Thomas Darlington Meredith 1836 and D. Webster Meredith 1861

Thomas Darlington Meredith, a first cousin, was born October 7, 1836. He died on May 8, 1872, he was 35. He was buried in Friends Burial Society Cemetery.

Thomas Darlington married Hannah Mary Gheen, daughter of Edward Gheen and Phoebe. Born in 1837, Hannah Mary died in Sisters Home in East Bradford township on 22 July 22, 1890, she was 53. She resided on West Minor St., West Chester, Pa. in 1890. Religion: member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester. Cause of death: Failing health, complications following the grip.

"On July 22, 1890. Hannah M., wife of the late T. Darlington Meredith, in the 53rd year of her age. Funeral Private." Daily Local News. 7/23/1890

For more than two years past, Mrs. Hannah M. Meredith, widow of the late Darlington Meredith, residing on West Minor Street, West Chester, has been in failing health. A spell of the grip last winter further weakened her and gradually it became apparent that her end was near. Recently she was taken to the seashore with a hope of improving her health, but no substantial relief was experienced, and upon her return home she was taken to the residence of her sister, Mrs. Darlington Strode in East Bradford Township. It was there that her death occurred yesterday at about 12:30 o'clock. The deceased was in her 53rd year at the time of her death. Her husband has been dead for many years. She leaves to survive her a son and two daughters, all grown to adult years. Mrs. Meredith was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, and an earnest, sincere and faithful Christian woman. She bore her long sufferings with patience and fortitude, but was anxiously looking forward to her approaching dissolution. Death came to her not as an unwelcome visitor, but rather as a summons to rest and peace. She was a daughter of the late Edward and Phoebe Gheen and a sister of Frank H. Gheen and John J. Gheen, Esq., of West Chester, and Leut. E. H. Gheen, of the United States Navy. Daily Local News. 7/23/1890.

Estate of H. Mary Meredith, Late of West Chester, dec'd. Letters Testamentary on the above Estate having been granted to the undersigned, all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make payment, and those having claims to present the same, without delay to D. Webster Meredith, Executor, West Chester, Pa. Daily Local News. 9/2/1890.

They had the following children:
D. Welson, born on June 3, 1859. D. Welson died on June 10, 1859 in West Chester, Pa.

In West Chester, on the 10 Inst., D. Welson, infant son of T. Darlington and Hannah Mary Meredith, aged one week. Downingtown Archive. 6/21/1859

D. Webster, was born on January 5, 1861 in West Chester, Pa. and died at 216 W. Miner St. West Chester, Pa. on June 12, 1951, he was 90. He was buried in Friends Burial Society Cemetery. Alias/AKA: Web. He joined Standard Milling in 1919 until his retirement in 1934. He was also a General Manager of Powell's jobbing confectioners, General Manager of H-O and Force Food Companies and employed at the Armour Co. of Chicago. Education: West Chester High School, Class of 1879 and the University of Virginia. Religion: Member of the First Presbyterian Church, West Chester.

D. Webster Meredith, who formally was in the employ of Armour & Co. of Chicago, is on receipt of a letter from the firm and enclosed there are circulars stating the attitude of the company on the coinage question. One of the announcements is this: "Armour & Co. will give fifty cents worth of meat and one Mexican silver dollar. This is followed by several arguments in favor of the gold standard. Daily Local News. 8/15/1896

The sale of personal property held yesterday by D. Webster Meredith of Westtown, was one of the largest that this section of the country has seen in a long while. About 250 teams were in attendance, and from 700 to 800 people. Corn brought 40 and 42 cents a bushel; horses averaged $100, and cows $40. Daily Local News. 1/16/1896

This is the day of the stallion in West Chester, and he rules the town. The day has been given up to him, and until evening he will strut as he never has before a critical audience, for there are hundreds of friends of the horse here as our guests, and they will examine the animals with a critical eye and one which knows a good horse when it rests upon it fine points. D. Webster Meredith, who so ably conducted the show last season, is again at the head of this one. Daily Local News. 5/14/1898.

"When a man is coming along toward 88 years he finds it is not so easy to make and hold young friends. They will grow up and slip away from him." -D. Webster Meredith donor of the High school gold metal in oratory. Daily Local News. 9/14/1949.

Meredith-In West Chester, on June 12, 1951, D. Webster, husband of Gertrude K. Meredith, in his 91st year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services at his late residence, 213 W. Minor St., West Chester, on Saturday, June 16, at 2 o'clock O. M. Interment is at Rosedale friends Cemetery. Friends may call at the residence Friday evening from 7 to 9 o'clock. Daily Local News. 6/13/1951.

D. Webster Meredith, prominent West Chester horseman and founder of the Meredith Gold Metal Prize in Oratory of West Chester High School, died early yesterday afternoon at the age of 90. The retired manager of the Philadelphia office of Standard Milling Co. succumbed at his home, 216 W. Miner St., after having been taken ill late Monday night. He had been in poor health for some time. In addition to the public speaking award he founded in 1888, he was best known locally for his horse show and fox hunting activities. One of the founders of the Devon Horse Show, he was also the originator in 1897 of the West Chester Stallion Parade and Show, which flourished here for a number of years. Educated Here, Mr. Meredith was born in West Chester on Jan. 5, 1861, a son of the late Thomas Darlington and Hannah Mary Gheen Meredith, he spent his early life here, attending local public schools and being graduated from West Chester High School in the class of 1879. He was one of the founders of the High School Alumni Association and was its first Vice President. After his graduation from the University of Virginia, he entered business. First employed by the Armour Co., of Chicago, he left that concern to become general manager of the H-O and Forse Food Companies, in New York City. Retired in 1934. When those firms consolidated he became general manager of Powell's internationally known jobbing confectioners, with whom he remained seven years. In 1919 he joined the Standard Milling Co., on of the three largest milling concerns in the country, remaining with that firm until his retirement in 1934. For several years, Mr. Meredith owned "Foxhill Place", a handsome farm on the Lenape Rd. in East Bradford Township, where he maintained many fine fox hunters. He later moved to Overbrook Hills, near Philadelphia, and six years ago returned to West Chester, where he bought and modernized the old Price property on West Miner St. Belonged to Clubs. Mr. Meredith was a member of the First Presbyterian Church; the Colonade and Wool Clubs, both of New York City; the Welsh Society of Philadelphia; the Chester County Historical Society, and the Rose Tree and West Chester Hunting Clubs. Long interested in education, he was instrumental in establishment of manual training in West Chester schools. Surviving are his second wife, the former Gertrude Kelly, of Philadelphia, and four first cousins, the misses Helen and Carrie Meredith and Hattie Strode, and Mrs. Scott Bruiel, all of West Chester. Two sisters, Miss Mary Meredith and Mrs. J. Gheen Morgan, are deceased. He had no children. Daily Local News. 6/13/1951.

