Obituaries, Death Notices, and Funeral Notices - Fl-Fz
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Flack, John
John Flack died at his home in Abington on Wednesday after an illness of about six weeks. The immediate cause of his death was dropsy and cancer. He was in his 75th year, and was born near Jamison, Bucks county, but has lived in Abington for many years. He leaves a wife and five sons, Owen, Frank, William, Jacob and Elias. The funeral was held on Monday. Interment at Neshaminy cemetery.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 21, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fleck, Abigail
Abigail Fleck, widow of Samuel Fleck, Sr., died at the old Fleck homestead, Near Springhouse, on Monday, at the advanced age of 91 years. Mrs. Fleck's maiden name was Knipe, daughter of Frederick Knipe and Margaret Knipe, of Towamencin. She was born in November, 1805. She married Samuel Fleck, Sr., and lived at the homestead, where she died, since 1835. Her husband died June 5, 1889, in his 85th year. They had six children, all of whom are living: Charles, Hannah, Samuel j., Margaret, Emma. Mrs. Fleck was a member of North Wales Lutheran Church She was the oldest in a family of ten children, and she is the last one to die. The funeral took place on Saturday Morning; interment at St. John's Lutheran Church, Centre Square.
[Source: Norristown Weekly Herald, Monday June 29th, 1896. Submitted by Bill.]
Fleck, Almon
The remains of the late Almon Fleck were interred Thursday in Mount Vernon cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late Samuel and Abigal Fleck, of near Springhouse, where he was born 65 years ago. When a young man he located in Philadelphia, and for 35 years or more was an employe of the large drug house of Smith, Kline & French. His widow survives him, besides the following brothers and sisters: Charles W. Fleck, of Springhouse; Samuel J. Fleck, of Ambler; Hannah, wife of George B. Johnson, of North Wales; Emma, wife of A.K. Shearer, also of North Wales, and Miss Maggie, who resides with her sister Hannah, this borough.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 11, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fleck, Henry
Henry Fleck, one of the best known and oldest citizens of Norristown died suddenly Saturday morning at his home, 1033 DeKalb street. He was apparently in the best of health the day before and retired to rest feeling as well as usual. He arose early Saturday morning, however, and complained of not feeling so good, and went to his rocking chair in the sitting room. His housekeeper went to call him for breakfast at 7.30 o'clock and found the aged man sitting in the chair. She called but received no answer, and on going closer she was horrified to find him a corpse. He had died quietly and suddenly, presumably from an attack of apoplexy. He had taken a trip to market before going to the sittingroom.
Deceased was 85 years of age and was well known. For year he has been engaged in the insurance business, being connected with the Union Mutual Fire and Storm Insurance company, of which he has been president for the past two years. He was also treasurer of that organization a number of years. The deceased is survived by two sons, Theodore W., of Philadelphia, and Adam, of Springhouse.
Mr. Fleck belonged to a well known family in Gwynedd, where he was a farmer the greater part of his life. He removed to Norristown nearly 30 years ago, where he has since lived.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 20, 1901, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fleck, Henry
Broad Axe. The funeral of Henry Fleck, of Norristown, passed through here last week.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 27, 1901, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fletcher, Thomas P.
In Montgomery county, Pa., on the 8th inst., Thomas P. Fletcher, in the 70th year of his age.
[Source: Philadelphia Press, December 10, 1861, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fluck, Francis E.
Francis E. Fluck, son of the late Francis and Julia Fluck, died at the home of his brother, Eli, on Montgomery avenue, Hatboro, early on Thursday morning aged 32 years. He had been ill for about two weeks suffering from pneumonia and stomach trouble. When taken sick he was working in Chester county and came to his brother's to recuperate. He was a person of quiet disposition and a regular attendant at the church services, being a member of the Hatboro Baptist church. His funeral was held Saturday. Interment at Hope cemetery, Doylestown.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 4, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Flues, Eberhard
Eberhard Flues died of paralysis at his residence, Morris road, near Fort Washington, last week and was buried on Sunday in Laurel Hill cemetery.
The deceased was born in Germany nearly 70 years ago, and was a good family and high standing in that country. Coming to this country in early manhood, he became connected with the firm of E. Flues & Company, of New York city, manufacturers of silk and fine woolen goods. Prospering in this venture he purchased land on Morris road just above Fort Washington and about 1866 commenced the erection of a large silk mill along the banks of the Wissahickon. This business was conducted together with the New York establishment under the firm name. For a few years the business seemed to prosper and then dissension arose among the members of the firm and the subject of our sketch in 1874 or 075 closed the Fort Washington branch of the business never again to open it for the purposes for which it was erected. At the time it was said that the New York partners had not treated the newer part of the manufactory in a businesslike way and compelled it to be run at a loss.
