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THE CASTOR FAMILY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMPILED BY
GEORGE CASTOR MARTIN
ASSISTED BY
HOWARD PAUL CASTOR ELLEN G. CASTOR
CHARLES WILKINSON CASTOR LINFORD CASTOR
WILLIAM HALL WAXLER RICHARD ALLEN MARTIN
NELLIE GARSED NEUKOM EMILY CASTOR
FRANK G. CASTOR HOWARD CASTOR, SR.
HANNAH JACKSON
THE CASTOR FAMILY
OF NEW YORK
COMPILED BY
111 > 1131
HEiNRY aI'J. castor
1910
MARTIN & ALLARDYCE
FRANKFORD, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
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TO
RICHARD ALLEN MARTIN,
MY BROTHER.
No greater calamity can happen to a people than to break utterly with its
past.— GLADSTONE.
A people who forget what has been done by those who went before them, are
not likely to do anything which will be remembered by those who come after
them.— MACAULAY.
PREFACE.
This book is a true record of the birth, marriage, death dates,
lives and relationships of all of the descendants of John George
Castor, an emigrant to Pennsylvania in 1736, as far as could be
learned from church registers, Bible records, wills, deeds, head-
stones, etc., together with the information contained in the works
listed below.
"Rupp's List," "Pennsylvania Archives," "Burrage Geneal-
ogy," "One Hundred Years of the Presbyterian Church of Frank-
ford," Scharfif and Wescott's "History of Philadelphia," "Lafay-
ette's Visit to the United States" and Rietstap's ^* Armorial
General."
The Bible records are those contained in the Bibles of George
Mathias Castor, of Holmesburg, now the property of his daughter,
Mrs. William H. Allardyce; of Charles Wilkinson Castor, of
Frankford; of Howard Paul Castor, of Camden; and the Dyre
Family Bible, property of Mrs. Harriet Lewis, of Frankford.
A letter from Charles Deal, local historian, to William Hall
Waxier, of Frankford, gave much authentic information concern-
ing the early generations of the family in America; and a letter
from Dr. John Gerster, of Basel, Switzerland, to Richard Allen
Martin, together with the information contained in Rietstap's
^'Armorial General" gave that which is written concerning
Castor arms.
A genealogy without errors has never yet been written. B
less there are some in this work, and its readers can do no gr
kindness than to notify the compiler of all corrections and add''
which it is within their power to make.
GEORGE CASTOR MARTIN
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GERSTER OR CASTOR HERALDRY.
The arms of the Gerster family of Basel, Switzerland, as described in a
letter to Richard Allen Martin from Dr. John Gerster, of Basel, written in
September, 1908.
Arms. — Gules a saltire or, in chief an estoile of the last.
Crest. — A man's bust and head clothed gules in a pointed cap or, face and
hair proper.
In Rietstap's "Armorial General" the arms are described as follows:
Arms. — De gu a deux batons potences passes en saut la potence en haut ace.
en chef d'tin etoile entre les batons le tout d'or.
Crest. — Un buste d'homme liab. de gu: coiffe d'un bonnet point du me-mc
d'or.
THE NAME OF CASTOR.
Castor, as used by the Pennsylvania family of that name, is a
purely American surname. It was originally Gerster, pronounced
Gaster or Garster, and was corrupted into Carster, Caster and
Castor.
As used by the family which settled in New York State, it is
also purely American. In this case the name was originally De
Castorer and the De and final er were dropped to form the present
name.
There are records of only two of the name Castor who came
to America from Europe using the name in its present form. One
of these was a German, William Castor, from Oberwesel, A. R.,
Germany, who lived on Spring Street, Syracuse, New York. The
other was a George Castor, also a German, who was in business
on Sixth Avenue, New York City. There is a Nan A. De Caster
now living in Melrose, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
There were nine immigrants to Pennsylvania who bore the
name of Gerster, and, though it is with the first of these and his
descendants with which this work deals, a list of them is not out of
place here as in almost every instance where their issue exists to-
day, the name is spelled Caster or Castor.
GERSTER IMMIGRANTS TO PENNSYLVANIA, 1736-1805.
Hans Georg Gerster 1736 Casper Gerster 1748
Johan Adam Gerster 1748 Henrich Gerster 1749
John Gerster 1768 Samuel Gerster and wife. .1803
Johannes Gerster 1803 Johannes Gerster 1804
Mr. and Mrs. Gerster, of Gelterkinden 1805
Of all these immigrants and their descendants whose names are
recorded as having served in the Continental Army in the Revo-
lution, only one retained the name of Gerster. This was Henrich
Gerster, who, as will be seen by consulting the above list, emigrated
in 1749. See State Archives.
In the will of Henry Rorer, executed February 13, 1769, and
recorded November 16, 1854, he left property to "Elizabeth, wife of
Frederick Gerstor," and also to "Sepah (Sophia), wife of Jacob
Garstor."
In a deed poll (December 23, 1811) — "Elizabeth, late wife of
Frederick Coster," and "Jacob Coster, for his late wife, Sophia."
In 1762, George Castor, the founder of the Holmesburg,
Frankford and Wissinoming Castor families, who had given his
name as "Hans Georg Gerster" in taking passage for America, had
his name written "George Castor" on the deed for property which
he purchased in Oxford Township.
In the registers of the German Reformed and Moravian
Churches are the birth records and some of the marriage records
of the children of George Castor. In every case where the name
appears on either record it is spelled in the old form. This is so
even in the records of Mathias Castor, the grandson of George
Castor by his eldest son, George. The same names are all to be
found in the records of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford and
in every case the name is Castor or Caster.
The following records from the German Reformed Church
register show the second marriage of George Castor, the marriage
of his grandson, George Castor, son of his son Frederick, and the
marriage of his granddaughter, Margaret Castor, daughter of
Frederick. All were living near Frankford at these dates and were
known by the name of Castor.
John George Gerster married December 2, 1782, Anna Maria
Burghart.
George Gerster married March 22, 1787, Margaret Jung.
Margaret Gerster married March 27, 1787, Jacob Myer.
lO
JOHN GEORGE CASTOR (Hans Georg Gerster)
OF BASEL, SWITZERLAND
WHO IMMIGRATED TO AMERICA AND SETTLED IN PENNSYLVANIA
IN 1736
HIS FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN
1. Hans Gerster was born in Basel, or Basle, Switzerland, in
the latter part of the 17th Century. He left issue, with other
children.
2. Hans Georg Gerster (John George Castor), who was born
in Basel*, March 5, 1710. In the year 1735, he married Eve ,
who emigrated with him to Pennsylvania, where she died July,
1777. "Hans Georg Gerster," as his name appears on the ship's
list (see Pennsylvania Archives), sailed on the ship "Princess
Agusta, Samuel Merchant, Master, of Rotterdam, last from
Cowes," in 1736. He took the oath of allegiance in Philadelphia,
vSeptember 16th of the same year, which was only a short time af-
ter he landed. In the record of his oath of allegiance his name is
written "Hance George Gerster."
John George Castor remained in Philadelphia a few years and
his two eldest sons were born in that city. He removed to German-
town, where, in January, 1746, he (Hans Gerster) was one of the
petitioners to the Moravian Brethren in Bethlehem asking them to
establish a school for girls in Germantown. He was for a time con-
nected with the Moravian Church in which faith four of his chil-
dren, Veronica, Abraham, Hannah and Sarah were baptised. See
* The Rev. William R. Scott writes that he traces the family back to Berne
and not to Basel. There exists several reasons for making the statement that
George Castor was from Basel. The Rev. Thomas Murphy made considerable
research in the matter and had the advantage of knowing many of the early
Castors, hi his history of the Frankford Church he states that the founders were
from "Basle." Later ho visited Switzerland and made research there. He found
that George Castor, the emigrant, was from Basel and that his branch of the
family was a large one and was spread well over Basel and Canton Glarus adjoin-
ing. Another strong reason for belief in the Basel origin of George is the letter
written to William Hall Waxier by Charles Deal, hi this letter, which we reprint
in this work, he states that George and his (Charles Deal's) grandfather came
from the same place in Switzerland, namely "Balle."
13
Moravian Church register.
On March 10, 1762, he purcliased of Joseph Hart, a planta-
tion of 202 acres, in Oxford Township, Philadelphia County. In
the deed he is styled "of Germantown," and the name is "George
Castor." At the time of this purchase he removed to the planta-
tion then acquired and continued to reside there until his death,
December 29, 1797, aged 87 years, 9 months, 3 weeks and 3 days.
John George Castor was one of the founders of the Presby-
terian Church of Frankford, and one of its largest contributors,
as well as one of its officers. In the history of this church, written
by the Rev. Thomas Murphy, he is spoken of as a man of iron will.
See quotations from this history which are reprinted in the back
of this work.
In 1769, as is shown in the third series of the Pennsylvania
Archives, "George Castor, Sr.," was taxed on 200 acres, 4 horses
and 6 cattle; and his payment was 22 pounds, 1 shilling and 4
pence. In 1774 he was taxed on the same acreage, the same num-
ber of horses and one more cow. For this year he paid the sum of
22 pounds, 2 shillings and 1 penny. In 1781 his property was
valued at 1,373 pounds and his tax bill called for payment of 19
pounds, 4 shillings and 5 pence. This valuation, which in present-
day money would be equal to about $6,725, in the hands of one man
in those days, was considered a fairly large fortune, and, according
to the tax records of 1781, George Castor was numbered among
the wealthiest in Oxford Township. A saw-mill was located on
George's property, which was run by the water power of Tacony
Creek.
His children were eight in number and were all by his first
wife. His second wife, Anna Maria Burghart, whom he married
in the German Reformed Church, Philadelphia, December 2, 1782,
and called Mary in his will, survived him.
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Issue: —
3. George b. Dec. 14, 1736. Of whom presently.
4. Frederick b. Apr. 27, 1739. Of whom presently.
5. Mary Elizabeth m. Philip Cresman.
6. Jacob b. 1742. Of whom presently.
7. Veronica bap. Dec. 14, 1745. d. unmarried, Aug. 7, 1806.
8. Abraham bap. July 4, 1747. m. May 15, 1776, Elizabeth
Hendricks. He was taxed in the year 1779 as a resident of Lowfer
Dublin Township, Philadelphia County, and his payment was 5
shillings. In 1782 his property was valued at 50 shillings and he
paid to the State 7 shillings and 8 pence. In 1783 he was taxed on
125 acres, 2 horses, 2 cattle and 2 sheep, all in Abington Township.
He left twin daughters, b. Feb. 18, 1782. One of these was Han-
nah, who m. Thomas Funston. Thomas was b. Feb. 19, 1788, and
d. June 20, 1829. Hannah d. June 25, 1883. Her twin survived
her. This is a most unusual occurence. Hannah lived to be over
101 years of age (the record is on her headstone in Cedar Hill
Cemetery) and her twin lived after her death. Mr. Charles Deal
is the authority for the fact that Hannah's twin survived her. I
have been unable to secure any record of her death. Abraham
had other issue, but it is believed that none of them reached ma-
turity. Three daughters and a son are mentioned in the Presby-
terian Church records as being interred in the yard of that Church.
9. Hannah bap. Palm Sunday, 1749. m. Jacob Snyder.
10. Sarah b. June 8, 1751. bap. Aug. 11, 1751. m. Thomas
Evanger, Sr., who d. Dec. 8, 1813, age 61 years, 10 months, and 21
days. Sarah d. Nov. 8, 1800.
15
GEORGE CASTOR
ELDEST SON OF JOHN GEORGE CASTOR, NO. 2
AND HIS DESCENDANTS
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3. George Castor was born December 14, 1736, in Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania. On July 9, 1765 (see register of the German
Reformed Church, Philadelphia), he married Margaretha (in later
records written Margaret) Shuterle, who died August 16, 1811,
in her 67th year. Mr. Castor was a farmer and resided in Oxford
Township. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Frankford, and when he died, May 25, 1811, he was interred in the
yard of that church. His wife, who died less than three months
later, was buried beside him. George undoubtedly served in either
the Revolutionary Army or Militia, but proof of this is lacking to
the present time, owing to the imperfect records of the State. The
State Archives, which show that his younger brothers, Frederick
and Jacob, held commissions in the Militia, do not mention either
George or his eldest son, Mathias, although, in the "Siege of York-
town," the latter's name is mentioned. In the Archives, in the
volumes pertaining to the Militia and "Minute Men," it will be
noticed that, in the majority of instances, only the officers of the
regiments and companies are given. The names of the non-com-
missioned officers and privates are lacking.
George was a patriot. This is well proven by the following
story which was told by Mathias to his children and has been
handed down to the present generation. The story is here written
by Howard Paul Castor and is exactly as it was told him by his
grandfather, George Johnson Castor, son of Mathias:
"During the Fall and Winter of 1777 and 1778, when the Brit-
ish occupied Philadelphia, they made frequent raids into the sur-
rounding country, and on such occasions it was the 'rebel' farmer
who suffered."
19 -
"During the Spring of 1778, when the British were preparing
to evacuate Philadelphia, they made a raid through the section
surrounding the Bristol Pike in search of horses to pull their can-
non. George's team was in the field, on his Salter Lane farm,
ploughing, when the British approached. Knowing him to be a
'rebel' they removed his horses from the plough and made ofif with
them and the other stock, leaving only an old mare and a colt."
In 1769, George was taxed on two horses and three cattle.
His bill called for a payment of two pounds, ten shillings and eight
pence. In 1774, on the same items, he paid a State tax of ten shil-
lings. His name is written in the tax records as ''George Castor,
Jr," his father's as "George Castor, Sr."
Issue: —
11. Mathias b. Oct. 14, 1766. Of whom presently.
12. Margaret b. Apr. 15, 1769, m. Jan. 25, 1791, in the old
Swedes' Church, Philadelphia, James Johnson, whose sis-
ter married Margaret's brother, Mathias. James d. July
5, 1837, in his 65th year. Margaret d. Jan. 3, 1845.
13. George d. 1810.
14. Susanna b. Oct. 16, 1779, bap. Jan. 9, 1780, m.
Gentry.
15. William b. Oct. 15, 1782, bap. Dec. 15, 1782.
The godparents of the last two were Valentine Hoffman and
his wife, Catrina.
11. Mathias Castor, eldest son of George Castor, No. 3, was
born October 14, 1766,* in Oxford Township, Philadelphia County.
On April 8, 1792, in the Old Swedes' Church, he married Rebecca
"•In a manuscript copy of the records of the Presbyterian Church of Frank-
ford, to be seen in the Hbrary of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, the
record copied from Mathias' headstone is as follows : — Matthias Castor, born
November 19, 17G3. Died December 2, 1835, aged T2 years, 13 days. The
20
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Johnson, who was born December 20, 1774, and died October 27,
1821, whose brother married Mathias' sister, Margaret, and whose
father owned the "Old Johnson Homestead," which Hes on the
Delaware between the ''Castor Mansion" and the Frankford Ar-
senal. The Johnson farm was a large one and extended from the
Delaware to Ditman Street, and from the farm of "Cork Leg"
George Castor to the Frankford Arsenal. The house is still stand-
ing, but is in a semi-ruined condition and is inhabited by very poor
people. The old Dutch oven in which Rebecca doubtless cooked
many a meal is still to be seen in the rear of the house.
As has before been stated, Mathias' name does not appear in
the list of the Revolutionary soldiers in the State Archives. His
name is recorded, however, in a list of the soldiers who took part
in the "Siege of Yorktown." ^
On April 2, 1801, he purchased for $13,500.00, from Jno.
Holmes, Jr., a farm of 79 acres on the Delaware, known as the
"Pennypack Farm," on which property the House of Correction
now stands. The old homestead was torn down to make way for
the present structure. Mathias also owned the farm on Salter
Lane, known as the "Tennant Farm." He was the head of the
Castor family. Mathias died December 2, 1835, and was interred,
with his wife, in the Presbyterian churchyard, Frankford.
Issue : —
16. Margaret m. Josiah Jackson. Of whom presently.
17. Samuel. Of whom presently.
18. William b. May 26, 1797. Of whom presently.
19. Phebe. m Henry Hartley. Of whom presently.
20. George Johnson b. Mar. 18, 1802. Of whom presently.
record on the stone itself, as it stands to-day, is so badly worn as to be unde-
cipherable and when the copy was made for the Historical Society could not
have been in much better condition. The birth date is not correct as com-
pared with other evidence ; and the age evidently a matter of deduction.
21
21. Rebecca b. Nov. 13, 1805. Of whom presently.
16. Margaret Castor, eldest daughter of Mathias Castor, No.
11, married Josiah Jackson.
Issue: —
22. Hannah Jackson. Living 1910.
22a. George Jackson.
23. Phebe Jackson.
24. Margaret Jackson.
25. William Jackson. Of whom presently.
26. Joel Carr Jackson.
27. Josiah Jackson.
28. Samuel Jackson, d. in Philadelphia. No issue.
29. Charles Jackson, d. in Delaware.
17. Samuel Castor, eldest son of Mathias Castor, No. 11,
moved south of Philadelphia, where it is believed he died without
issue.
18. William Castor, second son of Mathias Castor, No. 11,
was born May 26, 1797. He married May 29, 1821, in the Pres-
byterian Church of Frankford, Elizabeth Northrop, a descendant
of Joseph Northrop, who settled in Milford, Connecticut, 1637.
See Northrop-Northrup Genealogy. Elizabeth was born May 29,
1798, and died April 22, 1861. William died March 16, 1839. The
early part of his life was spent on his father's farm ("Pennypack
Farm") and his children were all born there. In 1835, when the
old homestead was sold, he moved to a house on what is now called
Frankford avenue, a short distance from Holmesburg. William
succeeded his father as head of the Castor family. This title de-
scended from him to his eldest son, John, and from him it has de-
scended to his son, William, of Holmesburg, the present head of
the family. William (No. 18) and his wife are both interred in
22
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Issue : —
30. Mary b. June. 7, 1823. m. George Mulerdore, of Brides-
burg, d. July 7, 1881.
31. John Northrop b. Jan. 26, 1826. Of whom presently.
32. Rebecca b. May 7, 1829. m. Thomas Webster, d. June
22, 1853.
33. George Mathias b. Dec. 25, 1830. Of whom presently.
19. Phebe Castor, second daughter of Mathias Castor, No.
11, married Henry Hartley. _
Issue: —
34. Josephine Hartley, m. Rev. Samuel Powers.
35. Calvin S. Hartley. Now living in Chicago.
Also two children who died while young.
20. George Johnson Castor, third son of Mathias Castor, No.
11, was born March 18, 1802, on the "Pennypack Farm" on the
Delaware. He married, in the old Abington Presbyterian Church,
Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Anna Eliza Bender. Elizabeth
was born August 13, 1809, and died May 27, 1900. The Bender
farm, the girlhood home of Elizabeth, was located on both sides
of Bristol Pike, between what is now Longshore and Unruh
Streets, Philadelphia. The home was on the northwest and the
barn on the southeast side of the pike.
George J., when he married, left his boyhood home on the
Pennypack and with his wife settled in Wissinoming. All of his
children were raised in the home he built at that time. The old
home still remains on the corner of what is now Tulip and Howell
Streets. See illustration.
The farm was noted for its unusual attractiveness and beauty
and for its variety of fruits and abundance of beautiful flowers.
23
It was an ideal home, a home that he loved, a home of hospitality
where many brilliant social entertainments took place and where
the prominent old-time families congregated in friendship. As
George was fond of hunting big game, many a feast of bear and
venison took place in the old home, for, in his day, bear, deer, and
even an occasional catamount, were to be found within a few hours'
drive of Wissinoming.
George was a man temperate in all things. He was tall, large-
boned and over six feet two inches in height. There were three
George Castors in his time and, in speaking of him, he was styled
"Long George" or "Tall George."
During his last years he was invalided by rheumatism and it
was during this time that the portrait of him shown here was taken.
The picture does not do justice to the healthy man of former years.
He raised a family of five sons and four daughters, none of
whom drank or used tobacco in any form, and all of whom, at
some time during their lives, were members of the Presbyterian
Church of Frankford, in which church their ancestors had wor-
shiped since it was founded in 1770.
He was a school director from 1850 to 1862, and a Trustee of
the Frankford Church about the same years. He was a man of
dominant will, his judgment and advice was sought by many, he
bore the reputation of being a very just man, his word was as good
as his bond, and when he passed away. May 5, 1870, he left a name
honored, respected and untarnished. He is interred in Cedar Hill
Cemetery.
Issue: —
36. Emily b. April 27, 1829. Single.
37. Eliza Ann b. July 16, 1830. d. unmarried, April, 1904.
38. Henry B. b. Dec. 13, 1832. Of whom presently.
39. Howard b. Jan. 2, 1835. Of whom presently.
24
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40. Linford b. Dec. 27, 1837. Of whom presently.
41. Barton Jenks b. Nov. 14, 1839. Of whom presently.
42. Rebecca b. July, 1841. d. March 30, 1847.
43. Theodore b. Mar., 1845. d. Aug. 29, 1867.
44. Josephine Hartley b. Feb. 7, 1853.
45. Menvilla Neice b. Jan. 6, 1854. d. unmarried Dec. 8, 1903.
21. Rebecca Castor, third daughter of Mathias Castor, No.
11, was born November 13, 1805. She married Joseph Biles, who
was born April 21, 1804, and died May 30, 1885. Rebecca died
June 30, 1891, and was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Issue: —
46. Martha Biles. Did not marry.
47. Helen Biles. Did not marry.
48. George Castor Biles. Was in Confederate Army and
was killed in Memphis, Tenn.
49. Charles Biles m. Alice Walton.
50. Linford Biles.
51. Edwin R. Biles. Was a General in the Union Army,
m. Miss Black.
52. Margaret Biles m. Robert Keys.
53. Sarah Francis Biles m. Robert Hinckley.
25. William Jackson, second son of Margaret Castor, No.
16, and Josiah Jackson, her husband, had issue, two daughters and
one son.
Issue: —
54. Helen Jackson.
55. Mathilda Jackson.
56. William Jackson.
31. John Northrop Castor, eldest son of William Castor, No.
18, was born on the "Pennypack Farm" on the Delaware, near
Holmesburg, January 26, 1826.
25
Issue : —
57. Georgiana b. 1850.
58. William b. December 9, 1850. Of whom presently.
59. Elizabeth b. January, 1853. Single.
60. Mary Emma b. 1855. d. 1861, age 6 years.
61. Charles M. b. 1858. Of whom presently.
62. Alfred b. 1860. No issue.
63. Emily D. b. 1862.
64. Frank G. b. 1865. Of whom presently.
33. George Mathias Castor, second son of William Castor,
No. 18, was born on the 'Tennypack Farm," December 30, 1830.
