My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES HAMMOND, SR., deceased, was during a long and active life, numbered among the most enterprising and successful manufacturers of Pennsylvania, and his name is perpetuated in connection with the great firm of C. Hammond & Son, located in what was formerly Shoemakertown, near Ogontz, in Cheltenham township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and of which he was the founder.

Mr. Hammond was born June 22, 1805, in Newton, Massachusetts. After acquiring a thorough English education and learning his trade, his inclination for mechanics led him to engage in manufacturing in Boston. He subsequently removed to near Darby, in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where he was successfully engaged for a number of years in the manufacture of hammers and other tools and devices necessary to shoemakers. About 1844, seeking a larger field for his effort, he purchased the site of the present Hammond Works, then occupied by a mill which had been used for the manufacture of cotton or woolen goods. This building he reconstructed, adapting it to his requirements for the production of hatchets and hammers. He gave his personal attention to the superintendence of every detail of the work of manufacturing as well as to the conduct of financial affairs, and his wares became famous and in large demand through a wide scope of territory. In time the business had attained such dimensions that its conduct imposed upon him far more labor and attention than it was proper for one man to bear, and about 1852, he admitted as a partner with himself his son, Charles Hammond, Jr., the firm name becoming C. Hammond & Son, and which style has been preserved to the present time, notwithstanding the changes in management consequent upon the death of the founder and his son.

Mr. Hammond was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Lydia Harris, (nee Cox) and to them were born five children: Charles, Jr., Lydia, Charles, Jr. (2), Frances, and Caroline, all of whom are deceased. After the death of the mother of this family, Mr. Hammond married her sister, Abigail Cox, who was the widow of Jacob Amee. No children were born of this marriage.

Mr. Hammond died February 14, 1874, leaving to his family the priceless legacy of an honored name. His life was one of rare usefulness. As the founder and conductor of an important manufacturing industry he was widely known and highly regarded in the commercial and financial circles of the state. In his village and vicinity he was held in esteem as pre-eminently useful, a considerable portion of the population deriving support from the employment which he afforded. In all manner he was a model citizen, exerting his influence and contributing liberally of his means for the advantage of his fellows, in the promotion of religious, educational and social interests. He was sincere in every emotion of his spirit, and his sympathy for the distressed and helpless found expression in kindly deeds and generous benefactions. His most lasting monument is the honor in which his memory is held for his own worth, and the example of his character for those who were to come after him.