Robert, Hugh, Thomas, Amos Strettel Biographical Information
Pennsylvania Magazine Vol. I pg. 241
Robert Strettell, a wealthy Irish Quaker, removed with his family to Philadedphia in 1736. He was probably a son of Amos Strettell, of Dublin who in 1703 purchased 5000 acres of land in Penn. Robert Strettell was successively Member of Common Council, 1741, alderman, 1748, and in 1751 Mayor of Phil. In Dec 1741, he was appointed one of Provincial Council, and in Jan 1756, during the absence of Gov. Morris, he presided over that body. He died in Phila., and in his will, which was admitted to probate June 24, 1761, he devises "All my Proprietary Rights in West Jersey" and "all my Greek, Latin, and French authors." He was buried inFriends' Ground June 12th, 1761. His widow, Philotesia, dau. of John Owen, of London, d. in Philada. June 1782, and was buried in Friends' Ground on the 28th of that month.
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS THE THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE:
Pennsylvania Magazine, Vol. II, 1878, pg. 114
ROBERT STRETTELL (Vol I. p. 241)-- I propose to correct several errors in the note on page 241 on the Pennsylvania Magazine relative Robert Strettell and his family, and also add a few additional facts which may be of interest.
Robert Strettell's father, Amos Strettell, was not an Irishman, though for many years a resident of Dublin, to which city he removed in 1678-9 from Cheshire, England, his native place. Amos was son of Hugh Strettell (died 7 mo. 5, 1671), and Mary, his wife (died 7 mo 11, 1662), who were among the first Friends in that country. They were both buried in Friends' burying-ground Mabberly, Cheshire.
Amos Strettell was twice married. His first wife, Ann, daughter of Robert and Mary Roberts, of Dublin, died 11 mo, 8, 1685-6, only surviving her marriage a few years. It is related that "she was buried in Friends' burial-ground by Stephen Green, the 10th of the same month, being the first day of the week after the evening meeting, when John Burnyeat (an eminent minister in the Society of Friends) bore a living powerful testimony to the truth and great love of God to the children of men by so clearly manifesting the same by the glorious shining of the light of his son Jesus Christ in the hearts of the children of men."
Amos Strettell's second wife was Experience, daughter of Robert Cuppiage (born in Cumberland, England, 1619), and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Joshua and Sarah Warren, of Colchester. Amos and Experience were married at her father's house at Lambstowne, county of Wexford, Ireland, 1st mo. 23, 1692-3.
Philotesia, the wife of Robert Strettell, was a sister, and not daughter of John Owen, of London. She was daughter of Nathaniel Owen (died 11 mo. 7, 1724), formerly of Seven Oaks in Kent, afterwards of Coulsdon in Surrey, and subsequently of Reigate in the same county, by Frances Ridge (born 1662, died 2 mo. 6, 1724), his second wife. Philotesia was born at Coulsdon, 5 mo.17, 1697, and was married to Robert Strettell at Reigate, 5 mo. 18, 1716.
Robert and Philotesia Strettell had the following children, all of whom came to America with them in 1736 or 1737, except the first, viz., John Strettell, an eminent merchant of London, born in Cheapside, the 29th of 8th month, 1721; died in the same city in July or August 1786. He had an only child, Amos Strettell, whose descendants are probably living in England.
Amos Strettell. Born in England--died in Philadelphia. 1780. He had two daughter, Frances and Ann, who married respectively the brother Benjamin and Cadwalader Morris, and whose descendants can be found on the published "Morris Tree."Also a son Robert, who died without issue.
Frances Strettell, born in England. Married Isaac Jones. They were parents of Robert Strettell Jones, some of whose descendants are given on page 360 of the Pennsylvania Magazine.
Ann Strettell, born in England. Probably died unmarried in Philadelphia. 12 mo. 20, 1777.
ADDITION TO ABOVE ARTICLE:
Pennsylvania Magazine Vol 1, p226, Queries
Robert Strettell Jones married Ann, daughter of Joseph Shippen. I am preparing a geneology of the Shippen family and would llike to recieve any information in regard to his descendants.CHARLES R. HILDEBURN
Abstract ofPhiladelphia County Wills, 397, Book M.
76 Robert Strettell, Phila, merchant. Wife Philotesia and son Amos Executors. Children Amos, John, Frances and Ann. Legatees, Sister-in-law, Francis Chamberlin, Kinsmen Thos. Rooke; son-in-law Isaac Jones; the executors for charitable uses.
Witnesses William Jeron, Thos. Lloyd and Mark Kuhl, Jr. Signed June 21, 1750. Codicil signed and dated August 22, 1750, witnesses Chas. Brockden, Mary Lisle and Peter Miller, Jr. Proved June 26, 1761. Recorded page 127.