On July 13, 1854, he married Mary Elizabeth Mills, who was at
that time in her seventeenth year. Mary was the daughter of
Joseph Mills, son of George Mills, son of Adam Mills. Her mother
was Hannah, daughter of Thomas Burrage, or Burridge, and his
wife, Mary Howell. Thomas' father was Sergeant John Burrage,
of the Fourth Foot Company of Militia, which fought at the Battle
of Lexington, April 17, 1775, and at the Battle of Concord. Ser-
geant John's father was William, son of John, son of William, son
of John, who was born at Norton Subcourse, England, April 10,
1616, and settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1632. John
was son of Thomas, son of Richard, son of Robert, who was born
1490, and died in Seething, Norfolk, England, in 1559, Joseph
Mills married Hannah Burrage in 1837. See Burrage Genealogy.
Mary was also descended from Major Humphrey Atherton,
of Walton, Lancashire, England, where he commanded the Suf-
folk Regiment with the rank of Major. He married, at the age of
fifteen, Mary Wales, who was at that time thirteen years of age.
Major Atherton came to America and, in the year 1648, was Lieu-
tenant of the "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of
Boston."
George Mathias Castor
of Holinesbiirg
1830-1880
Mary Elizabeth MillsCastor
Wife of George Mathias Castor
1838-1891
Major Atherton was killed while reviewing his troops on Bos-
ton Common, by being thrown from his horse.
Mary was born February 19, 1838, and died March 17, 1891.
George died May 16, 1880. They are both interred in Cedar Hill
Cemetery.
George Mathias Castor was loved by every one who knew
him. He had many friends and from what is said by them of him
to-day, surely none could have lived a better, more honorable, or
more wholesome life than he. He was a man of strong religious
belief, but was neither narrow nor bigoted. He gave regularly ten
per cent, of his income to the church. He attended the Holmes-
burg Presbyterian Church, which is an offshoot of that church
founded by his ancestors in Frankford many years before, and
occasionally attended the parent church in Frankford. His home,
which was on the Main Street of Holmesburg, opposite to the Bap-
tist Church, ran through from Main Street to the street in the
rear. This was torn down by George A. Castor, his son, and new
houses built in its place.
Issue: —
65. George A. b. Aug. 6, 1856. Of whom presently.
66. Mary b. May 3, 1858. Of whom presently.
67. Nellie Mills b. April 3, 1864. Of whom presently.
68. Morton b. August 3, 1866. d. Aug. 3, 1869.
38. Henry Bender Castor, eldest son of George Johnson Cas-
tor, No. 20, was born in Wissinoming, December 13, 1832. He
married, January 20, 1858, Julia E. Baker, who was born May 3,
1838, and died February 19, 1899. Her father and mother, George
and Susan Baker, owned the farm which extended from what is
now Bridge Street to Vankirk Street and from Ditman Street to
Cottage Street, between Frankford and Wissinoming. Henry was
the last of the Castors to farm the Wissinoming homestead farm.
27
After his father's death, in 1870, he built a house on what is now
Vankirk and Hegerman Streets, then a part of the farm. He and
his family lived in this house and farmed the property until it was
laid out in building lots. He was named for his grandfather,
Henry Bender. About the time of his marriage he joined the Bap-
tist Church on Paul Street, Frankford, and later became one of
the organizers and officers of the Whitehall Baptist Church in
Philadelphia. His wife was a Baptist. At the time of his wife's
death he broke up his home and went to live with his son, Calvin,
who is a farmer and lives near Clementon, New Jersey.
Issue : —
69. George Johnson b. July 14, 1859. Of whom presently.
70. Susan B. b. Dec. 23, 1861. d. April 10, 1882.
71. Calvin Hartley, b. Aug. 7, 1864. Of whom presently.
72. Frank H. b. July 19, 1866. Of whom presently.
73. Sadie E. b. Nov. 28, 1870. d. June 30, 1880.
39. Howard Castor, second son of George Johnson Castor,
No. 20, was born in Wissinoming, January 2, 1835. He died
March 19, 1909. His wife, whom he married August 28, 1858, was
Eliza Jane, daughter of John Andrews and Margaret Stewart
Paul, was born June 6, 1838. The Pauls were an old Huguenot
family, which settled in Pennsylvania in early Colonial days. Their
home was situated close to the old "Chew Mansion" in German-
town (famous in Revolutionary history) and the two families were
close friends. The home, which stood in the midst of the Battle
of Germantown, is still standing and the family still occupy it.
The Pauls were well represented in the Revolutionary Army. Some
of the family were with "Mad Anthony" Wayne at the Battles of
Brandywine, Germantown, Paoli, Stony Point, Monmouth and
others.
About the years 1856-7, Howard was a member of the choir
28
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of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford. When the Holmes-
burg Church was being organized (it was a branch of the Frank-
ford Church) it was Howard's custom to drive in his father's
buggy to Frankford and take the Rev. Thomas Murphy down to
Holmesburg to the business meetings. Dr. Murphy was pastor
of the Frankford Church for 47 years.
Howard was named for the Rev. Dr. Howard, who was pas-
tor of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford preceding Dr. Mur-
phy. He remained in the old Wissinoming home and managed
the farm for his father until he was married. He and his wife
settled on Castor Road, above Oxford Pike, where he farmed. He
moved later (1874) to a farm near Rockland, New Castle County,
Delaware, where he also farmed and where two of his children
were born (William B. and Norman S.). On January 1, 1876, he
returned to Philadelphia and became a contractor and builder.
The first houses built on the old homestead grounds in Wissin-
oming were planned and built by him. He and his son, Howard
P., were for a while associated in business.
Howard, like his father, was a tall, well-built man, over six
feet in height. He raised a large family and he and his wife lived
to celebrate their golden wedding together. Howard was a lover
of his home and family and his last years were lived in retirement.
When he died he left a heritage of pleasant memories and a life
record which, for honesty and goodness, is surpassed by none.
Issue: —
74. Howard Paul b. June 2, 1859. Of whom presently.
75. Linford C. b. May, 1861. d. 1861.
76. Margaret Stewart b. Aug. 28, 1862. Of whom presently.
77. Elizabeth b. Aug. 2, 1864. d. 1865.
78. Mifflin N. b. May 13, 1866. d. Oct. 10, 1883.
79. Robert B. Keys b. Aug. 29, 1868. Of whom presently.
29
80. John P. b. Feb. 21, 1870. Of whom presently.
81. WilHam B. b. Feb. 25, 1874. Of whom presently.
82. Norman S. b. October 19, 1875. Of whom presently.
40. Linford Castor, third son of George Johnson Castor, No.
20, was born in Wissinoming, December 27, 1837. He married, May
10, 1866, Mary B. Brooks, who was born April 7, 1839. Mary was
the daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Brooks, of Frankford,
and granddaughter of Peter Slaughter, who was one of the trus-
tees of the Frankford Presbyterian Church in its early days. In
"One Hundred Years of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford,"
the Rev. Thomas Murphy says of him: — "Peter Slaughter, a man
affectionately remembered for his purity of character, his Chris-
tian activity, and long continued usefulness in the Church." Her
father was at one time a large manufacturer of shoes in Frankford
and afterward became superintendent of the Frankford Gas Works,
in which position he continued for thirty years. Mary was a mem-
ber of the Frankford Church, took an active interest in the Sunday
School and, as a girl, sang in the choir.
Linford remained on the homestead farm until he married,
when he became associated with his father-in-law in the shoe busi-
ness in Frankford, He later became connected with the Philadel-
phia Water Works, where he remained until he retired from active
business.
His home is in Wissinoming and located on a portion of the
old farm on which he was born. When a young man he was li-
brarian of the Frankford Presbyterian Church. He was also
treasurer of the committee that arranged the Centennial Anniver-
sary Celebration of the church, May 4, 1870, an occasion well re-
membered by all who attended.
Issue: —
83. Jonathan Brooks b. Dec. 16, 1867. d. July 14, 1886.
30
84. Elizabeth Brooks b. Dec. 31, 1876. m. Dec. 18, 1892,
Arthur Whitaker.
41. Barton Jenks Castor, fourth son of George Johnson Cas-
tor, No. 20, was born in Wissinoming, in the old homestead on
Tulip Street, November 14, 1839. He married, June 16, 1865,
Mary, daughter of Jessie and Elizabeth (nee Lehman) Mancill,
of Norristown, Pennsylvania. Jesse was a well known and suc-
cessful manufacturer, operating the largest and best known flour
mill of its day. He was a descendant of Lord Mansell, whose fam-
ily name has been variously spelled Mansel, Monsel, Maunsell,
Munsell, Mansell and Mancill. Elizabeth was of German ances-
try, descended from the Lehman and Favenger families of Trappe,
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. These families attended the
old Augustus Lutheran Church, built in 1743, and in the church
register are the records of many members of the two families. Many
of both families are buried in the churchyard. The old Trappe
Church was in continuous service for over a century when the con-
gregation erected a larger edifice. Since the new church was
built services have been held in the old one only on the first Sun-
day in August each year. The following description of the church
is written by Mary Mancill Castor:
" 'The Old Trappe Church,' as it is called, is visited every year
by a large number of tourists. An interesting chapter in its his-
tory is that it was used as a hospital by Washington's Army on
the retreat after the Battle of Germantown. The church is in a
remarkable state of preservation. The old-fashioned, straight-
jacket pews of two centuries ago are still as strong and serviceable
as ever and the massive stone walls show no signs of the wear of
over a century and a half of exposure to the elements. Indeed, the
only repairs done to the old building in all these years consist of a
new shingle roof and a new coat of plaster on the walls."
31
"The burying yard, immediately back of the church, is also
interesting. Many of the inscriptions are in German and date
back before the Revolution. Rev. General Peter Muhlenberg, the
'Fighting Parson' of the American Revolution, is buried in the
graveyard."
Barton was named for Barton Jenks, a Bridesburg manufac-
turer and particular friend of George Johnson Castor, his father.
He was educated at Port Royal Academy. He remained on the
farm until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he entered the
Government service, and was placed in charge of the manufacture
of ammunition in the Frankford Arsenal. In 1865 he volunteered
to take a trainload of ammunition through the South to St. Louis.
This he safely accomplished.
After the war he engaged in the real estate and conveyancing
business, and later became associated with Walter W. Hood, and
under the name of Castor and Hood, he and his partner became
the leading conveyancers of Philadelphia. Barton was an active
church worker and was trustee of the old Frankford Presbyterian
Church. It was while serving in this capacity that he, with the
devoted assistance of his wife and others, organized the Disston
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Tacony. When this church was
fully organized and safely housed in its present handsome struc-
ture, he took up the laborious task of organizing another church
in Wissinoming.
As Wissinoming was rapidly becoming a town and needed a
place of worship, the Frankford Presbyterian Church, under the
pastorate of the Reverend Thomas Murphy, lent its assistance and
the Wissinoming Church became an accomplished fact. The
writer is qualified to attest that it was due to Barton Castor and
his devoted wife, their labors and Christian liberalities, that these
two churches are in existence to-day.
32
Barton was School Director of the 35th section for many years
and was chairman of the committee which built the Lawton School
in Wissinoming. He now lives in the old homestead, where he was
born, with his wife and his two unmarried sisters, Emily and Jos-
ephine. He has no issue.
58. William Castor, eldest son of John Northrop Castor, No.
31, was born in Holmesburg, December 9, 1850. He married, No-
vember 26, 1874, Annie Kreis. He has been Postmaster of Holmes-
burg for many years and is the present head of the Castor Family.
Issue: —
85. Ida Dorentha, b. Oct. 6, 1876, d. July 11, 1908.
86. William Mayberry b. Aug. 26, 1878. Of whom presently.
87. John Northrop b. Jan. 6, 1882. Of whom presently.
88. Louisa Kreis b. Feb. 10, 1887.
61. Charles M. Castor, second son of John Northrop Castor,
No. 31, was born in Holmesburg in 1858. In 1877 he married
Sophia Kline.
Issue: —
89. Charles L. b. 1879.
90. Mary A. b. 1881.
91. Emma E. b. 1885.
92. Wilmer C. b. 1888.
62. Alfred B. Castor, third son of John Northrop Castor, No.
31, was born in Holmesburg in 1860. In 1885 he married Mary J.
Louden. They have no issue.
64. Frank G. Castor, fourth son of John Northrop Castor,
No. 31, was born in Holmesburg in 1865. He married, January 1,
1899, Agnes F. Chambley.
Issue: —
93. Frank D. b. 1891.
33
94. L. Northrop b. 1895.
95. Myra b. 1899.
96. Evelyn A. b. 1903.
65. George A. Castor, eldest son of George Mathias Castor,
No. 33, was born on Main Street, Holmesburg, August 6, 1856.
Almost without exception success followed every undertaking of
this George. When only a young man he amassed a considerable
fortune and built a handsome residence for himself in Holmesburg,
which is still one of the show places in that section. On February
19, 1904, he was elected to fill a death vacancy in the 58th Congress,
with a plurality of 24,347 votes, and was re-elected the following
election with 39,992 votes, against his opponent's 28,083. He was
known as the "Leap Year Congressman," being sworn in on Febru-
ary 29th. He was taken sick at his Summer home, "Camp Kilkare,"
Lake Placid, and was removed to "Stonyhurst," his Holmesburg
residence, where he died 3 P. M. February 19, 1906. His funeral
was a very large one and was attended by four Senators, twelve
Congressmen and hundreds of friends and relatives. His body was
interred in the Episcopal Churchyard in Holmesburg. He married
Katharine Duffy. Mr. Castor was a man of large heart and had a
friend in every one who knew him. A good account of him and his
home is to be found in a most interesting work entitled "The
Bristol Pike."
Issue: —
97. Morton b. April 30, 1876.
98. Katharine b. Feb. 8, 1878, m. Oct. 27, 1909, William Harry
Hedges.
99. George Mathias b. 1879, d. June 9, 1894. Int. North Cedar
Plill.
100. Estelle b. Nov., 1889, m. George W. Rommel, son of
34
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They reside in Germantown.
66. Mary Castor, eldest daughter of George Mathias Castor,
No. 33, was born in Holmesburg May 3, 1858. She married. May 3,
1878, Lemuel Ball, and died November 16, 1902. Interred in
North Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Issue: —
101. Nellie Castor Ball b. May 16, 1879, in Tacony, Pa., m.
Samuel Oldham, of Frankford. They now live with
Lemuel Ball in his home in Wissinoming. No issue.
67. Nellie Mills Castor, second daughter of George Mathias
Castor, No. 33, was born in Holmesburg April 3, 1864. She mar-
ried, first, December 6, 1883, Dr. Richard Allen Martin, a de-
scendant of the Martins of Ballynahinch, County Down, Ireland.
Both Richard's grandfather and father, Samuel and Thomas Mar-
tin, came to America from Bolton-le-moors, Lancashire, England.
See Martin Genealogy. Richard died March 17, 1890, and is now
interred in family vault in North Cedar Hill Cemetery.
She married, second, June 23, 1894, William H. Allardyce, of
Galveston, Texas, and New York City. William's ancestors came
from Bernie, near Aberdeen, Scotland (see Allardyce Genealogy)
and settled in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
By her first husband, Nellie had issue, two sons.
Issue: —
102. George Castor Martin b. March 30, 1885. Of whom
presently.
103. Richard Allen Martin b. Oct. 14, 1886. Of whom pres-
ently.
69. George J. Castor, eldest son of Henry B. Castor, No. 38,
was born at Edge Hill, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, July
35
14, 1859. He married June 19, 1884, Annie, daughter of Frank
Kelley, of Holmesburg. Annie died February 6, 1886. He mar-
ried, second. May 18, 1893, Florence C. Fife. George J. was named
for his grandfather, George Johnson Castor. The early part of his
life was spent on the farm at Wissinoming, which he helped his
father farm. He was at one time a contractor, but now owns a farm
near Prospectville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he
resides.
Issue, by his first wife:- —
104. Mary M. b. May 6, 1885.
71. Calvin Hartley Castor, second son of Henry B. Castor,
No. 38, was born August 7, 1864, in Frankford, Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania. He married Sadie Marvine, daughter of Joseph and Mary
M. Lesher, of Frankford. Calvin learned the trade of carpentry
and later became connected with the Department of Public Safety.
He is now a farmer and lives near Clementon, New Jersey.
Issue: —
105. Joseph Henry b. June 30, 1889.
106. Annie Bromily b. Aug. 16, 1891.
107. Linford b. Feb. 19, 1895.
108. George Johnson b. Dec. 3, 1896, d. Jan. 9, 1897.
109. Elsie May b. Sept. 9, 1901.
110. Bertha Dorothy b. June 13, 1906.
Ill Calvin Hartley b. April 14, 1908.
72. Frank H. Castor, third son of Henry B. Castor, No. 38,
was born July 19, 1866, in Frankford. He married Margaret T.
Brandscett, of Philadelphia. Frank died September 12, 1906, and
his wife June 13, 1905.
Issue: —
112. Julia E. b. March 31, 1889.
113. Louise b. Aug. 5, 1890.
36
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114. Nealie b. Aug. 16, 1891, d. May 1, 1902.
115. Harry b. June 3, 1893.
116. Ethel b. Feb. 3, 1895.
117. Sadie Lesher b. Oct. 8, 1898.
118. James B. b. June 13, 1901. Deceased.
119. Florence T. b. June, 1905. Died in infancy.
74. Howard Paul Castor, eldest son of Howard Castor, No.
39, and eldest grandson of George Johnson Castor, No. 20, was
born on Castor Road above Oxford Pike, Philadelphia, June 2, 1859.
On October 23, 1882, he married Letitia Stackhouse, daughter of
William F. and Mary (nee Street) Bailey, of Bristol, Bucks County,
Pennsylvania. The Baileys are of Quaker ancestry. Alary was de-
scended from General Green, the famous Revolutionary com-
mander, and also was niece of Colonel John Gosling, who was killed
in the Civil War.
Howard Paul Castor was a builder in early life, and when
Wissinoming was laid out in building lots, he and his father became
the pioneer builders. Most of the houses in the town were built by
them, as were many on the adjoining lands. In the early days of
Wissinoming, as a town, it was much hampered by not having an
outlet north of the railroad to Tacony on one side and to Brides-
burg and Frankford on the other. Howard P. started a movement
to have a road opened from Tacony to Frankford. There was much
opposition by those interested in the way and the great cost in
damages and grading made it a hard proposition. It was only
after a long and tedious fight, with many reverses and many ob-
stacles conquered, that the bill was put through. It was due
largely to the efforts of Mr. Castor that this useful highway (Tor-
resdale Avenue) is in use to-day.
After the course of the road was laid out, Howard P. Castor,
in a two-wheeled gig, on Tuesday, July 3, 1894, was the first one
37
who ever drove over Torresdale Avenue from Wissinoming to
Tacony. It was a difficult drive. Two creeks had to be forded and
a deep, heavily-wooded ravine crossed.
Howard P. Castor, his father, and Barton Castor, at their own
expense, had the brush and timber cleared away, the g^round leveled
and temporary foot bridges built over the creeks which crossed it
at that time. This was the beginning of a most important thor-
oughfare, where to-day a double trolley track runs over a finely-
paved broad avenue — "The dreams of H. P. C. realized."
Howard was the first librarian of the Tacony (Disston) Pres-
byterian Church, then a very young man, and was also one of the
organizers of the said church in 1883. At one time he and his wife
v/ere members of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford, where five
generations of his ancestors had worshiped. For a number of years
he was director of the Wissinomnig Building and Loan Association
and also director of the Provident. Through his efforts, Howell,
Keystone and Comly Streets were graded and macadamized, as
also were many other improvements brought to pass. At a leaders'
meeting of the (then) Thirty-fifth Ward he was offered the nomina-
tion for Council of Philadelphia, which nomination in those days
was equivalent to an election. Howard refused this offer. The
first telephone in Wissinoming was introduced by him and the
first election returns bulletined in the town were shown from his
office. These were the returns of McKinley's first election. He
laid the first water pipes in Wissinoming at his own expense and by
special arrangement with the City. He served as City Real Estate
Expert at various times. He built the Wissinoming Coal Yard,
and with his brother-in-law, W. Frank Bailey, operated it as the
Wissinoming Coal and Wood Company. Later he became a resi-
dent of Camden, New Jersey, and is now engaged in the wholesale
lumber business.
38
Issue: —
120. William Barton b. Sept. 4, 1883, d. Apr. 2, 1887.
121. Helen P. b. Nov. 26, 1884, m. Dec. 29, 1909, George W.
Long.
122. Margaret S. b. Dec. 4, 1886, m. June 1, 1909, John R.
Keenan. Issue: — John Paul Keenan, b. April 11, 1910.
123. Mary Elizabeth b. Aug. 28, 1888, m. Sept. 23, 1908, Clar-
ence J. Miller. Issue: — Harry Castor Miller b. June 21,
1909. Mary d. June 22, 1909.
124. Eliza Jane b. Dec. 20, 1890, m. June 30, 1908, William
Edward Stanwood, Jr.
125. Walter Shallcross b. Jan. 15, 1892, d. Apr. 14, 1893.
126. Thomas E. Raymond b. Oct. 21, 1893.
127. Emily L. b. Sept. 7, 1895.
128. Mary T. b. Nov. 6, 1897.
129. George F. b. Nov. 13, 1899.
76. Margaret Stewart Castor, eldest daughter of Howard
Castor, No. 39, was born August 28, 1862. She married John
Sparks, who was born November 1, 1850, and had issue, five chil-
dren.
Issue: —
130. Howard Castor Sparks b. May 24, 1889.
131. Sarah Sparks b. Aug. 29, 1891.
132. Helen Sparks b. June 12, 1894.
133. John Sparks b. Sept. 10, 1897, d. Aug. 29, 1898.
134. Hary Sparks b. Mar. 28. 1901.
79. Robert B. Keys Castor, fourth son of Howard Castor,
No. 39, was born August 29, 1868, in Frankford. He married, De-
cember 9, 1888, Frances Amanda, daughter of William and grand-
daughter of Jacob Funk, Sr., a prominent brick manufacturer,
whose brick yard lay near Bridge Street, between what is now Tor-
39
resdale Avenue and Ditman Street.
Robert was an active, industrious, enterprising man. When
he w^as eighteen years of age he had estabHshed a paying express
business between Philadelphia, Bridesburg and Wissinoming,
which he disposed of at a profit. He then entered the plumbing
and roofing business and later became connected with the Depart-
ment of Public Safety. He filled his position in this department
with credit to himself and only left it in order to accept a position
of trust with the firm of Henry Disston and Sons, Tacony, where
he is now engaged. Robert lives in Wissinoming, where he has a
host of friends. He is interested in politics and has much influence
in his home town, which he uses for the best interest of his com-
munity.
Issue: —
135. Norman Stephen Castor b. Oct. 15, 1889, m. Oct. 15,
1909, Martha D. Parke.
136. William Henry b. Apr. 29, 1891.
137. Robert Bertram b. Feb. 28, 1893.
138. Anna Eliza b. Oct. 31, 1894.
139. Edward Jones b. May 23, 1902. Deceased.
80. John P. Castor, fifth son of Howard Castor, No. 39, was
born in Frankford, Philadelphia, February 27, 1871. He married
Mary E., daughter of Timothy S. and Sarah A. Carr. Mary was
born November 16, 1873.
