Businesswoman. Local hero. In 1829, Mary Johnson of Bucks County married a weaver named Andrew Ambler. The couple purchased the Fulling Mill and land in Wissahickon. When Andrew died in 1850, Mary took over the mill operations. In 1855, the Wissahickon Railroad station opened. While the railroad allowed farmers farther markets and greater profit, Philadelphians took the Wissahickon train into the countryside for picnics. On July 17, 1856, the "picnic special" had a head on collision with a southbound train near the Fort Washington station. Fifty-nine were killed. Mary Ambler is said to have walked two miles to the wreckage to organize rescue work. A railroad station was named after Mary Ambler, and later, the borough served by the station adopted the name "Ambler" as well.
Businesswoman. Local hero. In 1829, Mary Johnson of Bucks County married a weaver named Andrew Ambler. The couple purchased the Fulling Mill and land in Wissahickon. When Andrew died in 1850, Mary took over the mill operations. In 1855, the Wissahickon Railroad station opened. While the railroad allowed farmers farther markets and greater profit, Philadelphians took the Wissahickon train into the countryside for picnics. On July 17, 1856, the "picnic special" had a head on collision with a southbound train near the Fort Washington station. Fifty-nine were killed. Mary Ambler is said to have walked two miles to the wreckage to organize rescue work. A railroad station was named after Mary Ambler, and later, the borough served by the station adopted the name "Ambler" as well.
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