THOMAS CASTOR

Born October 114, 118110 Died August 4, 1884 Aged 74 Years

Written for the Frankford Historical Society By Horace W. Castor

October 1934

John George Castor (Hans Georg Gerster), the founder of the Castor family in Frankford, Holmesburg and Wissinoming, was born in Basle (Bale), Switzerland, March 5, 1710. In 1735 he married Eve ------, who immigrated with him to Philadelphia, where she died in July 1777. John George Castor, or as it appears in the ship's list (Pennsylvania Archives), "Hans Georg Gerster" sailed with the good ship "Princess Agusta, Samuel Merchant, Master of Rotterdam, last from Cowes", in 1736, when he was twenty-six years of age. In early church and probate records the name is John George Gerster. The late William Hall Waxler, Attorney-at-Law, whose mother, Hannah Castor Waxier, was Thomas Castor's sister, told me that in old deeds which he examined in Germantown and Frankford, there were found two spellings in the same deed, one "Gerster" and the other "Caster". In due time Gerster was dropped and Castor, the English spelling was adopted. John George Castor took the oath of allegiance at Philadelphia, September i6, 1736. He remained in Philadelphia for several years; his two eldest sons being born there. He moved to Germantown where, in January 1746, he joined with others in petitioning the Moravian Brethren in Bethlehem to establish a school for girls in Germantown. In 1762 he purchased a plantation in Oxford Township, and I am indebted to Miss Mabel Corson for the following deed transcript:

GEORGE CASTOR'S FARM

JOSEPH HART and MARGARET his wife to GEORGE CASTOR of Township of Germantown in County of Philadelphia, yeoman

ioth of March in the Third year of our Sovereign Lord George the Third over Great Britain, France and Ireland, Anno Domini 1762 Recorded Deed Book I No. 14, page 193

FORA CERTAIN Messuage Plantation and Tract of Land. Situate in Oxford Township in the county of Philadelphia. BEGINNING at a corner post in Charles Harper's Land thence Northeast by Edward Ornwood's Land three hundred and thirty-nine perches and a half to a Spanish oak for a corner thence by the land late of Richard Tomlinson Southeast ninety- four perches to a post thence Southwest by Joseph Paul's Land three hundred and thirty-nine perches and a half to a post thence Northwest by Charles Harper's Land ninety-five perches to place of beginning. CONTAINING 202 A. George Castor built the homestead about 1762 on this piece of land. The house was situated on the northwest side of Castor Road (which was afterward cut through his plantation) and above Dark Run Lane. A map in the Frankford Historical Society gives the location of this property together with other holdings of his sons. George Castor had issue as follows: George, born December 14, 1736, died May 25, 1811, buried in Frankford Presbyterian Churchyard. Frederick, born April 27, 1739, died August 27, i800, buried in Frankford Presbyterian Churchyard He inherited the old homestead. He was commissioned Lieutenant of the list Company, Second Battalion of Penna. Militia; was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, and fought also at the Battle of Germantown. Mary Elizabeth

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Jacob, who was the third son, is the progenitor of the branch of the family from which sprang Thomas Castor, the subject of this paper. Jacob was born in Germantown in 1742 and afterward moved to Frankford with his father. On May 6, 1777, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Seventh Company, Second Battalion of Bucks County Militia, and served throughout the Revolution. In the Pennsylvania. Archives the name is spelled "Caster". He was married in Old Swedes Church, January io, 1760, to Sophia Rorer, or as recorded "Sophy Bore", of Milestown, Bristol Township. His second wife was Catharine Fox, of Holmesburg. Jacob purchased a farm on Oxford Road near Second Street Turnpike, extending from the Busby tract on the south to the Holt tract on the north. Again I am indebted to Miss Mabel Corson for deed information as recorded March 2, 1791, Deed Book D, No.26, page 306. The consideration was 500 silver and gold money. In the description of the property reference is made to "a 2- perch wide lane extending southward to the Great Road leading to Philadelphia and by the head of said lane 2 perches to a Black Oak a corner of land formerly of William Busby, etc." A full description of this property is attached for future information.

THE JACOB CASTOR FARM MARY NORRIS widow of Philadelphia To JACOB CASTOR of Oxford Township

March 2, recorded March 2, 1791 Deed Book D. No.26, page 306 consideration 5oo silver and gold money

George Castor had four other childrenVeronica Abram Hannah Sarah

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Before leaving John George Castor, the immigrant, it should be recorded that he was one of the founders of the Frankford Presbyterian Church, Dr. Murphy, in his history of that church, pays high tribute to John George Castor's Christian spirit, his financial help, and does not fail to mention his iron will. Returning now to the history of Thomas Castor's grandfather, Lieutenant Jacob Castor, it was stated that his second marriage was to Catharine Fox, of Holmesburg.

