[59-23b] ANTHONY H. SEIPT, same as above, m 2nd time, MRS. MARY W. (DRESHER) HECKLER, 0b Dec. 14, 1851; widow of Franklin Heckler, and dau of Jacob and Catharine (Wile) Dresher [64-17]. Res. of widow, Skippack, Pa. No issue.
Anthony H. Seipt was born in Towamencin Twp., Montg. Co., Pa., and spent his early years on his father’s farm. After receiving a limited education, he began a mercantile career by conducting a general country store at various places in Montg. Co. By reason of Mr. Seipt’s remarkable energy, his business reached large proportions and in 1867 he sold out his store interests in Skippack, Pa., retiring from active mercantile life, in order to devote all his time to other interests.
In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. Seipt was actively connected with progressive developments and improvements throughout the County. He was associated with the management of the Stony Creek R. R., and played a prominent part in the inception and development of the Perkiomen
R. R., serving as its president from 1867 to 1888, during which period it was highly successful. He also acted as director of various other corporations, for his keen judgment was a valuable asset to any project, and he was much sought after in the management of financial enterprises. For many years, he served as a director of the Montgomery National Bank of Norristown, Pa., and was one of the organizers of the Montgomery Trust Co. in Norristown, acting as a director from its inception until the time of his death.
Mr. Seipt was a devout Schwenkfelder, and out of his wealth, he contributed liberally to various philanthropies and missions, usually without allowing the mentioning of his name. In fact, his modest and retiring disposition was one of his strongest traits of character. Although urged on account of his wide acquaintanceship to accept political honors, he could never be induced to permit his name to be presented.
Mr. Seipt always took a deep interest in promoting the activities of the Schwenkfelder organizations. He urged the collection and publication of the writings of Schwenkfeld and promised to make large contributions if all Schwenkfeld’s writings would be collected and published. The outgrowth of these views is the present Corpus Schwenckfeldianerum. When he learned that Caspar Schwenkfeld’s Bible could be purchased, he promptly bought it and thus made it possible for the ‘‘Schwenkfelder Society” to obtain it. The check given in payment of this Bible is preserved in the S. H. L. at Pennsburg. Being deeply interested in the preservation of the Schwenkfelder books and manuscripts, he at one time offered to erect a building to house these relies, but the plans were then not yet ready, and death overtook him before such a plan could be carried out. How he would rejoice to see the handsome fire-proof Library Building, which now houses these priceless relics!
Mr. Seipt likewise possessed a real sympathy for religious work outside of his own denomination. Among his effects were found documents showing that hehad made large missionary contributions of which the public was not aware. He was a faithful attendant at church services as long as his health permitted and upon his death, the Church lost a firm and steadfast member.
Parents’ family: [64-17] Jacob Dresher and Catharine Wile