About 12 years ago the greater part of the machinery was removed from the mill and sold. The rest of the building, however, remains to this day, in a state of decay.
The true cause of the closing of this mill will never be known, as the business was always so conducted that no one outside the firm knew anything of its workings and the deceased was not the kind of a man to allow other people to inquire into his private affairs.
Early in the 70's Eberhard Flues married the daughter of Dr. Elliger, and when she died a few years later he married his governess, who came from Philadelphia, and who, though in very feeble health, survives him, together with three children by his first wife. His children are: Eberhard Fleus, Jr., who resides in Philadelphia; Mrs. Peter Wade, Fort Washington; and Mrs. Laura Luttgen, of Ambler.
By reason of his first marriage he controlled the old Elliger farm on Bethlehem pike, while his other property in that neighborhood, on which George Crockett now resides, was left to him as trustee for his children. When he first came to Fort Washington he occupied the property at the old mill and afterwards purchased the place upon which he died of Henry A. Stevens, Esq. In the two farms are probably 130 or 140 acres. In front of the old mill homestead he planted a hedge of mulberry trees, which he proposed to utilize in connection with his factory, for the silk worms to feed upon. Of late years, however, the trees have been unattended to and have grown in thick clusters to almost the height of the house.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 7, 1897. p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]
Flues, Ottilie
Mrs. Ottilie Flues, widow of the late Eberhard Flues, died last Saturday at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. E. Luttgen, Fort Washington. The deceased was aged 61 years. The funeral was held this Wednesday at 12 o'clock.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 23, 1899, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foell, Lizzie
Lizzie Foell, daughter of Mrs. Hannnah Binder and the late Conard Foell, died Friday morning at 1.20 in her 18th year. She has been a suffer since the latter part of January, and has been making her home with her mother at Rose Valley. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Ambler Methodist Episcopal church and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 22, 1901, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Force, William R.
William R. Force, who died at Wyncote, near Jenkintown, on Tuesday, December 18, was a son of the late Zephaniah Force, and spent his boyhood days near Yardley, in Lower Makefield township. He married a daughter of Nathan L. Malsbury, of Danboro, and for several years lived in that vicinity; later he was a resident of Philadelphia, and then of Doylestown. Some nine years ago he removed to Jenkintown and engaged in the plastering business, in which he was quite successful, being a skilful workman. Mr. Force was educated at the Millersville State Normal school and was a man of more than average mental ability. In politics he was an ardent and active Republican. He took much interest in religious matters, being allied with the Presbyterian church. He had served as superintendent of different Sunday schools in Doylestown and Plumstead. He leaves a widow and three grown children, two daughters and one son. The deceased was a brother of John E. and Robert Y. Force, of Denver, Colorado, and Zephaniah Force, of Middletown. The funeral occurred on Saturday.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 27, 1894, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]
Ford, Jacob
Jacob Ford died at his residence, 223 South Main street, North Wales, about 1.30 o'clock Thursday morning after an illness of two weeks from paralysis, which affected one side. Deceased was a son of John Ford, of Warrington, Bucks county, and was about 75 years of age. Previous to coming to North Wales he resided on the former Bradfield farm, Upper Gwynedd, and conducted a milk route in North Wales. He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of the late Uriah Lewis, Sr. About 19 years ago, when he removed to North Wales, he married Catharine, widow of the late John Haas, whose tragic death about 23 years ago resulted from being thrown from a wagon at the corner of Main and Walnut streets. One child, Lillian was born to them, now about 18 years of age. There are living by deceased's first marriage, Lizzie, wife of J. Reiner Ellis; Clara, wife of Thomas Young; Joel, Durell, Linford, Harry and Norman. The funeral took place at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon from his late residence. Interment at the Brick church, Pleasantville.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 17, 1903, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Ford, Jacob
North Wales. Jacob Ford, long a resident of our town, died on Thursday. His funeral took place on Monday, interment at Pleasantville Reformed church, Eureka. Deceased was a handle manufacturer and a member of St. Luke's Reformed church. He leaves a widow and a large family of children.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 17, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Ford, Mrs. Richard
Mrs. Ford, wife of Richard Ford, of West Ambler, died Monday morning, after a short illness. She leaves a widower and three children. The funeral will take place this Thursday.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 24, 1898, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]
Ford, Sidney
Oreland. Mrs. Sidney Ford, the wife of Daniel Ford, of this place, died on Sunday afternoon of dropsy, aged 42 years. Deceased was a sister of the late Mrs. Charles Johnson, who died just one year ago. Besides a husband she leaves two sons. The funeral took place on Tuesday morning. Interment at the Friends' meeting, Jenkintown.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 31, 1899, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foreman, Hugh
Fort Washington. Albert Conard, Wallace Mammel, Isaac Conard and wife attended the funeral of Hugh Foreman on the afternoon of the 3d inst, at Plymouth meeting. Quite a large number of people were present from Gwynedd, Ambler, Norristown and from Chester county. A minister named Cooper, from West Grove, Nathaniel Richardson, of Byberry, and Mary Singly, of Norristown, made appropriate remarks.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 8, 1900, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]
Forgraves, Thomas and John Campbell
Accidental Deaths. Two Residents of Forth Washington Are Killed. John Campbell Meets Death on the Cresheim Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad--Thomas Forgraves Drowned in a Hole at Hoopeston.
