James Cresson

Cresson, James, Manufacturer, was the son of James and Hannah Cresson. He was born in Philadelphia on October 10th, 1806, and was educated in the Friends' Schools of his native State. He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Pittsburgh, in 1826, and remained there until 1829, when he returned to Philadelphia and subsequently engaged in the hardware business. On May 22d, 1832, he was married to Mary J. Leedom, the daughter of Jonathan Leedom, of Philadelphia, and continued to reside in Philadelphia until 1839, when he purchased a farm in Montgomery county, and removed thither. There he lived until 1850. On June 6th, 1848, he associated with D.O. & H.S. Hitner, and purchased the William Penn Furnace, at Spring Mills, Montgomery county. He managed that alone until 1856, when they built William Penn No. 2, and continued the operation of both works until 1859, when he retired from business. But his disposition could not long endure a retirement from the active duties of life, and, having associated with Francis Bacon, he purchased the mill on lord street, Norristown, on January 2d, 1864, and continued to lend his energy and large business experience to its operation until his death, January 30th, 1872. He early imbibed Abolitionist principles, and, during the existence of slavery, he was among the most earnest advocates of its eradication. Of generous nature, his ample means were largely expended in benevolence. He was descended from members of the Society of Friends, and was himself a member from birth. His consistent and beautiful life was a living exposition of the doctrines of his sect. Upon the division of the Society, he adhered to the Orthodox branch, and was a prominent and useful member thereof to the time of his decease. During the last few years of his life, he was, much troubled with vertigo, and for two weeks prior to his death had been anxious and unceasing attendant at the bedside of a sick wife, while the cares of a large manufactory, pressed upon him heavily. Under this burden his wearied and overtaxed brain gave way, and he died.

The Biographical Encyclopaedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Company, 1874, p. 104.

Submitted by Nancy.