Branch No. 8

NO BRANCH CAPTAIN AT THIS TIME. Volunteer Needed.

BRANCH 9, 12 and 42 may connect with this branch.
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LAST NUMBER USED: 72
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At this point, it is of interest to mention some of the early settlers in Pennsylvania, whose names are also found in North Carolina; many of these intermarried with the Torrences. "The North Carolina branch of the Torrences settled first in Pennsylvania. Many of the families that later intermarried with the Torrences also came from Pennsylvania. As early as 1730, Scotch-Irish settlers came to townships Coleraine, Leacock and Pequa, now Lancaster County. Coleraine was doubtless so named by those settlers who came from Coleraine in County Londonderry, Ireland. Their names appear among the Warrants for lands, prior to 1740."  Large numbers of Scotch-Irish from Donegal and Perry, Ireland, arrived at Newcastle, Delaware. All were Presbyterians. Among these were Richard Allison, and John Galbraith, who built the first grist and saw-mills there. The latter became a famous Indian trader and fighter.  Andrew Galbraith was an Elder in Donegal Presbyterian Church in 1721. Many of the Scotch-Irish who originally settled in Pennsylvania, traveled the wilderness road to the South, where their descendants are now found. Prior to 1730, in Donegal, are found the names of John, Patrick and William Allison, John Davidson, John, William and Robert Spear and their sons

(Branches 12 and 15 may connect with Branch 8)

William Latta House, Chester County, PA

"He was born in Ireland, in the Winter of 1732. His parents migrated to this country when he was about six or seven years of age. He graduated from the College of Philadelphia, at the first Commencement of this Institution, and as a proof of his high standing there, has assigned to him, on that occasion, the salutatory oration in Latin. He was Tutor in the college for a few years, during which he studied theology under the Provost, Rev. Dr. Francis Alison, and was licensed to preach the gospel, February 15th, 1758, by the Presbytery of Philadelphia. He was ordained by the same Presbytery in October, 1759, and, by direction of Synod, spent some time in a mission to the then destitute settlements of Virginia and Carolina."  The articles goes on to state that "One Sunday morning as Mr. Latta and his daughter, Mary, were riding to church he fell from his carriage on his head and was somewhat stunned.  He said to his daughter, "I am killed, but do not tell your mother."  He conducted the church service and returned home.  Soon he fell into a condition which alarmed his daughter and she relayed the episode to Mother.  In a few days he died.  His tombstone in the old cemetery bears the inscription: "By his death society has lost an invaluable member, religion one of its brightest ornaments and the most amiable examples.  His genius was masterly and his literature extensive.  As a classical scholar he was equaled by few.  His judgment was strong and penetrating, his taste correct, his style nervous and elegant.  In the pulpit, he was a model, in the judiciaries of the church distinguished by his accuracy and precision.  After a life devoted to his Master's service he rested from his labors lamented most by those who best knew his worth."

 Children:
72       FRANCIS ALISON (3) b. April 27, 1766; d. April 23, 1834.  Single.  Presbyterian
minister and prominent teacher near Philadelphia.  He was one of the early teachers of Dr. Haynes Agnew, M.D. the great surgeon.  See "Life of Agnew" by J. Howe Adams, published by F.A. Davis Co., Philadelphia 1892.  Ordained November 2_, 1796.  First settled at Wilmington,
Delaware and afterwards at Chestnut Level, his father's former charge.  From Futhey and Cope's THE HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY (1881); Rev. Francis A. Latta, the oldest son of Rev. Dr James Latta, was born April 27, 1766.  He was ordained as a Presbyterian clergyman Nov. 23, 1796, and was pastor successively of Presbyterian churches in Wilmington, Del, and Lancaster and Chestnut Level, Pa, in which latter place he also maintained a classical school for many years.  In the year 1826 he moved to Sadsbury twp, Chester Co, and established the Moscow Academy, a classical and literary institution, which flourished for some years.  He was a man of remarkable well-cultivated mind, a poet of no mean order, a very superior classical and Hebrew scholar, and was one of the greatest instructors of his day.  He was able to debate, discriminating and decided in judgment, and was a model in the pulpit.  In his manners he was social and in his deportment humble and unostentatious.  He died April 21, 1834. http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/chester/bios/latta-fa.txt  History of Chester County states (p. 626):
Rev. William Latta was born in Bucks Co Pa., in May 1768. He was the son of Dr. James Latta, who was a prominent man in the Presbyterian Church in his day. [William] graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1794, was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle, and became pastor of the congregation of Great Valley and Charlestown, Chester Co., Oct. 1, 1799, in which relation he continued until his death, Feb. 19, 1847, a period of over forty-seven years. He was created a Doctor of Divinity by Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. He was a student and a scholar, and his preparations for the pulpit were made with close study and care. In the courts of the church he was highly esteemed, and by appointment of the General Assembly held the office of trustee of that body for many years. He was also a director in the Princeton Theological Seminary. The General Assembly of 1847, in noticing his death, spoke of him as "one of the venerable fathers of the Presbyterian Church." On occasion of the reception of Gen. Lafayette at West Chester in July 1825, the Rev. William Latta made a prayer very remarkable for its teaching sentiments, fervid eloquence, and patriotic spirit.
 

3       WILLIAM (3) b. May 10, 1768; d. February 19, 1847.
4       JOHN EWING (3) b. October 8, 1770; d. September 26, 1824.
20     JAMES (3) b. 1775; d. 1776.
5       JAMES (3) b. in Lancaster Co., Pa. June 10, 1787; d. May 30, 1862.
19     MARY (3) b. January 26, 1773; d. August 2, 1837. Never married.
21     MARGARET A. (3) b. July 28, 1776; d. July 23, 1848. Never married.
22     ELIZABETH (3) b. 1779; d. 1780.
23     ELIZABETH (3) b. January 14, 1782; d. November 10, 1840. Never married.
24     SARAH (3) b. at Chestnut Level, Pa. July 29, 1784; d. May 10, 1869 at Loveville
near Hockessin, Del; m. Rev. Thomas Love on October 18, 1823 at New Castle, Del.  He was born March 2, 1796 in Del.; d. December 22, 1879 at Loveville, Del.  Both buried in cemetery at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, New Castle, Del.  One child, Mary Elizabeth, b. October 25, 1828; m. Stephen Springer, farmer, of New Castle, Del. November 16, 1848; d. there March 22,1895.  Their children were: Rev. Thomas Love Springer, b. August 25, 1849;  Willard Springer, b. August 28, 1851; Francis Latta Springer, b. March 20, 1854; Idalette Springer, b. March 2, 1856; Robert Springer, b. March 2, 1859; Rev. Thomas Love Springer, Presbyterian minister, Baltimore, Md. - m. Mary Gould Bowker.  Children: Courtland B., Mary C., James L., Frederick S., Idelette M., Harrie Latta, Emily B., and Thomas.

History of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

LIST OF PERSONS BURIED IN UPPER OCTORARA GRAVEYARD
    NAME.                        DATE OF DEATH                  AGE
Rev. Francis A. Latta,       April 23, 1834,                67 y. 11 m. 26 d.
Mary Latta,                      August 2, 1837,                65 y.  6 m. 26 d.
Elizabeth Latta,             November 10, 1840,             58 y.  9 m. 26 d.
Jane Latta,                      June 20, 1841,                 48 y.  7 m. 22 d.
Margaret R. H. Latta,        April 6, 1846,                 21 y.  2 m. 22 d.
Margaret A. Latta,           July 23, 1848,                 71 y. 11 m. 25 d.
James M. Latta,              December 25, 1851,             45 y.  4 m.  6 d.
Rev. James Latta,            May 30, 1862,                  75 y. 11 m. 18 d.

 

                                     3 WILLIAM (3) LATTA
     James (2) James (1).  Born May 10, 1768 in Bucks County, PA; d. February 19, 1847; m. Mary Cloyd, daughter of David and Ann (Boyd) Cloyd, October 1, 1801.  She was born October 28, 1769 and died February 22, 1847.  David Cloyd was a noted patriot (see History of Chester Co., Pa.) and was a private in Chester Co. Militia in 1780.  (See Pa. Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 5).  The General Assembly in 1847, said that William Latta was "One of the venerable fathers of the Presbyterian Church."  He was created a Doctor of Divinity by LaFayette College a few years before his death.
Children:
25      MARY ANN (4) b. July 1, 1801; d. November 6, 1882.
26      MARGARET (4) b. October 2, 1803; d. June 2, 1869.
6       JAMES FRANCIS (4) b. May 8, 1808; d. December 26, 1841.
7       WILLIAM WILSON (4) b. July 1, 1810; d. September 3, 1883.