D. Webster married Gertrude Kelly, daughter of Joseph Kelly and Mary Murphy. Born in 1888, Gertrude died in Eugenia Hospital, Montgomery County, Pa. on June 12, 1963, she was 75. She was buried on June 15, 1963 in Holy Cross Cemetery. She resided in Montgomery County, Pa. in 1963, resided at 216 W. Minor St., West Chester, Pa. in 1951 and resided in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1900. Religion: Member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, West Chester.

Meredith - Of West Chester, Pa. on June 12th, 1963, Gertrude Kelly, wife of the late D. Webster Meredith, in her 7rth year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Smith Funeral Home, West Chester, on Saturday, June 15th, at 10 o'clock A.M. High Requiem Mass at 10 o'clock A.M. High Requiem Mass in St. Agnes Church at 11 o'clock A.M. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9 until 10:30. Daily Local News. 6/13/1963.

Mrs. Gertrude Kelly Meredith, a former resident of West Chester and Foxhill Farm, East Bradford Township, and widow of D. Webster Meredith, died last night at Eugenia Hospital, Montgomery County. She was 75. A native of Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Murphy Kelly. Before going to live with cousins in Montgomery County, she had resided for many years at 216 W. Minor St., West Chester. Her husband, a manager of the Armour Co. of Chicago, and the Standard Milling Co., one of the largest milling concerns in the United States, died June 12, 1951. He was graduated from West Chester High School in 1879. Mr. Meredith had founded the D. Webster Meredith speaking contest for boys in 1868, which still is held annually at his alma mater. The winner of the contest receives a gold inscribed medal. Mrs. Meredith was the industrialist's second wife. She was a member of St. Agnes RC Church, West Chester. Only cousins survive. Daily Local News. 6/13/1963.

In 1900, when D. Webster was 38, he married Kathryn GRESS, in New York, NY.

Meredith - Gress The engagement is announced in letters to friends and relatives here of D. Webster Meredith, of New York, formally of this borough (West Chester), to Miss Kathryn Gress, a well known young lady of that city. The time of the wedding is not announced. Mr. Meredith has the congratulations of a large number of friends in West Chester. Daily Local News. 12/17/1900

They had the following children:

Mary.

Jennie. Jennie married J. Gheen Morgan.

Thomas Darlington Meredith 1836 and D. Webster Meredith 1861

Thomas Darlington Meredith, a first cousin, was born October 7, 1836. He died on May 8, 1872, he was 35. He was buried in Friends Burial Society Cemetery.

Thomas Darlington married Hannah Mary Gheen, daughter of Edward Gheen and Phoebe. Born in 1837, Hannah Mary died in Sisters Home in East Bradford township on 22 July 22, 1890, she was 53. She resided on West Minor St., West Chester, Pa. in 1890. Religion: member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester. Cause of death: Failing health, complications following the grip.

"On July 22, 1890. Hannah M., wife of the late T. Darlington Meredith, in the 53rd year of her age. Funeral Private." Daily Local News. 7/23/1890

For more than two years past, Mrs. Hannah M. Meredith, widow of the late Darlington Meredith, residing on West Minor Street, West Chester, has been in failing health. A spell of the grip last winter further weakened her and gradually it became apparent that her end was near. Recently she was taken to the seashore with a hope of improving her health, but no substantial relief was experienced, and upon her return home she was taken to the residence of her sister, Mrs. Darlington Strode in East Bradford Township. It was there that her death occurred yesterday at about 12:30 o'clock. The deceased was in her 53rd year at the time of her death. Her husband has been dead for many years. She leaves to survive her a son and two daughters, all grown to adult years. Mrs. Meredith was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, and an earnest, sincere and faithful Christian woman. She bore her long sufferings with patience and fortitude, but was anxiously looking forward to her approaching dissolution. Death came to her not as an unwelcome visitor, but rather as a summons to rest and peace. She was a daughter of the late Edward and Phoebe Gheen and a sister of Frank H. Gheen and John J. Gheen, Esq., of West Chester, and Leut. E. H. Gheen, of the United States Navy. Daily Local News. 7/23/1890.

Estate of H. Mary Meredith, Late of West Chester, dec'd. Letters Testamentary on the above Estate having been granted to the undersigned, all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make payment, and those having claims to present the same, without delay to D. Webster Meredith, Executor, West Chester, Pa. Daily Local News. 9/2/1890.

They had the following children:
D. Welson, born on June 3, 1859. D. Welson died on June 10, 1859 in West Chester, Pa.

In West Chester, on the 10 Inst., D. Welson, infant son of T. Darlington and Hannah Mary Meredith, aged one week. Downingtown Archive. 6/21/1859

D. Webster, was born on January 5, 1861 in West Chester, Pa. and died at 216 W. Miner St. West Chester, Pa. on June 12, 1951, he was 90. He was buried in Friends Burial Society Cemetery. Alias/AKA: Web. He joined Standard Milling in 1919 until his retirement in 1934. He was also a General Manager of Powell's jobbing confectioners, General Manager of H-O and Force Food Companies and employed at the Armour Co. of Chicago. Education: West Chester High School, Class of 1879 and the University of Virginia. Religion: Member of the First Presbyterian Church, West Chester.

D. Webster Meredith, who formally was in the employ of Armour & Co. of Chicago, is on receipt of a letter from the firm and enclosed there are circulars stating the attitude of the company on the coinage question. One of the announcements is this: "Armour & Co. will give fifty cents worth of meat and one Mexican silver dollar. This is followed by several arguments in favor of the gold standard. Daily Local News. 8/15/1896

The sale of personal property held yesterday by D. Webster Meredith of Westtown, was one of the largest that this section of the country has seen in a long while. About 250 teams were in attendance, and from 700 to 800 people. Corn brought 40 and 42 cents a bushel; horses averaged $100, and cows $40. Daily Local News. 1/16/1896

This is the day of the stallion in West Chester, and he rules the town. The day has been given up to him, and until evening he will strut as he never has before a critical audience, for there are hundreds of friends of the horse here as our guests, and they will examine the animals with a critical eye and one which knows a good horse when it rests upon it fine points. D. Webster Meredith, who so ably conducted the show last season, is again at the head of this one. Daily Local News. 5/14/1898.

