Philadelphia County PA

Philadelphia County PA, is steeped in the foundational history of the United States, offering a vivid tableau of urban development, historical milestones, and geographical uniqueness. Established on October 27, 1682, by William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate for religious freedom, Philadelphia County is one of the original counties created by Penn in his Pennsylvania colony. It is unique in that the city of Philadelphia, which serves as the county seat, is coterminous with the county itself, meaning the city and county share the same geographical boundaries and government, a result of the city-county consolidation in 1854. This area is not just the heart of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but also historically recognized as the birthplace of the United States, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. Geographically, it is situated along the Delaware River, providing a critical port and contributing to Philadelphia’s emergence as a major economic and cultural center during the colonial period and early years of the nation. Philadelphia County’s creation, development, and its pivotal role in American history reflect its importance not just in Pennsylvania, but as a symbol of American ideals of liberty and democracy.

Biography of James B. Russell

James B. Russell. During his long and active career in Champaign James B. Russell made his impress on the financial life of the city and was a business man implicitly trusted, and the success he won in material affairs was only a part of the splendid record of his entire life as a man and citizen. Mr. Russell was born in the city of Philadelphia in October, 1837. At the close of a long and active career he passed away at his home in Champaign, November 4, 1914, aged seventy-seven. His parents were Jonathan and Sarah (Burt) Russell, the former … Read more

Experience Bozarth’s Heroic Stand – Indian Captivities

Signal Prowess of a Woman, In a Combat with Some Indians. In a Letter to a Lady of Philadelphia Westmoreland, April 26, 1779. Madam, I have written an account of a very particular affair between a white man and two Indians.  I am now to give you a relation in which you will see how a person of your sex acquitted herself in defense of her own life, and that of her husband and children. The lady who is the burthen of this story is named Experience Bozarth. She lives on a creek called Dunkard creek, in the southwest corner … Read more

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Cemetery Records

Most of these are complete indices at the time of transcription, however, in some cases we list the listing when it is only a partial listing. Cemeteries hosted at Philadelphia County Pennsylvania USGenWeb Archives 2nd Presbyterian Church Graveyard 3rd Presbyterian Church Cemetery Adath Jeshurun Cemetery African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Churchyard All Saints Protestant Episcopal Cemetery All Saints Protestant Episcopal Church Ground Alms House Cemetery American Mechanics Cemetery Bellevue Cemetery Bensalem Cemetery Bethel Church Burial Ground Blockley Baptist Churchyard Cathedral (New) Cemetery Cathedral (Old) Cemetery Chelten Hills Cemetery Christ Church Burial Ground Christ Church Garden Ebenezer M. E. Cemetery … Read more

The Delaware Indians

Treaty of Penn with Indians

Associated with the early history of the Delawares are thoughts of William Penn, and of his peaceful intercourse with, and powerful influence over, the wild natives with whom he treated. At the first settlement of the country by Europeans, the tribes of this nation occupied no small portion of the present state of Pennsylvania, but their principal settlements lay between the Potomac and the Hudson. Situated between the great northern and southern confederacies, they were in turn at enmity and engaged in wars with either party; but, at an early day, they were in a measure subdued and reduced to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Archibald W. Thomson

Thomson, Archibald W.; vessel transportation; born, Philadelphia, 1872; son of William and Isabella Wilson Thomson; educated High School, Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania, but did not graduate; former member Troop A; nine years Pacific Coast agt. American Steel Barge Co., San Francisco and Puget Sound; in 1899, came back to Cleveland, and associated himself with The Wilson Transit Co.; pres. and mgr. The Wilson Transit Co.; director and treas. The Volunteers Transit Co., and The Thomas Wilson Land Co.; member Union, and Country Clubs.

