Welcome to Family

In 1990 I received a copy of a history of the Wilson Family compiled by my cousin Horace Wilson. This was a handwritten history beginning in 1778 with the birth of James Dunlap, but the following concentrated on the descendants of William F. Wilson I. This aroused my curiosity about my family and I began to research all the branches further. I have compiled a database of information on the family comprising of 7,161 individuals to this point. This book covers only a portion of the total.

The relationship given for the various people listed is to me; that is, if it states so-and-so is Grandmother, then she is my Grandmother.

There are many hurdles one must jump when tracing a family, especially when so many of our surnames are very common, such as Wilson and Brown. Sources sometimes give conflicting data and one is not always certain which William Wilson is the right William Wilson, for instance. In same cases I make a best guess assumption based on place, time and other logical pointers. This doesn’t guarantee I have assumed correctly; however, most of what is gathered here isverifiability true. Often a hunch is proven by a lucky discovery, such as the family Bible pages preserved in the vault of the Chester County Historical Society Library in West Chester that proved information I had been given as to the ancestry of Benjamin Franklin Meredith.

There is also the problem of spelling. Many people used different spelling of the same surname, even though brothers and sisters. One may have spelled Wilson as Willson; one person may have spelledBruner as Brunner. Spellings also changed over time. The old Welsh spelling of Meredith was Maredudd. This later became Maredydd and then finally Meredith. The common pronunciation has become Mare-Dith, but the proper pronunciation should be Ma-red-ith. The double DD in Welsh was pronounced as TH. Gruffydd in Welsh would be the modern name Griffith.

The families have ties to many famous and infamous personages. If I am correct, I am a fourth cousin of Richard M. Nixon. This is interesting because one of the links between my family and Nixon was a man named Joshua Baldwin, whose daughter with Mercy Brown was Hannah Baldwin who married William Milhous, Sr. Joshua was married several times and his wives were Sally Downing, Mercy Brown and Ann Meredith.

Speaking of Downing, we are tied to the founder of Downingtownthrough the marriages of my two Grand Aunts, Helen and Clara Wilson.

We are apparently a second cousin to President George Washington, whose mother Mary Ball was a first cousin of my 5-great grandmother Elizabeth Ball. Elizabeth Ball married a Talbot and her offspring married a Bruner whose offspring married a Townsley, and there you go.

We also are related to the royal family of England, but this is not unexpected because our ancestors in Wales were the royalty of that country once. Of course one interesting link to British Royalty is through Joan of England, the illegitimate daughter of King John I.

The branches of our family are also intermingled by marriages. My own father and mother are second cousins since William F. Wilson II, who is a great grandfather on my mother’s side was the brother of Emma Bicking Wilson who was my great great grandmother on my father’s side having married Benjamin Franklin Meredith I. I also found many of my friends had some relationship to me through marriages. But this is not surprising given the limit population of the area at one time and that many of these families were Quakers and knew each other.

At any rate, click on the links to follow the currents of my family history.

Alice Lucinda Downing 1931

Alice Lucinda Downing (1C1R) was born on June 15, 1931 in Sugartown, Chester Co., Pa. Namesake: Her Great Grandmother Lucinda Couch Evans and her Father's sister Alice Lucinda Downing.

 On July 25, 1952, when Alice Lucinda was 21, she first married Leslie C. Hughes, born about 1930. They were divorced in January 1958.

(Alice is the pregnant lady facing away just behind my left arm in this 1953 photo taken at Valley Forge. Her mother is Clara Wilson Downing, the woman with the pocketbook looking toward the camera to my right. I was 12 at this time and Alice was 22. It is Dorothy Downing hidden behind Alice.) 

They had one child:

                Lucinda Carol (1953-)

On August 28, 1959, when 

Alice Lucinda was 28, she married Granville B. Cantrell. Born on October 12, 1919. Granville B. died on January 20, 1993 at age 73. He was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa.

Clara Jean Downing 1928

 Clara Jean Downing (1C1R) was born on June 12, 1928 in Sugartown, Chester Co., Pa. On January 3, 1947, when Clara Jean was 18, she married Albert Holston, born about 1925.

They had one child:

            Kim R. (1948-)

Ruth Esther Downing 1923

Ruth Esther Downing  (1C1R) was born on August 16, 1923 and died on June 9, 2008. She resided in Pocopson Home at the time of her death and suffered from Alhemizer's. On March 30, 1946, when Ruth Esther was 22, she married Marshall Fields, born September 2, 1910 in Lebanon, Pa. He worked for Philadelphia Electric Company from 1946 until his retirement in 1974. His main hobby was photography taking many pictures around Chester County and numerous weddings.

They had one child:

                        Tenley June, 2nd Cousin, born on June 6, 1956.

On August 24, 1990, when Tenley June was 34, she married Robert C. Adams 3rd, born  September 16, 1955 in Philadelphia.

Joel Ellsworth Downing 1890

Joel Ellsworth DOWNING

 was Born on August 8, 1890 in Valley Creek, Chester Co., Pa. Joel Ellsworth died on 23 July 23, 1984, he was 93. he was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa. Alias/AKA: Ellsworth.

 

On December 3, 1916, when Joel Ellsworth was 26, he married Clara Wilson, (Great Aunt), daughter of William Frederick Wilson Jr. and Anna Margaret Dunlap. Clare was born on April 18, 1893 in Lionville, Chester Co., Pa. and died on July 16, 1975, she was 82. She was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa. She resided in Anselma, Pa. in 1916.

They had the following children:

                        William Ellsworth (1C1R), born on April 14, 1918. William died on August 10, 1987, he was 69. On February 14, 1948, when William Ellsworth was 29, he married Irene McLaughlin, born  About 1920.

                         Dorothy Wilson (1C1R) was born on July 14, 1919 in West Chester, Chester Co., Pa. and died in 2008. She resided in Alaska in 1968. She resided in Washington State in 2007. On 11 March 11, 1968, when Dorothy Wilson was 48, she married Robert E. Menig, born about 1919. Robert E. died on March 22, 1990, he was 71.

                       Anna Margaret (1C1R) was born on July 27, 1921 in West Chester, Chester Co., Pa. On November 5, 1945, when Anna Margaret was 24, she married William George Baldwin Sr., born about 1920.

                        Ruth Esther (1C1R) was born on August 16, 1923 and died in 2008. She resided in Pocopson Home in 2007. On March 30, 1946, when Ruth Esther was 22, she married Marshall Fields, born about 1930. Marshall died on January 31, 1987, he was 57.

                        Marian Louise (1C1R) was born on September 11, 1925 in Sugartown, Chester Co., Pa. Marian Louise died on December 6, 1986, she was 61. On February 19, 1949, when Marian Louise was 23, she married Wallace E. Conner, born about 1925

                        Clara Jean (1C1R) was born on June 12, 1928 in Sugartown, Chester Co., Pa. On January 3, 1947, when Clara Jean was 18, she married Albert Holston, born about 1925.