There is considerably mystery attending the death of John Campbell, who resides near Camp Hill, below Fort Washington, about a week ago on the Cresheim branch of the Pennsylvania railroad. Coroner Ashton, of Norristown, was at Ivy Hill Friday and held an inquest over the remains, but did not clear up the mystery.
The train that killed the man was rounding a curve through a deep cut or ravine when the engineer discovered the prostrate form lying on the tracks. It was too late to stop the train and the result was that the body was run over and terribly mangled. The head was completely severed from the body.
At the inquest the man was identified as John Campbell, employed upon the Ralph farm as watchman. The identification was made possible by the clothes the man wore. While this fact was established it was impossible to learn how he came to be upon the tracks.
Evidence was produced tracing him up until two hours and 45 minutes previous to the accident. At that space of time previous he left the farm and it would take him but 15 minutes to reach the spot where he was killed. It is impossible to learn where he was during the remaining period of time.
The jury found, inasmuch as there was no evidence to the contrary, that the man had met with accidental death. There was no evidence that he had been intoxicated and he was never known to have been despondent, consequently the suicide theory was set aside.
Drowning case.
Thomas, the 10-year-old son of Thomas Forgraves, of Pinetown road, was drowned in a hole at Hoopeston Sunday afternoon. The lad and Joseph Costello, a playmate, had gone over to the big works to find amusement and were busy floating board about the water. Costello went away for a few moments and when he returned he found his companion struggling in the water, which is said to be about 15 feet deep. Throwing in a log for the boy to hold fast to, he hurried off to summon help, but before assistance could rescue him he sank out of sight. It was fully an hour after the accident before the body was taken out. The sides of the hole being very steep and the water being very deep made the work of rescuing the body very difficult. The corpse was at one taken home, where Coroner Ashton viewed the remains later.
The father is a driver for the Hoopes & Townsend company. The funeral was held this Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock and interment was made at Ivy Hill. The parents have one other child, an infant.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 29, 1901, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Forman, Hugh
Hugh Forman, for many years a resident of Gwynedd, where he followed the vocation of surveyor, died on Wednesday night, Feb. 28th, at Friends' Home, Swede and Powell streets, Norristown. He and his wife and daughter, Mary H. Forman, who is assistant matron, have resided at the home for nearly a year.
Deceased has suffered for many weeks from symptoms incident to advanced age, heart trouble being the principal ailment. He gradually grew worse. He was in his 28d year. He belonged to a family long resident in New Britain township, Bucks county, though members of Gwynedd Friends' meeting. For a long time he was tax collector of Lower Gwynedd township. He lived at Friends' Corner adjoining the meeting house property. Deceased was a man of superior intelligence and had a large circle of friends to whom his amiable qualities of mind and heart greatly endeared him.
His widow, Jane Forman, is the daughter of the late William Hallowell, of Plymouth township. Interment was made on Saturday afternoon at Plymouth Friends' burying ground.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 8, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fort, Mrs. Edwin
North Wales. The funeral of Mrs. Edwin Fort, on Saturday, was very largely attended, among those present being many prominent business men and their families, of Philadelphia. The floral tributes were very fine and many in number. Interment was made in Philadelphia. Mrs. Fort was a very estimable lady and by her summer residence in our suburbs had formed an intimate friendship with many of the leading society people of our town, in whose circles she will be missed. She leaves a husband, several sons and one daughter, who have the sympathy of our town in their bereavement.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 28, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Forward, Ella V.
