aged 36 years.
HENRY WILSON: WC418-292
Henry Wilson served as a private in Co. E, 5th Massachusetts
Cavalry. He died August 3, 1892, and was buried in Treemount
Cemetery (Lot PP-10).
The August 8, 1892, Norristown Herald carried this report of
Henry Wilson's death:
Coroner Long held an inquest Tuesday afternoon over
I the remains of Henry Wilson, colored, who dropped dead
Wednesday at the boarding Stable of M. F. Mack. Dr. H. H.
Drake made a post-mortem examination and found that
death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The jury
rendered a verdict in accordance with these facts. Wilson '
127
served during the war with the 5th Regiment Massachu
setts Cavalry (col.). He was enrolled January 25, 1864, and
was discharged October 31, 1865.
Following his discharge at Clarksburg, Texas, Henry Wilson
married Susan Dawson in 1866 at Reading, Pennsylvania, with
Rev. Lamp officiating.
Henry Wilson had applied for an invalid pension in January
1892, when he was a 48-year old resident of Norristown suffering
from defective sight, an ulcer of the left leg, and chronic rheuma
tism. Following his death, Susan Wilson applied for a widow's
pension. In October 1893 she was 46 years old and living at 1311
Rose Street in Philadelphia. The following year some of her
fnends testified on her behalf. Matilda Dawson, 76, of 1306 Rose
Street, had known Susan Wilson
all her life-time... she was well and personally acquainted
with Henry Wilson, her late husband, from boyhood... she
had witnessed their marriage by Rev. Mr. Lamp (since de
ceased) the year following said soldier's discharge from "E"
5th Mass. Cav., that she also saw the dead body of the said
Henry Wilson Aug. 4th 1892 and attended his funeral...
and Susan Wilson has not remarried... She depends solely
on her own daily hard earnings and has no children to look
for support.
George Lane, 25, of 1306 Rose Street, Philadelphia, also saw
the body of Henry Wilson interred and testified that Susan Wil
son 'Tiad no property nor friends to depend upon for her livelihood
but works day by day for her support."
Joshua Murray of 1306 Rose Street knew Susan Dawson Wil
son and her late husband since childhood. Furthermore he had
enlisted Henry Wilson for the 5th Massachusetts Calvary, Co.
"E." He too attended the interment at Norristown.
In 1895 Susan Wilson stated that her entire daily support "is
the proceeds of her personal labor, washing and housework." She
died July 23,1926, with her last known address being 1107 Baltic
Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
There was listed in the 1860 census of Norristown a 24-year
old Henry Wilson, a black man awaiting trial in the Montgomery
County Prison. A file of indictment papers reveals that a Henry
Wilson was charged with committing assault and battery on
Harp Major on December 31, 1859; causing an affray on March
128
21, 1860, by fighting in the public streets with Henry Dyer, an
other (coloured man); charged with assault and battery upon
peace officer Daniel Emerich; and charged by Henry Beaver with
being an idle and disorderly person. Witnesses in the affray case
included Robert Flowers. William Lewis, John Wilson, and
Daniel Ross posted $200 bail. It has not been possible to deter
mine if the Henry Wilson of 1860 Norristown is the same man as
the veteran who died in Norristown in 1892. The veteran appears
to have been born in about 1844. The man in the prison in 1860
appears to have been bom about 1836.
JAMES WILSON
On the Norristown Civil War monument is the name of James
Wilson, 137th Regiment. According to Bates' list ofburials, there
is a James Wilson, private, 112th Regiment, Co. L, who died June
26,1864, in Hampton, Virginia, and was buried in Grave No. 48,
Section 3, Block 9. The National Archives contain no pension
records for this James Wilson, nor does the Montgomery County
Department ofVeterans Affairs. There is nothing to indicate that
this James Wilson is the same one memorialized on the Norris
town monument.
The 1860 Norristown business directory shows a James Wil
son, laborer, living on the east side of Cherry above Oak. Another
Wilson in that directory is Lloyd, a laborer hving on the north
side of Penn above Walnut.
The 1860 census of Norristown lists James Wilson, 40; Mary,
35; Louisa, 3; Mary, one month; and Mary Hamilton, 10, all bom
in Pennsylvania.
The 1870 census of the Lower Ward of Norristown lists Mary
J. Wilson, 43, bom in Maryland; Louisa, 13; Samuel G. Kelly, 43,
bom in Maryland; John A. Kelly, 43, bom in Maryland; Thomas
Terrel, 21; and Charles Kelly, 23, born in Maryland.
Deed Book 212, p. 427, records that on August 30, 1873, Isaac
L. Shoemaker, the trustees of the estate ofMary Jane Wilson, de
ceased, sold to James Kenworthy a property on Violet Street near
Oak, which Mary Jane Wilson, widow, had purchased from Asa
and Elizabeth Jones on December 13, 1867 (Deed Book 155, p.
102). Mary Jane had died February 4, 1872, having named
Samuel George Kelly executor of her will. Because there were in
sufficient funds to pay her debts. Orphans Court ordered that her
property be sold. There is no obituary or record of burial for Mary
Jane Wilson.
129
JOHN J. Wn.SON: SO 263-733
John J. Wilson served as a private in Co. E., 43rd Regiment,
U.S.C.T., from March 30, 1864, to October 20, 1865 (Bates,
V:1095). He was buried in the Jonathan Roberts Cemetery, King
of Prussia, on the west side. G.A.R. Post #11 marker is on the
site.
There was a John Wilson in the 1870 census, 25 years old, na
tive of Delaware. Living with him were Malvina, 18; Mary E., 13;
and Rachel A., 10, all bom in Pennsylvania.
According to pension records, John J. Wilson was enrolled on
March 31, 1864, at Norristown, in Co. E, 43rd Regiment,
U.S.C.T., and was mustered in as a private on April 4, in
Philadelphia. Wilson served under Col. Stephen B. Yeoman. He
was mustered out with his company on October 20, 1865, at
Brownsville, Texas, and discharged in Philadelphia on November
30, 1865. He had become a 22-year-old laborer, 5 feet 9 inches
tall, when he enlisted.
In 1878, when applying for an invalid pension, Wilson claimed
that on or about June 10, 1864, near Old Church, Virginia, "he
was ruptured on the right side while in the line of duty as a sol
dier, that he had no hospital treatment but was treated by the
surgeons of the regiment but cannot remember the name of the
surgeon who treated him, that he was furnished with a bandage,
and had no other treatment."
John S. Smith, 52, and William H. Jackson, 36, testified that
they had known Wilson for upwards of 25 years, had enlisted
with him, and had been present when he was mptured while
"carrying logs for the fortifications."
Although in 1882 Dr. William Corson of Norristown found
that Wilson was "one half incapacitated" because of his rupture,
Wilson's claim was rejected because he did not follow through in
submitting evidence that his injury occurred as a result of his
military service. The War Department could not find the names
of John S. Smith or William H. Jackson on the rolls of Co. E, 43rd
Regiment, U.S.C.T. The claim was finally abandoned. Bates lists
a William Jackson as enlisting in Co. D, 43rd Regiment, U.S.C.T.,
on February 15, 1864, and deserting June 26, 1864. (Bates' His
tory V:1092)
RICHARD WILSON: 675917
Richard Wilson served as a private in Co. G., 19th Regiment,
Maryland Colored Troops, from June 9, 1864, to January 15,
130
1867. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs Office, he
died October 10, 1888, at the age of 44, and was buried in Treemoimt Cemetery (PP-7 Section 4). Cemetery records say that he
died December 10, however. The December 17, 1888, edition of
the Norristown Weekly Herald includes an obituary for a Richard
Wilson who died in December 1888 in Lower Providence Town
ship. No other details are given.
Pension papers confirm that Wilson was enrolled on the 3rd or
4th of June, 1864, in Co. G, 19th Regiment of Maryland Colored
Troops, under the command of Capt. B. H. Rickard, and was dis
charged at Baltimore on February 16,1867. He was 20 years old,
5 feet 6 inches tall, with dark complexion, hair, and eyes. He saw
service in Petersburg, Virginia, where he was struck in the left
shoulder by a piece of shell in August of 1864. He also contracted
chronic diarrhea and was sent to the hospital at Bermuda Hun
dred from January 1 through March 1,1865.
On October 17,1888, when Wilson was applying for an invalid
pension, he reported that his left arm was smaller and weaker
than his right arm as a result of the injury. A resident of Penn
Street near Arch in Norristown, he had Freas Styer and Ellis K.
Styer of Whitpain Township serve as his witnesses. John W.
Schall was his attorney. Wilson was directed to report to Dr.
Napoleon Hickman in Philadelphia for an examination.
On January 23, 1889, Schall reported to the Hon. John C.
Black, Commissioner of Pensions in Norristown, that Richard
Wilson had died on December 10, 1888, at the Montgomery
County Poor House.
THE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT IN THE
PUBLIC SQUARE IN NORRISTOWN
A monument to the memory of Montgomery County soldiers
and sailors killed in the Civil War was erected on the public
square in Norristown and dedicated on September 17, 1869, the
anniversary of the battle of Antietam.
Four years before, a group of Montgomery County women had
conceived the idea of the monument and raised the funds for it.
Prominent among the members of the Monument Association
were Mrs. A. R. Cox, Mrs. D. M. Smyser, Mrs. Cadwalader Evans,
and Mrs. Theodore W. Bean.
Blue marble for the monument came from Messrs. Adams' and
Derr's quarries, ne^ the King of Prussia, and the white marble
was firom Hitner's quarries at Marble Hall.
131
DBATK OF MRS. MARIETTA CURRY
Aftor nn l)(K<ralloa far Appr-ndtdltU.
BEN JOHNSON DEAD.
at ClmrUy lloapllnl.
Mra. Mnrlalia. vlfa of Oaajaaln Hick*
Uo tfaoensib* to- on Annin llltiet* oa
maa Currr. and daugbte'r of tba lalo Job©
aad Uary Wllllania. rraldlnn at Willow
Buadar Kornliiu-
and Woed airaota, rllad at UbaVliy HaspUal, at two o'clecb Salnrdajr morDloa.