Slave Narrative of Jim Taylor

Interviewer: Rogers Person Interviewed: Jim Taylor Location: Baltimore, Maryland Place of Birth: Talbot County, Maryland Date of Birth: 1847 Place of Residence: 424 E. 23rd St., Baltimore, Maryland Age: 89 Reference: Personal interview with Jim Taylor, at his home, 424 E. 23rd St., Baltimore. “I was born in Talbot County, Eastern Shore, Maryland, near St. Michaels about 1847. Mr. Mason Shehan’s father knew me well as I worked for him for more than 30 years after the emancipation. My mother and father both were owned by a Mr. Davis of St. Michaels who had several tugs and small boats. In … Read more

Pennsylvania German Pioneers

Pennsylvania German pioneers vol 1 title page

This set of manuscripts was compiled in the 1930s by Strassburger and Hinke in order to provide the descendants of Pennsylvania German pioneers a publication of the most accurate of original lists of arrivals. In order to do this they transcribed the hard-to-read German and American script of the passenger lists, oaths of allegiance to the Crown, and oaths of abjuration and fidelity to the proprietors. These three types of records form the basis for the Pennsylvania German Pioneers.

Biography of Hugh Beverly Roney

HUGH BEVERLY RONEY, M. D., a progressive and successful physician of Pittsfield, whose preparations for his profession were made in leading educational institutions and whose success well appraises his ability, is interested in local and general progress, and in his profession he has attained an enviable position. He is a son of Gifford and Victoria (Lott) Roney, the father now deceased, the mother a resident of Pittsfield. Hugh Beverly Roney was born at Colborne, Canada, January 20, 1886. He received his early education in the public schools of his birthplace and spent two years in the high schools of Newburgh, … Read more

William Davis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

c154 WILLIAM DAVIS: b. near Philadelphia, 1756; had two brothers, Henry and Jonas; served in the Revolutionary War for four yrs.; in 1784 m. Isabella Scott; had with other issue (1) Henry: b. 1787; d. 1860; m. Jane Johnston; was a sergeant in Capt. Leiper’s Company in War of 1812. One of the founders of New Sheffield, Pa., and was a surveyor, an astronomer and a driller of salt wells. (A) Isabella: b. 1814; d. 1862; m. Johnston Calhoun. (B) James S.: b. 1815, d. 1897; m. Maria Flanegin, 1840. Ch. incd: (a) Francis F.: b. 1845; m. Abbie Stout. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Starke Seibert Saffold

Saffold, Starke Seibert; insurance; born, Mobile, Ala., March 15, 1852; son of Judge Milton J. and Martha Harrison Saffold; educated by private instructor, Graylock and Emerson Institutes; married, Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 1, 1881, Harriet Webb; issue, one daughter, Mrs. Wm. C. Young, of Texas, and one son, J. Webb Saffold, Cleveland; has occupied official position in eight or ten professional and business concerns, from secretary to president; from which since retired; gen. agt., since 1886, Provident Life & Trust Co.; pres. Acme Eng. & Stamps Co.; director Chippewa Lake Co.; Los Seros Copper Co.; Gold Bug Mining Co.; Ohio Lemon … Read more

The Michael Fetter Family

The Michael Fetter Family

Welcome to a journey through the annals of time, one that is deeply rooted in the lives of the Fetters family and the world they inhabited. The History of the Michael Fetters family, a culmination of a quarter-century worth of research, is an enriching tapestry of generational experiences, shared ambitions, and compelling stories that echo through centuries. This book invites you to traverse a fascinating timeline, beginning with an announcement of the discovery of the 1703/04 baptism of Johann Michael Vetter in Freinsheim, Germany. We then explore the lives of Vetter and his siblings, journeying with them as they brave the waves of migration to America between 1728 and 1738, escaping the Palatinate’s persistent turmoil and religious intolerance. With each chapter, we delve deeper into the narratives of the Fetters family, unfolding their tale of endurance and courage as they venture into the wild frontiers of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Biography of Alfred Joel Nims

ALFRED JOEL NIMS, D. D. S. The most active and useful membership in his community that Dr. Nims has held as a dental practitioner for the long period of forty-five years, has always justified the honors of the bestowal of place and preferment upon him by his fellow-townsmen at Turners Falls. His life has spoken in no uncertain terms through the practice of his profession, in which he has never failed as an exponent of the results of the most advanced thinking in dental science; while in his civic and social relationships Dr. Nims on a number of occasions has … Read more