An act relative to County Auditors and for other purposes.   That there shall be erected into a body corporate an association for the   education of youth, in the arts, sciences, and useful literature, in Sadsbury   township, Chester county, entitled the Moscow academy of which ROBERT  BELVILLE, JAMES LATTA, WILLIAM W. LATTA, JONATHAN SCHOFIELD, DAVID AGNEW,
JOSEPH WILEY, and WILLIAM STEWART are hereby appointed trustees.   9 Apr 1840.

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/1pa/xmisc/1840laws.txt

History of Chester County states (p. 626):
Rev. William Latta was born in Bucks Co Pa., in May 1768. He was the
son of Dr. James Latta, who was a prominent man in the Presbyterian
Church in his day. [William] graduated at the University of
Pennsylvania in 1794, was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle,
and became pastor of the congregation of Great Valley and
Charlestown, Chester Co., Oct. 1, 1799, in which relation he
continued until his death, Feb. 19, 1847, a period of over forty-
seven years.
He was created a Doctor of Divinity by Lafayette College, Easton, Pa.
He was a student and a scholar, and his preparations for the pulpit
were made with close study and care. In the courts of the church he
was highly esteemed, and by appointment of the General Assembly held
the office of trustee of that body for many years. He was also a
director in the Princeton Theological Seminary. The General Assembly
of 1847, in noticing his death, spoke of him as "one of the venerable
fathers of the Presbyterian Church." On occasion of the reception of
Gen. Lafayette at West Chester in July 1825, the Rev. William Latta
made a prayer very remarkable for its teaching sentiments, fervid
eloquence, and patriotic spirit.
 

In a book called "The Very Rich Life of Anthony Pinkerton Pritchard", Mr. Pritchard states that "In 1808 we removed to the house of Rev'd William Latta (a black hearted scoundrel)  and lived there until the summer of 1812.  During the greatest part of the four years I attended school under the instruction of Latta and studied the Latin language.

http://granvillehistory.org/HistoricalTimes/HistTimes200303.pdf

                                 4 JOHN EWING (3) LATTA
     James (2) James (1).  Born October 8, 1770; d. September 26, 1824; 1795 graduate of the College of Philadelphia, later the University of Pennsylvania (A.B. Degree); m. Catherine Van
Voorhies of Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of John and Mary H. Van Voorhies, April 9, 1805.  She was born June 9, 1787 and died May 12, 1878.  He received ordination August 13, 1800. and for 24 years was the pastor of the noted churches of New Castle and Christiana in Delaware.
{ For more Detail Please see end note}
 Children:
8        JAMES McKNIGHT (4) b. August 19, 1806; d. December 24, 1851.
27      JANE HAIGHT (4) b. January 21, 1810; d. May 11, 1853; buried at the New London Church Cemetery, Chester County, PA; Married:  Rev. Robert P. DuBois April 6, 1830.   (See DuBois' History of Rev. James Latta, father of John Ewing Latta.) He was b. August 19, 1803; d. at New London, Pa. February 24, 1883.  Children: (1) Amelia Patterson b. April 20,. 1831; d. November 3, 1899.  (2) Katherine Latta b. March 9, 1833; d. July 16, 1841 at 8 years of age; buried in same cemetery as her mother. (3) Francis Latta b. October 21, 1837; d. February 24, 1895. (He was a physician in the U.S.A. Navy; m. Clara Reeves Buck, daughter of Robert S. and Caroline Buck, May 20, 1869.  She was born March 4, 1843; d. May 1904.  Had three children: Barron Potter b. April 18, 1879.  Caroline Latta b. September 11, 1871; m. Frank Cosby, civil engineer, May 22, 1901.  One child: Frank Cosby b. April 1902.  Chester Buck DuBois b. June 2, 1878.)  (4) William Wilberforce b. March 19, 1843; d. January 5, 1850 at 7 years of age. Buried at same cemetery as his mother. (5) Robert Graham b. October 21, 1845; d. January 3, 1850 at 4 years of age. Buried in same cemetery as his mother.  (6) Ewing Latta Debois b. April 28, 1850; d. July 6, 1851 at 14 months.  Buried in same cemetery as his mother.  (7) Richard Stevens b. December 5, 1852; d. February 24, 1853 at 7 weeks of age. Buried in same cemetery as his mother.
28      MARY SMITH (4) b. July 22, 1812; d. March 18, 1901; m. Charles E. DuBois,
lawyer, Doylestown, Pa. May 24, 1831.  He was born July 16, 1799; d. March 5, 1865.  Children: John Latta b. April 16, 1832; d. February 20, 1903; m. Emma M. Rex July 11, 1863.  Three children: Samuel Moore b. April 1, 1834; d. December 12, 1859.  Emma Patterson b. January 25, 1836; d. May 23, 1899; m. Edward Putnam Flint October 17, 1854.  Had children.  Helen Martha b. December 13, 1837.  James Latta b. April 7, 184_.  Louis Pierre b. May 7, 1843; d. November 25, 1889.  Charles b. November 5, 1848; d. October 19, 1867.  Henry M. b. July 15, 1852; lawyer in Philadelphia, Pa. m. Lillian L. Johnson.  Two children: Edward F. b. March 12, 1855; d. January 2, 1857.  { 1996 Note: Richard M Lyman of 9 Puffin Court Novato, Ca 94949. Letter dated June 23, 1997he list 5 records that show the above Mary Smith Latta as the daughter of 4John Ewing (3) Latta}
9       JOHN EWING (4) b. February 26, 1815; d. November 16, 1867.
29     ANNA VANDYKE (4) b. August 15, 1817.  Lived at Daylestown, Pa.
30     CATHERINE HARRIET (4) b. April 10, 1820; d. May 27, 1888; m. Richard H.
Stevens of Norfolk, Va.
31     MARGARET ELIZABETH (4) b. at New Castle, Del. June 9, 1824; d. November
18, 1880 at Doylestown, Pa.; m. Charles William McHenry of Doylestown, Pa. December 22,
1852.  He was born February 18, 1820 at Deep Run Parsonage.  Three children: Mary DuBois b. October 23, 1853; d. May 15, 1884.  Catherine Latta b. November 9, 1869; d. March 14, 1887.  William Ewing b. at Johnstown, Pa. February 9, 1868; m. Annie Estelle Nasby of Media, Pa. January 17, 1894.

  

                                               5 JAMES (3) LATTA
     James (2) James (1).  Born in Lancaster Co., Pa. June 10, 1787; d. May 30, 1862; m. Jane Sutton of New Castle, Del., daughter of John and Margaret (Nuttle) Sutton, October 8, 1818.  She was born October 28, 1792 at St. George, Del.; d. June 20, 1841.  He was born at Chestnut Level, Pa.  Her father was prominent in the Colonial and Revolutionary affairs of Delaware.  James was graduated at College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, when 20 years of age.  Prepared for the ministry under the tutorship of his eldest brother, Rev. John Ewing Latta. { Please see end note for more detail}  Minister of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church in Parkesburg, Chester County, PA in 1810. Children:
10   JOHN YATES (4) Born on a farm near Parkesburg, Pa. January 27, 1827.
32    ELIZA JANE (4) b. February 13, 1838; d. May 21, 1916; m. John Andrew Parke in 1862.  He was
born June 2, 1827 and died Sept. 18, 1902.  She and her husband are buried at the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church in Parkesburg, PA.
11   WILLIAM SUTTON (4) Born in Upper Octorara, Chester Co., Pa. September 12, 1822; d. there May 26, 1878.
33    MARY M. (4) b. 1820; d. April 17, 1855; m. William Armstrong May 12, 1842; b.
in 1817; d. 1868.  Children: James Latta b. May 1, 1843; m. Belle Evans.  One child: John A. b. 1873; d. 1880.  Sarah Jane b. 1844; d. 1902; m. William Baldwin.  Two children: Emma Latta b. in 1846; m. Thomas L. McClellan February 27, 1872.  Had children: Clara A. b. 1849; m. William Stout in 1874.  Two children.  Anna Mary b. 1852; m. Robert A. Parke in 1875.  Two children.  William Martin b. 1855; m. Hattie Terres.  Two children.
34     MARGARET R. H. (4) b. 1825; d. April 6, 1846.  Single. Buried in the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
35     ____ (4) daughter.  Single.