Cm JaYidams. one of Itn T««l kntnrq ro!>
attduMe Id UiUaecUos or Ihr coailrj, died
Baodaj cuanlsB. tbo laUi luat-. al bfi
hatna an DoKiJb ftnar, opof Crown-
Ur.JobannivU oniy lakpo akh on CiUir*
dii7. A phTâlaa vaa colWd in. nUo, oAef a
«ni*|lot dlacnatSs, fbud Uialbla inllantnu
aoflariofftoia aeaW-imttaDianla. whkb faj.*
Ul/ mro oat bU allslll;, icBjp<ln« auoeor
lajnd • paaalHlltr. Itarluu nulai^ mu7
h«rdtbfp«<lBr<0(bl*kD«l]r«, M< ijalaot wu
la a fssUUtan to raRBm). al uora l« Iba
Mieritr of tba 41mm. Mr. Jobnaon wu
o*S n f aan at W»Bra .TohnaaD baa Inrn u iiuiiiilar Ccuro
aboal Karrlalnm tar nnro ll-aii fprtf yaain.
Jlo eaaa IVca MaryUod wliPiw ba nan a
•lava,
flawaaofan aaUri-rlOna fnia and
baabcRi a bald aorkar all bU Ufa.
bV
Mra Curry wn* taban ill
laal.' wblla
on. Tvaaday
tainpomrllj roaaaad
al iba
raalilenca of Mr. Adan RoLoldt. tit Ftank-
Itn avptiua. and was eonvarud tu har bomo.
nffarraa with araai pain la bar alila. Hor
pkrilclao pranuunnd bar illstaa dua to
apiwcdlelila and tba waa tamoaal to Iba
kaapllal to be opontad upas aa tba aslf
meant of aaaln* her lite.
Tba oparalloa
waa nccotapllibad aveceaafnllp at 6 o'atoek
PTIdap oYeDlns aod tba patinnt *s* left
In a eaDlllion protnlaln* early racaaery.
6be aooo Rfew worne. bnwaaar, and Rtadually became weaker until aba died from
the cffrct e( tba abock-
Hra. Curry was bom In nrtdxeport In
lilt. She was a promtaent worker In tlw
Cbanatcr A.
U.
M.
T.
Cbureb and most
laaoj rranba btaboaa mtatMl In riusnyUif
aellra In mahtna tbo annual nltccttaa la
Slolvbkh hatel4 la Pbdaitrlphla aud Ma*
thai eonnreirallua in aid of tbo matola-
Yetk fliBia ta t^doaa porpoaaa aacb aa tba
nance of Ibe hnepltal la wbleb aba dial.
tBaaafkdBiaornBdkaiicr. ilair btivba, atr.
Bbn wu married In lldO aod leaaea two
Jabaaan Mrrad tbratflhtba war wllh Col.
5. D. B-akpr. of tba "Callforala ItacklalW
children. Jenole.wlfo nl J. WllUam llodct.
and nTllleni...J. Curry, employed In Iba
and waa arltb Ibat effloer al Ilia ilaio ba waa
UDad at BoirtOar.
alsian realdo In Narelstawn. Mra. dofan
Ha waiaBiRsteof IVit Ko. a}, U. A. B.,
of Pbllailrlpbta.
Jabaaou'aalDtiaierilial UlUoainl blairw
inlaoanccaef aa ataairul »m-r Ivldlneld
phntallan atylaate tbnillar.
Daeoaaeil Irareaa wUlowand lia cblldrtn.
tbrea aasi aod Ihiaa daaibicia.
Treasury Dopirtmenl at Wa^lBRlan. Two
AuRoata and Mra Artbur Daela.
Anotbar
elaler Uees nl Wllkaabarra. and two alt-
tora and Ibrae brethara In rbllndolpbta.
Mra. Curry wus one of aur noai btibly
rapeoted u abe waa oaa of tba aeat uso«
fuj at our dtlsaiuL Tbara ware (aw tune*
Uaas of any ImparlaBca la tba town wbara
bar eOciaot masaaament wu not called
Into raouiittlaa. Of a mild and banefo*
leel dliposUlan. moat capable aad Indua*
A~^WnX'«irow> OoMUe. HAS.I).UP.—
. Dktia CtosÎ, OBffot tb«Mil known oolofw
Irtaea.ln ber ealltnc. bar tfeatb la at onca
a less to bar tamlly oad tbs eesuBually.
''«aoIUMU«fNontitinRiidMnllib brae on
A!iT
nbore 'Welenl, on6etaid»x. iced
4»Xeit<v'tl>0Muea''VM-*' nnUre ©r Uiipw
IdwitAlp, tatetmeto Kertbtowts
iBl^'iiBdiitude-blt'nTlBi bX'odd ]obtot
Sent to the Alinabaoto..x
nenrx Johoioa, of Upper Mbtloo. who wu
wtfoi»1klDdCdllr.;OmffltBM'«wi cmt Dd'
dl«;iU)S(%iriil«lt jiertedlot xem tatiibed
born % rloTBin Cooil count;, Hi., wu innt to
Ibb Atniiliotua a few deya krw. He aorvoil
Wi<isIttiriitoWBr.Hhiiiretiea dptnetvetoe
and IB Amambor of I'oet SO, ti. A. IL, of Fhlln-
theiimlofornllfbi bl|tHtoM Mbi pntiM;
ilurlsR tbe wer In tbo Flt»t Colored lofontr;
dcilpbUi
The documents on this and the followingeight pages are illustrative of the sever
al thousand documents that werestudied as part of the research required by this
in-depth study.
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twenty dollar! {i20.QO).
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grand eon.
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bacooM aolUn Is r«i}slrs (banfolacud dallyattasdiM*afiaoiha pttaohesuUBllf
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14 Clnlha n*OMa9dpost«ak«iddrtaBc(tatbpbnIciasTbotltand(dthap<nrisaardaris| ltalalAo(«l
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is. StelaIbasacDca of Ihapcnoaa by whom Iba pmioiKr wsaoonad dsrlitg Iba period oraaypoitloa of Ibaperiod of lut
dcksaaadtlapariiideorendbytiKhMrTkalBCBchlfiiteBea
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a
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fltftnhar at, 1912.
Wl -
M llulJiara been |«U,or will appUctliaaba made (orpayrBfol toyon or anyother paraoB,i9rj«ne(tbtaxpmat«( Iba
panalaarr'a UalibliBaaand boriil byaoySteta.Cwiflly.or poaMpaleorpotiUooT (Aeiwety«tertie.)_HftA_.__
Si. Stelabeta* Iba aapemti of the peoaboo'i hat alAnaa aod boild. Write iliawoidand whtn m cWt* fanida lo
naaoltiiyllenielaxpensaeoled.
*
inauau.
(Each cb^ uterd bilew abeobi U auppnlelbyan limbed UtIet Ibape»<m who mdartd Uiitmlea orlaralibcd
mpeoibla (orywyBStb aadeoBtaia ibanaoia oftheptnilonar lorwbes Ibaaapeero via Inorrcdorarnlesrtad^.)
wiyigpoto for wWcb irlabitrMimt la •[eeiiHlrd, and rboaldaherr,ertr bfallfiulara, by •!>» uRof who la bald
ttoaca
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lliatoypestoacaaddiatBltltD. 1102:
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(Wbao lha cfalami lor rdatbomiDral laa oanMaopas, aba{aimliad loiIiQlbaappIlalloB withberoaoldl
jiam% Do(mio|tbaCUallAaBtat or tbaialbWothtt boated tbdaUbUiaibMldbamlptptabarlBbereoainBe)
o./
134
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OERTITTtOATK
OF DISABILITY
LGE
FOR DISCnAllGE
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y Vrt\»\ter.._ Ooiiipta7,-(.^JemV-^"^\\A.A. A
*« enlishi by
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fatt u.t^ 0 indtMtkb. (,^,,4^^ eaapluJiHh L^vU nt%i
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1 CBftTTJfV, Ibm I b^'D Wicfolly ewmliica llm inTd
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J7i/7y>'^ Company, nnd fad li^Sdwiablo of perfonalnsJbs dallw of unlditr
' ^jftrSldbMo'-
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{DonxetfrtM.) .--
*CT OP
135
77.18?0.
s-4oa.
^fiyartment af fkt %nttvxifVf
BURBATJ OF PBNSCONS.
Washington, D. 0., Jtmuary 15,1898.
BiBt
In forwarding to the pension ageni the executed, voucher for your next
quarterly payment please favor me by returmng this circular to him with
replies to the questions enumerated below.
Very respeotfuliy,
i%rA. Are jOQ murlcd? If M, pleoss atata your Hire's roll Dseie sad her Dslden aatne.
An««r.
geaml. ^hea, Hhere, sad by nhom were yoa married?
Aru«r.s*^=33BaY*»/-S.>tfzt/g^^
TAwd. What record ofmarriage exists?
.
.
^
xeuriA. Were 70a previonriy married ? If bo, please state the aame of pour former wile and the
date sad place of her death or diTOCoo.
QsTeyoDSQpchildrea llriog? If.so, ulease ehte thelrmsmes and the dates of their birtfa.
Anrwrr.
CUj^
aJ ' /
jgJ
Jhl!^
Sate of
(Bf|tiataf«.|
189^^
nmaoBM
136
tF*atiiscamneu»tota fui^DuaeiaMtirtteKavtiir'tftent
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tob6fUl6dlBby tb6 tP?TBtfFf ftf tfwr
m
tatti*
tft
ff'iptil tT tfao
»ppuetat.'wbaaftjDUCoafd Unotpneeo'
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.UioprUeaat fn (iDsnan or orietBoI) {WBofon nTcned
lolAlLltssoUcol certificate, twreb^ conml.toleetiBloeHy Ti>
fiaUboard), oa ttui
.IS
(Wreclea)
1
Siirrlo •drgmsi will
tbli Uftak, ^ndng " vq** (omd *'!.* Tb^j will troM Cheword*
**Pr«i., **Seo]r.** * TnM.,** Bod '^Boara** wEort
wpy^ *?pWi and
At ib« fool of Uio
ceriftbole, am aim o& toe back of ibe tamp. *
PiOTtBSO roftrncft, That all daviflalloQA c)ia11 bothorougbaqd coAfcblBg, and tb« corild*
CAtemUin a fall dfMtiptfosof tbe obnLcAl coodllioo of the dAlnaot Attbo tlsio, wbl^ obAll
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138
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County ComniiBBloneta made ^prolatioft for burial,
Book, B-319,alB0 for JTldow, Book,B-323,
Reference: Adj. Qenl. Uaas record attached.
