By Ed Dybicz
21 March 1967
Some time ago, one of the newer residents was heard to say, at a public meeting, that “Upper Merion is historically an amazing township, including street names, have historical significance.”
And, so it goes with an inquiry received about Hampton Road in the Belmont Terrace section of Upper Merion.
Anyone traveling along Valley Forge Rd, will eventually come in contact with Hampton Rd., which was named for John Hampton, a prominent resident who served as Montgomery County Commissioner.
John Hampton was one of the best known men in the Upper Merion area. For 50 years he was a successful farmer. He operated “Kenilworth Farm” consisting of 88 acres, bounded by Valley Forge and Henderson Roads, and upon which a portion of the community of Candlebrook is now located.
Upon the extreme Northeast corner of the former Hampton property, Upper Merion Township has indicated to locate its proposed administration building.
U.M. Supervisor
John Hampton was born in 1842 in Radnor Township, Delaware County, son of John and Anna Hampton. At the age of two years, the family moved to Upper Merion, originally residing near Swedeland.He attended Upper Merion Schools and assisted on the new farm. Later, Hampton attended Treemount Seminary in Norristown.
John Hampton married Ester Hallowell Ramsey of Upper Merion. He devoted much time to scientific agriculture and came in contact with many people.
While busily engaged in agriculture, Hampton always found time to take an interest in the welfare of the township. He was elected and served as Supervisor of Upper Merion Township for several years.
His administration of Upper Merion at that times was looked upon as progressive and this popularity was a factor when John Hampton was elected a member of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, serving from 1887 to 1903. During his second term, the County Court House was rebuilt.
Hampton was a leading spirit on the County Board, as he was in many other organizations. No task was too great for him. He was frequently a delegate of the Republican party to County Conventions and took part in the political affairs of this district.
Hampton’s political career also included Upper Merion Auditor for several terms as well as Republican Committeeman.
After his retirement as a farmer, John Hampton moved to Norristown. However, the homestead continued in charge of a son, Howard Hampton.
John Hampton died at an age of 83 years on Feb. 28, 1925.