                        Alice Lucinda (1C1R), born on June 15, 1931 in Sugartown, Chester Co., Pa. Namesake: Great Grandmother Lucinda Couch Evans and her Father's sister Alice Lucinda Downing. On July 25, 1952, when Alice Lucinda was 21, she first married Leslie C. Hughes, born about 1930. They were divorced in January 1958.

On August 28, 1959, when Alice Lucinda was 28, she second married Granville B. Cantrell, born on October 12, 1919. Granville B. died on January 20, 1993, he was 73. He was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa.

(See Family Currents Wilsons for further information on the children of Ellsworth and Clara Downing.

Anna Margaret Downing 1921

Anna Margaret Downing (1C1R) was born on July 27, 1921 in West Chester, Chester Co., Pa. On November 5, 1945, when Anna Margaret was 24, she married William George Baldwin Sr., born about 1920.

They had the following children:

                        William George (2nd Cousin) was born on February 16, 1947. On October 1, 1983, when William George was 36, he married Janet Holowecky, born about 1950.

                        Diane Margaret (1953-)

Everett Heber Wilson 1924 and Herford Evans Downing Jr. 1917

Everett Heber Wilson (1C1R) was born on March 9, 1924. On September 17, 1949, when Everett Heber was 25, he married Mary Jane Lachman. who was born about 1930. Mary Jane is deceased.

They had the following children:
Rachelle Jane (1953-)
Mary Anita (1955-)
Russell Everett (1956-)
Calvin Lawrence (1958-)
Stuart Owen (1961-)

Herford Evans Downing Jr. (1C1R) was born on March 18, 1917. Herford Evans died on August 28, 1994, he was 77. Alias/AKA: Evans. On 1November 15, 1940, when Herford Evans was 23, he married Ruth Henzie, born in 1916.

They had the following children:
Helen Ann (1941-)
Evelyn Joan (1943-)
James Evans (1949-)

Herford Evans Downing 1888

Herford Evans Downing (Grand Uncle) was born on September 4, 1888 and died in Pottstown Hospital, Pottstown, Pa. at 10:00 PM on December 8, 1958, he was 70. He was buried on December 12, 1958 in St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery, Chester Springs, Pa. He resided in Malvern, Pa. in 1916. Cause of death: Stricken while at work on Monday December 8, 1958.

On April 28, 1915, when Herford Evans was 26, he first married Helen Wilson (G Aunt), daughter of William Frederick Wilson Jr. and Anna Margaret Dunlap. Born on February 13, 1890, Helen died on June 24, 1919, she was 29. She resided in Malvern, Pa. in 1916. Namesake: Named for Grandmother: Esther Helen Bicking. Cause of death: Died of complications following birth of Emily Margaret. [See Wilson Family Posting.]

Apparently, Helen died from complications resulting from the birth of her second child, Emily. Emily was subsequently adopted by Helen's oldest brother, William and his wife Lizzie, who were childless. Her first child, Herford remained with his father.


They had the following children:

Herford Evans (1C1R) was born on 18 March 18, 1917 and died on August 28, 1994, he was 77. Alias/AKA: Evans.

On November 15, 1940, when Herford Evans was 23, he married Ruth Henzie, born in 1916.

Emily Margaret (1C1R) was born on May 2, 1919.


In 1920, when Herford Evans was 31, he second married Sadie Guest, born about 1900. Sadie died on June 6, 1983, she was 83.

The Guests and Whites were regular attendees of the annual Wilson Family Reunion. I used to associate with Audrey quite a bit at these affairs, since she was close to my own age. I always thought she was a cousin. I knew that Beulah White was Audrey's mother. I was never quite certain who Sadie was, although I knew she always came with Beulah. I never heard anyone in my family refer to her by anything other than Sadie Guest. They never called her Sadie Downing. After I found out that she was Uncle Herford's second wife, I realized that none of the Guests or Whites were really relatives of myself or of the Wilsons. How strange, but civil it strikes me that a family would continue to include the family of the second wife of Helen's husband in the reunions as part of the family, even after Herford's death.--LEM


They had the following children:
Quinton Guest, born on March 8, 1925. and died on June 3, 1989, he was 64. On June 21, 1945 when Quinton Guest was 20, he married Doris Zeigler, who was born About 1925.

Beulah L. was born on August 25, 1921. On January 6, 1940, when Beulah L. was 18, she married Earl Woodrow White Sr. Earl Woodrow is deceased.

Alice Lucinda Downing 1887

Alice Lucinda DOWNING was born on January 10, 1887 in Uwchlan, Chester Co., Pa. She died in Spring City, Pa. on April 20, 1973, she was 86. She was buried in St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery, Chester Springs, Pa. She resided on a farm on Route 23, Spring City, Pa.

On September 4, 1912, when Alice Lucinda was 25, she married Charles Kimball Hicks, son of William Huey Hicks and Anna Marshall Pratt, in East Goshen Township, Chester Co., Pa. Charles was born on November 24, 1884 in East Goshen Township, Chester Co., Pa. He died in Coventry Manor Nursing Home on March 28, 1974, he was 89.

They had the following children (twins):
Charles Kimball and Jane Downing who were born on November 8. 1918 in Penllyn, Montgomery, PA.

William Ellsworth Downing 1865

William Ellsworth Downing was born on May 13, 1865 in Uwchlan, Chester Co., Pa. and died on September 8, 1941, he was 76. He was buried in St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery, Chester Springs, Pa. He resided in Weightman Farm (now Mrs. Walker), 300 Acres in Chester Valley, RD#2, Malvern, Pa. Occupation: Farmer.

William Ellsworth married Melissa Jane Ecoff, daughter of Joel P. Ecoff and Emmarine Morton. melissa was born on August 30, 1868 in Marshallton, Chester Co., Pa. and died on March 2, 1921, she was 52.

They had the following children:
Alice Lucinda (1887-1973)

Herford Evans (1888-1958) [married my Great Aunt Helen Wilson.]

Joel Ellsworth (1890-1984) [married my Great Aunt Clara Wilson.]

Charles Henry was born on November 8, 1895 in Caln, Chester Co., Pa. and resided at 149 Summers Street, Welch, West Virginia in 1930. Occupation: Worked for the telephone company.

Charles Henry first married Mabel Herron.

On June 1. 1929, when Charles Henry was 33, he second married Nellie Pearl Skipper, daughter of John Wesley Skipper and Sarah Catherine Bradley, in Columbus, Franklin Co., Phio. Born on 26 Nov 1886 in Jewett, Harrison Co., Ohio, she resided at 149 Summers Street, Welch, West Virginia in 1930.

Sarah E. was born on November 23, 1899 and died in infancy.

