Charles Frederick Meredith 1874

Charles Frederick Meredith (GG Uncle) was born on April 17, 1874 at the Meredith Homestead, West Caln, Pa. He died in Shelby, Michigan on November 8, 1945, he was 71. He resided in Shelby, Michigan in Dec 1938. Alias/AKA: Charlie. Occupation: Owner of one of the largest Fruit Orchards in Western Michigan. Cause of death: Illness of a week's duration.

Chester Co. Granddaughter: Charles F. Meredith, of Shelby, Mich., a son of this section of Chester county, has a daughter who is acquiring a reputation as a prize winner. Miss Gertrude, aged twelve, was awarded a gold watch lately in a newspaper subscription contest. Not long before the child was awarded a prize of fifteen dollars for the best name for a new store there, the name offering being, "The Shop That Differs." Local Daily News. 10/30/1913.

Charles F. Meredith Charles Frederick Meredith, son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Emma Wilson Meredith, passed away at Shelby, Mich., on Thursday, November 8th. He was born April 17th, 1874, at the Meredith Homestead in West Caln Township, this county, where his boyhood was spent. At an early age he joined his sister, Ann Evans Meredith, now deceased, who had married Wm. A. Gibbs, of Shelby, Mich. Later Mr. Meredith spent several years in the far western States, but later returned to Michigan, where he developed one of the largest fruit orchards in Western Michigan. He spent his entire time managing and marketing the produce. His fatal illness was only on a week's duration. Charlie Meredith, as he was known, was universally loved and respected. He married Miss Pearl Esteppe, of Shelby, Mich., who preceded him in death. He is survived by five daughters: Mrs. Floyd Bates, Mrs. John Morse, Muskegan, Mich.; Mrs. Marjorie Kaiser, Three Rivers, Mich.; Mrs. Cecil Neal, Shelby, and Miss Naomi Meredith, at home. There are thirteen grandchildren. B. F. Meredith, of Atglen, is a brother, and Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Cal., a sister. Daily Local News. 11/14/1945.

Charles Frederick married Pearl Esteppe. who resided in Shelby, Michigan. Pearl died before 1945.

They had the following children:

Gertrude (1C2R), born in 1901 in Shelby, Michigan. She resided in Muskegon, Michigan in 1945. Gertrude married Floyd BATES.

Mrs. John Morse, (1C2R), who resided in Muskegon, Michigan in 1945. [I don't have her first or middle names. --LEM]

Marjorie (1C2R), who resided in Three Rivers, Michigan in 1945. Marjorie married a Kaiser.

Mrs. Cecil Neal (1C2R), who resided in Shelby, Michigan in 1945. [I don't have her first or middle names. -- LEM]

Naomi (1C2R) who resided in Shelby, Michigan in 1945.

Charles Frederick Meredith 1874

Charles Frederick Meredith (GG Uncle) was born on April 17, 1874 at the Meredith Homestead, West Caln, Pa. He died in Shelby, Michigan on November 8, 1945, he was 71. He resided in Shelby, Michigan in Dec 1938. Alias/AKA: Charlie. Occupation: Owner of one of the largest Fruit Orchards in Western Michigan. Cause of death: Illness of a week's duration.

Chester Co. Granddaughter: Charles F. Meredith, of Shelby, Mich., a son of this section of Chester county, has a daughter who is acquiring a reputation as a prize winner. Miss Gertrude, aged twelve, was awarded a gold watch lately in a newspaper subscription contest. Not long before the child was awarded a prize of fifteen dollars for the best name for a new store there, the name offering being, "The Shop That Differs." Local Daily News. 10/30/1913.

Charles F. Meredith Charles Frederick Meredith, son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Emma Wilson Meredith, passed away at Shelby, Mich., on Thursday, November 8th. He was born April 17th, 1874, at the Meredith Homestead in West Caln Township, this county, where his boyhood was spent. At an early age he joined his sister, Ann Evans Meredith, now deceased, who had married Wm. A. Gibbs, of Shelby, Mich. Later Mr. Meredith spent several years in the far western States, but later returned to Michigan, where he developed one of the largest fruit orchards in Western Michigan. He spent his entire time managing and marketing the produce. His fatal illness was only on a week's duration. Charlie Meredith, as he was known, was universally loved and respected. He married Miss Pearl Esteppe, of Shelby, Mich., who preceded him in death. He is survived by five daughters: Mrs. Floyd Bates, Mrs. John Morse, Muskegan, Mich.; Mrs. Marjorie Kaiser, Three Rivers, Mich.; Mrs. Cecil Neal, Shelby, and Miss Naomi Meredith, at home. There are thirteen grandchildren. B. F. Meredith, of Atglen, is a brother, and Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Cal., a sister. Daily Local News. 11/14/1945.

