%»^:.i^.'^: :k:: K ^«^ .'^Z Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924090934682 CORNEtL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 090 934 682 In compliance with current copyright law, Cornell University Library produced this replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1992 to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. 2001 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY HISTORY OF Bucks County, PENNSYLVANIA; INCLUDIN& AN ACCOUNT OF ITS ORIGINAL EXPLORATION ; ITS RELATION TO THE SETTLEMENTS OF NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE ; ITS ERECTION INTO A SEPARATE COUNTY, ALSO ITS SUBSEQUENT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, WITH SKETCHES OP ITS HISTORIC AND INTERESTING LOCALITIES, AND BIOGRAPHIES OF MANY OF ITS REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. EDITED BY J. H. BATTLE. ILLUSTRATED. PHILADELPHIA, PA., CHICAGO, ILL. -. A. WARNER & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1887. COPTEIGHT, 1887, BY A. WAKNER & CO. PillLADELPHtA: COLLINS PUINTING HOUS 705 Jayue Street. PREFACE. ryiHIS volume is offered to the public as a contribution to the history of Bucks county. The writer does not flatter himself that the subject has been exhausted. It has been his effort to present the essen- tial facts pertaining to the development of the county in such relation to each other as to indicate the various motives and influences which have led to the present results. Pioneer life in the original counties of Penn- sylvania was not such as to afl'ord opportunities for brilliant action. The peaceful precepts of the Friends precluded the thrilling experience of the border as well as the pomp and pageantry of glorious war, and the story of the origin and development of this portion of the state is significant in its moral rather than in its material aspects. The " Book of Arrivals," often quoted from and the basis of all certain information regarding many of the pioneers of the county, is given in full, with lists of those who have served the county in a public capacity. The latter have been compiled at a considerable expense of time and labor, and are thought to be as complete as it is possible to make them. The sketch of the early history of the state, prepared by Prof. Samuel P. Bates, will be found in abbreviated form in the introduc- tory chapter. The biographical sketches, for the most part, have been arranged alphabetically under the several township headings in the latter part of the volume. This arrangement has been adopted as the best means of affording convenience of reference, and relieving the narrative portion of tedious digression. The large number of these sketches has necessitated as brief treatment as the circumstances would warrant, and IV PREFACE. the editor has been compelled to chiefly depend upon the members of the respective families for the accuracy of the facts set forth. No pains have been spared to make this department accurate, and it is believed that it constitutes an interesting portion of the work, which will increase in value with the lapse of years. In the preparation of this book great assistance has been derived from the various newspaper contributions to the history of the county, none of which have been more useful than the writings of " Iron Mask," a nom de plume which only thinly veils the authorship of the present scholarly editor of the " Bucks County Intelligencer." The writer has been greatly aided by the use of the valuable historical library and collections of Judge Eichard "Watson, and of books from the libraries of other gentle- men of Doylestown ; by the valuable suggestions and scrap-books of Judge Harman Yerkes and Mr. Henry D. Paxson, the files of the "Intelligencer," and the archives of the local historical society. The chapters on the townships were prepared by Mr. Herbert C. Bell ; the chapter on geology by Charles Laubach, Esq., of Eiegelsville ; and the biographical sketches by Mr. F. L. Beers (assisted by Miss Anna Le Compte), to whose editorial supervision this difficult department was assigned. To each one of the many, to whose encouragement and aid the success of this enterprise is largely due, the editor wishes to express his indebtedness to, and appreciation of their kindness and assistance. J. H. B. Philadelphia, Pa., September, 1887. CONTENTS. Iktkoddctoet. — Origin of Provincial His- tory — Penn's Early Difficulties — Experi- ment in Popular Government — Blackwell Appointed Governor — Dissensions in the Colony — Penn's Second Visit to the Prov- ince — Death of William Penn — The New Proprietaries — Accession of Governor Keith — French and Indian War — Frank- lin's Mission to England — The Boundary Line — Strugrgle for Independence — Re- sistance to Stamp Act — Campaign of 1776 — Battle of Brandywine — Occupation of Philadelphia — British Retreat — The Con- stitution of 1790 9-46 CHAPTER I. — Genekal Topography and Geology. — Location of Bucks County — Surface Character — Its Principal Eleva^ tions — General Landscape — Connection of Topography and Geology — Mesozoic For- mation — Trap Rock — The Upper Stratum — Southern Line of Mesozoic — Potsdam Sandstone — Mica Schists — River Deposits — Crystalline Limestone — Character of Quarries — Trenton Gravel — Durham Hills — Durham Cave — Origin of Magnesian Limestone — The Iron Mines — Glacial Diift — The Course of the Moraine — Local Interest in the General Subject 49-80 CHAPTER II.— Early Settlements on THE Delaware. — The First Discoveries — Voyage of the Unrest — Dutch Occupa- tion — DeVries' Colony — Advent of the Swedes — John Printz as Governor — Con- flicting Claims — Attitude of the Dutch- Early Contentions — Swedish Thrift — Tri- umph of the Dutch — The English Con- quest — Nicoll's Administration — Indian Hostilities — Dutch Conquest — Reestab- lishment of the English — Andros' Ad- ministration — Effect of English Restora- tion — First Settlement of Friends — Earli- est Land Purchases East of the Poques- sing — Records of the Upland Court — Beginning of English Immigration — Up- land County Defined — Its Social Develop- ment — The Physical Attractions of the Country 80-123 CHAPTER III. — The New Regime.— Advent of Markhara — "First Adven- turers" in Bucks — " Conditions and Con- cessions" — Commissioners Dispatched — Plan of Survey — Quit-rents and Manors — Purchases of the Indians — Quieting Indian Land Claims — Holme's Purchase of 1686 — Dissatisfaction of Indians — Ag- gression of the Whites — The Lottery Scheme — Negotiations of 1734-7 — The Walking Purchase — Course of the Walk — Charge of Trickery by the Indians — Immediate Results of the Walk — Attack on Pennsylvania Borders — Bucks Coun- ty's Contribution to the Defense — Char- acter of the Militia— The Treaty of 1757 134-174 CHAPTER IV.— Political Development OP Bucks County. — Markham's Assump- tion of the Government — Arrival of First Emigrants — Penn's Voyage — Early Fam- ilies of Bucks — Erection of the County — First Court — The Juries — Roads and Fer- ries — Formation of Townships — Gradual Development — Minor Officials — County Officers — Phineas Pemberton — Under Fletcher's Administration — Character of the Early Records — The First Court- House — County Seat at Bristol — Removed to Newtown — The Public Buildings — Ex- pansion of Settlements — Demand for a Removal of the Seat of Justice — Details of the new Public Buildings — Agitation for the Division of the County — New Court-House at Doylestown — The new Jail — History of the Almshouse — The Cholera Plague — Extent of the County's Charity 174-239 CHAPTER v.— The Bench and Bar.— Origin of the Courts — Procedure and Ju- risdiction — Provincial Court — Orphans' Court — Conflict between the Province and the Crown — Act of 1732 — Supreme Court of Law and Equity — Appeals — First Court in Bucks County — Court of Common Pleas — Early Practice of Quarter Sessions Court — Imprisonment for Debt — Penal Ijaws — Trial and Execution of Claasen— Admission of Lawyers — The Earlier Bar — Recent Development of the Judiciary — Judge Wynkoop — The Fox Contest>— Burnside, Krause, Smyser, Chapman, Ross, Roberts, Watson, Yerkes — The Bar Since 1790 — Celebrated Causes — Cases of Mina, Blundin, Armbruster, Teufel 329-279 CHAPTER VI. — The Development op Society. — Social Influence of the Friends — Welsh Friends and Baptists — Dutch Im- migration — Scotch, Scotch-Irish, Irish, German Settlements — Pioneer Life — Marks of Improvement — The County During the Revolution 280-313 VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. — Social Activities.— Reli^ous Organizations — Education — The Press — Early Roads — The Postal Ser- vice — Navigation of tlie Delaware — The Delaware Canal — Railroads 313-349 CHAPTER VIII.— The Sectional Issue. — Slavery in Bucks Co. — Fall of Fort Sum- ter — Condition of the Militia — TheDoyles- town Guards — The Thirty-second Reg- iment — The Eighty-ninth — First New Jer- sey Cavalry — Independent Battery D— The One Hundred and Fourth — Fifteenth Cavalry — The One Hundred and Twenty- Eighth— The One Hundred and Thirty- Eighth — The One Hundred and Sixty- Third — The One Hundred and Seventy- Fourth — The One Hundred and Eighty- First^The Two Hundred and Thirteenth —The Two Hundred and Fifteenth.... 3.50-36i CHAPTER IX.— Falls Township and Borough of Morrisville. — Descriptive —Settlement and Settlers — Pennsbury and the Penn Family — Jacob Brown and Charles Ellet — Morrisville, Tullytown and Fallsington — Other Villages — The Friends — Methodism ^- The Christian Church — The Presbyterians — Schools 365-383 CHAPTER X.— Township and Borough OF Bristol. — Location of First Purchas- ers — Origin of the Market Town of Bris- tol — The Fairs — Ferry — Bath Springs — Some Notable People — Early Hostelries — Reminiscences of the Revolution — Banking Institution — The Canal — The First Railroad — Development of Manu- factures — Borough Expansion — Social In- stitutions — Growth of Church Organiza- tions — Educational Interests — Borough Officers 38i-439 CHAPTER XI. — The Makefields. — Lower Makefield Defined— The First Pur- chasers — Yardloy — Edgewood — Upper Makeflcld — Its Settlement — Taylorsville — Dolington — Church and School Inter- ests 439-445 CHAPTER XII. — Middletown; New- town ; Wrightstown. — Topography of the Region — First Landowners of Middle- town — Its Prominent Families — Lang- Ihorne^Its Churches and Societies — New- town's Early History — Town Plot — Early Hotels — Its Social Institutions — Wrights- town Settlers — Oi-igin of Name — Village Growth 445-466 CHAPTER XIII.— Bensalem.— Origin of Name — The First Landowners — Its Prominent Men — Ei'cction of the Town- ship — Roads and Ferries — Dutch Popula- tion — Church Activities — Educational In- stitutions 469-479 CH.iPTER XIV. — Northampton and Southampton. — Early Population of the Townships — Erection of Southampton — Village Growth— Development of Society — Influence of Different Nationalities — Church Chronicles — Northampton — Eai-ly Surveys— Roads and Taverns- Churches and Societies 479-496 CHAPTER XV. — Warminster ; War- wick; Warrington. — Currents of Im- migration— The Settlers of Warminster — John Fitch — Origin and Growth of Villages — Local Institutions — War- wick — Secondary Education — Neshaminy Church— William Tennent, Charles Real- ty— Nathaniel Irwin — Warrington 496-514 CHAPTER XVL — Buckingham ; Sole- bury. — Primitive Attractions — The Com- ing of the Whites— Early Families— John Lacey — Lime Industry — Postroads and Offices — Public Interest in Education — Solebury — Its Organization and Settle- ment — Mineral Deposits — Roads and Ferries — New Hope and its Industries — Churches— Samuel D. Ingham— Zebulon M.Pike 514-539 CHAPTER XVII. — DoTLESTOWN. — The Society Lands— Origin of the Village- The Removal of tlie County Seat— Bor- ough Charter — Water-works — Travelling Facilities — Banking — Manufactures — Societies — Academies and Seminaries — Church Growth — Corporation Officers 540-566 CHAPTER XVIII.— Plumstead ; Bedmin- STER. — Origin of Name — Local Industries — Village Development — Bedminster — Early Population — Hagersville, Keelers- ville, and other Villages — Historic Churches 569-5S2 CHAPTER XIX.— New Britain; Hill- town. — Settlement of the Upper Part of County — Early Welsh Pioneers — "So- ciety" Lands — Origin of New Britain — Early Development — Churches — Hill- town — Incident of Joseph Matthias — Leading Welsh Families — Villages of the Township — Religious Interests 583-599 CHAPTER XX.— Richland; Milford ; RocKHiLL. — The Great Swamp — First Purchasers — Quakertown — Local Indus- tries — Societies — Churches — Milford — Its Pioneers — Erection of the Township — The Post Villages — Church Organizations — Rockliill — John Furness — Conrad De- tercr — Incorporated Villaees — Perkasie —Telford— Local Institutions 600-623 CHAPTER XXL— TiNicUM ; Nockamix- ON. — Location — Indian Outrage — Erec- tion of Tiuicum — Point Pleasant — Other Villages — Origin and Development of Churches — Nockamixon — First Families — Later Social Development 623-633 CHAPTER XXII. — Springfield ; Hat- cock. — Up-County Topography — Early Settlers of Springfield — Erection of Town- CONTENTS. VU Bhip — Business Activity — Haycock — Its Early Settlement— Organization— Its So- cial Institutions 633-643 CHAPTER XXIII.— Durham Township. — Landscape Attractions — Prehistoric In- habitants — Free Society of Traders — The Iron Furnaces— Early Industries— Joseph Galloway— Daniel Morgan— George Tay- lor — Backhouse's Journal- The Furnaces Since 1847— The Iron Mines— Settlement in Durham — Village Growth — Schools and Churches 643-671 CHAPTER XXIV. — Appendix. — The "Book of Arrivals"— Roster of County Officers- Roster of the Beuch and Bar- Legislative Representatives — Archasology —The Leuape Stone 671-715 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHAPTER. XXV.— Bedminstek 715-753 CHAPTER XXVI.— Bensalem 753-770 CHAPTER XXVII.— Bristol 771-S02 CHAPTER XXVIII.— Buckingham.. 803-834 CHAPTER XXIX.— Doylestown ... 835-885 CHAPTER XXX.— Durham 885-900 CHAPTER XXXL— Falls 900-925 CHAPTER XXXII.— Haycock 936-935 CHAPTER XXXIII.— HiLLTOWN 935-951 CHAPTER XXXIV.— Lower Make- weld 951-970 CHAPTER XXXV.— Middletown... 970-990 CHAPTER XXXVI.— Milpord 990-1000 CHAPTER XXXVII.— New Britain 1000-1010 CHAPTER XXXVIII.— Newtown ...1010-1019 CHAPTER XXXIX.-NocKAMixoN ..1020-1033 CHAPTER XL.— Northampton 1023-1030 CHAPTER XLI.— Plumstead 1030-1037 CHAPTER XLIL— Richland 1037-1073 CHAPTER XLIII.— RoCKHiLL i... 1074-1083 CHAPTER XLIV.— SOLEBURY 1084-1113 CHAPTER XLV.— Southampton ...1113-1131 CHAPTER XL VI.— Springfield 1123-1138 CHAPTER XLVII.— TiNicuM 1139-1143 CHAPTER XL VIII.— Upper Make- EIELD 1142-1148 CHAPTER XLIX.— Warminster ....1148-1160 CHAPTER L.— Warrington 1160-1168 CHAPTER LL— AVarwick 1168-1173 CHAPTER LII.-Wrightstown 1173-1176 ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRAITS. ^ PAGE Atherholt, Aaron D 667 Atkinson, Edward 467 Bachman, Reuben K 647 Barclay, James 837 Betts, John 357 Blackfan, John 797 Briggs, James 857 Brudon, James M 397 Burton, Anthony 77 Burton, Elwood 477 Cadwallader, A. S 217 Cadwallader, Moses 957 Cadwallader, Samuel C 197 Cornell, Adrian : 107 Cornell, Theodore 487 Cressman, A. S 787 Crouthamel, R. B 717 Dana, R. S 407 Delany, Isaiah 177 Dingae, Richard 757 Doan, Eleazar 807 Dobbins, Joseph K 685 DuBois, Charles E 137 Durner, C. F 557 Vlll CONTENTS. PAGE Eaetburn, George 517 Eastburn, Moses 157 Fackenthal, B. F., Jr. 127 Farren, John 567 Feaster, David 57 Fellman, Charles 167 Fox, Israel D 607 Freed, Henry W 687 Fretz, C. D 617 Fretz, Reed 727 Gearhart, Isaiah W '. 977 Gruver, William H 887 Gwinner, Samuel F 277 Harley, J. Price 747 Heacock, J. L 317 Hegeman, George E 707 Hillegas, E. F 987 Iden, James C 697 Jamison, B. T 777 Jamison, George 507 Johnson, H. Watson 337 Johnson , Jcrtm 457 Johnson, Milton 997 Kirk, Charles 307 Kratz, Harvey 587 Krause, J. H 577 Larzelere, S. B 847 Lauhaeh, Charles G57 Lear, George 47 Livezey, Abram 297 Mann, James S 547 Meyers, Jacob 1007 Michener, Comly 867 Miles, Griffith 427 Mitciiell, Pierson 447 Moyer, D. P 737 Moyer, I. S 67 Moyer, Jonas D 597 Myers, C. M 347 PAGE Nickleson, Edward 287 Ott, Jeremiah 927 Parry, Benjamin 17 Paxson, Edward M 37 Pugh, John B 207 Rich, Benjamin S 1*7 Robbins, John 87 Ross, George 247 Rulon, John M 967 Scheetz, Grier 897 Shaw, Charles M 817 Stavely, William 97 Stavely, W. R 537 Stover, Ralph 327 Sumstone, Jacob 937 Swain, Anthony 387 Swartzlander, Joseph 437 Taylor, Caleb N 27 Taylor, Charles W 767 Taylor, David H 367 Thatcher, Samuel B 117 Tomliuson, Allen 907 Trumbower, Henry T 637 Turner, D. K 497 Uhler, Michael 627 Van Horn, Isaac 187 Walp, Abraham 917 Walter, James B 537 Warner, George, Jr 377 Watson, H. C 417 AVhite, M. W 877 Wildman, John 227 Wilson, Samuel 837 Wright, Caleb E 237 Tardley, Robert M 267 Yerkes, Ilarman 257 Zorns, Israel S 947 MISCELLANEOUS. Court House, Doylestown, View of. Frontispiece Outline jNlup of Bucks county opposite 9 Part of Holme's Map, fac-simile of opposite 128 The "Lcuapc Stone" 713 713 INTRODUCTOHY. WITH the coming of Markhatn to the settlements established on the west bank of the Delaware was inaugurated a rSgime which was marked by a,n infusion of new ideas, a preponderating addition of new people, and a civiliza- tion essentially new to the people already settled here. While the changes were of such a radical character, they were, nevertheless, accomplished without shock or recoil, and the feeble colony formerly planted west of the river, robbed of patriotic sentiment by the vicissitudes of its history, was rapidly and almost unconsciously merged in the stronger one planted by Penn. No strongly cherished traditions of the past hindered a ready profession of loyalty to the new order of things, and but few years passed before the original Swedish and Dutch colonists were scarcely to be distinguished from the diverse accessions to the polyglot province of Pennsylvania. There 'was no settled political machinery nor local seat of government prior to Penn's experiment, and the " Frame of the Government," which apparently derived few of its features from colonial institutions, may be properly accepted as the origin of a settled government in this commonwealth. The experiment of placing the aifairs of state almost entirely in the hands of the people was a new and hazardous one at this era of the world's history, and while the issue has justified the wisdom of his course, he did not live to see the result for which he so ardently labored. Doubtless, if circumstances had permitted the continued presence of the founder, his wisdom and influence would have saved the province from many of the un- fortunate experiences it eventually suifered, but it was destined otherwise. The first difficulty which gave him concern was the conflicting claims of Lord Baltimore. The visit of Penn to Lord Baltimore, soon after his arrival in America, for the purpose of settling the boundaries of the two provinces, after a two-days' conference, proved fruitless, and an adjournment was had for the winter, when the eff"orts for settlement were to be resumed. Early in the spring an attempt was made on the part of Penn, but was prevented till May, when a meeting was held at Newcastle. Penn proposed to confer by the aid of counsellors and in writing. But to this Baltimore objected, and, complain- ing of the sultriness of the weather, the conference was broken up. In the meantime it had come to the knowledge of Penn that Lord Baltimore had issued a proclamation offering settlers more land, and at cheaper rates than Penn had done, in portions of the lower counties which Penn had secured from 2 10 INTEODUOTORY. the Duke of York, but which Baltimore now claimed. Besides, it was ascer- tained that an agent of his had taken an observation, and determined the latitude without the knowledge of Penn, and had secretly made an ex parte statement of the case before the lords of the committee of plantations in Eng- land, and was pressing for arbitrament. This state of the case created much uneasiness in the mind of Penn, especially as the proclamation of Lord Balti- more was likely to bring the two governments into conflict on territory mutually claimed. ButLord Baltimore was not disposed to be content with diplomacy. He determined to pursue an aggressive policy. He accordingly commissioned his agent, George Talbot, under date of September 17, 1683, to go to Schuyl- kill, at Delaware, and demand of William Penn " all that part of the land on the west side of the said river that lyeth to the southward of the fortieth degree." This bold demand would have embraced the entire colony, both the lower counties, and the three counties in the province, as the fortieth degree reaches a considerable distance above ' Philadelphia. Penn was absent at the time in New York, and Talbot made his demand upon Nicholas Moore, the deputy of Penn. Upon his return, the proprietor made a dignified but earnest rejoinder. The anxiety of Penn to hold from the beginning of the fortieth degree of latitude was not to increase his territory by so much, for the two degrees which he securely had, as far as amount of land was concerned, would have entirely satisfied him ; but he wanted this degree chiefly that he might have the free navigation of Delaware bay and river, and thus open communication with the ocean. He desired also to hold the lower counties, which were now well settled, as well as his own counties rapidly being peopled, and his new city of Philadelphia, which he regarded as the apple of his eye. So anxious was he to hold the land on the right bank of the Delaware to the open ocean, that at his second meeting he asked Lord Baltimore to set a price per square mile on this disputed ground, and though he had purchased it once of the crown and held the royal charter for it, and the Duke of York's deed, yet rather than have any further wrangle over it, he was willing to pay for it again. But this Lord Baltimore refused to do. Bent upon bringing matters to a crisis, and to force possession of his claim, early in the year 1684 a party from Maryland made forcible entry upon the plantations in the lower counties and drove ofi" the owners. The governor and council at Philadelphia sent thither a copy of the answer of Penn to Balti- more's demand for the land south of the Delaware, with orders to William Welch, sheriff" at Newcastle, to use his influence to reinstate the lawful owners and issued a declaration succinctly stating the claim of Penn, for the purpose of preventing such unlawful incursions in future. But the indications, constantly thickening, that a struggle was likely soon to be precipitated before the crown for possession of the disputed territory INTRODUCTORY. 11 decided Penn early in the summer to quit the colony and return to England to defend his imperilled interests. There is no doubt that he took this step with unfeigned regret, as he was contented and happy in his new country, and was most usefully employed. There wei-e, however, other inducements which were leading him back to England. The hand of persecution was at this time laid heavily upon the Quakers. Over fourteen hundred of these pious and in- offensive people were now, and some of them had been for years, languishing in the prisons of England, for no other offense than their manner of worship. By his friendship with James, and his acquaintance with the king, he might do something to soften the lot of these unfortunate victims of bigotry. He accordingly empowered the provincial council, of which Thomas Lloyd was president, to act in his stead, commissioned Nicholas Moore, William Welch, William Wood, Robert Turner and John Eckley, provincial judges for two years ; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert Turner to sign land patents and warrants, and William Clark as justice of the peace for all the counties ; and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for Europe, where his efforts were rewarded with unexpected success. His first and chief care was the settlement of his disagreement with Lord Baltimore touching the boundaries of his province. This was settled in Novem- ber, 1685, by a compromise, by which the land lying between the Delaware and Chesapeake bays was divided into two equal parts, that upon the former being adjudged to Penn and the rest to Lord Baltimore. This settled the matter in theory, but when the attempt was made to run the lines according to the royal act, it was found that the ministry had very little idea of American geography, and that the line described by their language could not be made, and the disputed boundary remained undecided until 1766. He was equally successful in his efforts in behalf of the persecuted sect, but he lost favor with the aristocracy who did not want liberty of conscience but conformity with the established church, and became the object of reproach and menace as his royal friend lost power and eventually his throne. In the meantime, the affairs of his province exhibited the sore need of a strong guiding hand to check abuses and guide the course of legislation in proper channels. Penn had labored to place the government in the hands of the people, an idea most attractive in the abstract, and one which, were the entire population wise and just, would result fortunately ; yet, in practice, he found to his sorrow the results most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been gone before troubles arose between the two houses of the legislature rela- tive to promulgating the laws as not being in accordance with the requirements of the charter. Nicholas Moore, the chief justice, was impeached for irregu- larities in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But, though formally arraigned and directed to desist from exercising his functions, he suc- cessfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained. 12 INTRODUCTORY. Patrick Robinson, clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in the trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. These troubles in the government were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote, naming a number of the most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an endeavor to check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the province, " that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was ^610,000 out of his way, and jeiOO,000 out of the country." In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole council was too unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James Clay- pole, Robert Turner and John Eckley, any three of whom should constitute a quorum, to be commissioners of state to act for the proprietor. In place of Moore and Claypole, Arthur Cook and John Simcock were appointed. They were to compel the attendance of the council ; see that the two houses admit of no parley ; to abrogate all laws except the fundamentals ; to dismiss the assem- bly and call a new one, and finally he solemnly admonishes them, " Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a letter to these commissioners, he says : " Three things occur to me eminently : First, that you be watchful that none abuse the king, etc. ; secondly, that you get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least oiTensive way to support the govern- ment ; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and sessions." Since the departure of Penn, Thomas Lloyd had acted as president of the council, and later of the commissioners of state. He had been in effect gover- nor, and held responsible for the success of the government, while possessing only one voice in the disposing of affairs. Tiring of this anomalous position, Lloyd applied to be relieved. It was difficult to find a person of sufficient abil- ity to fill the place ; but Penn decided to relieve him, though showing his en- tire confidence by notifying him that he intended soon to appoint him absolute governor. In his place, he indicated Samuel Carpenter, or if he was unwilling to serve, then Thomas Ellis, but not to be president, his will being that each should preside a month in turn, or that the oldest member should be chosen. Penn foresaw that the executive power, to be efficient, must be lodged in the hands of one man of ability, such as to command the respect of his people. Those whom he most trusted in the colony had been so mixed up in the wran- gles of the executive and legislative departments of the government that he deemed it advisable to appoint a person who had not before been in the colony and not a Quaker. He accordingly commissioned John Blackwell, July 27, 1688, to be lieutenant-governor, who was at this time in New England, and who fully possessed his esteem and confidence. With the commission, the proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the last one being : " Rule the meek meekly ; and those that will not be ruled, rule with author- ity," Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained in the INTBODUOTORY. 13 council, probably because neither of the persons designated was willing to serve. Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recommended the appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was in confor- mity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the assembly in March, 1689 ; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary and impe- rious, or the assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and lax disci- pline ; for the business had not proceeded far before the several branches of the government were at variance. Lloyd refused to give up the great seal, alleging that it had been given him for life. The governor, arbitrarily and without war- rant of law, imprisoned officers of high rank, denied the validity of all laws passed by the assembly previous to his administration, and set on foot a pro- ject for organizing and equipping the militia, under the plea of threatened hos- tility of France. The assembly attempted to arrest his proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party among the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign was short, for in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for England, whereupon the government again devolved upon the council, Thomas Lloyd, president. Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity of Blackwell, and adds, " He is in Eng- land and Ireland of great repute for ability, integrity and virtue." Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II. caused him to be sus- pected of disloyalty to the government when William and Mary had come to the throne. Accordingly, on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in White Hall, he was sumuioned before the lords of the council, and though no- thing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appearance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. At the second sitting of the council, nothing having been found against him, he was cleared in open court. In 1690 he was again brought before the lords on the charge of having been in correspondence with the late king. He appealed to King Wil- liam, who after a hearing of two hours was disposed to release him, but the lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term, when he was again discharged. A third time he was arraigned, and this time with eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was cleared by order of the king's bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexatious suits apparently at an end, he set about leading a large party of settlers to his cherished Pennsylvania. Propo- sals were published, and the government, regarding the enterprise of so much importance, had ordered an armed convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now backed by the false oath of one William Fuller, whom the Parliament subsequently declared a "cheat and an impostor." Seeing that he must prepare again for his defense, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive preparations, and convinced that his enemies were deter- mined to prevent his attention to public or private affairs, whether in England or America, he withdrew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye. 14 INTEODUCTORY. His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For lack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commissioned Thomas Lloyd deputy governor of the province, and William Markham deputy governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this division is dis- closed in a letter to a friend in the province : "I left it to them to choose either the government of the council, five commissioners or a deputy. What could be tenderer ? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the three upper but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken choice. This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of all ; . . . . for else the governor of New York is like to have all, if he has it not already." But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs. His religious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con- siderable power in argumentation, but of overweening self-conceit, attacked the Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So veno- mous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of denial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his con- duct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meeting. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who termed themselves " Christian Quakers." Keith appealed from this action of the Ameri- can church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in speech that the action of the American church was confirmed". Whereupon he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the church of England, was ordained a vicar by the bishop of London. He afterward returned to America, where he wrote against his former associates, but was finally fixed in a bene- fice in Sussex, England. On his death-bed, he said, " I wish I had died when I was a Quaker, for then I am sure it would have been well with my soul." Penn was silenced and thrown into retirement in England. It can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity these troubles in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the church, gave his enemies to attack him. They represented that he had neglected his colony by remaining in Eng- land and meddling with matters in which he had no business ; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder, and that he should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the 21st of October, 1692, they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, governor of New York, to take the province and territories under his government. There was another motive operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce the king and queen to put the govern- ment of Pennsylvania under the governor of New York. The French and Indians from the north were threatening the English. Already tTie expense for defense had become burdensome to New York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn, with his peace principles, would be fruit- INTRODUCTORY. 15 less, but that through the influence of Governor Fletcher, as executive, an ap- propriation might be secured. Through the kind offices of Lords Rochester, Ranelagh, Sidney and Somers, the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was aslied to hear the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, and who would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William answered that William Penn was his old acquaintance as well as theirs, that he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had nothing to say to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned William Mark- ham lieutenant-governor. Free from harassing persecutions at last, and in favor at court, Penn de- termined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the ex- pectation of living and dying here. Accordingly, in July, 1699, he set sail, and, on account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the ocean. Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arrival of the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now come to stay. He met the assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement season, he only detained them long enough to pass two measures aimed against piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his con- cern, which was for the welfare of Indians and negroes, and steps were taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could hear the word. Several sessions of the legislature were held, in which great harmony pre- vailed, and much attention was given to revising and recomposing the consti- tution. But in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the house of lords for reducing all the proprietary governments in America to regal ones, under pretense of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and the national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hap- pened to be in England remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming thither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to go immediately. He promptly called a session of the assembly, and in his message to the two houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage without great reluctancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a wilder- ness. For my heart is among you, and no disappointment shall ever be able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my family posterity in it Think therefore (since all men are mortal), 16 INTRODUCTORY. of some suitable expedient and provision for your safety as well in your privi- leges as property. Review again your laws, propose new ones, and you will find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer union of our interests." The assembly returned a suitable response, and then proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The first related to the appoint- ment of a lieutenant-governor. Penn proposed that the assembly should choose one. But this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one. Little- trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the union of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new constitution was adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument provided for the union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with great reluctance, it was provided that the province and the territories might be separated at any time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he presented the city of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and always an object of his affectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As his deputy, he ap- pointed Andrew Plamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and sometime governor of both East and West Jersey, and for secretary of the province and clerk of the council, he selected James Logan, a man of singular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar. Penn set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his arrival, on the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Den- mark succeeded him. He now found himself in favor at court, and that he might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at Kensing- ton. The bill which had been pending before parliament, that had given him so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped entirely, and was never again called up. During his leisure hours he now busied himself in writing " several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects." Governor Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleg- ing that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success. He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, for the safety of the colony. The executive authority now devolved upon the council, of which Edward Shippen was president. Conflict of authority, and contention over the due in- terpretation of some provisions of the new charter, prevented the accomplish- ment of much, by way of legislation, in the assembly which convened in 1703 ; though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. The separation proved final, the two bodies never again meeting in common. Though the bill to govern the American colonies by regal authority failed, 'm^am^^ Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page 22 INTBODUCTOEY. the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Reign of Hannah and the Boys." In 1732 Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later, John Penn, the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the province, and were received with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival of the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to have the provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made against this by Quakers in England, headed by Richard Penn ; but lest this protest might prove ineffectual, John Penn very soon went to England to defend the proprietary rights at court, and never again returned, he having died a bach- elor in 1746. In August, 1736, Governor Gordon died, deeply lamented as an honest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he expressed the hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. His term had been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in num- bers, trade, commerce and manufactures, ship-building especially having assumed extensive proportions. James Logan was president of the council and in effect governor, during the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of his successor. The legislature met regularly, but no laws were passed for lack of an executive. It was during this period that serious trouble broke out near the Maryland border, west of the Susquehanna, then Lancaster, now York county. A number of settlers, in order to evade the payment of taxes, had secured titles to their lands from Maryland, and afterward sought to be rein- stated in their rights under Pennsylvania authority, and pleaded protection from the latter. The sheriff of the adjoining Maryland county, with three hundred followers, advanced to drive these settlers from their homes. On hearing of this movement, Samuel Smith, sheriff of Lancaster county, with a hastily sum- moned posse, advanced to protect the citizens in their rights. Without a con- flict, an agreement was entered into by both parties to retire. Soon afterward, however, a band of fifty Marylanders again entered the state with the design of driving out the settlers and each securing for himself two hundred acres of land. They were led by one Cressap. The settlers made resistance, and in an encounter, one of them by the name of Knowles was killed. The sheriff of Lancaster again advanced with a posse, and in a skirmish which ensued one of the invaders was killed, and the leader Cressap was wounded and taken prisoner. The governor of Maryland sent a commission to Philadelphia to demand the release of the prisoner. Not succeeding in this, he seized four of the settlers and incarcerated them in the jail at Baltimore. Still determined to effect their purpose, a party of Marylanders, under the leadership of one Higginbotham, advanced into Pennsylvania and began a warfare upon the settlers. Again the sheriff of Lancaster appeared upon the scene, and drove out the invaders. So stubbornly were these invasions pushed and resented INTEODUOTOEY. 23 that the season passed without planting or securing the usual crops. Finally a party of sixteen Marylanders, led by Richard Lowden, broke into the Lancas- ter jail and liberated the Maryland prisoners. Learning of these disturbances, the king in council issued an order restraining both parties from further acts of violence, and afterward adopted a plan of settlement of the vexed boundary question. Though not legally governor, Logan managed the affairs of the colony with great prudence and judgment, as he had done and continued to do for a period of nearly a half century. He was a scholar, well versed in the ancient languages and the sciences, and published several learned works in the Latin tongue. A fteri-e tiring from public business he lived at his country-seat at Stenton, near Germantown, where he spent his time among his books and in correspondence with the literati of Europe. In his old age he made an English translation of Cicero's De Senectute, which was printed at Philadelphia in 1744 with a pref- ace by Benjamin Franklin, then rising into notice. Logan was a Quaker, of Scotch descent, though born in Ireland, and carae to America in the ship with AVilliam Penn, in his second visit in 1699, when about twenty-five years old, and died at seventy-seven. He had held the offices of chief commissioner of property, agent for the purchase and sale of lands, receiver-general, member of council, president of council, and chief justice. He was the confidential agent of Penn, having charge of all his vast estates, making sales of lands, executing conveyances, and making collections. Amidst all the great cares of business so pressing as to make him exclaim, " I know not what any of the comforts of life are," he found time to devote to the delights of learning, and collected a large library of standard works, which he bequeathed, at his death, to the people of Pennsylvania, and is known as the Loganian library. George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was appointed governor in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. His first care was to settle the disorders in the Cumberland valley, and it was finally agreed that settlers from either colony should owe allegiance to the governor of that colony wherever settled, until the division line which had been provided for was surveyed and marked. War was declared on the 2.3d of October, 1739, between Great Britain and Spain. Seeing that his colony was liable to be encroached ujjpn by the enemies of his government, he endeavored to organize the militia, but the majority of the assembly were of the peace element, and could not be induced to vote money. Finally he was ordered by the home government to call for volunteers, and eight companies were quickly formed, and sent down for the coast defense. Many of these proved to be servants for whom pay was demanded and finally obtained. In his first intercourse with the assembly. Governor Thomas endeavored to coerce it to his views. But a more stubborn set of men never met in a deliberative body than were gathered in this assembly at this time. Finding that he could not compel action to his 24 INTRODUCTORY. mind, he yielded and consulted their views and decisions. The assembly, not to be outdone in magnanimity, voted him fifteen hundred pounds arrearages of salary, which had been withheld because he would not approve their legislation, asserting that public acts should take precedence of appropriations for their own pay. In March, 1744, war was declared between Great Britain and France. Volunteers were called for, and ten thousand men were rapidly enlisted and armed at their own expense. Franklin, recognizing the defenseless condition of the colony, issued a pamphlet entitled Plain Truth, in which he cogently urged the necessity of organized preparation for defense. Franklin was elected colonel of one of the regiments, but resigned in favor of Alderman Lawrence. On the 6th of May, 1747, the governor communicated intelligence of the death of John Penn, the eldest of the proprietors, to the assembly, and his own inten- tion to retire from the duties of his office on account of declining health. Anthony Palmer was president of the council at the time of the withdrawal of Thomas, and became the acting governor. The peace party in the assembly held that it was the duty of the crown of England to protect the colony, and that for the colony to call out volunteers and become responsible for their pay- ment was burdening the people with an expense which did not belong to them, and which the crown was willing to assume. The French were now deeply intent on securing firm possession of the Mississippi valley and the entire basin, even to the summits of the Alleghenies in Pennsylvania, and were busy estab- lishing trading-posts along the Ohio and Allegheny rivers. They employed the most artful means to win the simple natives to their interests, giving showy presents and laboring to convince them of their great value. The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which was concluded on the 1st of October, 1748, secured peace between Great Britain and France, and should have put an end to all hostile encounters between their representatives on the American continent. Palmer remained at the head of the government for a little more than two years. He was a retired merchant from the West Indies, a man of wealth, and had come into the colony in 1708. He lived in a style suited to a gentleman, kept a coach and a pleasure barge. On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from England, bearing the commission of lieutenant-governor. He was born in America, son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been speaker of the assembly. The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that set- tlers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, whereas the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them, and had no claim to them. The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay the rising excitement of the natives. Richard Peters, secretary of the colony, a man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian inter- preter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fearlessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had built, INTEODUCTOEY. 25 and excepting lands on the east side of the river. The hardship was in many cases great, but when they were in actual need, the secretary gave money and placed them upon lands of his own, having secured a tract of two millions of acres. But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that were threatening from the west. Though the treaty of Aix was supposed to have settled all difficulties between the two courts, the French were determined to occupy the whole territory drained by the Mississippi, which they claimed by priority of discovery by La Salle. The British ambassador at Paris entered complaints before the French court that encroachments were being made by the French upon English soil in America, which were politely heard, and promises made of restraining the French in Canada from encroaching upon English territory. Formal orders were sent out from the home government to this effect ; but at the same time secret intimations were conveyed to them that their conduct in endeavoring to secure and hold the territory in dispute was not displeasing to the government, and that disobedience of these orders would not incur its displeasure. The French deemed it necessary, in order to estab- lish a legal claim to the country, to take formal possession of it. Accordingly, the Marquis de la Galissoni^re, who was at this time governor-general of Canada, dispatched Capt. Bienville de C61eron with a party of two hundred and fifteen French and fifty-five Indians, to publicly proclaim possession, and bury at prominent points plates of lead bearing the inscriptions declaring occupation in the name of the French king. Satisfied that the French were determined to hold the territory upon the Ohio by force of arms, a body of one hundred and fifty men, of which Wash- ington was second in command, was sent to the support of the settlers. But the French, having the Allegheny river at flood-tide on which to move, and Washington, without means of transportation, having a rugged and mountainous country to overcome, the former first reached the point of destination. Con- tracoeur, the French commander, with one thousand men and field-pieces on a fieet of sixty boats and three hundred canoes, dropped down the Allegheny and easily seized the fort then being constructed by the Ohio company at its mouth, and proceeded to erect there an elaborate work which he' called Fort Du Quesne, after the governor-general. Informed of this proceeding, Wash- ington pushed forward, and finding that a detachment of the French was in his immediate neighborhood, he made a forced march by night, and coming upon them unawares killed and captured the entire party save one. Ten of the French, including their commander, Jumonville, were killed, and twenty-one made prisoners. Col. Fry, the commander of the Americans, died at Will's creek, where the command devolved on Washington. Though re-enforcements had been dispatched from the several colonies in response to the urgent appeals of Washington, none reached him but one company of one hundred men under 26 INTRODUCTORY. Capt. Mackay from South Carolina. Knowing that he was confronting a vastly superior force of the French, well supplied with artillery, he threw up works at a point called the Great Meadows, which he characterizes as a " charming field for an encounter," naming his hastily built fortification Fort Necessity. Stung by the loss of their leader, the French came out in strong force and soon invested the place. Unfortunately one part of Washington's position was easily commanded by the artillery of the French, which they were not slow in taking advantage of. The action opened on the 3d of July, and was continued until late at night. A capitulation was proposed by the French commander, which Washington reluctantly accepted, seeing all hopes of re-enforcements reaching him cut oif, and on the 4th of July marched out with the honors of war and fell back to Fort Cumberland. Governor Hamilton had strongly recommended, before hostilities opened, that the assembly should provide for defense and establish a line of block houses along the frontier. But the assembly, while willing to vote money for buying peace from the Indians, and contributions to the British crown, from which protection was claimed, was unwilling to contribute directly for even de- fensive warfare. In a single year eight thousand pounds were voted for Indian gratuities. The proprietors were appealed to to aid in bearing this bur- den. But, while they were willing to contribute liberally for defense, they would give nothing for Indian gratuities. They sent to the colony cannons to the value of four hundred pounds. In February, 1763, John Penn, grandson of the founder, son of Richard, arrived in the colony, and as a mark of respect was immediately chosen a mem- ber of the council and made its president. In consequence of the defeat of Washington at Fort Necessity, Governor Hamilton convened the assembly in extra session on the 6th of August, at which money was freely voted ; but, owing to the instructions given by the proprietors to their deputy governor not to sign any money bill that did not place the whole of the interest at their dis- posal, the action of the assembly was abortive. Finding himself in a false position by the repugnant instructions of the pro- prietors. Governor Hamilton had given notice in 1758, that, at the end of twelve months from its reception, he would resign. Accordingly, in October, 1754, he was succeeded by Robert Hunter Morris, son of Lewis Morris, chief justice of New York and New Jersey, and governor of New Jersey. The son was bred a lawyer, and was for twenty-six years a counsellor, and for twenty, chief justice of New Jersey. The assembly, at its first session, voted a money bill for forty thousand pounds, but not having the proviso required by the proprietors, it was vetoed. Determined to push military operations, the British government had called early in the year for three thousand volunteers from Pennsylvania, with subsistence, camp equipage and transportation, and had sent two regiments of the line, under General Braddock, from Cork, Ireland. Landing at Alexan- (f. /7'^Sfa/^^^ INTRODUCTORY. 29 dria, Va., he marched to Frederick, Md., where, Ending no supplies of trans- portation, he halted. The assembly of Pennsylvania had voted to borrow five thousand pounds, on its own account, for the use of the crown in prosecuting the campaign, and had sent Franklin, who was then postmaster-general for the colonies, to Braddock to aid in prosecuting the expedition. Finding that the army was stopped for lack of transportation, Franklin returned into Pennsyl- vania, and by his commanding influence soon secured the necessary wagons and beasts of burden. Braddock had formed extravagant plans for his campaign. He would march forward and reduce Fort Du Quesne, thence proceed against Fort Niagara, which having conquered, he would close a season of triumphs by the capture of Fort Frontignac. But this is not the first time in warfare that the result of a campaign has failed to realize the promises of the manifesto. Accustomed to the discipline of military establishments in old, long-settled countries, Braddock had little conception of making war in a wilderness with only Indian trails to move upon, and against wily savages. Washington had advised to push forward with pack horses, and, by rapidity of movement, forestall ample preparation. But Braddock had but one way of soldiering, and where roads did not exist for wagons he stopped to fell the forest and construct bridges over streams. The French, who were kept advised of every movement, made ample prepara- tions to receive him. In the meantime Washington fell sick ; but intent on being up for the battle, he hastened forward as soon as sufficiently recovered, and only joined the army on the day before the fatal engagement. He had never seen much of the pride and circumstance of war, and when, on the morn- ing of the 9th of July, the army of Braddock marched on across the Mononga- hela, with gay colors flying and marshal music awakening the echoes of the forest, he was accustomed in after years to speak of it as 'the " most magnificent spectacle" that he had ever beheld. But the gay pageant was destined to be of short duration ; for the army had only marched a little distance before it fell into an ambuscade skilfully laid by the French and Indians, and the forest resounded with the unearthly whoop of the Indians, and the continuous roar of musketry. The advance was checked and thrown into confusion by the French from their well-chosen position, and every tree upon the flanks of the long drawn out line concealed a murderous foe, who with unerring aim picked off the offi- cers. A resolute defense was made, and the battle raged with great fury for three hours ; but the fire of the English was ineifectual because directed against an invisible foe. Finally, the mounted officers having all fallen, killed ,or wounded, except Washington, being left without leaders, panic seized the sur- vivors and " they ran," says Washington, " before the French and Indians like sheep before dogs." Governor Morris made an earnest appeal to the assembly for money to ward off the impending enemy and protect the settlers, in response to which the 3 30 INTRODUCTORY. assembly voted fifty thousand pounds ; but having no exemption of the pro- prietor's estates, it was rejected by the governor, in accordance with his origi- nal instructions. Expeditions undertaken against Nova Scotia and at Crown Point were more fortunate than that before Du Quesne, and the assembly voted fifteen thousand pounds in bills of credit to aid in defraying the expense. The proprietors sent five thousand pounds as a gratuity, not as any part of expense that could of right be claimed of them. In this pressing emergency, while the governor and assembly were waging a fruitless war of words over money bills, the pen of Franklin was busy in in- fusing a wholesome sentiment in the minds of the people. In a pamphlet that he issued, which he put in the familiar form of a dialogue, he answered the objections which had been urged to a legalized militia, and willing to show his devotion by deeds as well as words, he accepted the command upon the frontier. By his exertions, a respectable force was raised, and though in the dead of winter, he commenced the erection of a line of forts and block-houses along the whole range of the Kittatinny hills, from the Delaware to the Potomac, and had them completed and garrisoned with a body sufficient to withstand any force not provided with artillery. In the spring, he turned over the command to Colonel Clapham, and returning to Philadelphia took his seat in the assembly. The governor now declared war against the Indians, who had established their headquarters thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the Susquehanna, and were busy in their work of robbery and devastation, having secured the greater por- tion of the crops of the previous season of the settlers whom they had killed or driven out. The peace party strongly objected to the course of the governor, and voluntarily going among the Indians induced them to bury the hatchet. The assembly which met in May, 1756, prepared a bill with the old clause for taxing the proprietors, as any other citizens, which the governor was forbidden to approve by his instructions, " and the two parties were sharpening their wits for another wrangle over it," when Governor Morris was superseded by William Denny, who arrived in the colony and assumed authority on the 20th of August, 1756. He was joyfully and cordially received, escorted through the streets by the regiments of Franklin and Duch6, and royally feasted at the State-house. But the promise of efficient legislation was broken by an exhibition of the new governor's instructions, which provided that every bill for the emission of money must place the proceeds at the joint disposal of the governor and assem- bly ; paper currency could not be issued in excess of forty thousand pounds, nor could existing issues be confirmed unless proprietary rents were paid in sterling money.; proprietary lands were permitted to be taxed which had been actually leased, provided that the taxes were paid out of the rents, but the tax could not become a lien upon the land. In the first assembly, the contention became as acrimonious as ever. TNTRODUCTOBY. 31 The finances of the colony, on the account of the repeated failures of the money bills, were in a deplorable condition. Military operations could not be carried on and vigorous campaigns prosecuted without ready money. Ac- cordingly, in the first meeting of the assembly after the arrival of the new governor, a bill was passed levying one hundred thousand pounds on all pro- perty alike, real and personal, private and proprietary. This Governor Denny vetoed. Seeing that money must be had, the assembly finally passed a bill exempting the proprietary estates, but determined to lay their grievances before the crown. To this end, tAvo commissioners were appointed, Isaac Norris and Benjamin Franklin, to proceed to England and beg the interference of the royal government in their behalf. Failing health and business engage- ments of Norris prevented his acceptance, and Franklin proceeded alone. He had so often defended the assembly in public and in drawing remonstrances that the whole subject was at his fingers' ends. Franklin, upon his arrival in England, presented the grievances before the proprietors, and, that he might get his case before the royal advisers and the British public, wrote frequent articles for the press, and issued a pamphlet entitled " Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsyl- vania." The dispute was adroitly managed by Franklin before the privy council, and was finally decided substantially in the interest of the assembly. It was provided that the proprietors' estates should be taxed, but that their located uncultivated lands should be assessed as low as the lowest uncultivated lands of the settlers, that bills issued by the assembly should be receivable in payment of quit rents, and that the deputy governor should have a voice in disposing of the revenues. Thus was a vexed question of long standing finally put to rest. So successfully had Franklin managed this controversy that the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland, and Georgia appointed him their agent in England. In October, 1759, James Hamilton was again appointed governor, in place of Governor Denny, who had by stress of circumstances transcended his instruc- tions. The British government, considering that the colonies had borne more than their proportionate expense in carrying on the war against the French and Indians, voted two hundred thousand pounds for five years, to be divided among the colonies, the share falling to Pennsylvania being twenty-six thous- and pounds. On the 26th of October, 1760, George II. died, and was suc- ceeded by his grandson, George III. Early in 1762, war was declared between Great Britain and Spain, but was of short continuance, peace having been declared in November following, by which Spain and France relinquished to the English substantially the territory east of the Mississippi. The boundary line between Maryland and Pennsylvania had long been in dispute, and had occasioned serious disturbances among the settlers in the life- time of Penn, and repeatedly since. It was not definitely settled until 1760, 82 . INTRODUCTORY. when a beginning was made of a final adjustment, though so intricate were the conditions that the work was prosecuted for seven years by a large force of surveyors, axmen, and pioneers. The charter of Lord Baltimore made the northern boundary of Maryland the 40th degree of latitude ; but whether the beginning or end of the 40th was not specified. The charter of Penn, which was subsequent, made his southern boundary the heginning of the 40th parallel. If, as Lord Baltimore claimed, his northern boundary was the end of the 40th, then the city of Philadelphia and all the settled parts of Pennsylvania would have been included in Maryland. If, as Penn claimed by express terms of his charter, his southern line was the beginning of the 40th, then the city of Balti- more, and even a part of the District of Columbia, including nearly the whole of Maryland, would have been swallowed up by Pennsylvania. It was evident to the royal council that neither claim could be rightfully allowed, and hence resort was had to compromise. Penn insisted upon retaining free communica- tion with the open ocean by the Delaware bay. Accordingly, it was decided that beginning at Cape Henlopen, which by mistake in marking the maps was fifteen miles below the present location, opposite Cape May, a line should be run due west to a point half way between this cape and the shore of Chesapeake bay ; from this point a line was to be run northerly in such direction that it should be tangent on the west side to a circle with a radius of twelve miles, whose center was the center of the court-house at Newcastle. From the exact tan- gent point, a line was to be run due north until it should reach a point fifteen miles south on the parallel of latitude of the most southern point in the bound- ary of the city of Philadelphia, and this point when accurately found by hori- zontal measurement was to be the corner bound between Maryland and Penn- sylvania, and subsequently, when Delaware was set oif from Pennsylvania, was the boundary of the three states. From this bound a line was to be run due west five degrees of longitude from the Delaware, which w^s to be the western limit of Pennsylvania, and the line thus ascertained was to mark the division between Maryland and Pennsylvania, and forever settle the vexed question. If the due north line should cut any part of the circle about New- castle, the slice so cut should belong to Newcastle. Such a segment was cut. This plan of settlement was entered into on the 10th of May, 1732, between Thomas and Richard, sons of William Penn, on the one part, and Charles, Lord Baltimore, great-grandson of the patentee. But the actual marking of the boundaries was still deferred, and as the settlers were taking out patents for their lands, it was necessary that it should be definitely known in which state the lands lay. Accordingly, in 1739, in obedience to a decree in council, a temporary line was run upon a new basis, which now often appears in litiga- tions to plague the brain of the attorney. Commissioners were again appointed in 1751, who made a few of the meas- urements, but, owing to objections raised on the part of Maryland, the work INTRODUCTORY. 33 was abandoned. Finally, the proprietors, Thomas and Richard Penn, and Frederic, Lord Baltimore, entered into an agreement for the executing of the survey, and John Lukens and Archibald McLean on the part of the Penns, and Thomas Garnett and Jonathan Hall on the part of Lord Baltimore, were ap- pointed with a suitable corps of assistants 'to lay oif the lines. After these surveyors had been three years at work, the proprietors in England, thinking that there was not enough energy and practical and scientific knowledge mani- fested by these surveyors, appointed Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two mathematicians and surveyors, to proceed to America to take charge of the work. They brought with them the most perfect and best constructed instru- ments known to science, arriving in Philadelphia on the 15th of November, 1763, and, assisted by some of the old surveyors, entered upon their work. By the 4th of June, 1766, they had reached the summit of the Little Allegheny, when the Indians began to be troublesome. They looked with an evil eye on the mathematical and astronomical instruments, and felt a secret dread and fear of the consequences of the frequent and long-continued peering into the heavens. The Six Nations were understood to be inimical to the further prog- ress of the survey. But through the influence of Sir William Johnson a treaty was concluded, providing for the prosecution of the work unmolested, and a number of chieftains were sent to accompany the surveying party. Mason and Dixon now had with them thirty surveyors, fifteen axmen, and fifteen Indians of consequence. Again the attitude of the Indians gave cause of fear, and on the 29th of September, twenty-six of the surveyors abandoned the expedition and returned to Philadelphia. Having reached a point two hundred and twenty- four miles from the Delaware, and within thirty-six miles of the western limit of the state, in the bottom of a deep, dark valley, they came upon a well-worn Indian path, and here the Indians gave notice that it was the will of the Six Nations that this survey proceed no further. There was no questioning this authority, and no means at command for resisting, and accordingly the party broke up and returned to Philadelphia. And this was the end of the labors of Mason and Dixon upon this boundary. The line was marked by stones which were quarried and engraved in England, on one side having the arms of Penn, and on the opposite those of Lord Baltimore. These stones were firmly set every five miles. At the end of each intermediate mile a smaller stone was placed, having on one side engraved the letter P., and on the opposite the letter M. The remainder of the line was finished and marked in 1782-84 by other surveyors. A vista was cut through the forest eight yards in width the whole distance. In 1849 the stone at the northeast corner of Maryland having been removed, a re-survey of the line was ordered, and surveyors were appointed by the three states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, who called to their aid James D. Graham. Some few errors were discovered in the old survey, but in the main it was found to be accurate. 34 INTRODUCTORY. John Penn, grandson of the founder, and son of Richard, had come to the colony in 1753, and, having acted as president of the council, was, in 1763, commissioned governor in place of Hamilton. A difference having arisen between the governor and assembly on the vexed question of levying money, the assembly passed a series of resolutions advocating that the " powers of government ought to be separated from the power attending the immense pro- prietary property, and lodged in the hands of the king." After an interval of fifty days — that time for reflection and discussion might be given — the assembly again convened, and adopted a petition praying the king to assume the direct government of the province, though this policy was strongly opposed by some of the ablest members, as Isaac Norris and John Dickinson. The Quaker element was generally in favor of the change. The great struggle for the independence of the colonies of the British crown was now close at hand, and the first sounds of the controversy were beginning to be heard. Sir William Keith, that enterprising governor whose head seemed to have been full of new projects, as early as 1739 had proposed to lay a uniform tax on stamped paper in all the colonies, to realize funds for the common defense. Acting upon this hint, Grenville, the British minister, noti- fied the colonists in 1763 of his purpose to impose such a tax. Against this they remonstrated. Instead of this, a tax on imports, to be paid in coin, was adopted. This was even more distasteful. The assembly of Rhode Island, in October, 17G5, submitted a paper to all the colonial assemblies, with a view to uniting in a common petition to the king against parliamentary taxation. This was favorably acted on by the assembly of Pennsylvania, and Franklin was appointed agent to represent their cause before the British parliament. The stamp act had been passed on the 22d of March, 1765. Its passage excited bitter opposition, and a resolution, asserting that the colonial assemblies had the exclusive right to levy taxes, was passed by the Virginia assembly, and concurred in by all the others. The Massachusetts assembly proposed a meet- ing of delegates in New York on the second Tuesday of October, 1765, to confer upon the subject. The Pennsylvania assembly adopted the suggestion, and appointed Messrs. Fox, Morton, Bryan, and Dickinson as delegates. This congress met according to the call and adopted a respectful petition to the king, and a memorial to parliament, which were signed by all the members and for- warded for presentation by the colonial agents in England. The stamp act was to go into eifect on the 1st of November. On the last day of October the newspapers were dressed in mourning, and suspended publication. The pub- lishers agreed not to use the stamped paper. The people, as with one mind, determined to dress in homespun, resolved not to use imported goods, and, to stimulate the production of wool, the colonists covenanted not to eat lamb for the space of one year. The result of this policy was soon felt by British INTBODUCTORY. 35 manufacturers, who became clamorous for repeal of the obnoxious measure, and it was accordingly repealed on the 18th of March, 1766. Determined in some form to draw a revenue from the colonies, an act was passed in 1767 to lay a duty on tea, paper, printers' colors, and glass. The assembly of Pennsylvania passed a resolution on the 20th of February, 1768, instructing its agent in London to urge its repeal, and at the session in May received and entered upon its minutes a circular letter from the Massachusetts assembly, setting forth the grounds on which objection to the act should be urged. This circular occasioned hostile feeling among the ministry, and the secretary for foreign affairs wrote to Governor Penn to urge the assembly to take no notice of it ; but if they approved its sentiments, to prorogue their sittings. This letter was transmitted to the assembly; and soon after one from the Virginia assembly was presented, urging union of all the colonies in oppos- ing the several schemes of taxation. This recommendation was adopted, and committees appointed to draw a petition to the king and to each of the houses of parliament. To lead public sentiment, and have it well grounded in the arguments used against taxation, John Dickinson, one of the ablest of the Pennsylvania legislators, at this time published a number of articles purport- ' ing to come from a plain farmer, under the title of the " Farmer's Letters," which became popular, the idea that they were the work of one in humble life helping to swell the tide of popularity. They were republished in all the colonies, and exerted a commanding influence. Alarmed at the unanimity of feeling against the proposed schemes, and supposing that it was the amount of the tax that gave off'ense, parliament reduced the rate of 1769 to one-sixth of the original sum, and in 1770 abolished it altogether, except three pence a pound on tea. But it was the principle, and not the amount that was objected to, and at the next session of the assembly in Pennsylvania, their agent in London was directed to urge its repeal altogether. Richard Penn, son of the founder, died in 1771, whereupon Governor John Penn returned to England, leaving the president of the council, James Hamil- ton, at the head of the government. John Penn, eldest son of Richard, suc- ceeded to the proprietary interests of his father, which he held in conjunction with his uncle, Thomas, and in October of the same year, Richard, the second son, was commissioned governor. He held the ofilce but about two years, and in that time won the confidence and esteem of the people, and so much attached was he to the popular cause, that upon his return to England, in 1775, he was intrusted by congress with the last petition of the colonies ever presented to the king. In August, 1778, John Penn returned with the commission of governor, superseding his brother Richard. To encourage the sale of tea in the colonies, and establish the principle of taxation, the export duty was removed. The colonies took the alarm. At a public meeting called in Philadelphia to consider the subject, on the 18th of 36 INTRODUCTOEY. October, 17Y3, resolutions were adopted in which it was declared: "That the disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen ; that there can be no property in that which another can, of right, take from us without our consent ; that the claim of parliament to tax America is, in other words, a claim of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure." The East India Company now made preparations for sending large importations of tea into the colonies. The ships destined for Philadelphia and New York, on approaching port, and being advised of the exasperated state of public feeling, returned to England with their cargoes. Those sent to Boston came into the harbor ; but at night a party disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels, and breaking open the packages, emptied three hundred chests into the sea. The ministry, on being apprised of this act, closed the port of Boston, and subverted the colonial charter. Early in the year, committees of correspondence had been established in all the colonies, by means of which the temper and feeling in each were well understood by the others, and concert of action was secured. The hard condi- tions imposed on the town of Boston and the colony of Massachusetts Bay aroused the sympathy of all; for, they. argued, we know not how soon the heavy hand of oppression may be felt by any of us. At a meeting held in Philadelphia on the 18th of June, 1774, at which nearly eight thousand people were convened, it was decided that a continental congress ought to be held, and appointed a committee of correspondence to communicate with similar committees in the several counties of Pennsylvania and in the several colonies. On the 15th of July, 1774, delegates from all the counties, summoned by this committee, assembled in Philadelphia, and declared that there existed an absolute necessity for a colonial congress. They accord- ingly recommended that the assembly appoint delegates to such a congress, to represent Pennsylvania, and Joseph Galloway, Samuel Rhoads, George Ross, Edward Biddle, John Dickinson, Charles Humphries and Thomas Mifflin were appointed. On the 4th of September, 1774, the first continental congress assembled in Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was called to preside, and Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed secretary. It was resolved that no more goods be imported from England, and that unless a pacification was effected previously, no more colonial produce of the soil be exported thither after September 10, 1775. A declaration of rights was adopted, and addresses to the king, the people of Great Britain and of British America were agreed to, after which the congress adjourned to meet again on the 10th of May, 1775. In January, 1775, another meeting of the county delegates was held in Philadelphia, at which the action of the colonial congress was approved and while a restoration of harmony with the mother country was desired yet if the arbitrary acts of parliament were persisted in, they would at every hazard 4i^u.'^z^/2f^z oc^ o ^rji^ INTEODUCTORT. 39 defend the " rights and liberties of America." The delegates appointed to represent the colony in the second congress were Mifl3in, Humphries, Biddle, Dickinson, Morton, Wilson and Willing. The government of Great Britain had determined with a strong hand to compel obedience to its behests. On the 19th of April, 1775, was fought the battle of Lexington, a blow that was felt alike through all the colonies. The cause of one was the cause of all. A public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved to organize military companies in all the counties. The assembly heartily seconded these views, and engaged to provide for the pay of the militia while in service. The second congress, which met in May, provided for organizing a continental army, fixing the quota for Pennsylvania at 4,300 men. The assembly adopted the recommendation of congress, pro- vided for arming, disciplining and paying the militia, recommended the organiz- ing minutemen for service in an emergency, made appropriations for the defense of the city, and offered a premium on the production of saltpetre. Complica- tions hourly thickened. Ticonderoga was captured on the 10th of May, and the battle of Bunker Hill was fought on the 17th of June. On the 15th of June, George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the continental army, supported by four major-generals and eight brigadiers. The royal governors were now an incumbrance greatly in the way of the popular movement, as were also the assemblies where they refused to represent the popular will. Accordingly, congress recommended that the several colo- nies should adopt such government as should " best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general." This meant that each colony should set up a government for itself independent of the crown. Accordingly, a public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved that the present assembly is "not competent to the present exigencies of affairs," and that a new form of government ought to be adopted as recommended by congress. The city committee of correspondence called on the county committees to secure the election of delegates to a colonial meeting for the purpose of considering this subject. On the 18fch of June, the meeting was held in Philadelphia, and was organized by electing Thomas McKean president. It resolved to call a convention to frame a new constitu- tion, provided the legal forms to be observed, and issued an address to the people. The convention for framing a new constitution for the colony met on the 15th of July, and was organized by electing Franklin president, and on the 28th of September completed its labors, having framed a new organic law and made all necessary provisions for putting it into operation. In the meantime the old proprietary assembly adjourned on the 14th of June to the 26th of August. But a quorum failed to appear, and an adjournment was had to the 23d of Sep- tember, when some routine business was attended to, chiefly providing for the 40 INTEODUCTORY. payment of salaries and necessary bills, and on the 28th of September, after a stormy existence of nearly a century, this assembly, the creature of Penn, adjourned never to meet again. With the ending of the assembly ended the power of Governor Penn. The titles of the proprietors to landed estates were suspended by the action of the convention, and on the 27th of November, 1779, the legislature passed an act vesting these estates in the commonwealth, but paying the proprietors a gratuity of one hundred and thirty thousand pounds, " in remembrance of the enterprising spirit of the founder." This act did not touch the private estates of the proprietors, nor the tenths of manors. The British government, in 1790, in consideration of the fact that it had been unable to vindicate its authority over the colony, and afford protection to the proprietors in the enjoyment of their chartered rights, voted an annuity of four thousand pounds to the heirs and descendants of Penn. This annuity was regularly paid until within a few years, when, on the payment of a round sum to the heirs by the British government, the annuity was discontinued. The convention which framed the constitution appointed a committee of safety, consisting of twenty-five members, to whom was intrusted the government of the colony until the proposed constitution should be framed and put in operation. Thomas Rittenhouse was chosen president of this body, who was consequently in effect governor. The new constitution, which was unanimously adopted on the 28th of September, was to take effect from its passage. It provided for an assembly to be elected annually ; a supreme executive council of twelve members to be elected for a term of three years ; assemblymen to be eligible but four years out of seven, and councilmen but one term in seven years. Mem- bers of congress were chosen- by the assembly. The constitution could not be changed for seven years. It provided for the election of censors every seven years, who were to decide whether there was a demand for its revision. If so, they were to call a convention for the purpose. On the 6th of August, 1776, Thomas Wharton, Jr., was chosen president of the council of safety. The struggle with the parent country was now fully inaugurated. Parlia- ment had resolved upon a vigorous campaign, to strike heavy and rapid blows, and quickly end the war. The first campaign had been conducted in Massa- chusetts, and by the efficient conduct of Washington, General Howe, the leader of the British, was compelled to capitulate and withdraw to Halifax in March, 1776. On the 28th of June Sir Henry Clinton, with a strong detachment, in conjunction with Sir Peter Parker, of the navy, made a combined land and naval attack upon the defenses of Charleston harbor, where he was met by General William Moultrie, with the Carolina militia, and after a severe battle, in which the British fleet was roughly handled, Clinton withdrew and returned to New York, whither the main body of the British army, under General Howe, had come, and where Admiral Howe, with a large fleet directly from England, joined IXTRODUCTOKY. 41 them. To this formidable power, led by the best talent in the British army, Washington could muster no adequate force to oppose, and he was obliged to withdraw from Long Island, from New York, from Harlem, from White Plains, to cross into Kew Jersey, and abandon position after position until he had reached the right bank of the Delaware on Pennsylvania soil. A heavy de- tachment under Cornwallis followed, and would have crossed the Delaware in pursuit, but advised to a cautious policy by Howe, he waited for ice to form on the waters of the Delaware before passing over. The fall of Philadelphia now seemed imminent. Washington had not sufficient force to face the whole power of the British army. On the 2d of December, the supreme council ordered all places of business in the city to be closed, the schools dismissed, and advised preparation for removing the women and children and valuables. On the 12th the congress, which was in session here, adjourned to meet in Baltimore, taking with them all papers and public records, and leaving a committee, of which Robert Morris was chairman, to act in conjunction with Washington for the safety of the place. General Putnam was dispatched on the same day with a detachment of soldiers to take command in the city. Washington, who had, from the opening of the campaign before New York, been obliged for the most part to act upon the defensive, formed the plan to suddenly turn upon his pursuers and offer battle. Accordingly, on the night of the 25th of December, taking a picked body of men, he moved up several miles to Taylorsville, where he crossed the river, though at flood tide and filled with floating ice, and moving down to Trenton, where a detachment of the British army was posted, made a bold and vigorous attack. Taken by surprise, though now after sunrise, the battle was soon decided in favor of the Americans. The victory had great strategic value. The British had intended to push forward and occupy Philadelphia at once, which, being now virtually the capital of the new nation, had it been captured at this juncture, would have given them the occasion for claiming a triumphal ending of the war. But this advantage, though gained by a detachment small in numbers yet great in cour- age, caused the commander of a powerful and well-appointed army to give up all intention of attempting to capture the Pennsylvania metropolis in this cam- paign, and retiring into winter cantonments upon the Raritan to await the settled weather of the spring for an entirely new cast of operations. Washing- ton, emboldened by his success, led all his forces into New Jersey, and pushing past Trenton, where Cornwallis, the royal leader, had brought his main body by a forced march, under cover of darkness, attacked the British reserves at Princeton. But now the enemy had become wary and vigilant, and, summoned by the booming of cannon, Cornwallis hastened back to the relief of his hard pressed columns. Washington, finding that the enemy's whole army was within easy call and knowing that he had no hope of success with his weak army, withdrew. He now went into winter quarters at Morristown, and by 42 INTRODUCTORY. constant vigilance was able to gather marauding parties of the British who ventured far away from their works. Putnam commenced fortifications at a point below Philadelphia upon the Delaware, and at commanding positions upon the outskirts, and on being sum- moned to the army was succeeded by General Irvine, and he by General Gates. On the 4th of March, 1777, the two houses of the legislature, elected under the new constitution, assembled, and in joint convention chose Thomas Wharton, Jr., president, and George Bryan, vice-president. Penn had expressed the idea that power was preserved the better by due formality and ceremony, and, accordingly, this event was celebrated with much pomp, the result being de- clared in a loud voice from the court-house, amid the shouts of the gathered throngs and the booming of the captured cannon brought from the field of Trenton. The title bestowed upon the new chief officer of the state was fitted by its length and high-sounding epithets to inspire the multitude with awe and reverence : " His Excellency, Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Captain General, and Com- mander-in-chief in and over the same." Early in April, great activity was observed among the shipping in New York harbor, and Washington communicated to congress his opinion that Phila- delphia was the object against which the blow would be aimed. This announce- ment of probable peril induced the council to issue a proclamation urging enlistments, and congress ordered the opening of a camp for drilling recruits in Pennsylvania, and Benedict Arnold, who was at this time a trusted general, was ordered to the command of it. So many new vessels and transports of all classes had been discovered to have come into New York harbor, probably for- warded from England, that Washington sent General Mifilin, on the 10th of June, to congress, bearing a letter in which he expressed the settled conviction that the enemy meditated an immediate descent upon some part of Pennsylvania. General Mifilin proceeded to examine the defensive works of the city which had been begun on the previous advance of the Briti'&h, and recommended such changes and new works as seemed best adapted for its protection. The pre- parations for defense were vigorously prosecuted. The militia were called out and placed in two camps, one at Chester and the other at Downington. Fire ships were held in readiness to be used against vessels attempting the ascent of the river. Lord Howe, being determined not to move until ample preparations were completed, allowed the greater part of the summer to wear away before he advanced. Finally, having embarked his force on a fleet of transports, he sailed southward. Washington promptly made a corresponding march over- land, passing through Philadelphia on the 24th of August. Howe, suspecting that preparations would be made for impeding the passage of the Delaware, sailed past its mouth, and moving up the Chesapeake instead, debarked fifty- INTRODUCTORY. 43 four miles from Philadelphia and commenced the march northward. Great activity was now manifested in the city. The water-spouts were melted to furnish bullets, fair hands were busied in rolling cartridges, powerful chevaux- de-frise were planted to impede the navigation of the river, and the last division of the militia of the city, which had been divided into three classes, was called out. AVashington, who had crossed the Brandywine, soon confronted the advance of Howe, and brisk skirmishing at once opened. Seeing that he was likely to have the right of his position at Red Clay creek, where he had intended to give battle, turned by the largely superior force of the enemy, under cover of darkness on the night of the 8th of September, he withdrew across the Brandywine at Chad's Ford, and posting Armstrong with the militia upon the left, at Pyle's Ford, where the banks were rugged and precipitous, and Sullivan, who was second in command, upon the right at Brinton's Ford under cover of forest, he himself took post with three divisions. Sterling's, Stephen's, and his own, in front of the main avenue of approach at Chad's. Discovering the strong position which the American army occupied, the British general began a movement to turn it by a flank movement. Washing- ton, always on the alert, promptly divined the enemy's intentions and ordered General Sullivan to counteract the movement by flanking the flankers, while he held his immediate command ready to attack the main force while in confusion. The plan was ruined, however, by Sullivan's failure to obey orders, and Wash- ington had no alternative but to remain in position and make the best disposi- tion that time would permit. His main body with the force of Sullivan took position along the brow of the hill on which stands the Birmingham meeting- house, and the battle opened and was pushed with vigor the whole day. Over- borne by numbers, and weakened by losses, Washington was obliged to retire, leaving the enemy in possession of the field. Congress remained in Philadelphia while these military operations were going on at its very doors ; but on the 18th of September adjourned to meet at Lancaster, though subsequently, on the 30th, removed across the Susquehanna to York, where it remained in session till after the evacuation in the following summer. The council remained until two days before the fall of the city, when, having dispatched the records of the loan office and the more valuable papers to Easton, it adjourned to Lancaster. On the 26th the British army entered the city. Deborah Logan in her memoir says : " The army marched in and took possession of the city in the morning. We were upstairs and saw them pass the State House. They looked well, clean and well clad, and the contrast between them and our own poor, bare-footed, ragged troops was very great, and caused a feeling of despair Early in the afternoon Lord Cornwallis' suite arrived, and took possession of my mother's house." The army of Washington, after being recruited and put in light marching order, was led to Germantown, where, on the morning of the 8d of October, the 44 INTKODUCTOET. enemy was met. A heavy fog that morning had obscured friend and foe alike, occasioning confusion in the ranks, and though the opening promised well, and some progress was made, yet the enemy was too strong to be moved, and the American leader was forced to retire to his camp at White Marsh. Though the river had now been opened and the city was thoroughly fortified for resisting attack, yet Howe felt not quite easy in having the American army quartered in so close striking distance, and accordingly, on the 4th of December, with nearly his entire army, moved out, intending to take Washington at White Marsh, sixteen miles away, by surprise, and by rapidity of action gain an easy victory. But by the heroism and fidelity of Lydia Darrah, who, as she had often done before, passed the guards to go to the mill for flour, the news of the coming of Howe was communicated to Washington, who was pre- pared to receive him. Finding that he could effect nothing, Howe returned to the city, having had the wearisome march at this wintry season without effect. Washington now crossed the Schuylkill and went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. The cold of that winter was intense ; the troops, half clad and indifferently fed, suffered severely, the prints of their naked feet in frost and snow being often tinted with patriot blood. Grown impatient of the small results from the immensely expensive campaigns carried on 'across the ocean, the ministry relieved Lord Howe, and appointed Sir Henry Clinton to the chief command. The commissioners whom congress had sent to France early in the fall of 1776, Franklin, Dean and Lee, had been busy in making interest for the united colonies at the French court, and so successful were they, that arms and ammunition and loans of money were procured from time to time. Finally, a convention was concluded, by which France agreed to use the royal army and navy as faithful allies of the Americans against the English. Accordingly, a fleet of four powerful frigates and twelve ships were despatched under com- mand of the Count D'Estaing to shut up the British fleet in the Delaware. The plan was ingenious, particularly worthy of the long head of Franklin. But by some means, intelligence of the sailing of the French fleet reached the English cabinet, who immediately ordered the evacuation of the Delaware, whereupon the Admiral weighed anchor and sailed away with his entire fleet to New York, and D'Estaing, upon his arrival at the mouth of the Delaware, found that the bird had flown. Clinton evacuated Philadelphia and moved across New Jersey in the direc- tion of New York. Washington closely followed and came up with the enemy on the plains of Monmouth, on the 28th of June, 1778, where a sanguinary battle was fought which lasted the whole day, resulting in the triumph of the American arms, and Pennsylvania was rid of British troops. The enemy was no sooner well away from the city than congress returned from York and resumed its sittings in its former quarters, June 24, 1778, and INTRODUCTORY. 45 on the following day the colonial legislature returned from Lancaster. Gen- eral Arnold, who was disabled by a wound received at Saratoga, from field duty, was given command in the city and marched in with a regiment on the day following the evacuation. On the 23d of May, 1778, President Wharton died suddenly of quinsy, while in attendance upon the council at Lancaster, when George Bryan, the vice-president, became the acting president. Bryan was a philanthropist in deed as well as word. Up to this time African slavery had been tolerated in the colony. In his message of the 9th of November, he said : " This or some better scheme would tend to abrogate slavery — the opprobrium of America — from among us In divesting the state of slaves, you will equally serve the cause of humanity and policy, and offer to God one of the most proper and best returns of gratitude for his great deliverance of us and our posterity from thraldom ; you will also set your character for j ustice and benevolence in the true point of view to Europe, who are astonished to see a people eager for liberty holding negroes in bondage." He perfected a bill for the extinguishment of claims to slaves which was passed by the assembly, March 1, 1780, by a vote of thirty-four to eighteen, providing that no child of slave parents born after that date should be a slave, but a servant till the age of twenty-eight years, when all claim for service should end. Thus by simple enactment resolutely pressed by Bryan, was slavery forever rooted out of Penn- sylvania. At the election held for president, the choice fell upon Joseph Reed, with George Bryan vice-president, subsequently Matthew Smith, and finally Will- iam Moore. Reed was an erudite lawyer, and had held the position of private secretary to Washington, and subsequently adjutant-general of the army. He was inaugurated on the 1st of December, 1778. William Moore was elected president to succeed Joseph Reed, from November 14, 1781, but held the office less than one year, the term of three years for which he had been a councilman, having expired, which was the limit of service. James Potter was chosen vice-president. In the state election of 1782, contested with great vio- lence, John Dickinson was chosen president, and James Ewing vice-president. On the 12th of March, 1783, intelligence was first received of the signing of the preliminary treaty in which independence was acknowledged, and on the 11th of April congress sent forth the joyful proclamation ordering a cessation of hostilities. The soldiers of Burgoyne, who had been confined in the prison camp at Lancaster, were put upon the march for New York, passing through Philadelphia on the way. Everywhere was joy unspeakable. The obstruc- tions were removed from the Delaware, and the white wings of commerce again came fluttering on every breeze. In September, 1785, after a long absence in the service of his country abroad, perfecting treaties, and otherwise establishing just relations with other nations, the venerable Benjamin Franklin, then nearly eighty years old, feeling 46 INTRODUCTORY. the infirmities of age coming upon him, asked to be relieved of the duties of minister at the court of France, and returned to Philadelphia. Soon after his arrival, he was elected president of the council. Charles Biddle was elected vice-president. In May, 1787, a convention to frame a constitution for the United States met in Philadelphia. The delegation from Pennsylvania was Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, Thomas Mifflin, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Upon the completion of their work, the instrument was submitted to the several states for adoption. A convention was called in Pennsylvania, which met on the 21st of November, and though encountering resolute opposition, it was finally adopted on the 12th of December. On the following day, the convention, the supreme council and officers of the state and city government, moved in proces- sion to the old court-house, where the adoption of the constitution was formally proclaimed amidst the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells. On the 5th of November, 1788, Thomas Mifflin was erected president, and George Ross vice-president. The constitution of the state, framed in and adapted to the exigencies of an emergency, was ill salted to the needs of the state in its relations to the new nation. Accordingly, a convention assembled for the purpose of preparing a new constitution in November, 1789, which was finally adopted on September 2, 1790. By the provisions of this instrument, the executive council was abolished, and the executive duties were vested in the hands of a governor. Legislation was intrusted to an assembly and a senate The judicial system was continued, and the terras of the judges extended through good behavior. ■>ir~y-^..