"When a man is coming along toward 88 years he finds it is not so easy to make and hold young friends. They will grow up and slip away from him." -D. Webster Meredith donor of the High school gold metal in oratory. Daily Local News. 9/14/1949.

Meredith-In West Chester, on June 12, 1951, D. Webster, husband of Gertrude K. Meredith, in his 91st year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services at his late residence, 213 W. Minor St., West Chester, on Saturday, June 16, at 2 o'clock O. M. Interment is at Rosedale friends Cemetery. Friends may call at the residence Friday evening from 7 to 9 o'clock. Daily Local News. 6/13/1951.

D. Webster Meredith, prominent West Chester horseman and founder of the Meredith Gold Metal Prize in Oratory of West Chester High School, died early yesterday afternoon at the age of 90. The retired manager of the Philadelphia office of Standard Milling Co. succumbed at his home, 216 W. Miner St., after having been taken ill late Monday night. He had been in poor health for some time. In addition to the public speaking award he founded in 1888, he was best known locally for his horse show and fox hunting activities. One of the founders of the Devon Horse Show, he was also the originator in 1897 of the West Chester Stallion Parade and Show, which flourished here for a number of years. Educated Here, Mr. Meredith was born in West Chester on Jan. 5, 1861, a son of the late Thomas Darlington and Hannah Mary Gheen Meredith, he spent his early life here, attending local public schools and being graduated from West Chester High School in the class of 1879. He was one of the founders of the High School Alumni Association and was its first Vice President. After his graduation from the University of Virginia, he entered business. First employed by the Armour Co., of Chicago, he left that concern to become general manager of the H-O and Forse Food Companies, in New York City. Retired in 1934. When those firms consolidated he became general manager of Powell's internationally known jobbing confectioners, with whom he remained seven years. In 1919 he joined the Standard Milling Co., on of the three largest milling concerns in the country, remaining with that firm until his retirement in 1934. For several years, Mr. Meredith owned "Foxhill Place", a handsome farm on the Lenape Rd. in East Bradford Township, where he maintained many fine fox hunters. He later moved to Overbrook Hills, near Philadelphia, and six years ago returned to West Chester, where he bought and modernized the old Price property on West Miner St. Belonged to Clubs. Mr. Meredith was a member of the First Presbyterian Church; the Colonade and Wool Clubs, both of New York City; the Welsh Society of Philadelphia; the Chester County Historical Society, and the Rose Tree and West Chester Hunting Clubs. Long interested in education, he was instrumental in establishment of manual training in West Chester schools. Surviving are his second wife, the former Gertrude Kelly, of Philadelphia, and four first cousins, the misses Helen and Carrie Meredith and Hattie Strode, and Mrs. Scott Bruiel, all of West Chester. Two sisters, Miss Mary Meredith and Mrs. J. Gheen Morgan, are deceased. He had no children. Daily Local News. 6/13/1951.

D. Webster married Gertrude Kelly, daughter of Joseph Kelly and Mary Murphy. Born in 1888, Gertrude died in Eugenia Hospital, Montgomery County, Pa. on June 12, 1963, she was 75. She was buried on June 15, 1963 in Holy Cross Cemetery. She resided in Montgomery County, Pa. in 1963, resided at 216 W. Minor St., West Chester, Pa. in 1951 and resided in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1900. Religion: Member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, West Chester.

Meredith - Of West Chester, Pa. on June 12th, 1963, Gertrude Kelly, wife of the late D. Webster Meredith, in her 7rth year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Smith Funeral Home, West Chester, on Saturday, June 15th, at 10 o'clock A.M. High Requiem Mass at 10 o'clock A.M. High Requiem Mass in St. Agnes Church at 11 o'clock A.M. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9 until 10:30. Daily Local News. 6/13/1963.

Mrs. Gertrude Kelly Meredith, a former resident of West Chester and Foxhill Farm, East Bradford Township, and widow of D. Webster Meredith, died last night at Eugenia Hospital, Montgomery County. She was 75. A native of Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Murphy Kelly. Before going to live with cousins in Montgomery County, she had resided for many years at 216 W. Minor St., West Chester. Her husband, a manager of the Armour Co. of Chicago, and the Standard Milling Co., one of the largest milling concerns in the United States, died June 12, 1951. He was graduated from West Chester High School in 1879. Mr. Meredith had founded the D. Webster Meredith speaking contest for boys in 1868, which still is held annually at his alma mater. The winner of the contest receives a gold inscribed medal. Mrs. Meredith was the industrialist's second wife. She was a member of St. Agnes RC Church, West Chester. Only cousins survive. Daily Local News. 6/13/1963.

In 1900, when D. Webster was 38, he married Kathryn GRESS, in New York, NY.

Meredith - Gress The engagement is announced in letters to friends and relatives here of D. Webster Meredith, of New York, formally of this borough (West Chester), to Miss Kathryn Gress, a well known young lady of that city. The time of the wedding is not announced. Mr. Meredith has the congratulations of a large number of friends in West Chester. Daily Local News. 12/17/1900

They had the following children:

Mary.

Jennie. Jennie married J. Gheen Morgan.

Francis Fizz Brown I 1855

Francis Fizz Brown 1st, my Great Great Grandfather was born on October 7, 1855. Francis Fizz died in Phoenixville, Pa. on October 29, 1911, he was 56. He was buried on November 1, 1911 in Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Grove, Pa. Cause of death: Fatal injuries suffered in a fall from a barn roof near Phoenixville, Pa.

"Brown - In Phoenixville, on October 29, 1911, Francis F. Brown, aged 55 years. Relatives and friends of the family and West Chester Lodge No. 322, F. & A. M., are invited to attend the funeral without further notice for the residence of his son, Wednesday, convening [from the son's] house at 2 o'clock p. m. Interment at Grove M. E. Cemetery. Carriages will meet trains at Morstein leaving Philadelphia at 9:45 and 10:45 and West Chester at [12:10] and 1:10."-11/2/1911

"Many relatives and friends of the late Francis F. Brown assembled yesterday afternoon in Grove Methodist Episcopal Cemetery to take leave of his body and lay it away in the earth. A general {theme] of conversation was the bravery [he had (or possibly 'his wife')] shown in his final hours, when hearing he had been fatally injured in a fall from a barn roof near Phoenixville and the consideration expressed for...(missing words). The commitment was read by R. C. Poticher, pastor and the burial service was conducted by West Chester Lodge No. 322, F. & A. M., about all of whose members were present...Previously Mr. Poticher had spoken and offered prayers at the home of Mr. Brown's son, Millard Brown, whose family was assemble and from the place the procession moved. This (missing words) one of John F. Lewis' farms, near Hershey's Mill, formally the Oliver J{missing} farm, in East Goshen" -11/2/1911

About 1875, when Francis Fizz was 19, he married Mary Elizabeth Wiggens. She was born about 1850 and died about 1920.