Exploding Lamp Caused Deaths [sic]
Mrs. Ella V. Forward, residing near the Lafayette Paper mills, died on Thursday night in St. Timothy's hospital, Roxborough, after suffering agony, from burns caused by an exploding oil lamp.
The unfortunate woman, a few days ago, attempted to fill a large (and at the time, lighted) cylinder lamp used for heating purposes. Suddenly it, together with the oil can, exploded, and the woman was immediately enveloped in a pillar of flame. She ran from her home, creaming with pain.
Neighbors rushed to her assistance, and rolled her in the snow, but not until her garments and flesh had been badly burned.
She was promptly removed to St. Timothy's hospital, where it was found she had inhaled the flame. All efforts to save her life proved futile.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 22, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foulke, Edwin M.
Edwin M. Foulke, of West Chester, well known in this vicinity, died Third-day [sic] at 12.40 a.m., at his home after an illness of two weeks of pneumonia.
Deceased was born Tenth month 10, 1854, at the old Foulke homestead, on Bethlehem pike above Springhouse, being the son of Daniel and Lydia W. Foulke. On Sixth month 6th he married Elna F., daughter of the late Mark Jones, of Plymouth. They lived on the farm now owned by J. Cheston Morris, at Springhouse, at one time the property of Joseph Ambler. Later they lived on the Thomas Foulke property, now the Kathleen farm. They then occupied the original homestead. In 1894 they moved to West Chester, where he was employed at his death by the John T. Dyer company.
He leaves a widow and children, Esther B., Helen E., Lydia W. and Eliza J. He was a member of Gwynedd Monthly meeting. The funeral will be held at Plymouth meeting this Sixthday [sic] at 1.30 p.m.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 23, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foulke, Edwin M.
On Third day, 1900, Edwin M. Foulke. Funeral at Plymouth Meeting house this Sixth day at 1.30 p.m., to which his friends are invited.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 23, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foulke, Edwin M.
Mrs. Mary J. Ambler, of Ambler, left Saturday morning for Squirrel inn among the Catskill mountains. She was accompanied by Abigail W. Foukle [sic], proprietor of the inn, who was down attending the funeral of her brother, the late Edwin M. Foulke, of West Chester.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 30, 1900, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foulke, Joseph
At his residence, Gwynedd, Montgomery county, on First-day morning, the 15th instant, Joseph Foulke, in the 77th year of his age. His relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral, to meet at Friends' meeting-house, Gwynedd, on Third-day morning, the 17th instant, at 11 o'clock.
[Source: Philadelphia Press, February 17, 1863, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foulke, Phebe W.
Phebe W. Foulke, a well-known member of the Society of Friends, died on the 9th inst., at Redlands, Cal., where she had resided as companion to a lady named Hoe for several years. Deceased was the daughter of Silas Shoemaker, of Upper Dublin. She married Thomas S. Foulke, of Gwynedd, who died many years ago. She was about 70 years of age. One sister, Susan Y. Foulke, of Norristown, survives her. The remains will be brought east for burial.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 14, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Foy, Charles Downing
Captain Charles Downing Foy, a veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars, died last Thursday evening at Penllyn, where he had resided for about a year. He had been ill for some time and his death was not unexpected, although he had been actually confined to his bed but for a week or two previous. For many months he had endured extreme sufferings with the courage and patience of a soldier and on Sunday he was laid to rest in the American Mechanics' cemetery, Philadelphia, with the honors due a brave veteran.
Captain Foy was born Apr. 4, 1816, in Chester county. He served throughout the Mexican war under General Zachary Taylor. In 1861 he was among the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops, enlisting as first lieutenant in the Second Delaware regiment for three months. At the expiration of his term he was appointed captain of Company A, of the 214th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, by Governor Curtin and served until the close of the war. At the battle of Fredericksburg Captain Foy received a gunshot wound in the left foot, as a consequence of which his leg was amputated 11 years ago. After the war Captain Foy carried on the shoe business in Philadelphia until about 1885, when he retired. For the past seven years he made his home with Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Langstroth coming there with them from Elizabeth, N.J., in February, 1899. He was a member of E.D. Baker post, No. 8, G.A.R.; Veteran Survivors' association, Company A, 214th Pennsylvania volunteers; Paradise lodge, No.127, I.O.O.F.; Keystone lodge, No. 2, K. of P.; Miantonomo tribe, No. 45, J.O.R.M.; American Star Lodge of Good Fellows.