^_ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY CHAPTER I. GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. mOPOGRAPHICALLY, the state of Pennsylvania may be generally divided -L into three great divisions : The southeastern section, a region of broad, fertile valleys and scattered hills ; the middle belt, some fifty miles wide and two hundred and thirty miles long, consisting of peculiarly symmetrical moun- tain ranges and narrow valleys ; and a high western plateau, deeply seamed by various water-courses. It is with the southeastern section that these pages are especially concerned. This region is separated from the middle belt by the Kittatinny range, through which the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers force their way, and thence along fertile valleys and rugged peaks to find their outlet to the sea. The South Mountain range and the Susquehanna river naturally suggested the early bound- ary between the whites and the Indians, but the limits finally fixed for Bucks county were the arbitrary dictations of convenience. As it now exists, the county forms an irregular parallelogram, extending from the great bend of the Delaware river along its course in a direct line of about forty miles, with an average width of about fifteen miles, and containing about six hundred square miles. Inclosed within the foothills of the South Mountain range and the upper limit of the tidewater plain of the Atlantic, it consists of a beautifully diversified, undulating region, sloping gradually from an altitude of one hun- dred and forty feet (A. T.) at its upper limit to a few feet above tide level at its lower extremity. A steeper grade is discovered in passing westerly from the river, the altitude at Quakertown being marked at five hundred feet (A. T.). A more than usually diversified geological structure confers upon this county a great variety of scenery. Above the level of its general surface rise numerous hills and low ridges of swelling outline. A prevailing softness of contour especially distinguishes its lower portion, which may be attributed to the general absence of the harder igneous rocks and coarse sandstones, and to 4 50 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the presence of the easily disintegrated and crumbled varieties of gneiss, meta- morphic schists, etc., that underlie the surface. The northern portion, com- posed for the most part of a broad zone of friable red shale and argillaceous sandstone, exhibits a smooth and rolling landscape, except where dykes and ridges of trap-rock protrude through the softer mass. The extreme northern end of the county is traversed by a portion of the South Mountain chain, and presents a very uniform, general aspect, though internally of great diversity of structure and variety of local scenery. It is remarkable for its evenness of summit and parallelism of its crests or ridges. It is formed of two well-marked parallel ridges, extending from the Delaware, across the northern corner of the county in a southwest direction, to the Schuylkill at Reading. These ranges are a prolongation of the Highlands of New Jersey, and inclose some pleasant agricultural valleys. Their average elevation above the bordering valleys scarcely exceeds four hundred feet, but being abrupt and presenting a marked barrier to the view, they receive the name of mountains, which are more properly applied to other parts of the chain of which they are but the termination. The regular contour of the central region is varied by a broken range of hills which extends nearly due west from a point on the Delaware in Solebury township, just below New Hope, to the central part of Buckingham township where the Durham road skirts its base about a mile below Centerville. At this point the range ends somewhat abruptly and is known as Buckingham mountain, and is only crossed by a zig- zag road near the middle of its extent in this township. It is a rugged eleva- tion of some 250 feet above the bordering valleys, and is still generally clothed with its original timber. The colored people haye erected a church upon its summit near the road which crosses it, and a few clearings have been made at dift'erent places on it ; but its chief economic value is found in the timber it supplies. Toward the Solebury line the elevation rapidly diminishes to a level with the general surface. Passing toward the river a gradual rise develops the Solebury mountain, which extends with a slight southerly curve and ends abruptly at the Delaware. Bowman's mountain is an isolated rocky elevation on the boundary line between Solebury and Upper Makefield, and Jericho mountain is a similar elevation near the central portion of the latter township. In the northeast section of Haycock township is a symmetrical mound-like ele- vation known from the peculiar character of its contour as " The Haycock." It is a rough, rocky structure forbidding in every aspect, and save for its timber and an extended outlook to be had from its summit, is without natural attrac- tions. No road as yet renders its economic resources readily available, but a movement to remedy this defect is now being made. Bucks county lies almost wholly within the valley of the Delaware, and dis- charges its waters directly into that stream through its own water-courses. The river forms the boundary on the eastern side and lower end, and from this HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 51 side of the county receives the waters of the Durham, Tohickon, Pidcock, Knowles, Hough, and lesser streams. At the lower end, it receives the Scott, Mill, Neshaminy, and Poquessing creeks. " The Haycock," with a ridge extending southwesterly from it, divides the drainage of the upper region of the county, and the Perkiomen, taking its rise on the southwestern slope of this divide, flows a nearly direct course to the Schuylkill. The principal local stream, however, is the Neshaminy, which clearly indicates the general topog- raphy of the central and lower portions of- Bucks. Rising not far from the Delaware, in Plumstead township, it flows in a westerly course until it passes beyond the influence of Buckingham mountain, when it turns, almost at right angles to its previous course, and proceeds in a southerly direction to the river at the lower end of the county. It is through this stream and its affluents that the larger portion of the natural drainage of the county is efiected. The Po- quessing, which forms the lower boundary and determines that of the upper part of the southwestern side of the county, rises in Southampton and receives numerous little runs from Bensalem. The Pennypack rises in Warminster, but, flowing nearly due south, it leaves the county before it gains a size of even local importance. Some of these streams are themselves true rivers in the extent of their drainage. With an annual rainfall of nearly forty inches, and a general regularity of seasons, few of these streams — and they only during an occasional severe drouth in the summer — lack abundance of water in any part of the year. The geological conditions of the county have permitted these streams to shape its surface into a network of tortuous and highly picturesque courses, the characteristics of which vary from the grandeur of nearly vertical cliffs to the pastoral beauty of the softest landscape and gentlest windings of a placid stream. In endless panoramic view are found the most charming pictures of boldly carved hills, of verdant slopes, of fertile meadows, and luxuriant foliage that well might engage the artist's pencil. The admirer of nature, however, will find the greatest inspiration along the Delaware. From the point where its limpid waters first lave the soil of the county at the Durham hills, it flows for several miles in a tortuous course through a deep and some- times narrow channel. After leaving the Durham hills the landscape assumes a diff'erent aspect. Here it forms a table land elevated some three hundred feet above the level of the river, cut out on one or both sides of the valley into long ranges of perpendicular elevations or extremely steep slopes. One stretch along the Narrows or Nockamixon rocks (Pennsylvania Palisades) is an ex- ceedingly grand and picturesque range of beetling cliff's, rising iu places four hundred feet from the brink of the river, through an extent of nearly three miles. Some of the views here are strikingly impressive in their grandeur, and taken with the river below are beautiful beyond expression. Tufts of bushes, rare botanical plants, and climbing vines heighten by their green hues 52 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the rich brown tints of the rocks, and lend to the bold faces and narrow ledges of the cliffs a grace which nature alone can produce. There are few more attractive drives or walks than are found along the river margin at the foot of these cliffs. Farther down the river, in the vicinity of New Hope, some bold ridges of trap-rock impart a pleasing variety to banks otherwise comparatively tame. At Trenton and Morrisville the river assumes an entirely different aspect. Instead of a rushing stream vexed with numerous islands and tumbling over rocky reefs in rapids, it becomes a tidal river, modified by the flowing and ebbing of the tide. This district is not without many views of quiet beauty and some that are even grand. The location of Trentoij and Philadelphia in this region has drawn the attention of those who seek a retired home within a convenient reach of business to the natural attractions of the lower stretches of the river, and each year marks the addition on either bank of new residences about which the training hand of art softens the rugged beauty of nature and adds a charm that even the uninspired can enjoy. The external relief of a country, however, is only the expression of its internal rocky structure, moulded by the erosive action of the elements and the slow chemical influences of the atmosphere. The contour of the surface indicates the hidden anatomy beneath, and in studying the projections and outlines of the landscape the inquirer is led to the investigation of the secrets of its structure. Thus the greater or lesser elevations which are termed moun- tains and hills result from the different forms of the strata composing them. In geological language they are of anticlinal, synclinal, or monoclinal structure. When it is understood that the larger part of the country owes its relief to a diffused powerful cutting or wearing action of the elements and water upon a broad group, or series of groups, of great parallel undulations in the strata, or more or less compressed waves in the earth's outer crust, it is apparent that there can exist but three forms of ridges and valleys: 1. Those consisting of strata bent convexly upward, or dipping anticlinally. 2. Those consisting of strata bent concavely upward, or dipping synclinally. 3. Those strata dipping only in one direction, or monoclinally, forming the flanks of the waves. These three types of geological structure, shared by the valleys as well as by the ridges, are each of them accompanied by distinctive external forms or charac- teristics. ' Many interesting examples of anticlinal, synclinal, and monoclinal eleva- tions occur throughout the county, and it may be well to recommend to the reader, geologically inclined, to inspect with care such exposures. They are often met with along the banks of our streams, where he will easily detect all the above forms and many other curious phases existing in the topography of the county. Few districts of the state disclose the connection between the external physical features of the land and the character and position of the various HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. 53 strata more plainly than certain portions of Bucks county. The position of the county bordering on the Delaware river embraces within its limits a portion of the old gneiss ridges of the South mountain, on its northern boundaries, to the Cretaceous outcrop at its southeastern extremity. Most of its surface, however, is covered by the Mesozoic new red sandstone and shale, dipping northwestward at angles varying from nearly horizontal to fifteen degrees. The apparent thickness of this formation according to the second geological survey is about thirty thousand feet, which seems incredible for several reasons ; seeing that at halfway of the distance across Solebury and Buckingham town- ships, a northeast and southwest fault, ten miles in length, brings the sandstone No. I. and limestone No. II. up to the surface with quite a limited disturbance of the contour or topography of that section of the county. The whole surface of the Mesozoic country has been reduced by erosions several hundred feet at least, as the deposits must have once overspread the P otsdam-cowereA gneiss ridges at the northern end of the county, for they still rise almost to the top of these ridges (1000' A. Tide). Prof. J. P. Lesley, in his Geological Atlas of Counties, says in regard to this deposit : " Although they dip north towards (the Potsdam-covQveA gneiss ridge), and there is no evidence for a fault; but why no trace exists in the great valley cannot be explained, except on the supposition that the surface of the valley has been lowered by erosion at least a thousand feet since Mesozoic times ; and this is proved at Hummelstown in Dauphin county." The 3Iesozoic formation is of the same character throughout, an alternation of hard and soft layers of reddish sand and mud, some fit for building pur- poses, some conglomeritic, some calcareous, and some fossiliferous, containing numerous bones of lizards, shells, and fossil plants. The name Mesozoic red sandstone, by which this deposit is designated by geologiste, is given to it in allusion to the geological age in which it was produced, both its organic remains and its position among the other systems of strata distinctly indicating it to have originated early in the so-called Mesozoic period, or middle age of extinct or fossil life. As a term, it is less theoretical and more descriptive than that of new red sandstone, the title often conferred upon it by geologists. In the central and upper parts of the deposit we not unfrequently meet with dark gray and blue shales, containing much carbonaceous tiatter in a partially pulverulent state, with here and there a chunk of true compact lignite more or less bituminous, but retaining distinctly the fibrous structure of the wood from which it has been derived. This lignite is even occasionally in continuous layers of two or three inches thickness, extending for several yards. Approxi- mating to the features of genuine coal, these little seams are a fertile source of delusive hope among those who are ignorant of the geological relations of the strata. Besides the foregoing enumerated characteristics of this great body of red sandstone and shale, the formation includes, near its north and 54 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. south limits, two other subdivisions which claim a short description ; these are coarse conglomerates, very heterogeneous in composition and interrupted in their line of outcrop. In the east part of the belt, especially along the Delaware, the base of the whole formation is a mass of coarse pinkish and grayish sand- stones, composed of angular fragments of quartz, feldspar, and a small per- centage of mica, the constituents of the neighboring gneissic strata. These beds graduate upward into the more argillaceous sandstone strata. These pebbles are of all dimensions from one-half inch to five or six inches. A conglomerate very similar to that which lies at the base of the formation constitutes in several neighborhoods the upper or terminal stratum. This con- glomerate is so well characterized along the northwest margin of the formation that it is entitled to be regarded as a distinct subformaiion ; it overlies the formation, not in a continuous belt, but in several long narrow patches. Trap- ridges and dykes accompany this formation throughout the county. The rocks constituting them are of igneous origin, and wore ejected in a melted state through fissui'es in the earth's crust. It is remarkable that these fractures should have taken place in great numbers just where the formations exist, and only sparingly east or west of them. The igneous and aqueous rocks are so associated that they necessarily come into tlie same history. This geological relationship of the trap to the sandstone is an important feature of the forma- tion embraced within the limits of Bucks county. What the physical causes were, which, at the close of the Mesozoio period, confined the rupturing of the strata and the eftusion of trappean matter to the comparatively narrow area overspread by this formation is difficult even to conjecture, and the present is not a fit opportunity for speculating on the subject. In many cases this trappean matter occurs simply as a narrow dyke. It has come up through fissures in the sandstone, and, as it escaped, it often thickened up into high elevations ; yet nowhere does it seem to have flowed far over the surface. The proofs that the trap was actually melted are abundant; for the sandstone rocks have in many places been baked to a hard grit by the heat, and at times so blown up by steam as to look scoriaceous. In some places the uplift has opened spaces between the layers where steam has escaped, and changed the clayey sandstone into a very hard rock looking like trap itself. Occasionally crystalline minerals, as epidote and tourmaline, are among the results of the baking. The evidences of heat moreover diminish as we recede from the ridges ; and there is no doubt that the sandstone has been extensively ■worn away by waters where it had not been rendered durable by the heat. The ordinary trap-rock of the Mesozoio belt of Backs county is that variety which is known under the rather obscure name of Basalt, and which in its typical forms consists of a union of augite, feldspar, and titaniferous iron, the first-named mineral predominating. In some dykes, however, the rock em- braces much hornblende, replacing the augite. It is in such cases a true HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 5o greenstone trap, but this is the less common variety. It is of all degrees of relative fineness of crystallization, from a coarse aggregate to a very complete homogeneous mass. It contains few extraneous minerals, and these are chiefly met with in the amygdaloid varieties, near the borders of certain of the larger dykes, or more properly in immediate contact with the altered red shale, by the reaction of the trap upon which this amygdaloidal character has been acquired, and these minerals have been evolved chiefly by segregation. Some of the dykes of trap along the Nockamixon rocks or Pennsylvania palisades contain copper ore (copper glance erubescite and malachite), and there is little doubt that the copper veins and the carytes, which is often the gangue of the veins, originated in the same eruptive period. Several isolated masses of trap- rocks are exposed in Nockamixon township. " The Ringing Rocks" occur in this township. Haycock mountain, about four miles southwest on the same strike, is quite a prominent feature in this formation. A range of hills four miles in length in Rockhill township consist of trappean material. Several trap-hills enter Bucks county from Montgomery county, near the northwestern corner, another in Southampton township, and several others occur near New Hope, with others scattered throughout the section covered by the Mesozoic formation. At the southern edge of the formation its lowest strata lie upon the Trenton range of gneiss, and appear to be made up of fragments of the older rocks . This rock is a coarse reddish-gray quartz, with occasional strata ofconglom- eritic sandstone, and is exposed at several quarries below Yardley. It is composed of small angular grains and imperfectly rounded pebbles of minerals of the neighboring gneissic rocks, the upturned edges of which it rests upon unconformably. The pebbles are chiefly quartz and feldspar, those of the former mineral being in certain layers nearly an inch in diameter. Some of this quartz is slightly opalescent. Much of the feldspar is of a dull yellowish color, without any lustre. A certain amount of hornblende and a small pro- portion of mica likewise occur. Dispersed among these materials, we find minute specks of yellow hydrated peroxide of iron ; this substance and the dis- integrated feldspar weaken the cohesion of the rock, and greatly impair its value for building purposes. The bedding of the layers is not very regular, the result of inclined deposition, a structure which materfally injures the utility of this rock for many purposes. The lower member of the formation is trace- able under more or less distinctiveness of character for many miles from the Delaware, but in places extremely narrow. Above these heterogeneous rocks or lower formation there rests a series of beds of a somewhat different material, constituting a zone which near the Dela- ware is several miles in width. In this division the predominant rock is a rather coarse-grained pinkish sandstone, composed of transparent quartzose sand, specks of feldspar, and occasional flat pebbles of compact red shale or 56 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. sandstone ; but the siliceous sand is the chief ingredient, and the cement is the red shale or clay. From the circumstance that no part of the formation has ever been deeply buried, either under a great mass of waters or beneath other strata, the cohesion of these rocks is not very great ; nevertheless this belt furnishes some of the best building stone derived from the whole formation. It is quarried near Yardloy, and for some distance above and below, and in New Jersey. In a series of quarries along the canal it may be noticed that the stratification is for the most part regular, and the rock is easily quarried and wrought. The next overlying division of the general stratum is much broader, extending from the last described to a point about a mile north of New Hope to a tract or an exposure of limestone in Solebury tovvnship. All forms of these rocks exist in this division from the soft argillaceous shales to hard silice- ous and micaceous sandstones. These strata having here a west-southwest strike range through the southern half of the county, entering Montgomery in the same direction. In the neighborhood of the Delaware river, several immense dykes of trap-rock appear, the heat of which has caused extensive alteration in the aspect and appearance of the strata, and developed some interesting phenomena of mineral segregation. The most common minerals thus elaborated are epidote,' phrenite, zeolite, stilbite, etc. In the vicinity of Centre bridge there lies a diversified series of strata of about one mile in width, which consists of red standstones and coarse yellowish conglomerates, divided by occasional thinner beds of soft red shale. These strata much resemble those found at the base of the formation. Much building stone is quarried in the vicinity of Centre bridge, the stone being well adapted for that purpose. Pass- ing northward along the Delaware the red shale rocks are found extensively altered by the temperature originally imparted to them by the trap-dykes, and by igneous rock which has not reached the surface, but of the close proximity of which there exist the strongest indications. The tract under consideration, near the Tohickon creek, consists of partially metamorphosed strata, compact and of a prevailing dull brown color, sometimes passing into a dull blue, and are intersected by large joints into rhombic blocks. Those portions which have been subjected to the greatest amount of igneous action have a semi-crystalline feature, and when struck give out a ringing sound. The Nockamixon cliffs along the Narrows possess the same peculiarities. The red-shale country is rather fertile and well cultivated ; but those portions of red shale where the rocks are changed to a dark-bluish or purplish color have usually a wet, heavy soil, and are not so much esteemed for agricultural purposes. Many interesting matters connected with the great Mesozoic belt are of necessity passed over for want of space. Turning now to the southern end or line of the 3fesozoic where it flanks the metamorphic rocks, it is observed to extend from the Delaware river commenc- ing about midway between Morrisville and Yardley, across the county, enterino- J " ... Q)6UriX^ cT^e^a^ ^-c^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 59 Montgomery county several miles south of Southamptonville. There is here no well-defined escarpment, the red soil which results from the decomposition of the red shale being the only guide. Between the Delaware river and the Montgomery county line the Mesozoic rests upon and overlaps the Syenites. The boundary of the Mesozoic and the Syenites is very irregular, owing to the irregularity of the latter and the erosion of the red shale. The syenitic and gneissic rocks of the Laurentian group extend along the southern border of the Mesozoic formation from the Delaware river to the Montgomery county line, extending into that county along that formation for some distance. The character of the rock is similar to that of the Durham hills. Small particles of magnetite have been found in many localities, but no ore of any amount has yet been discovered here. At A. Johnson's farm, southeast of Feasterville, plumbago has been found in a single locality, but not in sufficient quantities to encourage mining operations. Crystalline limestone occurs in a local deposit at Van Artsdalen's quarry in Southampton township. South of the Syenitic belt of rocks appears the Potsdam- Sandstone group of rocks, extending in the same direction across the county as the Laurentian rocks. The Potsdam rock is a fine-grained sandstone with micaceous partings, occasional beds of coarse sandstone and conglomerate, and beds of quartzite. Tourmaline crystals are numerous, usually of a small, needle-like shape. Iron pyrites are plentiful in nearly all localities. Cavities are often met with where this mineral has been weathered out of the rock. There are many exposures of this rock along its trend, forming in many places quite prominent ridges, especially in Falls township. The Potsdam formation is well exposed at Nesharainy falls, in Middletown township. The dip of the rock varies greatly. In Southampton township, near Neshaminy falls, along the southern margin of the sandstone, there is a well-defined escarpment between the Syenites, Potsdam, and mica schists. The mica schists are flanked on the north by the Potsdam. There are numerous exposures of this rock along the Neshaminy above Hulmeville. The rock along the northern edge of this belt is a garnetiferous mica schist. Pro- ceeding southward the garnets gradually diminish in quantity and give place to mica schists and quartz. Alternations of hornblendic slate occur in the garnetiferous belt. The southern end of Bucks county is occupied by a belt, five miles wide, of Philadelphia rocks, micaceous gneisses, and mica schists of unknown age, dipping gently northward and covered with gravel of recent but various ages, ending with the present river mud. A straight and steep outcrop of the Edge Hill sandstone along the south edge of the older gneiss separates it from the Philadelphia gneisses and schists. 60 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Professor Charles E. Hall says in regard to these mica schists : " We en- counter the same difficulty in assigning the mica schists and gneisses to any place above the Primal (Potsdam Sandstone, No. I.) until we get above the horizon of Rogers's Aurol limestones, No. II. The dividing line between the deposits of the Potsdam and the limestones is sharply defined, the change of conditions was rapid, and the source of material was changed. And there are no intermediate deposits of mica schists and gneisses which might be equivalent to the first and second belts. But towards the close of the deposit of the limestones the conditions were quite diiferent. Throughout the upper portion we find the limestones alternating with slates. Beds of slaty limestones and slate are met with occasionally in the middle and lower portions ; but as we ascend the limestone gradually becomes subordinate and the slates predominate. " These slates (which have been called the South Valley Hill Jiydromica and chlorite slates) were considered by Professor Rogers as equivalent to his Primal of the North Valley Hill ; which is not possible, for the Potsdam sand- stone on the north meets the limestone only a few thousand feet from the south side of the valley where the South Valley Hill slates occur. There are no transition measures between the limestones and the slates of the South Valley Hill. Now, if we assume that the Potsdam in the north hill and the slates in the south hill belong to the same horizon, it would follow that there was a belt a few thousand feet wide, extending from an abrupt commencement near the Schuylkill, southwestward beyond the Susquehanna river, along the southern side of which a gradual change or transition took place, and on the north side of which the change was sudden or spontaneous. Such an argument is un- reasonable. The structure alone is sufficient to prove that these slates of the South Valley Hill are not altered Primal, but no other than a series of slates overlying the limestones of No. II. " Aside from the palseontological evidence there is sufficient proof of their Hudson river age alone from the structural relations. The lower portion of this South Valley Hill belt shows a gradual transition from limestone to slate deposits. Throughout the lower portion of the group there is nothing resem- bling the gneisses and mica schists of the lower Schuylkill (first and second belts of Rogers). It is therefore far above the base of the South Valley Hill." In the southeastern part of Falls township there is a small area of clay exposed. This appears to be a remnant of the lowest clay beds of the New Jersey Cretaceous. The clay is capped by gravel and forms a prominence known as Turkey Hill. It is surrounded by alluvial deposits, and the expo- sures are confined to the flanks of the hill. The same clay is exposed in several localities opposite in New Jersey. The course of the Delaware river here points to the fact that the stream has been gradually cutting the edge of the formation, which at one time extended HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 61 much farther north. Gravel and river deposits cover the southern portion of Falls township. Near the northern edge of the gravel we find terraces and escarpments. These escarpments have a diagonal course across the township, marking the successive courses of the Delaware river as it has gradually under- mined the newer formations which are now eroded or concealed below the allu- vial on the Pennsylvania side, but are visible on the Jersey side of the river. Northwest of Morrisville, in this township, appears a depression in the JPotsdam ridge, and in the neighborhood of Rock run, where this stream runs into Lower Makefield township. The Delaware river possibly at one time crossed to the south side of the Potsdam at this point, and worked its way in a northwesterly direction towards Fallington. It appears that the outcrop of the Wealden deposit at Turkey Hill is the only place in the state where this clay is found. Crystalline limestone occurs in Soutliampton township, near the Neshaminy creek. It is interbedded with Laurentian rocks, and occurs near their northern edge. The locality is well known as a mineral district. Plumbago is found interspersed throughout the limestone. The extent of the limestone deposit appears limited and local in character. A hornblende gneiss is in contact with the limestone both north and south, and even splinters and small blocks of the dark gneiss are involved in the crystalline limestone, as if ruptured from the walls of a fissure through which the carbonate of lime of the quarry and the included minerals may have gushed up. Some of these flakes of gneiss are excessively contorted and folded, indicating the whole mass to have been at one time in a pasty or soft state, and so heated and squeezed as to have softened and folded the included gneiss. The limestone itself is a white crystalline mass, consisting of true granular limestone, granular dolomite, and calc-spar full of specks of perfectly and imperfectly crystallized pure graphite, with a variety of other interesting minerals. Orthoclase of a trichinic form has been found in this quarry and analyzed by Professor Genth in 1875. He says in regard to this mineral : " It has been stated in my report of 1874, B. 94, that orthoclase occurs at Van Artdalen's quarry, in Bucks county, in cleavable masses ; sometimes opalescent with rich blue colors. I have analyzed one of the latter and obtained highly interesting results. The material for analysis appeared quite uniform throughout, and was of a dark gray color with blue opalescence. The particles showed distinct striation. The analysis gave : — Specific gravity, 2.497. Silicic acid . Alumina Ferric oxide jMagiiesia Lime . Soda . Potash Ignition 64.93 18.58 0.49 0.12 1.77 3.04 10.44 1.11 100.48 62 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The analysis agreeing nearly with orthoclase, whilst it shows the striation of a triclinic feldspar. By the examination of the crystalline structure it is yet to be ascertained whether this opalescent variety is not a mixture of orthoclase with either labraclorite or oligoclase, as the apparently pure orthoclase, without striation and perfectly rectangular cleavage, is found at the same locality, or a new feldspar showing the composition of orthoclase with a triclinic form." It would seem as if some of these minerals and masses had been elaborated from the gneiss caught in and melted up with more or less of the elements of the limestone. In some places the limestone includes large bunches of serpentine, associated with talc and other magnesian minerals. The presence of these naturally suggests a possible origin by segregation from the dolomitic layers of the originally magnesian limestone. In George Justice's quarry, situated about two and a half miles above Morrisville, is a seam of coal about an inch thick. The dip of the rock is about five degrees north, twenty degrees west. It is a fine-grained conglom- erate of grayish-white quartz, flesh-red feldspar, small scales of mica, and some fragments of chlorite. At the time of our visit here they were prepar- ing to set off an immense blast. The powder did its work well, loosening several hundred tons of fine building material. Below Newportville, at Flushing, on Dr. Taylor's estate, a magnesium rock occurs which Dr. Genth has found to be enstatite. Its occurrence is analogous to the limestone of Van Artsdalen's quarry. The dip of the rock is to the southeast, varying from seventy to eighty degrees. Southwest of Feasterville, in Southampton township, a coarse granite occurs, and is quarried. This rock has been used for bridge abutments by the railroad company. It varies in color from gray to red. Along the Neshaminy the rock varies from gray, slaty, micaceous quartzite to a hornblendic syenite. Having defined in a general way the southern boundary of the Mesozoic as it exists in Bucks county, it remains now, before closing this part of the chap- ter, to give a short resume of the Delaware river gravels and clays as they exist along the lower borders of the county. " In order to better understand the arrangement of the gravel and clay deposits extending across the southern end of Bucks and Philadelphia counties the present south bank of the Delaware must first be understood. " The Delaware river flows in a southeast direction from Easton to a point a short distance below Trenton, where it turns and flows southwest to beyond Philadelphia. This bend is a right angle, and is caused by the river irapinw- ing here against the low, hilly outcrop of the Cretaceous formation of New Jersey extending from near the city of New York to the head of Delaware bay at AVilmington in Delaware. " The Delaware river has cut into this formation north of Trenton and flowing against the barrier formed by the edge of the Cretaceous measures. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 63 has worked its way to the ocean along the line of junction, between the Cre- taceous and the underlying crystalline rocks. " The Cretaceous originally extended some distance north of its present outcrop limit, and the river must have formerly flowed along a line (in general parallel to its present southwest course) some distance north or northwest of its present channel. Thus we have some slight evidence of its flowing diag- onally across the southeast corner of Middletown township, in Bucks county, following a course defined on the map by the general northernmost occurrence of the yellow and red gravel. " The limits of the Trenton gravel define a course which the river may have had at a comparatively recent date. The small patches (north of the alluvial deposit) called Bryn Mawr gravel by Mr. H. C. Lewis are possibly remnants of the Ufper Cretaceous or, perhaps, of the overlying Tertiary measures. " The mud and fine sand deposited by the river at the present time is found in numerous places along the Delaware. It is principally confined to the marshes and lowlands immediately adjoining the river. It forms a consider- able portion of the extreme southern end of Philadelphia between the Dela- ware and Schuylkill rivers." (Professor Hall's Report, p. 15, ch. 2, c. 6.) The Trenton gravel extends along the Delaware from Yardley, above Trenton, to Darby creek, below Philadelphia. It is usually a coarse gravel. Between Morrisville, opposite Trenton, and vicinity of the Poquessing creek, through the southern edge of Bucks county, there are two sets of terraces and escarp- ments visible. The northern escarpment extends along the general course of Jordan Rock run and Mill creek to the neighborhood of Bridgewater. The southern series of escarpments is marked by the general course of the Penn- sylvania canal from Morrisville to Bristol. These escarpments mark an earlier course of the river. The yellow and red gravel and Philadelphia brick clay forms a broad belt extending from the limits of the Trenton gravel northward to the higher ground. Numerous patches mark the limit of the Cretaceous as it originally existed. This gravel is composed of the cUbriB of all the geological formations which exist along the course of the Delaware river, as well, no doubt, as the debris from the sands and conglomerates of the edge of the Cretaceous (and perhaps Tertiary') undermined by the river. Large angular blocks of sandstone and quartzite are found in many places. The deposit of clay seems to be in many cases interbedded with the gravel. Whether it be derived from the wash of the Cretaceous beds, or a deposit similar to the glacial clays of the Hudson river, or whether it had its origin from both sources, is still a question. Its age is unquestionably not remote from the glacial period. The material which forms much of the gravel with which the clay is associated owes its transport to glacial agencies. Whether 64 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the ice did or did not extend to this latitude, may still be questioned ; but I think there is little question as to the period when the angular blocks were brought south and deposited here with the gravel. Fragments of fossiliferous rocks have been found in various places. They are of unmistakable Oriskany sandstone and Helderherg slate. The Iron-bearing clay group is found at Brownsville, this county, and includes all brown hematite (limonite) iron-ore bearing clays, whatever their origin in this section. Those iron-ore deposits which flank the Pot&dam sand- stone are all of Potsdam age. The Bryn Mawr and other four hundred feet A. T. level gravel patches of Bucks and Delaware counties show that there was once a rise of sea level to that height at least. The valleys of the Delaware and Lehigh in Northampton county must have been arms of the sea into which would have been dropped all the material which those rivers brought down from the north ; and if this rise happened after the formation of the moraine, or during the prevalence of the great ice field, these valleys must have become filled up to a high level with glacial clay, in which no doubt would be included large blocks of stone, such as are found in these deposits. Having described the 3Iesozoic new red sandstone and the gneisses, mica- ceous schists, etc., of the middle and southern end of the county, under their several aspects, the interesting area comprising the northeastern corner of the county next claims attention. This division of Bucks county north of the Mesozoic formation consists of parallel ridges called the South Mountain or Durham Hills. They are a continuation of the Highlands of New York and New Jersey through eastern Pennsylvania, ending at the Schuj'lkill river. The contour of these mountains is long and rather narrow, nowhere sharp, and studded with numerous rounded summits seldom reaching the altitude in this section of eight hundred feet above tide level. The side slopes in many instances are quite steep. The region is thickly covered with second growth timber. The soil is fertile and in a high state of cultivation wherever cleared. Between these mountains lie secluded valleys of rich limestone land, but these valleys are themselves rather hilly and greatly resemble the limestone belts in Northampton, of which they are outlying fragments separated from each other by the gradual erosion of the limestone strata which at one time covered the mountains, and the removal of which has exposed the underlying syenitic beds. The Bougher Hill range of granulite is isolated from the rest of the rano-e by Wolf's ravine which descends in a southerly direction, the divide beino- only three hundred and ninety feet above tide level. West of this ravine the raniTe is broken into summits, the highest, south of the county line in Durham beino- seven hundred and ninety feet above tide level ; the south edfe of the rido-e overlooking Springtown with its limestone quarries, being seven hundred and eighty feet above tide level. The water in Durham creek, in the limestone HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. '65 valley at Springtown, reaches three hundred and twenty feet. At Leithsville, about twelve miles from the river, this range of hills practically ends. From Bougher Hill gap the river keeps on the same course, south, about three miles, bending slightly west about half a mile below Riegelsville, until it reaches the mouth of Durham creek. These three miles it is cutting through .the Durham and Musconetcong valley limestone strata. At the heading of Durham creek, near Leithsville, is a narrow opening into the Saucon limestone valley. A mile south of Durham furnace, at Monroe, the river makes a gap through the Mus- conetcong Mountain range, one of the greatest mountain ranges in New Jersey. But, in Pennsylvania, its summit west of the river rises only four hundred and ninety feet (A. T.), becoming five hundred and seventy feet south of Spring- town. But some distance west, about two and a half miles south of Leiths- ville, it again reaches an altitude of nine hundred and eighty feet (A. T.). South of this range the whole county is occupied by the Mesozoic or neiv red sandstone. The foregoing will suflRce to place before the reader the main features of this northern belt extending diagonally across the county, composed of ranges of syenitic (granulite) strata arched into anticlinals, and separated from each other by valleys of limestone strata. The stratification of the limestone rocks of the valleys is visible everywhere, but so broken and crumpled that their structure must be chiefly taken on a topographical basis. The stratification of the syenitic gneiss is rarely to be seen outside of the mines and tunnels. The general trend or course of these long straight ranges of mountains is curiously almost exactly alike, varying in the main only a few degrees. On the other hand the summits or crests of the individual ridges and spurs range nearly due east and west. Owing to the general decomposition of the surface rock, the dip is often difficult to determine. A great help, how- ever, may be found by observing the parallel arrangement of the minerals com- posing the rock. The anticlinal structure of these mouatains can only be observed in a few places throughout this section of country ; the proof, however, may be adduced by a course of reasoning. No geologist who has given the matter close attention will fail to come to this same conclusion. That the South Mountain ranges throughout northern Bucks county have not only an anticlinal shape, but an anticlinal structure, is evident to any close observer, and that when they were bent into upward folds they lifted the limestone and other superimposed strata into folds above them ; but in the lapse of ages the overlying limestone and other strata or foundations were swept away, leaving the mountains bare, but the intervening valleys still filled with them. The gneiss of the South ^Mountain range in northern Bucks county diff'ers materially from the gneisses of the southern end of the county. It is for the most part a massive rock in thick beds, similar in appearance to feldspathic granite, but distinctly stratified, containing but small amounts of mica and hornblende ; it 66 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. is in many places largely charged with magnetite. There are only a few isolated belts of talcose and chlorite slates exposed. There is often a distinct parallelism in its crystalline structure, the feldspar and hornblende occupying alternate layers. It is evident that the South Mountain gneisses belong to a different system from those of the lower end of the county, and geologists who are familiar with the rocks of Canada, and the Adirondacks mountains, pronounce them with confidence to belong to the Laurentian system. Professor Rogers, in his Geology of Pennsylvania, describes the structure of the South Mountain belt on the Delaware river as follows : " Tracing, in the first place, the southeastern limit of the tract, we find it to coincide pretty accurately along its whole extent from the Delaware to the Schuylkill, with the northwestern margin of the Mesozoic red shale and sandstone rocks, which spread so extensively through Bucks and Montgomery counties, and which here overlap and conceal the group of rocks we are about to describe. " At the Delaware river, the boundary in question passes closely to the little village of Monroe, being more exactly marked by a small stream (Rodgers run) which flows at the base of the hills. Taking a course somewhat west of south, the line runs about three-quarters of a mile north of Bursonton (Burson- ville), then crossing Durham creek ranges westward to the vicinicy of Opp's tavern, beyond which it bears to the northwest approaching Leith's tavern, about two miles south of Hellertown. From this point the line of division between the two classes of rocks ranges in a direction a little south of west until it meets the south branch of Saucon, about half-a-mile northwest of Cooperstown (Coopersburg), crossing the line not far from the north corner of Montgomery. Along the line traced the gneissic rocks and limestone. No. II., wherever this occurs are overlaid unconformably by the edge of the 3Iesozoie. In several instances, however, the precise line of junction is difficult to trace, owing to the large amount of debris lodged near the base of the hills. In other places, which will be noticed further on, the overlying rock is not the ordinary red shale and sandstone of the Mesozoic, but a coarse-grained, variegated, cal- careous conglomerate, identical in geological situations and aspect with the rock commonly called Potomac marble." Between Bucher'sllill, which is the northeastern boundary of Bucks county, and the Durham iron mountains or the most southern of the gneissic exposures in this section, lies a fertile valley of limestone No. II., skirted in numerous places by exposures of Potsdam sandstone. This belt occupies the valley of Durham creek as far southwest as Springtown, being along the river about two miles in width. The rocks are well exposed at the numerous quarries tbrouch- out the belt. Between the furnace and Durham creek they exhibit a regular anticlinal flexure. This is the locality of the well-known Durham cave, remark- able for the many fossil bones which have been discovered in it from time to V HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 69 time. It is geologically situated in the limestone No. II. of Rogers. Chas. B. Trego, in his Geography of Pennsylvania, page 196, published in 1834, says in regard to this cavern : " In this same township there is a remarkable cave in the limestone rocks, the entrance to which is about one hundred yards from the river. The height of the entrance of the eminence inclosing the cavern is from two hundred to two hundred and fifty feet above the level of the adjoining lands. From the pathway of the entrance to the rock above is upwards of forty feet, but the passage, being partly obstructed by rocks, will not admit more than two or three persons to enter abreast. The interior is lofty and consists of three spacious rooms ; the passage from one to the other is over steep and prominent rocks. The first apartment is entered by a descent of about thirty feet. The floor of the second room is lower than the first ; and that of the third is still lower, in the bottom of which is a spring of excel- lent water, supposed to communicate with the creek or river. The entire length of the cavern from north to south is about ninety yards. In quarrying limestone a little east of the entrance to this cave an opening was made into another running parallel with it, and which, though not so wide, is of the same length. This abounds with stalactites, and probably communicates with the other." The above is a correct and graphic picture of the cave as it existed before 1848 ; but at present the cave, through the devices of man, consists of one grand and spacious level, combining the second and third apartments in one. It is used for holding scientific gatherings, and will seat if space is fully utilized from eight hundred to one thousand persons. Queen Esther's drawing-room is still in its natural condition, and is much visited by scientists and others interested in ancient lore. Catherine Montour has frequently been confused with the Indian queen, and it was the former (who is sometimes erroneously called Queen Esther) whom it was intended to honor. It is well known to historians that this cave was the resort of the abori- gines, as, in earlier times, numbers of flint arrow-heads, stone hammers, beads, pestles, etc., were found in the recesses, of which there were many, some of these extending into the side walls for some distance. Marks of fire were frequent, where, no doubt, they prepared their food. Parts of a human skele- ton were found, and numerous fossil bones of extinct animals. An interesting fact in connection with these petrifactions was a heap of cherry-pits or stones, which were by some means or other deposited where the drippings from the limestone rock above fell upon them, retaining tlieir shape and size. As late as 1855 a fossil skeleton of a deer was exhumed out of the solid limestone rock. The animal, no doubt, became fastened in some manner in a side fissure, and by the constant dripping of the salts of lime from above, at last became incorpo- rated with the solid limestone. The gneiss forming the ridge between the Durham and Roger run valleys, is at the river about one mile wide. It is merely a spur of the Musconetcong 5 70 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. mountain, nosing downward. Its structure is that of a double-anticlinal, em- bracing a very shallow synclinal band of Potsdam, well exposed about one- quarter of a mile southwest of the Surface mine, east of a branch of Durham creek. The rock here is much weathered, and the dip rather obscure. The Potsdam rocks here lean upon the denuded edges of the syenitic gneiss, dipping in a nearly opposite direction. The rock consists of a dark silicious slate, and altered sandstone ; upon these repose the lower beds of the limestone No. II., conforming in dip and strike with the sandstone. On the south flank, or rather at the south base of the Durham hills, lies a narrow outcrop of limestone, consisting of white magnesian limestone, greenish talcose slate, and blue limestone. The limestone is quarried at Schick's, and makes good lime for agricultural purposes. Abutting abruptly against the blue limestone, we find the conglomerate, which terminates the overlying Mesozoic red sandstone. This conglomerate here is a true pudding stone, composed of pebbles of all the adjacent older rocks — gneiss, Potsdam sandstone and slate, and magnesian limestone — imbedded in a paste of red shale. The conglome- rate dips northwest, while the limestone dips southeast at varying angles. This interesting spot, according to Professor Rogers, marks one point along the northern shore of the broad red sandstone estuary, skirted by a bold range of hills, with comparatively deep water at their base, where the crust disturbances which lifted and drained the district shook down a large body of fragmentary matter, to be rolled and imbedded by the waters along their base. Just north of Monroe, on the west side of the road, gray and dark-colored hornblendic, pyroxene, feldspathic gneiss is exposed. This exposure is a fine one. Several hundred yards north on the same side of the road, limestone about one hundred yards in width is exposed, wedged in between the gneissic walls. About one hundred feet north of this, on the same side of the road, we find massive gray-banded granitic gneiss forming a prominent bluff. The rock contains pink feldspar and some epidote, the rock dipping about twenty degrees south. It may be of interest to the general reader to learn the probable origin of the magnesian limestones which we find so extensively quarried, wherever exposed, within the limits of the county. F. Prime, Jr., in his Report of Progress, Second Geological Survey of Pennsylvania, page 185, says: " The probable origin of the dolomites and dolomitic limestones has been a favorite theme with many geologists and chemists, and, as a natural result, many theories have been offered as to their probable mode of origin. " In many cases, however, wide generalizations have been attempted from limited occurrences of such rocks, or from mere laboratory experiments which were based either on insufficient evidence or else on a_ forgetfulness of the fact that nature often operates in a manner far different from the chemical labora- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 71 tory, since she has one important element, viz., time, to aid her in her opera- tions, which the chemist lacks. " The magnesian limestones of the great valley vary from compact to semi- crystalline ; are of various colors ; contain very few fossils, and these concen- trated in a very few localities. The beds nearest the surface are the most honeycombed by the dissolving action of water ; when deeper beds are exposed in quarries they give little evidence of such action. Analysis of these' rocks shows that they all contain slight traces of carbonate of magnesia, while some of the beds contain a quantity almost sufficient to constitute them true dolomites." He then goes on to give the chemical analysis, which is omitted for want of space. On page 188 he says : " Bischoff was unable to decompose carbonate of lime by carbonate of magnesia, and, therefore, opposed the theory of chemi- cal precipitation of the latter in the form of magnesian limestone. Scheerer professes to have accomplished the reaction, but does not give his process. His artificial dolomite may have been a mechanical mixture. " The chemical theory, however, is sustained in some measure by natural pseudomorphs of dolomite after calcite, often with a nucleus of unchanged calcite, or with a vacancy left by the total solution of the calcite. As most of thesfe pseudomorphs occur in mineral veins, the agent must have been (probably hot) magnesian waters ; and the carb. mag. must have decomposed the carb. lime. Heat and time are factors in such a process. " But the chemical infiltration theory of the formation of our magnesian limestone must encounter a great objection in the unequal distribution of the magnesian carbonate through the mass. It should be either equally or pro- gressively distributed. On the contrary, specimens from the same bed vary greatly, and beds in actual juxtaposition still more. Thin beds of dolomite lie between thick beds of limestone, and thin beds of limestone between thick beds of dolomite. The analogy between this and shale bands in masses of sand- stone, or sand-partings in shale, makes it hard to believe that the limestone and dolomite beds are not mechanical or mud deposits of mixed materials, floated from a distance by currents from different sources and prevailing over each other alternately. " Forchhammer imagined that the limestone waters of rivers flowing; into the sea, holding magnesian salts, would produce dolomite beds, but when trying the process with boiling water he could only get 12.50 per cent, of magnesian car- bonate in the precipitate. " Sterry Hunt modified the theory by supposing the river water charged with carbonate of soda, but the fact of alternate magnesian and non-magnesian beds is still in the way. " Dr. Hunt imagined solutions of sodium carbonate, poured by rivers into 72 HISTORY OF BUCKS OOUNTY. a shallow closed sea, holding in solution sulphate or chloride of magnesium, and then, by the action of heat, in the presence of carbonate of lime, the de- posits changed into dolomites ; but the whole mass would necessarily be homo- geneous. Alternate beds would not be possible without a corresponding number of entrances of the waters of an outside ocean. " Hardman makes this objection to Hunt's theory, that nearly pure lime- stone beds lie between highly-magnesian beds, and shows that a separate precipitation of carbonate of lime would not begin until at least three-fourths of the sea-water had been evaporated, the carb. mag. still remaining in solution and for a considerable time longer ; in fact, not until concentration had pro- ceeded so far as to make animal life impossible. " J. P. Lesley, Director of the Geological Survey of the State of Pennsyl- vania, adds : ' The main force of these objections, however, is derived from the vast extent of the deposits, for they spread continuous at the surface, or under- ground, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Blue Ridge to beyond the Mississippi river. A sea of such extent could hardly have been closed, and must have received great rivers. But during the long Siluro- Cambrian age great erosions of land surfaces must have taken place, furnishing mechanical sediments, or if the ocean were merely studded with islands, coral reefs would furnish such sediments.' " The iron mines which form so conspicuous an element in the economic geology of the county are principally found north of the Mesozoic. Of these the surface or Mine Hill mine is of the greatest historic interest. This mine is located on the south side of Mine Hill summit, four hundred and ninety feet above tide-level. The deposit of ore lies between the Potsdam sandstone and the gneissic rocks. 1'he ore is columnar, and pitches thirty degrees east and sixty degrees south, and varies in thickness from eighteen to forty feet. The ore is red hematite, slightly magnetic, and presents a mottled appearance from a mixture of quartz. This is the locality where the early Durham furnace of 1727 obtained its ore for the manufacture of charcoal iron. It is a noticeable fact that wherever, in mining, the old works are struck, no rock has been driven through by the miners of a hundred and sixty years ago. This is owing to the fact that the whole mountain, from its northern base to the southern synclinal, including its summit, is covered (where not removed by the early mining opera- tions) from two to eight feet in depth with ore and soil of the best quality, and these early miners confined their operations mainly to these surface deposits. In one instance, however, these ancient miners ran a tunnel into the mountain several hundred yards in length, but only through the surface ore and soil, evading the underlying gneissic rocks. The whole mountain is composed of ore, interstratified with gneissic rocks. About half a mile south of the surface mine near Geisinger's mill is another out-crop of ore, not working at the present time. The ore her* is of good HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 73 quality, and large quantities have been rained by the Keystone Iron Company, of Northampton county. Several hundred yards northwest, at Charles Graver's, are some old work- ings where much ore was mined during 1830-6. The ore is red hematite ol' good quality, but appears to be almost exhausted in the immediate locality. The ore, when the mines were in operation, was shipped to the Crane Iron Company at Catasauqua. Houpt's limonite mine is located on the southern slope of the second spur of the South mountain, on the north side of Durham creek, half-way between the village of Durham and Springtown. The ore is overlaid by mountain debris of from six to ten feet. Considerable ore has been mined here and shipped to Durham furnace. Funk's limonite mine, not now working, is located near Funk's mill, on the east side of Durham creek. Large quantities of ore have been mined here by the Durham Iron Company. Geisinger's limonite mine is located about one-half mile southwest of Spring- town, Springfield township, near the main road. The mine is not working. Along the southern slope of the second spur of the South mountain, several magnetite and limonite mines have been opened and worked to some extent, but owing to the stringency of the iron market these mines are neglected. A new tunnel is located a short distance east of Durham post-office. This tunnel runs into Mine Hill a distance of three-fourths of a mile, in a direction nearly due south. Large bodies of bluish-gray ore are exposed here. Rattlesnake mine is located on the north slope of Rattlesnake mountain near the summit. The mine is opened by several slopes driven on the ore, which undulates and dips south twenty degrees forty east. The ore is variable in thickness, in places from ten to fifteen feet in thick- ness. The main slope is four hundred feet deep, from which three levels are run. The ore is magnetite, magnetic, and in places polaric (loadstone). Hollow tunnel, located on the east side of Rattlesnake mountain, connects with the Rattlesnake series of tunnels. All the ore mined in this mountain is delivered at the entrance of Hollow tunnel. The ore is the same as that developed at the Rattlesnake mine. The rock consists of rusty and dark-colored feldspathic gneiss, interspersed with magnetite. It would be tedious to enumerate all localities where this mineral has been found, and a glance at their geological position will suffice. The magnetic iron ores in this section are found interstratified with quartz and feldspar (granulite). The magnetite is widely disseminated throughout the rocks, and is found to be present at almost all localities where the older crystalline rocks are exposed. The crystalline rocks are formed principally of quartz and feldspar. In some cases small amounts of dark-colored mica and pyroxene occur through the rock ; occasionally mica and magnetite are found together. The magnetite is generally more or less mixed with quartz and feldspar, although occasionally 74 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. portions of the deposits are met with which are quite pure. The magnetite beds are always parallel to the bedding of the rock, and quite variable in thick- ness. The observed dip of the gneissic rocks is to the southward. Limonite (hydrated ferric oxide) ore of iron is an important factor through- out this gneissic range of hills. The crystalline form of this mineral is not known. It occurs in fibrous, radiating, stalactic, baytryoidal, and raaramillary masses ; in concretions, compact and earthy. Its colors are various shades of brown, the surface often of a black lustrous appearance, the massive varieties dull and earthy. A very singular dark mottled ore of iron presents itself in Richland town- ship. This ore occurs on the southern slope of a trappeandyke, and protrudes through a fissure in the rock. It is somewhat magnetic, containing crystals of feldspar disseminated through the ore, which gives it the mottled appearance. Only a small excavation filled with water was visible when it was visited. Several tons of ore were lying on the dump, all having the same general appearance. The prospects for a large amount of ore in situ were not very promising. The only other instance of mining operations worthy of mention is in New Britain township, where galenite is mined. This mineral forms a vein of con- siderable size and richness. The mine is located along the North Branch creek, about three miles from Doylestown. At this mine the galenite is found in fine cubes, with octahedron and dodecahedral planes. An assay of the galenite of this mine showed the presence of two-and-a- quarter grains, or not quite ten cents' worth of gold per ton. The specimen of gold extracted from five ounces of galenite from this locality is exhibited in the cabinet of the United States Mint at Philadelphia. Small quantities of zinc- blende occur with the galenite. Such ores generally contain disseminated throughout a slight percentage of silver. In Report D^ of Pennsylvania Second Geological Survey, page 229, occurs a short paragraph in regard to this glacial drift. The report says : " North of Rattlesnake hill large rounded bowlders of Potsdam quartzite occur along a branch of Guck creek. The deposit has the appearance of a glacial deposit." The above paragraph relates to the glacial deposit covering the northern portion of Durham and extending some distance into Springfield township. The greatest portion of it is composed of sand and gravel of difierent degrees of fineness, confusedly mixed together. A remarkable fact is, that this gravel is not derived from the rocks beneath it, but from those at a distance of some miles, lying along the Delaware or in New Jersey. Scattered throuf^h this gravel are rounded masses of rock, of a size larger than pebbles, which are called bowlders. Along the valley of the Brandywine, a small tributary of Durham creek HISTORY .OF BUCKS COUNTY. 75 ■we find this deposit existing on eitlier side, a distance of over a mile;, the stream cutting through the deposit in places to a depth of ten to fifteen feet, the course of the stream being greatly deflected by these barriers. The deposits have a general southwest and northeast trend. Some of the deposits are crescent-shaped and of considerable size ; others merely deposits of bowlders in a heterogeneous mass of small area. The materials of which this deposit is composed are essentially the same throughout the whole area covered by it; beds of gravel, sand, and clay interspersed with immense rounded bowlders of Potsdam quartzite and gneiss. The deposit in this county is confined to the extreme northeast corner of the county ; but in the adjoining county of Northampton we find these deposits more numerous. The materials or rock masses comprising these hills are rounded or water-worn, showing that the rock masses had been subjected to considerable attrition and the action of water. No rock masses or bowlders composed of the rock formations in the immediate vicinity are found in these deposits, excepting such as were placed here by or through the agency of man ; these latter are easily detected by noting their position and composition. Before going further into details it will be well to notice a few of the rock formations represented here, not found in the vicinity, and their geological position. It may be of use to the general reader to bear in mind that all the materials composing these drift deposits are more or less rounded bowlders, and the larger portion of these now being described were purposely broken apart to get their actual composition and geological position. 1st. A black or bluish slate, sometimes gray, olive, or yellowish, sometimes containing rounded pebbles. This rock formation is found extending on the Delaware from Belvidere, New Jersey, to the Water Gap. 2d. A hard white and gray or reddish greenish silicious sandstone, quite coarse, also containing pebbles. This formation stretches from the Delaware Water Gap to Franklin county in this state. 3d. A group olf sandstone rocks containing dark olive-colored slaty seams or strata. Many specimens of this formation contain fossil shells, encrinites, trilobites, etc. This formation covers a large portion of Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties. 4th. A brownish-red shale and sandstone, with an occasional layer of greenish gray interspersed. Found principally in Pike and Wayne counties. 5th. Is a somewhat porous silicious rock and of a somewhat doubtful hori- zon. In its general appearance it resembles scoriae, but its color, which in some specimens is a bluish-white and in others deep to pale red, leads to a difierent conclusion. It would be tiresome to the general reader to prolong the description of the various geological formations represented in these ridges. The above may suffice to give a general idea to those who have followed us thus far. 76 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The ridges of gravel, sand, and clay appear to have been carried by a similar action and at the same time as the larger stones. The small stones ■which are found in the drift are to a great extent similar in character and are probably from the same localities. The depth at which these deposits cover the surface varies, accumulating in some places above fifty feet, while in others the rock is reached in one or two feet. The hill deposits generally present their greatest slope to the south. The period of the deposit of this material is very far subsequent to that of the underlying limestone rocks, upon which it rests. A long lapse of time must have intervened sufficient to deposit all the limestone and other formations northward in the state. The deposit is distinguished from alluvial deposits by its being found where no action, no existing agency could have produced it, by its requiring, if not a different agency, yet a greater intensity of action for its production. It differs likewise from the deposits of the tertiary system, for these are found in limited basins, whereas this is scattered over almost all the northern portion of the Durham valley, and on the top of the highest limestone hills. It is also unstratified, and its situation is such that it could not in general have been deposited by water, yet the sand and clay, which form its upper part, must have been deposited in quiet waters. Finally, when the drift was deposited, the climate must have been colder than at present ; whereas the reverse may be stated of the tertiary formations. Having thus briefly reviewed the evidences of glacial action in the north- eastern portion of the county, we will quote Second Geological Survey, Report Z, page 12. Here J. P. Lesley says: "In Chapter XIX. I have appended a short description of the course of the moraine through New Jersey, so carefully studied by Professors Cook and Smock, and published with copious details in the annual report of the state geologist for 1880. For not only do the mountains of Pennsylvania traverse northern New Jersey, and are glaci- ated in New Jersey when they are not in Pennsylvania, but the New Jersey drift is swept into Pennsylvania by three considerable streams, which enter the left bank of the Delaware river — the Paulin's kill at Portland, Beaver brook at Belvidere, and the iMusconetcong at Riegelsville. The Delaware river gravels in Pennsylvania, therefore, partly owe their origin to the moraine of New Jersey. But as no drift comes down the Schuylkill river, because its water basin is entirely south of the moraine, so no drift enters the Delaware river below Durham because the great Raritan river water basin carries the drainage of drift into Raritan bay." That the range of drift hills crossing the Delaware one mile south of Belvidere represents the southern limit of the great terminal moraine is abundantly proved by the evidences of glacial action everywhere north of this line, and the absence of all such evidences south of it. '^//Z /Arrrc/ (J::: P^^^^6r-7^l/^ 9^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 79 The whole subject of terrene elevations and subsidences is shrouded in mys- tery, and whether these deposits belong to the glacial epoch, or to the succes- sive variations in the successive sea levels of the globe, is a question that we need not discuss here. But that these deposits differ from those in the river valley in being composed of unstratified material, and of their being otherwise exact imitations of deposits existing north of the line of the great terminal moraine, except so far as area and size are concerned, is beyond successful contradiction. Returning now to the Delaware at Riegelsville it is found that the town lies upon a terrace of stratified river drift, which both north and south of the town is heaped into ridges whose axes trend south. This drift extends about a mile north and south of the town, forming quite prominent ridges, covered north of the town with bowlders of gneiss containing epidote and hornblende; bowlders composed of Medina and Oneida sandstone, red shale, and in fact of most of the geological formations between No. III. and No. X. Sandstones, which outcrop between Belvidere and the upper waters of the Delaware river, are represented in this terrace, north and south of tlie town. Many of them are finely striated. Limestone underlies the drift. A well recently dug at a prominent point on this terrace gives the follow- ing drift strata : 1st, Sixteen feet through paving stones ; 2d, five feet quick- sand and loose gravel ; 3d, eighteen feet very coarse gravel and bowlders ; 4th, three feet cement gravel (so called on account of its hardness and appear- ance of being cemented together by yellow hydrated peroxide of iron) ; 5th, six feet of limestone soil ; 6th, twelve feet of limestone and water. The depth of the well is 60 feet. A paragraph or two from the prefatory letter of Professor Lesley in Report D', page 19, may well conclude this review of the geology of Bucks county : " The State Geological Survey, with all its other work on hand, can only indicate in its reports of progress these subjects of future investigations, and mark out in outline the great facts which will be studied in detail by Pennsyl- vanians when their interest in this branch of science has been aroused. Much can be done by parties of college students in vacations ; but the most of the work will be accomplished by intelligent private citizens of the state, each studying the district in which he happens to live, and communicating his obser- vations to some society which publishes proceedings. There should be a society of local investigators, a field club of naturalists in every county in Pennsylvania, which could easily place itself in active correspondence with the American Philosophical Society, or with the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, for the publication of their papers, or they might place them at the disposal of a geological bureau at Harrisburg, for publication by the state. " Natural science is now too copious and difiicult to be managed by isolated seekers after truth ; its devotees must arrange themselves into communicating 80 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. groups. The history of England shows how much more knowledge is gained by a multitude of small corresponding societies than by a few metropolitan academies of science. These last are merely headquarters ; the great army of field-workers must be cantoned about everywhere. Pennsylvania might easily have for itself sixty live geological societies localized in its county towns and at its mining centres." CHAPTER 11. EARLY SETTLEMENTS ON THE DELAWARE. IT is common to date the founding of Pennsylvania from the arrival of the first colonists under the charter granted to William Penn, but the student who would understand the character of its first settlements must go back some three-quarters of a century to the first exploration of the Chesapeake, which links its history with the first inception of the idea of colonizing the " new world." Even that portion of Pennsylvania now known as Bucks county was not a terra incognita to the first English colonists. A crude civilization had already entered its limits, and was slowly advancing upward along the trend of the river, carrying with it its characteristic institutions and individuality, which, though not remarkable for its enduring character, has still left traces that carry the investigator back to the time when the Dutch and Swedes con- tended for supremacy. The "first colony to Virginia" had been planted scarcely two years when Hudson, exploring the Atlantic coast in the interest of the Dutch, discovered " a great bay," since known as the Chesapeake. This, with his subsequent discovery of the river which bears his name, laid the foundation of the Dutch claim to the wide scope of country which they named the New Netherland. Hudson gained a very inaccurate idea of the character of the bay, and in his report gave marked preference to what was generally called the North, river. The Dutch, who had gained the reputation of being the most daring adven- turers and most enterprising traders of Europe, were, therefore, soon upon the river in quest of barter. In the year following Hudson's discovery their traders were to be found among the natives, exploring the river nearly to the site of Albany, and in 1613 the national flag floated over temporary structures erected for the protection of those who remained to carry on the exchange with the Indians. Early in 1614 a general charter for the encouragement of trade was granted by the states-general of Holland, and, stimulated by this dispensation, an JIISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 81 • expedition, composed of five vessels, was fitted out by the merchants of Amsterdam to take advantage of its provisions. The exclusive privilege of trade during four voyages with " any new courses, havens, countries, or places" discovered, made exploration the primary object of the expedition, and on reaching Manhattan island the vessels separated to scrutinize the coast north and south of their rendezvous. Captain Cornelius Jacobson Mey was assigned to the southern coast, and in the Fortune he explored the shore as far as the Virginia line. His chart shoves the care with which he performed his mission ; but, accepting the view of Hudson or pressed for time, he passed the bay, pausing only to give his name to the projecting capes at its mouth. The other vessels had achieved a similar work, and with this the expedition returned to Holland. One vessel, however, had been destroyed by accident, and its place had been filled by a small one constructed here. This, named the Unrust, was left behind, with a crew under the command of Hendriekson, to continue the work. It is evident that the bay had excited an interest which the superficial examinations of Hudson and jMey did not satisfy, and the Unrust was soon on its way to the Chesapeake. It is probable that this vessel was first employed in exploring the upper part of the Hudson, but in the latter part of 1615 it made its way up the bay. How far the exploration was pushed is in doubt. His report mentions " three rivers situate between the thirty-eighth and for- tieth degrees ;" but the '■^ Carte Figurative,^'' which was attached to this report, leads to the belief that he did not reach even the mouth of the Delaware. -But, wherever the utmost point of this exploration may have been, he found that, although no European vessel had preceded him, his own countrymen had visited the interior some time before. The hardy trappers on the Hudson were accustomed to make their homes with the various tribes, and so control the sale of their peltries. Three of these, who had joined the Mohawks and " Machicans," had been captured by the " Minguas," who resorted to the bay, and here fell in with explorers. Hendriekson apparently had no difficulty in effecting their ransom, giving in exchange for them certain " kettles, beads, and merchandise." These discoveries, however, suggested to the Dutch no more than a good opportunity for a valuable trade, and notwithstanding certain far-sighted ones urged that " his majesty of Great Britain would be disposed to people the aforesaid lands with the English nation," all suggestions of colonization were refused consideration. In 1621 the English ambassador at the Hague reported to his government that the Dutch had begun to trade to " these parts between forty and forty-five degrees, to which, after their manner, they gave their own names. New Netherlands, a South and a North sea, a Texel, a Blieland, and the like ;" whither they had continued to send ships of sixty and eighty tons ^' to fetch furres, which is all their trade ; for the providing of which they 82 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. have certain factors there continually, residents trading with savages — but T cannot learn of any colony either already planted there by these people, or so much as intended." And this continued to be the truth of the Dutch pos- sessions in America for nearly another decade. Up to 1624 the bay country did not receive even the attention which the ambassador's report might imply. Only little is definitely known of the trading operations of the Dutch in this region during the period in question, but it is quite certain that there were no stations nor resident factors, though it is probable that trading vessels visited the bay with some regularity. At the date mentioned, the West India Company having come into possession of the trading privileges by virtue of a charter granted in 1621, Mey with others was dispatched to America to enlarge and invigorate the trading opera- tions which had hitherto been carried on without regard for permanency or system. A colonial form of government was established with its seat on Man- hattan island, the chief officer being styled a director. Mey was the first appointee, and early in his administration proceeded to the Chesapeake, where, some time in 1624, he erected a trading-post near the site of Gloucester, New Jersey. This he dignified with the name of Fort Nassau, and placed four women with their husbands and eight other men to keep it. Such possession of the country was not long maintained. In the following year the weakness of the central station demanded the concentration of the company's forces, and Fort Nassau w^as abandoned, its occupants being transferred to Manhattan. While the returns of the company were not inconsiderable it was neverthe- less found difficult to infuse such vigor into the settlement as to promise suc- cessful competition with the thriving English colonies on either side of it, and colonization accordingly came to be considered a necessity. Certain " freedoms and exemptions" were offered by the company " to all such as shall plant colo- nies in New Netherland." Previous to this action, however, several directors of the company had purchased of the natives a tract of land extending from Cape " Hinlopen" upward along the shores of the bay, and about eight and a half leagues into the interior. A company was formed, with which De Vries, " a bold and skilful seaman," was associated, and measures taken to plant a colony on the land purchased. The mariner appears to have been made the executive head of the undertaking, and in December, 1630, he dispatched " a number of people, with a large stock of cattle," to found the colony of Swaen- dael. The colonists soon after their arrival effected the purchase of a tract on Cape May, sixteen miles square, probably for a fishing station, but no imme- diate attempt was made to occupy it. A building, " well beset with palisades," was erected near the site of Lewis, Delaware, and the company of thirty-two men prepared to accomplish the object of their coming. The career of this colony was a short and melancholy one. Not long after the departure of the ship which brought the colonists to America a misunder- X HISTORY OF BCTCKS COUNTY. 83 standing occurred with the natives, and every member of the colony was mur- dered. Early in 1632 a second voyage to the colony was planned, but it was the 24th of May before the vessel set sail from the Texel, and just before he left the harbor De Vries learned of the destruction of Swaendael with all its people. It was December before he reached the bay, and exploring the site of the colony discovered the half-burned building and the whitening bones of his people bestrewing the neglected fields. De Vries pushed his explorations as far as Fort Nassau, which he found occupied by natives ready to exchange their peltries for trinkets. Here he prudently made peace with the Indians, made a visit subsequently to the colony in Virginia, and in April returned to Amsterdam. His report of the advantages to be derived from a settlement on the bay was such as to discourage further attempts in this direction, and, save the occasional visits of trading vessels, the region was permitted to return to the undisturbed possession of the savages for several years. It appears that Fort Nassau was temporarily occupied for trading purposes from time to time, and in 1633 it is said a purchase was made by the Dutch of " the Schuylkill and adjoining lands." The evidence of this purchase is a deed which was executed many years after the original transaction. This, with other evidence bearing upon the subject, suggests a much later date as the one at which the purchase was made, and it is probable that beside the purchase made for the colony at Swaendael, the Dutch had no equitable claim against the savages in the bay country. In 1635 the rights of the destroyed colony were disposed of to the West India Company, and with this transfer ended all private attempts on the part of the Dutch to colonize this region. This was a fateful period for the Dutch interests on the South river. Their claims in the " new world" had never been recognized by the English, and not content with disputing their progress in Connecticut, a party of English colonists in that region was formed to drive out the garrison of Fort Nassau. The attack proved 'futile, the assailants being captured and taken to Manhattan, where they were released and permitted to settle in the vicinity of Fort Amsterdam. But across the sea a more formidable competitor was even then maturing plans which boded no good to the feeble tenure by which the Dutch held the bay. Their colonial projects had not escaped the intelligent scrutiny of the Swedish monarch, and before the cause of Protestantism had summoned him to the fatal fields of Germany, he had cherished plans for founding a colony on the western continent. A company had been formed in Stockholm as early as 1624, but the nation becoming involved in the war and the tragic death of Gustavus Adolphus following in 1632, the project was delayed. It was so far revived in 1635 that the charter of the Swedish West India Company was published, but it was two years later before actual measures were undertaken to plant the proposed colony. In 1638, therefore, two vessels, laden with Swedish colonists and supplies, set sail for America under -the command of 84 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Peter Minuit, a former director of the Dutch at Manhattan. It is probable that the knowledge thus gained influenced the commander to direct his course to the bay. The expedition landed about the middle of April a little above Cape Henlo- pen, and in recognition of the attractions of the location named it Paradise Point. Their stay here was short, however. Traffic with the Indians was the prime object of the colony, and for the best achievement of this a settlement near the haunts of the natives was desirable. Minuit accordingly sailed up the bay and river to the mouth of a stream which he named Christina, and proceeding up its course some three miles selected a site for the colony. Here he gained the confidence of the natives, and purchased a strip of country ex- tending along the west bank from the cape to the falls at Trenton. He imme- diately erected a trading-house and pushed the traffic with the Indians with such success that before the end of July he was able to dispatch the vessels to Sweden well laden with furs. The new-comers found Fort Nassau garrisoned, and one of their vessels sailed past it up the river and returned unmolested, though stopped in a second attempt and visited by the Dutch commander to learn the authority for such intrusion. News of the Swedes' arrival was hastily forwarded to the colonial seat of government, and a prompt but rather lame protest speedily returned to be served upon the commander of the intruding colony. The true import of this document was not lost upon Minuit, who probably knew that the weakness of the Manhattan colony would allow no more forcible opposition to his progress. He ignored the protest, therefore, and exerted his energies for the protection of his little colony and for the development of the Indian trade. In the latter respect he was abundantly successful, and so inter- fered with the Dutch traffic that up to October, 1639, they complained that it had fallen short full thirty thousand beaver skins. But in other respects the outlook for the Swedes was far from agreeable. The colony had numbered only about fifty men, some of whom were transported criminals. Many of these had succumbed to the ravages of the miasma to which the location of the colony greatly exposed them, and this evil was seriously aggravated by the fact that the supplies were found nearly exhausted. This state of affairs was well known to the Dutch, who confidently predicted "that they must soon move off if not reinforced." At this juncture, when the colonists had decided to abandon the place on the following day, the Fredenhurg, " laden with men, cattle, and other things necessary for the culti- vation of the country," arrived to encourage the Swedes and disappoint their rivals. The new-comers were Hollanders whom the illiberal policy of the Dutch company had driven to seek a charter from Sweden. They established themselves in a separate settlement not far from the Swedes, and were little identified with the history of the latter. They afforded assistance at a critical HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY, 85 moment, however, and sustained the languishing colony until the subsequent arrival of supplies from the home government. Early in 1643 John Printz came, bearing the commission of governor of New Sweden. His arrival marks a new era in the history of the Delaware colony. At his coming it was a straggling settlement of little more than a hundred persons. Of these, probably less than a half dozen were women, and the Reverend Reorus Torkillus the only representative of the professional class. On Christina creek was a trading-house with a cluster of cabins, and in the near vicinity were the little settlements of the Hollanders. The trading- house was probably provided in some degree for the resistance of an Indian attack, but they had no forts to resist a more determined enemy, nor any regularly organized soldiery. But little had been done toward bringing the acquired land under cultivation, and the colony was still dependent for its existence upon provisions sent from the old countrj^ The expedition which brought the new governor was the most important which had entered the Delaware, and brought ample supplies adapted to the peculiar necessities of the struggling colony. Beside his family and official staff, he brought a large reinforcement to the settlers, twenty-four of whom were regular soldiers, a large supply of military stores and equipments, pro- visions, and merchandise for tlie Indian trade. His instructions were ample and intelligently framed. He was commanded to close the river against for- eign intrusion ; to protect the natives from the violence or injustice of the colonists ; to encourage agriculture, especially the sowing of grain for the support of the colony, after which the cultivation of tobacco was to receive his attention. In addition to the stock sent out with him, the governor was urged to give especial attention to sheep " in order to have a good species" for the production of a good staple for export. The trade in peltries was to be maintained, and the culture of grapes, the raising of silkworms, the develop- ment of fisheries, and the discovery of minerals encouraged. A significant clause in these instructions referred to an English colony of some sixty persons which he was to attract to his jurisdiction, and to that end " to work underhand as much as possible, with good manners and with success." It appears that the Connecticut people were not discouraged by the miscarriage of their first attempt to secure a foothold on the Delaware, and in 1640 made land purchases on both sides of the bay and river. In the next year they effected a settlement near Salem, New Jersey, and made a purchase on the Schuylkill, where they erected a trading-house. The latter was promptly burned, and the people removed by the Dutch with no excess of gentleness. The Salem colony was subsequently driven off with the approval of the Swedes, if not with their active cooperation. This was probably accomplished before the arrival of Printz, leaving the new governor no opportunity to strengthen his colony by underhand diplomacy. 86 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The governor came well equipped for the duties assigned him. In the ad- ministration of justice he was given unlimited powers under the laws of the realm, and in the direction of civil and military affairs he was granted dictatorial powers. He was a man of great energy and good judgment, though some- times imperious and haughty in his intercourse with his rivals. He succeeded during his administration, however, in avoiding an open rupture with the Dutch, notwithstanding the progress of this expanding colony excited the deepest jealousy among them. One of his first measures was to erect a " pretty strong" fort of green logs on Tinicum island, and soon afterward another at the mouth of Salem creek in New Jersey, where he mounted eight brass twelve-pounders. Near the upper fort, called New Gottenberg, he built a " very handsome" man- sion for himself, planted an orchard, and erected " a pleasure-house and other conveniences." The settlements of the colonists were influenced by the governor's selection of a building site as well as the location of the fort, and a report of the Dutch authorities in 1G45 notes some plantations two miles above Christina creek which were " continued nearly a mile." But few houses were built, and these were at wide distances apart, the new settlers having built their houses in the vicinity of the fort. " Farther on, at the same side, till you come to the Schuylkill, being about two miles, there is not a single plantation, neither at Tinnekonk, because near the river nothing is to be met but under- wood and valley lands." A mill, " which ground both coarse and fine flour," had also been erected on Cobb's creek in the mean time, and a strong tradino;- house or fort near the Schuylkill, " a certain and invariable resort for trade with the Minguas." The increase of population was not rapid, though accessions were occasionally received, some of whom being of the criminal class were re- fused admission and forced to return. But in trade and the cultivation of tobacco the progress of the colony justified the complaints of the Dutch. In 1644, beside other goods, more than seventy thousand pounds of tobacco was exported, while the position of the Swedes' advanced trading-fort well nigh deprived their rivals of any share in the Indian traffic. The Dutch were not disposed " to lose such a jewel by the devices and hands of a few strangers" without a struggle, but the little garrison in Fort Nassau, at times not exceeding eight men, was too feeble to make any forcible demonstration, and so its commandant protested in season and out of season. It is doubtful, however, if this force had been stronger whether any other course would have been pursued. Neither nation was prepared for a determined contest and neither exhibited complete confidence in the justness of its claim. There is some evidence to warrant the belief that some general division of the country between the two claimants had been agreed upon, but the agreement was probably not scrupulously observed by either party and the war of protests continued. Various measures were undertaken by the Dutch to regain their '/ 7Z/ / C<^^-C/-t,j HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 89 prestige east of the river and similar steps were taken by tlie Swedes to thwart them, and it would seem that only a firm determination not to provoke an armed conflict prevented active hostilities. And thus the bickerings between the Swedish governor and the commandant of Fort Nassau, and a certain hostility between their retainers, which was scarcely ignored in the formal courtesy ob- served between the leaders in their intercourse, continued into the early part of Stuyvesant's administration, who in 1647 succeeded Kieft as director of the Dutch colony. It would have been strange indeed if such a state of affairs had not in any way involved the Indians in the struggle, and it is very much to the credit of both people that neither took advantage of their credulity to arouse them to acts of hostility. In the summer of 16J6 the Dutch commissary in command at Fort Nassau proceeded as far as the falls in search of minerals. Here he was stopped by the Indians, who were inspired to resist his advance, it is said, by a Swedish story to the effect that the Dutch proposed to build a fort there, garrison it with two hundred and fifty men, and then exterminate all the Indians on the river below. In September the same official took possession of the west bank of the river about a mile above the fort, and some days later ef- fected a purchase of the region of some natives. This land was a part of that purchased by the Swedes in 1638, and at once became the subject of vigorous protest by Printz. All attempts by the Dutch to occupy this territory were successfully resisted by the Swedes. The buildings erected were thrown down and burned, the intruders being rather roughly handled, and sometimes de- prived of guns, ammunition and other valuables. All this was done without any show of legal formality, the superior strength of the Swedes leaving their opponents no resource save to protest and present bills for damages, which were simply ignored. Again in 1648, the Dutch were disturbed by the rumor that Printz was nezotiatino- with the jMiniruas for the erection of a trading-house in their country and by their active preparation to build one near the Schuylkill at the only place left open to them for trade. As the commissary observed to his superior, with this trade lost, the possession of the river would deserve very little consideration, and so that doughty official determined, in case the Swedes continued their threatening movement, " to take possession of the tract of land nearest to him in the name of the company." Again the savages were brought into requisition, and in accordance with a convenient invitation of certain sachems the commissary proceeded to the east bank of the Schuylkill and erected a fort, subsequently known as Beverswede. This was scarcely accomplished before a Swedish party of eight men appeared on the scene and challenged their right to occupy the land. Neither party was disposed to ex- hibit the warrant for their presence, and notwithstanding the Indians sharply rebuked the Swedes for their interference, the latter proceeded to destroy cer- 6 90 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tain improvements eifected, but omitted to tear down the structure, probably for prudential reasons. The Dutch now hastened to plant a settlement here, and for this purpose assigned certain grants to several freemen, but this move was thwarted by the Swedes in their old fashion, a party pulling down and burning the partially completed structures and roughly driving off the would-be settlers. Not content with these demonstrations, Printz erected a building within twelve feet of the Dutch fort and between it and the river, so that the latter structure was almost hidden from the sight of vessels anchoring in the river. It is difficult to understand the real merits of a dispute which was carried on with such an absurd combination of temerity and forbearance. Each party continued to pursue the policy of obtaining additional grants of the Indians with a view to strengthening its claims, the savages shrewdly taking advantage of the reckless mania to sell and resell their lands as often as they found a pur- chaser. In all this period the Delaware Indians seem to have generally acted as a disinterested party without any obligation to warrant the title transferred, and without any adequate idea of what the sale of their lands really meant. Neither party sought to enlist the hostility of the savages against its rival, and Indian outrages since the Swaendael tragedy were rare exceptions in the his- tory of the early settlements on the Delaware. In this year, however, two Swedes were murdered and, four years before, the crew of a New England trad- ing vessel was attacked by the savages, four of the whites being killed, and two captured and subsequently ransomed by Governor Printz. There is no evidence that these murders were the result of the bickerings between the two peoples, nor indeed that they were perpetrated by the river Indians. The Minguas who came hither only to trade or fish were of a different disposition from the Delawares and may have been the authors of the mischief. In the meanwhile the Swedish colony continued to thrive, to the despair of its rivals. Even the energetic Stuyvesant saw no probable termination of its encroachments, and expressed himself at loss to determine " what he shall apply as a remedy." A little above Fort Beverswede, the Swedes held Fort Korsholm on the same side of the Schuylkill, and on the other side near its mouth they had Manayunk, " a handsome little fort built of logs filled up with sand and stones, and surrounded with palisades cut very sharp at the top." Be- tween this and the Karakung, or Cobb's creek, was a settlement of " five free- men" with " substantial log houses, built of good, strong, hard hickory, two stories high, which was sufficient to secure the people from the Indians." West- wardly the settlements increased along the trend of the river to Christina creek. It was at this juncture of affairs on the Delaware that the Dutch adopted a new policy to check the growing power of the Swedes. In 1651, Stuyvesant visited the South river and endeavored to get a statement of the Swedish claim that would afford some opportunity for an advantageous compromise or for HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 91 contesting its validity. Foiled in this he turned to the Indians as arbiters of the conflicting claims, and in July secured from the compliant savages a ques- tionable grant of land from Christina creek to Bompgen's hook. This done he directed the abandonment of Fort Nassau, as it " lay too high up and too incon- venient a distance," and erected Fort Casimir on a "tolerably suitable spot," about a league below Fort Christina. This called forth a protest from Governor Printz, but as this did not deter the Dutch from pursuing their plans the Swedish governor became reconciled to the situation and indulged in the exchange of official courtesies with Stuyvesant.