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Harriet Florence Bruner (Great Grandmother) was born in 1866 and died in 1928, she was 62. She was buried in 1928 in Upper Octorara Presbyterian cemetary, Sudsbury Township, Chester Co., Pa.
William E. Townsley, a well known resident of West Caln township, died yesterday in Coatesville hospital, where he had been a patient twenty-four days. He was in his seventy-fifth year. Death was due to pneumonia, complicated by a stroke of apoplexy. His death is the third to take place in the family within three weeks.
Mr. Townsley and his brother, James Townsley, lived together near Sandy hill, north of sadsburyville. James Townsley had been ailing for some months. Then William Townsley suffered a stroke and a few days later developed pneumonia. He was taken to Coatesville Hospital, and a few days later, on January 23, his brother, James Townsley, passed away. While he was still in the hospital his son-in-law, Benjamin F. Meredith, of Modena, also contracted pneumonia. he died on Thursday last and his funeral takes place today.
Mr. Townsley had lived in West Caln for close to sixty years, having moved to that section from the vicinity of Marshallton. When the first steam traction engines were placed on the market, he and his brothers, James and Harry, became interested, and they were the first to operate a traction threshing outfit in this part of Chester County. For years they followed the threshing business, and later they engaged in business of providing wood to the Coatesville Steel mills. They continued in that business until a few months ago, when they were forced to retire on account of ill health.
In his younger years, Mr. Townsley wes very active in community affairs in Sadsburyville and vicinity. He was a member of the famous Sadsburyville Band, which was a musical institution of note a half century or more ago. At the present time only a very few members of that band survive. It traveled about the country in a very ornate bandwagon, seating thirty or forty people and carrying the elaborate array of band instruments. It was drawn by four or six horses, and its arrival in any community was considered an event. The musical instruments used by this organization are now eagerly sought by collectors.
Mr. Townsley was the last of his generation. Surviving him are two sons and four daughters: Jesse L. Townsley, of Downingtown; Mrs. Charles Johnson, of West Caln; Mrs. Benjamin F. Meredith, of Modena; William B. Townsley, of Berwyn; Mrs. James Skiles, of near Parkesburg, and Mrs. Edwin Bireley ay home. Two children are deceased. His wife died ten years ago.
The funeral will take place from the Landis Funeral Home in this city on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. Internment will be in Upper Octorara cemetery. Coatesville Record, 2/15/1937
Ten years ago. Death touched the Townsley family for the third time in as many weeks when William E. Townsley, well known resident of West caln, died at the age of 75. Coatesville Record. 2/14/1947.
They had the following children:
Florence Blanche (1893-1946)
William Bruner (1895-1951)
Clara Susanna (1890-)
Jesse Leighton (1892-1976)
Ashton Talbot, who was born in 1900 and died on January 26, 1902, he was 2. He resided in West Caln in 1902. Cause of death: Spasms 4 hours.
Helen Margaret (1903-1925)
Mary Ella was born on June 1, 1913. She resided in Sandy Hill, near Sadsburyville, West Caln township, Pa. in February 1937. Before 1951, when Mary Ella was 37, she second married Ted Drapsor. Alias/AKA: Edgar Draper.
Before 1936, when Mary Ella was 32, she first married Edmund M. Bireley. He resided in Sadsbury Township, Pa. in January 1946.
Owen M. F. Bruner, Grandfather, was born on August 3, 1830 and. died in Phoenixville, Pa. on July 25, 1909, he was 78. he was buried on August 1, 1909 in Honeybrook Methodist Church Cemetery. He resided in Phoenixville, Pa. in 1891 and was a native of Honeybrook, Pa.
"Today Owen F. Bruner, of Phoenixville, will celebrate his sixty-fourth birthday. Mr. Brunner is a citizen well known in Phoenixville, and during the day he will no doubt receive many congratulations from his many firends about his native town." - 1/22/1891 (Note a conflict here in the date 1891. If Owen was 78 and died in 1909, he couldn't have been 64 in 1891. The person had scratched out the date 8/13 or 8/3/1894. The date 8/3/1894 would fit the description of his age in the death notice, so I have chosen to use 8/3/1830 as his birth date. LEM)
"Bruner - In Phoenixville, Pa., on July 25th, 1909, Owen F. Bruner, aged 78 years, 11 months and 23 days. relatives and friends are invited without further notice to attend the funeral services at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Honeybrook, Pa., on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment in adjoining cemetery." Daily Local News. 7/28/1909
"The funeral of Owen F. Bruner, who died at his home in Phoenixville, took place in the M. E. Church here on Thursday morning. Mr. Bruner was a native of Honeybrook Township, being a son of the late Jacob and Ruth Ann Bruner. Rev. E. E. Dixon, of Darby, and Prof. [missing] J. Moran, of Tacony, were among those who attended the funeral." Daily Local News. 8/3/1909
Owen M. F. married Susan Russell, Grandmother, born about 1840. Susan died near Loag's Corner on November 26, 1867, she was 27. Cause of death: after a short illness.