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Atlee
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(LenidiefSenlce)
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139
KE2QHB0RS ATPIDAYII ^9 IQJMiiiarLlTY OP SOUJlgR,
Btat» of PtnnBylvBnlft.Oounty of UaQtgoD9ry,Ba:
to tho usttor of Olala for P9nBlon,Vo.414,aaB,(>Bt of funo ET.ieeoj
ofABNSR ATLBE,prlvot9 of Co,t»54«i.R9gt,Uofa,Vol.tofantry;
On thlo^'^dftjr of Pobuory.A.a.iegBjporaonally appBarod beforo ao a
tary Public,in ana for the aforeoald Oounty duly authorleed to adainla-
tor oathBÂlhanuB S.Pl8her,aea4 63 years,a resident of Ilorrlstoni,ln the,
Coun>$y of Montgomery end State of p9Jineylvanla,*oll knowi <0 me to he
reputohle and entitled to credit,end iho,being duly avoz7),deelared In relation to the aforesaid caae,Ba follora:
Ihot he la a near neighbor of the obove-nsmed applicant,and has )en9C>&
hio Intimately since 1853. lhat he the said affiant vas the Orderly fier
-geont of Claluante Company during the late ear,that as such he hno«a
and restembers that said soldier lnQUrr4d,«htle the Regiment tbs engaged
In the alege of Port RAQRER on Uorrle Island,S.O.severe Chronic Marrhoea and had a 9unattite,«hlch incapacitated him to such an extent that •
he was unable to do duty as a soldier,and wae detailed as a Teesster In
consequence thereof. That said Intimacy end acquaintanceship has been
kept up ever 8ince,and that hla sold diaablllty has continued ever elncfe.
end has been pragreaBive,end from tsf knowledge of Mm thus obtained,!
know that he la unable to perfona or do any hard labor slnee then,he works ohen able to woT4t,o8 a Btable-boas.or sraoe other like work,——
That in comparlBon with a sound able>bodied man,he knowa personally tha^
he Is unable to perfom more than Ijls of the work pf such sble-bedled
man.and that at light vozk only,that he hae been In that condition for
TDore than two years,that he is a piorsloal wreck,-—
That he is no wise related to said Atlee,and he doss further declare that he baa no Interest in said eoae and la not eoncexned In Its proaecutlon.
That hla Poat-Offlca oddreaa
Homatown,Fenna.
ritii ."rf
140
Mlm
Soldiers' Monument, Norristown.
141
There is no indication from the many newspaper articles pub
lished at the time how the ladies determined which names to
place on the monument. The names on the monument now (1994)
were put in place in 1932, when new bronze tablets were affixed
and the monument re-dedicated on Abraham Lincoln's birthday.
On the north side of the monument are the following names of
U. S. Colored Troops: E. Willmore, Sgt.; Robert Brown, 8th Regt.;
Embrose Jackson, 41st Regt.; Daniel Davis, 45th Regt.; William
Van Lear, 127th Regt.; James Wilson, 137th Regt.; 54 Massa
chusetts Regiment; Isaac Hopkins, Co. E.; George Price, Co. E.
This list of soldiers on the monument proved to be more both
ersome than helpful when this researcher attempted to identify
Montgomery County soldiers.
Even more troublesome than the inaccuracies on the present
monument was the discovery of the unpleasantness and ugliness
that accompanied the dedication of the monument in 1869.
The Norristown Herald and Free Press of August 19 an
nounced a very impressive guest list for the ceremony, including
Gov. John W. Geary, Gen. Burnside, and Gen. Meade. Col. John
W. Forney was slated to be the orator of the day, and B. B. French
of Washington, D.C., and Hon. D. M. Smyser of Norristown had
written "appropriate Odes" to be sung on the occasion. Gen. John
F. Hartranft was ChiefMarshall. Also invited were military units
in the area and posts of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The day did not proceed quite as planned, for Gen. Joshua T.
Owen presented the keynote address rather than Col. Forney.
Sjmiser's ode was sung by an "efficient choir," led by Prof.
Thomas O'Neill and accompanied by Beck's "celebrated" brass
band from Philadelphia. Torrential rains, beginning soon after
the parade had begun, forced the crowd into the Court House,
where the main program of the day took place.
Elsewhere in the issue of the September 23 Herald and Free
Press was a report on the Emancipation Anniversary and Parade,
held on the 22nd by the colored people of Norristown and vicin
ity, joined by delegations from a distance. Their marchers gath
ered on Main Street at 10:00, awaited the arrival of the cars from
Philadelphia, and then set off up Main Street at noon. At the
head was Capt. Samuel Brown, Secretary and General officer of
the day, accompanied by Hickman Curry, Arthur Davis, Charles
Martin, William Lewis, Andrew Wilson, William Harris, Joseph
M. Taylor, George Marshall, Stephen Pryer, and William Wilson.
In addition, there were several visiting bands, delegations from
142
CITIZEN SOLDERS OF COLOR
the Philadelphia area as well as Chester County, old soldiers led
by Albanus Fisher, a stage full oflittle girls in white, and two om
nibuses filled with women dressed in white.
According to the Herald and Free Press,
Arriving in front of the Public Square the procession halted
sufficiently long to allow an inspection of the Soldiers' Mon
ument and the playing of a dirge by the Wilmington band.
Resuming the march the line proceeded through the prin
ciple streets of the Borough and broke ranks upon arriving
at Cooke's Woods. By this time the rain commenced falling
to such an extent that persons were forced to seek shelter
wherever they could. Of course this interfered with the ex
ercises in the open air. It ceased raining to some extent in
the afternoon, but the weather, as we went to press, looked
very unfavorable. Our streets were decorated with flags
and a hundred guns were fired in honor of the occasion.
The Wilmington band, having arrived on Tuesday evening,
serenaded quite a number of our citizens. Their playing
was much admired.
Reports in the National Defender cast the weel^s celebrations
in an entirely different light. The National Defender was a De
mocratic newspaper supporting the election of the Hon. Asa
Packer as governor. The September 23 issue stated that
the unfortimate selection of Josh. Owens ofPhiladelphia as
Orator of the day turned this part of the ceremonies into a
partisan affair. In speaking of the battle of Antietam, he
endeavored to traduce McClellan by asserting that it was
no victory. Every Democratic general's fame was ignored,
while those who are known to be partisans of Radical views
were immortalized, by this would-be hero. Owens is a
played out radical politician, who was cashiered in the
army and but for McClellan he would have been disgraced
and dismissed from the army. He now seeks to traduce his
friend in need. Such is radical gratitude however.
In the original programme the colored soldiers were in
vited to participate, but some Democratic as well as Re
publican soldiers refusing to turn out in case the 'niggers'
were allowed to parade. Gen. Hartranft countermanded
the order, although some ten or twelve names of 'niggers'
143
are inscribed on the monument in connection with the
whites, their living representatives should have had the
privilege of participating with the whites in the dedicating
ceremonies.
The National Defender of September 28 gave more informa
tion about the Emancipation celebration;
The Eclipse, A Gala Day in Norristown for the Colored
Folks.
Wednesday last was set apart by the colored men of
Norristown to pay honors to the anniversary of their free
dom, as proclaimed by the late lamented.' About five hun
dred colored men, women and children were present. They
came from Philadelphia, Chester Valley Downingtown and
the surrounding neighborhoods. Two brass bands (colored)
were in attendance - Mount Vemon Band of Wilmington,
Del., and a Philadelphia band; also martial music from
Chester Valley.
Capt. Samuel Brown, Hannibal Hansbury, Hickman
Curry, Arthur Davis, Chas. Martin, Wm. Harris, Jos. M.
Taylor, Geo. Marshall, Steph. Fryer, and Wm. Wilson com
posed the officers.
The day was dark and gloomy, but to the colored folks a
grand, a glorious jubilee. They seemed to be as happy as
the day was long.
The Radical Abolitionists, however, seemed mad, be
cause the darkies did not associate more with them. A few
hung out their flags in honor ofthe occasion. The Herald of
fice was gaily decorated. Brewer's Hotel flung to the breeze
their flag, but then they would not associate, shake hands,
and be 'gay and happy still' with the 'fair' (colored)
damsels. The Wilmington colored band arrived here the
evening previous to the anniversary day and serenaded
James Hooven, Jos. Allabough, Elijah Thomas and others,
but no one would furnish sleeping apartments. Brower's
bar was open to them, but they were deprived the dining
and sleeping apartments. In consequence the band and
other guests who arrived the night before were compelled
to sleep on the floor of a third story room, used by the
Grand Army of the Republic.
We have no doubt the blacks have had their eyes opened
144
to the trickery of Radical nabobs. They have learned by sad
experience that freedom does not pave the streets with
gold, or make food and clothing rain down from the clouds
— that Grant is a blank — Geary a blockhead — Lincoln
and Stephens dead — the Fifteenth Amendment lost —
and the whole Radical party a dead leatter. So soliloquized
the two light colored damsels who were ordered from the
sitting room of the hotel over the way into the street, dur
ing the rain!
One of the features of the ceremonies was the rededica-
tion of the Soldiers' moniiment in the Public Square, and
the firing of a salute. As we did not get to the woods we
were not edified with the oration delivered there during the
afternoon.
The ceremonies were to close with a grand ball in the
evening at the Odd Fellows' Hall and for this purpose a
contribution had been levied and collected to pay Hall hire
and other expenses. But the treasurer, a white Radical, we
imderstood, pocketed the funds and decamped, so that the
poor darks were compelled to forego the dance —the most
delightful part of the exercises to them. We are told that
the colored folks were highly incensed at the shabby recep
tion they received at the hands of the Radicals, and refuse
to do any more cheering for the Gearyites.