His children by his first wife, Sophia Rorer, were Jacob, Henry, John, the third son (who was the father of Thomas Castor), Christina, called "Teany", Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary; and by his second wife,- Isaac, George Fox, and Catharine. Isaac in the late thirties was the proprietor of the historic "Jolly Post". John Castor, (the father of Thomas Castor) was born December 28, 1773 and married Catherine, the youngest daughter of Bernard and Hannah Knorr, old residents of Oxford Township. Catharine Knorr was born April i, 1779, and died September 1824. John Castor purchased a homestead and certain tracts of land April 30, 1803 and December i6, 1804. The homestead was situated on the southeasterly corner of Middle or Oxford Road and Dark Run Lane or River Road (now Cheltenham Avenue), which point is the circle now formed at the junction of Roosevelt Boulevard, Castor Avenue, Cheltenham Avenue and Oxford Avenue, and is known as "Castor Circle". This homestead remained in the Castor family well over one hundred years, the last owner being the heirs of Hannah Waxier (nee Castor), sister of Thomas Castor. John Castor had seven children Maria - born October 1,1799, died July i6, 1878 Hannah D - born June i8, i8oi, died April 6, 1889 Sophia - born August 17, 1803, died 1833 Peter - born April 23, 1805, died March 30, 1883 Michael - born August 2, i8o8, died 1823 Thomas - born October 14, i8io, died August 4,1884 (the subject of this paper). Catharine, born October 5, 1813, died December 1824.

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On May, 1834, Thomas Castor married Sarah Wood Kester, who was born February 14, i8o6, and died November 8, 1879. They had seven childrenJohn W. born 1835, died December i8, i86o Charles Mendenhall, born April 6, 1837, died March 30, i888 Thomas Ellwood, born June i8, 1840, died December 31, 1928. (It is interesting to note that Thomas Ellwood Castor was the third son of Thomas Castor, who was the third son of John, Who was the third son of Lieutenant Jacob Castor, who was the third son of the original John George Castor. The writer of this paper is in turn the third son of Thomas Ellwood Castor, a coincidence recurring through six generations.) Franklin M. born August 1843, died October 7, 1843 Lewis Franklin, born December 3, 1844, died January 14, 1929 William Overington, born March i8, i85o, died August i8, 1920 Mary Ellen (adopted) born 1847, died January 3, 1869

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THOMAS CASTOR Thomas Castor was fourteen years old when he was left an orphan at the death of his mother, Catharine, September 8, 1824. His grandfather, Lieut. Jacob Castor, by will dated February ii, 1815 (copy of which accompanies this paper), left $200. to the children of John (Thomas' father). From his mother, by will dated September 4, 1824, (copy of which is attached) Thomas inherited $200. This latter will reads in part "I give Thomas, my son, and Catharine, my daughter, two hundred dollars each out of what I have made myself more than the rest of my children, for the purpose of bringing them up and educating them." And I cannot refrain from quoting from the will as indicative of the motherlove and tenderness for her children, "I give my Leghorn hat and crepe dress not made up, to my daughter Catharine, the rest of my clothing my daughters to divide among themselves as their conscience may allow." So the orphan boy, Thomas, started life with the two legacies and other funds amounting to $263.95, and from the estate of his mother an additional $287.30. His sister Hannah, who owned the homestead at what is now "Castor Circle", administered this fund and saw to his Upbringing up and education." His sister discharged her duties well, and was noted for her kindness and motherliness. When she died the Public Ledger of April 6, 1889, stated that her long and busy life was spent in doing good and making others comfortable and happy. "She was especially valuable in the sick room; her good judgment and untiring efforts to relieve the sick made her a most desirable friend and neighbor, and caused her to be very frequently sought after. As a good wife and kind mother, she had no superior." Thus into these kindly hands, to a great extent, fell the shaping of the career of Thomas Castor, The first page in her Account Book reads as follows: "On account of money received from Michael Knorr, Executor to Catharine Castor, Dec'd, by Hannah Castor guardian to Thomas Castor as follows: Thomas Castor's Legacy left him from his grandfather Jacob Castor, Sixty-three dollars and ninety-five cents Left to him by his mother's will for his schooling and bringing up Two Hundred Dollars The

amount of his Distributive Share of his mother's estate is Two Hundred and eighty-seven dollars and thirty cents.
$63.95

$200.00 $263.95 $287.30 One of the first duties of this good sister of his evidently was to doctor a cold which Thomas had, for I read in this same Account Book, under date of August 1825. Niter Half dozen Porter One pound raisins Oatmeal iorange, 2 lemons and barley .43 .37 .1181/2 .o6 .12