Robert Strettell biography found in Philadelphia Free Library (unknown book) August 1999
Robert Strettell was a native of Ireland; a country which furnished Pennsylvania with several of its wealthier emigrants; but his father had removed thither from Chesire, where the grandparents of the Councillor had been early member of the Society of Friends. That they were people who could show a respectable family connection may be assumed from the fact that their descentdant, Abel Strettell of Dublin, merchant, temp. James II, was allowed by the Ulster Office to carry a coat-of-arms exactly like that borne by others of the name --sa., a chevron between 3 heads of tridents points downwards ar.; crest, a swan in his pride ar. swimming in water ppr.--and but a slight heraldic difference from the arms, sa., a chevron between 3 harpoon heads ar., and the crest, a swan wings expanded ar., belonging to the earlier name of Strattle; and also from the arms, sa. a chevron between 3 eell spears ar., of the still more primitive name of Stratley or Stratele. The derivation of the name is explained to be: Strete (Lat. stratum, a road) and a hill or hull (Sax.), the original seat in the parish of Rosthern, Cheshire, being just were the old Roman road from Manchester to Chester meets the high ground.
The great-grandfather of Robert Strettell was THOMAS STRETTELL, of Blakley, b. in 1598, d. Aug, 1657, m. Jany, 1619 Margaret Graffitt of Alderley.
His son HUGH STRETTELL was born 1622, and was first of Blakley and afterwards of Saltersley. He married 1662 Mary, daughter of Francis Hulme.
Hugh Strettell (who died 7 mo. 5d 1671(September 5, 1671)) and Mary his wife (who died 7 mo. 11, 1662(September 11, 1662)), both buried in Friends' Ground, Mobberly, Cheshire, were parents of
AMOS STRETTELL b. 1658, who removed to Dublin in 1678-9, and m. 1st, Anne, dau. of Roger and Mary Roberts of that city. She died 11 mo 8, 1685-6(January 8, 1685-6), about two years after her marriage, and was buried in Friends' Ground. He m., 2nd, at the house of his bride's father at Lambstowne, County Wexford, 1 mo. 23, 1692-3, Experience, daugter of Robert Cuppiage (born Cumberland, England, 1619) and Elizabeth, his wife, dau. of Joshua and Sarah Warren of Colchester. He bought 5000 acres of land in Pennsylvania, and was owner of large tracts in New Jersey, over which his cousin Amos Ashead exercised a kind of superintendence (Logan's Letter Book). A daughter of Amos Strettell m. John Barclay, son of the Apologist. By his second wife, Amos Strettell was father of the Councillor,
ROBERT STRETTELL, born in Dublin in 1693. He left Irelnd to seek his fortune in the metropolis of the British Empire, where he remained about twenty years, but, losing a great deal of money in the South Sea Bubble, he was finally by the assistance of his friends sent to America. The certificate of removal for himself and wife and son Amos and daughters Frances and Ann was from theFriends' meeting at Horsleydown, Southwark, dated 11, 26, 1736. William Black in his Journal, June 1st, 1744, says: "Mr. Strettell carried us to Germantown about a mile further, where he had a little country house to which he used to come and spend some part of the Summer Months, his wife was then there. * * Mr. Strettell had not been long in Philadelphia, he came over from London with a cargo of goods about 9 years since, and had very good success in trade, he was one of the Friends, but seemed not much affected to their underhand was of Dealing and Cloak of Religion, he, I really do believe, appeared what he really was, a very Honest Dealer and sincere in everything he acted." The "merchant" of his day exposed a variety of wares; and in a newspaper of 1738, we find, "late imported and to be sold by Robert Strettell at his store in Water Street, facing Fishbourn's warf," muslin, cambrics, "flowered damask," India velvet, blue and white China plates, Japanese tea kettles, Scotch snuff, "fine London Pigtail tobacco," &ct. &ct. The year 1738 is within a period of three years during which the imports of Pennsylvania amounted to 179,654 pounds, 9 shillings Sterling (Votesof Ass.) Like the other more conspicuous Quakers, he was fond of literature, sufficiently at least to collect a little library of Greek, Latin, and French authors. He became a public character in 1741 as a man of liberal view. Spain was at war with Great Britain, and it was feared, would attempt the conquest of the American colonies. The Quakers of Pennsylvania could not take up arms, and it was equally against their scruples to vote money to carry on war. Circumstances made them a strong party organization. The Yearly Meeting gathered their chief men together just before the elections for Assembymen, and it was but natural that they should compare notes, and consult on the political situation. These conclaves became the dread of the Proprietary, or Lieutanant-Governor's, party: but this year, 1741, James Logan, whose Quakerism had been tempered with the statesmanship, sent a letter setting forth the defenceless state of the Province and the ill consequences that might ensue upon men of their principles procuring themselves to be returned to the Assembly. The shrewder heads, anxious to ward off the influence of such an epistle,--for they had cause to fear if once they withdrew from politics, their ascendancy could never be regained, --hit upon the expedient of appointing a committee, Robert Jordan, John Bringhurst, Ebenezer Large, John Dillwyn, and Robert Strettell, to peruse the letter, and report whether it contained matters proper to be communicated to the meeting. The committee reported, that as it contained matters of a military and geographical nature, it was by no means proper to be read. Robert Strettell alone remarked, that, considering the letter came from a man of abundant experience, an old member who had a sincere affection for the welfare of the Society, he was apprehensive should it be refused a reading, such a procedure would disgust not only him but the large body of Friends in England. This minnority report was not expected, and John Bringhurst caught him by the coat, saying sharply, "Sit thee down, Robert Strettell, thee art single in that opinion." (Letter of Richard Peters) On the 6th of October, four new Aldermen were chosen by the City Corporation, three of whom were not Quakers, and then Robert Strettell and another Quaker and three Chruchmen were added to the Common Council, to neutralize the influence of Isaac Norris and his friends.