Carroll Russell was born on September 17, 1901 and died in May 1969, he was 67. He resided in Double-house on grounds of the church room. Occupation: Sexton for a church room in Philadelphia. Carroll Russell married Catherine.


George Norman was born on December 6, 1905 in Uwchlan, Chester Co., Pa. and died in Guysborough Co., Nova Scotia in August 1991, he was 85. He was buried on December 27, 1993 in St. Matthews Luthern Cemetery, Chester Springs, Pa. On August 8, 1927, when George Normon was 21, he first married Clarice Edna Crooks, daughter of Edward Harvey Hodgson and Bertha Maria Crooks, in New York, New York. Born on July 5, 1902 in Seal Harbour, Guysborough Co., Nova Scotia, Canada, Clarice Edna died in HiNella, Camden Co., New Jersey on July 23, 1963, she was 61.

In Jan 1964 when George Norman was 58, he second married Ruth Burmeister, daughter of Luther A. Burmeister and Maude Snyder, in Audobon, Camden Co., New Jersey. Born on February 22, 1916 in Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Ruth died in Goldsboro, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1989, she was 72.

Wilmer Leroy was born on February 29, 1908 in Bacton, Chester Co., Pa. Wilmer Leroy died in Houston, Texas about 1983, he was 74. He was baptized in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Chester Springs, Pa.

Wilmer Leroy married Daphne Valda Mari Field, daughter of George Rochester Field and Ethel Rita Galt, in Balboa, US Canal Zone, Panama. Born on January 18, 1907 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies.

Joseph Downing 1823

5. Joseph Downing was born on September 27, 1823 in Downingtown, Chester County, PA. Joseph died on December 24, 1892, he was 69.

Genealogy of the Palmer Trimble Families, page 808: "He was a farmer, residing in Uwchlan Township, PA." The 1850 census of Uwchlan, Chester County, PA., lists a Joseph Downing, age 26 (that would be accurate for the 1850 census due to his November b'date), as a "Farmer", and married to Hannah (?), age 25, with two children, George B. (age 2) and Franklin (age 1 month). VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, November 3, 1846:
"Marriage On the 29th of Oct. by the Rev. Enos Woodward, Mr. Joseph Downing, to Miss Hannah Beidlar, all of Uwchlan."


On October 29, 1846, when Joseph was 23, he first married Hannah Beidler, daughter of Joseph Beidler & Mary Benner, in Uwchlan, Chester co., PA. Born in 1825 in East Nantmael, Chester Co., Pa., Hannah died on April 2, 1857, she was 32.

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, November 3, 1846:
"Marriage On the 29th of Oct. by the Rev. Enos Woodward, Mr. Joseph Downing, to
Miss Hannah Beidlar, all of Uwchlan."

They had the following children:
George B. was born on October 2, 1947 in Uwchlan, Chester Co., Pa. George B. died on May 1, 1897 in Chester co., PA. Found on the death index for Chester County, PA. Died of "consumption", 1 year in duration. On March 27, 1878, George B. married Sadie E. Hodgson, who was born on August 23, 1849 in Chester Springs, PA.

Franklin. Born in June 1850 in Chester co., PA.

Sarah Amanda. Born on November 4, 1855 in Uwchlan, Chester, PA, Sarah Amanda died on April 2, 1882, she was 26.

GPTF, p.931, "She resided in Downingtown, Pa."
Death date is shown in one source as March 1881. The Palmer- Trimble
Genealogy puts it as 2 April, 1882. She resided in Downingtown.

On April 4, 1878, when Sarah Amanda was 22, she married Andrew Cox. Born on July 25, 1849, Andrew died on September 7, 1879, he was 30.

Benjamin Franklin. Born on November 4, 1849 in Uwchlan, Chester, PA., Benjamin Franklin died on May 10, 1855, he was 5.

Josephine. Born on October 22, 1851 in Uwchlan, Chester, PA., Josephine died on January 3, 1858, she was 6.

Annie E. was born on October 25, 1862.

Source for this family is "Beidler Family History" p. 260
Annie E. Downing married Ardimus Bechtel on 23 December, 1882.

On December 23, 1882, when Annie E. was 20, she married Ardimus Bechtel, who was born on 20 October 20, 1860.

BIOGRAPHY: GPTF, p.932. "He is a farmer; address, Kimberton, Chester Co.,
Penna."
The Palmer-Trimble Genealogy, by Lewis Palmer, reports that Ardimus Bechtel
"is a farmer; his address is Kimberton, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

William Ellsworth (1865-1941)

Mary was born on 24 March 24, 1859. Mary died on August 21, 1860.


Carrie B. was born on October 11, 1860. Carrie B. Downing was married first to George B. Davis, on January 14, 1879. She married Wilmer Benjamin second on March 31, 1893. On 14 January 1879, when Carrie B. was 18, she first married George B. Davis, born in 1845. George B. died in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA on May 26, 1889, he was 44.

BIOGRAPHY: GPTF, p.932. "He lost his life by being struck by a locomotive in
Philadelphia, where he was employed in the shifting yards."

Carrie B. second married Wilmer Benjamin, born on May 12, 1871 in Spring City, Chester, PA.

Wilmer Benjamin was the second husband of Carrie B. Downing.

Charles Wayne was born on March 19, 1868. Charles Wayne died on November 27, 1907, he was 39. he was buried in St. Matthew's, West Vincent Twp., Chester, PA. Charles Wayne Downing was married to Margaret Katherine Ludnick on December 3, 1890.

Is this "Aunt Maggie," of whom GND occasionally spoke?
The Palmer-Trimble Genealogy shows him in one entry being born on 19 March and
another place as 29 March.

On 3 Dec 1890 when Charles Wayne was 22, he married Margaret Katherine LUDNICK.

GPTF, p.933. "Her address is Spring City, Chester Co., Pa."
The Palmer-Trimble Genealogy notes that her address "is Spring City, Chester
County, Pennsylvania." Is this the "Aunt Maggie" of whom GND often spoke?

Emma Frances was born on November 7, 1873 in Uwchlan, Chester, PA.

Emma Frances Downing married Adam Poley on October 25, 1893. Is the the
"Aunt Emma" of whom GND often spoke?

On 25 Oct 1893 when Emma Frances was 19, she first married Adam Poley, in Philadelphia, Pa., who was born on April 10, 1863.

BIOGRAPHY: GPTF, p.933. "He is a coremaker at Cramps Ship Yard on the
Delaware river; address, 1928 Sharswood St., between Master and Jefferson,
Philadelphia, Pa."

Emma Frances second married Clement Robb.

