My Genealogy Hound

JAMES RONEY, a pioneer in the manufacture of ladies’ and misses’ shoes in Allentown, and for many years a leader in commercial circles here, was born in Bucks County, Pa., February 15, 1808, and is a son of Daniel Roney, who was born in the same county. The latter was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was a farmer by occupation. His wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca Abeason, and by their marriage were born seven children, James being the fourth child, and now the only surviving member of the family. His early days were spent upon his father’s farm and in attendance at the common schools of the neighborhood. He learned the shoemaker’s trade in Trenton, N. J., where he spent two years, and then went to South America, locating in Caracas. He afterwards made his way to the copper mines of Arizona, and had charge of smelting works for about six months, after which he returned to the Keystone State. From Philadelphia he went to Newtown, Bucks County, where he worked at shoe-making for a time, and then removed to Wilmington, Del., where he carried on the same business. He was afterward in Lancaster, Reading and Beaver Meadow, spending three years in the last-named place.

Mr. Roney was married in Minersville to Miss Tryaphena, daughter of Daniel Levan, and soon after removed to Carbon County, whence he went to Millerstown, Pa. In 1843 he came to Allentown, and for a time worked at the bench. Later he began the manufacture of boots and shoes, which he sold to coal companies, being the first in this line of business in Allentown. He was also the first here to purchase a sewing-machine, which he ran by hand. He continued the manufacture of boots and shoes for some years, but at length sold out to his son and is now living a retired life. Although eighty-six years of age, he is well preserved, both mentally and physically. In early life he was a Democrat, and voted for Martin Van Buren, but afterward became a Whig and joined the Republican party on its organization. He served for one term as a member of the City Council, and for one term was a member of the School Board.

Mrs. Roney died in Allentown in 1875. In the family were the following children: William A.; Charles H., who was a member of the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry during the late war, and was killed by the guerrillas in 1864, when on picket duty; Mary E.; James, a dentist; S. Kate, wife of the late Rev. J. M. Hurick; Libbie R.; Lewis L.; and M. Ada, now deceased.