To see these newspaper reports in their proper perspective,
the reader should also note an election notice in the same issue
of the National Defender:
Rally, White Men! To the Polls To-Day! Men of Mont
gomery county, all in favor of preserving our republican
form of government, all opposed to the centralizing influ
ence of the Fifteenth Amendment, all who believe this gov
ernment was established by White Men, for the benefit of
White Men and their descendants forever, all who wish a
CHANGE in the administration of affairs at Harrisburg,
arise in your might, rally around the Flag of Democracy to
day and vote for your rights and your interests by voting
the full democratic ticket from Governor down.
145
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Samuel P. Bates. History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-5, Vol. V. Harrisburg: 1871.
Luis F. Emilio. History of the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volun
teers Infantry, 1863-1865 Boston: 1894; New York: 1968.
Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D. Women Who Run with The Wolves: Myths and
Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype NewYork: Ballatine Books, 1992.
Corporal James Henry Gooding. On the Altar of Freedom: A Black Soldier's
Civil War Letters from the Front. University of Massachusetts Press, 1991.
146
MEETING, MEMBERSHIP ANDTREASUKBR'S REPORT
The April General Meeting
April 17, 1993
About seventy-five members and guests gathered in a meeting
room in the Visitors Center at Valley Forge Park to hear Albert
M. Gambone's electrifying lecture on General Zook who was
wounded on the second day's battle of Gettysburg and died on the
third day.
Before the lecture Mr. Gambone presented the society with a
beautifully framed limited edition print, entitled Cemetery Hill,
by Don Troiani of Southbury, Connecticut.
Mr. McCain, our treasurer, reported that our treasury balance
on January 1, 1993, was $9,838.28 and on March 31, it was
$33,311.61. Membership Chairman Frank Miller read the names
of eighteen new members and two deaths. Because of the large
number of visitors the business meeting was hmited to these
items plus some special announcements.
Respectfully submitted,
147
The November Meeting
November 20, 1993
The November Meeting of the Historical Society of Mont
gomery County was held in the Pottstown area on the above date.
Followingluncheon at Charlie's on Route 422, Douglassville, Mr.
Addison welcomed members and guests. He distributed for mem
bers' signatures two "get well" cards: one for William McCain
who is recovering from a compression fracture of the spine and
the other for Roger Mower who suffered complications from a
knee replacement operation.
The minutes of the April meeting were read and approved. Be
cause of the absence of Mr. McCain, Mr. Addison presented the
treasurer's report: a balance of $9,838.28 on January 1,1993, and
$5,898.03 on October 31, 1993. Dr. Frank Miller announced the
deaths of five of the Society's long-time members and presented
the names of seventy-one persons for election to membership. All
were elected unanimously.
Mr. Addison introduced member William Ortlip Land who
presented a painting of the DeKalb Street Bridge, executed by
William H. OrtUp, to the Society. William Ortlip (1851-1936) was
a Norristown sign painter, bom in Shannonville and trained at
the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Mr. Addison ac
cepted the painting on behalf of the Society.
Howard Gross introduced Holly Newcomb, administrative as
sistant of Pottsgrove Manor, who updated Roger Mower's 1990
talk on the Pottsgrove restoration. New chimneys have been
opened and a hood over the front door as well as the opening of a
closet room are ongoing projects. The current exhibit features the
necessities of eighteenth century living including fall housecleaning.
Following this brief business meeting, members enjoyed
guided tours of Pottsgrove Manor and Zion's United Church of
Christ (the Old Brick Church, second building erected 1796).
Mildred S. Gillam
148
MEETING, MEMBERSHIP AND TREASURER'S REPORT
The Annual Meeting
March 19, 1994
The one hundred thirteenth annual meeting of the Historical
Society of Montgomery County was held at the Johnny Cross
Restaurant in Blue Bell. President Edward Addison welcomed
members and guests to the meeting postponed because of snow
and ice from February 19.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, State Senator Edwin Holl pro
vided a trumpet accompaniment for the singing of "America."
Howard Gross read the prayer generally accepted as that of Gen
eral George Washington at Valley Forge:
Mr. Addison thanked Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Riemer for making
the luncheon arrangements. The next general meeting will be
held at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library on
April 23. Judith Meier, assistant librarian, will talk about her re
cent project of identifying and investigating Montgomery Count3^s colored soldiers of the Civil War. Dr. Riemer announced the
outing to Williamsport on June 4. The cost will be $50. Departure
time is 8:30 A.M.
Before proceeding to the formal program, aU present sere
naded Dorothy Frick on the occasion of her birthday. Senator
Holl again provided the accompaniment.
Howard Gross delivered the traditional tribute to George
Washington." Dr. Riemer then introduced James Newell dressed
in the costume of a soldier in the Continental Line. He repre
sented Corporal Emil Groux, a resident of Northampton Town
ship and an ancestor of the speaker, who served first in Thomp
son's Rifle Unit and finally in the First Pennsylvania Regiment.
Mr. Newell e^lained the advantages and disadvantages of the
rifles and muskets used by the army. He left us all with a better
understanding of the terms that have come down to us from the
use of the flint-lock musket: "keep your powder dry; flash in the
pan; half-cocked; and lock, stock and barrel." A question and an
swer period followed.
The business meeting followed with Dr. Riemer presiding. The
report of the Nominating Committee (consisting of Mrs. Young,
Mr. McCain, and Dr. Riemer) was presented:
President
1st Vice-president
Joseph T. Riemer
149
2d Vice-president
Barton P. Proger
3d Vice-president
Hon. William T. Nicholas
Treasurer
William M. McCain
Secretary
Financial Secretary
Mildred S. Gillam
Alice G. Smith
Dr. James Holton was nominated as a new Trustee. Remain
ing on the Board of Trustees are Mrs. Ella Aderman, Mrs. Ed
ward L. Crawford, Donald L. Cunningham, Mrs. William B.
Daub, Bruce Forman, Mrs. W. Gilbert Frick, Howard W. Gross,
Frederick E. Lobb, Frank L. Miller, Mrs. Domenic J. Pontarelh,
Harry E. Reiff, Mrs. Vivian Taylor, Alfred Wolsky, and Mrs.
James A. Young. There were no nominations from the floor and
the secretary was directed to cast the ballot.
The minutes from the November meeting were approved as
read.
Mr. McCain presented the Treasurer's report:
Balance , January 1, 1994
$13,360.98
Receipts
Total
Expenditures
26.487.70
$39,848.68
11.062.64
Balance, February 28, 1994
$28,786.04
Mr. Addison reported briefly on the state of the Society. He
emphasized again the need for an executive director. At present,
the Executive Committee serves in that capacity as well as on the
Finance Committee with Alfred Wolsky and Clifford Gillam. He
thanked Mrs. Young and Mr. Forman for their work in cataloging
and photographing the museum artifacts. Mrs. Young explained
the selection of the DeHaven autograph quilt as one of the quilts
going to Japan for a special exhibit. Dr. Proger reminded mem
bers of the Mills project in cooperation with the Delaware County
Historical Society. He especially urged members to attend the
program on May 15 at Montgomery County Community College.
Mr. Addison adjourned the meeting.
Mildred S. Gillam
150
The April General Meeting
April 23, 1994
President Edward T. Addison, Jr., welcomed approximately
seventy members and guests gathered in the Commimity Room
of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library for the
113th Spring meeting of the Historical Society of Montgomery
Coimty on April 23, 1994. The meeting opened with the tradi
tional singing of America and the Pledge of Allegiance. Agnes
Baker Jefferson provided piano accompaniment for the singing of
America.
The minutes of the Annual Meeting were accepted as read.
William McCain presented the treasurer's report for the first
quarter:
Balance January 1, 1994
$13,360.98
Receipts
42.191.54
Total
55,552.52
Expenditures
Balance March 31, 1994
16.164.75
$39,387.77
Mr. Addison announced the opening exhibit of the Mills Pro
ject at Montgomery County Community College on May 15.
Dr. Joseph Riemer, Program Chairman, announced plans for
the June 4th outing to Williamsport, one time lumber capital of
Pennsylvania. He then introduced Assistant Librarian Judith
Meier who spoke on Citizen Soldiers of Color. She outlined the
difficulties involved in her research of black Civil War veterans
in Montgomery County. Using one soldier, Jacob Abel, as an ex
ample, however, she demonstrated the value of directories,
deeds, pension records, veterans' files, and newspapers—public
records available to all researchers. She then provided details of
the lives of five other soldiers, including Michael James, father of
Harry James, Norristown's first black policeman, and Samuel M.
H. Brown, the first colored juror. She closed with an appeal for
famihes to search their family records for papers and photo
graphs.
Mildred Gillam
BULLETIN OP HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
151
New Members
Elected November 20, 1993
Barbara Almqmst
Thomas A. Armstrong, M.D.
Jeanne M. Oglesby
Gene Ortlip
Dr. & Mrs. Ian M. Ballard
Deborah E. Pezold
Emily D. Beachel
Mr. & Mrs. George J. Blake
Jerilyn J. Reniger
Daniel C. Richard, Jr.
Donna J. Rilling
Mr. & Mrs. Roy V. Rodriquez
Franklin Schlegel
Carl F. Schultheis, M.D.
Mrs. Robert L. Brant
Dr. & Mrs. William E. Brown
Marilynn K Cartwright
Linda Christy
Connie Cole
Mr. & Mrs. Jere Seelaus
Alice D. Collins
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Seggev
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Cutler
Bruce J. Smith
Dr. & Mrs. John J. Dascher
Leonard Tabachnik, Ph.D.
Mrs. Rita DeLaurentis
Carole Thul
Elisabeth Evans
Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Torr
Dr. & Mrs. J. Fingerut
Mr. & Mrs Richard Foote
Judy VanBuskirk
Helen V. Weinight
Steven E. Ford
Dr. & Mrs. George H. Weiss
Virginia Garczynski
Dr. Allen E. Hamburg
Pauline S. Weitz
Martha Hawke
Dr. & Mrs. R. Hallock Williams
Ms. Barbara Hertzberg
Mary R. L. Huttinger
Kenneth B. James, Jr.
