BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Berks County, Pennsylvania
 in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783,
by Morton L. Montgomery,
Vols. I & II,
publ. Reading, PA: Chas. F. Haage, Printer, Seventh and Court Streets,
1894

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DANIEL UDREE was born at Philadelphia on August 5, 1751.  I was not able to obtain any information about his antecedents; but from the character he displayed in Berks County for a period exceeding fifty years, and the property he acquired and successfully managed, they were evidently of some culture and distinction.  The Oldenberg and Odenheimer families were among his prominent relatives.      His uncle, Jacob Winey, a man of large capital, at Philadelphia, became interested in the iron industries of Berks County, particularly in Oley and Richmond townships, about the year 1768, and he acted as clerk under him.  While serving in this capacity, he resided on the Moselem Forge property in Richmond township, along the Ontelaunee Creek.  In 1778, when only 27 years of age, he was a part owner of the Oley Furnace.  Subsequently, he became the sole owner of this prominent industry, and also of the Rockland Forges, with a landed estate altogether embracing 2700 acres in one connected tract.      While still comparatively young, he exerted a large influence in the upper section of the county; and when the Revolution began, his patriotism asserted itself in no uncertain manner.  In 1777, he was chosen Colonel of the __d Battalion of County Militia, and in the Summer of that year his regiment accompanied the 1st Battalion, commanded by Col. Daniel Hunter, of Oley, to Chester and participated in the Battle of Brandywine, where his horse was shot under him during the engagement.  In that year, he was selected as a member of the two committees on forfeited estates, and collecting clothing, etc.  He was again elected Colonel of the same battalion in 1778.  Subsequently, for many years, he was prominently identified with the militia of the county and State.  In the War of 1812-15, he was Major-General of the 6th Division, which included the two battalions that constituted the 2nd Brigade.  His military bearing was very attractive, and his horsemanship won for him general admiration.      Col. Udree represented Berks County in the General Assembly from 1799 to 1803, and also in 1805; and while in this body he advocated in an earnest manner legislation relative to the internal improvements of Pennsylvania.  He also represented the county in the National Congress for two terms, from 1813 to 1815, and from 1823 to 1825.  While at Washington, during the latter term, Adams was elected President by the members of the House.  Shortly before the election, he attended a reception that was given by Mrs. Adams, and during the course of the evening he met the distinguished lady, when she, in a quiet, pleasant way, alluded to the probable support which her husband might receive from the Representatives of Pennsylvania.  "Yes," said he to her, "we are like the handle of a  jug - all on one side," thereby intimating politely that the great majority of them were for General Jackson.      In personal appearance, Col. Udree was of medium height, rather stout but compactly built, and his manner of conversation was quick and nervous.  Shortly before his decease, he attended a local celebration of the "Fourth of July" at Pricetown, and, though 76 years old, showed much animation while riding in a superb manner on a favorite bob-tailed sorrel horse.      He died suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy at his home on the Oley Furnace property on July 15, 1828, and left to survive him an only child, a daughter, Maria who was married to Jacob Udree  Snyder, to whom his large and valuable estate descended.  His remains were interred in the cemetery connected with the Oley Churches. Source:  History of Berks County, Pennsylvania in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783, by Morton L. Montgomery, Vols. I & II, publ. Reading, PA: Chas. F. Haage, Printer, Seventh and Court Streets, 1894 - Page  277