My Genealogy Hound

JOHN HAMPTON, one of the most prominent farmers in Upper Merion, has long been influential in Republican politics in Montgomery county. An active worker at the polls, he also takes an active part in the township and neighborhood affairs generally. He filled the position of county commissioner, one of the most responsible offices, for a period of six years, from 1887 to 1903, during which many important improvements were carried through and the reconstruction of the courthouse entered upon, although not completed. Besides the services thus rendered as a leading spirit in the board, Mr. Hampton has been frequently a delegate to county conventions of his party, has been township auditor and Republican county committeeman for many years.

Mr. Hampton resides near the village of Abrams. He is the second son of John and Anna (Chalfant) Hampton. He is a native of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where he was born August 15, 1842. His grandfather resided in Chester county and was a leading farmer there.

John Hampton, Sr., (father) grew to manhood In Chester county. On coming of age he removed to Montgomery county, locating in Upper Merion township in 1840. He died in January, 1881. He was a Republican in politics and in religious faith a member of the Baptist church. He took an active interest in township affairs and served as road supervisor, besides holding other local positions. He married Anna Chalfant, who was born in 1806 and died in 1878. The couple had four sons, David, John, Isaiah and George (deceased). Their daughters were Lydia; Sophia, who married Joseph Gill; Jane, deceased; and Mary, who married Jacob Michner.

Coming with his parents to Upper Merion at the age of two years, ex-Commissioner John Hampton has been practically a lifelong resident of the township. He was educated in the common schools and Treemount Seminary and assisted his father until twenty-five years of age. After reaching his majority, he made choice of the occupation of farming, in which he had been reared, and purchased the farm which he has since occupied, one of the most fertile and best cultivated in his section of Montgomery county. Mr. Hampton is a practical, progressive and prosperous farmer, giving the most careful attention to business. He has long been an active member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is also a member of the Masonic order.

In 1866 Mr. Hampton married Esther Hallowell Ramsey, daughter of Benjamin B. and Sarah Potts (Hallowell) Ramsey. Mrs. Hampton was born November 15, 1839, in Upper Merion township. Her father was a member of an old Montgomery county family of Swedish descent. He was a mechanic and also engaged in the lime business, which has so long been an important industry of Upper Merion. Mr. Ramsey was a Republican and served as justice of the peace for many years, his influence being exerted to diminish rather than to encourage litigation. He also held the office of school director for several years. Although not a member he was a frequent attendant at Christ (Swedes) church, Upper Merion. He married Sarah Potts Hallowell, also of an old Upper Merion family, of English descent. Their children are: Nathan H. and (2) Esther H., twins, born November 15, 1839. Nathan H. resides in Lancaster. He married Miss Cascaden, who is now deceased. (3) Hannah Wager, born May 14, 1842. (4) Elizabeth A. married George W. H. Thomas, a well-known resident of Bridgeport, who died several years ago. (5) Charles A. married Clara Martin. The couple reside in Conshohocken.

Mr. and Mrs. John Hampton have four children: Clarence, born October 21, 1867, married Miss Lillie Pannepacker, add has one son, William. They reside in Philadelphia. Clarence Hampton, a teacher of long experience, is super- vising principal of a Philadelphia grammar school, and stands high among the educators of that city. William T., born October 27, 1870, died March 19, 1890. Howard, born October 25, 1872, is unmarried and resides with his parents. Bertha Esther, born September 3, 1876, married Herbert H. Ganser, who is the superintendent of the Gas Company of Montgomery county, of Norristown, where the couple reside. They have no children.

Few men are possessed to such an extent of the esteem and confidence of their neighbors as John Hampton. When he has been a candidate for public office he has invariably led his ticket, receiving many votes from political opponents. In every relation of life he is an example which every one may follow.