My Genealogy Hound

JOHN DUDDY, who was one of the best known farmers of Whitpain township, where he owned for many years the farm on the State Road, formerly the Caleb C. Cresson property, was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1830, and came to the United States at an early age. After spending sometime in Philadelphia, he removed to Montgomery county and entered the employ of Charles Wood, and later, of Caleb C. Cresson of Whitpain township, with whom he lived for a number of years. There he met his future wife, Ann Toohey, who was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and was also employed by the Cresson family, having come to this country when quite young.

After the marriage of John Duddy and Ann Toohey, Mr. Cresson, realizing the loss he would sustain should Mr. and Mrs. Duddy leave him, built for their use a home of such proportions as to cost nearly six thousand dollars, which in those days was not only considered a large sum of money but also thought to be quite a fortune, and this act of Mr. Cresson illustrates very well the great esteem he entertained for them and the value he placed upon their services.

After remaining some years on the Cresson farm, during which time several children were born to them, Mr. and Mrs. Duddy removed to Upper Merion township, where they had purchased a small farm. Later they moved to Horsham township, where in conjunction with his brother Thomas, who had removed from Philadelphia, John Duddy bought what was known as the Grant homestead. After remaining there for some years, Mr. and Mrs. Duddy returned to the Cresson farm, to become master and mistress of the place where they married and spent their earlier years.

Of their thirteen children, but two survived. Ellen Josephine, who bought the home farm, October 14, 1903, and now occupies the residence built by Mr. Cresson for her parents; and Martin Francis, now deceased, who May 29, 1901, married Laura N., only daughter of George and Jane Lawrence Arp, and resided with the family of his wife, the Arp farm adjoining the Duddy or Cresson farm. Martin F. Duddy died October 6, 1903.

John Duddy was known principally for his interest in agricultural affairs and was proud of his record as a successful tiller of the soil. He took great interest in his stock, and was very appreciative of a horse that had “go” in him. His cattle always showed the effects of care and attention.

In politics, Mr. Duddy was a Democrat, and while he never held even minor offices he always took an interest in party affairs. In religion the Duddy family were Catholics, and in whatever parish they resided always attended and contributed to the support of the church. In later years Mr. and Mrs. Duddy attended St. Patrick’s Catholic church, at Norristown, from which church they were buried.

Mrs. Ann Toohey Duddy was of a modest, retiring nature, but ever ready to perform a kindness and render a service unasked. Her many acts of charity and kindness are remembered by the old people of Whitpain township, and in times of distress and death many families of her neighborhood found her “a friend in need and a friend indeed.” Mrs. Duddy died March 1, 1896, and John Duddy died February 1, 1901.