John v/as a true representative of the old pioneer stock. He
loved the woods and the wilds and when a boy spent much of his
time wandering through the large woods which at that time ex-
tended from the Delaware River to a spot far beyond the Bristol
Pike. A creek ran through these woods and John would catch a
mess of fish or frogs and build a fire, on which he would cook
them, and feast in true woodsman style. When he was eighteen
40
he longed for the West, of which he had heard much, and the free
and adventurous Hfe that was Hved there. He went to Nebraska,
where his cousin, Frank Heston, owned a large ranch. While on
the ranch he became expert in the use of the lasso and the rifle.
When he returned home he was attired in the full kit of a western
cowboy; leather chaparajos, sombrero, cartridge belt, revolver,
lasso and knife, and his heavy western saddle.
He also brought his horse, on which he had ridden across the
State of Nebraska, and a carload of wild western bronchos. His
own pony was so well trained that he could herd cattle or horses
without a rider to direct him. When the horses were sold they
afl:'orded amusement for the entire neighborhood, as their owner
had to lasso and break in each one as it was purchased. 1889 was
the year in which he crossed the State.
John learned the carpentry trade with his brother, Howard
Paul Castor. He became interested in the building of the Panama
Canal by the United States Government, and on February 13, 1905,
he sailed from a snow and ice covered New York to land a short
time later in a land of fruits and flowers, and hotter weather than
he had ever known before. His position in the Government em-
ploy was the command of over one hundred native laborers. The
unsanitary conditions of the big ditch soon affected him, and,
though many inducements were held out to him to have him re-
main, he sailed for home, taking with him a collection of natural
history specimens of that country. Among those he brought to
his home were a monkey and an alligator. After regaining his
health he entered the coft'ee-roasting business in connection with
his brother's extensive coffee and tea business in Philadelphia, John
operating in Trenton, New Jersey, where he and his family reside.
He is a very large man, standing six feet two inches and weighing
228 pounds. He has never used tobacco or liquor in any form.
41
He and his family are all members of the Fifth Presbyterian
Church of Trenton, where his wife takes an active interest in the
Home Department of the Sunday School.
Issue: —
140. John Heston b. May 1, 1892.
141. Elmer H. b. July 1, 1893, d. Oct. 18, 1895.
142. Horace b. July 2, 1894, d. June 22, 1905.
143. Ida Leona b. Jan. 19, 1901.
81. William B. Castor, sixth son of Howard Castor, No. 39,
was born near Rockland, New Castle County, Delaware, February
25, 1874. He married, June 18, 1900, Emily B., daughter of Samuel
M. and Alma Carrilla Broadbent, of Philadelphia, who was born
September 3, 1880. When William was eighteen years of age he
was elected President of the Christian Endeavor of Wissinoming
and Secretary of the Northeast branch of the same Society. At the
age of twenty-one he was elected Trustee of the Wissinoming
Presbyterian Church, under the pastorate of the Reverend David
Scott Clark, and served in that capacity for eleven years. He re-
signed from this position of trust when he removed to Camden,
New Jersey, to take charge of that branch of Castor Brothers' rap-
idly-growing coffee and tea business. He learned the hot-air and
steam-heating business and served as manager for a Philadelphia
establishment until he was twenty-four years of age, when he
became associated with his brother, Norman, in the tea and coffee
business in Wissinoming, and now in Frankford, Camden, Trenton,
Philadelphia and Bethlehem. Success was with him from the start
in this business. From a small beginning, their business has grown
with rapid strides and in its eleven years of growth it has become
the largest of its kind in the State.
In the year 1906 he became a resident of Camden, New Jersey,
and now has a Summer residence at Pitman, New Jersey. He and
42
his wife are members of the Second Presbyterian Church of Cam-
den and take an active part in all church work. He is considered
one of the representative business men of Camden.
Issue: —
144. William Stanley b. March 14, 1901.
145. Edwin Bruce b. Nov. 5, 1903, d. Jan. 25, 1904.
146. Ruth Emily b. Feb. 27, 1905, d. Mar. 20, 1905.
147. Clifford b. July 13, 1906, d. Dec. 21, 1906.
148. Margaret Buckley b. Feb. 19, 1908.
82. Norman S. Castor, seventh son of Howard Castor, No. 39,
was born near Rockland, New Castle County, Delaware, October
19, 1875. On October 24, 1899, he married Jeanette, daughter of
Richard and Mary Eraser, of Wissinoming, who was born Febru-
ary 25, 1882. Norman was a born business man and commenced
his career when about nine years old. At this time he purchased
candy by the pound and sold it by the stick in a play house in his
father's yard. He saved the profits thus acquired and a few years
later made a practice of advancing money to certain city employes
stationed in the neighborhood. These loans were for short periods
and were repaid on "pay day" with good interest. When he was
seventeen years of age he entered the employ of his brother, How-
ard Paul Castor, and during the next three years remained in his
brother's charge. Here, too. he saved his money, and when an ex-
hausted and badly-run coffee and tea route was offered for sale he
purchased it. In his hands the business grew rapidly and two years
later his brother, William B. Castor, joined him in partnership and
organized the firm of Castor Brothers, wholesale and retail coffee
and tea dealers of Frankford. The firm began with a small packing
house and two wagons. To-day, eleven years later, they have
many branches, and over two-score wagons are required to run the
business, wdiich is the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania.
43
Norman is a resident of Frankford, where he and his wife are
active members of the old Presbyterian Church in which six con-
secutive generations of his ancestors have worshiped and of which
his ancestor, John George Castor, was one of the four founders,
May 4, 1770.
Issue: —
149. Mary Caldwell b. July 30, 1901.
150. Bernice L. b. Aug. 28, 1902, d. Mar. 11, 1903.
151. Norman Richard b. April 9, 1905.
152. Jeanette Fraser b. June 11, 1908.
86. William Mayberry Castor, eldest son of William Castor,
No. 58, was born August 26, 1878. He married, January 1, 1902,
Martha J. Stackhouse, and had —
Issue: —
153. Delia Louisa b. June 8, 1904.
154. William b. Mar. 11, 1909.
87. John Northrop Castor, second son of William Castor,
No. 58, was born in Holmesburg, January 6, 1882. He married,
September 8, 1909, Caroline Hobson.
102. George Castor Martin, eldest son of Nellie Mills Castor,
No. 67, and her first husband, Richard Allen Martin, was born in
New York City, March 30, 1885. On September 22, 1906, in Asbury
Park, New Jersey, he married Mildred, daughter of Henry W.
Comegys, of the Kent County, Maryland, family of that name.
Both George and his wife are members of the Sons and Daughters
of the Revolution, respectively. George holds the rank of Vice-
Commodore in the U. S. V. L. S. C.
Issue: —
156. Richard Allen Allardyce Martin b. July 15, 1907, in As-
bury Park, N. J.
44
103. Richard Allen Martin, second son of Nellie Mills Castor,
No. 67, and her first husband, Richard Allen Martin, was born in
New York City, October 14, 1886. He died in Jacksonville, Florida,
December 20, 1908, and was interred in the family vault in North
Cedar Hill Cemetery. Richard did not marry. Among- the many
Societies and Clubs of which he was a member were the Sons of
the Revolution, Monmouth County Historical Society, Ex Libris
Society of London, Belmar Yacht Club, Frankford Historical So-
ciety, and the American Philatelic Society. It is due to the exten-
sive research made by him in the genealogical field that the com-
pilation of this work was possible.
45
FREDERICK CASTOR
SECOND SON OF JOHN GEORGE CASTOR, NO. 2
AND HIS DESCENDANTS
4. Frederick Castor, second son of John George Castor, No.
2, was born in Philadelphia April 27, 1739, as is shown by the rec-
ords of the German Reformed Church in that city. He moved to
Germantown and later to. Frankford with his father and was a
prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of that town. He
was commissioned Lieutenant of the First Company, Second Bat-
talion of Pennsylvania Militia, and was wounded at the Battle of
the Brandywine. He was taken from the field to the "Washington
House" at Chester, then a hospital. He was with his Company at
the Battle of Germantown and a few days later rode over to Frank-
ford to visit his wife. On his arrival home he found that his wife
had gone to the mill at Byberry (built by Benjamin Gilbert in 1759)
a few days earlier and had not returned. Frederick followed her t(,^
Byberry, to find that on the day of the Battle of Germantown,
about the time of her arrival at the mill, she had been taken sick
and on being carried to the miller's home, had given birth to twins.
Frederick had entered the house and was standing by his wife's
bedside when the nurse observed two British soldiers approaching.
Without turning she gave timely warning and Frederick was able
to slip down the stairs, out of the back door and into a heap of
brush which was lying where some trees had been felled. The Brit-
ish soldiers searched the house thoroughly and even went so far as
to feel the bed on which Frederick's wife and the twins were lying.
On seeing the twins, it is said, they cried, "God bless their souls."
After dark the soldiers, giving up hope of Frederick returning, took
his horse and went on their way, leaving Frederick to walk back
to the army on the same night. One of the twins, Samuel, grew up
to become commander of the Pennsylvania Militia. This story was
49
imparted by Ellen Castor Garsed, daughter of Colonel Hiram Cas-
tor, son of General Samuel Castor, to whom it was related by Mar-
garet Myers Castor, daughter of General Samuel. A slightly varied
version of this story is told by George L. Myers. He claims that
Frederick hid in a tree and that his mother, Hannah Myers, had
the tree cut up and made into a "grandfather's clock," which is now-
in his possession.
Frederick married, April 10, 1764, Elizabeth, daughter of
Henry Rorer. He died in Oxford Township, August 27, 1800. The
bulk of his father's estate was left to Frederick, although he was
the second son. The old homestead on Castor Road was part of his
share. Frederick's Revolutionary record is to be found in the Penn-
sylvania Archives. In 1769 Frederick was taxed on 2 horses and 2
cattle and he paid 2 pounds 5 shillings. In 1779 he paid a State tax
of 15 shillings. In 1781 he paid tax on a valuation of 60 pounds, the
sum of 17 shillings, and in 1782, on a valuation of 34 pounds, he
paid an effective supply tax of 4 shillings 8 pence. The dates of his
children are supplied by the Reverend William R. Scott, whose
grandmother was Margaret Elizabeth Yost, daughter of Mary Cas-
tor Yost, daughter of Frederick. Margaret Elizabeth Yost married
William R. Scott, grandfather of the present Reverend William R.
Scott. Mr. Scott has no record of Daniel nor has he ever heard of
him. His record of the birth of Samuel and David do not agree
with that in the Dyre Bible nor with the tradition previously print-
ed. The date in the Bible and the date supplied by Samuel's grand-
son, Charles Wilkinson Castor, both bear out the truth of the story.
Issue: —
157. George b. Feb. 25, 1765. Of whom presently.
158. Margaret b. Feb. 24, 1767, m. in German Reformed
Church, Mar. 27, 1787, Jacob Myers, d. Feb. 7, 1840.
159. Elizabeth b. Feb. 1, 1769, m. Caleb Erie (Mr. Scott says
Abraham Erie), d. July 9, 1841.
50
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161. Mary b. June 4, 1773, m. John Yopst or Yost, d. May
23, 1817.
162. Frederick b. Sept. 20, 1775, d. Jan. 19, 1792.
163. Daniel b. 1776. Date supphed by Charles W. Castor
from the Dyre Bible. Of whom presently.
164-165. David and Samuel, twins, b. Oct. 4, 1777. Mr. Scott
says Apr. 22, 1778. David d. June 29, 1882; Samuel d.
June 14, 1855.
166. Benjamin b. Jan. 29, 1782, d. Apr. 10, 1814.
157. George Castor, eldest son of Frederick Castor, No. 4,
was born in Oxford Township, February 25, 1765. He married,
March 22, 1787, in the German Reformed Church, Margaret Jung,
who was born May 8, 1765, and died January 19, 1855. This
George was known as ''Cork-Leg George." He owned the old
house on the Delaware near Wissinoming, known as the Castor
Mansion, about which an article, from which the following has
been selected, appeared in The Frankford Dispatch: —
"For nearly two centuries this has been one of the show
places among the numerous beautiful river mansions overlooking
the Delaware in this section. Not only for the quaint architecture
of the fine old homestead, but for the beauty of its approach, both
by land and water, has the historic Castor Mansion been famous
for many generations. It stands closer to the river than the ma-
jority of the famous old mansions that once lined the water-front,
avenue, with clumps of hardy shrubbery and broad sweeps of vel-
tions of the estate, as it leads through a long, shady, tree-bordered
with a velvety lawn and beautiful old trees reaching down to the
water. But the entrance from the land is one of the special attrac-
vety lawns reaching far away on either side of the driveway."
"The early Swedes were the first to own this property, and it
51
was a famous g;,athering place for the Swedish settlers who had
crossed the river to make their settlement on the wide-reaching
Pennsylvania farm lands, extending in splendid fertility down to
the water-front without the usual intervening marsh lands. Here
on the slope of Tacony Farm, the vSwedes built the little low part
of the present mansion. Built it for special safety, after the quaint
architecture of the day, with the first floor largely underground,
and the windows level with the soil. This rambling two-story
structure, substantially built of stone and plaster, was considered a
very pretentious dwelling when erected, over two centuries ago, and
it was the special pride of the early Swedish settlers."
"But even previous to the two centuries or more that the prop-
erty has been a famous homestead, history was being made for the
ancient farm near Wissinoming Creek, with its Indian name, for,
judging from the indications of more recent years, this farm doubt-
less contained the home of an Indian chieftain and his tribe, or at
least it must have been an Indian camping ground or village, for
Indian relics have been unearthed in every portion of the farm.
For more than a century and a quarter the Castor family have
owned the estate, and through five generations of the Castors the
place has been socially prominent."
"As it stands to-day the house is interesting, not only on ac-
count of its age and historic traditions, but also as a striking speci-
men of the old French architecture. When the house was purchased
by the original George Castor (not the original George, but his
grandson, son of Frederick) the additions he made were modeled
after the French country houses of the Eighteenth Century. The
ceilings were high and the rooms spacious and imposing, while a
veranda overlooked the river. It is also recorded that he laid out
a handsome garden, which for its day was considered one of the
most beautiful specimens of landscape gardening in all this section
52
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Marriage Certif.cate of Hannah Dyer and General Samuel Castor, Mar
or within the suburbs of the Quaker City."
The Philadelphia Leather Company, whose vice-president and
manager is Nial C. Brodhead, a descendant of the famous old Dutch
family of that name and a descendant of Charles, brother of Gen-
eral Daniel Brodhead, of the Revolutionary Army, purchased the
property with the intention of razing it and erecting a factory on
its site. Mrs. Brodhead's love for the beauty and antiquity of the
place saved it from this fate, and it has been restored by her to its
former grandeur and beauty. Mr. Brodhead and his family now
reside in the old home.
Dr. William B. Dixon, in his ''Frankford and the Main Street
Sixty-five Years Ago," printed in the report of the Frankford
Historical Society, 1907, says: — "In September, 1844, the largest
funeral that was ever seen in Frankford took place when the re-
mains of George Castor, long a member and trustee of the Pres-
byterian Church, were buried. There were 104 Castors present
and it was a notable event. George Castor was the son of Frederick
Castor, son of George Castor, Sr. George, Sr., and Frederick were
among the founders of the Presbyterian Church. George, Jr. (Mis-
take. George, Jr., was of Holmesburg.) and his son, Jesse Y., lived
on Tacony Road above the arsenal, on the bank of the Delaware."
The above, although in quotation marks, is not exactly as Dr.
Dixon wrote it, as there was a slight mistake in the relationships.
The following is copied verbatim : —
"The Castor graves in the old burying ground prove the family
to have been a large one and their lives showed them to have been
an influential family, and no higher encomium could be paid them
than the unusually large attendance at the funeral of George
Castor."
On January 15, 1807, George Castor presented a petition to the
Orphans' Court of Philadelphia setting forth that his father died
53
intestate, leaving a widow and nine children. The paper gives the
names of Frederick's children, but does not mention Daniel, of
whom presently. See docket 22, page 160, Orphans' Court of Phil-
adelphia. No. 304, January 16, 1907, City Hall.
George died September 3, 1844. He left issue, one son and
two daughters.
Issue: —
167. Jesse Yonker b. Oct. 14, 1794. Of whom presently.
168. Sarah b. 1796, d. 1861.
169. Eliza b. 1798, d. 1869.
163. Daniel Castor, third son of Frederick Castor, No. 4,
moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he accumulated a large
fortune. He died of yellow fever in that city, and his wife dying at
the same time, his two daughters, Elizabeth and Maria, were left
without protection. Their relatives were unable to enter the city
for some time, owing to the epidemic, and their slaves, being without
a master, took the opportunity to run away, taking every movable
article of value with them. One of the Castor family succeeded in
reaching the two girls, and, saving enough out of the estate for
them to live on in comfort, he brought them north, where they were
raised by their mother's mother, who was a resident of German-
town. They both remained single, and when they died were buried
in the same grave in the Lutheran Churchyard in Germantown.
The grave is marked with one name only. Daniel witnessed a
will, signed in Germantown, February 7, 1816. He left no male
issue.
Issue: —
170. Elizabeth.
171. Maria.
164. David Castor, fourth son of Frederick Castor, No. 4, was
born, as has already been stated, on the day of the Battle of Ger-
54
The upper silhouettes are of General Samuel Castor ( 1777" 1855) and his wife
Hannah Dyer Castor (1787- 1842). The lower two are Margaret Meyers
Castor (1815-1888), daughter of Samuel Castor, and Ellen Castor Garsed,
daughter of Hiram Castor and grandaughter of Samuel.
mantown. He died unmarried, June 29, 1822. His brother and
twin —
165. General Samuel Castor purchased his brothers' shares in
the old homestead on Castor Road and lived there the greater part
of his life. He rose to the rank of General of the Pennsylvania
Militia, and on the occasion of Lafayette's visit to America he met
that General at Trenton on July 29, 1825, and escorted him, by
way of Bristol Pike, through Frankford to Philadelphia. Samuel's
name is on the list of those invited to attend the reception tendered
Lafayette and his name is recorded as being present. On page 60S,
vol. 1 of Scharff and Westcott's "History of Philadelphia" it is sta\
ed that a General Thomas Castor attended the reception. This is
doubtless an error, as in no other work is there a record which sub-
stantiates this statement; and to the present time the compiler has
found no record of another General of the name of Castor.
An item of interest which deserves mention here has been com-
municated b^^ Mrs. Nellie Garsed Neukom. It is given here just as
she wTote it: —
"My grandmother, Eveline Wilkinson Castor, once told me
the story of how she saw Lafayette. Her father took the family to
town in the market wagon and they stood in the wagon to see the
parade pass. Eveline was then about fifteen."
"Have you ever heard cream-colored horses called Lafayette
horses? There were eight cream-colored horses harnessed to the
carriage in which Lafayette rode in the parade. The committee
hunted the countryside to obtain horses of that color to make up
the last pair, and finally located what they wanted in the possession
• of an old Quaker gentleman. When asked for the privilege of using
them he replied, 'Thee knows I do not believe in parades, but if.
thee goes to my barn to-night thee will find the door unlocked.' In
this manner they obtained the last pair."
55
Samuel died June 11, 1855. He married, first, Hannah, daugh-
ter of Joseph Dyre, on March 29, 1806. Hannah was born May 24,
1785, and died August 27, 1842. He married, secondly, Cook,
by whom he had no issue. His second wife survived him and se-
cured the entire estate, which was a very large one, with the ex-
ception of his desk, which was left to his son, Hiram, and a box of
books, which went to his daughter, Margaret. It is believed that
the brother of his second wife, who was a lawyer, drew up the will
while Samuel was sick and helpless. While he was sick his daugh-
ter, Margaret, was in his room when he raised himself and pointed
to the desk, saying, "Margaret, papers, desk." He did this several
times, and his wife gave him the newspaper, saying, "He wants the
newspaper." Considering this, it appears that his wishes were not
those stated in his will.
The desk, which became the property of his son, Hiram, is
now in the possession of Mrs. Neukom, his direct descendant. This
desk was the property of John George Castor, the emigrant, and
came to America with him in 1736. Mrs. Neukom also owns the
silhouettes of Samuel, his wife, daughter and granddaughter,
which she has kindly loaned to illustrate this work.
In a will dated July 31, 1818, Joseph Browne, of Frankford, left
all of his property, with the exception of a small legacy, to "Colonel
Samuel Castor."
Issue : —
172. Eliza b. Dec. 1, 1806, d. Aug. 11, 1807.
173. Hiram b. Nov. 12, 1809. Of whom presently.
174. Dyre b. May 28, 1813. Of whom presently.
175. Margaret Myers b. 1815, d. unmarried. Mar. 11, 1888.
167. Jesse Yonker Castor, only son of George Castor, No. 157,
was born October 4, 1794. He married Harriett , who was
born May 14, 1795, and died August 21, 1835. Jesse lived in the
56
^.ic )
The old inlaid desk which was brought to America by George Castor and
descended through Frederick, his son, to General Samuel Castor. It is now
the property of Mrs. Nellie G. Neukom, of Dayton, Ohio. The drawer pull
in the upper illustration is one of the set used on it while it was the property of
General Samuel Castor.
old house purchased by his father and described in his record. He
was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford
and was City SoHcitor in 1825 and 1828. On March 4, 1840, he re-
ceived the sum of $15.00 from the city as salary. He died April 5,
1846, and was buried in the yard of the above church.
Issue : —
George Frederick b. Nov. 8, 1820, d. Apr. 26, 1823.
Thomas F. b. May 14, 1822. Of whom presently.
Margaret b. Dec. 2. 1823, d. July 18, 1844.
Josephine.
Harriet F. b. April 16, 1827, d. Aug. 1, 1827.
Joel Poinsett b. 1831. Of whom presently.
Harriet b. June 22, 1835, d. Dec. 30, 1835.
176.
177.
178.
179.
180.
181.
182.
COLONEL HIRAM CASTOR
(About the age of ten)
173. Colonel Hiram Castor, eldest son of General Samuel
Castor, No. 165, was born November 12, 1809. He married, on
57
October 24, 1833, Eveline Wilkinson, who was born May 2, 1810,
and died March 10, 1885. Hiram was commissioned by Governor
George Wolf, of Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Colonel of the Third
Regiment of Militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Second
Brigade, First Division, August 3, 1835. He died February 9, 1886.
Issue: —
183. Charles b. Nov. 25, 1834, d. June 22, 1835.
184. Edwin A. b. May 22, 1836. Of whom presently.
185. Ellen b. July 14, 1838. Of whom presently.
186. Charles Wilkinson b. Sept. 8, 1840. Of whom presently.
187-188. Hiram and Eveline, twins, b. July 30, 1846. Hiram
d. Aug. 6, 1846, Eveline d. Aug. 8, 1846.