Captain Foy leaves a daughter, Mrs. William Hagenswiler, of Philadelphia. His brother, William Foy, for 50 years a justice of the peace at Lewisville, Chester county, died two years ago in his 84th year.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 26, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
France, Simon
Simon France died at the residence of his son, Oliver France, at Fricks, Bucks county, on Sunday of last week, at a ripe old age. Some time ago Mr. France was taken ill with the grip, which terminated in typhoid fever, and this caused his death. Mr. France was a member of the Hilltown Lutheran congregation. He leaves a wife and one son.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 5, 1898, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]
Francis, Bertha (nee Yerger)
Funeral services were conducted at the funeral home in Trappe on Monday at 2 pm for Mrs Bertha (Yerger) Francis, 65, Collegeville, wife of the burgess of that borough. Interment will be made at Trinity Reformed Cemetery, Collegeville. Mrs Francis died at the Jewish Hospital, in Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon after being a patient for 3 weeks. She was born in Schwenksville, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Solomon Yerger. She was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church, Collegeville.
Besides her husband, the following children survive: Joel B. and Warren Y. of Collegeville, Mary, wife of Floyd E. Heller, Bethlehem, Bertha, wife of John R. Clark, Nultey, NJ, Ruth, wife of Clarence Huling of Linden, Dorothy Y. of the home. Three sisters: Mrs William Hallman, Doylestown, Mrs Ella Rosenberger, Pennbrook, and Mrs Laura Sceal, Fountville.
[Source: Pottstown Mercury, April 24, 1948. Submitted by Judy.]
Freas, Henry H.
Farmer Ends His Life. Henry H. Freas, of Plymouth Township, a Suicide. The Plymouth Farmer Hangs Himself in His Barn--No Apparent Cause for the Deed--Discovered at Breakfast Time.
Henry H. Freas, a well known farmer of Plymouth township, committed suicide at an early hour Monday morning by hanging himself to the rafters of the second story of his barn. There is no apparent cause for the suicide and the family is both heartbroken and mystified.
The unfortunate man has been in good health for some time and was always cheerful. Sunday his family noticed that he was somewhat depressed, however, and he did not seem like himself. They thought the matter would wear off and were not greatly concerned about it. He arose at 5 o'clock Monday morning as was his usual custom, and went to the barn. When breakfast time arrived his daughter, Miss Laura, went to the barn to call him, but she could not find him. Returning to the house he was not there and she went for the second time to the barn, this time going to the large hay mow. There suspended by a halter fastened to the rafters was the farmer. She was horrified, and immediately alarmed the neighborhood. William Mullen, who owns the farm adjoining, hastened to the Freas barn and cut down the body. It was too late. Mr. Freas had ended his life.
It was 6.45 when the body was cut down, and from its appearance it is evident that Mr. Freas sough death immediately after going to the barn an hour and a quarter previous. The body was still warm, but was rapidly growing stiff. There is no apparent cause for the suicide, as Mr. Freas was not known to have any troubles either domestic or financial. Coroner Kane was notified and investigated the case. Deceased was 62 years of age. He was well known in Norristown and had a stand in the Farmers' market, where he went on Saturdays.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 15, 1902, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Freas, Joanna
Joanna Freas, daughter of Joseph and Anna Freas, of Whitemarsh township, died Wednesday in her 83d year. She resided with her sister, Mrs. James M. Coulston. Mrs. Caroline Lysinger and Mrs. W. Augustus Styer, bot of Norristown, are sisters, being the survivors of a large family of children. The Freas homestead is now owned and occupied by Benjamin Tomlinson.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 5, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Freas, Samuel H.
Samuel H. Freas, one of Ambler's most widely known citizens, died Sunday evening at 6.35 of neuralgia of the heart, in his 65th year. He had been sick about eight weeks with Bright's disease, which finally resulted fatally by action on the heart.
He was born in Plymouth and was the son of George and Margaret Freas, who resided on a farm in that township. He learned the carpenter trade and followed it for 21 years. In 1861 he married Isabel Mattis and moved to Cold Point, where they resided till 1876. They moved to Narcissa and a year later he commenced butchering, a business he has followed ever since.
In 1889 he moved to Ambler, where he immediately built a house and store, corner of Main street and Forest avenue. Here he conducted his large business until about five years ago, when the large store building, corner of Main and Walnut streets, was erected. The store has been continued here ever since.
Two children were born, Mrs. Clara Stackhouse and J. Wesley Freas, of Ambler. His wife died in July, 1894, and lies buried at Cold Point. He leaves besides his children two brothers—John, of Germantown, and George, of Cold Point; five sisters—Margaret Freas, Mrs. Kate Graver, Mrs. Emma Baily, of Germantown; Mrs. Malinda, widow of the late S. Powell Childs, of Cold Point; Ellen Seltzer, of Norristown.
