Obituaries, Death Notices, and Funeral Notices - A-Al

Click a letter of the alphabet to view the obituaries for a surname that starts with that letter.

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Abbott, Eleanor Fearis

On Wednesday afternoon, the 15th instant, at Bessie Bell Farm, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Eleanor Fearis, daughter of W. Stevenson and the late Elizabeth M. Hood Abbott.

[Source: Philadelphia Press, July 17, 1863, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]

Acker, E. L.

Acuff, Jacob

Jacob Acuff, many years the proprietor of the Gwynedd hotel, long and popularly known throughout that section of Montgomery county as "Acuff's tavern," the father of deceased, David Acuff, having preceded him as landlord, died on Sunday, Oct. 2, in the 82d year of his age. His wife, Elizabeth Rhoads Acuff, a member of another family well and favorably known in the vicinity, survives him, and also the following children: Mrs. Annie Knapp, wife of Dr. M.R. Knapp, and David Acuff, both of the vicinity, and Evans Jones Acuff, residing in Horsham.

Deceased had been in failing health for several years. He was an active Republican and filled the positions of school director, supervisor and other township offices. He relinquished the business of hotel keeper a dozen years ago and has since lived retired. The inn is of very ancient origin, dating back perhaps to the middle of the last century. It is certain that a public house was kept there prior to 1769. It is eligibly located on the Springhouse and Sumneytown turnpike. It was for nearly a century an important stopping place for farmers on their way to Philadelphia, prior to the construction of the North Pennsylvania railroad.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 13, 1898, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Acuff, Laura H.

Laura H., wife of Wm. S. Acuff, Esq., of Lindenwold avenue, Ambler, died very suddenly last Friday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, in her 25th year.

She was the daughter of the late John C. and Mary H. Godshall, of Lansdale. Two years ago this week she was married to Wm. Acuff and moved to Ambler shortly after, occupying a property on Bethlehem pike. Soon after the erection of their elegant residence on Lindenwold avenue was commenced and only recently they occupied it. 14 months ago a daughter, Mary Acuff, was born.

Last Wednesday about 4 p.m. the patient was taken ill, suffering from the effects of a rupture. Dr. Shelly was called and found the patient in a high fever. He comprehended the case at once and sent for Professor Baer, of the Polyclinic hospital, Philadelphia. The trouble was made known to the patient who requested an operation. Thursday evening the operation was performed and was successful, but that dread enemy peritonitis set in and death speedily overtook her.

In addition to her husband and child, one sister, Miss Mary Godshall, and three brothers, Wilson, Perry and Harry, of Lansdale, survive. The services were held Tuesday morning from her husband's residence, and also at St. John's Reformed church, Lansdale, at 12:30.

The death came as a great surprise to her many friends, who were not even aware of her illness, and nothing but universal sympathy is expressed for the bereaved husband and the unfortunate household.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 20, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Acuff, William S.

William S. Acuff, of Philadelphia, husband of Tacy, daughter of the late Dr. Styer, of Ambler, dropped dead at 6.45 Friday afternoon at his home, Sixteenth and Venango streets, Philadelphia. He had seemingly been as well as ever and only a few moments before had been fondling his son Raymond, the only child. An examination provided that paralysis of the heart caused his death. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon and interment was made in Upper Dublin Friends' burying ground.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 17, 1902, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Adams, George Herbert

Aiman, Charles R.

Fort Washington. Charles R. Aiman, a former resident here, died at the Norristown insane asylum on the 6th inst. Funeral was held Monday afternoon at St. Thomas'. Deceased was the son of the late Charles T. Aiman. His mother was a daughter of John Katz, of Flourtown. He leaves a widow and one daughter, the widow of the late William Holtzman.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 14, 1901, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Aiman, Charles T.

Charles T. Aiman died last Sunday at his residence near Camp Hill, in the 77th year of his age. Mr. Aiman had been in bad health and his mind was affected for several months past. The house in which he died was purchased by him of John Fitzwater shortly after the late war. The farm contains over 100 acres. During the Revolution General Washington occupied the house as his headquarters during the encampment of the Continental army at Fort Washington.

Mr. Aiman was a butcher by trade and for many years conducted that business successfully selling meat throughout this entire community. In politics he was a Republican of positive convictions. He was twice married. His children are: Charles K., Glenside; Jacob, Harry, Jenkintown; George, residing on the farm; Lincoln, Oreland; Ellie and Sarah Ann, who reside on the farm.