Emily Margaret Downing Wilson McCauley 1919

My father and mother were second cousins. William F. Wilson II was both a grandfather and uncle on my mothers side. His sister, Emma Bicking Wilson Meredith, was both a grandmother and aunt on my father's side. For this reason there are Merediths who appear in both the Wilson and Meredith family histories:

John M. Meredith (G Uncle) was born in 1895. (See material in MEREDITH Section.)

Benjamin Franklin Meredith 3rd, Grandfather. Born in 1899 (See material in MEREDITH Section.)

Ellen M. Meredith (G Aunt). (See material in MEREDITH Section.)

W. Paul Meredith (1C2R). (See material in MEREDITH Section.)

Harold Franklin MEREDITH (1C2R) (See material in MEREDITH Section.)

Emily Margaret Downing Wilson (1C1R) was born on May 2, 1919. She was the daughter and second child of Uncle Herford Evans Downing and Aunt Helen Wilson. Helen died in June 1919 of complications caused by Emily's birth. Their son, Herford Evans, Jr. stayed with the father. Emily was legally adopted by Aunt Helen's older brother, Billy and his wife Lizzie, who were childless.

On June 1, 1940, when Emily Margaret was 21, she married Joseph McCauley, who was born about 1920. Joseph died on February 13, 1988, he was 68.

They had the following children:

William Lawrence (1942-2006) Billy and I were closest of the Wilson cousins. We were the closest in age and shared somewhat the same temperament and appearance. He was found dead in his 18 wheeler outside Pittsburgh in 2006. I am not certain it was ever established what the cause of death was.

Margaret Louise (1948-)

Thomas Joseph (1944-)

Patricia Jean, 2nd Cousin, was born on August 26, 1950. On 4 October 4, 1969 when Patricia Jean was 19, she married Ronald E. Grubb, born about 1950. They resided in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

Kathleen Anne (1954-)

Thomas Downing's Children continued 1811-32

William D. was born on August 24, 1811 in Downingtown, Chester County, PA. William D. died on July 16, 1882, he was 70.

"Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families", page 807-9:
He was a physician. He graduated 1835 at the University of Pennsylvania,
located at Coatesville. In 1844-45 he attended a course of lectures at
the Philadelphia Homeopathic College. In 1852 he removed to Uwchlan, and
in 1872 to Waynesburg, continuing in active practice.

William D. first married Sarah Jane McDowell.

On February 20, 1824 when William D. was 12, he second married Martha W. Young, who was born on September 4, 1820 and died on April 13, 1864, she was 43. She was buried in Hephzibah Cemetery, East Fallowfield Township, Chester Co., Pa.4

Martha was born in March 1813 in Downingtown, Chester County, PA. Martha died on September 20, 1895, she was 82.

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester County, November 29, 1842:
"Marriage on Thursday, the 17th inst. by Wm. Wollerton, Esq., Mr. Joseph Butler
to Miss Martha Downing, all of Uwchlan, Chester county."

On November 17, 1842, when Martha was 29, she married Joseph Butler, in Uwchlan, Chester County, PA. He was born on July 27, 1819. Joseph died on August 22, 1898, he was 79.

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, November 29, 1842:
"Marriage On Thursday, the 17th inst., by Wm. Wollerton, Esq., Mr. Joseph
Butler, to Miss Martha Downing, all of Uwchlan, Chester county."

Sarah, Born on November 9, 1817 in Downingtown, Chester county, PA., she died on March 21, 1894, she was 76, and was buried in St. Andrew's, West Vincent Township, Chester County, Pa.

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, February 2, 1841:
"Marriage On the 21st ult. by the Rev. Geo. Mintzer, Mr. Jonathan Evans, to Mis
Sarah Downing, daughter of Mr. Geo. Downing, all of Uwchlan township, Chester
County."

On January, 21, 1841 when Sarah was 23, she married Jonathan Warren Evans, son of Elizabeth Evans, in Uwchlan, Chester County, PA. Born on March 3, 1814., Jonathan Warren died on July 30, 1899, he was 85. He was buried in St. Andrew's, West Vincent Township, Chester County, Pa.3

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, February 2, 1841:
"Marriage On the 21st ult. by the Rev Geo Mintzer, Mr. Jonathan Evans, to Miss
Sarah Downing, daughter of Mr. Geo. Downing, all of Uwchlan township, Chester
County."

Joseph (1823-1892)

George was born on May 9, 1825 in Downingtown, Chester County, PA and died on February 8, 1900 at 74. George, Jr., appears in the 1850 census for Uwchlan, Chester County, PA,
as living with his parents. His occupation is listed as "Schoolteacher".

On July 11, 1859, when George was 34, he married Annie Cotton, daughter of John Cotton Smith. Born in 1820. Annie died on June 16, 1897, she was 77. She is buried in Laurel Hill Cem.

Her first husband was a Mr. Smith-TD
Possibly not. Her father was John Cotton Smith--GJD

Robert Valentine was born on January 22, 1832 in East Nantmeal, Chester County, PA.

Sources:
"Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families" p. 809
"He was a farmer; removed to Strawn, Livingston Co., Ill., Feb., 1854, and to
Nebraska, Feb., 1884, with address, David City, Butler Co., Neb."
GJD's note of unknown source indicates that "Robert Valentine Downing moved
with family to Strawn, Illinois, and had eight children. Husband and wife are
sealed."

On September 25, 1856, when Robert Valentine was 24, he married Lydia Hartshorn, who was born on November 28, 1826 in David City, Butler County, NE.

Clara Wilson Downing 1893

Clara Wilson, my Great Aunt was born on 18 April 18, 1893 in Lionville, Chester County, Pa. and died on 16 July 16, 1975, she was 82. She was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa. She resided in Anselma, Pa. in 1916.

On December 3, 1916, when Clara was 23, she married Joel Ellsworth Downing, son of William Ellsworth Downing and Melissa Jane Ecoff. Ellsworth was born on August 8, 1890 in Valley Creek, Chester County, Pa. Ellsworth died on July 23, 1984, he was 93. he was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa. Alias/AKA: Ellsworth.

They had the following children:
William Ellsworth (1C1R) was born on 14 April 14, 1918 and died on 10 August 10, 1987, he was 69. On February 14, 1948, when William was 29, he married Irene McLaughlin, born about 1920.

Dorothy Wilson (1C1R) was born on July 14, 1919 in West Chester, Chester County, Pa. and died June 15, 2008. She resided in Alaska in 1968 and resided in Washington State in 2007. On March 11, 1968 when Dorothy was 48, she married Robert E. Menig, who was born about 1919. Robert E. died on March 22, 1990, he was 71.

Anna Margaret (1921-)

Ruth Esther (1923-June 10, 2008)

Marian Louise (1C1R) was born on September 11, 1925 in Sugartown, Chester County, Pa. and died on December 6, 1986, she was 61. On February 19, 1949, when Marian Louise was 23, she married Wallace E. Conner. He was born about 1925.

