William Mehls DEWEES
I don't think there is another marriage, I couldn't erase it. A Hollander, built the second paper-mill erected in America, it was on the Wissahickon Creek, near Philadelphia. He built a large stone mansion in 1764 at Whitemarsh,PA. On the gable end of the house are the letters "D" "W & R", the "D" standing for Dewees, the "W & R" standing for William and Rachel.
Was entered into the Philadelphia Academy by his father in 1751. He was a yeomen. They conveyed to a Joseph Mather of Germantown, their undivided 1/4 part of Spruce Mill house and 243 acres on Wissahickon Creek in Germantown Twp., on 1 May 1766. In Sept 1765, "Mr. Farmar Dewees, Innkeeper" was at the Sign of the King of Prussia in Philadelphia. The estate of Farmar Dewees is not found in Philadelphia County.
Of Great Valley,PA. He was a colonel of the Revolution, of a PA. regiment. His house was near the Mt. Joy iron works in PA, he and David Potts beng the partners. The works were burned by the British in 1777. William and his second wife attempted to relieve the suffering of the army at Valley Forge so far as possible, their means being greatly curtailed, owing to their expenses at the time. When the army was stationed in their vicinity, Gen. Washington and his wife were frequently entertained at the Dewees mansion. Also have a death date of 1809.
Active in the Revolution; at one period he was in charge of the military prison at Philadelphia, as a letter to the President of the Council gives evidence.
He married Rachel Farmer 1735 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Rachel Farmer was born at Whitemarsh, Philadelophia, Pennsylvania 1716 daughter of Edward Farmer and Rachel Astley .
They were the parents of 3
children:
Farmer Dewees
born 1736.
William Farmer Dewees
born 1739.
Thomas Dewees
born 1742.
William Mehls Dewees died 1777 at Norriton Township, Montgomery, Pennsylvania .
Rachel Farmer died 1783 at Norriton Township, Montgomery, Pennsylvania .