* The return of Governor Printz to Sweden, in 1653, marks the turning-point in the fortunes of New Sweden. The tedious duties of his position had given rise to a keen longing to return to more congenial employment, and his letter calling for reinforcements to guard against the new and threatening attitude of the Dutch contained also the request for permission to return. This was reluctantly granted, but before the notice of his release reached the country he had sailed. John Rysingh was appointed to succeed Printz, but- not with the same unlimited powers. He was instructed to form a council " of the best in- structed and most noble officers in the country," of which he was to be " director." Military affairs and matters pertaining to the defence of the colony were placed in the hands of a "governor of militia," and the machinery of the government was to be so adjusted that neither officer should " decide or approve anything without reciprocally consulting each other." In relation to Fort Casimir his instructions were explicit and of a strictly pacific character. Protests, remonstrances, and arguments were to be employed to remove the objectionable fortress, but if these failed hostilities were in no event to be invoked. But as the control of the river mouth was considered important it was recommended that when other means failed a fort should be built below the Dutch stronghold ; but even in this case the mildest measures were enjoined, as " hostilities will in no degree tend to increase the strength of the Swedes in the country." The event illustrates the wisdom of these injunc- * Of the mj-thietil colony of Sir Edmund Plowden but little is known. In 1634, Charles I. granted him a wide scope of country, the boundaries of which accorded with the imperfect knowledge of the "new-world" geography then possessed. Plowden visited America, but there is no evidence that he made any practical eifort to make good the extravagant claim of which so much has been written. In "The Representation of New Netherland," Vander Donck wrote : " We cannot omit to say that there has been here (New Netherlands), both in the time of Director Kieft and that of General Stuyvesant, a certain Englishman who called himself Sir Edmund Plowden, with the title of Earl Palatine, of New Albion, who claimed that the land on the west side of the North river to Virginia was his, by gift of Kin" James, of England ; but he said he did not wish to have any strife with the Dutch, though he was very much piqued at the Swedish governor, John Printz, at the South river, on account of some affront given him, too long to relate. He said that when opportunity should ofTcr he would go there and take possession of the river." 92 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tions. The Dutch were in an equally peaceful mood. Stuyvesant had built the fort upon his own responsibility without " so much as a hint of his inten- tions" to his principals, and the home directors of the company declined to approve the measure until they learned how the affair was treated by the Swedish government. Whether acting upon subsequent orders or in direct violation of his instruc- tions is not clearly determined, but Rysingh signalized his accession to power by the capture of Fort Casimir. A force of twenty or thirty men landed from a vessel and demanded its surrender, and before the astounded commandant had fully comprehended the situation were in full possession of the post. A part of the garrison retired to Manhattan, while those who remained, with the Dutch settlers, promptly took the oath of allegiance to the conquerors. The fort was re-named Trinity in recognition of the day (Trinity Sunday) on which it was captured and garrisoned. The fort on Christina creek was strengthened, and a town laid out just back of it. In the following month, June, 1654, a great convocation of Indians was held on Tinicum island by which the Swedish titles were confirmed and the league of friendship renewed. With the new official had come a large number of people, so that two months after his arrival he estimates in a private letter that " four times more" land was under cultiva- tion than when he arrived, and where he " found only seventy persons" were now, " including Hollanders and others," three hundred and sixty-eight. These numbers refer to " freemen" or settlers, exclusive of servants and soldiers, which would raise the actual number of population to nearly five hundred. But this prosperity was destined to be short-lived. The Swedish government had complacently accepted the result of Rysingh's rash action as the end of the controversy, and was planning for tiie support of the colony on a peace basis when the Dutch, freed from the exactions of the war with England, were preparing to subvert the whole colony. It was with the greatest secrecy, therefore, that five armed vessels were dispatched to Stuyvesant, in the spring of 1655, with authority to further augment this force if deemed necessary. With the proverbial caution of his race, the director took ample time to carefully mature his plans and perfect his arrangements, so that it was not until September that he appeared before the captured fort with seven vessels and six or seven hundred men. It would have been worse than folly for the feeble garrisons of Forts Trinity and Christina to seriously resist such a force, and the garrison of the first accepted the very favorable terms offered and capitulated on the second day. Fort Christina, " a small and feeble work," commanded by Rysingh in person, held out during a bloodless siege of fourteen days, when it surrendered on terms even more favorable than those accorded to the garrison of Trinity. Bat, in the meanwhile, the Dutch had not been inactive, and the defenceless portion of the colony felt the ruthless power of the conquerors. The report of Rysingh and the narrative of HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 93 Campanius furnish evidence of treatment that accords with the character of freebooters rather than a military expedition. Plouses and plantations were laid waste ; cattle, goats, swine, and poultry were killed, and even horses wan- tonly shot ; many were plundered and stripped to the skin, " and the whole country left so desolate that scarce any means are remaining for the subsistence of the inhabitants." The Swedish government was not disposed to quietly submit to this conquest of its colony, but being then engaged in a struggle with Poland its protests and demand for restitution were ignored-. But toward the colonists the con- querors did not bear so bold a front. They appear to have entertained a lively fear lest the Swedes should rise upon them and dispossess them of the fruits of their victory. The vice-director and representative of the new regime, John Paul Jacquet, was instructed to take " good notice" of their behavior, and on the exhibition of insubordination the ill-affected were to be required to depart, but this was to be done " with all imaginable civility." They were not to be allowed in the fort all night, and in making grants care must be taken to have sixteen or twenty to reside together. Such grants, however, were only to be made on condition that the grantees take an oath to assist the fort. In March, 1656, a Swedish ship with large reinforcements for the colony sailed into the river unconscious of the turn of affairs. The military authorities refused to permit the vessel to pass the fort, but taking on board a company of friendly Indians it proceeded on its upward course with impunity, the Dutch fearing to antagonize the savages. In spite of explicit orders from the Dutch authorities to the contrary, these immigrants were landed and settled. In 1656, the financial embarrassment of the company led to a division of the colony, the portion lying below Christina creek being transferred to the city of Amsterdam in satisfaction of its claim against the company. The por- tion retained by the company was far the most valuable so far as the Indian trade was concerned, but less secure if there was any just apprehension of insurrection. The population was almost exclusively made up of Swedes and Finns. These people had taken the oath of allegiance to the company, but they still retained their former magistrates and all minor officials. In 1658, Stuyvesant visited the river to make a personal examination of affairs and to provide for the security of the Dutch control. After renewing their oath of allegiance the representative Swedes boldly requested an amelioration of the restrictions imposed upon their people, and that in the event of any difference between Holland and Sweden they might be considered neutral. The director was not in a position to be arbitrary in his dealings and so granted what could not be evaded, but was scarcely reassured of the loyalty of the colonists. His report, doubtless, reflected his fears, and the home directors, in view of the "bold proposal" of neutrality, urged the substitution of Dutch officials for the Swedes, as well as the use of '' fair means" to induce the latter to settle among 94 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. the dominant race. This fear of the subject people was entertained even ia the city colony where the Dutch settlers were far more numerous, and the Mary- landers at this time claiming jui'isdiction over the Delaware under their charter increased the worthy director's disturbed state of mind. It was about this time that Stuyvesant ordered his representative on the Soutii river to collect the Swedes and Finns into one or two villages by force. The enforcement of such an order was sure to be attended with great difSculty. There is no evidence that the Swedes were conscious of their power, or if so that they had any disposition to resist the constituted authorities. The military force of the colony contained a number of this people, and they had with them still some brave and experienced military officers, but they made no show of forcible resistance to the tyrannical order. They made a strong presentation of the injustice of the measure, however, and eventually convinced the director's lieutenant, who strongly represented this view of the case. This did not end the matter, but persuasion having failed the authorities did not dare to invoke force. There was another element in the case that complicated the situation, and was subsequently influential in transferring the whole colony to the jurisdic- tion of the city. Dissensions had arisen between the officials of the two colonies, and the city colony, whether animated by a more enlightened policy or a desire to profit at the other's expense is not certain, offered such liberal inducements to the dissatisfied Swedes as to attract many to it, while others emigrated to the Sassafras river. This disaffection and emigration became so general that, fearing the loss of the entire colony, the director abandoned the objectionable policy. In 1664 the whole river country was at length transferred to the city, D'Plinoyossa receiving it in behalf of the burgomasters of Amsterdam from Stuyvesant. Their very liberal policy was at once apparent in the appointment of resident Swedes to places of important trust. Still the subject race found the new authorities less liberal in the matter of trade, and refused to transfer their allegiance unless granted the same facilities formerly enjoyed. The career of the city's administration, however, was too short to develop a distinct line of policy, and the Swedes, while looking forward to less personal restric- tion and more confidential relations with the authorities, had hardly acquired any advantages from the change when a new nation demanded their allegiance. The city fathers were doubtless aware that the transfer was of uncertain value. The Swedish minister at the Hague had renewed the demand of his nation for a restitution of the colony, and Sweden, once more prepared to support its demands by force, was even then fitting out an armament to restore its authority on the Delaware. But a series of maritime disasters intervened and subsequent events rendered another effort imprudent. But Stuyvesant had scarcely uttered his recognition of " the hand of God" in thus relieving his people " from all apprehension and dread" when danger assailed him from an HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 95 unexpected quarter. In the same year Charles II. granted to his brother the territory embraced in the states of New York and New Jersey, whereupon the Duke of York promptly prepared to take forcible possession of his grant. Four Avell-armed vessels were soon under way, under the command of Richard Nicolls, and in September appeared off Manhattan island. New Amsterdam fell without the firing of a gun, and the Delaware colony being under a separate jurisdiction, Sir Robert Carr was at once dispatched to bring it under subjection.* He arrived on the last day of September, and sailing past the forts soon made friends with the Swedes, notwithstanding the persuasion of the Dutch to the contrary. A three days' parley led the Dutch to capitulate on the favorable terms offered, but the valiant D'Hinoyossa, rejecting all propositions, with fifty men determined to defend the poorly prepared fort against all comers. It was a useless exhibition of pluck, and cost the Dutch the loss of three killed and ten wounded, without inflicting any loss upon the English, beside giving the vic- torious forces an excuse for pillage. Carr's short career was characterized by conduct only less ruthless than the Dutch in their conquest, for which he was soon after superseded. The change of dynasty was accompanied by a chano-e of names. New Amsterdam became New York, and New Amstel became New Castle. This change was effected without shock to the local institutions. By the terras of capitulation all property of the colonists was secured to the owners ; the magistrates were continued in their offices with unimpaired jurisdiction : the privileges of worship were unrestricted, and " the privilege of trading into any of his Majesty's dominions as freely as any Englishman" was accorded to all after taking the oath of allegiance. The seat of government remained at New York. In the governor and council residing there were vested the execu- tive and supreme judicial powers, and upon the court of assizes, composed of justices appointed by and presided over by the governor, were devolved the duties of supreme legislation. The governor, who was thus practically clad with dictatorial power, " promulgated a code of laws, and modified and repealed them at pleasure." This code was the " Duke's laws" collated from those in practice in the ■various English colonies, and adopted in New York, but not proclaimed on the Delaware until some years later. Here the older regulations and procedure of the Swedes were observed until 1668, when a central court with a local juris- diction similar to the court of assizes was established. In the " resolutions and directions" for this purpose it was provided that "so often as complaint is * The territory west of the Delaware bay and river was not included in the duke's grant, but the colony there was so associated with the colony of New Amsterdam that its conquest followed as a matter of course. Until subsequently granted to Penn, this region remained under the protection of the duke, who made no difficulty in surrendering it to the grantee. 96 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. made, the commissioned officer, Captain Carre, shall call the schout, with Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Ranabo, Peter Cock, Peter Alrieks, or any two of them, as counsellors to advise, hear and determine, by the major vote, what is just, equitable, and necessary in the case or cases in question." The same persons were " to advise and direct what is best to be done in all cases of diffi- culty which may arise from the Indians, and to give their counsel and orders for arming of the several plantations and planters, who must obey and attend their summons upon such occasions." In the determination of the chief civil affairs. Captain Carr seems to have had the " casting vote when votes are equal." The new code was to " be showed and frequently communicated to the said counsellors and all others, to the end that being therewith acquainted" the practice of it might be established at a convenient time. Appeal to the court at New York was provided for in all important cases, and no offensive hostilities against the Indians were to be undertaken without directions from the seat of government. In May, 1667, Governor Nicolls was succeeded by Francis Lovelace. Dur- ing his administration the former had shown himself remarkably considerate of the prejudices of the subject people, and had firmly established his government in the good will of the Delaware colonists. It is not clear how much' the dis- turbances of the succeeding administration were due to the character of the new governor, but he was a man of far less prudence, and possessed far less of the judicial temperament which characterized his predecessor. Among the earliest acts of his administration was the establishment of a central court, and soon after he was called upon to decide the question of the sale of intoxicants to the natives. Two murders had been committed by certain Indians while drunk, and the tribe sent a request by one of the magistrates that the governor would prohibit the selling of " strong liquors" on the whole river. This matter he referred to the local courts, agreeing to confirm whatever action they should take. Not long after this the government was startled by the rumor of an in- tended insurrection among the Finns, who resided in the vicinity of Upland. The Indian outrage had created some alarm, and there still lingered with the Dutch residents something of the old suspicion of the Swedes and Finns. It took little, therefore, to create a fresh apprehension, in which the English officials evidently shared. The cause of all this disturbance was " a certain Swede at Delaware, who gives himself out to be son of Coningsmark, heretofore one of the King of Sweden's generals, and goes up and down from one place to another, frequently raising speeches, very seditious and false, tending to the disturbance of his majesty's peace, and the laws of the government in such cases provided, to whom is associated one Henry Coleman, one of the Finns, and an inhabitant at Delaware, who hath left his habitation, cattle and corn, without any care taken for them, to run after the other person." It was sus- pected that Coleman, " being well versed in the Indian languages, amongst K' HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 99 whom both he and the other keep, may watch some opportunity to do mischief to his neighbours, by killing their cattle, if not worse." A number of colonists of good standing became involved in the difficulty, beside " divers simple and ignorant people ;" but the Delaware officials were early successful in " circum- venting and securing the prime instigator of this commotion," and the excite- ment subsided. The principal offender was subsequently whipped, branded with the letter " R," and sold into slavery. His confederate was not captured, nor is it clear that any others were punished, though the governor and council adjudged " that the chiefest of his accomplices, and those concerned with him, must do and forfeit to his majesty half of their goods and chattels, and that a small mulct or fine be imposed on the rest that were drawn in and followed him." In 1671 the question of redress for the Indian murders again came up through the instructions to Captain Carr from the governor, who was not dis- posed to let the offenders escape punishment. The mass of the Indians were unwilling to surrender the guilty ones, and such was the general determination that a friendly sachem suggested that the two savages with others be invited to a " kinticoy," and when engaged in the merriment of the occasion some one should be " hired to knock them in the head." While such a solution of the difficulty was not to be entertained, no other seemed free from serious difficulty, and the determination of the governor and the Indians at length gave rise to a fear among the Delaware officials that serious hostilities would occur. Orders were issued to the settlers to retire into towns for their better security, and all capable of bearing arms, from sixteen to sixty years of age, were to be always provided with necessary ammunition. Care was to be taken not to provide the savages with the means for war, provisions were not to be exported, and measures were to be taken to enlist the Susquehanna Indians " to join against the murderers and such as should harbor them." In September, Peter Alricks was in New York conferring with the gover- nor in regard to the number of savages, their disposition, and the facts of the murders, and doubtless with reference to the fears of the officials on the river. The measures they had taken were approved, and the governor of New Jersey notified that the offenders had taken refuge within his jurisdiction. The latter promptly raised " a handsome party" to co-operate in bringing " the murderers to condign punishment," but it was then November and too late for an offensive campaign. Fortunately, Carr had given up his preparations, or the unstable governor would have plunged the river colony into an unnecessary war. On Alricks's return from New York, a conference was held with certain Indian sachems at Peter Rambo's house, which resulted in an agreement on the part of the natives to bring in the murderers, dead or alive, within six days. One escaped, but the other met his fate rather than flee, and was delivered dead. In the following year Lovelace made elaborate preparations to visit the 100 filSTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Delaware settlements. His route across the country was indicated, and an officer with three men dispatched to announce his coming and insure such pre- paration for his reception as comported with the dignity of his office. It is pro- bable that the visit was made, as in September provision is made for the pay- ment of the ferriage of the troops "to and from Neversink, in the expedition to Delaware," but all record of his presence on the river has been lost. Another distinguished individual visited the river this year in the person of the celebrated George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends. He came on his return from a visit to New England, and followed the overland course, which appears only re- cently to have come into use. He was guided by Indians, and reached the river near the site of Burlington. Here he stayed for the night, and on the next day, with the aid of the natives' canoes, crossed by way of the island to the west side. Here he found none of his followers, and in two days' journey reached New Castle, where he was entertained by the governor's representative. Cap- tain Carr. Close upon the visit of this apostle of peace came rumors of war. It was in this year that hostilities between England and Holland broke out, and early in August, of 1673, a Dutch fleet sailed into New York bay, intent on conquest. The fort made a feeble resistance and yielded, and with it the whole colony came under the sway of " their High Mightinesses, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange." On the 12th of September, delegates from the Delaware settlements appeared in New York and made their submission, and the Dutch were once more construc- tively in possession of their former domain in the " new world." This transfer of allegiance and power caused scarcely a ripple in the affairs of the river colony. Existing privileges were confirmed, and in addition exemption from all rent charges and excise on liquors consumed on the South river was granted for a period of three years. A change in the local judiciary, which was subsequently adopted by the English, was effected at this time. Three districts were formed and courts established at Hoernkill, New Amstel, and Upland, the jurisdiction of the latter extending from the Christina creek upwards to the head of the river. Each court was composed of four magistrates selected from eight ■persons nominated " by a plurality of the votes " of the people. Peter Alricks was appointed schout and acted as the lieutenant of the governor, residing at New York. Public property and debts due the government were confiscated, but all private property belonging to officials or others taking the oath of allegiance was respected. The- close of the war in 1674, and the terms of peace which stipulated for the return of all places captured during the hostilities, brought the colony again into the possession of the English. That the Duke of York's title might not be obscured by the events of the ^var, a new grant of this territory was made to him, and in the fall Sir Edmund Andros arrived to assume the govern- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUJfTT. 101 ment in his behalf. One of the earliest acts of his administration was the pub- lication of a proclamation confirming " all former grants, privileges and con- cessions" obtained under the former representation of the Duke. The former courts were restored, the " Duke's laws" established, and " all magistrates and civil officers belonging thereunto were to be chosen accordingly." The office of schout had been merged into that of sheriff, and Edmund Cantwell appointed thei-eto in the last year of Lovelace's administration. On the return of the English he was restored to that office, and with William Tom was ap- pointed to take possession of the fort at New Castle together with all military stores belonging to the government on the river. In addition to these duties, Cantwell appears to have discharged the duties of collector and surveyor also, and to have been the chief executive on the river. There are few data from which an estimate may be formed of the progress attained by the colony on the Delaware at the return of the English to power. At the time of the Dutch conquest the colony was experiencing its greatest prosperity under the Swedes. The forts on the Jersey shore and on the east bank of the Schuylkill had been abandoned, but the improvements had nearly reached that river in an almost continuous line from Christina creek, while the settlements of the Hollanders extended the area of civilization some distance below the creek. More attention was given to the cultivation of products for self-support than ever before, while the trade with the Indians showed no diminution. In the following decade, notwithstanding the folly of both the city and company administrations, the population increased, and in 1659 an estimate of the whole European population on the river places the number at seventeen hundred. The increase in the next six years was probably offset by the emigrations caused by the tyrannical policy of the company in 1661, and the change of conditions imposed by the city proprietors about the same time. At this time, however, the advance settlements had passed Taconj"- creek, and in 1677 " a list of tydable persons" exhibits an account of seventy-five such residents within the district which took its name from this stream. The character of the settlers was probably a fair representation of the old world classification of the time. There were a few persons of the privileged class, many of whom were in the official employment of the colonial government. Others, distinguished from the boers and slaves as freemen, were attracted here solely by the profit to be derived from the cheap purchase and cultivation of the public lands. The mass of the population, however, was undoubtedly com- posed of indentured servants and slaves, who were employed by the privileged class and the government in the cultivation of the plantations. Stock had a prominent place in the colonial system of husbandry, both the Swedish and Dutch governments taking care to provide a good supply of the different domes- tic animals on easy terms. With rare exceptions the dwellings were of stout hickory logs, with chimneys of brick manufactured in the colony, and domestic 102 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. life was everywhere characterized by great simplicity and plainness. Up to the return of the English in 1675, two public mills, the one built by the Swedes on Cobb's creek, and the other by the Dutch near New Castle, suflSced for the accommodation of the planters. Beside these there were no public manufac- tories. Each household supplied its necessities by its own industry and inge- nuity, paying its public dues in stock, grain, and peltries. In Sweden, religion and education were in the care of the state, and the minister was often also the teacher. Where these duties were divided the teacher was generally officially connected with the church, leading the singing, sometimes conducting the services in the absence of the minister, and occasion- ally acting as sexton and bell-ringer. An important provision for the first Swedish colony sent to the Delaware was, therefore, a minister, an office which was supplied by the Reverend Reorus Torkillus. In 1640, among other privileges granted the Holland colony established in New Sweden, was permis- sion for " the exercise of the pretended Reformed religion, in such manner, however, that those who profess the one or the other religion, live in peace, abstaining from every useless dispute, from all scandal and from all abuse." At the same time the patrons of the colony were required to support " at all times as many ministers and schoolmasters as the number of inhabitants shall seem to require." Subsequently, when Governor Printz was sent to the colony he was enjoined by his instructions to take all proper care " that divine service be zealously performed," not only among the settlers but to " exert himself, that the same wild people may gradually be instructed in the truths and worship of the Christian religion." The Reverend JohnCarapanius accompanied Printz, but beyond the fact that he translated Luther's catechism into Indian dialect, but very little is known of his ministerial labors. The Dutch were equally progressive in their policy, and from the first a prominent provision for all proposed colonies to America was for the appoint- ment and support of " comforters of the sick, schoolmasters, and such like nec- essary officers." In 1656, when the city of Amsterdam became interested in the river colony, provision was made by that corporation for the erection of a suitable building for divine service, " also a house for a school which can like- wise be occupied by a person who will hereafter be sexton, psalm-setter and schoolmaster." Evert Pieterson was sent out in this capacity early in the next year, and in August reported a school of twenty-five children. In the " Duke's Laws" a similar interest is manifested. By these " the constables and over- seers are strictly required frequently to admonish the inhabitants of instructino- their children and servants in matters of religion, and the laws of the country." In the same code it was required " that in each parish within this o-overnment a church be built in the most convenient part thereof, capable to receive and accommodate two hundred persons," but the stipulated freedom of conscience HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 103 was preserved by provision that none should be " molested, fined, or imprisoned for diifering in judgment in matters of religion who profess Christianity." But with all this legislation the cause of education and religion had made but very moderate progress when the colony was restored to the English. Accepted historical authorities differ so widely upon the subject that it is diflS- cult to arrive at any definite conclusion, but these writers substantially agree that while prizing the benefits to be derived from religious culture, the people were too poor to maintain schools and churches unaided, and that the frequent changes in the governing power contributed greatly to the inevitable " law's delay," so that the practical outcome of all the provisions for the encourage- ment of education and religion was meagre indeed. It is doubtful if any school-house had been built in the colony at this time, and there were but three church buildings, one erected by Minuit at Christina, one by Printz on Tini- cum, and one erected in 1668 at Crane Hook. Of five Swedish pastors who had served in tlie colony, only one remained, and he " served both the Swedes and the Dutch." The lines of travel were simply trails which the stranger followed only with the aid of guides. It is uncertain how early overland communication was established with New York. Such journeys are noted as early as 1656, though probably they were exceptional until after the advent of the English.* The course at first led to the Delaware river at Burlington island, but the passage at the falls being easier, the river was subsequently crossed at that point. Local communication was but little better. The water-ways were much used, the settlements being located near the margin of the creeks and rivers for this reason. The usual trail guided the traveller by land, save perhaps in the vicinity of Christina, New Castle, and Whorekills, where the " highways" were somewhat cleared. There is no mention of wheeled vehicles to be found, but a smith, wheelwright, and carpenter were among the provisions made in 1656 by the city of Amsterdam for its "portion of the colony. Oxen were generally used as draft animals, and it is believed that horses were only employed in travelling and for light transportation by means of packs, though the Governor is informed in 1660 " that the horses are misused by the Swedes," and that " the mares are spoiled by drawing the whole morning heavy beams." Bridges were not unknown. In 1656, a bridge was ordered con- structed "over the creek, near the fortress Casirair," and in 1616 Printz refers to a bridge probably erected over the " JMinquas creek," but generally an Indian canoe conveyed the traveller over unfordable streams, while the animals were compelled to swim behind. * Derk Smidt was sent with an escort of twelve or fifteen men in 165G to gain tidings of the landing of Swedish immigrants, and on April 24th, 1657, Krygier being ordered overland to receive the government property from Jacquat, on his retirement from office, asked for Ensign Smidt, as a guide, "he having passed the road several times." 104 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The chief articles of trade were peltries and tobacco, large quantities of each being annually exported. There was also a considerable local exchange of grain and stock, as the Dutch were generally exclusively engaged in trade, and the Swedes in agriculture. Monetary expressions of values were still made in Dutch coins, though the beaver-skin was the general medium of exchange among the whites, the value of which was established by the governor, in 1677, at eight guilders.* Wampum was still current with the Indians, and remained so nearly to the time of Penn's arrival. In the early competition between the Swedes and Dutch for this trade, the former " nearly spoiled" it in the estima- tion of the latter. The savages learned to demand " two fathoms white and one of black" wampum for a beaver. Cloth was also a commodity much in demand among the Indians, one fathom of which was counted worth two beavers. It is suggested that the height of the Indian trading was taken as the measure of a fathom, as the Dutch clerk complained that " the Indians always take the largest and tallest amongst them to trade with us." Liquor was also a valuable article of trade, and was in general use among the whites. It was generally made in domestic stills, until the indiscriminate manufacture was restrained by law. In 1678 the Dutch granted a general exemption from all taxes on wine, beer, or distilled liquors for a period of three years, but the return of the Eng- lish brought about an entire prohibition of the sale " of strong drinks or liquors to the Indians by retayle, or a less quantity than two gallons att a tyme," and a similar interdiction against the distilling of grain by any of the inhabitants. Beside his formal proclamation on assuming the government and temporarily providing for the orderly discharge of the public business, the new governor found no immediate opportunity to give attention to these distant settlements, but he announced that in the following spring he would visit the Delaware for the more complete regulation of its affairs. Accordingly, in May, 1675, he * In his History of Delaware County, Dr. Smith makes the followinjr note on page 108 : " The Gilder or Guilder, as used in commercial and otlier transactions on the Delaware about this period, has by some writers been estimated at about 40 cents of our money, the usual value of the Dutch coin of that name. This is a serious mistake, and must lead the reader to very incorrect conclusions in respect to the pecuniar)- condition of the early set- tlers on the river. The value of the Gilder during the Duke of York's government was six- pence, currency. This fact is established by the judgment of the Upland Court, in the case of Thomas Kerby vs. Gilbert Wheeler, ' wherein the def is allotted and ordered to pay', for 70 days' work, at 50 styvers per day, 'y' sume of fower pounds, seven shillinn-s and sixpence.' See Kee. Upland Court, 1.54. See also p. 164, where £5 is made equal to 200 gilders. Samuel Smith, in his History of New Jersey, jjublished in 1721, says: 'Eiorht white wampum, or four black, passed at this time [1G73] as a stiver, twenty made what they called a guilder, which was about sixpence present currency' (p. 76). Proud, in his History of Pennsylvania, i. p. 134, in a note says : ' Six heads [of wampum] were formerly valued at a stiver ; twenty stivers make what they call a guilder, which was about si.xpence currency, or fourpence sterling.' " HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 105 came across the country with an imposing escort. He crossed the Delaware at the falls, where he was met by Captain Cantwell, and thence proceeded to Newcastle, the seat of government. Here on the 13th and 14th of the month he held a special court, the business of which was legislative in character rather than judicial. His journey had doubtless brought to his attention the great need of better roads, and it was accordingly ordered " that highways should be cleared from place to place, within the precincts of this government," and " that a ferryboat be maintained and kept at the falls at the west side of this river ; a horse and a man to pay for passage, two guilders, a man without a horse, ten stivers." The " established church" had been formally trans- ferred to New York by an order of the court of assizes in 1672, but there had apparently been no effort made to plant it on the Delaware hitherto. At this time, however, the inferior court was ordered to regulate the affairs of the church at Newcastle, the " place for meeting at Crane Hoeck" was to be con- tinued ; " the church at Tinnecum Island" was to serve for " Upland and parts adjacent;" " and whereas there is no church or place of meeting higher up the river than the said island, for the greater ease of the inhabitants there, it's ordered that the magistrates of Upland do cause a church or place of meeting for that purpose to be built at Wickagkoo, the which to be for the inhabitants of Passayunk and so upwards. The said court being empowered to raise a tax for its building and to agree upon a competence for their minister, of all of which they are to give an account to the next general court, and they to the governor, for his approbation." This, with the regulation of the liquor traffic already mentioned, constituted the principal business of the court. On the following day, however, certain matters which had escaped the attention of the court were brought to the notice of the governor, and he therefore left in- structions in a letter addressed " To the three several courts of Delaware river or bay." In this communication he gave directions in regard to keeping the records, preserving a copy of patents and the surveying of lands. He also called attention to the condition of the " corn mills," urged the courts to ex- amine the same and keep them in " due repair," and to build others " in convenient and fitting places where none are." There is some question as to what courts the governor referred to in his letter to the " three several courts." In 16(d8 Governor Lovelace " had begun to make a regulation for the due administration of justice," but this evidently had not been completed when the appearance of the Dutch put an end to his ad- ministration. Before this there appear to have been two courts, the jurisdiction of which seems to have extended, the one over the upper part and the other over the lower part of the river. The places in which these courts held their sessions is uncertain, but it is believed that the magistrates of the former, occasionally at least, sat at Upland. The other sat at Newcastle as early as 1674, and quite likely earlier, as well as at other places below it. It is probable 106 HISTORY O'F BUCKS COUNTY. that Governor Andres, at the time of his visit, merely appointed " some magis- trates" pursuant to the regulation of Lovelace, and " made some rules for their proceedings, the year ensuing, or till further orders." But on the 25th of September, 1G76, he sent more explicit instructions, in which it was directed that the " Duke's Laws" " be likewise in force and practice in this river and precincts, except the constable's courts, county rates and some other things peculiar to Long Island ; that three courts be held, one at Newcastle, one above at Upland, another below at Whorekill," the one at Newcastle to be held monthly, and the others quarterly ; recommended " the composure, or referring to arbitration of as many matters, particularly under the value of £5, as may properly be determined in that way ;" and ordered " that any person desiring land make application to the court in whose bounds it is, who are required tp sit once a month, or oftener, if there be occasion, to give order therein, certify to the governor for any land not taken up and improved, fit proportions, not exceeding 50 acres per head, unless upon extraordinary occasions, when they see good cause for it, which certificate to be a sufficient authority or warrant for the surveyor to survey the same, and with the surveyor's return to be sent to New York for the governor's approbation." At the same time the command of the military was transferred to Captain Collier, justices were appointed for the courts at Newcastle and at Upland, and Ephraim Herman appointed " clarke" of both courts. The restoration of the English was followed by a marked immigration which scon made its invigorating influence felt in the colonies on both sides of the Delaware. In May, 1GT5, the ship " Joseph and Mary" arrived at Salem with a number of passengers destined for the New Jersey settlements. In July the " Griffon'' came, bringing John Fenwick and family, the Wades, Richard Noble, and others subsequently prominent in the river settlements. These also landed in New Jersey and formed a settlement near the site of Salem. Soon after, however, Robert Wade and others of the Society of Friends removed to Upland, the first of that sect which was soon to lay the foundations of a great common- wealth. In the latter part of 1675, William Edmundson, an eminent preacher of this sect, visited this little company of Quakers, and inaugurated a meeting at the house of Wade. The arrival of no other vessel in the river is mentioned until 1677, when the ship " Kent," with about two hundred and thirty souls on board, arrived at Newcastle and soon afterward landed at Raccoon creek in New Jersey. It was this company that a little later in the same year founded Bur- lington, the lots and streets of which were laid out by Richard Noble. In October the ship "Martha," with one hundred and fourteen emigrants, and in November the " Willing Mind," with sixty or seventy passengers, arrived. All these were destined for the settlements east of the river and first landed there though many subsequently removed to the other side. It is this year which marks the advent of the first permanent settler within V — >VOOt^ (k^>^ /{p cnn^^vcy^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 109 the limits -which now form the boundaries of Bucks county. The advanced settlements had reached Tacony creek some three years before, and in 1675 the first settlement was made at Byberry, a point then far in advance of the main body of the settlements. It was off the travelled trail leading from the falls to Upland, and was thus undiscovered by Edmundson when he visited the region this year. He reached the falls " about nine in the morning" and travelled until probably noon without meeting a sign of settlement. While refreshing himself with food brought for the purpose, and " baiting" his horse, " a Finland man, well horsed, who could speak English," came up and subse- quently conducted the traveller to his home, which Edmundson records " was as far as we could go that day." This was probably in the vicinity of the Tacony settlement. From his host the preacher received an " account of several Friends," doubtless Robert Wade and his associates at Upland, whom he visited early on the following day. The country beyond the Poquessing was by no means unknown at this time. For a quarter-century the trader and trapper had plied their vocations here, and even the land hunter had set his mark upon it years before. In the general distribution of plunder after the conquest of the Dutch on the Dela- ware, Sir Robert Carre granted to Captains Hyde and Morley, subordinate officers in the expedition, " all that tract of land known or called by the Indian name of Chipussen, and now called by the name of the manour of Grimstead, situated near the head of the said river of Delaware in America." It is doubt- ful if Carre was authorized to make the grant, and it is pretty certain that Governor Nicolls did not confirm it, for, a short time afterward, he granted land on the " south side of Delaware river, near the falls, known by the Indian name of Chiepiessing," to Matthias Nicholls.* On the 26th of January, 1672, this grant was transferred to John Berry and Company. No time was fixed in the original grant for settlement, and none had been made at the time of the transfer ; but in consideration of the distance of the tract from other jilantations, the unusual delay of settlement which had occurred was overlooked, and the transfer confirmed on condition that the tract should be seated within three years. A tract of land " bounded on the north by a creek called by the Indians Quiackitcunk, at Nicambanock creek, and south by north side of Pemecocka creek, passing over Passaquessing creek," had also been patented by Richard Gorsuch. He subsequently assigned his patent to Governor Love- lace, who in 1672 directed Cantwell to cause the tract "to be seated and cleared by some tenant for my best advantage." The sudden change in the government in the following year probably put an end to all these arrangements, and it was not until 1677 that others ventured to select land thus far up the river. In * These tracts are supposed to include what was afterward known as the manor of Pennsbury. The latter was laid out on the tractcalled Chipussen or Sepessin by the Indians. 7 110 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. .October, 1675, however, a purchase was made by order of Governor Andros from " the true sachems and lawful Indian proprietors of all that tract of land on west side of Delaware, beginning at a creek next to the Cold spring, some- what above Mattinicum Island, about eight or nine miles below the falls, and as far above said falls as the other is below them, or further that way, as may be agreed upon, to some remarkable place, for the more certain bounds ; as also all the islands in Delaware river, within the above limits, below and above the falls (except only one island, called Peter Alricks's Island), together with all lands, soils, woods, etc., without any reservation of herbage, or trees, or anything growing or being thereon." The object of this particular purchase is not clearly indicated, but it is prob- able that the governor wished to secure an undisputed title to the region through which the " King's Path" passed. The deed appears to have been conveyed and a partial payment made, but in April, 1677, there were still due on the purchase consideration " five guns, thirty hoes, and one anker of rum," which the governor directed to be paid forthwith. At the same time he ordered " the remaining part of the land betwixt the old and new purchase,' as also the island called Peter Alricks's,* or so much as is not already purchased (and the Indians will part with"), to be bought of them, for which Captain Israel Helm is to inquire for the owners, and if they will be reasonable, to bring them to the commander and court at New Castle, for agreeing', concluding, and con- firming a bargain thereof." In the following August, Andros directed a letter to the court at Upland, in which he wrote, " These are to desire and authorize you to treat with the Indian proprietors for the purchase of a small tract of land which I am informed is not yet purchased, and is about half a Dutch or two English miles along the river side, betwixt the land and the late purchase up to the falls, which done, I shall forthwith take care for settling those parts." The court record contains no note of any measure for carrying out these instruc- tions, and the evidence seems to show that this court was quite as neglectful of the governor's instructions as the court at Newcastle had been. There seems to have been no present disposition on the part of the colonists to go so far in advance of the main body of the settlements as to seek land in " those parts," and it may be that the court found the expense attendant upon such negotiations an additional reason to defer the matter. But the tendency of the settlements was to expand upward along the trend of the river, and at its September session the Upland court made its first grant of lands to Ephraim Herman and Pelle Rambo, to each three hundred acres " up the river between Pemipkan creek and Poequessin creek." This was followed by other grants to * This island was situated in the Delaware, below the mouth of Mill creek at Bristol and near the Pennsylvania bank. It was granted in 1G67 to Peter Alricks by Governor Nicoll, but is now joined to the mainland and forms part of the flats below Bristol. HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Ill various persons for lands on the Schuylkill, " at the place called Wlessahit- konk" (Wissahickon) "just above Tacony Patent," "just above Poequessink creek," " in Nishammenies creek," and other places less advanced, the grantees numbering nineteen and the grants aggregating twenty-two hundred acres. A similar activity was manifested in the following session of the court in November, the grantees numbering seventeen and the grants aggregating twenty-five hun- dred and fifty acres. The lands in question were generally situated in the vicinity of the Schuylkill, though one petition indefinitely described the land as lying " up the river," and another sought an addition to the grant previously made of land "just above Poequessink creek." Of the grants thus made in 1677 a few are clearly indicated as falling within the present limits of Bucks county. These were three hundred acres each to Jan Claassen and Paerde Cooper,* " In nishammenies Creeke next unto ye Land of James Sanderling, twoo my 11 up on ye East syde of the s'* Creeke ;" one hundred acres to Thomas Jacobs "next unto y° Land of Jan Claassen In Nishammenies Creeke ;" one hundred acres to William Jeacocx "next unto ye Land of Thomas Jacobs ;" one hundred acres of land " a peece" to Lace Cock and James Sanderling " Just above poequessink Creeke," to which the court, in November, added two hundred acres more. Public lands were granted to settlers, " not exceeding fifty acres per head unless upon extraordinary occasions where they see good cause for it," subject to the stipulation that the petitioner seat and improve the land " according to his honor the governor's orders and regulations." These required the payment of two shillings and sixpence per one hundred acres as an acknowledgment ; that the grantee at his own cost cause a survey and draft thereof to be made and returned within one year after purchase ; and " if the purchasers shall not within three years after the survey, plant, seat, or inhabit upon said purchase they shall forfeit their right, title, and interest therein." In addition each acre was subject to the payment of a quit-rent of one and a fifth schepelf of wheat annually. In 1675 the governor sought to encourage settlement by remitting this rent "for the first thi-ee years of all new lands," but in October, 1678, this action " having proved inconvenient by many taking up land and not seating at all," was recalled, and "for the future all such as have or shall take upland" were required to pay their quit-rents from their taking up such land. In 1677, Walter Wharton was appointed surveyor on the Delaware river and bay. He was allowed to charge " for. surveying every fifty acres and under, ten shillings ; above fifty and under one hundred, twenty shillings ; t * Claassen was a resident on his tract in 1684, when Penn issued a patent to "Jan Clasen par Cooper" for five hundred and twenty acres, three hundred of which was on old rent and two hundred on new. f A schcpel contained three pecks English measure, and was rated at this time at five guilders. 112 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. above one hundred and under one hundred and fifty, thirty shillings, and so proportionally, and no more." In return he was to give the persons whom he served a survey plat and card, and make due returns to the office of records ; " said persons to find boat or horse, or allow it and other travelling fitting charges." All lands were " to be laid out from the water side, if it may be, or so as not to hinder any, or be prejudicial to adjacent lands, and to lay out fitting highways or convenient roads." It is difficuH to determine how many of those receiving grants of land east of the Poquessing creek became residents upon them, or at what time. It ap- pears from the language of the record that Sandelands had previously obtained lands " two miles up on the east side" of the Neshaminy, but it is certain that he never had his residence there. He was a Scotchman, and probably made his first visit to the Delaware in the character of a soldier in the service of the Duke of York. While still in this service he obtained a patent for land at Up- land, and being discharged in 1669 took up his residence here, soon afterward forming a matrimonial alliance witli a Swedish woman. He was a man of shrewd business talent, well versed in the river traffic, and dealt extensively in public lands. He is early mentioned as an attorney before the Upland court, was subsequently a member of Markham's council, and was at this time the leading man of the district. The other grantees were Swedes, and but little is known of them. They were probably born on the Delaware, were " freemen" of the average character, and doubtless became the first white residents of the region now known as Bucks county. In November of this year, a more important movement toward the settle- ment of this section took the form of a petition to the court in which it was represented that the petitioners, " being all inhabitants and for the most part born and brought up in this river and parts, have a great inclination as well for the strength of the river and ports as for the convenience of travellers and otherways, to settle together in a town at the west side of this river just below the falls." They therefore requested the court " to move the case to his honor the governor, that they, the petitioners, may have each of them in lots laid out one hundred acres of land with a fit proportion of marsh, as also that a fit place for a town may be laid out in the most convenient place thereabouts with such privileges and liberties for their encouragement as shall be thought fit, and that the same may be confirmed unto them by his honor the governor and the petitioners will forthwith seat accordingly." The court graciously received this petition and promised to " move and intreat the governor in their behalf," but there is no further record of the matter. The project failed ; but whether because the two miles " betwixt the land and the latQ purchase up to the falls" was not yet secured, or because the governor observed in it more evidence of a shrewd speculation than desire for an actual settlement, cannot be determined. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 118 Among the petitioners* were the leading men of the Upland district, residing at Upland, Moyamensing, and vicinity. Two were members of the court and another member was represented by a near relative. The names of several others are frequently mentioned in the court records in connection with land- grants in various parts of the district, and the indications are such that few of the petitioners are believed to have possessed the qualifications usually found in those seeking a home on the verge of civilization. In the following session of the court, held in March, 1678, some twenty-one hundred acres were granted to different individuals, of which two hundred acres only are clearly known to be east of the Poquessing. In the record Henry Hastings is associated with " James Sanderling" in a request for two hundred acres each, without further description. In November of this year the surveyor makes return of " a parcel of land, called Hastings Hope," laid out for Henry Hastings. It was situated " on the west bank of the Delaware river a mile above Poquessing creek," and was bounded on the west by the tract granted to " Jeames Sanderlands and Lawrence Cock." The surveyor at the same time also makes return of " a tract of land called Poat-quessink" for the last-named persons, which is situated " on the west of Delaware river beginning at a corner marked white oak standing at the northeast side of the mouth of Poat-quessink creek," etc. Hastings was an old resident of Upland and probably secured the land as a business speculation, and it is by no means certain that he ever made any effort to comply with the letter of the law in regard to seating and improving it. In the latter part of 1679 he sold his tract to John Test, a London merchant, who came to Upland as early as 1677 and engaged in the mercantile business. He was identified with that place until after the advent of Penn. The court record for April, 1678, is not complete, four pages of the original having been lost, and it is possible that in this way grants were made which have escaped notice. But as the record now exists only a few grants were made prior to the November session, and these, as has been noted, brought no addition to the population of what is now Bucks county. At the November session, however, a grant was made to Duncan Williamson for one hundred acres " on the lower side of Nieshambenies creek, fifty acres thereof at the river side and the other fifty up in the woods." Williamson, better known in the records as " Dunk Williams," was associated with nine others, in 1667, in securing a patent from Governor Nicolls for a hundred acres " known by the * The original record of the names is a sfoUows : Laurens Cock, Israeli helm, moens Cock, andries Benckson, Ephraim herman, Casperes Herman, Swen Lom, John dalbo, Jasper fiske, Hans moensen, frederick Rooraey, Erik miilk, gunner Karabo, Tho : Har- wood, Erik Cock, Jan Cock, Peter Jockuni, Peter Cock, Junior, Jan Stille, Jonas neelsen, oclc Swcnsen, James Sanderling, matliias mathiass debos and william orian. 114 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. name of Passyunk," and his circumstances had doubtless so far improved by this time as to encourage him to venture on a similar purchase alone. He probably settled upon his land at once, as he appears before the court in the following March asking liberty " to take four acres of marsh backward of his Land att nieschambenies Creeke in ye woods above ye kings path." Other grants followed in this term of the court, but neither the names of the grantees nor the description of the lands warrant the belief that any of them were located in this region. In March, 1G79, however, the record notes U\*o cases in which "William Clark of Neishambenies Creeke," is plaintiff, but as he withdrew one and was non-suited in the other, " haveing Enterred noc declarat upon ye def " Request," the}' afford no indication as to the length of his residence here. He came to New Jersey in the "Willing Mind," in the latter part of 1677, and some time in the following year came to the Neshaminy. Clark still held this property in 1680, when the court granted him permission " to cause a resurvey to be made of his two hundred acres." He died here in 1683, and his widow, Ann Clark, appears as landowner on Holmes's map. Of lands east of the Poquessing the record of the Upland court exhibits only one grant made in 1679, two hundred and sixty acres below the Nesham- iny, to Thomas Fairman, which was not occupied by the grantee. In Novem- ber, the " Poquessing patent" changed hands, Sandelands and Cock selling the tract to Messrs. Walter, John, and Francis Forrest, but this region gained no addition to its population by the change. But, notwithstanding the discourag- ing character of this record, this year marks the beginning of a steady immi- gration that was scarcely checked until the public lands were generally in the hands of private owners. It was estimated at the beginning of this year that some eight hundred colonists had been forwarded through Penn's agency to New Jersey. Some of the earlier, and many of the later arrivals were attracted to the " west side" of the river, and in July, 1679, Governor Andros directed Philip Pocock, the surveyor for Newcastle, to lay out lands below the falls, on the west side of the Delaware, "for several persons lately come out of England, destitute of land." These persons appear to have applied directly to the governor for grants, and received them without the intervention of the court. In accordance with regulations then in force, the lands were laid out with a river frontage in proportion to the amount of the land purchased, and extending inland for quantity. Of these plats the nearest to the falls was a tract of 478 acres, with an island "lying over against it," granted to John Wood. Adjoining it on the lower side was a tract of 205 acres granted to Daniel Brindson, and others in consecutive order down the river were tracts of 213 acres to John Acreman, 218 acres to Richard Ridgeway, 173 acres to William Biles, 121 acres to Joshua Boare, 177 acres to Richard Lucas, and 180 acres with a small island to Gilbert Wheeler. All these settlers were from HISTORY OF BUCES COUXTY. 115 New Jersey.* Joshua Boare had come from Darbyshire in the " Martha," and Daniel Brindson in the " Willing Mind," two years before. Wood had come to New Jersey in the previous year in the " Shield," and the others came in June and September of this year. At the March session of the Upland court in 1680, Richard Noble appeared and presented his commission from Governor Andros as " surveyor of Upland in Delaware river and dependencies within the jurisdiction of that court." This probably marks his first identification with the " west side" community ; but it was a year or two before he removed " up the river." Another acces- sion to this community, and to the growing settlement at the falls in this year, was George Brown. In May he was appointed one of the justices of the Up- land court, but did not attend until the October session. In the March session of 1681 he was again absent, and at the opening of the succeeding session in June, in company with another delinquent justice, he was " fyned for not attend- ing ye Court to suply their places Each 10 pounds according to ye Law booke." This was probably remitted, however, when he appeared on the same day and " sate in Co'', being hindered to come sooner for want of a passage over ye Creeke." Noble appears to have been busily employed the whole year, but there is no record of his work in the Bucks county region, save in the case of a plat made in August for Ephraim Herman and Lawrence Cock. The governor's warrant, dated June 1, 1680, grants " a tract of land called Hataorockon,f * In the " Register of Arrivals," to be found in the Appendix, is a concise account of these persons. Among others wlio arrived in 1677, and eventuallj- came to this county, was John Pursloir or Purslone. Ilis name appears nowhere as a landowner, and nothing more than is here noted is known of him. It is stated that at this time grants were also made to Thomas Sebcley for 105 acres, and to Robert Scoley for 206 acres ; that a Samuel Bliss claimed the tract of land covering the site of Bristol, and extending to the confluence of Mill creek and the Delaware ; that an unknown settler had planted his home near the mouth of Scott creek, and that "West Kicklcs" lived on the north side of Scull's creek, near its mouth. The present writer has not been able to find trace of any of these persons in the records, but it may have been that they maintained a temporary residence here, with or without a warrant, and that subsequently their lands were declared vacant and granted to others. In 1682, "Robert Schooley" (probably the individual called Scoley above) was appointed constable in the "Yorkshire tenth" in New Jersey. f The editor of the published records of the Upland court calls attention to this grant as follows : An examination of the records affords no other proof than that presented in the text, of the grant to the parties named. " Hataorackan," so variously spelt in the original, may be a corruption of the proper Indian title "-Hackaznclcan," which is the nearest approach to it of any of the numerous Indian names set down by Lindstrom (M 5. JMap), and by which he designates the region which was afterwards known as Pennsbury Manor. As the tract was in the vicinity of the present Bristol, and the two extreme points of the survey are given, I find that the general bearing thus obtained, as well as the direction of the Hataorackan creek, correspond pretty accuratel)- with the Coast Survey, as the course of 116 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. situated and being on the west side of Delaware river, and on the southeast side of Hataorackan creek," and containing five hundred and fifty-two acres of " fast land and fifty acres of swamp." In this year also, Samuel Clift, a recent emigrant to New Jersey, obtained from Andros a grant for two hundred and sixty-two acres, covering the site of Bristol, and soon after became a resident here. In June, the wife of Robert Lucas arrived with eight children, in the " Content," and was soon domiciled upon his lands near the falls. In the same ship came William and Samuel Darke. The former apparently came on a tour of observation, and did not purchase land for several years. Samuel brought two servants, and purchased land in the falls settlement, probably in this year. About the same time, but in the " Owner's Advice," came Lionel Brittain, with his wife and child. He was a blacksmith, and emigrated from Olney, in the county of Bucks, England. He did not purchase land until June, 1681, when the court granted him two hundred acres in the falls settlement. Richard Noble also became a resident of this region in 1681, the court granting him in March two hundred acres of land, which he located near Clift's purchase. At the same session William Biles was granted an additional tract of one hundred and fifty acres, which was subsequently increased to three hundred, possibly by the purchase of Robert Hoskin's estate, the care of which was intrusted to him by the heirs in England. This probably includes all the additions to the upper settlement in lG81,but events were transpiring across the sea which were des- tined to quicken the development of this region, and in a few years to plant on the Delaware the broad foundation of a great commonwealth. The first comers of this new immigration movement did, indeed, reach the Delaware in the latter part of this year, but it was not until 1682 that any of these adventurers found their way to the upper settlement. The civilization which was thus slowly extending up the river carried with it the social institutions of the lower reaches of the river. Until 1678 the limits of Upland county were not strictly defined, but at this time its western boundary was fixed at " ye north syde of oele fransens Creeke, otherways Called Steenkill." This stream is now known as Quarry ville creek, and crosses the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore railroad three and three-quarters Scott's creek — which ran through the Manor — and the shore between that stream and New- bold's island, as there laid down. With no other portion of the river will the beariiio-s of the survey so well accord. The fact that the grant was made but a few months before the duke's possession ceased, and perhaps remained unseated, may account for the absence of any further allusion to it in the records, and for its probable absorption into the manor of Pennsbury. In the session of March, 1681, these purchasers and a Peter Van Brug are each granted twenty-five acres of marsh or meadow ground "to their land granted them at Taorackan by the governor," which seems to indicate that another grant in this region had been made to Van Brug. Yyiy^yvOLlA- Xj. c^^c 120 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTT. Tmder six, -unless in special cases upon life and death the justices see fit to appoint twelve," a majority of whom, save in capital cases, were competent to render a verdict. The punishment inflicted by this court in criminal cases, in the absence of a jail, consisted of a fine, though in one case the record appears to indicate that one prisoner was publicly whipped by Indians employed for the purpose. The executive officers of the court were constables and overseers and viewers of fences and highways. In 1680 two of the latter sufficed for the county, and probably one of the other officers, but in October of that year it was found " necessary for the due preserving of the peace that one other con- stable more be made and authorized to officiate between the Schuylkill and Neshaminy creek," and Mr. Erik Cock was accordingly inducted into the office. In the following year, however, William Biles was appointed to " officiate" at the falls, and the first record of his official action is his lodgment of information against Gilbert Wheeler " for selling of strong liquors by retail to the Indians contrary to the law and the forewarning of the said constable, which said infor- mation was likewise by Justice George Brown averred to be truth." The court accordingly fined Wheeler the sum of four pounds with the costs. Public improvements were limited to the construction of highways. Some- thing had been done in this direction before the restoration of the English, but the increasing settlements created fresh demands for additional facilities for communication, and in November, 1678, the court ordered " that every person should within the space of two months, as far as his land reaches, make good and passable ways, from neighbor to neighbor with bridges where it needs, to the end that neighbors on occasion may come together. Those neglecting to forfeit twenty-five gilders." Again, in 1681, the court, on the 14th of June, " authorized and appointed William Biles to be surveyor and overseer of the highways from the falls to Poquessing creek ; he to take care that the said highways be made good and passable, with bridges over all miry and dirty places, between this and the next court, and all the inhabitants living within the compass aforesaid to be ready to do and complete the said way upon due warning given by the said overseer, the unwilling to be fined accordino' to former order and practice." It is creditable to the court that its records bear evidence that this penalty was enforced. The character of the roads thus re- quired is not more explicitly defined in the records, but an extract from the Newcastle records indicates what was then required : " The way to be made clear of standing and lying trees at least ten feet broad, all stumps and shrubs to be close cut to the ground ; the trees marked yearly on both sides," with sufficient bridges, etc. There is little upon which to base any estimate of the social progress of the county at this time, and especially so of that part east of the Poquessing creek, but there is evidence which indicates the presence of the Swedish schoolmaster even among the most advanced settlements, and a disposition on HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 121 the part of the pioneers to avail themselves of his services. The case in point, however, unfortunately exhibits an unwillingness to pay for such service, and the worthy pedagogue was obliged to seek his remuneration through the court. It appears that in 1677 Duncan Williamson contracted with Edmund Draufton to " Teach Dunkes Children to Read in ye bybell, and if hee could doe itt in a yeare or a half yeare or a quart"": then hee was to have 200 gilders." It does not appear what defence Williamson set up, but the court gave judgment against Ijim for the sum claimed and the costs. It is not clear that Draufton Avas a regular schoolmaster, and it is not probable that he had charge of a school, but that he was of that class of teachers who went from house to house and gave elementary instruction to the children of the different families. The location of this transaction was undoubtedly at Passyunk, and it may be that Williamson's removal at this time to the Neshatniny suggested an attempt on his part to evade the payment of the account. The community east of the Poquessing was not yet able to support a place of worship in its midst. Those who preferred the established church were obliged to resort to Wicaco, where a log fort had been fitted up as a place of worship in 1677 for the Swedish congregation, over which the Reverend Jacob Fabritius presided. The falls settlement was generally composed of members of the Society of Friends. Their church business was conducted at Burlington, and they often went there to attend religious service, but they doubtless also had services in their private houses until a regular meeting was established some two years later. Of the general character of the country and the prosperity of the inhabi- tants, such glowing accounts were sent to England by emigrants that suspicion was aroused that they were greatly exaggerated in the interest of speculation, but Claypoole, who made a large purchase of land from Penn, and had care- fully investigated the facts,* writes to a friend under date of December 29, 1681 : "As to thy judgment of the letters from New Jersey, that they are to decoy people, that is known to be otherwise, and that the chiefest of them came from very honest, faithful friends." It is in answer to similar doubts that Mahlon Stacy, the founder of Trenton, New Jersey, writes " From the falls of the Delaware in West New Jersey, the 26th of 4th month, 1680," as follows: — But now a word or two of those strange reports you hear of us and our country ; I affirm they are not true, and fear they were spoke fi:om a spirit of envy : It is a country that pro- duceth all thinn-s for the support and sustenance of man, in a plentiful manner ; if it were not so, I should be ashamed of what 1 have before written ; but I can stand, having truth on my side, against and before the face of all gainsayers and evil spies : I have travelled through most of the places that are settled, and some that are not, and in every place 1 find the country very apt to answer the expectation of the diligent : I have seen orchards laden * Annals of Pennsylvania by Samuel Hazard, 1850, p. 534. 122 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ■with fruit to admiration, their very limbs torn to pieces with the weight, and most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold ; 1 have seen an apple tree, from a pippin kernel, yield a barrel of curious cyder ; and peaches in such plenty, that some people took their carts a peach-gathering; I could not but smile at the conceit of it : They are very delicate fruit, and hang almost like our onions that are tied on ropes : I have seen and known this summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown ; and many more such instances I could bring; which would be too tedious here to mention : We have from the time called May until Michaelmas, a great store of very good wild fruits, as strawberries, cranberries, and hurtle berries, which are like our bilberries in England, but far sweeter; they are very wholesome fruits. The cranberries, much like cherries for color and bigness, may be kept till fruit come in again ; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison, turkeys, and other great fowl, and they arc better to make tarts than either gooseberries or cherries ; we have them brought to our houses by the Indians in great plenty. My brother has as many cher- ries this year as would have loaded several carts : It is my judgment by what I have ob- served, that fruit ^-ees in this country destroy themselves by the very weight of their fruit : As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty : We have brought home to our houses by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks of a day ; and sometimes put by as many ; having no occasion for them ; and fish in their season very plenteous : jNIy cousin Revell and I, with some of my men, went last third month into the river to catch herrings ; for at that time they came in great shoals Into the shallows; we had neither rod nor net ; but after the Indian fashion made a round pinfold, about two yards over, and a foot high, but left a gap for the fish to go in at, and made a bush to lay in the gap to keep the fish in ; and when that was done, we took two long birches and tied their tops together, and went about a stone's cast above our said pinfold ; then bawling these birches' boughs down the stream, where we drove thousands before us, but so many got into our trap as it would hold, and then we began to hawl them on shore as fast as three or four of us could, by two or three at a time ; and after this manner, in half an hour, we could have filled a three-bjishel sack of as good and large herrings as ever I saw ; and as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and cheap ; and also good sheep : The common grass of this country feeds beef very fat : I have killed two this year, and therefore I have reason to know it ; besides I have seen this . fall, In Burlington, killed eight or nine fat oxen and cows on a market day, and all very fat: And though I speak of herrings only, lest any should think we have little other sorts, we have great plenty of most sorts of fish that ever I saw in England ; besides several other sorts that are not known there ; as rocks, catfish, shad, sheeps-heads, sturgeons ; and fowls plenty ; as ducks, geese, turkeys, plieasants, partridges, and many other sorts that I cannot remember, and would be too tedious to mention. Indeed, the country, take it as a wilder- ness, is a brave country, though no place will please all. But some will be ready to say, he writes of conveniences, but not of inconveniences : In answer to those, I honestly de- clare, there is some barren land, as (I suppose) there is in most places of the world, and more wood than some would have upon their lands ; neither will the countrj' produce corn without labour, nor cattle be got without something to buy them, nor bread with idleness ; else it would be a brave country Indeed : And I question not, but all then would give it a good word ; for my part I like it so well, I never had the least thought of returnintr to England, except on the account of trade.* * History of Kew Jersey, bj- Samuel Smith, second edition, 1877, pp. 111-113. In 1683 Thomas Rudyard refers to Pennsylvania and New Jersey as follows: " They lie so near adjacent that they may be said, in a sense, to be but one country ; and what's said for one, in general may serve for all." HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 123 The trade of the river had grown to a considerable volume, and shipments of the products of the country were regularly exchanged for merchandise abroad. Under the same date as the above letter Stacy wrote : " Burlington will be a place of trade quickly; for here is way for trade: I, with eight more, last winter, bought a good ketch of fifty tons, freighted her out at our own charge, and sent her to Barbados, and so to sail to Saltertugas, to take in part of her lading in salt, and the rest in Barbados goods as she came back ; which said voyage she hath accomplished very well, and now rides before Bur- lington discharging her lading, and so to go to the West Indies again ; and we intend to freight her out with our own corn." Salt, sugar, molasses, rum, hardware, and even luxuries were imported by the merchants, which they readily exchanged for anything the farmer produced. There was little money in the country and none in general circulation. The law stipulated that legal fees should be paid in silver, beaver, wampum, or wheat, but officials made little difficulty in accepting whatever was offered at the lawful rate, and the courts did not hesitate in rendering judgments to adapt its conditions to the ability of the defeated party.* The homes of the people, while still plain, ex- hibited the marks of thrift. The Swedes still retained their log houses, with doors low and wide and chimneys placed in the corner of the structure, but here and there a planked ceiling and a glass window served to mark the im- provement in taste and circumstances. The dwellings of the English were generally framed structures covered with clapboards. A part of the material was brought from the " old country" by many emigrants, but the clapboards were the product of the new land, either riven out by hand or sawed at the mills already erected in the New Jersey settlements. These were commonly put on green and subsequently shrunk, leaving openings a half inch wide. In the case of the " best people" a liberal application of clay served to keep the wind away, but added rather to the comfort than to the beauty of the building. Dutch coins and measures were still used in the common expression of values, social customs bore the same stamp of conservatism, and the mixed population, slowly progressive, viewed innovations as an infringement of their privileges. It was on such a foundation that William Penn was about to build his "divine experiment." * In 1679 an account was sued before the Upland court, in which there was a charge for two ells of ribbon. The plaintiff had agreed to accept pumpkins in payment, but when these were demanded the defendant refused to deliver them at the water-side. The court rendered judgment for the plaintiff, twenty guilders to be paid in wheat and twenty-six in " pompkiens after ye rate of sixteen gilders pr hundred." 124 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER HI. THE NEW REGIME. IN the latter part of June, or the early part of the succeeding month of 1681, William Markham arrived " in this river" from New York, bearing a docu- ment addressed "to the justices of the peace, magistrates and other officers" by the deputy governor, Anthony Brockholls, in which he announced the accession of a new regime, as follows : Whereas his majesty hath been graciously pleased, by his letters-patent bearing date 4th March last, to give and grant to William Penn, esquire, all the tract of land in America now called by the name of Pennsylvania, formerly under the protection and government of tiis royal highness, as the same is bounded (as described in the charter), with all powers, pre-eminences, and jurisdictions necessary' for the government of a province, as by letters- patent doth at large appear, which, with his majesty's gracious letter directed to the inhabi- tants and planters within the said limits, and a commission from the said William Penn to the bearer hereof, William Markham, esquire, to be his deputy governor of the said province, have been produced and shown to us, and are entered upon record in the office of records for this province, and hy us highly approved of, as his majesty's royal will and pleasure, there- fore thought fit to intimate the same to you, to prevent any doubt or trouble that might arise, and to give )ou our thanks for your good service done in your several offices and stations, during the time you remained under his royal highness's government, cxpectnig no further account than that you readily submit and yield all due obedience to the said letters- patent, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, in the performance and enjoj'ments of which we wish you all liappiness. The origin of Penn's interest in the new world is not far to seek. Since 1674 he had been one of the trustees of Fenwick and Byllinge for the disposi- tion of their lands in West New Jersey, and had been so active in promoting tlie colonization of this province that some fourteen hundred persons are said to have gone thither through his particular efforts. JNlembers of the Society of Friends constituted a large proportion of the emigrants thus sent forth, and Penn's activity was doubtless stimulated by his sympathy with his oppressed brethren not less than by his fidelity to the trust imposed upon him. It is probable, therefore, that this success suggested the feasibility of his eifecting the liquidation of his father's deferred claim and at the same time affording an enlarged asylum for the persecuted Friends. On the 14th of June, 1680, he accordingly presented a petition to the king, in which he sought the grant of certain lands in consideration of the debt due the estate of his father. From this time until the grant was finally made " a long and searching course of HISTORY OF BUCKS COUISTTY. 125 proceedings took place" which happily terminated in a charter for the province of " Pensilvania," under date of March 4, 1681. On the following day Penn wrote to his friend Robert Turner, explaining the origin of the name applied to the province, and adds : " Thou mayest communicate my grant to friends, and expect shortly ray proposals." These soon followed, in a document which was introduced by a long argu- ment on the nature and advantages of colonies in general, followed by a brief presentation of the attractions of this particular province. In regard to the latter, with uncommon reservation he writes, " I shall say little in its praise to excite desires in any whatever. I could truly write as to soil, air and water ; this shall satisfy me, that by the blessing of God, and the honesty and industry of man, it may be a good and fruitful land." He briefly notices the facilities for navigation, the present products of the region and others to the cultiva- tion of which the country appears to be adapted, the " constitutions" and conditions, " the persons that Providence seems to have most fitted for planta- tions," " what is fit for the journey and place ;" and " next, being by the mercy of God safely arrived in September or October, two men may clear as much ground by spring (when they set the corn of that country) as will bring in that time twelvemonth, forty barrels, which amounts to two hundred bushels, which makes twenty-five quarters of corn ; so that the first year they must buy corn, which is usually very plentiful. They may, so soon as they come, buy cows, more or less, as they want or are able, which are to be had at easy rates. For swine, they are plentiful and cheap ; these will quickly increase to a stock ; so that after the first year, what with the poorer sort sometimes laboring to others, and the more able fishing, fowling and sometimes buying, they may do very well till their own stocks are sufiicient to supply them and their families, which will quickly be and to spare, if they follow the English husbandry as they do in New England and New York, and get winter fodder for their stock." Penn's intelligent and successful discharge of his trust in New Jersey, as well as his long and ardent championship of the cause of the Friends, made him eminently qualified to succeed in the larger undertaking in which he now engaged, and to Claypoole he appeared " as fit a man as any one in Europe to plant a country." Even before the general promulgation of his " proposals" he found many ready to embark with him in this new adventure, and each day added to the number.* In September, Claypoole wrote to a friend, " Mr. Penn does not intend starting for Pennsylvania till next spring, and then it is like there will be many people ready to go from England, Scotland and Ireland. He is offered great things ; .£6000 for a monopoly in trade, which he refused, * There are in the records of Bucks county copies of two deeds dated March 22, 1681, one to John Alsop for one thousand acres (Deed Book I, p. 17), and the other to Thomas Woolrich for a similar amount (Deed Book I, p. 200). 126 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ai;J for islands and particular places, great sums of money, but he designs to do things equally between all parties, and I believe truly does aim more at justice and righteousness, and spreading of truth, than at his own particular gain." In a letter dated on the 4th of the same month Penn writes that he is " like to have many from France, some from Holland, and hear some Scotch will go for my country." His expectations in regard to foreign emigration were fully realized at a later date, but at this time his chief support was derived from the Friends in the British isles, and especially in England. In May, 1682, he ordered a list of the purchasers, with amount of land granted to each, to be sent to Surveyor-General Holme, then in Pennsylvania. From this it is ascertained that the proprietor had sold an aggregate of five hundred and sixty- five thousand acres to some five hundred individuals, in parcels of from two hundred and fifty to ten thousand acres each. Of these purchasers the follow- ing located the whole or a part of their lands in Bucks county : Samuel Allen, 2000 acres; Nathaniel Allen, 2000; John Alsop, 1000; William Beakes, 1000 ; John Brock, 1000 ; Edmund Bennett, 1000 ; James Boyden, 1000 ; John Clows, 1000 ; Thomas Croasdale, 1000 ; Henry Comly, 500 ; James Claypoole, 5000 ; Henry Child, 500 ; James Dilworth, 1000 ; Francis Dove, 500 ; Benjamin East, 1250 ; Enoch Flowers, 2000 ; Leonard Fell, 250 ; Joseph and Lawrence Growden, 10,000 ; James Hill, 500 ; James Harrison, 5000 ; Thomas Holme, 5000 ; Cutbert Hayhurst, 500 ; Christopher (or Charch) Har- ford, 1000 ; Griffith Jones, 5000; John Jones, 500 ; Charles Jones and Charles Jones, Jr., 2000 ; John and Edward Luff, 500 ; Thomas Langhorne, 250 ; Joseph and Daniel Milner, 250 ; Richard (or Robert) Marsh, 10,000 ; Henry Palling, 1000 ; Henry Paxson, 500 ; Joseph Potter, 250 ; George Pownel, 1000 ; John Pennington, 1250 ; Francis Plurastead, 2500 ; Thomas Rowland, 3500 ; Thomas Rudyard, 2000 ; Edward Samway, 500 ; John Swift, 500 ; Herbert Springer, 4000 ; Richard Sneed, 1500 ; Christopher Taylor, 5000 ; Richard Thatcher, 1000 ; Robert Turner, 6000 ; Robert and Richard Vickris (Vickers), 2000 ; Thomas Wolf, 250 ; William Wiggin, 500 ; Sarah Woolman, 250 ; Nicholas Walne, 1000 ; John Winn, 5000 ; Thomas Woolridge, 1000 ; William Yard- ley, 500. In his " proposals," Penn published the terms upon which he proposed to sell his lands, varying them to suit the demands of the three classes of probable purchasers. " 1st. To those that will buy. 2d. Those that take up land upon rent. 3d. Servants. As to the first, the shares to be certain as to the number of acres, each to contain 5,000 acres, free from any Indian incumbrance, price jElOO, and Is. English quit-rent for 100 acres ; quit-rent not to begin till after 1684. Second, renters to pay Id. per acre, not to exceed 200 acres. Third, servants, those that are carried ; the master shall be allowed 50 acres per head, and 50 acres to every servant when his time is expired." In the same docu- • ment the proprietor announced that " so soon as any are engaged with me, we . \/ % ij ^j*2n> iS'' • Section (phototyped) of the Fac-Simile of Holmes' Map of Pennsj'lvania, with names of the first purchasers,, beginning A. D. 1681. Copied from an original print in the possession of the Publisher, Samuel L. Smedley, of Philadelphia. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 129 shall begin a scheme or draft together, such as shall give ample testimony of my sincere inclinations to encourage planters, etc., and accordingly in July, 1681, he published " certain conditions or concessions" agreed upon between him and " those who are the adventurers and purchasers in the same province the 11th of July, 1681," in which, among other things, the question of lands is treated at length, as follows : — First. Thiit so soon as it plcaseth God that the above persons arrive there, a certain quantity of land or ground plat shall be laid out for a large town or citj', in the most con- venient place upon the river for health and navigation; and every purchaser and adventurer shall, by lot, have so much land therein as will answer to the proportion which he hath bought or taken up upon rent. But it is to be noted, that the survej'ors shall consider what roads or highways will be necessary to the cities, towns, or through the land. Great roads from city to city, not to contain less than forty feet in breadth, shall be first laid out and declared to be for highways, before the dividend of acres be laid out for the purchaser, and the like observations to be had for the streets in the towns and cities, that there may be convenient roads and streets preserved, not to be encroached upon by any planter or builder, that none ma)' build irregularly, to the damage of another. In this custom governs. Secondly. That the land in the town be laid out together, after the proportion of ten thousand acres of the whole country; that is, two hundred acres, if the place will bear it; however, that the proportion be by lot, and entire, so as those that desire to be together, especially those that are by the catalogue laid together, may be so laid together both in the town and country. Thirdly. That when the country lots are laid out, every purchaser, from one thousand to ten thousand acres, or more, not to have above one thousand acres together, unless in three years they plant a family upon every thousand acres, but that all such as purchase to- gether, lie together, and if. as many as comply with this condition, that the whole be laid out together. Fourthly. That where any number of purchasers, more or less, whose number of acres amounts to five or ten thousand acres, desire to sit together in a lot or township, they shall have their lot or township cast together, in such places as have convenient harbours, or navigable rivers attending it, if such can be found ; and in case any one or more purchasers plant not according to agreement in this concession, to the prejudice of others of the same township, upon complaint thereof made to the governor or his deputy, with assistance, they may award (if they see cause) that the complaining purchaser may, paying the survey- money, and purchase-money, and interest thereof, be entitled, enrolled, and lawfullj- in- vested in the lands not seated. Fifthly. That the proportion of lands that shall be laid out in the first great town or city, for every purchaser, shall be after the proportion of ten acres for every five hundred pur- chased, if the place allow it. Seventhly. That for every fifty acres that shall be allotted to a servant at the end of his service, his quit-rent shall be two shillings per annum, and the master or owner of the ser- vant, when he shall take up the other fifty acres, his quit-rent shall be four shillings by the year, or if the master of the servant (by reason in the indentures he is so obliged to do) allot out to the servant fifty acres in his own division, the said master shall have, on demand, allotted him from the governor, the one hundred acres at the chief rent of si.x shillings per annum. Tenthly. That every man shall be bound to plant or man so much of his share of land as 130 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. shall be set out and surveyed, within three years after it is so set out and surveyed, or else it shall be lawful for new-comers to be settled thereupon, paying to them their survey-money, and they go up higher for their shares. In September, in a letter to James Harrison, then in England, Penn made still further concessions. " Now, dear James," he writes, " for the 50 acres a servant to the master, and 50 to the servants ; this is done for their sakes that cannot buy, for I must either be paid by purchase or rent, that those that can- not buy may take up, if a master of a family, 200 acres, at Id. an acre ; after- wards, 50 acres per head for every man and maid-servant, but still at the same rent, else none would buy or rent, and so I should make nothing of my country ; however, to encourage poor servants to go, and be laborious, I have abated the Id. to Jd. per acre when they are out of their time. Now if any about thee will engage and buy, there may be ten, yea twenty, to one share, which will be but £5 apiece, for which they each will have 250 acres. For those that cannot pay passage, let me know their names, and number, and ages ; they must pay double rent to them that help them over ; but this know that the rent is never to be raised, and they are to enjoy it forever." These concessions were obviously intended to induce as large a number as possible to join the initial movement for the colonization of the province, and were abundantly successful. In October, Penn's plans were so far matured that he commissioned William Crispin, William Haige, John Bezar, and Nathaniel Allen to proceed to the province, fix upon a site for the town, and lay out the lauds in it as well as in the country. Crispin was appointed sur- veyor-general, but he died soon after his arrival, and Thomas Holme was appointed in his stead. The new surveyor-general did not arrive in Pennsyl- vania until the following June, but even then the commissioners were not ready for his services. The construction of the " concessions" had given rise to certain difficulties, and no place could be found that would satisfy the conditions of the proposed plan for the town. It is a common tradition that the site of Morrisville, that of Pennsbury manor and an elevated piece of ground on the Delaware, near the lower side of the Poquessing, among others, were explored by the commission, but nothing further was accomplished until the arrival of Penn in the latter part of 1682. With the knowledge thus gained, and probably with the assent of such of the adventurers as were present in the country, the proprietor altered his plans with reference to the proposed town, and laid out a plat of about two square miles. A large tract adjoining was surveyed and called " the liberties," and out of these was granted the percentage agreed upon in the " concessions." This outlying tract was divided by the Schuylkill into two parts, of which the one lying on the town side was considered the more valuable property. In allowing the two per centum provided for in the " concessions," therefore, the allotment in the " Northern Liberties" was at the rate of eight acres in the HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 131 five hundred, the warrants uniformly calling for four hundred and ninety-two acres of country land and eight of the " Northern Liberties," and in the same proportion for other amounts. On the other side of the Schuylkill the liberties were allotted in the proportion often acres to the five hundred.