Charles Frederick married Pearl Esteppe. who resided in Shelby, Michigan. Pearl died before 1945.

They had the following children:

Gertrude (1C2R), born in 1901 in Shelby, Michigan. She resided in Muskegon, Michigan in 1945. Gertrude married Floyd BATES.

Mrs. John Morse, (1C2R), who resided in Muskegon, Michigan in 1945. [I don't have her first or middle names. --LEM]

Marjorie (1C2R), who resided in Three Rivers, Michigan in 1945. Marjorie married a Kaiser.

Mrs. Cecil Neal (1C2R), who resided in Shelby, Michigan in 1945. [I don't have her first or middle names. -- LEM]

Naomi (1C2R) who resided in Shelby, Michigan in 1945.

Benjamin Franklin Meredith II 1872

Benjamin Franklin MEREDITH 2nd (GG Uncle) was born in 1872 in West Caln, Pa. Benjamin Franklin died in His home in Atglen on Junuary 8, 1951, he was 79. He resided in Coatesville, RFD #2, Pa. on August 5, 1905. Occupation: Farmer, served as West Caln township school director, assessor and tax collector at different times. Occupation: Mortgage Clerk in the County Commissioners office in West Chester. Religion: Member of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church. Alias/AKA: B. Frank, B. Franklin, B. F. Cause of death: After failing health for several years.

He was a witness on the will of James Townsley October 14, 1920.

B. Frank Meredith, Jr., aged 29 years, of Pomeroy, this county, has been reported as missing from his home to the Philadelphia police, and a record of his disappearance was entered upon this docket in detective headquarters yesterday, the detectives and police are now looking for him. Meredith is the son of B. Frank Meredith, a prominent resident of Pomeroy, and he has been missing from his home since Friday. He has for a few weeks been engaged upon extensive excavating work for his Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which is widening its tracks west of Pomeroy, he had purchased a number of horses, carts, harness, hay and straw and other things from dealers, among whom are Vincent Pownall and Coates of Christiana, dealers in Atglen; Mrs. Ferree, of Lenover, Mr. Murphy of Parkesburg, A. H. Palmer, of Pomeroy, Charles Kendig, of Towerville, and others. His investment amounted to many hundred dollars. On Friday Meredith was last seen in Parkesburg. At that place he sold a fine driving horse to Frank Weaver, of Parkesburg, and then took a train for Philadelphia, since which time he has not been heard from. He is supposed to be in Philadelphia. Daily Local News. 3/28/1900.

Searching for a Brother. Pomeroy, March 28, 1900. Editor News;-In to-days Local News, March 28, I notice an article that might be very misleading in regard to my brother, B. Frank Meredith, Jr. I wish to state there are no charges against him, and nothing to keep him from home. My brother disappeared on the afternoon train from Philadelphia, on Friday last, March 23d, and since that time has not been heard from. Yesterday my brother, Joseph E. Meredith, went to Philadelphia, to ask aid of the Chief of police in locating his whereabouts, if possible. My brother is 5 feet 11 inches in height, has blue eyes, dark brown or almost black, curly hair, slight scar on forehead, and is of slender build. At the time last seen he wore a black serge cutaway suit, black broadcloth overcoat, half satin-lined, black derby hat, patent leather shoes, and carried a gold watch attached to black guard chain. Any information in regard to his whereabouts will be most thankfully received. Most respectfully, Ivagene Meredith. Daily Local News. 3/29/1900.