Clara Jean (1928-)

Alice Lucinda (1931-)

George Downing 1785 and Thomas Downing 1810

George Downing was born on January 10, 1785 in Downingtown, Chester County, PA. George died in Uwchlan, Chester County, PA on April 3, 1853, he was 68.

"Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families", page 740:
"They resided in Upper Uwchlan, where he owned a farm."
The following notice appeared in the "Register and Examiner" of West Chester,
PA:
"April 9, 1853: Died -- In Uwchlan Township on Sunday morning the 3rd inst.
George Downing, in the 68th year of his age. The deceased retired on the
evening previous as well as usual. He coughed in the night, turned over, and
his wife hearing him breathe heavily, arose, lit a candle, and returned to him
when she found him his spirit fled. The deceased was widely and universally
esteemed and the deep feeling of regret at his loss will not be confined to his
family and neighborhood, but he experienced wherever he was known."
A similar obituary appeared in the "Village Record", April 5, 1853.
George appears in the 1850 census for Chester County. He is listed as a
farmer, with worth of $14,000. Ellen Brown (B) is listed as a servant.

In 1809 when George was 23, he married Ann Denny, daughter of William Denny Jr. and Martha Darrah. Born in August 1786 in Uwchlan, Chester county, PA., Ann died on May 28, 1868, she was 81.

They had the following children:
Thomas G., born on February 20, 1810 in Downingtown, Chester County, PA. Thomas G. died in Muncy, Lycoming Co., PA on March 14, 1890, he was 80.

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, October 18, 1835:
"Marriage On the 15th inst. by John T. Denny Esq. Mr. Thomas G. Downing, of
Franklin township, Lycoming county, to Miss Mary Wheelen, of Uwchlan township,
Chester county."
(Second Marriage)

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, March 4, 1845:
"Marriage in Fairfield township, Lycoming county, on the 20th ult., by the Rev.
George Parsons, Mr. Thomas Downing, of Chester county, to Miss Julia Ann
Bastian, daughter of Mr. Peter Bastian, of the former place."
Thomas removed from Chester County, PA, and resided at Muncy, Lycoming County,
PA, where all were buried.

On 20 Feb 1845 when Thomas G. was 35, he first married Julia Ann BASTIAN3, daughter of John Peter S. BASTIAN & Maria Esther ARTLEY, in Fairfield twp., Lycoming co., PA. Julia Ann died on 1 Jul 1862, she was 44.3 Born on 3 Apr 1818 in Muncy, Lycoming, PA.3

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, March 4, 1845:
"Marriage In Fairfield township, Lycoming county, on the 20th ult., by the Rev.
George Parsons, Mr. Thomas Downing, of Chester county, to Miss Julia Ann
Bastian, daughter of Mr. Peter Bastian, of the former place."

On October 15, 1835, when Thomas G. was 25, he married Mary Whelen, daughter of Dennis Whelen Jr. and Sarah Davis, in Chester co., PA. Born in 1797, Mary died in Muncy, Lycoming, Pa. on August 11, 1841, she was 44.

VILLAGE RECORD, Chester County, October 28, 1835:
"Marriage On the 15th inst. by John T. Denny Esq. Mr. Thomas G. Downing of
Franklin Township, Lycoming county, to Miss Mary Wheelen, of Uwchlan township,
Chester County."

Thomas G.'s third married was to Mary Norris. Born on July 8, 1825 in Chester County, Pa., Mary died on July 15, 1897, she was 72.

Helen Wilson 1890

Helen Wilson, my Great Aunt, was born on February 13, 1890. Helen died on June 24, 1919, she was 29. She resided in Malvern, Pa. in 1916. Namesake: Named for her Grandmother: Esther Helen Bicking.

Apparently, Helen died from complications resulting from the birth of her second child, Emily. Emily was subsequently adopted by Helen's oldest brother, William and his wife Lizzie, who were childless. Her first child, Herford remained with his father.

Helen was a school teacher and is pictured on the left in front of two of her fellow teachers. I do not have the name of the school where they taught.

On April 28, 1915, when Helen was 25, she married Herford Evans Downing, son of William Ellsworth Downing and Melissa Jane Ecoff. Born on September 4, 1888. Herford Evans died in Pottstown Hospital, Pottstown, Pa. at 10:00 PM on 8 December 8, 1958, he was 70. He was buried on December 12, 1958 in St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery, Chester Springs, Pa. He resided in Malvern, Pa. in 1916. Cause of death: Stricken while at work, Monday December 8, 1958.

They had the following children:
Herford Evans (1917-1994)
Emily Margaret (1C1R) Born on May 2, 1919.

Thomas Downing 1691 and Early Downings in America

Thomas Downing was born on December 14, 1691 in Bradninch, Devon, England. Thomas died in Downingtown, Chester County, PA on January 15, 1772, he was 80.

"Biographies of Chester County Residents before 1790" Gives date of birth as 14 Dec 1691 States, "Founded Downingtown (PA), c. 1735 "A Corner in Ancestors", by Eleanor Lexington, Copyright by McClure Syndication "One immigrant came from Devonshire. He was Thomas Downing, and a member of the Society of Friends. Pennsylvania was naturally the place he chose for a home. Downingtown is the name of the town he helped settle, and the old homestead still stands" (Newspaper article, c. 1940)

"The Devonshire Downings" prepared by John Perot, Ardmore, PA, put together from the entries in the parish records of Bradninch, Devonshire, England, in 1901 and 1903: "Thomas Downing, son of Thomas Downing, born December 14, 1691, and was baptized January 6, 1691/2, at Bradninch. The Bradninch records show that a Thomas Downing married Judeth Bending on 2 Jun 1717. Judeth, wife of Thomas Downing, was buried 26 Jan 1723. According to the Downingtown records, 'his first wife was said to have been named Ellen, and his second Tomazine, who was perhaps the mother to all his children. On Dec 1756 he married Jane Alborne (of Albin).' There seems to be some error here, unless he had two wives before Tomazine; Ellen and Judeth. Thomas Downing came to Pennsylvania before 1718, where he was taxed in Concord township from 1718 to 1732; later moving to Downingtown, where he died age 81. The Downingtown records says that two of his children were born in England and the Bradninch recoreds show the births of a Thomasine (1715) and Thomas (1717)." Notes of contributor Sandra K. Farney: "He was a founder of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, a Welsh settlement. He settled on the east branch of Brandywine Creek and was a farmer, miller, and merchant. He was a Friend (Quaker) and was a member of the Falls, Birmingham, Wilmington, & Baltimore Friends Meetings." From "History of Chester County", page 525: "There is reason to think that while in concord he operated a mill belonging to Nathaniel Newlin, and he and his descendants continued to be mill-owners at Downingtown for several generations."