The funeral will be held this Thursday morning at 11 o'clock. Rev. E.E. Valentine, pastor of the Mount Pleasant Baptist church, of Ambler, will have charge. A short service will be held at the house and also in Cold Point Baptist church. In the cemetery adjoining he will be buried.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 11, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Freas, Samuel H.
On October 7, 1900, Samuel H. Freas, aged 65 years. Relatives and friends also Cold Point castle, No. 103, K.G.E., are invited to attend the funeral on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock, from his late residence, 303 Main street, Ambler, Pa. Services and interment at Cold Point Baptist church.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 11, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Freas, Samuel H.
The funeral of the late Samuel H. Freas was held Thursday. Rev. E.E. Valentine, pastor of the Mount Pleasant Baptist church, officiated. A short service was held at the house and the body taken into the Cold Point Baptist church and services held there. Interment was made in the cemetery adjoining. A large number of friends and relatives attended the funeral.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 11, 1900, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]
Frederick, Kate and Daughter of Manassas Bean
Schwenksville Schools Closed.
The schools of Schwenksville have been closed, as diphtheria is raging in that borough. 16 cases have been reported, and two death have resulted, Miss Kate Frederick died Wednesday morning from the dread disease and a young daughter of Manassas Bean died last week from the same disease. Dr. Markley, of Gratersford, had charge of the patients, and he pronounced the disease tonsillitis, but Dr. Bechtel, of Schwenksville, after a through examination, said it was diphtheria. Many of the residents had attended little Miss Bean's funeral, hence the spread of the disease. There is some talk of the whole town being quarantined.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 10, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Freed, Mrs.
The late Mrs. Freed leaves one son in Lansdale, John Krupp, by her first husband. She was 64 years of age and was the daughter of Jacob Moyer, of Franconia.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 24, 1903, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Freed, Wallace H.
Wallace H. Freed, son of Henry and Julia Freed, of Lansdale, died in Philadelphia on Saturday at the age of 23. he was a manager of one of the grocery stores of James Fravel. The disease was meningitis. About 10 days ago he underwent an operation at the Episcopal hospital for a broken nose, sustained some years ago. Blood poisoning set in shortly after, which resulted in his death. He was buried at Lansdale cemetery this Wednesday. Mr. Freed was a most promising young man, enjoying the confidence of a large circle of Friends.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 3, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fretz, Aaron
Aaron Fretz, one of the best-known farmers in the central section of Montgomery county, died at 4.30 o'clock Monday morning at the residence of his son-in-law, Henry C. Styer, in Whitpain township.
Deceased had been a widower for several years. His wife was a sister of ex-Judge A.B. Longaker. Death was due to heart disease, from which he had suffered for several years. He was about 70 years of age. His surviving children are Albert Fretz, builder, residing at Bala; Mary, wife of Henry C. Styer; Fannie, wife of Henry C. Messinger, of Conshohocken. Mrs. Charles Bevan, another daughter, died several years ago, leaving several children.
Mr. Fretz resided at various times in Lower Providence, Lower Merion and Norriton, most of his adult life being spent in the last-named township of Montgomery county. He was an active Republican. He held for a time the office of constable, and later was assessor in Norristown for several years. About a dozen years ago he was the Republican nominee for poor director, but was defeated along with the most of his party ticket.
Deceased was a man of kindly disposition and was highly respected by a wide circle of friends, who knew and appreciated his worth. He belonged to a family which is quite numerous in this and Bucks counties.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 19, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fretz, Allen W.
Killed by Lightning.
Allen W. Fretz, employed on the Valley Park farm, in Plumstead township, managed by Reuben Kratz, was struck and instantly killed by a bolt of lightning during the storm of Monday of last week. Fretz was standing in an oats field at the time. He was a man well advanced in years, about 54, and at one time kept the Central hotel in Riegelsville; in fact, was the first man to obtain a license for the hotel.
Deputy Coroner Clemens went to Plumstead and after learning the facts decided that an inquest was unnecessary. He gives the following additional details of the accident: Fretz, who was married and leaves a wife and eight children, was turning oats, using a steel pronged fork for the purpose, when he was struck by the electric bolt.
The handle of the fork was shattered. Mr. Kratz was working alongside of Fretz, but beyond being knocked down and stunned was not injured. Two of Mr. Kratz's children were near by, but were not affected by the electric current. Mr. Fretz's clothing was torn to shreds in some places and two large buckles were torn from his shoes.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 11, 1898, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fretz, Lewis B.
