Kathryn Chambers Torpey

The Chambers Family in Philadelphia Kathryn Chambers Torpey

This family history documents the life of George and Elizabeth Chambers; their three children, George Washington, William, and Emma; and their seven grandchildren who were the children of George Washington Chambers. The first part of the narrative describes what little is known about the arrival of George and Elizabeth Chambers in America and the early history of the Chambers family in Philadelphia. The second part of the narrative documents what is known about George Washington Chambers' service in the Civil War, his work as a boatman, and his married life. The third part of the narrative profiles the life of each of George Washington Chambers' children - first the girls and then the boys. The purpose of the document is to chronicle the sequence of major events in the life of the Chambers family; to bring the family back to life, albeit only momentarily; and to depict their fundamental character and outlook on life as a working class family living in Philadelphia during the period 1840 to 1940.