Joseph A. Ward

Father of Francis, Joseph married Johanna Giltinan Ward (1870-1956) and they had five children. He operated a barber shop on West 3rd Street in Chester for many years. He  decided to close his shop and open a flower shop in Marcus Hook, later operating the flower business from his home at 134 E. Ridge Road in Linwood. Both Ward Street in Chester and Ward Street in Linwood were named after him.

During World War II, he worked at the Houdry Plant in Linwood. He also managed the Linwood Post Office and Immaculate Heart Cemetery. He was a well-known figure in Linwood. However, he still had his own business selling, engraving and setting memorial markers for the graves. He also owned the only lowering device and green matting used at grave sides. His son, Hughie, worked for him, and operated this equipment, which was needed by the area’s funeral homes for their burials.