After this she started dressing up this tall, young, curly-haired boy, for I read - and note how these materials and prices compare with those of today 2 yards and 3/8 of a yard of Casamere Soling boots Wescoat "Patron" and trimmings Furr Hat 31/2 yds. Wilmington Stripe Cash lent (for he must have cash) Black silk handkerchief 2 pair Stockings 2 pair Gloves For Greatcoat Pantaloons Books 21/2 yds of Caonette at .75 Then under date of May 1832 "Bought of Isaac Read, 176 N. 2nd Street double case Silver watch made by Thomas Tennant, London, Eng. No.9914" $2.96 .50 1.25 2.50 .79
1.00

.50 .12 .62 8.00 2.77 1.09 I.87

This watch now over one hundred years old, is running at this moment, is in good condition, and I herewith present it to the Frankford Historical Society. When Thomas Castor was i8 years old he was apprenticed to Benjamin Shallcross by his elder brother, Peter Castor. The Indenture (a copy of which accompanies this paper) reads "This Indenture witnesseth that Thomas Castor by and with the advice and consent of his Brother Peter Castor of the Borough of Frankford Blacksmith, has put himself and by these presents doth voluntarily, and of his own free will and accord, put himself apprentice to Benjamin Shallcross of Oxford Township, Philadelphia County, Wheelwright, -to learn the art, trade and mystery of a wheelwright, for and during and to the full term of two years, nine months and thirteen days next ensuing, - his said master faithfully shall serve, his secrets keep, his lawful commands everywhere readily obey. He shall not contract matrimony, play cards, dice, or any other unlawful game; he shall not absent himself day nor night from his said master's service, haunt ale-houses, taverns, or play-houses. The said master agrees to teach the said apprentice in the trade and mystery of a wheelwright, and provide meat, drinks, wearing apparel, lodging and washing and at the expiration of his apprenticeship to furnish him with two suits of apparel, one of which is to be made, or twenty-five dollars. Dated the 31st day of December, One Thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight. Sealed and delivered Signed by before me the subscribed Signed by Jacob Coats J.P. Benjamin Shallcross Thomas Castor Peter Castor"

A Thomas Shallcross who inherited and lived on a tract of iii acres on the Bristol Turnpike below Holmesburg, had married the second time one Ann Wood Kester, a widow, who had a private school in Frankford, and who was the mother of a seventeen year old daughter, Sarah Wood Kester, a graduate of the West town Academy, and who taught school in Frankford in 1833. Thomas Castor, the apprentice to Benjamin Shallcross, of the same family as the above Thomas Shallcross, had during the time of his apprenticeship, severely cut his knee in felling trees, and the accident was serious enough to confine him to his bed in the house of his master, Benjamin Shallcross.

During his illness this little Quakeress, Sarah Wood Kester, learned of the accident to this big orphan boy and visited him, taking with her some jelly. Thomas in later years relating this incident to my mother, said,- "Mary, when Sarah stood in my doorway I thought an angel was approaching, so beautiful was she". This was the romantic first meeting between my grandfather and grandmother. Thomas Castor finished his apprenticeship with Benjamin Shallcross and began working for him on December ii, 1832, and worked for his former master until March 13, 1833. His free board had ended with the completion of his apprenticeship, and for these thirteen weeks' board he paid to his former master $3.25 per week, or $42.25. This event evidently was of great importance to the now finished wheelwright, because he enters in his Note Book the following: "Left B. Shallcross on the 113th of March, 1833. Commenced on the 1111th of December, 1832. 13 weeks board at $3.25 $42.25" When twenty-three years old he started in business with his brother Peter. Thomas managed the wheelwrighting and Peter the blacksmithing part of the business. They also manufactured a patented kitchen range known as the "Castor Range". This partnership continued until about 118611. The business was located where afterwards William Hall Waxier's house stood, 4620-22 Frankford Avenue, (now the site of the Edward Furniture Company). George Pattison in a letter to me under date of October 4, 1924, writes,- "My history of Thomas and Peter Castor is in relation to their business in Frankford, starting in the rear of the "old frame" which stood in the rear of the, "little frame" on Main Street adjoining the Old Jolly Post property." (A copy of this letter is also attached). The business increased to such proportions that in 1854 a site at the northwest corner of Frankford Avenue and Allen Street (now Overington Street) was purchased. At that time it formed part of the old "Red Barn Lot" which extended back to Leiper Street, before Franklin Street (now Griscom) and Penn Street were cut through. Shop buiidings were erected in 11856. The business grew from time to time to large dimensions, the firm receiving among other orders, a contract to equip the Fifth and Sixth and Race and Vine Street Passenger Railways with the new rapid transit vehicles known as "horse cars". These were a double deck affair with a spiral ladder for the agile passengers to ascend and descend. The illumination at night, the best then known, was by smoky oil lamps, set on shelves at either end of the cars. Salt hay was spread on the floors of the cars, into which, befouled by tobacco juice, the shivering passengers shoved their feet for warmth, as there was no other means of providing heat, or the semblance of it. These horse cars running on steel rails were the first improvement in speed and comfort over the old omnibus line of 1833 running over cobble stones, and made just as much of a sensation as did No. ioo trolley on November i, 1894, when it succeeded the dummies, Alpha and the Sea Gull, which had been brought from New