Editor Local News: At-the-Glen; Atglen. My sister, Gene Meredith Sessions, of Hollywood, remarked upon the beauty of the name. We are all reluctant to discard old tradition and names, but in this instance i think it was justifiable, for surely Atglen is more euphonic than either Israel’s Mills or Peningtonville, and appropriate to the borough, as she nestles there in this beautiful glen. As I sit here in my sunny window at our home "Harlam Heights" and look down o're the borough and my gaze wanders to the south valley hills, thence westward beyond the Octorara (a creek second only to the historic Brandywine, which is so dear to the heart and admiration of my friend, W. W. MacElree, Esq.), to where Cooper Ridge Hills join with the south valley hills, thence slowly eastward along the row of beautiful, well kept farms, I am fully convinced that He whose skill as a designer and builder was so magnificent that no human mind or hand can compete, must have visualized the Gardens of Eden when He builded this small area of the universe, and wove into this glen a little of Heaven. Unfortunately my health will not permit me to mingle and get acquainted with many of the borough residents, which I feel is my loss, for I am sure their environment has greatly influenced their lives and characters to such an extent that it would be a pleasure and profitable to me to meet and chat with them. However, I feel that will adjust itself, for surely there are many good Samaritans, who will not pass me by. I do not know how much silver or gold you possess, but I do know you are rich. You are rich because you care Not overmuch for worldly gain, But with your neighbor and gladly share your joy, and with them their pain. Your lives are sweet because you know No envy, malice or hate, but to youth's fare ideals you are true, and you keep the faith inviolate. (Dedicated, November 13, 1944, to my neighbors of Atglen.) B. Franklin Meredith. Daily Local News. 11/17/1944.

B. F. Meredith, a widely known resident of Atglen, died at his home in that place yesterday in his 81st year. he had been in failing health form several years. Mr. Meredith was a son of the late B. F. and Emma Bicking Wilson Meredith and was born in West Caln Township where he spent the greater part of his life. He was a farmer by vocation but had long been prominent in Republican politics. He served West Caln Township as school director at different times, assessor and tax collector at different times, and for a time was mortgage clerk in the County Commissioners office in West Chester. He was a member of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church. Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Agnes Meredith; two sons, W. Paul Meredith, of West Caln, and G. Douglas Meredith, of Lynchburg, Va. and three grandchildren. Coatesville Record. 6/9/1951.

Meredith - In Atglen, Pa., on Friday, June 8, 1951, B. F. Meredith, husband of Agnes Meredith, in his 80th year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral without further notice from the Wentz Funeral Home, 342 E. Chestnut St., Coatesville, on Tuesday, June 12, at 2 p. m. Interment in Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery. Coatesville Record. 6/9/1951.

Benjamin Franklin married Agnes M. Rissel. Born in 1884, Agnes M. died in 1957, she was 73.

They had the following children:
W. Paul

George Douglas, (1C2R), who resided in Lynchburg, Va. in June 1951 and resided in Camp Fanning, Texas in July 1945.

Harold Franklin (-1945)
Beatrice (1C2R), who resided in New York City, NY in July 1945. Beatrice married Robert Glenn, who resided in New York City, NY in July 1945.

Benjamin Franklin Meredith II 1872

Benjamin Franklin MEREDITH 2nd (GG Uncle) was born in 1872 in West Caln, Pa. Benjamin Franklin died in His home in Atglen on Junuary 8, 1951, he was 79. He resided in Coatesville, RFD #2, Pa. on August 5, 1905. Occupation: Farmer, served as West Caln township school director, assessor and tax collector at different times. Occupation: Mortgage Clerk in the County Commissioners office in West Chester. Religion: Member of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church. Alias/AKA: B. Frank, B. Franklin, B. F. Cause of death: After failing health for several years.

He was a witness on the will of James Townsley October 14, 1920.

B. Frank Meredith, Jr., aged 29 years, of Pomeroy, this county, has been reported as missing from his home to the Philadelphia police, and a record of his disappearance was entered upon this docket in detective headquarters yesterday, the detectives and police are now looking for him. Meredith is the son of B. Frank Meredith, a prominent resident of Pomeroy, and he has been missing from his home since Friday. He has for a few weeks been engaged upon extensive excavating work for his Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which is widening its tracks west of Pomeroy, he had purchased a number of horses, carts, harness, hay and straw and other things from dealers, among whom are Vincent Pownall and Coates of Christiana, dealers in Atglen; Mrs. Ferree, of Lenover, Mr. Murphy of Parkesburg, A. H. Palmer, of Pomeroy, Charles Kendig, of Towerville, and others. His investment amounted to many hundred dollars. On Friday Meredith was last seen in Parkesburg. At that place he sold a fine driving horse to Frank Weaver, of Parkesburg, and then took a train for Philadelphia, since which time he has not been heard from. He is supposed to be in Philadelphia. Daily Local News. 3/28/1900.