Charles H. Johnston, Jr
L. Jane Wilmer
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Wilcox
Muriel Wolff
Anna Marie Yorck
Margaret R. Zamierowski
Eric Kessehnan
Elaine R. Kline
Henriette Knecht
Mr. & Mrs. James G. Kolb
Paul McQuims
Dr. & Mrs. Marvin H. Marx
Darlene E. Moyer
DEATHS
Gordon K. Biddle
Miss Florence M. Cassel
M. Isabell Naylor
Mrs. H. D. Steinbright
Dr. H. E. Tompkins
152
New Members
Elected March 19, 1994
Mrs. Harry D. Baird
Mrs. Norman Mittman
Frank H. BaU
Jack L. Mohr
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Boyles
Mr. & Mrs. George T. Brecht, Jr.
Scott R. Campbell
Michael Orler
Mrs. Roger Mower
Mrs. George S. Peck
Ruth Clemmer
Mrs. Robert S. Pressman
Thomas P. Coyne
John J. Puzio, Jr.
Mrs. JoAnne Debes
Mrs. Richard P. Richter
Iman H. Drammeh
Donald J. Rohner
Mrs. Hildegarde C. Evoy
Donald Roan
Mrs. David Farrell
Mr. & Mrs. James M. Scattergood
Mrs. Stephen Finkbiner
Mrs. Nicholas Scull
Mr. & Mrs. David Fox
David G. Smith
Joan Gabrie
John C. Souder
Juliette Gerhardt
Paulda Strimel
Martha L. Gilman
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Strouse
Michael R. Houck
Mrs. Edwin C. Tait
Mrs. Ed Kaczanowicz
Mrs. Robert A. Law, Jr.
Dr. H. Roy Thompson
William Vogel
Amy Waltz
Russell Leisner
Mrs. James Watson
Mrs. Andrew McClay
Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Macolley
Ron Wilson
Gerald T. Koren
Mrs. Mark Werkiser
Carl Wisler
DEATHS
George T. Brecht, Sr.
Joseph Coscia
Dr. Louis S. Marks
Bertha C. Righter
BULLETIN OF HISTORICAL SOCIETY OP MONTGOMERY COUNTY
153
Treasurer's Report
January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993
RECEIPTS
TRUST FUNDS & INTEREST
Jarrett-Reed
4,854.25
Permanent Fund
2,212.85
EXPENDITURES
WAGES & TAXES
Wages
22,104.72
8,384.94
Taxes
30,489.66
C.S. Murray (Bldg) 1,300.51
General Fund
569.69
MAINTENANCE & UTIUTI
Gas & Electric
7,351.82
J.E. Cope
(Vanguard)
510.80
J.E. Cope (AT&T)
277.20
J.E. Cope (Bell Atl) 1,457.68
D.M. Wright
390.86
G. McFarland
W. Morgan
Checking Acct.
Telephone
45.60
377.37
MEMBERSHnP DUES
Research fees
3,102.25
16,671.00
Queries
1,879.90
2,454.00
43.50
6.20
7,485.85
Newspaper Ads
Memorial in Stone
Beans Index
1848 maps
Poor Children
Bulletin Index
Tote Bags
Note Papers
Gwynedd Fairlands
Beans History
Runaway Women
Clemmer Family
Quilting Book
Miscellaneous
State Sales Tax
Books at Auction
1,017.00
2,437.90
2,080.00
350.00
1,394.76
& Equipment
2,151.05
Books, dues.
218.70
20.00
277.50
7.00
etc.
668.60
630.08
380.00
Miscellaneous
Research Project
3,253.00
Insurance
Hospitality
40.00
150.00
529.50
90.50
37.10
129.47
State Sales Tax
Programs &
Services
Resale Items
File Cabinets
112.50
2,135.00
4,145.00
2,621.25
Maintenance
60.00
125.00
299.41
99.49
65.59
19,934.63
ADMINISTRATION
Mailing
693.15
679.50
108.50
40.00
913.40
2,755.50
1,200.00
Auditing
Conservation
3,576.34
ANNUAL FUND DRIVE
1992-1993
1993-1994
Security
Heating Contract
& Repairs
Parking Lot
upgrade
Consulting
Heating
Oflice supplies
Postage &
SALES
HSMC Bulletins
329.44
sewer
12,361.85
Visitors fees
Census Rental
5,918.56
Grounds
Water, fire.
365.04
Photocopies
449.91
Building &
supplies
2,106.19
18,280.40
HSMC BULLETIN
6,280.00
Printing
Mailing
Copyright
12,643.89
1,182.16
60.00
13,886.05
LUNCHEONS
February
November
787.50
705.00
MUSEUM FUND
1,492.50
Archival supplies
270.89
154
OUTINGS
LUNCHEONS
Greenwich, NJ
1,080.00
February
November
567.65
567.88
1,135.53
DONATIONS & GRANTS
County
Commissioner
OUTING
10,000.00
Greenwich, NJ
1,123.75
PA Kst & Mus
.(operating)
12,720.00
GENEALOGY GROUP
Salt Lake Trip
7,505.76
Banquet
411.89
Speakers
75.00
GlenealogyCourse
290.00
PA Hist & Mus
(Archival)
ARCO (Wolsky)
ARCO (Addison)
E.T. Addison, Jr.
2,767.00
500.00
650.00
150.00
8,282.65
M/M Robert Cohen
(Photos)
Miscellaneous
Genuardi Refunds
SAR
500.00
304.03
419.69
100.00
Memorial (Lisetta
Proger)
40.00
28,150.72
GENEALOGY GROUP
Salt Lake Trip
9,853.00
Banquet
391.00
Genealogy Course
500.00
10,744.00
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
General Acct to
Checking
9,084.00
9.084.00
96,926.26
On hand January 1,1993
9,838.28
$106,764.54
93,403.56
On hand December 31,1993
13.360.98
$106,764.54
BULLETIN OF HISTORICAL SOCXETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
INDEX
Citizen Soldiers of Color
William, 37
William F., 36
Abel, Alice R., 7
Ethel M., 7
Harriet, 7
Jacob, 7, 36
Mary, 7
William P., 7
William R., 7
Able, Catharine, 6
Charlotte, 6
Harriet, 6
J. F.,8
Jacob, 6,8
John Thomas, 6
Mary, 6
Rebecca,6
William, 6
Able (Abel), Jacob, 6
Adams, John Q., 119
Virginia M., 33
Aiker, Frank, 126
Akin, Harry W., 104
Akins, Isabella, 104
Samuel, 104
Alexander, Charity, 67
Allabough, Jos., 144
Jos. Y., 110
Amos, Samuel H., 37
Anderson, Benjamin, 8, 9, 13
Henry, 15
James, 9
John, 9
Lucinda, 9
Mary, 9
Mollie, 9
Sarah B., 9
Anthony, Mary A., 68
Apple, Mr., Ill
Archer, Christy Ann, 8
Arisen, Emma, 94
Mary, 94
Atkinson, I.S., 74 (2)
Atlee, Abner, 9,10,11,12 (2), 13
Albert, 10
Calvin, 11
Debey E., 10
Ellen, 11
Hellen, 10,13
Isaac, 9
Mary Frances, 10
Sylvey B., 10
Augusta, John, 37, 124,125
John, Mrs., 27
Martha A., 125
B
Baker, C.S., Dr., 119
E.D., Col., 76
John S., 119
Banks, Burgess, 121
Sarah Jane, 92
Bannister, James, 92
Bantum, L.H., Rev., 27
L.W., Rev., 89
V.L., Rev., 78
Barnes, A.M., 78
Theodore, 24
Barren, Jacob, 92
Bartholt, John F., Capt., 42
Battersly, W.H., 98
Beale, William, 18
Bean, Theo. W., Cel., 109
Theodore W., Mrs., 141
Beath, Robert B., 41
Beaver, Henry, 128
Beerer, Franklin T., 46
M. Louise, 66
Bender, Jacob, 105
Black, John C., 130
Lucy, 9
Blackwell, David C., 103
Thomas, 44, 69, 70
Thomas H., 7
Blankenhom, Jacob Jr., 92
Bodey, Jacob, 18
Boigan, Lydia, 9
Bolivar, Elizabeth L., 89
Bounds, Samuel, 28
Bowers, William, 123
Bowman, John, 15
Bowser, James, 16
Mary, 13
Molly, 16
Sarah, 17
William, 13,14, 15, 16,17
William J., 13
William James, 15,17
Boyakin, Lydia, 9
Beyer, Wallace, 111
Bradley, Edward, 44
Briceri, Capt., 102
Brise, Charles, 36
Brown, Benjamin, 17, 52
Bessie, D., 21
155
156
Cathrine L., 47
Christopher, 79
Eliza, 17,19, 20
Ella J., 21
Elmira, 20, 21
Elmirah, 20
Emma, 20
Emma N., 20
Esther, 17,19
George, 17,18,19, 20
Harry, 105
Harry J., 21
Hugh, 17,19
Ida, 20
Isabella, 17,19
Jacob, 17, 19
James, 18
John, 19, 109
Julia, 18
Julia A-, 17
Louisa, 18
Lucinda M., 17, 19
Lucy, 17, 19
Mary E., 20
Rankins, 18
Raymond, 21
Rebecca, 22
Robert, 17,18, 141
Robert H., 17
S.M.H., 37
Samuel, 17,19, 20, 21
Samuel M., 22, 78
Samuel M.H., 7,11, 18, 20, 21, 22,
66, 89, 90,110
Samuel, Capt., 142,143
Sarah, 17,19
Sylvia, 13
Thadius A., 20
Welhngton A., 20
William J., 20
BrufF, Jane E., 64
Thomas, 36, 37, 50, 90
Buckman, Aaron N., 41
Burch, Santee, 38
Burke, James, 50
Bumside, Gen., 141
General, 16
Bush, Edith A., 48
Edith Ann, 10
Ellen M., 10
Hellen L., 9
Robert, 10
Sylvia, 10
Butler, Alice, 87
Amanda, 87
Catharine, 38
Helen, 87