Governor Thomas in November invited Strettell to the Council. He qualified December 14, 1741. On November 16, 1748, he qualified as an Alderman, having been elected at the preceeding meeting. He was one of the original Trustees of the College of Philadelphia in 1749, and was Mayor of the City for one term. He gave 75 L. towards the erection of a Public Buildinginstead of the usual collation. In the Council, he was an active member, and during the French War aided his more belligerent colleagues. For a few days, in the absence of Gov. Morris and James Hamilton, he, as eldest councillor, was supreme in the City. He seems to have favored the declaration of war against the Delaware Indians. He was present when it was decided on; and William Logan alone is said to have dissented.
He died before June 12, 1761, buried that day in Friends' ground. He married 1716 Philotesia, daughter of Nathaniel Owen of London, who was son of Nathaniel Owen of Seven Oaks, Kent. She died before June 28, 1782, buried that day in Friends' ground.
Issue:
Frances, b. September 17, 1717, m. Isaac Jones, see below,
Experience, b. 1719, d. inf.,
Amos, b. 1720, m. Hannah Hasell, see p. 204
John, b. 8, 28, 1721, m. Mary Hayling, see p. 207
Ann, d. unm. F.M. 4, 26, 1771, will probat. Phila, May 8, 1771
Robert, resided in Dublin after his father's removal to America, but afterwards came to Philadelphia, his certificate from Dublin meeting being dated 1, 18, 1745-6, d. s. p. 2, 28, 1747.
BIOGRAPHY: [Robert] was married, 5 Mo. 18, 1716, at Reigate, Surrey, to Philotesia Owen. He died in June, 1761, and in his will mentions his "Proprietary [p.267] Rights in West Jersey" and his "Greek, Latin, and French authors." His children were: Frances, born Sept. 17, 1717, married, Feb. 13, 1742-3, to Isaac Jones, sometime Mayor of Philadelphia; Amos Strettel, born 1720, married, Nov. 2, 1752, Hannah, daughter of Samuel Hansell, Provincial Councillor, and served as Alderman of Philadelphia in 1766, and as Assemblyman in 1780; John Strettell, born 8 Mo. 29, 1721, in Cheapside, London, married, 1776, Mary Hayling; Ann, died unmarried, 4 Mo. 26, 1771; Robert, resided in Dublin after his father's removal to America, but came to Philadelphia about 1745, where he died 2 Mo. 28, 1747.
BIOGRAPHY: His [grand]father, Hugh Strettell, son of Thomas Strettell (of Blakley, born 1598, died Aug., 1657) and his wife, Margaret Graffitt (of Alderley, married 1619), was born 1622, and was married to Mary Hulme, daughter of Francis Hulme. Hugh and Mary Strettell became members of the Society of Friends and resided at Saltersley, Cheshire; he died 7 Mo. 5, 1671, and she died 7 Mo. 11, 1662; buried in Friends' ground at Mobberly. Children of Amos and Experience Strettell: Robert, b. 10 Mo. 25, 1693; Anne, b. 12 Mo. 23, 1694-5; Amos, b. 4 Mo. 1, 1696, d. 11 Mo. 30, 1712; Elizabeth, b. 7 Mo. 25, 1697; Thomas, b. 7 Mo. 13, 1699; Ebenezer, b. 12 Mo. 27, 1700, d. 3 Mo., 1703; Jacob, b. 3 Mo. 5, 1702, d. 11 Mo., 1703-4; Experience, b. 5 Mo. 23, 1704, d. 4 Mo. 26, 1705; Lydia, b. 6 Mo. 28, 1706; Benjamin, b. 9 Mo. 1, 1707, d. 10 Mo. 21, 1708.