Lewis B. Fretz, aged about 76 years, and until last September a resident of Norristown, died last Saturday night at the home of his son in Hatboro. The remains were taken to Norristown this Wednesday for interment. He is survived by his wife and the son, with whom he resided. Deceased was well known in Norristown--perhaps best of all to the patrons of the Brendlinger store. Mr. Fretz had entered that establishment in 1885, appointed as general overseer and floorwalker. Prior to entering the Brendlinger store he served two terms as deputy sheriff--one term under Sheriff Frankenfield, the other under Sheriff Stahlnecker.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 21, 1904, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fretz, Lizzie L.
Lansdale. The funeral of Mrs. Lizzie L. Fretz took place on Saturday and her interment was in the cemetery. She was 38 years of age, the wife of Station Agent Henry M. Fretz, and the mother of five children. She was a devout Baptist and the daughter of Jacob Landis, a farmer of Franconia.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 24, 1900, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fretz, Mary
Mrs. Mary Fretz, of Chalfont, aged 69 years, died at her late residence on Monday morning at 8.30 o'[c]lock from a stroke of apoplexy. The deceased had been an invalid for about two years. She is survived by six children.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 22, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fretz, Oliver P.
Mr. Oliver P. Fretz died Saturday afternoon at his nephew's residence, on West avenue, in his 82d year. Funeral took place Tuesday afternoon and interment was at Hatboro Baptist cemetery. Mr. Fretz was highly esteemed by every one who know him, and was the most popular auctioneer in the county until a few years ago, when he gave up his business owing to failing health.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 11, 1897, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fries, Juliet V.
Juliet V. Fries, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Styer, died after a lingering illness at 5.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the Ambler Presbyterian church. Interment in Morris City cemetery, Norristown.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 28, 1904, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fritz, David
David Fritz an old and well known citizen of Pottsgrove township, residing on his farm near Half Way House, died this Saturday morning aged about 83 years. He had been ill for several days. His wife and two sons and one daughter survive the children being Eli Fritz, Mahlon K. Fritz and Mrs. Matilda Yorgey, a widow. He was an uncle to Ephraim Fritz of Pottstown. The funeral will take place on Wednesday next, March 23d, at 9 o'clock a.m.; interment at Pottstown Cemetery.
[Source: Montgomery Ledger, Tuesday, March 22, 1887. Submitted by Betty.]
Fritz, Ellen
Death of an Aged Lady. Mrs. Ellen Fritz, widow of David Fritz, died on Tuesday morning, at her residence, in Pottsgrove Township. She was over 80 years old, and had for some time been terrigly afflicted with cancer in the mouth. Her husband died in March last, in his 83d year. Three children survive them – Eli K. Fritz, Mahlon K. Fritz and Mrs. Matilda Yorgey. She was a sister of Isaac N. Keyser, of Philadelphia: henry N. Keyser, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and of Mrs. Elizabeth Hockley, of Muncy, PA; also an aunt of D. K. Hatfield and Ephraim Fritz of Pottstown.
[Source: Montgomery Ledger, September 6, 1887. Submitted by Betty.]
Fritz, Ephraim
An Honored Citizen Gone
Ephraim Fritz Answered the Death Messenger’s Call, on Sunday Afternoon – Lived a Life of Esteem Among His Fellows
Death removed one of Pottstown’s most highly esteemed and best known citizens, in taking Ephraim Fritz, on Sunday afternoon, the sad event occurring at his residence, No. 110 King Street, at 3:30 o’clock. The fatal termination was not entirely unexpected for his intimate friends have known for several days that he could not survive the illness with which he suffered. His sickness covered a period of several weeks and resulted from stomach trouble and kindred ailments. His age was 71 years, 5 months and 3 days, passing somewhat man’s allotted time of three score years and ten. Formerly a prominent business man of this place, he has lived retired for a number of years and his genial friendship will be sadly missed by those with whom he was wont to meet in daily social intercourse.
He was native of Douglass Township, Berks County, near Pine Iron Works, and a son of John and Catharine Fritz. He served a term as Justice of the Peace and for three years was clerk of the Orphans’ Court of Berks County, In 1865 he embarked in the coal and lumber business and soon became associated with his brothers-in-law, Peter L. Egolf and Harrison Kehl, under the firm name of Frtiz, Egolf & Co., which became prosperous and widely known. In 1888 Mr. Fritz retired from active business. He was for many years identified with various corporations, being a stockholder and manager of the Union Building Association, a stockholder and a member of the Board of Managers of the Glasgow Iron Company and a large stockholder and one of the directors of the National Bank of Pottstown, at the time of his death. In 1874 he was chosen treasurer of the borough of Pottstown to succeed the late John A. Andre, and was re-elected each year since that time, filling the position most faithfully and acceptably. He was a member of the vestry connected with the Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration, and no one was more interested in its welfare than he, giving as he did of means, time and influence, toward its support. He was a thorough Christian gentleman in the truest sense of the term, and it is in this light that his friends will delight to remember him.