189. Lewis D. b. Oct. 24, 1849, d. January 31, 1854.
174. Dyre Castor, second son of General Samuel Castor, No.
165, was born May 28, 1813. He was an exceptionally brilliant and
able man, a graduate of both Yale and Pennsylvania Universities.
About the year 1840 he practiced law in Washington, D. C, and
shortly after became private secretary of Henry Clay. He was elect-
ed Secretary and Treasurer of the Washington Monument Commit-
tee and Henry Clay and he canvased the States of Kentucky and
Tennessee, Clay speaking and Dyre Castor attending to the collec-
tion of the money. In this manner was the erection of the Washing-
ton Monument made possible when it otherwise would have been a
failure. Later, Henry Clay presented Dyre v/ith a handsome watch
in memory of the trip. This memento is now the cherished pos-
session of Mary Coats Castor Albertson, the daughter of his
nephew, Charles Wilkinson Castor. Dyre died November 6, 1845.
He never married. In the appendix will be found copies of several
of the letters carried by Dyre on his trip through Kentucky and
Tennessee and a letter from General Samuel Castor to him.
177. Lieutenant Thomas Castor, eldest son of Jesse Y. Castor,
53
Lieut. Thomas F. Castor
of VVissinoming
1822-1855
Joel Poinsett Castor
of VVissinoming
No. 167, was born May 14, 1822. He was a graduate of West Point,
having received his appointment to that academy through Joel
Poinsett, a friend of his father, for whom Thomas' brother was
named, and was commissioned Lieutenant in the First Regiment,
United States Dragoons, in which organization he served through-
out the Mexican War. He died in the service at Fort Tejon, CaH-
fornia, September 8, 1855. His body was brought to Frankford
and placed in the yard of the Old Presbyterian Church. A pillar
marks his grave and his service in the Army is set forth on it. He
married twice, but left no issue.
181. Joel Poinsett Castor, second son of Jesse Y. Castor, No.
167, was born in 1831 and died Aug. 18, 1899. He married
Webster, and had seven sons and three daughters.
Issue: —
190. Jesse Y.
191. Frank Green.
192. Gertrude.
193. Thomas F.
194. Charles Webster.
195. Lucy May.
196. Alfred F.
197. Vincent Pratt.
198. Josephine F.
199. Joel Poinsett, Jr.
184. Edwin Augustus Castor, second son of Colonel Hiram
Castor, No. 173, was born May 22, 1836, and died November 18,
1894. He married, first, October 14, 1858, Augusta Buckius, who
was born June 11, 1837, and died December 15, 1900.
Issue: —
200. William Wadsworth b. Aug. 14, 1859. Of whom pres-
ently.
59
201. Eveline Wilkinson b. Jan. 15, 1862, d. June 25, 1863.
He married, second, April 24, 1865, Samantha W. Graham,
who was born October 24, 1843, and died November 18, 1894.
Issue: —
202. Hiram Charles b. April 11, 1866. Of whom presently.
203. Harry Garsed b. Mar. 5, 1868. Of whom presently.
204. Frank Graham b. Jan. 17, 1870. Of who mpresently.
205. Edna b. Dec. 13, 1871, m. Dr. Paul Robinson. Now liv-
ing in Indianapolis, Indiana.
206. John Wilkinson b. Jan. 22, 1874. Of whom presently.
207. Jesse Webster b. Sept. 20, 1876. Single.
208. Walter Dyre b. Oct. 3, 1883. Of whom presently.
185. Ellen Castor, elder daughter of Colonel Hiram Castor,
No. 173, was born in Frankford, July 14, 1838. She married, De-
cember 10, 1863, Harry Turner Garsed, who was born July 7,
1839, and died April 22, 1888.
Issue: —
209. Nellie Garsed b. April 16, 1866. Of whom presently.
210. Eveline Garsed b. Nov. 25, 1868. Of whom presently.
211. Tacy Bertha Garsed m. Aug. 28, 1901, Philip D.
Parsons.
212. Mabel Garsed b. Mar. 20, 1874, d. 1875.
186. Charles Wilkinson Castor, third son of Colonel Hiram
Castor, No. 173, was born September 8, 1840. He married, Sep-
tember 21, 1865, Susan Yerkes Coats, who was born June 4, 1844.
Both are now living in Frankford and are about as fine an old
couple as is to be found anywhere. Mr. Castor is an ardent col-
lector of postage stamps and has a really fine collection. He is
also historian of his line and has the records of many of his ances-
tors on the "distaff side." He served in the Fortieth Pennsylvania
Rep^iment in the Civil War. His name is to be found on the list
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of managers of the ball given by the Union League Campaign
Club in honor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, January 9,
1865.
Issue: —
213. Levi Coats b. July 5, 1866, d. Jan. 2, 1879.
214. Lewis David b. June 19, 1868. Of whom presently.
215. Mary Coats b. Mar. 6, 1870. Of whom presently.
200. William Wadsworth Castor, eldest son of Edwin Au-
gustus Castor, No. 184, by his first wife, was born August 14, 1859.
He married, March 26, 1887, Anna McCormick, who was born
September 23, 1866, and died November 23, 1903.
Issue: —
216. Eveline Wilkinson b. June 16, 1888, d. July 16, 1888.
217. Augusta Jeannette b. May 25, 1889.
218. Maria Margaret b. May 26, 1890.
219. William Wilkinson b. Nov. 7, 1891.
220. Lulu Anna b. Nov. 3, 1894.
221. Charles Fitzgerald b. June 11, 1897.
202. Hiram Charles Castor, second son of Edwin A. Castor,
No. 184, the first child of his second wife, was born April 11, 1866.
He married, first, November 25, 1888, Gertrude L. Isaacs, who
was born in 1868 and died in 1902, from whorri he was divorced.
Issue: — "" ' ^ "
222. Byron Elder b. Octo. 20, 1889.
He married, second, Daisy Frances H!ole., who was born March
5,1876. ;/;'' ^ . V'^
Issue: — - ' .^ . - .
223. Mildred Matilda b. Sept.^ 20, 1909. "
203. Harry Garsed Castor, third son of Edwin A. Castor, No.
184, and second son by his second wife, was born March 5, 1868.
6i
He married, August 6, 1896, Savannah Lukin, by whom he had one
daughter.
Issue: —
224. Helen EHzabeth b. May 25, 1902.
204. Frank Graham Castor, fourth son of Edwin A. Castor,
No. 184, and third son by his second wife, was born June 17, 1870.
He married, July 3, 1898, Mayme Arnold.
206. John Wilkinson Castor, fifth son of Edwin A. Castoi:^
No. 184, and fourth son by his second wife, was born January 22,
1874. He married, June 20, 1900, Louise Pauline Bonzheim.
Issue: —
225. Elba Vincent b. May 3, 1901.
208. Walter Dyre Castor, seventh son of Edwin A. Castor,
No. 184, and sixth son by his second wife, was born October 3,
1833. He married, November 17, 1903, Edna Redenbough.
209. Nellie Garsed, eldest daughter of Ellen Castor, No. 185,
and Harry Turner Garsed, her husband, was born April 16, 1866.
She married, November 24, 1887, Edward Neukom, who was born
December 24, 1858.
Issue: —
226. Lisetta Neukom b. Aug. 25, 1888.
227. Everett Edward Neukom b. Aug. 14, 1892.
210. Eveline Garsed, second daughter of Ellen Castor, No.-
185, and her husband, Harry Turner Garsed, was born November
25, 1868. She married, Feliruary 25, 1892, Thomas Franklin Mil-
ler, who was born July 20, 1863.
Issue: —
228. Ellen Julia Miller b. Jan. 4, 1893.
229. Evelyn Lewis Miller b. Dec. 3, 1894.
62
214. Lewis David Castor, only son of Charles Wilkinson
Castor, No. 186, who left issue, was born June 19, 1868. He mar-
ried, May 6, 1896, Rebecca Yerkes Kenderdine, who was born
October 28, 1875. They now reside in Rochester, New York.
Issue: —
230. William Kenderdine b. May 7, 1897.
231. Lewis David b. June 30, 1899.
232. Edward Yerkes b. Dec. 11, 1909.
215. Mary Coats Castor, only daug-hter of Charles Wilkinson
Castor, No. 186, was born March 6, 1870. On August 16, 1893,
she married William Y. Albertson, who was born October 16, 1869.
Issue : —
233. Charles Castor Albertson b. July 5, 1894.
234. Edith Marion Albertson b. July 23, 1896.
235. Mary Coats Albertson b. June 18, 1898.
236. Fred Yerkes Albertson b. Nov. 3, 1900.
.237. Margaret Deacon Albertson b. July 1, 1902.
63
JACOB CASTOR, No. 6
THIRD SON OF JOHN GEORGE CASTOR, NO. 2, AND HIS
DESCENDANTS.
6. Jacob Castor, third son of John Geor^^e Castor, No. 2, was
born in the year 1742 in Germantown. He married, first, in the
"Old Swedes' Church," January 10, 1760, Sophia Rorer (recorded
in the church registry as "Sophy Bore"), of Milestown, Bristol
Township, Philadelphia County, and second, Catharine Fox, of
Holmesburg, Lower Dublin Township, Philadelphia County. He
purchased a farm on Oxford Road near Second Street Turnpike,
extending from the Buzby tract on the South to the Holt tract on
the North. On May 6, 1777, he was commissioned Second Lieu-
tenant of the Seventh Company, Second Battalion of Bucks County
Militia, in which Company he served throughout the Revolution.
The name is spelled Caster on the roll of the Company. See Penn-
sylvania Archives. In 1774 he was taxed on two horses and two
cattle and paid on this the sum of two pounds, five shillings. In
1781, on an assessment of eighty-five pounds he paid a tax of one
pound, four shillings and one penny.
Issue (by this first wife) : —
238. Jacob. Of whom presently.
239. Henry. Of whom presently.
240. John. Of whom presently.
241. Christina, called Teany. Of whom presently.
242. Sarah. Of whom presently.
243. Hannah. Of whom presently.
244. Elizabeth, twin of Hannah, b. 1790. Of whom presently.
245. Mary, m. Jacob Lutze.
Issue (by second wife) : —
246. Isaac*. Did not marry.
* Isaac Castor, in the late thirties, was proprietor of the historic "Jolly
67
247. George Fox. Of whom presently.
248. Catharine**. Of whom presently.
238. Jacob Castor, eldest son of Jacob Castor, No. 6, married,
December 23, 1790, in the Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Han-
nah Mowers (recorded as Mowry). Jacob was one of the co-execu-
tors under his father's will.
Issue*: —
249. Jacob.
250. Rudolph.
251. John.
252. Henry.
253. Ann, b. 1805, m. David Allen, d. Au.s^. 21, 1869.
*Information concernin^^ these children was kindly furnished
by Mr. Charles E. Deal.
239. Henry Castor, second son of Jacob Castor, No. 6, mar-
ried, f^rst, November 27, 1792, in the "Old Swedes' Church," Anna
Godschall. He married, second, Sarah Magare^al, widow, and
third, Mary Knorr, elder sister of his brother, John Castor's wife.
Mary left no issue and survived Henry.
Henry was owner of several parcels of real estate in Frank-
'ford, one of them being a stone dwelling and large lot of ground
having a frontage of thirty-three feet on the main street, now Nos.
Post" Hotel, in Frankford, located on Frankford avenue near Orthodox street.
Being a single man, his sister Catharine (Mrs. Joshua Marple) made her
home with him and presided over and conducted the household affairs of the
hotel for him. Note by William Hall Waxier.
** In the will of Jacob Castor the tender love and affection for his
youngest daughter, Catharine, named for her mother, is pathetically men-
tioned by her aged father, and a special bequest given to her.
(Note from will of Jacob Castor.)
68
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4619 and 4621 Frankford Avenue, and extending through to and
fronting on Paul Street. This property, which he disposed of 1)e-
fore his decease, was subsequently owned and occupied by William
W. Axe as his home and printing office, and on this property the
Frankford Herald was published for many 3^ears. Henry was a
successful farmer and at the time of his death was lessee of the
famous Wain farm on the southeast side of Tacony Street below
Church Street, Frankford. He died in October, 1814.
Issue (by second wife) : —
254. Elizabeth, known as Betsy. Of whom presently.
255. Catharine. Of whom presently.
256. Anna, m. Peter Boyer.
257. Sarah. Of whom presenth^
240. John Castor, third son of Jacob Castor, No. 6, was born
December 28, 1773. He married Catharine, youngest daughter of
Bernard and Hannah Knorr, old residents of Oxford Township,
Philadelphia Co., Pa. Catharine was born April 14, 1779, and
died in September, 1824, aged 40 years and 5 months. John pur-
chased the old homestead and a small tract of land in the year 1803.
The homestead was situated at the southeasterly corner of Middle
or Oxford Road and Dark Run Lane or River Road. This purchase
v/as made one hundred and seven years ago and the property has
remained in the tenure of some member of the Castor family con-
tinuously since its purchase.
Issue: —
258. Maria, b. Oct. 1, 1799. Of whom presently.
259. Hannah D., b. June 18, 1801. Of whom presently.
260. Sophia, b. Aug. 17, 1803. Of whom presently.
261. Peter, b. Apr. 23, 1805. Of whom presently.
262. Michael, b. Aug. 2, 1808, d. 1823, in his 15th year.
263. Thomas, b. Oct. 14, 1810. Of whom presently.
69
264. Catharine, b. Oct. 5, 1813, d. Dec, 1824, age 11 years.
241. Christina Castor, called Teany, eldest daug-hter of
Jacob Castor, No. 6, married William Gray, a member of an influ-
ential and distinguished family of Delaware County.
Issue: —
265. John Jacob Gray. Of whom presently.
266. Susan Gray. Of whom presently.
267. Sarah Gray. Of whom presently.
268. Castor W. Gray. Of whom presently.
269. Samuel C. Gray. Of whom presently.
270. Elizabeth Gray. Of whom presently.
271. Maria Gray, twin of Elizabeth. Of whom presently.
272. George Gray, d. in youth.
273. Benjamin Gray, d. in 3^outh.
274. Elmira Gray. Of whom presently.
275. Rebecca Gray. Of whom presently.
Information concerning Christina Castor and her husband
William Gray, and their descendants largely from records kindly
furnished by Mrs. Christina Young.
242. Sarah Castor, second daughter of Jacob Castor, No. 6,
married Henry Shoch.
Issue: —
276. Rebecca Shoch, b. Dec. 31, 1789, d. age 78.
277. Jacob Shoch, b. Apr. 14, 1791, d. age 76.
278. Henry Shoch, b. Oct. 20, 1792, d. age 75.
279. Hannah Shoch, b. Nov. 20, 1794, d. age 73.
280. Elizabeth Shoch, b. Dec. 24, 1795, d. age 72.
281. Isaac Shoch, b. Dec. 25, 1797, d. age 70.
282. Maria Shoch, b. Oct. 8, 1800, d. age 67.
283. Jonathan Shoch, b. Dec. 17, 1802, d. age 65.
284. William G. Shoch, b. Nov. 11, 1804, d. ag-e 63.
285. Nicholas Shoch, b. Feb. 23, 1807, d. a^e 61.
286. David Shoch, b. Oct. 24, 1808, d. a^e 59.
287. Edward Shoch, b. June 1, 1811, d. age 56.
288. Sarah Shoch, twin of Edward.
Transcript from Bible records furnished by Louisa Sayre
(Mrs. Thomas) and Mrs. Annie Dempsey.
243. Hannah Castor, third daughter of Jacob Castor, No. 6,
married John Deckard, of Cheltenham, Montgomery County,
Pennsylvania.
Issue: —
289. Eliza Deckard, b. Feb. 4, 1807, m. Andrew Trexler.
290. Sarah Deckard, b. Oct. 9, 1808, m. Amasa Hellerman.
291. Jonathan Deckard, b. Nov. 24, 1810, m. Caroline Dobell.
292. Susanna Deckard, b. Nov. 10, 1812, d. unmarried.
293. Michael Deckard, b. May 13, 1814, d. unmarried.
294. John Deckard, b. Sept. 15, 1816, d. unmarried.
From transcript of family record kindly furnished by Mr. Jo-
siah Hellerman, a great-grandson of Jacob Castor, No. 6.
244. Elizabeth Castor, twin of Hannah and daughter of Ja-
cob Castor, No. 6, married Jonathan Magargal. "It was related of
Mr. Jonathan Magargal that he was a very superior horseman and
owned a fine stock of horses. When out on horseback it was his
custom on returning home not to stop and open the gate, but to put
spurs to his horse and jump over it." From Hannah Waxler's
recollections of her uncle, Jonathan Magargal.
Issue: —
295. Jacob Magargal, father of Mrs. David Williams, who
gave the information concerning the Magargal family.
296. Samuel Magargal.
71
297. David Magargal.
298. Sarah Magargal, m. McVaugh.
299. Hannah Magargal, m. Thomas.
From written information kindly sent by Mrs. David Wil-
liams, great-granddaughter of Jacob Castor, No. 6.
247. George Fox Castor, fifth son of Jacob Castor, No. 6,
and second son by his second wife, Catharine Fox, married Eliza
Young.
Issue: —
300. Isaac.
301. John Young.
248. Catharine Castor, sixth daughter of Jacob Castor, No. 6,
and only daughter by his second wife, married Joshua Marple.
Issue: —
302. Marple, who married George M. Hoffman.
From information kindly furnished by Charles E. Deal.
254. Elizabeth Castor, known as Betsy, eldest daughter of
Henry Castor, No. 239, married Thomas Rorer.
Issue: —
303. Hiram Rorer. Killed in the Rebellion.
304. Edmund W. Rorer, m. Emily Goodwin.
305. Lewis W., m. Mary Ann Struble.
306. Charles L. Rorer.
307. Thomas R. Rorer, m. Miss McClain, a lineal descendant
of the same family of Washington the first Presi dent
descended from.
308. David Simmons Rorer*, m. Mary Ann Woodington.
*Mr. David Simmons Rorer is now in his 87th year and re-
sides at 4410 Paul Street, Frankford. The information here given
is recorded through his kindness.
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309. Eliza Rorer, d. in youth.
310. Louisa Rorer, d. in youth.
255. Catharine Castor, second daughter of Henry Castor,
No. 239, married Peter Fesmire.
Issue: —
311. Jane Fesmire, m. Jeremiah Thatcher.
312. Henry Fesmire.
313. Peter Fesmire, m. Martha Louisa Sprowles.
314. Ann, m. Magaro^al.
315. Joseph Fesmire.
316. John Fesmire.
317. Ellen Fesmire, d. in youth.
257. Sarah Castor, fourth daughter of Henry Castor, No. 239,
married Thomas Rowland and died shortly after the birth of her
son.
Issue: —
318. Albert G. Rowland, who formed a partnership with
Thomas F. Overington, only son of the late William Overington,
under the firm name of A. G. Rowland and Co., and carried on an
extensive coal business at the southern end of Frankford. Later,
the same firm changed the business, building a very large flour mill
in the locality of the former coal wharf, and carried on that busi-
ness for several years. Mr. Rowland died in middle life.
258. Maria Castor, eldest daughter of John Castor, No. 240,
was born October 1, 1799, and died July 16, 1878. She married,
first, George Unruh, and on his decease, Richard Williams.
Issue (by first husband) : —
319. Hannah C. Unruh, m. Harvey Hellerman.
320. Lewis Unruh, m. Jane, daughter of John Foulkrod, Esq.,
73
County Surveyor for Philadelphia County and repre-
sentative at different times in both branches of the State
Legislature.
321. Eli Unruh, m. Sarah Stewart.
322. John Unruh, d. in youth.*
Issue (by second husband) : —
323. Mary Jane Williams, m. Christian B. Duffield.
324. Sarah Catherine Williams, deceased.
325. Martha Williams, m. Edwin M. Duffield.
326. John G. Williams, m. Mary, eldest daughter of Benja-
min Smith.
326a. Annie M. Williams.
259. Hannah D. Castor, second daughter of John Castor, No.
240, was born June 18, 1801, and died April 3, 1889. She married
John W^axler.
Obituary in Public Ledger, Saturday, April 6, 1889.
"Mrs. Hannah D. Waxier."
"Mrs. Hannah D. Waxier, whose decease occurred on the
third instant, at her homestead above Frankford, Philadelphia, in
the 88th year of her age, was the daughter of John and Catharine
Castor, old and greatly respected residents of that vicinity. She
was the only surviving member of a family of seven children. Her
health in early womanhood was quite delicate, but in after years,
by care and watchful attention, she almost regained her health. In
the year 1827 she married Mr. John Waxier, whom she has sur-
vived several years. She was the mother of four children, two
* John and Lewis Unruh, while bathing in General Castor's mill pond,
went beyond their depth. Colonel Hiram Castor, at great personal risk,
brought both ashore, but John was too far gone to be resuscitated. Note by
William Hall Waxier.
74
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daughters and two sons. Her daughter Mary died in 1875. The
other daughter, Anna M., who has been an invahd for many years,
seems to have been almost miraculously spared, and during her
mother's declining years ministered faithfully to her every want.
One of her sons, John L. Waxier, is a manufacturer and the other,
William Hall Waxier, is a Philadelphia lawyer."
"Mrs. Waxler's long and busy life was well spent in doing
good and in trying to make others comfortable and happy. She
was especially valuable in the sick room; her good judgment and
untiring efforts to relieve the sick made her a most desirable friend
and neighbor, and caused her to be very frequently sought after."
*'As a good wife and kind mother, she had no superior."
Issue: —
327. Anna M. Waxier, deceased.
328. John L. Waxier, m. Sarah W., eldest daughter of Ezra
B. Shallcross, a prominent and highly respected citizen
of Frankford.
329. Mary Waxier, d. 1875.
330. William Hall Waxier, m. Fannie E., eldest daughter of
Colonel James A. Galligher, who was born in Philadel-
phia, recruited and commanded the 13th Regiment,
Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the War of the Rebellion.
260. Sophia Castor, third daughter of John Castor, No. 240,
was born August 11, 1803, and died in 1833. She married William
Hill.
Issue: —
331. Mary Jane Hill, m. William Wartman.
332. , a daughter who d. in infancy.
261. Peter Castor, eldest son of John Castor, No. 240, was
born April 23, 1805. He and his brother Thomas owned the black-
75
smith and wheelwright shop next door to the "Jolly Post." The
shop remained on this site until 1860, when they were moved a
block farther Northeast. Peter Castor lived on Main Street (now
Frankford Avenue) opposite the shop and next door to the present
Dispatch Office.
Quoting from Dr. William B. Dixon's "Frankford and the
Main Street" :—
"An incident is related of a hotel kept by a Mr. Paul. One of
the town characters went to Peter Castor's blacksmith shop, where
he stole a horseshoe, afterward selling it to the unsuspecting Peter
for three cents. Afterward, going to the hotel and purchasing 'a
three-cent nip,' said he had robbed Peter to pay Paul, and related
the process with great gusto."
