Person Page - 2655

     Thomas Wilson was born on 12 February 1796 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from Linn [1883:312]: "Thomas and Hannah Wilson, two members of the Society of Friends, living in Half-Moon township, died on the 15th and 18th days of December, 1879, having reached the venerable ages of eighty-four and eighty-six, respectively."^3,2 He married Hannah Downing, daughter of Thomas Downing and Rebecca Starr, on 18 January 1821 at Half Moon Valley, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA,
; Harlan [1914:I:364] says "...probably at that meeting."^4,5
Thomas Wilson died on 15 December 1879 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA, at age 83; per Linn [1883:312]: "Thomas and Hannah Wilson, two members of the Society of Friends, living in Half-Moon township,m died on the 15th and 18th days of December, 1869, having reached the venerable ages of eighty-for and eighty six respectively."²
Thomas Wilson was buried after 15 December 1879 at Friends' Burying Grounds, Half Moon Meeting, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.³
     He was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation; from Linn [1883:313]: "The Society of Friends. - As early as 1795 journals of traveling Friends indicate there was quite a settlement of Friends in Half-Moon. The names of the Wilsons mare mentioned among others. As early as 1800 a house of worship was erected. The structure, a homely one composed of logs, stood upon the lot now occupied as the Friends' graveyard, and in that section of the country was the pioneer church edifice. Conspicuously prominent among the promoters of the church enterprise were George Wilson, Caleb Way, Isaac Moore, Thomas Moore, John Spencer, and Thomas Downing. Descendants of George Wilson and Caleb Way are still among the leading spirits of the organization which has enjoyed an uninterrupted and prosperous history since its foundation. There is in existence a "meeting book," which records the marriages performed among the Quakers of Half-Moon valley, and it bears date in the beginning of 1804. The first marriage recorded was that of Samuel Johnston, of Half-Moon, and Hannah Fisher, of Spring. The witnesses of the marriage were Robert Patton, John Erwin, Sr., Sarah Erwin, Ezekiel Kirk, Hannah Kirk, Esther Wilson, Joseph Green, Hannah Green, Esther Hiddings, Molly Green, Ann Iddings, Jane Pennington, Martha Pennington, William Dewees, Thomas Taylor, John Pennington, Thomas Dewees, Mary Green, Sarah Taylor, Magdalena Shirk, James Johnston, David Wall, John Iddings, William Fisher, Hannah Fisher, Elizabeth Kirk, Mary Erwin, Elizabeth fisher, Elizabeth Green, Martha Erwin, John Kirk, Jason Kirk, Thomas Kirk, Jr., Martha John, John Erwin, Jr.
     As a matter of interest it may be stated that other marriages recorded in the meeting book up to 1825 were those of Jason Kirk to Mary Spencer, David Wall to Elizabeth Fisher, Levi Pennington to Mary Bye, Levi Lambourne to Mary Ball, Isaac England to Dinah Moore, Thomas Kirk to Sarah Taylor, Abraham Moore to Susanna Taylor, William Fisher to Sarah Moore, Samuel Moore to Hannah Shivery, Jeremiah Moore to Susanna Shivery, Thomas Downing to Elizabeth Kirk, Thomas Wilson to Hannah Downing, Samuel Downing to Jane Wilson, Andrew Moore to Elizabeth Davis, Eli Wakefield to Elizabeth Way, Joseph David to Rebecca More, David Spencer to Rachel Spencer, Robert Way to Hannah Moore.
     The old log meeting-house that stood in the graveyard was erected, it is said, under most unfavorable conditions. The Friends prospered in their religious undertakings, however, despite their enemies, and in due season were left in peace. Their second house of worship was built in 1830, about a mile above the graveyard. In 1841 a larger church edifice was built upon the same lot, and the smaller building was then given over to school purposes for the use of Quaker children, a Quaker school having been maintained with more or less regularity since the Friends first came into the valley. The church in Half-Moon is attached to the Centre Monthly Meeting, which assembles alternately in Unionville and Half-Moon. The elders are Martha Way, Rebecca fisher, Ira Fisher, Joseph Eves, and Jeremiah Way. The overseers are Robert A. Way and Joseph Evers, and clerk Robert Underwood. The trustees at Half-Moon are Joseph Eves and Jeremiah Way."⁶ Thomas Wilson was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:189]: "Downing, Thomas, one of the early settlers in Half-Moon township, died in 1827. His children, -- William, Sarah (married Andrew Thompson), Hannah (married to Thomas Wilson), Rebecca, Thomas, Jacob, Jeremiah, and Samuel."¹ Thomas Wilson and Hannah Downing were Quaker. per Linn [1883:312]: "Mr. Wilson's father, George Wilson, Mrs. Wilson's father, Thomas Downing, and Thomas Moore were the founders of Quakerism in Centre County, and this old couple were members of the Society for sixty years."²

Reference: from Linn [1883:312]: "Thomas and Hannah Wilson, two members of the Society of Friends, living in Half-Moon township, died on the 15th and 18th days of december, 1879, having reached the venerable ages of eighty-four and eighty-six, respectively. They had been husband and wife more than fifty years, and were the parents of eight children, seven of whom - six married daughters and one son verging upon old age - were present at the death-bed. Mr. Wilson's father, George Wilson, Mrs. Wilson's father, Thomas Downing, and Thomas Moore were the founders of Quakerism in Centre County, and this old couple were members of the society for sixty years. at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.² Thomas Wilson was a mentioned with George Wilson and Esther Brown at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from Linn [1883:310]: "George Wilson bought a good deal of wild land, and for a start set out a crop of clover by hand. Although hehad followed the trade of a weaver in Chester county, he devolted himself exclusively in his new sphere to the business of farming. His wife was a Brown, of Chester County. Mr. Wilson brought with him to Centre County five children, named Robert, George, Esther, Orpha, and Jane. Orpha married Job Packer, Jr., Jane married Samuel Downing, and Esther married Robert Elder. Robert Wilson married one of the daughters of Job Packer, Sr., Her Christian names were many in number, as, to with: Julia Elmer Maria springate Penn, so that she signed herself after marriage Julia E. M. S. P. Packer Wilson. She died in 1871, aged seventy years. Robert, wo inhereited the homestead, died in 1856, aged seventy-five years. george married Lydia Packer, and died in Clearfield county. Thomas married Hannah downing and died in 1879 (on the farm adjoining John Wilson's), aged eighty-three years. He had eighter children of whom severn are living. George D. and Mary live on the homestead."⁷
Thomas Wilson is mentioned in the will of Thomas Downing on 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."⁸

     Rebecca Downing was born on 15 April 1800 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.^2,3 She married George B. Engles.²

Rebecca Downing died on 20 April 1850 at age 50.^2,3
Rebecca Downing was buried after 20 April 1850 at Friends Cemetery, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      Apr. 15, 1800, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Death:      Apr. 20, 1850, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Inscription: Died Aged 50y 5d
     Burial: Friends Cemetery, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Created by: Clancy Hassler
     Record added: Jun 21, 2011
     Find A Grave Memorial# 71756176.³
     She was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:189]: "Downing, Thomas, one of the early settlers in Half-Moon township, died in 1827. His children, -- William, Sarah (married Andrew Thompson), Hannah (married to Thomas Wilson), Rebecca, Thomas, Jacob, Jeremiah, and Samuel."¹

Rebecca Downing was listed as a resident in Thomas Downing and Rebecca Starr's household in the census report in 1810 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA;
p. 51 , line 12
     Name:     Thos Downing
     Home in 1810 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - Under 10:     2 [aft 1800] Thomas b1807, Jacob b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25:     2 [1785-94] Samuel b1789, William b1785
     Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over:     1 [bef 1766] Thomas b1759
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 10:     1 [aft 1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15:     2 [1795-1800] Margaret b1797, Rebecca b1800
     Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44:     1 [1766-84] Rebecca (Starr) b1760?
     Number of Household Members Under 16:     5
     Number of Household Members Over 25:     2
     Number of Household Members:     9.⁴
Rebecca Downing is mentioned in the will of Thomas Downing on 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."⁵