They had the following children:
Carl Ralph (1876-1950)

Millard C. (1877-1950)

George G. born about 1880 and died about 1950. George resided in Downingtown R. D., Pa. in 1950.
UNNAMED, a Great Great Aunt born about 1880. She died before 1950. Alias/AKA: Mrs. David Bell. She married David Bell, born about 1880. David died about 1950.

UNNAMED, a Great Great Aunt born about 1880 and died about 1950. She resided in Miami, Florida in 1950. Alias/AKA: Mrs. Michael Justari. She married Michael Justari. Who was born about 1880. Michael died about 1950.

UNNAMED, a Great Great Aunt born about 1880 and died about 1950. She resided in Hatboro, Pa. in 1950. Alias/AKA: Mrs. Walter Taylor. She married Walter Taylor, born about 1880. Walter died about 1950. He resided in Hatboro, Pa. in 1950.

Nathan (1885-1962)

Emma G., born in 1888. Emma G. died in 1979, she was 91. She resided in Downingtown R. D., Pa. in 1950. After 1900, she married a Simcox who was born about 1880 and died about 1960, he was 80.

Sallie W. (1880-1971)

William Frederick Wilson Jr 1856

William Frederick Wilson Jr., Great Grandfather was born on August 29, 1856 in Honeybrook, Pa. William Frederick died on December 31, 1933, he was 77. He was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa. He resided along Route 100 below St. Paul's Reformed Church (Now Marchwood Apts.) in 1929 and resided in Anselma, Pa. in 1916. Alias/AKA: Frederick, Fred. He was a: farmer of 180 acres in Lower Uwchlan Township, Chester County, Pa. Education: Mr. Jacob Harvey's School at Unionville. Religion: Attended St. Paul's Reformed Church.

Frederick Wilson, a leading farmer of Lower Uwchlan Township, Chester County, is a son of William Wilson, who was a native of that county, where he passed his life as a farmer, and was also engaged in business as an auctioneer. For many years he was the proprietor of the Brandywine Hotel, which was situated above Coatesville. He married Amanda Hickens (sic, should be Esther Bicking). Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of the following children: Adelia, who married Lewis Hutton, who is now deceased; Charles, who is a resident proprietor of a restaurant in York, Pennsylvania, and married Sallie Nord of Coatesville; Emma, who is the wife of B. F. Merrills (sic s/b Meredith), a farmer in Pomeroy, near Coatesville; Frederick, mentioned at length hereinafter; and Frank, who was at one-time engaged in the restaurant business in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania.

Frederick Wilson, son of William and Amanda (Bickens) [sic] Wilson, was born August 29, 1856, in Honeybrook, Chester county, and received his primary education in the public schools, subsequently becoming a pupil at Mr. Jacob Harvey's school in Unionville. On leaving school, he decided to become a farmer, and in pursuance of this resolution has since devoted himself with marked success to agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Lower Uwchlan Township. This estate, which is kept by him in a high state of cultivation, is supplemented by a dairy of thirty-five head of cattle. The very superior products of this part of his establishment meet with a ready sale in the markets of Philadelphia. Although taking an earnest interest in whatever concerns the welfare of the community in which he resides, Mr. Wilson , owing to the absorbing nature of his duties as an agriculturist, takes no active part in public affairs. Politically, he is a Democrat. He and his family attend St. Paul's Reformed Church.

Mr. Wilson married Annie, daughter of James Dunlap, of West Caln township, the former being a farmer who combined with his agricultural labors the trade of a shoemaker. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson: William, Evans, Helen, Clare, Eva (sic, probably Heber), and Esther. All these children are still at home with their parents, the sons acting as the assistants of their father in the care and management of the homestead. Chester and Delaware Counties Families History

St. Paul's along Route 100 in Lionsville, Pennsylvania

On the left is how it looked in 1900.

On the right is how it looks today (2008)

On 25 March 25, 1879 when William Frederick was 22, he married Anna Margaret Dunlap, daughter of James Evans Dunlap and Rachel Supplee Boyer. Anna was born on 20 November 20, 1855 and died on January 4, 1934, she was 78. She was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard, Lionsville, Pa. Alias/AKA: Annie.

On the left: William and Anna and their grandchildren in 1930.

They had the following children:
William Frederick (1880-1965)

James Evans (1884-1931)

Samuel Heber (1888-1976)

Helen (1890-1919)

Clara (1893-1975)

Esther (1899-1987)

Frank WILSON, Great Great Uncle was born on August 29, 1856. Frank died about 1910. Occupation: Restaurant business in Parkesburg, Pa. Frank married Anne Volkert, daughter of Leonhart Volkert and Margaret Pollot.

They had one child:
Celia. Celia married Herman KRAUSE.

Mary Townsley 1812

Mary Townsley, a great great great aunt was born on June 26, 1812 in Lancaster County, Pa. Mary died in East Followfield Township, Chester County, Pa. on June 20, 1907, she was 94. She is buried in Northwood Cemetery, Downingtown, Chester County, Pa.

On December 1, 1833, when Mary was 21, she married George Weaver Carpenter, son of Henry Carpenter and Elizabeth, in Pequea Presbyterian Church by the Rev. John Wallace. Henry was born in 1810 in East Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pa. George Weaver died in Downingtown, Chester County, Pa. on January 13, 1883, he was 73. he was buried in Northwood Cemetery, Downingtown, Chester County, Pa. He resided in Chester County, Pa. in 1866, Delaware Township, Juniata County, Pa. in 1850 and in Lancaster County, Pa. before 1850. Occupation: Veterinary Surgeon & Shoemaker. (This is an interesting combination. If the animal died, did he make shoes from its hide? – LEM)

They had the following children:
Jeremiah Townsley (1835-1911)

George W. (1838-1916)

Joseph Barton born about 1840 in Lancaster County, Pa. Joseph Barton married Rebecca Baker.