LATTA MEMORIAL UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  -

The founder of the Christiana Presbyterian Church was the Rev. James Latta. Having served as pastor of the Upper Octorara Church for forty years, he was then invited to continue his work among the Presbyterians in Penningtonville (later called Atglen). In 1857, Mr. Latta began holding services in Christiana as well. Encouraged by the work, he requested the Presbytery of Donegal (then called Westminister) to build a small church there. Seventeen hundred dollars was quickly raised, surely a token of God's blessing upon the project. By the next year a chapel was finished, free of debt, on Bridge Street. We still have a copy of the names of all who contributed, with the amounts they gave, written in Mr. Latta's own hand. This list was put in the cornerstone of our present church.  As a preacher, Mr. Latta was earnest, animated, and impressive. His sermons were solidly evangelical. He had a true pastor's heart, atten- tive to the young and to the sick. He was persuasive in inviting people to church, a faithful and loving shepherd of his flock. In June, 1861, he retired from the ministry because of old age. Death came less than a year later, at the home of a nephew in Philadelphia where he had been attending a Sunday School convention. He died on May 30, 1862, and was laid to rest at Octorara. Shortly before his death, Mr. Latta gave up his work in Christiana, and for a while services were irregular. When the Rev. J. William Edie was called to the Penningtonville Church, he carried on the work at the Christiana Chapel-without great success. In April of 1868, Pres-bytery appointed a committee to "visit Christiana to see what could be done towards supplying them with the means of grace, with a view of finally organizing a church there." The committee favored Mr. Edie's holding services in the chapel every other Sunday afternoon. But attendance continued to be poor, and during the next winter few services were held.

                                     
                                6 JAMES FRANCIS (4) LATTA
     William (3) James (2) James (1).  Born May 8, 1808; d. December 26, 1841; m. Lydia
Dedley Moore, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Moore, May 11, 1836 at Philadelphia, Pa.  She was born in 1813; d. June 1852.  Physician.  Children:
36     MARY CLOUD (5) b. February 20, 1837; d. September 10, 1870; m. Rev. Robert
Hamill Nassau September 17, 1862 at Bonito, Africa.  She died and was buried in Africa.  They were missionaries on Island of Corisco, West Africa in 1862.  her biography entitled, "Crowned in Palm Land", was published in 1874.  Three children: 1) William Latta b. February 28, 1864; m. Mae Maree in Philadelphia, Pa. January 1888.  Three children: Mary Elizabeth b. 1890; m. P. Howland Shaw.  William Latta b. 1896.  James Maree d. in infancy.   2) Charles Francis M.D., b. November 12, 1868; m. Elizabeth S. Greene near Philadelphia 1896.  Two children: Katherine Latta.  Dorothy.  3) George Paull b. July 12, 1866; d. December 13, 1867.
37     SAMUEL MOORE (5) b. September 1838; d. September 16, 1856.  Single.
38     WILLIAM JAMES (5) b. September 1840; d. October 5, 1862 at Washington,
D.C. from effect of strain and over work in Peninsular Campaign in Virginia.  Enlisted as 2d
Lieut.  Promoted to Captain "I" Co. 89th Regt. (8th Pennsylvania Cavalry).

 

RICKABAUGH, Dr. Jacob.--Adam Rickabaugh, an emigrant from Switzerland, on the Rhine, settled in Chester County before 1767, for in that year the records show that he purchased 125 acres of land in Tredyffrin township from David Jones.... Dr. Jacob Rickabaugh spent his boyhood on the farm and went to the neighboring subscription schools.  He also attended the famous classical school presided over by Prof. Joshua Jones, an eminent educator in this day and author of a standard work on grammar.  He read medicine with Dr. James Francis Latta, of Tredyffrin, and attended lectures at medical Department of Pennsylvania College, of Philadelphia, at which institutions he was graduated in March, 1842.  He now located at his old home in Tredyffrin, where he has since remained in active practice, succeeding his old preceptor, Dr. Latta, who died just previous to his graduation...His medical preceptor, Dr. Latta, was an eminent physician, and son of Rev. William Latta, D.D., pastor for half a century of the Great Valley Presbyterian Church, which Dr. Rickabaugh's family attends, and to which, as well as to that of the Mennonites, the doctor is a liberal contributor.

                            7 WILLIAM WILSON (4) LATTA
     William (3) James (2) James (1).  Born July 1, 1810; d. September 3, 1883; m. Mary Jenkins, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Carmichael) Jenkins September 9, 1841 at Windsor Forges, Lane Co., Pa.  She was born February 18, 1815 and died February 9, 1869.  He was pastor for 22 years at Waynesburg, Chester Co., Pa.  Buried in Caernavon Cemetery, Churchtown, Pa. five miles west of Honey Brook.    Children:
39     CATHERINE CARMICHAEL (5) b. June 5, 1842 at Philadelphia, Pa.; m. Rev. Joseph Stephenson Malone, Presbyterian minister, on July 10, 1875.  He was born in Cynthiana, Ky. March 1840.  No children except an adopted son.  In 1922 lived at Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa.  D.A.R. No. 9829.
40     JAMES FRANCIS (5) b. February 15, 1846; d. October 1846.
41     MARY (5) b. May 14, 1849; d. July 1850.
42     ELLEN (5) b. in 1848; d. in 1849.

From Futhey and Cope's THE HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY (1881);

The Honeybrook Presbyterian Church was formed by members of Brandywine Manor.   The latter congregation having in 1835 become very large, it was resolved to erect a new church in the village of Waynesburg, and thus lessen the size of the mother-church, while accommodating the community residing in and near the new location.  A church edifice was erected in that year, and the congregation organized Nov 28, 1735.   The first pastor was Rev. Wm W Latta, who, after preaching there one year as stated supply, was installed May 9, 1837.  The church was incorporated by act of Assembly, April 16, 1840.  A new edifice, in a different location than the first  was erected in 1851.  Me Latta resigned in 1858 and moved to Philadelphia where  he has since been engaged in teaching.
 

Necrological Reports and Annual Proceedings of the Alumni Association of Princeton Theological...by Joseph Heatly Dulles...published in 1891...pg. 18...WILLIAM WILSON LATTA....William Wilson Latta, son of the Rev. William Latta, D. D., and Mrs. Mary (Lloyd) Latta, was born at Chester Valley, Chester Co., PA July 1, 1810; pursued his preparatory studies partly at the Chester County Academy, but mainly under the tuition of his father; was graduated from the College of New Jersey, Sept., 1831; was received the same year to the full communion of the Great Valley Church, of which his father was then and for many years subsequently the honored pastor; spent one year in teaching, and then entering the Theological Seminar at Princeton, from which, after a full course of three years' study, he was regularly graduated in 1835; labored as a evangelist for one year in Waynesburg, PA., during which a church was organized; was ordained and installed first pastor of the Waynesburgh Church by the Presbytery of New Castle, June, 1837.  Of this church he remained pastor until November 1, 1858, when he was compelled to resign on account of failing health.  During his pastorate the number of communicants was increased from twenty to three hundred; two church were built, the first having become too small for the constantly increasing congregation, which at the time of his resignation was, as it still continues, among the strongest in the Presbytery.   For some years after the resignation of his pastoral charge, he traveled for his health, spending the winters at the south.  During the fall, winter and part of the spring of 1860-1 he supplied the Church at Goldsboro, NC, but returned to the north at the breaking out of the war, and took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he remained until his death.    In the fall of 1867, in connection with his daughter, he opened a seminary for young ladies, on Walnut Street, Philadelphia, which became a flourishing school, attracting pupils from different sections of the Union.  In 1878, on the marriage of his daughter, he discontinued his connection with the school, and lived in retirement with his son-in-law.  His last days were sustained and cheered by the hopes of the gospel.  He looked forward to being with Christ with joyful anticipation.  Death had no terrors for him.  The brightness was before him, and he longed for the inheritance of the saints in light.  When dying he asked his son-in-law to see that no inscription was put on his monument but his name, and "a minister of Jesus Christ." He died September 5, 1883, in his seventy-fourth year.  As a preacher, he was plain, practical, and scriptural.  As a pastor, he was faithful, sympathizing and successful.  As a teacher, his godly teaching and beautiful example told upon the religious convictions and character of the pupils committed to his care.   As a man, he was uniformly kind, courteous and exemplary.  His whole life exemplified the truth that God is faithful to His covenant, and that His promises reach through the generations.  Mr. Latta was married September 9, 1841, to Miss Mary Jenkins, daughter of Hon. Robert Jenkins, of Windsor, Lancaster Co., PA, who died Feb. 9, 1869.  One daughter, the wife of the Rev. Joseph Malone, of Newark, Del., survived him.
                          