     Thomas Downing was born on 27 March 1803 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Aged 46 in 1850 census.^2,3 He married Elizabeth Kirk between 20 October 1820 and 10 December 1820 at Half Moon Friends Meeting, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA,
; Linn [1883:313] mentions an early Half Moon Meeting marriage between a Thomas Downing and an Elizabeth Kirk. However, Harlan [1914:I:157] says that this Thomas died unmarried. Centre Monthly Meeting (Quaker) Minutes also show an intention of marriage ca Oct 1820 declared by a Thomas Downing and an Elizabeth Kirk. The records of the marriage of Thomas and Elizabeth appear on the same pages as the records of the marriage between Hannah Downing and Thomas Wilson, the sister of Thomas Downing. This may be two different Thomas Downings, but I find no other Thomas Downing of the right age, etc. to have been the husband of Elizabeth Kirk. G Vaut
Quaker Record #1: Ancestry.com - U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935
     Name:     Thomas Downing
     Marriage Date:     14 Oct 1820
     Residence Date:     14 Oct 1820
     Residence Date on Image:     14 Tenth 1820
     Residence Place:     Centre, Pennsylvania
     Spouse:     Elizabeth Kirk
     Event Type:     Marriage Intention (Marriage)
     Monthly Meeting:     Centre Monthly Meeting
     Type (Orthodox or Hicksite):     Hicksite
     Yearly Meeting:     Baltimore Yearly Meeting
     Meeting State:     Pennsylvania
     Meeting County:     Centre
     Text:     "Thomas Downing and Elizabeth Kirk appeared here and declared their intentions of marriage with each other."
Quaker Record #2: Ancestry.com - U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935
     Name:     Thomas Downing
     Marriage Date:     14 Oct 1820
     Residence Date:     14 Oct 1820
     Residence Date on Image:     14 Tenth 1820
     Residence Place:     Centre, Pennsylvania
     Spouse:     Elizabeth Kirk
     Event Type:     Marriage Intention (Marriage)
     Monthly Meeting:     Centre Monthly Meeting
     Type (Orthodox or Hicksite):     Pre-Separation/Hicksite
     Yearly Meeting:     Baltimore Yearly Meeting
     Meeting State:     Pennsylvania
     Meeting County:     Centre
     Text:     "Thomas Downing and Elizabeth Kirk appeared here and declared their intentions of Marriage with each other. Jno spencer and Thomas Moore are appointed to inquire into his clearness of marriage engagements with othes and report to next meeting."
Quaker Record #3: Ancestry.com - U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935
     Marriage Date:     14 Oct 1820
     Residence Date:     14 Oct 1820
     Residence Date on Image:     14 Tenth 1820
     Residence Place:     Centre, Pennsylvania
     Spouse:     Elizabeth Kirk
     Event Type:     Marriage Intention (Marriage)
     Monthly Meeting:     Centre Monthly Meeting
     Type (Orthodox or Hicksite):     Pre-Separation/Hicksite
     Yearly Meeting:     Baltimore Yearly Meeting
     Meeting State:     Pennsylvania
     Meeting County:     Centre
     Text:     "The friends in Thomas Downings case report the marriage was accomplished orderly and they returned the certificate."
     Source Citation: Swarthmore College; Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; Minutes, 1803-1842; Collection: Baltimore Yearly Meeting Minutes; Call Number: RG2/B/C374 1.1
     Source Information: Ancestry.com. U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
     Original data:
      Swarthmore, Quaker Meeting Records. Friends Historical Library, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.
      North Carolina Yearly Meeting Minutes. Hege Friends Historical Library, Guilford College, Greensboro, North Carolina.
      Indiana Yearly Meeting Minutes. Earlham College Friends Collection & College Archives, Richmond, Indiana.
      Haverford, Quaker Meeting Records. Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania.^4,3,5,6,7,8
Thomas Downing died on 11 October 1855 at age 52.³
     He was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation; from Linn [1883:313]: "The Society of Friends. - As early as 1795 journals of traveling Friends indicate there was quite a settlement of Friends in Half-Moon. The names of the Wilsons mare mentioned among others. As early as 1800 a house of worship was erected. The structure, a homely one composed of logs, stood upon the lot now occupied as the Friends' graveyard, and in that section of the country was the pioneer church edifice. Conspicuously prominent among the promoters of the church enterprise were George Wilson, Caleb Way, Isaac Moore, Thomas Moore, John Spencer, and Thomas Downing. Descendants of George Wilson and Caleb Way are still among the leading spirits of the organization which has enjoyed an uninterrupted and prosperous history since its foundation. There is in existence a "meeting book," which records the marriages performed among the Quakers of Half-Moon valley, and it bears date in the beginning of 1804. The first marriage recorded was that of Samuel Johnston, of Half-Moon, and Hannah Fisher, of Spring. The witnesses of the marriage were Robert Patton, John Erwin, Sr., Sarah Erwin, Ezekiel Kirk, Hannah Kirk, Esther Wilson, Joseph Green, Hannah Green, Esther Hiddings, Molly Green, Ann Iddings, Jane Pennington, Martha Pennington, William Dewees, Thomas Taylor, John Pennington, Thomas Dewees, Mary Green, Sarah Taylor, Magdalena Shirk, James Johnston, David Wall, John Iddings, William Fisher, Hannah Fisher, Elizabeth Kirk, Mary Erwin, Elizabeth fisher, Elizabeth Green, Martha Erwin, John Kirk, Jason Kirk, Thomas Kirk, Jr., Martha John, John Erwin, Jr.
     As a matter of interest it may be stated that other marriages recorded in the meeting book up to 1825 were those of Jason Kirk to Mary Spencer, David Wall to Elizabeth Fisher, Levi Pennington to Mary Bye, Levi Lambourne to Mary Ball, Isaac England to Dinah Moore, Thomas Kirk to Sarah Taylor, Abraham Moore to Susanna Taylor, William Fisher to Sarah Moore, Samuel Moore to Hannah Shivery, Jeremiah Moore to Susanna Shivery, Thomas Downing to Elizabeth Kirk, Thomas Wilson to Hannah Downing, Samuel Downing to Jane Wilson, Andrew Moore to Elizabeth Davis, Eli Wakefield to Elizabeth Way, Joseph David to Rebecca More, David Spencer to Rachel Spencer, Robert Way to Hannah Moore.
     The old log meeting-house that stood in the graveyard was erected, it is said, under most unfavorable conditions. The Friends prospered in their religious undertakings, however, despite their enemies, and in due season were left in peace. Their second house of worship was built in 1830, about a mile above the graveyard. In 1841 a larger church edifice was built upon the same lot, and the smaller building was then given over to school purposes for the use of Quaker children, a Quaker school having been maintained with more or less regularity since the Friends first came into the valley. The church in Half-Moon is attached to the Centre Monthly Meeting, which assembles alternately in Unionville and Half-Moon. The elders are Martha Way, Rebecca fisher, Ira Fisher, Joseph Eves, and Jeremiah Way. The overseers are Robert A. Way and Joseph Evers, and clerk Robert Underwood. The trustees at Half-Moon are Joseph Eves and Jeremiah Way."⁴ Thomas Downing was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:189]: "Downing, Thomas, one of the early settlers in Half-Moon township, died in 1827. His children, -- William, Sarah (married Andrew Thompson), Hannah (married to Thomas Wilson), Rebecca, Thomas, Jacob, Jeremiah, and Samuel."¹

Thomas Downing was listed as a resident in Thomas Downing and Rebecca Starr's household in the census report in 1810 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA;
p. 51 , line 12
     Name:     Thos Downing
     Home in 1810 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - Under 10:     2 [aft 1800] Thomas b1807, Jacob b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25:     2 [1785-94] Samuel b1789, William b1785
     Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over:     1 [bef 1766] Thomas b1759
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 10:     1 [aft 1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15:     2 [1795-1800] Margaret b1797, Rebecca b1800
     Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44:     1 [1766-84] Rebecca (Starr) b1760?
     Number of Household Members Under 16:     5
     Number of Household Members Over 25:     2
     Number of Household Members:     9.⁹
Thomas Downing is mentioned in the will of Thomas Downing on 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."¹⁰

Thomas Downing was listed as a resident in Samuel Downing and Jane Wilson's household in the census report in 1830 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Samuel's mother, Rebecca (Starr) died in 1819. The older woman in this list may be his mother-in-law.]
p. 165, line 3
     Name:     Samuel Downing
     Home in 1830 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:     2 [1801-10] his brothers Thomas? b1803, Jacob? b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     1 [1791-1800]
     Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49:     1 [1781-90] Samuel b1789
     Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:     2 [1791-1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69:     1
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     6
     Total Free White Persons:     7
     Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):     7.¹¹

Thomas Downing was listed as a resident in Jeremiah Downing's household in the census report in 1840 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [The census image reads "Jared Downing", but because he is next to Samuel and Jacob Downing, I believe he is probably their brother, Jeremiah.]
p. 141, line 8
     Name:     Jared Downing
     Home in 1840 (City, County, State):     Half Moon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:     1 [1811-20] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     2 [1801-10] brother Thomas?, Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59:     1 [1781-90] Jeremiah b1787
     Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9:     1 [1831-35] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49:     1 [1791-1800] Unknown?
     Persons Employed in Agriculture:     4
     Free White Persons - Under 20:     1
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     4
     Total Free White Persons:     6
     Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves:     6.¹²