On 10 April 10, 1715, when Thomas was 23, he married, Thomazine Beer, daughter of Roger Beer, in Silverton, Devonshire, England. Born About 1692. Thomazine died About 1754, she was 62. She may have been his second or third wife.

Marriage Records of Goshen Mtg. in Society of Friends Records of Chester County, PA., Page 130. Film 309402 in Salt Lake City Genealogical Library.
Logic note: Thomas and Thomazine gave birth to their second child on 17 Mar 1717 in England. They gave birth to their third child on 27 Feb 1719 in
Pennsylvania. Thus it would appear that they sailed from England to the
United states somewhere between those two dates.
Source of Thomazine's last name from GEDCOM files of Sandra Farney
(sfarney@@webzone.net)

They had the following children:



Thomazine. Born on October 6, 1715 in England. Thomazine died young, possibly in England. Note in Downing Family Historical Society notes "died young".



Thomas. Born on March 27, 1717 in England. Thomas died in Downingtown, Chester County., PA on November 19, 1736, he was 19. Buried in Chester County., PA.

Marriage Records of Goshen MTG in Society of Friends, Records of Chester County, PA, page 130. Film 309402 in Salt Lake City Genealogical Library. One other source shows birth date as 17 Mar, not 27. Quaker records indicate birth in Concord Twp, Chester Co., PA, but other source
indicate the first two born children were "probably born in England". The
Bradninch, England, baptisms from the Devon Record Office show Thomas baptized on 9 Jun 1717. This would certainly indicate he was born in England.

Richard. Born on April 27, 1719 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA. Richard died in E. Caln, Chester County, PA on July 8, 1804, he was 85.

History of Downingtown, PA, gives death year as 1804, not 1803, in conflict wit
a different source which I failed to mark. It also states:
"RICHARD DOWNING, m. 21 Mar 1741, at Uwchlan Quaker Meeting, Mary Edge, b. 2
Aug 1721, d. 13 Dec. 1795, daughter of John and Mary of Providence. " Records
of Mary Harris, Chester County Genealogy, shows marriage date as the 23rd, not
21st.



In 1787 he was assessed with a grist mill, fulling mill, two saw mills, and
malt house in East Caln, and his son Richard with a merchant mill. An old saw
mill, which has been in the family for generations has just been torn down."
From "Chester County and Its People", by W. W. Thompson, 1893:
"In 1764 Richard Downing was assessed in East Caln with one hundred and
ninety acres of land and buildings, worht 35 pounds per annum; one hundred and
sixty acres uncultivated; a grist mill and saw mill, owrht 70 pounds per annum;
76 acres in West Bradford and 100 acres in Uwchlan, 4 horses, 9 cattle, and 9
sheep. this tax was L6:3:3, being the largest in the township, and his brother
John, was next below him. Richard was appointed overseer of Uwchlan Meeting
July 6, 1763, in place of Evan Jones."
A copy of the abstract of the Last Will and Testament of Richard Downing is
in the files.

On March 23, 1741 when Richard was 21, he married Mary Edge, daughter of John Edge and Mary Smedley, in Uwchlan, Chester County,PA. Born on September 2, 1721 in Upper Providence, Chester County, PA., Mary died in E. Caln, Chester County, PA on December 13, 1795, she was 74.

John. Born on October 18, 1720 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA., John died in 1796, he was 75.

Reports of Helen F. Snow, genealogist:
"John Downing became a tavern keeper about 1760 and after several years was
succeeded by Richard Cheyney at the Sign of the Kin in Arms, where the
Revolutionary county committee met in 1776." Pennypacker says John was a taver
keeper from 1761 to 1771. The King at Arms became the Washington Inn, which wa
still owned by a Downing descendant, Clara Fox, when I visited her. In 1764
Richard was assessed in E. Caln with 190 acres, "His tax was L6:3:3, being the
largest in the township, and his brother John was next below him."
From "Chester County and Its People", by W. W. Thomson, 1898:
"John Downing continued to reside at Downingtown, where in 1764, he was
assessed with two hundred and forty acres of land and buildings, tavern, etc.,
worth 100 pounds per annum; sixty acres of uncultivated land, five horses, six
cattle, thirteen sheep, and one servant. He was a tavern keeper from 1761 to
1771, at the eastern tavern on the Lancaster Road, then or subsequently called
the "King in Arms," and later, the Washington Inn."
An interesting newspaper article from "The Pennsylvania Gazette", May 2, 1765:
"Went away, on the 24th of April, from the house of JOHN DOWNING, Tavern
keeper, in East Caln Township, Chester county, one John Smith, of swarthy
complexion, marked with the smallpox, about five feet nine inches high; had on
when he went away, a Swanskin jacket, and a brown lincey one under it; he stole
a new broadcloth jacket, of a grey colour, a new pair of breeches, one pair of
stockings, and a beaver hat, lined with white; he is well known all over
America. Whoever takes up and secures said Smith, shall have three pounds
reward, and reasonable charges paid by Godfrey Richards."
In another instance, John placed the following ad in the same paper, December
12, 1765:
"Came to the plantation of John Downing in East Caln Township, Chester county
about the 18th day of November last, two stray creatures, a horse and a mare,
the horse is of a black colour, a natural pacer, and has neither brand nor ear
mark, about 12 years old; the mare a dark bay, has a bald face, paces and trots
neither brand nor ear mark, about 6 years old. The owner or owners are desired
to come and prove their property, pay charges, and take them away."

On March 5, 1747, when John was 26, he married Elizabeth Hunt, daughter of Roger Hunt and Esther Aston, in E. Caln, Chester County,PA. She was born in 1730.

"The Downings, Pennsylvania Quakers" shows mother's name as Mary. Data from
Personal Ancestral File obtained on the LDS web site indicates marriage was
performed by "T. Cummings, Esq.".

William. Born on May 24, 1722 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA., William died in Bart Twp., Lancaster County, PA on May 7, 1788, he was 65.

Marriage Records of Goshen MTG in Society of Friends, Records of Chester
County, PA, page 130. Film 309402 in Salt Lake City Genealogical Library.
Family data of William Downing and Ellen John from Mary Harris, Chester County
Genealogical Society (mhharris@@sprynet.com). Her source is Meldum & Reamy;
Early Church Records of Chester County, PA., Vol. 2; Westminister: Family Lines
Publications.
Family group sheet supplied by Dianna Nading, Albany, OR, also shows a second
wife for William; Margaret Miller. Later research shows she was the widow of
Samuel Miller, her maiden name was Halliday. Married 19 Dec 1765. Her bio
sheet for William:
"William downing was born the 5th child of Thomas and Thomazine Downing,
Quakers, who had emigrated from England about 1718. Thomas was a successful
farmer and businessman who established an industrial complex of water powered
mills in East Caln township, PA. This area became first known as Milltown, and
later, became the city of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, named for the family.
William grew up in the Concord, Sadsbury, and East Caln Townships in a strict
Quaker environment. See files for a copy of William Downing's will, dated 1788
At Uwchlan meeting, William married Ellen John. She died prior to 1765, and
William again was married December 19, 1765, at New Garden meeting, to Margaret
Miller, widow of Samuel. William had 8 children by Ellen, none by Margaret.
The will of his father, Thomas, states:
"And whereas I have already conveyed unto my son, William Downing, the
Dwelling House where he now liveth with the water, corn, and grist mill and One
Hundred and Fifty acres of Land in the townbshp of Bart in the county of
Lancaster and took Bond of Fifty Pounds from him which Bond I order my Executor
to deliver to my said son William without money."