York November 17, 1863, for service in Germantown, but came to Frankford instead because they were unable to climb the hills there. So feared Was this "rapid transit" of the horse cars that Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper at that time printed a cartoon showing galloping horses, like those in Ben Hur, a driver with his long whip extended, and women fleeing from in front of the raised hoofs of the horses, and clinging to their children. A model of one of these cars, the same as that in the Patent Office at Washington, together with other patents of Thomas Castor, are here in the Frankford Historical Society. The horse cars as made by Thomas Castor were, in. 1858, the first to be drawn over steel rails, and preceded by one year the first Pullman car which carried four passengers in wooden bunks, and was heated by a wood burning stove. As an appreciation of the importance of the use of horse cars, which was the beginning of "rapid transit" as compared with the stage coaches and omnibuses, it is well to know that as late as 1850 there were no continuous railroad lines connecting the East with the West. To go from New York to St. Louis it was necessary to use fourteen (14) different railroads, several canal boats and two or more stage coaches. In 1840 the population of Frankford was about 2300 and by 118 it had more than doubled and the citizens were becoming transportation minded. Many public meetings were held to discuss improved transportation to and from Philadelphia. In December 11855 at a very spirited meeting it was even considered to inaugurate a system of water transportation by way of Frankford Creek and the Delaware River. Thomas Castor was active in these meetings not only as a citizen but as a manufacturer of horse cars, the latest and most improved method of transportation to and from Philadelphia. The Philadelphia and Delaware River Railroad Company was the beginning of the Frankford and Southwark Line. The Line was extended to Frankford and by Act of May 116, i86i, the title of the Company was changed to Frankford and Southwark City Passenger Railroad Company. However, on March i, 11858, the upper part of the route was opened, extending from the depot at Front and Chatham Streets (now Berks) to Frankford, over Berks, Front and Kensington to Adams Street. At Adams Street Kensington Avenue came to an end, not being cut through to Frankford Avenue until 11888. During the panic of 1857, the Company had contracted for the laying of tracks through Main Street to Arrott Street. The Contractor went to work, dug up the street and made it impassable, and then had to stop work for want of funds. Thomas Castor came to the rescue, hired men, advanced the cash and had the road built. During the depression some of the young men of Frankford also cooperated to make possible the completion of the road, for in Thomas Castor's Cash Book I read such names as Thomas Peal, Charles Lee, A.K. Hoff, William Scattergood, Benjamin H. Foulkrod, Thomas Foulkrod, John Harding, Robert Moodie, John J. Plocher, Henry Dyer, Joshua Sproules, Henry Redman; all contributing with their work to make possible this great boon to Frankford. The last entry in the Cash Book is a receipt from Joseph Dedaker, as follows:

"Received, February 27, 1858, of Thomas Castor two shares of the capital stock of the Phila. and Del. R.R. Co. and thirty nine dollars 69 cents in cash being in full to date for work etc., for said Company. Joseph Dedaker" The first cars over the new line were four in number and were of the double deck type, patented and made by Thomas Castor. I have heard my father state that these cars were beautifully painted, trimmed and equipped, an appeal to local pride was made by artistically painted pictures portraying familiar Frankford scenes, executed by artists of no mean ability, who decorated the panels of the cars. Thomas Castor being of an inventive turn of mind, showed much ingenuity in his many inventions, among which can be named the first method of lighting cars by using a light in the center of the car and so ventilated as to prevent down drafts, thus doing away with the smoking lamps on shelves at each end of the car, as previously mentioned. Four of his important basic car patents were sold to Stevenson & Company, of New York, the outstanding car manufacturer of the time. Stevenson & Company made from the patents purchased, nineteen different claims. Thomas Castor also patented improvements to the railway cars, consisting of the arrangement of the lever by which the driver could open and close the doors without leaving his station, the spiral ladder giving access to the upper part of the double deck cars, the model of which is here in the Frankford Historical Society; and a construction for the roof and seats for double deck cars, which made no increase in the total weight of the roof; a safety dog to go in front of the wheels, of such sturdy construction that projecting spikes or anything on the track which might tend to derail the car, were safely removed when the dogs contacted them. On April 7, 1849, he patented a machine for making the round tenons of spokes, etc. On August 3, 1852, he obtained patents on the first dump (or tilt) wagon. This was the forerunner of our present chute wagon; patents were obtained for this in Great Britain also. A model of this dump wagon is here in this Society. The body was raised to a tilting position by means of gears and a crank on the side of the wagon, and when sufficiently raised, started to slide toward the back on parallel tracks or sills, and at a certain overhang, would tilt and deposit the load gently on the ground. Brick manufacturers especially received this favorably as it saved much time in unloading, gave an increased capacity, and prevented much breakage, and having four wheels was easier on the horses than the old two wheel cart. Thomas Castor's shop was noted for its manufacture of fine wagons and carriages and for many years had the most extensive business in the field of construction of circus wagons, including baggage wagons, animal cages, band wagons, chariots, etc. Among his customers were such showmen as P. T. Barnum, Barnum and Bailey, Adam Forepaugh, John O'Brien Bachelor & Doris. The products of

