"A tavern erected on the edge of Swedesford Road in 1746 became the nucleus of a settlement that was named for David Howell, who took over the tavern in 1765. Most of the residents work in neighboring quarries between Paoli and Norristown." [1]
Christian Workizer, an accomplished German gentleman, entered the English army as lieutenant at Aschaffenburg, in 1743, when George II was fighting in Germany. He subsequently rose to the rank of colonel, and came to Canada as aide-de-camp to Gen. Wolfe, in 1758. He was one of the three who bore his brave commander to the rear when mortally wounded on the Heights of Abraham. After the capture of Quebec, Col. Workizer retired from the British army, and marrying soon after Mademoiselle Girardin, of Quebec, a lady of French extraction, he and his wife came to Chester County and settled, purchasing the lands on which are now located the village of Howellville and the adjacent homestead farm. Having sworn fealty to the British crown as a officer, and having been truly attached to his late commander, Col. Workizer remained strictly neutral during the war of the Revolution ... [2]
Col. Workizer became the father of four daughters,--Mary, Margaretta, Elizabeth, and Priscilla--and two sons,--John and Jacob Sheridan,--all born at or near Howellville, the hotel of that village having been the second homestead of the Workizer family. [2]
Mr. John Workizer was very proud of his mother. He loved to tell of her walking all the way from Howellville to her brother's home in Philadelphia and returning with medicine, salt, etc., in pockets underneath her dress, having successfully eluded the British sentinels at their outposts. [2]"
Mr. John Workizer, who inherited the village of Howellville, married Miss Mary Turner, whose roomy old home is still standing, near Spring City, Pa. The young couple removed to Valley Forge, and purchased considerable property in and around the village. In their old homestead at Valley forge, (now the Mansion House hotel) six children--five girls and one boy--were born to them, and some grandchildren, among the latter Gen. Galusha Pennypacker, United States army, the intrepid young officer who especially distinguished himself at Fort Fisher during the civil war [2].
Mr. John Workizer's eldest daughter, Eloisa, married Mr. Morey, his second, Matilda, Mr. William Lewis, and his third Mr. Joseph E. Anderson. His fourth daughter, Anna Virginia, was a young lady of remarkable beauty and intelligence. Having as yet no son, Mr. Workizer educated this daughter to be his amanuensis in business, and there are many deeds, contracts, and other documents still extant written, not only for her father, but gratuitously for the neighboring farmers, in the clear, beautiful penmanship of this superior woman.
John Sheridan, the only son, inherited and sold out of the family Howellville village. He subsequently removed to Indianapolis. [2]
Nearby Neighborhoods
Street Names
Howellville Road • Swedesford Road