Years in parentheses are years of service as a Director of The Bank of Delaware County and/or The Delaware County National Bank

George Bolton Lownes (1823-28, 30-32), son of Hugh and Rebecca  (Rhodes) Lownes, was born in Springfield, Delaware county, in 1785. He was a man of wealth. In 1809, he served one term as County Commissioner, and in 1815 was a Director of the Poor. Prior to 1820, he owned and operated a carding mill in Springfield, which in 1827 he leased to Samuel Riddle, who converted it into a cotton mill.

In 1832, he set apart a tract of land on his farm in Springfield, on the Philadelphia, Brandywine and New London turnpike, for a church and burial purposes. At his own cost he erected the church, furnished and dedicated the building and grounds, the first as a place in which all denominations, irrespective of sect, could freely conduct religious exercises, and the grounds for free interments. By his will he set aside $400, the interest of which was to be used in repairs to the church and care of the grounds. That fund was placed in the charge of a clergyman in Philadelphia, who invested it in securities which proved worthless, and the principal was lost.

George B. Lownes died February 22, 1834, and his remains were buried in the lot near the entrance to the church.

[Obituary]