Peter's name is on a list of the managers of a ball given by
the Union League Campaign Club on January 9, 1865, in honor of
the re-election of Abraham Lincoln.
Peter married Sarah, daughter of Samuel Swope, a resident
and prominent citizen of Frankford. He died March 30, 1883.
Issue: —
333. Catharine Castor, m. Henry Foster. Of whom presently.
334. Emma Castor, m. Frank Fougerey.
335. Thomas S., deceased.
336. Mary Jane Castor, m. Charles A. Keyworth, a merchant
and prominent citizen of York, Pa.
337. Sarah Louisa, m. William P. Galligher, a brother of the
wife of William Hall Waxier.
338. Annie Castor, deceased.
339. Theodore F. Castor, m. Mary Garlick. No issue.
263. Thomas Castor, third son of John Castor, No. 240, was
born October 14, 1810. Next but one to the shop of Thomas and
Peter stood and is still standing the old stone house built by
76
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Thomas Castor in 1839 and into which he moved in 1840. All the
stone from which it was built was quarried from its cellar.
"When it was built," says Dr. Dixon, "it was considered the
finest house in Frankford." He also says in the same article:
"Thomas Castor was a prominent man in the Borough and no one
left a better record for honest and straightforward fair dealing and
upright moral life."
He attended the Baptist Church. He died on August 4, 1884,
and was buried August 9 of that year, age 74. Thomas married
Sarah W. Kester, who w^as born 1807 and died November 8, 1879.
Issue: —
340. John W. Castor, b. 1835, d. Dec. 18, 1860.
341. Charles M. Castor, b. April 6, 1837. Of whom presently.
342. Thomas Elwood Castor, b. June 14, 1840. Of whom
presently.
343. Franklin M. Castor, b. Aug., 1843, d. Oct. 7, 1843.
344. Lewis Franklin Castor, m. Annie Eliza Rimer, sister of
of the wife of Thomas Elwood Castor.
345. William O. Castor, m. Hobson and second, Flor-
ence Walton.
346. Adopted. Mary Ellen Castor, b. 1847, d. Jan. 3, 1869.
265. John Jacob Gray, eldest son of Christina Castor, No. 241,
and William Gray, her husband, married twice. His second wife
was Susan Cobran.
Issue (by first wife): —
347. Margaret Gray.
348. Amelia Gray.
349. Mary Gray.
Issue (by second wife) : —
350. Martha Gray.
351. Wesley Gray.
I t
352. Ruth Gray.
353. Phineas Gray.
266. Susan M. Gray, eldest daughter of Christina Castor, No.
241, and WilHam Gray, her husband, married Andrew Hunter.
Issue: —
354. Sydney Hunter.
355. Sarah Hunter.
267. Sarah Gray, second daughter of Christina Gray, No. 241,
and her husband, WilHam Gray, married, first, Benjamin Noblet
and second, Randall Mellon.
Issue (by first husband): —
356. Ann Noblet.
357. William Noblet.
Issue (by second husband) : —
358. Castor Mellon.
359. Benjamin Mellon.
360. Thomas Mellon.
361. Abner Mellon.
268. Castor W. Gray, second son of Christina Castor, No.
241, and William Gray, her husband, married Hannah Pitt.
Issue: —
362. Sarah Gray.
363. Mary Gray.
364. Washington Gray.
365. Emma Gray.
366. Joseph Gray.
269. Samuel C. Gray, third son of Christina Gray, No. 241,
and her husband, William Gray, married Sarah Wolstencroft.
78
Issue :t^
367.
Christina Gray.
368.
Mary Gray.
369.
Wliliam Gray.
370.
John Gray.
371.
Margaret Gray.
372.
Caleb Gray.
373.
Samuel Gray.
374.
Sarah Gray.
375.
George Gray.
270. Elizabeth Gray, third daughter of Christina Castor, No.
241, and William Gray, her husband, married Enoch Coles.
Issue:
376. Enoch Coles.
377. Theodore Coles.
271. Maria Gray, twin of Elizabeth No. 270, married Charles
Johnson.
Issue: —
378. Robert Johnson.
379. Christina Johnson.
274. Elmira Gray, fifth daughter of Christina Castor, No.
241, and William Gray, her husband, married Nathan Larkin.
Issue: —
380. Wilmer Larkin.
381. John Larkin.
382. Rebecca Larkin.
383. Elizabeth Larkin.
384. Hester Larkin.
275. Rebecca Gray, sixth daughter of Christina Castor, No.
79
241, and her husband, William Gray, married George Graul.
Issue: —
385. George Graul.
386. Anna Graul.
387. Hannah Graul.
388. Daniel Graul.
389. James Graul.
390. Sarah Graul.
391. Caroline Graul.
392. Alberta Graul.
333. Catharine Castor, eldest daughter o'f Peter Castor, No.
261, married Henry Foster.
Issue: —
393. Mary Foster.
394. Peter Castor Foster.
341. Charles M. Castor, second son of Thomas Castor, No.
263, married Wilhelmina, daughter of William and Angelica Buck-
ius, widely known and highly respected residents of Aramingo,
which is now a portion of the Twenty-fifth ward, Philadelphia.
Charles was born April 6, 1837, and died March 30, 1888, being
interred on April 3.
Issue: —
395. George Castor, b. Jan. 20, 1859, m. Sprotts, and
had issue a daughter, who m. Pollitt.
George d. Jan. 20, 1891.
342. Thomas Elwood Castor, third son of Thomas Castor,
No. 263, was born in June, 1840. He married Mary Jane Rimer.
His name is on the list of managers of the ball mentioned in the sec-
tion devoted to Peter Castor.
8o
Issue: —
396. Allen Castor.
397. Horace W. Castor.
345. William O. Castor, fourth son of Thomas Castor, No.
263, married Elizabeth Boone, v/ho was born 1850-1851 and died
January 30, 1879.
Issue : —
398. Dr. Thomas Castor.
399. Josephine Hobson Castor, b. Feb. 17, 1878, d. Mar. 29,
1878.
8i
DESCENDANTS OF JACOB CASTOR, NO. 6.
UNCLASSIFIED RECORDS FROM HEADSTONES IN
CEDAR HILL CEMETERY.
Mary Helena, infant daughter of L. Frank and Annie E. Cas-
tor.
Anne E. Castor, d. April 2, 1904.
Lot of John Castor.
Henry, son of John and Margaret, D. Company, 71st Penn.
Vols., d. Oct. 25, 1862, age 29 years, 7 days, in the service of his
country. (Name also on Soldiers' Monument, same cemetery).
;(; ^ ^ ^ ^
Died for their country (on monument).
John Castor, d. Balls Bluff.
Henry Castor.
*jC ^p ^i* *|* *jc
Another lot contains:
Henry E., b. June 16, 1884, d. July 2, 1900.
Jane E., b. May 5, 1847, d. July 26, 1852.
Henry B., b. July 26, 1852.
Sarah Ann, dau. of Edmund S. and Caroline Castor, d. Aug.
25, 1889, age 76 years.
Edmund S. Castor, b. Apr. 21, 1822, d. July 4, 1894.
82
PORTIONS OF "ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE PRESBY-
TERIAN CHURCH OF FRANKFORD," COMPILED BY THE
REV. THOMAS MURPHY.
CHURCH RECORDS.
"Its founders were, most of them, Swiss, from the city of Basle.
"A few of them were of the original German settlers of German
"town and all this region. They, therefore commenced it as a Gei
"man Calvinist, or German Reformed Church, with all its services
"and all its records in the German language.
"The only important document we have remaining to us of the
"first period — the period of thirty-two years — the period during
"which the Church continued German Reformed — is a sort of ded-
"icatory record. . In order that its very spirit may remain, I Vv'ill
"give it as it was translated by a German — in the exact idiom of the
"original. 'In the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.' Whereas it has
"pleased the Almighty and All-wise God through His providence
"and His Holy Ghost, to inspire the follovv^ing persons, viz. : George
"Castor, Sr. (No. 2), Henry Rorer, Sr., Rudolph Neff and Sirach
"Schudy to build a house for the glory of His holy Name: There-
"fore, these above-named persons, with their friends, have con-
"sulted together about the undertaking of this great work, and the
"following persons, viz.: Frederick Castor (No. 4), Rudolph Maw-
"rer, Jacob Zebly, Jacob Myer, have joined them to help with heart
"and hand and deed to carry out the above m.easure. The begin-
"ning of this was undertaken by the above-named persons, in the
"year of our Lord 1769, in the month of Januarv, in the purchase of
"a lot for a burial ground. But after this, through the help of God,
"and the many friends and patrons, whose names will be found in
"the minute books, and to whom we and all our successors will owe
"the most sincere thanks, it was resolved that a church should be
"built on the said burial ground, and the work thereof was com-
85
"menced in April, 1770.
'' 'We can well affirm that the progress of this building was con-
"ducted in a desirable manner, by the blessing of God, in great har-
"mony, in a peaceful and untiring effort. On the fourth of May, in
"the same year, the corner-stone vv^as laid by the Rev. Mr. Foehring.
"Since the church is not entirely out of debt, as you will see in the
"minutes and records, as well as from the receipts of Rudolph Nefif
"and Frederick Castor (No. 4), we, therefore, feel constrained to
"present a correct account and full statement of all, that our
"descendants and all who shall be interested might have a record
"which they could examine in the future. Wherefore, we say to
"those who will follow us, be careful and wise; be on your guard —
"so that you may increase as well as enlarge your numbers; and
"may never get tired of keeping this building in good repair. We
"v/ish you, therefore, good success. 'O Jerusalem, lift up your heads,
"O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King
"of Glory shall come in.' Now, God Almighty, Creator of the uni-
"verse, we commend to thee this house which we have built in Thy
"holy name and for the glory of God. Keep in Thy hands and pro-
"tection those who shall meet in it. Destroy all false doctrines and
"all that is intended to destroy Thy word. Give now and forever
"Thy grace, peace and unity, and Thine shall be the praise and
"thanks, honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.'
"This devout and important document is written in a beautiful
"hand at the beginning of what was intended for a Book of Rec-
"ords, but, alas, excepting some accounts, it is the last record made
"for thirty-two years, whilst the Church was German Reformed.
"We must pause to look at the honored names with which this
"Church originated: George Castor (No. 2), Rudolph Neff, Henry
"Rorer, Sirach Schudy. Excepting the last, their descendants are
"still with us. The first is the grandfather of another George Castor
86
"(No. 157), to whom the Church is more indebted than to any other
"man. And with them were other names not to be for,^otten, some
"of whose descendants are still prominent in the Church. Jacob
"Myer (now Myers), Rudolph Mowrer, Jacob Zebly, and Freder-
"ick Carster (now Castor) (No. 41), son of Geor^^e (No. 2). Their
"names must never be forgotten while the Church stands. It is
"believed that all of these had either come from Switzerland or
"were of Swiss descent."
George Castor (No. 157) was elected elder in 1801, and held
that office until he died in 1844.
About 1830 or 1840 Henry Castor was one of the Deacons.
Samuel Castor was, about 1830, one of the trustees.
"In 1818 Jesse Y. Castor established what was called the Har-
"monic Society — a sort of singing school — whose first meetings
"were held around the stove of the Church, but which continued in
"existence for many years. He was the leader of the music for
"three years, though he had before been associated in that office
"with Mr. Teese."
Jesse Y. Castor was a trustee after 1834.
George Johnson Castor was a trustee as was Barton Castor.
87
FROM THE RECORDS OF THE GERMAN REFORMED
CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA.
BORN.
George, son of George and Eve Gerster, December 14, 1736.
Frederich, son of George and Eva Gerster, April 27, 1739.
BAPTIZED.
Susanna, daughter of George Gerster and his wife, Margare-
tha, January 9, 1780.
Wilhehii, son of George Gerster and Margaret his v^ife,
December 15, 1782. Born October 15, 1782.
The God parents of both were Valentine Hoffman and Catrina
his wife.
MARRIED.
John George Gerster and Anna Maria Burghart, December 2,
:I782.
George Gerster and Margaret Jung, March 22, 1787.
Margaret Gerster and Jacob Myer, March 27, 1787.
Ann Castor and William Jung, January 9, 1823.
Susanna Castor and Samuel S. Vanharlingen, June 24, 1825.
COMMUNICANTS CONFIRMED ON EASTER SUNDAY,
1783.
George Gerster, Elizabeth Gerster, Mathias Gerster, Jacob
Gerster, Margr. Gerster and Henrich Gerster.
CONFIRMED 1789.
Sara Gerster.
88
FROM THE RECORDS OF THE FIRST MORAVIAN
CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA.
BAPTIZED.
Veronica Gerster, December 26, 1745. Baptized by M. Rights.
Abraham Gerster, July 4, 1747. Baptized by A. Reincke.
Johanna Gerster, Palm Sunday, 1749.
Sarah Gerster, August 11, 1751. Born June 8, 1751.
FROM THE RECORDS OF THE OLD SWEDES CHURCH
OF PHILADELPHIA.
MARRIED.
Jacob Caster and Sophy Bore (Rorer), January 10, 1760.
Margaret Castor and James Johnson, January 25, 1791.
Mathias Castor and Rebecca Johnson, April 8, 1792.
Henry Castor and Anna Godschall, November 27, 1792.
FROM THE RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF PHILADELPPIIA.
MARRIED.
Hannah Castor and Jacob Myers, October 19, 1790.
Jacob Castor and Hannah Mowry, December 23, 1790.
FROM THE RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF FRANKFORD.
Born, Baptized, Married, Died, Etc.
Susan M. Castor, d. November 26, 1854, in the 88th year of her
age.
Ann, v^ife of David Allen, d. August 21, 1869, in her 64th year.
George Frederick Castor, bap. October 13, 1820, d. April 26,
89
1823. Son of Jesse Y. and Harriot Castor.
William Castor married Elizabeth Northrop, March 29, 1821.
Harriet, wife of Jesse Y. Castor, b. May 14, 1795, d. Au2:ust
21, 1835.
Harriet F. Castor, b. April 16, 1827, d. Auj^-ust 1, 1827.
Jesse Y. Castor, b. October 4, 1794, d. April 5, 1846.
Margaret Castor, d. March 11, 1888, age 77 years.
PARTIAL LIST OF THE CASTORS BURIED IN THE YARD
OF THE CHURCH.
Samuel Castor's child.
Jacob Castor's child.
Henry Castor's wife. (1).
Henry Castor's wife (2).
Wife of Jacob Castor, Sr.
Joseph Caster.
Frederick Caster.
Frederick Caster, Jr.
Jacob Caster's child.
George Caster.
John Caster.
George Caster.
Jacob Castor's child.
Samuel Castor's child.
Mathias Castor.
David Castor.
Margaret Matilda Castor.
Josephine Castor.
Dyer Castor.
Eve Castor.
Hannah Ann Castor.
Abraham Castor's daughter.
Another.
His son.
Abraham Castor.
Elizabeth Castor.
George Castor.
His child.
Abraham's daughter.
Henry Castor.
Jacob Castor.
John Castor.
Henrv Castor's last wife.
William Castor.
Lieut. Thomas F. Castor.
Sarah Castor.
Lewis David Castor.
Veronica Castor.
90
FROM THE RECORDS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF
FRANKFORD.
Copied from the record kept by Mr. Coulston by his sistei^,
Miss Mary E. Coulston. The copy, in Miss Coulston's hand, has
been deposited in the Library of the Pennsylvania Historical So-
ciety.
BAPTIZED.
Miss Ellen Castor, May 15, 1862. Mrs. Willie Castor, Febru-
ary 9, 1890.
BURIED.
Mary Ellen Castor, January 7, 1869, ag-e 73. Sadie E. Cas-
tor, July 4, 1880, age 10. Mrs. S. Castor, November 13, 1869, age
20. Thomas Castor, August 9, 1881, age 74. Charles M. Castor,
April 3, 1888, age 57.
9^
TOMBSTONE AND CHURCH RECORDS OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA CASTORS
THE CASTOR GRAVES IN THE OLD PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCHYARD
The most notable of the Castor graves in the old Presbyterian
Churchyard are those of George Castor, the immigrant; his eldest
son, George Castor, of Holmesburg; his eldest son, Mathias Castor,
of Holmesburg, and his eldest son, who left issue, William Castor,
of Holmesburg. The first three are buried in one lot, each with his
wife beside him. William and his wife lie together almost back
of the former lot.
In
Memory of
George Castor
who departed this life the
24th of December
1797
Aged 87 Years, 9 Months
3 Weeks and 3 Days :
Remember man as you pass by
As you are now so once was I
As I am now so you must be
Prepare for death and follow me.
Here lies the body of
Eve Caster
Who departed this life
July 29, 1777
Aged 67 Years, 4 Months
and 3 Days
95
Sacred
to the Memory of
Georg-e Castor
who was born December lith
1736.
Died May 25th, 1811
Aged 74 Years, 5 Months
and 11 Days.
Why should we mourn departing friends,
Or shake at death's alarms;
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to His arms.
You arrive three score and ten.
Before we are called away.
How frail a thing is mortal man;
When called he must obey!
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Sacred
to the Memory of
Margaret Castor
wife of
George Castor
who departed this life
August 16th, 1811
in the 67th Year of her age.
O, reader, stand and cast an eye
Upon this grave wherein I lie,
For cruel death has challenged me
And in short time will call on thee.
Repent in time; make no delay,
For Christ will call us all away.
My time was wasted like dew in the sun;
Beyond all cares my glass is run.
96
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Sacred
to the Memory of
Matthias Castor
born November 19th, 1763
and departed this Hfe
December 2nd, 1835
A^ed 72 Years and
13 Days
Sacred
to the Memory of
Rebecca Castor
born December 20th, 1774
and departed this Hfe
October 27th, 1821
Aged 46 Years, 10 Months
and 7 Days.
Sacred
to the Memory of
William Castor
born
May 26, 1797
died
March 16, 1839.
Save me, O God, by Thy name,
And judge me by Thy strength.
Hear my prayer, O God; give
Ear to the w^ords from my mouth.
Sacred
to the Memory of
Elizabeth S.
ReHct of
William Castor
born
May 29, 1798
97
died
April 22, 1861.
Lord receive my partin^^ breath.
How gently I am sinking now
Into thine arms, O death.
In Memory of
Hannah Ann Castor
daughter of
William and Hannah Castor
was born November 14th
1807
and departed this life
April 6th, 1810
Aged 2 Years, 5 Months
and 8 Days.
Happy soul, thy days are ended;
All mourning days below.
Go by angel guards attended —
To the sight of Jesus go.
In Memory of
Samuel, son of
George and Ann Castor
who departed this life
May 10th, 1832
aged 2 Years.
In
Memory of
Elizabeth
daughter of
George and Ann Castor
who departed this life
April 17th, 1832
aged 8 Months.
98
Sacred
to the Memory of
George Castor, Jr.
who departed this Hfe
February the 2nd, 1810
aged 36 Years, 7 Months
and 22 Days.
My God, my God, my Hght, my love,
Mine only, only friend,
I seek, I lono-, I look for Thee.
Why wilt thou not attend?
In Memory of
Elizabeth Castor
daughter of
George and Mary
Castor
was born December 13th, 1796
died February 9th, 1804, aged
8 Years, 1 Month, 27 Days.
Weep not for me, my parents dear,
Tho' I am from you tain.
For here I'll safe and soundly sleep
Till we unite again.
In Memory of
General Samuel Castor
• died June 14th, 1855
in the 77th Year of his age.
Asleep in Jesus.
Gone, but not forgotten.
In Memory of
Dyer Castor
who departed this life
November 6th, 1845
aged 32 Years.
99
In Memory of
Hannah
wife of Samuel Castor
who departed this Hfe
Au.^ust 2Tth, 1842
in the 55th Year of her a^e.
Jesse Y. Castor
born
October 4th, 1794
died April 5th, 1840.
In Memory of
Margaret Castor
who departed this life
March 11th, 1888
aged 77 Years.
In Memory of
George Frederick
son of Jesse Y. and Harriet Castor
born 8th November, 1820
died 26th April, 1823.
Harriet
wife of
Jesse Y. Castor
born May 14th, 1795
died August 21st, 1835.
Harriet F.
born April 16th, 1827
died August 1st, 1827.
Harriet
born June 22nd, 1835.
died December 30th, 1835.
Infant children of
Jesse Y. and Harriet Castor.
lOO
Eliza Castor
Sarah Castor
In Memory of
Susan M. Castor
died November 26th, 1854
in the 88th Year of her a^e.
There is a calm for those who weep,
A rest for weary pilgrims found;
They softly lie and sweetly sleep
Low in the ground.
Ann
wife of David Allen
died August 21st, 1869
in her 64th Year.
M. M. C.
Castor
George Castor
born February 25th, 1765
died September 3rd, 1844.
Margaret
wife of
George Castor
born May 8th, 1765
died January 19th, 1855.
Margaret Matilda
Eldest daughter of
Jesse Y. and Harriet Castor
born December 2nd, 1823
died July 18th, 1844.
Sarah Castor
born 1796, died 1861.
lOI
Eliza Castor
born 1798, died 1869.
Dauo^hters of
George and Margaret Castor.
1st Lieut.
Thomas F. Castor
1st Regiment, U. S. Dragoons
son of
Jesse Y. and Harriet Castor
born May 14th, 1822
died at Fort Tejon, CaHfornia
September 8th, 1835.
In Memory of
Frederick Castor
who departed this life
January 19th, 1792
was born September 20th, 1775
aged 16 Years, 5 Months,
3 Weeks and 6 Days.
Remember man as you pass by,
As you are now so once was I,
As I am now so you must be ;
Prepare for death and follow me.
In Memory of
Frederick Castor
who departed this life the
27th August, 1806
aged 6 Years, 4 Months and
6 Days.
My day well spent, I rest content;
My cares and sufferings o'er.
The morning come I'll burst the tomb
And rise to fight no more.
I02
Sacred
to
the Memory of
Elizabeth Earl
who departed this life
July 9, 1841
in the 73rd Year of her age.
Weep not for me, my children dear;
To grieve it is in vain.
Christ is our hope, we need not fear,
But we shall meet again.
Sacred
to the Memory of
David Castor
who departed this life
June 3rd, 1822
aged 45 Years.
His best eulogy is the
acknowledgment of his
many virtues.
And his best epitaph
his pure and unblemished
character.
In
Memory of
Lewis David Castor
son of
Hiram and Eveline Castor
who departed this life
January 31st, 1854
aged 4 Years, 3 Months
and 7 Days
103
In
Memory of
Eliza, daug-hter of
Samuel and Hannah Castor
who died September 11th, 1807
aged 8 Months and 11 Days.
In Memory of Charles Castor
son of Hiram and Eveline Castor
who departed this life
July 22nd, 1835
aged 6 'Months and 27 Days.
104
A BRANCH OF THE CASTOR FAMILY, CONNECTION UNKNOWN,
WHICH LEFl^PENNSYLVANIA AND SETTLED IN
THE WESTERN RESERVE OF OHIO
ABOUT 1818.