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Thomas Castor were found in all parts of the United States and fine carriages were sent by ship to the English possessions on the island of Barbadoes. A publication "The Industries of Philadelphia" in 1879 stated of Thomas Castor,- "It is gratifying to know that his years of faithful labor have been crowned with the success for which he has so honorably struggled. He enjoyed an enviable reputation for thorough integrity and was highly esteemed for his excellent personal qualities." Time forbids a description of the "Shop" with its various departments, such as the Show Room, the Blacksmithing Department, and the making of wheels and bodies, the trimming, painting and varnishing rooms, the lumber sheds, and the office with its mahogany desk (which I now have In my home); of the oak bent painted red chairs, the wood Cuspidors filled with sand and of such generous size that even the poor tobacco chewer could not fail to hit; of old men of another generation who congregated in the office for the gossip of the day; such men as Mr. Paul, once proprietor of the Jolly Post, John McCormick, Richard Clark, Mr. Sutchiff, and others. Men who discussed the first use of coal in Frankford, and Lafayette's visit to Frankford; and discussed the protest of introducing gas in the streets for fear of blowing up Philadelphia. I cannot refrain from telling a story which I heard repeated, when as a lad I sat in one of those red chairs, and when some of the men mentioned above were present. The story is told also in Dr. Wm. B. Dixon's "Frankford and the Main Street", as follows: When Mr. Paul was proprietor of Jolly Post, a town character went to Peter Castor's blacksmith shop and stole a horseshoe from him, afterwards selling it to the unsuspecting Peter for three cents. With this three cents he went to Mr. Paul at the Jolly Post and bought a "three-cent nip". Then he told his cronies, with great gusto, how he had, "robbed Peter to pay Paul." Another story told in those days that always brought a laugh, was of a dog which had strayed into the garden of Thomas Castor, destroying the flowers, and was promptly chased by Thomas Castor. The dog in trying to make his escape under the front gate, became jammed between the pales of the gate, with his head pointing toward Main Street, and his hindquarters still in the yard. Thomas endeavored to release the dog. Pushing him through was impossible; to back him out without being bitten by the much excited dog, also seemed impossible. The problem of releasing the dog appeared beyond solving. About that time a man noted for his drinking and general "no-goodness" happened along. After watching Thomas in his predicament, he took hold of the gate, simply lifted it from its hinges and thus released the dog. How the dog felt at his release is easily understood, but it is not recorded just how Thomas felt. Thomas Castor was closely identified with the early history of Frankford. He was a member of the old Borough Council and a member of the Vigilance Committee which acted when crime began to get beyond the limits of the Constable's authority. For about thirty years he was Captain of Engineers of the Washington Volunteer Fire Company No.13, organized in 1793. He was one of the

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members of the Frankford Land Association which bought the Gillingham Farm and developed it into building lots and other parcels of land. October 29, 1852, he, with Joseph Deal, Levi Foulkrod, E. A. Swope, Joseph Hallowell, Thomas B. Worrell and others, caused the opening of Orthodox Street from Paul Street to Tacony Creek (Church Street and Bridge Street then being the only roads which ran east beyond Paul Street). Their petition reads as follows: "To the Honourable The Judges of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the City and County of Philadelphia The petition of the undersigned respectfully represents that they are the owners of all the property on Orthodox Street from Paul St. to Tacony Creek in the Borough of Frankford. That they labour under great inconvenience and disadvantage in consequence of said Street not being graded and kept in repair. Your Petitioners therefore respectfully pray your Hon. Court to grant an order on the proper authority of the said Borough, to open immediately said Orthodox St. between Paul & Tackony Creek as laid down and confirmed by this Court and altered and amended by Act of the Assembly of the Commonwealth and as in duty bound they will ever pray. Chas. C. Oram E. A. Swope Levi Foulkrod Andrew Bartle John Hickey Christian Amick Thos. B. Taylor Thomas B. Worrell Peterson Tomlinson Reuben M. Engle Walter Knight

Josiah Kerper Thos. Castor Joseph Deal Jacob Rigler Sebastian Herman Thos. S. Foulkrod Robt. W. Shallcross Joseph Hallowell Charles L. Clark Thos. Thorn W. W. Stratton