* In the division of the city property the first adventurers were classified in accordance with the amount of their purchases, those holding warrants for twenty, ten, five, one thousand, and five hundred acres and less, being respectively associated together, and when the plat was laid off", lots were surveyed for each class, the lots varying in size and location for the respective classes, and disposed of to the individual member by some form of lottery. These lots, however, were not contemplated in the " concessions," nor were they a part of the purchase, but appurtenant to it, and were granted under the later arrangement with Penn only to the " first purchasers." In surveying the country lands no immediate difficulties were encountered, but here the plan of the "concessions" was eventually found impracticable. Where it was desired by the " first purchasers" and their quantity of lands amounted to five or ten thousand acres, it was provided that their lot or town- ship should be cast together, and there are indications that the first adventurers locating lands in Bucks county availed themselves of this provision, which gave rise to a certain nomenclature and boundaries that were subsequently confirmed by the court. It appears to have been a part of Penn's plan to lay off the whole province in such townships, and his early warrants all contained the clause " according to the method of townships appointed by me," but the " method of townships" was very soon lost sight of in the rapid growth of the country, and surveys were promiscuously made according to the wishes of the purchaser. The claims of original purchasers were subsequently known as " old rights," many of which were long outstanding, and some were not surveyed until after the revolution, while a few were probably abandoned. These lands were bought at the uniform rate of one hundred pounds, and an annual quit- rent of fifty shillings for five thousand acres, and in proportion for lesser quan- tities, though purchasers had the option of avoiding quit-rents by the payments of twenty pounds additional. To subsequent purchasers lands were sold on " new terms" that were not marked by any uniformity. At one time the price of one hundred acres was five pounds and an annual quit-rent of a bushel of wheat. The quit-rent was sometimes fixed at one shilling sterling, which was known as the " common rent," but more often as the " new rent" or one penny sterling per acre. This subject occasioned some controversy between the pro- * In Smith's Laws of Pennsylvania, 1810, vol. ii. p. 107, referring to this fact, the learned compiler observes ; It is therefore presumed by those, whose age and information give weight to tlie fact, that the one-tifth part taken from the holders in the Northern Liberties made up tlie oily plot, and the superiority in value made up for the deficiency in quantity, and time has amply realized their foresight. 132 -HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. prietor and the assembly in 1701, and a much more serious disturbance in the administration of Governor Evans, in which Bucks county bore a determined part, but quit-rents were not abolished until the passage of the divesting act, after the declaration of independence. The ninth clause of the " concessions" provides that " In every hundred thousand acres, the governor and proprietary by lot reserveth ten to himself, which shall lie but in one place." The conditions of this reservation had rela- tion only to the grants to the first purchasers, and the proprietors subsequently exercised this right to withdraw at pleasure from the mass of unappropriated lands certain other tracts of varying extent, and in such localities as suited their convenience. These proprietary tracts have generally been called manors, though technically not so in fact. No manor courts were ever established in the province, but there is no doubt that it was the intention of Penn to do so. In his charter to the Free Society of Traders in 1682, he constituted their grant of twenty thousand acres a manor, by the name of the Manor of Frank, and authorized the society to establish and hold a court-baron, court-leet and view of frank-pledge, with all the powers and privileges belonging thereto. In all the grants of land under the proprietary government the same fiction was maintained, the patent nominally declaring the lands to be held as of some cer- tain manor, and many of them requiring the payment of quit-rent to be made at the manor of Pennsbury. It is probable that the troubles which afterward absorbed the attention of the proprietor alone prevented such a transfer of the feudal institutions of England to the new province, and there are indications that Penn, believing the opportunity for such a transfer only temporarily deferred, cherished the plan to the last. As late as 1701, in a grant of " fifty acres in my manor of Pennsbury," the proprietor with his own hand added the clause, " holding of the said manor, and under the regulations of the court thereof, when erected." And in the same year, when aboard ship for his final return to England, he authorized the commissioners of property to erect manors with jurisdiction thereto annexed, as fully as he could do by his charter. Neither the society of traders nor the commissioners* availed themselves of the authority granted them in this respect, and it is probable that the people would have early over- thrown such a state of vassalage if it had been imposed upon them. Of the nearly ninety tracts of this character laid off for the proprietors or others in Pennsylvania, five are found in Bucks county. The manor of Penns- bury was laid off in 1683 on the river, in the southeastern part of Falls township, and consisted of eight thousand four hundred and thirty-one acres. Penn designed this for his country seat, and spared neither pains nor expense in * Joseph Growden petitioned the commissioners to erect his tract into a manor, but his application was refused. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 133 fitting it up ; but he was destined to be disappointed in bis plans, and after a abort occupancy be left it in tbe care of his agent, not to return to it. Three hundred acres were reserved for the grounds of the " palace," but the rest was sold from time to time in parcels varying from fifty to more than six thousand acres. In 1703 the manor bouse with its grounds was settled upon tbe elder branch of the family, and remained in the possession of Penn's heirs until 1792, when it was sold to Robert Crozier. The tracts located in Bucks county by the Free Society of Traders were surveyed about 1700, but were not denominated manors. Eight thousand six hundred and twelve acres of its grant was laid ofi' in a rectangular block to the left of the line which now separates Doylestown from Buckingham and Plum- stead. Along this line it extended three and nearly three-quarter miles, and in a direction at right angles to this line it extended four miles, including the upper part of the original township of Warwick, a large part of New Britain township, and perhaps a strip of Hilltown. About two-thirds of the present township of Doylestown was included in this survey. Another tract of five thousand acres called "Durham" was laid ofi" for the society, in the town- ship which now bears that name, and was subsequently sold to the furnace company. The larger tract was reduced by tbe sale of two large parcels to little more than one-half of its original area prior to 1726, when the remainder passed out of the society's possession. The society was organized as a great trading and manufacturing corporation, and was " endowed with divers immu- nities and privileges, by grant and charter," of the most liberal character. James Claypoole, the treasurer of the society, wrote to a friend in July, 1682, of its purposes and prospects as follows : " We are to send out one hundred servants to build houses, to plant and improve land, and for cattle, and to set up a glass house for bottles, drinking glass, and window glass, to supply the islands and continent of America, and we hope to have wine and oil for mer- chandise, and some corn; however, hemp for cordage, and for iron and lead, and other minerals, we have no doubt of, so that, through the blessing of God, we may hope for a great increase, and it may come to be a famous company. . We have bought twenty thousand acres of land, and shall have four hundred acres of it in the capital city, where our house must be built, with divers warehouses and offices. As for the governor, William Penn, he has been and will be very kind to us, besides his subscription, which is consider- able. He has given us the quit-rent of all our land, and most ample patent or charter, to be confirmed by the first general assembly in Pennsylvania, with as many privileges as we could desire, whereby we are a corporation, a lordship, and manor, having a magistracy and government within ourselves, the three principal ofiioers aforesaid being justices of the peace." The society never realized these bright anticipations, however. The manor of Richland was laid oif in 1703 "in the great swamp," for 134 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. William Penn, and contained sixteen thousand seven hundred and fortj-nine acres. This was located in the northwestern part of the county, and included a part of the township to which it gave its name, and others above it. When the proprietary rights were assumed by the state, nearly six thousand acres had been sold to some fifty-six purchasers. The manor of Perkasie was a tract of land laid off in the territory now included in Rockhill and Hilltown townships. In 1733 it appears that twenty-five hundred acres in " Rockland township," and a " part of Perkesea mannour," were sold to Thomas Freame, and called the manor of Freame, but nothing further has been learned of it. On re-survey in 1735 the manor of Perkasie still contained eleven thousand four hundred and sixty-two acres. When it was originally laid off has not been ascertained, but in 1701 it was conveyed in trust by William Penn to Samuel Carpenter and others, who subsequently transferred it to John Penn. The property was event- ually divided among the heirs of William Penn, and in 1759 John Penn donated his share to the " trustees of the college, academy, and charitable school of Philadelphia." The manor lands appear to have been open to pur- chasers as early as there was any demand for them, but shares of the other heirs were not entirely disposed of to settlers until near the beginning of the present century. The manor of Highlands is indicated on Holme's map and was probably re- served as early as the manor of Pennsbury, though not so early surveyed. It was laid off along the river from the upper boundary of Lower Makefield, and contained seven thousand, seven hundred and fifty acres. It was situated on the verge of the plantations and on the natural line of expansion, and the pro- prietor was soon vexed by the encroachments of settlers who did not respect his reservation. It is said that it was Penn's purpose to reserve this tract for his children, but finding this impracticable he ordered it sold. The London company purchased five thousand acres of it in 1709, and the remainder was soon after disposed of to settlers. The company's tract was not sold so early, though several purchases had been made prior to 1756. At this time it was in the hands of trustees to be disposed of, and five years later, together with a tract in Tinicum, was closed out at public sale. An important consideration in all original land purchases, which appears to have been well understood between the proprietor and purchasers, though not expressed in the "concessions" nor in any of the fundamental documents per- taining to the provincial government, was the quieting of the Indian claims to this region. In a letter to James Harrison, previously quoted in part, Penn wrote : " If any deal, let me know ; I clear the king's and Indian title ; the purchaser pays the scrivener and surveyor." In the following month Penn instructed his commissioners. "Be tender of offending the Indians, and hearken, by honest spies, if you can hear that anybody inveigles the Indians not to sell, or to stand off and raise the value upon you. You cannot want those that will HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 135 inform you, but to soften them to me and the people, .let them know that you are come to sit down lovingly among them. Let my letter and conditions with my purchasers about just dealing with them, be read in their tongue, that they may see we have their good in our eye," etc. A little later in these instruc- tions, he wrote : " From time to time, in my name, and for my use, buy land of them, where any justly pretends, for they will sell one another's, if you be not careful, that so such as buy and come after these adventurers may have land ready," etc. That this was the principle which animated all of Penn's transactions is abundantly confirmed by the records, a study of which leads the Hon. Charles Smith — in an article that is accepted as the most exhaustive and accurate statement of Pennsylvania land questions ever made — to say that " it appears to have been his earnest desire to extinguish every kind of title, or claim to the lands necessary for the accommodation of this colony, and to live on terms of friendship with the Indian nations." The tribes with which the whites first came in contact on the Delaware bay and river were radically different from those who occupied the interior, and at a later day became so conspicuous a figure in the annals of the province. They appear to have been independent tribes of the Algonkin family living on the tributary streams of the Delaware, "probably a tribe in some parts, for every ten or twenty miles." Many of the names applied to these tribes appear to have been arbitrary designations derived from the aboriginal names given to the streams on which they dwelt, and few of them are met in the records and writings of later years. Thus Smith, in his History of New Jersey, speaks of the Assumpinks, Rankokas, Mingo, Andostaka, Neshamine, and Shackamaxon tribes. Those about Burlington he calls the Mantas, probably the " Roode- hoeks or Mantes" of the early Dutch adventurers and the authors of the massacre which extinguished De Vries's colony in 1631. "But these and others," says Smith, " were all of them distinguished from the back Indians, who were a more warlike people, by the general name of the Delawares." He notes also other tribes that had a wider reputation and occasionally " inhabited New Jersey and the first settled part of Pennsylvania," among which are the Monseys, the Pomptons, the Senecas, and the Maquaas. " The last was the most numerous and powerful." These more notable tribes represent the two great families of the Indian race which the earliest explorers found in possession of the vast region defined by the great lakes and the St. Lawrence on the north, and the Potomac and Chesapeake bay on the south. The Iroquois were the first to reach this region in the course of their traditional migration from the west, and settled in the lake district. Subsequently the Lenni Lenape, the great head of the Algonkin family, found their way hither, and fixed upon the Delaware river as their national centre. Of this nation only three branches appear to have crossed the AUeghenies, of which the Turtles and the Turkeys continued their migration 136 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. to the seaboard, where they planted their villages and remained until dispos- sessed by the whites. The Wolf branch, better known by their English name of the Monseys, planted itself at the " Minisinks" on the Delaware, extending the line of their villages on the east to the Hudson, and to the Susquehanna on the west. From this branch were derived the different tribes which occupy the foreground in the early annals of the pioneers. For a time the two great families lived on terms of friendly intercourse, but hostilities eventually broke out between them, which, by means fair and foul, resulted in the humbling of the Delawares, as they were named by the English. How this was accomplished is differently related by the dominant and subject peoples. It appears, however, that the Algonkins were at first successful, and threatened the extinction of their rivals. This danger sug- gested the confederation of the Iroquois, a measure which these astute natives were wise enough to accomplish, and from this period their power began to increase among the Indian nations. Dates in connection with the history of the North American aborigines are of the most uncertain character, and when the complete ascendency of the Iroquois was effected, and whether accomplished by force of arms or artifice, are still unsettled questions. Of the " back Indians" the early colonists appear to have been most in fear of the Susquehannocks. They are said to have been the most formidable tribe of the Delaware nation. The river which perpetuates their name marks the site of their villages, from which, in their tribal prime, they pushed their forays, pursuing their victorious career to the seaboard, and inspiring terror in the hearts of even the warlike Iroquois. Various dates have been assigned to their final overthrow, but there is substantial agreement in the fact that under the combined ravages of the smallpox and their persistent foes, they were driven from their ancient seats. They were still a warlike people, and in 1675 became involved with the English in Maryland. A contest was waged here for two or three years with such persistence that this once formidable tribe was practically annihilated. The Dutch colonists on the Delaware appear to have suffered little from this state of hostilities save in the diminution of their trade, a matter which gave rise to loud complaints and led them to make repeated offers of their friendly offices in bringing about a peace. The early settlers on the Delaware were singularly free from Indian out- rages. With the exception of the destruction of De Vries's colony, which may be attributed to the incapacity of the commandant rather than the determined hostility of the natives, the colonists on the river record no outrages received from their savage neighbors until 1661, when the foray of the Senecas brought a new element into this region. On January 4th of this year three Englishmen and a Dutchman approaching New Amstel (Newcastle) were murdered, and two or three weeks later several savages boldly entering the town with the clothes of these men, offered them for sale. They were promptly arrested, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 139 tried, and acquitted, to the great displeasure of the Maryland governor. It is quite probable that the arrested parties were innocent of the murder, but the Maryland authorities, without sufficient evidence, began a quarrel with the Susquehannocks,- which, however, led to no practical results, the Senecas taking advantage of the situation to attack their hereditary foe and bring on a protracted war between the two nations. The presence of these warriors gave rise to frequent alarms in the Delaware settlements, several plantations were destroyed and one or two murders are noted ; but the invaders, having glutted their vengeance upon their own race, retired without further interference with the whites. In 1670 the murder of a servant of Mr. Tom by a drunken Indian was permitted to go unpunished through the negligence of the magistrates, and this was followed in the next year by a similar murder of two other whites. The excitement, the warlike preparations, and the peaceful ending of this episode have been elsewhere noted. In 1675 occurred the determined struggles be- tween the Marylanders and the Susquehannocks. The Delaware colonists reported their Indian neighbors as wavering in their loyalty, and Governor Andros, while advising the whites to " be just to them," recommends that precautions be taken for defense and promises to send needed supplies. The fears of settlers happily proved unfounded, and from that time until the arrival of Penn the two races lived in such harmony that, notwithstanding an occasional repetition of these alarms disturbed the general sense of security, the settlers paid scarcely any attention to providing for defense against Indian hostilities. Prior to Penn's arrival the limited expansion of the settlements on the river had not given rise to any question of the aboriginal title to the lands which the Indians freely sold. The local tribes had been invariably willing to sell all that the whites could buy, though, it should be added, with no adequate appre- ciation of the character of the transaction, and showed no hesitation in selling the same lands over and over again as often as purchasers could be found. The earliest purchase was made in 1629 by Godyn's agents, who secured from certain Indians " the lands belonging to them lying on the south side of aforesaid bay, by us named the Bay of South River, extending in length from Cape Hindlop to the north of said river, about eight large miles [thirty-two English miles], and landmarks half a mile [two English miles], to a certain valley or marsh throuo'h which these bounds can be sufficiently distinguished." In 1633 Arent Corssen, the commandant of Fort Nassau, bought " the Schuylkill and adjoin- ing lands for certain cargoes," which the grantors say in the deed " are not paid in full, but for which we are fully satisfied at present." Five years later the Swedes came, and, according to Acrelius, "immediately land was bought from the Indians; a deed was given in low Dutch, as no Swede could yet inter- pret the Indian. By this agreement the Swedes obtained all the western land, on the river, from Cape Henlopen to the falls at Trenton, then called by the 140 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Indians Santican, and as much inward from it in breadth as they might want." The limits of this purchase were plainly indicated by " stakes and marks," and were never afterwards contested by the savages, though frequently resold in parcels to the different governments which succeeded. In the larger operations of William Penn a new claim was developed. At this time the Iroquois exercised almost unquestioned authority over the abo- riginal occupants of the country east of the Mississippi river, and, as conquerors of the different tribes, claimed the absolute ownership of this vast territory. Until the coming of the Europeans they maintained their supremacy by a policy not unlike that of the Romans. Warlike tribes were divided and kept employed in further conquests or in reducing refractory nations, while all were placed under a close surveillance and some form of tribute. But when the whites established themselves upon the continent and demonstrated their power, many of the subject tribes were quick to perceive how they might profit by their friendship. Emboldened by such alliances, some of the Algonkin tribes re- sisted the boundless claims of the Iroquois, and much of the bloodshed and ravages of war inflicted upon the early settlements in all parts of the country resulted from a too general neglect of this change of attitude in the subject nations. Penn, fortunately wiser in this respect than many of his contempora- ries, not only extinguished the claims of the dominant nation, but repeatedly purchased the rights of the native occupants, and thus saved his colony from much of the harassing experiences which fell to the lot of less favored pro- vinces. The terms of Penn's instructions to Markham, under date of April 8, 1681, are not known, but they doubtless authorized him to treat with the savages, as he did soon after his arrival in the province. By virtue of the purchases of the Swedes and Governor Andros, the lands to a point eight miles above the falls already belonged to Penn, through his succession to the rights acquired by the preceding government, and Markham probably sought a conference with the Indians to secure the friendship of the natives rather than add to the pos- sessions of the new proprietor. However, at the conference held at Shacka- maxon, certain Indian " shackamakers" on the 15th of July executed a deed to a certain tract of land — Beginninp; at a certain white oak in the land now in the tenure of John Wood, and by him called the Graystones, over against the falls of Delaware river, and so from thence up the river side, to a corner-marked spruce tree, with the letter P, at the foot of a mountain and from the said corner-marked spruce tree, along by the ledge or foot of the mountains west-north-west, to a corner white oak marked with letter P, standing by the Indian path that leads to an Indian town called Playwicky, and near the head of a creek called Towsis- sinick, and from thence west to the creek called Neshammony's creek, and along by said Neshammony's creek unto the river Delaware, alias Makerisk-kitton, and so bounded by -the said main river to the said first-mentioned white oak in John Wood's land, and all those HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 141 islands called or known by the several names of Mattinicunk island, Sepassnick's island, and Oreckton's island, lying and being in the said river Delaware.* At this conference certain Indians, who are termed right owners of the land called " Soepassincks" and the island of the same name, were not present, but on the first day of the succeeding August, by an indorsement on the above deed, they ratified and approved the sale there recorded. In the following November, Penn had arrived with a second company of colonists, and while there is no written evidence to the fact, a long line of well- confirmed tradition indicates that the proprietor held another conference with the Indians at Shackamaxon. Here he met the representatives of the Delaware tribes of the Lenni Lenape and the Iroquois tribes settled on the Conestoga. No concessions of land were sought by Penn, but in this interview he impressed the savages with a deep and abiding respect for his integrity, and established those friendly relations between the two races settled here, that long after liis death proved the chief means of averting serious evils under circumstances which most exasperated the savages. In the following year there were numerous conferences with the representatives of the neighboring tribes in which consider- able concessions of land were secured. The first resulted in a deed dated June 23, 1683, by which certain Indians disposed of all their lands " lying betwixt Pennapecka and Neshemineh creeks, and all along upon Neshemineh creek, and backward of the same, and to run two days' journey with an horse up into the country, as the said river doth go." On the same day Tamanen and Metamequam released the same territory, omitting in their deed, however, the " two days' journey" clause. f Other grants of land were made by the Indians in deeds dated on June 25th, July 14th, September 10th, and October 18th, of this year. These concessions were made by tribe representatives and indi- * In a surveyor's note-book now in the possession of Judge Richard Watson, but origi- nally belonging to John Watson, is found a copy of the descriptive part of the above deed with the following notes appended: 1. " This spruce stands by my measure 140 perches, measured by the bank of the river, above the mouth of the Great creek, so-called. 1756. 2. This W. O. tree was or is supposed to be or have stood near the N. E. corner of Jos. Hamton's land, on a branch of the aforesaid Great creek. 3. Playwicky, or Lawicky, was an Indian town or plantation about Philip Draket's below Heaton's mill." This creek, in another note, Mr. Watson says was formerly called Baker's creek. In regard to the direc- tion of the line from the spruce tree to the oak, Mr. Watson says, in a note on another sub- ject: "The river itself, nearly opposite the spruce and for near 100 ps. above and below, is not much different in its course from W. N. AV., and consequently the course in the Indian grant is a mistake, because such a course would go up the river and comprehend no land at all." f On July 5th, 1697, this omission, whether intentional or not, was rectified by a deed .in which " Taminy" joins with his sons and brother in granting all their lands lying between the Pennypack and Neshaminey creeks, "extending in length from the river Delaware, so far as a horse can travel in two summer days, and to carry its breadth according as the several courses of the said two creeks will admit," etc. 142 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. viduals, and conveyed lands, in which they claimed a greater or less interest, situated on the Schuylkill, between the Schuylkill and Chester creek, between the Schuylkill and Pennypack creek, between the Susquehanna and Delaware, and one for lands from the Delaware river to Chesapeake bay, and up to the falls of the Susquehanna. In 168-1, only two concessions are noted, one by Maughougsin, on June 3d, for his lands on the Perkiomen creek, and the other by Richard Mettamicont in a deed June 7th, by which he releases to William Penn all the lands on both sides of the Pennypack creek, of which he calls himself the owner. In the following year two more deeds are noted, one dated July 30, 1685, in which certain Indian shackamakers and right owners of the lands lying between Chester and Pennypack creeks grant lands extending from the boundaries of a grant made in 1683, up into the country, " to make up two full days' journey, as far as a man can go in two days ;" and the other dated October 2d, in which certain " Indian kings, shackamakers, right owners" convey to William Penn " all the lands from Duck creek to Chester creek, all along by the west side of Delaware river, and so between the said creeks, backwards as far as a man could ride in two days with a horse." On the 20th of August, 1686, Thomas Holme secured from certain Delaware chiefs a deed to certain lands between the Neshaminy and Delaware, to extend one-and-a-half days' walk from near Wrightstown into the interior. The original deed has never been discovered, and no attempt was made to mark out the lands granted until 1737. June 15, 1692, " King Taminent" with three other " kings" joined in a deed granting William Penn all their lands " lying between Neshamina and Poques- sing, upon the river Delaware, and extending backwards to the utmost bounds of the province." Thus far negotiations for lands had been conducted with the subject tribes, but not long before his return to England, in 1684, Penn secured the services of Governor Dungan, of New York, in obtaining from the Five Nations a release of their claims to " all that tract of land lying on both sides of the river Susquehanna, and the lakes adjacent in or near the province of Pennsylvania." The conveyance was finally made to Penn, on January 18, 1696, " in consider- ation of one hundred pounds sterling." This was but a preliminary step, how- ever. Penn's sense of justice would not permit him to accept the Iroquois theory of ownership, and he wisely took measures to have this sale confirmed by the occupants, or heirs of the former occupants, of this region. Accord- ingly, in September, 1700, while in the province on his second visit, he obtained from the " kings or sachems of the Susquehanna Indians, and of the river under that name, and lands lying on both sides thereof," a deed of all this region, " lying and being upon both sides of said river, and next adjoining the same, to the utmost confines of the lands which are, or formerly were, the right of the people or nation called the Susquehanna Indians," and a distinct HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 143 confirmation of the bargain and sale effected with the Five Nations. Here, however, the Conestoga Indians interposed their claims, refusing to recognize the validity of the Dungan purchase. Penn at once addressed himself with unfailing patience to overcome this obstacle, and on April 23, 1701, procured from the representatives of the Susquehanna, Potomac, and Conestoga tribes a full confirmation of both the previous deeds.* Holme's purchase of 1686 was subsequently disputed, and if this grant be ignored, the lands within the present limits of Bucks county, save those lying west of the Neshaminy and those lying on the east side to the extent of the limits fixed in the deed of 1682, do not appear, at this time, to have been released by the Indians. But there is little reason to doubt that a purchase was made in 1686, substantially as set forth in the conference of 1737, and neither the character of the boundaries mentioned, nor the fact that no early attempt was made to lay out the land thus acquired, raises a presumption against the validity of the proprietary claim. Of the twenty grants noted, only the deeds of 1682 and of July 14, 1683, attempt to define all the boundaries of the lands conceded, and these with indifferent success. The next in order of clearness in the definition of boundaries are six deeds, in five of which " days' journeys" are employed to measure the extension of the grant into the interior, the other with less definiteness indicating this extension in the terms " backwards to the utmost bounds of the province." The twelve remaining deeds are simply quit-claims of tribes or individuals to lands within a wide * It appears that in 1727 certain of the Conestoga Indians and " divers of the Ganawese," •with several chiefs and others of the Five Nations, arrived in Philadelphia from the Five Nations and the Susquehanna. They seem to have come to make an additional sale of lands or to get an additional consideration for lands alread}' sold years before, and Governor Gordon, replying to their speech, takes occasion to refer to Colonel Dungan's purchase, and adds : "The Five Nations were so sensible of this that they never since claimed these lands, tho' we have had many visits from them hither for brightening the chain of friendship. And five years since, when Sir William Keith and four gentlemen of tlie council were at Albany, at a general meeting of all the Five Nations, their chiefs of themselves confirmed the former grant, and absolutelj' released all pretensions to these lands ; our records show this, and these people who are now here cannot but be sensible of it." It may be added that while no such record has been preserved to this day, the Indian delegation did not press the matter further, and it may be considered a statement of the facts. In the treaty proceedings at Lancaster in 1 744, however, the representatives of the Six Nations said that they had granted their lands to the governor of New York in trust, but some time after he went to England " and carried our land with him, and there sold it to our brother Onas for a large sum of money ; and when, at the instance of our brother Onas, we were minded to sell some lands, he told us we had sold the Susquehanna lands already to the governor of New York, and that he had bought them from him in England; tho', when he came to understand how the governor of New York had deceived us, he very generously paid us for our lands over again." 144 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTT. scope of country, without definitely indicating the locality or justness of the claims surrendered. It seems that there was little expectation on the part of either party to these transactions that the lands transferred would be immediately marked out. There was no immediate demand for all of the land secured, but as opportunity offered concessions were sought by the proprietor rather as a precaution than as a moving necessity. Indeed, up to this time it is doubtful if any of the lines of the various concessions were marked out, save where corner-trees formed a part of the description, and then only so far as to distinguish these objects, and it is certain that, with the exception of the walk of 1737, the different "journeys" indicated were never travelled. In 1688 Holme ran out the base- line provided for in the deed of July 30, 1685, but there is no indication that the matter was ever prosecuted further, or that in any other case, save the one ■ indicated above, there were ever any preliminary measures taken. The pro- vincial authorities, however, abated no jot or tittle of their rights to the lands, and sold them to settlers as occasion offered, though the Indians were still per. mitted to linger in their old haunts and to hunt, trap, and fish in the unoccupied territory without hindrance. In 1684, John Chapman came from England and settled just above the line of Markham's grant. He was considerably in advance of any other settlement, but the Indians, who were about here in large numbers, took no exceptions to his encroachment upon their lands. On the contrary, he was the recipient of marked favors from them extending through a considerable period, an especial token of consideration being noted as late, as 1694 by the historian. Proud. Smith, in his " History of Pennsylvania," also notes this general civility of the Indians, but relates that " one of the chiefs," coming to Chapman one day, " in an angry tone told him it was their land he was settled on, pointing to a small distance, where he said the bounds of the English purchase were, and borrowing an axe, marked a line to the southeast of his house, and went away without giving him any further trouble at that time." Watson, in the note- book to which reference has already been made, adds another incident of this character on the authority of John Penquite, whose father settled near Chap- man at a very early date. He well remembered seeing, when a lad, a line of marked trees crossing his father's farm to the Neshaminy, which the Indians said was the line between them and Penn, and ordered his father to till the ground on Penn's side only and not to meddle with theirs. These incidents have been urgently pressed forward to invalidate the claim that a purchase was made in 1686, but they may very well have occurred prior to that date, and if so would lose all significance. It is very probable, however, that they date much later, and it thus becomes interesting, indeed vitally essential to the opposition of the validity of the purchase of 1686, to identify the "Indians" and " chief" involved in these stories with those who are said to have been HISTOET OF BUCKS COUNTY. 145 present or represented at the conference when the original deed of the " walking purchase" was made. No attempt of this sort has ever been made, and the complaining Indians were undoubtedly other individuals whose objections to the spread of the settlements had an entirely different origin. Under the regime of William Penn the sale of their lands rapidly became a matter of serious import to the Indians. During the administration of the Swedes and Dutch, and even of the Duke of York, the expansion of the settle- ments had been slow and their location in a region not highly prized by the natives. The Indians, therefore, made no difficulty in selling whatever lands the whites asked for below the falls, and especially after experience had indi- cated that such sales left the land still in their possession to be sold again to the next comer. But whatever ideas they had primarily entertained as to the character of these transactions they found a radical change in this respect under Penn, and gradually ceased to cherish the delusion that the two races could permanently occupy the same territory. Although they sold their lands with the distinct understanding that the whites should not encroach upon their hunting-grounds and lands reserved by them, the more far-sighted of the race did not fail to observe that the tendency of the new settlements was to expand towards the interior, creating fresh demands for land, and that the end was not in view. The mass of the natives, however, did not share these views, and the sale of lands continued until at the beginning of the eighteenth century the region between the Susquehanna and the Delaware as far up as the South mountain range had been conceded to the whites. To the conservative class of natives the extent of these grants proved a source of great irritation, and gave rise to a disposition to resist an expansion which was rapidly nearing their important villages and most highly-prized lands. Accordingly, as this element came into power and influence the new chiefs were found contesting the claims of the whites as they did in Bucks county. The deeds, with a single excep- tion, were never disputed, but the peculiar relation of the individual to the tribe and of one tribe to another afforded innumerable conflicting Indian claims, which were brought forward to delay the surrender of the lands conceded. Of these claims the whites gradually grew less tolerant, and so it came about that, while the Indians generally observed their treaties and appeared to have accu- rately understood their boundaries, and that while the whites as a whole were averse to warfare, and from conscientious motives carefully sought to avoid whatever was likely to provoke their warlike neighbors to acts of hostility, each found reasonable ground for frequent complaints of the other. The gradual development of the settlements in the direction of the unmarked grants incurred the uneasiness of the Delaware tribes, and the depredations committed by the war parties of the Iroquois and southern Indians were fast fanning the spark into a flame of war. The Potomac was the natural boundary between the northern and southern Indians, but under the influence of the pro- 146 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. vincial authorities Pennsylvania became a neutral zone over which the heredi- tary foes travelled in quest of trophies. Neither of these antagonists fully respected the neutrality of the Delawares, and thus beset on all sides these tribes began to meditate a revenge which would have involved the savages along the whole border. The settlements could not fail to suffer in such a con- test, which eventually might have beep directed chiefly against them, and the governors of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York spared no effort to avert the threatened danger. Among the earliest measures on the part of Pennsylvania was an effort to allay the dissatisfaction of the Indians in regard to the concessions of land already made. The representatives of the Delawares and the agents of the province met ; " divers deeds of sale under the hands and seals of former kings and chiefs of the Delaware Indians, their ancestors and predecessors," were exhibited and read, and expressing them- selves " satisfied and content" with these, Sassoonan, Opekasset, and five others executed a deed of release for all the lands between the Delaware and the Susquehanna, " from Duck creek to the mountains on this side Lechay." This was consummated on the 17th of September, 1718. It will be observed that no new lands were sought or granted, but the several unmeasured grants which had so long disturbed the Indians were defined by one general line, and the unsettled question of their extent set at rest by a certain natural boundary which it was hoped could not be mistaken. This pleasant illusion was soon dispelled. The settlers maintaining the authority of the original treaty lines, or ignoring all alike, pushed their improvements beyond the line of 1718, to the great dissatisfaction of the natives. Their most influential chiefs remon- strated with the proprietary government, isolated cases of hostility ensued, and the prospect of a general war appeared imminent, when wiser counsels pre- vailed. While the new line seemed well understood on the Delaware, on the Schuylkill " the mountains this side Lechay" were confounded with the Kitta- tinny range, and settlers had planted themselves at Tulpehocken and Oley. Of this Sassoonan complained with pathetic eloquence at a treaty held in 1728 at Philadelphia. Addressing James Logan, the proprietary secretary, and one of the commissioners for land affairs, he said " that he was grown old, and was troubled to see the Christians settle on lands that the Indians had never been paid for ; that the Christians made their settlements very near them, and they would have no place of their own to live on ; that this might occasion a difference between their children hereafter, and he would willingly prevent any misunderstanding that might happen." In reply Logan said " that he was no otherwise concerned in the lands of the province, than as he was entrusted with other commissioners by the proprietor to manage his affairs of property in his absence ; that William Penn had made it a rule never to suffer any lands to be settled by his people till they were first purchased of the Indians ; that his commissioners had followed the same rule, and how little reason there was for. Cl /., I o /c. HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 149 any complaint against him or the commissioners he would make appear." He recited the release of 1718, which the chiefs present acknowledged to be cor- rect, but pointed out that the boundary line described " reached no farther than a few miles beyond Oley, but that their lands on Tulpyhockin were seated by the Christians." To this Logan assented so far as his knowledge went, but whether the lands mentioned were within or without the boundary of the treaty, " he well knew that the Indians some few years since were seated on them, and that he, with the other commissioners, would never consent that any settlement should be made on lands where the Indians were seated ; that these lands were settled wholly against their minds and even without their knowledge ; but he desired of the Indians that though these people had seated themselves on Tul- pyhockin lands without the commissioners' leave or consent, yet that they would not offer them any violence or injure them, but wait till such time as that the matter could be adjusted." The truth was that the province had outgrown the tutelage of Penn. The border was chiefly occupied by men whose respect for the rights of the heathen Indian was only less than that in which they held the peculiar religious tenets of the founder and early colonists of the province, and who trampled on the rights of either with equal unconcern. The founder of the province was now dead, and his successors were less conscientious in the discharge of the high moral responsibilities imposed upon them as governors and proprietors. The new element gradually came into power, and while some of those associated with the first administration were still in office a large part of their influence had departed. The somewhat autocratic form of government in the hands of an unworthy ruler began to show its evil results, and the relief suggested by Logan in 1728 was deferred until the intrigues of the French with the dis- affected Indians rendered delay no longer safe. In a letter to James Steel, under date of November 18, 1729, James Logan wrote : " It is now not only Sassoonan, our very good friend, and his people of our Indians, that we have to deal with, but the lands also on the Delaware above Tohickon creek must be purchased of others. But the main business of all is to induce John Penn himself to come over. The Indians all expect him next spring, everybody expects him, and it is in vain for him to expect that others will do his business for him." Penn did not come, however. The In- dian complaints continued, and rumors that the French were secretly encourag- ing the disaffection led the assembly in 1731 to urge the governor to take such measures " that the Indians might be made easy respecting their lands." In reply the governor said that their concern was prudent and just ; that the matter had been delayed so long solely in expectation of the arrival of some of the proprietors ; " but as I am assured the gentlemen now in trust for them have all possible zeal and affection for the peace and true interest of the country, it is not to be questioned but that, convinced by the necessity of it, 9 150 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. they will proceed to the utmost length of the powers they are invested with, so far as they can with any safety to themselves, to answer your and my re- quest in so important an affair." The commissioners of property were appar- ently unwilling to assume responsibilities not authorized by the proprietors, and on the 13th of November united in an urgent petition addressed to John, Thomas, and Richard Penn, in which they say : " We have divers times jointly, but we suppose James Logan oftener, represented to you the state of this province and the necessity there appeared that one of you should hasten over as well to settle your affairs of property as to enter treaties and to take meas- ures with the native Indians for continuing that peace and good understanding with them, and thjse representations we hoped would have had the desired effect. But your coming being from time to time deferred we thought it proper that James Steel, now two years ago, should take a voyage over in order more earnestly to press and if possible prevail with you to resolve on it without more delay, and on the account he gave us at his return we fully depended on seeing Thomas the same fall, but with the following spring and another fall are all passed away without now giving us much more hopes of what has been so long expected as three or four years ago. But a treaty we must have with them if possible if we would expect to continue in any manner of safety." John Penn came in August, 1732, and in the following month the long-deferred claims of the Indians were adjusted by the purchase of the lands unwarrantably occupied by the settlers. " But at the same time the Indians were satisfied on the one hand, they were injured on the other. While they were paid for the'ir lands on the Tulpyhockin, they were very unjustly and in a manner forcibly dispos- sessed of their lands in the forks of the Delaware." In his will Penn left to his grandson and namesake a tract of ten thousand acres of land to be laid out by his trustees. In the discharge of this trust the commissioners of property fixed upon the Minisinks for the location of a part of this tract, and by a warrant dated November 20, 1727, authorized the sur- veyor-general of the province to lay it out. The region selected lay on the west side of the Delaware river, extending from the Kittatinny range to the Alleghenies. Here some two or three thousand acres of rich alluvial bottoms, inclosed by the broken foothills and a mountainous spur, which nearly connected the two ranges, had early attracted the attention of the thrifty Dutch adven- turers, and at this time, if cleared of the Indian title, would readily bring sixty or seventy pounds per one hundred acres. But the natives set even a hio-her estimate upon these lands, and from the earliest .knowledge of them steadfastly refused to grant any concessions to the whites. The surveyor-weneral appar- ently met with no better success, for although provided with " four of the best strowds, blue and red, for a present" he accomplished nothing. " The Indians would suffer no manner of survey to be made there on any account what- soever." HISTORY OP BCCKS COUNTY. 151 In his report of the matter to John Penn, Logan accounts for this result by the fact that " there never was any pretence of a purchase made on thy father's account within thirty miles of the nearest of these Indian settlements," and evidently indicated that the trustees saw no immediate prospect of overcoming the difficulty. In the succeeding year, therefore, William Penn, Jr., sold his grant to William Allen, a gentleman more noted for his large and successful speculations in proprietary lands than for his conscientious regard for the rights of the aboriginal owners. It is not certain how soon he succeeded in locatino; this tract in the coveted region, but the records of Bucks county show that in 1733 he sold to Nicholas Dupue three hundred and three acres, which were a part of this tract, and included the " Great Shawna island," and probably " Shawna Town," in the Minisinks. It is probable that the whole tract was located somewhat prior to this date in different places above the Kittatinny range on lands which had not yet been released by the savages. Other grjints were made in this region, but with the understanding that the land should be surveyed when cleared of the Indian title, and if this condition had been scrupulously complied with no ill consequences would have arisen from the practice. To most persons the property thus handicapped proved unmarket- able, and Allen appears to have found it a profitable business to purchase these lands, which he apparently found no difficulty in selling to actual settlers, to whom he gave a warrantee deed. In this way the Indians found their most highly prized hunting-grounds invaded by an adventurous set of purchasers, who were considerably reinforced by a class of squatters who ignored the rights of the natives and the land regulations of the province alike. On the 12th of July, 1735, the proprietors published a scheme of a lottery, in which they, " having considered a proposal made to them for the sale of one hundred thousand acres of land, by way of lottery, and finding that the same tends to cultivate and improve the lands, and consequently increase the trade and riches of this province ; and also considering that many families are, through inadvertency, settled on lands to which they have no right, but by becoming adventurers in such lottery may have an opportunity of securing those lands and settlements at an easy rate, to themselves and their posterity," proposed the sale of 7750 tickets at forty shillings each, of which 6457 should be blanks, and the remainder drawing from twenty-five to three thousand acres each. On these lands the quit-rent was reduced from the common rate of four shillin<^s and twopence per one hundred acres to one shilling, and the successful drawer permitted to lay out his land " anywhere within the province, except on manors, lands already surveyed or agreed for with the proprietors, or their agents, or that had been actually settled and improved before the date of these proposals, provided, nevertheless, that such persons who are settled on lands without warrants for the same and may be entitled to prizes, either by becoming adventurers themselves, or by purchasing prize tickets, may have liberty to lay 152 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tieir rights on the lands where they are so seated." In addition to this pre- mium to aggressors upon Indian lands, it was further provided that " whereas several of the adventurers may be unacquainted with proper places whereon to locate the prizes they have been entitled to, several tracts of the best vacant lands shall be kid out and divided into lots for all prizes not less than two hundred acres." In accordance with the last provision lands were laid out in the forks of the Delaware, and thus this iniquitous measure not only stimulated the reckless invasion of Indian lands by individual adventurers, but led to a similar wholesale violation of Indian rights, under the sanction of the proprietors. The lottery did not readily fill, and no drawings were ever made ; but so many . tickets as were sold became valid claims to lands, which led to the rapid settle- ment of the lots laid out in the forks of the Delaware. These bold aggressions at once called forth loud complaints from the Indians. The fears they had long entertained now appeared about to be realized, and as redress was delayed their complaints took on a threatening tone. Efforts were made by the provincial authorities to compose these clamors, and several conferences were held by the proprietor and delegates of the complaining tribes, but there was no room for compromise, and matters were steadily growing worse, when the arrival of deputies of the Five Nations suggested another method. These Indians had never fully acquiesced in the Dungan purchase, and continued to claim a right in the Susquehanna lands, but in the summer of 1735 it was resolved in a general council of the confederation to make a conclusion of all disputes on this point, and to this end sent twenty-three deputies in the fall of 1736 to negotiate with the Pennsylvania proprietor. In the compact completed October 11, 1736, these facts are cited, and a grant made of all the Susquehanna river with the lands lying on both sides of it, " to extend east- ward as far as the heads of the branches or springs which run into the said Susquehanna." The lands on the west side were to extend to the setting sun, and on both sides to extend from the mouth of the river to the Kittatinny range. It is known that some complaint was made to them of the clamorous Delawares, but the record of the treaty is too meagre to learn the exact char- acter of the representation, and nothing apparently was accomplished at this meeting to adjust the difficulty with the fork tribes. The lands granted did not affect the question at issue about the territory within the forks, and other means were taken to effect the end desired by the unscrupulous proprietor. Conrad Weiser was a prominent figure in this negotiation. By a long resi- dence with the Mohawks he had gained great influence with the whole confed- eration, and it is probable that he exerted it with great effect in the interest of the proprietor's project. It was therefore reserved to him in the obscurity of his frontier home to correct the fatal omission of the above-mentioned deed. The deputation of Indians returned from Philadelphia by way of Tulpehocken, where Weiser had a station, and remained with him several days. Here on aiSTORT OF BUCKS COtJNTy. 153 the 25tli of October, the deputies executed a document in which they say that their " true intent and meaning," in the deed of the 11th instant, was to release all the lands within the boundaries of Pennsylvania, " beginning east- ward on the river Delaware, as far northward as the said ridge of endless mountains as they cross the country of Pennsylvania from the eastward to the west." The circumstances under which this document was given greatly ■weakens its force, and at best, unless the most extravagant right of conquest be conceded to the Iroquois, it was only a release of their assumed proprietorship of the lands conquered, and was of no avail against the rights of the Delaware. However, armed with this concession the proprietor sought a meeting with the Delawares in the succeeding summer. Some time in 1734, John and Thomas Penn met a delegation of the forks tribes, headed by Tishekunk and Nutimus, at Durham, " not only for the renewal of friendship with the people, but likewise to adjust some matters relating to lands lying in the county of Bucks." Little that was definite was accomplished at this meeting, but in the next spring these chiefs, with Lappa- winzoe and other deputies, came to Pennsbury to meet the remaining proprietor. At this conference the various prior treaties were examined, and especially that of 1686, but of this the deputies appeared to have no knowledge, and the meeting was terminated to allow the chiefs to consult some of their old men who were absent. And now after the lapse of two years, and after the pro- posed consultation with those more likely to know of the early transactions, these chiefs, with " Monokyhickan and several other old men," came to Phila- delphia to conclude the business begun some three years before. This meeting occurred on August 24, 1737. The events noted above were stated by Thomas Penn and the early deeds read to the assemblage of Indians and councilmen. All this the Indians confirmed as correct and acknowledged the treaty of 1682 to be true, but the natives manifesting some hesitation as to the other deed of 1686, " the same was not only read and fully interpreted to them, but likewise the deposition of Joseph Wood, who was present at the said sale, and who signed it as a witness to the deed, and likewise the deposition of William Biles, who was present at this transaction, and remembered well all that then passed." At this point in the proceedings the Indians asked an adjournment of the sitting till afternoon to consider the matter. On coming together again the Indians said they did not fully understand how the lines mentioned in the deed were to run, whereupon a draft was made and explained to them. In regard to this draft a gentleman who has given the matter much study says : — * It was our good fortune to find this very draft among the papers of Thomas Penn, by which he attempted to explain to the Indians the proper course of the walk. Any one can * See Pennsylvania Archives, vol. i. p. 529 et seq. 154 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. reaJily sec, on inspecting and comparing it with our present maps, that it was purposely gotten up to deceive. It is a rude alTair, on which the Delaware is represented from the mouth of the Neshaminy to the Lehigh river. The forks of the Neshaminy are placed con- siderably more than half-way towards the Lehigh, when in reality they do not nearly approach half this distance. The "spruce tree P" is marked on the Delaware a short dis- tance above the " Great Creek Mackerick-hitton," from the head of which a line is made westward to the Neshaminy, and serves as a base from the middle of which another line is represented nearly due north with the J^ehigh and no farther, and inscribed "The supposed day-and-a-half 's journey into ye woods." The deception lies in making this line exactly parallel with the Delaware, and not representing it any farther to the north or north- west.* The Indians did not discover these inaccuracies, and upon considering all that they had heard touching the said deed, and now seeing the lines in it laid down, they expressed themselves convinced of the truth thereof, and that they had no objection, but ^^ere willing to join in a full and absolute confirmation of the said sale, but at the same time requested that they might be permitted to remain on their present settlements and plantations, although within that pur- chase, unmolested. In answer to this request the proprietor repeated his assurances given them at Pennsbury and reaffirmed them. This ended the proceedings of the day, and on the following, the 25th of August, the treaty was consummated by a document in which the events re- counted above are briefly recited and the promised "full and absolute confirma- tion" of the deed of 1686 given. The limits of the tract thus conveyed are described as follows : " Beginning on a line drawn from a certain spruce tree on the river Delaware by a west-northwest course to Neshaminy creek ; from thence back into the woods as far as a man can go in a day and a half, and bounded in the west by Neshaminy or the most westerly branch thereof, so far as the said branch doth extend, and from thence by a line to the utmost extent of the day-and-a-half 's walk; and from thence to the aforesaid River Delaware ; and so down the courses of the river to the first mentioned spruce tree." To this was added an agreement " that the extent of the said tract or tracts of land shall be forthwith walked, travelled, or gone over by proper persons to be appointed for that purpose, ac- cording to the direction of the aforesaid deed."t * History of the Indian "Walk, by AVilliam J. Buck, Philadelphia, 1886, p. 79. f Appended to a cojDy of this deed in one of his note-books, John Watson has the follow- ing notes : — 1. Makei-ick-kitton. The creek formerly called Baker's creek, now known by the name of Great creek, the longest and most southerly branch whereof is thought to have been called Towsisnick — this branch heads in Jos. Hamton's land. 2. This course, W. N. W., is supposed would never touch Neshaminy creek, and as there are persons of veracity now living who have heard John Penquite, lately deceased, sav that he well remembered to have seen, when he was a lad, a line of marked trees crossinn- his father's land to Neshaminah creek, which he also well remembered to have heard the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 155 There is abundant evidence of sharp practice on the part of Thomas Penn in the negotiations which have just been described. The urging of the "walk- ing purchase" at all is indefensible in view of the treaty of 1718, in which, after an examination of the different previous grants, all former concessions were merged into the one which established the northern limit at " the mountains on this side Lechay." But aside from this consideration, granting that the treaty of 1737 was made with tribes acknowledged to be independent of Sassoonan and cjDmpetent to grant territory on the Delaware above this limit as well as to release the territory below it, the evidence is unmistakable that they totally misapprehended the possible scope of the deed they confirmed. Penn, however, labored under no such error. The draft submitted to the In- dians was drawn with the deliberate intention to deceive them, and the purpose to seize the land in the forks of the Delaware by means of this deed was con- ceived as early as 1734 and intelligently pursued to the end. The uncompromising attitude of the forks Indians, together with the stub- born, undisciplined character of the white aggressors, too many of whom had been invited into the region by the unwise if not unlawful action of the pro- prietors, presented a question of difficult solution even to one honorably dis- posed. It was thought by some that a liberal payment made to the natives would induce them under the circumstances to relinquish their lands, but this policy did not accord with the penurious disposition of Thomas Penn and the exacting business dealings of William Allen, and so the open, honorable course was rejected for one of trickery and subterfuge. The proprietors met the representatives of the forks tribes at Durham, in October, 1734, when this subject was broached, and it is probable that they were quite as desirous as the natives to defer further negotiations until they could investigate the bearings of the matter more fully. Accordingly, early in the next spring they set about testing the conditions of the deed to ascertain whether it could be made to serve their purpose. A trial walk was ordered; Timothy Smith, sheriff of Bucks county, John Chapman, deputy-surveyor for the same county, and James Steel, the proprietors' receiver. of rents, were ap- pointed to conduct the business. Steel does not appear to have gone into the field, but the others, after receiving full instructions at Philadelphia, were dis- patched to the work. Smith in general charge and Chapman conducting the professional part. The object was to run a line " back into the woods" by as nearly a straight course as practicable, so that the final walk might be made with Indians say was the line between them and Penn, and ordered Penquite to till the ground on Penn's side of it only, and not to meddle with theirs. It must therefore be either a mistake ;n entering the course W. N. W. in the deed instead of W. S. W., which pretty nearly agrees with the line of marked trees aforesaid, or otherwise being without a compass they set the course by estimation, to the white-oak corner, which seems most likely to have been the case. 156 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the least hindrance and cover the greatest distance possible. Chapman's notes of his survey have been preserved in one of John Watson's books, from which Mr. Buck (Walking Purchase, p. 56) marks out the following course : "From Wrightstown to Plumstead is nine or ten miles, from the latter place to the head branch of Perkiomen 8 miles, to Stokes' meadow 4 miles, and to the ' West Branch' or Lehigh river 17 miles, making from Wrightstown to the Lehigh, 39 miles, and to Lehigh gap of the Blue mountains a total of 48f miles. These facts prove that this route was laid through Bedminister township near the present village of Strawntown, keeping west of the Haycock, or it would not have passed over the head of Perkiomen and through Stokes' meadow, which was the place lately owned and occupied by General Paul Applebach. By comparing the line of this route with late maps it will be found on a pretty direct course towards the Lehigh gap." This line was begun on the 22d of April, and finished on the 2d of May, 1735, but in the mean time the proprietors became anxious to know the results of the experiment, and instructed James Steel to make inquiry. Accordingly, on the 25th of April he addressed a letter to Smith, in which he says : The proprietaries are impatient to know what progress is made in travelling over the land that is to be settled in the ensuing treaty that is to be held with the Indians at Penns- bury the fifth of the next month, and, therefore, I now desire thee, without delay, to send down an account of what has been done in that affair, and if anything is omitted or neglected which should have been pursued, the same may be yet performed before the intended time of meeting the Indians. Pray fail not of doing everything that was proposed to thj'self and John Chapman, at Philadelphia, that no disappointment maj' be the means of delay in the business of the treaty. Again on the following day he addresses a letter to both of the persons in charge of the business : The proprietors are very much concerned that so much time hath been lost before you begun the work recommended so earnestly to you at your leaving Philadelphia, and it being so very short before the meeting at Pennsbury, the fifth of the next month, that they now desire that upon the return of Joseph Doane, he, together with two other persons who can travel well, should be immediately sent on foot the day-and-half journey, and two others on horseback to carry necessary provisions for them and to assist them in their return home. The time is now so far spent that not one moment is to be lost ; and as soon as they have travelled the day-and-a-half journey, the proprietaries desire that a messenger be sent to give them account, without delay, how far that day-and-a-half travelling will reach up into the country. Pray use your utmost diligence, and let nothing be wanting to be done on this most important occasion, which will give great satisfaction to the proprietaries, who will generously reward you and those you employ, for your care and trouble.* * The Steel letters with much other information upon this topic are derived from an article published in the Bucks County Intelligencer, in 1850, by Judge Richard Watson. These letters were obtained at that time through the courtesy of George Justice, Esq. ; the Steel letter-book is not now to be found. /-^ ,1- y CC 6? / /."--J-i- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 159 Edward Marshall and Joseph Doane were two of the three employed* in accordance with the instructions contained in the last letter, and the trial walk was made some time in the early part of May. As the meeting at Pennsbury did not occur until the ninth, it is possible that it was delayed until a report of the result of the trial could be received. How far this walk reached is uncer- tain, but as the course was subsequently found marked by blazed trees some miles beyond the Lehigh gap it is probable that the walkers succeeded in pass- ing far beyond the existing treaty limit, notwithstanding much of the route led '* through a very rocky, broken way." The result demonstrated that the deed could be made to serve the purpose of the proprietors, and the negotiations with the Indians were accordingly pushed to the conclusion of 1737. During the two years which elapsed between the negotiations at Pennsbury and the consummation at Philadelphia, the trial walk was held in abeyance and escaped the general notice of the public. It is practically certain that the Indians knew nothing of it, and those who were employed in a subordinate capacity in running the line, when afterward examined, apparently knew ■nothing of the subsequent trial-walk. And it is quite as certain that very few, outside of the interested circle of the proprietors and William Allen, compre- hended the motives which led these worthies to lay so much stress upon the confirmation of this deed. But they did not enter into the project without a close calculation of all the chances, and so well had these calculations been made that Thomas Penn could write to his brothers in England on October 11, 1737 : " Since I wrote you last, at no very great expense concluded with the Delaware Indians on the foot of the agreement of 1686, which though done to their satisfaction takes in as much ground as any person here expected." Two days after the signing of the treaty of 1737, agreeing that the walk should be made forthwith, James Steel wrote Timothy Smith as follows : " The treaty with the Indians which was begun at Durham, and afterward held at Pennsbury, is now finished at Philadelphia, and the time appointed for walking over the land, it is to be the 12th of September next, and for that purpose our proprietary would request thee to speak to that man of the three which travelled and held out the best when they walked over the land before, to attend to that * Moses Marshall, son of the walker, stated to John Watson "that in the year 1733 notice was given in the public papers, that the remaining day-and-a-halfs walk was to be made, and offering 500 acres of land, anywhere in the purchase, and £5 in money, to the person who should attend, and walk the farthest in the given time." After a careful exami- nation of the only papers published in Philadelphia at the time, Mr. Buck was unable to verify the statement, and if any such publication was made at any time it was probably done by posting notices in the usual public places. This could only refer, however, to the trial walk, as the selections for the final walk were made by the proprietors before time for any such advertising had passed, and the little knowledge of the first walk which got abroad discourages the idea that any considerable advertising of the matter was made. The offer of reward was probably made through Smith privately. 160 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. service at the time mentioned, when Solomon Jennings is expected to join and travel the day and a half with him. Thou art also requested to accompany them, and to provide such provisions for those men as may be needful on the occasion desired. John Chapman also to go along with you — and be sure to choose the best ground and shortest way that can be found. The Indians in- tend that two or three of their young men shall be present, and see the land fairly walked over." Smith and Chapman at once proceeded to go over and critically examine the route laid out something more than two years before. This was found as nearly straight as the character of the country would per- mit, but as it led' over the mountains and through a very rocky, broken way, which Smith conceived could not answer, he advised that in going the walk the walkers should keep the great road and old paths as much as might be. The •" great road" or the " great Durham road," as it was variously called, had been opened nearly five years before as far up as the Tohickon creek " near where the Deep run empties into it," and from this point a rough wagon trail now led up to the iron furnace in Durham. It was decided, therefore, that the route of the proposed walk should be " up the Durham road to the present village of Stony Point, in Springfield township ; thence by the present villages of Bursonville and Springtown, striking the Lehigh river a short distance below Bethlehem. This was undoubtedly a much better selection, thus entirely avoiding the rocky sections of Haycock, Springfield, and Saucon. The route of the trial walk must have left the Durham road at or near the present village of Gardenville, in Plumstead township, and did not meet it again till a short distance this side of the Lehigh. For this distance the two routes were parallel to each other for about twenty miles, and nowhere beyond four and a half miles apart, which was most likely at the Haycock." (Walking Purchase, p. 88.) Edward Marshall and James Yeates, of Newtown, and Solomon Jennings, a settler very recently located on the Lehigh about two miles above the site of Bethlehem, were chosen by the proprietors to make the journey. What led to their selection is not certainly known. Marshall was doubtless " that man of the three which travelled and held out the best when they walked over the land before," and when notified of his appointment " put himself in keeping according to his best judgment, fully determined to win the prize of five hun- dred acres of land or lose his life in the attempt." It is possible that Yeates was also engaged in the trial walk ; or it may be that both he and Jennings were suggested to the proprietors as young, athletic hunters inured to great exertion, and well acquainted with the region to be traversed. The time set for the walk to begin was the 12th of September, but Smith's presence being required at court that day the business was postponed for one week. Accord, ingly, before sunrise on the morning of the 19th of September, 1737, a " great number" of spectators and those ofiicially connected with the undertakimr, gathered about " a chestnut tree near the turning out of the road from Durham HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 161 to John Chapman's."* Tlie prominent figures of this company, beside the ■chosen pedestrians of the proprietors and the three natives delegated by the Indians, were Sheriff Smith, who had general charge of the walk; Benjamin Eastburn, his two deputies, Nicholas Scull and John Chapman, and the nephew of James Steel, who were to run the line to the Delaware ; Joseph Smith, a nephew of Smith, and others who were to attend as spectators, or to carry the " provisions, liquors, and bedding" provided. All who proposed to make the journey were mounted, save the accompanying Indians and the chosen walkers, and as the hour of sunrise approached the latter stood with their hands upon the tree awaiting the start. Just as the sun touched the horizon the watches of Smith and Scull pointed precisely to six o'clock and the signal was given. The pedestrians at once set out, with Marshall somewhat in the rear of the others. Their course led along the Durham road, which they followed without incident until Red hill, about two miles beyond the Tohickon, was reached. Here Jennings and two of the Indians gave out and fell back with the company of attendants. At Gallows -hill the walkers turned off from the great road to a lesser one, which they travelled until noon, halting for dinner on a branch of Scook's creek, in meadows belonging to one Wilson, an Indian trader. After fifteen minutes for refreshment, the walk was resumed along an old beaten Indian path which led across the Saucon and the Lehigh, where Bethlehem now stands. The journey was pursued until fifteen minutes past six, to complete the twelve hours of actual travel, and as they neared the finish of the first day's walk in the twilight, * The starting-point, which is variouslj' described in the different accounts, has given no little trouble to tliose who have attempted to exactly locate it. Of those who attended the walk, Thomas Purniss describes it as in the text ; Edward Marshall as "a chestnut tree in the line of John Chapman, in Wrightstown ;" Timothy Smith as "a chestnut tree near the Wri' ""^(^^■TP^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 169 On November 12, 1755, certain citizens of Philadelphia appealed to the assembly declaring that at a time when a bold and barbarous enemy had ad- vanced within about a hundred miles of the metropolis, carrying murder and desolation along with them ; when the country is already stained \Yith blood, and upwards of a thousand families dispersed over the province, the only security of the people is in an established militia. At the same time the Friends deprecated all such suggestions and formally expressed apprehensions that " many among us will be under the necessity of suffering rather than con- senting thereto by the payment of a tax for such purposes." Reports of savage hostilities and appeals for help continued to come in, and the assembly, divided in its sense of duty, finally struck a compromise. On the 17th of November, a bill was presented, in which it was shown that a majority of the legislative body were Friends and conscientiously opposed to war, but as it appeared from certain letters received, that the Indians had passed the Blue mountains, had broke into the county of Berks and were then committing murder, devastation, and other kind of horrid mischief, and that many of other religious faith had come into the province, to whom warlike operations were not obnoxious, it was deemed best to recognize and employ the companies formed and to be hereafter formed. This bill, however, only made it lawful for the freemen of the prov- ince to form themselves into companies and organize as it was customary for a militia to do. No youth under age, nor any bought or indented servant was to be admitted. No definite term of service was fixed, and it was provided that none should be compelled nor led to go more than three days' journey be- yond the inhabited part of the province, nor detained in garrison longer than three weeks, without the written consent of volunteers. Practically, the law simply recognized the associators, and permitted the government to employ them in resisting the inroads of the savages. The massacre at Gnadenhutten occurred on the 24th of November ; the Captains. Lieutenants. Ensigns. Henry Creuseii. Josiah Vansant. Andrew Van Cockerk. Sergeants, 2. Private men, 50. Henry Scott. Garrett Wynkoop. Lufford Laffbrdson. Sergeants, 2. Private men, 74. Jacob Orndt. Anthony Miller. Nicholas Conrade. Sergeants, 2. Private men, 33. Joseph Inslee. Jolin Zuber. Joseph Inslee, Jr. Sergeants, 2. Private men, 62. Anthony Teate. Robert Cummings. James Cumniings. Sergeants, 2. Private men, 40. Jonathan Palmer. Luther Calvin. Thompson Price. . . . . Private men, 108. Charles Stewart. 10 Private men, 40. 170 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. report of it came to Philadelphia on the day following, and, on the 26th, Cap- tain Wilson with a company of sixty or seventy men started for the scene of hostilities. They reached Bethlehem that night, and on the following morning proceeded toward the mountains, but found the enemy had gone. It is prob- able that this company went to the support of the frontier settlements upon its own motion, and returned when no immediate occasion for active service was found. But the provincial authorities felt the necessity -of providing some systematic defense of the frontier, and under the authority of the bill mentioned to take certain of tlie associated companies into the pay of the province. By the first of February, 1756, some eight hundred men were thus mustered into the provincial service, under the immediate command of Benjamin Franklin, who, as colonel of one of the Philadelphia regiments and one of the provincial commissioners for frontier defense, was given charge of the defensive operations from the Delaware to the Susquehanna. The first contribution to this force from Bucks county was the company of Captain James McLaughlin. It was formally mustered* on the '29th of De- cember, but it was not until the 5th of January following that it received orders to march. The captain was then directed by the governor to detach the lieu- tenant with twenty men of his company to await in readiness for orders from Benjamin Franklin, and with the remaining thirty to march at once for Harris's ferry. None of the other associated companies of the county appear to have offered their services at this, time, and, as the province was still in urgent need of .troops, a Captain Hays, who commanded a small company on the frontier, came to Bucks county to secure recruits. He was accompanied by the Reverend Charles Beatty, then pastor of the Neshaminy church, but who had gone to the frontier with Wilson's company and remained behind. Hays met with ill success for a time, and on January 14,1756, Franklin wrote the governor from Bethle- hem : "As Hays,. I hear, is not likely to soon recruit his company, I have ordered Orndt to come up from Rockland in Bucks county to strengthen this part of the province."! But JMr. Beatty appears to have been of that class of * The followiii!; muster-roll, subscribed by the members of this company, su"crests the military disciiiline of the period and the terms upon which the troops served the pro- vince : — " We, the subscribers, do hereby engage ourselves to serve as soldiers in His Majesty's service under the command of Captain James McLaughlin for the space of two months, and whoever of us shall desert or prove cowardly in time of action, or disobedient to our officers, shall forfeit his Pay. This agreement we make in -consideration of beintr allowed, at the rate of Six Dollars per month, Arms, Ammunition, Blankets, Provisions, and a "ill of rum per day for each man. The Blankets, Arms, and Ammunition left to be returned when we are discharged from the service." t This company served in Northampton county in building- forts and subsequently as a garrison. How long it served cannot be definitely determined. It was first stationed at Fort Norris, on Big creek, within the present limits of Monroe county. On October 8 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 171 fighting parsons of which the revolutionary period subsequently produced so many examples, and learning of the captain's difficulty determined to present the subject to his people from the pulpit. Meeting the officer one day he in- vited him to be present at church on the following Sunday, when, at the close of his service, he addressed his people somewhat as follows : " The savages have attacked the frontier settlements, and are murdering our fellow-citizens. Tlie governor has made a call for volunteers to march with a view to attack and drive them back, but I regret to learn that it is not very promptly met. It is certainly somebody's duty to go, and I have determined, if the synod allows me, to offer my services as chaplain, and thus do my part. Of course, it will be very pleasant for me to have the company of any of the congregation or my neighbors who may feel it their duty to go." The response to this appeal was of the most practical character. In a short time forty-five men joined Captain Hays's standard, and proceeded to Bethlehem. A few days later it was sta- tioned near the Lehigh gap, and on the 10th of January, with the detachment from McLaughlin's company, Orndt's company, and other troops, marched to a point opposite Gnadenhutten, where they built Fort Allen. Hays's company was employed in conveying trains for a time, and was subsequently stationed at the Lehigh gap or below this point at Fort Brown. In January ninety-five regulars had come from New York and been placed in garrison at Reading and Easton. In March these troops were ordered to return, and the governor, finding it necessary to take another company of fifty men into the pay of the service, directed Colonel Clapham, on the 8th instant, to proceed to Newtown, inspect the company of Captain Inslee there, and if found satisfactory to muster it into the provincial service. This was accordingly done, when the captain with his ensign and twenty-five men was ordered to Easton, and the lieutenant with the other twenty-five was ordered to Reading. The latter detachment is heard of no more, but, on the 25th of June, the first named is reported by the " Commissi Gen' of ye Musters" as still at Easton. In this report of his tour of inspection the commissary says : " At six came to Easton, found Ensign Inslee of Captain Inslee's company with twenty- four men ; he told me the captain was gone to Philadelphia for the company's pay, and one man absent, sick at Bethlehem. — Provincial stores, twenty-five good muskets, twenty-five cartouche boxes with eleven rounds each, fifteen blankets. " 26 June. — At nine A. M. mustered the company stationed here, found them stout, able men ; their arms in good order ; they fired at a mark, sixteen of twenty hit within nine inches of the centre at eighty yards' distance. The ensign had no cci-tificates of enlistment, but told me that Colonel Clapham had carried them with him." 175C, it was transferred to Fort Allen, on the Lehigh, a little below Mauch Chunk, and is there lost sight of in the records. Captain Orndt remained in the service until the end of the French war, reaching the rank of major, and in the summer of 1758 was placed in com- mand of the eastern frontier with lieadquarters at Easton. 172 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. It is believed that Captain " Jemmison's" company was taken into the pay of the province, and stationed at Hunter's Fort, but nothing farther can be learned of it. In 1758 the company of Richard Walker was summoned to assist in the campaign which General Forbes was then preparing against Fort Duquesne. A staff officer wrote the captain, under date of June 5th, from Philadelphia : " It is General Forbes's order that you get your company armed and accoutred here, and then to march without loss of time to Lancaster, where you will wait to receive further orders." It is probable that the company went no further, and served as a general protection to Forbes's flank as he proceeded westward. The service on the eastern frontier, where Bucks county was principally represented, consisted chiefly of garrison duty and ranging, with frequent details to guard settlers while harvesting their crops. There were no expedi- tions, no pitched battles with the enemy, and the troops from this county, while doing their duty well, did not figure conspicuously in the records. The military policy which dictated the operations in the southwest during the years 1755-8 aimed at the reduction of the French and Indians' stronghold at the forks of the Ohio, assured that if this was accomplished the frontiers of Pennsylvania would need no surer defense. But the defeat of Braddock demonstrated that such an event had not been provided for, and the unprotected frontiers were found defenseless against the terrible onslaught which the sav- ages made in the succeeding fall. The unfortunate bickerings of the proprie- tors and the assembly even then delayed the needed measures for defense until the Indians had depopulated the settlements above the Blue hills, and were pressing their victorious way into the heart of the province. Among the last acts of Governor Morris's administration was the declaration of war against the savages, in spite of a general protest from the Friends. This was adopted by his successor, who, aided by Benjamin Franklin, employed the most vigorous measures for defense. Bounties were offered for prisoners and for scalps of men, women, and chil- dren of the enemy ; a chain of block-houses was stretched along the Kittatinny hills from the Delaware to the Maryland line, and each garrisoned with twenty to seventy-five men. But by far the most efi'ective in its results was an expedi- tion, concerted in 1756, against Kittanning — an Indian stronghold on the Alle- gheny river. The movement, under the direction of General Armstronion compotes men- its : And the legislature shall vest in the said courts such other powers to grant relief in equity as shall be found necessary ; and may, from time to time, enlarge or diminish those powers, or vest them in such other courts, as they shall judge proper, for the due adminis- tration of justice. Section VII. The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of each county, any two of whom shall be a quorum, shall compose the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace and Or- phans' Court ; and the Register of Wills, together with the said Judges, or any two of them, shall compose the Register's Court of each county. Section VIII. The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas shall, within their respective counties, have the like powers with the Judges of the Supreme Court to issue writs of ccr- tiorari to the Justices of the Peace, and to cause their proceedings to be brought before them, and the like right and justice to be done. Section IX. The President of the Courts in each circuit, within such circuit, and the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, within their respective counties, shall be Justices of the Peace, so far as relates to criminal matters. Section X. The Governor shall appoint a competent number of Justices of the Peace, in such convenient districts, in each county, as are or shall be directed bv law : Thev shall be commissioned during good behavior ; but may be removed on conviction of misbehavior in office, or of any infamous crime, or on address of both houses of the lecislature. Section XI. A Register's otEce for the probate of wills and granting letters of admin- istration, and an office for the recording of deeds, shall be kept in each countv. Section XII. The style of all process shall be. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania : all prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and conclude as. Against the peace and dignity of the same. The judiciary tlius constituted has since been variously modified at different times. The courts in whicii the judicial power was there vested still remain, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 255 save the register's court, which was omitted by the " new" constitution and its powers and jurisdiction granted the orphans' court; and " magistrates' court" was substituted for "justices of the peace" by the same instrument. The number of supreme judges was fixed at five in 1776, reduced to three in 1809, but restored to five in 1826, and left unchanged until 1874, when it was still further increased to seven. In 1838 they were directed to be nominated by the governor, but appointed and commissioned by and with the advice of the senate for a term of ten years. In 1850 they were made elective, the terms of the first to be chosen under this amendment to be for three, six, nine, twelve, and fifteen years respectively, the term of each to be determined by lot among themselves. One judge was to be elected every three j'ears thereafter for a term of fifteen years, the judge whose commission should first expire to be the chief-justice. The " new" constitution makes the term twenty-one years, and the judges eligible for one term only. In 1780 a Court of Errors and Appeals was erected as a court of final resort, but this was abolished in 180G, and its jurisdiction transferred to the supreme court. The constitution of 1874 continued this feature, and gives the court original jurisdiction only " in cases of injunction where a corporation is a party defendant, of habeas corpus, of mandamus to courts of inferior jurisdiction, and of quo warranto as to all offi- cers of the commonwealth whose jurisdiction extends over the state." The constitution of the court of common pleas has remained unchanged, save by the operation of section 5, of article V. of the " new" constitution. This provides that, AVlionever a county sliall contain forty thousand inhabitants, it shall constitute a separate judicial district, and shall elect one judge learned in the law, and the general assembly shall provide for additional judges as the business of the said districts may require. Counties containing a population less than is sufficient to constitute separate districts shall be formed into convenient single districts, or, if necessary, may be attached to contiguous districts, as the general assembly may provide. The office of associate judge, not learned in the law, is abolished in counties foi-ming separate districts, but the several associate judges in office when this constitution shall be adopted shall serve for their unexpired terms. The term of the president judges of common pleas court was limited in 1838 to ten years, and was left unchanged in 1874; their jurisdiction and chancery powers were also unaltered, although the phrase " learned in the law," in section 9 of article V. of the " new" constitution, has given rise to dif- ferent opinions. In 1838 the justices of the peace were made elective with a term of five years, and this provision was incorporated in the last constitution. The first president judge of Bucks county was Henry Wynkoop. His great- grandfather emigrated from Utrecht early in the seventeenth century, and came to New York, subsequently settling at Albany. He left four sons at his death, of whom the third, Gerardus, came to Moreland in 1717, and at his death there left five sons and three daughters. Of this family the third son, who bore 256 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. his fathers name, came to Bucks county about 1744, where he spent the remainder of his days. He left a daughter and son, named Henry. The latter ■was horn on March 2, 1737, and seemed destined to gain distinction only as a prosperous farmer. It appears that he prepared to enter Princeton college, but Avas hindered from consummating his design. He was greatly interested in the course of affairs which led up to the revolution, and subsequently gained the title of major, though it is not believed he ever held a commission. He was possessed of fine intelligence, was noted for his strict integrity, and exerted a commanding influence over the community in which he lived. He enjoyed the confidence and respect of Washington, Hamilton, and others of the revolutionary leaders, and was prominently identified with the civil measures adopted to carry on that struggle. He was a member of the Bucks county committee of safety in 1774-6, a member of the body that framed the " Declaration of Independ- ence," and a member of the first national congress. After the battle of Tren- ton, Mr. Wynkoop hastened to the army to render assistance to the wounded. Lieutenant Wilmot, an English officer, and Lieutenant ^lonroe of the American army, both wounded, were committed to his care by Washington, where they remained until recovered. Judge Wynkoop was six feet four inches tall, of fine appearance, and presided over the county courts for thirty years. He died in 1816, leaving eight children and more than forty grandchildren. There is little of curious interest to be found in the records of this or a later period, but a single extract affords a passing view of the pomp which served to impress the unlearned with the majesty of the law. It was the duty of all the constables in the county to attend the sessions of the court, but in 1784 the justices of the quarter sessions made a new order in the matter, as follows : As it is unrtecossiuy tliat all the constables in the count}- should attend upon the court during the whole time of each session or term, and that the future attendance of the con- stables may lie made more easy and convenient to themselves, the service therefrom be ren- dered more ceitain and beneficial to the community ; It is ordered for the future as soon as tlie constables have read their citations, as by law directed, they shall be all discharged ex- cept seven, which number shall attend in their term ajireeable to the following distribution, viz : For September court, Bristol borough, Bensalem, Buckingham, Bedminster, Falls, Rilltown, and Haycock; for December court, Bristol township, Durham, Middletown, Upper :\lakefield. Lower Wakefield, Milford, Newtown ; for Blarch court, Northampton, Nockamixon, New Britain, Plumstead, Rockhill, Richland, Southampton; for June court, Solebury, Springfield, Tinicum, Wrightstown, Warwick, AVarminster, and Warrington. It is likewise ordered that those whose term it shall be from time to time to attend be punc- tual therein ; that upon no account they absent themselves without leave of the court, pub- licly obtained ; that during the sitting of the court they constantly appear with their staves in their hands ; that after the court shall have adjourned they walk in procession with their staves before the sheriff to the door of the justice room, where they shall deposit their staves until the time of adjournment shall have expired, when they shall again attend and walk to the court-house door as before directed. Should any constable neglect or refuse to attend in his term, as above directed, the clerk of the court shall make a note thereof at the time HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 259 upon tlie docket, that after the expiration of his office, said offending constable may be prose- cuted for neglect of duty and fined as by law directed. And that the constables may be properly notified of the time when their term of attend- ance will be, the clerk of tlie session shall, from time to time, immediately after the con- stables have been sworn and affirmed to their returns, read the names of the townships whose constables are to attend the court then sitting, and likewise of those whose terra of attendance will be the next court ensuing, that they may be acquainted with that part of their dut}- beforehand and regulate their family affiiirs accordinglj-. At the same time the court called the attention of the grand jury to the constables' staves which still bore the design of the provincial government. " The grand inquest for the body of this county" accordingly put its several heads together, and after consideration presented " that the present device ought to be obliterated, and that the arms of the state of Pennsylvania, with such addition as the court shall think fit, be put in the room thereof." The court concurred in the grand jury's recommendation, and suggested " that a b\ick be added by way of a crest, to denote the county." This change was effected. On the resignation of Judge Wynkoop, John Barclay, the prothono- tary, was appointed his successor, August 14, 1789. Bird Wilson, who succeeded Wynkoop as president of the common pleas court, was a son of James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of In- dependence. The latter was a native of Scotland, emigrated to the United States, speculated extensively in public lands, and was at one time possessed of large wealth, but eventually met with serious reverses. He was elected in 1775 to the first continental congress, and was appointed by Washington one of the first judges of the United States supreme court. His son, Bird Wilson, was liberally educated and, adopting the legal profession, became a successful lawyer. He was appointed president of the seventh judicial district, then con- sisting of Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties, in 1806, and took his seat in April. He resigned in January, 1818, and entered the minis- try ; served the St. John's Episcopal church of Norristown from 1819 till the fall of 1821, when he removed to New York and became connected with a theological seminary. Different reasons are assigned for his abandonment of the legal profession. One is, his disgust with a reversal of his decision in the case of the Whitemarsh church ; another is, his unwiUingness to preside over the trial of a man charged with murder, whose crime was so apparent as to make it reasonably certain that the judge would find it his duty to sentence him to the gallows. He edited an edition of " Bacon's Abridgment of English Laws," which was published in 1809. John Ross succeeded Judge Wilson, and took his seat on the 13th of Jan- uary, 1818. His father, Thomas Ross, was a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, and immigrated in 1728 to Pennsylvania. He joined the Friends at Wrightstown in the following year, and subsequently became prominent in the society'- as a preacher. Judge Ross began his career as a school-teacher, and in this voca- 260 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tion reached the great turning-point in his life. While teaching a school at Durham he attracted the attention of Richard Backhouse, the proprietor of the furnace, who persuaded the young man to enter upon the study of law at Easton, agreeing to support him until he could maintain himself by his profes- sion, lie was a close student, became well versed in the law, and acquired a profitable practice. After his appointment to the seventh judicial district he continued to preside until 1830, when he was appointed to the supreme bench of the state. Judge Ross was " a gentleman of the old school." The law of his time was strongly tinctured with English ideas, and in absorbing the legal principles of Blackstone, he unconsciously acquired a relish for the institutions of the mother country. This was apparent in all his conduct, and it is said that with the addition of a wig and gown would have served as an excellent model of an English judge. He was a tall, athletic man ; aristocratic in feeling, of a stern, unyielding nature, and withal somewhat eccentric. He displayed a taste for certain spotted horses, which were then rarely seen, and even now are com- monly associated with the circus, and these, with the lumbering coach in which he made his journeys to and fro between Philadelphia and Doylestown, con- stituted an equipage that never failed to command the admiring awe of the rustic. He died in 1834. He had prepared for this event by setting apart a family burial-spot on property purchased in one of the most secluded sections of Monroe county. His body rests there, but the family has not followed his example in this respect. John Fox succeeded Judge Ross. The new president was a member of one of the old Bucks county families. His father was born in Ireland of English parents, and came to this country some time in the second half of the last cen- tury. He was auditor-general in 1783, and was represented as " a young man of good abilities, especially in his present line." He afterward acquired a large property, but suifered the too common experience of the period in a re- versal of fortune. Judge Fox studied for the bar, and began his practice at Newtown. He was deputy attorney-general in 1814. When the news of the landing of the British at Elk creek reached Doylestown the court was in ses- sion, and Mr. Fox, announcing the fact, suggested to Judge Wilson that he adjourn the court, that each might discharge his patriotic duty in the emer- gency. The judge declined to adopt the suggestion, whereupon the deputy attorney-general, exclaiming, " this is no place for me," immediately left the court followed by Associate Justice Watts, and joined the command of General Worrill, on whose staff he served with the rank of major. Judge Fox presided over the county courts from 1830 to 18-10. His personal appearance was not prepossessing. He was afflicted with obliquity of vision, was lame, and "round- shouldered" almost to the extent of deformity. In temperament he was equally unfortunate. Irascible, arbitrary, and arrogant toward competitors, and those HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 261 ■outside of the circle of his friendship, he was quite the reverse witliin that circle, and especially in his home, and his domestic virtues did much to soften the harsh outlines of his general reputation. The constitutional amendments of 1838 rendered a new appointment of presi- dent necessary. William T. Rogers, an ardent friend of Fox, was then in the state senate, and recommended his friend to the governor, who was accordingly nomi- nated to the senate. This brought out an almost unanimous protest from the local bar. His ability was conceded, but the numerous unfortunate entanglements of the man precluded his highest usefulness as a judge. The matter was not decided, however, without a spirited contest. Petitions j:)ro and con were industriously circulated in the county and numerously signed. E. T. McDowell was the principal champion of the opposition, and it is said that he employed R. M. Maddoc, a justice of the peace and a well-known character of Doylestown, to solicit signatures for his side of the case. The bargain was struck at ten cents a name, and Maddoc soon turned up with an overwhelming array of names, in- cluding those of a majority of the best families in the county, which seriously depleted the cash account of the enthusiastic leader. It was subsequently found that Maddoc had cleverly simulated the writing of many whose names had been secured from the tombstones of the county, but as the deception passed the scrutiny of the senate, the circulator of the petition was left undisturbed in the enjoyment of his ill-gotten gains. McDowell went to Harrisburg to conduct the opposition campaign, and a story of his, apropos of Fox's appearance and the contest, will bear repeating. Mr. Fox's hopes were largely centered in the continued support of a certain western senator, who, meeting McDowell, up- braided him for opposing a man of such marked legal ability. Fox and his ardent supporters had never met, and the leader of the opposition proposed to bring the two together. The meeting occurred within an hour, and after a brief interview, the visitors retired. As the story goes, the senator turned to McDowell with the exclamation : " That settles it : if that man is not a scoundrel, the Almighty never wrote a legible hand upon the face of any human creature." Whatever credence may be placed in the story, the fact of the sudden change in the attitude of the impulsive senator cannot be questioned. With that change failed the candidate's last hope. He withdrew his name, and, it is said, nerer knew what proved so fatal to his prospects. He afterward returned to the practice before the court, but was not conspicuously active. Thomas Burnside was subsequently nominated for this district, which was then numbered the fifth, and consisted of Bucks and Montgomery counties. He was of Irish birth and parentage, and at the age of ten came with his parents to this country. He received his first legal instruction from Hon. Robert Porter, of Philadelphia, from whose office he was admitted, in 1804, to the bar of that city. In March of the same year he went to Bellefonte and began the practice of his profession. In 1811 he was sent to the state senate 262 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. from that district, and in 1815 to congress. In the summer of the next year he was appointed president of the Luzerne judicial district, but two years later he resigned his position and resumed his legal practice. In 1822 he was again elected to the state senate and was elevated to the speakership. In 1826, while a member of the senate, he was appointed president of the Centre county judicial district, where he remained upon the bench for fifteen years, discharg- ing with great tact and signal ability the important duties of his position. On April 1, 1841, he was appointed to the fifth judicial district, and in 1845 was promoted to the supreme court. He was nominated for the Bucks district by his old preceptor who was then governor of the state, and was not confirmed with- out some opposition. Six of the senators spoke against his confirmation on the ground that any tendency to prolong the terms of judges in office should be checked. Governor Porter advocated similar views in the message of that year, but when the vote was taken his nomination was confirmed by a majority of seven votes. ■Judge Burnside's features were notably homely, the effect of which he seemed pleased to exaggerate b^- a total disregard of all personal tidiness. When the news of his appointment reached the county his appearance was the chief subject of comment, and the general source of consolation was that they had not been accustomed to much beauty on the bench. In fact, Judge Burn- side always affected to believe his predecessor was his rival in this respect. It was apparently his delight to pose as a mendicant before strangers, and non- plus them when opportunity offered, by discovering his actual character. It was in such guise that he presented himself in Doylestown, and w^as barely allowed standing room while the mistress of the house dispatched a messenger for her husband, who relieved the lady's alarm by announcing the visitor as the newly appointed judge. His first " opinion" delivered in the Bucks county court was equally eccentric. In the trial of a cause it became necessary to swear a witness. The judge called "Mr. Clerk!" several times, but that functionary, rendered somewhat obtuse by liquor, failed to comprehend that he was the one addressed. The crier was slumbering in his place unconscious of the judge's difficulty, who, after vainly looking about for a testament to perform the service himself, was moved to deliver an unsolicited opinion on his own motion. Rising from his seat, he bellowed out : " This is one h — 1 of a court, the clerk drunk, the crier asleep, and no testament about!" His eminent ability, however, commanded the respect of the bar, and when he was promoted to the supreme court the selection was approved by those who had had oppor- tunity to learn his qualifications. He served in the latter position until his death on March 25, 1851. David Krause, of Dauphin county, was appointed to the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Burnside, and took his seat on the 3d of February, 1845. He was a well-read lawyer, deep in " titles, deeds, and parchments," and a good HISTORY OF BUCKS COUIfTY. 263 counsellor rather than an advocate. He retained the "sweet German accent," and was wont to cut short the reiterated statements of law hy exclaiming : " Yes, talk, talk ; but bring me the pook." He was the last of the appointed judges, and went off the bench under the operation of the constitutional amendment of 1850. He returned to the practice of his profession at Norris- town, but did not achieve especial success. Daniel M. Smyser, of Adams county, was elected to succeed Judge Krause. His election was secured by a split in the local ranks of the democratic party. The Bucks county convention nominated Henry Chapman with power to appoint his own conferrees, and Montgomery county conferred similar honors upon Joseph Fornance. The conferrees met on the dividing line between the two counties at Montgomery Square, and from Monday to Saturday night at twelve o'clock balloted with the same result, four votes for each candidate. Bucks county then withdrew from the conference and placed its candidate independently in the field, and Montgomery county did the same for its representative. The contest which followed was spirited and uncertain till the end. Smyser was elected by the anti-democrats, but the friends of Mr. Chapman demonstrated that they were greatly in the majority within their party. Judge Smyser was better as a politician perhaps than a judge, but his discharge of his judicial duties was acceptable, and had the political party with which he affiliated been in the majority he would probably have been re-elected. His friends were sanguine of such a result, however, in 1861, but were disappointed. He was the candi- date of the whigs for the supreme bench in 1851, and was a member of the " Know-nothing" organization, but was defeated. At the expiration of his term he resumed his practice at Norristown, but demonstrated the folly of such a course by the disappointing failure which followed. The contest of 1851 had made Henry Chapman the obvious candidate to succeed Judge Smyser. He was a member of an old and respected Bucks county family, was admitted to the bar in 1825, and had succeeded to the important practice which his father had built up. He was elected to the state senate in 1843, where he served one term, and to the lower house of congress in 1856, to which he declined a re-election after serving his initial term. From 1847 to 1851 he presided over the courts of Chester and Delaware counties, but declined a renomination there to stand for his native district. In 1861 Fornance was dead, and none cared to challenge Mr. Chapman's popu- larity with his own party. His election was, therefore, a foregone conclusion from the first. He served upon the bench with distinguished ability until 1871, when he declined a re-election, and retired to private life. Mr. Chapman was well characterized to become a leader of men. Impetuous as well as impulsive, he nevertheless so tempered these characteristics by a sound discretion, that he became equally marked for his excessive reserve. In his active career he was the object of the warmest and most demonstrative 264 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTT. friendship and the bitterest and most determined antagonism, neither of which ■was limited by political lines. As a warm admirer has said : The elevation reached by Henry Cliapman, both as advocate and judge, was deservedly bigh. Amongst many essential qualifications, natural and acquired, was that sublime bestowment of the Maker, a truly well-balanced mind Study, education, and the faculty of mental concentration made liim a safe counsellor and successful advocate. His classical acquirements and fine literary taste lent a gloss to his oratory exceedingly attractive. I feel fully justified in asserting that Henry Chapman was the strongest man before a jury I have ever known in a long lifetime. He had argument, denunciation, pathos, intensity, and that unflagging earnestness that must triumph in the end. And yet, what seems not a little strange, he was the slowest and most deliberate of all speakers I ever heard, but one In Judge Chapman we find the happy mingling of scientific, literary, agricultural, and professional pursuits. He has an eye for the perfection of nature — an ear for the melody of birds. He was always a great reader. Aside from Blackstone and Purdon, the English classics were not overlooked. He found in the pages of the im- mortal Bard of Avon a chord attuned in sj'mpathy with his own nature. It inspired and beau- tified his forensic displays, and illuminated the products of his pen. It is well to be an able lawj-er and an upright judge. It enhances the merits of both to find in Shakespeare and Walter Scott the fountains of inspiration. Henry P. Ross succeeded Judge Chapman. He was the grandson of Judge John Ross, and a son of the- Hon. Thomas Ross. He was fitted for college at the private school of the Messrs. Long, near Hartsville, this county ; graduated at Princeton, with honors, in 1857 ; read law with his father, and was admitted in December, 1859. He commenced practice with his father and soon took a leading position at the bar. At his father's death, he formed a partnership with his brother George, which was continued until the deceased was called to the bench. In all these years, Judge Ross grew into a sound and brilliant lawyer, and held the leading practice. Honors in, and out, of the profession were tendered him. He was district attorney from 1862 to 1865 ; democratic candi- date for congress in 1864 and 1866, but defeated ; in 1864 and 1868 he was dele- gate to the national convention ; and was appointed deputy escheater-general for Bucks in 1865. AVhen the Seventh Judicial district, composed of Bucks and Montgomery, was authorized to elect an additional law judge in 1869, he was elected to that position, the Hon. Henry Chapman being president judge. In 1871 he was elected president judge to succeed Chapman, and was re- elected in 1881 for Montgomery covinty. Judge Ross was the next to highest candidate for nomination for supreme judge in the democratic convention of 1874, and received the nomination for that office in 1878, but was defeated. In 1875 he came near being nominated for governor. Whenever he was before the people he received more than his party vote. In the character of Judge Ross there is much to admire. He was filled with generous emotions, and was both ready and willing to help others. As a companion he was most genial, 'and there was a charm in his manners which impressed all who came in contact with him. His personal magnetism was felt mSTORT OF BUCKS COUNTY. 265 in his dealings with men. Judge Ross was probably the ablest man born in- Bucks county in his generation, and the most brilliant. His mind was sound, grasping, and discriminating, which his studious habits had stored with a vast amount of knowledge outside of his profession. His Integrity was above ques- tion. He was a very able lawyer, and, as a judge, had no superior in the state. His decisions were models of terseness, and seldom overruled, and when upon the bench he possessed that valuable quality for a judge to have, called " snap." He wrote well, and was a fluent, graceful speaker, sometimes rising to eloquence. He was born to state-craft, and took to politics as naturally as Eichelieu. He was a recognized power in the democratic party of the state, and had he lived and devoted himself to politics, he would have made himself felt throughout the country. But the law was his field, and he exemplified the saying that lawyers and poets are not made but born. The election of Judge Ross as president of the district in 1871 left a vacancy to which Arthur G. Olmstead, of Potter county, was appointed. He took his seat on February 5, 1872. On this date the Bucks county court opened with four judges on the bench — Judge Chapman, the retiring ofiicer, his successor, Judge Ross, the new additional law judge, Mr. Olmstead, and the last associate judge of Bucks county, William Godschalk. When elected in 1869 the pre- siding judge remained in Bucks, and Mr. Ross accordingly fixed his residence at Norristown. When elected president judge he preferred to remain in Mont- gomery county, and Olmstead became a resident of Doylestown. The new judge was described in the papers at that time as " a tall, fine-looking man, apparently about fifty years of age, with his hair and beard slightly frosted with gray. His manners are agreeable, and his long ^familiarity with public business as a lawyer and a member of both branches of the legislature will soon make him perfectly at home in his new associations." Judge Olmstead did not disappoint this anticipation, but his ill-health was an obstacle to his prolonged service. He came to the county directly from the doctor's care, and was scarcely able to discharge the full duties of his position, and held but one term of court. At the October election in 1872, Stokes L. Roberts was elected to supply the vacancy to which Judge Olmstead had been appointed, and took his seat the next term. Judge Roberts was born in Richland township, and was a descendant of Edward Roberts, who settled there in the spring of 1716. The former was educated at Princeton, and soon after receiving his degree entered the office of George M. Dallas, of Philadelphia. He was admitted to the bar in the city, but subsequently opened an ofiice at Newtown, and in 1832 was admitted to the local bar. IMr. Roberts early took an active part in politics, and was elected to the lower house of the legislature in 1838 and 1839, but in 1840 was defeated. He removed to Doylestown soon after he left the legislature, and resumed the practice of the law. He was made deputy attorney-general in 1844, and was 266 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. •tendered the consulate at St. Jago de Cuba by President Buchanan, but declined it. In 1858 he was a candidate for congress, but was defeated, and soon after the Avar broke out he went with his wife to Europe, where he remained two years. He never again earnestly resumed the practice of law, and it was not until some years after he had dissolved all connection with the courts and legal proceedings and after modes and forms of practice had materially changed that he was elected to the bench of the Bucks county courts. He was suffer- ing with ill-health, and he soon discovered that his condition and the labors and responsibilities of the position did not accord, and resigned after holding a single term of court. He was a man of unimpeachable integrity ; he was uni- formly courteous towards the bench and his professional brethren ; a zealous advocate and faithful to his client. He was a diligent student, of which the numerous marginal notes and references, to be found in the volumes of his law library, give ample evidence. In his personal relations he was pleasant and genial, and in all respects a polished gentleman. To the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Roberts, Richard Watson was appointed on January 18, 1873, and in the succeeding fall was nominated and elected for a full term upon the bench. Mr. Watson is a descendant of Thomas Watson, one of the earliest settlers of Buckingham town- ship. His ancestors had generally studied medicine, and his mind was thus naturally turned towards a professional career for himself. His father was a surveyor and conveyancer, and Mr. Watson, early becoming acquainted with deeds, titles, and parchments, acquired a taste for legal studies. His education was principally derived from the schools in the vicinity of his country home, but the scholarly interest of his father furnished the incentive, and a local public library the foundation of a broader culture. Mr. Watson was the youngest son and the only one remaining at home, and the pleasure of his father led him to begin his legal studies in Bucks county. These he pursued for a time at home, but in 1814 he entered the office of Charles E. Du Bois, and two years later was admitted to the bar. As a lawyer Mr. Watson studied the fundamental principles and sought to perfect himself in the science of law rather than in the practice before the jury. His tastes as well as his course of study gave him a standing among close legal students rather than litigants, and his clientage consisted principally of those whose causes required a thorough knowledge of the intricacies of leo^al principles rather than the graces of oratory. In the particular field of will cases and real estate contests Mr. Watson was perhaps the foremost lawyer at the bar, and there were few such cases of importance in which he was not en- gaged. He seldom took part in criminal cases unless such as involved his regular clients, the Teufel case presenting a notable exception. Mr. Watson sought no preferment outside of his profession. In 1853 he accepted the empty honor of nomination for the position of district attorney from the repub- :M>t'i HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 269 licans. In 1869 he was nominated by Bucks county as candidate for judge, but conceded the place to the nominee of Montgomery county. In 1873 he received the nomination of the district and was elected. On the bench Mr. Watson was an upright judge, and his whole term was marked by an earnest, painstaking effort to do exact justice. His tempera- ment did not permit him to disarm criticism, but upon questions of law he re- ceived the approval of the best minds. Through invitation. Judge Watson has held courts in some dozen counties of the state, and in these he never had a deci- sion overruled. Of those made in Bucks county, and reviewed by the supreme court, few have been reversed, and in this respect he enjoys a reputation not excelled by any of his cotemporaries. His written opinions were numerous and exhaustive of the subject, and make some five manuscript volumes. Since his retirement from the bench he has devoted his energies to establishing a trust company in Doylestown, and transacting such legal business as his emi- nent abilities still attract, though unsolicited. Coke's expression, " He know- eth not the law who knoweth not the reasons thereof, and the knowen certainty of the law is the safety of all," has been the inspiration of Judge Watson's whole legal career, and it may safely be said that no member of the local fra- ternity'excels him in an extended knowledge of its principles and history. Harman Yerkes succeeded Judge Watson upon the bench in 1883. He is a native of Warminster township, and received his education in the common schools near his home, at Hartsville, and at East Hampton, Massachusetts. Owing to an injury received in his boyhood he was unfitted for severe manual labor, and his attention was thus early turned to professional life as a livelihood. Unprovided with the means of support while regularly preparing for his profes- sion, he taught school and worked on the farm, reading law between times as opportunity offered. He studied under the direction of Henry P. Ross, and was admitted to the bar in 1865, on motion of his preceptor. In 1868 he was elected district attorney, and discharged the duties of this position with ability. Mr. Yerkes quickly won a prominent place at the bar, and was especially suc- cessful in criminal cases. In 1873 he was elected to the state senate, and tl'.ree years later was re-elected. At the close of the second term Mr. Yerkes declined all political office, returned to his practice with renewed earnestness, and notwithstanding his name has been prominently mentioned for governor and other offices of the state, he has strictly adhered to his resolution. He is a close political student, a man of great popularity, and yet independent in his action when his judgment approves. His manly support of Attorney-General Lear, although of diff'erent political faith, has won him many friends outside of the circle of his own party in politics. In 1883 he was nominated for judge and was elected. Since then he has presided with dignity and general ac- ceptance. His courtesy toward both the younger and older members of the bar, his promptness in the despatch of business, and the soundness of his de- 15 270 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. cisions have all tended to enhance the good reputation and popularity-he brought to that position. His duties as judge have tended to change the one-sided development which his practice and interest in politics were likely to induce, and his opinions from the bench bear the marks of deep study and wide research. Whether he continues upon the bench or is again drawn into politics, Judge Yerkes will remain an important factor in the public activities of the county. Of the nearly one hundred and forty members of the Bucks county bar since 1790, mention may be properly made of those only whom death or other circumstance has removed from active relations to the court, and space forbids more than a brief sketch of those whose characteristics raised them above the average level. Of these the name of Abraham Chapman comes first. He was born in Wrightstown, and was a great-grandson of John Chapman, the founder of the family in Bucks county. His early education was derived from the schools of the county, and forcibly illustrates how little of mental power is ac- quired under Tlie tuition of the schoolmaster. Having chosen the law as his profession he pursued his elementary legal studies in the office of Thomas E-oss, then of West Chester, and in 1790 was admitted to the bar at Newtown. This place was then the county seat, and fixing his residence here, Mr. Chapman began the practice of his profession. Thei'e were then few resident attorneys, the larger number of practitioners coming from Philadelphia to attend the local court. The ability of the young lawyer rapidly secured for him the confidence of the community, and his legal business in a short time became larger than that of any other attorney in the county. In 1812 he followed the removal of the court to Doylestown, where he continued the practice of law until 1833, when he entirely relinquished it. He was a member of the Society of Friends until his marriage outside the society severed his connection with the sect. He continued in attendance upon its meetings, however, until his death. While an able advocate and a well-equipped counsellor, his success was chiefly due to his sterling integrity of character, which deeply impressed his fellow-citizens whether on the jury or in other walks of life. He died in 1856 with the pro- found respect of all, and his memory is still cherished as the father of the later bar. Charles E. DuBois, who was admitted to the bar in 1820, succeeded Mr. Chapman in the respect of the people. No man was more widely known in the county. His occupation for some years in the orphans' court ofEce had early brought him into personal contact with the business portion of the citi- zens. It led to extensive business in his profession. His fidelity and legal acquirements established him firmly in public estimation. Whatever was com- mitted to him was done faithfully and well. Mr. Du Bois was deputy attorney- general of the commonwealth at the trial of Blundin, and such was the tender- ness of his sensibilities that he was overcome with emotion in readino' the indictment to the unfortunate man. The confidence reposed in Mr. Du Bois HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 271 ■whether as citizen, lawyer, or in business relations, was remarkable and was never misplaced. His integrity was so well grounded that his word was cur- rent with all men, and if it may truly be said of any man that he lived a life- time without enemies, the honorable distinction was assuredly his. He had withal a keen relish for humor, and few in this respect were better qualified to add the boon of enlivening mirth to social company. Eleazer T. McDowell was admitted to the bar in 1822, and though aided by few advantages rapidly achieved an enviable position in legal circles through his own abilities. In the zenith of his power, there was no man at the bar who could cope with him in facetious and witty declamation. His fund of humor was boundless, and without a tinge of bitterness. Juries were swayed and captivated by it, and yielded him a verdict with pleasure, or against him with regret. He was a man of commanding presence ; rather over medium size, well formed, and eminently pleasing in manner and address. He was social, witty, genial, and what is known as popularity he obtained in fullest measure. His peculiarities gave him marked prominence in political cam- paigns, and was for years the center of local whig hopes, and the pillar of their fortunes. He declined all official position, save that of member of the state constitutional convention. He died in the full vigor of his powers and popularity, leaving none to succeed him in his peculiar position. In 1829 Thomas Ross came to the bar. He was a born lawyer. AVith him a knowledge of the science of legal principles was apparently intuitive. He grappled with the intricate web by instinct. His mastery appeared in the early years of his practice, and in acumen, quickness of comprehension, bold- ness, and tact, he had few superiors in this district of the state. The rise of Mr. Ross in his profession was rapid. In less than three years after his admission. Recorder Mcllvaine, of Philadelphia, placed the most important case, by far, that has ever been tried in this county into the hands of the young lawyer. It was the Andalusia tragedy, involving Mina and Mrs. Chapman in a charge of murder. The measure of diligence and ability he displayed is entitled to the highest commendation. Any one perusing the report of that trial, with its manifold developments of crimes and enormities, will be surprised to witness the exhibition of legal tact and learning shown in one so young in his profes- sion. It was this celebrated trial that placed him at the front rank with his professional brethren — a position he maintained until the visitation of a fatal malady assailed him at the summit of his power. Mr. Ross was a man of medium stature, with remarkably expressive features of face and person. He had no sense of fear, and was intrepid and bold in the prosecution of his clients' rights. Nothing was omitted in the trial of his cases, nor any inad- vertence of his adversary suffered to escape his apprehension. The offices he held were those of attorney-general and member of the lower house of con- gress. His reputation as a lawyer is still a cherished tradition of the bar. 272 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. In 1833 Caleb E. Wright was admitted to the bar, and still remains one of the few survivors of the early members. He was cotemporary with Du Bois, McDowell, and Ross, whose sketches in these pages are largely indebted to his facile pen. He was of English parentage, but was born in the far-famed valley of Wyoming. His early education was gained at the academy at Wilkes-Barre, and at the age of twenty-one he began the study of law in the office of Chester Butler of the same place. In 1833 he went to Danville, and finished his legal studies with John G. Montgomery, whose kindly interest he repaid by successfully " stumping" the district in support of his candidature for congress. In the same year Mr. Wright was admitted to the bar in Wilkes- Barre and immediately set out for Montgomery county to begin his practice. A slight incident changed his destination. The route of the stages then led through Doylestown to Philadelphia. It was their custom to stop on alternate days at what are now the " Monument House" and the " Fountain House." Stopping at the latter, Mr. Wright proposed to look about the town one day and then proceed, but not understanding the arrangement of the stages waited on the following day in vain. The unintentional delay thus caused gave rise to a determination to stay here, and Mr. Wright became a member of the Bucks county bar that fall. For twenty years he practiced here, and then returned to Wilkes-Barre. At the latter place he continued his practice for twenty-three years, when he concluded to retire, and returned to Doylestown to spend the remainder of his days. In 1839 he was appointed deputy attorney-general, and served until 1841 ; while at Wilkes-Barre he was appointed collector of internal revenue by President Johnson, entirely unsolicited, and subsequently was elected a member of the con- stitutional convention. Mr. Wright devoted himself entirely to the legitimate prac- tice of his profession, and sought neither political nor legal preferment. He was pre-eminently a jury lawyer. His tastes led him to seek proficiency as an advocate rather than as a counsellor, and his fund of humor and faculty of elo- quent persuasion were found in constant demand wherever an array of legal talent was engaged upon a case. Since his retirement in 187G, Mr. AVright has relieved the tedium of his leisure hours by writing sketches of the early times based upon the facts of his early observation and experience. George Lear was admitted to the bar in 1814. He was born in Warwick township, and attended the schools in the neighborhood of his home until the age of thirteen, when he finished his schooling with a term at the Newtown academy. From this time he assumed the responsibility of directing his career without aid from others, and until the age of nineteen sought employment as a common farm laborer. He then turned his attention to teaching school, and it was not until he arrived at the age of twenty-five that he entered the oifice of E. T. McDowell to study law. He had employed his leisure hours in legal study, however, and in 1844 was admitted to practice. He " took the stump" HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 273 for Henry Clay in this year, and gained prominence as an effective speaker. He gradually acquired an extended practice until he possessed the most lucra- tive one at the Bucks county bar. Mr. Lear was appointed deputy attorney-general in 1848, but retired in 18.50, when the office was made elective. In 1872 he was elected a member of the constitutional convention, and in 1871 was presented by Bucks county as a candidate for congress, but failed of nomination. On December 7, 1875, he assumed the office of attorney-general of the commonwealth under appoint- ment 'of Governor Hartranft. He discharged the duties of this position with conspicuous ability until February 26, 1879, when he was succeeded by Henry W. Palmer. As described in 1872, Mr. Lear possessed a full and manly figure ; his hair very slightly tinged with gray ; his cleanly shaven face showed off to good advantage his dark, stern, full face surmounted with a fore- head filled with brain power and legal lore. He was a self-made, self-reliant, thoroughly educated man, though not a college graduate. He was then as vigorous as a lion and as fearless as a locomotive itself upon the track. As a lawyer he took the highest rank in the state. He was an ardent republican in politics, frequently engaged in its campaigns with great earnestness and effect, but did not hesitate to act independently when his judgment approved. He died in 1885 without enemies, and in the enjoyment of the profound respect of all. Edward M. Paxson was admitted to the bar in 1850. He is a descendant of an early settler in Buckingham township, where he gained an elementary education. He early showed unusual ability in composition, and when C|uite young developed a taste for journalism. He acquired a knowledge of the practical part of the business, and in 1842 established a newspaper at Newtown. This he disposed of in 1847 to engage in a more ambitious journalistic venture in Philadelphia, but in the following year sold his interest, and began the study of law in the office of Hon. Henry Chapman. In 1852 he moved to Philadel- ])liia, and continued the practice of his profession. Here he was exceptionally fortunate, and in 1869 he was appointed to the vacancy in the common pleas court occasioned by the resignation of Judge Brewster. In this position he discharged his duties with marked ability, and in the following October was elected to serve a regular term. In 1874 he was elected to a seat in the supreme court of the state, where he has not only sustained the excellent repu- tation gained in the lower court, but has won new distinction.* The causes celihres of the Bucks county courts are all found in the criminal calendar, and the one of widest notoriety was occasioned by the poisoning of Doctor AVilliam Chapman, of Bensalem, in May, 1831. The victim of the tragedy was at this time living with his wife and four or five children at Anda- lusia, engaged in conducting a boarding-school, which enjoyed a more than * The roster of the bench and bar may be found in the Appendix. 274: HISTORY OF BUCKS CO'JXTY. local reputation for excellence. Doctor Chapman vas a man of more than ordinary intelligence and culture, amiable and gentlemanly in manner, kindly in temper and speech, and held in universal esteem by all who knew him. His wife was a woman of considerable culture and social grace, and the daughter of General Wiiislow, of Massachusetts, a soldier of the revolution. On the '9th of May, a Spaniard, who gave his name as Mina, came to the house and besought a night's lodging. After some slight demur on the part of Mr. Chap- man, his wife said the " traveller's bed" was in order, and the fellow might as well remain, and the matter was ended accordingly. After supper the stranger entertained the family with preposterous stories of'his adventures, of his mis- fortunes, gentle birth, and wealthy parents. It is astonishing that they did not create suspicion of his true character, but, on the contrary, they evidently excited an unfortunate influence upon Mrs. Chapman, who proposed, when alone with her husband, to take the stranger in the family carriage to Borden- town in search of a friend he professed to have there. On this trip the woman became strangely infatuated with the adventurer, and notwithstanding, as it afterward appeared, that she was assured by the Mexican consul at Phila delphia that the fellow was an impostor, brought him back with her and announced to her husband that the fellow was to remain in the household and be instructed in the English language. After this Mina and the infatuated woman became so intimate as to excite a deep feeling of uneasiness in the mind of Mr. Chapman, which he expressed on one occasion to a book-agent at the house. Not long after the introduction of the Spaniard into the family, Mr. Chap- man was taken sick, and was treated by his phj^sician for cholera-morbus. The next day he was found recovered from the attack, and apparently beyond the need of further medical care. j\Irs. Chapman, however, after administering a bowl of chicken soup which she and Mina had prepared with " seasoning from the parlor cupboard," attended the church of which she was a member, and asked the prayers of the people for her husband whom she feared was fatally ill. On her return from church she found her husband in terrible agony, with every symptom of arsenical poisoning, in which condition he remained until his death, a few hours later. His physician was astounded at his sudden death, but no suspicion of murder was entertained, and in due time the remains were buried. On Tuesday of the following week Mina and Mrs. Chapman were secretly married at Syracuse, New York, and returned to Andalusia, where the wretched woman doubtless hoped to realize the brilliant vision of wealth which the Spaniard's stories had conjured up in her imagination. Her illusion was short- lived, however. Almost immediately the graceless scoundrel, stripping her of her money and jewels, fled to parts unknown. In the meantime the book-agent informed the authorities of his suspicions in the case, and sufficient cause was soon found for the arrest of both actors in the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 275 tragedy. Thomas Ross and William B. Reed, of Philadelphia, represented the commonwealth : David Paul Brown and Peter McCall, both of Philadelphia, defended Mrs. Chapman ; and Samuel Rush, of Philadelphia, and B. P. McDowell defended Mina. Mrs. Chapman was indicted as principal, and was first tried, but after a closely contested trial the jury returned a verdict of " not guilty," after some three hours' deliberation. The trial of Mina followed, and a contrary verdict was rendered after a deliberation of about the same length. The unbiased judgment now is that but one verdict was just, and that, carried away by the rhetorical effort of David Paul Brown, the jury gave a verdict according to the eloquent lawyer's plea, and not according to the evidence. The eldfer children of Mrs. Chapman seem to have believed her guilty from the time of her arrest, and only her youngest, a daughter nine or ten years, remained with her. The unhappy woman subsequently traveled about the country, giving recitations as a means of livelihood, and henceforth until the time of her death, bereft of friends, reputation, and home, wandered upon the face of the earth, like Cain, with an ineffaceable mark upon her. She died in Florida some twenty years later. Llano Amelio Nepos y Mina, as he is named in the indictment, was refused a new trial, and was sentenced to the extreme penalty of the law. No doubt of his guilt was entertained by any one informed of the matter. He made a confession to a police officer of Philadelphia, and made several attempts to escape his fate. In November, 1831, he effected his escape from the old Doylestown jail by sawing off the rivet of his chain and then breaking and burning his way to the outside world. It is said that the sheriff and his posse overtook the fugitive a short distance from the county seat, and that the officer, diverting the attention of his attendants, gave Mina money and directions to effect his escape. However that may be, he was captured some da.js after- ward by W. S. Ilendric and John 0. James, and brought back to jail. After his conviction he made three attempts at suicide, twice by opening a vein in his arm, and once by swallowing broken glass, but all in vain. His execution occurred on June 21, 1832, on the almshouse property, and was witnessed by a crowd of people estimated at ten thousand persons. Fourteen companies of infantry and six of cavalry of the militia Avere in attendance. General AVilliam T. Rogers, with a detachment of militia, escorted the prisoner and officials to the place of execution. On this long, tedious ride the prisoner maintained an air of perfect nonchalance, bowing and smiling to those he recognized, and con- versing in his ordinary manner with his spiritual adviser and counsel who ac- companied him. At eleven o'clock the death-warrant was read, and the prisoner followed it with a speech in Spanish, in which he declared his innocence, and expressed his forgiveness of those who had secured his conviction. He ex- pressed some resentment at the final preparations, but passed the supreme moment with remarkable fortitude. At noon it was all over. 276 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Scarcely second to the cause just described ^Yas the one in which Josiah Blundin was tried for the murder of Aaron Cuttlehow. The latter was killed on Sunday, July 27, 1834, on the way from the oats-field of Samuel Headley, near Bristol. The trial took place on September 13, 1884. The facts as developed at the trial were briefly reported as follows : The prisoner and deceased were at work on Sunday, July 27tli, with other men, five or six, engaged in cradling oats. At dinner one of the hands ran out of doors with a pie, deceased and the prisoner cliasing him. In their playfulness a shoe was thrown which hit the prisoner. Shortly afterward the deceased came into the house crying, and said the prisoner had hit him on the head with a stone. This disturbance was settled, and they all went to the field to cradle oats. When nearly done a quarrel arose between the prisoner and the deceased, and the prisoner was thrown down and received several blows from de- ceased in the face. The deceased with another then helped him upon his feet, and his knees giving way under him, they assisted him up a second time. The prisoner then took his cradle and started for home. He was asked to ride twice, but refused, and said, angrily, he would walk. From fifteen minutes to half an hour later he was overtaken by the wagon, walking 3lowl3^ He was asked to get up and ride. The prisoner made no reply, but raised his cradle from his shoulder and struck at the deceased, hitting the cradle of the deceased which ho raised to guard the blow ; the deceased at the same time losing his cradle from his hand, which fell upon the ground. The deceased (Cuttlehow) then sprang from the wagon to make his escape, but stumbled and fell as he reached the ground. When he had crawled a few paces the prisoner came upon him with his cradle uplifted and struck the scythe through the neck of Cuttlehow. The latter cried, "Take it out, tiike it out!" sank on the ground and died in one or two minutes. Some one said to the prisoner : " He will die," who replied: "Let him die." Liquor had been used in the field, but there was no satisfac- tory evidence that the prisoner was intoxicated. The jury was out eleven or twelve hours, and returned a verdict of murder in the first degree. The prosecution was conducted by Charles E. Du Bois, the deputy attorney- general of that time, assisted by Caleb E. Wright. The defense was in the hands of Thomas lloss and E. T. McDowell. The main effort of the defense was to show the absence of premeditation, as the fact of the killing could not be questioned. The prisoner's counsel made a motion in arrest of judgment and for a new trial, but both were overruled by Judge Fox after hearing the argument. The prisoner made no manifestation of emotion on receiving his sentence, but the people at large were not satisfied with the verdict, and the papers published numerous communications from different contributors, indicat- ing the adverse sentiment of the community. An earnest effort was made to have the sentence commuted to imprisonment for life, and a committee of the legislature, composed of Bucks county members, was appointed on the subject. The committee reported against the application, and the power of the governor to do so was doubted at that time. The governor respited Blundin three times, the last of which expired on Friday, August 14, 1835. On a Sunday in May Blundin attempted to make his escape from the jail. Tie managed to cut off the rivets of his hopples, burn a hole through the floor, and, after gaining the jail-yard, attempted, by means of a rope formed of his ■*• i».S. :■• V ^Hi.- '> '■%■■{ I III '^'1 \ ) t HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 279 bedding, to scale the outer wall. The fastenings gave way when the prisoner was near the top and he fell to the ground, where he lay in a bruised and helpless condition until found in the morning by the sheriff. Such was the sympathy of the public that a rumor that the sheriff left the means of escape within reach of the prisoner and then left the building to give him an opportunity to use them, obtained general credence and no marked disapproval. The unfortunate man was carried back to his cell and on the daj appointed by the governor's last respite was executed in the yard of the jail. The prisoner was unable to tsand on account of his injuries, but he met his fate with resignation and courage. On August 11, 1855, Jacob Armbruster was arrested in Nockamixon for the murder of his wife. His trial occurred in the following month, the prisoner was convicted, and sentenced by Judge Smyser to be hanged. The sentence was carried out on Friday, February 15, 1856. The duty of the officiating sheriff was particularly unpleasant in this case. The prisoner protested his innocence to the last, declared that he had been convicted upon the evidence of children, and expressed a determination to resist all attempts to put the sen- tence in execution. No effort of his spiritual advisers could induce him to prepare for death, and the last scene was painful in the extreme. The wild, frantic rage of the victim made the sad duties of the officers in charge an ex- perience never to be forgotten by those who participated. The last on this list of the capital crimes of the county is that of Albert Teufel in 1866. James Wiley was the captain of the canal-boat "Ohio." He was at Trenton, New Jersey, November 23, 1806, and received a check for a sum of money due him there. Teufel met him, and was permitted to accom- pany him in the boat up the river. Besides these two, Harman Rick, the driver, was on the boat up to the " six-mile level." The boat was fastened at the " Narrows" lock, and on the morning of the 24th Wiley's body was found lying in the cabin, horribly mutilated and with life extinct. On the trial of Teufel for the crime the defense urged that the prisoner might have killed Wiley in self-defense ; that both were probably under the influence of liquor ; that the convicting witness, Rick, had given conflicting testimony before the coroner and the court ; and that the prisoner had remained in the vicinity of the crime, instead of fleeing from it. The prosecution met these particulars by showing that Teufel was unhurt, and that the altercation was too one-sided to admit the plea of defense ; that the murdered man was robbed ; that the pris- oner first confessed and then denied his agency in the matter ; and that Rick gave his first testimony under fear and impeached it himself. The jury, after a deliberation of about three hours, brought in a verdict of guilty. The trial was held on the 18th of February, 1867, the prisoner was sentenced the fol- lowing day, and executed on Thursday, April 18, 1867. Robert L. Cope, the district attorney, assisted by George Ross, conducted the prosecution, and Elias Carver, assisted by Richard Watson, conducted the defense. 280 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER VI. THE UEVELOPME^'T OF SOCIETY. THE colony which occupied the west bank of the Delaware at the final estab- lishment of the English in possession consisted chiefly of Dutch and Swedish emigrants and their descendants. The latter were found situated along the trend of the river above Christina creek, and it was this people that first made their way above the Poquessing and planted their settlements in what is now Bucks county. Their number was small, however, and their plantations only recently settled when the " first adventurers" began to arrive. At this time the social elements here can scarcely be said to have crystallized into form, and Bucks county enjoys the unique distinction of exhibiting the social product of the " divine experiment" unmodified by early foreign influences. Nowhere else was loyalty to William Penn so marked, fidelity to the tenets of the Society of Friends so general, the simplicity of manners and sobriety of life, inculcated by its creed, so long preserved. The settlers who first came to Bucks county after the granting of Penn's charter were, with few exceptions, members of the Society of Friends. They were men and women of great earnestness of character, deepily imbued with the teachings of George Fox, and, while possessing little general culture, were char- actei'ized by rare natural abilities and sound judgment. They were a second colony of " Puritans," with different religious persuasions, and less aggressive- ness. The latter exception was by no means an unqualified virtue ; while it saved them "frae mony a blunder," it also robbed them of a certain vitality, and pre-ordained them to eventual extinction as a social factor. The transplanted rrienkcLyL.l'^ 0l^cJu HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 309 the weather on the night appointed increased the ice in the river so that it was impossible for the troops to cross either in boats or on foot, and the attempt was reluctantly relinquished about four o'clock in the morning. General Irvine was also to take part in the movement, making his attack on the lower side of Trenton, but he met with the same insurmountable obstacle that prevented the crossing of the troops lower down. Owing to the peculiar nature of that part of the river selected by Washington for the crossing of his immediate com- mand, no such serious obstacles were found, and the passage was safely effected. The next morning was cold and stormy, and the attacking force marched upon the enemy before he was well aware of his danger. A short contest decided the issue, and the Americans immediately recrossed the river, carrying more than a thousand prisoners, a thousand stand of arms, and several pieces of artillery. Washington returned to Newtown with his prisoners and trophies. This place had been his base of supplies, and he now established here his head- quarters. The army was greatly in need of every sort of supplies, but espe- cially in need of shoes and stockings. The quartermaster, therefore, sent urgent appeals to the council of safety for these articles, and requested the local committee to collect all that could be spared by the inhabitants, promising immediate payment for the same on delivery at headquarters. By sucli means the army was once more enabled to move, and after a few days' rest again crossed the river and on the 3d of January, 1777, engaged the enemy at Princeton. The state government went into operation in the latter part of September, 1776. On the 13th of March, 1777, the supreme council created the board of war, which took the place of the council of safety, and on the 17th instant the legislature passed a military law, by which the administration of the county was placed in the hands of a lieutenant and sub-lieutenants. These officers were authorized to hold courts, to classify and district the militia, to organize the same into regiments and companies, to hold elections for officers, to call out the classes, to find substitutes in place of delinquents, collect fines and turn them into the state treasury, together with a thousand duties whicli the exigen- cies of the times rendered necessary. Under this act Joseph Kirkbride was appointed county lieutenant, and William Crawford, John Lacey, and Andrew Kichlein sub-lieutenants. A little later Samuel Smith and John Gill were also appointed sub-lieutenants.* On the 13th of June an act was passed providing that all citizens should subscribe an oath of allegiance before the justices of the * County lieutenants : Joseph Kirkbride, May G, 1777; Joseph Hart, March 29, 1780; Francis Murray, November 17, 1783. Sub-lieuteniints : William Crawford, John Laccy, Andrew Kichlein, March 12, 1777; Samuel Smith, John Gill, August 6, 1777; (i.^ovLre Wall, April 1, 1778; George Wall, Jr., Joshua Anderson, March 29, 1780; William McHenry, (vice Kichlein, deceased,) October 10, 1781 ; Joshua Anderson, August 7, 1797. 17 310 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. peace, and upwards of three thousand names are recorded to this oath in the county. When AVashington led his army to Princeton, he left Lord Sterling at New- town to guard the ferries and the upper part of the country against any surprise or attempt of the enemy to pass above. He had but a small force under his command, and this was scattered along the river to guard the different ferries and crossings. On April 3d a guard was placed at " Dunk's ferry," with orders to allow none to pass, and on June 10th two officers with twenty men and two pieces of artillery were dispatched to Coryell's ferry. In the meantime Joseph Kirkbride was active in organizing the militia. The greatest reluctance was manifested in responding to the calls of the board of war, and as finally mus- tered the battalions consisted largely of substitutes, who demanded exorbitant bounties. In June the first class of the Bucks county militia was summoned into the field and stationed at Coryell's ferry. In July the second class, con- sisting of some three hundred men, were mustered and sent to Billingsport ; and in August the third class, mustering only about one hundred and fifty privates, were called into the service. An attack on Philadelphia had long been expected, but from what direction it was to be looked for was uncertain. When the powerful army under the command of Sir William Howe embarked at New York in July, 1777, these doubts were largely dispelled, and the attack was looked for from below. Washington at once put his army in motion for the Delaware, and on the 29th crossed into Bucks county, and after a halt of one day proceeded toward Phila- delphia. Still uncertain of the point of landing, the American army was delayed in the vicinity of Hartsville for thirteen days, and it was here that Lafayette first reported to the commander-in-chief for duty. On the 23d it proceeded on its march to the city, and thence across the Schuylkill to meet the enemy at the Brandywine. On the 29th of August the board of war sent word to the county committee that the enemy had landed at Elk river, and was undoubtedly aiming for Philadelphia, and advised the driving of all cattle beyond the reach of the enemy. This emergency had been provided for, and a committee of from two to four persons for each township was appointed to attend to this particular duty. On the 11th of September came the defeat of the American troops, and on the 26th Howe entered the city in triumph, while Washington encamped at Valley Forge. The occupation of Philadelphia by the British brought the terrors of predatory warfare to the homes of Bucks county's citizens. The region be- tween the Schuylkill and Delaware above the city was contested territory, over- run by the partisans of both parties. In this district John Lacey, who had passed the successive grades from private to brigadier-general, was placed in command of a small force to restrain the activity of tories and guard against the ravages of the foraging parties which the enemy found it necessary to send HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 311 out. The high price -which they were willing to pay for all kinds of produce and the contrast between British gold and the depreciated continental currency stimulated the cupidity of all save the most determined patriots to undertake the most reckless adventures. On the 23d of January, 1778, Washington wrote Lacey, who had his headquarters in Warwick at Gilbert Rodman's : I must request that you will exert yourself to fulfill the intention of keeping a body of troops in the country where you are posted. Protecting the inhabitants is one of the ends designed, and preventing supplies and intercourse with the enemy and citj' the other. This perhaps with the utmost vigilance cannot be totally effected ; but I must entreat you to take every step that may render it possible. As to the reduction of your numbers, I wish you to make timely application to the President of the State, to keep the necessary force under your command. I am well informed that many persons, under the pretense of furnishing the inhabitants of Germantown, and near the enemy's lines, afford immense supplies to the Philadelphia markets — a conduct highly prejudicial to us, and contrary to every order. It is therefore become proper to make an example of some guilty one ; the rest may expect a like fate, should they persist. This I am determined to put in execution ; and request you, when a suitable object falls into your hands, that you will send him here with a witness, or let me know his name ; when you shall have power to try, and (if guilty) to execute. This you will be pleased to make known to the people, that they may again have warning. On the 8th of February the general again wrote to Lacey at what is now Hartsville, on the vexing topic. The communication between the city and country, in spite of everything hitherto done, still continues, and threatens the most pernicious consequences ; I am induced to beg you will exert every possible expedient to put a stop to it. In order to this, to excite the zeal of the militia under your command, and to make them more active in their duty, I would have you let everything actually taken from persons going into and coming out of the city, redound to the parties who take them. At the same time it will be necessary to use great precaution to prevent an abuse of this privilege ; since it may otherwise be made a pretext for plundering the innocent inhabitants. One method to prevent this will be, to let no for- feitures take place, but under the eye, and with the concurrence, of some commissioned officer. Any horses captured in this manner, fit for the public service, either as light or draught horses, must be sent to camp, to the Quarter-master General, who will be directed to pay the value of them to the captors. I cannot but think your present position is at too gi'eat a distance from the city, as it puts it in the power of the disaffected very easily to elude the guards, and carr}- on their injurious commerce at pleasure ; I would therefore recommend to you to remove to some nearer post, and not to depend upon fixed guards ; but to keep out continual scouts and patroles, as near the city as possible — to ramble through the woods and bye- ways, as well as the great road. The strictest orders should be given to the parties ; even, when necessary, and the intention is evident, to fire upon those gangs of mercenary wretches who make a practice of resorting to the city with marketing. In spite of all the precautions this illicit trade continued to thrive. The women were scarcely less active than the men, and carried butter, eggs, and poultry in baskets through by-ways, and across fields, to evade the guards set at the regular ways of travel. Many of both sexes were arrested, convicted, 312 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. and publicly whipped ; their goods forfeited, and their property levied upon by the foragers of the American army. The tories were not slow to make repri- sals, either by themselves, or with the aid of the British soldiery. These per- sons kept the enemy well-informed as to the position of Lacey's command, and piloted his foraging parties to the places of patriotic citizens. The raids thus made by the English forces were unusually successful, and infinitely distressing to both the private and public interests of the revolutionists. Early in 1778, a foraging party from Philadelphia made a descent upon Newtown, and captured Major Murray of the 13th Pennsylvania, and some two thousand yards of cloth which was intended to clothe a part of the suffering people at Valley Forge. In February, a sorely needed drove of cattle on its way to the American army was captured by these raiders, and carried into Philadelphia. At other times they dashed into Bristol, taking goods and prisoners, and into especially patriotic country neighborhoods, destroying houses, and foraging farms. In the latter part of April the English conceived and performed a bolder exploit. On the last day of the month a body of troops, estimated at about a thousand men, moved out of Philadelphia for the purpose of capturing Lacey, who, though not so effective as he wished, was still a great obstacle to the gathering of supplies for the British forces. Lacey's command was then en- camped near Hatboro. Some of his scouts discovered the advance of the enemy, but escaping in another direction, failed to alarm the camp, even by firing their pieces, and the enemy was within two hundred yards of the camp before the alarm was sounded. By this time the camp was nearly surrounded, and though the surprised troops made a creditable fight, they were eventually forced to give way before the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. It was daylight, on the morning of the 1st of J\Iay, and the Americans, breaking the inclosing lines, made their escape. The retreating troops were not persist- ently followed, or few could have escaped death or capture. As it was, Lacey's command lost about thirty killed and seventeen wounded. Some of the former, while only wounded, were thrown upon a stack, which was consumed with its burden of helpless humanity. Others were found whose bodies showed they had been murdered while helpless with wounds. This discouratrino- defeat greatly depressed the supporters of the revolutionary cause ; but in June, fearing the blockade of the Delaware by the newly arrived French fleet the British evacuated the city. On the 18th the American army was in pur- suit, marching by way of Doylestown to New Hope, and on the 28th engaged the enemy at Monmouth. During the rest of the war Bucks county was relieved of the presence of the hostile army. General Lacey remained in command of the district and the Doans and other active tories continued their depredations until dispersed at the close of the war. Apprehensions were entertained of another visit of the enemy from New York, and the militia was kept in readiness for such an ■ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 313 emergency. In 1780 a body of militia, to wiiich Bucks county contributed, assembled at Trenton to participate in a meditated attack on New York, but the project was abandoned. In 1781 a body of troops was concentrated at Newtown, where rumors of an attack on Philadelphia were rife, but they were not called into action. In the same year the allied American and French armies passed through the county on their way to Virginia. They crossed the Delaware on the 1st of September at Trenton, and on the same day passed the Neshaminy, encamping for the night near the Red Lion tavern in Bensalem. On the 12th of October the state authorities discharged the militia, and General Lacey, stationed at Newtown, was requested to issue an order thanking them for their fidelity to the cause they had served. CHAPTER VII. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. THE colony which was planted on the west bank of the Delaware under the auspices of Penn canie well provided for the discharge of its social duties, and little time was allowed to elapse before the fundamental institutions of society were established. The first adventurers sought here an asylum from the religious persecutions of the old world, and naturally early established the form of worship which had been bitterly proscribed in their former homes. There is frequent mention of the suiFerings of James Harrison, John Chapman, "William Smith, Jonathan Scaife, Thomas Croasdale, and others of the colonists in the famous " Besse's collection." These men were trusted leaders of the Society of Friends whose frequent " testimonies" had given them a widespread influence, and as the great proportion of the settlers were of similar faith, the meetings of the Friends early took root and prospered. The first monthly meeting in the province was held on the 2d day of the third month (May 13), 1683, at the house of William Biles, in Falls town- ship. Seven families were represented. Prior to this date, and probably as early as 1680, the Friends settled at the falls met for worship at the houses of the different members, and attended the meeting at Burlington for the transac- tion of church business. The latter place continued to be the business center of the society for the township until 1690, when the first meeting-house in Bucks county was erected at Fallsington. In 1683 a monthly meeting w^as established at Middletown, and held at the house of Nicholas Walne. The Friends at Wrightstown were members of this meeting. In 1686 they began 314 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. to hold meetings at John Chapman's and John Penquite's, and in 1720, with the permission of the Falls quarterly, a meeting-house was built. Meetings for worship were held at Bristol in private houses until 1710, when a meeting- house was built upon land given for that purpose by Samuel Carpenter. Buck- ingham monthly meeting was established in 1720. Meetings for worship were granted by Falls monthly in 1701, and again in 1703, and in 1706 a meeting- house was built. In Plumstead Friends began to hold their meetings at private houses in 1727. A constant meeting for worship was established in 1730, but the meeting-house was not built until twenty years later. Friends were settled at Richland as early as 1710, and were granted a meeting for worship by Gwynedd monthly soon afterward, and with this they were connected until 1742, when they became a separate monthly meeting. The first meeting-house was built in 1730. These seven — Falls, Middletovvn, Wrightstown, Buckingham, Bristol, Plum- stead, and Richland — were the centers of early Quakerism in the county. Six other principal meetings have been established, all, with one exception, within the present century. Makefield meeting was established in 1750, and the meeting-house built two years later. The meeting at Solebury was settled in 1805, and a place of worship built in the following year. Friends in that section had previously been connected with Buckingham. Middletown monthly meeting gave Friends of Newtown the indulgence of a meeting for worship on first and third days in 1815. The preparative meeting was established two years later. A second separation from Buckingham occurred in 1834, when Friends in the vicinity of Doylestown were granted the indulgence of a first day meeting, and a place for worship was built. At Makefield monthly meeting, tenth month, 1857, the Friends of Yardley were granted a similar indulgence. Horsham particular meeting was divided in 1840, when an indulged meetino- in Warminster township was granted. The meeting-house was built in 1841, and a preparative meeting established in the same year. The representation of the established church among the early population was not of large proportions. It so happened, however, that the Friends were early divided through the promulgation of a schism in the society by George Keith. I-Ie began his career by preaching that the "inner light" was not a suflScient guide, but that the written word of God was the only rule of life ; circumstances widened the breach between him and his former co-religionists, and the separation became final when Keith, on his return to England, took orders in the Anglican church. His wide acquaintance with colonial life, and a favorable introduction from the bishop of London, secured for him a commis- sion as the first missionary of "The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts." There was at this time a single Episcopal clergyman in the province, Mr. Evans, of Philadelphia, and the church had a membership of two or three hundred, with but little prospects of growth. The return of Keith HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 315 gave a fresh impetus to the cause. Many of his former adherents followed him from the middle ground between Quakerism and the English church, and returned to the latter, among whom were some who lived at Bristol. Reverend John Tal- bot, a co-laborer with Keith, was the rector at Burlington, and included Bristol in his parish; and thus the Protestant Episcopal church at that place, the oldest in the county of that denomination, came into existence. During the ministry of Reverend George W. Ridgeley (1830), several new parishes in the southern part of the county were formed: St. Luke's, Newtown, 1835; St. Andrew's, Yardley, 1835 ; Grace, Hulmeville, 1837 ; Trinity, Centerville, 1840 ; St. Paul's, Doylestown, 1817; Christ, Eddington, 1884. With the exception of the Quaker meeting, the Dutch Reformed church "of North and Southampton" is probably the oldest denominational organi- zation in the county. In their successive migrations from Holland to New York, and thence to the region of the Neshaminy, the Dutch lost none of that strong devotion to their church developed during years of struggle for religious and political liberty. The records of this church begin with the year 1710. The Reverend Paulus Van Vlecq was the first pastor. The location of the first church building cannot be ascertained, but tradition and certain indistinct refer- ences in the records point to the western shore of the Neshaminy, in the south- eastern part of Southampton. For a time there were two church buildings, one at Feasterville, and another at Richboro. When it became necessary to rebuild, a central location was chosen, and the present church edifice at Church- ville erected. Another was subsequently built at Richborough, and the organi- zations at these places comprise the Dutch Reformed element in the county. The original home of the Southampton church seems to have been in Ben- salem, as its title, the church of " Bensalem and Sammeny," sufiiciently indi- cates. The membership in Bensalem became largely Scotch-Irish, and by their numbers, as well as from a practical necessity, English preachers were called. This was distasteful to the Dutch, who thereupon withdrew the organ- ization to "Sammeny" exclusively; and in 1719 the "Christian church of Sammeny creek," since known as the Bensalem Presbyterian church, was con- stituted. As far as can be ascertained this is the oldest Presbyterian church in the county. The " Neshaminy church of Warwick" ranks second. The date of its origin is not known, but Reverend William Tennent, the first pastor, was called in 1726, and in the following year the first church edifice was built. Mr. Tennent also extended his missionary efforts into the Deep Run settlement, where he gathered together the scattered membership of his church into the " upper congregation," which was recognized by presbytery in 1732. The Newtown Presbyterian church (1734), with the extinct organizations at Red Hill (1766) and Durham (1742), completes the number of organizations prior to 1800. The congregation at Doylestown, to which Reverend Uriah DuBois first preached in 1804, is united in autonomy with that at Deep Run. The 316 HISTORY OF BUCKS COU^'TT. Thompson Memorial church of Solebury was organized in 1813, the church at Ilartsville in 1839, at Bristol in 18-14, at Plumsteadville in 1861, at Morrisville in 18G0, at Carversville in 1870, at Forestville in . In 1886 a church at Leidytown originally organized as Reformed became Presbyterian ; and in the same year the Eddington church came into existence. Tlie growth of this de- nomination has been restricted to the central part of the county, and in those instances — Deep Ptun, lied Hill, and Durham — -where flourishing congregations existed a hundred years ago, scarcely any evidence of the fact remains. "Welsh Baptists (after the Friends) formed the only considerable element of dissenters in the early population of the county. The Reverend Thomas Dungan led a small colony from Rhode Island to Bristol in 1682-84 and formed the Cold Spring Baptist church, the first in the county and state. It disbanded in 1702, but not before another had come into existence to take its place. The latter is the Southampton Baptist church. Its remote origin may be traced in the Keithian division among Friends in 1691 ; and by a singular coincidence the same individual was thus instrumental in founding both the oldest Episcopal and the oldest Baptist church in the county. The latter was not a regularly constituted organization until 1745, and was united with the church at Penny- pack prior to that time ; but it possessed a certain autonomy from 1691. Its membership was not Welsh, strictly speaking, for it was only in New Britain and Ililltown that that nationality early established itself. In the religious chronicles of these communities the names of Simon Butler and William Tliomas deserve conspicuous mention. The Montgomery Baptist church was organized June 20, 1719, with a membership largely resident in this county. Dissensions early arose regarding theological subjects. Butler formulated his views in a published pamphlet to which the name " Butler's creed" was applied. He received the practically unanimous support of his neighbors, and in 1754 they witlidrew in a body from the Montgomery church and formed themselves into the New Britain church. In the meantime Reverend William Thomas built a meeting-house in Hilltown (1757). The congregation that worshipped here was part of ^Montgomery church until 1781. These were the three parent Baptist societies in the county. The number has since been augmented by the organization of churches at Solebury (1843), Bristol (1848), Davisville (1849), Point Pleasant (1849), Doylestown (1867), and Furlong (1880). The societies formerly existing in Springfield, Haycock, and Rockhill town- ships are now extinct. Among the later Baptist clergy of this county Reve- rend Joseph jMatthias and Thomas B. Montanye were very prominent. Of the three great German denominations of the county — Lutheran, Re- formed, and Mennonite — it is difficult to decide to which the priority of organ- ized representation belongs. The earliest of the Palatine settlers were the Men- nonites, who founded Germantown, and this formed the nucleus around which German immigrants of all classes and confessions rapidly gathered, extending ^. ^, ;^^^c^' a a = Bedniinster . Bensalem Bri.stol . . Buckingham Doylestown . Durham . . Falls . . . Haycock Hilltown . . Makefield, Lowe Makelleld, Uppe Middletown . Milford . . New Britain Newtown Nockamixon Northampton Plumstead . Richland . . Rockhill . . Solebury . . Southampton Springfield . Tinicum . Warminster . Warrington . Warwick Wrightstown r r 3 2 1 "2 "i 1 2 1 "i 1 1 "i 1 "2 2 1 1 "2 1 '1 "i ... 1 2 1 1 1 "i "i "i 1 1 1 "i "i "3 "i 1 1 1 10 3 1 2 "i 1 "2 1 1 "2 4 3 3 3 1 "i 1 1 1 "2 ,5 "3 3 "i 2 1 1 '3 1 "i 2 1 .1 ... ... 1 ... 1 1 3 ... ■1 1 "1 1 1 '3 1 1 "i 1 1 "i "i "i 1 1 1 1 1 11 ... ... ... "i 1 2 ... "1 1 1 1 ... ... '. "2 "i ... 1 '" L! 3 ... ... 9 6 11 5 12 6 11 3 7 6 2 6 6 4 6 3 2 3 10 12 10 4 13 8 2 1 1 2 Total 18 n 2 15 24 24 14 20 5 8 2 ] 3 171 Popular education was one of the corner-stones upon which the colonial " Frame of Government was founded." In that instrument, as well as in the " Great Law" enacted in the first year of the province, it was provided that " schools should be established for the education of the young." Under this provision a school was opened at Philadelphia in 1683, at which each pupil was charo-ed a small sum for tuition. It does not appear that educational efforts under the auspices of the secular authorities was attempted in Bucks county until after the revolution. In the constitution of 1790 it was stipulated that the legislature should " provide by law for the establishment of schools through- out the state in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis," and in 1802 an act was passed, and amended in 1804, to provide for the maintenance of schools where elementary instruction might be received by all children. Those of the well-to-do were required to pay a small sum, but when the returns of the assessors showed that the parents were unable to pay the expenses, tlie county commissioners were authorized to do so. This law was variously amended at different times, but its results were still far short of the aim of popular educa- tors. In 1833 it was estimated that less than twenty-four thousand children in 324 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the state attended the schools at the public expense, and the teachers were notoriously incompetent. " The schools were called ' pauper schools,' and were despised by the rich and shunned by the poor ; thus the law practically separated the poor from the rich, and hence failed, for in a republic no system of education which makes a distinction on account of wealth or birth can have the support of the people." The act of 1834 inaugurated in Pennsylvania what is distinctively known as the " common school system." A society was formed at Philadelphia for the promotion of education in the state as early as 1827 ; a corresponding com- mittee was formed, and thus the opinions of leading men in every community were ascertained and a union of the most progressive sentiment effected. The powerful influence thus generated resulted in the act referred to. In this the former distinction between pay and pauper schools was abrogated ; all property was taxable for the support of the schools, and their local management was placed in the hands of a board of six district directors. This advance was not made without strong opposition, but the energetic leadership of Thaddeus Stevens was equal to the emergency. Some two hundred acts of the legislature had preceded that of 1834 ; but the latter, although amended in 1836, is sub- stantially unimpaired, and the growing efficiency of the system fully attests the wisdom of those who framed it. The privilege of adopting or rejecting the provisions of the act was reserved to each township ; but in 1849 it was declared applicable to the whole state. The office of county superintendent* was estab- lished in 1854, and in 1857 the state department of public instruction was created. State normal schools were first provided for in that year, and an important feature of the system thus provided for. The state is divided into twelve districts, in ten of which there are state institutions primarily devoted to the preparation of teachers for teaching. The state normal school for the second district, at Millersville in Lancaster county, was established in 1859 ; for the twelfth district, at Edinboro' in Erie county, in 1861 ; for the fifth dis- trict, at Mansfield in Tioga county, in 1862 ; for the third district, at Kutztown in Berks county, in 1866 ; for the sixth district, at Bloomsburg in Columbia county, in 1869 ; for the first district, at West Chester in Chester county, in 1871. Bucks county forms part of the last-named district. The Friends were pioneers in the cause of education as well as in the establishment of Christian worship. Education was the actual companion of religion. The efibrts to dispense its blessings were a distinct outgrowth of the enlightened conscience, and it found its earliest and most earnest support where public worship found a similar encouragement. And thus with their successive appearance, the Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Reformed Baptists, and Roman Catholics established with the church its inseparable adjunct, the school. In * A list of the incumbents of this office appears in chapter xxiv. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 325 Falls township the old Friends' meeting-house was fitted up for a school in 1733 ; and in 1758 the school-master was provided with a house, while the ground adjoining was held in trust for the meeting. A school-house was built near Wrightstown meeting-house on land belonging to the Friends in 1725. The Friends at an early date established a school in Middletown. Plurastead meeting had a school under its care as early as 1752, which was continued until 1816. When the courts vacated the Bristol court-house it was immediately occupied by the local pedagogue and his charge. The "common" at New- town was early appropriated as a school site. The earliest schools in Upper Makefield were those of Windy Bushaud, Lurgan, established in 1730 and 1755 respectively, in both of which Friends' meetings were frequently held. The yearly meeting of Friends manifested a deep interest in the character of the schools within its limits from the year 1746, and from this time the monthly meetings of Bucks gave the subject their serious attention. A Lutheran paro- chial school was in operation at Tohickon church in 1751. The first educa- tional enterprise in Durham was undertaken in 1730 by the furnace proprietors. The Friends of Richland opened a school in their old meeting-house in 1742. Hartsville was a center of great educational activity at an early period, mani- fested principally within the bounds of Neshaminy Presbyterian church. Ger- man schools were almost invariably conducted in connection with the diiferent churches. The earliest Catholic parochial school was that on Haycock run, established about the close of the revolution. In such efforts as these was the educational interest of the colonial period manifested. In every community of this character the clergy were the leaders. The child was educated for the church. It was as necessary that the Westminster, Heidelberg, or Augsburg catechism be properly understood as the multiplication table, the rule of three, or the exercises in the spelling-book. The change from purely religious to purely secular control was effected through the medium of the " neighborhood school," in which the influences of both were blended. As a measure of convenience, certain communities estab- lished schools in which their children might receive the usual rudimentary education, without being subject to sectarian influences. The teacher derived his support from his patrons, instead of from the meeting or church ; and the affairs of the school were intrusted by common consent to the more energetic members of the community, who were also usually men of intelligence. This arrangement was in vogue in many parts of the country in the beginning of the present century, and until the adoption of the public school system, for which it prepared the way. The earliest houses erected for school purposes, like the dwellings of that time, owing to the abundance of timber, were built of logs and roofed with clapboards. They were usually very small, not properly lighted, unplastered, and unceiled. The furniture consisted of a desk or table, and a large arm-chair; 326 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the " master's" hereditaments ; long desks or tables, and high slab benches for the pupils ; and a " ten-plate stove," or still earlier a large open fireplace. The desks were either single or double, and were placed along the interior walls of the building. Single desks had occupants on one side only, sitting with their faces toward the wall ; double desks had occupants on both sides, frequently boys on the one and girls on the other, facing each other. The stove was placed in the middle of the room and the smaller scholars in the surrounding vacant square. The benches were uniform in height. The only apparatus used were the rod, leather spectacles, the dunce cap and stool, with similar appliances for correction. No great qualifications were required in the teachers, but where the appli- cants were equal in intellectual and moral customs the one who gave indications of good physical powers immediately proved the successful candidate. The curriculum was exceedingly limited. Reading and spelling were at first the only branches taught. For the girls no others were thought necessary. If the lat- ter " learned to read the catechism and the Testament, they had all the educa- tion women needed." Penmanship was afterward added, but the ability to write a person's name was considered a sufficient requirement. Arithmetic, the third " R" being of great practical value, was early regarded with favor, but its study was seldom pursued beyond " the single rule of three." Geography and grammar were the introduction of a later period, and met with great opposition from that class of teachers who generally opposed what they did not under- stand and could not teach. It was optional with a child what branches he pur- sued ; elective courses of study did not originate with the modern college. The methods of teaching were, to use the most charitable word, crude. Bach child was called upon separately to recite. Several terms were often devoted to learning the alphabet and its simplest combinations. The culminating point of the juvenile student's ambition was reached when he had " gone through" the spelling-book, and successfully memorized thousands of words of which he did not know the meaning, and which he never afterward had occasion to use. Pupils were instructed to " mind the slips" wliile reading, as though that were a purely mechanical power. Copy-books were made of foolscap paper ; the teacher wrote the copy and the pupil imitated it as well as he could. The mend- ing of pens also devolved upon the teacher, and skill in this art was an im- portant qualification. The study of grammar and geography was purely mem- ory work, and this may be said in a general way of the entire course of study. The fact that the mind is endowed with the faculties of perception, imagination, and reason, as well as memory, was not yet recognized by those to whom its culture was intrusted. Since the inauguration of the common school system this condition of things has radically changed. In no other county in the state are the public schools so well conducted and so liberally provided for ; the teaching force is far above the average in practical intelligence and practical f m &- ^;^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 329 efficiency ; and the community, in general, has been brought to a proper con- sideration of the various issue'^ involved in the question of popular education. Secondary instruction had also an early beginning in Bucks county. The initial eftbrt of this character was made by the early Presbyterian settlers, or ratlier by the earliest of their ministers, the Reverend William Tennent, pastor of Neshaminy church. He was a fine classical scholar, and earnestly wished that candidates for the ministry might enjoy the opportunity of pursuing their studies without the expense of a journey to England or Scotland. With this idea he established a school near his residence at Neshaminy, the Log College, which was continued until his death in 1745. The plans of the founder may not have been fully realized during his lifetime, for the ministers educated here, although reaching eminence among their fellows, were not numerous ; but ■the labors he began were continued by others, and have not yet reached their full fruition. The year that Mr. Tennent died the college of New Jersey was founded at Elizabethtown. It was removed to Newark in 1748, and perma- nently located at Princeton in 1756. The great Presbyterian institution at that place is directly traceable to the humble log building on the York road in Warminster township, " in contempt called a college." For some years after 1745 there was no school of advanced standing in the county. The Newtown academy was chartered in 1790 and went into operation in 1798. It continued for about fifty years, and during the later period of its existence was conducted under Presbyterian auspices. The Doylesto wn academy, of which Reverend Uriah DuBois was principal until his death in 1821, Ingham Female Seminary, incorporated in 1838, Linden Female Seminary, established in 1871, and Doylestown seminary, which opened in 1866, have successively con- ferred upon the county capital the advantages of their enterprise. The Bellevue institute at Att-leborough was founded in 1835, but suspended after a checkered career about twelve years ago. The Excelsior Normal Institute, at Carversville, organized in 1859, met with a similar fate. Hartsville was the seat of several schools of high grade for some years, but none have been in operation since 1872. Reverend A. R. Home opened a normal and classical school at Quaker, town in 1858, which was continued under various managements until 1867. There were at one time two institutions, at Andalusia and Bristol respectively, which aspired to the dignity of colleges, but their existence was short. Emlen Institute in Warminster township is a charity for the education and maintenance of male orphans of African and Indian descent. Academies were established at Springtown and Riegelsville within the past two years (1886-87), and with Doylestown seminary are the 'only schools of advanced grade now in operation in the county. The intellectual activity of the community found expression in the public press at a very early date. The newspapers of Philadelphia at first furnished the medium through which the people were addressed, but since 1800 the local 18 880 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. press has been a prominent social factor. July 25, 1800, Josiah Ralston issued the first number of " The Farmers' Weekly Gazette" at Doylestown. How long its publication was continued is not known, but probably not more than a year. The future county seat was then without a newspaper until July 7, 1804, when Asher Miner established the "Pennsylvania Correspondent and Farmers' Advertiser," appealing, like his predecessor, to the agricultural com- munity for support, but with better success. The name was curtailed to "Pennsylvania Correspondent" in 1818; and in 1824 changed to "Bucks County Patriot and Farmers' Advertiser" by Edmund Morris and Samuel R. Kramer, by whom the paper was purchased upon the retirement of Mr. Miner. They continued its publication until 1827, when Elisha B. Jackson and James Kelley assumed the management and changed the name to "Bucks County In- telligencer and General Advertiser." Owing to the death of Mr. Jackson in the following year the entire control devolved upon Mr. Kelley, and in 1835 William M. Large became a partner with him. Mr. Large became sole proprietor in 1838. He was succeeded by Samuel Fretz in 1841, and the latter gave place to John S. Brown two years later. Mr. Brown retired in 1855 in favor of Enos Prizer and Henry T. Darlington. The death of the former occurred in 1864 ; Mr. Darlington conducted the paper individually until January 1, 1876, when Alfred Paschall became junior partner of the firm of Henry T. Darlington & Co. S. Edward Paschall was admitted to the firm April 1, 1878 ; and July 1st of that year the paper was transferred to Paschall Brothers, the present proprie- tors. A semi-weekly edition was issued from January 1, 1878, and a daily issue begun in September, 1886, and is still maintained with increasing success. The paper has been conducted from its beginning in the interest of the anti-democratic party. It has been regular and consistent in its advocacy of political principles, but it has been edited with an unshackled pen, and has oc- casionally found reason to severely criticise party men and measures. It has been edited by the Paschalls since 1878, but the increasing demands of the busi- ness department have forced the proprietor to relinquish the editorial pen, and of late this duty has fallen chiefly upon Mr. Henry C. Michener, whose articles are characterized by a literary finish, a variety of topics, and a calm delibera- tion of judgment which give the paper a deservedly high standing among the county journals of the state. Its general management bespeaks the thor- oughly trained printer and journalist and has gained no less financial than lite- rary success for the enterprising proprietors. The " Doylestown Democrat" was established in 1816 by Lewis Deffebach & Co. Hitherto the democratic party in politics was without an exponent of its views in the county, and the " Democrat" was established in response to a general demand for such a paper. Its first issue appeared September 28, 1816, but less than three years elapsed when divisions in this political party of the county gave rise to another journalistic venture. On June 28, 1819, the pub- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 331 lication of the " Bucks County Messenger" was begun by Simeon Siegfried. It was found, however, that the community could not support two democratic expositors, and in 1820 Mr. Deffebach became insolvent. William Watts and Benjamin Morris, his assignees, disposed of the paper to Benjamin Mifflin, and after a suspension of several weeks its publication was resumed January 2, 1821. The " Messenger" had in the meantime profited by the misfortunes of its rival and become a power in the hands of the faction in the interest of which it was established. Mr. Siegfried retired in 1820, and under the editorial management of Simon Cameron, then a rising journalist, was a vigorous organ. In January, 1821, therefore, there were two democratic organs representing diiferent political factions, but a few months later this suicidal policy was aban- doned and the " Democrat" and "Messenger" were consolidated as the "Bucks County Democrat." In December, 1821, its name was changed to " Democrat and Farmer's Gazette," by William T. Rogers, who succeeded Mifflin and Cam- eron. The present title, " Doylestown Democrat," was adopted in 1829, when Manasseh H. Snyder became its proprietor. The paper has since passed through several hands, belonging to William H. Powell from January, 1832, to November, 1834 ; to John S. Bryan from 1834 to 1845 ; to Samuel J. Paxson from 1845 to 1858, and since then to W. W. H. Davis, the present editor and proprietor. The paper has been devoted to the interests of the democratic party, and has generally been characterized by a fair and able advocacy of its principles. It is the chief exponent of its party in the county and is a valuable property. The " Bucks County Express and Reform," " Bucks County Mirror," and " Der Morgenstern" complete the list of regular periodicals published in Doylestown. The "Express" was started in 1827 by Manasseh H. Snyder. From 1836 to 1850 it was merely an adjunct of the " Democrat." From 1850 to 1856 it was published by Oliver P. Zink ; from 1856 to 1859 by Edwin Fretz, and subsequently by Charles Price and J. A. Daubert, and A. H. and T. H. Heist. In 1866 Dr. Morwitz established the " Reform von Bucks" and consolidated the " Express" with it. The present proprietor is Captain F. F. Bechlin, whose brief experience in journalism is amply compensated by his native courtesy, energy, and business enterprise. Mr. Bechlin also publishes the " Bucks County Mirror." The latter paper originated at Quakertown in 1869. Robert L. Cope and Stephen Kirk, Joseph M. McClure, Darwin G. Fenno (the present city editor of the Philadelphia " Times"), George B. Herbert, and F. F. Bechlin have successively been the publishers. Fred. Constantine has been editor for some time. " Der Morgen- stern" was established in August, 1836, by Joseph Young as " Der Bauer" (The Farmer), the present name being adopted in 1841. Morits Loeb became interested in the paper in 1848, and purchased Young's interest in 1851. February 5, 1884, J. A. Daubert and Dominic Bauman, the present proprietors, 332 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. succeerled Mr. Loeb. In 1875 Allen H. Heist and Barney McGinty estab lislied " Dor Demokratische Wacht ;" it was suspended after a few years, and Mr. IMcGinty has since employed his journalistic talent in the publication of the " Court Gazette," devoted to a report of the various sessions of the courts. Among the defunct journals of the county seat are the " Democratic Watchman," the " Independent Democrat," and the " Democratic Standard," absorbed by the "Democrat; " the "Bucks County Political Examiner" (sub- sequently the " Republican and Anti-Masonic Register"), which suspended with the excitement in which it originated ; the "Jackson Courier and Demo- cratic Advertiser," the organ of that faction of the democratic party which nominated Muhlenburg in 1835; the " Public Advocate," "Olive Branch," and " Doylestown Spy." The first journalistic effort at Newtown was the " Bucks County Bee," pub- lished in 1802 by Charles Holt. In 1817 " The Star of Freedom" was estab- lished by Simeon Siegfried, but it shared the fate of its predecessor and did not live to see its first anniversary. After the interval of more than a score of years, types were again brought to Newtown, when the " Literary Chronicle" was founded by Search & Fretz in 1840. In 1842 Samuel J. and Edward M. Paxson purchased the plant and changed the name to the " Newtown Journal ;" after their retirement its downward progress was rapid, and in 1850 it sus- pended. In 1868 a wandering disciple of Faust, en route from Maryland, reached Newtown in his travels and established the " Enterprise." It has proven worthy of the name, and E. T. Church, the founder, is still proprietor. Bristol was the temporary residence of " The Aurora" in 1800, during the yellow fever epidemic at Philadelphia. Franklin Bache was its editor, and his son, AVilliam Bache, in 1849, started the " Bristol Gazette," the first local paper at that place. It was suspended for a time, but reappeared as the " Index," but the change of name did not result in the success hoped for. The " Bucks County American" was published at Bristol, in 1854. Of the present Bristol papers, the " Bucks County Gazette," Jesse 0. Thomas, proprietor, first appeared August 14, 1873, and the " Bristol Observer," James Drury, proprietor, April 22, 1871 . The " Bristol Leader" and " Bristol Advertiser" are published at regular, but infrequent intervals, but have not yet attained a permanent character. The " Langhorne Standard," Fetterolf Brothers proprietors, began its career at Hulmeville in 1871, when William Tilton began the publication of "The Squib." It became "The Beacon" in 1872, and "The Hulmeville Beacon" in the following year. Upon the removal of the office to Langhorne in 1876 the name of that place was prefixed to its former title. September 8, 1884, the present publishers purchased the paper from Henry W. Watson, and changed the name to its present style. " The Echo," subsequently known as the " Keystone Amateur," was started at Hulmeville in 1874, but came to an HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 333 untimely end. The " Delaware Valley Advance," Harrison Brothers pro- prietors, is now in its eleventh volume. Three distinct journalistic efforts were made at Yardley, but with uniform failure. Local papers were in existence at one time in New Hope, Chalfont, and Riegelsville, hut they have passed away. The " Patriot and Reformer" (German) was started in 1867 at Milford Square by John G. Stauffer under the title of " Der Reformer," and was a small local newspaper, independent in politics, and of a religious tone. Subse- quently it was enlarged, and the title was changed several times until it took the name it now bears. In 1880 the publication office was moved to Quaker- town, and in 1886 it was purchased by the present proprietors, Uriah S. Stauffer and Anthony S. Shelly. In 1881 John G. Stauffer, of the " Patriot and Reformer," established the " Quakertown Free Press." Several times in former years attempts had been made by parties to establish a paper at this place, but without success. Dr. William T. Bruce edited the paper for five years. In 1882 U. S. Stauffer, then foreman in the office of John G. Stauffer, purchased the " Free Press," together with the job department of the house, and continued to be its proprietor until 1886, when a partnership was formed between him and his brother-in-law, Anthony S. Shelly. At that time the new firm pui'chased the " Patriot and Reformer," and have since published the two papers from the same office. The " Free Press" is a local newspaper, independent in politics. The " Central News" at Perkasie was established by Mahlon H. Sellers, and the " Springtown Times" by Henry S. Funk, the present publisher. Parallel with this religious and intellectual growth there was a material development which made the former possible, and without which society would have remained isolated fragments, jealously retarding rather than unitedly reaching higher attainments. The influences of church and school served to compact the community in which they were supported, but there was needed something more to bring the separated settlements into closer relations, to build up a broader fellowship than that of sectarian or political affiliations, and afford incitement to the best use of the intelligence possessed and to be acquired. The demand of life in the period of early settlement had the opposite tendency. The stern necessity which made every man the architect of his own fortune rendered self-dependence an essential qualification for success. For years life in the colony was a virtual struggle for existence, which left the pioneer little time to consider any broader interest than the support of his own family. Public improvements were thus held in abeyance until the farm was so far cleared and cultivated as to demand a market for its surplus yield. With surplus crops there were those pioneer industries which an enforced economy had previously imposed upon the household ; and thus grist and saw-mills, and whiskey stills gradually found a place in almost every community. School- houses and places of worship were not long delayed after their necessity became apparent. The erection of these adjuncts of civilized life led to the construe- 834 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tion of roads by which they might be rendered accessible, and in this way the highways began to command public attention. In Penn's comprehensive plans for the settlement of his colony the subject had not been forgotten, and in his projected township the highways were regu- larly provided for. In practice, however, the plans were greatly modified, but sufficient details were retained to characterize tlie highways of the county. The Bristol, Street, and County-Line roads were surveyed agreeably to his plans, and at a very early period, as they are indicated upon a map published in 1G84. The road along the county line, four miles north from the Easton road, was opened in 1723, at the instance of Governor Keith. No date can be assigned for its final extension to its present length. The Street road proper was opened throughout its entire length in 1737. The Bristol road was simi- larly placed at the disposal of the public, in sections of varying length, at inter- vals between 1730 and 1752. Of other highways on a northern line the most important are the Street road between Buckingham and Solebury, which was surveyed as early as 1703, and was for many years a subject of litigation by property-holders on either side ; the road leading from Richboro in North- ampton through Warwick, the course of which is indicated upon Holme's map; the Street road leading from the York to the Easton road in Buckingham and Plumstead; and the road from Furlong post-office (Buckingham) northward to Perkiomen creek, at the southeast corner of Rockhill. No efibrt was made to preserve a regular system of roads in the more diver- sified sections of country east of the Neshaminy. Highways were laid out from one settlement to another as convenience and necessity prompted, and usually by the most direct route. A general convergence toward the city of Pliiladelphia is noticeable. That this idea was early predominant is evident, for as early as lUSl a road from Wrightstown to Churchville, diagonally across Southampton, is shown upon Holme's map, thus indicating that even at that early date lateral roads in the direction of the city were contemplated. The first highway of this character was the King's path, the first lawful public road in the county. It was ordered to be laid out in 1075, and followed closely the course of the river through Bensalem, Bristol, and Falls. As originally opened, it seems to have been quite susceptible of improvement. At a meetino- of council the 19th of 9th month, 168G, "Ye unevenness of ye road from Phila- delphia to ye falls of Delaware" was taken into consideration; Robert Turner and John Barnes for Philadelphia county, Arthur Cook and Thomas Janney for Bucks, with the respective county surveyors, were directed to "meet and lay out a more commodious road from ye Broad street in Philadelphia to ye Falls aforesaid; ye time when is referred to ye members nominated." The "Path " as thus revised, was three hundred and two perches from the river at "Dunk's ferry," from which it appears that it was nearly identical with the present Fraukford road and Bristol turnpike. HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 835 Five other great highways leading to the city were afterward opened, viz., the King's, Durham, York, Easton, and Bethlehem roads. The King's road, leading from Morrisville by way of Oxford Valley, Langhorne, Feasterville, and Bustleton, was laid out in 1693 as far as Southampton and continued thence to " Henry Waldy's plantation, where it may fall into the King's old road" — probably at Tacony. The York road was laid out from " the river Delaware, opposite John Reading's landing," to Philadelphia in 1711 by order of council under date of January 27, 1810, upon "petition of several of the inhabitants and freeholders of the township of Buckingham and Solebury praying that a convenient road may be laid out and established from these upper parts." As described by present landmarks, the terminal points of this road are Center Bridge and the city, the principal intermediate places being Centervalle, Fur- long, Hartsville, Hatboro, Willow Grove, and Jenkintown. When Governor Keith established his residence at Horsham, council, at his request, directed that a road should be laid out from Willow Grove (or Round Meadows, as it was then known) to his settlement. This was the second link in the Easton road, regarding the York road to Round Meadows as the first. The following year (1723) John Dyer, of Dyerstown, who had built a mill in the woods of Plumstead, petitioned the court that a road might be opened from his settlement to the governoi-'s ; to which the court consented. This was long known as the Dyer's mill road, and even within the present cen- tury; it constitutes "Main" street, of Doylestown. It was extended through Plumstead in 1738, and continued to Pipersville within a few years thereafter. At this point its identity becomes obscure, and popular opinion is divided as to whether the Easton or Durham road continues as such to the Lehigh. The first link in the latter — from Bristol to Newtown — was opened by order of the court of quarter sessions in 1693. It was extended to Wrightstown in 1696, from " The Pines" to Buckingham in 1703, to Tohickon creek in 1738, to Dur- ham forge in 1746, and to Easton in 1755. This is the great interior highway of the county. Among the towns upon its course are Hulmeville, Langhorne, Newtown, Wrightstown, Pineville, Centerville, Gardenville, Hinkletown, Pipers- ville, Ottsville, Bucksville, and Durham. This is the only continuous road con- necting the extreme northern and southern por.tions of the county. This " Old Bethlehem" road leaves Philadelphia county at Chestnut Hill. It enters this county at Line-Lexington, and passes thence through Hilltown, Blooming Glen, Hagersville, Applebachsville, Pleasant Valley, and Heller- town. This was opened in 1738. The "new" Bethlehem road begins at Line-Lexington, passes through Sellersville and Quakertown, and unites with the older routes at Coopersburg. The latter was formerly an Indian trail. A postal system was projected in conjunction with the early roads. In the fifth month, 1683, William Penn issued an order for the establishment of a post-office, and granted to Henry Waldy, of " Tekoney," authority to hold it. 336 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The rates of postage were as follows : From the Falls to Philadelphia, three pence ; to Chester, five pence ; to Newcastle, seven pence ; and to Maryland, nine pence : from Philadelphia to Chester, two pence ; to Newcastle, four pence ; and to Maryland, six pence. This post went only once a week, and the governor requested Phineas Pemberton carefully to publish full informa- tion concerning it "on the meeting-house door and other public places." Among the duties enjoined upon AValdy was that of supplying passengers with horses from Philadelphia to Newcastle or to the Falls. It was this requirement of the post-rider that eventually caused his retirement. " Led horses" for the accommodation of travellers frequently accompanied the post, but this was found to interfere with the efficiency of the service ; hence the introduction of the stage-coach as soon as the condition of the roads permitted. A line of stage-wagons was established in 1732 between Amboy and Burling- ton by Thomas Moore and Solomon Smith. New York and Philadelphia were the objective points, and terminal connections were made with both places by sailing vessels. Bordentown was the terminal point of a rival line in 1784, and in 1751 the boats to both places were controlled by Borden, Richards, Wright, and others. In 1745 John Dalley, surveyor, stated that he had just made survey of the road from Trenton to Amboy, and had set up marks at every two miles to guide the traveller. It was done by private subscription, and he proposed to do the whole road from Philadelphia to New York in the same way if a sum would be made up. The proposed improvement of the road below Trenton was not effected ; hence the fact that the stage-wagons went no further beyond that point than was necessary to conveniently meet the packets. Joseph Borden, Jr., in 1753, was running a "stage-boat" from Philadelphia to Bordentown, from whence the journey to Amboy was continued by " statue- wagon." This was claimed to be the most expeditious route in operation at that time. It does not appear that John Dalley surveyed the road between Trenton and Philadelphia ; but it was much improved at various times, and those interested in the stage business began to consider whether a wagon mi»ht not compete in time with the packet between the city and Trenton. At this time there were a number of gentlemen of sporting proclivities at Philadelphia who indulged in fox-hunting. They kept a famous kennel of hounds, with John Butler as keeper. He was greatly in favor with his employers ; and when it became necessary to disperse the kennel because the country became so thickly settled as to interfere with their sport, they established him in business as the proprietor of a stage-wagon. He at once instituted a new departure, and practically demonstrated the superior speed of his vehicle as compared with that of the packet. Leaving the " sign of the death of the fox," the favorite resort of his former patrons, his route followed the west bank of the Delaware, crossed that stream at Trenton, and thence proceeded to Amboy. His journey to New York required three days. This was the first stage route through Bucks county. *-~-^ •^^^iThYU^^'yX.^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 339 It enjoyed a monopoly in this respect during the following ten years. An opposition line over the same route was established in 1765, in which four own- ers were concerned. They introduced covered Jersey wagons, and reduced the fare to two pence a mile, but did not reduce the time of the journey, which was still three days. A third line between the two cities was established in 176G by John Barnhill. He improved the stage-wagon by placing the seats on springs, and also the speed of his vehicles, which traversed the distance fi'om Elm street near Vine, in Philadelphia, by way of the " Blazing Star" ferry, to Amboy in two days. This achievement was without a precedent in the previous history of staging, and secured for his wagons the modest title of " Flying Ma- chines." In 1778 Charles Bessonett engaged in the business, and speedily rendered his the most popular coaches on the road. He regarded the ferry over the Neshaminy a great obstacle to rapid transit, and that it might be ob- viated, secured from the legislature in 1785 authority to lay out a private road between the sixteenth and nineteenth milestones of what is now the Frankford & Bristol turnpike, construct a ferry or bridge over the creek, and collect tolls for the use of the same. The approaches for a floating bridge and rope ferry were constructed, but when nearly completed a violent flood destroyed the most ex- pensive portion of the work, entailing serious loss upon the projector. The re- mains of the abutments are still seen about half a mile above Bridgewater. Graham Johnson was associated with Mr. Bessonett in this enterprise, and like him was a -veteran stage manager. He formed a partnership in 1781 with James Drake to run a " flying wagon" with four horses from the city to Elizabethtown, New Jersey, making two trips weekly. The stage left the city " every Monday and Timrsday morning, precisely at the rising of the sun, breakfast at the Four- Lanes-ends, shift horses, cross the new ferry just above the Trenton falls, and dine at Jacob Bergen's, at Princeton." The national postal service, established in 1790, contributed in great meas- ure to the prosperity of stage management, and to the extension of the system into territory it would not otherwise have penetrated. The old York road be- came a stage route. April 29, 1792, John Nicholas started a line from Easton to Philadelphia by way of Doylestown, which was continued by his son Sam- uel until 1822, when James Reeside assumed the management, having con- tracted with the government to distribute the mails over a large part of Pennsylva- nia and adjacent states. Reeside also controlled a line between Philadelphia and New York. There were relays of horses at intervals of ten miles, and the journey from city to city was made in ten hours. Staging over the old Beth- lehem road was begun September 10, 17G3, by George Klein. This route was liberally patronized. General Paul Applebach was the last proprietor. The Durham and river roads subsequently became stage routes, and the former re- tains that character to the present day ; for staging has not yet become a lost art in Bucks county. Seven stage lines radiate from Doylestown, and there 340 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. is probably an equal number in other portions of the county ; but the distin- guishing characteristics of the coach of former days are conspicuously absent. Postal facilities have greatly improved since 1790. The first post-office in the county was established in that year at Bristol. Two others were in existence six years later, Morrisville and Plumstead (ville), and a fourth, Buckingham, was established after another interval of six years (1802). In 1804 John Rodrick was postmaster at Plumstead, Archibald Davidson at Bursontown, and Enoch Harvey at Doylestown in 1808, William Green at Quakertown, Asher Miner at Doylestown, Cephas Ross at New Hope, and Cornelius Van Horn at Buckingham; in 1818, James Regent at Newtown, Elisha Lunn at Hilltown, Elias Sellers at Sellers' Tavern, and Joseph D. Murray at New Hope ; in 1819, Jacob Funk at Springtown. In 1804, probably earlier, mail was carried twice a week between Philadelphia, Easton, and Bethlehem, by way of Doyles- town. The following notice appears in the " Correspondent" of December 4, 1816 : " The mail will leave Doylestown on Thursday morning at two o'clock, and arrive at Bristol by eight in the evening : leave Bristol at six o'clock Friday morning, and passing by New Hope, arrive at Doylestown the same evening by eight. Leave Doylestown Saturday morning at six o'clock and arrive at Lancaster on Monday by ten o'clock ; leave Lancaster at three o'clock same day and arrive at Doylestown on Wednesday evening by six o'clock. Leave Doylestown on Saturday by six o'clock in the morning, arrive at Quaker- town by noon ; leave Quakertown at two o'clock and return to Doylestown by nine o'clock in the evening." The mail to Bristol passed through Newtown and Langhorne. A weekly mail from Quakertown to Dui-ham was established in 1819. The extensive overland travel between Philadelphia and New York early necessitated an improved condition of the public roads. The most avail- able routes passed through this county ; and to this may be attributed the fact that substantial improvements were effected here at a comparatively early period. The first public enterprise of this character was the Frankford and Bristol turnpike, incorporated in 1803, of which the original projectors were Joseph Clunn, John M'Elroy, Derrick Peterson, Isaac Worrell, Nathan Har- per, James 0. Fisher, and Richard Gennon. It was provided in the charter that the road should be sixty feet wide, graded with gravel or stone to a breadth of twenty-six feet, with the surface firm, even, and so nearly level that at no place should it incline more than four degrees from a horizontal line. A drawbridge twenty-four feet wide was to be built over Neshaminy creek. A permanent stone bridge was authorized in 1805. It was required that in the winter months (November to May), four-wheeled wagons with wheels less than four inches wide should not carry more than two and one-half tons ; with wheels less than seven inches wide, not more than three and one-half tons, etc. Mile-stones and posts of direction were to be erected. The right of purchasing the property and extinguishing tolls was reserved to the state. This turnpike HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 341 was begun in 1803, completed to Poquessing creek in 1804, and to Morrisville, in 1812, at a cost of two hundred and nine thousand three hundred dollars. The second completed turnpike in the county was that connecting Doyles- town and Willow Grove. It was first projected in 1823, when Josiah Y. Shaw, William Watts, John Robbarts, and Joseph Praul of Bucks count}^ with others of Montgomery, were authorized to organize the " Willow Grove and Doylestown" turnpike road company. Their franchise expired by limitation, however, and ten years later, the " Doylestown and Willow Grove" company was organized. After eleven years of intermittent effort, the pike was finally completed, thus giving Doylestown a continuous turnpike to the city. Even before the consummation of this enterprise, the improvement of the Easton road north of Doylestown was agitated, Stephen Brock, Dr. Charles H. Matherol, and E. T. McDowell being most actively in favor of this. The organi- zation of a company was authorized in 1842, but the turnpike was not completed to Danborough until some time in the fifties. Turnpike improvement on the Easton road reached its northern limit at Plumsteadville some years later. February 13, 1846, an act of assembly was passed authorizing Henry S. Stover, Tobias Weisel, John Dyer, Michael Worman, and others to organize the " Danborough and Point Pleasant Turnpike Road Company," which they did and with such celerity that the pike was completed within a few years, thus giving Doylestown an improved road to the Delaware. A second, by way of Centerville and Lahaska, was established about the same time. It is controlled by two companies, the " Buckingham and Doylestown," and " Lahaska and New Hope." The former was first projected in 1843, the latter in 1847. The Dublin pike was opened in 1876. The York road is improved from the city to Lahaska, a distance of ten miles in this county. That portion between Willow Grove and Hartsville was projected as early as 1838. The pike was continued to Centerville in 1855-56. Asher Miner advocated this improvement years before in his "Correspondent." The Durham road is turnpiked from Bridgetown to Centerville, a distance of thirteen miles. From Centerville to Pineville it was projected in 1859 and probably completed in 1861. The " Wrightstown and Newtown" company was incorporated in 1867. From the southern terminus at Bridgetown a lat- eral connection extends westward to Feasterville, from whence there is a con- tinuous pike to the city. There is also a continuous pike from Pineville to Feasterville by way of Richborough, of which the portion south of that place ■was projected in 1844, and the remainder in 1848. There are also turnpike roads from Newtown to Y'ardley, and from Langhorne to Yardley. Of turn- pikes which penetrate the county but a short distance the most important are the "Byberry and Bensalem" (1852), "Byberry and Andalusia" (1857), "Willow Grove and Dansville" (1858), "Feasterville and Bustleton," " White- hallville and Prospectville," " Johnsville and Moreland." The most recent im- 342 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. provement in the southern pai-t of the county worthy of mention in this con- nection was effected in 1886 and 1887, when the Durham road between Hulme- ville and Langhorne was converted into a turnpike. Public improvements were early contemplated in the northern part of the county. In 1805-06 an effort was made to incorporate a company for the im- provement of the Bethlehem road through Hilltown, but without success. The project was revived in 1849, when legislative action was secured for the or- ganization of the "Hilltown Turnpike Road Company." Within a short time thereafter the old Bethlehem road was piked from Line-Lexington to a point a short distance east of the village of Mount Pleasant, five and one-fourth miles. A similar improvement in the new Bethlehem road was effected a few years later under the auspices of the " Hilltown and Sellersville" turnpike company, incorporated in 1853. Eight years later (1861) the " Quakertown and Sel- lersville" company came into existence, and the process of improvement was continued between those. points. Three other turnpike roads center at Quaker- town, of which the first to be completed were those leading respectively to Spinnerstown and Trumbauersville, opened in 1858. The former is five miles in length, the latter two and one-half. The " Richlandtown Turnpike Road Com- pany" was organized in 1859. The main street from the railroad to Quaker- town proper was macadamized in 1855. This franchise is controlled by the " Richland Turnpike or Plank-road Company." The Milford Square and Steins- burg pike renders Quakertown accessible from the extreme northern part of Milford. A turnpike was opened in 1886 from Dublin to Souderton. It is the latest achievement of this character in that part of the county. The spirit that animated the early turnpike projects was manifested to a much greater degree in the discussion of measures for the promotion of internal improvements throughout the whole country. There was marked activity in this respect during the period of general prosperity following the close of the war of 1812. The rivers of the state, its natural highways, were early rendered navigable for such craft as the commerce of that time demanded. No such changes in the channel of the lower Delaware were necessary ; but above the falls of Trenton shoals, islands, and rapids occur frequently, and no large ship has ever ploughed their waters. Here a peculiar species of river craft — the Durham boat — made its appearance, and for years monopolized the carrying trade of the region. There were rafts, too, but the lumber of which they were composed was sold with the cargo, while the boats returned with consi^o-n- ments of such supplies as were necessary at the furnace and the farming country around, and sailing vessels ascended as far as Bristol and other points below Trenton. The first steamboat in Bucks county waters was that invented by John Fitch in 1785. Its first successful journey was made in October, 1788, from Philadelphia to Trenton and return. The projectors became embarrassed for want of funds, and in 1791 the enterprise was abandoned. The second HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 34§ steamboat, the "Phoenix," built in New York after the manner of Fulton's "Clermont," began to ply regularly between Philadelphia and Bristol in 1809. The "Philadelphia," commanded by Captain Elisha Jenkins, was the next; and, altogether, thirty-one steamboats have at different times since the days of Fitch plied between Philadelphia and Bristol. In the year 1852 the experi- ment of navigating the upper Delaware was made. The steamship " William Barnet," Captain Young, started from New Hope and Lumberville at 6.15, A.M., March 12, 1852, and made the voyage to Easton in eleven hours. The "Barnet" was withdrawn before the close of the season, and was subsequently destroyed on the upper Delaware by the bursting of a boiler. The "Rein- deer," a small boat from the Schuylkill, made several voyages above Easton, but the impracticability of the project was fully demonstrated. October 3, 1853, the "Wave" ascended Neshaminy creek to a point above Newportville, and some efforts were made to improve the navigation. This enterprise was also abandoned at an early stage of its development. The Lehigh valley at the beginning of this century was in great part prim- itive wilderness. It possessed rich deposits of coal and iron, and wide areas of unbroken timber lands. Its development was accompanied by great difficul- ties. Efforts were made from time to time to clear the channel of the Lehigh, but without success. The Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, formed in 1822 by the amalgamation of two distinct companies, incorporated in 1818, originated and applied a system of dams and sluices, and thus transported the product of their mines to Philadelphia. As the future of coal as a large and profitable staple became assured, this section of the state pressed its claims for recognition by the canal commissioners and legislature, and in 1827 an act was passed authorizing the construction of a canal from Bristol to Easton, the former at tidewater, the latter at the mouth of the Lehigh. The excavations were begun at Bristol on an October day in the same year (1827), with im- posing ceremonies. The canal was opened to New Hope in 1830, and to Easton two years later. The cost was one million three hundred and seventy- four thousand seven hundred and fifty-four dollars. The length is sixty miles, breadth forty feet, the depth of water five feet; there are twenty-four locks, ninety feet long and eleven wide, the aggregate lift being one hundred and seventy feet. The public works of the state were sold in 1858 to the Sunbury & Erie Bailroad Company. In July of the same year the Delaware Canal Company purchased the Delaware division. In 1886 it was leased to the Lehigh Coal Company for ninety-nine years. The most prosperous period of its history was the decade immediately following its construction ; and while competing lines of railway have deprived it of much of the traffic for which it was originally de- signed, it has not outlived its usefulness, and serves well the purpose of a re- straining influence upon transportation rates from the coal regions to the seaboard. Sii HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. It is problematical whether the canal system of the state ever reached a condition of adequate prosperity. In 1827 the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company built a gravity railroad to facilitate the descent of coal from the sum- mit of Mauch Chunk mountain to the boats in the river below, this being the first railroad in the state. From being an adjunct to the canal, it ultimately became its rival, and finally consummated its ruin. It was from the turnpike rather than the canal, however, that the railroad was evolved. A tramway suitable for wheeled carriages, with horses as the motor power, constituted the first departure from the turnpike toward the modern railroad. In the act in- corporating the Philadelphia & Trenton Railroad Company (February 23, 18o2), it was provided that the road should be a public highway in the same sense that a turnpike was, with the restriction that the company should have power to prescribe a certain class of carriages to be used. They were to pre- pare a schedule of tolls similar to those charged by turnpikes, and of rates for transporting in the carriages of the company. Ground was broken in May, 1832, and in the following year the road was completed. The company seems to have exercised its prerogative of regulating the class of carriages to be used, in a manner calculated to exclude all others except their own. The locomotive had not yet come, and the first " train passed from Trenton to Bristol, drawn by horses." The first locomotive, the " Tren- ton," appeared in October, 1834. At this time passengers were transported by boat from the foot of JMarket street, Bristol, to Philadelphia. Upon the completion of the Camden & Amboy railroad, that company, in order to se- cure an entrance into Philadelphia without the danger and delay incident to ferriage across the Delaware, secured a controlling interest in the Philadelphia and Trenton, which thus lost its identity in being merged into a more compre- hensive system. Under the new management, Tacony, and finally Kensington became its western terminus. In 1873 the railroads and canals in the Camden and Amboy system (including the Philadelphia & Trenton railroad), were leased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and thus the first railroad in this county became less than ever a distinct line of travel. Its importance has in no way been diminished, however, and it is no exaggeration to say that in thoroughness of equipment it is not excelled by any other part of the Pennsyl- vania system, nor by any other railroad in the world. The second railroad opened through the county was the Doylestown branch of the " North Penn." The latter was first projected in 1852 as the " Phila- delphia, Easton & Water Gap" railroad, but the present name was adopted in the following year. Construction was begun on the lower end of the line, which was formally opened July 2, 1855 ; but the tunnel in Rockhill was found to be an undertaking of greater magnitude than was at first anticipated, and it happened that the Doylestown branch was opened before the main line. This may be attributed in great measure to the activity of citizens of the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 345 county-seat. A formal meeting was held in 1853, Charles E. DuBois presid- ing, and a committee was appointed to confer with the projectors of the" North Penn." They reported to a subsequent meeting that one hundred and sixty thousand dollars would be necessary for the construction of the proposed branch. Thirty thousand dollars were immediately subscribed ; eighty thou- sand dollars in subscriptions were reported January 15, 1854, and the entire amount in April following. The route was surveyed in August, 1854. The northern part of the town was proposed for the station by the engineers, but a pressure of opposition resulted in the selection of the present site. On the afternoon of Monday, October 7, 1856, the officers of the "North Penn" visited Doylestown in a special car and formally opened the road above Gwynedd. Two daily trains were begun on the following day. The first train passed over the main line from Philadelphia to Bethlehem on Saturday, June 3,- 1857. The " North Penn" and its branches are now operated by the Phil- adelphia & Reading Railroad Company. The latter corporation also operates the " Northeast Pennsylvania," a railroad nine and eight-tenths miles in length extendin"; from Abington on the " North Penn" to Hartsville on the Bristol road in Warminster township, Hatboro being the principal intermediate point. New Hope is the eastern terminus, as originally projected. About two miles of this road are in Bucks county. The " Philadelphia, Newtown & New York" railroad is also operated by the "Reading." Excepting the Doylestown branch of the " North Penn," this is the only one of the railroads of the county that is to any extent a county enterprise. The causes that led to its construction were not circum- scribed by the county, however. When the Camden and Amboy roads were merged into the Pennsylvania system the latter (in 1873) acquired control of the two principal roads between Philadelphia and New York, and a virtual monopoly of the passenger travel between these places. A rival line was at once projected. This was the " National Air Line," to extend from New Y'ork to Washington ; but its construction had no sooner been begun than the " Camden & Amboy" directed attention to a clause in its charter under which, for a term of years (not then expired), all other railroads were excluded from certain territory within a prescribed distance from the route it traversed. The courts granted an injunction restraining further work on the " air-line" within the prescribed period, and thus ended the scheme. At this time there was no railroad between Doylestown and Bristol. The " Northeast Pennsylvania" was in course of construction, but as the event has proven it was not destined to extend to New Hope, nor does it seem that there was much of a disposition among its projectors to accomplish that object. Among the New Jersey railroads controlled by the Pennsylvania company was the "Mercer & Somerset," extending from a point on the Delaware river between Yardley and Taylorsville to Bound Brook. The roads hitherto pro- 346 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. jected across the county were practically without beginning or end ; their patronage must have been purely local, and correspondingly unprofitable ; but in the "Mercer & Somerset" there was a most favorable opportunity to the Bucks county railroad projector of constructing his road from Philadelphia to its western terminus, effecting a consolidation, and thus rendering it part of a line between the two largest cities on the continent. On Wednesday, April 2, 1873, the governor of New Jersey signed a gen- eral railroad act, the provisions of which were of the most liberal character. The " National Railway Company" had previously endeavored to secure a special act of incorporation, but a vote of eleven to ten in the senate defeated their bill. The governor had no sooner signified his approval of the general railroad law than its projectors, many of whom had previously been identified with the defunct "air-line," filed articles of association with the state depart- ment, and were duly incorporated as the " New York & Philadelphia Railroad Company," with an authorized capital of seven and a half millions of dollars. The legal existence of a railroad between the two cities, independent of the Pennsylvania company, was at length recognized. The latter was not idle, however. On the same day that the "New York & Philadelphia" filed appli- cation for .a charter at Trenton (April 2, 1873), the Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill authorizing the construction of a bridge over the Delaware by the "Philadelphia, Newtown & New York Railroad Company," a corporation originally created as the "Philadelphia & Montgomery County Railroad Com- pany," the name of which was changed to its present style January 29, 1873. Six days later (April 8, 1873), articles of association by a number of individ- uals, adherents of the " Pennsylvania" interests, for incorporation as the "New Jersey Railroad Company," were filed at Trenton, and in due time received legal sanction. The "Newtown" and "New Jersey" companies were identical in composition and organization. It was now clearly apparent that the " Penn- sylvania" intended the construction of a third line to New York. It was to consist of the "Newtown" road in this state and the "New Jersey" road in New Jersey; the latter was to consist of the "Mercer & Somerset," and an extension of the same to Bound Brook, or some convenient point on what is now the "United Railroads of New Jersey" division, Pennsylvania Railroad. The "Newtown" company was organized with Horatio G. Sickel, of Phila- delphia, president ; Charles Willard, of Newtown, secretary and treasurer ; Robert Johnston, of Philadelphia; Alfred Blaker, Barclay J. Smith, Isaac H. Hillborn, Charles Willard, Isaac Eyre, of Newtown, directors. Ground was broken June 8, 1872, at Crescentville, under Samuel W. Mifflin as chief engineer. The road was completed and opened to Newtown in 1877. It was operated for a time by the " Pennsylvania," but after a bloodless struggle the company relinquished it in favor of the " Philadelphia and Reading." Three years later, after the financial stringency of 1873 had abated, the opposition again rallied, ■•*% "^ w/^ ' • 1,'. ■ ■* -,-"■ >>-.. *.* ■if. '^^^v--*, 'M- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 349 and the "Bound Brook" was built. It enters Jersey City over the "Jersey Central," and Philadelphia over the " North Penn," connecting with the former at Bound Brook, and with the latter at Jenkintown. It is operated by the " Reading," but virtually owned by the holders of its mortgages and bonds. It was opened to travel May 1, 1876. There have been other railroads projected, but never constructed, which may be mentioned. Bucks is a large county. Half its length is traversed by a winding creek, at the mouth of which the manufacturing interests of the region center; the county capital is situated on a range of hills at its source, while its trend is marked by numerous towns and villages. There is a wide stretch of open country to the northwest, and the Durham works in the opposite direc- tion. The construction of a railroad that would facilitate communication be- tween the different portions of this extensive territory was early agitated. It was thought in 1836 that Newtown and Bristol should be the terminal points, and the legislature forthwith authorized the organization of the company. Twenty years later, the " Attleborough railroad" was projected. Interest in the subject was transferred to the northern part of the county ten years later (1865), when a distinctively " Bucks county railroad" was favorably discussed, especially at the county-seat, which hoped to become the commercial metropolis as well. The project never developed beyond this stage, unfortunately for the many advantages it promised. In 1836 a company was organized to construct a railroad from New Hope to Norristown via Doylestown, and a first subscription was actually paid on the stock. The route surveyed was twenty-eight miles in length, and the esti- mated cost four hundred thousand dollars. No great interest was awakened in the enterprise until 1851, when it was revived under a new act of the legis- lature. The proposed line would probably have been built but for the action of the " North Penn" in opening a branch to Doylestown. From present indications. New Hope is not likely to receive any additional railroad facilities for some years. The "Delaware River & Lancaster" railroad was incorporated in 1848; the " Erwinna & Hossensack" in the same year, and a road from Morrisville to Norristown in 1856 ; none of which, except the last named, have any pros- pect of realization. The " Pennsylvania" has recently obtained possession of the survey made in 1856, and also controls the Chester Valley railroad. It is rumored that the former is to be constructed, thus giving the " Pennsyl- vania" a freight route from Harrisburg to New York, avoiding Philadelphia. Within the present year, 1887, a route for the "Baltimore & Ohio" has been surveyed through the county, ostensibly in the direction of New York. 19 850 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER VIIL THE SECTIONAL ISSUE. INDENTURED servants in the early years of the province were common, and few well-to-do Friends came to this country without more or less of this class of laborers. These servants were at first considered in the same social scale with the ordinary farm laborer of England, and many of them reached positions of affluence and became leading characters in the community. In- deed, as Smith writes in his History of New Jersey, " many that came as ser- vants succeeded better than some that brought estates ; the first, inured to in- dustry and the- ways of the country, became wealthy, while others obliged to spend what they had in the difficulties of first improvement, and others living too much on their original stock for want of sufficient care to improve their es- tates have, in many instances, dwindled to indigency and want." The great German immigration, which subsequently supplied so large a proportion of this class of laborers, degraded the character of the service to something nearly akin to slavery. Gangs of these victims of unscrupulous shipmasters and agents passed through the country in quest of purchasers, driven by men who were appropriately termed "soul-drivers." As late as 1759, it is said, "the labor of the plantations was performed chiefly by indented servants brought from Great Britain, Ireland, and Germany ; nor because of the high price it bears can it be performed any other way." Such persons were sold to a term of five years' service for ten pounds, and during this period were the legal property of their master. They were sold, bequeathed, and like other chattels were seized for debt. In 1683 an act prohibited the selling of servants out of the province, and in 1700 it was provided "that every servant that shall faith- fully serve four years, or more, shall, at the expiration of their servitude, have a discharge, and shall be duly clothed with two complete suits of apparel, Avhereof one shall be new, and shall also be furnished with one new axe, one grubbing-hoe, and one weeding-hoe at the charge of their master or mistress." The ease with which such persons escaped from their masters, and the more ■profitable character of negro slavery, led to its gradual substitution for the less repulsive form of service. Negro slavery was introduced into the river colony by the Dutch at a very early date, and it continued to thrive here until abolished by legislative act after the revolution. After the founding of Philadelphia this city became the general port of entry for the cargoes of slaves, which came principally from the Barbadoes, and were usually landed in the months of May, June, and July. Numerous legal restrictions to the traflBc were attempted by the provincial HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 351 government, but without avail until after the achievement of independence. Shortly after 1700 an effort was made to discourage the importation of blacks by the imposition of a tariff, but this was annulled by the home government, which declared through the lower house of parliament "that the trade was im- portant and ought to be free." A law with more moderate provisions was enacted in 1715, and similar laws were passed in 1722, 1761, and 1773, all of which shared the fate of the first attempt. The police regulation of this class of the community was not unusually nor unnecessarily severe. In 1693 a law was passed against the " tumultuous gatherings of negroes of the town of Philadelphia the first day of the week." The constables or any other persons were authorized "to take up negroes, male or female, whom they should find gadding abroad on the first day of the week, without a ticket from their master or mistress, or not in their company, or to carry them to jail, there to remain that night, and that without meat or drink, or to cause them to be publicly whipped." For the latter service the owners were to pay fifteen pence to the wielder of the lash. A general law for the "trial and punishment of negroes" was passed in 1700, but this was repealed five years later, when a more stringent measure was adopted. By this the lash Avas prescribed for petty offenses and capital punishment for graver misdeeds. The carrying of a gun without permit, the meeting together of more than four, and being abroad after nine o'clock at night were declared punishable offenses. Public agitation against the system began as early as 1688, when a number of IMennonites entered a formal protest at the Friends' yearly meeting against the common practice of the latter in holding slaves. On Penn's return to the province in 1700 he laid before the Philadelphia yearly meeting his concern for the instruction of negroes in Christianity, and a meeting was appointed for them every month. In 1706 the white laborers presented to the assembly a petition, in which they asked for such restraint upon slave-owners as would prevent the hiring of slaves by the day, the scarcity of work and the lowness of wages moving them to this action. The chief opposition, however, was based on moral grounds, and Anthony Benezet and Ralph Sandiford as early as 1729 published labored arguments against the crime of slavery. There are many allusions to slaves in the early records of Bucks county, and about the time of the revolution but few of the wealthy Friends were without more or less of them. In a letter to his steward William Penn wrote from England in 1685, referring to the difficulty of retaining laborers: " It were better they were blacks, for then we might have them for life." Again, later in the year, he wrote : " The blacks of Captain Allen I have as good as bought, so part not with them without my order." In Penn's will he freed his slaves and to " Old Sam" gave one hundred acres, " to be his children's after he and his wife are dead." In 1742 .Jeremiah Langhorne died possessed of thirty or forty slaves to whom he gave their freedom in his will, after they 352 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. should arrive at the age of twenty-four, and ten pounds apiece in money. The institution was found here in its mildest form, and the general sentiment favored its final extinction. In 1780 there were five hundred and fourteen listed in the county, and in 1790 there were two hundred and sixty-one. The great proportion of these were in the lower portion of the county, only twenty-five being found in ten of the upper townships. The revolutionary war interrupted the importation of slaves, and its result left the province untram- meled to follow its own course in putting a stop to the traific. The number of these chattels accordingly rapidly decreased, and in 1780 there was very little determined opposition to the act providing for their eventual emancipation. "While the Friends were accessible to humanitarian influences and accepted emancipation without strong opposition they felt some repulsion to the race and declined to be closely associated with it even in the grave. In the record of the Friends of Middletown, in 1703, it is declared that the "Friends are not satisfied with having negroes buried in the Friends' burying-ground, therefore Robert Heaton and Thomas Stackhouse are appointed to fence off a portion for such uses." In 1738, in the same record, " negroes are forbidden to be buried within the walls of the graveyard belonging to this meeting." In many cases the bodies of deceased negroes were buried in unmarked graves in the orchards or other parts of the plantations of the owners. The humanitarian sentiment of the Friends, however, kept pace in subsequent years with the most enlightened development of public thought. The change was gradual, but from a slave-hold- ing community the people of Bucks county had become, to a very large degree, in favor of universal freedom at the time of Lincoln's inauguration as president. As elsewhere throughout the land the questions which led up to the civil war of 18G1-5 enlisted the active interest of the people here. Slaves fleeing from their masters found here an asylum from their pursuers and assistance to reach Canada or other places of safety. A line of the " underground railway" was early established in the county and was well patronized. In 1826 an escaped slave from Maryland came to Bucks county and found work among the farmers of the central part of the county. For eleven years he remained here unmolested, but in 1837 he was discovered by his master, and after a stout resistance on his part was captured while at work. He was subsequently pur- chased of his master for five hundred and thirty dollars by Jonathan Bowman and George Chapman and set at liberty. Similar cases kept the subject of slavery and its evils prominently before the people and the cause of freedom gradually grew stronger in the community. The " Intelligencer," supplied with such topics as the Passmore Williamson case in 1855, the Kansas trouble, the speech of Sumner, and the Brooks assault in 1856, the Dred Scott decision, and the campaign literature of 1857, devoted the larger part of its space to the discus- sion of this matter, and the general interest in the subject is evinced by the numerous local contributions which found utterance in the exponent of free-soil and republican principles. HISTORY OF BUCKS COU>rTY. 353 The fall of Fort Sumter aroused the intensest excitement throughout the county. With few exceptions all joined in expressions of enthusiastic loyalty to the national government. Flags were everywhere displayed. The old streamer that had previously done service on the " Intelligencer" office was replaced by a new flag, and that with the colors of the Doylestown Union Club was subsequently hoisted at the old court-house. Thursday evening, April 18, 1861, a public meeting was held in the court-room, over which Judge Chap- man presided. He assumed the chair with a stirring speech which excited the enthusiasm of the audience to the highest pitch, and when opportunity was offered for the enrolment of those who wished to join the Doylestown guards, a militia company whose services had been accepted by the governor, a con- siderable number promptly subscribed their names. Similar meetings were held in other parts of the county, and in a fortnight more than a dozen companies were in the various stages of organization for the war. The militia of Pennsylvania, as generally throughout the country, was practically to be found only on paper. Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties formed a division of the state militia, under the command of Major- General Paul Applebach. In March, 1860, there were fourteen militia organ- izations in this county, which were known at least upon the muster-roll, but they proved of only small account in the actual emergency of war. They were organized for the purposes of parade and incidental police duty, and in the presence of the emergency now presented depended for their efficiency upon the volunteers which filled the places of those not at first ready to do active duty. The " Doylestown Guards" were the first of the county organizations to offer their services, and left for Harrisburg on the 29th of April. The company subse- quently became company I of the Twenty-fifth regiment of the Pennsylvania line. On the afternoon of the 15th of April, 1861, the president's proclamation, with the summons of the state executive, was sent throughout the common- wealth, and the state's quota of sixteen regiments was immediately filled by the tender of the militia, which had a more or less efficient organization. By the first of May the full complement of Pennsylvania was mustered, and a part already in Washington, or at other threatened points. The first volunteers to report at Washington in April, 1861, were five inde- pendent companies, viz : Logan Guards, of Lewiston ; Ringgold Light Artillery, of Easton ; Washington Artillery, of Pottsville ; Allen Rifles, of AUentown ; and National Light Infantry, of Pottsville. These troops were the first to go through Baltimore, and though assailed by the mob, escaped the scenes of vio- lence and bloodshed enacted next day on the passage of the famous Massachusetts " Sixth." These companies were kept on special duty at the national capital for some time. Being largely in excess of regulation numbers, seven companies were formed of them, and three companies were added, forming the Twenty- fifth regiment. One of the added companies, company I, was the " Doylestown Guards." The regiment was mustered April 28, 1861. 354 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. After some time spent in drilling they were attached to Colonel Stone's command, and a few days later assigned to General Patterson's army. It went to Charlestown July 17th, and thence to Harper's Ferry, where it remained until its term expired. Returning home it was mustered out at Harrisburg July 26th. Company I consisted of W. W. H. Davis, captain ; Jacob Swartzlander, first lieutenant ; George T. Harvey, second lieutenant ; four sergeants, four corporals, two musicians, and sixty-four privates. On the 15th of May the governor was authorized to organize a military corps, to be called the " Reserve Volunteer Corps of the Commonwealth," consisting of thirteen regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and one regiment of light artillery. They were to be organized and equipped as similar troops in the service of the United States, and to be enlisted in the service of the state for a period of three years or for the war, but liable to be mustered into the service of the United States to fill any quota under a call from the president. Under this law the governor established camps of instruction at Easton, West Chester, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg ; each county was assigned its quota, and the enthusiastic response everywhere made to the governor's call soon placed the full force in the course of preparation for active duties. One of these regiments, the " Third Reserve,' was recruited largely in Bucks county for the three months' service, but was not accepted, the state quota having previously been filled. They tendered their services for the Reserve corps, and became companies C, H, I, and K of the Thirty-second regiment of the line ("Third Reserve"). On the arrival of the different companies in camp at Easton, the regimental organization was completed by electing the following ofiicers : Horatio G. Sickel, then of Philadelphia, formerly of Bucks county, who was captain of company K, raised in Bucks county, was elected colonel, and served until mustered out with his regiment in June, 1864. The lieutenant-colonel was William S. Thomp- son, also of Bucks county; the major, Richard H. Woolworth, of Philadelphia; and the adjutant, Albert H. Jamison. Colonel Sickel had been a commissioned officer in the state militia for twenty years, and by the thorough drill and soldierly qualities which he imparted to the Thirty-second made it noticeable as one of the best regiments in the " Re- serves." On July 22d the regiment was mustered into the United States service as the "Third Reserve," and ordered to Washington, and on August 2d to Tenallytown, where the "Reserve" regiments had all been ordered. When the corps was organized the Third was assigned to the Second brigade, under gen- eral George G. Meade. The regiment was in reserve at the battle of Drains- ville, on December 20th of the same year, having been incorporated into the army of the Potomac. On March 10th, 1862, the regiment participated in the general advance of the army of the Potomac. On reaching Hunter's Mills and receiving news of the evacuation of Manassas by the enemy, the division to which the Third belonged was countermarched to Alexandria, where it remained HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 355 until ordered to the Peninsula. On May 2d the regiment arrived opposite Fred- ericksburg and participated in the movement across the river into the city and the advance toward Richmond. On the 11th the Second brigade, including the Third Reserve, opportunely arrived at White House in time to repulse the attack of the enemy's cavalry on the train of the Reserves, and two days later the Third joined its division at Dispatch Station. On the Peninsula the regiment saw severe service and covered itself with glory. On the Chickahorainy the Reserves were the first to feel the terrific onslaught of the combined rebel armies, reinforced by Jackson's troops from the army of the Shenandoah. Here they held the right of the line, repulsing the most desperate assaults. The Third was in support of Kern's battery, and was not relieved until two o'clock of the next morning. The next day the regiment bore the rebel attack at Gaines' Mills, where it lost in killed, wounded, and missing over one hundred men. For its gallant conduct the regiment was highly praised on the battle-field by General Meade. The Third participated in the subsequent movements on the Peninsula, and on the 30th of June was on picket duty when it was attacked by a vastly supe- rior force, which it received at fifty paces with such a torrent of fire as to drive it back, leaving the greater part on the bloody field. An unfortunate mistake here occurred, the Third being mistaken for a rebel regiment by one of its sup- ports and fired upon, occasioning, however, but slight loss. General Meade being wounded, the command of the brigade devolved upon Colonel Sickel, while Lieutenant-colonel Thompson took command of the regiment. On the following day, at Malvern Hill, the Third was in reserve. The army of the Potomac being ordered to reinforce Pope's army of Vir- ginia, the Third was moved to Acquia creek, from there by rail to Falmouth, and thence to Rappahannock station; They participated in the marches of that army, but were not actively engaged until the 29th, when a severe skirmish occurred in which the regiment lost considerably. The next day the second battle of Bull run was fought, in which the reserves took a prominent part, and although finally driven back, succeeded in defeating the enemy's purpose of dividing our army, holding him in check until reinforced by a brigade of regulars, and securing the safe retreat of the army. In this engagement Cap- tain H. Clay Beatty, of company I, was killed, and the regiment lost heavily. In the battle of Chantilly, next day, the Third was in reserve, and thence it went to Antietam, where it was engaged and suffered considerable loss. General Burnside having been placed in command of the army began a movement against Fredericksburg, his objective point being Richmond. On December 13th was fought the battle at the former place, and again the Third was in the hottest of the fight, losing in killed, wounded, and missing one hundred and twenty-eight. It took part in no other battles at this time, and was ordered back to Washington to rest and recruit its shattered ranks. It remained there until January, 1864, when with the fourth, both commanded by 356 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. General H. G. Sickel, it was ordered to West Virginia, where it encountered much severe labor and suffered from forced marches in pursuit of the flying foe, who made stand at what is known as Cloyd mountain, where the Third again distinguished itself and suffered much loss, among others losing three color- bearers in the charge on the enemy's works, which they carried in gallant style. This battle was fought on May 9, 1864. From this time until May 30th the regiment was continually on the march. Their term of enlistment having expired they were ordered home, and on June 17th were mustered out at Philadelphia, with a record not surpassed by any regiment which took the field. The Eighty-ninth regiment (Third cavalry) was first intended to be a rifle regiment, but was subsequently changed to cavalry. It was raised mainly in Philadelphia, but Bucks county contributed many men to its ranks, noticeably in company M, in which they were in a majority. The regiment was mustered into the service for three years on July 23, 1861. Until March of the follow- ing year the regiment was engaged in drill and camp duty with an occasional scouting expedition. It was engaged in some slight skirmishes, but met its first losses in battle at Garnett's, in front of the Union lines. In the campaign on the Peninsula the Eighty-ninth was actively engaged, and was part of the rear-guard on the retrograde movement from Harrison's Landing to Yorktown. From this time forward the regiment was actively engaged in skirmishing with- out much loss until the battle of Antietam, where it lost several men. In the latter part of October, and until winter rendered movement impossible, the Eighty-ninth was constantly in motion, and suffered severe losses. In April, 1863, it was in the van on the march to Chancellorsville, and on its way two squadrons successively surprised and captured two of the enemy's picket-guards. From this time until the fight opened at Chancellorsville on May 18th the regiment was constantly engaged with small bodies of the enemy, and was the first to engage in battle on the field of Chancellorsville, where they kept the advance of the enemy in check until relieved by Sykes's division of regulars, losing heavily in killed and wounded. On the evening of the following day, when Stonewall Jackson's troops were driving back the Eleventh corps in much disorder, General Pleasonton was asked to try and check the enemy long enouffh to give the shattered line time to re-form and bring some guns to bear on the enemy. Knowing that it was almost certain death, he told Major Keenan, in command of the Eighty-ninth, what he wished. The brave Major replied, " General, I will do it," and at once started in with his regiment, numbering between four and five hundred men. It was a dreadful sacrifice by brave men who knew the danger and freely offered their lives to save the rest of the army. The movement was entirely successful, but at a cost of the lives of the brave Major and nearly half of his force. From this time on the regiment was mainly under Sheridan's command, and participated in all of his operations until the winter of 1864, when it numbered only two hundred men. Its ranks were still further depleted by the numerous and brilliant actions in 1865, losing r I "' \ ^fcrfCf^ , yi)-^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 359 heavily in every engagement, until, on the surrender of Lee, but a handful was left of the once full regiment, and they were incorporated into the Sixteenth cavalry, with which they were mustered out in August, 1865. The First New Jersey Cavalry (Sixteenth New Jersey Volunteers) was raised under authority granted to Hon. AVilliam Halsted, of New Jersey, by the secretary of war, in August, 1861. In the following month ten companies were filled and were in Washington, and were known as " Halsted's Horse," but were not then recognized by the state of New Jersey. Its first experiences in camp were disheartening, but a reorganization of the regiment and the ap- pointment of Percy Wyndham as colonel, an English soldier with a brilliant war record, and the recognition of the regiment by the state, set things straight, and the regiment spent the winter and spring months in drilling and camp duty. A large number of the men of this regiment were from Bucks county, in- cluding the captain of company A, James H. Hart, who was afterward pro- moted to the position of major, and was killed at Stony Creek. His body was brought home and interred in the old church-yard in Southampton township, and over his tomb is a handsome monument on which are inscribed the names of the principal engagements in which he participated. The history of the regiment written by its chaplain, Rev. Henry R. Pyre, gives a list of ninety-seven skirmishes and battles in which the regiment took part, beginning with Pohick Church, Virginia, on December 29, 1861, and ending with Appomattox Court-House on April 9, 1865. Many of the members of the regiment were mustered out at the end of their term of enlistment on September 1, 1864, but there remained enough of the veterans, with new recruits, to keep up the reputation of the Fifteenth New Jersey Cavalry until the close of the war, and among them were to be found no better soldiers than those who joined its ranks from Bucks county. Independent Battery D (Durrell's) was made up of men recruited in Bucks and Berks counties, and was organized at Doylestown on September 24, 1861, with George W. Durell as captain. It was in the advance on Manassas in March, 1862, and afterward was with the corps that followed Jackson to Thoroughfare Gap, but was first in action on August 21st, when it was with the troops sent to the assistance of Pope. Here it was in action for a considerable time, but lost no men. At the second Bull run battle it was in action again, where one of its guns was dismounted, and one man wounded. In the battle of Chantilly, on September 1st, but two batteries were in action, this being one of them. In the campaign in Maryland, late in the month, the battery did good service, and met with but slight loss. At Sulphur Springs, Virginia, on November 15, 1862, it had a hot engagement with the rebel artil- lery, firing over three hundred rounds. In this engagement Lieutenant Mcll- vaine was mortally wounded. In March, 1863, the battery was transferred to the southwest, and was in the rear of Vicksburg during the siege of that place, to resist any attempt of John- 360 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ston to relieve Pemberton. The principal loss suffered by the organization was from sickness — ten of its number dying, and most of the rest being on the sick list. In consequence, the battery was ordered to Kentucky, and remained at Covington until April, 1864, when, after a few days spent at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, where an attempt to rescue the rebel prisoners was feared, it was sent to Washington. Here it was recruited and furnished with a new battery of Parrott guns, and thereafter was attached to the Army of the Potomac. It participated in many of the operations in the final campaigns, was in action at the springing of the mine at Petersburg, and at the capture of that place on April 2, 1865, where it rendered efficient service, not only with its own guns, but by turning those of the fleeing enemy upon his own columns. It was mustered out at Philadelphia on June 13, 1865. The One Hundredth and Fourth regiment was enlisted almost entirely in Bucks county, under authority given to W. W. H. Davis, of Doylestown, already mentioned as captain of company I, Twenty-fifth regiment, of the three months' service. He was given authority to raise men for a six-gun battery also. A camp was established on the exhibition ground in Doylestown, and re- cruiting actively pushed forward. The first company was formed in September, 1861, and early in November the regiment was ready for duty, mustering eleven hundred and thirty-five officers and men. The regiment was ordered to Washington, and remained in camp near there until March 29th, when it was ordered to Fortress Monroe. Other than slight skirmishing and reconnoissances, the regiment saw no particularly active duty until May 31, 1862, when it was hotly engaged in the battle of Fair Oaks, having in the early part of the fight the most exposed position in the line, in advance of all the other troops. It held its position until forced to retire before overwhelming numbers. It was here that Major Gries was killed while rescuing a flag that had been left on the advanced line. Company E, on picket duty, was surrounded and captured by the enemy. The loss of the regiment in this battle was about two hundred and forty in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Colonel Davis was one of the wounded. On the retreat to the James river, the regiment, as part of Na^le's brigade, was engaged in holding in check the advance of the enemy, until Malvern Hill was reached. At the battle at this place it was not called into action. On reaching Harrison's Landing the regiment mustered four hundred and fifty-three officers and men. In December of 1862, the regiment was ordered on the expedition to Beau- fort, N. C, thence to Hilton Head, S. C, where it remained until the attack upon Morris island, under General Terry. At this time Colonel Davis was in command of the brigade, which was part of a detachment sent to James island to make a demonstration against Charleston by way of Secessionville. The brigade finally returned to Folly island, and on August 22d following was ordered to the trenches on Morris island, and details were made for battery and boat duty. In the subsequent movements against Charleston, the regiment was HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 361 actively engaged, but the attack on that city failing, it was returned to its camp at Hilton Head, and in July following was sent to Florida. A month later it was sent to the fortifications at Washington, where it remained until mustered out in September. In March of the year following, their colonel, W. W. H. Davis, was brevetted brigadier-general. A considerable number of the men composing the Fifteenth Cavalry regi- ment (Anderson's Cavalry) were enlisted from Bucks county. It was intended to have this body composed of the flower of the state. They were all young men, from almost every county, and were before being accepted put through a rigid examination as to intelligence and character, as well as physical fitness, and the result was an exceptionally fine body of men. Those from Bucks county were principally from the lower part. The regiment was at first commanded by Colonel William J. Palmer, of a Bucks county family, and was assigned for special service under the immediate command of General William S. Rosecrans in the department of the Cumberland, having first participated in the battle of Antietam before going to the western army. From the fall of 1862 until the close of the war the fifteenth participated in all the campaigns of the army of the Cumberland, and took part in the battles of Stone river and Chickaraauga, and saw much hard fighting in engagements in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, North and South Carolina. Among the Bucks county men in the regiment was Charles M. Betts, a native of Warminster township, a gallant soldier, who was wounded in a fight with Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. He enlisted as a private and afterAvard became colonel of the regi- ment. Anthony Taylor, from Bristol township, who also enlisted as a private, became first lieutenant in command of company A, and was commissioned cap- tain of company G. Lieutenants John Burton, George Headley, Edward W. Johnson, and ■ Patterson were also from Bristol ; James Paxson and John Harrison from Bensalem township ; Sergeants William Du Bree and Hough from Doylestown. The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth regiment was raised in response to Governor Curtin's call of July 21, 1862, for nine months' troops. Two com- panies, C and F, were raised in Bucks county, the former by Captain Samuel Croasdale, who became colonel, and who was killed at Antietam on September 17th, a month after the regiment had been mustered into service, which was done on August 15, 1862. The day following the regiment was ordered to Washington and was in camp at Arlington Heights for a week, moving on August 21st to Fairfax Seminary, and on the 29th to Fort Woodbury, where they were employed during the fierce fighting of Bull run and Chantilly in erecting fortifications. From there the regiment was ordered to Maryland, and on the 16th of September was at Antietam creek. General Hooker had already ofi'ered battle, and the regiment was led across the stream, where it rested for the night. Early the next morning it made a gallant charge on the enemy's lines, in which the brave Croasdale was instantly killed and Lieutenant- 362 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Colonel Hammersly severely wounded. This somewhat disheartened the new troops, but they rallied again and held their ground until relieved. The regiment's loss was terribly severe, having thirty-four killed and eighty-five wounded, six mortally. After this battle the regiment was in camp, drilling, and also in erecting fortifications, until December 10th, when it was ordered to Fredericksburg, which Burnside was making preparations to attack. This campaign ended fruitlessly, however, and the regiment did little but camp duty and marching, with some picket and guard duty, until the following May. On the night of the 2d of that month, when near Chancellorsviile, it was ordered out to the front, and next day was in a fight. Retiring at night to its camp, it fell into the hands of the enemy, who captured the colonel, lieutenant-colonel, five captains and two lieutenants, and two hundred and twenty-five men. The rest succeeded in reaching the Union lines, and were hotly engaged, losing several more out of their depleted ranks, which were now reduced to one hundred and seventy-two men. Its term of service expired on May 12th, and on the 19th it was mustered out at Harrisburg. Of the One Hundred and Thirty-eiglitli regiment one company (H) was re- cruited in Eucks county. It was originally raised for the nine months' ser- vice, but no more troops being wanted for that length of service its term was changed to three years. Company H was commanded by Captain Lazarus C. Andress, who died on November 12, 1863, of wounds received at Brandy Station four days previously. On August 26, 18G2, the regiment was mus- tered into the service, and was ordered to jMaryland. In June, 1863, the regiment was ordered into active duty, having previously been engaged in guarding railroads and in garrison duty. It was now assigned to guard the ammunition trains and ambulances until the latter part of October, when it was returned to its brigade. In the pursuit of Lee by Meade the regi- ment saw its first real fighting. It was here that Captain Andress was mor- tally wounded and several others of his company wounded by the same shell. In the Mine Run campaign the regiment was engaged at Locust Grove on November 27th, where it lost seven killed, fort^^-five wounded, and three missing. Its next encounter with the enemy was in "the Wilderness" in iNIay, 1864, where in its first two engagements it lost twenty-nine killed, ninety-four wounded, and thirty-five missing. From this time forward the regiment was constantly under fire, during that fierce summer campaign, but fortunately its losses were slight. Lieutenant Lewis of company I published a history of the campaigns of the regiment shortly after the close of the war, in which he gives an account of its gallant charge at Cold Harbor on June 1st, where it and the Sixth Maryland of the same brigade stormed the rebel works in face of a heavy fire and captured more men than were in their own ranks. In this and succeeding actions to the 11th instant the regiment lost sixty -eight men in killed, wounded, and missing. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 863 The next encounter with the enemy was on July 9th at IMonocacy, where Rickett's division was opposed to a vastly superior force under Early, and was compelled to retreat with some loss. The division, including the Thirty-eighth, was now assigned to the new department created for General Sheridan, and in the skirmishes at and about Fisher's Hill lost forty-six in killed, wounded, and missing. At Cedar creek, on October 19th, the regiment manfully held its place when others were falling back, and was instrumental in winning the great victory which was won on that day. In all the subsequent operations in Virginia culminating in the surrender of Lee the One Hundred and Thirty- eighth did its full share of duty and participated in all its glorious results. The regiment was mustered out at Washington on June 23, 1865. The One Hundred and Sixty-third regiment (Eighteenth cavalry) was re- cruited in many parts of the state, a good many coming from Bucks, but having no separate organization. Early in 1863 the i-egiment Avas sent into Virginia, picketing the line, guarding the defences of Washington, and watching Mosby's guerrillas. Their first encounter with rebel cavalry was when they with the rest of Kilpatrick's bold riders attacked Stuart, and kept him from joining Lee, Avho at that time was in sore need of his services on the historic field of Gettysburg. Kilpatrick by forced marches reached Gettysburg on the night of the 2d of July, and next day the Eighteenth was in hot strife, and rendered valiant service. Next evening it struck Ewell's wagon-train, capturing it, with a thousand prisoners and some artillery. Two companies of the Eigh- teenth the next day charged into Hagerstown to test the enemy's strength, but they being in full force in the side streets, and surrounding the little band, few ever returned. This regiment made for itself an enviable record, taking part, always in the most gallant manner, in all the movements of the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war. The One Hundred and Seventy-fourth regiment (drafted) was composed of drafted men, eight companies almost entirely from Bucks county and two from Northarnpton county. Its term of service was for nine months. It was or- ganized at Philadelphia in the beginning of November, 1862, and was ordered to Washington, thence to Suffolk. From there it was ordered to Newborn, North Carolina, where it arrived on January 6, 1863. The regiment was in- cluded in the forces ordered to support the army operating against Charleston, and reached Hilton Head on February 5th. It was put into camp on Helena island, and remained there until the 27th, when it was ordered to Beaufort, and later to Hilton Head, where it stayed until its term expired. It was mus- tered out on August 7, 1863. The One Hundred and Eighty-first regiment (Twentieth cavalry) was recruited in June and July, 1863, in pursuance of an order of the war de- partment to raise men for six months' service, at the time when Lee was making his demonstration against Pennsylvania, which ended with his disastrous defeat ■ 36i HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. at Gettysburg. A large number of its men were from Bucks county, but they preserved no independent organization, being found in every company in the regiment, which was composed of seven companies enlisted for six months, and five companies of "emergency men." Even prior to the organization of the regiment the different companies were called into active service, doing scouting and guard duty at and near Harris- burg, and on the road between that city and the places threatened by the enemy. When Lee was finally driven out of the state the regiment was organized and joined in the pursuit of the retreating rebels, capturing some prisoners and horses near Hagerstown. Shortly afterward the emergency men returned home, and some more six months' men were enlisted. The regiment was now stationed at different places, and but insignificant actions took place until the expiration of their term. JMany of the men desired to remain in the service until the end of the war, and the regiment was reorganized, recruited with men from different places, again some going from Bucks county. They were sent to Sigel's command in the Shenandoah, and actively partici- pated in all the movements of that commander, who was shortly after succeeded by General Hunter, who was in turn superseded by General Crook. In the almost daily skirmishes which took place, the regiment lost a few men every day. At Snicker's Gap, on July 18, 18G4, they lost fourteen men. At Winchester a few days later, in making a daring charge on the turnpike. Captain John C. Henry was killed. A few days later the eighteenth attacked Early at Ashby's Gap, and a fierce engagement ensued, in which the loss was one hundred and eight killed, wounded, and missing. In August, 1864, Sheridan was placed in command in the valley, and in all the brilliant after operations of that energetic commander the Eighteenth bore an honorable part. As Sheridan said of the division to which the Eighteenth was attached : " The courage displayed by the cavalry officers and men was superb." Down to the final surrender the cavalry was in constant motion, marching and fighting daily, and losing a large number of their men and officers in passing through this fiery ordeal. The regiment, sadly depleted, was mus- tered out on July 13th. The Two Hundred and Thirteenth regiment was recruited mainly in Phila- delphia, but contained, as did many others, men from Bucks county. It was organized on March 2d, 1865, and was at once sent to guard Camp Parole, at Annapolis, Maryland. Part of it was afterward assigned to guard a portion of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. In April it was assigned to the fortifications north of Washington, and was mustered out on November 18, 1865. The Two Hundred and Fifteenth regiment was the last one raised in the state. It was mustered into service in April, 1865, and was sent to do guard duty at various places on the Eastern Shore. In June it was doing garrison duty at Fort Delaware, and was mustered out on July 31st. Though a Phila- delphia regiment, many of the men were recruited in Bucks county. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 365 CHAPTER IX. FALLS TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF WORRISVILLE. AT that point in the course of the Delaware where it describes a bold curve and continues as the southern instead of the eastern boundary of Bucks county, a triangular area is partially inclosed, the aspect of which in many respects has not changed in the last two hundred years. This volume of water that forms the broad channel of the river has not perceptibly diminished ; the ebb and flow of the tide occur with the same unvarying regularity ; and the falls continue to be the barrier to up-river navigation. No upheaval of nature has disturbed the gradual swell of the land, as it recedes in the dis- tance from an observer on the Jersey shore. The landscape presents no features of special interest, if Turkey hill, a declivity of moderate elevation, be excepted. A number of small streams meander through its level extent, and eventually empty into the Delaware, without apparently increasing its volume. A summer visitor to this region at the present day, if accustomed to the sights and sounds of a prosperous and accessible farming region, would observe nothing remarkable in the appearance of its houses and other farm buildings, with the surrounding fields and orchards, or in the mingled pleasure and disagreeableness of a jaunt over its roads, as refreshing shade or blinding dust received the greater share of attention. But, however strong the resem- blance between this and other farming sections, and however commonplace its general features may appear, they possess a special significance, when regarded as the indications of what has transpired in the material development of this region, and of the changes that have marked the history of its people. Falls is pre-eminently rich in historic associations. The circumstances of its settlement possess an interest not merely local, but important in the history of the county. It has been claimed that the first settlement of Europeans in the state was made on an island at Morrisville by thie Dutch from New York in the early part of the seventeenth century ; and while this lacks confirmation, the fact is well authenticated that there was an overland route from the falls of Delaware to New York at an early period of colonial history. This route con- tinued down the river to the Swedish settlements, and thence to Maryland. It was recognized as the " King's path" in 1675, and its course was neaily identical with that of the turnpike from Morrisville to Philadelphia. No surveyor was consulted when the " path" was originally laid out, and no con- 866 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. stituted authority save the fundamental idea of public necessity" and conve- nience. But meagre as were the indications of its existence — the imprint of a horse's hoof in the yielding earth, a blazed tree, or other device easily under- stood by the astute pioneer — it probably influenced the early settlement of the county no less than the mighty river that guided the first adventurers to its shores. It thus occurred that the English crossed over from West .Jersey to the region about the falls several vears before Penn's arrival. And when the proprietor, in the first enthusiasm of his plans, looked about in quest of a site for his manorial residence, he decided in favor of the wide extended level lands between the "path" and the river. In close proximity to the manor was the triangular district of Crookhorn, the earliest seat of justice of the county, and in the near vicinity of both were the residences of Pemberton, Harrison, Biles, and others equally prominent in the affairs of the province. While the advantage of living near the governor influenced many in favor of the region about Pennsbury some of the early settlers were already living there before this inducement could have been offered. Among this num- ber were Joshua Boare, David Brinson, John Wood, William Biles, Robert Lucas, Gilbert Wheeler, Richard Ridgeway, Lionel Brittain, Samuel Darke, William Darke, Joseph Kirkbride, John Heycock, James Hill, John Acreman, and George Brown. Joshua Boare, husbandman, from Drainfield, Derbyshire, arrived in the seventh month, 1677, in the Martha, of Hull, Thomas Wildcup, master. Margaret, his wife, arrived the twenty-ninth of third month, 1679. He died in 1688, leaving a son, Joshua, born the twenty-ninth of fourth month, 1681. Daniel Brinson arrived from Membury, Devonshire, the twenty- eighth of seventh month, 1677, in the Willing 3Iind, of London. On the eighth of eighth month, 1681, he married Frances Greenleaf of East Jersey. The Shield, of Hull, Daniel Foos, master, brought John Wood, husbandman, of Sheffield, Yorkshire, who arrived at Burlington in the tenth month, 1678. His children were John, Joseph, Esther, Mary, and Sarah. His lands comprised a part of the site of Morrisville, and had a river front of one mile. The Indian title was extinguished by private purchase, July 15, 1682, at which time the name Greystone was applied to this tract. The will of John Wood is dated the twelfth of ninth month, 1692. His son Joseph, in 1717, petitioned the assembly for leave to establish a ferry across the river at the falls. William Biles, with his wife Jane, children— William, George, John, Elizabeth, Jo- hanna, Rebecca and Mary, and servants — -Edward Hancock and Elizabeth Petty, came from Dorchester in the Elizabeth and Sarah, landing the fourth of fourth month, 1679. He was also accompanied by his brother, Charles Biles, and both were extensive landed proprietors. Their titles were derived from Andros, the English governor of New York. William was an active citizen and a distinguished preacher among Friends. The first monthly meet- ing in the state was held at his house. He visited friends in New England in ^kiU kc V[ii\l (n HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 369 1G98, in Ireland in 1701, and in England in 1702. He represented Bucks in the provincial council and in the assen:ibly several times, and in 1700 Penn appointed him one of three judges of a " Court of Inquiry." He lived near the Dela^vare not far below Morrisvillc, where he died in 1710. Robert Lucas, of Deveral in Wiltshire, was a fellow-passenger with Biles. His wife, Eliza- beth, and children — John, Giles, Edward, Robert, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, and Sarah, did not arrive until seventh month; 1680. Three years later he ■was a member of assembly. John, the oldest son, died in 1719. Edward was supervisor of Falls "in 1730. Gilbert Wheeler, fruiterer, of London, ^vith Martha, his wife, children — William, Briant, and ]Martha, and servants — Charles Thomas, Robert Benson, and Catherine Knight, arrived in the ship Jacob and Mary the twelfth of seventh month, 1679. The first sessions of the court were held at his house. In 1685 he was a member of assembly. Richard Ridgeway, tailor, of AVellford in Berkshire, came in the same ship and at the same time as Wheeler. His wife Elizabeth, and children — Thomas and Richard — accompanied him. On the second of second month, 1686, he was licensed to keep " an ordinary." John Acreman, who is thought to have been a resident of Falls in 1678, was accidentally drowned the eleventh of third " month, 1690. Lionel Brittain, blacksmith, of Alney in Bucks, arrived in the fourth month, 1680. His wife, Elizabeth, accompanied him, and their daughter died when in sight of land. She was buried at Burlington. Samuel Darke, from London, arrived in the eighth month, 1680. He represented Bucks in the assembly of 1683. William Darke, from Camden, in Gloucestershire, probably his brother, arrived at the same time. These were all the families in Falls, prior to the arrival of Penn, of whom anything is known. The Welcome, with Penn and his company, sailed in September, 1682, and entered Delaware bay the twenty-fourth of the following month. Amono^ its passengers were John Rowland, his wife Priscilla, his brother Thomas, and Hannah Mogeridge, a servant, all from Billinghurst in Sussex. They had re- ceived grants from Penn for tliree thousand five hundred acres of land. Joseph Kirkbride was another of the proprietary company. He ran away from a master to whom he was apprenticed, at the age of nineteen, but found favor with Penn, and was employed by him for several years. Subsequently^ he rose to positions of influence, and became well-to-do for that day. He afterward returned to England, repaid his master for the time and service of which he had been deprived, and throughout his life was a consistent Friend. He married into the family of Mahlon Stacy, the founder of Trenton. The ship Sitbrnission, Captain James Settle, sailed from Liverpool the fifth of seventh month, 1682. The company consisted of fifty-two persons, among whom were Ralph Pemberton (aged seventy- two), Phineas Pemberton and Phoebe his wife, and their infant children, Abigail and Joseph ; Agnes Harrison (aged eighty-one), James Harrison, and Anne his wife, Robert Bond, 20 370 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. a youth entrusted to his care and tuition ; Lydia Whamsby, a domestic in his service, the two families being united by marriage, as Phineas Pemberton was James Harrison's son-in-law. They arrived at Choptank, Maryland, the thirtieth of eighth month, 1682. From thence they proceeded to their destina- tion, and thought to have met Penn at Newcastle, but the failure of the captain to enter the capes of Delaware prevented this. When they arrived at the present location of Philadelphia, so little of the appearance of a town did it present that it was impossible to obtain shelter for their horses. They " span- celled them and turned them out ii;to the woods," but after two days of fruit- less search, the party ascended the river in a boat. The horses were found the following month. Having selected land, they returned to their families at Chester, and there remained over winter. In the second month of the follow- ing year (1G83) they completed moving their goods from Choptank to the falls. Here Pemberton had selected a tract of three hundred acres, adjoining the river, to which he gave the name " Grove Place." About this time he was commissioned to several important offices in the new county of Bucks, and became a member of assembly. He was also the first postmaster in the county. In 1699 he removed to a place about five miles inland from the river, having suffered several times from a sickness thought to have been caused by the dampness in certain seasons at his former home, and there he died on the first day of the year 1702. The trusted friend of the proprietor, and the incumbent of important offices during his entire residence in this county, his death was regarded as a public calamity. James Harrison, to whom Penn had entrusted the management of his private estate, and whose talents and uprightness merited the confidence thus bestowed, died on the sixth of eighth month, 1687.