Matthias Pennypacker Explained

Matthias Pennypacker
State House:Pennsylvania
Term Start:1831
Term End:1831
Term Start2:1827
Term End2:1828
Predecessor2:Joshua Hunt, David Potts Jr., John Chandler, William Thompson
Birth Date:15 August 1786
Birth Place:Schuylkill Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Place:Chester County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Relatives:

Matthias Pennypacker (August 15, 1786 – April 4, 1852) was an American politician from Pennsylvania. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1827 to 1828 and in 1831.

Early life

Matthias Pennypacker was born on August 15, 1786, at Pennypacker's Mill in Schuylkill Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, to Mary (née Custer) and Matthias Pennypacker. His father was a farmer and a miller and was a preacher at a church in Phoenixville.[1] Pennypacker grew up on the farm and was educated at subscription schools.[1]

Career

Pennypacker worked as a farmer and a miller. He operated a sawmill and was a lumber dealer.[1]

Pennypacker was a Whig. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1827 to 1828 and in 1831.[1] [2] He was a member of the 1837 constitutional convention.[1] In 1831, Pennypacker was one of the organizers of the Reading Company and was an incorporator of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad.[1]

Personal life

In 1807, Pennypacker married Sarah Anderson, daughter of Isaac Anderson, of Schuylkill Township. They had four sons and one daughter, James A., Mary A., Isaac A., Washington and Matthias J. His son Matthias also served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[1] His grandson was Pennsylvania Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker. His great-grandson was Union General Galusha Pennypacker.[1] [3] Pennypacker was a Mennonite.[1]

Pennypacker died on April 4, 1852, at his home on Pickering Creek in Chester County.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Wiley, Samuel T. . Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Comprising A Historical Sketch of the County . 1893 . Garner . Winfield Scott . Gresham Publishing Company . 640–643 . . 2023-11-10.
  2. Book: Chester County and Its People . Thomson . W. W. . 1898 . The Union History Company . 439 . . 2023-11-10.
  3. Book: Jordan, John W.. [{{Google books|arAfWBsvO1gC|page=485|plainurl=yes}} Colonial and Revolutionary Families of Pennsylvania]. 1978. Genealogical Publishing Company. 485–488, 491. 0-8063-0811-7. 2023-11-10.