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The Papers of Benjamin Franklin
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Strettell, Robert (1693-1761)
Mayor of Philadelphia (1751).
A Quaker who supported defensive war. Provincial councilor. Trustee of the Academy of Philadelphia.
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Immigration of Irish Quakers to Pennsylvania, 1682-1750
Part III The Irish Friends in Pennsylvania
III Some Prominent Irish Friends
Robert Strettell, Provincial Councillor and Mayor of Philadelphia, was born of Quaker parentage, 10 Mo (Dec) 25, 163, in Back Lane, Dublin. His father, Amos Strettell, descended from a respectable Chesire family, was born 12 (Feb) 24, 1657, Saltersley, Mobberly, Cheshire, and removed to Dublin in 1 Mo (March) 1678-78, where he was married to Anne, daughter of Rober and Mary Roberts, of Dublin. She died 11 Mo (Feb) 8, 1685-86, and he then was married, 1 Mo (March) 23, 1692-93, by Friends ceremony, to Experience Cuppage, daughter of Major Robert Cuppage and Elizabeth his wife, proinent Friends of Lambstown, County Wexford. Amos Srettell make a purchase of 5,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania, but there is no evidence to sho that he ever came to this country; he also held large tracts of land in New Jersey. In 1688, he and John Burnyeat published a small book called "The Innocency of the Christian Quakers Manifested," etc.
About 1716, Robert Strettell went to London and engaged in trade, but was losing a large amount of money in the South Sea Bubble, he decided to remove to Pennsylvania. A certificate of removal, dated 11 Mo (Jan) 26, 1736, for himself and family, from Friends' Meeting at Horslydown, Southwark, was received by Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, 4 Mo (June) 24, 1737. He made his residence in Philadelphia and opened a shop; in a newspaper of 1738 in this advertisement: "late imported and to be sold by Robert Strettell at his store in Water Street facing Fishbourne's Warf", muslin, cambrics, "flowered damask," India velve, blue and white China plates, Japanese tea kettles, Scotch snuff, "fine London Pigtail tobaco," etc. His business prospered, and by 1744, when William Black visited the city, he had attained such affluence that he wa able to keep up a country house at Germantown. Black writes in his Journal, June 1, 1744: "Mr. Strettell carried us to Germantown about a mile further where he had a little County House to which he used to come and spend some part of the Summer Months, his Wife was then there:...We staid till near Sun-down at Mr. Stretell's Villa, where we were very kindly Received by Mrs. Strettell, she appeared to be a very Agreeable Woman, and Considering she was in years was Admirably well shaped; Mr. Strettell had not been long in Philadelphia; he came over from London wit a Cargoe of Goods about 9 years Since, and had very Good success in Trade; he was one of the Friends...he, I really do believe, appear'd what e really was, a very Honest Dealer, and sinere in everything he Acted; he was a very Modest Man in Company, Spoke little, but wat he said was always worth the Noticing, as he gave everything consideration before he Delivered'd it; he was...very Moderate in Drinking and kept Good horses...he hadonly one son(Amos) who Liv'd with him, about 1, and was in Partnersip with him in Trade, he appear'd to be a very Promising sober and wel Inclin'd young Man, and much attatch'd to Business, evern uncommon for his years."
Strettell began his public career in 1741. In that year he was elected a member of the Common Council of the City and also appointed to the Provincial Council. In 1748, he was elected Alderman, and in 1751, Mayor of Philadelphia. He was a Friend, but like James Logan, was a believer in defensive war.
He was married, 5 Mo (July) 18, 1716, at Reigate, Surrey, to Philotesia Owen. He died in June 1761, and in his will mentions his "Proprietary Rights in West Jersey" and his "Greek, Latin, and French aurthors." His children were: Frances, born Sept 17, 1717, married Feb 13, 1742-43, to Isaac Jones, sometime Mayor of Philadelphia; Amos Strettell, born 1720, married Nov 2, 1752, Hannah, daughter of Samuel Hansell, Provincial Councillor, and served as alderman of Philadelphia in 1766, and as Assemblyman in 1780; John Strettell, born 8 Mo (Oct) 29, 1721, in Cheapside, London, married 1776, Mary Hayling; Ann, died unmarried, 4 Mo (June) 26, 1771; Robert, resided in Dublin after his father's removal to America, but came to Philadelphia about 1745, where he died 2 Mo (April) 1747.