Searching for a Brother. Pomeroy, March 28, 1900. Editor News;-In to-days Local News, March 28, I notice an article that might be very misleading in regard to my brother, B. Frank Meredith, Jr. I wish to state there are no charges against him, and nothing to keep him from home. My brother disappeared on the afternoon train from Philadelphia, on Friday last, March 23d, and since that time has not been heard from. Yesterday my brother, Joseph E. Meredith, went to Philadelphia, to ask aid of the Chief of police in locating his whereabouts, if possible. My brother is 5 feet 11 inches in height, has blue eyes, dark brown or almost black, curly hair, slight scar on forehead, and is of slender build. At the time last seen he wore a black serge cutaway suit, black broadcloth overcoat, half satin-lined, black derby hat, patent leather shoes, and carried a gold watch attached to black guard chain. Any information in regard to his whereabouts will be most thankfully received. Most respectfully, Ivagene Meredith. Daily Local News. 3/29/1900.

Editor Local News: At-the-Glen; Atglen. My sister, Gene Meredith Sessions, of Hollywood, remarked upon the beauty of the name. We are all reluctant to discard old tradition and names, but in this instance i think it was justifiable, for surely Atglen is more euphonic than either Israel’s Mills or Peningtonville, and appropriate to the borough, as she nestles there in this beautiful glen. As I sit here in my sunny window at our home "Harlam Heights" and look down o're the borough and my gaze wanders to the south valley hills, thence westward beyond the Octorara (a creek second only to the historic Brandywine, which is so dear to the heart and admiration of my friend, W. W. MacElree, Esq.), to where Cooper Ridge Hills join with the south valley hills, thence slowly eastward along the row of beautiful, well kept farms, I am fully convinced that He whose skill as a designer and builder was so magnificent that no human mind or hand can compete, must have visualized the Gardens of Eden when He builded this small area of the universe, and wove into this glen a little of Heaven. Unfortunately my health will not permit me to mingle and get acquainted with many of the borough residents, which I feel is my loss, for I am sure their environment has greatly influenced their lives and characters to such an extent that it would be a pleasure and profitable to me to meet and chat with them. However, I feel that will adjust itself, for surely there are many good Samaritans, who will not pass me by. I do not know how much silver or gold you possess, but I do know you are rich. You are rich because you care Not overmuch for worldly gain, But with your neighbor and gladly share your joy, and with them their pain. Your lives are sweet because you know No envy, malice or hate, but to youth's fare ideals you are true, and you keep the faith inviolate. (Dedicated, November 13, 1944, to my neighbors of Atglen.) B. Franklin Meredith. Daily Local News. 11/17/1944.

B. F. Meredith, a widely known resident of Atglen, died at his home in that place yesterday in his 81st year. he had been in failing health form several years. Mr. Meredith was a son of the late B. F. and Emma Bicking Wilson Meredith and was born in West Caln Township where he spent the greater part of his life. He was a farmer by vocation but had long been prominent in Republican politics. He served West Caln Township as school director at different times, assessor and tax collector at different times, and for a time was mortgage clerk in the County Commissioners office in West Chester. He was a member of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church. Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Agnes Meredith; two sons, W. Paul Meredith, of West Caln, and G. Douglas Meredith, of Lynchburg, Va. and three grandchildren. Coatesville Record. 6/9/1951.

Meredith - In Atglen, Pa., on Friday, June 8, 1951, B. F. Meredith, husband of Agnes Meredith, in his 80th year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral without further notice from the Wentz Funeral Home, 342 E. Chestnut St., Coatesville, on Tuesday, June 12, at 2 p. m. Interment in Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery. Coatesville Record. 6/9/1951.

Benjamin Franklin married Agnes M. Rissel. Born in 1884, Agnes M. died in 1957, she was 73.

They had the following children:
W. Paul

George Douglas, (1C2R), who resided in Lynchburg, Va. in June 1951 and resided in Camp Fanning, Texas in July 1945.

Harold Franklin (-1945)
Beatrice (1C2R), who resided in New York City, NY in July 1945. Beatrice married Robert Glenn, who resided in New York City, NY in July 1945.

William Wilson Meredith I 1869

William Wilson MEREDITH 1st (Great Grandfather) was born in 1869 and died in West Chester, Pa. on June 11, 1950 at age 81. He resided at 413 W. Miner, West Chester, Pa. in June 1920, resided in Elverson, Pa. in February 1913 and resided in Sadsburyville, Pa. in 1893.

On February 16, 1893, when William Wilson was 24, he married Hanna Ella Sheeler (G Grandmother), daughter of John Sheeler & Mary McCleese, By Rev. George Mack. Born in 1868, Hanna Ella died at 413 West Miner Street, West Chester, Pa. on June 4, 1950, she was 82. She was buried on June 6, 1950 in Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery. She resided in Springfield in 1893.