Elizabeth Jane born in 1842 in Lancaster County, Pa. Elizabeth J. died in Highland, Pa. in 1907, she was 65. She first married Jacob Ellsworth Longacre on April 4, 1864 at the Mifflintown Lutheran Church. Jacob was born in Mifflintown, PA. on August 16, 1846 and died on December 27, 1878. He was buried in Sterling Cottonwood, Rice County, Kansas. 

Her second marriage was to George B. Carr on December 14, 1882. They had two children.

Edwin (1844-1921)

Thomas Benton born on May 17, 1846 in Lancaster County, Pa. and died in Downingtown, Pa. in 1912, he was 65. Thomas Benton married Elizabeth McClure.

Mary Frances born on December 28, 1848. Mary Frances died in Thorndale, Chester County, Pa. on September 17, 1934, she was 85. Mary Frances married John W. Daller. born on February 7, 1849 in Lancaster County, Pa. John W. died in Thorndale, Pa. in April 1899, he was 50.

James Sellers (1852-1928)

Clara Anna born in 1854 in Thompsontown, Delaware Township, Juniata County, Pa., she died in East Followfield Township, Chester County, Pa. in 1952, she was 98. Clara Anna married John Y. Woodward.

Robert Townsley Jr. 1774 and Joseph Townsley 1784

Robert Townsley Jr., a great great great great uncle was born in 1774 and died in 1844. He was buried in Lancaster County, Pa. He resided in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County Pa. in 1830, in Colerain Township, Lancaster County, Pa. in 1820 and in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pa. in 1810.

Robert married Susanna.

They had the following children:
Robert.

David, who settled in Greene County, Ohio from Kentucky, is the ancestor of all the Townsleys in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. 1

Joseph Townsley, my great great great grandfather was born 1n July 1784 in Lancaster County, Pa. Joseph died on October 12, 1858 at 74. He was buried in Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Cemetery, West Brandywine, Chester County, Pa. He resided in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pa. in 1820, Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County, Pa. in 1830, East Caln Township, Chester County, Pa. in 1840 and Valley Township, Chester County, Pa. in 1857.

According to the files of Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian, Joseph Townsley is buried in the old North East corner, but the exact location is unknown. Many of the tombstones in this section are old and worn to the point of being unreadable. Some are tumbled over. There is a member of the church who is supposed to know much of the history of the people burier there. Her name is Mary Ann Zeider. I was unable to contact her.

About 1814, when Joseph was 29, he married Elizabeth Rice, who was born in 1787 and died on February 16, 1859, age 72. She was also buried in 1859 in Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Cemetery, West Brandywine, Pa.

They had the following children:
Mary (1812-1907)

Barton H. (1819-1891)

Jeremiah.

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.

Aaron Brown 1791 to Joseph Vickers 1820

Aaron Brown was born in 1791 in Middletown, Delaware County, Pa. Aaron died in Delaware County, Pa. on December 9, 1884, he was 93. About 1815, when Aaron was 24, he married Hannah Githens, born about 1793 in Middletown, Pa. Hannah died about 1828, she was 35.

They had the following children:
George, born about 1816 in Chester County, Pa. George died about 1886.

Joseph, born about 1818 in Chester County, Pa. Joseph died about 1888.

Harry, born about 1820 in Chester County, Pa. Harry died about 1890.

Minerva, born about 1822 in Chester County, Pa. Minerva died about 1892.

Charity Ann, born on May 2, 1827 in Brandywine Manor, Chester County, Pa. Charity Ann died in West Chester, Chester County, Pa. on December 9, 1884, she was 57.

Tamer Brown, a great great great great aunt was born in 1801 in Pennsylvania. She died about 1868, she was 67. On April 30, 1823, when Tamer was 22, she married Cornelius Waters., who was Born on December 2, 1799 in New Jersey. Cornelius died in East Goshen Township, Chester County, Pa. on May 23, 1868, he was 68. He was buried in Grove Cemetery.

They had the following children:
Tyson born on September, 27 1823 in Chester County., Pa. died about 1893.

Elizabeth born on January 1, 1828 in East Goshen Township, Chester County, Pa. Elizabeth died about 1898.

Adley Brown born on June 3, 1833 in Chester County., Pa. died about 1903.

Sarah Jane born on September 26, 1834 in Chester County., Pa. died in Malvern, Pa. on July 29, 1917, she was 82.

Mary Anne born on March 25, 1837 in Chester County., Pa. died about 1907.

Anna born on April 17, 1838 in Chester County., Pa. died about 1908.

Amos born on 1841 in Chester County., Pa. died about 1911.

Henrietta born in 1843 in Chester County., Pa. died there. on 3 April 3, 1893, age 50.


Ralph E. Brown, my great great great grandfather was born about 1808 in West Bradford, Chester County, Pa. He. died about 1878. (It seems that Ralph E. was the father of Francis Fizz I, but I have no documentation. Ralph was related through the Downing family as well. –LEM)

Child:
Francis Fizz (1855-1911)

William Milhous Jr., a second cousin, was born on June 4, 1783 in Chester County, Pa. and died in Belmont County, Ohio on 15 March 15, 1874, he was 90. On June 10, 1807, when William was 24, he married Martha Vickers, daughter of Thomas Vickers and Jemina Mendenhall, in Bradford, Chester County, Pa. Martha wasborn on March 27, 1786 in Chester County, Pa. and died in Belmont County, Ohio on May 28, 1873, she was 87.1

They had one child:
Joshua Vickers (1820-1893)

Joseph Llwellyn Meredith Sr. 1838

Joseph Llwellyn Meredith Sr., a first cousin. was born on April 30, 1838 in West Chester, Pa. and died in 1924, he was 85. Joseph Llwellyn married Esther Elmira Morse Hubbard, daughter of Willis Hubbard & Jane Smith. Born in 1843, Esther Elmira Morse died on West Union Street, West Chester, Pa. July 17, 1913.

Meredith. In West Chester, on July 17th, 1913, Esther Elmira Meredith, aged 70 years. Interment private. West Chester Star. 7/15/1913.

Mrs. Esther E. Meredith Mrs. Esther Elmira Meredith, wife of J. Llwellyn Meredith, died at her home on West Union Street yesterday morning. She was in the 70th year of her age. Mrs. Meredith has been an invalid for some time and death yesterday morning was welcomed by her as a relief from her long suffering. Deceased was formerly Miss Esther Elmira Hubbard, of Philadelphia, and a daughter of Willie and Jane Smith Hubbard. She is survived by a son, J. Llewellyn Meredith, Jr., of this place; also a brother, Willis Hubbard, of Michigan, and two sisters, Mrs. William P. Conover and Amanda W. Dean, of Philadelphia. West Chester Star. 7/18/1913.