Long, Jacob – Obituary

Union County Pioneer Died Saturday Evening Jacob Long, an aged man, and well known pioneer resident of Elgin and Union County, died at his home in this city, Saturday evening, January 21, 1911, after an illness of only a few days. Death was due to old age more than any other cause. The funeral services were conducted in the Presbyterian Church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock by Reverend H.L. Willis and the interment followed immediately in the City Cemetery. The remains were placed in an air tight casket and placed in the stone vault which the deceased had erected several … Read more

Biographical Sketch of E. Miller France

France, E. Miller; insurance; born, Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 30, 1866; son of A. J. and Annie Ainsworth France; educated, Philadelphia public schools, and Pierce School; after entering business, took full course in telegraphy and shorthand at night school; married, Roslyn, Long Island, July 7, 1891, Alice H. Leys; one son, Leys, and one daughter, Helen; from 18 to 42, was telegraph operator New York Division of The Pennsylvania R. R.; three years stenographer and private sec’y, four years as see’y and treas. the Standard Wheel Co. (the Vehicle Wheel Trust), of Indiana; 1897, entered the life insurance business, spending two … Read more

Biography of O. P. S. Plummer, M.D.

O.P.S. PLUMMER, M.D. – Dr. Plummer, one of the most useful citizens of Portland, was born at Greenville, Pennsylvania, in 1836. He became a telegraph operator, and was soon one of the best sound readers in this country. In 1854 he made his home in the West, selecting Rock Island, Illinois, as his residence. He studied medicine, graduating from Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia in 1857. After practicing medicine several years, and serving in army hospital practice during the first years of the Rebellion, he emigrated to the Pacific coast. In the spring of 1864, upon the completion of communication … Read more

Biography of Hiram Rutherford

Hiram Rutherford, retired physician and surgeon, Oakland; one of the early settlers of Coles Co.; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 27, 1815; his great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland in 1729, and settled in Lancaster Co., Penn., upon a branch of the Susquehanna, where, with his wife, he lived until 1755, when he removed to Great Limestone Springs, two miles east of where the city of Harrisburg now stands, and near which place a large portion of his descendants now live; this grand old patriarch died 100 years ago, and lies buried in the Paxton Church-yard, the oldest burial-place in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Harry Brinton Jones

Jones, Harry Brinton; florist; born, West Chester, Pa., Sept. 13, 1872; son of William, Jr., and Mary B. Painter Jones; educated, West Chester Friends High School and Pierce Business College, Philadelphia, Pa.; 1890-1893, apprentice to Robert Craig & Co., Philadelphia; 1894-1898, mgr. The Penroch Floral Co., Wilmington, Del.; for four months, floral artist to J. Lewis Lousie, Washington, D. C.; asst. mgr. the J. M. Gasser Co., from Oct. 9, 1899, to July 1, 1909; since then sec’y and treas. The Jones & Russel Co.; member Biglow Lodge, F. A. M., and Rotary Club; member Society of Friends; fond of … Read more

Biography of James R. Daniel

JAMES R. DANIEL. – The subject of this sketch was born in 1826, and has lived a life that might well be described in poetry as succinct as that in which Othello related his own. The son of a machinist and shipbuilder of Philadelphia, Mr. Daniel early learned naval craft on the schoolship North Carolina in New York harbor, and on the brig Washington of the Coast Survey, and was then transferred to the Independence and Potomac. After his honorable discharge from the United States navy, he made voyages as able seaman to Havre and Liverpool, and to the West … Read more

Biography of Henry Sheppard

Henry Sheppard, among the early people of Greene county, was the man who made and left the best impression. He was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, on November 8th, 1821, of the seventh generation from the original settler of his name. His father was a quiet man of moderate means who gave to his sons what education he could in schools and at home taught them, by precept and by example, industry, self-reliance and truth. The mother was a deeply religious woman. Henry, the oldest son, an ambitious and independent boy supported himself from the age of fifteen. He … Read more