The marriage of Mr. Wm. W. Meredith of West Caln, and Miss Ella Sheeler, of Springfield, will take place on Thursday, February 16th. The wedding will take place at the home of the bride in the presence of a number of relatives and friends. Daily Local News. 2/11/1893.

m.Meredith, William W.

Meredith, William W. of Sadsburyville, to H. Ella Sheeler, of Springfield, on Feb. 16 1893.

By the Rev. George Mack.

From the Meth. Church Records.

"On Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Meredith celebrated their twentieth anniversary of their marriage at their home, near Elverson. The bridge of twenty years ago was formally Miss Ella Sheeler. With the one-time bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. John Sheeler, the latter being Miss Pennypacker, who were recently married, shared the honors and congratulations of the occasion. A wedding cake graced the festal board and a most sumptuous turkey dinner with its accompanying good things was served. the guests, about eighteen in number, were mostly members of the immediate families." - Daily Local News. 2/19/1913

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Meredith celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at their home, near Elverson on Saturday. The bride of 20 years ago was formerly Miss Ella Sheeler. With the one-time bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. John Sheeler, the latter being Miss Pennypacker, and just recently married, shared the honors and congratulations of the occasion. Daily Local News. 2/20/1913.

W. W. Meredith, of 413 west minor street, West Chester, passed away yesterday at his home in the 84th year of his age. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Meredith, he has resided in West Chester for the past 30 years, moving here from Modena where he operated a lumber yard and general store. Surviving are his wife, Ella Hanna Sheller (sic) Meredith, one son, John W., of Modena, a daughter, Mrs. Ella M. Jones, West Chester, a brother, B. Frank, of Atglen, and a sister, Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Cal. Daily Local news. 5/14/1950.

W. W. Meredith, of 413 West Minor Street, West Chester, died at his home yesterday in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He had been in ill health for the past several months. Mr. Meredith lived in West Chester for the past thirty years, except for a period when he made his home in Modena, where he operated a lumber business and general store. He is survived by his wife, Ella Hanna Sheeler Meredith; one son, John M. Meredith, of Modena; a daughter, Mrs. Ella M. Jones, of West Chester; a brother, Frank Meredith, of Atglen and a sister, Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Calif. Private funeral services will be held from the Wentz Funeral home, 342 East Chestnut street, Coatesville, Wednesday afternoon, May 17, at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in the Upper Octorara cemetery. friends are invited to call at the funeral home Tuesday evening, May 16. Coatesville Record. 5/15/1950

(NOTE: Two sets of my great grandparents died in the same year. William W. and Ella Meredith from my father’s side and Millard and Sara Brown on my mother’s side.—LEM)


"Meredith - on June 4, 1950, H. Ella Sheeler Meredith, wife of the late W. W. Meredith, in the 82nd year of her age. Private funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 2 P. M., D. S. T. from her late home. 413 W. Miner St., West Chester. Interment at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery." - Daily Local News. 6/6/1950

H. Ella Meredith H. Ella Sheeler Meredith passed away in her home in West Chester, 413 West Minor street, yesterday morning in her eighty-second year. She was the widow of the late W. W. Meredith, who passed away here just three weeks ago. The daughter of the late Mary McCleese and John Sheeler, the deceased is survived by one son, John M. of Modena, one daughter, Ella, wife of William H. Jones, Sr., of West Chester; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Geiger, of Honey Brook, and Mrs. Chester Wolfe, of Coatesville, and one brother, John Sheeler of Elverson. Daily Local News. 6/5/1950.

They had the following children:
John M. (1895-1983)

Benjamin Franklin (1899-1937)

Ellen M.

William Wilson Meredith I 1869

William Wilson MEREDITH 1st (Great Grandfather) was born in 1869 and died in West Chester, Pa. on June 11, 1950 at age 81. He resided at 413 W. Miner, West Chester, Pa. in June 1920, resided in Elverson, Pa. in February 1913 and resided in Sadsburyville, Pa. in 1893.

On February 16, 1893, when William Wilson was 24, he married Hanna Ella Sheeler (G Grandmother), daughter of John Sheeler & Mary McCleese, By Rev. George Mack. Born in 1868, Hanna Ella died at 413 West Miner Street, West Chester, Pa. on June 4, 1950, she was 82. She was buried on June 6, 1950 in Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery. She resided in Springfield in 1893.

The marriage of Mr. Wm. W. Meredith of West Caln, and Miss Ella Sheeler, of Springfield, will take place on Thursday, February 16th. The wedding will take place at the home of the bride in the presence of a number of relatives and friends. Daily Local News. 2/11/1893.

m.Meredith, William W.