1. Noah Castor.
Issue: —
2. Noah.
3. Conrad.
4. Benjamin.
2. Noah Castor, son of Noah Castor, No. 1, had —
Issue : —
5. George Freeman, b. May 24, 1851, in Cleveland, Ohio.
6. Frank.
5. George Freeman Castor, eldest son of Noah Castor, No.
2, and born as above stated, had —
Issue: —
7. Noah F., b. Sept. 13, 1875, d. infancy.
6. George Dewitt, b. Nov. 7, 1876, in Cleveland, Ohio.
9. William Perry, b. Aug. 29, 1879, in Cleveland, Ohio.
10. Jean Roy, b. Sept. 25, 1881, in Cleveland, Ohio.
105
CASTOR MILITARY SERVICE.
THE CASTOR FAMILY IN THE REVOLUTION.
Frederick Castor, eldest son of John Georo-e Castor, was Lieu-
tenant of the First Company, Second BattaHon, Philadelphia
County Militia, in 1780. He was at the Battles of Brandywine
and Germantown.
Jacob Castor, third son of John Georg-e Castor, was commis-
sioned Second Lieutenant of the Seventh Company, Second Bat-
talion, Bucks County Militia, May 6, 1777.
Mathias Castor, eldest son of Georo^e Castor, eldest son of
John George Castor, saw service at the Siege of Yorktown.
OTHER CASTORS IN THE REVOLUTION, NOT DE-
SCENDED FROM JOHN GEORGE CASTOR.
Philip Castor served in the First Pennsylvania Line from Jan-
uary 1, 1777, to January, 1781.
Charles Castor is listed in a report to Colonel Bartholomew
by Lieutenant Davis Kerlins as having enlisted in the last five
days' mustering in 1781.
Philip and Jacob Caster, in the year 1781, were in the Third
Company, Fifth Battalion, Northampton County Militia.
Paul Caster was a member of Isaac Thomas' Company of
Foot Militia, First Battalion of Chester County.
Samuel Caster served in the same company.
Felty Castor served in the Bedford County Militia. Luther
io6
R. Kelker, Custodian of Public Records, Harrisburg-, writes that
this Felty "was one Valentine Caster."
Henry Gerster served in the Northampton Continental Line.
This man, whose descendants spell their names Caster and Castor,
emisrrated to Pennsylvania in 1749.
THE CASTOR FAMILY IN THE MEXICAN WAR.
Lieutenant Thomas F. Castor, a g'raduate of West Point, was
Commissioned Lieutenant in the First United States Drag'oons, in
which organization he served throughout the Mexican War, He
died in the service at Fort Tejon, California, September 8, 1855.
THE CASTOR FAMILY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
Lewis Castor, Twent3^-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Frank Castor, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Henry Castor, Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers.
John Castor, Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers.
William Castor, Ninty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Edwin A. Castor, First Sergeant, Ninth Pennsylvania Militia.
Charles W. Castor, Fortieth Pennsylvania Militia.
Henry died in the service. William was killed at Spotsyl-
vania. John was killed at Ball's Blufif.
107
CHARLES DEAL'S LETTER TO WILLIAM HALL
WAXLER.
November 27, 1897.
William Hall Waxier, Esq.
Sir: —
George Castor, No. 1, emigrated from near Balle, Switz-
erland, to this country some time between 1750 and 1760. My
great great-grandfather, Gardner, came from the same neighbor-
hood some years before. I never knew where he, George Castor,
first settled. He had several sons and daughters, the most nota-
ble of which was Frederick. He was the father of cork-leg or
George, No. 3, and I believe, John, your grandfather, David, who
did not marry, and Samuel, that I remember. He had three daugh-
ters, Hannah and Margaret, the wives of John and Jacob Myers,
and Lizzie, the widow of Caleb Earle for many years.
Samuel had three children, Dyre, who died young, and Hiram,
the father of Charles Castor, now living, and Margaret, who died
a few years ago. The descendants of Hannah Myers are Elijah,
the architect, and George Myers, who lived in Philadelphia a few
years ago, and their children, Jacob and Margaret Myers, had
two sons, Jacob, the eldest, who married Anette Rowland and
farmed his father's upper farm for a number of years and after-
ward started the rake making, etc., which his sons and son-in-law
now carry on, on one of the branches of Frankford Creek, near
Shoemakertown, and Reuben, who got the homstead at Milltown.
He married Margaret Nice and left three sons, Albert, who kept
the store at Milltown, which is since down. Another son farmed
109
the place for years, is now in the wheelwright business and car-
riage making business at the northeast corner of Second Street
and Mill Road. Sarah, the only daughter, lives in some part of
the homestead proper.
There were three daughters, Mary, the oldest, who was the
wife of William Wilstack, who kept a stove store and other iron-
ware at the west corner of Second and Vine for years. He had
two sons, Charles, the oldest, who did not live to be old. He left
a daughter, but I do not know what became of her. William got
in the mercantile line and got to be very rich. He married a daugh-
ter of Joseph Harris, the Baptist minister of Pennepack Church
for years. He gave up his business and travelled in Europe for sev-
eral years and made collections of paintings, etc., and on his road
home went to Saratoga and died suddenly. He left his property
conditionally to the Apprentices' Library, i. e., if the daughter did
not live to come of age, and the daughter died before she came of
age and the estate went for the purpose it was willed.
Margaret was married to Daniel Brauticum, a merchant of
Northumberland, and in a few 3^ears he died and left her with four
sons, none of which are now living.
Eliza, the other daughter, was married to Robert Buckman,
who taught school at Milltown for years. They had two daugh-
ters, one the wife or widow of Charles Murphy; the other, the
widow of George Leman (Lehman), the organ builder. John and
Hannah Myers had two sons. The oldest, John, farmed the place
and married Elizabeth Thomas. The other children are Elijah, the
architect, and George, who was conductor on the Fifth and Sixth
Street T. R. R. for a time and believe he is now living in West Phila-
delphia. Elijah, the other son, was an apothecary and he mar-
ried and carried on the business in Philadelphia for a few years
and died. He left one daughter.
I lO
The daughters were, the oldest, Hannah, vv^ho married
Megargee, and the father hought a farm in Bucks Co., and they
hved on it until the estate was settled, after which they moved to
Frankford. One of their sons did well. David, another, did not
do so well.
The other daughter, Elizabeth, was the wife of Thomas Eck-
ley, who kept the hotel at the corner of Second Street Pike and
Milltown Road, or Martin's Mill Road. They had two sons who
were in the spice business in Philadelphia some years ago.
George Castor, or cork-leg George, had one son, Jesse Y., who
was a lawyer. He had one son, Thomas, who was an officer in the
United States Army, who died young, and Poinsett, now living on
a lot on the old farm, and one daughter, Josephine Foster, whose
children live in cottages on the old homestead farm. Jesse did not
live to be old; he died about sixty years. There were tv/o daugh-
ters of George, No. 3, Sarah and Eliza.
I remember a Jacob Castor, a grandson of George, No. 1, who
lived in a one-and-a-half-story house on the west side of Adams
street, a short distance north of Frankford Avenue. He had four
sons — Jacob, Rudolph, John and Henry — and one daughter, Ann,
the wife of David Allen. There was a Henrv Castor, a brother of
Jacob, one of whose daughters was Betsy, the wife of Thomas
Rorer. The other Vv^as the first wife of Thomas Rowland.
The farm between the Bushby and Holt tract and the Oxford
Road and Second Street was what is now called the Vankirk farm.
It was owned by Catharine Castor. I believe she inherited it. She
was a Castor (Fox) by birth. She and her two sons, Isaac and
George (a good, easy-going man), and her daughter, Catharine,
the grass widow of Josiah Marple, lived there, and after the mother
died, the place was sold and the sons moved away from this part
of the country. Catharine Marple had one daughter, who after-
II I
ward was the wife of George N. Hoffman.
I have good reason to believe that all the Castors in the 23rd
and 35th Wards sprung from George, No. 1. Matthias Castor, a
cousin of George, No. 3, owned the farm the House of Correction
is on and the farm on Salter Lane, owned since by one of the Laf-
erty's, sixty years ago. He was the father of Long George, the
father of Howard, etc., and owned the farm on Dark Run Lane.
There were other Castors, but I cannot trace them back. It is not
so easy tracing these things back as when Peter and Thomas were
living.
Yours truly,
CHARLES E. DEAL.
The Rorers, Castors and Myers were all very much mixed by
inter-marriage. They were all uncles, aunts and cousins.
112
COPIES OF A FEW OF THE HUNDRED ODD LETTERS CARRIED
BY DYRE CASTOR ON HIS TRIP THROUGH KENTUCKY.
THE ORIGINAL COPIES ARE IN TPIE POSSESSION
OF ELLEN CASTOR GARSED.
Washington City, 12 May, 1836.
To the Citizens of my Congressional District.
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance and commend to
your favorable consideration D. Castor, Esq., who has been regu-
larly appointed Collector for the State of Kentucky of voluntary
subscriptions or contributions for the purpose of erecting in this
City a National Monument to the memory of Washington.
That every Citizen of the Nation might have the pleasure of
becoming a contributor to the erection of this patriotic undertaking
you will perceive that no one is allowed to contribute an amount
exceeding one Dollar for himself. I should be grateful to see the
District which I have the honor to represent sustain its uniform
character for patriotic liberality upon this most interesting occa-
sion.
Most affectionately your
o'b't Servt.
RH. M. JOHNSON
(Vice Pres., etc., of the U. S.)
Washington, May 16, 1836.
The Society formed in this City for the erection of a monu-
ment to the memory of George Washington has appointed the
bearer, Mr. Dyer Castor, to receive contributions for that purpose
from Citizens of the State of Kentucky.
Mr. Castor will explain the object of the association of which
113
he is the agent and he has our hearty wishes for success. We take
the Hberty, therefore, of introducing Mr. C. to our fellow Citizens
of Kentucky as a gentleman entitled to their civilities and atten-
tions.
(Signed)
H. Clay, J. R. Underwood, John Calhoun, John Chambers, John
White, Richard French, J. J. Crittenden, John Boyd, Rh. M. John-
son, J. Harlan, Wm. J. Graves.
Washington City, May 30, 1836.
Dear John: —
The bearer, Mr. Castor, of this City, a friend of Dr. Blake^
leaves here in a day or two for your place. He has been appointed
Collector for the Washington Monument about to be erected in
this place. I take pleasure in introducing him to you as a highly
respectable gentleman and I beg that you will do whatever you can
to further his views. He will travel through the State and your
advice as to route, etc., m^ay be of service to him, and will doubtless
be acceptable. Any attention shown him will be appreciated by
your brother,
W. A GORDON.
Mr. John G. Gordon, Louisville.
Washington City, May 22, 1836.
Dear Sir: —
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance and hospitality
my friend. Dyer Castor, Esqre. The business of his mission he
will explain to you and it is believed will be encouraged by every
true-hearted Kentuckian. Apart from the object Mr. C. has in
visiting your State, he is worthy of your friendly attentions and
kind civilities. Whatever you may do to prosper his undertaking
or make his stay agreeable in Kentucky will be gratefully remem-
bered by him and cheerfully reciorocated by me whenever an op-
portunity favorable is presented.
Most Respectfully I have the honor to be Your friend and
most obt. St.
BENJ. F. CURREY.
James Donaldson, Esqre., Bowling Green, Ky.
114
By the same, letters of introduction and recommendation wc-e
addressed to: — Hon. Joel Yancey, Glas^s:ow — Hon. Thomas P.
Moore, Harrodsburg — Joseph Ficklin, Esq., Postmaster, Lexin.o;--
ton — Major Henry, Bowlin,^: Green — Wilkins Tannehill, Esq.,
Louisville — Shadrick Penn, Jr., Esq., Editor Public Advertiser,
Louisville — Charlton Hunt, Esq., Lexington.
Washington City, May 30, 1836.
Dear Brother: —
My friend, Mr. Castor, is about to visit Kentucky, and may
extend his journey as far as your town. Should he do so, I hope
you will endeavour to make the period of his sojourn with you pass
agreeably.
Your affectionate brother,
JOHN G. BLAKE.
Colonel Thos. H. Blake, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Washington City, 25 May, 1836.
My dear Sir: —
This letter will be handed to you by Mr. Dyer Castor, a young
gentleman who goes to Kentucky in the capacit^^ <^f agen' -^or the
Washington Monument Association, to wdiom allow me to intro-
duce vou.
Mr. Dyer is a gentleman of good moral character and held in
high esteem by his acquaintances here, to him therefore I pray you
to extend your polite attention. Please say to my dear sister that
I shall soon be at your house and that I shall hope to have the
pleasure of finding you, herself and children in the enjoyment of
good health and happiness.
With great esteem I am your most obt. Servt.,
J. TURNER.
Asa Payne, Esq., Near Lexington, Ky.
Washington, 29 May, 1836.
Dear Lloyd: —
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Castor, of
Pennsylvania, a gentleman of high respectability and standing in
115
Society, who will present you this letter.
He has for a year or two resided in this City where his amiable
disposition and moral worth have made his numerous friends.
He is about visiting Kentucky on the same business that John
Addison was engaged in during the past winter, where, in all prob-
ability, he will become a permanent settler. I feel assured that at
my request you will take pleasure in showing that attention to
Mr. Castor, so grateful to a traveller in a strange country.
Your affectionate father,
W. D. ADDISON.
Lloyd D. Addison. (From Rev. Wm. D. Addison.)
Washington City, 25 May, 1836.
My dear Brother: —
Allow me to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Dyer Castor.
Mr. Castor goes to Kentucky in capacity of agent to the Washing-
ton Monument Association. I have lived with him near one month
in this place at the same house and found him to be a gentleman of
agreeable manners, of good moral character and esteemed by all
his acquaintances — in favor of such an one I need not add, that I
request your polite attention.
I am, my dear brother, most sincerely yours,
IN. TURNER (Judge Turner, of Louisiana.)
Honble. Fielding L. Turner, Lexington (Ky.).
Washington, May 2nd, 183G.
Dear Sir: —
Allow me to make you acquainted with my particular friend,
Mr. Dyer Castor, of Pennsylvania. He is a young gentleman of
the very first respectability and character and on whose acquaint-
ance I am confident you will be much pleased. He visits Kentucky
as collector of contributions for that noble monument, the Wash-
ington Monument Society. It is needless for me to say in what
high esteem he is held here, as his credentials and testimonials be
an ample testimony of that fact. I can rest assured, from the en-
thusiastic part which you have already taken and your desire to
ii6
promote the object, will ensure your aid in furthering the views of
Mr. Castor.
Having been for some time a resident in Kentucky, I trust it
will be in your power to facilitate the object, by making him ac-
quainted with some of your friends in different parts of the State.
Any assistance which it may be in your power to render, I shall
esteem as a great favor and will be ever grateful to you for the kind-
ness.
With much regard
I remain yr. friend and obt. St.
JNO. ADDISON.
(To) J. Rice, Esqre., Louisville.
The same leter was also addressed to: —
General James Taylor (Newport).
His Excellency, J. T. Moorehead, Governor of Kentucky.
Rev. Robert Ash, Louisville, Ky.
Charles L. Rowand, Louisville, Ky.
Stephen Haskell, Lloyd D. Addison, Walker Holloway,
Louisville, and Messrs. Anderson and Stephenson,
Frankfort.
117
THE OLD SWORD
ON EXHIBITION IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM,
INDEPENDENCE HALL.
In the National Museum, Independence Hall, Philadelphia, is
an old sword presented to the museum June 22, 1875, by Mr. Jos-
eph Rorer, of Philadelphia,
The inscription reads: — "Sword captured from an English
vessel during" the Revolution, by Lieutenant Castor."
Frederick and Jacob were both Lieutenants in the Revolution-
ary Army and, as far as the records we have been able to secure go,
neither were in any way connected with' the Navy. It is possible
that Abraham or his brother, George, may have been the Lieuten-
ant mentioned. In this supposition Abraham should be given the
preference, as his family was more closely connected with that of
the donor than was that of George Castor.
CASTOR TAXABLES.
CASTOR TAXABLES IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY IN
1780 AND 1786, NOT DESCENDED FROM JOHN
GEORGE CASTOR.
MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSPHP.
1780.
Leonard Caster, taylor, £82.
Michael Caster, farmer, £585.
1786.
Leonard Castor, 80 acres, 1 horse and 1 cow. Six Shillings,
Michael Caster, 100 acres, 2 horses and 3 cows. Fifteen Shillings,
five pence.
ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
Henry Gester, weaver, £25.
CHESTER COUNTY RATES, 1780.
Samuel Castor.
ii8
A FEW FACTS CONCERNING THE GERMAN CASTOR
FAMILY.*
From a Letter by Jacob B. Castor, of Scranton, Pa.
The first Castor mentioned in German history was the son of
a cloth weaver. He Hved in the fourth century, was a monk, and
Hved in a cave near Cardena, on the Moselle. Castor was also a
cloth v/eaver and, after a trip to Rome, preached Christianity to
the people. After his death he was canonized and there is still a
church of St. Castor, which is situated near the cave, which is still
in existence. There is also a church of St. Castor at Coblentz.
The forefathers of this St. Castor came originally from Spain,
where they were also weavers. Branches of the family are now to
be found in Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and the United States.
The old homestead in Ober-Wese on the Rhine, between Coblentz
and Bingen, has not changed hands for 1300 years. The family is
called Castor of the Berg. Jacob B. Castor's father was John Bap-
tist Castor, and his grandfather, Balthasar Castor, born 1799.
There is a Castor Township, Mo.
*It is extremely doubtful if the Castor famil}^ of Pennsylvania
has anything whatsoever to do with this family. Note the original
spelling of the name in section devoted to that subject. — G. C. M.
119
THE CASTORS OF CASTORLAND
THE DESCENDANTS OF
JOHN DE CASTORER, AN ENSIGN IN THE REVOLU-
TIONARY ARMY, WHO SETTLED IN REDFIELD,
NEW YORK, AFTER THE WAR
COMPILED BY
HENRY A. JEAN CASTOR
MARTIN & ALLARDYCE
FRANKFORD, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
I9IO
1/
CASTORLAND, THE HOME OF THE CASTORS OF
NEW YORK STATE.
"On the 12th of April, 1793, Constable conveyed 210,000 acres,
"by deed, for £25,000, to (Peter) Chassanis, of Paris, since known
"as the Chassanis Tract, Castorland, or the French Company's
"Land, bounded North by No. IV. of McComb's Purchase, South
"and West by the Black River, and East by a line running North,
"nine miles from a point near High Falls, and hence North Easter-
"ly on such a course as might include 210,000 acres."
The above was communicated by the New York State Histor-
ian. The following is copied from Dr. Franklin B. Hough's "His-
tory of Oswego County":
"In 1792 several New York men bought 2,000,000 acres in the
"above mentioned region and at once sailed for Paris, France,
"where they formed the 'Castorland Company' to dispose of the
"same."
"The same year or the next several agents of the Company
"(Frenchmen) came in to look at the land. They wrote a journal,
"called the 'Castorland Journal.' "
This Journal has been translated by Mr. Hough.
Castorland comprised what is now the Northern part of Os-
wego County, Lewis County, and the Southern half of Jefferson
County. There is now a village in Lewis County called Castor-
land.
The seal of the Castorland Company was oval in form. In
the center was a tree and at the tree's base a beaver knawing the
trunk. In a semi-circle, over and around the tree, was the legend,
^ 111
"Compagnie de New York," and below the tree, in two lines, was
the word "Castorland."
As to the origin of the name, the State Historian believes that
it originated from the quantity of beaver (castor canadensis) which
inhabited the land. Therefore, Beaverland or Castorland. It is
possible, however, that the Company, finding John Castor living on
the property when they purchased it, named it for him.
1. John Castorer, or de Castorer, as he sometimes wrote it,
was born in New London, Connecticut, July 16, 1748. He enlisted
as a private for service in the Revolutionary War from Spencer-
town, now Columbia County, New York, in 1776, under Captain
Barritt. He re-enlisted in May, 1778, as Orderly Sergeant, under
Captain Hatch, Colonel Alden. Commissioned as Ensign in the
Summer of 1779, under Captain Hatch, Colonel McNistry and
Colonel Hogeboom. He married, in 1770, Anna Calkins, of Can-
terbury, England, and after the Revolution removed to Redfield,
New York, and later to Ellisburg, in the same State, where he died
in 1835. He was an educated man and was reputed as a poet and
musician. Authority for military record, U. S. Pension Office.
Issue: —
2. John b. October 16, 1771, d. February 24, 1865.
3. Christopher b. January 31, 1774, d. September 18, 1840.
4. Cynthia b. January 21, 1776, d. April 27, 1812.
5. Ezra b. February 26, 1778, d. February, 1858.
6. Asa b. February 39, 1781, d. September 14, 1781.
7. Rufus b. August 20, 1782, d. circa, 1862.
8. Rodolphus b. December 4, 1784, d. August 24, 1864.
9. Ira b. May 22, 1787, d. April 2, 1866.
10. Harvey b. September 7, 1791, d. April 25, 1812.
The descendants of John, Christopher, Ezra, Rufus, Ro-
dolphus and Ira are hereafter treated in order of seniority. The
JV
children of John, Rodolphus and Ira called themselves Castor,
dropping the final "er" of their father's name. Christopher, Rufus
and Ezra dropped the final "er" and their children called themselves
Caster.
JOHN CASTOR, No. 2, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
2. John Castor, eldest son of John Castorer, No. 1, was born
October 16, 1771. He married Content, youngest daughter of
John Whiting, of Liverpool, England, and died February 24, 1865.
Issue: —
11. Anna b. 1800.
12. Clara b. circa, 1803.
These girls married: one a Hoskins, the other a Hutch-
inson, and both moved to Indiana or Illinois circa 1821.
No further knowledge.
13. Lovisa m. John Cory, d. young and childless.
14. Henry b. 1812. Of whom presently.
15. John b. 1814. Of whom presently.
16. William b. 1816. Of whom presently.
17. Chauncey b. 1818. Of whom presently.
18. Cynthia b. 1820. Of whom presently.
19. Betsy b. 1822. Of whom presently.
20. Polly b. 1824. Of whom presently.
21. Julia b. 1826. Of whom presently.
14. Henry Castor, eldest son of John Castor, No. 2, was born
in 1812. He married, first, Mary Hart, and second, Cynthia
Slater.
Issue by his first wife: —
22. Phila b. 1836. Of whom presently.
23. Julius b. 1838, d. infancy.
24. Alonzo b. August, 1840. Of whom presently.
VI
25. Orlando b. 1842. Of whom presently.
26. David b. 1844, m. Rhoda Glover. Living in Bellingham,
Washington. No issue.
27. Patience b. 1846, d. 1858. No issue.
28. John b. 1848. Of v^hom presently.
Issue by his second wife: —
29. Joseph b. 1857. Of whom presently.
30. Patience b. 1858.
31. Sarah b. 1861. Of whom presently.
32. Mary.
33. Bernice.
34. Madge.
35. Annie m. Foster. Had issue: , a son, No.
101.