Thomas Downing was listed as a resident in Jeremiah Downing's household in the census report on 21 October 1850 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 246-A, lines 8-11, dwelling 57, family 57
     8 DOWNING, Jeremiah 63 [1787] M Farmer PA
     9 FINTON, Margaret 53 [1797] F PA
     10 DOWNING, Thomas 46 [1804] M Labourer PA
     KELLY, George 20 [1830] M Labourer PA.²

     Jacob Downing was born on 6 June 1807 at Bald Eagle Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; The place of birth is from Unknown6, but it seems that Jacob's parents were in Centre Co. in 1806.^2,3 He married Jane Underwood, daughter of Zepheniah Underwood and Hannah Baily, on 11 April 1838 at Bald Eagle Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.⁴

Jacob Downing died on 9 June 1862 at Bald Eagle Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA, at age 55.^5,4
Jacob Downing was buried after 9 June 1862 at Friends Cemetery - Alexander Farm, Unionville, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Note: Harlan [1914:I:364] says buried at "Friends' Burying Ground at Bald Eagle Meeting House."
from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      unknown
     Death:      Jun. 9, 1862
     Inscription:
     55y 3d
     Note: Cemetery book notes footstone J.D.
     Burial: Friends Cemetery - Alexander Farm, Unionville, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Plot: Row 4, Grave 2
     Created by: Carla Hass
     Record added: Sep 07, 2012
     Find A Grave Memorial# 96693205.^5,6
     He was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:189]: "Downing, Thomas, one of the early settlers in Half-Moon township, died in 1827. His children, -- William, Sarah (married Andrew Thompson), Hannah (married to Thomas Wilson), Rebecca, Thomas, Jacob, Jeremiah, and Samuel."¹

Jacob Downing was listed as a resident in Thomas Downing and Rebecca Starr's household in the census report in 1810 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA;
p. 51 , line 12
     Name:     Thos Downing
     Home in 1810 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - Under 10:     2 [aft 1800] Thomas b1807, Jacob b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25:     2 [1785-94] Samuel b1789, William b1785
     Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over:     1 [bef 1766] Thomas b1759
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 10:     1 [aft 1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15:     2 [1795-1800] Margaret b1797, Rebecca b1800
     Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44:     1 [1766-84] Rebecca (Starr) b1760?
     Number of Household Members Under 16:     5
     Number of Household Members Over 25:     2
     Number of Household Members:     9.⁷
Jacob Downing is mentioned in the will of Thomas Downing on 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."⁸

Jacob Downing was listed as a resident in Samuel Downing and Jane Wilson's household in the census report in 1830 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Samuel's mother, Rebecca (Starr) died in 1819. The older woman in this list may be his mother-in-law.]
p. 165, line 3
     Name:     Samuel Downing
     Home in 1830 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:     2 [1801-10] his brothers Thomas? b1803, Jacob? b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     1 [1791-1800]
     Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49:     1 [1781-90] Samuel b1789
     Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:     2 [1791-1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69:     1
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     6
     Total Free White Persons:     7
     Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):     7.⁹

Jacob Downing appeared in the census of 1840 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 141, line 9
     Name:     Jacob Downing
     Home in 1840 (City, County, State):     Half Moon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 5:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29:     1
     Persons Employed in Agriculture:     1
     Free White Persons - Under 20:     1
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     2
     Total Free White Persons:     3
     Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves:     3.¹⁰

     Jeremiah Downing was born on 6 June 1787 at Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; aged 62 in 1850 census.^3,4,2
Jeremiah Downing died on 15 March 1864 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA, at age 76; per Harlan [1914:I:157]: "unm."^4,2
Jeremiah Downing was buried after 15 March 1864 at Friends Cemetery, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      Jun. 6, 1787, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Death:      Mar. 15, 1864
     Inscription: Died Aged 77yrs
     Burial: Friends Cemetery, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Created by: Clancy Hassler
     Record added: Jun 19, 2011
     Find A Grave Memorial# 71617233

from CCGS [2003:48]:
     Row 10
     Downing, Jeremia d 15 Mar 1864 77y
     Fieldstone [Downing, Elizabeth 1813-1886].^4,5
     He was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from Linn [1883:310]: "George Wilson the elder was a recognized leader of the Society of Friends in Half-Moon valley...Cloely following George Wlson's lead into Half-Moon valley came other Quakers from Chester County, among whom the most conspicuous were Benjamin Way, Caleb Way, Isaac Moore, Thomas Moore, John Spencer, and Thomas Downing. There were many others of the society of Friends who joined them later, but traces of them have disappeared, so that nothing byond the mere mention of their names can now be made. An old record kept by the Monthly Meeting cites the names of Friends who were in Half-Moon and Bald eagle valleys between 1804 and 1820, and from the list are taken such names as ...William downing ... Jeremiah Downing ..." Jeremiah Downing was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:189]: "Downing, Thomas, one of the early settlers in Half-Moon township, died in 1827. His children, -- William, Sarah (married Andrew Thompson), Hannah (married to Thomas Wilson), Rebecca, Thomas, Jacob, Jeremiah, and Samuel."¹ Jeremiah Downing was also known as Jared Downing The 1840census image reads "Jared Downing", but because he is next to Samuel and Jacob Downing, I believe he is probably their brother, Jeremiah.⁶
In Thomas Downing's will dated 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA, Jeremiah Downing was named as executor; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."⁷

Jeremiah Downing appeared in the census of 1840 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [The census image reads "Jared Downing", but because he is next to Samuel and Jacob Downing, I believe he is probably their brother, Jeremiah.]
p. 141, line 8
     Name:     Jared Downing
     Home in 1840 (City, County, State):     Half Moon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:     1 [1811-20] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     2 [1801-10] brother Thomas?, Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59:     1 [1781-90] Jeremiah b1787
     Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9:     1 [1831-35] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49:     1 [1791-1800] Unknown?
     Persons Employed in Agriculture:     4
     Free White Persons - Under 20:     1
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     4
     Total Free White Persons:     6
     Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves:     6.⁶

Jeremiah Downing appeared in the census of 21 October 1850 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 246-A, lines 8-11, dwelling 57, family 57
     8 DOWNING, Jeremiah 63 [1787] M Farmer PA
     9 FINTON, Margaret 53 [1797] F PA
     10 DOWNING, Thomas 46 [1804] M Labourer PA
     KELLY, George 20 [1830] M Labourer PA.³

Jeremiah Downing was listed as a resident in Samuel Downing's household in the census report on 28 July 1860 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 543, lines 16-18, dwelling 1415, family 1459
     16 DOWNING, Samuel 69 [1791] M farmer $80,000 $800 PA
     17 INGLE, Anna M. 21 [1839] F PA
     18 DOWNING, Jeremiah 72 [1788] M PA.⁸

     Samuel Downing was born on 11 January 1789 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Aged 40-49 in 1830 census, aged 50-59 in 1840 census.^2,3,4 He married Jane Wilson, daughter of George Wilson and Esther Brown, at Half Moon Friends Meeting, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.⁵

