I am presently collecting data to include on this page for the Young/Gabriel and Wilson/West Families of Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The Wilsons came from Temple, Midlothian, Scotland (Clan Gunn See the link below) on the "Queeen of the West" and landed in New York City, NY on 1 March 1852. They were railroad people. The Wests probably came from England. James Dixon West was a Captain in the Civil War for the Pennsylvania Regulars (Bucktails) and was probably at the surrender of Robert E. Lee. Mahlon Hibbs West -younger brother to James Dixon - was also in the Civil War (Maryland Company) and was sent to Andersonville Prison (GA) where he died of starvation. I have seen his grave marker at the National Cemetary in Andersonville. Benjamin West, Sr was a renown colonial artist/painter. He studied in Europe and has been said to be the "American Raphael". He was commissioned by Kings and Popes.
The Youngs immigrated sometime prior to 1800. The Gabriels came from Herbon, Duchy of Nassau, Germany in 1836. The Gabriels had one of the first woolen spinning mills in Allentown, PA. and were responsible for bringing to the area one of the first Jaquard looms. Their hosiery and knitted clothing was reknown throughout the East and in the mid-West. The Allentown Woolen Mill, later known as Henry Gabriel's Sons or "The Allentown Hosiery Company" was in existance until 1905 when it was moved to Coopersburg, PA. The goods produced were "... figured goods, coverlets, quilts, flannels, etc., for the farmers of the neighborhood who supplied the wool.".
This page and information should be updated on a regular basis.
Interesting Occupations: Carpenter, Fisherman, Glass Blower, Machineist, Factory Owner, Brewer, Teacher and Shoemaker.
If you can help by adding some missing data, that information will be appreciated. Thank-You for your help. I am willing to share information.
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