This is to certify that Messrs. Kerper, Castor, Deal, Rigler, Oram, Swope, Rigler, Foulkrod, Bartle, Hickey, Amick, T.S. Foulkrod, Hallowell, Shallcross, Clark, Stratton, Herman, Taylor, Worrell, Tomlinson, Engle and Knight are the owners of all the property on Orthodox St., between Paul St. and Tackony Creek, in the Borough of Frankford - the undersigned is the Assessor of said Borough Saml. Shaw Assessor

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Sworn and Subscribed before me this 29th day of October A.D. 1852. John Deal, J.P. In the matter of the Application to open Orthodox St. Frankford. And now, Nov. 4th, 1852, on Motion of T. W. Duffield, the Court order and direct that the prayer of the Petitioners be granted. Oswald Thompson Jos. Allison" This original petition, with the original signatures of the petitioners and of the two Judges of the Court of Quarter Sessions, namely, Hon. Oswald Thompson and Hon. Joseph Allison, is herewith presented to the Frankford Historical Society. Forty-five years later, in October 1897, a great celebration took place to rejoice over the paving of this same Orthodox Street with asphalt. The street was a "blaze of glory with lanterns and fireworks and electric lights, archways of incandescent lights and strings of Chinese lanterns." The present Orthodox Street west of Main Street was merely a lane leading to the farm of Robert Smith, which farm was afterwards the property of Wm. Overington. It remained a lane until the 5o's when it was opened as a Street as far west as Leiper Street, but was neither paved nor graded. The grading and paving with rubble stones was done about 1869. The entrance to Smith's Lane from Main Street was through a gate. The name of Smith's Lane was not changed to Orthodox Street until, after the building of The Orthodox Friends' Meeting House, and this Meeting House pioneered the way for the church homes of the Methodist Episcopal, Reformed Episcopal, and the United Presbyterian Churches. When Cedar Hill Cemetery Company was organized October i, 1849, and incorporated March 25, i85o, Thomas Castor was one of its charter members. He served for over twenty years as chairman of the Building, Improvements and Grounds Committee. This Committee employed Addison Hutton, Architect, to design the present Romanesque entrance. In passing, may I note that Thomas Castor was succeeded on the Grounds Committee by his son, T. Ellwood Castor, my father, and he, in turn, by his son, Horace W. Castor, thus covering an unbroken service of eighty-five years on the Grounds Committee of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Thomas Castor was also one of the charter members of the Frankford Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which was organized April 5,11843. He was also one of the directors of the Oxford Plank Road Company, which road is now Oxford Avenue.

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Thomas Castor was twenty-four years old when he married Sarah W. Kester, of Frankford, on the first day of May, 1834, having lived with his brother, Peter, until May 8, 1834. I have previously referred to their romantic meeting. They lived a happy married life for forty-five years. Sarah Castor was a great inspiration and contributed much through her interest and cooperation to the success of her husband's business career. She died suddenly on November 8, 1873, at the age of seventy-three () years, (having been born February i, i8o6). She lived a beautiful life and realized her wish as expressed on a sampler which she worked in 1822, as a young lady of sixteen: "Calm as the summer's evening sun Oh may my glass of life be run And bright as is his parting ray my prospect of a future day" I was nine years' old when my Grandmother died, and have a happy and vivid recollection of her. She was a kindly woman and the children loved and respected her, so full of tenderness and kindness was she, love of husband and family and home; and with a passion for flowers, birds, good books, poetry, and great tenderness for the sick. Her great mother-love and solicitude are evidenced in a letter written to her son, Lewis F. Castor, on April 24, 1867, under the following conditions: After serving throughout the Civil War, he went to the Barbadoes as an Engineer prospecting for oil. Enroute his ship encountered a terrific storm and he so wrote his mother. I quote from part of her letter: "You say you encountered a storm at sea -I think that must be something awfully and fearfully grand to behold -the waves rolling mountain high, and the tempest of rain and wind descending on the tossed bark of the Mariner. But look above, there is power there, whose outstretched arm can stay the wind and calm the boisterous troubled ocean. Trust that kind Providence, and he will be thy guide in thy onward march through life's devious pathway. Tomorrow the vessel sails for Barbadoes, so Mr. Wilson, the captain of the Victoria, sent us word by his nephew yesterday. * * * I have been to Sheards and purchased some newspapers of the latest dates, thee can gain more information from them than I can write. * * * Thy father sends his love, he has just come in with more newspapers for thee, also Harper's Monthly. May you have success in your oil business and reap a rich harvest therein. May He who guards even the sparrow so that it cannot fall to the ground without His notice watch over and protect you from the ills of life, is the sincere wish of thy affectionate Mother. Farewell my dear son, Sarah W. Castor."