Lula L., 38
Mame, 86
Mary, 87
Maiy L, 87
Walter, 86, 87
William, 87
Byers, Jacob, J.P., 41
Caldwell, Oliver, 70
Oliver W., 36, 44
Sarah, 9
Carter, Esther, 24
Hannah, 23
Helen, 9
Henry, 23
Henry Clay, 24
James, 23
Joseph, 23
Lizzie, 23
Maggie, 23
Richard D., 9
Rosetta,9
Samuel, 23
Sarah, 23, 24
Sarah E. Deal, 24
Sarah Johnson, 24
Susie, 23
Thomas C,.54
William, 23, 24
William H.J., 24
William Henry James, 22
Chase, Caroline, 36
Charlotte, 6
George, 6, 7, 35
George H., 63
George W., 36
JudiHi, 7
Mary, 7
Mary H., 6
Chippey, S.W., Rev., 78
Chippy, Rev., 70
Clemens, Alfred, 25
Ann, 25
Elwood, 25
Emma, 36
Harriett, 25
Joseph, 25, 26
Mary, 25
Tacy, 25
Thomas, 25
William, 25 (2), 26
Willy Ann, 26
Clemmens, Ann, 25
William, 25
Cole, John, Rev., 89
Coleman, John, 15
Collins, John, 63
Condon, George, 92
Cook, Sarah, 98
Copman, Rev., 47
Corson, E.M., 105
Hiram, 77
John J., 38
Laurence E., 18, 71, 72
William, Dr., 79, 129
Wm., 105
Wm., Dr., 77
Coursey, William Henry, 16
Cox, A-R., Mrs., 141
Cresson, James, 60
James 0., 45
Croman, M.H., 67
Cromell, JvUian, 56
Cromer, David, 56
Crommells, David, 57
Croumills, Hirem, 56
Mary J., 56
Grouse-Green, Sarah Catharine, 24
Sarah Catherine, 25
Crummels, David, 56, 57
Idela, 56
Idele, 57
Julia, 56
Mary J., 56
Mary Jane, 57
Crummills, Ann, 56 (2)
David, 56 (2)
Fanny, 56
Jane, 56
Julia, 56 (3)
Julian, 56
Mary Jane, 56
Cnunwell, David, 56
Cuff, Rev., 52
Thomas A., Rev., 52
Gulp, Hei^, 87
Currie, Hickman, 26
Curry, Benjamin, 27, 28,119
Benjamin H., 66,125
Beixjamin Hickman, 26
Hickman, 142,143
Jane, 26
Jennie, 27
Kate B., 44
Marietta, 26, 27, 125
Marietta Williams, 125
Maxy E.,26,27
Nathaniel, 7
William, 26, 28
William J., 26, 27
Cuyjet, Sarah J., 92
George W., 29
J. Arthur, 29
Jacob, 29
John, 29
Martha, 26
Mary Ida, 86
May, 28
Sallie, 28
Samuel, 29
Thomas T., 24
Walter, 28
William, 29
Dawson, Matilda, 127
Susan,127
Deal, Sarah E., 23
Thomas Henry, 24, 25
Deal-Puller, Laura, 25
Detweiler, Abraham H., 112,113
Dickerson, William F., 94
Diggs, Benjamin, 59
Dill, Edward, 122
Martha, 122
Dimond, Joseph, 121
Donal, Sarah J., 96
Donald, Samuel, 31
Donnell, Beatrice, 33
Benjamin, 31, 32, 33 (2)
Caroline, 32
Carrie, 33, 96
Clara, 31, 32, 33
Frank, 33
George, 31
Jonathan, 31
Maggie, 31
Rocl., 33
Samuel, 31 (3), 32, 33, 96
Sarah J., 31, 33, 96
Sarah Jane, 31, 32
Sarah Jane Palmer, 33
Dorsey, Carrie, 47
George, 72
Israel, 28, 72
James, 28, 72
Jane, 44, 72
John,72
Louisa, 72
Nathan, 72, 73, 74, 75
Nathaniel, 72
D
Dannehower, William F., 39
Davis, Albertson, 29
Alfred, 36
Annie, 27, 28
Arthur, 29,142,143
Arthur, J., 28
Arthur, Mrs., 27
Charles, 29
Daniel, 26 29, 141
Daniel D., 29
E.M., 110
Emma, 28
Doubleday, Gen., 116
Douglas, Thomas, 71, 75, 76
Drake, H.H., 115
H.H., Dr., 127
Dyer Henry, 128
E
Earle, C.C., Rev., 126
Edsell, Abram, 45
Sara, 45
Eisenburg, P.Y., Dr., 51
Emerson, Elizabeth, 71
157
158
John, 71
Thomas, 36, 71
Emory, Francis S., 69
Enoch, George Dr., 92
Epps, Lewis, 89
Louis, 51
Louis E., 89
Estes, Clarissa Pinkola, 5
Euston, Josephine, 60
Mary E., 60
Evans, Cadwalader, 34, 60
Cadwalader, Mrs., 141
Sam, 116
Farrell, Patrick, 75
Fellman, Chief, 70
Ferrell, Thomas, 82
Fields, Thomas, 25
Finley, Charles V., 44
Fish, M.Y., 114
Fisher, Albanus, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,
108,142
Albanus S., 11, 33, 34, 52, 75
Alfred R., 35
Alice S., 35
Alonzo, 40
Ambrose C., 35
Anna, 39
Austin, 40
Caroline, 34, 36
Catherine, 39
Catherine R., 40
Charles, 34
Charles B., 35
Chatrine, 39
Edward, 34, 35, 40, 89, 106,108
Eliza, 35
Emma, 34
Emma J., 35
George, 89
George E., 34, 35
Hannah, 40
Hannah F., 35
Harriet, 35
Hany, 35, 40
Harry E., 35
Harry Eugene, 40
Harry H., 38
Harry 0., 40
Isaac D., 35
John, 40, 57
Joseph, 57,103
Judith, 35
Judy A., 34
Kate, 39
Leah L., 35
Lydia, 34
Margaret, 35, 40
Margaret A.C., 38, 39
Martha, 34 (2), 35, 40
Mary, 55
Mary E., 34
Mary H., 35
Perry, 34, 35
Robert, 35, 40
Sarah, 40
Victoria, 35 (2)
Willard H., 35
William, 34, 35, 39
William H., 35
William Henry, 34
Winfield, 35
Flowers, Anna M., 40
David, 41
Eli, 40, 123
Ely, 40
Harriet A., 123
Harriett, 124
Margaret, 40
Robert, 40, 41, 42, 128
Sarah, 41, 42
Sarah A., 40
Sarah Ann, 41
Warrington, 40
Washington, 40
William, 40, 41, 42
William B., 40
Forbes, Joseph, Capt., 61
Forney, John W., Col., 141
Francis, S., 7
Frazer, Stephen, 42
Freedley, Capt., 61
Henry, 76
French, B.B., 141
Fritch, Peter H., 126
Fryer, Steph., 143
Fumey, L.A., Capt., 22
G
Gardner, Theodotia, 101
Gaunt, Alice, 39
Amelia A., 39
Edward G., 39
Geary, John W., Gov., 141
Gibbs, Elizabeth, 56
Samuel H., 56
Thomas, 34, 36
William T., 56
Gibson, Fanny, 60
Frances, 74
Gillin, Robert H., 31
Gillmore, Sarah Jane, 101
Gilmore, Emily J., 101
Given, James T., Col., 68
Givens, Col., 116
Glase, Archie, 55
Glasgo, Rachel, 121
Glasgow, Abram, 122
Mary, 121
Rachel, 121
Robert, 121 (2)
Susanna, 121
TacyAnn, 121
Glisson, John J., 62 (2)
Goldwood, Capt., 51
Gooden, Mary An, 93
Gooding, James Henry, CpL, 3
Grady, CôrgeW., 58
Gray, Samuel, 95 (2)
Sarah, 95
Green, James, 40
Lewis, 73
Mary, 40, 91
GrifTey, Lûis, 70
Griffin, Anna Winder, 42
Edith, 45
Edith B., 45
Edward, 42, 43, 44, 68, 113
Emily, 44
Harriett, 45
James, 42
Margaret, 46
Mary, 44
Mary E., 43,44, 45
Percifer Leroy, 43
Percifor L., 45
Percival L., 44
Percy LeRoy, 44
Rowdell, 44
Sarah, 16,17
Sarah A., 45
William, 45
William H., 44
William Herbert, 43
William S., 45
Griffith, George, 69
William, 46, 66
Griggs, Alfred, 36
Sarah, 90
GrofT, John, 112
Susan B., 112
Grose, Josephine, 86
Grover, Leonard F., 23
H
Haley, Alex, 3
Hallman, John, 126
Squire, 37
Halsey, J.F., Rev., 78
Job F., Rev., 36
Job F., Rev. 20
Job, Rev., 64
John F., 6
Rev., 102
Hamilton, Mary, 128
Hampton,John 79
Hanay, Carrie, 47
Dr., 79
Kate M., 46, 47
Littleton D., 47
Lyttleton D., 46
Hansbury, Hannibal, 143
Harden, Edith, 50
Edith A., 48, 51
Edith T., 48
Elizabeth, 48
George I., 48
John, 50, 51
John B., 48
John D., 45, 47, 66, 83
Joseph W., 48
Lillie M., 48
Lucretia A., 48
Robert, 48
Samuel M., 48
Harding, Edith A., 48
John,50
John D., 48
Samuel J., 48
Harrar, I.N., 41
Harrington, Robert, 115
Harris, Adlaide, 55
Adline, 55
Annie, 51, 52, 53
Carrie, 53, 55
John,52
John H., 51, 53
Joseph, 53
Josephine, 52
Kesiah, 40
Margaret E., 40
Mary, 55
Moses, 53, 54 (2), 55
Solomon, 55
Walter, 53
William, 142
William T., 40
William Thomas, 36
Wm., 143
Harry, Charles P., 102
E.M., JP, 87
Hart, Capt., Ill
George D., Capt., 78
Zieber, 66,118
Hartranft, Gen., 143
John F., 26
John F., Gen., 141
Hastings, Katherine M., 78
Hayslett, John T., Rev., 113
Hazzard, Idella, 57
Julia, 56, 57 (2), 58, 103
Kattie, 56
Mary Jane, 56
Solomon, 11, 55, 56, 57 (2), 58,
59 (2), 60
Hector, Ann, 34, 60
Anne E., 34
Edward, 34, 60
Edward B., 34
Elizabeth, 34, 60
Isaac, 34
James, 35
159
160
Joanna, 34, 60
Leah, 34, 35
Leah H., 38
Rachel, 88
Rachel A., 34
Stephen, 34, 60