                              8 JAMES McKNIGHT (4) LATTA
     John E. (3) James (2) James (1).  Born August 19, 1806; d. December 24, 1851; buried in the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, Chester County, Pennsylvania; m. Eunice Noble Thatcher, daughter of David and Eunice Weld Noble Thatcher, November 14, 1830.  She was born March 23, 1810 at Dartmouth, Mass. and died at Old Ladies' Home in Philadelphia.  Her father was born in Newbury, Mass. November 24, 1773 and died at Philadelphia December 1, 1842, and buried there in Ronaldson's Cemetery.  Children:
43     CATHERINE (5) b. September 15, 1831; d. July 23, 1853.
44     SARAH ANN (5) b. September 17, 1833.  in 1907 was in the Presbyterian Old
Ladies' Home in Philadelphia.

                                   

                                      9 JOHN EWING (4) LATTA
     John E. (3) James (2) James (1).  Born February 26, 1814; d. November 16, 1868;  m. Emma Bartlett on February 22, 1837. She was born in 1815 and died in 1867. Lawyer in Philadelphia.  He and his wife are buried at the Glenwood Memorial Gardens, located at Broomall, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.  Children:
12       JAMES WILLIAM (5) b. April 19, 1839; d. March, 1922.
45       CLARA BARTLETT (5) b. September 4, 1842; d. January 12, 1901;
 Married: Horace Nichols, merchant, May 20, 1868.  Children:
1) Horace W Nichols b. November 13, 1869 at Philadelphia; m. Madeline Taylor in 1900.
One child: Clara Bartlett Latta Nichols, b. July 24, 1873; d. August 8, 1873. 
2) Gertrude W Nichols, b. December 17, 1874; m. Charles B. Rosa of N.Y. City,  January 1900.  3) Emma L. b. August 6, 1871; m. Capt. Edward S. Walton, U.S.A. June 17, 1879.
46       EMMA BARTLETT (5) b. October 11, 1843; d. in 1932. Buried in the Glenwood Memorial Gardens.
13       EUGENE EWING (5) b. March 9, 1847; d. ____.  Found in the 1880 Census living in Denison, Grayson County, Texas.
47       GERTRUDE (5) b. August 22, 1849; d. December 8, 1858. Buried in the Glenwood Memorial Gardens.
48       HORACE BARTLETT (5) b. December 27, 1852; m. Elizabeth Bosler February 23, 1887.
49       CORNELIA RIDGWAY (5) b. January 27, 1854; m. Henry Seaver October 8, 1880.
Children: 1) Emma L Seaver, b. August 1, 1881.  2) Laura J Seaver, b. February 18, 1885.
3) Henry B Seaver,  b. March 12, 1888.
 

Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Broomall, Delaware County, PA

    
                                        10 JOHN YATES (4) LATTA
     James (3) James (2) James (1).  Born on a farm near Parkesburg, Pa. January 27, 1827; m. Martha Rupert in her home at Sadsbury, Pa. in 1876.  She was born in 1850 and died in 1880.  He was prosperous farmer and in 1907 President of the Parkesburg National Bank.  He lived on the old homestead.  Children:
50     JAMES M. (5) born in 1877.
51     ELIZABETH (5) b. in 1878; d. in 1880.
52     WILLIAM RUPERT (5) b. in 1880.

"Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chester County, Pennsyl-
vania, comprising a historical sketch of the county," by Samuel T. Wiley
and edited by Winfield Scott Garner, Gresham Publishing Company, Phila-
delphia, PA, 1893, pp. 622-4.

"JOHN Y. LATTA, a representative farmer and stock dealer of Parkesburg, is a
member of a family which has acquired considerable distinction in the reli-
gious annals of this section.  He is a son of Rev. James and Jane (Sutton)
Latta, and was born on the farm where he now resides, in Sadsbury township,
Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1827.

"His paternal grandfather, James Latta, was born in the north of Ireland, of
Scotch-Irish parentage, and while yet a boy made his way to America and settled
in the southern part of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.  He became a
Presbyterian minister, and for many years preached regularly at Chestnut
Level, that county.  At his home there he died about 1800, aged 60 years, and
his remains rest in the cemetery connected with the church he so faithfully
served, at Chestnut Level.  He married Mary McCalla, of Bucks county, and
reared a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters.  The daugh-
ters were Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth and Sarah.

"Sarah was the only one of the four who married, and she wedded a Presby-
terian minister named Thomas Love, who preached during a number of years at
Red Clay creek, near Wilmington, Delaware, and had one daughter, Mary, who
married Stephen Springer, and now resides near Wilmington, on the old home-
stead.

"The sons were Francis A., William, John, and James, and one after another they
all entered the pulpit, and became eloquent and successful ministers in the
church of their father.

"Rev. Francis A. Latta, the eldest son, was born April 27, 1766.  He was or-
dained as a Presbyterian clergyman November 23, 1796, and was pastor success-
ively of Presbyterian churches in Wilmington, Delaware, and at Lancaster and
Chestnut Level, Pennsylvania, in which latter place he also maintained a
classical school for many years.  In the year 1826 he removed to Sadsbury
township, Chester county, and established the Moscow academy, a classical and
literary institution, which flourished for some years.  he was a man of
remarkably well cultivated mind, a poet of no mean order, a very superior
classical and Hebrew scholar, and one of the greatest instructors of his day.
He was able in debate, discriminating and decided in judgment, and a model in
the pulpit.  In his manners he was social, and in his deportment humble and
unostentatious.  He died April 21, 1834.

"Rev. William Latta, the second son, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
in May, 1768.  He graduated at the university of Pennsylvania in 1794, was
licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle, and became pastor of the congrega-
tions at Great Valley and Charlestown, Chester county, October 1, 1799, in
which relation he continued until his death, February 19, 1847, a period of
over forty-seven years.  He was created a doctor of divinity by Lafayette
college, Easton, Pennsylvania.  He was a student and a scholar, and his
preparations for the pulpit were made with close study and care.  In the
church he was highly esteemed, and by appointment of the general assembly
held the office of trustee of that body for many years.  he was also a direc-
tor in the Princeton Theological seminary.  The general assembly of 1847, in
noticing his death, spoke of him as 'one of the venerable fathers of the
Presbyterian church.'  On occasion of the reception of General Lafayette at
West Chester, in July, 1825, the Rev. William Latta made a prayer very re-
markable for its touching sentiments, fervid eloquence, and patriotic spirit.

"James Latta (father) was the youngest son of the immigrant, James Latta, and
was born in Lancaster county, this State, about 1789.  He was graduated from
Princeton college at the age of twenty, and shortly afterward from Princeton
Theological seminary.  While yet a young man, about the beginning of the present
century, he left his native place and came to Chester county; and a few years
after his arrival here he purchased and settled on the farm now owned by the
subject of this sketch.  Here he continued to reside until his death in 1862,
when in the seventy-second year of his age.  His secular employment was that of
a farmer, and in its prosecution he was alike ener- getic and successful.  But
he also continued his labors for the church, and for more than forty years
preached regularly in the Octoraro Presbyterian church.  He was chiefly
instrumental in the erection of the Presbyterian churches at Atglen and
Christiana, this county, and preached at those churches for eight or ten years. 
He had scarcely reached his majority when he was given charge of a church, and
he remained an active worker in the cause of Christ all his life, almost
literally 'dying in the harness.'
During his long ministry in the Octoraro church he beheld the birth, growth and
death of a generation, assisting continuously in the baptismal, marriage and
funeral rites made necessary by the changing phases of the deep current of
actual life among his people.  His name became a household word in all the
surrounding country, and he stood high both as a citizen and a preacher.

"Politically he was an old-line whig, but never took any active part in
politics, preferring to find a field for his activity in the line of his
religious work.  He married Jane Sutton, a daughter of John Sutton, of Dela-
ware, by whom he had a family of five children, two sons and three daughters:
Dr. William, who was for many years a practicing physician of Sadsbury town-
ship, and died in 1872, aged forty-five years, leaving a family of eight chil-
dren - Dr. Samuel, William, John, Thomas, Jane, Mary, Margaret, and Helen;
John Y., whose name heads this sketch; Mary, married William Armstrong, and
died about 1867, leaving six children: Margaret, deceased at the age of
twenty-one; and Eliza, who wedded John A. Parke, a farmer of Highland town-
ship, this county.  Mrs. Jane Latta was a native of Delaware, a strict member
of the Presbyterian church, and died in 1842, at the age of forty-five years.