"Bruner - Near Loag's Corner on Tuesday evening, Nov. 26, after a short illness, Susan, wife of Owen Bruner, aged about 27 years." VR. 12/3/1867 (VR stands for Valley Review - LEM)
"It is seldom our lot to record the death of one with whom we felt so unwilling to part, as our late friend. We cannot realize that death, the fell destroyer, has laid his cold hand upon her and claimed her as his own. Only a few days ago we saw her in the bloom and activity of life, the centre of the family circle, radiating joy and happiness all around now cold in the embrace of death. But to her the grave was no terror. As she stood upon the confines of eternity and beheld beautiful angels waiting to bear her away, she was anxious to quit this world of fleeting joys and dwell forever with her Lord. In early life she felt the necessity of a change of heart and besought an interest in the merits of atonement: she connected herself with the Waynesburg Presbyterian Church, in which she continued a faithful member. Recently, on account of the distance, and believing a greater field of usefulness open to her, she united with herself with the Goodwill M. E. Church, thus doubly consecrating herself to Christ and his cause. But her warfare was destined to be short. In the midst of her labots and before that object was accomplished, which had been the subject of so many prayers, and the hope that guardian angles would watch over her three motherless little children, she closed her eyes to death. She lived a life of faith and prayer, and her bible was her daily companion. No one could look upon its well worn pages without being deeply impressed with her love of God's truth. truly it was a lamp shining continually on her way and never did her feet stray from its blessed path of light. Her kindness and hospitality, her unwearied diligence as the head of her family, her unselfish devotion to her relatives, mark a character of unusual generosity, self-denial and self-sacrifice. Yet not in herself was her trust; in Jesus alone it was placed. Clothed with his righteousness and saved by his grace, she rests in peace. Her record is on high, and already we believe she entered her mansion in the skies, a saint in light." -D. S. T. VR. 12/3/1867
They had one child:
Harriet Florence (1866-1928)
Jacob Bruner (Great Grandfather) was born on July 20, 1796 and died in Honeybrook, Pa. on June 2, 1866, he was 69.
On the 2d inst., at his residence in Honeybrook two. of paralysis, Jacob Bruner, in his 69th year of his age. So calmly, so peacefully did he fall asleep in the arms of Jesus, that it was a privilage to be there to see so aged a servant of God finish his course with such cofidence, such composure, such firmness, such blessed hope of glory beaming from his countenance; that it was a privilege indeed, the granduer of which we shall not attempt to discribe. Born of pious parents and early taught the fear of the Lord, he sought and and obtained forgiveness of his sins as a youth, and united with the M. E. Church, in which he continued to witness a good confession forupwards of half a century. His Christian career was marked throughout by uniform courtesy, devotion and ernestness. He possessed a strong and well cultivated mind and an affectionate heart, all of which formed a cheerful exercise in the spere of a husband, parent, neighbor, patriot and christian. He lived in Christ, and dying triumphantly in Christ, he found its gain. D.D.T. VR. 6/19/1866.
Estate of jacob Bruner, dec'd, Late of the township of Honeybrook. Notice is hereby given, that Letters testamentary on the above named estate, have been granted to the undersigned, to whom all persons indebted will please make payment, and those having claims, to presnet them for settlement. Owen Bruner, West Natmeal. Anthony Graham, Honeybrook. Village Review. 7/28/1866.
Jacob married Ruth Ann Talbot (Great Grandmother), daughter of Benjamin Perry Talbot Jr., (1744-Jun3 3, 1838) and Mary Ann Gilkey (1765-January 29, 1851). She was born in 1786 in Berkshire, Pennsylvania/
They had one child:
Owen M. (1830-1909)
Barbara Bruner (GG Aunt) married John Good on May 5, 1811. He resided in Lancaster County, Pa. in 1811. Occupation: Framer. Religion: Methodist.
They had the following children:
Elizabeth (1C2R), who married a Hethery.
Owen (1C2R)
Jesse (1C2R)
John (1C2R)
Prudence (1C2R) who married a Kurtz.
Abraham (1823-?)
Mary (1C2R) who married a Climenson.
Barbara (1C2R) who married a Benner.
Owen Bruner (Great Great Grandfather) resided in Berks County, Pa. Occupation: Farmer and Miller. Religion: Methodist.
They had the following children:
Barbara.
Abraham.
Owen
Jacob (1796-1866)
John (1799-1890)
Isaac
Elizabeth
Daniel
Frances
Ruth Ann Talbot (Great Grandmother) was born in 1786 in Berkshire, Pennsylvania.
Ruth Ann married Jacob Bruner (Great Grandfather), son of Owen Bruner and Elizabeth. Born on July 20. 1796, Jacob died in Honeybrook, Pa. on June 2, 1866, he was 69.