Meredith, William W. of Sadsburyville, to H. Ella Sheeler, of Springfield, on Feb. 16 1893.

By the Rev. George Mack.

From the Meth. Church Records.

"On Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Meredith celebrated their twentieth anniversary of their marriage at their home, near Elverson. The bridge of twenty years ago was formally Miss Ella Sheeler. With the one-time bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. John Sheeler, the latter being Miss Pennypacker, who were recently married, shared the honors and congratulations of the occasion. A wedding cake graced the festal board and a most sumptuous turkey dinner with its accompanying good things was served. the guests, about eighteen in number, were mostly members of the immediate families." - Daily Local News. 2/19/1913

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Meredith celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at their home, near Elverson on Saturday. The bride of 20 years ago was formerly Miss Ella Sheeler. With the one-time bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. John Sheeler, the latter being Miss Pennypacker, and just recently married, shared the honors and congratulations of the occasion. Daily Local News. 2/20/1913.

W. W. Meredith, of 413 west minor street, West Chester, passed away yesterday at his home in the 84th year of his age. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Meredith, he has resided in West Chester for the past 30 years, moving here from Modena where he operated a lumber yard and general store. Surviving are his wife, Ella Hanna Sheller (sic) Meredith, one son, John W., of Modena, a daughter, Mrs. Ella M. Jones, West Chester, a brother, B. Frank, of Atglen, and a sister, Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Cal. Daily Local news. 5/14/1950.

W. W. Meredith, of 413 West Minor Street, West Chester, died at his home yesterday in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He had been in ill health for the past several months. Mr. Meredith lived in West Chester for the past thirty years, except for a period when he made his home in Modena, where he operated a lumber business and general store. He is survived by his wife, Ella Hanna Sheeler Meredith; one son, John M. Meredith, of Modena; a daughter, Mrs. Ella M. Jones, of West Chester; a brother, Frank Meredith, of Atglen and a sister, Mrs. Horace Sessions, of Hollywood, Calif. Private funeral services will be held from the Wentz Funeral home, 342 East Chestnut street, Coatesville, Wednesday afternoon, May 17, at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in the Upper Octorara cemetery. friends are invited to call at the funeral home Tuesday evening, May 16. Coatesville Record. 5/15/1950

(NOTE: Two sets of my great grandparents died in the same year. William W. and Ella Meredith from my father’s side and Millard and Sara Brown on my mother’s side.—LEM)


"Meredith - on June 4, 1950, H. Ella Sheeler Meredith, wife of the late W. W. Meredith, in the 82nd year of her age. Private funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 2 P. M., D. S. T. from her late home. 413 W. Miner St., West Chester. Interment at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery." - Daily Local News. 6/6/1950

H. Ella Meredith H. Ella Sheeler Meredith passed away in her home in West Chester, 413 West Minor street, yesterday morning in her eighty-second year. She was the widow of the late W. W. Meredith, who passed away here just three weeks ago. The daughter of the late Mary McCleese and John Sheeler, the deceased is survived by one son, John M. of Modena, one daughter, Ella, wife of William H. Jones, Sr., of West Chester; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Geiger, of Honey Brook, and Mrs. Chester Wolfe, of Coatesville, and one brother, John Sheeler of Elverson. Daily Local News. 6/5/1950.

They had the following children:
John M. (1895-1983)

Benjamin Franklin (1899-1937)

Ellen M.

Samuel Brady Nixon 1847 and Emma Bicking Wilson Meredith 1847

Samuel Brady Nixon (2C3R) was born on October 9, 1847 in Smith Township, Washington County, Pa. and died in Vinton County, Ohio on April 28, 1914, at 66. He held occupations as a teacher, mailman, part-time farmer and produce seller. April 10, 1873, when Samuel Brady was 25, he first married Sarah Ann Wadsworth, in Hocking, Fairfield County, Ohio who was born on October 15, 1852 in Hocking. Sarah Ann died in Vinton, Ohio on January 18, 1886, she was but 33. She had been a teacher. Cause of death: Tuberculosis.

They had the following children:
Francis Anthony (1878-1956)


Ernest, born about 1883.

In 1890, when Samuel Brady was 42, he married for a second time.

Emma Bicking Wilson, my great great grandmother was born on April 23, 1847 in Honeybrook, Pa. She died in Hollywood, California on December 4, 1938, she was 91. She was buried in 1938 in Upper Octorara, Pa.

(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.

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.

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.