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When Orthodox Street was opened in 1852 it was necessary to remove the house of Major Conrad Fries from the bed of the street. Next to this property stood three stone houses which were also removed when Orthodox Street was opened. These houses were built of dressed stone. The first was occupied by Jacob Lesher, a prominent carpenter and builder; the next house to the north was occupied by Thomas Castor until he moved into his new home on the west side of Main Street, in 1840. Jacob Lesher wrote the specifications for Thomas Castor's new home and estimated the cost of same, as appears in a contract dated September 21 1839, for the building of the house This new home into which Thomas Castor moved in 1840, was built of a very fine grade of granite quarried on the premises. The coping stones on the walls of the Frankford Arsenal also came from the same quarry. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only gray granite found in Frankford. Most of the quarries developed later were of hard blue stone. This gray granite seems to be of the same vein as granite quarries developed on the property of the late Senator George Castor, at Holmesburg. The house stood until 1933 when it was demolished by the heirs of Thomas Ellwood Castor to make room for the new store of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company at #4628-4630 Frankford Avenue. The foundations of this store were built from the original stones, while some others of the original stones form a rock garden at my own home. This property still remains in the Castor Family after a period of nearly one hundred years. Dr. Dixon in his article on "Old Main Street", in referring to this home, states,- "It is built on a bed of solid rock and the stone with which it was built was quarried from the cellar. This building was said to be the finest building in Frankford at that period. Mr. Castor built this house in 1839 and moved into it in 1840. He was a prominent man in the Borough and no one left a better record for honesty and straight-forward dealings and upright moral life." The land on which the house was built extended its full width from Main Street to Leiper Street. Franklin Street (now Griscom Street) and Penn Street were afterwards cut through the property. At the entrance to the property was an unusually large stepping stone. At the front gate entrance stood a horse chestnut tree with branches spreading over the pavement. Each side of the entrance gate were two large flower beds and along the north side of the lawn was a bed of periwinkle, and on the south side of the lawn was lane" which ran between this property and the old stone and frame house. It is this house to which Dr. Dixon refers as "an old stone and frame house with a flight of stairs on the front leading to the second story * * * * * and is one of the landmarks of the olden times." This house was later the home of T. Ellwood Castor and it was here that all of his children were born.

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The lane between the two homes gave access to the stables and barns in the rear of Thomas castor's home. Along the south wall of the house was a rambler bearing small yellow roses. This bush was later removed to my home and is still there. A flat stone walk led through the center of the garden in the rear of the house. On each side of this walk there bloomed in great profusion Johnny-jump-ups, Lady Slippers, Heliotrope, Lilies of the Valley, and Phlox. Growing along the fence separating the garden from the lane were black and red currant bushes and gooseberry bushes. In the garden was a black ox heart cherry tree and a red ox heart cherry tree. The fruit from the pear tree would be removed before ripening, wrapped in cotton and placed in a dark closet, to be brought forth for eating around Christmas time. A part of the garden was set aside for horseradish, thyme, sweet marjoram, sage and parsley. And all tended and cared for by my Grandmother. In the winter time blooming geraniums, filled the window sills, and the red of these flowers, with the white woodwork and green Venetian blinds made a more lovely and pleasing effect than could any modern window draperies. As I have already noted, Dr. Dixon referred to the house as being built on solid rock. I recall that there was also hewn into the solid rock a second cellar below the depth of the first cellar. A flight of stone steps led down to this second cellar, at one side of which was a table cut from the rock. It was always quite cool in this second cellar, and here were kept the milk and butter and other perishable food for the family's use. Drinking water was supplied by a well on the south side of the house, between the house and lane, and was drilled into the solid rock. The "soft" water was obtained from a brick cistern which was filled by the rain water caught in a series of gutters on the house and piped to the cistern. There was a room on the second floor set aside for what was most unique at that time, a bath tub. This tub was of the usual bath tub shape but made of wood staves bound with iron bands. There were always ample provisions for the sturdy appetites. As was the custom then, there were apprentice boys living in the home who were learning their trade with my grandfather; also there were a good number in the household, and always visitors. It required the capacity of the patented Castor oven and cook stove to provide for the large number always surrounding the dining room table. How well I remember the bread tray which was kept on the table and replenished many times with slices of home made bread. This bread tray was made at the shop, was of generous size, and striped and decorated in various colors. On the bottom of the tray was lettered the words -"Keep me well filled." This home was not the only Castor home within the shadows of old, historic Jolly Post. Henry Castor, the lessee of the famous Waln Farm on Tacony Street below Church Street, (an uncle of Thomas Castor), was the owner of a stone dwelling on Main Street, with ground running through to Paul Street, opposite the Jolly Post