The funeral will take place on Thursday. Services will be held at Zion Lutheran church and interment will be made in Union cemetery, adjoining.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 10, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Aiman, George W.

George W. Aiman, an old and well-known resident of Whitemarsh, died on Thursday, the 5th inst., at his residence, Valley Green, of general debility, in his 83d year.

The deceased was born in Frankford, Philadelphia, October 15, 1812. His father moved to Springfield the following year, where Mr. Aiman resided until 1840, when he moved to Woodsborough, Frederick county, Maryland, and engaged in farming and lime burning for about twenty years. On September 22, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet J. Willhide, of Woodsborough, and had five children--three sons and two daughters. He returned from Maryland in 1860. Mrs. Aiman died about seven years ago, two daughters and a son also having preceded their father in death. Mr. Aiman is survived by two sons--Charles A., the well-known horse dealer, and James B., who is engaged in commercial business in Philadelphia.

The deceased was an active and ardent Democrat all his life, and took a deep and abiding interest in the politics of both state and nation. He was a noble specimen of truth and honor, a citizen that the whole community in which he moved could look up to with honor and respect. He was always a friend to the deserving needy, and was endowed alike with a discerning mind and a generous spirit. He was a successful business man and leaves a large and valuable estate. He was buried on Tuesday at St. Thomas' cemetery, Rev. M. Sheeleigh, D.D., officiating at the house and Rev. Samuel Snelling at the grave.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 12, 1895, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]

Aiman, James Monroe Sr.

James M. Aiman, Sr., brother of the late Charles T. Aiman, late of Camp Hill, died at the home of his son, Robert Aiman, at Chestnut Hill, on Friday aged 78 years. 50 years ago he was well known throughout Whitemarsh township, where he followed butchering, but of late has been making his home with his children. He was twice married, but only his children survive. The interment was made Tuesday at Plymouth Meeting, the funeral being held from his son's residence at Chestnut Hill.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 9, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Aims, Irene

Albrecht, W.A.

Oreland. The funeral of W.A. Albrecht was held from his Philadelphia residence last Monday. Mr. Albrecht was well known and highly esteemed here, he spending the greater part of each summer with his son, W.P. Albrecht.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 31, 1903, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Albright, Addison C.

Addison C. Albright, aged 29 years, son of Mahlon and Kate Albright, of Colmar, died at his residence in Philadelphia on March 20. He had been employed in that city for a number of years, and was a member of the following fraternal organizations: Victory Lodge, No. 294, I.O.O.F; Washington Camp, P.O.S. of A., 485; David E. Thompson Council, 54, Sr. O.U.A.M. The mother of the deceased formerly resided in Doylestown, and before her marriage was Miss Kate Clark. Funeral services were held in Philadelphia. Interment was made at Benjamin, Bucks county, on Wednesday of last week.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 7, 1898, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Albright, Edwin

Albright, George

Albright, W.H.

Aldefer, Mrs.

Alderfer, Gerald

Alderfer, Isaac

Isaac Alderfer Dead. Victim of the Three Murderous Burglars Succumbs to His Injuries; Died at 9 o'clock last night.

Taken to Charity Hospital, Norristown, Yesterday Afternoon Suffering With Gangrene and Lock Jaw, and is Relieved by Death.

Isaac Alderfer, of Skippack township, this county, the victim of three murderous burglars, who broke in to his dwelling on Monday night, September 27, and maltreated him in the hop of extorting a confession as to where he had hidden his supposed wealth, died in Charity Hospital, Norristown, at 9 o'clock, last evening. Mr. Alderfer was 76 years of age. He had been in a precarious condition ever since his dreadful experience with the burglars. A few days ago gangrene set in and one of his toes dropped off. On Sunday night lock-jaw developed and his condition rapidly became more critical. On Monday afternoon it was decided to take him to Charity Hospital, where he would have the benefit of the best nursing. When he arrived at 5 o'clock he was unable to talk and he remained in that condition until death relieved him of his suffering.

The body was taken in charge by Coroner Kurtz. An examination of the body revealed the full nature of the horrible brutality of the villains who attacked him in his lonely home, at the midnight hour, and when no human help was near. Several of his toes had been burned almost to a crisp, the bottom of his feet were charred by fire, and fire also had been applied to his back. The cords with which he was bound, had cut through to the quick and the gag of rough tar-rope had lacerated his mouth.