Henderson, Harriett, 87
Henry, 15
Henry, Adlaide, 55
Adline, 55
Virginia, 53, 55
Hickman, Napoleon, Dr., 130
Hilton, Maria, 9
T.H., Dr., 15
Hockins, Jacob, 36
Hodge, Austin W., 28
J. William, 27
Jane, 26
Jennie, 27 (2)
Weber C., 28
WilUam, 26, 27
Hogan, Henry, 36
Holden, Mitcheal, 87
Holland, George C., 18
Hood, Lewis,
69
Hooven, James, 144
Hoover, Robert H., 17
Hopkins, Catharine, 60
Elizabeth, 60
Isaac, 60 (2), 61, 141
Peter, 61
Homey, John, 15
Howell Charles H., 23
Howley, Dr., 32
Hunsherger, Joseph, 59
Hunsicker, 19
Hunter, Charles, 18
Hurst, C.H., Rev., 48
Irons, Elizabeth, 123
Elmer, 87
Julia, 53
Emma, 61, 67
Emma Jane, 64
Emmanuel, 123
Floyd, 93
Hannah, 69
Hannah E., 64
Isaac, 67
Jane, 67, 68
Janelle, 95
Jonathan, 95
Lillie v., 64
Manuel, 62
Mary, 64, 93
Mary V., 61, 67
May, 93
Robert, 36
Solomon, 67
Thomas, 67
William, 61, 66, 67, 68, 69
William H., 45, 51, 64, 67, 69, 70,
119,129,130
Jackson, Wilham H., 89
James, Amy A., 70
Amy Adella, 68
Ann Elizabeth, 68
Anne E., 70
Grace, 70
Harriet, 7, 68 (2), 70
Harriett, 113
Harry, 67, 68, 69, 70
Henry, 68, 69, 70
Margaret, 31, 96
Margaret Anna, 33, 96
Mary E., 68
Mary Ella, 68
Michael, 68 (2)
Rachel Catharine, 68
Rebecca, 96
Ruth, 70
Walter H., 70
William, 7
William H., 70
Johnson, Abraham, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76,
77, 78
Ann, 101
Anna, 74, 76
Ben, 37, 72, 73, 75, 77, 111
Benjamin, 45, 70, 71, 74 (2), 76 (2)
78
Jackson, Addella, 69
AdeU, 67
Albert, 67
Ambrose C., 61
Ambrose G., 61, 67
Amy Adelia, 64
Amy Adella, 68
Catharine, 63
Catharine Jones, 64
Emanuel, 62 (2), 63, 64, 66
Embrose, 141
Emeline, 64
David, 31
Eliza, 36
Emanuel, 71
Frank S., 38
Henry, 78, 79, 80 (2), 81
Hester, 71
Jane, 71
John, 71 (2), 72, 74, 76, 78
Josiah, 32
Juliann, 71
Katie, 76
Laura, 74, 76
Margaret, 31
Maria, 36
Martha, 71
Mary C., 74
Mary E., 95
Mary J., 74 (2), 75
Mary Jane, 45, 71, 78
Mary L., 98
Nancy Jane, 76
Peny, 17, 19
Samuel, 19
Sarah, 23, 71
Sarah, J., 38
Susan, 91
Theodore, 31
William, 101
Jones, Asa, 129
Catharine, 63
Christopher, 69
Elizabeth, 129
Elmira, 20
J. Leedom, 28
Leondas, 15
Lorenzo, 15
Samuel, 36
Jorden, Clara, 26
K
Kelichner, Edward, 112, 113
Savilla Mrs., 112,113
Sevilla, 113
Kelley, Charles, 12
Cynthia, 95
Kelly, Charles, 82,129
John, 82, 83
John A., 129
John A. (Alfred), 82
Samuel G., 82,128
Samuel George, 129
Kennedy, John, 6
Kenworthy, James, 129
Kerns, Marshall, 20
Leekins, John W., 43
Lenhart, Henry Sr., 25
Levergood, Wm., 114
Lewis, Amelia, 88
Anna, 86
Caroline, 28, 86
Charles, 88
Clara, 86 (2), 88
Clara D., 87
Edward, 88
Eliza, 88
Elizabeth, 86 (2)
Francis E., 34
George, 86
Gertrude, 86
Hannah, 88
Harvey, 87
Harvey Taylor, 86
Henry, 88
Isaac, 86, 87
James, 86 (2)
John, 36, 87
John R., 85, 86, 87
Mary, 86, 87
Mary Ann, 23
Mary Ida, 86
Mary Jane, 71, 78
Rachel, 88
Rebecca, 88
Reuben, 88
Robert, 88
Russell, 87
Sarah A., 88
Viola, 86
Walter, 87
William, 66, 86, 88, 89, 128, 142
Lockley, Carrie, 40
Longacker, Nelson, 23
Lukens, Charles, 41 (7)
Charles T., 25
Lynch, Eliza, 26
Kidd, George, Rev., 92
Kilbum, Mary S., 14,15
Kogelschatz, H.J., 44
Kolman, Sgt., 15
Krause, David, 34
Lacey, Jennie, 93
Lamp, Rev., 127
Landes, J.G., 58
Jacob G., 77,118
Landis, Lydia, 57
Lane, George, 127
Lantz, Gus, 59
Lare, Harrison, 90
Lawrence, Joseph, 25
Lear, Charles A-C., 84, 85
M
McCabe, Thos., 61
McCall, H.H., Capt., 84
McClellan, Gen., 143
James M., 80
McDowell, T.C., 86
McGlathery, Coroner, 13
McGraw, Julia A., 17
Mclnnis, Hugh, 62
Mack, M.F., 127
McKeman, John, 64
McNair, Charles C., 32
Major, Harp, 128
William, 70
Malin, James, 122
Mann, C.H., Dr., 62,104
Charles H., M.D., 80
Marshall, Ella, 90
161
162
Geo., 143
George, 89, 90, 142
George Thomas, 90
George W. Jr., 90
John, 90
John H., 89
Samuel, 90
Teressa, 90
Marston, Harry D., 13,104
Martin, Charles, 142
Chas., 143
George H., 7
John N., 73
Mary, 86
Nixon, Alice, 103
Holland, 37
John,105
Noyes, Mr., Ill
Nugent, Mary Ann, 94
William H., 92, 93, 94
Mason, Washington, 71
Matthews, Rachael, 43
Thomas, 78
Meade, Gen., 141
Means, Emery B., 90, 91
Emsly B., 91
Mendore, Eliza, 91
Mifflin, James, 116
Milford, Amy, 70
Charles, 28, 70
Charles H., 124
Chas H., 66
Elias R., 66
Elizabeth, 68, 70
Harriet A., 70
Maria A., 68
Mary, 70
Rachel, 113
Rachel A., 70
Rachel M., 44
Miller, Laura V., 78
Rachel Ann, 26
Rev.; 126
Mitchell, G. Justice, 95
Mondore, Hester, 91
Lewis, 91
Sarah Jane, 92
Sylvester, 91, 92
More, Angeline, 95
Morris, E.B., Capt., 31
William L., 23
Mostellar, W.H., Dr., 23
Mostem, Sarah M., 67
Mowday, D.W. & H.D., 13
D.Y., 28, 90
Moyer, Jame, 87
Mullen, Mary, 7
Mulvany, Daniel H., 71
Julia L., 71
Murray, Joshua, 127
N
Naylor, Benjamin, 100
Neavel, Elias, 50
Nesbit, Wm., 36
Newport, David, 96
Nice, S.E., 109
Nicholas, Charles, 73
George, 36
O
Oliver, Benjamin, 103
Jimmie, 103
O'Neil, Thomas, 53
O'Neill, Charles, 114
Thomas Prof., 141
Oney, Leona, 55
Mary, 55
Mary E., 55
Ortlip, Horatio F., 50
Owen, Joshua T., 141
Packer, Asa, 142
Page, Cfetman Jr., Lt,, 102
Palmer, Anna 96
Anna Eliza, 95
Charles, 33, 94, 95, 96, 98
Chas., 96
Daniel, 96
Edward, 96
Elizabeth, 95
Emma, 96
George, 31
Jonathan, 31 (2), 95
Joseph, M., 95
Lydia, 95
Mary, 95
Mary Aim, 95
Mary Ellen, 96
Matilda, 95
Rebecca, 98
Rebecca James, 96
Sarah, 95
Sarah Jane, 31
Tacy, 96
Theodore, 95
Thomas, 95
Violette, 95
William, 31, 95
Park, Ann Elizabeth, 95
Charles, 95
Parker, Eva H., 87, 88
Parvin, H.C., 58
Paxson, Charles, 95
Margaret, 95
Paxton, Emma S., 125
Jacob S., 125
PajTie, Jane, 56
Judge, 56
Pearce, Joseph, 11
Peck, Rev., 101
Peters, George, 115
Pipenger, George W., 31
Pitts, Reginald, 29, 42
Porter, John, 28
John R., 43
Potter, John R., 51
Martha, 23
Prattle, E.A., Capt., 91
Price, Charles, 98
Edward, 98
Emily J., 101 (2)
George, 98,100,101,141
Hattie, 98
John, 98
Mrs., 79
Proctor, Josia, 7
Walter, Rev., 89
Pryer, Stephen, 42,142
Piyor, Jobn, 42
Stephen, 42
Pumell, James, 101
Joseph, 101
William, 101 (2)
Pyman, William, 89
Q
Quillman, Benjamin, 44
R
Radcliff, Lewis, 95
Ramsey, John, 114
William, 79
Wilmer F., 126
Raymond, William, 53
Reavy, Thomas, Mrs., 94
Redd, Mary E.F., 23
Rees, William Henry, 26
Reese, "Elack", 102
Alex J., 102
Alexander, 102 (2), 103
Bellmina, 102
Charlotte, 102
Emma, 102
Harriet, 120
Lewis, 120
Reger, H.W., Rev., 101
Reifsnider, R.L.P., 114
Reilly, Benjamin, 59
Rex, John M., 31
Rhoadarmer, John, 7
Mary, 7
163
Rhoads, Henry, 45
Sophia, 94
Rhodes, Henry J., Rev., 94
Sophia, 94
Richardson, Mary Jane, 111
Richert, Frank M., 92
Rickard, B.H., Capt., 130
Robert, William B., 60
Roberts, Isaac, 72
James Hoden, 113
John, 68
Leora, 113
Lepate, 113
Lephy H., 113
Sarah, 113
William B., 34
Rogers, 19
Ross, Daniel, 105, 128
Helen, 104
John, 37, 103, 104, 105, 108
John W., 104
Lavina, 19
Lydia, 103
Lydia D. Willing, 104
Malinda, 19
Mary, 105
Mary W., 103
Mulvina, 19
Sarah, 105
Theodore, 105
Theodore C., 103
Theodore W., 104