15. John Castor, second son of John Castor, No. 2, was born
in 1814. He lived in Oswego County, New York. He married
Esther Washburn.
Issue: —
36. Henry b. 1840. Of whom presently.
37. John b. 1842. Of whom presently.
38. William b. 1844. Killed in the Civil War. No issue.
39. Robert b. 1846. No issue.
40. Charles b. 1847. Of whom presently.
41. Huldah b. 1849. Of whom presently.
16. William Castor, third son of John Castor, No. 2, was born
in 1816 and died August 4, 1891. He married Mandy Clemons.
Issue: —
42. Eliza b. 1837. Of whom presently.
43. Fernando b. 1840. Of whom presently.
vii
44. Wallace b. 1844. Of whom presently.
45. Alvin b. 1847. Of whom presently.
46. Theodore b. 1850. Of whom presently.
47. Medora b. 1853. Of whom presently.
17. Chauncey Castor, fourth son of John Castor, No. 2, was
born in 1818. He married, 1839, Martha Clemons.
Issue: —
48. Ophelia b. Apr. 27, 1840. Of whom presently.
49. Rosina b. Aug. 28, 1842. Of whom presently.
50. Emeline b. Feb. 17, 1848, twin of
51. Eveline b. Feb, 17, 1848. Of whom presently.
52. Albert b. June 15, 1845, m. Mary McCoy. No issue.
53. Leroy b. Jan. 22, 1851. Of whom presently.
54. Brainard b. Aug. 8, 1862, m. Ettie Moyers. No issue.
18. Cynthia Castor, fourth daughter of John Castor, No. 2,
was born in 1820 and died in Oswego County, New York, 1902.
She married Abraham Hendrix.
Issue: —
55. Philandra Hendrix, m. Perry.
56. Nelson Hendrix.
57. H. Riley Hendrix. Living (1910) in Williamstown, N.
Y. Gave much assistance in compiling this work.
19. Betsy Castor, fifth daughter of John Castor, No. 2, was
born in 1822. She married John Elmer.
Issue: — '
58. William Elmer.
59. Henrietta Elmer.
60. Helen Elmer.
viii
20. Polly Castor, sixth daughter of John Castor, No. 2, was
born in 1824. She married Wilcox.
Issue: —
61. Leander Wilcox. In Civil War.
62. Hamilton Wilcox.
63. Oscar Wilcox, d. in Civil War.
64. Jackson Wilcox. In Civil War.
65. Eli Wilcox. In Civil War.
66. Daniel Wilcox.
67. Jorome Wilcox.
68. Emmeline Wilcox.
69. Sophia Wilcox.
70. Marrietta Wilcox.
21. Julia Castor, seventh daughter of John Castor, No. 2, w^as
born 1826 and died 1904. She married Samuel Clemons.
Issue: —
71. Janette Clemons b. 1840. Of whom presently.
72. Monroe Clemons b. 1842.
73. Albert Clemons b. 1844, d. in Civil War.
74. Nancy Clemons b. 1845. Of whom presently.
75. Harriet Clemons b. 1847.
22. Phila Castor, eldest daughter of Henry Castor, No. 14,
was born in 1836. She married Charles V/idrick.
Issue: —
76. Ruby Widrick d. in her 22nd year.
77. Henry Widrick b. 1860, m. Ella McDougall. Living in
Auburn, N. Y.
24. Alonzo Castor, eldest son of Henry Castor, No. 14, who
left issue, was born in August, 1840. He enlisted in Company A,
ix
146th N. Y. S. Volunteers, at Utica, New York, August 19, 1862,
and was discharged June 22, 1865. He married Mary Margaret,
daughter of Luke Robilliard, of St. Anne de Beaupre, Montreal,
Canada. Now living in Jordan, N. Y.
Issue: —
78. Elsie Amelia b. Feb. 11, 1871, Redfield, N. Y. Of whom
presently.
79. Phila Irene b. Sept. 8, 1873, Redfield, N. Y. Of whom
presently.
80. Stephen Bobilliard b. July 17, 1876. Of whom presently.
81. Adeline Eliza b. April 27, 1879.
82. Henry A. Jean b. Apr. 16, 1882. Of whom presently.
83. Joseph Gilbert b. Nov. 4, 1884. Of whom presently.
84. Harry b. May 3, 1887, d. infancy.
25. Orlando Castor, third son of Henry Castor, No. 14, was
born in 1842 and died in 1907. He was a member of the same com-
pany and regiment as his brother and fought at Andersonville. He
married Mary Morrell, called Smart.
Issue: —
85. Gaylord b. 1870, m. Lena Hull. No issue.
86. Frederick b. 1872. Of whom presently.
87. Lily b. 1874. Of whom presently.
88. Myra b. 1876.
89. Blanche b. 1877.
90. Pearl b. 1879. Of whom presently.
91. Raymond b. 1888.
92. Lura b. 1890.
93. Winnifred b. 1896.
28. John Castor, fifth son of Henry Castor, No. 14, was born
in 1848. He married Coleman and now lives near Belling-
ham, Washington.
Issue: —
94. Norman. Lives near his father.
95. Edna m. .
29. Joseph Castor, sixth son of Henry Castor, No. 14, was
by his father's second wife.
Issue: —
96. Mabel.
97. Lizzie or Lily.
98. , a son.
31. Sarah Castor, fourth daughter of Henry Castor, No. 14,
was by her father's second wife. She was born in 1861. Married
McConnell.
Issue: —
99. Elizabeth McConnell.
100. Mary McConnell b. circa 1882, m. Frank Bonner. Liv-
ing in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New York.
36. Henry Castor, eldest son of John Castor, No. 15, married
Juliette Taylor and lived in Redfield, N. Y.
Issue: —
102. Hattie b. circa 1775, m. Marshall Yerdon, No. 150.
103. Clara, m. Arthur Yerdon, No. 171.
104. Arthur, m. Ethel Castor, No. 160.
105. Maurice, m. Maude Yerdon, daughter of Lester Yerdon,
No. 145.
37. John Castor, second son of John Castor, No. 15, was born
in 1842. He served in the American Navy. Married Isabelle Day
and lived in Redfield, New York.
xi
Issue: —
106. Leola b. between 1875 and 1880, m. Clarence Joselin.
107. William.
108. Floyd.
109. Raymond.
110. Charles.
The last four were not married in 1908.
40. Charles Castor, fifth son of John Castor, No. 15, was born
in 1847. He married Seba Streeter and lived near Redfield, New
York.
Issue: —
111. Rhoda, a son, now deceased.
112. Letta b. circa 1880, m. Pearly Yerdon, No. 153. Issue,
one child.
113. Charles B. circa 1895.
41. Huldah Castor, only daughter of John Castor, No. 15,
was born in 1849. She married Everett Giddings.
Issue: —
114. Ettie Giddings. Deceased.
115. Elwin Giddings.
116. Edith Giddings.
Twins.
117. Edwin Giddings.
42. Eliza Castor, eldest daughter of William Castor, No. 16,
was born 1837. She married Asariah Wart.
Issue: —
118. Wella Wart.
119. Gilson Wart.
xii
43. Fernando Castor, eldest son of William Castor, No. 16,
was born in 1840. He served in the Civil War and married Rose
Farley.
Issue : —
120. Frederick Castor (adopted).
44. Wallace Castor, second son of William Castor, No. 16,
was born in 1844 and died October 17, 1885. He married Lucy
Joyner.
Issue: —
121. Minnie. Of whom presently.
122. Lorenzo d. 1908.
123. Verna m. Arthur Giddings, a brother of Everett Gid-
dings, who m. Huldah Castor, No. 41.
124. Jennie m. Jesse Yerdon, No. 155.
125. Edwin m. Eva, dau. of James Randall. Issue, two
daughters.
126. Mabel m. Smith, 1907.
45. Alvin Castor, third son of William Castor, No. 16, was
born in 1847. He married Mary, daughter of Abraham Yerdon.
Now living in Pulaski, N. Y.
Issue: —
127. Lorena b. Jan. 12, 1871. Of whom presently.
128. Clara b. Jan. 23, 1873.
129. Al virus b. Oct. 12, 1874, d. Aug. 14, 1898.
130. Ozias b. Dec. 20, 1878.
131. Lilla b. Nov. 14, 1884.
132. Leon b. Sept. 17, 1892.
48. Theodore Castor, fourth son of William Castor, No. 16,
was born in 1850. He married Lucy Booth and now lives near
xiii
I^acona, N. Y.
Issue : —
133. Orlando b. circa 1875.
134. Eva m. Frank Bovee.
135. Clyde b. circa 1886.
■ 136. Belva.
137. Mina.
138. Blanch.
139. Percy.
140. Elda.
141. Billyword.
47. Medora Castor, second daughter of William Castor, No.
16, was born in 1853. She married Frank Joyner and now lives
in Redfield, N. Y.
Issue: —
142. Almyrtie Joyner b. 1878.
143. Marvin Joyner.
144. Grover Joyner b. 1890.
48. Ophelia Castor, eldest daughter of Chauncey Castor, No.
17, was born April 27, 1840. She married Abraham Yerdon.
Issue: —
145. Lester Yerdon b. circa 1865, m. Clemons. His
daughter, Maude, m. Maurice Castor, No. 105.
146. Eddie Yerdon. ^
147. Ella Yerdon.
Twins.
148. Minnie Yerdon m. Munger. Issue, Beulah, who
m. Randall.
149. Ernest Yerdon.
Abraham Yerdon married, after the death of his wife,
xiv
Ophelia, and had children as follows: William, Norman,
Jennie and Annie.
49. Rosina Castor, second dauj^hter of Chauncey Castor, No.
17, was born August 28, 1842. She married Moses Yerdon.
Issue: —
150. Marshall Yerdon b. circa 1868, m. Hattie Castor, No.
102.
151. Ellsworth Yerdon.
152. Alberta Yerdon m. William Taplin.
153. Pearly Yerdon m. Letta Castor, No. 112.
50. Emeline Castor, third daughter of Chauncey Castor, No.
17, was born February 17, 1848. She married Sylvester Yerdon.
Issue: —
154. Alberna Yerdon b. circa 1868, m. Minnie Castor, No.
121.
155. Jesse Yerdon m. Jennie Castor, No. 124.
156. Arden Yerden.
157. Nellie Yerden.
51. Eveline Castor, fourth daughter of Chauncey Castor, No.
17, was twin with her sister, Emeline. She married William Ward.
Issue: —
158. Lulu Ward. Single in 1908.
53. Leroy Castor, second son of Chauncey Castor, No. 17,
was born January 22, 1851. He married Hattie Barber. Living
near Redfield, N. Y.
Issue: —
159. Isora b. circa 1785, m. Streeter. Issue, several
children.
XV
160. Ethel m. Arthur Castor, No. 104.
161. Ruben.
162. Edna.
71. Janette Clemons, eldest daughter of Julia Castor, No. 21,
was born in 1840. She married John Barber and now lives in
Greensboro, N. Y.
Issue: —
163. Mary Barber.
164. Hattie Barber m. Leroy Castor, No. 53.
165. William.
166. Erwin.
167. Charles.
168. Lorenzo.
169. Alonzo.
170. Bert.
74. Nancy Clemons, second daughter of Julia Castor, No. 21,
was born 1845. She married Ephraim Yerdon. Nancy was of
great assistance in preparing this work.
Issue: —
171. Arthur Yerdon m. Clara Castor, No. 103.
172. Clara Yerdon.
78. Elsie Amelia Castor, eldest daughter of Alonzo Castor,
No. 24, was born in Redfield, N. Y., Feb. 11, 1871. Married Pardon
M., son of Marshall Bemis, of Ellisburgh, N. Y.
173. Barbara I. Bemis b. Mar. 4, 1896.
174. Esther Bemis b. Mar. 27, 1900.
79. Phila Irene Castor, second daughter of Alonzo Castor,
No. 24, was born September 8, 1873, in Redfield, N. Y. Married
XVI
Elmer Hewitt and lives in Weedsport, N. Y.
Issue: —
175. Lillian Irene Hewitt b. vScpt. 14, 1901.
176. Olive Margaret Hewitt b. Dec. 12, 1904.
177. Edith Henrietta Hewitt b. 1907.
80. Stephen Robilliarci Castor, eldest son of Alonzo Castor,
No. 24, was born July 17, 1876. Married Caroline, daughter of
Leroy Crim. Now living 104 Whittier Avenue, Syracuse, N. Y.
Connected with the Franklin Auto Company.
Issue : —
178. Helen Beatrice Castor b. Jan. 10, 1904.
82. Henry A. Jean Castor, second son of Alonzo Castor, No.
24, was born April 16, 1882, in Victor Township, Cayuga Co., N. Y.
Married S. Caroline, daughter of John Miller, of Syracuse, N. Y.
Now living in Eulton, N. Y. Connected with the State Engineers'
Department.
Issue : —
179. John Gilbert Baird Castor b. Dec. 16, 1909.
83. Joseph Gilbert Castor, third son of Alonzo Castor, No.
24, was born November 4, 1884, in Victor Township, Cayuga Co.,
N. Y. Married February 2, 1910, Jessie Cox, of Jordan, N. Y.
Joseph lives in Jordan, N. Y., and is connected with the Franklin
Auto Company of Syracuse.
86. Frederick Castor, second son of Orlando Castor, No. 25,
was born in 1872. Married Josephine O'Rielly.
Issue : —
180. Anna Isabelle b. 1905.
87. Lily Castor, eldest daughter of Orlando Castor, No. 25,
xvii
was born 1874. Married Frank Chapman and lives in Auburn, N. Y.
Issue: —
181. Neal Burdett Chapman b. Nov. 14, 1894.
182. Damon Webster Chapman b. Mar. 4, 1896.
183. Howard Dewitt Chapman b. Sept. 9, 1899.
90. Pearl Castor, fourth daughter of Orlando Castor, No. 25,
was born 1879. She married Timeison.
Issue: —
184. Nellie Timeison b. May, 1901.
185. Paul Timeison b. Oct. 21, 1904.
121. Minnie Castor, eldest daughter of Wallace Castor, No.
44, married Alberna Yerdon, No. 154.
Issue : —
186. Edwin Yerdon b. 1892.
127. Lorena Castor, eldest daughter of Alvin Castor, No. 45,
was born January 12, 1871. Married Myron Clemons.
Issue: —
187. Herman Clemons b. 1904.
XVII 1
CHRISTOPHER CASTOR, No. 3, AND HIS
DESCENDANTS.
Christopher Castor, second son of John Castorer, No. 1, was
born January 31, 1774, and died September 18, 1840, and was bur-
ied in the Ford Cemetery, Red Creek, New York. He married,
previous to 1795, in Herkimer County, New York, Eunice Wilson.
His descendants spell their name with an e instead of an o, as has
already been noted.
Issue : —
188. Louisa b. July 12, 1796. Of whom presently.
189. Ira b. Feb. 22, 1798. Of whom presently.
190. Belinda b. Mar. 27, 1800. Of whom presently.
191. Chester. Record lost. Was a bachelor.
192. Sophia. No record. Of whom presently.
193. Julia b. 1808, d. Dec. 25, 1860. Spinster.
188. Louisa Caster, eldest daughter of Christopher Castor,
No. 3, was born July 12, 1796, and died August 23, 1871. She mar-
ried, in 1816, John Ford, who was born January 20, 1792, and died
January 9, 1887.
Issue : —
194. Eunice Angeline Ford b. March 25, 1817.
195. Lucy Maria Ford b. July 10, 1819, d. Aug. 24, 1882.
196. Calvin C. Ford b. Oct. 24, 1823.
197. Louisa Jane Ford b. Mar. 21, 1827.
198. Amanzo Ford b. Nov. 17, 1832.
xix
189. Ira Caster, eldest son of Christopher Castor, No. 3, was
born February 22, 1798. He married Elizabeth Granger, who was
born April 11, 1794, and died May 17, 1877.
Issue: —
199. Cynthia b. July 19, 1820. Of whom presently.
200. Leonard b. May 20, 1822. Of whom presently.
201. Lovina b. Nov. 6, 1823, d. Oct. 3, 1842.
202. Cuyler b. Nov. 27, 1825. Of whom presently.
203. Esther b. Sept. 25, 1827. Of whom presently.
204. Julia b. Dec. 9, 1829. Of whom presently.
205. Willard b. Jan. 29, 1833. Of whom presently.
190. Belinda Caster, second daughter of Christopher Castor,
No. 3, was born March 27, 1800. She married John Caywood, who
was born March 25, 1799, and died December, 1878.
Issue: —
206. Louise Caywood.
207. Emeline Caywood.
208. Christopher Caywood.
209. Charles Caywood.
210. Ruth Caywood.
211. Eunice Caywood.
212. Alonzo Caywood.
213. Sarah Caywood.
214. William Caywood.
215. Norman Caywood.
216. Manville Caywood.
217. Agusta Caywood.
218. Ira Caster Caywood.
All born between 1822 and 1849 in Wayne and Cayuga
Counties, New York.
XX
192. Sophia Caster, third daughter of Christopher Castor,
No. 3, married Chamberlain Fuller.
Issue: —
219. Adon Fuller.
220. Belinda Fuller.
221. Sarepta Fuller.
222. John Fuller.
199. Cynthia Caster, eldest daughter of Ira Caster, No. 189,
was born July 19, 1820. She married. May 8, 1842, George W. D.
Churchill.
Issue: —
223. Emma Churchill. Of whom presently.
200. Leonard Caster, eldest son of Ira Caster, No. 189, was
born May 20, 1822. He lived in Red Creek, N. Y. Married, 1853,
Harriett Quivey.
Issue: —
224. Frank b. May 20, 1855, d. unmarried.
225. Albert b. May 26, 1857, d. in infancy.
226. Charles L. b. Dec. 17, 1858. Of whom presently.
227. Laura b. Nov. 12, 1860, m. Nov. 15, 1893, James Taylor.
No issue.
228. Rhoda b. Feb. 26, 1863. Of whom presently.
229. Sarah b. Jan. 16, 1866, m. Mar. 8, 1893, Walter Mack.
No issue.
230. Frederick b. Mar. 15, 1868. Of whom presently.
231. Ira b. Oct. 14, 1870. Of whom presently.
232. Erwin b. Aug. 12, 1873. Of whom presently.
233. Mate b. Nov. 14, 1874. Of whom presently.
xxi
202. Cuyler Caster, second son of Ira Caster, No. 189, was
born November 27, 1825. He married, May 4, 1848, Ellen Jane
Gought.
Issue: —
234. Harriet Adelia b. May 22, 1853. Of whom presently.
235. Stephen b. Aug. 20, 1855. Of whom presently.
236. George b. 1860. Of whom presently.
203. Esther Caster, third daughter of Ira Caster, No. 189,
was born September 25, 1827. She married, May 1, 1850, Loron
Gray.
Issue: —
237. Adelaide Gray.
238. Juliette Gray.
239. Willard Gray, Secretary Y. M. C. A., Haverhill, Mass.
240. Clarissa Gray.
204. Julia Caster, fourth daughter of Ira Caster, No. 189, was
born December 9, 1829. She married, October 24, 1850, William
Moffet.
Issue: —
241. Lovina Moffet b. July 15, 1851, m. William McMullen.
Living in Red Creek, N. Y.
242. Phoebe Moffet b. Oct. 31, 1856, d. Sept. 11, 1865.
205. Willard Caster, third son of Ira Caster, No. 189, was
born January 29, 1833. He married Clara Bunce.
Issue: —
243. Caroline b. 1865, d. Oct. 17, 1904.
244. Arthur Everett b. Sept. 12, 1867, d. Feb. 24, 1869.
245. Edward G. b. May 2, 1869. Of whom presently.
246. Nora Belle b. May 11, 1873.
xxii
247. Arthur Leverne b. 1878.
248. Maude b. Jan. 21, 1887.
223. Emma Churchill, daughter of Cynthia Caster, No. 199,
and George W. D. Churchill, married, January 26, 1870, Alfred W.
Hayes. Mrs. Hayes resides in Haverhill, Mass.
Issue: —
249. Alfred C. Hayes b. April 24, 1872, d. May 10, 1872.
226. Charles L. Caster, third son of Leonard Caster, No. 200,
was born December 17, 1858. He married, March 11, 1883, Jennie
Wells.
Issue: —
250. Flossie b. Oct. 30, 1885.
251. Nelsen b. Jan. 10, 1887.
252. Wells b. Jan. 7, 1893.
253. Bois b. Apr. 5, 1897.
254. Ruth b. Oct. 5, 1902.
228. Rhoda Caster, second daughter of Leonard Caster, No.
200, was born November 12, 1860. She married first, 1880, C.
Quivey, who died 1889. Married second, February 26, 1891, Ells-
worth Spoor. No issue by first husband.
Issue: —
255. Glenn Spoor.
256. Roy Spoor.
257. Esther Spoor.
258. Gladys Spoor.
259. Harriet Spoor.
230. Frederick Caster, fourth son of Leonard Caster, No.
200, was born March 15, 1868. He married, October 18, 1899,
xxiii
Mabel Blain.
Issue: —
260. Jesse Herbert b. June, 1902.
261. Frank Abram b. March, 1905.
231. Ira Caster, fifth son of Leonard Caster, No. 200, was
born October 4, 1870. He married, January 19, 1902, Agnes Miner.
Issue : —
262. Doris b. 1903.
263. Carl b. 1905.
264. A son.
232. Erwin Caster, sixth son of Leonard Caster, No. 200, was
born August 12, 1873. He married, October 27, 1897, Myrtle
Ridgway.
Issue: —
265. Alice b. 1900.
233. Mate Caster, fourth daughter of Leonard Caster, No.
200, was born November 14, 1874. She married, November 24,
1901, William Devoll, and now lives in Wolcott, New York,
Issue: —
266. Leonard Devoll b. June, 1903.
234. Harriet Adelia Caster, eldest daughter of Cuyler Cas-
ter, No. 202, was born May 22, 1853. She married, February 8,
1872, M. H. Fenn, and is now living in Wolcott, New York.
Issue: —
267. Marion Fenn b. Sept., 1874.
235. Stephen Caster, eldest son of Cuyler Caster, No. 202,
was born August 20, 1855. He married, December 21, 1876, Ida
xxiv
Wadsworth, and is now living in Wolcott, New York.
Issue: —
268. Howard b. August 2, 1879.
269. Wilber b. March 5, 1881.
270. Gillett b. April 28, 1887.
236. George Caster, second son of Cuyler Caster, No. 202,
was born in 1860. He married, April, 1879, Edith Sedore, and now
lives in Wolcott, New York.
Issue: —
271. Everett b. Oct. 31, 1879.
272. Lester b. Oct. 6, 1883.
273. Ellen b. Oct. 27, 1884, d. Sept. 6, 1885.
274. Fannie b. August 17, 1887.
245. Edward Caster, second son of Willard Caster, No. 205,
was born May 2, 1869. He married, December 24, 1897, Edith
Hersey.
