Germantown in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John S. Trower

1849 - 1911

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2022

1. John S. Trower Marker

Inscription. One of the wealthiest African Americans of his time, entrepreneur John Trower ran his prominent catering business here. He founded Downingtown Industrial & Agricultural School, a building and loan association for homeowners, and he generously donated to Baptist charities.

Erected 2021 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Education • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 40° 2.161′ N, 75° 10.504′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Germantown. It is on Germantown Avenue just north of West Chelten Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5706 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia PA 19144, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Battle of Germantown Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Landing of the German Colonists (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Delplaine House (approx.

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0.2 miles away); Market Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); Soldiers Monument at Germantown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Reformed Church of Germantown (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Germantown White House (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Germantown White House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2022

2. John S. Trower Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 904 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.