"John Y. Latta was reared on the home farm and received a liberal education in
the Chester county academy and similar institutions of learning at Stras-
burg and Wilmington.  On leaving school he engaged in farming on the old
homestead, and agricultural pursuits were so agreeable to his disposition that
he has devoted his entire life to cultivating the farm on which he was born, and
which passed into his possession in 1862.  The farm consists of one hundred and
fifty-seven acres of valuable land, well improved, and con- veniently located on
the Philadelphia and Lancaster turnpike, two miles from Parkesburg.  In addition
to this farm Mr. Latta also owns one hundred and eighty acres of land in this
county.  Beside his farm operations he has, since 1860, been a large live stock
dealer, being for more than twenty years a member of the well known stock firm
of Latta & Phipps, who were engaged in shipping cattle from the west to the
Philadelphia markets.  Mr. Phipps died in 1880, and since that time Mr. Latta
has continued the stock business by himself, but not so extensively as before. 
For a time he dealt in sheep and cattle, but now handles cattle exclusively, and
has been remarkably success- ful in this business.

"On April 6, 1876, Mr. Latta was united in marriage with Martha Rupert, a
daughter of William Rupert, of this county.  She died in 1880, in the thirty-
first year of her age, leaving two sons; James and William.  In politics Mr.
Latta is a democrat, and has served for a number of years as school director of
his township.  He is one of the directors of the Parkesburg National bank, and
occupies the same position in the Parkesburg Building and Loan associa-
tion.  Being affable in manner, prompt and energetic in business, and thor-
oughly reliable in every relation of life, it is doubtful if there is a better
known or more popular man in the entire township.
 

1880 US Census - Sadsburg, Chester Co., PA

Latta, John Y., age 53, born in PA, farmer and cattle dealer, father born in PA, mother in DE; Ann P. Latta, SMother, 74, born in PA, keeping house; James M. Latta, son, age 3, born in PA; William R. Latta, son, age 2 months, born in PA; William Underwood, age 22, born in Ireland, farm laborer; Mary Cronan, 55, born in Ireland, servant; and Joanna Cronan, age 48, born in Ireland, servant.

http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0199/0199notes.html

Charles C. Coyne, W'70, and his wife, Paula Latta Coyne, are pleased to announce that their daughter, Anna E. Coyne, became a freshman in the College in September. Through her grandfather, John Y. Latta II, W'36, she is a direct descendant of the Rev. Dr. James Latta, a member of the original graduating class of the College in 1757. She is the seventh generation of the Latta family and the fourth generation of the Coyne family to attend the University.

                                11 WILLIAM SUTTON (4) LATTA
     James (3) James (2) James (1). Born in Upper Octorara, Chester Co., Pa. September 12, 1822; d. there May 26, 1878; m. Margaret Eckert Whitehill, daughter of Samuel Atlee and Margaret Douglas (Wilson) Whitehill at Philadelphia, December 25, 1845.  She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa. September 29, 1822 and died August 13, 1891.  He was graduated from the Medical Department of University of Pennsylvania and was one of the most prominent physicians in Sadsbury, Chester Co., Pa.  The Atlee, Whitehill and Douglas families were prominent in the Revolutionary War.  She was born and married in her father's home at Sadsbury, Pa. 

 Children:
53          JANE SUTTON (5) b. September 16, 1846; m. James Crowell Pinkerton b. July 9,
1848; d. February 14, 1898.  Seven children: 1) William Woods b. June 21, 1870; d. April 24,
1900.  2) Edith Sewers b. January 1, 1873; m. Mr. Weckerly.  One child, Frank b. August 30,
1901; d. June 24, 1902.  3) Frederick Orie b. February 1, 1872; m. Nellie Evans October 28, 1903 b. December 3, 1872  4) James Crowell b. September 27, 1873; d. November 30, 1873.  5) Elizabeth G.C. b. September 24, 1874; m. Harry S. Green June 18, 1903.  He was b. March 17, 1873.  One child: James C. b. May 3, 1904;       6) Samuel Latta b. June 18, 1877.  7) John b. February 14, 1879.  8) James Crowell b. June 30, 1883.
54          SAMUEL WHITEHILL (5) b. at Parkesburg, Pa. July 23, 1848; m. Ann Abel of
Eastern, Pa. September 15, 1873.  He was in the U.S. Navy as Asst. Surgeon.  Served in Cuba and Asia.  Was in the Corean trouble and was mentioned in Admiral Schley's book in that connection.  Graduate physician of the University of Pennsylvania.  In 1905 Chief Physician of Pennsylvania Railroad.
55         MARY ANN ATLEE (5) b. September 25, 1850; m. John Fleming Jones April 18,
1877 of Chester Co., Pa., family in colonial history.  He was born November 13, 1844.  Two
children: Caroline Whitehill Jones b. June 14, 1880.  John Latta Jones b. September 11, 1890.  In 1924 lived in Philadelphia.
14       WILLIAM JAMES (5).
56       MARGARET DOUGLAS WILSON (5) b. April 21, 1855.
57       HELEN ELIZABETH (5) b. at Sudsbury, Pa. October 26, 1858; m. Benjamin
Palmer Opdyke October 19, 1892.  He was born June 3, 1838.  One child: Margaret Douglas
Latta b. August 25, 1893.  D.A.R. No. 22407.
58       JOHN ANDERSON (5) b. in Chester Co., Pa. August 3, 1862.  In 1905 India
Rubber Goods, Philadelphia, Pa.
71      THOMAS LOVE (5) (September 24, 1865-January 1961) entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1883 as a freshman in the Class of 1887. He was the son of William Sutton Latta, M.D. and Margaret Eckert Whitehill. Latta compiled a very distinguished record in collegiate baseball, playing the position of catcher. From his freshman year he was the member of the College baseball team as well as the baseball team of the Class of 1887. He was also a member of the Freshman Class Athletic Committee. As captain of his class baseball team during his sophomore year, Latta led his team through an undefeated season. As a sophomore he was also a member of his class teams in football and tug-of-war team. And again he played on Penn's collegiate baseball team, referred to as the "Baseball Nine."  During his junior year, Latta served on Penn's teams for tug of war as well as baseball, at both the class and the collegiate level. During Penn's spring sports season, he was also able to win the shot put with a throw of 30 feet 3½ inches.   During his senior year, Latta was again a member of two collegiate-level teams, for baseball and tug of war. At the class level, he served on the teams for baseball, football and tug of war, holding the position of captain for the latter; he also won the running broad jump and the shot put for his class. In contrast to this excellent athletic record, his academic performance was not very commendable. As an undergraduate, Latta also served as one of the athlete models for Eadweard Muybridge's landmark study, Animal Locomotion. After leaving the University of Pennsylvania, Latta became a contractor and civil engineer. Later on he was a life trustee of the Presbyterian Hospital and President of the Children's Cruise and Playground Society. At the time of his death in January of 1961, he was Penn's oldest living alumnus. http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/students/undergrad/1887/latta.html

   

                             12 JAMES WILLIAM (5) LATTA
     John E. (4) John E. (3) James (2) James (1).  Born at Philadelphia, Pa. April 19, 1839; d.
March 1922; m. Susan Eyre Withers, daughter of Hensel L. and Matilsa E. Withers on November 12, 1868.  She was born September 17, 1845. He was a lawyer.  { Please see end note for more detail} 
Children:
59          JOHN EWING (6) b. September 17, 1869.  Merchant in Philadelphia in 1905.
60          HARRISON WAINWRIGHT (5) b. September 11, 1871; m. Ella Fritz Roberts,
daughter of John D. and Katherine (Kitner) Roberts of Johnstown, Pa. November 17, 18__.  Civil Engineer, Philadelphia.
61          EDITH WITHERS (6) b. July 24, 1879; m. Alex L. Brodhead born February 13,
1904.  In 1905 living at Syracuse, N.Y.
 

1880 US Census - Philadelphia, PA

Latta, James W., age 41, born in PA, lawyer, father born in PA, mother born in PA; Susan W. Latta, age 35, born in PA, keeping house; John E. Latta, son, age 10, born in PA, at school; Harrison W. Latta, son, age 8, born in PA, at school; Edith W. Latta, daughter, age 1, born in PA; Susan Moore, 18, born in MA, servant; Bridget O'Brien, age 20, born in Ireland, servant, Rosa O'Brien, age 18, born in Ireland, servant.

 
                        13 EUGENE EWING (5) LATTA
     John E. (4) John (3) James (2) James (1).  Born March 9, 1847; d. ____; m. Susan L.
Lamberth of St. Louis, Mo. July 25, 1872.  In 1935 he lived at Clayton, Mo.  Merchant.
Children:
62     ALBERT EWING (6) b. August 24, 1873; m. Helen W. Jenkins November 23,
1903.  In 1905 in P.O. Department at Washington, D.C.
63     EMMA SARAH (6) b. December 28, 1876; d. January 11, 1877.
64     NINA CORNELIA (6) b. October 16, 1879; m. Otto A. Marx December 24,1902.
65     HELEN BARTLETT (6) b. February 2, 1882.
 

