My Genealogy Hound

EUGENE L. TAFT, of Norriton township, was born March 19, 1853, in Easton, Pennsylvania, where his father was stationed at the time. He is the son of Rev. John L. and Isabella (Houpt) Taft. Rev. John L. Taft (father) was born in Paris, France, December 25, 1812. He was educated at St. Mary’s College, Baltimore, and joined the Methodist Episcopal church while a resident of that city. In 1833 he was received on trial in the Philadelphia conference, and during a ministry of fifty years served the church as follows: Snow Hill, Maryland; Salem, New Jersey; Mauch Chunk, Norristown, Bustleton, Germantown, Frankford, New Castle, Delaware; Port Deposit, Easton, Pottsville and Manayunk, Pennsylvania. In 1865 he was appointed presiding elder by Bishop Scott and he entered on missionary work in the south, forming a mission which extended from Richmond, Virginia, to Norfolk, and included Petersburg and Old Point Comfort. In 1866 he had charge of the work on the eastern coast of Virginia and the following year was appointed to the counties of Northampton and Accomac, Virginia, where he did good work for the church. In 1868 he was appointed to Seaford Station, Delaware, and in 1871, became presiding elder of the old Snow Hill district, serving the full term of four years.

His health having become impaired, he received, by his own request, a supernumerary relation, and this continued until his death. In 1875 he visited Europe in the hope of improving his health and for nearly a year traveled over England and the continent. Soon after his return to his home his eyesight failed him and an operation was necessary, which, however, resulted in total blindness. November 20, 1883, he was stricken with paralysis and deprived of the use of one side. He lingered for six months, and on Decoration Day, May 29, 1884, quietly passed away, after a life spent for the goad of others. The funeral services were held in the Oak Street church, Norristown, and were conducted by G. W. F. Graff, pastor of the church, who was assisted by Rev. M. D. Kurtz. The remains were interred in Norris City cemetery.

Rev. John L. Taft married Isabella Houpt, who was born at Broad Axe, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where her father, Samuel Houpt, was born and spent his entire life. Samuel Houpt was a contractor and builder and most of the bridges built in the county during his time have his name attached as builder. He was very successful, and at the age of forty-eight years retired with what was then considered a large fortune. He was a Democrat in politics and held many county offices, among others recorder of deeds. The children of Samuel Houpt were Anna, Isabella and Samuel.

Rev. John and Isabella Taft had these children: Louis M., born in 1840, married Susan Barr, and has children: John, Mary, Fanny. He is a physician in Everett, Massachusetts, and also has a practice in Philadelphia. Laura J., born in 1838, married Amos E. Willis, of Richmond, Virginia.

Eugene L. Taft was the youngest child and traveled from place to place with his father. He received such an education as a father like his would give a favorite son but learned no trade or profession. He lives the life of a retired gentleman.

In politics he is a Democrat. He is not a church member but naturally inclines to the faith of his revered father.

Eugene L. Taft married Mary Willis, who was born May 13, 1859, in Richmond, Virginia. She is the daughter of Amos E. and Nancy (Wills) Willis. Mr. Willis was born near Elkton, Maryland, and removed to Philadelphia, where he was in business for many years. He afterwards removed to Norristown and now lives retired. Mary Willis was his only child.

Eugene L. and Mary (Willis) Taft have four children: Laura E., born August 8, 1878, resides with her parents. She was graduated at the Penn Square schools and attended the Norristown high school for two years but was compelled to leave on account of poor health. Charles L., born July 12, 1881, resides with his parents. Susie Viola, born April 18, 1888, attends the schools of Penn Square. Edwin W., born June 6, 1895, is in school at Penn Square.