Samuel Downing died on 3 May 1864 at age 75; Linn [1883:310] says d. 1866; Harland [1914:I:157] says "d. 5, 3, 1864"; CCGS [2003:53] says d "3rd of 5m 1864, 75y."^6,4,7
Samuel Downing was buried after 3 May 1864 at Friends Burial Ground, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; CCGS [2003:53] says d "3rd of 5m 1864, 75y" - "Stones found in 1928 by Mrs. Spangler, missing in 2002."⁷
     He was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation; from Linn [1883:313]: "The Society of Friends. - As early as 1795 journals of traveling Friends indicate there was quite a settlement of Friends in Half-Moon. The names of the Wilsons mare mentioned among others. As early as 1800 a house of worship was erected. The structure, a homely one composed of logs, stood upon the lot now occupied as the Friends' graveyard, and in that section of the country was the pioneer church edifice. Conspicuously prominent among the promoters of the church enterprise were George Wilson, Caleb Way, Isaac Moore, Thomas Moore, John Spencer, and Thomas Downing. Descendants of George Wilson and Caleb Way are still among the leading spirits of the organization which has enjoyed an uninterrupted and prosperous history since its foundation. There is in existence a "meeting book," which records the marriages performed among the Quakers of Half-Moon valley, and it bears date in the beginning of 1804. The first marriage recorded was that of Samuel Johnston, of Half-Moon, and Hannah Fisher, of Spring. The witnesses of the marriage were Robert Patton, John Erwin, Sr., Sarah Erwin, Ezekiel Kirk, Hannah Kirk, Esther Wilson, Joseph Green, Hannah Green, Esther Hiddings, Molly Green, Ann Iddings, Jane Pennington, Martha Pennington, William Dewees, Thomas Taylor, John Pennington, Thomas Dewees, Mary Green, Sarah Taylor, Magdalena Shirk, James Johnston, David Wall, John Iddings, William Fisher, Hannah Fisher, Elizabeth Kirk, Mary Erwin, Elizabeth fisher, Elizabeth Green, Martha Erwin, John Kirk, Jason Kirk, Thomas Kirk, Jr., Martha John, John Erwin, Jr.
     As a matter of interest it may be stated that other marriages recorded in the meeting book up to 1825 were those of Jason Kirk to Mary Spencer, David Wall to Elizabeth Fisher, Levi Pennington to Mary Bye, Levi Lambourne to Mary Ball, Isaac England to Dinah Moore, Thomas Kirk to Sarah Taylor, Abraham Moore to Susanna Taylor, William Fisher to Sarah Moore, Samuel Moore to Hannah Shivery, Jeremiah Moore to Susanna Shivery, Thomas Downing to Elizabeth Kirk, Thomas Wilson to Hannah Downing, Samuel Downing to Jane Wilson, Andrew Moore to Elizabeth Davis, Eli Wakefield to Elizabeth Way, Joseph David to Rebecca More, David Spencer to Rachel Spencer, Robert Way to Hannah Moore.
     The old log meeting-house that stood in the graveyard was erected, it is said, under most unfavorable conditions. The Friends prospered in their religious undertakings, however, despite their enemies, and in due season were left in peace. Their second house of worship was built in 1830, about a mile above the graveyard. In 1841 a larger church edifice was built upon the same lot, and the smaller building was then given over to school purposes for the use of Quaker children, a Quaker school having been maintained with more or less regularity since the Friends first came into the valley. The church in Half-Moon is attached to the Centre Monthly Meeting, which assembles alternately in Unionville and Half-Moon. The elders are Martha Way, Rebecca fisher, Ira Fisher, Joseph Eves, and Jeremiah Way. The overseers are Robert A. Way and Joseph Evers, and clerk Robert Underwood. The trustees at Half-Moon are Joseph Eves and Jeremiah Way."⁸ Samuel Downing was a mentioned with Thomas Downing at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:189]: "Downing, Thomas, one of the early settlers in Half-Moon township, died in 1827. His children, -- William, Sarah (married Andrew Thompson), Hannah (married to Thomas Wilson), Rebecca, Thomas, Jacob, Jeremiah, and Samuel."¹

Reference: from Linn [1883:310]: "Joseph Eves has lived in Half-Moon since 1844. He was born in Cumberland county in 1819, and at the age of twenty-five took up his abode with Samuel downing, of Half-Moon. Mr. Downing diedin 1865, and Mr. Eves, having in 1849 married Mr. Downing's adopted daughter, continued to reside upon the downing homestead, which is still his hom."⁶ Samuel Downing was a mentioned with George Wilson and Esther Brown at Citation, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from Linn [1883:310]: "George Wilson bought a good deal of wild land, and for a start set out a crop of clover by hand. Although hehad followed the trade of a weaver in Chester county, he devolted himself exclusively in his new sphere to the business of farming. His wife was a Brown, of Chester County. Mr. Wilson brought with him to Centre County five children, named Robert, George, Esther, Orpha, and Jane. Orpha married Job Packer, Jr., Jane married Samuel Downing, and Esther married Robert Elder. Robert Wilson married one of the daughters of Job Packer, Sr., Her Christian names were many in number, as, to with: Julia Elmer Maria springate Penn, so that she signed herself after marriage Julia E. M. S. P. Packer Wilson. She died in 1871, aged seventy years. Robert, wo inhereited the homestead, died in 1856, aged seventy-five years. george married Lydia Packer, and died in Clearfield county. Thomas married Hannah downing and died in 1879 (on the farm adjoining John Wilson's), aged eighty-three years. He had eighter children of whom severn are living. George D. and Mary live on the homestead."⁶

Samuel Downing was listed as a resident in Thomas Downing and Rebecca Starr's household in the census report in 1810 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA;
p. 51 , line 12
     Name:     Thos Downing
     Home in 1810 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - Under 10:     2 [aft 1800] Thomas b1807, Jacob b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25:     2 [1785-94] Samuel b1789, William b1785
     Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over:     1 [bef 1766] Thomas b1759
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 10:     1 [aft 1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15:     2 [1795-1800] Margaret b1797, Rebecca b1800
     Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44:     1 [1766-84] Rebecca (Starr) b1760?
     Number of Household Members Under 16:     5
     Number of Household Members Over 25:     2
     Number of Household Members:     9.⁹
In Thomas Downing's will dated 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA, Samuel Downing was named as executor; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."¹⁰

Samuel Downing and Jane Wilson appeared in the census of 1830 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Samuel's mother, Rebecca (Starr) died in 1819. The older woman in this list may be his mother-in-law.]
p. 165, line 3
     Name:     Samuel Downing
     Home in 1830 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:     2 [1801-10] his brothers Thomas? b1803, Jacob? b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     1 [1791-1800]
     Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49:     1 [1781-90] Samuel b1789
     Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:     2 [1791-1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69:     1
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     6
     Total Free White Persons:     7
     Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):     7.²

Samuel Downing and Jane Wilson appeared in the census of 1840 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 141, line 10
     Name:     Samuel Downing
     Home in 1840 (City, County, State):     Half Moon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14:     1
     Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:     1
     Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59:     1
     Persons Employed in Agriculture:     3
     Free White Persons - Under 20:     2
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     1
     Total Free White Persons:     5
     Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves:     5.^3,4

Samuel Downing appeared in the census of 28 July 1860 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 543, lines 16-18, dwelling 1415, family 1459
     16 DOWNING, Samuel 69 [1791] M farmer $80,000 $800 PA
     17 INGLE, Anna M. 21 [1839] F PA
     18 DOWNING, Jeremiah 72 [1788] M PA.¹¹

     William Ashbridge Thomas was born on 5 April 1795 at West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; FindAGrave.com says b Apr. 5, 1793.^1,4 He married Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller, daughter of Reuben Miller and Thomazine Valentine, in August 1817 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.^1,2

William Ashbridge Thomas died on 26 October 1865 at age 70; per Linn [1881:253] "...killed by a fall down a mine bank, Oct. 26, 1865." FindAGrave.com says d. Dec. 4, 1806.^1,4
William Ashbridge Thomas was buried after 4 December 1866 at Friends Burial Ground, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      Apr. 5, 1793
     Death:      Dec. 4, 1866
     Family links: Spouse: Eliza M. Miller Thomas (1793 - 1879)*
     Children:
      Isaac M. Thomas (1837 - 1914)*
     Burial: Friends Burial Ground, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Created by: Kenneth Greene, Jr.
     Record added: Aug 12, 2008
     Find A Grave Memorial# 28971423.⁴
     ; Record of births of the children of Richard IV and Tomazin (Downing) Thomas.⁵ He was a mentioned with Col. Richard IV Thomas and Thomazin Downing at DARApp 42533; DAR Application #42533 covers lineage from Col. Richard Thomas.³

Reference: per Linn [1881:253] "William A. worked at his father's mill, and when only seventeen years old rented a mill on Beaver Creek, above Downingtown. In 1815 his elder brother Jacob came to Centre county with the Valentine brothers, and together they rented the dunlop estate, works, and iron interests. Jacob Thomas, however, returned to Chester County and died, and thereupon (in 1817) William A. Thomas came up and took his place, and thus became identified ever afterward with the Valentines...In 1827, Mr. Thomas, in connection with Isaac Miller, etc., leased Mill Hall Iron-Works, Clinton County..." at Citation.¹ William Ashbridge Thomas and Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller were Quaker.¹
; Original group of Valentine, Downing and related family members that moved from Chester co., PA to Centre Co., PA.
Partial history of Valentine & Thomas iron business in Centre Co. is attached. William Ashbridge Thomas was a mentioned with Abraham S. Valentine in 1815 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Linn [1883:56]: "1815 - The annals of this year chronicle the arrival of the Valentine brothers and William A. Thomas, as tenants of the iron-works of John Dunlop, deceased. They operated under a lease from Hon. Charles Huston and John G. Lowrey, administrators, until the 1st of October, 1821, when the force and furnace tracts, together with the Galesburg ore banks, as they were called, were purchased by Samuel Valentine, Jacob Valentine, George Valentine, Robert Valentine and william A. Thomas, for the sum of fourteen thousand dollars, at Orphans' Court sale, of the real estate of John Dunlop; the latter's half-interest in the Washington Works was sold shortly after after his death to Alexander irvine, of Baltimore, for five thousand dollars."