On December 19, 1765, when William was 43, he married his second wife, Margaret Halliday, daughter of William Halliday and Deborah, in New Garden Meeting, Lancaster County, PA.

William's third marrage was to Margaret Miller. Margaret was married first to Samuel Miller, April 29, 1732, then to William. No issue known from this 2nd marriage.

Jane. Born on October 6, 1723 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA., Jane died in PA on October 21, 1795, she was 72.

History of Downingtown, PA:
"Jane, b. Oct 6 1723, m. John Roberts of Merion. She died Oct 29, 1795.
John (3) was the son of John (2) Roberts, who was the son of John (1) of
Merion.
John (2) m. 3 Sep 1720, Hannah, d. of Robert and Lowry (Jones) Lloyd, of
Merion,
b. 21 Sep 1699, d. 15 Jan 1763; John died the next year and his only child
was born after the death (Pg. 714, Futhey & Cope).

John (3) was b. 15 Aug 1721, d. 4 Nov 1778, m. 1 Apr 1743 at Uwchlan Meeting
Jane DOWNING of E. Caln. They lived in Merion, where their children were
born:
Thomas
Isaac
Hannah (m. Reese Price)
Sarah (m. George Thomas)
Jehu (m. Elizabeth Jones)
Mary (m. William Hunter)
Jane (m. Richard Tunis)
Thomazine (m. Eli Yarnall)
John (died young)
Elizabeth (m. Isaac McPherson)
Ann (m. Richard Trimble)


On June 1, 1743, when Jane was 19, she married John Roberts, son of John Roberts & Hannah Lloyd, in Uwchlan, Chester county, PA. Born on August 15, 1721, John died on November 4, 1778, he was 57.

Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families, Page 690:
"John Roberts was a miller. He probably resided in the Great Valley,
Chester County, PA, and also in Merion, Montgomery County, PA. He lost
his life by reason of his adherence to the British cause during the
Revolutionary War. He was taken prisoner whilst the British army occupied
Philadelphia, 1777-78, and charged with acts inimical to the American
cause, in which times of heated passions the calm and wise judgement was
lost sight of in the struggle for success. Great efforts were made to
save his life by his neighbors and friends, near and far, all petitioning
in his behalf as a good citizen and conscientious man, but mistaken in his
course. But it all did not avail and he suffered the extreme penalty of
martial law."

Sarah. Born on October 13, 1725 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA., Sarah died in PA. on July 16, 1745, she was 19.

Apparently died during childbirth; daughters birth date is same as Sarah's death date.


Thomazine. Born on August 15, 1727 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA.

Futhey and Cope, p. 484:
Thomazine m. Samuel Bond, son of Joseph, of Bristol, Bucks Co.; settled in
West Whiteland. Member Uwchlan Meeting. Children:
Ann (m. Robert Valentine)
Jane (m. Thomas Stalker, Jr.
Thomazine b. 1755 d. 1782 (m. George Spackman)
Hannah (m. 2nd cousin John McPherson of Virginia)
Joseph
Sarah (m 1793 at Hopewell, VA to Asa Moore)
First name spelled "Thamizan" and "Thamzin" in the Quaker records.

On April 29, 1749 when Thomazine was 21, she married Samuel Bond, son of Joseph Bond, in Uwchlan, Chester County, PA. Samuel died after 1791.

Uwchlan Records:
"Samuel Bond married in 1749 Thomazine, daughter of Thomas Downing. Samuel Bon
is listed on Uwchlan tax lists from 1767 until at least 1785. He acquired trac
27, partly in Uwchlan, in 1760 and 1772 and sold it in 1791."

Samuel. Born on June 11, 1729 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA., Samuel died young.



Joseph. Born on October 12, 1731 in Concord Twp., Chester County, PA., Joseph died young.



Joseph (1734-1804)

On December 15, 1756, when Thomas was 65, he married Jane Albin, in Uwchlan Twp., Chester County, PA. Jane died on January 23, 1759.

"History of Chester County", page 525: "Thomas married a third wife, Jane
Albin, widow of James, and daughter of John and Mary Edge 14 Dec 1756. She was
a minister, and died 23 Jan 1759."

Introduction to the Downing Branch

Much of the material here is from the official genealogies sent to me by members of the Thomas Downing family: “Downing Family GENCOM File,” Ray Downing, 8/13/1999 and “Downing Family GENCOM File II,” Thomas Downing, 8/16/1999.

I have this and other material tracing the Downing Family far back into history and their connections to many of the founders and famous names of United States History, including John Aldon, the Adams and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Since we are related to these people only by the marriages of Helen and Clara Downing Wilson, I have not included most of that data, but only that showing the connection of my uncles Herford and Ellsworth Downing to the founder of Downingtown.

The first photograph is an 1938 postcard of Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) down town.

The second photograph is my own of Lancaster Avenue downtown crossing Rt 322 from West Chester.

Benjamin Franklin Meredith 1st

Benjamin Franklin Meredith, my Great Great Grandfather was born on October 29, 1834. He died at 221 West Chestnut Street, West Chester, Pa. on June 9, 1920 at age 85. He was buried on June 14, 1920 in Upper Octorara, Pa. He resided in Pomeroy, near Coatesville.

(Mildred Brown Meredith and Esther Wilson Brown visit he grave of Benjamin Franklin Meredith I.)

His occupations included being owner of a large feldspar mine, County(?) Supervisor: Collected Road Taxes (Yearly tax paid by G. Townsend was $.30.22), Mortgage Clerk Court House, and Farmer.

Cause of death: After an illness of some length, of trouble incident to his age.

Going West. Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Meredith, who for some time past have been making their home with their son, B. F. Meredith, Jr., of West Caln, will leave on Monday for an extended visit at Shelby, Michigan, where a daughter lives (Annie or Ivagene?). Mr. Meredith owns property there and has business interests. Their visit will be of about three months duration. Daily Local News. 7/18/1915.

