My Genealogy Hound

PHINEAS P. GHEEN. The Gheen family have been residents of Pennsylvania since a very early day, the progenitor having emigrated here from the north of Ireland. The name seems to have been originally spelled “Gahagan,” and in confirmation of this an advertisement has been found that mentions Thomas Gahagan, in New Providence (now Montgomery county), in 1760. In 1768 the same person doubtless is named Thomas Gheen. On December 7, 1768, at Christ church, in the city of Philadelphia, Joseph Gheen married Elizabeth Ingram, and removed soon afterward, it is thought, to Goshen township, Chester county. His children were: Thomas, John, William, Joseph, Jonathan and Levi. Thomas Gheen was married three times. His first wife’s name was Alice, his second was a Miss Brinton, and the third Ann West, a widow. His children, so far as known, were William A., Levi A., Elizabeth, Martha, Sarah and Mary Ann. Levi Gheen, born March 3, 1783, married Mary Chamberlin, who was a daughter of Thomas and ___Chamberlin, and their children were: Titus W., Jonathan, Palmer, Lydia, Elizabeth, and Taylor. Levi Gheen resided in Goshen township; his death occurred December 12, 1839.

Taylor Gheen, youngest son of Levi and Mary (Chamberlin) Gheen, was born at East Goshen township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1826. He received his education at the Barren Hill public schools, and was reared to manhood on his father’s farm. After the death of his father the property was left to his several children, Taylor taking the farm in charge for the heirs, remaining and conducting the affairs of the same for the long period of forty-six years. He then moved to the farm of Samuel R. Downing, tilling this property and receiving for his compensation an equal share of the profits. After remaining here for five years he removed to the farm of Clarence Hipple, this property being located in East Goshen township, Chester county, and this he also farmed on share of profit for a period of six years. He then purchased a farm of thirty-seven acres, known as the Enos Garrett property, also situated in East Goshen township, upon which he remained until his demise, April 22, 1890. He was united in marriage to Mary Kimes, daughter of David and Mary (March) Kimes, and two children were the issue of this union; Phineas Pratt, mentioned hereinafter; and Hannah M., born May 11, 1862, who became the wife of Frank M. Dampman. Mrs. Gheen died April 29, 1865. Taylor Gheen married (second), December 27, 1870, Mary Jane Bailey, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Patterson) Bailey, who survived him.

Phineas Pratt Gheen was born in East Goshen township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1860, the only son of Taylor and Mary (Kimes) Gheen. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and resided with his parents on the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-six years. He then moved on the farm of Joseph Passmore, this property being located in East Goshen township. He tilled this land for five years on share of profit, and then rented the farm of James Connor, which is also situated in East Goshen township, remaining there for two years. He then moved to the farm of William C. Grubb, which is also located in Goshen township, and for two years he farmed this property on shares. On March 29, 1895, he accepted the position as superintendent of the farm of William West Frazer; this property consists of over eight hundred acres of arable land which is under a high state of cultivation, and is located on the east side of York Road, Willow Grove, Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. By adopting the most practical and progressive methods he has achieved a large degree of success in the management of this farm, which is one of the most productive in this section of the state. Mr. Gheen is a member of the board of school directors of Moreland township, having served in that capacity for a number of years. He is an honored member of the Masonic order. Politically he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and is well informed on public questions and passing events.

Mr. Gheen married Sarah J. Williams, daughter of Jesse and Susannah Williams. One son was the issue of this marriage, Russell, born February 21, 1890.