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(No. 4619-21). This property was subsequently owned and occupied by William W. Axe as his home and printing office, where the Frankford Herald was first published. Another uncle, Isaac, in the late thirties, was proprietor of the Jolly Post. Being a single man his sister Catharine (Mrs. Joshua Marple), made her home with him and presided over and conducted the household affairs. (Note by William Hall Waxler). Then there was Peter Castor, one of the menagerie of the ball given by the Union League, JaHuary 9, 1865, in honor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Castor's elder Brother and one-time partner, who built and lived in the large house diagonally opposite the Jolly Post, (No.4625 Frankford Avenue), where the Frankford Dispatch office is now. I have before me Thomas Castor's writing book, dated December 27, 1827, as written by him when attending school in the old Academy Building on Paul Street, now the site of Rehobeth Methodist Episcopal Church. The writing in this book resembles steel engraving, so beautifully is it done. As I write these lines, I ponder now if this big framed, curly-headed boy, as he sat at his desk and bent over his copy book, did not have engraved on his mind in unforgettable letters, the sentiment on the cover page of his Copy Book, and I wonder if his later life was not shaped and influenced by that sentiment which he must have read so often "Virtue, to become either vigorous or useful, must be habitually active, not breaking forth occasionally with a transient luster, like the blaze of a comet, but regular in its return like the light of day."

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writer wishes to acknowledge, with much appreciation, the helpful cooperation of Miss Mabel Corson, of the Frankford Historical Society, for her untiring search to establish deeds and records; also that of Mr. Omar Shallcross, one of the Society's Directors, for his help in establishing certain family facts and records. The following publications and records have also been of great help in authenticating the facts given in this paper: The Bristol Pike, by Rev. S. F. Hotchkin- 1893 The Castor Family, by George Castor Martin -1910 Frankford and the Main Street 65 Tears Ago, by Dr. Wm. B. Dixon -1907 Frankford's First Schools and Schoolmasters, by Eleanor E. Wright Old FrankfordAcademy, 1800-1879, by Robert t. Corson Main Street ofFrankford during the Thirties, by David S. Rorer Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. V. (page 336) Frankford Gazette of January 28, 1916, Reprint of History of Frankford, published October 23, 1869 Newspaper Clippings on death of Thomas Castor, August 4, 1884 Extracts from The Evening Bulletin of November 6,1922 -"History ofRailways 1854-1861" Numerous newspaper clippings and letters as furnished me by my cousin, the late Fred L. Castor Original Account Book of Hannah Castor - 1825, Original Cash Book of Thomas Castor - 1847 Original Copy Book of Thomas Castor - 1827 Original Daybook of Thomas Castor - November 1857 showing wages paid in connection with the building on Frankford Avenue of the Philadelphia and Delaware River Railroad. Original Receipt book of Thomas Castor for money expended and wages paid in connection with the building of the Philadelphia and Delaware River Railroad (the beginning of the Frankford and Southwark Line). Original Patent Papers No. 45, 316 - Dec. 6, 1864

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No. 27, 203 - Feb.21, i86o Original Agreement as to English Patent for Improvements in City Passenger Railroad Cars -June 6, 118611 Original Petition for the opening of Orthodox Street) with the signatures of all the property owners, and of Judges Oswald Thompson and Joseph Allison, of the Court of quarter Sessions, 1852 Original Specifications, Estimate) Bill of Materials and Contracts for erection of home of Thomas Castor) 1839 Original Marriage Certificate of Thomas Castor and Sarah W. Kester -May i) 1834 Original Indenture (Apprentice Agreement) between Benjamin Shallcross and Thomas Castor and Peter Castor) December 31, 1828 Letter of George Castor Martin to Horace W. Castor, September 13, 1927 Letter of West town Academy, May 9, 1934, giving Registration No. 2075, of Sarah W. Kester, who entered the Academy May 1823 Will of Jacob Castor Will of Catharine Castor (mother of Thomas Castor) Will of Thomas Castor

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GIFTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS to the HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKFORD from the Descendants of THOMAS CASTOR Through Horace W. Castor his grandson

'935 i- Watch of Thomas Castor -(see letter of U. S. Consul General at London, dated November 22, 1934) 2- Account Book of Hannah Castor (Guardian of Thomas Castor) - 1825 3- Copy Book of Thomas Castor -(as used by him when attending Frankford Academy -1827) - Personal Cash Book of Thomas Castor -1847 - Day-book of Thomas Castor -November 1857 -showing wages paid in connection with the building of the Philadelphia and Delaware River Railroad (the beginning of the Frankford and Southwark Line). 6- Receipt book of Thomas Castor for money expended and wages paid in connection with the building on Frankford Avenue of the Philadelphia and Delaware River Railroad. 7 -Original Patent Papers (parchment) covering Safety Dogs on wheels of cars, and for construction of Spiral Ladder and Roof and Seat Construction for doubledeck cars. 8- Recommendation of Dump Wagon -from Casselberry & Davis Franklin Coal Yard, 1429 American St. dated October io, 11866. Petition for the Opening of Orthodox Street - 1852 9io- Specifications, Bill of Materials, Contracts, etc., for building of home of Thomas Castor - 1839.

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