Mrs. E. E. Meredith Funeral services were held over the body of Mrs. E. Elmira Meredith at her late residence, West Union Street, Saturday afternoon. The services were conducted by the Rev. Charles R. Williamson, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Interment was at Birmingham Cemetery. West Chester Star. 7/21/1913.

They had one child:
Joseph Llwellyn (1872-1939)

Joseph Llwellyn Meredith Sr. 1838

Joseph Llwellyn Meredith Sr., a first cousin. was born on April 30, 1838 in West Chester, Pa. and died in 1924, he was 85. Joseph Llwellyn married Esther Elmira Morse Hubbard, daughter of Willis Hubbard & Jane Smith. Born in 1843, Esther Elmira Morse died on West Union Street, West Chester, Pa. July 17, 1913.

Meredith. In West Chester, on July 17th, 1913, Esther Elmira Meredith, aged 70 years. Interment private. West Chester Star. 7/15/1913.

Mrs. Esther E. Meredith Mrs. Esther Elmira Meredith, wife of J. Llwellyn Meredith, died at her home on West Union Street yesterday morning. She was in the 70th year of her age. Mrs. Meredith has been an invalid for some time and death yesterday morning was welcomed by her as a relief from her long suffering. Deceased was formerly Miss Esther Elmira Hubbard, of Philadelphia, and a daughter of Willie and Jane Smith Hubbard. She is survived by a son, J. Llewellyn Meredith, Jr., of this place; also a brother, Willis Hubbard, of Michigan, and two sisters, Mrs. William P. Conover and Amanda W. Dean, of Philadelphia. West Chester Star. 7/18/1913.

Mrs. E. E. Meredith Funeral services were held over the body of Mrs. E. Elmira Meredith at her late residence, West Union Street, Saturday afternoon. The services were conducted by the Rev. Charles R. Williamson, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Interment was at Birmingham Cemetery. West Chester Star. 7/21/1913.

They had one child:
Joseph Llwellyn (1872-1939)

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.

Robert Townsley (The coming to America)

Robert Townsley was my Great Great Great Great Grandfather. Born in Burnley, England, Robert died before 1810 in Lancaster County, Pa.

About 1760, there was a sheepherder near the Townley estate in Ireland, whose daughter Esther tended sheep for her father. Robert met and fell in love with her and asked his parents for permission to marry. His parents refused, saying she was beneath him, since she wasn't of royal blood, and threatened to disown him if he married her. But he had a mind and will of his own and married her. Robert and his brother John sailed to America, intending to land at new Amsterdam. Their ship was wrecked off New Jersey, near Hopewell and for a time they settled in Oxford, NJ. At the time of the Boston Tea Party, these men being recently from England were looked upon with suspicion by the colonists as to how they stood, whether for the colonists or for the king. Robert declared at once for the colonists. John declared for the king. This brought them trouble with their neighbors, so they moved to the vicinity of Valley Forge, Chester County, Pa. Their loyalty was still feared or else John made further declarations for the king for one midnight their house was surrounded by irate colonists and they escaped with only their night clothes, saving nothing but a sword bearing the family coat of arms, the point of which was broken off while fighting their way out.

After the house was burned, John went to Maryland. Robert and Esther moved to Lancaster County and settled in the Conestoga Valley. When the war broke out, he organized a company of militia and enlisted under the name of Townsley, putting the letter "S" in his name so he would not be taken for his brother. His services were accepted, and he was head of his company which fought in the Battle of Brandywine. He was wounded in the hip during this battle on September 11, 1777.

Robert married Esther Linsey, who resided near the Townley Estate in 1760. She was a sheep tender for her father. Esther was counted in both the 1810 and 1820 censuses as a widow in Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County.

LORDLY LINAGE, LOYAL LEGACY

In the midst of sheep began a voyage,
The legacy of Shepherdess and Noble.

Within the fiefdom of his father Lord,
In the shadow of the castle keep and
Shadow of wrath and rage that the issue of
The royal loins loved a serf of his board,
Robert Townley married Esther Linsey.

And so he divorced his inheritance,
Stately title and his native Scotland.
Young Robert, his bride and his brother John
Set sail cross the sea for New Amsterdam.

While at Boston an angry rebel band
Was busting boxes and dumping good tea,
The Townley ship wrecked off Hopewell, N J.
Making shore they built a home in Oxford.

Suspicions swirled about newly arrived
Subjects of the Crown. Be they Tory spies?
Mobs burnt the house. They escaped with a sword
With family crest, lives and little else.

Robert swore his America allegiance
In Pennsylvania. After that you find
He added an S and became Townsley.
He molded a militia company,
Was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine.

In eighteen-ten Esther was a widow,
Living on land in Lancaster County,
A patriot, a pioneer Townsley wife.

The man who rejected riches for love
Was the fore bearer of the female who
Gave birth to the father who gave me life.
-- by Larry Eugene Meredith 2004

They had the following children:
Robert (1774-1844)

Joseph (1784-1858)

Elizabeth, who was born about 1788 in Lancaster, Pa. Elizabeth died about 1858.

George Henry, who got into some kind of trouble necessitating the sale of the farm known as Whitehall Place in the Conestoga Valley. George Henry went west because of the trouble.

William Linsay, who resided in Caernarvon Township, Lancaster Co., Pa. in 1810.

John Townley resided in Maryland about 1777.

(See notes on Robert Townley.)

John had one Child:

James. (Not certain James was John's son, but the facts seem to fit.--LEM)

William Frederick Wilson Sr 1817

George Nixon III, my first cousin fourth removed was born in 1821 in Washington County, Pennsylvania. George died at the battle in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July 1863, he was 42. On January 10, 1843 when George was 22, he married Margaret Ann Trimmer, born in 1826, in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

They had one child:
Samuel Brady (1847-1914)

William Frederick Wilson Sr. was my great great Grandfather. Born on March 9, 1817, William Frederick died on February 27, 1886, when he was 68. Resided in Lower Uwchlan Township, Chester Co., Pa. Occupation: He was a Farmer and Auctioneer residing in Lower Uwchlan Township, Chester County, Pa. Later he also became the proprietor of the Brandywine Hotel above Coatesville, Pa. William Frederick married Esther Helen Bicking, daughter of Frederick Bicking (manager of his father's paper mill) and Julie Anne Fisher. Born on May 15, 1823, Esther Helen died on 31 January 31, 1862, she was 38. (She was to give her name to my Grand Aunt Helen and my Grandmother Esther. Helen was fated to also died young. Esther lived into her late eighties.)

