In addition to producing material goods, Montgomery County is home to many notable individuals.
Dr. Daniel A. Wilson (~1865 – 1934)
Dr. Wilson was the first African American physician in Montgomery County. He received his degree in homeopathic medicines from Philadelphia’s Hahnemann Hospital in 1890. Despite the challenges of segregation, Dr. Wilson led a successful career as a physician and helped pave the way for other aspiring African American physicians. He lived on Elm Street in Norristown until his death in 1934.
John Markley (1764 - 1834)
John Markley was a real estate speculator in Norristown. However, he is better known for his family’s involvement in local politics. He served as a Montgomery County Sheriff and was a prominent member of the local Republican Party. His son, Philip S. Markley, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Pennsylvanian Congressman. Due to the family’s political influence, a street in Norristown was named after them.
Thomas Hovenden (1840 -1895)
As an Irish immigrant who lost his parents during the Potato Famine, Thomas Hovenden became acquainted with hardship at an early age. Throughout his career as an artist, Hovenden frequently depicted scenes of hardship among the middle and lower classes. Since most art of this time focused on wealthy people, Hovenden’s work represents the beginning of a transition in subject matter that was occurring in art at that time.