John S. Fritz, No. 114 King Street; Mrs. Elmira Levengood, of town and Mrs. Sarah Ann, wife of Jacob Miller, of Chester county, are brother and sister of deceased. His wife [Elizabeth nee Egolf] died four years ago and the couple leave no children. The funeral will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. with services in the Church of the Transfiguration, and Interment at Pottstown Cemetery [West].
[Source: Pottstown Ledger, June 20, 1890. Submitted by Betty.]
Fronefield, John
Dropped Dead in Norristown.
John Fronefield, a well known aged resident of Collegeville, dropped dead at Main and Cherry streets, Norristown, on Saturday afternoon. He had scarcely fallen to the pavement when he was picked up and carried into the real estate office on the corner and medical aid summoned. When the doctor arrived life had fled and the general supposition is that he had died as he fell.
Deceased was a bachelor 79 years of age and is a first cousin of Jesse Fronefield, councilman from the Fourth Ward. Accompanied by a daughter of Jacob Brunner, of Collegeville, with whom he lived, he went to Norristown Saturday morning to do some shopping. He was in his usual good health on reaching town and lunched at noon at Harry Long's restaurant. Just how he came to be at the point where he was evidently attacked with heart failure is not known, for this female companion had gone in another direction and did not meet Mr. Fronefield alive again.
A local undertaker took charge of the body and later in the day it was transferred to his late residence in Collegeville, the coroner having been notified in the meantime.
Deceased was a retired shoemaker, working for years with Mr. Trucksess, of Collegeville. He was rather eccentric and never married. He was well thought of and had many friends.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 14, 1901, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fry, Elizabeth
Mrs. Elizabeth Fry, wife of George Fry, deceased, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. James B. Edwards, on Monday last. The funeral will take place on Thursday.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 3, 1897, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fryer, Jacob
Flourtown. Last Thursday Mr. Charles Cassel and sister attended the funeral of their uncle, Jacob Fryer, at Skippackville.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 30, 1901, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fulmer, Earl
Earl, son of Oliver A. Fulmer, of Perkasie, died at his home from paralysis of the heart Friday evening. He had been severely ill with diphtheria, but had so far recovered as to be able to move about down stairs and on the evening of his death he was helping to trim his Christmas tree. He was 13 years of age and is survived by his parents and three sisters.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 24, 1903, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Funk, Angeline C.
Mrs. Angeline C., wife of William Funk, Lindenwold avenue, Ambler, died suddenly Monday evening at 6.30 at the residence of her son, Dr. Wm. Warren Funk, Chestnut Hill.
The deceased was the daughter of the late Jacob and Elizabeth Craft, and was born about 56 years ago in Horsham township, on Horsham road on the farm now owned by Aaron Gordon. About 40 years ago she was married to William Funk, of near Chestnut Hill. For a time they lived on a farm in Springfield township and later moved to the present Caldwell place below Penllyn, which they farmed for many years. Later Mr. Funk purchased the large farm on Skippack pike near Broad Axe, now occupied by Jesse Cassel, and moved there, farming the place until their removal to Ambler, about three years ago.
She leaves a husband and two sons, Alfred C., bridge constructor of the Pencoyd iron works, and Dr. W.W., of Chestnut Hill. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon. Interment will be made in Montgomery cemetery, Norristown.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 7, 1899, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]
Funk, Rebecca
Mrs. Rebecca Funk, widow of the late Joseph Funk, who has been ill for several months from dropsy, died about 5 o'clock on Thursday morning at her home in Chalfont. Mrs. Funk leaves three sons--Henry, of Lansdale; Isaac, proprietor of Funk's Forest park, and David, both of Chalfont. She also leaves a daughter, Mrs. Austin E. Griffith of Chalfont, with whom she resided.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 30, 1904, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]
Fuss, Abner
Lansdale. The funeral of the late Abner Fuss took place on Saturday afternoon in the Evangelical church and his interment was in the cemetery. He was in his 41sst year and died from consumption, leaving a widow and two children of 15 and nine years. He had been a machinist in Heebner's establishment.
[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 10, 1900, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]