1880 US Census - Denison, Grayson Co., TX

                                     14 WILLIAM JAMES (5) LATTA
     William S. (4) James (3) James (2) James (1).  Born November 21, 1852; m. Kitty or Kittie Nigh Bingham, at Harrisburg, Pa. __ 1884.  She was born December 4, 1852.  Her D.A.R. No. is 16448, Philadelphia.  Her mother was a Miss Cameron.  He was a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad November 18, 1869, and resigned August 31, 1899, as general agent, having passed through various positions as Superintendent, etc.  In 1901 resigned the Presidency of the Telephone and Cable Company of America.  He founded a scholarship in the University of Pennsylvania to the memory of Rev. James Latta, one of the first graduating class of eight and a memorial to Rev. James Latta in the Presbyterian Historical Society of Philadelphia.  He joined the Sons of the American Revolution December 11, 1893 being great grandson of Chaplain James Latta (see family 2) and private John Wilson, a great grandson of Col. Samuel John Atlee (see family 11) and John Whitehill (see family 11) and private John Wilson, Sr.   He was once the President of the Telephone and Cable Company of America. Cable being the telegraph Samuel Finley Breeze Morse invented. William James Latta retired in 1901. They lived at 430 West Moreland Ave., Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. in a home they called the Grey Arches.  Children:
66          MARGARET DOUGLAS (6) b. August 22, 1886; m. W. Griffin Gibble, 1907,
D.A.R. No. 21788, Philadelphia.  Children: Margaret Douglas b. 1908.  Elizabeth Bancker b.
1910.  Katharine b. 1911.
67          WILLIAM JAMES (6) b. September 15, 1888.  Civil Engineer.  Philadelphia.
68          KATHARINE (6) b. September 22, 1889.
69          MARY BINGHAM (6) b. November 24, 1890 in Philadelphia, PA; d. November 11, 1968 in Berkeley, CA; m. Dozier Finley on April 21, 1919.  He was born on December 22, 1880 in Santa Clara Co., CA and died on May 25, 1960 in CA.  In 1939 they lived at 2725 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, Calif.  Children: William Latta Finley, b. September 17, 1920; Mary Dozier Finley, b. September 1922; Cynthiana Finley, b. November 26, 1926;  and Hugh Dozier Finley, b. November 18, 1928.  

70          RACHEL WHITEHILL (6) b. December 20, 1892; m. Harry Alverson
Franck June 28, 1919.  Children: (1) Harry Alverson Jr. b. at sea April 25, 1920, (2) Katharine Latta b. Peiping, China March 26, 1923, (3) Patricia Wilsey b. Hampstead, Long Island, N.Y. November 25, 1925, (4) Charles William b. in Connecticut December 20, 1926, and (5) Peter Alverson b. at Bognor Regis, Sussex, England July 12, 1930. She was an author in her own right.  Her book "I married a Vagabond" was published in 1939.  See biography written by her daughter, along with pictures at http://www.harryafranck.com/rachel.htm

E-mail from William Earl Finley (a descendant of Branch 8) 7/4/07:

Attached photos:
>
> 1. The photo of William James and Kitty Nigh Bingham Latta in the backyard at Grey Arches with my father William Latta Finley(facing) and his cousin Harry Franck in the baby carriage. This is the only photo I have of them together and may still exist of them
> together.

>
> 2. The photo of Grey Arches. The best photo I own of it. Winterthur has a nicer one they shared with me on the condition I not share it with others.

>
> 3. The photo of William James and Kitty Nigh Bingham Latta's children - William James Latta Jr. who was in the Navy is standing. Seated left to right are:
> Katharine Latta, Mary Bingham Latta Finley(my Grandmother), Margaret Douglas Latta Gribbel, Rachel  Whitehill Latta Franck. (this is not on my website, but I am considering adding it)
>

> 4. Dozier and Mary Bingham Latta Finley at his retirement party. Very nice photo I only found when I made the website in a old letter from her to my father. The photo is in brand new condition kept in that letter all these years in the old desk we have, which actually came from Grey Arches and sits in my bedroom today.

>
> 5. William Latta & Betty Jane Craven (my parents)

>
> 6. Mary Bingham Latta (not on my website).
>

> 7. The full size photo of the newspaper article I sent Winterthur Library. It may look better at this size and easier to read the caption. The free library of Philidelphia sent this to me. The original copy I have is taped to a copy of the diploma and has yellowed
> with age. It also has become shrunk up for lack of a better word and hard to get a good copy of it. Attached as number 10 photo though for your archives.

>
> 8. This photo of William Sutton and Margaret Ekert Whitehill Latta M.D. came for a book on the Gribbel family  I believe which I can't find at the moment, but was sent to me my my cousin or copied by my cousin from the book, but not owned or property of either my  cousin or myself.

>
> 9. Picture of Rachel Whitehill Latta Franck she sent to my father.

>

> Sincerely, Wm. Earl Finley
>
> PS I noticed the hyperlink to my website is gone. If  you prefer my email address instead as a family  contact it would be nice and appreciated, however,  if  you actually like the link and removed it in error  here it is as well:

 http://www.smokymountainsphotogallery.com/abph.html
>
>
 

                               71 THOMAS LOVE (5) LATTA
     William Sutton (4) James (3) James (2) James (1). Born September 24, 1865; died January 1961; married Florence Hood.   Children:
72      THOMAS HOOD  (6) b. Oct. 6, 1897.  Thomas H. Latta succeeded his father in the firm of Armstrong & Latta. He had been born in Philadelphia and received his early education at Episcopal Academy and the Delancey School. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1920, serving as treasurer for his class. While still at the University Latta had gained practical experience by working for the Pennsylvania Railroad for three months, helping to lay railroad line to Hog Island. After his experience in World War I, Latta joined his father's office.
 

                               72 THOMAS HOOD (6) LATTA
     Thomas Love (5) William Sutton (4) James (3) James (2) James (1). Born Oct. 6, 1897; d. ________________; m. Mary Hubble.  Children:
73      THOMAS RUFUS (7)  Obituary: Mr. Thomas R. Latta, 79, of Thurmont, died Monday, March 21, 2005 at the University of Maryland Medical center. He was the husband of 58 years to Elizabeth Wright Latta. Born in Rochester, N.Y. on August 23, 1925, he was the son of the late Thomas Hood and Mary Hubble Latta. Spending a majority of his life in the Philadelphia area, he spent the autumn years in Florida and Maryland. Mr. Latta attended the University of Pennsylvania. He was a salesman for most of his working career, but for over 10 years he operated a coffee business. He served four years in the U.S. Army/Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater.   Besides his wife, survivors include five children, Elisabeth L. Crump and husband Gary of Thurmont, David G. Latta of Tucson, Ariz., Barbara W. Parsels and husband Fred of Woodbridge, Va., Mary L. Mutter of Thurmont and Thomas W. Latta of Reading, Pa; eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Stauffer Funeral Home, Thurmont is serving the Latta family. (Source: Frederick News Post, published 23 March 2005)  [Sgt. Thomas Rufus Latta was a tailgunner in the 39th Bomb Group ((VH) Crew 54]

______________________________________________________________________________

            THIS IS THE END OF THE BRANCH AND THE START OF THE NOTES
______________________________________________________________________________

1930's Note Detail:

                                    1 JAMES (1) LATTA
     Born in No. of Ireland between 1690-1700.  In winter of 1738 he came to America.
The vessel was wrecked and his records lost.  Married Mary Alison, a sister of Rev. Francis
Alison, a noted divine and pastor at New London, Chester Co., Pa.  She was born at Lac, Ireland.  He settled near Elkton, Md. about 1740 and he and his wife were buried in the Rock Church Presbyterian burial ground near Elkton, as his son James told a daughter.  The letters on the tombstone are obliterated.  C.B. Springer, great grandson of Sarah Latta, his granddaughter, writes: "The history of the old Rock church in Cecil Co., Md. says that without a doubt the parents of the noted James Latta were members of that church and are buried in ground belonging to that church at Lewisville, Pa."  This does not agree with the above.  Miss Allison was his second wife.  Had one child, James.  Four sons by his first wife.  One of them settled in Westmoreland Co., Pa., one in Ohio and one or two in N.C.  Mrs. Katharine C. Malone, daughter of William Wilson Latta, writes: "The only one I ever heard of speak of my great grandfather's half brothers was my father's eldest sister.  She seems to have been in the home of her grandmother and maiden aunts than any of the other grandchildren, and taking greater interest in family affairs than the others.  She was recognized as an authority in such matter."  She also says that tradition said the Latta's fled from France like so many of the protestants after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, first going to Scotland, then to Ireland and then to America.  She thinks that James was taken by Dr. Francis Alison who she always understood was a brother of his mother so his wife could not have been a sister of Dr. Alison.  James was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
     Rev. S. A. McPherson of Wazahachie, Texas branch No. 19 writes: "The history of
James Latta, one of five brothers, is well authenticated (He lost the proof.)  He had four sons by his first wife, William, Samuel, Thomas and John.  After her death he married Mary Alison and had one son, James.  Sailing from Ireland, they were shipwrecked near Elkton, Md. 1738.  His family records were lost.  One of the five brothers, Robert, possibly two of them, went to Orange Co., N.C. soon after arriving.  A second or third son, Thomas, came in 1760 or1775.  One, name unknown, father of Matthew Latta (Is this 2 Matthew Latta branch No. 22 that was born in Maryland and lived and died in Trimble Co., Ky.?) remained in Maryland with James who with his wife was buried near Elkton, Md.  James, the six year old boy, grew up and went to school in Pennsylvania and became a prominent Presbyterian minister.  After being licensed he was appointed by the Synod to work half a year among the vacant churches of Carolina.  He was ordained in 1759.  His half brother, John, had gone to Orange Co., N.C. probably with the first emigrants to that section.  He accumulated property rapidly and in the crisis after the battle at Guilford Court House, March 15, 1781, he furnished the Militia of the State with supplies and cash amount to L572.  See note in branch No. 15.  Also pages 9 and 10 of this history.