Monday, January 3, 1916, being the 50th anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Meredith, of 221 West Chestnut Street, West Chester, their children and some other near relatives planned a social surprise for them. Accordingly, as each party reached town, they called to see them. They being accustomed to their friends calling, they suspected nothing until several families had assembled, when it dawned on them that it was something unusual for so many to call on the same day. Being informed why, they entered into the spirit of the occasion, and a general good time followed. At dinner the host and hostess related their experience of the day fifty years ago, telling of their marriage, their round-about ride to the train that was to take them on their wedding trip to Ohio to visit relatives. Music followed and all too soon farewells had to be said. Those present were: B. F. Meredith, and wife, of West Chester; W. W. Meredith and daughter, Ella, of Modena; B. F. Meredith, Jr. and wife, of the old home farm, West Caln, Fred Wilson and wife and daughters, Clara and Esther; Wm. F. Wilson and wife, J. Evans Wilson and wife, S. Heber Wilson and wife, all of Anselma; Herford E. Downing and wife of Malvern. Greetings were received from their absent children, they being Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Gibbs and family of Shelby, Mich.; Charles Meredith and family, of Orchard Home Farm, Michigan, and Mr. and Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Los Angeles, Cal. Daily Local News. 1/5/1916.

Benjamin F. Meredith, Sr. This morning, Benjamin F. Meredith, Sr., of No. 221 West Chestnut Street, died after an illness of some length, of trouble incident to his age, in his 86th year. The deceased was for many years a farmer of West Caln township, but some years ago retired and moved to West Chester where he was a familiar figure, He at one time had large feldspar mines on his farm which were operated extensively. he was a man of genial disposition and a large fund of knowledge and had many friends here. He is survived by six children: B. F. Meredith, Jr., who is a farmer and active in education in West Caln Township; William of West Chester; Charles Meredith and Mrs. Ivogene Sessions, Shelby Mich.' Mrs. Gibbs, in Buffalo and Joseph of Modena. Daily Local News. 6/7/1920

FUNERAL NOTICE
Yourself and family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of
B. F. Meredith Sr.,
from his late residence 221
West Chestnut St
on Monday, June 14th 1920
at twelve o'clock. _M.
Services at Upper Octorara
Interment at Upper Octorara

Meredith - In West Chester, on the 9th Inst., Benjamin F. Meredith in his 86th year. Relatives and friends, also Skerritt Lodge F. & A. M., of Cochranville, are invited to attend the funeral from his late residence, No. 221 West Chestnut St., on Monday, the 14th Inst. Services at 12 o'clock. Further services and internment at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church at 2 o'clock. Daily Local News. 6/10/1920

The funeral of the late B. Frank Meredith took place yesterday afternoon from his late home on West Chestnut Street, this place where a large number of relatives and friends had gathered and where Dr. Washington R. Laird delivered a prayer. The remains were later taken to upper Octorara Church, near Parkesburg, where services were conducted by this pastor and the body laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the edifice, there being a large attendance of relatives and friends from West Caln and other points in the western section of the county where the deceased had been well known for years, having long lived in West Caln township. The pall bearers were six grandsons of the deceased. Daily local News. 6/15/1920

Estate of B. Franklin Meredith, Sr., late of the borough of West Chester, dec'd. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above-named B. Franklin Meredith, Sr., deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said deceased are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment, without delay, to Charles F. Meredith, B. Franklin Meredith, Jr., Joseph E. Meredith, Horace Sessions, William A. Gibbs. Executors, West Chester, Pa. Thomas W. Baldwin, Atty. Daily Local news. 7/23/1920

On January 3, 1866, when Benjamin Franklin was 31, he married Emma Bicking Wilson, daughter of William Frederick Wilson Sr. & Esther Helen Bicking. Emma was born on April 23, 1847 in Honeybrook, Pa. Emma Bicking died in Hollywood, California on December 4, 1938, she was 91. She was buried in Upper Octorara, Pa. Cause of death: series of apoplectic strokes.

(Emma is listed as married to B. F. Merrills in the Chester and Delaware Counties Families History, obviously a misspelling of B. F. Meredith.--LEM)

Emma B. Meredith. Mrs. Emma Bicking Meredith, widow of the late B. F. Meredith, Sr., died yesterday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Horace Sessions, Hollywood, Calif., in her 92nd year. She had been ill for about two years, but had only been seriously ill for the past three months. Her death was due to a series of apoplectic strokes. Mrs. Meredith was a daughter of the late William and Esther Wilson and was born in Honey Brook on April 23, 1847. When she was quite young, the family moved to Brandywine Inn, where she spent her girlhood years. Upon her marriage she took up her residence at the Meredith homestead in West Caln Township, where she lived for many years. Later the family moved to Pomeroy, where she lived until the death of her husband in 1920. Since that time she has resided in California. In her active years Mrs. Meredith was widely known in this part of the county. She was active in the Sunday school that was conducted for many year's at Bonsall's school house near her West Caln home. She was also active in the W. C. T. U. (West Caln Temperance Union) and other organizations of a civic and charitable nature. She was the last of her generation of her own family and is survived by two daughters and three sons: Anna, wife of William Gibbs, of Buffalo; William W. Meredith, of West Chester; B. F. Meredith, Jr., of West Caln; Charles F. Meredith, of Shelby, Mich.; Ivagene, wife of Horace Sessions, of Hollywood; sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Frank Wilson, widow of her youngest brother also survives. Another son, Joseph E. Meredith, of Coatesville, died some years ago. The remains will be brought east for the funeral, which will take place at the old Meredith homestead, in West Caln, about two miles northeast of Sadsburyville, now occupied by B. F. Meredith, Jr., on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in Upper Octorara cemetery. Coatesville Record. 12/5/1938.

They had the following children:
William Wilson (1869-1950)

Anna Evans, who resided in Buffalo, N. Y. in June 1920. Alias/AKA: Annie. Anna Evans married William A. Gibbs and they resided in Shelby, Michigan in 1945.

Ivagene, who resided in Shelby, Michigan in June 1920 and in Hollywood, California in Dec 1938.

Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Meredith have announced the marriage of their daughter, Ivagene, to Mr. Horace Sessions, Thursday, November 24, 1904, at St. John's P. E. Church, St. Louis, Mo. The bride has the best wishes of her many friends in this place, where she is well known. Pomeroy News 12/17/1904

Friends here have received word that Mr. and Mrs. Horace Sessions, the latter as Miss Ivagene Meredith, having been popular here previous to her marriage, have completed a 31 days trip by automobile from their former home near Shelby, Mich., across the Rocky Mountains to Sacramento, Cal., thus concluding a motor trip across the continent. The young people spent an extended visit with Chester County relatives, some months ago. Their destination was reached in time for them to visit the exposition and they are now established in their distant home in the golden west. Daily local news. 12/14/1915.

On November 24, 1904 Ivagene married Horace Sessions in St. John's P. E. Church, St. Louis, Mo. (NOTE: I am assuming this is the same Horace Sessions of Shelby who addressed the Michigan Hornicultural Society in 1912.