Early Life and Education
Born in Dorchester, Dorsetshire, England in 1644, William Biles hailed from a family with a strong tradition of religious dissent. His maternal grandfather, the Rev. William Strong, was a well-respected preacher and supporter of the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. Biles received his education in law at Exeter College, at Cornwall in 1660, obtaining his B.A. in 1664, and M.A. in 1669.
Emigration to AmericaIn 1679, seeking refuge from religious persecution in England, William Biles brought his wife, Joanna (Hellard), and their five children to America. They settled in what would later become Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before William Penn received his charter. William worked as a "vile monger" - a seller of glass containers such as drinking glasses, and bottles for perfumes or medicines.
William Biles quickly established himself as a prominent figure in early Pennsylvania. He served as a Justice of the first Provincial (Supreme) Court from as early as 1681, and he was a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Council from 1683 to 1700. Biles also held a seat in the Legislature from 1686 to 1708, contributing significantly to the early governance of the colony.
Biles was a land speculator and owned substantial tracts of land in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, amassing over 50,000 acres in what is now Salem County, New Jersey. He was qualified as a proprietor of West New Jersey and played a pivotal role in its development.
William was outspoken and made enemies with a number of powerful people including Lieutenant Governor John Evans and William Penn. After a particular outburst at the Assembly or Pennsylvania, William Penn wrote the following about William Biles:
"Much is said of the lewdness of Pennsylvania. I beg of thee to have regard to my character and give not that advantage against me, either with God or good or bad men, whose ill use of it I most fear on a public account. I have just now received thine of 5th, 5th month and am very sorry that wicked man, D. L. could blow up any of his mermidons to such a pitch as thy account of William Biles relates that is a meer vox et praetara nihil, a cox comb and a pragmatic ingraine. That fellow's plantation is a robbery on Pennsbury and if there be a grant, was not a purchase from me nor toward land write for me was surveyed long before and done in my absence, formerly and Judge Monpresson can tell if I may not be deceived in my grant as well as the Crown, be it King or Queen Since if confirmed it was on. Surprize and rattle an Inquisition about his [William Biles'] ears if not a prosecution. And know when the time is expired of session, as he may be taken to task. Since the service he may pretend he was to attend is over. And do first complain to the Friends and if they won't or can't bow him to make satisfaction, take it by law, thyself. Pray mind what I say be secret, which is discreet and fall on him or any other such unruly people at once and make someone such an example to terrify the rest. Thou hast not only my leave but my liking and encouragement whether called Quakers or not. --[signed] William Penn"
Religious Contributions
William Biles continued his family's tradition of religious dedication and became a prominent Quaker minister in the region. He played a crucial role in establishing the first Quaker meetings west of the Delaware River. The first known Quaker meeting was held at his home below the Falls of Neshaminy in 1683, setting the foundation for the establishment of Falls Meeting House in 1690. In addition to his local contributions, William Biles traveled back to England in 1701 and 1702 to be a voice for Quaker interests. He was a committed supporter of the Society of Friends and engaged in gospel work, making several journeys to New England colonies to promote Quaker beliefs.
Later Life and Legacy
Joanna died in 1687. Fifteen months later he remarried Jane (Boyd) Atkinson, widow of Thomas Atkinson. William and Jane traveled in America, Ireland and England in the working for the Society of Friends. Jane passed away in 1709. After she died he continued his public and private endeavors, and his land holdings continued to expand, encompassing around 20,000 acres in New Jersey, 300 acres in Delaware, and 1,000 acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, by the time of his death.
William Biles passed away on May 19, 1710, at the age of 66. His legacy lives on in the early history of Pennsylvania and the Quaker community. His son, William Biles Jr., also became a notable figure in Pennsylvania politics, serving as Speaker of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly in 1724. William Biles Sr. left behind a lasting impact as both a religious leader and a key participant in the development and governance of the Pennsylvania colony during its formative years.
William Biles (1644-1710)
Johanna Biles (1675-1775)
Abraham Beeks (1703-1732)
Abraham Beeks (1731-1788)
Samuel Beeks (1752-1814)
Francis Marion Beeks (1786-1861)
Nettie Jane Beeks (1812-1882) Migrated to Cherry Creek with husband Joshua Smith
Francis M Smith (1840-1916)
W F Smith (1882-1916)
Oda Zelle Smith (1908-1975) - My great grandmother
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Biles
Biles, B. W. (1950). The Biles Family: How Green Was Our Valley. Altus, Okla. https://archive.org/details/bilesfamilyhowgr00bile
Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, U.S., Compiled Marriage Records, 1700-1821 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2011.
Ancestry.com. U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