                             _______________________________________

1930's Note Detail:

                                               2 JAMES (2) LATTA,
     James (1).  Born No. of Ireland in 1732.  Fell from a carriage at Pleasant Level, Pa. and d. January 29, 1801.  Married Mary McCalla, daughter of Capt. William McCalla of Plumbstead, Bucks Co., Pa. February 26, 1765 in Bucks Co.  She was born in 1744 and died February 22, 1810.  He came to America with his parents in 1738 and was shipwrecked near Elkton, Md.  For three days and nights he remained with others on board the wrecked vessel before they could be relieved.  He kept his Bible continuously under his arm.  He had a French Bible which he used in preference to an English Bible.  He was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1757, being the first class that graduated from that university. (See copy of diploma below) He studied for the ministry and spent most of his life near Philadelphia.   Licensure reported in 1766.  He was granted the title of D.D. probably by the University of Pennsylvania in 1799 and was the third Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church in the United States.  He was quite prominent in the Revolutionary war and was called the "Fighting Parson".  He took a deep interest in the cause of American liberty and firmly and zealously espoused the cause by word and deed.  He stimulated his people to defend their rights and once in the course of the war, when an unusual number were drafted to serve in the Militia, took his blanket and knapsack like a soldier and accompanied them on the campaign.  He also served as a chaplain.  The records show that one James Latta served in said war as a chaplain in Capt. Thomas Whitesides Company, 2d Battalion of Lancaster Co. Militia commanded by Col. Thomas Porter.  His name appears on an updated roll of the company for the period of December 14 to December 25.  Year not stated.  See Vol. 23, p. 464 Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3.  Also see History of James Latta, Gen. of No. Pennsylvania Vol. 3, page 40.
     Colonial and Revolutionary families of Pennsylvania, Vol. 3.
     James Latta born No. of Ireland in 1732.  Came to America with is parents, James and
Mary (Alison) Latta, who settled near Elkton, M.D, Cecil Co., about 1740.  Dr. Latta entered
College of Philadelphia now University of Pennsylvania in 1754.  Graduated 1757.  Tutored there from 1756 to 1759.  During that period studied theology under Dr. Francis Wilson and in 1758 was licensed to preach by Presbytery of Philadelphia.  In 1759 ordained and appointed to minister to scattered and destitute settlements in Virginia and Carolinas.  In 1761 was pastor of Deep Run, Bucks Co., Pa. Presbyterian Church until 1770, then he resigned to take charge of the church at Pleasant Level, Lancaster Co., Pa. until his death.  He was one of the most ardent of patriots urging the cause in and out of the pulpit.  Entered the military service as a private and later as chaplain of Col. Thomas Coock's Battalion of Lancaster Co. Militia in 1776.  His four sons, Francis, William, John and James, were ministers of the Presbyterian Church.  See Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog. Vol. 3, p. 128.  Also see Lineage Book D.A.R. Vol. 23, p. 141, and National Members 22407 and 9829, D.A.R. Vol. 10, p. 293, and Vol. 22, p. 288.
     Rev. Robert P. DuBois who married his granddaughter, has written an interesting history
of Rev. James Latta which was reprinted in Philadelphia in 1901 by William J. Latta, a
descendant.
     LATTA -- Genealogy of Northern Pennsylvania, Vol. 3, page 40.
 Rev. James Latta, D.D. b. North of Ireland 1732.  Located at Pleasant Level.  Established
a school which was acquiring considerable celebrity as an educational institute when its progress was arrested by the Revolutionary War.  With the beginning of the struggle for national independence Dr. Latta became one of the most ardent patriots, entered military service as a private and later as a Chaplain of Col. Thomas Gooch's Battalion of Lancaster Co., Militia in 1776.  He was the author of "Psalmody" and various other published writings.  He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Pennsylvania.

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1930's Note Detail:
                                 4 JOHN EWING (3) LATTA,
     James (2) James (1).  Born October 8, 1770; d. September 26, 1824; m. Catherine Van
Voorhies of Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of John and Mary H. Van Voorhies, April 9, 1805.  She was born June 9, 1787 and died May 12, 1878.  He received ordination August 13, 1800 and for24 years was the pastor of the noted churches of New Castle and Christiana in Delaware.   For a number of years he had charge of an academy at New Castle.  For several years he was Permanent Clerk of the General Assembly.  A sketch of his life is given in the History of Delaware by Conrad, Vol. 2, page. 769.  An obituary written by Dr. Gilbert says: "He was intelligent, exemplary and conscientious; attentive to the afflicted and the anxious, a man of enlarged views and liberal feelings, clear and instructive expounder of the word of God."  He left a large number of publications.
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1930's Note

                                               5 JAMES (3) LATTA,
     James (2) James (1).  Born in Lancaster Co., Pa. June 10, 1787; d. May 30, 1862; m. Jane Sutton of New Castle, Del., daughter of John and Margaret (Nuttle) Sutton, October 8, 1818.  She was born October 28, 1792 at St. George, Del.; d. June 20, 1841.  He was born at Chestnut Level, Pa.  Her father was prominent in the Colonial and Revolutionary affairs of Delaware.  James was graduated at College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, when 20 years of age.  Prepared for the ministry under the tutorship of his eldest brother, Rev. John Ewing Latta, then pastor of Presbyterian churches of New Castle and Christiana, and was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1809 and ordained April 3, 1811, as pastor of Upper Octoraro congregation, Chester Co., Pa. which he served until 1850.  He established a church at Penningtonville Mills,now Atglen, same county, where he was installed November 11, 1852.  "Latta Memorial Church" erected at Christiana, Pa.  A memorial to his memory is in the Presbyterian Historical Society given by his grandson, William J. Latta.
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1930's Note Detail:

                                 12 JAMES WILLIAM (5) LATTA
     John E. (4) John E. (3) James (2) James (1).  Born at Philadelphia, Pa. April 19, 1839; d.
March 1922; m. Susan Eyre Withers, daughter of Hensel L. and Matilsa E. Withers November 12, 1868.  She was born September 17, 1845.  He enlisted as a private in "D" Co. Gray Reserves, now 1st Regt. Penn. National Guards April 19, 1861.  Appointed 2d Lieut. 119th Pennsylvania Vols. August 4, 1862 and Captain "B" Co. March 4, 1864.  Specially selected from the 6th Army Corps as Asst. Adj. Gen. of Vols. and commissioned as Captain April 20, 1864.  Was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Salem Church, Gettysburg, Rappahannach Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Petersburg and many others.  Brevetted Major for gallant conduct at Winchester, Va. and Lieut. Col. for metorious services in the Cavalry engagements of Ebenezer Church and Columbus.  Declined an appointment in the regular army and honorably mustered out January 20, 1866.  Was admitted to the Bar April 19, 1860.  Resumed the practice of law and again entered his old regiment, the First Infantry and became Major, Lieut. Colonel and Colonel.  Was appointed Adj. General by Governor Hartranft for two terms, and by Government Hoyt for one term.  "In conformity with the law, I have nominated to Senate James W. Latta, of Philadelphia to be Adj. General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with rank of Major General.  Signed J.T. Hartranft, Governor.  See Pennsylvania Archives, 4th Series, Vol. 9, p. 506.  He was with Sherman in his march from Atlanta to the sea.  Was on Sheridan's Staff.  Was first secretary of the Municipal Civil Service Board under the new Philadelphia charter.  Elected Clerk of the Quarter Sessions in 1889 and 1892 and Secretary of Internal Affairs in 1894 and 1898.  Past Commander Department of Pennsylvania G.A.R., a member of Post No. 2 of Philadelphia and of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.  The Army Corps in which he served captured Jefferson Davis and other Confederate leaders and the division in which he served captured Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy and Howell Cobb who had been Buchanan's Secretary of the Treasury.  He wrote the "History of the First Regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania (Gray Reserves) 1861-1911", which was published in Philadelphia in 1912.  This book now sells for about $375.00 as research collection.  The book is 811 pages, contains photos, rosters, and full color plates of soldiers in uniform.

