[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PHILADELPHIA COUNTY REVOLUTIONARY WAR MILITIA LIEUTENANT 
                           COLONEL JACOB REED

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2025

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National 
Society Daughters of American Revolution (NSDAR), Towamencin Chapter, 
which is an organization in my district. The NSDAR was founded in 1890 
to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the 
United States. Members seek to honor their heritage as daughters of 
Patriots who supported the Revolutionary War while making a difference 
in their communities.
  The Towamencin Chapter, NSDAR has collaborated with the William G. 
Pomeroy Foundation in their initiative to celebrate the 
semiquincentennial of our Nation in 2026. This program offers grants to 
commemorate historical points of interest significant to the 
Revolutionary War period. The Towamencin Chapter, NSDAR, along with the 
assistance of the Hatfield Historical Society and Museum, were grateful 
that one of the historical sites chosen belonged to Lieutenant Colonel 
(Lt. Col.) Jacob Reed, a Patriot from Hatfield, Pennsylvania.
  Lt. Col. Jacob Reed was born on July 6, 1730, in Philadelphia County, 
Pennsylvania. He died on November 2, 1820, in New Britain Township, 
Pennsylvania. He married Magdalena Leidy and had 9 children together. 
Jacob Reed came from a very patriotic family with his father paying the 
Supply Tax in 1781 in Hatfield Township and all his brothers and 
brothers-in-law participating in the Revolutionary War. Two of his sons 
also fought in the Revolutionary War.
  Lt. Col. Jacob Reed resided in Hatfield from 1770 to 1793, having 
secured a 215-acre land warrant from the sons of William Penn. His 
original log home, built in the 18th century, still stands today as 
part of the current farmhouse on the property.
  A respected farmer, church elder, and public servant, Jacob Reed's 
legacy is deeply embedded in the fabric of Hatfield's history. During 
the Revolutionary War, he served as Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st 
Battalion, Philadelphia County Militia, making him the highest-ranking 
military officer from Hatfield at the time. He played critical roles in 
the Battles of Germantown and Brandywine, and was later elected Major 
of the 5th Battalion, Pennsylvania Troops, continuing his service until 
the war's end.
  His unwavering faith in the American cause had brought attacks on 
Reed's life and home. Yet, Jacob Reed never swayed. Reed's intimate 
knowledge of the region's terrain and demographics proved to secure him 
as an invaluable asset to General George Washington.
  Additionally, the Forst family who are members of our district, were 
instrumental in saving this property from development. Bill Forst 
bought the property and then used his own funds and time to restore the 
property to what it is today. The property has now passed to his 
daughters, Wendy Forst Ferrell and Fay Forst Younger, who allowed the 
Towamencin Chapter, NSDAR to install the marker on their property as 
well as hold a dedication ceremony recognizing the contributions of Lt. 
Col. Jacob Reed and his willingness to fight for his beliefs.
  Through these acts of endless patriotism and dedication, the Forst 
family, Daughters of the Revolution, Towamencin Chapter, William G. 
Pomeroy Foundation, and the Hatfield Historical Society demonstrated 
their unwavering commitment to serving the Pennsylvania's 1st 
Congressional District community.

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