On the 2d inst., at his residence in Honeybrook two. of paralysis, Jacob Bruner, in his 69th year of his age. So calmly, so peacefully did he fall asleep in the arms of Jesus, that it was a privilage to be there to see so aged a servant of God finish his course with such cofidence, such composure, such firmness, such blessed hope of glory beaming from his countenance; that it was a privilege indeed, the granduer of which we shall not attempt to discribe. Born of pious parents and early taught the fear of the Lord, he sought and and obtained forgiveness of his sins as a youth, and united with the M. E. Church, in which he continued to witness a good confession forupwards of half a century. His Christian career was marked throughout by uniform courtesy, devotion and ernestness. He possessed a strong and well cultivated mind and an affectionate heart, all of which formed a cheerful exercise in the spere of a husband, parent, neighbor, patriot and christian. he lived in Christ, and dying triumphantly in Christ, he found its gain. D.D.T. VR. 6/19/1866.
Estate of jacob Bruner, dec'd, Late of the township of Honeybrook. Notice is hereby given, that Letters testamentary on the above named estate, have been granted to the undersigned, to whom all persons indebted will please make payment, and those having claims, to presnet them for settlement. Owen Bruner, West Natmeal. Anthony Graham, Honeybrook. Village Review. 7/28/1866.
They had one child:
Owen M. F. (1830-1909)
William Bruner Townsley (Great Uncle) was born on February 6, 1895 and died on December 6, 1951, he was 56. He resided in Berwyn, Pa. in January 1946. Occupation: Home building and construction business, building a number of homes in Dalesford. Occupation: Molder for the Craig Ridgway & Sons.
William B. Townsley William Bruner Townsley, a native of West Caln township, died last evening at his home in Florida in his 56th year. He had been in failing health since the first of the year.
Mr. Townsley was a son of the late William E. and Florence Bruner Townsley and he spent his early life in West Caln. He was employed as a molder by the Craig Ridgway & Sons company for a number of years, then engaged in the building business and constructed a number of homes in Dalesford. About a year ago he went to Florida where he built a vacation resort, but in January his health began to fail but he continued active. Last summer he drove north to visit his relatives here, although quite ill. He drove back to Florida alone and he had been confined to his bed ever since. Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Townsley; a son, William B. Townsley, Jr. (SIC) a daughter, Mrs. Melvin Long, and four grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters: Jesse L. Townsley; Clara, wife of Charles Johnson, and Helen, wife of James Skiles, all of West Caln, and Mary, wife of Edgar Draper, of Parkesburg RD. Coatesville Record. 12/7/1951
About 1919, when William Bruner was 23, he married Elizabeth Daft. She was born on December 14, 1897 and died on November 21, 1977, she was 79. She resided in Malvern, Pa. in 1958.
They had the following children:
Elizabeth Bruner (1C1R), born on February 21, 1920. Elizabeth Bruner married Melvin C. Long.
William Henry (1C1R), born on August 12, 1933 and died on December 1, 1999, he was 66. He resided in Malvern R. D. 1, Pa. in 1958. (The death notice in the Coatesville record lists William B. Townsley, Jr. as the son's name. [See the notes on William Bruner Townsley.] The other sources all give the name as William Henry. I think the record may have assumed because the first name was William that it was a Jr. --LEM) On December 28, 1957, when William Henry was 24, he married Audrey Irene Kouba, daughter of Julius Charles Kouba and Hallie F., in Great Valley Presbyterian Church, Paoli, Pa. Audrey was born on September 4, 1930. She resided in Malvern R.D. 1, Pa. in 1958.
Miss Audrey Irene Kouba, daughter of Mrs. Hallie F. Kouba and the late Julius Charles Kouba of Berwyn, became the bride of Mr. William H. Townsley, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Townsley and the late William B. Townsley of Malvern, at the Great Valley Presbyterian Church, Swedesford Road, Paoli, on December 28, at 2 P.M. Officiating at the double ring ceremony was the Rev. James G. Penlington and the rev. R. Warren Hesson. The reception was held in the Church Chapel. The couple left for a honeymoon in Florida. Returning home they will reside at R.D. 1, Malvern. Upper Main Line News. 1/3/1958
(Note: The above death notice gives her age as 55 when she died. This would make her birth year 1891, rather than the 1893 that is on the tombstone. I do not know which is correct.--LEM )
In 1918, when Florence Blanche was 25, she married Benjamin Franklin Meredith 3rd (Grandfather), son of William Wilson Meredith 1st and Hanna Ella Sheeler. Born in 1899 in Glen Moore, Pa., Benjamin Franklin died at home in Modena, Pa. on February 11, 1937, he was 38. He was buried in Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery. They resided in Modena, Pa. in 1937. His occupation was managing the family store in Modena. Cause of death: Pneumonia.7
They had the following children:
William Wilson (1918-)
Benjamin Franklin IV. Born on April 6, 1920.
Francis Charles (1924-1997)
