My Genealogy Hound

PHILIP QUILLMAN, a leading grocer of Norristown, is a native of Zieglerville, Montgomery county. He was born April 14, 1841. He was educated in the schools of that vicinity, and in a school at Sumneytown, also attending at a later date the school at Norristown, conducted by John Loch.

In 1860, intending to study for admission to the legal profession, he entered the law office of George W. Rogers, in Norristown, where he remained for some time. He was then appointed a clerk in the prothonotary’s office at Norristown, a position in which he remained twelve years. He became an aspirant for the position of prothonotary, and was nominated on the Democratic ticket. This was in 1872, when, owing to Democratic defection on account of the nomination of Horace Greeley on the party ticket, all the Democratic candidates in Montgomery county were defeated. Mr. Quillman then bought out the grocery store of Daniel Longaker, at Main and DeKalb streets, where he conducted the business very successfully for five years. In 1875 he again became a candidate for the office of prothonotary on the Democratic ticket, and this time was elected by a large majority. He held the position for three years, and filled it very creditably. In 1877 he bought the Odd Fellows’ Hall, the present site of his place of business, where he has been eminently successful. He has made many improvements, and has gained a reputation for keeping only the best goods, and has the support of many of the leading citizens of the town. Such a stock as he carries is seldom found outside of the larger cities. He is a judicious advertiser and a practical business man who has won success by deserving it.

Mr. Quillman married, March 17, 1864, Miss Susan T., daughter of Matthias Custer, of Norristown. Mr. and Mrs. Quillman have the following children: Catherine, married William P. Cox, and has one child; Eleanor, married Rev. James S. Freeman, and has three children, Clara K., Elizabeth and Irene; Philip Clinton, deceased; Susan C., married James Reed and has one child, Helen Marguerite.

Mr. Quillman is an active Democrat. He has served in town council, where he was an efficient member. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the most prominent members of the Reformed Church of the Ascension. Mr. Quillman is somewhat reserved in his manners, and is thoroughly devoted to his business interests. He is always interested in the welfare of the community, and an earnest advocate of whatever is likely to be of public benefit.

The Quillmans are of German origin, but have been long domiciled in Montgomery and adjoining counties. They settled nearly two centuries ago in northern Chester county, where Jacob Quillman (grandfather) was born July 10, 1784. His wife was Margaretha Faust. He died at Norristown, May 12, 1861. Their children were: Henry, Catharine, Daniel, Esther, Jacob and Jonathan. The first named and last named of these died young.

Jacob (father) was born February 8, 1815, in Braunswig township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, to which his father had removed. A few years later, when Jacob was nine years old, the family took up their residence in Marlborough township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Jacob Quillman married Catharine Auchy, who died quite recently, at the home of Benjamin Quillman. Jacob Quillman was by occupation a tailor, and was employed at his trade at Sumneytown and Zieglerville, and in Franconia township. In 1854 he purchased and removed to the Cross Keys Hotel, in Lower Providence township, which he conducted for three years, selling it in 1857, and removing to the Veranda House, at DeKalb and Aury streets, Norristown. He remained there until January, 1865, when he relinquished business until the spring of 1868, when he purchased the Rambo House, and he was its landlord until the spring of 1873, when he retired from business.

Jacob and Catharine Quillman had the following children: Henry, born in Franconia, December 14, 1836, died at Royersford, September 30, 1875, leaving several children; Philip, subject of this sketch; Benjamin, born at Zieglerville, July 10, 1846, and has been engaged for many years in the stove and hardware business at Main and DeKalb streets, Norristown, married Caroline V. Bard, and has several children. Jacob Quillman (the father) died at his residence on Swede street, above Airy, September 21, 1889, his widow surviving until January 24, 1904.

Henry Quillman, the oldest son, was educated in the common schools and Freeland Seminary, Collegeville. The greater part of his life was spent as a hotelkeeper in Philadelphia, Norristown and Royersford. In politics he was a Republican. He was postmaster of Norristown under Andrew Johnston, and was also cigar inspector of his district. He married Anna Keatz, and had three children: Amelia, who married Ellwood Rogers, of Royersford, and she had eight children. 2. Isaac Warren Quillman, married Ida Spotts; he is a bookkeeper in a bank in Philadelphia. 3. Anna Frances, who married William M. Trimble, and resides in Philadelphia.