Vol 2 -- Wilson of the Chester and Delaware Counties Family Histories states that William Sr. married Amanda Bickens. He married Esther Helen Bicking. This article has several such misspellings on name. It Refers to B. F. Merrills as William Sr.'s son-in-law. This was actually B. F. Meredith. Is it possible that Esther had a sister Amanda, that the author confused her with here? (LEM)

They had the following children:
Adelia, born in 1843 she died about 1900. Adelia married Lewis Hutton.

Charles was born in 1845 and died about 1910. He resided in York, Pa. and was a resident proprietor of a restaurant there. Charles married Sallie Nord, who resided in Coatesville, Pa. prior to marriage.

Emma Bicking (1847-1938) [My father's great great grandmother.]

William Frederick (1856-1933) [My mother's great grandfather.]

Frank (1856-~1910)

Clara, born in 1850.

George Brown 1765 to Hannah Baldwin 1748

My fifth Great Uncle George Brown was born in 1765 in Middletown, Delaware County, Pa. He died in Chester County, Pa. in December 1797, he was 32

On November 13, 1790, when George was 25, he married Charity Hoopes, daughter of Aaron Hoopes and Ann Collins, in Philadelphia, Pa. Charity was born on April 24, 1772 in Goshen, Chester County, Pa. Charity died in Chester County, Pa. in Dec 1797, she was 25.

They had the following children:
Aaron (1791-1884)
Sarah, who was born in 1793 in Middletown, Delaware County, Pa. Sarah died about 1820, around the age of 27.

Adley Brown, my Great Great Great Great Grandfather was born in 1772 in West Bradford, Chester County, Pa. and died in 1842.

Adley married Ann Woodward, daughter of James Woodward and Jane Bullock. Ann was born on October 26, 1776 in West Bradford, Chester County, Pa. and died on 31 October 31, 1864, she was 88. (It seems a number of my ancestors died on Halloween.)

They had the following children:
Tamer (1801-~1868)
Ralph E. (1808-~1878)

Hannah Baldwin was my first cousin, sixth removed. She was born on November 4, 1748 in Chester County, Pa. Hannah died in Belmont County, Ohio on October 30, 1825, when 76. On October 22, 1767 when Hannah was 18, she married William Milhous Sr., son of Thomas Milhous and Sarah, in Uwchlan Monthly Meeting, Chester County, Pa. Born on June 12, 1738 in Chester County, Pa., William died in Belmont County, Ohio on January 24, 1826, he was 87.

They had the following children:
William (1783-1874)
Sarah. On September 16, 1762, Sarah married Thompson Parker, son of Alexander Parker, in Uwchlan Monthly Meeting, Chester County, PA.

Isaac Meredith Jr. 1806

Isaac Meredith Jr. was born in 1806. He died at 81 in West Whiteland Township, Pa. on February 28, 1887.

(There seem to have been several Isaac Merediths who died within a short time of each other all in the same general area, so linking up relatives gets very confused. I had originally had another Isaac Meredith, who was married to a Thomazin Pennock as Isaac Meredith, Jr., but decided this person seemed more logical due to the West Whiteland connection. I also think the Chester County Historical Society got the date wrong. There was an Isaac Meredith who died in 1883, but the days given in the death notice of that Isaac and this one, lead me to believe they were two different people and that this one died in 1887, not 1883. This lines up well with the homestead sale and death of Wilmot Meredith. LEM)

Meredith -- In West Whiteland Township on Wednesday, February 28th, Isaac Meredith, in the 81st year of his age. Relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from his late place of residence, in West Whiteland township, on Monday March 5th, to leave the house at 11 o'clock. Interment at Grove M. E. Church. Daily Local News. 3/1/1887.

Isaac married Wilmuth Bayne, born on November 3, 1800. Wilmuth died in West Whiteland Township, Pa. on April 23, 1888 when she was 87. Alias/AKA: Willmot, Wilmoth.

Meredith - In West Whiteland, on Monday, April 23, Wlimoth (sic) Meredith, in her 88th year. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, without further notice, from her late residence, in West Whiteland, on Thursday, April 26th, 1888, to meet at the house at 10 o'clock. Interment at Grove M. E. Buring ground. Daily Local News. 4/23/1888.

Died on the Day for the Sale of the Homestead. Yesterday Wilmot Meredith, widow of Isaac Meredith, and Joseph P. Hill, executors of Isaac Meredith, deceased, late of West Whiteland, had appointed one o'clock as the hour to sell the farm of deceased by order of the orphans' court. Mrs. Meredith died suddenly six hours before the sale, which necessitated an adjournment of the same. Had she lived but a few hours longer the order of the Court would have been executed and the property sold. Daily Local News. 4/24/1888.

They had the following children:
David Gardiser was born on March 22, 1838. David Gardiser died in Sharpsburg, Md. on September 21, 1862, he was 24.He wasn’t buried until October 24, 1862. Cause of death: Wounds received at the battle of Antietam (Civil War).

Near Sharpsburg, on the 21st ult.,of wounds received in the battle of Antietam, David Gardiser, son of the late Isaac Meredith, Sr., of West Whiteland, aged 21 years. His funeral will take place from the residence of his mother, October 21st, at 10 o'clock. VR. 10/21/1862. (Although the announcement says David was the "son of Isaac Meredith, Sr. late of West Whiteland", I have entered him as the son of Isaac Meredith, Jr. The ages and dates seem more logical this way and maybe the paper misprinted the grandfather as the father. LEM)

.

Daniel (no data.)

Thomasine HOFFMAN, whose birth date is unknown was buried in Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Grove, Pa. Thomasine married Hazael THOMAS, Jr., son of Hazael THOMAS.

They had one child:
Anthony Wayne

Isaac Meredith Jr. 1806

Isaac Meredith Jr. was born in 1806. He died at 81 in West Whiteland Township, Pa. on February 28, 1887.