William Ashbridge Thomas immigrated in 1817; per Linn [1883:253] "In 1815 his elder brother Jacob came to Centre County with the Valentine brothers, and together they rented the Dunlop estate, works, and iron interest. Jacob thomas, however returned to Chester County and died, and thereupon (in 1817) William A. Thomas came up and took his place, and thus became identified ever afterward with the Valentines."¹
William Ashbridge Thomas is mentioned in the will of Jacob Daniel Valentine on 24 October 1823 at Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:11]: "page 189, JACOB VALENTINE, Chester Co., Pa. Oct. 24 1823-11/6/1823, Nieces & nephews, children of my sister Thomazin Miller of Centre Co., Pa. My dec'd brother Robert. Eliza w/o Tm. A. Thomas. Robert V. Miller, Wm. Miller, Mary Ann, Isaac, Rachel, Jane, Mordecai Miller. My sis. Rachel, w/o Jonathan Kersley : "page 189, JACOB VALENTINE, Chester Co., Pa. Oct. 24 1823-11/6/1823, Nieces & nephews, children of my sister Thomazin Miller of Centre Co., Pa. My dec'd brother Robert. Eliza w/o Tm. A. Thomas. Robert V. Miller, Wm. Miller, Mary Ann, Isaac, Rachel, Jane: "page 189, JACOB VALENTINE, Chester Co., Pa. Oct. 24 1823-11/6/1823, Nieces & nephews, children of my sister Thomazin Miller of Centre Co., Pa. My dec'd brother Robert. Eliza w/o Tm. A. Thomas. Robert V. Miller, Wm. Miller, Mary Ann, Isaac, Rachel, Jane, Mordecai Miller. My sis. Rachel, w/o Jonathan Kersley : "page 189, JACOB VALENTINE, Chester Co., Pa. Oct. 24 1823-11/6/1823, Nieces & nephews, children of my sister Thomazin Miller of Centre Co., Pa. My dec'd brother Robert. Eliza w/o Tm. A. Thomas. Robert [sic] of Detroit. Brother Valentine & Abram, Sam'l., Geo., Reuben. Jacob V. Thomas. Jacob D. infant s/o George & Mary Valentine. Ex: Bros: Geo. & Bond. Witness: Jos. White, Jos. M. Downing.⁶
William Ashbridge Thomas is mentioned in the will of Samuel Valentine on 16 August 1826 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 211, SAMUEL VALENTINE, Aug. 16, 1825-Oct. 19, 1826, members of firm of Valentine & Thomas to wit: George, Reuben, Abram S., Bond Valentine, Wm. A. Thomas. Niece Eliza M. Thomas, w/o Wm. A. Thomas. My brothers named, my sister Tomazin Miller. Ex: 5 members of firm. Witness: I. Miller, Rachel Miller."⁷

William Ashbridge Thomas and Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller appeared in the census of 1830 at U. S. Census, Spring Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [William does not seem to appear in the 1820 census, but his wife is already in Centre Co, with her mother Thomazin (Valentine) Miller in her household. He mother seems to be wtih them again in the 1830 census (2 years before her death). The others in the household are not identified.]
p. 383, line 3
     Name:     William A Thomas
     Home in 1830 (City, County, State):     Spring, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9:     1 [1821-25] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14:     1 [1816-20] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:     1 [1791-1800] William b1795
     Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69:     1 [1761-70] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 5:     1 [aft 1825] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19:     1 [1811-15] Unknown?
     Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:     1 [1791-1800] Elizabeth (Miller) b1793
     Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59:     1 [1771-80] Thomazine (Valentine) b1774
     Free Colored Persons - Males - Under 10:     1
     Free Colored Persons - Females - Under 10:     1
     Free Colored Persons - Females - 24 thru 35:     1
     Free White Persons - Under 20:     4
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     2
     Total Free White Persons:     8
     Total Free Colored Persons:     3
     Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):     11.⁸
William Ashbridge Thomas is mentioned in the will of Reuben Bond Valentine on 10 March 1834 at Spring Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:23]: "page 148, REUBEN B. VALENTINE, Spring Twp., 3/10/1834-4/24/1841, w. Sarah. Children: Geo. H., Mary. Brother Gworge, Abraham S. Also named Wm. A. Thomas to be guardian or my minor children. Ex; wife, bro. Bond Valentine. Witness: Daniel Dobbins, H. Humes, Mord. Miller."⁹

William Ashbridge Thomas and Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller appeared in the census of 1840 at U. S. Census, Spring Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 200, line 3
     Name:     William A Thomas
     Home in 1840 (City, County, State):     Spring, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - Under 5:     1
     Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14:     1
     Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19:     2
     Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 5:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:     1
     Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59:     1
     Free White Persons - Under 20:     6
     Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:     1
     Total Free White Persons:     9
     Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves:     9.¹⁰

William Ashbridge Thomas and Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller appeared in the census of 19 August 1850 at U. S. Census, Spring Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Their son, Isaac, was 17 in 1850 and should have appeared in this census. He appears in subsequent years.]
p. 194-A, lines 22-32, dwelling 20, family 20
     22 THOMAS, William A 55 [1795] M Iron Master Firm of V&T(?) PA
     23 " , Eliza 56 [1794] F
     24 IRWIN, Martha 61 [1789] F
     25 HARRIS, Jane 9 [1841] F Attended school
     26 THOMAS, Jacob V 32 [1818] M Manager $400 PA
     27 " , Laticia 22 F
     28 " , Ann S 1 [1849] F
     29 GREEN, Mary A 23 [1827] F Black MD
     30 SMITH, Ruth 16 [1834] F Black MD
     31 SCOTT, John 24 [1826] M Black Laborer MD
     32 SMITH, Elizabeth W. 26 [1824] F.¹¹

William Ashbridge Thomas and Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller appeared in the census of 31 August 1860 at U. S. Census, Spring Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Next household on p. 862 is their son, Isaac Thomas.]
pp. 861-2, LINES 40, 1-8, dwelling 2299, family 2395
     40 THOMAS, William A. 65 [1795] F $80,000 $18,000 PA
     1 " , Eliza M. 66 [1794] F PA
     2 IRVIN, Martha 70 [1790] F PA
     3 HARRIS, Mary A. 23 [1837] F PA
     4 HARRIS, William 30 [1830] M PA
     5 NUGENT, Mary 18 [1842] F Black Washington City
     6 " , Emma 14 [1846] F Black Washington City
     7 BROWN, Rebecca 17 [1873] F Black PA
     8 WELSH, Sarah 17 [1843] F Mulatto PA.¹²

     Lydia Thomas was born on 2 April 1742; Per Palmer [1910:II:678]: "b. 12 mo. 4, 1740."²" She married John Trimble, son of William Trimble Sr. and Ann Palmer, on 24 November 1762 at Concord Meeting, Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA,
; her 1st husband.^1,2 Lydia Thomas married Joshua Pusey on 21 October 1778
; her 2nd husband.²
Lydia Thomas died in November 1780 at age 38.²

     Hannah Thomas was born on 5 July 1749; per Palmer [1910:II:679]: "b. 5 mo. 5, 1749."² She married Joseph Trimble, son of William Trimble Sr. and Ann Palmer, on 14 July 1783 at Concord Meeting, Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA,
; per Palmer [1910:II:679]: "b. 5 mo. 5, 1749."^1,2
Hannah Thomas died on 2 May 1829 at Pennsylvania, USA, at age 79.²
Hannah Thomas was buried after 2 May 1829 at Concord Friends Burial Ground, Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA; per Palmer [1910:II:679]: "They had no children."²

     Joseph Trimble was born on 17 September 1739; per Palmer [1910:II:679]: "b. Second day, 7 mo. 17, 1739."^2,3 He married Hannah Thomas, daughter of Richard III Thomas and Phebe Ashbridge, on 14 July 1783 at Concord Meeting, Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA,
; per Palmer [1910:II:679]: "b. 5 mo. 5, 1749."^1,2
Joseph Trimble died on 16 October 1824 at age 85.²
Joseph Trimble was buried after 16 October 1824 at Concord Friends Burial Ground, Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA; per Palmer [1910:II:679]: "They had no children."²

     John Trimble was born on 1 August 1735 at Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA; Launey [2007:I:141] says b 24th of 6th mo., 17351707.^2,3 He married Lydia Thomas, daughter of Richard III Thomas and Phebe Ashbridge, on 24 November 1762 at Concord Meeting, Concord Township, Chester Co. (now Delaware Co.), Pennsylvania, USA,
; her 1st husband.^1,2
John Trimble died on 25 June 1772 at age 36.²

     Richard II Thomas was born in 1672 at Whitford Garden, Flinthsire, North Wales, United Kingdom; per Linn [1881:253], aged 11 when his father died in 1683.¹ He married Grace Atherton (?) before 1711 at North Wales, United Kingdom.¹