The fatal result of the usage to which the burglars subjected the poor old man makes the case one of murder and it is to be hoped that the authorities will redouble their efforts to capture the infamous scoundrels.

The details of the brutal raid of the burglars have been fully published in these columns and are still fresh in the minds of our readers. How that at the midnight hour of Monday, September 27, Mr. Alderfer was awakened by a noise down stairs and immediately after three men, one of whom was masked, rushed into his humble room and held him firmly, no withstanding his efforts to free himself. One of the men in English and the other in Pennsylvania Dutch demanded to be shown the hiding place of his money, to which Mr. Alderfer replied, with truth that he had no money hidden in the house, that he was a poor man. Then the desperadoes with blasphemous oaths and threats of, attempted to extort a confession by applying fire to his bared feet, and when he was almost dead from pain and fright, left him gagged and tightly bound; how Mr. Eli Reigner, formerly of Pottstown and now living at Collegeville, discovered the terrible predicament of Mr. Alderfer about 10 o'clock on the forenoon of the day following, and with a neighbor, whom he summoned to his assistance, unbound the aged victim and carried him to a neighbor's home where his dreadful injuries were promptly attended to.

It is imperative that the authorities of Montgomery County make every possible effort to bring to justice, these three murderers. With such fiends at large no man, woman or child is safe.

[Source: Daily Pottstown News, Tuesday, October 5, 1897. Submitted by Betty.]

Alderfer, Son of Abraham

Alexander, Robert

Robert Alexander, one of the most eminent and successful lawyers at the Philadelphia bar, died late Sunday night of pneumonia at his home on church road, Ashbourne.

Mr. Alexander became ill with a heavy cold about a month ago while he was in South Carolina. He was compelled to return home and about two weeks ago pneumonia set in.

He was born in Bucks county July 3, 1846, receiving his early education in the public schools and at the Carversville normal school, from which institution he was graduated with high honors. Going to Philadelphia he entered the law office of Justice of Supreme Court D. Newlin Fell and was admitted to the bar in 1871. He later formed a partnership with former Mayor Warwick and became his first assistant when the latter was made city solicitor, retaining this position for two years and attaining a high reputation as an able lawyer.

In 1890 he formed a partnership with Edward W. Magill under the firm name of Alexander and Magill. Mr. Alexander possessed a profound knowledge of law. He was prominent in social and public life.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 17, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Allbright, Mrs. Henry

10 children and 76 grandchildren of the deceased attended the funeral of Mrs. Henry Allbright, Line Lexington.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 15, 1900, p. 7. Submitted by Nancy.]

Allebach, Michael

Allebach, Mrs. Wm.

Allen, Elizabeth Justice

Quite suddenly died, in Germantown, on Thursday last, Elizabeth J. Allen, in her 80th year. She had been in her usual health up to the evening before, when she was taken with a slight chill, followed by a quick collapse of her powers and a painless and peaceful close of her serene and beautiful life. Her husband was Samuel Allen, formerly well known in business and political circles in Philadelphia, at one time sheriff of the city, and descended from one of the earliest settlers, dying in 1889. Prof. Harrison Allen, the distinguished anatomist, and George W. Allen, associate editor of the Evening Telegraph, are sons. She had long resided with her daughter Anna, wife of Wilmer Atkinson, at Three Tuns.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 6, 1896, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Allen, James

Three Tuns Chips. Coroner Milton R. Kurtz and Dr. John R. Umstead held an inquest on the body of James Allen, who was found dead in bed at the residence of Henry J. Walton. Fatty degeneration of the heart was discovered to be the cause of his death.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 14, 1895, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Allen, James

Died from Heart Failure.

Wednesday afternoon Coroner Kurtz held an inquest on the body of James Allen, who was found dead in bed at the residence of a relative, Henry Walton, of Three Tuns. A verdict of heart failure was rendered.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 14, 1895, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Alt, William

Altenderfer, Ruth C.

Accidental Death

"Ruth C. Altenderfer came to her death from a gun shot wound in her head accidentally inflicted by a brother in endeavoring to take a revolver away from her to save her from harm while she was playfully handling the weapon."

This was the verdict of the coroner's jury in the case of the only daughter of Harry Altenderfer, of Swedeland, who was accidentally shot in the head about 9 o'clock on Thursday evening and died about an hour and a half afterward with a ball from a 32-caliber Smith & Weston revolver embedded in her brain. The leaden death messenger will be buried with her.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 12, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Althouse, Eva Leona

Althouse, Paul B.