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

Joshua Pusey Eyre (1835-39, 51-52, 55-57, 62-63, 1865 to '72), son of Jonas and Susanna (Pusey) Eyre, was born in Chester, July 14, 1803. He was apprenticed to the dry goods trade to Townsend Sharpless, of Philadelphia, and when free returned to Chester, where, in 1824, he established a general store at the southwest corner of James (Third) and Edgmont streets. Later he and his brother, William Eyre, Jr., engaged in the lumber and coal business, at the same time running the packet "Jonas Preston," which made tri-weekly trips between Chester and Philadelphia, conveying passengers and freight.

March 25, 1847, Joshua P. and William Eyre retired from business, and at that time were reputed the wealthiest men in this section of the county. For years they were the political leaders of the county, and "Josh and Bill's" store was headquarters. Joshua P. Eyre was elected to the Legislature in 1841, but declined a re-nomination. In 1862, he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal to enroll the male residents of Delaware county under the Conscription Act. He was one of the organizers of the Delaware Mutual Safety Insurance Company, was elected a director on July 23, 1835, and continued such until his death, a period of nearly thirty-seven years.

He was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Market Company and its first president. He was a director of the Chester Creek Railroad Company. Eyre street, Chester, is named in his honor. He died at his residence, the fine old dwelling that stood in the way of Fifth street, at Edgmont avenue, and which in later years was occupied by the Union League Club, and afterward by the Young Men's Christian Association, April 1, 1872, aged 68 years.

[Obituary]