Our History

Our Chestnut Hill History

In the first half of the 19th century, Titus Shermer built coffins and other furniture at his Chestnut Hill business located at Germantown Ave. and Hartwell Lane. In 1851, Shermer sold the business to William E. Fisher. William Fisher ran the business from 1851-1869 and gradually evolved the focus of the business from coffin making to undertaking. The business was then moved to W. Southampton Ave. and later to W. Gravers Lane (formerly known as Union Ave.). In 1887, William's son, Jacob H. Fisher, moved the funeral home to our current location on Germantown Ave (formerly known as "Main Street above Union Ave."). Jacob H. Fisher ran the business from 1867-1928. Jacob Fisher's son-in-law, James D. M. Ruth, joined the business from 1918-1954 and was followed by his son, Jacob Fisher Ruth, who served from 1932-1991. Joseph C. Thomas, Sr. joined Jacob F. Ruth in 1952 and served until his death in 2012. He is succeeded by his son, Joseph C. Thomas, who has been serving at the funeral home since 1983.