Richard II Thomas died in 1744 at Calamornshirk, West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA.¹
     He was a mentioned with Richard ap Thomas at Citation;      per Linn [1881:253]: "...purchased a grant or location of five thousand acres in chester valley, came over in William Penn's first migration, and came to where Philadelphia now stands with an only son, Richard, and died there in 1683. Richard (2d) being but eleven years of age, and the estate passing into trustees, the grant was never all located; however, one part, some six hundred acres, now embraces part of the county-seat (West Chester), and others were located advantageously in the Great valley. Richard (2d) returned to Wales for a short time, and subsequently married Grace Atherton, an English maiden, and settled in the Great valley (1711), on one of his places called Calamornshirtk, in West Whiteland township, where he died in 1744, and is buried in the Malin graveyard. He left issue one son, richard (born April 22, 1713, died Sept. 22, 1754), and four daughters. Hannah (married james mendenhall), Mary (married John Harrison, of Birsboro, Pa., Grace (married Thomas Stalker, of East Caln), Elizabeth (married Jonathan Howell, of Philladelphia)."

     per Palmer [1910:II:679:fn]: "The family of Ap Thomas appears, according to an account by col. Richard Thomas, to have been for many generations landholders in witford Garden, Wales. Whether the surname was uniformlly thomas or changed occasionally according to Welsh practice cannot be ascertained; but it is certain that the name was ancient in that country. Richard Ap Thomas being in years and grown tired with the dissipations of his compeers embraced the tenets of the Quakers and joined Penn's first migration to Pennsylvania, bringing his only son Richard, a boy of ten years, and a number of dependents. He was purchaser of 5,000 acres of land of William Penn by deeds of lease and release dated July 24 and 25, 1681, for the sum of [pounds] 100. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1683, and died soon after, his will being dated 9th mo. 16683. He left his land here to his son and his estate in Wales to his wife and daughter who remained there. The son endured many trials and hardships before getting into possession of his property when of age, and also in care of his mother and sister, the former marrying again and losing her property and she dying thre son brought his sister to Pennsylvania about 1699. He finally settled in the Breat Valley, where he m. and became properous..."^1,2 Richard II Thomas witnessed the immigration of Richard ap Thomas on 21 July 1681 at Pennsylvania, USA; per Linn [1881:253]: "...purchased a grant or location of five thousand acres in chester valley, came over in William Penn's first migration, and came to where Philadelphia now stands with an only son, Richard, and died there in 1683. Richard (2d) being but eleven years of age, and the estate passing into trustees, the grant was never all located; however, one part, some six hundred acres, now embraces part of the county-seat (West Chester), and others were located advantageously in the Great valley. Richard (2d) returned to Wales for a short time, and subsequently married Grace Atherton, an English maiden, and settled in the Great valley (1711), on one of his places called Calamornshirtk, in West Whiteland township, where he died in 1744, and is buried in the Malin graveyard. He left issue one son, richard (born April 22, 1713, died Sept. 22, 1754), and four daughters. Hannah (married james mendenhall), Mary (married John Harrison, of Birsboro, Pa., Grace (married Thomas Stalker, of East Caln), Elizabeth (married Jonathan Howell, of Philladelphia)."¹

Richard II Thomas immigrated in 1711 to West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; left Penn. ca 1683/4 after his father died and returned in 1711 after he married.¹

     Grace Atherton (?) married Richard II Thomas, son of Richard ap Thomas, before 1711 at North Wales, United Kingdom.¹

     Grace Atherton (?) was a mentioned with Richard ap Thomas at Citation;      per Linn [1881:253]: "...purchased a grant or location of five thousand acres in chester valley, came over in William Penn's first migration, and came to where Philadelphia now stands with an only son, Richard, and died there in 1683. Richard (2d) being but eleven years of age, and the estate passing into trustees, the grant was never all located; however, one part, some six hundred acres, now embraces part of the county-seat (West Chester), and others were located advantageously in the Great valley. Richard (2d) returned to Wales for a short time, and subsequently married Grace Atherton, an English maiden, and settled in the Great valley (1711), on one of his places called Calamornshirtk, in West Whiteland township, where he died in 1744, and is buried in the Malin graveyard. He left issue one son, richard (born April 22, 1713, died Sept. 22, 1754), and four daughters. Hannah (married james mendenhall), Mary (married John Harrison, of Birsboro, Pa., Grace (married Thomas Stalker, of East Caln), Elizabeth (married Jonathan Howell, of Philladelphia)."

     per Palmer [1910:II:679:fn]: "The family of Ap Thomas appears, according to an account by col. Richard Thomas, to have been for many generations landholders in witford Garden, Wales. Whether the surname was uniformlly thomas or changed occasionally according to Welsh practice cannot be ascertained; but it is certain that the name was ancient in that country. Richard Ap Thomas being in years and grown tired with the dissipations of his compeers embraced the tenets of the Quakers and joined Penn's first migration to Pennsylvania, bringing his only son Richard, a boy of ten years, and a number of dependents. He was purchaser of 5,000 acres of land of William Penn by deeds of lease and release dated July 24 and 25, 1681, for the sum of [pounds] 100. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1683, and died soon after, his will being dated 9th mo. 16683. He left his land here to his son and his estate in Wales to his wife and daughter who remained there. The son endured many trials and hardships before getting into possession of his property when of age, and also in care of his mother and sister, the former marrying again and losing her property and she dying thre son brought his sister to Pennsylvania about 1699. He finally settled in the Breat Valley, where he m. and became properous..."^1,2

     Richard ap Thomas died in 1683 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania, USA.¹
     Reference:      per Linn [1881:253]: "...purchased a grant or location of five thousand acres in chester valley, came over in William Penn's first migration, and came to where Philadelphia now stands with an only son, Richard, and died there in 1683. Richard (2d) being but eleven years of age, and the estate passing into trustees, the grant was never all located; however, one part, some six hundred acres, now embraces part of the county-seat (West Chester), and others were located advantageously in the Great valley. Richard (2d) returned to Wales for a short time, and subsequently married Grace Atherton, an English maiden, and settled in the Great valley (1711), on one of his places called Calamornshirtk, in West Whiteland township, where he died in 1744, and is buried in the Malin graveyard. He left issue one son, richard (born April 22, 1713, died Sept. 22, 1754), and four daughters. Hannah (married james mendenhall), Mary (married John Harrison, of Birsboro, Pa., Grace (married Thomas Stalker, of East Caln), Elizabeth (married Jonathan Howell, of Philladelphia)."

     per Palmer [1910:II:679:fn]: "The family of Ap Thomas appears, according to an account by col. Richard Thomas, to have been for many generations landholders in witford Garden, Wales. Whether the surname was uniformlly thomas or changed occasionally according to Welsh practice cannot be ascertained; but it is certain that the name was ancient in that country. Richard Ap Thomas being in years and grown tired with the dissipations of his compeers embraced the tenets of the Quakers and joined Penn's first migration to Pennsylvania, bringing his only son Richard, a boy of ten years, and a number of dependents. He was purchaser of 5,000 acres of land of William Penn by deeds of lease and release dated July 24 and 25, 1681, for the sum of [pounds] 100. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1683, and died soon after, his will being dated 9th mo. 16683. He left his land here to his son and his estate in Wales to his wife and daughter who remained there. The son endured many trials and hardships before getting into possession of his property when of age, and also in care of his mother and sister, the former marrying again and losing her property and she dying thre son brought his sister to Pennsylvania about 1699. He finally settled in the Breat Valley, where he m. and became properous..." at Citation.^1,2

Richard ap Thomas lived before 1681 at Whitford Garden, Flinthsire, North Wales, United Kingdom.¹
Richard ap Thomas was mentioned in a land transaction on 21 July 1681 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania, USA,
Memo: per Linn [1881:253]: "...purchased a grant or location of five thousand acres in chester valley, came over in William Penn's first migration, and came to where Philadelphia now stands with an only son, Richard, and died there in 1683."¹

Richard ap Thomas immigrated on 21 July 1681 to Pennsylvania, USA; per Linn [1881:253]: "...purchased a grant or location of five thousand acres in chester valley, came over in William Penn's first migration, and came to where Philadelphia now stands with an only son, Richard, and died there in 1683. Richard (2d) being but eleven years of age, and the estate passing into trustees, the grant was never all located; however, one part, some six hundred acres, now embraces part of the county-seat (West Chester), and others were located advantageously in the Great valley. Richard (2d) returned to Wales for a short time, and subsequently married Grace Atherton, an English maiden, and settled in the Great valley (1711), on one of his places called Calamornshirtk, in West Whiteland township, where he died in 1744, and is buried in the Malin graveyard. He left issue one son, richard (born April 22, 1713, died Sept. 22, 1754), and four daughters. Hannah (married james mendenhall), Mary (married John Harrison, of Birsboro, Pa., Grace (married Thomas Stalker, of East Caln), Elizabeth (married Jonathan Howell, of Philladelphia)."¹