* * His property was appraised the 13th of 8th month, 1G87. Among the articles of wearing apparel were one " bamillion jack-coat," " one pair of leather breeches," "stock- ins," one "new stuff ci-ate and wastcoat breeches." In the parlor there were a large round table, seven chairs, one dozen curtains, fire irons and tongs, and considerable calico, silk, and crape. In the "parlor chamber" there were "green curtains and wallins,' " pillow beds," " bolster cases," "blankets," " sheets," and other appurtenances of a bed- chamber ; also a "coulour'd rugg," an " old chest," napkins, and a roll of fustian. In the " house chamber" there was " a set of redd curtains," twenty-three " woman's hats," a " f ether bed," fustian, flannel, and other goods. In a second "house chamber," that occupied by Robert Bond, there were one "little doublet," one "little trunk," three " neckcloathes," six "handkerchief's," a "camlet crate," Bible, and other articles of boys' clothing. In the " old house" there are mentioned a " malt mill," "flockbed," "rugg," a cross-cut saw, chisels, hatchets, saddle pistols, bridles, stirrups, hacks and hinges, spades, cowhides, hammer and pincers, axe^, grubbing-hoes, wedges, planes, harrows, grinding- stone, hoes, augurs, etc. In the " clossit" there were three brass candlesticks, plates, pewter and lead. The " lean-to" contained a variety of articles, the list beginning with one "table cloth," and closing with the "old Bible," which was valued at five shillings, a " green rugg," " bcdstock cord," and " warming pan" being among the intermediate arti- cles. In " the house" proper, there were a "pair of large andirons," two "frying panns," HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 371 Both are buried at "The Point" burial ground, a plat of ground ten rods square on Grove Place farm, in which mauy of the Pemberton family have been interred. It is probably the oldest cemetery in the county. Among later accessions to the community were Ann Milcomb, a widow, from Armagh, Ireland, who arrived the tenth of tenth month, 1682, with Jane, Grace, and Mary, her children, and Frances Saunders, a servant, who was to serve four years and then receive fifty acres of land. Jane, one of the daughters, was married the eighth of sixth month, 1685, to Maurice Lelston, of Newcastle. John Palmer, of Cheadland, Yorkshire, arrived the tenth of ninth month, 1683, with his wife, Christiana. Joshua Strope, of Skelton, Yorkshire, arrived at the same time, with Isabel, his wife, Daniel, JMargaret, and Christiana, their children. He was a member of assembly in 1701. AVilliam Beakes, with his son Abraham, arrived in 1682 from Somersetshire, having previously received in England a grant for one thousand acres. In the same year William Venables arrived from Chathill in Staffordshire, with his wife, Elizabeth, and children, Joyce and Frances. He died the seventeenth of tenth month, 1684. At the time of Holmes's survey (1684) it appears that Falls was apportioned among no less than thirty landholders. Of the tracts adjoining the river, that of John Wood was farthest north, and thence in regular order were the lands of Daniel Brinsley, John Acreman, Richard Ridgeway, William Biles, Joshua Boare, Robert Lucas, Gilbert Wheeler, Wil- liam Biles, Samuel Darke, Daniel Gardner, John Luffe, Lionel Brittain, George Brown, James Harrison, and George Heathcote. In the second tier of farms, beginning at the Makefield line, were those of Geoffrey Hawks, Ann IMilcomb, Jonas Hill, John and Thomas Rowland, Thomas Wolfe, and Ralph Smith ; while the western row comprised the lands of William Darke, John Heycock, John Wheeler, Jonathan Witscard, Thomas Atkinson, and Thomas Rowland. a " four pound dripping pan," " iron mortar," two grid-irons, an equal number of "brass chafing dishes," one " spit," one " iron pott," four "skillitts," a " posnet," two "brass kettles," two " eopper potts," a "pair of old gobbarts," a barrel of tobacco ; in the "barnc," corn and hay valued at thirty-two pounds, one " cart and wheels," " horses geer," a "push plow," etc. His live stock is thus summarized: "The broken horn cow, the old red cow, and the heifer that has had one calf, two bullocks, one bull calf, and three others, eleven lambs, swine about twenty, great and small," but no horses are given. There were "two servant men," valued at twenty-one pounds, a full hogshead of rum, and other articles of a varied character. The aggregate value was three hundred and four pounds, two shillings, sixpence. Pemberton also left a respectable estate, consisting principally of " Grove Place," which was sold to Willoughby V^'arder for five hundred and fifty pounds, the farm of three hundred and fifty-four acres upon which he last resided, and which was left to his son Israel, who named the two divisions of it " Bolton" and "Wigan," about forty acres of land in Bristol, eight hundred acres in Wrightstown, a lot on High Street, Philadelphia, and his furniture, implements, bonds, etc., appraised at nine hundred and fifty-three pounds. 372 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTT. These lands constituted the township of Falls, as erected in 1692, when, as will be seen from the map, its shape was nearly rectangular, and the area less than half what it is at present. " Pennsbury, as its laid out," was constituted a separate township, but there is no evidence that it was recognized as such in the appointment of constables and supervisors, and it would seem that it be- came part of Falls without legal procedure. In September of the follow- ing year (1693) a constable and " surveyor of ways" were appointed for Crookhorn, that portion of Falls (as erected in 1692) between Pennsbury and the river at Biles island, in which the first court-house of the county was situ- ated. The name may have been suggested by the peculiar bend of the river at this place. Like Pennsbury, its political autonomy has long since ceased to exist. Even the name is no longer recognized in the locality to which it once applied. Time has been less rigorous with the name of Pennsbury, which will not be lost to memory so long as the traditions of the proprietor are cherished and the outlines of the manor retain popular significance. An inquiry into its his- tory reveals much of interest. The manor tract originally contained eight thousand, five hundred and thirty-one acres. Its first English owners were Thomas Hyde and Thomas Morl'ey, of the English navy, to whom it was granted in 1664 as the manor of Grirastead. It is probable that they failed to perform the conditions of the grant, for in 1672 Matthias Nicholas received the same lands. In 1675 they were purchased by Andros for the Duke of York, and in 1678 Andros, as governor of New York, conferred the tract in question upon Arnout De Grange, a merchant of that place. August 1, 1682, Markham purchased the manor from an Indian chief, whose right had not been consulted by previous grantees. It was then known as Sepessing, by which name Welcome creek appears upon Lindstrom's map of 1655. There was also an island of that name. Penn arrived November 8th of the same year, and the manor seems to have engaged his immediate attention. Before leaving England in 1681, Markham had been directed to select a site and build a manor house ; he had brought with him the frame-work, and probably other materials, and it is very likely the work of building was in progress when Penn arrived. It must have been pushed rapidly to completion, for in March, 1683, Friends' meetings were held " at the governor's house." On the twenty-first of fifth month, 1683, " at Pennsbury," the proprietor issued several commis- sions. No drawing of Pennsbury house has been preserved, and much that has been said in describing it is matter of inference and conjecture. Many impor- tant particulars may be gleaned from the Penn-Logan correspondence, and the researches of Mr. Fisher throw much light upon the subject. The mansion was of brick, two stories high,^with attic and cellar, a front of sixty feet to- ward the river, and an extension of thirty-five feet in the rear. There was a HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 373 ■wide balcony in front, with steps leading to the level of the lawn. The interior arrangement was roomy and convenient. There were parlors, dining-room, and drawing-room on the first floor, also a hall extending the full depth of the mansion. The roof was formed of tiles, and surmounted with a leaden reser- voir, the leakage from which caused the premature decay of the whole building. The offices and outhouses were on a line with the main edifice. The instruc- tions of Penn regarding them were as follows (the eighteenth of eleventh month, 1G84-85) : " I would have a kitchen, two larders, a wash-house, a room to iron, a hen-house, and a Milan oven for baking ; a stable for twelve horses ; all my rooms I would have nine feet high, and my stables eleven feet, and overhead half a story. What you can do, do with bricks. What you can't, do it with good timbers, and close them with clap-boards, about five feet, which will serve other things, and we can brick it afterwards." There is every reason to believe that these directions were minutely executed. The brew- house, which was removed in 1864, enjoyed a longer lease of life than any other of the buildings planned by Penn. Although nominally finished in 1683, the mansion proper lacked many essentials to completeness for years afterward. Immediately on his return to England, Penn ordered a new front door, because "the present one is most ugly and low." In 1685 he wrote, "finish what is built as fast as it can be done;" and in the following year, "pray, don't let the front be common." He wrote to Harrison in 1695, " Get window shutts [shutters], and two or three eating tables to flap down, one less than another, as for twelve, eight, five [persons]." He also says, "Get some wooden chairs of walnut with long backs, four inches lower than the old ones, because of cushions." The furniture in general was such as to harmonize with the character of the house, and of a style appropriate to the position of the governor. Much of it was brought from England. The old-fashioned clock, which ticked in the lives of several mem- bers of Penn's family, and possibly the advent of his government, but with equal alacrity registered the hour of its dissolution, is still preserved at the rooms of the Philadelphia library. The furniture of the first parlor consisted of "two tables, one pair stands, two great cane chairs, and four small do., seven cushions, four of them satin, the other three green plush, one pair brasses, brass fire shovels, tongs, and fender, one pair bellows, two large maps." The " best chamber" was furnished in the luxurious style of the period — a bed with satin curtains, six cane chairs, " two with twiggen bottoms," " four satin cushions," etc., and in the adjoining room was a suit of camblet curtains, with " white headcloth and testar." Among the necessary furniture were " two chairs of Master John's," and " one fallet bedstead." In the hall, besides the clock, there were a long table and " two forms of chairs." Among the table furniture were silver forks, a tea set, white and blue china, and a suit of Tun- d7i HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. bridge ware. Of the chairs, several are yet in existence, and various other relics of the old manor house are preserved in the cabinets of the curious. Penn was deeply interested in agriculture, and seems to have anticipated great pleasure from a life in the country. In writing to the Free Society of Traders, he says : " The air is sweet and clear, and the heavens serene, like the south part of France, rarely overcast." In the same document, referring to the vegetation, he says : " The w'oods are adorned with lovely flowers for color, greatness, figure, and variety. I have seen the gardens of London best stored with that sort of beauty, but think they maybe improved in our woods." His first impressions were thus expressed in a letter to Lord Culpepper, governor of Virginia : " I am mightily taken with this part of the world ; here is a great deal of nature which is to be preferred to bare art. I like it so well that a plentiful estate and a great acquaintance on the other side have no charms to remove ; my family being once fixed with me, and if no other thing occur, I am like to be an adopted American." To Colonel Henry Sidney he says : " I find the country wholesome ; land, air, and water good ; divers good sorts of fruits that grow wild, of which plums, peaches, and grapes are three ; also cedar, cypress, chestnut, and black walnut and poplar, with five sorts of oak — black and white, Spanish, red, and swamp oak, the most durable of all, the leaf like the English willow." The gardens were his especial care and attention. In the same letter to Sidney, he speaks of having written " a begging letter for a few fruit trees of the Lord Sunderland's gardener's raising, out of his rare collection, that by giving them a better climate we may share with you the pleasure of excellent fruit, the suc- cess of which I fear nothing of." Writing to Harrison from England, he says : " Let Ralph follow his gardens, and get the yards fenced in and doors to them. I have sent some walnuts for Ralph to set, and other seeds of our own that are rare good." In 1685 he wrote, " Haydust from Long Island, such as I sowed in my court-yard, is best for our fields." It has been surmised that this referred to clover, but the time is much too early. There seems to have been some difficulty in rendering the establishment self-sustaining. The proprietor thus wrote to Llarrison, his first steward : " I hear by R. Ingels that thou takest great care and pains about my husbandry. I believe it, and expected as much of thee, knowing thou art an upright man. Methinks you should be able to feed yourselves of the plantation with all but meat, and some part of the rent will answer that. I recommend to thee for the gardens and improvements of the lands, that ashes and soot are excellent for the ground, grass, and corn. Soot may be gotten in Philadelphia, I suppose, for the fetching. I suppose it should be served pretty thick ; for corn in spring not so thick. It's best for lowlands and such as are moist. Let me desire thee to lay down as much as thou canst with English grass, and plough up new Indian fields, and after a crop or two they may be laid down so too, for that feeds sheep, and that feeds HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 375 the ground, as well as they feed and clothe us." The grounds were laid out with much taste, a broad avenue lined with poplars led from the landing at the river to the front of the mansion, and about midway there was a terrace ascended by several steps. From the gentle eminence upon which the house was situated there was a fine view of the river and the Jersey shore. Unfortunately for the fond hopes of the proprietor, his plans for a life of quiet retirement in Pennsylvania were not to be realized. He was obliged to return to England in 1683, before the mansion was ready for his occupation, and dur- ing this first visit to the province resided at Philadelphia. December 10, 1699, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Letitia, he again arrived at Philadelphia, and shortly afterward at the manor, which was made the home of the family during the following two years. Here Penn lived with his cus- tomary activity, visiting the incipient metropolis in his barge, receiving with distinguishing courtesy and hospitality the magnates of adjoining colonies and his Indian friends, and attending to the details of his government. He intro- duced different varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, superior breeds of horses and cattle, and improved methods of farming. Of his domestic life few par- ticulars have been preserved. The household was presided over by John Sotchar, who succeeded Harrison as steward in 16»7. Hugh Sharp was gar- dener; Robert Beckhaus, man servant ; Mary Lofty, housekeeper; Ann Nichols, cook. There were also a German maid, Dorothy jMuUers, and several negroes, among them, John the coachman, his wife, Parthena, Dorcas, Sue, and " Old Sam." Stephen Gould was the proprietor's private secretary. Supplies of food were obtained from Philadelphia, principally through James Logan. On one occasion Penn wrote : " Fail not to send up a flitch of our bacon, and by all means chocolate if to be had, and a cask of middlings flour from Samuel Carpenter's, or J. Norris, and some coffee berries, four pounds ; some flat and some deep earthen pans for milk and baking, which Betty Web can help thee to, and a sack of Indian meal. Search Lumley's good for an ordinary size side-saddle and pillion, and some coarse linen for towels." This was in August, 1700. The next month he again wrote to Logan : " We want some beer, hav- ing not a ([uarter of a pint in the house among so many workmen ; best in bottles sealed down, or it may be drawn and mixed." There is other evidence that the cellars were well stocked with cider, sherry, and claret. The family enjoyed t-he usual travelling facilities of the period. Horseback riding seems to have been in great favor, judging from the number of saddles and pillions referred to in the inventory. Among the horses were " Silas" and the " ball nag, Tamerlane." There were a coach, calash, and sedan chair ; and in 1700 Penn urged the justices to have the roads to Philadelphia and the bridges over Pennypack and Poquessing repaired. The river was the best highway, and in 1700 he had a barge made for his own use. This seems to have been highly valued, as in the letter he says : " But above all dead things my barge, I hope 376 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. nobody uses it on any account^ and that she is kept in a dry dock or at least covered from the weather." A good story of the barge is thus related by •Janney : " When passing in his barge between Philadelphia and Pennsbury, he frequently stopped at Burlington to see Governor Jennings, of New Jersey, who was also an eminent minister among the Friends. On one occasion Jennings and some of his friends were enjoying their pipes, a practice which the gentle- manly Penn disliked. On hearing that Penn's barge was in site, they put away their pipes that their friend might not be annoyed, and endeavored to conceal from him what they were about. lie came upon them, however, some- what suddenly, and pleasantly remarked that he was glad to see they had suf- ficient sense of propriety to be asliamed of the practice. Jennings, rarely at a loss for an answer, rejoined that they were not ashamed, but desisted to avoid hurting a weak brother." The great event in the household was the birth of John Penn, the thirty- first of eleventh month, 1699. In a letter written at this time, Isaac Korris says : " The governor's wife and daughter are well ; his wife is extremely well-beloved ; their little son is a lovely babe." Deborah Logan in her youth heard from an old woman in Bucks county that she " went when she was a girl with a basket containing a rural present to the proprietor's mansion and saw his wife, a delicate pretty woman sitting beside the cradle of her infant." Tlie manor house was .the place of meeting for Friends, and was the scene of several weddings. John Sotchar and jMary Lofty, steward and housekeeper, united their fortunes by marriage, October 16, 1701, the governor, his wife, and daughter being among the witnesses. Letitia Penn made a present of a chest of drawers to the bride. Tlien the provincial council met here during the summer of 1700, and with Indian visitors and others there was a degree of social activity to which the colony was yet a stranger. The residence at Pennsbury was destined to be of short duration, however ; and in November, 1701, Penn sailed for England, never to return. The inter- ests of his government were much endangered by a proposed act of parliament to annex the colonies to the crown. He was equal to the emergency, and con- tinued to cherish the plans of his life regarding Pennsbury. In addressino- the assembly before his departure, he declared that his heart was araont? his people, that he had " promised himself the quietness of a wilderness," and was resolved to return and live among them again. In 1712, in a letter to the coun- cil, he says : " I purpose to see you if God gives me life this fall, but I grow old and infirm, yet would gladly see you once more before I die, and my youno- sons and daughters also, settled upon good tracts of land for them and theirs after them, to clear and settle upon as Jacob's sons did. I close when I tell you that I desire fervent prayers to the Lord for continuing my life that I may see Pennsylvania once more before I die." His health was at this time seriously impaired, and his mind, under the influence of disease, had lost that vigor '^S/" -^-. ^ HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. 379 and retentiveness with which it was accustomed to act. He negotiated with Queen Anne for the sale of his proprietary rights, and although a one-sixth payment had been made, the sale was set aside when his illness became appa- rent. After six years of sickness, through which his religious principles sus- tained him more than any other agency, he died in England in 1718, and is buried at Chalfont St. Giles. The manor-house became the repository of all the personal effects of the Penn family which remained in this country after their departure (1701). Two chambers were furnished, one for the steward upon his visits, the other for any member of the family who might care to return to it. William Penn, Jr., visited the place in 1704, and was warml}' welcomed by the Indians. The property remained untenanted for years, and was removed prior to the revolu- tion. It was frequently visited by travellers, and was the scene of many In- dian conferences. The last great Indian gathering here occurred May 9, 1735. James Logan, Jeremiah Langhornc, Joseph Kirkbride, Israel Pemberton, and other prominent figures in colonial affairs were present. The natives were re- presented by Lapawinzo, Nutimus, Lesbeconk, and Teshekoman. Portraits of the two last named are in existence and were taken here. John Penn was the last of the family who resided at the manor, and also the last incumbent of the proprietary prerogatives. He died in February, 1795. The site of the manor-house and three hundred acres adjoining were purchased in 1792 by Robert Crozier, in whose family it remained nearly a century. The present owner is George Warner, Esq., of PhiladeliDhia. Of the results of the first proprietor's labors, the last vestige, the stump of an old and gnarled cherry tree, was removed several years ago ; a substantial farm-house occupies the site of the mansion ; the broad avenue, lined with tall poplars, is no more to be seen ; the shrubbery and flowers, culled from nature's richest catalogue, exist only in a line or two of history, and imagination's utmost effort fails to form an idea of gracefully winding paths and beautiful lawns where now only fields of tobacco or corn are found. The whistle of a steamboat disturbs the quiet of the place, and numbers of people pass it every year with a look of not more than passing interest, ignorant that it was once the home of the founder of the commonwealth that bears his name. In the annals of American military history, two natives of Falls, Jacob Brown and Charles Ellet, deserve honorable mention. General Brown was born May 9, 1775, of Quaker parentage. He became a soldier under peculiar circumstances. Upon the opening of hostilities in 1812, he presented himself before the secretary of war, and desired to engage in the military service as commander of a brigade. The offer of his services was declined. He was commissioned brigadier- general by the governor of New York, and notwith- standing his inexperience, subsequently became commanding-general of the armies of the United States. Charles Ellet was born in 1810. He became 380 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. distinguished as a civil engineer, and devised the construction of the iron-clads which proved so formidable in the civil war. Falls is one of the most thickly populated sections in the county. The census of 1880 shows a population of two thousand three hundred and eighty- five in the township, and in the borough of Morrisville nine hundred and sixty- eight. The latter is the largest town in the southeastern part of the county. Its site was originally owned by John Wood, and its earliest name was " Col- vin's ferry," Patrick Colvin being then proprietor of the landing on the Pennsylvania shore (1772). At this time there was also a grist-mill located here, known as the " Delaware Works." Colvin continued as ferryman a score of years. Robert Morris gave to the place his name and its early impetus. He is said to have built a number of houses, enlarged the mills, and projected extensive manufactures. He built a beautiful and commodious residence, fronting upon the river and Green street (then known as the post-road), but became involved financially, and the property was sold in 1798. It was pur- chased by George Clymer and Thomas Fitzwater, who took measures to prac- tically demonstrate its eligibility as a site for a town. Streets were laid out and lots sold. With subsequent additions to the town plat, it has expanded to its present proportions. North of Green street and parallel with it, the prin- cipal streets are known as Gordon, AVood, ]\Iorris, Union, Palmer, Dana, Cedar, and Bridge. The latter is a continuation of the Trenton city bridge. The only intersecting continuous thoroughfares are Mill street and the turnpike. It does not appear that much effort was made to preserve regularity or give the town a symmetrical form. The canal, railroad, and river have prevented this to some extent, but these disadvantages might have been overcome. Morrisville was erected into a borough in 1804, and is the oldest incorporated town in the county, with a single exception. The northern limit of the borough is identical with the township line of Lower Makefield ; it extends about a half mile inland from the river. Several branches of industry are in active opera- tion, the principal manufacturing establishment being the Morrisville rubber works, which occupy the site of the stable of General Jean Victor Maria Mo- reau, the last occupant of the Morris mansion. A large proportion of the working people find employment in Trenton, of which Morrisville is virtually a suburb. They are connected by the Trenton city and Morrisville bridges. The former is an iron structure erected within comparatively recent years. The original structure was built in 1859-61, at a cost of seventy thousand dollars. It was one thousand three hundred feet in length. Its erection was begun by Bennett & Carlisle, who failed in business, and was finished by Prior & Reeder. The timbers were cut in the interior of Pennsylvania, and were re- garded at the time as the finest ever brought to the city of Trenton. The principal movers in the enterprise were Bucks county farmers, who thought the tolls excessive as charged by the old bridge, and desired a more convenient HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 381 entrance into the city. The bridge was opened to the public late in the summer of 1861. It was destroyed by fire in June, 1884, and rebuilt as at present, in the following summer. The Morrisville bridge is probably the most com- plete, substantial, and expensive structure that spans the Delaware. It com- bines the requirements of a foot-walk, wagon-way, and railroad bridge, and is crossed daily by hundreds of foot-passengers, wagons, and railroad trains. It was completed in 18T6. Its predecessor was not devoid of historic inte- rest. It was one thousand one hundred feet long and thirty-six feet wide, consisting of five arches supported on wooden piers. The floor was connected with the arches by perpendicular iron rods. It was begun in 1804, completed in 1806, and opened to travel January 20th of that year, with ceremonies worthy of the event. A salute of seventeen guns was fired in honor of the occasion, as Governor Bloomfield and a large concourse of people marched across from Trenton. When the bridge was in course of construction, a flood of more than ordinary height induced the projectors to make the piers one-fourth higher than had been contemplated. The advantage of this was seen in the freshet of 1841, when a number of bridges from points further up the river passed under the Trenton bridge without serious damage to it. In 1851, an addition was built, and the tracks of the Philadelphia & Trenton railroad laid into Tren- ton. The architect of the original structure was Theodore Burr, and its cost one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. Tullytown and Fallsington are about equal in size and importance. The former is situated near the river, partly in Bristol township. It is a railroad station on the Pennsylvania railroad, comprises about fifty houses, several stores, and the usual industrial features of a country village. Fallsington is an inland village and the radiating point of nine different public roads. No active manufacturing business is carried on except that incident to villages in farming communities. The population is largely composed of retired farmers, and the place has an atmosphere of wealth and culture. Oxford Valley is a small village on the dividing line between Falls and Middletown townships. Tyburn and AVheatsheaf are stations on the Pennsylvania railroad. There was once some prospect of the national capital being located within the limits of Falls township. The federal district would have included the site of Morrisville, which location was decided upon by resolution of congress in 1783. This was intended as a compromise between the claims of New York and Philadelphia. In 1784 commissioners were appointed and empowered to lay out the proposed district and take measures for the erection of public buildings. Washington was asked for his advice, which was not favorable to this action on the part of congress, and the matter was dropped. A circumstance of more than ordinary interest in the history of Falls is the fact that the first meetings of Friends in the state were held within its limits. Samuel Smith thus speaks of this : " Meetings for w'orship were very early 382 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. established about the Falls, even before the land bore the name of Pennsyl- vania," and the Friends who were settled from Bristol upward used to attend the meetings for business at Burlington. Their own meetings for worship were held at the houses of some of the inhabitants, viz., William Yardley, James Harrison, Phineas Pemberton, William Biles, William Darke, Lionel Brittain, William Beake, etc. The first Falls meeting-house was built in 1690, at Fallsington. Falls monthly meeting was established at the house of William Biles, the second day of the third month, 1683. The land upon which the meeting-house stood was the gift of William Penn. It is described as a brick structui-e twenty by twenty-five feet, with a wooden chimney and gallery. This meeting is still one of the largest and most important in the county, and was the only religious society in the township for many years. Methodism was introduced into Morrisville some time in the early part of this century. A class was formed at Fallsington in 1818, with James Lippincott as leader. Preaching was held at the houses of Mr. Lippincott, John Crozier, and Samuel Bories, who were its principal members. Among the early preachers were Henry King and David Bartine. The class at Morrisville was formed in 181S-20, with Edmund Yard as leader. Eventually, both classes became extinct. About the year 1840 several families from Philadelphia removed to Morrisville and connected themselves with the Green street church in Trenton. A class was again formed at the former place, with Joseph Adams as leader. In 1842 a protracted revival was held by Reverend Charles Whitecar, of Trenton, in the Morrisville school-house. The class was divided and placed under the leadership of Ebenezer Barwis and William Kitson. Public services were continued in the school-house by Richard Hammil, of Trenton. In 1844, Morrisville was made an appointment on Attleboro' circuit, with John W. Arthur and Peter Hallowell as preachers. This arrangement continued until 1860, when it became a station, with N. INL Brown as pastor. Among his successors were Nicholas McComa, D. M. Gordon, C. J. Crouch, J. B. Quigg, Frank Gilbert, David Shields, and J. S. Wilson, the present incumbent. A church building was erected in 1850. Fallsington church was built in 1866. The dedicatory services were conducted by Reverend Joseph Mason. It is a frame structure, thirty by forty-five feet, with a seating capacity of two hun- dred. The cost was about three thousand dollars. The first pastor was Reverend C. H. McDermond, who was also instrumental in organizing the TuUytown church. In 1866, by request of Mr. George W. CuUen, he preached in Temperance hall. At the close of service a class was formed, with Mr. Cullen as leader. Reverend Oscar R. Cook was appointed pastor in 1873, when the church numbered fourteen. During his incumbency, a beautiful stone church building, surmounted with a handsome stone cupola, was built at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The society numbered sixty members. The Christian church of Tullytown was organized in 1821 by Frederick HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 383 Plummer, of Philadelphia, who preached in school-houses and groves. In 1822 the church building now occupied was erected. Upon Mr. Plummer's resigna- tion, in 1850, he was succeeded by his nephew, Evan H. Plummer. Among his successors were William Lane, Philip Hank, William Robison, Philetus Roberts, E. E. Mitchell, and others. At present (1887) the church is without a regular pastor, but the pulpit is supplied by clergymen from neighboring points. The Presbyterian church of Morrisville was organized in September, 1860, prior to which services were held in an old stone building on the canal by Reverend Mr. Morris, of Newtown. Reverend James H. Callan was called as pastor by the first session, composed of James H. Farrand and George G. Roney, elders, and I. V. Smith and Hutchinson Moon, trustees. In 1863 a church building was erected on Union street. Mr. Callan was pastor, 1860-68 ; Andrew Tully, 1863-69 ; Henry Swenerton, 1869-71 ; Robert S. Manning, 1871-74 ; M. L. HoiFord, 1879 — . Samuel Roberts, of Trenton, was superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with this church for fifteen years. Messiah church (Advent), Morrisville, was organized in 1850 by Dr. Josiah Litch, of Philadelphia, who placed it under the care of Reverend J. P. Farrar. Succeeding pastors have been J. W. Daniels, M. L. Bentley, W. H. Swartz, J. D. Boyer, J. A. Heagy, Eldred, Isl. L. Jackson, J. T. Lanning, D. I. Robinson, H. P. Cutter, and others. J. W. Cain, who resigned in 1882, was the last regular pastor. The church buikling on Wood street was erected in 1850. It is a frame structure of modest but substantial appearance. During Mr. Eldred's administration a revival of some length was held at Wheat Sheaf. A congregation was formed in 1866-67, and a house of worship secured. These churches have usually been associated under the same pastoral care. An Episcopal chapel at Fallsington completes the number of churches in the township. In 1885, Falls sustained ten schools, at a total expenditure of nearly five thousand dollars. The length of the annual term is nine months. Schools were established by the Friends shortly after their settlement, and were con- ducted under denominational auspices until the introduction of the public-school system. The Falls Library Company was organized in 1800, and has sus- tained a continuous existence to the present time. It exerts a strong influ- ence in the direction of general intelligence, culture, and refinement. An institution of this character cannot fail to benefit the community from which it receives the generous support apparent in this instance. 384 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER X. THE TOWKSHIP AND BOROUGH OF BRISTOL. THE lands between the manor of Pennsbury and Neshaminy creek, com- prehended in Bristol township at the time when it was erected in 1692, were originally seated by twenty individuals, viz., William Clark, Richard Noble, Jacob Pelisson, Samuel Allen, James Boyden, John Swart, John Spencer, Thomas Holme, Edmund Bennet, Griffith Jones, Francis Richard- son, Christopher Taylor, William Haige, Thomas Bowman, Thomas Rudyard, William Dungan, Mordecai Bowden, Clement Dungan, Thomas Dungan, and Richard Lundy. Clark received his grant from Governor Andros in 1679. It was located at the mouth of Neshaminy creek, and comprised three hundred and nine acres. He died in 168-3, when his widow, Ann Clark, succeeded to this property. Richard Noble, who was appointed first sheriff of Bucks county in 1682, owned an extensive tract adjoining Clark's on the Delaware. He landed at Salem, New Jersey, May 1-3, 1675, and settled west of the Delaware v.'ithin a few years afterward. He was a surveyor, and held office under the Duke of York. Samuel Allen resided near the Neshaminy about a mile from its mouth. The marriage of his daughter Martha to Daniel Pegg occurred here on the 22d day of the second month, 1686 ; this is one of the first cere- monies of this character known to have occurred in the township. Pegg's run and a street in Philadelphia derive their names from one of the par- ties most interested in this occasion. James Boyden lived on the Neshaminy near Allen. He was (in 1682) one of the first representatives in the assembly from Bucks county. It is said that this was one of the old Swedish families who settled on the Delaware years before the inception of Penn's colonization scheme. The following incident is related of a young girl whom the Boydens adopted and reared, and may serve to illustrate certain phases of life at this period : " It was her business to tend the cattle out of the swamps. One rainy time she was lost, and wandered in the wet three days and nights until too weak to go farther, when she lay down and cried. An Indian heard her, and carried her home. She always retained a peculiar friendship and esteem for the natives, having learned their language in her infancy." Captain Thomas Holme, a member of the Society of Friends, was commis- sioned surveyor-general the 18th day of the 2d month, 1682, in which capacity HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 385 he prepared and published a map of the seated lands of the province. He owned all the land in the vicinity of Newportville, and eastward along the Middletown line, a distance of several miles. The township line roads were laid out by him prior to 1695, in which year he died. The tracts of Spencer and Swart extended eastward from the Neshaminy, between those of Holme and Boyden. John Otter's lands adjoined the creek that bears his name. Christopher Taylor, an educated gentleman, and a convert to Quakerism in 1652, emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1682 from Yorkshire, England. He was a member of the first assembly. His son Israel was granted two hundred and fifty acres in right of his father in 1692. The latter died in 1696. Edmund Bennett was an early and also an extensive land-owner, but lived in Northamp- ton. Richard Lundy, who married Elizabeth Bennet, came to the Delaware from Boston the 19th day of the 3d month, 1682, but settled in Falls, although he owned land in Bristol. William Haige's five hundred acres adjoined the lands of Taylor. The Dungans — Thomas, Clement, and William — were from Rhode Island.- The first grant was made to William on the 4th day of the 6th month, 1682. His father, the Reverend Thomas, and brother, Clement, fol- lowed him from Rhode Island with other Welsh families. It is probable that the Dungans left Bristol, and removed to Northampton before the close of the century. All of these tracts were rectangular in shape, and extended inland from the river nearly the entire breadth of the township. With many of the first owners, purchases were not made with settlement in view, and as a trans- fer did not involve the sacrifice of a prospective home, a number of tracts passed into other hands within a few years. The lands of Otter, Bennet, and Jones were sold to Samuel Carpenter in 1683, and he thus became the largest landed proprietor at that time. Carpenter was a Philadelphia merchant and ship-owner, and amassed considerable wealth in the Barbadoes trade. He was the richest man in the province in 1700. He was a member of the council and assembly, treasurer of the province, and otherwise prominent in colonial afi'airs. He made his residence at Bristol during the last years of his life, and died in 1714. In these brief statements regarding the people who first made this township their home is comprehended their recorded history ; and however in- teresting an extended account of their experiences as pioneers might be to the reader, ihe long vista of intervening years since their active existence effect- ually precludes the recovery of such details as form the essential features of a connected narrative. The influx of population into this locality must have been considerable ; which is sufficiently indicated by the fact that a market town was considered necessary for the comfort and convenience of the community not many years after its first settlement. The selection of sites for towns was among the ear- liest projects of the colonists along the Delaware ; and the elevated flat on the ritrht bank of the river at the mouth of Mill creek presented peculiar advan- 386 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. tages, which did not escape the uotice of the more enterprising and far-seeing men of the county. At this time there were but two towns in the province, Philadelphia and Chester. The propriety and feasibility of a third being laid out were considerations of greater importance than would enter into the calcula- tions of the founder of a prospective town at the present time. The project was brought to the notice of prominent men in the colony, and being received with favor, a petition was presented to the provincial council at a meeting of that body June 10, 1695, at the house of Phineas Pemberton in Falls, Governor Markham, Samuel Carpenter, Joseph Growdon, Caleb Pussey, and Phineas Pemberton being present. It was shown that the county- had as yet no market town ; that for this purpose the ferry opposite Burlington was regarded as a good location ; that ways and streets had been projected there, " having regard to the division of divers men's lands," and therefore requesting the governor and council, if the proposed location should be approved, to alter or confinn the streets ; grant a weekly market ; the liberty of wharfing and building to a con- venient distance into the river and creek ; that every street terminating at the banks should be a public landing ; that the buildings on the bank might be so regulated as to leave sufficient space for a street at the water's edge ; that the major part of the inhabitants might have power to appoint two or more of their number to see that these regulations were observed ; and also that a proper officer be appointed to seal liquid and dry measures. The authorities thus consulted were pleased to regard this as " verie reasonable," and gra- ciously consented to the proposed action on the part of the " inhabitants and owners of land in the county of Bucks, but more especially in the township of Bucks." Phineas Pemberton was directed to prepare a draft of the town, and John White appointed " sealer" agreeably to the terms of the petition. The survey was probably made the same year (1797) ; and with this date the chronological record of the oldest town in Bucks county may be said to begin. In the two centuries less one decade that have elapsed since that time, many things have occurred which may interest the present generation in their recital, and are well worthy of preservation for their intrinsic value. The importance of the place in the first quarter of the last century was de- rived in great measure from the location here of the seat of justice for the county. Court was held here from 1705 to 1725. The first court-house, a two-story brick building with whipping-post attached, was built in 1705. The upper floor was used as a court-room, the lower one as a prison. This build- ing was situated on Cedar street, and the lot extended to Radcliffe. Upon the removal of the county-seat to Newtown in 1725, John De Normandie purchased the property ; it was transferred by him to the borough in 1772. The second floor was adapted for use as a council chamber, and the lower room used as a school-room and for the holding of elections. The burgess and council sold the property to William Kinsey in 1834, when it was removed. ouyyt) HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 889 The fairs and markets contributed not a little to the ' early importance of Bristol. Two fairs yearly were authorized by the charter, the first to be held on the 8th and 9th days of May, the other from the 29th to the 31st day of October, and their management was intrusted to the burgesses. The first men- tion of fairs in the borough records occurs in 1742, when Market street was decided upon as the place for the fair to be held. The rental of booths was regulated in 1747. Cattle were first exposed for sale in 1759, when they were advertised at the expense of the council. This made the fairs a greater centre of attraction than ever before. As early as 1773, there appears to have been considerable dissatisfaction among the inhabitants, and the council passed a resolution requesting the assembly to annul that clause in the charter in virtue of which fairs were held. They were continued twenty years longer, however, but in 1796, by act of the legislature, were discontinued. The building of a market-house was agitated as early as 1753, when William Buckley and John Abram DeNormandie were appointed to secure subscriptions for that purpose. At a meeting of council, December 8, 1759, the question of a location was sub- mitted, but no decision was made, and Councilman Alexander Graydon, who was absent, was asked to decide the matter. It does not appear whether he did so or not, but in 1760 the council selected for a site the middle of Mill street at the intersection of Cedar. It was finally built in 1768, but blown down in the winter of 1773-74. John and Charles Bessonett superintended its re-erection on the same site. In the autumn of 1790, William Mcllvaine, John Hutchinson, Archibald McElroy, Phineas Buckley, and Pierson Jlitchell, a committee appointed to select a better location, reported in favor of the square at the crossing of Market and Cedar streets, whither the market-house was forthwith removed. It is probable that nearly all the buying and selling of staple goods in the county were done through the medium of the market and fairs for some years, until the growth of stores and shops at other points eventually deprived them of their former usefulness. The " ferry against Burlington" was regarded as of sufiicient importance to influence the location of the town. The river was at that time and for many 3'ears afterward of much greater advantage to the towns along its banks than at present. It was in 1697 the only means of communication with the outside world. This ferry was established by Samuel Clift ; and upon his death in April, 1684, his executor, William Biles, leased the ferry-house for two years to Michael Hurst. The ferry was recognized by the provincial council in 1709, upon petition of John Sotcher, who owned the landing on the Pennsylvania side. The assembly of New Jersey passed a similar act in 1714. The first mention concerning it in the town records occurs in the minutes of a meeting held May 28,1750, when a complaint was made that the public suffered " great inconvenience, and that therefore some measure for regulating the said ferry and preventing those inconveniences is of absolute necessity." It appeared 21 390 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUKTY. that the sense of the meeting " without a dissenting voice" was that the ferry was the undoubted right of the corporation, which should therefore receive possession from the tenant. The records further state : " Patrick O'Hanlan being called in and required to hold the same as a tenant under this corporation has consented thereto and has agreed with this present town's meeting for the use thereof for one year commencing the first day of April past at the rent of twelve pounds per annum." It would seem from subsequent developments that this arrangement was not advantageous to Mr. O'Hanlan. It appears that in September, 1753, he was in debt for the rent of nearly two years. Ennion Williams, the borough treasurer, was directed to call upon him and compel pay- ment, if necessary. O'Hanlan appeared before the counsel in person, and stated that his profits did not amount to six pounds in the past year. He was allowed an abatement ; and that the business might be made more remunera- tive, the following schedule of rates was adopted : " Single foot passengers, six pence, two persons at the same time, four pence, and three or more, three pence each ; a single horse and rider, one shilling, and any greater number, nine pence ; a single ox, one shilling three pence, and any greater number, one shilling; sheep, two pence each, hogs (alive), six pence; dead, three pence ; four wheeled carriages, with two horses and one person, five shillings ; two wheeled carriages with a single horse and one person, two shillings and six pence ;" and in every case the rates were increased one-half after ten o'clock at night. This code of regulations remained in force under successive lessees for many years. The Bath springs, which were known to exist as early as 1700, gave Bristol a wide celebrity and made it the most fashionable watering-place in this country. The local prominence it had for a short time maintained in legal circles was thus relinquished in favor of a central position amono- the pleasure resorts of cultured and wealthy people. What Saratoga and New- port are to society to-day, Bristol was three generations ago. The water is chalybeate in character, and was resorted to for its medicinal properties by persons from all parts of the country. Leading medical men, amoncr others Dr. Benjamin Rush, have pronounced it to be efficient in the treat- ment of certain diseases, and at one time it enjoyed considerable reputa- tion. Doctor Minnick, who owned the grounds in 1807, erected the laro-e frame building, still standing, for the accommodation of guests at the springs. Among those who patronized him were many distinguished men. The favor- able issue of the war of 1812 was celebrated by a national ball at the springs. A number of military and naval ofiicers were present, and also the representa- tives of several foreign countries. Doctor Gill, a Frenchman, lived on the property in retirement after its celebrity as a watering-place began to decline. He was a member of the medical staff of the first Napoleon and accompanied him on his campaigns to Egypt and Russia. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 891 While thus a noted place of residence for families of wealth and social posi- tion, a number of distinguished persons have from time to time lived here permanently. The famous actor, Thomas A. Cooper, was among this number; also Major Kneas, U. S. A., Captain Biddle, U. S. N., Major Lenox, Pierce Butler, James SimeEnto, Don DeOnis, Augustus Claudious, Baron Ludwig, Antoni Farcy Piquet, the DeNormandies, and others. SimeEnto was the Spanish minister. He lived on Radcliffe street in the house owned by Charles Fenton. It is related that he built a miniature fort at the foot of his grounds facing the river, upon which two small brass cannons were mounted. There were two sets of halyards upon the flagstaffs, one for the flag of Spain and the other for the national colors of this country. On a certain fourth of July occasion, William Gosline, who had charge of the munitions of war, was directed to run up the flags. He did so in such a way as to place the stars and stripes above the flag of Spain. SimeEnto inquired with some surprise .why they were not run up together, upon which Gosline replied, " His country's flag first, and those of others afterward," a sentiment which his master was generous enough to appreciate. He was recalled after some years and succeeded as minister by Don DeOnis, who took up his residence on Radcliife street, and laid out the grounds adjoining with care and taste. It is said that the marriage by proxy of his daughter and a Spanish army officer was the first ceremony so performed in this country. It occurred at high noon in both countries, Father Hogan, of Philadelphia, officiating at Bristol. Augustus Claudious, the German consul at Philadelphia, Baron Ludwig, of Prussia, and Captain Piquet, of the French navy, as the representatives of their respective governments, added much to the wealth and respectability of the community. It is said that Joseph Bonaparte, upon his arrival in America in 1816, was very favorably impressed with several properties in the vicinity of Bristol, one of which he might have purchased but for the fact that the laws of the state prohibited a foreigner from acquiring real estate. The DeNormandies,, who were once promiuently identified with aifairs in Bristol, were descended from Andri, who was born at Geneva in 1651, and emigrated in 1706 with his two sons John Abram and John Anthony. The family is no longer represented in this locality. Several houses of the ante-revolutionary period have survived the condition of society under which they were built. Of the three oldest in existence at present, one, a brick building, is situated at the foot of Wood street on land belonging to John McGinley. It was occupied at one time by William Davis, a ship-builder, who built some of the fastest sailing vessels of his day. The house now owned by John McOwen on Mill street is thought to have been one of the first brick bdildings erected in the borough. Another old house, which has been demolished in the present year (1887), was that of Mrs. Closoon, adjoining her hotel on Mill street. It must have been a house of some note, 392 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. for the assessed valuation as given in an old record was three hundred and fifty pounds, the highest sum assessed upon any of the fifty-three houses in Bristol at tliis day. Mr. John Gosline, chief burgess for many years, a large land- owner, and prominent free-mason, lived here at the beginning of the century. These three houses are supposed to have been built prior to 1720, in which year the borough charter was granted. Among other old buildings are the Friends' meeting-house at the corner of Market and Wood streets, and the house of Richard Corson, which was built in 174.5 as a work-house, on the Beaver Dam road. The oldest hotel in the borough is the Delaware house. It was originally opened as the " George the Third," in 1765, by Charles Bessonett, a Frenchman, who settled at Bristol as early as 1730. A company of Yankee troops passed through the town at the outbreak of the revolution, and upon seeing the name of the royal sovereign against whom they were in rebellion emblazoned in so conspicuous a manner, they opened fire upon the unfortunate sign and did not desist until it was riddled with bullets. Mr. Bessonett's next device was a fountain, and was received with popular favor. John Bessonett succeeded his father, and changed the name to that which it now bears. His son John also became proprietor. The elder Bessonett established the first line of stage-wagons from Philadelphia to New York. His advertisement was as follows : " Unparalleled speed ; from Philadelphia to New York in two days, fare four dollars. Comfort and safety assured." He was assessed in 1785 for one building, two cattle, sixteen horses, one bound servant, three negro slaves, two stage-wagons, one ferry, and his occupation, his tax of three pounds one shilling being the largest of any person in the borough. The records at Doylestown show that the first petition for license to keep a public house in Bristol was presented in 1705 by Thomas Brock. The applicants for that privilege in 1728 were Henry Betz, James Moore, and Evan Harris. Patrick * )'Ha.i]lan kept the ferry-house at the foot of Mill street in 1730. The records of 1768 show that licenses were granted as follows: to Mrs. Eliza Jackson for a public house upon the site of the Closson house ; to Robert Reese for the " Rising Sun," on Mill street ; to John Dowdney for the " King of Prussia," at the corner of Mill and Pond streets ; to Charles Bessonett for the " George the Third," at the foot of Mill street. What is now known as the Closson house was established in 1857 as the Exchange hotel by William Early. Ten different public houses have been licensed for Bristol by the courts since 1705. In 1800, with a population of five hundred and twenty-one, there were four hotels- — one to every one hundred and thirty persons ; with a population of six thousand in 1885, there were four hotels — one for every one thousand five hundred of the population. Mr. Bessonett's experience with the provincial militia has been related ; but there were other occurrences during the revolution of more serious import. General Cadwallader encamped near the borough in 1776 with three thousand HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 393 troops. One thousand five hundred men were billeted on the town at one time in 1777. Armed boats guarded the river from Bordentown to Philadel- phia. During the occupation of the latter place b}' the British in 1777-78, a detachment of militia was stationed at Bristol as a protection against a threat- ened attack. As no hostile demonstrations were made, their discipline was allowed to relax. The favorable opportunity for an attack thus presented was not neglected by the enemy. On the morning of Good Friday, 1778, a party of British cavalry left the city and proceeded as far as Newportville, where they remained secreted in the woods until daybreak. The sentinels had no sooner been drawn in at the sound of the morning gun than they dashed into the town to the surprise and consternation of the people. A number of the prin- cipal citizens appeared at their doors only to find themselves prisoners. This was only a secondary object of the expedition, however. Several militia officers were known to be in the town, and their capture was what most inte- rested the enemy. It is said that the American captain was in hiding in a gar- ret. When it became apparent that their object was frustrated, they threat- ened to burn the mills unless a certain amount of money was paid them. At this juncture of affairs. Captain John Clark, a British officer who lived at Fair- view, rode into town and protested against the destruction of the property on the ground that he was a subject of the crown and interested in its ownership. When asked where his regiment was stationed and why he was not with it, he replied that it was in the West Indies, and he was home on a furlough. This had the desired effect. A rumor was circulated in the meantime that a corps of marines from a point farther up the river had received intelligence of their presence in the county ; and the troops with their prisoners retreated in all haste to the city. The prisoners were exchanged shortly afterward. Captain Clark subsequently resigned his commission and lived at Fairview the remainder of his life. The Marquis de La Fayette's visits to Bristol may also be mentioned in this connection. He was wounded in the battle of Brandywine, and after leaving the field hospital was brought to Bristol, where he remained until strong enough to be taken to Bethlehem. He again arrived in the town on the 27th day of September, 1824. The citizens had previously appointed Dr. John Phillips, David Dorrance, and William F. Swift a committee to make arrange- ments suitable for the reception of their distinguished guest. A triumphal arch, with the inscription, " Welcome, Friend," was erected at the Hollow brido-e. Stores and residences were decorated with flags. A large concourse of people assembled from all parts of the surrounding country. The general and his suite were escorted to the residence of Mr. Bessonett, the house now occupied by Nathan Tyler, where refreshments were provided, speeches made, and every assurance of appreciation bestowed upon the distinguished visitor. Hundreds of people pressed into the house to shake his hand. Mrs. Bessonett 894: HISTORY OF BUCKS COCXTY. ivas introduced and related the circumstances under which she had nursed him on the occasion of his former visit. He recognized her, and recollected dis- tinctly his short stay in the place on his way to Bethlehem. After a rest of several hours, the march of the procession was resumed towards Philadelphia. Until within recent years, notwithstanding its advantages for business, the distinguishing character of the place has been its quiet rural beauty. The ratio of growth and improvement in the last century may be inferred from what people have said at various times in that period. Oldmixon, writing in 1708, places the number of houses at fifty, and mentions the mills of Samuel Carpenter, " an eminent planter." Alexander Graydon, writing in 1757, says : " There are few towns, perhaps, in Pennsylvania, which in the same space of time have been so little improved or undergone less alteration. Then (1715) as now the great road leading from Philadelphia to New York, first skirting the inlet at the head of which stand the mills, and then turning short to the left along the banks of the Delaware, formed the principal and indeed only street marked by anything like a continuity of building. A few places for streets were opened from this main one on which, here and there, stood an humble, solitary dwelling. At a corner of two of these lanes was a Quaker meeting- house, and at a still more retired spot stood a small Episcopal church, whose lonely graveyard, with its surrounding woody scenery, might have furnished an appropriate theme for such a muse as Gray's. These, together with an old brick jail, constituted all the public edifices in this my native town. With the exception of the family of Dr. DeNormandie, our own, and perhaps one or two more, the principal inhabitants of Bristol were Quakers. Among these, the names of Buckley, Williams, Large, INIerritt, Hutchinson, and Church are familiar to me." Scott's Geography states that the houses in 1806 numbered about ninety, an increase of forty in a hundred years. Within the present century, the town as it exists to-day may properly be said to have come into existence. William Bache, writing in 1853, thus summarizes its industrial and business interests at that time : . . . . The greater iimoiint of business in general store-keeping is carried on in ]\Iill street, wliicli now has twelve retail stores for the sale of groeeries, provisions, clothing, dry- goods, and housekeeping articles generall}-. Besides these, there are now in the same street two fancy dry-goods and trimming stores, two leather and shoe-finding stores, three tin and sheet^iron manufactories, three milliner}^ and two tailoring establishments, three harness manufactories, tln-ee boot and shoe makers, a grain and a saw mill, two hat manufacturers, one smith-shop, two drug and medicine stores, two tobacconists, one soap and candle manu- factory, one cabinet-ware maker, a printing office, a watchmaker and jeweller, two bakers, and one public house. On Radeliffe street we have three or four stands for general store-keeping, one millinery and one ladies' shoe store, a confectionery, two public houses, a few shopkeepers, and a boat-yard. Bath street is at present chiefly occupied with private residences. The propertv on the upper side, however, has been rendered very valuable for landings on the canal, and on a HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 395 small inlet of sufficient capacit}' to admit canal-boats. Two extensive lumber and coal yards are upon this inlet, ■which yards open on Bath street. On Cedar street, one small grocery store, one blacksmith's shop, one wheelwright's shop, and a livery-stable. On Wood street are two small grocery shops, an iron foundry, one ladies' shoe-shop, and one paint-shop. On Market street, one blacksmith's shop, one paint-shop, one cooper-shop, one ladies' shoe-shop, and two livery-stables. At ^Mulberry and Pond streets are erected Hibb's, Pry & Co.'s machine shops for the manufacture of clover-huUers and cleaners, invented and patented by Jonathan Hibbs, one of the ])artners. Also on Mulberry street is carried on the business of grain cradle making. On Walnut street, several boot and shoe manufactories. On Buckley street have recently been erected Strong & IMorgan's malleable iron and tilt- hammer works, now going into active operation. The business of rojje-making is also carried on in this street. In Otter street have recently been erected one wheelwright's shop and pump-maker's shop. Otter street is becoming one of the most favorable localities for the erection of shops for carrying on the mechanic arts, particularly such as are more generally required by our neighbouring farmers. A small grocery store has recently been opened on this street, required b)' the rapid advancement in building up the lots opened for improvement in that neighbourhood in 1851. On Linden street (in the plot just noticed) is erected an extensive and complete coach, wheelwright, blacksmith, painting, and coach-trimming establishment. A large amount of river front, and sites of the canal, are occupied bj' coal operators, and some portions for boat-building. Along the line of the canal within the limits of the town are several extensive stables, smith shops, a cooper's shop, and stores adapted to the wants of watermen. Mill street has continued to be the principal business thoroughfare of the town. The number and variety of the stores have not increased in proportion to the growth of the town in other respects. The nearness of Philadelphia attracts a great deal of business to that city which would otherwise be trans- acted by local establishments. Every line of business is represented, and many of the store-rooms are commodious. Commercial transactions are greatly facilitated by the operations of " The Farmer's National Bank of Bucks County." This institution, the oldest in the county, was established in 1814 at Ilulmeville, and organized December 12th of that year with John Hulme president, and George Harrison cashier. Joseph Pickering was elected clerk. A portion of the house of George Hulme was occupied as a banking-room, and the president was directed to procure a large chest made of strong plank, covered with sheet-iron, and secured by strong locks and bolts in a secret manner. Joseph Hulme became president in 1818, John Newbold in 1821, Anthony Taylor in 1823, John Paxson, Anthony Burton, and Caleb N. Taylor subsequently. George Harrison was succeeded as cashier by William Newbold in 1823 ; Robert C. Beatty was elected to this office in 1827, C. T. Iredell in 1867, and Charles E. Scott in 1882. The original capital was sixty thousand dollars. This was increased to ninety thousand in 1836, and to ninety-two 396 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. thousand two hundred dollars in 1837, at which sura it has since remained. It was reorganized as a national bank January 13, 1865, and has been rechartered. The surplus fund is equal to the capital. The bank was removed from Hulmeville to Bristol in 1824, and has since occupied the present banking house on Radcliffe street. Postal facilities also date from a comparatively early period. The first post-office in the county was established here in 1790, with Colonel Joseph Clunn as postmaster. He opened the office at his residence on Mill street, and continued it there until his death, in 1816, when his son-in-law, John Priestly, was appointed. The successive incumbents since then have been as follows : John Bessonett, John Bessonett, Jr. ; 1841-45, Gilbert Tomlinson ; 1845-49, William Kinsey ; 1849-58, Samuel Pike ; 1858-61, Hugh and Charles Dongan ; 1861-65, Nathan Tyler; 1865-69, Israel Tomlinson; 1869-77, Jesse B. Mears ; 1877-85, W. B. Baker ; 1885 — , James Drury. Previous to 1820 the Philadelphia mail arrived at six o'clock p. m., and the New York mail at midnight. This office has always been managed judiciously, and is at present a mail distributing point for several smaller offices in the southern part of the county. Public improvements and manufactures have made Bristol what it is to-day. The turnpike, the canal, and the railroad have successively assisted the place to a more advanced position in material progress. At the meeting of the council at which the town was authorized to be laid out, measures were also taken to provide it with the advantages of a road to Philadelphia. The only highway of this description previously existing was the " king's path," opened in 1675 to the falls, but this was literally what the name implied, merely a bridle-path. The council of 1697 directed that a road should be laid out crossing the Neshaminy at Joseph Growdon's landing, thence to " Buckingham" (Bristol), and thence to the falls by way of Joseph Chorley's ferry. For manj' years after this, however, public travel was confined almost exclusively to the river. The first important step in bringing about a different state of things was the construction of the Bristol and Frankfort turnpike. The company was incor- porated ]March 24, 1803, upon petition of Joseph Clunn, John McElroy, Derrick Peterson, Isaac Merrill, Nathan Harper, James Fisher, and PJchard Gorman, nearly all of whom were citizens of Bristol. Work was begun in the following year. The road was completed to Bristol in 1810, and to Morrisville in 1812, at an aggregate expenditure of three hundred and nine thousand, three hundred dollars. During the most prosperous period of its history the annual dividends were uniformly ten per cent. The route at first proposed was a straight course from Otter's bridge to the Bloomsdale ferry-house, thus diverting travel from the principal public houses and stores of the town. Through the intervention of the town council, the directors were induced to divert the course of the road from the line at first intended at the intersection ^^iz-^v,^ ^/ f^'^U^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 399 of Otter and Mill streets, and thus, continuing by Mill and Radcliffe streets, pass through the business quarter of the borough. It was stipulated, however, that the turnpike company should receive the sum of five hundred dollars and be relieved from building or repairing the culverts within the limits of the town. The turnpike had scarcely been completed before Bristol became an important intermediate point on the stage-route from Trenton to Philadelphia. Thomas Porter ran a two-horse coach from John Hammil's tavern, Trenton, to the city, three times a week. A rival line was established the following year by Peter Probasc'o and John Dean. The third local line was started in 1807 by John Mannington, who reduced the fare to one dollar and a half, and made the journey from city to city in four hours. He was well patronized. A Mr. Stevens, of Bristol, started a tri-weekly two-horse coach from that place to Philadelphia in 1824, but it did not pay sufficiently, and was discontinued. And thus, although sustained with changing fortunes for many years, the stage- coaches were a principal source of Bristol's importance during the period of their existence. The construction of the Delaware division of the Pennsylvania canal was the next great public improvement after the opening of the turnpike. This enter- prise was undertaken under the auspices of the state, and the act for the con- struction of the Delaware division was passed in 1S27. The southern terminus was located at Bristol after prolonged and bitter contention regarding the eligi- bility of different places. Morrisville and Tullytown were suggested, and the latter was regarded with favor by the engineers, as Scott's creek, in the imme- diate vicinity, was well adapted for the purposes of the outlet lock. The board of canal commissioners held several meetings to consider the question. A decision in favor of Tullytown was about to be made, when the citizens of Bristol requested one more hearing, alleging that they wished to present certain facts which had not yet been obtained. This induced the board to adjourn, leavinf the matter unsettled. The next meeting was held at the Delaware house, Bristol. Counsellor Swift presented the claims in favor of that place, and stated that there was not sufficient water at Tullytown at any time to float a vessel of two hundred tons, while at Bristol a craft of five hundred tons' burthen could readily be sustained. These statements were based upon sound- ings secretly made by two men employed by Swift. It was urged in behalf of Tullytown that the measurements should have been made publicly ; but the commissioners were satisfied with Swift's representations, and Bristol was de- cided upon as the terminal point. The excavations were begun on a beautiful October day in the year 1827, with imposing civic and military demonstrations. At eleven o'clock in the morning a procession numbering several hundred men marched from the town to the present location of lock number three, under the direction of chief-marshal William F. Swift. The exercises began at high noon with prayer by the Episcopal rector, after which an address was made by Peter 400 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. A. Browne, of the Philadelphia bar. Then followed the nominal object of the occasion. George Harrison, of Hulmeville, and Peter Shin, of Easton, ap- peared, the former with a wheelbarrow, the latter with a pick and shovel, with which he dug a wheelbarrow load of earth, which Harrison wheeled a short distance and dumped. Marshal Swift delivered an oration replete with con- gratulations to the people of the county upon the beginning of what was de- scribed as one of the grandest enterprises of the age. The band played " Hail Columbia," the people gave three cheers, and then adjourned to the Delaware house, kept by Mr. Bessonett, where several hundred persons " dined and wined, made speeches, and got happy under the music of the popping corks." There was a second gala occasion three years later, when the first boat was launched. David Dorrance and Kichard Morris, citizens of Bristol, contracted for the ex- cavations from that place to Yardley, and having executed their contract in 1831 the canal was declared open for navigation from Bristol to New Hope. A number of prominent citizens made the journey thither in a boat drawn by four horses. A public dinner was given by the borough, bells were rung, speeches made, and bonfires kindled in honor of the occasion. Results for the first few years justified the expectations of the most sanguine. Thousands of tons of coal from the Lehigh and Hazel regions, en route for the New England states, were annually consigned to Bristol for re-shipment in sailing vessels. There was a great demand for property having a river front, and wharves were built eastward from the basin a distance of several streets. Labor for two or three hundred men in transferring cargoes was thus provided ; vessels bound for eastern ports were usually provisioned here ; horses and draymen w ere also employed, and thus every branch of business was liberally patronized. The cessation of this era of prosperity is directly traceable to two causes, viz., the establishment of the shipping depot of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad at Port Richmond, and the construction of the outlet lock at New Hope. Phila- delphia is twenty miles nearer the capes than Bristol, and this advantage in time and distance is sufficient to divert from the latter jjlace a large proportion of the traffic it might otherwise enjoy. The lock at New Hope enables the transfer of boats to the Delaware & Raritan canal, a much more expeditious route to the seaboard than by way of Bristol, as formerly. The loss of the coal trade seriously injured the prospects of the town, and no compensating advantages were acquired until the introduction of factories. But before con- sidering this topic it may be well to acquaint the reader with the development of an enterprise which has rendered profitable manufacturing possible. The Philadelphia & Trenton railroad was constructed under a charter granted by the legislature in 1832. It was completed in 1833, and horse-cars were run from Morrisville to Bristol in that year. A depot was built at the foot of Market street at the latter place, where passengers and freight were transferred to boats, and thus taken to Philadelphia. Market street was rented HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 401 to the railroad company at the rate of three hundred dollars a year. Consider- able difficulty was experienced in winter on account of the ice, and the depot was thereupon removed to Tacony, and finally to Kensington. The first loco- motive, the " Trenton," was placed on the road in 1834. Subsequent changes in the management of the road belong to the history of the county in general, and will not therefore be given here. It need only be stated that without the advantage for traffic and travel thus conferred, it is not probable that Bristol would have improved to any extent after losing the coal trade. Although Bristol was among the earliest settlements in the state, but little attention was given to manufactures until a comparatively recent period, and, as is usual in all new departures, the early ventures were unfortunate. •The Bristol mills were among the first erected in this county. An old record states that they were built by Samuel Carpenter in 1701 upon Mill creek, about a quarter of a mile from the river. Vessels sailed up to the door to load and unload their cargoes. The saw-mill was seventy-five feet long and thirty-two feet wide, with a daily capacity of three thousand feet. An undershot water- wheel supplied the power for the flouring mill, which was fitted up with four runs of stones. The mill-pond covered two hundred and fifty acres, with fifteen feet of fall at the mills, and yet there ^was an adequate supply of water only eight months of the year. There was also, prior to the revolution, a ship-yard, and although at one time the construction of sea-going vessels was a business of considerable importance, it has for many years been entirely aban- doned. A woolen mill was erected in 1815 by Joseph and Abraham Warner, at that point on the south side of Mill street now occupied by the canal and railroad. It was a three-story frame building, forty by eighty feet, and comprised seven hundred and eighty spindles, with the requisite carding and other machinery, two hand-looms for weaving satinets, and six looms for plaids and checks, employing twenty-four hands. The mill was leased to Isaac Pitcher. A dis- pute arose between him and the owners, involving his right to use the water- power when there was not sufficient to run both mills. Pitcher was defeated in the courts. He removed the machinery to Groveville, N. J., and the abandoned building was afterward destroyed by fire. In 1852 a stock company, with a capital of twelve thousand dollars, built the Bristol forge for the manufacture of heavy shafting and other large pieces of wrought iron. This business was fairly successful. When the demand for armor plates for government war-ships created a market for their products both active and profitable, the capital stock was increased to one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, and the capacity of the works greatly enlarged ; but, unfortunately, too late to reap the anticipated advantage therefrom. The large amount of iron-working machinery put into operation all over the country during the war, and the sudden withdrawal of demand for the products conse- 402 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUKTY. quent upon its termination, created a depression in the business from which this company never recovered. The plant has since been entirely removed. Stimulated by the large profits of the Bristol Forge & Iron Company during the brief period of its prosperity, a second organization was formed under the name and title of the Keystone Forge Company, with a capital of eighty-seven thousand dollars. An extensive plant was erected, but too late to receive any profitable business. Losses thus incurred absorbed nearly the whole capital. The Bristol Woolen Mill Company was. organized in 1864 with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, which was afterward increased to seventy-five thousand, and a large two-story building was erected for the manufacture of fancy knit goods of wool, at that time very popular for ladies' wear. This enterprise ■ enjoyed a brief period of fair success, but fashions changed and after a season of unprofitable business, it shared the fate of its unfortunate predecessors and was closed with considerable loss. The property passed into other hands and was converted into a hosiery mill, in which capacity it is at present employed by Lewis Jones, of Germantown, under the management of Thomas Hughes, of this place. It has an aggregate of about twenty-five thousand square feet of floor surface, and is fully equipped with cards, spindles, and knitting machines, adapted to the manufacture of plain and fancy cotton and merino hosiery. The Providence Knitting Mill, owned and operated by Mrs. Clara Appleton, is engaged in the same branch of industry. The Livingston mills were built in 1868 by Messrs. Charles W. and Joshua Pierce for the manufacture of printed felt druggets and floor cloths ; but the character of the product has changed from year to year to meet the demands of a changing market. A large part of the product during the first few years of its existence consisted of ladies' felt skirts, of which two thousand per day were regularly produced. The exhibit of this firm at the Centennial Exposi- tion was attractive and varied in character. At that time the establishment in all its departments comprised seventy-five thousand feet of floor surface, boilers and engines of three hundred and two hundred and twenty-five horse-power respectively, the equivalent of eight sets of cards in the manufacture of felt cloths for decorative purposes, four sets of cards, one thousand six hundred spindles, and eighteen broad looms in the production of cassimeres and suitings. The manufacture of felt cloths ceased in 1882 in favor of medium and fine woollen cassimeres. The number of operatives employed at present is about two hundred and fifty. The plant consists of boilers of four hundred and fifty horse-power and engines of three hundred horse-power, twelve sets of cards, three thousand five hundred spindles, and fifty broad looms. The finer grades of cassimeres manufactured at these mills are unsurpassed in quality, color, and durability. The value of the annual product is estimated at five hundred thousand dollars. Charles W. Pierce withdrew from the management in HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 403 January, 1883, and the business has since been conducted under the firm- name of Joshua Pierce & Co. The Bristol foundry, operated by the T. B. Harkins Foundry Company, was established in 1871 for the manufacture of stove-plate and fine castings. Though limited in extent, this enterprise has been successful and prosperous, and has acquired an extended reputation for superiority of workmanship. About forty men are employed. The sash and planing-mill of Joseph Sherman was built in 1873, and con- tinues in pi-osperous activity. A .noticeable feature of this business is the manufacture of strawberry-boxes, of which several thousand per day are pro- duced in the summer months. The Bristol Rolling-mill was built in 1875 by Messrs. Nevegold, Scheide & Co. for the manufacture of hoop, scale, and band-iron from scrap and muck bar. Since the withdrawal of Frederick Nevegold in September, 1886, the proprietorship has been vested in the Bristol RoUing-Mill Company, which was incorporated December 1, 1881, with Charles E. Scheide president, and Griiford V. Lewis secretary and treasurer. A blast-furnace and rolling-mill at Hamburg, Berks county, were leased from the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Company in 1881 for a term of five years. The annual product amounts to about seven thousand five hundred tons of finished iron, in making which an equal quantity of raw material and five thousand tons of coal are re- quired. The employees number about one hundred and forty. The works are supplied with boilers of four hundred and eighty horse-power, engines of four hundred and twenty horse-power, four heating furnaces, three train rolls, and one continuous hoop-train. The Bristol Worsted mill was established in 1876 by Messrs. Grundy Bros, k Campion, and at once became a marked feature of the industrial in- terests of the town. The senior partner, Mr. Edmund H. Grundy, died in 1884, but the firm-name has remained unchanged. Mr. George A. Shoemaker is superintendent of the works. The buildings comprise sixty thousand square feet of floor surface. They are fitted up with intricate and valuable machinery, representing the equivalent of fourteen sets of cards, three thousand seven hun- dred spindles, seven combing- machines, and boilers and engines or more than three hundred horse-power. About two million pounds of long staple wools are annually consumed, producing finished worsted yarns about half as great in weight and quantity. These yarns are used in the manufacture of high- grade cassimeres and jerseys, for upholstery purposes and for ornamental knitting. About three hundred and fifty operatives are employed. INIessrs. Wilson & Fenimore are manufacturers of wall paper on an exten- sive scale. This industry involves the exercise of high artistic and mechanical talent. The process of printing is eff'ected by complicated machinery, the goods being finished in one transmission of the paper, which receives the colors 404 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. from a series of rollers corresponding in number to the shades desired. A separate apartment is set apart for the preparation of designs, and another for the preparation of the rollers. White clay from South Carolina is used as the basis of all colors. This firm has always been among the most enter- prising in producing original and striking designs. Their product is known to the trade as brown blanks, white blanks, plain and embossed gilts, plain tints, color borders, gilt borders, and ceiling decorations. The Bristol Improvement Company was incorporated December 18, 1870, ■with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, mainly through the efforts of -Joshua Pierce, to whom much credit is due both for the establishment and successful operation of the enterprise. The original organization was constituted as fol- lows : president, Joshua Pierce ; secretary. Charles E. Scheide ; treasurer, C. W. Pierce ; directors, Joshua Pierce, Charles W. Pierce, Robert W. Rogers, Charles E. Scheide, William II. Grundy. It is the purpose of the corpoi'ation to offer facilities to manufacturers desiring to locate here by erecting buildings for their accommodation, thus encouraging the growth of manufacturing indus- tries in the borough. The operations of the company have been aggressive and uniformly successful. The real estate in its possession consists of the fol- lowing factory properties, all of which are unincumbered : the Bristol worsted mill, leased by Grundy Brothers & Campion ; the Keystone mill, leased by John Mundell & Co. ; the Star mill, leased by Grundy Brothers & Campion for storage purposes ; the Bristol foundry, leased by the T. B. Harkins Foun- dry Company ; the wall paper factory, leased by Wilson & Fenimore ; and the Bristol carpet mill, leased by Thomas L. Leedom & Co. The last named has but recently been erected, and is the largest building owned by the corpora- tion. It is a fine three-story structure, five hundred feet in length, with a wing one hundred feet long. The present capital stock is two hundred and nineteen thousand dollars. It is intended that this shall be increased from time to time as demands are made for additional buildings. The Improvement Company has proven to be a valuable agency in promoting the growth of manufacturing interests, and thus insuring the general prosperity of the town. Several years since the old and well-known flour and lumber mill of Mr. John Dorrance passed into the hands of Rogers Brothers, who have introduced steam, thus rendering it independent of the uncertainties incident to a fluctu- ating water supply. The facilities of the old mill have otherwise been enlaro-ed. with the purpose of producing a high grade of flour for the wholesale market. There are other smaller industries of a varied character, which may appear comparatively unimportant as compared with some of those mentioned, but perceptibly swell the aggregate of production. In the early days of domestic manufactures, the only practical motor- power was derived from the streams, and hence the employment of every available stream, however remote and secluded. But with the disappearance HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 405 of the forests, the streams have ceased to be trustworthy, and with the con- stantly increasing demand for fabrics the use of steam has become indispen- sable. Ease of access and rapidity of transportation have thus become the paramount considerations in influencing the selection of factory sites. Bris- tol is exceptionally fortunate with regard to railroad facilities. The class of labor is also above the average, and much superior to that of large cities. This is the natural result of more comfortable homes, purer atmosphere, and the larger individuality incident to semi-country life. The increased self- respect and intelligence of the laboring man in turn secure to the employer more and better work than is obtainable under less favorable conditions. IManufac- turers are becoming cognizant of this fact. Capitalists are looking to the coun- try for locations more each year ; and Bristol, already recognized among the points around Philadelphia that present more than ordinary advantages, is destined to become, at a not distant period, a centre of industrial activity. While concentrated capital has thus revolutionized the industrial condition of Bristol, the eflforts of that large proportion of the population known as the laboring classes have also been productive of much improvement to the town. It is not often in a manufacturing town that so many of the operatives own the houses they occupy as is the case in Bristol. This condition of things, so desirable and necessary in every well-ordered community, has been brought about mainly through the agency of building and loan associations. The sec- ond organization of this character in the state, the Bristol Building Association, came into existence February 22, 1847, when Joshua V. Buckman was elected president, Anthony Swain secretary, Robert C. Beatty treasurer, and Lewis P. Kinsey, Charles W. Pierce, Charles T. Iredell, Walter Laing, Joshua Fell, Jonathan Milnor, John Dorrance, L. A. Hoguet, and William Hauk directors. The plan was simple ; the funds first realized amounted to four hundred dollars, which was loaned in sums of half that much to the person offering the highest premium. Mortgages on real estate and the shares of the borrower were held as collateral security. The principal and interest on the debt were paid in monthly instalments of one dollar a share and one dollar for every two hundred borrowed. This association was closed in 1859. Two others had meanwhile come into existence, the " Franklin" and the " Union." The former was or- ganized November 7, 1853, with Anthony Swain secretary, and Robert C. Beatty treasurer. The " Union" was established about the same time with Andrew Gilkeson secretary. The "Home" and "Cottage" Building Associa- tions were started in 1867 and 1870 respectively, the principal promoters being William Hauk, L. A. Hoguet, and Samuel Swain. The Bristol Building Association was incorporated in December, 1866, having organized August 6th the previous year with William Hauk, president, J. V. Buckman, secretary, and L. A. Hoguet, treasurer. It has issued eight series, three of which have matured and been paid. The aggregate of loans in the twenty years of its ex- 406 HISTORY OF BUCKS COU^'TY. istence has been two hundred thousand dollars. Available assets, as shown by last annual report, about fifty-six thousand dollars ; rate of interest, seven and eighty-five hundredths per cent. The Union Building and Loan Association was organized June 8, 1874, and incorporated for a period of thirty years. Original officers : president, Jonathan Milnor ; secretary, Samuel Swain ; treas- urer, Charles T. Iredell. Four series have been issued, one of which has matured. About one hundred thousand dollars have been loaned by this organi- zation. Fidelity Building Association was organized February 18, 1885, and incorporated March 26, 1885. Original officers : president, James Wright ; sec- retary, A. Weir Gilkeson ; treasurer, Robert W. Rogers. This was the first association at Bristol to adopt the instalment plan of paying premiums. The Merchants and IMechanics' Building Association was organized October 21, 1885, with Charles W. Peirce president, John C. Stuckert secretary, and Dr. Howard Pursell treasurer. One thousand three hundred and seventeen shares were issued the first year. It has been incorporated for a period of twenty years. The distinctive feature of this association is the payment of premiums in advance. The " Bristol," " Union," " Fidelity," and " Merchants and Me- chanics' " are in active and prosperous operation at the present time. The borough limits have been extended from time to time, as the increase of population required. The original boundaries as described in the charter of 1720 were as follows : " Beginning at the mouth of Mill creek where it empties into the river Delaware ; from thence extending by the channel of the same creek upwards by the several courses thereof to a bridge called Otter's bridge ; thence by Joseph Bond's land, north fifty-two degrees, east ninety-six perches to a post ; then north thirty-nine degrees, east fifty-five perches to a post ; then by the waste and the mill dam southeast fifty-eight perches ; then from the end of the said dam east eight degrees, south one hundred and forty perches to a post; then southeast one hundred and five perches to a post by the said river Delaware ; thence down the same river west twenty-seven degrees, south one hundred and ninety-two perches to the place of beginning, including Phineas Peraberton's survey of the said town, with additions accord- ing to the agreement of the said inhabitants." Pemberton's draft has unfor- tunately been lost ; and Cutler's, made in 1715, has become exceedingly rare. Old Bristol (or properly speaking, New Bristol, as it was called at that time), as comprehended in the boundaries above given, comprised the followincr streets, viz., Mill street, beginning " at an ash tree .... at the northeast side of the sd Jlill street and northwest side of Radcliffe street," and extending to the mill-race ; Radchffe street, sixty-six feet in breadth, beginning at the ash tree and extending to the limits of the town ; JMarket, Mulberry, and Walnut, parallel with Mill street ; Cedar, Wood, and Pond, extending in the same general direction as Radcliffe street ; the continuation of Pond, Wood, and Cedar from Mill street to the creek, and of Market, Mulberry, and Walnut, T * . /■ /:i^n^-L^ HISTOEY OF BUCKS COL'NTT. 409 from RadclifFe to the river, and Water street, subsequently vacated, sixty feet below Radcliffe and parallel with it. Otter street (the turnpike road) was also an original highway, but was not regarded as a street. Bath street, otherwise known as the terminus of the old Newtown road and as part of the turnpike in its intersection with Otter, was opened and widened in 1809 by private individuals, but without the co-operation of the proper borough author- ities, who finally accepted it in 1821. The Beaver Dam road, otherwise known as Beaver street, was surveyed in 1821. The borough limits had meanwhile been extended eastward to Adam's hollow and westward to the mill- pond in 1801. A further addition was made in 1852, and the boundaries then established are those of the present, and are tlius described : " Beginning at a point in the river Delaware near the mouth of jMill creek, at a distance of chains from the centre point of Mill and Water streets ; from thence extending by the channel of the said creek upwards, by the several courses thereof to a bridge called Otter's bridge ; thence by lands formerly Joseph Bond's, north fifty-two degrees east ninety-six perches to a post ; thence north thirty-nine degrees east fifty-five perches to a post ; thence by the waste and mill-dam southeast fifty-eight perches ; thence up the several courses of the mill-pond on lands formerly of Phineas Buckley to a stream of water running from the said mill-pond to the river Delaware, commonly called Adam's hollow creek ; thence down the several courses of said creek to the river Delaware ; thence down the several courses of the river Delaware to the place of beginning," embracing an area of about four hundred and fifty acres. It is worthy of notice that the built-up portion of the town was first extended west of the mill-race, about the years 1811-25, as shown by the improvement of Bath street in 1809, and of Otter a few years later. The construction of the turnpike probably influenced this. There was considerable building activity from 1833 to 1855, the period of prosperity incident to the canal trade. Property having a river front was in demand at this time ; and hence the opening of Franklin and Penn streets from Radcliffe to low-water mark in 1836. Wilson street was opened in 1849. Pond street was extended from Walnut to Lafayette in 1855. AVood street, which was continued easterly from Walnut in 1706, upon land vacated by John Plutchinson, was further opened to Washington in 1851. Cedar street was extended from Walnut to Franklin in 1849, and thence to Lafayette in 1851. Wood and Pond were further laid "out in 1874. Franklin and Penn streets were opened from Radcliffe to Pond in 1855. Dorrance street was opened from low-water mark to Pond in 1855, and thence to Canal street in 1881. Washington and Lafayette streets were laid out from the river to Pond street in 1855, and continued in 1874. Jefferson avenue was opened in 1873. Lin- coln sti'eet has been projected between Radcliffe and Pond. Similar changes have been in progress in the vicinity of Bath and Otter streets. Buckley street was laid out in 1847, Mifflia in 1853 ; Spruce, Race, Swain, and Locust in 22 410 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1874, Linden, ]\Iaple, Green, and Pearl in 1880, by the borough authorities, although opened by private individuals in 1851. A considerable area adjoin- ing Beaver street above the canal has recently been surveyed in streets, of which the most important are Garden, Mansion, Spring, Summer, Corson, and Jefferson avenue. Mention of repairing the streets occurs in the records at an early period, and it appears that as early as 1769 half the money realized from fines was applied to this purpose. In March, 1798, Mill street was declared to be im- passable, and a number of the inhabitants subscribed a sum of money for its repair. No systematic efforts in the direction of permanent improvement were made until recent years, beginning with 1856, when Dorrance street was paved, curbed, and graded by order of council. This treatment has since been ex- tended to every highway in the borough, and few towns in the state are more likely to impress the observer more favorably in this respect. Two enterprises indicative of this spirit of improvement deserve mention in this connection. The Bristol Gas-Light Company was incorporated March 29, 1856, and organ- ized with Lucius H. Scott, president, and Charles W. Pierce, secretary and treasurer. The manufacture of gas was begun July 30, 1857. Four or five miles of pipe have been laid, and the convenience of gas light brought within the reach of all. The Bristol Water Company was incorporated August 31, 1874. The source of water-supply is the Delaware river. The average con- sumption is about two hundred and fifty thousand gallons per day. The safety and healthfulness of the town are thus provided for. The latest improvement agitated is the construction of an adequate system of sewerage, a project that commends itself to every public-spirited citizen. There are two fire companies, Bristol No. 1, and the America, both of which possess complete apparatus and own halls. Although these organizations are purely voluntary, the town council appropriates money for their support, and usually meets in the building owned by Bristol No. 1, instead of in the town hall as formerly. The latter is situated in Market street on Radcliffe. Changes in the condition of society incident to the expansion of a feeble frontier settlement into a populous manufacturing town have necessitated cor- responding alterations in the machinery of local government. Bristol was in- corporated as a borough by virtue of a royal charter granted November 14, 1720. The matter had evidently been agitated some years previously, for in 1718 a petition was presented to the provincial council, and the subject was referred to the chief-justice. The charter provided for the election of two burgesses, a high constable, and such other officers as were necessary to pre- serve the peace, on the 8th day of September in each year. The chief burgess was to appear before the governor within five days after his election and take the oath of office, after which he qualified his colleague and the other elected officers. They were authorized to be " conservators of the peace ;" HISTORY OF BUCKS COUS"TY. 411 and without any " law proceeding, to deal summarily with rioters, law-breakers, and other offenders." The functions of the high constable were of a varied character ; he was to be " clerk of the market, . . . have assize of bread, wine, beer, wood, and other things." A person elected to the office of burgess and declining to serve was liable to a fine of ten pounds, or if high constable, under similar circumstances, five pounds, which is the only provision for a rev- enue the framers of the charter considered necessary. The legislative powers were vested in the whole body of citizens, who were to assemble in town meet- ing at the call of the burgess or constable. It is a question, however, whether the town meeting consisted of other than members of the council with the burgess. It is not known how the council came into existence, but in 1732 it numbered six members, and the other officers at that time beside the burgesses were the constable and pound-keeper. As fiscal affairs became more important it became necessary to provide for their regulation, and in 1745 the assembly passed an act providing for the election of assessors, whose duty was simply to compute the tax from returns made by the high constable. The limit of taxa- tion was fixed at three pence per pound. The appointment of a borough treasurer by the council was also authorized. As the corporate existence of Bristol was derived from the crown of Great Britain, it was dissolved by the declaration of independence ; whereupon the assembly passed an act September 16, 1785, re-establishing its former powers and privileges. The original charter thus revived continued operative until 1851. Its defects were many ; as a writer of 1849 thus forcibly expresses it: "The powers reposed in our borough officers should be amply explicit and determined ; those conferred by the present charter are vague, uncertain, and undefined. In some instances their want of authority has been severely felt and universally deprecated. In others it is exceedingly questionable, while oftentimes it is absolute and un- bounded." At a general town meeting, held July 26, 1850, Samuel Allen, Dr. Benjamin Malone, Andrew W. Gilkeson, Anthony Swain, "William H. Swift, Isaac Van Horn, Pugh Dungan, AVilliam M. Downing, Gilbert Tomlinson, and William Bache were constituted a committee to prepare a draft of a new charter, which, with slight amendments, was passed by the legislature and ap- proved February 15, 1851. It increased the number of councilraen to nine, but abolished the office of second burgess. The council was increased to ten members in 1863, and to twelve in 1878, when the borough was divided into three wards for election purposes, and is at present so constituted. The other borough officers are high constable and pound-keeper. Prior to 1863 all officers were elected annually ; but since that time the burgess and councilmen are elected for two years, two of the latter being chosen every year from each ward. The borough records now extant begin with the year 1730. The offi- cial acts of the town fathers reflect much that is of interest in connection with village politics in the last century. The ferry, encroachments upon the streets. 