Roy, Clara, 47
Royer, Dr., 79
J. Warren, M.D., 80
Ryan, Thomas, 52
William, 52
Rjanan, Annie, 52, 53
Thomas, 52, 53
William, 52
Rynick, Harry W., 114
Mr., 110
Sanders, Elizabeth, 52
Sands, C. Edward, 112
Charles, 106, 111
Charles E., 105, 106, 112
Edward, 111
Harriett, 111
Ira, 111
Israel, 111, 113
Jacob, 111
Margaret Hamilton, 111
Martha, 111
Maiy J., 112,113
Mary Jane Richardson, 111, 112
Mary R., 112
Phillis Ann, 111
Rebecca, 111
164
Stephen, 111
Tamar Ann, 111
Saxton, A- Lincoln, 44
Saylor, C.P., 46
Scattergood, Joseph, 104
Schall, Edward, 39, 80
John S., 80
John W., 130
Schell, Mr., 109
Scott, Charlotte, 52, 53
Emma, 53
James, 113, 114
John, 60
Lepeate, 114
Lephy H., 114
Leppey H., 114
Napoleon M., 51
Sarah, 113
William, 70
William H., 113, 114
Winfield, 8
Seel, William M., Rev., 84
Seifiis, James, 83
Shainline, Charlotte, 113
Lottie, 113
Shannon, George, 71, 72
Shaw, Col., 101
Henson, 50
Robert, Col., 33
Shoemaker, Charles, 25
Isaac L., 129
Sibbet, Louis B., 32
Simmons, Eli R., 124
Simpson, Margaret, 56
Sinclair, Enos, 71
Louis H., 36
Skinner, Margaret Ann Campbell, 36
Slater, Martha J., 68
Mary Ann, 68
Smith, Anna, M., 78
C.Y., 114
Catharine, 118
Charles, 100
Edward, 120
Eliza J., 101
Emma J., 118
Heniy G., 105,106
Hester, 118
Horace, Mrs., 86
Isaiah, 102,118,119
James, 43, 44, 114, 115, 116
John, 116,118
John A-, 37
John S., 129,130
John T., 123
Joseph, 47,116
Kate, 26
Lincoln, 89
Louisa, 116
Martha, 111
Mary J., 112
Robert F., 45, 86, 88, 113
Stephen, 113
Thaddeus, 118
Theodore, 116
Theodore F., 43, 44, 88
William, 87,101
William, Rev., 101
Wood, 70
Smyser, D.M., 141
D.M., Mrs., 141
Snyder, Thomas L., 23
South, Edward, 120
Spence, William J., Mrs., 94
Stabler, William, 53, 111
Staley, Charles, 87
Clarence, 87
Steele, William H. Mrs., 94
Stemple, M. Klmore, 87
Stem, Col., 16
Stetson, J.B., 16
Stewart, John P., 102
Stokes, Isaac, 72
Styer, Ellis, K, 130
Freas, 130
Sullivan, Col., 105
Supplee, Andrew, 63
Swalrtz, Mr., Ill
Taylor, Anson, Rev., 93
Henry, W., 88
J.A., 93
Jos. M., 143
Joseph M., 142
William, 119
William R., 104
Temple, Cornelius S., Rev., 55
Templin, Isaac, 11
Terrel, Thomas, 129
Thomas, Elijah, 144
Rachel G., 121
Wm., 58, 59
Thompson, Bella, 102
Edward Rev., 68
John, 94
Joseph, 102
Lavina, 94
William A., 66
Thomson, Belmina Emma R., 102
Titus, Warren E., 92
Todd Wm., 36
Townsend, James, 101
Trego, George W., Lt., 84
Turner, Sarah, 93
U
R.F., 112
Robert, 90,116, 118, 119
Umer, O.N., 114
BULLETIN OP fflSTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Van Lear, George, 120, 121
John, 121
William, 122,141
Van Leer, 121
David, 122
George, 120
Mary, 122
William, 122 (2)
Van Motter, Elnora, 24
Rhyne, 24
Vandyke, Henry, 36
Vanlear, Caesar, 121
George, 121
Hannah, 121
Mary, 121
Mary Ann, 121
Rachael, 121
Susanna, 121
William, 121
Vanleer, Albert, 122
Catharine S., 121
Emma, 121
George W., 36, 121, 122
Rachel G., 122
William, 122
Vanlere, Catharine S., 120
George, 120
Sarah, 120
Vasquez, Romulo L., 92
Catharine, 124
Charlotte, 91
Emily, 44
Emma, 124
Esther A., 124
George, 52
Hester, 118
Isaac, 86
Isaiah, 124 (2), 125
Isiah J., 124
John, 26, 27 (2), 124, 125, 126
John H., 124
Joseph G., 125
Marietta, 26
Martha, 124
Martha A., 125
Mary, 27,43, 124, 125
Mary A., 124
Mary Eliza, 43
Mary Elizabeth, 125
Mary Lizzie, 125
Maryette, 124
Samuel, 124
Samuel A., 124
Sarah Jane, 124
Tobias, 26
William, 43, 44
Wm. Herbert, 44
Williard, Capt., 66
Willings, Lydia, D., 103
Willmore, S., S^., 141
William, 36
Wilson, Amos, 12, 36, 40
Andrew, 142
W
Walker, Sarah, 96
William N., 122
Washington, George, 71
John, 28, 43
Waterhouse, A., 51
Watson, Charles, 95
Jane, 95
Mary, 40
Mary Jane, 17
Weand, H.K, 110
Wells, William J., 70
Wessler, Aaron, 45
West, Annie, 123
Elizabeth, 123
Elizabeth Irons, 124
John, 60
Mordecai, 36, 38, 62, 113, 122, 123
Mordecai D., 123
Thomas, 105, 124
Wheat, Hardin, Rev., 103
Rev. Hardin, 9
Whipper, Harriet, 68
Whitcomb, H.H., Dr. 44
White, Charles E., 13
Whitlock, John, 36
William Penn, Camp., 1
Williams, Anna, 124
Charles, 108
Charles M., 66, 80
D.A., Dr., 113,114,123
Daniel A-, 45
Daniel A., Dr., 87
Daniel A., Dr., 11, 12
Henry, 109, 126, 127, 128
James, 128, 141
James E., Rev., 123
Jane Elizabeth, 12
John,128
John J., 67, 129, 130
Lloyd, 128
Louisa, 82, 128
Malvina, 129
Mary, 128
Mary E., 129
Mary J., 82,128
Mary Jane, 129
Rachel A., 129
Richard, 130
Saml. J., 15
Samuel, 16
Susan, 127,128
Susanna, 52
William, 142
Wm., 143
Winder, W.W., Rev., 63
William H., Rev., Ill
165
166
Winters, Frances, 88
Samuel, 88
Wood, Comly S., 39
Woodward, George M., Capt., 101
Worris, George, 24
Sarah, 24
Yeoman, Stephen B., 47, 129
Yerkes, Ruius Y., 59
Young, Hamilton, 100
Mr., Ill
William, 36
Yates, Cornelius F., 32
Zieber, John, Sr., 10
The Historical Society ofMontgomery County has for its object
the preservation of the civil, poHtical and religious history of the
county, as well as the promotion of the study of history. The
building up of a library for historical research has been material
ly aided in the past by donations of family, church and graveyard
records; letters, diaries and other manuscript material. Valuable
files of newspapers have also been contributed. This public-spir
ited support has been highly appreciated and is earnestly desired
for the future.
Membership in the Society is open to all interested persons,
whether resident of the county or not, and all such persons are
invited to have their names proposed at any meeting. The annual
dues are Individual $20.00; Mr. & Mrs. $25.00; Life membership
$500.00. Every member is entitled to a copy of each issue of The
Bulletin, free.
Historical Building, 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, Pa.
19401, with its library and museum, is open for visitors Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and
Tuesday from 1 PM to 9 PM. The library will be open on Saturday
mornings from 9 AM to noon during the school year. The mater
ial in the library may be freely consulted during these hours, but
no book may be taken from the building. Telephone number (610)
272-0297.
Use of the library by nonmembers is $4.00 per day.
To Our Friends
Our Society needs funds for the furthering of its work, its expansion, its
growth and development. This can very nicely be done through bequests from
members and friends in the disposition of their estate. The Society needs more
fimds in investments placed at interest; the income arising therefrom would give
the Society an annual return to meet its needs. Following is a form that could be
iised in the making of wills:
I HEREBY GIVE AND BEQUEATH TO THE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, THE SUM OF
DOLLARS (
)
Printed by BOYERTOWN PUBLISHING CO.
48 S. Reading Ave., Boycrtown, Pa.

Historical Society of Montgomery County, PA

Transcription

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