Henry Disston (1819-1878) was a pioneer industrialist and inventor. He created what can be considered a “new American industry” and gave to America the greatest saw manufactory in the world. “Not only did he redeem us from all dependence on foreign countries, but turned back the tide and made them accept his products, and this simply by peaceful demonstration of superior skill in manufacturing."

After several misfortunes in trying to start up his business, he eventually became successful when he purchased a lot and built a factory at Front & Laurel Streets, in Kensington.  After several decades of success, in 1871 Disston decided to move the saw works from the confines of the congested neighborhood of Kensington and over time bought 350 acres and founded the present day neighborhood of Tacony, as a sort of company town for his saw works and workers.

Located at North Broad Street, on the northeast corner of Jefferson Street, this mansion was the home of Henry and Hamilton Disston. Many Kensington industrialists moved to the “new money” neighborhood of North Broad Street after becoming successful.  Henry’s son Hamilton was an early developer of Florida, owning upwards to four million acres and was considered by many the “father of Florida.”