My Genealogy Hound

JOHN BLAKE GREGER, son of David and Catharine (Blake) Greger, was born on the family homestead in Whitpain township, June 10, 1841. He attended the public schools until 1855- 56, when his father removed to what is now North Wales, and settled on the Hurst farm, the house being at a later period changed into a hotel, and is now known as the Main Street Hotel, in that borough. Remaining at that location a single year, David Greger removed to the Finley farm, now known as the Hallowell farm, near the state road (DeKalb street), south of Centre Square, and in Whitpain township.

While the family were domiciled there, John attended the old Ellis school, not far from Washington Square. The next year David Greger purchased the Layman farm, on the Morris Road, some distance above Franklinville, and close to the place where Gwynedd, Whitpain and Worcester townships come together. There David Greger spent the remainder of his days. He took possession of it April 12, 1858.

At seventeen years of age John B. Greger decided to learn the trade of a carpenter, and served an apprenticeship of two years. He continued to work at that occupation, in the meantime making his home at Blue Bell, not far from the place of his birth. He married, December 31, 1867, Mary, daughter of Thomas and Amanda (Hallman) Naylor, of Center Square, in Whitpain township, their children being as follows: Elmer Naylor, born November 9, 1868, married June 10, 1891, Sarah, daughter of Abner Boorse, of Glenside, their children being Paul, born May 9, 1892; Mary, born 1894; Heister, born 1896; (2) David Thomas, born May 6, 1871, married May 27, 1896, Fanny, daughter of Henry and Mary Bergey, of Skippack township, their child being Lillian May, born 1897; 3. Amanda, born November 12, 1872, died January 24, 1873; (4) Flora May, born January 18, 1878, unmarried and resides at home; (5) John Hayward, born January 27, 1880, unmarried and resides with his parents; George Gilbert, born January 26, 1882, died August 27, 1882.

Mr. Greger is a prosperous mechanic. He has assisted in building many houses in that vicinity. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the community in which he lives, and in which his family have dwelt for several generations, they having for many years been identified with the progress of Whitpain township. He is a Democrat in politics, but not an office seeker, and not to be regarded as a mere partisan. The family are members of Boehm’s Reformed church, at Blue Bell.