My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM DETWILER, a well known farmer of Lower Providence, has been highly successful in his occupation, and has accumulated a considerable estate. Besides the homestead of fifty-four acres, he has his capital invested in other valuable property, including a large farm which is rented. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Montgomery county. He was born March 12, 1834, being reared to the occupation of farming, and attending the public schools of the neighborhood in the intervals of farm work, as was customary in those days. Mr. Detwiler is the son of Henry and Margaret (Zeigler) Detwiler, both of that vicinity.

Henry Detwiler (father) was the son of John Detwiler, the family being of German descent, the first ancestor in America coming to this country in colonial days. John Detwiler (grandfather) was also a prominent farmer, and was highly respected by his neighbors and all that knew him. The family were Mennonites. His children: Henry (father); Jacob, John, Abraham, Elizabeth, Susanna, Barbara, Anna. Henry Detwiler (father) was a carpenter, and settled in Worcester township. When young he followed his trade, but afterwards abandoned it and became a farmer. He was a Republican in politics, but never aspired to office. He was a practical and successful farmer, and created a good estate. He was born in 1801, and died at the age of fifty years. His wife survived him until about 1870. She was a daughter of Tillman Zeigler. The Zeigler family were of Montgomery county, and were of German descent. Tillman Zeigler retired from work during the last part of his life. He was also a Mennonite. His children: Margaret (mother); John, William and Andrew.

The children of Henry and Margaret (Zeigler) Detwiler: Abraham, died in 1883; William, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, (deceased); Mary A. (Mrs. J. C. Saylor); Fanny, died young; Sarah (Mrs. J. C. Tyson), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Hallman).

William Detwiler has been a lifelong resident of the county. He remained under the parental roof until he had grown to manhood, when he spent one year at the homestead, and then bought the farm on which he still lives. He has given all his attention to his occupation of farming, and has been attending the Norristown markets for about forty years. He is a practical and successful farmer, and among the solid men of the vicinity in which he lives, being highly respected by the whole community.

Mr. Detwiler married Mary A. Hendricks, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Stover) Hendricks. At one time Mr. Hendricks was a hotel keeper, and later became interested in the occupation of farming. The latter part of his life he lived retired from farm labor, and made his home with a daughter. He was a Mennonite in religious faith. His children: Elizabeth (Mrs. J. Hartsell); Isabel (Mrs. M. Harley); Mary A., wife of Mr. Detwiler; Aaron, of Philadelphia, who is a professional man; Miltsena (Mrs. L. Shroyer).

The children of Mr. and Mrs. William Detwiler: Elizabeth (Mrs. E. Freed); Rebecca (Mrs. Rittenhouse); Cerena (Mrs. McAlone); Theodore, who is engaged in farming the homestead; Mary (Mrs. William Heyser). Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler were members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Detwiler died in 1895.