Issue: —
275. Edward Caster b. Sept. 14, 1898.
XXV
EZRA CASTOR, No. 5, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Ezra Castor, third son of John Castorer, No. 1, was born Feb-
ruary 26, 1878. He married, September 28, 1800, Rhoda, daughter
of John Whiting. The marriage took place in Oswego County,
New York, and shortly afterward they moved to Michigan.
Issue : —
276. Christopher Caster b. June 25, 1801. Of whom pres-
ently.
277. Abigail Caster b. Feb. 6, 1803. Of whom presently.
278. Horace Caster b. Feb. 13, 1806, m. Dec. 6, 1835, Mar-
garet Anderson. No further record. Believed to have
left a family in Michigan.
279. Celinda Caster b. Dec. 8, 1808. Of whom presently.
280. Charity Caster b. March 19, 1811. Of whom presently.
281. Ezra Caster b. Sept. 20, 1814. Of whom presently.
282. George Caster b. Apr. 8, 1816. Of whom presently.
283. Harvey Caster b. Sept. 14, 1819. Of whom presently.
284. Henry Caster b. Sept. 23, 1823. Of whom presently.
285. Lurinda b. July 23, 1826, d. April 9, 1834.
276. Christopher Caster, eldest son of Ezra Caster, No. 5,
was born June 25, 1801. He married, June 27, 1821, Mary Hen-
dricks.
Issue: —
286. Adeline b. 1822, d. 1822.
287. Abigail b. 1824. Of whom presently.
288. Wesley S. b. June 29, 1826. Of whom presently.
xxvi
289. Lovina I. b. July 27, 1828. Of whom presently.
290. Rhoda A. b. August 23, 1830. Of whom presently.
291. Catherine C. b. Jan. 26, 1833. Of whom presently.
292. Elisha E. b. Mar. 19, 1835. Of whom presently.
293. Albert H. b. February 24, 1838, m. Marrila Wheeler.
Veteran of Civil War. No known issue.
294. Lawton C. b. Sept. 3, 1840. Of whom presently.
295. Marvina A. b. Feb. 1, 1842. Of whom presently.
277. Abigail Caster, eldest daughter of Ezra Castor, No. 5,
was born February 6, 1803. She married Peter Hendricks.
Issue: —
296. Simon Hendricks.
297. Lucius Hendricks.
298. Willard Hendricks.
299. Rhoda Hendricks.
300. Celinda Hendricks.
301. Amelia Hendricks.
302. Eliza Hendricks.
303. Ophelia Hendricks.
279. Celinda Caster, second daughter of Ezra Castor, No. 5,
was born December 8, 1808. She married Uriah Marsh.
Issue: —
304. Rhoda Marsh, now Mrs. Rhoda Buck, Camden, Michi-
gan.
280. Charity Castor, third daughter of Ezra Castor, No. 5,
was born March 19, 1811. She married first, George Brundson,
and second, Ezra Barnes. She died June 3, 1884.
Issue : —
305. Alletha Barnes b. 1850, d. 1879.
xxvii
306. Myron E. Barnes b. 1854, m. Clarissa . Issue,
Floyd A. and Adelbert H. Barnes, born 1878 and 1888.
281. Ezra Caster, third son of Ezra Castor, No. 5, was born
September 20, 1814. He married, January 17, 1839, Eleanor Hand,
and died December 3, 1847.
Issue: —
307. Charles. Record lost.
308. Harriet. Deceased.
282. George Caster, fourth son of Ezra Castor, No. 5, was
born April 18, 1816. He married, April 20, 1839, Clarissa Andrus.
Issue: —
309. Amos B. b. 1840.
310. Elon A. b. 1842. Of whom presently.
311. G. Dallas b. 1848. Of whom presently.
312. Emily P. b. 1852. Of whom presently.
313. Chandler D. b. 1854. Of whom presently.
283. Harvey Caster, fifth son of Ezra Castor, No. 5, was born
September 14, 1819. He married, February 24, 1846, Amanda
Perham. They lived in Wolverine, Mich.
Issue: —
314. Marian b. 1845.
315. Ida b. 1847.
316. Lydia b. 1849.
317. Wellington b. 1853. Living in Saskatchawan, Canada.
318. Harriet b. 1856.
284. Henry Horatio Caster, sixth son of Ezra Castor, No. 5,
was born September 23, 1823. He married, March 27, 1845, iij
Galen, Wayne County, New York, Clarissa Hand. He died June
6, 1899.
xxviii
Issue: —
319. Richmond Ezra b. Wayne County, N. Y., 1851. Lives
in Hackley, Vilas Co., Wisconsin. No issue.
320. Byrom M. b. Wayne County, N. Y., 1861. Of whom
presently.
287. Abigail Caster, second daughter of Christopher Caster,
No. 276, was born in 1824. She married William Owens.
Issue : —
321. Melissa Owens.
322. Loretta Owens.
323. Albert Owens.
324. Hattie Owens.
288. Wesley S. Caster, eldest son of Christopher Caster, No.
276, was born June 29, 1826. He married first, Cordelia Sherman,
by whom he had no issue. He married second, Adelia Blowers.
Wesley died April 19, 1883.
Issue: —
325. Dewitt b. 1859. Of whom presently.
326. Emma b. 1861. Lives in Holly, Mich.
327. Edwin b. 1863. Lives (1910) in Virginia,
328. Eldora b. 1865. Lives in Bay City, Mich.
329. Alice b. 1867. Lives in Fhnt, Mich.
330. Ira b. 1869. Lives in Linden, Mich.
289. Lovina Caster, third daughter of Christopher Caster,
No. 276, was born July 27, 1828. She married Abner Sanders and
died March, 1901.
Issue: —
331. Jane Sanders.
332. Emma Sanders.
xxix
333. Rhoda Sanders.
334. Hattie Sanders.
335. William Sanders.
290. Rhoda A. Caster, fourth daughter of Christopher Caster,
No. 276, was born August 23, 1830. She married David Foster
and died November 21, 1854.
Issue : —
336. Franklin Foster.
337. Riley Foster.
291. Catherine C. Caster, fifth daughter of Christopher Cas-
ter, No. 276, w^as born January 26, 1833. She married Elisha Mott
and now lives in Holly, Mich.
Issue: —
338. Eugene Mott.
339. Christopher Mott.
340. Rosallie Mott.
341. Minna Mott.
342. Dora Mott.
292. Elisha E. Caster, second son of Christopher Caster, No.
276, was born March 19, 1835. He married first, Harriet Whit-
beck, by whom he had no issue. He married second, Harriet Wil-
bur. They live in Plymouth, Michigan, where he is Minister of
the M. E. Church.
Issue: —
343. Arthur b. 1867.
344. Ella b. 1869, m. Prof. S. Burnham. Now living in West
Chester, Pa.
345. Florence b. 1873.
346. Wilbur b. 1879. Of whom presently.
XXX
294. Lawton C. Caster, fourth son of Christopher Caster, No.
276, was born September 3, 1840. He married Lydia Crosby and
now Hves in Eastwood, Mich.
Issue: —
347. Frederick b. 1870.
348. WilHam b. 1872.
349. Harry b. 1874.
350. Lilly b. 1877.
351. Anna.
352. Iva.
353. Herbert b. 1884.
295. Marvina Caster, fifth daughter of Christopher Caster,
No. 276, was born February 1, 1842. She married William Shook,
and died February 12, 1906.
Issue: —
354. Kittie Shook.
310. Elon A. Caster, second son of George Caster, No. 282,
was born in 1842. Living in Dowiagiac, Mich.
Issue: —
355. Edith b. circa 1879.
311. G. Dallas Caster, third son of George Caster, No. 282,
was born in 1848. Living in Dowiagiac, Mich.
Issue: —
356. Veva.
357. King b. circa 1880.
312. Emily P. Caster, eldest daughter of George Caster, No.
282, was born in 1852. She married Rolf. Living in Dow-
iagiac, Mich.
xxxi
Issue: —
358. Jennie C. Rolf.
313. Chandler D. Caster, fourth son of George Castor, No.
282, was born in 1854. He lives in Dowiagiac, Mich.
Issue: —
359. Hazel b. 1884.
320. Byrom M. Caster, second son of Henry Horatio Caster,
No. 284, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., 1861. He married
Diana I. Bement and now lives in Buffalo, N. Y.
Issue: —
360. Helen M. b. 1890.
361. Julian H. b. 1892.
362. Frederick B. b. 1897.
325. Dewitt Caster, eldest son of Wesley S. Caster, No. 288,
was born in 1859. He married in 1883, and now lives in Holly,
Mich.
Issue: —
363. Ina b. 1885.
364. Clara b. 1887.
346. Wilbur Caster, second son of Elisha E. Caster, No. 292,
was born in 1879. He is married and is Pastor of a Church in De-
troit, Mich.
Issue: —
365. Eleanor Ruth b. Detroit, Mich., Nov. 22, 1908.
XXXll
RUFUS CASTOR, No. 7, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Rufus Castor, fifth son of John Castorer, No. 1, was born Au-
gust 20, 1782. He married Anna Young and died circa 1862. His
children were all born in Oneida and Oswego Counties, New York.
Issue: —
366. Cornelia m. Nelson Swinney. Children all died young.
367. Maria m. MacKumber. Issue, four children, d.
Detroit, Mich., 1852.
368. Surinda m. Henry Maginess, d. Oswego Co., N. Y.
369. Joseph d. age three years.
370. Emily m. first, James, and second, Asa Robson. No
further record.
371. James. Said to have died in Collinswood, Canada, West.
Left a large family, but have failed to locate them. James
w^as born about 1818.
372. Harvey b. circa 1820, m. Elmira Heathe, of Rosse, N. Y.
Supposed to have died in Missouri, leaving a family.
373. Matilda b. circa 1823, m. Albert Porter. Issue, Albert,
Frederick and Frank Porter.
374. Charity b. circa 1825. Married Mott. Charity
Mott was living, in 1909, at 90 Williams Avenue, De-
troit, Mich. A letter addressed to her in January, 1910,
failed to find her. She has a son in Lansing, Mich., one
in Louisville, Ky., and a daughter in Chicago.
XXXUl
RODOLPHUS CASTOR, No. 8, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Rodolphus Castor, sixth son of John Castorer, No. 1, was born
December 4, 1784, and died August 24, 1864. He married Amanda
Wilson. All of his children were born and raised in the town of
Florence, Oneida County, N. Y.
Issue: —
375. Nancy b. 1813, m. Ackerman, d. Oswego Co.,
N. Y., 1878. No issue.
376. Alva H. b. 1815, d. Mannsville, N. Y., 1880. No known
issue.
377. Almira d. Fowler, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
378. Malvina. Of whom presently.
379. Henry James b. 1823. Of whom presently.
380. Achsah. Of whom presently.
381. Theodore Wilson. Of whom presently.
382. Cleantha m. Purdy. Living in Syracuse, N. Y.
378. Malvina Castor, third daughter of Rodolphus Castor,
No. 8, married Balcom. She died in Juinetta, Nebraska,
1880.
Issue: —
383. James Balcom. Living in Holbrook, Neb.
384. AlHe. Living in Juinetta, Neb., m. Hogg.
379. Henry James Castor, second son of Rodolphus Castor,
No. 8, was born in 1823 and died in Pine River, Wis., 1909.
Issue: —
385. Edwin b. 1850, d. Pine River, Wis., 1890.
xxxiv
386. Delora b. 1851, d. 1886.
387. Herbert b. 1858. Is a teacher and lives in Lacresc.ent,
Minn.
380. Achsah Castor, third daughter of Rodolphus Castor,
No. 8. married first, Davidson; second, Montague.
She died in BerHn, Wisconsin, 1870.
Issue: — ■
388. Henry Davidson. Living in West Superior, Wis.
389. Achsah S. Living in Waupaca, Wisconsin.
381. Theodore Wilson Castor, third son of Rodolphus Cas-
tor, No. 8, married twice, by his first wife, Sarah Hampsen, whom
he married in Waupaca, Wisconsin, and who died in 1863, he had —
Issue: —
390. Winnifred b. Mar. 5, 1861. Of whom presently.
391. Libbie Sarah b. 1863, d. 1864.
By his second wife, Mary McKittrick, of Berlin, Wiscon-
sin, whom he married August 19, 1866, he had —
Issue: —
392. Hugh W. b. 1867, d. 1879.
393. John H. b. 1869, d. 1879.
394. Mark Twain b. Oct. 23, 1871. Of whom presently.
395. Sarah Agnes b. April 14, 1873.
396. Mary Elizabeth b. Nov. 15, 1875.
397. Margaret Anna b. Aug. 11, 1878.
398. Nellie Jane b. Dec. 28, 1880.
399. Charles Henry b. July 18, 1884.
390. Winnifred Castor, eldest daughter of Theodore Wilson
Castor, No. 381, was born March 5, 1861. She married John Owen
XXXV
Johnson and now lives in Underwood, Iowa.
Issue: —
400. John C. Johnson b. 1898.
401. Charles W. Johnson b. 1900.
402. Ralph Chester Johnson b. 1902.
403. Clarence F. Johnson b. 1904.
394. Mark Twain Castor, third son of Theodore Wilson Cas-
tor, No. 381, by his second wife, was born Oct. 23, 1871. He mar-
ried, September 23, 1900, in Wahoo, Nebraska, Elizabeth Watson.
They reside in Lincoln, Neb.
Issue: —
404. Margaret Mae b. Sept. 10, 1901.
405. Delia Francis b. Mar. 1, 1903.
XXXVl
IRA CASTOR, No. 9, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Ira Castor, seventh son of John Castorer, No. 1, was born May
22, 1787. He married Chloe Loomis, in Redfield, Oswego County,
New York, January 28, 1812. He died April 2, 1866.
Issue: —
406. WilHam Hervey b. April 22, 1813. Of whom presently.
407. Charles Henry b. Feb. 19, 1816, Of whom presently.
408. Charles Angeline b. Jan. 24, 1818. Of whom presently.
409. George Sherman b. Sept. 6, 1820. Of whom presently.
410. Mary Ann b. Aug. 6, 1822. Of whom presently.
411. Charlotte Maria b. Aug. 24, 1824. Of whom presently.
412. Chester Loomis b. Sept. 18, 1827. Of whom presently.
413. Olive Alvira b. May 5, 1830. Of whom presently.
414. Sarah Jane b. Nov. 29, 1834. Of whom presently.
406. William Hervey Castor, eldest son of Ira Castor, No. 9,
was born in Redfield, N. Y., April 22, 1813. He married Ellen,
daughter of Thomas Hubbard.
Issue: —
415. Laura E. b. Nov. 15, 1844. Of whom presently.
416. Herbert E. b. April 22, 1849. Of whom presently.
407. Charles Henry Castor, second son of Ira Castor, No. 9,
was born in Redfield, February 19, 1816. He married Abbie,
daughter of Timothy Cornwall.
Issue: —
417. Charles Henry b. 1845. Of whom presently.
418. Edwin I. b. 1847. Of whom presently.
xxxvii
408. Eliza Angeline Castor, eldest daughter of Ira Castor,
No. 9, was born in Redfield, Jan'y 24, 1818. She married Welcome
Daniel Marshall, and died in Springvale, Wisconsin, 1872.
Issue: —
419. Lucretia A. Marshall b. June 25, 1839, in LaMartine,
Wis.
420. William George Marshall b. Af ay 25, 1842, at Lime, N.Y.
421. Sherman Q. Marshall b. Sept. 3, 1846, in Oakheld, Wis.
422. Leverna Adella Marshall b. May 4, 1850, in LaMartine,
Wis.
423. Chloe Jane Marshall b. Mar. 7, 1853, in LaMartine, Wis.
409. George Sherman Castor, third son of Ira Castor, No. 9,
was born September 6, 1820, in Redfield. He married Esther,
daughter of Levi Washburn, and died in Orwell, N. Y., 1874.
Issue: —
424. George Levi b. May 10, 1850, in Adams, N. Y. Of
whom presently.
425. Levernia A. b. Jan. 16, 1857, in Wisconsin. Of whom
presently.
426. Henry Adorna b. July 13, 1858, in Ellisburg, N. Y. Of
whom presently.
427. Martha Ella b. Aug. 10, 1860, in Ellisburg, N. Y. Of
whom presently.
428. Edgar Ellsworth b. Sept. 6, 1862, in Ellisburg, N. Y. Of
whom presently.
429. Laura Amelia b. April 28, 1868, in Orwell, N. Y. Of
whom presently.
410. Mary Ann Castor, second daughter of Ira Castor, No. 9,
was born August 6, 1822. She married William, son of Ralph Hafif,
of Johnstown, N. Y.
XXXVlll
Issue: —
430. George E. Haff b. 1847, Cape Vincent, N. Y. Living in
Red Granite, Wis.
431. Ella Haff b. 1851 in Ellisburg, N. Y., d. 1877, Brandon,
Wis.
432. Minnie Haff b. 1859 in Ellisburg, N. Y.
411. Charlotte Maria Castor, third daughter of Ira Castor,
No. 9, was born Aug. 24, 1824. She married Henry A., son of Al-
vah Parker.
Issue: —
433. Evelyn L. Parker b. 1849, in Ellisburg, N. Y., d. 1881,
Pierpont Manor, N. Y.
434. Charles H. Parker b. 1862, Rome, N. Y., d. 1894, Rome,
N. Y.
412. Chester Loomis Castor, fourth son of Ira Castor, No. 9.
w^as born September 18, 1827.
Issue: —
435. Adelbert. Has a family and resides in lov^a.
413. Olive Alvira Castor, fourth daughter of Ira Castor, No.
9, v^as born May 5, 1830. She married Jerome R., son of Joseph
Allen.
Issue: —
436. Adelaide E. Allen b. 1857, Cape Vincent, N. Y.
437. Herbert H. Allen b. 1859, Pierpont Manor, N. Y., d. in
infancy.
414. Sarah Jane Castor, fifth daughter of Ira Castor, No. 9,
was born November 29, 1834. She married John G., son of Antony
Tripp.
xxxix
Issue: —
438. Mary Francis Tripp b. 1864, in Ellisburg, N. Y., d. 1885,
Grange Co., Ohio.
439. Claude Eugene Tripp b. 1866, in Ellisburg, N. Y., d.
1900, Cherokee Co., Iowa.
415. Laura E. Castor, only daughter of William Hervey Cas-
tor, No. 406, was born November 15, 1844, on the Northern Penin-
sula of Michigan. She married Edgar H., son of H. D. Gallup.
They live in Niles, Michigan.
Issue: —
440. Arthur H. Gallup b. Oct. 11, 1885, in Niles, Mich.
416. Herbert E. Castor, only son of William Hervey Castor,
No. 406, was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, April 22, 1849. He
married Nellie, daughter of James Stuart, of Chicago.
Issue: —
441. H. Earle b. Mar. 13, 1886, Chicago, 111.
442. Cherry F. b. Mar. 4, 1892, Chicago, 111.
443. Hazel E. b. Mar. 20, 1895, Chicago, 111.
417. Charles Henry Castor, elder son of Charles Henry Cas-
tor, No. 407, was born in 1845. He married first, Emmeline A.
Buell, in 1867, who died in 1881. Married second, Marion Ackley,
in 1882. Living in the Wardell Settlement, Jefferson County, N.Y.
Issue: —
444. Minnie b. 1875, m. Bert Wiswell.
418. Edwin I. Castor, second son of Charles Henry Castor,
No. 407, was born in 1847.
Issue: —
445. Letta b. circa 1875, m. Charles Cooper. Living in Syra-
cuse, N. Y. Has two sons.
xl
424. George Levi Castor, eldest son of George Sherman Cas-
tor, No. 409, was born in Adams, N. Y., May 10, 1850. He married
Lizzie J. Salisbury, of Orwell, N. Y.
Lssue: —
446. Maude E. b. 1875, in Pulaski, N. Y., d. 1895.
447. Jay S. b. 1878, in Pulaski, N. Y. Of whom presently.
448. Lois E. b. 1893, in Pulaski, N. Y.
425. Levernia A. Castor, eldest daughter of George Sherman
Castor, No. 409, was born in Wisconsin, January 16, 1857. She
married Munroe Bemis, in Ellisburg, N. Y. After the death of her
husband, Levernia married Henry Barott.
Issue: —
449. Herbert Barott.
450. Elmer Barott.
426. Henry Adorna Castor, second son of George Sherman
Castor, No. 409, was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., July 13, 1858. He
married Ellen Snow and now lives in Bonapart, N. Y.
Issue: —
451. Burley Castor b. 1880.
452. Sherman.
453. Andrews.
454. Alice m. Nathan Fowles.
455. Mabel.
456. Edith.
427. Martha Ella Castor, second daughter of George Sher-
man Castor, No. 409, was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., August 10, 1860.
She married Floyd Mattieson and they lived in Ellisburg until 1908.
Issue: —
457. Lynn L. Mattieson b. 1882.
xli
458. Emma Mattieson b. 1886.
428. Edgar Ellsworth Castor, third son of George Sherman
Castor, No. 409, was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., September 6, 1862.
He married Jennie Smith and is now a druggist and lives in Man-
chester, N. H.
Issue: —
459. Amasa b. 1898.
429. Laura Amelia Castor, third daughter of George Sher-
man Castor, No. 409, was born in Orwell, N. Y., April 28, 1868.
She married George Nye Atwood and now lives in Fernwood, N. Y.
Issue: —
460. Olive Adelaide Atwood b. 1886, m. Mainwaring.
461. Esther Viola Atwood b. 1908.
447. Jay S. Castor, elder son of George Levi Castor, No. 424,
was born in Pulaski, N. Y., 1878. He married Janette Andrews in
1899.
Issue: —
462. Liela b. Nov. 5, 1906, Fulton, N. Y.
xlii
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
5 — Preface.
7 — Gerster or Castor Heraldry.
9 — The Name of Castor,
lo — John George Castor, the Immigrant.
17 — George Castor and the Holmesburg and Wissinoming Castors.
47 — Frederick Castor and his descendants in Frankford and Wissinoming.
65 — Jacob Castor and his descendants.
83 — Castor church records.
93 — More church records and inscriptions on stones in Presbyterian churchyard
105 — An Ohio Castor Family.
106 — Castor Military Service.
109 — Charles Deal's Letter.
113 — Dyre Castor's Letters.
1 18 — The Old Sword and Castor Taxables.
119 — The German Castors,
i — The Castors of Castorland.
vi — John Castor and his descendants,
xix — Christopher Castor and his descendants,
xxvi — Ezra Castor and his descendants,
xxxiii — Rufus Castor and his descendants,
xxxiv — Rodolphus Castor and his descendants.
xxxvii — Ira Castor and his descendants.
B. Hepworth & Co.
THE Dispatch Publishing House
Frankford, Phila., Pa.
" ■•
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
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