     Hannah Thomas was born on 16 May 1715; per Launey [2007:I:65] "b. 16th of 3rd mo, 1715."² She married James Mendenhall, son of Aaron Mendenhall Sr. and Rose Pierson, on 10 November 1743 at Uwchlan Friends Meeting, Lionville, Uwchlan Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA,
; his 2nd wife; per Launey [2007:I:65] "m. 2nd on 10th of 9th mo, 1743."^1,2

     Mary Smith married Daniel Williamson.¹

     Mary Smith and Daniel Williamson lived at Newtown Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA.¹

     Mary Thomas married John Harrison.¹

     Grace Thomas married Thomas Stalker.¹

     Elizabeth Thomas married Jonathan Howell.¹

     J. Preston Thomas was born on 7 August 1842 at West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; aged 8 in 1850 census. Date confirmed by Quaker Record Uwchlan Monthly Meeting.^1,3,4
J. Preston Thomas died in November 1905 at Whitford, West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA, at age 63; From FindAGrave memorial (added by Dan Lindley):
[Quote]Village Record, November 23, 1905
     J. Preston Thomas- J. Preston Thomas, one of the most worthy and prominent citizens in Chester county died at his home at Whitford last Monday morning in the 64th year of his age. Mr. Thomas was stricken with illness about a month ago while transacting business in Centre county, and upon his return he took to his bed, and never recovered. Mr. Thomas was a busy man, but he was so extremely modest and unassuming that he realized how active he was and with how many different things he was identified.
AN OLD FAMILY
     Mr. Thomas was the seventh descendant in a direct line from Richard ap (sic) Thomas, who came over from England with William Penn, on the good ship Welcome. Richard Thomas settled on a tract at Whitford that Originally cam from William Penn, and Mr. Thomas was the seventy owner of the farm in a direct line from the original owner. The farm now contains 183 acres, and it is one of the most valuable and productive of the many fine farms of the Chester Valley.
     Mr. Thomas received his early education in a private classical school taught by a graduate of Dickerson College, and he completed his literary studies at Haverford College, where he was graduated and afterward became a trustee.
     During the Rebellion he served as a member of Company B, 29th Emergency Regiment, and also in other divisions. He afterward became a member of General George A. McCall Post, No. 31, G.A.R., but did not take active part in its work because of conscientious scruples entertained by members of the religious society in which he belonged.
     On December 13, 1866, Mr. Thomas married Hannah J. Gibbons, daughter of Abraham and Martha P. Gibbons, Coatesville. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born three children: Martha, who holds a position at Bryn Mawr College; George (3d), of Wilmington, and Anna M., who is at home. The mother and the wife of Mr. Thomas are living.
     In 1877 Mr. Thomas was elected Director of the Poor of Chester county, and since that time has been elected from time to time, with no opposition within his party, until at the recent election he was finally chosen for one more term, but on account of his death a new man will have to be named in his place. During his long term of office he was attentive to the duties and regular at the meetings, and probably was as useful a man as any who ever held the office. He was active in the movement for the erection of a new hospital for the insane, and had much by which Chester county is now maintaining its own insane.
     When the Nurses' Home was completed Mr. Thomas presented a handsome piano to the institution.
AS BANK DIRECTOR
     In 8870, Mr. Thomas was elected a director of the National Bank of Chester County, the oldest financial institution in this section of the State, to succeed his late father, Dr. George Thomas. He was made Vice-President of this bank January 11, 1895, to succeed William P. Marshall, who was made President after the death of Hon. Washington Townsend.
     November 1, 1901, following the death of Mr. Marshall, Mr. Thomas was elected to the office of President, filling that position with ability until the time of his death. He was almost daily at the bank, giving the details of his work there as much careful attention as thought he had nothing else to do. Yet at the same time he was pressed with a great variety of appointments in many lines of business. He was the oldest living member of the Board.
     He was a Trustee of the West Chester State Normal School, and was a devoted friend of that institution.
OTHER POSITIONS
     Mr. Thomas was a member of the Board of Directors of the Dime Savings Bank and of the Finance Committee; a Director of the Provident Life and Trust Company; a trustee of Haverford College and member of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings; Chairman of the Property Committee in the Board of Managers of the Chester County Hospital, which position he has had since the hospital was founded; trustee of the Epileptic Colony Farm, Oakbourne, trustee of the Rush Hospital for Consumptives, which has a branch near Malvern; trustee of the Orthodox Friends' Meeting, Director in the Chester County Trust Company since its origin and a member of the Finance Company; members of the Board of Managers of the Preston Retreat, Philadelphia.
     Mr. Thomas was actively connected with Downingtown Orthodox Meeting of Friends, and was useful in Uwchlan Monthly Meeting and the higher meetings with which this is connected.
     He leaves two brothers, George and Charles, both of Whitford. [End Quote]³
J. Preston Thomas was buried on 23 November 1905 at Downingtown Friends Meetinghouse Cemetery, Downingtown, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      Aug. 7, 1842
     Death:      Nov., 1905
     Inscription: Comments field is Burial Date Note: 11/23
     Burial: , owningtown Friends Meetinghouse Cemetery, Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Created by: Dan Oh
     Record added: Jul 29, 2009
     Find A Grave Memorial# 40025647.³
     J. Preston Thomas was listed as a resident in George Thomas M. D. and Anna Mary Townsend's household in the census report on 9 September 1850 at U. S. Census, West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 430-B, lines 1-11, dwelling 126, family 127
     1 THOMAS, George 42 [1808] M Farmer $65,000 PA
     2 " , Anna M. 34 [1816] F PA
     3 " , J Preston 8 [1842] M PA Attended School
     4 " , George 6 [1844] M PA
     5 " , Charles T. 4 [1846] M PA
     6 " , John R. 7/12 [ca Feb 1850] M PA
     7 " , John R. 69 [1791] M None PA
     8 MOORE, Robert 70 [1780] M Mulatto Laborer MD
     9 ROLFF, James 12 [1838] M Mulatto NC
     10 GILBERT, Sophia 17 [1833] F MD
     11 VAN SKILES, Anna 16 [1834] F PA.¹

J. Preston Thomas was listed as a resident in George Thomas M. D. and Anna Mary Townsend's household in the census report on 11 June 1860 at U. S. Census, West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 1008, lines 5-12, dwelling 115, family 111
     5 THOMAS, George 53 [1807] M Farmer $70,000 $18,000 PA
     6 " , Anna M. 45 [1815] F $2,200 PA
     7 " , j Preston 17 [1843] M $250 PA Attended School
     8 " , George 14 [1846] M $250 PA Attended School
     9 " , Charles T. 12 [1848] M $200 PA Attended School
     10 CARBERRY, Thomas 60 [1800] M Farm Laborer $550 $500 Ireland
     11 HOLMES, Mary 30 [1830] F Domestic England
     12 SHEY, Anna 15 [1845] F Ireland.⁵

J. Preston Thomas lived in 1881 at West Whiteland Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Futhey & Cope [1881:742] "J. Preston, George, and charles, of whome the first and last are married, and live adjoining their father. the eldest son is much interested in improved breeds of stock."²

     Isaac M. Thomas was born on 7 April 1837 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.² He married Martha J. Reed before 1872
; Oldest known child (Elizabeth) born ca 1872.^3,4
Isaac M. Thomas died on 7 May 1914 at Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA, at age 77; Ancestry.com - Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964
     Name:     Isaac Thomas
     Gender:     Male
     Race:     White
     Age:     77
     Birth Date:     7 Apr 1837
     Birth Place:     Pennsylvania
     Death Date:     7 May 1914
     Death Place:     Bellefonte, Centre, Pennsylvania, USA
     Father:     Wm Thomas
     Mother:     Eliza Miller
     Certificate Number:     46882
     Source Citation: Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission; Pennsylvania, USA; Certificate Number Range: 044521-047810
     Source Information: Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
     Original data: Pennsylvania (State). Death certificates, 1906–1963. Series 11.90 (1,905 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.^2,5
Isaac M. Thomas was buried on 11 May 1914 at Union Cemetery, Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Date of burial from death certificate]
from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      Apr. 7, 1837, Pennsylvania, USA
     Death:      May 7, 1914, Bellefonte, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Veteran Civil War Company H. 2nd Regt.
     Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 about Isaac Thomas
          Name: Isaac Thomas
          Gender: Male
          Race: White
          Martial Status: Married
          Occupation: Gentleman
          Age: 77y 0m 20d
          Birth Date: 7 Apr 1837
          Birth Place: Pennsylvania
          Death Date: 7 May 1914
          Death Place: Bellefonte, Centre, Pennsylvania, USA
          Father Name: Wm Thomas
          Father Birth Place: Pennsylvania
          Mother Name: Eliza Miller
          Mother Birth Place: Pennsylvania
          Informant: Mrs. Isaac Thomas, Bellefonte, Pa.
          Certificate Number: 46882
     Family links:
     Parents:
      William A. Thomas (1793 - 1866)
      Eliza M. Miller Thomas (1793 - 1879)
     Spouse:
      Martha J. Reed Thomas (1850 - 1927)*
     Children:
      William A Thomas (1873 - 1942)*
      Isaac M. Thomas (1880 - 1918)*
      C. Arthur Thomas (1885 - 1944)*
     Burial: Union Cemetery, Bellefonte, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Created by: Melinda Klitz
     Record added: Apr 26, 2013
     Find A Grave Memorial# 109562726.^2,5
     Isaac M. Thomas appeared in the census of 31 August 1860 at U. S. Census, Spring Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [He is next door to his parents. Eliza and Abram Miller are the 1st cousins of Isaac - niece and nephew of Isaac's mother, Eliza Miller.]
p. 862, lines 9-13, dwelling 2300, family 2396
     9 THOMAS, Isaac 23 [1837] M Farm Laborer $100 PA
     10 MILLER Abram 22 [1838] M Farm Laborer $100 PA
     12 GREEN, Theodore 21 [1839] M Black Farm Laborer PA
     13 MILLER, Eliza 23 [1837] F PA
     14 WILLIAMS 17 [1843] F Black Servant PA.⁶

