My Genealogy Hound

JACOB F. FELL, deceased, of Norristown. whose life was protracted almost to the years of the octogenarian, was during his entire career a fine type of the old-school gentleman whose gentility and high sense of honor were as manifest in his business relations with his fellows as in domestic and social circles, and the impress of his noble personality is discernable in the community which was so long graced by his presence.

Mr. Fell was descended from an old and honorable family of Swiss origin which bore the name of Foell. His grandparents, Jacob and Jacobina (Beck) Foell, originally from Zurich, Switzerland, emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany, about the year 1807, settling at first in Philadelphia, but soon afterward removing to Oley, in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Here Jacob Fell (or Foell) engaged in the tanning business, which he had followed in the fatherland.

Christian J. Fell, son of Jacob and Jacobina Fell, passed a portion of his life in Oley, where he was born, but the greater and more active part in the city of Philadelphia. Brought up to the trade of his father, he there became associated in business with Adam Dotterer, a well known tanner, and subsequently became senior member of the firm of Fell & Kinsler, which for many years conducted a most flourishing trade as tanner. Mr. Fell married Miss Annie Kinsler, whose mother was a member of the sect which founded the communal settlement known as Economy, near Harmony, and was also a cousin of Jonathan Lentz, one of the twelve apostles, so called, and otherwise prominent in the peculiar sect to which he adhered.

Jacob F. Fell, son of Christian J. and Annie (Kinsler) Fell, was born in Philadelphia, December 25, 1823. His boyhood years were divided between that city and the village of Oley, where his family was still connected. At an early age he entered his father’s tannery, where he remained for several years, soon bearing a man’s part in the work, which he had thoroughly mastered. The tanning business was to his liking, and upon reaching manhood, in 1844, being desirous of enlarging his business opportunities, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and opened a leather finding store. Shortly afterward he became connected with his twin brother, Christian G. Fell, and they opened a tannery which they operated for a period of time, after which he purchased his brother’s interest. Shortly after the purchase was made, the place was destroyed by fire. Later he associated himself with Alexander Swift in the tanning business, subsequently purchasing the interest of his partner, and for some years conducted the business alone. He had not only established his reputation as a most accomplished and successful business man, but he made for himself an enviable record as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. A member of the board of trade of Cincinnati, he manifested an active interest in the affairs of the city, and his sympathy and means were freely extended to all laudable objects for the advancement of the community along all substantial lines. His residence in Cincinnati covered two years of the Civil war period, and during those exciting days he bore the full part of a patriot citizen in the procurement of means for the recruiting of troops and for the use of that grand instrument for good, the Christian Commission. Nor did his patriotic spirit permit him to use only his means and voice for his country, for in 1861he served three months in an Ohio regiment, the greater part of the time being engaged in the construction of fortifications for the defense of the city of Cincinnati.

In 1863 Mr. Fell removed to Philadelphia, where he lived in comparative retirement from business pursuits, being only a silent partner with a brother in Ohio, and after a residence of about ten years in that city removed to Norristown, which was his residence thenceforward until his death, February 21, 1903, in his eightieth year. During his thirty years’ residence in Norristown Mr. Fell was an even and unfailing exemplar of all the noblest virtues that grace a true Christian manhood, and his presence was a benediction upon the community. Holding to his highest ideals, he left behind him a record which will long endure to color the lives of many who knew him. He was an earnest but modest laborer in behalf of every worthy cause. He was the sympathizing friend of all who came to him in their distress of body, mind or estate, and he aided them tenderly with his words of encouragement and cheer, and efficaciously with his means. He was a keen student of men and books. His knowledge was enriched and increased by travel, his business taking him over the United States, and he also traveled in Cuba and Europe, visiting Switzerland, France, Germany and other countries. This, combined with a retentive memory, vivid imagination and a rich vocabulary, made him an entertaining and instructive companion and conversationalist. He was active as a member and officer of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was independent, usually voting the Republican ticket, and although often urged by his many friends to accept public office always refused the honor.

Mr. Fell was twice married. His first wife was Miss Josephine Rusling, of Philadelphia, who bore him four children, three of whom died in early life. The surviving child, Sarah Josephine, became the wife of Alfred Brooke, of Norristown, no issue; they are both deceased. His second wife was Miss Mary J. Custer, also of Philadelphia, who survives her honored husband, and their children were: Frederick N., who attended the Norristown schools and also pursued a course in a business college in Philadelphia; he devotes much of his time to looking after the interests of his late father’s estate; he is a member of Charity Lodge, 190, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norristown. Percy J., who also attended the Norristown schools and a business college in Philadelphia, and since the completion of his studies has been in the employ of Powers & Weightman, manufacturing chemists of Philadelphia, he is a trustee in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Norristown, and an accomplished vocalist; he is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons, and one or more social societies of Norristown. M. Bertha, who is a graduate of the Norristown high school, is a member of the Historical Society of Montgomery county, and a gifted student of literature. The children reside at home with their mother.

Mrs. Jacob F. Fell is a granddaughter of Daniel Custer, a carpenter and builder, who resided near Towamensing, Montgomery county. He married Magdalene Smith, daughter of Joseph Smith, of Towamencing, and Mary Myers, of Spruce Hill, Bucks county. Nathan Custer (father) was born in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and during his business career engaged in the manufacture of scales, and in the coal trade, in the city of Philadelphia. He was an advocate of the principles of Democracy, but never sought or held office. He affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the blue lodge. He married Maria Burrough, who was born near Camden, New Jersey, a daughter of Thomas Burrough and his wife Abigail (Rudderow) Burrough, who resided in New Jersey, on Burlington pike, about six miles from Camden. Abigail (Rudderow) Burrough, mother of Mrs. Custer, was born on a farm located one and a half miles from Maple Shade, New Jersey. Eight children were born to Nathan and Maria Custer, six of whom are living at the present time (1904). Mr. Custer died in Philadelphia, in January, 1876, his wife having passed away in May, 1875. They were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. General George A. Custer, of Civil war and Indian war fame, was related to the family by ties of blood.

Jacob F. Fell passed away at his residence, No. 11 Elm street, on February 21, 1903. The interment was in the South Laurel Hill cemetery.