My Genealogy Hound

PETER S. RAPP, the descendant of an old Montgomery county family, was born in East Pikeland township, Chester county, July 5, 1846. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education, supplemented by one year’s study in a private school. His parents were Joseph H. and Margueretta Supplee Rapp, both of East Pikeland township, Chester county. Later in life they removed to Phoenixville, where both died, she September 8, 1883, at the age of seventy-two years and eight months, he March 24, 1884, at the age of eighty-one years.

Joseph H. Rapp (father) was born and reared in Chester county on a farm. He learned the trade of wheelwright and conducted a shop on his farm. He was a skillful and successful farmer and mechanic. He served as a school director and took a great interest in educational matters, although he never aspired to notoriety, political or otherwise. He was a member of the Baptist church, in which he was a deacon for many years. His wife, Margueretta Supplee, was born in Schuylkill township, Chester county, and was the daughter of Peter and Hannah (Eastbur) Supplee. Their children were: Benjamin F., a blacksmith and farmer; Joseph E., a retired farmer; George W., who is a farmer and also manages a rolling mill; Silas, died while fighting in the Civil war; Elija J. (Mrs. Townsend) (deceased) had one child; and Peter S. Rapp.

Barnet Rapp (grandfather) emigrated from Germany and settled in Chester county, where he became a prominent farmer. He served as road supervisor, in which position he gave excellent satisfaction. He was a church member, and was highly respected in the community in which he lived. His children were: Joseph H. (father); John, Benjamin, Elizabeth (Mrs. Trainer); Mary (Mrs. Bain); John and Benjamin, who died unmarried. Peter Supplee (maternal grandfather) was born in Montgomery county, and was the son of Peter Supplee. His father died before he (Peter, Jr.) was born, in 1855. Peter Supplee (great-grandfather) was the son of Peter Supplee (great-great-grandfather), who served in the Revolutionary army and died at Valley Forge. He is buried in Bethel cemetery, Norriton, and the Supplee descendants will unveil a monument to his memory in November, 1904. He volunteered as a private in his company, September 12, 1777, and died January 24, 1778. He was the son of Hance Supplee (great-great-great-grandfather) and his wife Mary DeHaven. Hance Supplee’s father was Andrew Supplis, whose wife was Ann Stackhouse, and Andrew Supplis (great-great-great-great-grandfather) was the son of Andrew Supplis, a native of France. He was a Huguenot and was driven from his native country by religious wars. He remained for a time in Germany where he married, and then came to America in 1689. His descendants are very numerous, but the name was changed by Hance (great-great-great-grandfather) to Supplee, as it is now written.

Peter Supplee (maternal grandfather) was a prominent farmer in Chester county, and held the office of justice of the peace for many years. He was a leading member of the Baptist church. His children were: Samuel, Susan (Mrs. N. Roland); Margueretta (Mrs. Rapp); Hannah (Mrs. John Ruse); Ann Eliza (Mrs. W. R. Kennedy), who resides at No. 907 West Marshall street, Norristown; Horatio, the father of Peter S. Rapp’s wife; Rachel, died unmarried; Cadwalader; Benjamin; Silas; and Peter.

Horatio Supplee was born in Chester county, where he was a prominent farmer, postmaster and useful citizen. He filled several township offices, but was never a politician. He died in Chester county in 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. His wife Elizabeth Kennedy was born in Montgomery county, the daughter of Alexander Kennedy, a native of Ireland. Alexander Kennedy was a farmer and made and sold lime near Fort Kennedy, which was named for him. He died at the Kennedy homestead near Fort Kennedy. Alexander Kennedy’s children were: William, John, Robinson, Alexander, Jane (Mrs. Barker); Margaret (Mrs. William Easton); Elizabeth (Mrs. Supplee, the mother of Mrs. Peter S. Rapp) . Horatio and Elizabeth (Kennedy) Supplee had the following children: Margaret (Mrs. John Cobert); Peter, a farmer; Rachel (Mrs. John Supplee); William; Hannah (Mrs. L. Freshcolm); Horatio; Francis, died young; Esther, the wife of Peter S. Rapp.

Peter S. Rapp began to learn the trade of carpenter when he was eighteen years of age, and followed it for sixteen years. In 1873 he married, and after making several changes he finally settled where he has lived ever since. He has made many changes in the farm, which is well improved and is near the market. He has given all of his attention to his family, and is widely known. The office of school director was presented to him, and he has filled it for a number of years. He is one of the most careful and successful farmers in Montgomery county, and the land is in a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Rapp has children as follows: Leonard T., a farmer on the homestead; Leah, who is attending school in Chicago; Frank E., who resides with his parents; Charles Leon, who is at school.