Isaac M. Thomas was listed as a resident in Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller's household in the census report on 21 June 1870 at U. S. Census, Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 2, lines 19-24, dwelling 15, family 13
     19 THOMAS, Eliza M 76 [1794] F W Keeping House PA
     20 " , Isaac 33 [1837] M W Glass Manufacturer $90,348 PA
     21 HARRIS, Jane S. 29 [1841] F W At Home $10,340 PA
     22 WOLD, Sarah 18 [1852] F W Domestic Servant PA
     23 SHATTON, Eliza 21 [1849] F W Domestic Servant PA
     24 PATTON, Hyde 19 [1851] F W Domestic Servant PA.⁷

Isaac M. Thomas and Martha J. Reed appeared in the census of 17 June 1880 at U. S. Census, Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 247-A, lines 1-4, dwelling 38, family 50
     1 THOMAS, Isaac W M 43 [1837] Married No Occupation PA PA PA
     2 " , Martha J. W F 29 [1851] Married Keeping House PA PA PA
     3 " , Eliza W F 8 [1872] Daughter Single at School PA PA PA
     4 " , William W M 7 [1873] Son Single At School PA PA PA.⁴

Isaac M. Thomas and Martha J. Reed appeared in the census of 7 June 1900 at U. S. Census, Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 5-A, lines 21-28, dwelling 81, family 93
     21 THOMAS, Isaac Head W M Apr 1838 62 Married 28yrs PA PA PA Capitalist
     22 " , Martha J. Wife W F June 1850 49 Married 28yrs 5-children-born 5-children-living PA MD PA
     23 " , Lydia Daughter W F Jan 1873 27 Single PA PA PA
     24 " , Isaac Son W M July 1880 19 Single PA PA PA
     25 " , Joseph Son W M Dec 1882 17 Single PA PA PA
     26 " , Arthur Son W M May 1885 15 Single PA PA PA At School
     27 " , Lulu Daughter W F Nov 1887 12 Single PA PA PA At School
     28 REEDER, Annie Servant W F Dec 1885 14 Single PA PA PA Servant.⁸

Isaac M. Thomas and Martha J. Reed appeared in the census of 22 April 1910 at U. S. Census, Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 5-B, lines 64-69, dwelling 85, family 107
     64 THOMAS, Isaac Sr Head M W 72 [1838] Married 1x 40yrs PA PA PA Own Income
     65 " , Martha Wife F W 59 [1851] Married 1x 40yrs 8-children-born 6-children-living PA VA PA None
     66 " , Isaac M Jr Son M W 30 [1880] Single PA PA PA None
     67 " , Chester A. Son M W 24 [1886] Single PA PA PA Painter Carriage
     68 " , Lulla Daughter F W 22 [1888] Single PA PA PA None
     69 " , Hellen M. Grand Daughter F W 9 [1901] Single NJ PA NJ None.⁹

     Margaret Downing married Washington Fenton.²
Margaret Downing was born on 29 April 1797.^1,2
Margaret Downing died in 1863 at Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA.²
     Margaret Downing was listed as a resident in Thomas Downing and Rebecca Starr's household in the census report in 1810 at U. S. Census, Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA;
p. 51 , line 12
     Name:     Thos Downing
     Home in 1810 (City, County, State):     Halfmoon, Centre, Pennsylvania
     Free White Persons - Males - Under 10:     2 [aft 1800] Thomas b1807, Jacob b1807
     Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25:     2 [1785-94] Samuel b1789, William b1785
     Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over:     1 [bef 1766] Thomas b1759
     Free White Persons - Females - Under 10:     1 [aft 1800]
     Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15:     2 [1795-1800] Margaret b1797, Rebecca b1800
     Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44:     1 [1766-84] Rebecca (Starr) b1760?
     Number of Household Members Under 16:     5
     Number of Household Members Over 25:     2
     Number of Household Members:     9.³
Margaret Downing is mentioned in the will of Thomas Downing on 24 March 1824 at Half Moon Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, USA; Synopsis from Fravel [1939:12]: "page 220, THOMAS DOWNING, Halfmoon Twp., 3/24/1824-7/31/1827, wife Eliz. Children: Wm., Sarah w/o Andrew Thompson, Hannah w/o Thos. Wilson, Margt. Downing, Reb. Downing, Thomas (when 21), Jeremiah, Sam'l., Jacob (when 26). Ex; sons Jeremiah & Sam'l. Witness: John Spencer, Thos. Barlow."⁴

     Moses Downing died; per Harlan [1914:I:157]: "d. young."² He was born on 20 June 1783.¹
Moses Downing died in 1784; Note: Numerous Ancestry family trees give the date of death as 1784, but none of them cite any sources.^3,4

     Cicero S. Webster was born circa 1832 at Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; aged 18 in 1850 census.¹
     Cicero S. Webster was listed as a resident in John Webster and Thomazine Downing's household in the census report on 21 August 1850 at U. S. Census, East Caln Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 248B, lines 3-8, dwelling 267, family 272
     3 WEBSTER, John 45 [1805] M Merchant $5000 Chester Co PA
     4 " , Thomason 55 [1795] F Chester Co PA
     5 " , Cisero S. 18 [1832] M None Chester Co PA
     6 " , Hetty D. 15 [1835] F Chester Co PA attended school
     7 " , Mary J. 13 [1837] F Chester Co PA attended school
     8 CAYTON, Catherine 21 [1829] F Ireland.¹

     Nellie P. Downing was born circa August 1881 at Downingtown, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; DOB from 1900 census.¹
     Nellie P. Downing was listed as a resident in J. Havard Downing and Elizabeth Potts Rutter's household in the census report on 15 June 1900 at U. S. Census, Downingtown, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; p. 10-B, lines 80-85, dwelling 218, family 221
     80 DOWNING, Havard Head W M Marh 1845 55 Married 28 yrs PA PA PA Post Master
     81 " , Elizebeth Wife W F Sept 1853 46 Married 28yrs 4-children-born 2-children-living PA PA PA
     82 " , Lewis R. Son W M Mar 1875 25 Single PA PA PA
     83 " , Nellie P. Daughter W F Aug 1881 Single PA PA PA
     84 NICHOLS, Louisa Servant W F Wept 1868 31 Single PA PA PA Servant
     85 THOMAS, George Servant Black M Mar 1874 26 Single VA VA VA Servant.¹

     Jane Moorhouse was born in 1880.¹ She married Lewis Rutter Downing, son of J. Havard Downing and Elizabeth Potts Rutter, in October 1905.¹

Jane Moorhouse was buried in 1968 at Northwood Cemetery, Downingtown, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; from FindAGrave.com:
     Birth:      1880
     Death:      1968
     Family links: Spouse: Lewis Rutter Downing (1875 - 1962)*
     Burial: Northwood Cemetery, Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
     Created by: David Helfrich
     Record added: Mar 21, 2009
     Find A Grave Memorial# 35065728.¹
Jane Moorhouse died in 1968.¹
     Jane Moorhouse and Lewis Rutter Downing appeared in the census of 14 January 1920 at East Caln Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA; [Next door to his father, J Havard Downing.]
p. 2-B, lines 59-63, dwelling 34, family 36
     59 DOWNING, Louis R. Head M W 44 [1876] Mrried PA PA PA Farmer General Farm
     60 " , Jane M. Wife F W 39 [1881] Married PA PA PA
     61 " , Ann M. Daughter F W 12 [1908] Single Attended school PA PA PA
     62 " , Jane Daughter F W 17 [1903] Single Attended school PA PA PA
     63 " , Richard H. Son M W 5 11/12 [1915] Single Attended school PA PA PA.²