Middletown Township.

Gertrude, Margaretta, Willard, Joel, Sarah A., Henry, and Marian. Mr. Sharpless soon after his first marriage engaged in farming on shares, at a later date rented, and in 1848 purchased, the farm of his father, and in 1856 an adjacent farm of his brother. He resided for a time on the latter, but in 1867 removed to "The Hermitage." He received but little substantial aid in his business operations, and is indebted to his own industry and intelligence for the measure of success he has enjoyed. Mr. Sharpless has since 1854 been either a Whig or a Republican in politics, and filled various local offices such as school director, director of the poor, supervisor, etc. He has been since 1836 a member of the Delaware County Institute of Science. His religious belief is that of the society of Friends, of which he is a member.

William Seal, the grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch, who was of English lineage, resided in Birmingham township, Chester Co., in which county he married Mary Hunt, and had children, - Susan, William, Jesse, Thomas, Sidney, Eli, Joseph, and Benjamin. Jesse, of this number, was born on the homestead in Birmingham, and learned the trade of a carpenter, to which he later added the pursuit of an agriculturist. He married Miss Sarah, daughter of John Sharpless, of Concord, Delaware Co., and had children, - John, Alban, Eliza (Mrs. Enoch T. Williams), Mary (Mrs. Caleb Windle), William, Joseph, Sally Ann, Lewis, and Susan (Mrs. Edward B. Ashbridge). William Seal was born May 6, 1818, in East Goshen, Chester Co., and in early youth removed to Birmingham township. After receiving the rudiments of education he acquired the trade of a wheel-wright and carriage-builder, which was steadily pursued for a period of sixteen years, when he, in 1855, became a farmer, and removed to his present home. He was married the same year to Miss Jane P., daughter of Jonathan and Ruth Thomas, of Middletown township. Mrs. Seal, who was born in 1812, was one of a family of nine children, and inherited from her father a portion of the farm, to which her husband added by the purchase of other land. She was a lady of remarkable industry and of many admirable qualities of mind and heart. Her death occurred Nov. 28, 1881, in her sixty-ninth year. Mr. Seal was formerly a Whig, and is now a firm Republican in politics, but is not a seeker after office, preferring the quiet of his home to the less tranquil scenes of public life. He adheres to the worship of the society of Friends, though not included among its members.

Jane P. Thomas [Seal]

The Thomas family are of Welsh extraction. Benjamin Thomas, the father of Jonathan, resided in Montgomery County, where he pursued the trade of a saddler. He was a citizen of high moral character, and of much influence. In politics he was an ardent Whig. He married Susanna Yarnall, of Delaware County, whose ancestors were of English descent. Their nine children were James, George, Job, Bevin, Owen, Jonathan, Benjamin, Seth, and Rebecca. Later in life Mr. Thomas removed to Springfield township, where his death occurred. His son, Jonathan, was born Jan. 1, 1776, in the latter township, and remained under the parental roof until sufficiently old to learn a trade, when he chose that of a carpenter, and became an apprentice to his brother, Owen. For the purpose of becoming more proficient, he repaired to Philadelphia, and worked as a journeyman until his removal to Chester County, Pa., where he conducted the business of a carpenter and builder on an extensive scale. Returning to Delaware County, he settled in Springfield township, and later removed to Ridley township. He purchased property in various portions of the county, including that particular farm known as the "Clayton" property, in Middletown township, now owned by his daughters, Mrs. Sarah W. Webb and Mrs. Eli Yarnall.

Mr. Thomas was married in 1800 to Miss Ruth, daughter of John Young, of Chester County, Pa., to whom were born nine children, - Rebecca S. (deceased in youth), John Y., Benjamin O., Susanna, Lydia Y. (Mrs. Eli Yarnall), Jane P. (Mrs. William Seal), Jonathan, Sarah W. (Mrs. Webb), and Ruth Hannah (Mrs. Crosby Fairlamb). Of this number the only survivors are Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Yarnall. Mr. Thomas was in his political preferences a Whig and later a Republican, and, though often tendered office, invariably declined such honors. He was identified with the Delaware County National Bank as director, and filled the same office in connection with the Delaware County Mutual Insurance Company. He was an active leader in the society of Friends, in which faith he was reared. Mr. Thomas was a public-spirited citizen, and by his intelligence, exemplary character, and rare discernment in matters of business enjoyed a commanding influence in the county. His death occurred on the 3d of January, 1856, in his eightieth year.

Newtown Township.

The first mention of this municipal district was at the court held Eleventh month 6, 1684 (January, 1685), when Thomas Norbury and John Humphrey were appointed collectors of the "Levie for the cort house and Prison for ye Township of Newtowne," and at the December court, 1686, Thomas Norbury was appointed constable for the township.

Newtown was largely settled by Welshmen, and