(There seem to have been several Isaac Merediths who died within a short time of each other all in the same general area, so linking up relatives gets very confused. I had originally had another Isaac Meredith, who was married to a Thomazin Pennock as Isaac Meredith, Jr., but decided this person seemed more logical due to the West Whiteland connection. I also think the Chester County Historical Society got the date wrong. There was an Isaac Meredith who died in 1883, but the days given in the death notice of that Isaac and this one, lead me to believe they were two different people and that this one died in 1887, not 1883. This lines up well with the homestead sale and death of Wilmot Meredith. LEM)

Meredith -- In West Whiteland Township on Wednesday, February 28th, Isaac Meredith, in the 81st year of his age. Relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from his late place of residence, in West Whiteland township, on Monday March 5th, to leave the house at 11 o'clock. Interment at Grove M. E. Church. Daily Local News. 3/1/1887.

Isaac married Wilmuth Bayne, born on November 3, 1800. Wilmuth died in West Whiteland Township, Pa. on April 23, 1888 when she was 87. Alias/AKA: Willmot, Wilmoth.

Meredith - In West Whiteland, on Monday, April 23, Wlimoth (sic) Meredith, in her 88th year. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, without further notice, from her late residence, in West Whiteland, on Thursday, April 26th, 1888, to meet at the house at 10 o'clock. Interment at Grove M. E. Buring ground. Daily Local News. 4/23/1888.

Died on the Day for the Sale of the Homestead. Yesterday Wilmot Meredith, widow of Isaac Meredith, and Joseph P. Hill, executors of Isaac Meredith, deceased, late of West Whiteland, had appointed one o'clock as the hour to sell the farm of deceased by order of the orphans' court. Mrs. Meredith died suddenly six hours before the sale, which necessitated an adjournment of the same. Had she lived but a few hours longer the order of the Court would have been executed and the property sold. Daily Local News. 4/24/1888.

They had the following children:
David Gardiser was born on March 22, 1838. David Gardiser died in Sharpsburg, Md. on September 21, 1862, he was 24.He wasn’t buried until October 24, 1862. Cause of death: Wounds received at the battle of Antietam (Civil War).

Near Sharpsburg, on the 21st ult.,of wounds received in the battle of Antietam, David Gardiser, son of the late Isaac Meredith, Sr., of West Whiteland, aged 21 years. His funeral will take place from the residence of his mother, October 21st, at 10 o'clock. VR. 10/21/1862. (Although the announcement says David was the "son of Isaac Meredith, Sr. late of West Whiteland", I have entered him as the son of Isaac Meredith, Jr. The ages and dates seem more logical this way and maybe the paper misprinted the grandfather as the father. LEM)

.

Daniel (no data.)

Thomasine HOFFMAN, whose birth date is unknown was buried in Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Grove, Pa. Thomasine married Hazael THOMAS, Jr., son of Hazael THOMAS.

They had one child:
Anthony Wayne

George H. Brown 1720

George H. Brown was my 5th Great Grandfather. Born on 8 Nov 1720 in Pennsmanor, Bucks Cunty., Pa., George H died in Falls Township, Bucks County Pa. about 1790.

Children:
George (1765-1797)
Adley (1772-1842)

Mercy Brown, my 6th Great Aunt, was born January 12, 1722 in Falls Township, Bucks County. Pa. and died in Falls Township, Pa. on January 22, 1784, she was 62.

On September 7, 1747 when Mercy was 25, she married Joshua Baldwin, son of John Baldwin and Hannah, in Falls Township, Bucks, Pa. Born on Novenber 13, 1721 in Chester, Chester County, Pa. Joshua died in E. Caln, Chester County, PA on May 13, 1800, he was 78.

IGI (BES) batch 7303620 sheet 76 film 822630 (ss) batch 7303620 sheet 86 film 822630 Marriage: Records of Goshen Mtg. in "Society of Friends Records of Chester County", page 130, film 389402, in Salt Lake City Genealogical Library. Joshua was the son of John (2), the son of John (1) of Middletown, who came with brothers Thomas and Francis Baldwin from Oxfordshire, England, and first settled in Aston, now in Delaware, before 1689. He was a Quaker and m. Katharine Carter, Wid. Edward Turner, 1689. After the death of his first wife, Sarah Downing, Joshua Baldwin married Mercy Brown

(Joshua was to marry again into the family with Ann Meredith). Joshua and Mercy had a daughter, Hannah Baldwin. Hannah married William Milhous, who was the 4xgreat grandfather of Richard Milhous Nixon, also a Quaker.

They had the following children:
Hannah (1748-1825)

John was born on December 11, 1751 in Goshen, Chester Co., Pa. John died on December 26, 1758, he was 7.1

Samuel was.born on 13 April 13, 1754 in Chester County, Pa. Samuel died in August 1778, he was 24.1

Rachel was born on July 13, 1756 in Chester County, Pa. Rachel died about 1826.

Ann was born on December 13, 1758 in Chester County, Pa. Ann died about 1828.

Mercy was born on January 15, 1761 in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. Mercy died in Short Creek, Jefferson County, Ohio on 15 December 15, 1835, she was 74.

Jane was born on March 22, 1763 in Cecil, Pa. Jane died about 1833.

Hannah to Sidney Wilson

Hannah Wilson, my great great great great aunt, was.born in 1790 in Delaware and died in Washington County, Pa. in 1827, she was 37.

About 1806 when Hannah was 16, she married George Nixon II, in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was born in 1784.

They had the following children:
Eleanora
Sarah
Mary Ann
James
Nancy
William Wilson
George (1821-1863)

William Davis Wilson, great great great Grandfather, was born in 1795 in Newcastle (sic) County, De. William Davis died about 1865.

About 1816 when William Davis was 21, he married Susan.

They had one child:
William Frederick (1817-1886)

Sidney Wilson, was.born in 1798 in New Castle Co., De. and died in Elk Township, Vinton County, Ohio in 1871, she was 73.

Around 1829, when Sidney was 31, she married William Alexander Allendera, who was born on November 8, 1796 in Washington County, Pa. William Alexander died in Elk Township, Vinton Co., Ohio on February 8, 1870 at 73.

They had the following children:
David was born in 1830 in Pennsylvania. David died about 1900.
Bolton G. was born in 1833 in Pennsylvania. Bolton G. died in 1844, he was 11.
David was born in 1830 in Pennsylvania. David died about 1900.

William Townley 1751

William Townley, my fifth great grandfather was born before 1751 in Burnley, England. He settled near Dublin, Ireland. He was sustained by the mother of Hugh McMichael of Pocomoke City, MD., wife of James Townsley whose father came to America from Dublin, Ireland.

Children:
Robert (died 1810)
John