(article presented by Wm. Earl Finley (Great, Great, Great, Great, Grandson of Rev. James Latta, son of William Latta Finley.

     James William Latta had a fine collection of autographs, portraits of Napoleon and celebrities of his reign, medals and original drawings.  He had the original draft of the list of the members of the Institute de L'Egypte in manuscript of Gaspard Monge and signed by Napoleon with two names added in by his pen.  It was written about a month after the Battle of the Pyramids and was the conqueror's compilation of those who won his approval.  Napoleon's letter to Lucian announcing his marriage to Marie Louise is a unique paper.  It is intensely personal with a touch of tenderness that makes it different from the usual words that he penned.  One of the most important documents is the confidential plans of campaign that was sent out by the conqueror, written in 1813.  There are a score of intensely interesting documents.  The Napoleon portraits are numerous and some of them important and one is amazed when the pictures of the scenes of his career and its incidents are seen together.


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1930's Note:

     The following, also what is on page 1, is taken from a book printed by Rev. S.A.
McPherson (branch No. 19) of Waxahachie, Texas:
     We may not have the records of all their ancestors, but it seems we have.  Several traditions speak of five brothers coming to Pennsylvania or Maryland and two or three of them going to Orange Co., N.C.
     Robert was one of the five brothers.  Is said to have died while his son, James, was little and with his wife was buried in Orange Co., N.C.
     Thomas, probably one of the five brothers, went to Orange Co., in 1760 or 1775.  He appears to have married late in life, as Solomon, said to be his son, was born in 1793.
     Robert of Rowan, branch No. 19, may have been the son of Robert, one of the five brothers.  If not, it seems he must have been the son of John, the rich one.  John must have seen the possibilities of the rich Yadkin-Catawba region, and would naturally try to put his sons into such a favorable environment.  As to John of Lincoln and Joseph of Machlenburg and James, the brother of John, it is nearly certain that they were sons of John.  The fur, if brothers, would probably be born as follows: Robert b. 1749.  Joseph b. 1751.  John b. 1753.  James b. 1755.
     The descendants of James includes a large number of prominent persons.  I know nothing of the descendants of Robert except the names of his children.  Of Joseph I know only the descendants of Elizabeth, the name of her brother John's wife, and of her sister Esther's husband.
     Assuming that James (1) Latta was one of the five traditional brothers who settled in America, we have the following table:
     1 James.  2 Robert, Orange Co., N.C.  3 Thomas, Pa. later N.C.  4 Unnamed one, father of Matthew, Maryland.  5 unnamed, settled in Pa. or in Orange Co, N.C.
     1 James branch No. 8, married twice.  Name of first wife unknown by whom he had three children, Samuel.  William settled in Pa. and Ohio.  John went to Orange Co., N.C. about 1740.  Married in 1747.  Probably four or more sons.  (No positive evidence that these were his sons.)  Nothing is known of Samuel and William.  John was born about 1749.  He was called John Jr.  Unmarried.  Went to Lincoln, Mechlenburg Co., N.C. about 1769.  Property also in Orange Co, N.C.  Went to Antrim, Ireland in 1792.  Died there.  Robert born about 1751, married Jane ____ 1772.  Does business in Rowan Co., N.C. in 1775.  Died there in 1782.  Will mentions wife Jane.  Children: James.  Samuel.  Jane.  Agnes.  I have no hint as to the later life of any of these except Jane Latta, October 11, 1793 to Churza Hopkins in Orange Co., N.C. branch No. 19.  Joseph the head of the family in census of 1790.  Name of wife probably Nesbit.  One son, four daughters.  These are John b. 1779 m. Margaret Woodsides February 5, 1803, Cabarrus Co., Esther born 1791.  Married Ephrain Pharr July 14, 1801, Machlenbuerg Co., daughter born 1793.  Elizabeth born September 4, ____.  Married twice, first husband (Robert) Cochran, January 1, 1805.  Had two children.  Eleanor b. December 10, 1805.  Robert b. 1807.  Second husband, John Stephenson, m. July 23, 1811 in Rowan Co., N.C.  Six children, one was a daughter, b. 1788.  James b. 1755.  Married twice.  First to Elizabeth Houston, 1780.  Two children: William and Robert.  William b. at Antrim, Ireland October 8, 1781.  Married Mary P. Woods.  Died at Darlington, S.C. September 26, ____.  Six children. Robert b. in Antrim 1781, came to America with his father in 1792 or 1793.  Married twice.  First to Miss Allison.  One child: William.  Second wife, Miss Dilworth.  Two children: Cecelia and James.  Second wife of James, above, b. 1755, was Jane Knox.  Three children: Mary.  Nancy.  Elizabeth.  This James has a number of descendants.  After settling his brother John's estate at Lincolntown, he removed to Hopewell, Mechlenburg Co., where his brother Joseph appears to have lived.
     Going back to James (2) son of James (1).
     James (2) b. in Ireland 1732.  Six years of age when shipwrecked in 1738.  Volunteered in Revolutionary War.  Afterwards Chaplain.  Died in 1801.  In school under his uncle Mr. Alison, for years.
     There is something of doubt in my mind about the connection between my ancestor, Joseph Latta, and the other Latta's.  But the above statement is to say the least the most plausible.
(NOTE 1996: The above note helps to show a tie of branch 12 and 19)
 

Creator: Latta family; Title: Papers; Dates: 1880-ca.1930; Call No.: Col. 104; Acc. No.: 91x102, 92x182; Quantity: 5 boxes, 2 map case drawers; Location: 17 K 2, map case 6

William J. Latta was born on November 21, 1852 in Chester County, Pa. His father, William Sutton Latta (1822-1872), was the first surgeon of the Pennsylvania Railroad. William J. began working at the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. as a telegraph operator at the age of eighteen. He rose through the ranks to become agent of the railroad, a position he held until his retirement in 1899. William was also an avid collector of Napoleoniana.

William J. Latta married Kitty Nigh Bingham. They had five children: Margaret, William, Jr., Katherine, Mary, and Rachel. The family lived at 430 West Moreland Ave., Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. in home known as "Grey Arches." For periods of time, William and Kitty Lattas' unmarried sisters, Elizabeth Bingham, Mary Virginia Bingham, and Margaret Douglas Wilson Latta, resided with the family. "Grey Arches" remained in the possession of the family until 1958 when it was torn down. The Lattas also had a summer home in Rockport, Maine called "White Cedars."

Most of this collection is comprised of household and personal bills, various types of railroad passes, family letters, diaries kept by Rachel Latta, and architectural drawings, photographs, and legal documents relating to "Grey Arches" and its greenhouse. The bills were incurred by several members of the family who lived at "Grey Arches." They were for clothing, food, pharmaceutical items, house furnishings, funeral expenses, and general upkeep of the house. The railroad passes were for baggage, transportation and telegraph privileges. Many of the letters were sent from the Latta children to their father, mother, and Aunt Gertie between 1899 and 1919. Another series of letters was sent from William Latta, Jr. to his father and sisters during his tour of duty on Sub Chaser 212 during and after World War I.

Rachel Latta's diaries cover the years 1904 and 1910 through 1914. She describes her life in Maine, Chestnut Hill, and Westover School in Middlebury, Ct. Also featured are details of her trip to the St. Louis Exposition.

This collection also includes catalogs from the sale of William J. Latta's collection of Napoleoniana, held in April and November, 1913 at the Anderson Galleries in New York City. His collection included letters, bronzes, portraits, caricatures, mezzotints, memoirs and other documents.

The household bills and legal documents pertaining to "Grey Arches" are in Boxes 1 and 2; plans for the house are in the map case. Also in Box 2 are items relating to William J. Latta. Boxes 3 and 4 are other Latta family items, including letters and diaries. A typescript of letters and diaries is found in Box 5.

Gift of Katherine Frank Huettner.

Latta, William J., 1852-1938.

Latta, William Sutton, 1822-1872.