David Reese Esrey
David Reese Esrey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 1898 (aged 72) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, banker |
| Known for | Cotton textile manufacturing; director of Delaware County National Bank |
David Reese Esrey (December 4, 1825 – April 11, 1898) was a prominent American entrepreneur and banker based in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Early life
Born to Jonathan and Margaret (Kerlin) Esrey in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, Esrey received his education through the public school system in Nether Providence, Pennsylvania.
Career
Esrey commenced his professional journey in 1844 at a general store located in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, eventually acquiring ownership of the establishment within six years.
In 1863, he formed a business alliance with Hugh Shaw focused on cotton textile manufacturing. They obtained a stake in Pennelton Mills situated in Aston, Pennsylvania, where they produced Powhattan Jeans.
By 1866, Esrey and Shaw had constructed a mill near Chester, Pennsylvania, designating the surrounding area as Powhattan. Their enterprise expanded with a second mill in 1871 and a third by 1877, together covering approximately 20 acres. The mills manufactured products under brand names including Powhattans, Covingtons, Provident, and all wool jeans.
Esrey was appointed as a director on the board of the Delaware County National Bank in 1878 and held this position until his passing. The following year, their company was formally incorporated under the name Shaw, Esrey & Company.
Philanthropy
He held the position of president on the Board of Trustees for the Madison Street Methodist Episcopal Church, playing a key role in its construction. Additionally, Esrey served as an administrator for the Chester Hospital.
Personal life
Esrey married Margaret Marker in 1850, with whom he had five children. After Margaret's death in 1866, he remarried Sarah E. Blakely. He was laid to rest at Chester Rural Cemetery.
Legacy
The street formerly known as Pine Street in Chester, Pennsylvania was renamed Esrey Street to honor his contributions.