Chester Times
Feburary 14, 1885
Obituary of Benjamin Gartside
For the past two or three days of the eyes of Chester have been upon a scene of West Second Street, where an aged man lay slowly breathing the last of a long and useful life.
People all over the city, those who knew him well and those who only knew of his good deeds, frequently inquired how the sufferer was and what were the prospect of a further prolongation of his life. The age man was BENJAMIN GARTSIDE, known familiarly as "FATHER GARTSIDE," and yesterday he passed into the silent land.
He had enjoyed more that the three score and ten years afforded to man, passing a decade further on than four score years, and possessing his faculties until within a few days or hours of his death. He was not sick with any disease that his physician could diagnose, but the thread of life was fast running out, the silver cord had been loosed to its utmost length, and he died from a general and gradual cessation of his physical powers - the sands of life had run entirely out.
When he took to his bed a few days ago it was not expected that he would rise again. The sufferer himself felt that his time was near at hand, and he leaned upon his God and waited for the coming of the messenger of death. As the end drew near his strength gave way and he became unconscious. His bedside was continually surrounded by relatives and friends, but he did not know them. His children were all sent for, and in the home in which he had spent so many of his days, and among those he held dearest, he passed peacefully away about 5 o'clock. Though all knew his death was only a question of time, yet it was a shock when it came. The news of his demise soon spread, and in a incredibly short time was known throughout the city. Sketch of His Life Benjamin Gartside was born in Rockdale, Lancashire, England, May 26, 1794 and consequently is nearly 91 years old. After a limited education in his native country he learned the trade of hand-loom weaving, at which he continued until his emigration to the United States in 1831. He found employment a once at the Blockley mills, Philadelphia and remained there until 1833, when he went to Manayunk and worked for Joseph Riphon (last name ???). In 1838 he engaged in business on his own account, first using but on hand-loom, but introduced four powered looms subsequently on account of the increase in his business. In 1840 he rented a mill on Wissahickon creek, and conducted the business until 1843, when he removed to Cardington, Delaware county, where he introduced new machinery.
He was very successful there, but left for Chester to continue the business in a factory which he built in 1852. This was the Keokuk Mill. Land was purchased at the foot of Fulton street and the original structure; 90 by 33 feet four stories high building. The land adjoining to the north was bought in 1855-1859 and, additional building erected. On January 1, 1857, James and Amos Gartside, his sons, were admitted as partners under the firm name of B. Gartside & Sons, and have continually so until the present time. The work occupy over two acres of ground, comprising the square between front street and the Delaware river, and Parker and Fulton streets. When erected this mill was considered on of the most complete in the country. Mr. Gartside by a technical knowledge of the business, together with great industry and strict integrity, has enjoyed a career of remarkable prosperity. Since his residence in Chester he has been actively identified with its growth and prosperity. He was in politics early an "Old Line Whig, and later became a Republican. For many years he was Councilman of the borough, and filled various other positions a public trust. He was the originator of the First National Bank of Delaware County, was prominent in the projection of Chester Rural Cemetery, and has by his liberality and public spirit been a promoter of all measures tending to the development of the city of his adoption. He was long a prominent member of the First Baptist Church, and rendered material aid in the erection of the present office of the denomination at Second and Penn street. He always gave liberally toward it s support and lived an earnest Christian life.
Mr. Gartside was married in 1815, leading to the hymeneal alter Miss Elizabeth Kershaw, of Rockdale, England, and enjoyed a happy wedded life. The children of the union are Enoch, Robert, Mary (Mrs. John Kershaw), John, James, Ann (Mrs. Jonathan Grant), Amos and Joseph, all of whom have been successful in life, some of the sons having been prominent in business and political life in Chester.Amos and James Gartside have long been prominent manufacturers, while taking active parts in municipal affairs. The deceased was the first manufacturer to begin business on the west side of Chester creek. His mill was then considered a long way into the country, while now it is east of the central portion of South ward. To be convenient to his work he build the house he now occupies. There was no thoroughfare at that time were Second street now is, and Mr. Gartside's front lawn extended to Front street, and was noted for its attractiveness. Gradually houses were built around him, and he lived to see a thriving city grow from a little sleepy town and manufactories spring up around him. He gradually increased the facilities in his own mill, until the present large business was built up. Until within a few months he was able to personally conduct a large part of the business at the mill, signing checks and attending to other financial affairs, his clearness of mind and the soundness of his faculties being remarkable for a man with a weight of years upon his shoulders.
Mr. Gartside was a man of great benevolence and during his lifetime preformed innumerable acts. He was always foremost in any benevolent cause and never turned a deaf ear to suffering. His house was constantly visited by the needy and impecunious and they never came away empty handed. Like all generous men he was victimized by the unworthy, and his friends expostulated with him for giving so freely and to those to whom he was not acquainted. To these he always gave the same reply: "I would rather give to ninety-nine unworthy ones, than that one worthy person should be turned way." He was as free with his means to the church as to individuals and the Baptist denomination particularly will miss a great friend by his death. About twenty years ago his wife, so whom he was devotedly attached, died, and frequently after her death he remarked to friends that he did not think he had long to stay in this world. Of late years this feeling was more pronounced and he expressed himself ready to go as soon as haven willed it. In the death of Mr. Gartside the employee of the mill will love a firm friend, as many of his acts of benevolence have been directed towards them. For some years past he was in the habit of celebrating his birthday anniversary by giving a supper and entertainment to his employee and these occasions were always enjoyable affairs, a large number of people always being in attendance.
His last birthday celebration nearly nine months ago, commemorating the arrival at the ninetieth milestone in the journey of life was one of the most notable in the entire series.Robert Halls, manufacturer at Third and Franklin streets, who was an intimate friend of the deceased for over a quarter of a century , said in speaking of his high character and sterling integrity, "He was a remarkable man. It is a great pity there are not more like him." A number of incidents are told of his life, all showing the worth of the man and motive that always prompted him. He will be sincerely mourned by all Chester.