412 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. and local nuisances were the raost fruitful sources of legislation. Public morals were jealously guarded. In 1769, when it appeared that crowds were accustomed to collect at the Baths on Sunday and become disorderly, an ordi- nance was passed forbidding any one to loiter in that vicinity ; and in the fol- lowing year the custom of collecting on the street corners was severely censured. It was the disorder incident to the fairs that resulted in their dis- continuance. The penalty for Sabbath-breaking was confinement in the work- house five days at hard labor upon an allowance of bread and water. Election da3's were sometimes disorderly ; and that this might not occur, the council de- creed in 1751 that the polls should be opened at one o'clock in the afternoon and close precisely at six in the evening. But two religious persuasions were represented in Bristol during the first century of its history, the Friends and Episcopalians. The meeting-house of the former, which is still standing, and from all appearances may survive an- other hundred years, Avas built in 1710 upon ground deeded for that purpose by Samuel Carpenter to Joseph Kirkbride, Tobias Dimick, Thomas Watson. Edward Mayos, and AVilliam Croasdale. This building was repaired in 1738 and enlarged in 1763. The meeting was established in 1704 by Falls meeting, with which many members of the society in this vicinity were then connected. A meeting-house was built for the orthodox Friends in 1828, and a third for those of their number who accepted the Millerite doctrines in 1867. These unfortunate divisions among the members of the society have greatly reduced its numbers and influence. The St. James' Protestant Episcopal chui'ch originated indirectly in a divi- sion among Friends about the year 1696, when the more conservative party took the name of Keithians, from George Keith, their leader, who maintained that the " inner light" was not a sufficient guide, and that the only rule of life was the written word of God, at the same time strenuously advocating the sobriety and plainness of the sect. Keith promulgated these doctrines with such success that fifteen different meetings of the Friends were broutrht into full agreement with him during a stay of several years in America. Upon his return to England, Keith was again brought into contact with the Anglican church, and the influence thus brought to bear upon his mind completed his separation from the Quakers ; he was ordained to the ministry by Compton, bishop of London, and was at once commissioned the first missionary of the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts." There was at this time a single Episcopal clergyman in the province, Mr. Evans, of Phila- delphia. His arrival preceded that of Keith on his second voyage two or three years, during which period several hundred persons had been baptized. The presence of Keith gave a new impetus to the movement ; and durino- his brief stay, he baptized at least two hundred persons, some of whom were from Bristol. The Reverend John Talbot was chaplain on the man-of-war in which HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 413 Keith came out on his missionary voyage, and became greatly interested in the plans of the society. When Keith visited this locality, he was accompanied by Talbot, who became the first rector of St. Mary's parish, Burlington. Sub- sequent developments with reference to this town are thus explained by Dr. Humphreys : " New Bristol lies opposite Burlington, on the other side of the Delaware. The people there forsook Quakerism much about the same time the inhabitants of Burlington did. A church was soon erected there through the zeal of the people, especially through the means of two worthy gentlemen of the place, Mr. John Rowland and Mr. Anthony Burton, who were chiefly instrumental in this work. They had no missionary sent to reside among them constantly, but used to be visited by the minister of Burlington. Mr. Talbot, who was fixed at Burlington, used frequently to cross the water to them, and preach and perform all the ministerial offices The people were sensible that the society was not able to establish missionaries in every place, and were therefore content to be assisted by the minister of Burlington, and the society has always given directions that the minister of that place should take Bristol into his care ;" so that the Reverend John Talbot was the first rector in charge of this parish. The church site and burial-grounds, comprising an acre and a half, were donated by Anthony Burton. It is thought that the donor first gave the lot upon which the church was to be erected, and afterward supplemented this with the wider limits now established. The church edifice was probably com- menced in 1711. The founders of the parish had but little or no exterior aid. The title-page of the old record book says of the church that it was " built by subscription of several well-disposed persons, and being finished was dedicated to the honor of St. James the Greater, the festival of that apostle being ye 25th July, 1712." Queen Anne favored this parish in common with many others with the gift of a solid silver communion service, which must have been i^iven soon after the opening of the church, as the queen died in 1711. Mr. Talbot continued his connection with the parish until 1720, when he returned to England on a mission of great interest to the church in this country. When he came to America again, three years later, it was in the capacity of bishop, the first ecclesiastical dignitary of his church in the British colonies. During the three years of his absence the parish was supplied by Reverend Thoronghgood Moore, and upon his death in 1827 Reverend Robert AVeyman took charge. The oldest records of the vestry begin in his incumbency, with Matthew Rue and Francis Gaudorett, church wardens ; John Abram DeNor- mandie, AVilliam Hope, John Anthony DeNormandie, John Bessonett, William Greo-ory, William Silverstone, Evan Harris, John Underwood, Matthias Keene, John Williams, Jonathan Bourne, and Thomas AVorrell, vestrymen. It appears that at this time the parish owned a " Church House," bequeathed by John Rowland. Mr. Weyman received ten pounds yearly salary from Bristol. His 414 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. successor, Reverend William Lindsay, received twenty -four pounds. While he ■was in charge, an entry was made in the records respecting "ye houi-s given to ye church by Otter Atherson." This piece of property was sold for thirty- seven pounds ten shillings. Reverend Carlin Campbell, the next rector, was in charge from 1741 to 1766, a period of twenty-five years, during all of which time the local contributions to his support did not exceed ten pounds a year. Plis successor, Mr. Odcll, presided at a vestry meeting in 1768, beyond which fact nothing more is known of him. Reverend Mr. Lewis was the rector in 1776, and, with many other of the clergy throughout the country, continued his attach- ment to the Enjilish government. The odium which this course incurred was iransferrcd in great measure to the church itself. Buildings consecrated to worship were visited with all the displeasure the uniform loyalty of the clergy inspired. Bristol was no exception. The parish church was not only dese- crated, but wholly dismantled. Its chancel furniture disappeared. The doors and windows were carried away, and so it remained exposed to sunshine and storm ; and when an American cavalry company were stationed here for a time, this venerable house of worship was used as a stable for their horses. After the war, it remained in this half-ruinous condition for a considerable period. It was for a time used as a barn, and the graves in the unfenced burial-ground were trodden under foot of man and beast with impunity. As late as 1806, a former member of the parish gave charge that he should not be buried in that neglected ground, but miles away in Bensalem where his grave would be less open to violation. Indeed, it seemed more difficult for the church to gain a footing when the country entered upon a period of prosperity and independence than it had been a century previous. In this parish, it seemed as if the work of threescore years and ten had been utterly lost. At the organization of the diocesan con- vention at Philadelphia in 1785, Christopher j\Ierrick represented St. James', Bristol, and although an effort was made to secure a rector, no minister is re- ported as stationed here until 1809. Services had been held for three years j)reviously bj- Reverend Henry Waddell, D.D., of Trenton, who officiated once in two weeks, the stipulated compensation for which was fifty pounds, or as much as the pew money should amount to. He appears to have dissolved his connection with St. James' in 1810. Reverend James Andrews, D.D., pro- vost of the University of Pennsylvania, was the next rector. The record book makes no mention of this fact, but journals of the early Pennsylvania conven- tions make it evident. The ministry of Reverend Richard Drason Hall bean in February, 1813. His stipend, including pew-rents, amounted to five hun- dred dollars, the largest yet paid in the history of tlie church. The build- ing of a new church was agitated in view of increased attendance under his ministry, but not efi'ected. The bounds of the parish in 1815 are indicated by the appointment in that year of John Harrison collector for Bensalem, Joseph HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 415 King and James Wright for Bristol, and George Ptemson for Newport. The property outside of the church and graveyard, vested in the parish, consisted in 1816 of the house bequeathed by John Rowland in 1715, and a lot of half an acre in Attleboro of which the donor is not known. Of the pews in the church as enlarged in that year, one was free and one was set apart for persons of color. The ministry of Mr. Hall was one of great zeal and in some respects of remarkable success. The membership was largely increased and the church property greatly improved. Mr. Jacquette succeeded him in 1822, and Reverend Albert A. Muller in 1823, but neither remained very long. The ministry of the next rector. Reverend J. V. E. Thorn, was eminently evangelical, but too short to have, effected much permanent good. He resigned February, 27, 1828. Reverend William PI. Rue was elected and appointed rector April 7, 1828 ; George W. Ridgeley in 1830 ; W. S. Perkins in June, 1833 ; Henry B. Barton January 1, 1855 ; Joseph W. Pierson July, 1857 ; W. W. Spear, D.D., in 1861 ; John H. Drumm, D.D., February, 1863 ; John C. Brooks 1876 ; and Joseph Lee 1878. Mr. Perkins thus speaks of things as they existed when he entered the parish : " The church was discouraging and unbecom- ing to the character of the place and the people ; the yard around was nearly destitute of trees, and even the old-fashioned spire on the roof seemed to sympathize in the general depression, for it had ceased to point directly heavenward." The decaying edifice was at length repaired, but the expense thus incurred absorbed all the property of the parish. The communion plate given by Queen Anne had long since disappeared ; it was followed, one by one, as all the other benefactions made to the parish were sold. At length it became apparent that further repairs to the old church building were useless. Mr. Barton began the erection of the present edifice, and it was completed by his successor, Mr. Pierson. The consecration occurred Wednesday, September 8, 1857, Right Reverend Samuel Bowman, D.D., Assistant Bishop of the diocese, presiding. Mr. Barton pronounced the sentence of consecration. The edifice is of the Byzantine order of architecture, built of Trenton brown-stone with bead mouldings and corbels, in dimensions one hundred by forty-five feet, with a chancel sixteen feet deep and seventeen feet wide, and a seating capacity of five hundred. A handsome chapel for Sunday-school purposes has recently been erected under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid Society. The Methodist Episcopal church of Bristol is the oldest in the state outside of Philadelphia, with a single exception. As early as the year 1771, Captain AVebb, of the British army, stopped here on his way from New York to Phila- delphia and preached under a chestnut tree that stood upon the site of the pre- sent Methodist church. On a later occasion, while on a visit to Burlington, he crossed the river and preached to a large congregation in his military uniform, causing much criticism on the part of some of his hearers as to the propriety of 416 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. a man in the habiliments of war preaching a gospel of good-will to men. Webb was licensed to preach by Mr. Wesley before the latter came to America the second time. His military career was not uneventful. He was present at the siege of Louisburg and with Wolfe at the Plains of Abraham. He was wounded and lost an eye. President Adams, who heai'd him preach in St. George's Church, Philadelphia, said that he was an eloquent speaker. Although the formation of the society originated in his efforts, the first class was not organized until the close of the revolutionary war, probably fifteen years after Webb preached his first sermon. It numbered eleven members, among whom were Mary Con- nor, Francis Stackhouse, his wife Priscilla, Richard Gosline, his wife Mary, Job Stackhouse, his wife Rebecca, William Kinsey, his wife Catharine, Joseph Stackhouse, and his wife. It does not appear that a leader was appointed for some years. ]\[eetings were held in private houses, which occasioned great inconvenience. It was decided to build a place for worship, and Mary Connor was authorized to solicit funds. Her efforts on this occasion justly entitle her to the honor of founding the church. The ground upon which Webb had preached his first sermon was purchased for twenty~five pounds. The work progressed so far that the materials were collected and money placed in the hands of the treasurer sufficient for their payment, when he defaulted and the labor of collecting was repeated. The building was finally completed in 1804. No event of signal importance occurred for some years. There were great revivals in 1825 and 1827, and in the latter year seventy persons united with the church, among whom was William Kinsey, one of the oldest living members of this denomination in the county. Bristol circuit was formed in 1788, and included the whole of Bucks county, with portions of iMontgomery, Lehigh, and North- ampton. It was divided in 1840, when Bristol, Bustleton, and Holmesburg became a charge. In 1844 Bristol became a separate station. The old church building was enlarged in 1827 by the addition of twenty feet. It was then forty feet long in a direction parallel with the street, and half as wide. The present church edifice was built in 1852, and has been remodelled and enlarged quite frequently. Its estimated value is thirteen thousand dollars ; present membership, three hundred. A list of preachers iu charge of Bristol since the circuit was established, compiled from annual conference minutes, is herewith presented : 1788, Wil- liam Dougherty; 1780, Robert Kane; 1790, Robert Hutchinson; 1791, Gamaliel Bailey, Joseph Lovell ; 1792, Simon Miller, Isaac Robinson; 1793, N. B. Mills, E. Pelham, L. Rogers ; 1794, William Hunter, John Bateman ; 1795, William- Hardesty, Joseph Rouen; 1796, William Colbert, Joseph Whitley ; 1797, Charles Caverder, Richard Lyon ; 1798, James Moore ; 1799, Joseph Ebert ; 1800, Anning Owen, James Osborn ; 1801, W. P. Chandler, John Ledler ; lb02, Thomas Everard, R. McCoy, T. Jones ; 1808, V ,^^ 9,.^y^ iS, 4^x HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 419 Henry Clark, John Bethel ; 1804, David Bartlne, David James ; 1805, Asa Smith, Daniel Highbee ; 1806, Asa Smith, William Hogen ; 1807, John Walker, Richard Lyon ; - 1808, Thomas Dunn, James Polemus ; 1809, D. Bartine, J. Akins, J. Stepless ; 1810, J. Akins, W. S. Fisher, W. P. Chand- ler ; 1811, Thomas Boring, William S. Fisher; 1812, Richard Smich, John Walker, John Fernon ; 1813, T. Dimm, Charles Reed, James Polemus ; 1814, Charles Reed, D. Bartine ; 1815, William Torbet, William M. Foulke ; 1816, Asa Smith, Daniel Ireland, P. Price ; 1817, John Fox, Asa Smith ; 1818, John Robertson, John Price ; 1819, Samuel Budd, John Price ; 1820, Man- ning Force, Phineas Price ; 1822-23, Jacob Gruber, Daniel Fiddler ; 1824, William Williams, Thomas Davis ; 1825, Edward Stout, James Grace ; 1826, Edward Stout, Joseph Carey; 1827, Henry G. King, Robert Button; 1828, Henry G. King, J. B. Ayres ; 1829, Thomas Neal, Nathaniel Chew ; 1830, Thomas Neal, Manlove Hazel ; 1831, Edward Page, John Finley, James Long ; 1832, Edward Page, Asbury Boring ; 1833, D. Bartine, J. Nicholson ; 1834, D. Bartine, C. S. Wharton; 1835, J. Woolston ; 1836, D. W. Bartine, Jr., R. McNamee ; 1837, D. W. Bartine, Jr., James Hand ; 1838, William Williams ; 1839, William Gentner ; 1840, John Ludnam, William McMichael ; 1841, R. Thomas, G. Allen; 1842, R. Thomas, J. Walsh; 1843, James Asprill; 1844-45, Thomas S.Johnson; 1817, G. D. Carrow ; 1848, G. D. Carrow, L. K. Berridge ; 1849, R. McNamee, W. McMichael; 1851-52, William McCoombe ; 1853-54, M. H. Sisty ; 1855-56, J. F. Boone ;■ 1857-58, E. J. Way ; 1859-60, G. N. McGrauth ; 1861-62, P. J. Coxe ; 1863-64, A. Johns; 1865, William Barnes; 1866, I. H. Irwin; 1867, H. Grove; 1868, Griffith; 1869-70, William Riull; 1871-72, William Dabright; 1873-74, F. E. Church; 1875-77, J. S. Cook; 1878-80, I. Cunningham; 1881-83, H. E. Gilroy ; 1884-86, Ridgway ; 1887, S. T. Kimball. The Presbyterian church, Bristol, Reverend E. P. Shields, pastor, owes its origin to the energy and self-denying efforts of the Reverend James M. Harlow, who came to Bristol and moved in the matter of its organization, and especially in the work of the erection of a house of worship, as early as the spring of the year 1844. He seems to have secured subscriptions in every quarter to which he could make appeal, churches, ministers, and individuals listening favorably to his plans. He also gave diligence to the work of building, not only by planning the only edifice the congregation has ever occupied, but also in material service with manual labor and by securing like help from willing hands in the community. Presbytery received the organization under its care at the session of April 22, 1846. The fourteen original members were John Koons, Sarah P. Harlow, Anna M. Harlow, Anna M. Strigers, Elizabeth M. Wright, Isaac A'' an Horn, Adaline Van Horn, Anna Van Horn, Mary (Van Uxem) Pierce, John McQuilkin, Mary McQullkin, W. W. Wallace, Clara Wallace, and Elizabeth Evans, of whom Mrs. Pierce is the only survivor. It is a remark- 420 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. able fact that all the pastors are still living and engaged in active work. Their order of succession is as follows : James M. Harlow, 1844-50 ; Franklin D. Harris, 1851-61 ; Alfred Taylor, 1862-64 ; Henry F. Lee, 1865-68 ; Jacob Weidman, 18G8-73 ; James H. Mason Knox, D. D., 1873-83 ; Edward P. Shields, 1884. The church building was enlarged and re-furnished in 1872 at considerable expense. There is also a large and commodious parsonage con- veniently located near the church. With the growth of the town there are many reasons for the confidence that this church, distinguished for its harmony and energy, will advance to still greater usefulness in the future. St. Mark's Roman Catholic parish originated in the efforts of Reverend McGordon more than fifty years ago. He was then pastor at Trenton, but came to Bristol at stated periods and celebrated mass at private houses, among others those of James Ryan, Matthew McAdams, James Johnson, Terence Brady, and William Donald. Funeral services were always held at Trenton, then the only place of interment within the bounds of that extensive parish. Father McGordon was an old man of venerable appearance. Father Gilligan succeeded him, and continued to visit Bristol. Reverend John Mackin was next in order, and through his efforts a church was built. This was a one- story building, with six windows on each side, the vestibule in front, flat roof, surmounted by a cross at the apex above the door. It was dedicated in 1845 by Bishop Neuman, of the diocese of Philadelphia. The following clergymen have successively been pastors since that time : John C. Flanagan, Patrick Nugent, Laurence A. Brennan, Daniel Kelley, Patrick McSwiggen, James CuUen, Henry Riley, Edmund Prendergast, Patrick Lynch, and John Ward, the present incumbent. Father Flanagan was the first resident priest. The church building was destroyed by fire in 1866. It was rebuilt in 1867 ; the corner-stone was laid on the first Sunday in September of that year by Bishop Shanahan, assisted by the clergy. This edifice was consecrated under the ministry of Father Lj'nch, but not finally completed until quite recently. Father Ward is at present concentrating the energies of the parish upon the erection and equipment of a parochial school building. An eligible site has been secured on Radcliffe street, between Penn and Dorrance, and active build- ing operations are in progress. The present numerical strength of the parish is about one thousand souls. The First Baptist church of Bristol was constituted September 29, 1848, with fifteen members, viz., Amos Corson, Peter W. Appleton, Mary A. Pen- nington, Melissa Kinsey, Mary Earl, Margaret A. Booz, Susan Booz, Mary A. Sneger, Margaret Wesinger, Mary Appleton, Elizetta Corson, Maria A. Corson, Emily Forest, Caroline Murphy, and Sarah Johnson. A council was immediately called to consider the propriety of recognizing this body as a regular Baptist church. This council was composed of delegates from several churches of Philadelphia, and many honored names appear in the records on HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 421 this occasion, among them Doctors Ide, Kennard, Dodge, Gillette, Allison, and Hansell. The sermon was preached by Reverend J. B. Stetler, in the Metho- dist church building by the kind permission of that body. Reverend C. David- son was at that time the acting pastor, and continued in that capacity until February, 1850, when Rev. C. J. Page became pastor, the " Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention" contributing to his support. An act for the incorpo- ration of the church was secured in the following June. The church increased in numbers and influence under Mr. Page's administration. iMeasures were taken for the erection of a house of worship, which resulted in the completion of the fine brown-stone edifice at the corner of Walnut and Cedar streets. The list of Mr. Page's successors is as follows : Reverends William Swinden, John Miller, Malachi Taylor, N. B. Baldwin, Thomas Goodwin, C. E. Hardin, William H. Conard, L. G. Beck, and I. W. King, the present incumbent (1887). Mr. Hyde's pastorate was marked by many accessions. Mr. Hardin was active in the building of a parsonage ; Mr. Conard directed his efforts to the liquidation of the indebtedness, an incumbrance that greatly retarded the growth of the church, and this movement was successfully completed by his successor, Mr. Beck. The usual lights and shadows of church history have been mingled in this instance ; but with an unincumbered church property eligibly located, and a harmonious membership, its prospects of future useful- ness are encouraging. The Masonic fraternity has been represented in Bristol more than a century. Bristol Lodge, No. 25, A. Y. M., was instituted March 29, 1780, with John Clark, W. M., Samuel Benezet, S. W., William Mcllvaine, J. W., under a dis- pensation granted two weeks previously by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Tyrringham Palmer, Patrick Griffith, Joseph Mcllvaine, Samuel Bloomfield, Samuel Priestly, David Kennedy, and John Dowdney were also among its earliest members. Daniel Kennedy was first secretary, and Jacob Shallers first treasurer, and it is supposed that the first meetings were held at the house of Henry Shillingberg on Cedar street near Mill. The first hall owned by the lodge was dedicated to masonry, November 18, 1815 ; the second and present hall is similarly situated, and was dedicated May 1, 1854. The active existence of the fraternity has been suspended at two periods of its history, 1801-12 and 1825-48. Its present condition is prosperous. Hopkins Lodge, No. 87, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted October 16, 1843, with the following officers and members : Pugh Dungan, N. G., Joseph W. Carton, V. G., Charles T. Brudon, S., William Farley, A. S., James Strimbach, T., Andrew W. Gilkeson, Jacob McBrien. Morton Righter, Abraham Kelley, and John McEntee. Present membership, one hundred and forty ; available assets, eleven thousand dollars. Hermione Lodge, No. 109, K. of P., was instituted September 26, 1868. The orio-inal members were : William K. Evans, William T. Ennis, Edward B. 422 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUXTT. Brown, Joseph M. Randall, John K. Bunting, Allen L. Garwood, Charles S. Wollard, Samuel P. Bains, and Robert Hetherington. Mohican Tribe, No. 127, Imp. 0. of R. M., was instituted May 19, 1870, with C. C. Brown, S., William Holt, S. S., C. E. Seibert, J. S., Thomas B. Douglass, C. of R., Henry M. Wright, K. of W., and William F. Bailey, P. Present membership, one hundred and thirty ; available assets, eleven thousand dollars. Captain H. Clay Beatty Post, No. 73, G. A. R., was constituted Septem- ber 13, 1877, with the following named members : Jacob C. Hamilton, Richard H. Morris, Eli West, John W. Ryan, John Ward, William B. Baker, Burnet Landreth, J. Wesley Wright, J. C. Tabram, W. Taylor Potts, George E. Pettit, William Bache, Charles Appleton, Eugene Highland, A. L. Garwood, Strick- land Yardley, John L. Lashell, Hugh Mackie, Thomas B. Harkins, M. R. Doan, Samuel Holt, William H. Girton, James G. Paxson, William Ackers, and Samuel HofF. Auxiliary to this, a Ladies' Loyal Circle was organized July 13, 1883, and Col. J. M. Goslin Camp, No. 98, S. of V., July 4, 188(3. FideHty Council, No. 21, Jr. 0. U. A. M., was instituted November 27, 1882, with the following named members : Robert H. Neely, Harry W. Hart, William B. Douglass, F. P. Doble, J. T. Stvadling, Robert Fetrow, George Cramer, Samuel Van Horn, George Vanzant, Charles Booz, William H. Hall, AVilliam E. Appleton, F. B. Booz, W. H. Holt, Charles McCorkle. Bristol Castle, No. 103, K. of M. C, organized May 19, 1888, with Wil- liam F. Bailey, P. C, H. C. Barnes, C, L. A. Roden, V. C, S. W. Minster, Lieut. Present membership, one hundred and forty. Martha Washington Chamber, No. 2, K. of F., was instituted July 7, 1883, with forty members. Past officers: John J. Wilson, H. C. Vendere, R. F. Buseman, A. F. Irensmeyer, J. B. Farrel, W. P. Wright, J. S. Fine, W. W. Smith, W. Robinson, W. Ackers, John MacCorkle, W. H. P. liall, James Gentleman, Hugh Mackie, John Carty, and W. Woodington. Light of Liberty Lodge, No. 135, American Protestant Association, was instituted December IG, 1884, with William Chase, W. M., John Young, W. D.M., Asher Conn, R. S., Peyton Dewitt, F. S., G. AV. Fisher, A. S., Thomas Dewitt, T. Bristol Lodge, No. 16, 0. of T., was organized January 12, 188G, with Henry B. Banes, P. P., W. H. H. Hall, Pres., John McLees, V. P., Thomas B. Douglass, Sec, John H. Young, Treas., and W. Taylor Potts, M. Ex. The Women's Christian Temperance Union of Bristol was organized in the Methodist church, October 2.5, 1885, with Mrs. Joshua Pierce, president, Mrs. E. J. Groom, vice-president. Miss L. Swain, secretary, and Miss Ellen Warner, treasurer, all of whom have continued as incumbents of their respec- tive offices to the present time, and, with a vice-president representing each religious denomination, form the executive committee. The union organized HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 423 with thirty-five members, and now numbers one hundred and forty. It has taken up the following branches of work with a superintendent for each de- partment: Evangelistic, press, temperance literature, petitions, and unfer- mented wine at communion. Thousands of tracts have been circulated. The union has been aggressive, and, so far as could be expected, quite successful. Nonpareil Council, R. A., was instituted April 18, 1887, with J. Wesley Wright, R., J. K. Young, V. R., II. G. Peters, P. R., W. E. Doron, S., Byram C. Foster, T., Abram S. Wilson, M. Ex. The public school system of Bristol was inaugurated in 1837, with Gilbert Toralinson, David E. Woodington, James Johnson, James Harrison, Jonathan Adams, and William Kinsey, directors. A school building was erected on land given for that purpose by the town council at the corner of Wood and Mulberry streets. It cost when furnished about six thousand dollars. The schools were opened December 15, 1837, the male and female departments being under the supervision of James Anderson and Anna N. Smith respec- tively. A second school building was erected in 1853 on Otter street ; a third in 1877 on Washington street ; and a fourth on Bath street in 1880, to take the place of the Otter street building, which had become inadequate in size and appointments. The office of borough superintendent was created in 1885, of which Miss Matilda Booz is the present incumbent. The subordinate teachers number sixteen. The schools have been maintained ten months in the year for some time, and the efficiency of the system thereby assured. The Bristol Library is an important auxiliary to the schools in promoting the general intelligence of the town. Its affairs are managed by a sort of joint stock company, which was organized April 2, 1878, with James II. Mason Knox, D.D., president, A. Weir Gilkeson, secretary, and Dr. G. W. Adams, treasurer. The library was opened in Washington hall with three hundred and twenty-seven volumes, which number has since increased to two thousand. Under the present social conditions of the borough there is a wide field of use- fulness for an institution of this character ; and under the liberal management of its promoters, its possibilities may ultimately be realized. The public school system, as promulgated in the act of April 1, 1834, was adopted by the people of Bristol township at the following election. The directors chosen, Moses Larue, Henry M. Wright, Lardner Van Uxem, Daniel Bailey, Samuel L. Booz, and Joshua Wright, held their first meeting on Satur- day, September 27, 1S34, at the house of Willis H. Baldwin, and organized with Closes Larue president. It does not appear that the schools received much attention during the first tAvo years. At the election in March, 1837, the question of "school or no school" was again voted upon and decided in the affirmative, which placed the system on a permanent footing. Five schools, known respectively as Newportville, Centerville, Laurel Bend, Smith's corner, and Badger's, were opened November 1, 1837, with Daniel B. liibbs, 424 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. James C. King, Andrew J. Gilkcson, William Paxton, and E. Q. Pool teachers. The following entry in the minutes of the board for 18 10 may interest the pedagogue of the present day : "Horace Estes agrees to teach the Centerville school ten months ; to commence on the first day of June, at the sum of twenty- three dollars per month. He agrees to teach reading, spelling, wrighting, geography, astronomy, arithmetic, English grammar, natural philosophy, intel- lectual philosophy, rhetoric, book-keeping, algebra, geometry, history, and the French language," from which it would seem that the curriculum has been contracted since 1840, notwithstanding the boasted progress of the school system. Bristol College, an institution under the auspices of the Protestant Episcopal church, was established at China Retreat, in this township, in 1833, with Reverend Chauncey Coulton, D. D., president. It collapsed within a few years, and was subsequently transformed into a classical school, a military academy, and a school for the children of colored soldiers. A school of experimental agriculture under the Fellenberg system was established near TuUytown in 1830 by Anthony iNIorris under the principalship of F. A. Ismar, a student in the Hofwyl school in Prussia. This project also collapsed. There are several agricultural features worthy of notice — among others the Bloomsdale seed farm of D. Landreth & Sons, established in 1784, the most extensive in the world. Plants of every variety have been propagated here. A number of garden implements have been originated in the course of the experiments constantly in progress. No establishment of a similar character is so widely and favorably known. The Belle Meade farm was once owned by Bela Badger, one of the most widely known men of his day. Born at Windham, Connecticut, in 1768, he engaged in business in Baltimore, and removed to this county in 1807. Here he owned the Belle Meade, Island, and Fairview farms, comprising about eight hundred acres of the best land in the county, about half of which he reclaimed from a marsh by a system of embankments and drainage. He became inte- rested in the turf during his residence in Baltimore, where ho purchnsed "Hickory," and with him won a race on the Germantown course with "Post- boy," owned by Ethan Allen, at two thousand dollars a side. He was subse- quently associated with William R. Johnson, of Virginia, in the ownership of some of the best racing stock of that day ; it was by their efforts that the supe- riority of southern horses was first demonstrated. The villages of the township are Pine Grove, a suburb of Bristol, Newport- ville, and Emilie. The former was laid out in 1800, and was known as New- port until 1836, when it became necessary to add the third syllable in locating the post-office. It comprises extensive mills, carriage works, several stores, with other necessary features of a country village. Emilie was formerly known as Centerville, and is situated partly in Middletown. The Episcopal HISTORY OV BUCKS COUNTY. 425 church in Newportville is connected ^vith that in Hulmeville. The Methodist church building at Emilie was built by the Presbyterians, subsequently sold to the Baptists, and finally disposed of to the denomination by which it is now owned, in 1858, principally through the efforts of the trustees of Bristol M. E. church. Reverend William P. Howell was the first pastor. By far the earliest denominational organization was the Cold Spring Baptist church, established by the Reverend Thomas Dungan in 1G84. It was disbanded in 1702. Among others who were buried in the graveyard were Reverends Samuel Jones, Joseph "Wood, and Thomas Dungan, all of whom were identified with the early history of the Baptist church in this state. BOROUGH OFFICERS. 1720. Burgesses, Joseph Bond, John Hall ; High Constable, Thomas Clifford. 1730. Burgesses, John Hall, Nathan Watson ; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, Thomas ^Marriott, James Higgs, John Elfreth, William Hope. 1731. Burgesses, John Abram DeNormandie, Nathan Watson; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, Thomas Marriott, James Higgs, Ennion Williams, Benjamin Wright, John Elfreth, William Hope. 1732. Burgesses, John Hall, Ennion Williams ; Council, John Abraham DeNormandie, Thomas Marriott, Benjamin Wright, James Higgs, William Hope, John Elfreth. 1742. Burgesses, John Abram DeNormandie, John Frohoe ; High Con- stable, John Hutchinson; Council, Joseph Jackson, William Buckley, Thomas Marriott, Ennion Williams, Nicholas Allen, Matthew Keen. 174:3_44. Burgesses, John Abraham DeNormandie, John Frohoe ; Pligh Constable, John Hutchinson ; Council, Ennion Williams, Thomas Marriott, Joseph Jackson, John Anthony DeNormandie, William Buckley. 1745. Burgesses, John Hall, William Buckley ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, Thomas Marriott, Joseph Jackson, William Atkinson, John Frohoe. 1746. Burgesses, John Hall, William Buckley; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council; John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, John Frohoe, William Atkinson, John Anthony DeNormandie, William DeNormandie. 1747. Burgesses, William Buckley, Matthias Keen; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, John Hall, Alexander Graydon, Ennion Williams, Thomas Marriott, Joseph Jackson (John Anthony 426 HISTORY OF BUCKS COCXTY. DeNormandie, John Frolioe, Samuel Harker, elected February 29, 1745, to fill vacancies). 1748. Burgesses, William Buckley, John DeNormandie ; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, Alexan- der Gray don, John Hall, John Frohoe, Samuel Harker, Nicholas Allen, John Hutchinson, Joseph Church. 1749. Burgesses, William Buckley, John DeNormandie ; Council, Joseph Atkinson, William Large, John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, Alex- ander Graydon, Samuel Harker, Nicholas Allen, John Hutchinson, Joseph Church. 1750. Burgesses, William Buckley, AVilliam Large ; Council, Ennion Wil- liams, John Abram DeNormandie, Alexander Graydon, Joseph Atkinson, Joseph Church, Thomas Marriott. 1751. Burgesses, William Buckley, Joseph Church ; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, Alexander Graydon, •Joseph Atkinson, William Large, Ennion Williams, John Allen, Barnard Duf- field, Thomas Marriott, Anthony Murphy. 1752-53. Burgesses, William Buckley, Thomas ?»Iarriott; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, Ennion Williams, Alexander Graydon, John A. De- Normandie, Joseph Church, William Large, John Allen, Joseph Atkinson, Thomas Stapler, Ebenezer Robinson. 1754. Burgesses, William Buckley, Thomas Marriott; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, Ennion Williams, Alexander Graydon, John A. De- Normandie, Joseph Church, William Large, John Allen, Josejjh Atkinson, Thomas Stapler, Matthew Keen. 1755. Burgesses, John DeNormandie, Joseph Atkinson; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, Alex- ander Graydon, William Buckley, Joseph Church, William Large, John Allen, Thomas Marriott, Matthias Keen. 1756. Burgesses, John DeNormandie, Joseph Atkinson; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, John Abram DeNormandie, Ennion Williams, Thomas Stapler, William Buckley, .John Hutchinson, William Large, John Allen, Thomas ^larriott, Matthias Keen. 1757. Burgesses, William Buckley, Joseph Atkinson; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, Ennion Williams, John Abram DeNormandie, Alexan- der Graydon, William Large, John Allen, Thomas Marriott, Samuel Woolston, John Hutchinson, Daniel DeNormandie. 1758. Burgesses, John DeNormandie, William Large ; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, Ennion Williams, Alexander Graydon, William Buck- ley, John Hutchinson, John Allen, Daniel DeNormandie, Thomas Marriott, Joseph Atkinson, Burnet Richards. 1759. Burgesses, Ennion Williams, William Large ; High Constable, f.- A- • ■JfiXcA^'-^ HISTORY' OF BUCKS COUNTY. 429 Abraham Bulsford ; Council, Alexander Graydon, Thomas Marriott, John Hutchinson, Joseph Atkinson, Burnet Richards, John Priestly, John Allen, John DeNormandie, David Pinkerton. 1700. Burgesses, Hugh Hartshorne, Burnet Richards ; High Constable, John Priestly ; Council, Ennion Williams, Alexander Graydon, Thomas Mar- riott, John Hutchinson, Joseph Church, Joseph Atkinson, John Allen, John Green, J. DeNormandie. 1701. Burgesses, John Hall, John Green; High Constable, Samuel AVool- son ; Council, Ennion Williams, Hugh Hartshorne, John DeNormandie, John Allen, William Large, Joseph Atkinson, Joseph Church. 1702. Burgesses, Hugh Hartshorne, John Priestly ; High Constable, Joseph Brown ; Council, Ennion Williams, John DeNormandie, John Hall, William Mcllvaine, Joseph Atkinson, William Large, Joseph Church. 1763. Burgesses, Hugh Hartshorne, David Pinkerton ; High Constable, Joseph Brown ; Council, Ennion Williams, John DeNormandie, Joseph Atkin- son, Joseph Church, William Large, John Allen, John Priestly. 1764. Burgesses, John Priestly, Joseph Hall ; High Constable, Joseph Brown ; Council, Ennion Williams, Hugh Hartshorne, Joseph Church, Joseph Atkinson, Jonathan Haight, William Mcllvain, John Green. 1705. Burgesses, Phineas Buckley, John Hutchinson ; Council, Ennion Williams, Hugh Hartshorne, Joseph Church, Joseph Atkinson, Jonathan Haight, Joseph Hall, John Green. 1706. Burgesses, Phineas Buckley, John Bessonett ; Council, Ennion Williams, Hugh Hartshorne, John DeNormandie, Joseph Atkinson, Jonathan Haight, John Green, John Priestly. 1768-74. Burgesses, Phineas Buckley, John Bessonett ; High Constable, Joseph Brown ; Council, Ennion Williams, John DeNormandie, Hugh Harts- horne, John Priestly, Joseph Atkinson, John Green, Charles Bessonett. (Green was succeeded by Patterson Hartshorne in 1772, and Priestly by John Hutchinson in 1773.) 1774-75. Burgesses, Phineas Buckley, John Bessonett ; Council, Ennion Williams, John Abram DeNormandie, Hugh Hartshorne, Joseph Atkinson, Charles Bessonett, John Hutchinson, William ^Icllvaine. (Joseph Church suc- ceeded Charles Bessonett in 1775, and John Gosline became High Constable in that year.) 1784-85. Burgesses, Daniel Kennedy, Joseph Clunn ; High Constable, Richard Gosline ; Council, William Mcllvaine, Joseph Mcllvaine, Charles Bes- sonett, Archibald McElroy, John Gosline, John Dowdney, John Priestly. (William Rodman succeeded Priestly in 1785.) 1786. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, Thomas Pearson ; High Constable, Rich- ard Gosline ; Council, Joseph Mcllvaine, Archibald McElroy, John Hutchinson, Timothy Merrick, Job Stackhouse, Joseph Vanschiver, Jonathan Pursell. 23 430 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1787. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, Thomas Pearson ; High Constable, Rich- ard Gosline ; Council, John Hutchinson, Charles Bessonett, Robert Merrick, Job Stackhouse, Timothy Merrick, Jonathan Pursell, William Allen. 1788-89. Burgesses, John Hutchinson, Thomas Pearson; High Con- stable, Timothy Merrick ; Council, Samuel Kinsey, Amos Gregg, William Mcllvaine, Pearson Mitchell, Job Stackhouse, Jonathan Pursell. (Archibald McElroy succeeded Gregg in 1789.) 1790. Burgesses, John Hutchinson, Joseph Clunn ; High Constable, John Murray ; Council, William Mcllvaine, Archibald McElroy, Pearson Mitchell, Thomas Pearson, Samuel Kinsey, Timothy Merrick, Jonathan Pursell. 1791. Burgesses, John Hutchinson, Jonathan Pursell ; High Constable, John Murray ; Council, Archibald McElroy, Joseph Clunn, Thomas Pearson, Pearson iNIitchell, Samuel Kinsey, Timothy Merrick, Joseph Minnick. 1792-93. Burgesses, Joseph Minnick, John Gosline ; High Constable, John JMurray ; Council, Archibald McElroy, Charles Bessonett, Thomas Pear- son, Timothy Merrick, Samuel Kinsey, Jonathan Pursell, James Harrison. (Joseph Clunn and William Crawford succeeded McElroy and Bessonett in 1793.) 1794. Burgesses, Joseph Minnick, Robert Merrick : Council, Archibald McElroy, Charles Bessonett, George Merrick, Timothy Merrick, Samuel Kinsey, Jonathan Pursell, Job Stackhouse. 1795. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, Richard Trimble ; High Constable, Richard Merrick, Jr. ; Council, Samuel Kinsey, John Gosline, John Hutchin- son, Joseph Clunn, Charles Bessonett, Job Stackhouse, Benjamin Walton. 1796. Burgesses, Joseph P. Minnick, John Gosline ; High Constable, Francis Stackhouse; Council, Joseph Clunn, Amos Gregg, Job Stackhouse, Timothy Merrick, Jonathan Pursell, William Crawford, Lewis Howard. 1797. Burgesses, Charles Shoemaker, John Gosline ; High Constable, Francis Stackhouse ; Council, Joseph Clunn, John Hutchinson, Job Stackhouse, Amos Gregg, Samuel Kinsey, Jonathan Pursell, William Crawford. 1798. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, Joseph P. Minnick; High Constable, Francis Stackhouse ; Council, William Crawford, John Hutchinson, Richard Lloyd, James Harrison, James Serrill, Joseph Stackhouse, John Baldwin. 1799. Burgesses, John Gosline, Archibald McElroy ; High Constable Francis Stackhouse ; Council, Joseph Clunn, John Hutchinson, Job Stackhouse Jonathan Pursell, William Crawford, Richard Lloyd, John Hutchinson Jr. 1802. Burgesses, Samuel Scotton, William Perkins ; High Constable William Crawford ; Council, John Gosline, Amos Gregg, Joseph Clunn, Joseph Headley, Jonathan Pursell, James Harrison, John Read. 1803. Burgesses, William Perkins, Samuel Scotton; High Constable John Johnson ; Council, Joseph Clunn, Jonathan Pursell, Joseph Headley, Benjamin Swain, William McElhaney, William Crawford, John Reed. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 431 1804. Burgesses, Samuel Scotton, William Perkins ; High Constable, John Johnson ; Council, Joseph Headley, Benjamin Swain, Joseph Clunn, Wil- liam McElhaney, William Crawford, Amos Gregg, Job Stackhouse. 1805. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, Henry Disborough ; High Constable, Enos Wright ; Council, Joseph Clunn, John Reed, William Crawford, Samuel Church, John Patterson, Noah Haines, Joseph Headley. 1806. Burgesses, John Gosline, Henry Disborough ; High Constable, Enos Wright ; Council, Joseph Clunn, William Crawford, Samuel Scotton, William Mcllhany, Benjamin Swain, Joseph Headley, John Patterson. 1807. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, John Reed ; High Constable, William Kinsey ; Council, Phineas Buckley, Job Stackhouse, Samuel Lounsbury, John White, Samuel Church, Joseph Stackhouse, Stephen Hibbs. 1808-9. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, J. S. Mitchell ; High Constable, Wil- liam Kinsey ; Council, Phineas Buckley, Joseph Headley, Job Stackhouse, Ebenezer Headley, Joseph Stackhouse, Jonathan Pursell, William Craw-ford. (John Reed succeeded Crawford in 1809.) 1810. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, J. S.Mitchell; High Constable, AVilliam Kinsey ; Council, Phineas Buckley, Samuel Scotton, Jonathan Pursell, Joseph Stackhouse, John Reed, Abraham Warner, Samuel Church. 1811-12. Burgesses, Amos Gregg, Henry Disborough ; High Constable, Henry Tomlinson ; Council, Joseph Clunn, Phineas Buckley, Jonathan Pursell, John Reed, Samuel Church, Abraham Warner, Samuel Lounsberry. (William Ennis became High Constable in 1812.) 1813. Burgesses, Archibald McElroy, John Bessonett ; High Constable, Henry Tomlinson; Council, Joseph Clunn, John Patterson, John White, David Swain, William Crawford, Hugh Tomb, Joseph Vanzant. 1815. Burgesses, Archibald McElroy, John White ; High Constable, Abraham Hagerman ; Council, Joseph Clunn, "William Crawford, John Patter- son, John Bessonett, Benjamin Swain, Isaac Pitcher. 1816-17. Burgesses, Louis Bache, Abraham Warner ; High Constable, John H. Merrick (Abraham Hagerman in 1817) ; Council, Benjamin Swain, Henry Disborough, Isaac Pitcher, Amos Gregg, John Bessonett, John Phillips, John Reed. 1818. Burgesses, Archibald McElroy, William Crawford; High Constable, Charles Snyder ; Council, Amos Gregg, Benjamin Swain, John Bessonett, John Reed, Ebenezer Stackhouse, David Swain. 1819. Burgesses, Archibald McElroy, John White ; High Constable, John Johnson ; Council, John G. Priestly, Isaac Pitcher, Samuel Lewis, Henry Tomlinson, Ebenezer Stackhouse, John Bessonett, Lewis P. Kinsey. 1820. Burgesses, Archibald McElroy, Henry Disborough ; High Con- stable, John T. Brown ; Council, Ebenezer Stackhouse, John Bessonett, John Kinsey, Isaac Pitcher, John White, Fincher Hellings, John Johnson. 432 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1821. Burgesses, John Phillips, Benjamin Swain; High Constable, John T. Brown ; Council, John Reed, William Crawford, Ebenezer Stackhouse, John Hutchinson, Samuel Allen, Joseph Warner, L. P. Kinsey. 1822. Burgesses, John Phillips, Henry Disborough ; High Constable, John T. Brown ; Council, Benjamin Swain, Joseph Warner, Samuel Allen, David Dorrance, William F. Swift, Ebenezer Stackhouse, William Crawford. 1823. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, Henry Disborough; High Constable, John T. Brown ; Council, William Crawford, Ebenezer Stackhouse, John Hutchinson, Benjamin Swain, Samuel Allen, John Kinsey, Isaac Wilson. 1824. Burgesses, David Dorrance, Joseph M. Downing ; High Constable, John T. Brown ; Council, David Swain, James Johnson, Robert Cabeen, John Heiss, William F. Swift, John White. 1825. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, Joseph M. Downing ; High Constable, William Gale ; Council, Ebenezer Stackhouse, Benjamin Swain, Samuel Allen, Robert Cabeen, William F. Swift, John Kinsey, John Bessonett. 1826. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, Joseph M. Downing; High Constable, .John Johnson ; Council, Ebenezer Stackhouse, Benjamin Swain, William F. Swift, Samuel Allen, Robert Cabeen, -John Bessonett, John Kinsey. 1827. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, Joseph M. Downing ; High Constable, John Johnson ; Council, Robert Cabeen, Samuel Allen, Benjamin Swain, Wil- liam F. Swift, John Bessonett, John Kinsey, William Laing. 1828. Burgesses, Joseph M. Downing, Benjamin Swain ; High Constable, John Johnson ; Council, Robert Cabeen, John Bessonett, Samuel Allen, William liaing, John Hutchinson, John Boyd, L. P. Kinsey. 1829. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, Benjamin Swain ; High Constable, William Kinsey ; Council, Samuel Allen, Robert Cabeen, William Laing, John Hutchinson, John Boyd, L. P. Kinsey, John Bessonett. 1830. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, Joseph M. Downing ; High Constable, William Kinsey ; Council, John Bessonett, Samuel Allen, Robert Cabeen, Wil- liam Laing, Robert C. Beatty, Eleazer Fenton, L. P. Kinsey. 1831. Burgesses, Joseph Warner, James Johnson ; High Constable, Wil- liam Kinsey ; Council, John Bessonett, Edward Swain, Robert Cabeen, William Hawk, Robert C. Beatty, Eleazer Fenton, L. P. Kinsey. 1882-33. Burgesses, William F. Smith, James Johnson ; High Constable, William Kinsey ; Council, Robert Cabeen, William Hawk, H. N. Bostwick, Samuel Allen, Edward Swain, James Harrison, John Bessonett. 1834. Burgesses, William F. Swift, James R. Scott; High Constable, William Kinsey ; Council, Robert Cabeen, John Bessonett, William Hawk, Samuel Allen, H. N. Bostwick, James Harrison, Edward Swain. 1835. Burgesses, AVilliam Hawk, James R. Scott ; High Constable, Wil- liam Killingsworth ; Council, Samuel Allen, H. N. Bostwick, Eleazer Fenton, James Harrison, Edward Swain, John Dorrance, William Kinsey. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 433 1886. Burgesses, William Kinsey, Benjamin Brown ; High Constable, Timothy Stackhouse ; Council, Samuel Allen, James Harrison, Jonathan Adams, John Heiss, David Woodington, Gilbert Tomlinson, Robert Patterson. 1837. Burgesses, William Kinsey, Joseph B. Pennington; High Con- stable, Lewis P. Kinsey ; Council, Samuel Allen, James Brudon, David E. Woodington, Robert Patterson, Joseph F. Warner, AVilliam Killingsworth, William F. Swift. 1838. Burgesses, William Hawk, Joseph B. Pennington ; High Con- stable, John Feaster ; Council, Charles W. Pierce, Robert Cabeen, Gilbert Tomlinson, John W. Vandegrift, Samuel Allen, John Dorrance, Isaac W. Hall. 1839. Burgesses, William Hawk, Benjamin Blinn ; High Constable, Robert Patterson ; Council, Samuel Allen, John Dorrance, Robert Cabeen, James Irvine, James Johnson, John Johnson, James Brudon. 1840. Burgesses, Charles Banes, Benjamin Blinn ; High Constable, Robert Patterson ; Council, James Johnson, John Wright, John Johnson, James Brudon, James Irvine, William Kinsey, Charles Smith. 1841. Burgesses, Charles Banes, Benjamin Blinn ; High Constable, Robert Patterson ; Council, James Johnson, James Brudon, James Irvine, John Wright, William Kinsey, Andrew W. Gilkeson, James W. Weiss. 1842. Burgesses, William Kinsey, Benjamin Blinn ; High Constable, Robert Patterson ; Council, Lewis P. Kinsey, Andrew W. Gilkeson, John Dor- rance, Benjamin Malone, H. N. Bostwick, Samuel Allen, James Brudon. 1843. Burgesses, William Kinsey, Benjamin Bhnn ; High Constable, Joseph R. Ilellings; Council, Chester Sturdevant, Benjamin Ball, Andrew W. Gilkeson, Lewis P. Kinsey, James Brudon, Benjamin Malone. 1844. Burgesses, William Kinsey, Benjamin Blinn ; High Constable, Joseph R. Hellings ; Council, James Johnson, Andrew W. Gilkeson, Robert Patterson, John Wright, John Stewart, John K. Holt, Augustus Gerrard. 1845. Burgesses, James Brudon, Benjamin Blinn ; High Constable, Charles Titus ; Council, Lewis P. Kinsey, John Wright, John K. Holt, Andrew W. Gilkeson, Robert Patterson, Morton Righter, Jackson Gilkeson. 1846. Burgesses, Benjamin Malone, Augustus Gerrard ; High Constable, Charles Titus ; Council, Andrew W. Gilkeson, William R. Phillips, Lewis P. Kinsey, Anthony Swain, Henry M. Wright, Jackson Gilkeson, James Phillips. 1847. Burgesses, Mahlon G. Hibbs, Augustus Gerrard ; High Constable, Lemuel Nilly ; Council, Andrew W. Gilkeson, Lewis P. Kinsey, John K. Holt, James Brudon, Joseph Wright, Jackson Gilkeson, William Kinsey. 1848. Burgesses, William Hawk, Charles Thompson; High Constable, Lemuel Nilly ; Council, Anthony Swain, Samuel Allen, John Eastburn, William H. White, Louis A. Hoguet, George C. Johnson, Alexander Morrison. 1849. Burgesses, Isaac Van Horn, Robert Patterson ; High Constable, 434 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. Charles Titus; Council, James Brudon, Andrew W. Gilkeson, John Wright, John Davis, John K. Holt, Lewis P. Kinsey, William Earley. 1850. Burgesses, Daniel P. Forst, William H.White; High Constable, Chilion AV. Higgs ; Council, John Dorrance, William M. Downing, William Killingsworth, John AV. Bray, Robert Booz, James Rue, Albert L. Packer. 1S51. Burgess, Daniel P. Forst ; High Constable, James Phillips; Council, John Dorrance, John AA^ Bray, AVilliam M. Downing, Robert Booz, AVilliam Killingsworth, James Rue, A. L. Packer, William H. AAHiite, L. A. Hoguet. 1852. Burgess, AVilliam Kinsey ; High Constable, Giles S. Winder ; Council, AVilliam Bache, John AA^. Bray, AVilliam M. Downing, Edmund Law- rence, James Rue, Daniel Street, AVilliam IL AA''hite, Henry M. AVright, Joseph AVright. 1853. Burgess, AA''illiam Kinsey; High Constable, Giles S. Winder; Council, Valentine Booz, Jesse AV. Knight, James AA'^. Martin, Henry M. AVright, AA''illiam Bache, Edmund Lawrence, Daniel Street, John S. Kinsey, John S. Brelsford. 1854. Burgess, AVilliam Kinsey; High Constable, Giles S. AA'^inder ; Council, Samuel Allen, A'^alentine Booz, Jesse AA^right, AA''illiam M. Downing, AV. H. AVhite, John Vanzant, A. L. Packer, J. S. Brelsford, L. P. Kinsey. 1855. Burgess, Daniel P. Forst ; High Constable, Robert Sanderson ; Council, James Rue, AA''illiam Bache, AV. H. AVhite, Joseph S. Pierce, John Davis, John M. Brown, Charles AV. Pierce, Jr., Nathan Taylor, Henry M. AVright. 185G. Burgess, Albert L. Packer; High Constable, Giles S. Winder ; Council, AA''illiam jM. Downing, Valentine Booz, James Brudon, John S. Brels- ford, Christian Sulger, John A^'anzant, Nathan Gaskell, Thomas B. Bailey, Lewis JL AA'^harton. 1857. Burgess, A. L. Packer; High Constable, John H. Smith ; Council, AVilliam M. Downing, A'"alentine Booz, John A'"anzant, James Brudon, Nathan (laskell, Thomas B. Bailey, John S. Brelsford, Christian Sulger, Lewis M. AVharton. 1858. Burgess, A. L. Packer ; High Constable, AA'illiam Fine; Council, Valentine Booz, James Brudon, Jacob McBrien, AA^illiam K. Evans, A. J. Hibbs, L. M. AA''harton, David Michener, H. L. Strong, John Dorrance. 1859. Burgess, A. L. Packer ; High Constable, Samuel AAlnder ; Council, John Dorrance, James Brudon, Jacob McBrien, H. L. Strong, AVilliam K. Evans, David Michener, Thomas B. Bailey, AVilliam H. AA''hite, Lewis M. AVharton. 18G0. Burgess, A. L. Packer ; High Constable, Samuel AAlnder ; Council, John Dorrance, James Brudon, Jacob McBrien, James AV. Martin, John S. Brelsford, Joseph M. Disborough, Piobert Brooks, A. J. Hibbs, AVilliam K. Evans. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 435 1861. Burgess, James Brudon ; High Constable, William D. Fenton ; Council, James W. Martin, Henry M. Wright, AVilliam H. AVhite, William B. Baker, John W. Bailey, EUwood Doron, John D. Mendenhall, Jacob McBrien, Lewis M. Wharton. 1862. Burgess, Robert Patterson ; High Constable, John Taylor ; Coun- cil, Jacob McBrien, EUwood Doron, William H. White, John W. Bailey, Wesley M. Lee, Thomas B. Bailey, Charles G. Stout, William B. Baker, Lewis M. Wharton. 1863. Burgess, Robert Patterson; High Constable, John Taylor ; Coun- cil, EUwood Doron, Jacob McBrien, Nathaniel Brodnax, James Brudon, Robert W. Brooks, Lewis M. Wharton, Charles G. Stout, William A. Stewart, Wesley M. Lee, Timothy Stackhouse. 1864. Burgess, Robert Patterson ; High Constable, John Taylor ; Council, Thomas Scott, WiUiam Hawk, Timothy Stackhouse, William B. Baker, Wil- liam H. White, Wesley M. Lee, EUwood Doron, Nathaniel Brodnax, James Brudon, Robert W. Brooks. 1865. Burgess, Robert Patterson ; High Constable, Anthony D. Minster ; Council, Robert W. Brooks, John W. Bailey, James Foster, John Taylor, EUwood Doron, William B. Baker, Thomas Scott, W. W. White, T. Stackhouse, Wil- liam Hawk. 1866. Burgess, Robert Patterson ; High Constable, John Taylor ; Council, Robert W. Brooks, James V. Foster, John W. Bailey, John Taylor, EUwood Doron, James Brudon, Thomas Scott, Charles C. Douglass, Nathaniel Brodnax T. Stackhouse. 1867. Burgess, EUwood Doron ; High Constable, Reuben Pidrick ; Council, Dr. L. V. Rosseau, Dr. E. J. Groom, James W. Martin, Henry A. Bailey, J. Wesley Wright, James Brudon, Thomas Scott, Charles C. Douglass, Nathaniel Brodnax, T. Stackhouse. 1868. Burgess, EUwood Doron ; High Constable, John A. WorreU ; Coun- cU, AUen D. Garwood, Robert W. Brooks, James Brudon, Thomas B. BaUey, Charles C. Douglass, L. V. Rosseau, E. J. Groom, James W. Martin, Henry A. Bailey, J. Wesley Wright. 1869. Burgess, EUwood Doron ; CouncU, John R. Green, Charles Pierce, Joseph BaUey, S. V Rosseau, E. J. Groom, Charles C. Douglass, Allen D. Garwood, Robert W. Brooks, James Brudon, Thomas B. Bailey. 1870. Burgess, EUwood Doron ; Council, John AV. Bailey, AVilliam H. AVhite, Gilbert Green, John Taylor, J. AA'esley AVright, John R. Green, Charles Pierce, Joseph BaUey, S. V. Rosseau, E. J. Groom. 1871. Burgess, Symington PhiUips ; Council, Samuel Pike, Morton AValmesley, Charles Pierce, Joseph Bailey, James Brudon, John AV. Bailey, AV. H. AA^hite, Gilbert Green, John Taylor, J. AA^esley AVright. 1872. Burgess, Symington Phillips ; CouncU, Albert L. Packer, I. S. 486 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Tomlinson, W. B. Baker, William Jones, J. Wesley Wright, Samuel Pike, Morton Walmesley, Charles Pierce, Joseph Bailey, James Brudon. 1873. Burgess, Charles E. Scott; Council, S. S. Rue, C. W. Pierce, James M. Slack, David Stackhouse, Samuel Pike, A. L. Packer, I. S. Tomlin- son, W. B. Baker, William Jones, J. Wesley Wright. 1874. Burgess, Charles E. Scott; Council, Morton A. Walmesley, A. L. Packer, Henry M. AVright, L. A. Hoguet, J. Wesley Wright, S. S. Rue, C. W. Pierce, J. M. Slack, Samuel Pike, David Stackhouse. 1875. Burgess, Charles E. Scott; Council, Charles W. Pierce, James M. Slack, Samuel Pike, S. S. Rue, Jonathan Wright, J. Wesley Wright, Henry M. Wright, L. A. Hoguet, A. L. Packer, Morton A. Walmesley. 1876. Burgess, Charles E. Scott ; Council, H. M. Wright, J. Wesley Wright, Charles York, Allen L. Garwood, Symington Phillips, C. W. Pierce, J. M. Slack, Samuel Pike, S. S. Rue, Jonathan Wright. 1877. Burgess, James M. Slack ; Council, H. M. Wright, Symington Phillips, A. L. Garwood, C. York, W. H. Booz, William Lauderbaugh, Thomas B. Harkins, C. W. Pierce, S. S. Rue, J. W. Wright. 1878. Burgess, James M. Slack ; Council, C. W. Pierce, Symington Phillips, W. H. Booz, Charles York, Charles Scheide, S. S. Rue, H. M. Wright, Thomas B. Harkins, Charles Fenton, J. W. Wright. 1879. Burgess, Allen L. Garwood ; Council, L. A. Hoguet, W. H. Booz, R. W. Holt, C. W. Pierce, Jr., T. B. Harkins, Henry Sutch, C. H. Fcnton, Symington Phillips, C. E. Scheide, H. M. Wright, J. W. Wright. 1880. Burgess, Allen L. Garwood ; Council, Charles E. Scheide, William H. Grundy, John .S. Brelsford, James Wright, W. Taylor Potts, Michael Dougherty, L. A. Hoguet, W. H. Booz, R. W. Holt, C. W. Pierce, Jr., T. B. Harkins, Henry Sutch. 1881. Burgess, J. Wesley Wright ; Council, John S. Brelsford, W. H. Booz, M. Dougherty, William H. Grundy, R. W. Holt, L. A. Hoguet, William J. Jones, W. Taylor Potts, C. W. Pierce, Henry Rue, Charles E. Scheide, James Wright. 1882. Burgess, J. Wesley Wright; Council, John Burton, W. H. Booz, Nelson Green, R. W. Holt, L. A. Hoguet, William J. Jones, James Lyndall, C. W. Pierce, Henry Rue, William Tabram, James Warden, James Wright. 1883. Burgess, J. Wesley Wright ; Council, Nelson Green, A. Holding, A. K. Joyce, James Lyndall, C. N. Pierce, G. A. Shoemaker, Joseph Sherman, William Tabram, James Warden, Jacob M. Winder, James Wright, John Burton. 1884. Burgess, J. Wesley Wright ; Council, G. A. Shoemaker, C. N. Pierce, A. K. Joyce, Joseph Sherman, A. Holding, J. M. Winder, James Wright, Nelson Green, AV. S. Daniels, William Tabram, Thomas B. Harkins, A. Loechner. ^ ,1 ' ■#' HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 439 1885. Burgess, William H. Grundy ; Council, Francis Feniraore, A. K. Joyce, C. N. Pierce, G. A. Shoemaker, C. H. Holding, R. W. Holt, James Wright, Nelson Green, W. Daniels, William Tabram, T. B. Harkins, A. Loechner. 1886. Burgess, William H. Grundy ; Council, W. S. Daniels, F. N. Booz, A. L. Garwood, R. S. Buseman, A. Loechner, James Wright, Francis Feni- more, A. K. Joyce, C. N. Pierce, G. A. Shoemaker, C. H. Holding, R. W. liolt. 1887. Burgess, William H. Grundy ; Council, Francis Fenimore, A. K. Joyce, G. A. Shoemaker, C. H. Brudon, Henry Rue, S. W. Black, W. S. Daniels, F. N. Bo'oz, A. L. Gar^vood, R. S. Buseman, A. Loechner, James Wright. CHAPTER XI. THE MAKEFIELDS. BETWEEN Edge hills and Bowman's mountain, the northern boundary of Falls and southern boundary of Solebury, a section of country is inclosed presenting greater diversities of surface and soil than the town- ships included in the preceding chapters, and conforming in this respect to the general character of the northern part of the county. The watershed be- tween the Delaware and Neshaminy is a clearly-defined feature of the topog- raphy. Its general trend is in a direction nearly parallel with the course of the river and at a mean distance of probably five miles from it. Numerous tribu- taries of the Delaware rise in the eastern slope of this declivity, and although not large, would possess some value for manufacturing purposes, as the fall is considerable in every instance. Pidcock, Knowles, Hough, Brock, and Mill are among the names applied to these creeks. This region, one of excep- tionally beautiful scenery and unsurpassed fertility, is included within the ter- ritorial limits of the townships which form the subject of this chapter. Lower Makefibld is the older in point of settlement and political organi- zation. It is the first mentioned among the five original townships erected in 1692, and its boundaries are thus described in the report of the jury of that date : " The uppermost township being called Makefield, to begin at the upper- most plantations and along the river to the uppermost part of John Wood's land, and by the lands formerly belonging to the Hawkinses and Joseph Kirk- bride and Widow Lucas' land, and so along as near as may be in a straight 4-iO HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. line to — in Joshua Hoops' land." Holme's map of 1684 gives the following names as those of persons who owned land adjoining the river in regular order north of Wood: John LuflFe, John Parsons, William Beakes, William Ven- ables, Andrew Heard, John Parsons, Luke Brinsley, Richard Hough, Thomas Janney, Richard Vickers, Samuel Overton, John Brock, John Clows, William Yardley, Eleanor Pownal, Thomas Bond, and James Harrison. The tract of the latter extended from the river to the Newtown line, a distance of three miles, and adjoined Upper Makefield. Harrison lived in Falls, and so did Beakes. Richard Hough was from Macclesfield in Cheshire. With his family and sev- eral servants — Francis Hough, James Sutton, Thomas Wood, and Mary his wife — he arrived the twenty-ninth of seventh month, 1683, in the Endeavor, of London. In the same ship came Thomas Janney, yeoman, from ShioU in Cheshire, with his wife Margery and their children, Jacob, Thomas, Abel, and Joseph. He brought as servants John Neald and Hannah Faulkner. It was he who gave the ground for " the old stone graveyard," a burial-ground of much local historic interest. It was confirmed to Falls monthly meeting in 1690, and was among the first places for public interment in this county, pri- vate family burial-grounds having previously been in exclusive use. Janney was a preacher among the Friends and visited New England in that capacity. He returned to England in 1695 on a religious mission, and died there, having beeri throughout his life " a man of good reputation, character, and example." Samuel M. Janney, the biographer of Penn, was a descendant, and inherited to a great extent the characteristics of his ancestor. There were three others from Cheshire, of whom John Clows accompanied Hough and Janney in the Endeavor. His wife Margery, children — Sarah, Marger}^ and William — and servants — Joseph Chorley, Samuel Hough, and John Richardson — constituted his household. Margery, the daughter, was married to Richard Hough just prior to their departure from England. Sarah married John Bainbridge, the fifteenth of the sixth month, 1085. Clows was from Gosworth. John Brock from Stockport, Cheshire, and George Pownal from Laycock, Cheshire, arrived in the Frie?ids' Advenhci-e, the twenty-eighth of seventh month, 1682. The former brought with him as servants Job Houle, William Morton, and Eliza Eaton. Penn granted him one thousand acres while both were yet in England. Pownal's wife Eleanor, children — Reuben, Elizabeth, Sarah, Rachel, and Abigail — and servants — John Brearly, Robert Saylor, and Martha Worral — came with him. He was accidentally killed hj the fall of a tree, the thirtieth of eighth month, 168:^. William Yardley was a passenger, in the same ship, with his wife Jane, children — Enoch, Thomas, and AVilliam — and one servant, Andrew Heath. His native place- was Ranscleugh, near Leeke, Staffordshire. Phineas Pemberton was his nephew. He was a zealous Friend, and avowed his convictions with such freedom as to render him a subject of prosecution. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 441 He was a member of the first general assembly, and on several subsequent occasions. In 1689 he was one of the justices for Bucks. Upon his death in 1693 Thomas Yardley, his son, established a ferry, wliich was confirmed to him by act of assembly in 1722. It was the radiating point of the then principal highways to Philadelphia through southern Bucks county, and was correspondingly important to the people of a large section of New Jersey. No effort to found a town seems to have been made until 1807, when a number of building lots were laid oft" on a public road or street parallel with the river. The residents at this time numbered four families — Eastburn, Pid- cock, Brown, and Larue. There was a tavern near the bank of the river, but the ferry was located some distance below what is now the central portion of the town. Among the landlords of this hostelry were John Jones and Benja- min Flemming. Its day of prosperity ceased when the ferry landings were changed, and the " Swan" succeeded as its natural heir. The Yardley man- sion subsequently passed into the possession of Neill Vansant, Richard Mit- chell, Atlee and Mahlon Dungan. The latter w"as appointed first postmaster in 1828. The widow of Thomas Yardley was the first merchant. The growth of the village derived some impetus from the construction and opening of the canal in 1831. The first lock-keeper at this place was Charles Shoemaker. The canal storehouse was operated by Aaron La Rue, whose conscience expe- rienced some unpleasant feelings in the first great anti-liquor agitation in this country. He poured several barrels of rum into the canal and applied the match to others. Nevertheless, the number of public houses was augmented until at one time there were four. There are now two, but the temperance sentiment in this community, as in others where the Quaker element predomi- nates, is very strong. The ferry of a half-century ago was superseded by a wooden bridge, but the latter succumbed to the united force of ice and water in 1811, and the flat-boat was again resorted to for purposes of trans-naviga- tion. The present structure is a substantial and enduring factor of importance in sustaining the advantages of the village as a business centre. The railroad bridge with approaches on either side is nearly two miles in length. The em- bankment on the Y'ardley side is about as high as the highest house in the vil- lage. Although no manufacturing industries iiave been established in view of the increased railroad facilities thus secured, the opening of this railroad has had a marked influence upon the town. It is estimated that about two hundred railroad employees reside here. A number of substantial houses have been erected within recent years, and the value of real estate has perceptibly ad- vanced. The principal street is broad, well-shaded, and the sidewalks are as well paved as in some towns of larger size which boast a borough government. A movement in this direction has several times been discussed by leading citi- zens, but formal action on the subject has always been delayed. Among the attractions of the village are Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Advent, and 442 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. Friends' churches, secret and benevolent societies, and a graded public school. Its industrial interests comprise extensive flouring mills, spoke-works, and stone quarries. The latter are of great age, and were alluded to by Penn in a letter written to Logan regarding certain land titles in this section. The quality of brownstone here produced takes equal rank with that of any other section of the country. The population of Yardley has been estimated at eight hundred. Edgewood, the second village of Lower Makefield, is situated in the western part of the township on the road leading to Langhorne. Samuel Tomlinson was commissioned postmaster here in 1858, being the first persoQ so appointed. The village, if such it may be called, comprises about a dozen houses, a store, and Presbyterian chapel, built by the church at Newtown, the pastor of which preaches here occasionally. A Sunday school is sustained, which may ulti- mately prove to be the nucleus of a strong and influential organization. Upper Makefield originally consisted in large part of the manor of High- lands, a tract of about seven thousand acres laid out by Thomas Holme, sur- veyor-general of the province, prior to 1695. It seems to have been Penn's original intention to confer this land upon his children, but on his second visit to Pennsylvania, or possibly before that time, five thousand acres were dis- posed of to Henry Goldney, Tobias Collet, and Daniel Quere, the constituent members of a corporation known as the London Company. It was surveyed in 1709, at which time Gilbert Wheeler, John Pidcock, and Thomas Kirle were owners of lands adjoining on the north. At a much earlier period (1684), Thomas Hudson, Daniel Milner, Joseph Milner, Henry Baker, Richard Hough, and Edward Luffe owned the lands between the manor and the Lower Make- field line. The London Company seem to have invited settlement upon their lands, and before 1737 Goldney and his associates had disposed of a large portion of their generous area. Of these purchasers the names of the follow- ing are appended to a petition in 1737 : John Palmer, Daniel Palmer, Jona- than Palmer, William Russel, Alexander Richey, William Lee, Eleazar Doane, Richard Hough, Edward Bayley, Zebulon Heston, Joseph Tomlinson, Charles Reeder, Thomas Smith, Richard Parsons, John Atkinson, John Osmond, Trego, James TyclifFe, Thomas Lancaster, William Smith, James Tomlinson, John Brown, John Wall, John Gaile, and John Whitacre. They state that " whereas whilst there was but few inhabitants on that part of the manor of Highlands called Goldney's and Company's land, they were taken notice of by the constables and ofiicers of Makefield as within their districts (as it has been in many other places) ; but now the said Company's and other lands being thick settled, it is a great hardship for the ofiicers and others to have so large a district that is fourteen or fifteen miles in length and contains about twenty- two thousand acres of land ; and of late the constable of Makefield has returned the names of sundry persons, owners of land adjoining to Buckingham and AYrightstown, not part of the said Company's land, who have for many years HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 443 been taxed as inhabitants of AVrightstown and done service on the highways there to the assessors who by them are now taxed as inhabitants of Makefield to their great dissatisfaction ; and further, the overseers of highways of Make- field by reason of the great length of the same neglect taking good care there- in. To prevent which inconvenience your petitioners humbly request that the said Company's land and lands lying between the same and Wrightstown may be either joined to Wrightstown (which is a small township), or be made a township of itself and divided from the lower part of Makefield either by the line of the said Company's land, or lower where you may see more convenient." The court acceded to the extent of appointing a constable and supervisor for the lands in question, but the boundary line was not established until 1742, at which date the separate existence of Upper Makefield began. The planting of towns has been attended with gratifying success in this township ; or, to use a modified form of expression, enterprising founders have pressed their claims upon that dignity with the courage of conviction and with results that justified the effort. Taylorsville is pleasantly situated on the Delaware in the southeastern part of the township. It derives its name from the Taylor family, numerous and influential a half century ago. The land in the vicinity was seated by Henry Baker and Joseph Milner, names still familiar in the locality. The present designation has superseded that by which it was known a hundred years since — McConkey's ferry. Its location was nearly identical with that of the bridge, which has succeeded to the emolu- ments of river transportation at this point, and the landing on the Bucks county side was the nucleus around which subsequent growth has gathered. It was here that Washington crossed the river in that masterly movement Avhich decided the fate of his cause. The station on the Belvidere-Delaware railroad on the Jersey side bears the appropriate name of " Washington's Crossing," from this historic circumstance. Brownsburg was ushered into the world under the unpretentious title of Pebbletown, which name it bore until 1827, when Stacy Brown secured an appointment as postmaster, the name of the oflUce being that by which it has since been known. Mr. Brown continued as the incumbent of this position for more than fifty years. In 1790 there was as much variety in the construction of houses at this place as was compati- ble with their number, one being of stone and the other of wood. The former was occupied by Joseph Dubree, the latter by Joel Doane, who owned both. The log building eventually succumbed to the effects of wind and weather, and in 1812 was replaced by one of frame, owned by Harman Michener, whose residence was at one end and store at the other. His claim as the pioneer merchant of the village has not been disputed. About this time there was a building boom that never reached large proportions, from some unexplained reason ; but David Livezey completed a tavern at the ferry before it had com- pletely subsided. Brownsburg has persistently urged its eligibility as the ter- 44-i HISTORY OF BUC]S:S COUNTY. minal point of a river bridge, but thus far with only indifferent success. Jericho was founded by the soii-in-law of the patriarch of Brownsburg, and the genealogist may possibly discover some relationship between the two places. Jeremiah Cooper purchased three acres beneath the shadow of Jericho mountain in 1795, built a house and stone fence, the latter, perhaps, in imitation of the walls of a city famous in biblical annals. Subsequent growth can scarcely be reduced to statistics, but it may be stated with perfect safety that the increase in the number of houses has not exceeded one in each decade. Dolington is so named in honor of Peter Doling, its earliest settler. Benjamin Canby and William Jackson were the other two members of the triumvirate to whose wis- dom, prudence, and patience the village may well ascribe its early existence. " Dolinton" was the first name ; but when the study of English grammar made it apparent that this was really though unintentionally ignoring one of the ancient and honorable -characters in the alphabet, the " g" was promptly inserted and the wrong righted as far as possible. The change received legal sanction in 1827, when Dolington became a post-office. It had previously been known as Lower Makefield. The village was laid out in 1806. It is situated on a much frequented thoroughfare, partly in both the Makefields. The Friends' meeting house and school property are located here. That time-honored institution of Bucks county, the horse company, origi- nated in Upper Makefield. Tradition asserts that at the close of the revolu- tion, when society had not yet assumed the steady habits of ante helium days, and horse thieves, among other products of the period of disturbance, became uncomfortably numerous, it was the custom to fire a cannon from Doylestown hill to summon the farming community in pursuit. This crude organization was eventually elaborated and became the " Brownsville Persis- tive," the first annual meeting of which was held in the summer of 1806. Two divisions have since been formed, the Durham road being the dividing line. The interests of education receive fair attention from the residents of this section. Lower Makefield sustains nine schools an annual term of nine months, at a total expenditure of five thousand six hundred and forty-seven dollars and sixty-three cents (1885). The showing for Upper Makefield is not so creditable. The annual school term is nine months, seven schools are maintained, and the sums expended aggregate two thousand eight hundred and seventy-two dollars and fifty-seven cents. Graded schools have been estab- lished at several points, and the standard for teachers is becoming more elevated year by year. Among the curious features of the school system of several generations ago was the shape of some of the school-houses. One of this character was eight-sided, built near Yardley by Brelsford on land given for the purpose by Thomas Yardley. Although the number of Friends in Jlakefield was not inconsiderable from HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 445 the time of its earliest settlements, no effort to establish a meeting within its geographical limits was made until the middle of the following century. The fol- lowing extract from the minutes of the Falls monthly meeting explains the origin of the Dolington meeting (1750) : " The Friends of Makefield having represented their being heretofore exposed to difficulty in attending meetings in the winter season, and this meeting taking the same into consideration, does, agreeably to the request of the said Friends, consent that there may be held a meeting for worship the first day in each month at Benjamin Taylor's, and the third first day in each month at Benjamin Gilbert's," etc. Two years later it was re- ported that a meeting-house had so far approached completion as to be " fit to meet in," whereupon the former arrangement was discontinued. Meetings at Yardley were begun by indulgence of Makefield monthly in 1857, Zephaniah jNIahan, William Cadwallader, Joseph Paul, John Mahan, and Joseph Flowers being appointed to its supervision for the first six months. Yardley and Taylorsville constitute a Methodist Episcopal pastorate, the value of church property in the charge being six thousand dollars, mem- bership fifty, and pastor's salary four hundred dollars. Church buildings were erected in 1858 and 1838 respectively. The Advent congregation here has usually been connected with that at Morrisville. The pastor resident at Newtown supplies the pulpit of the Roman Catholic chapel. The Reverend R. H. G. Osborne is the rector of St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal parish, which was founded in 1835, and has experienced many vicissitudes, but enjoys a period of prosperous activity. CHAPTER XII. MIDDLETOWN— NEWTOWN— WRIGHTSTOWN. THE intelligent student of history cannot fail to observe an intimate con- nection between the topography of a country and the progress of civiliza- tion. AVithout referring to any one of the innumerable instances in European and oriental countries illustrative of this, it may be stated that every river from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi has been a highway of primary importance in the settlement and development of this continent. This is equally true of the numerous tributary streams that comprise a great river system. They converge in their progress to the sea, and enter it by a single channel, but this order is reversed in the process of populating a new country. The tide of colonization advances with the main artery, but at every point of divergence 446 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. of a smaller stream immigration receives an impetus in a different direction. And thus, while the main body of settlers established themselves as near the Delaware as circumstances would permit, the valleys of the Schuylkill, the Perkiomen, and the Neshaminy were successively peopled at a contemporary period. The last-named stream is the largest in Bucks county, and drains more than one-third of its area. Its course is exceedingly tortuous and not infre- quently marked by rugged hills, although the slope of the country is gen- erally gradual. This is particularly the case in the southern interior section of the county, southward from Buckingham township, in the region compre- hended between the Neshaminy and the watershed which defines the sources of streams flowing eastward toward the Delaware. The surface is gently undulating, the soil fertile, and the aspect of the country as a whole most agreeable. Local roads are numerous and usually in good repair. Villages do not occur with as much frequency as in other localities, but in size, importance, and business enterprise compare favorably with those of any other part of the county. If the first settlers of two centuries ago could appreciate natural beauty and material resources as keenly as their descen- dants of the present day, it is not surprising that they turned their steps toward the eastern bank of the noble stream that divides southern Bucks county. MiDDLETOWN, at the time of Holme's survey, was apportioned among upwards of thirty landowners, some of whom never resided within its bound- aries. The tract of George White adjoined the Bristol line and the creek, and thence, in regular order, were the surveys of John White, Richard Amor, William Carter, Henry Paxson, Henry Paulin, Edward Samway, William Wiggins, Francis Dove, Richard Davis, ■ Wood, John Towne, Nicholas Walne, John Scarborough, Richard Thatcher, — Hurst, James Dilworth, Thomas Stackhouse, Sr., Thomas Stackhouse, Robert Heaton, Bond, Alexander Giles, Robert Holdgate, Croasdale, Thomas Constable, and Walter Bridgeman, whose lands adjoined the creek, and Thomas Marie, Wil- liam Paxson, James Paxson, Jonathan Fleckne, Joshua Boar, W^illiam Brian, and Robert Carter, whose lands were some distance inland. But little is known regarding the individual characteristics of the first settlers. After the lapse of two hundred years even traditional information is meagre. Among those who arrived in the province prior to William Penn in 1682 were Richard Amor, of Buckleberry, Berkshire, and Henry Paxson, of Slow, Oxford. The latter was severely afilicted in the death of his wife, son, and brother, a daughter only surviving to reach their home beyond the sea. Among the Welcome passengers were Nicholas Walne, of Yorkshire, and a family of three children. He was a member of the first assembly, and in that capacity affixed his signature to the great charter. He was also a zealous Friend and prominent ^. :^, 2Z HISTORY OF BCJCKS COUNTY. 449 in county aifairs. Thomas Croasdale and Thomas Stackhouse, of Yorkshire, were also among the one hundred immigrants who accompanied Penn. James Dilworth arrived from Thornbury, in Lancashire, August 22, 1682. David Davis, one of the first surgeons in the county, located in Middletown in 1683, and died three years later. John Scarborough settled there in 1682 with his son John, a young man. He returned to England two years later to bring his family, but as his wife was not a Friend and did not wish to accompany him, he thought it best to yield to her wishes rather than engage in the diplomacy necessary to change them. John Scarborough, Jr., thus succeeded to the property of his father in this country. Thomas Langhorne, of Westmoreland, arrived in 1684. He was an " eminent preacher," member of the first and subsequent assemblies, and the father of Jeremiah Langhorne, an eminent jurist and one of the chief-justices of the province. He owned extensive tracts of land in the central part of the county and on the Lehigh. His country-seat, known as Langhorne park, comprised eight hundred acres and was situated on the Durham road near Attleborough. The mansion was located near the old road leading from Philadelphia to Trenton. It descended from the original proprietor to Thomas Biles, his nephew, but has lon^ since gone out of the possession of the family. William Carter was another promi- nent resident of the township in the earlier years of its history. He was successively alderman and mayor of Philadelphia, having been elected to the latter position in 1711. Upon the expiration of his ofiicial incumbency, he retired to his estates in Middletown. The celebrity of Gilbert Hicks is of a less enviable character. He was high sheriff of the county in 1776 and an ardent tory. Even after the declaration of independence had been promul- gated he proclaimed the opening of court in the name of the king. This of- fended the patriotic citizens beyond measure. A large number of people assembled at Newtown, then the county-seat, on the first day of the session. Hicks was then living at Four Lanes' Ends and had sufficient -discretion to remain at his home. A number of his friends mingled with the crowd to dis- cover the drift of their deliberations, while a negro slave was mounted on a fleet horse to apprise him of the result. When it was learned that the popular indignation was such as to endanger his life the negro started for home with this intelligence as fast as he could go. W^hen his object became apparent several horsemen started in hot pursuit, but failed to overtake him. It is said that Hicks was secreted in the garret of a neighbor for several days, but finally made his escape to Nova Scotia, when the British government rewarded his loyalty with a gift of land and an annual pension. The house built by him in 1763 at Attleborough was subsequently used as a hospital in the revolution. A number of corpses were buried in the adjoining common in the winter, and as it was impossible to dig the graves a proper depth, it is related that the emanations from these graves in the succeeding summer were so offensive as to 24 450 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. require their filling up witii ground. John Cutler, well known as a surveyor, and employed in that capacity by the Penns, arrived at Philadelphia October 31, 1685, and afterward made his home in Middletown. The township's name, jMiddletown, which has lost its early significance, was given by virtue of its location midway between the river farms and those farther inland. The territory was known as " Middle township," and " Middle lots," until some time in the last century, when the present designation gradually came into use. It was applied in 169"2, however ; and the boundaries were thus described in the report of the jury which met at Neshaminy meeting- house in September of that year : " The middle township, called Middletown, to begin at the upper end of Robert Hall's land, and so up Neshaminah to Newtown, and from thence to take in the lands of John Hough, Jonathan Graife, the Paxsons, and Jonathan Smith's land, and so to take in the back part of White's land, and by these lands to the place of beginning," comprising an area of more than twelve thousand five hundred acres. The population was one thousand six hundred and sixty-three in 1810 ; one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one in 1820; two thousand one hundred and seventy-eight in 1830; two thousand one hundred and twenty-four in 1840 ; two thousand two hundred and twenty-three in 1850 ; two thousand two hundred and sixty-five in 1860 ; two thousand three hundred and sixty in 1870 ; one thousand three hundred and sixty in 1880. This apparently remarkable decrease in the last decade is explained by the exclusion of Langhorne and Hulmeville in 1880 from the town- ship census. The population of the former at that time was five hundred and eighty-eight ; of the latter, three hundred and seventy-six. Langhorne is the largest and most important. Its earliest name was Four Lanes' Ends, derived from the fact that the Durham road was here intersected by that from Philadelphia to Trenton. This was changed to Attleborough in 1809, where the post-office was established. And when the officials of the Bound-Brook railroad established a station under the name of Langhorne, that name was forthwith applied to the village also. This last change occurred in 1877, and the present name will probably be permanent. The earliest settlers at this point were Abraham and Christian Vanhorne and William Pluddleston. The Vanhornes built a portion of the hotel as it stands at present. This was then a small hipped-roof, brick and stone house with log kitchen attached. It was here that the first store in the place, and north of Bristol probably, was opened in 1732 by Joseph Richardson. He came from Healaugh, England, in 1724, and his worldly possessions then consisted of one groat, a small bundle of clothes, and a flail. With the latter he presented himself to William Pax- son, and secured work at threshing all the winter. He married Paxson's daughter in 1732, and then removed to Four Lanes' Ends. In 1738 he built the stone and brick house opposite the hotel and removed his store to the south- east room, an apartment about twelve feet square. This house was two years HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 451 in building, and it is said that all the wood work was carved by hand. It was considered a fine house when finished, and is to-day one of the most substantial in the town. Among other old buildings is that of Mr. Minster, which was built in 1763 by Gilbert Hicks ; the Standard building, recently removed, which was built in 1782 ; and Kirk's store building, which bears the date 1802. Attleborough was an important point on the stage route from Philadelphia. After a jaunt of twenty-one miles from the city travellers stopped here for breakfast. The growth of the town was not rapid. It was a mere straggling hamlet at the beginning of the century, and first attracted population as a desirable residence. For healthfulness the location is unsurpassed. The village is situated on a level area at the summit of Edge hill, and from this elevation commands a fine view of the surrounding country. The population is composed largely of retired farmers, and hence the appearance of the town indicates wealth. It presents little in the way of manufacturing enterprise, and does not possess more than local business importance. When Joseph Richardson kept store, the people came thither from Durham ; now they go from Langhorne to the city. The People's National Bank was organized July 21, 1883, with John Wildman president, Gove Mitchell cashier, Pierson Mitchell, J. W. Gilliam, C. Watson Spenser, I. W. Gearhart, G. W. Comfort, John Johnson, Alfred Johnson, and Henry W. Watson directors. The first meeting to consider the subject was held April 8,1883. The bank was incorporated October 24, 1883, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. It has been a great convenience to the people, and so far quite successful in its workings. The town was incorporated in 1874. The borough council, consisting of H. G. Wells, J. H. Harding, J. B. Candy, J. R. Hibbs, E. C. Neeld, and J. W. Newbold, met for the first time February 19, 1875. John Wildman was the first burgess. The efforts of the borough officers have resulted in pre- serving the regularity of the streets, securing adequate protection in case of fires, and promoting those objects for which local government is usually designed. It is probable that important changes will occur within the next decade in the appearance of Langhorne hill. The Langhorne Improvement Company, incorporated in 1886, originated with Messrs. Samuel C. Eastburn and Henry W. Watson, who secured options for the purchase of several large farms on the southern slope of Edge hill on both sides of the railroad at Langhorne station. The company was organized in January, 1886, and negotiations for the purchase of four hundred and fifteen acres of land were forthwith consum- mated. In the year that has since elapsed, between four and five miles of streets have been laid out, planted with trees, and partially graded. A number of houses have been built, and others are in course of erection. An abundance of pure water is supplied from springs in the vicinity by the Langhorne Spring AVater Company. The water is forced by powerful engines to a reservoir, havincr a capacity of forty thousand gallons at the top of a massive stone tower 452 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. fifty-four feet high, with walls five feet thick, twenty-five in diameter at the top, and thirty-three at the base, whence it is distributed to all parts of the town, and the town that is to be. Besides Messrs. Eastburn and Watson (the former of whom is secretary and superintendent of both corporations), the principal promoters of this enterprise are Messrs. George S. Graham, D. Newlin Fell, Charles Hill, Thomas Harris, Benjamin Taylor, and Charles W. Sharpless. Friends' meetings were first established at Middletown in 1682, and held at the houses of Nicholas Walne, John Otter, and Robert Hall. The first meeting- house was built in 1690, near Neshaminy creek, a mile west of Langhorne, whither it was removed in 1734, the present house in the town being the third. Both branches of the society are represented here. An important adjunct of the society, a Friends' school for girls, was conducted here for some years. It was established by the " Middletown Boarding School Association" in 1835, but was suspended for a time and passed out of possession of the original owners. IsraelJ. Graham conducted it with great success from 1862 to 1867, when the property known as Bellevue Institute was purchased by William T. Seal. It was bought in 1882 by Mr. A. D. Byles, who has converted it into a summer boarding-house. The school was widely patronized during Mr. Graham's management. The Methodist church edifice was built in 1829 and enlarged in 1852. The first class was formed in 1806 by Reverends James Akens and Samuel Harvey. AVilliam Bailey was one of the most active of the first members. The old Attleborough circuit was formed after Bristol became a station, and embraced a large section of country. Orionto Lodge, No. 177, I. 0. 0. F., was insti- tuted April 20, 1846, with Isaac C. Briggs, N. G., William Krumback, V. G., Benjamin T. Roue, Sec, and Israel G. Hibbs, Treas. Present membership, seventy-five. A hall is in course of erection at an estimated cost of nine thou- sand dollars. Sergeant Hugh A. Martindell Post, No. 366, G. A. R., was instituted August 18, 1883, with the following members: Oscar Jacoby, Alfred Mar- pie, P. E. Williamson, P. M. Minster, William Robbins, J. R. Hibbs, S. A. Bushnell, S. B. Mott, J. H. Williams, Lyman Johnson, George Tomlinson, Thomas Simms, John Dyer, Benjamin Stradling, Martin Johnson, J. K. De- lany, Joseph Milner, Albertis Eagle, J. J.. Leach, H. C. Hellings, Christian Schlitt, and S. H. Hackett. Hulmeville is situated on the east bank of Neshaminy creek, about a mile from Langhorne station. Its earliest name was Milford, which was changed in 1809 for the opening of a post-office, for which the present name was adopted. The town was laid out in 1799 and 1803, and incorporated in 1872. It was provided in the charter that the selling of intoxicating drinks should be forever prohibited, but this clause was declared unconstitutional. The town HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 453 continues as a part of the borough as far as schools are concerned, so that the principal exercise of its corporate functions is the control of the streets. There was a grist-mill near the site of Mr. Silas Barkley's as early as 1725. John Hulme became proprietor in 1795, and from his efforts the town derived its early impetus. He established shops, factories, and a bank, the first in the county. He became a member of the legislature and was otherwise prominent in political affairs. At the time of his death (1817), the town of which he was the founder was the most active and prosperous in the southern part of the county. But it possesses no other advantage than the water-power afforded by the creek, and other places which were insignificant at the time when it was prosperous have now derived such importance from railroad facilities as to far exceed it in size. It still possesses to a limited extent the elements of pros- perous advancement. There are three industrial establishments, of which the oldest, Middlesex mills, is operated by John Garsed. The factory consists of a stone building one hundred and four by fifty-two feet in dimensions, containing two full sets of machinery for the manufacture of cotton yarns. Ferdinand Reitz's haircloth manufactory, one of five similar establishments in this country, was removed to this place from Philadelphia in 1884. The plant consists of twenty-two automatic looms. The raw material is imported from Russia by way of England, and the product is used for upholstery purposes. The mill of Markgraf & Henry, manufacturers of raw silk and Turcoman curtains, was first operated in 18.85. Twenty-two hand looms, chenille cutters, etc., comprise the machinery. Neshaminy Lodge, No. 422, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted January 20, 1851, with John P. Thompson, N. G., Jacob H. Goforth, V. G., James H. Edams, Sec, William A. Ridge, A. S., Henry 0. Sheetz, Treas. Present member- ship, two hundred and thirteen. Ilulmeville Encampment, No. 223, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted February 17, 1872, with Hugh B. Webster, 0. P., James R. Edams, li. P., Andrew J. Brown, S. W., John Foster, J. W., William P. Tilton, Sec, Joseph, Bunting, Treas. Metamora Lodge, No. 136, K. of P., was instituted with eleven mem- bers, and Hulmeville Division, No. 122, Sons of Temperance, with twenty-six members. Grace Protestant Episcopal church was established as a mission by Reve- rend J. W. Ridgeley, of Bristol. Among the most active of its original mem- bers were William Johnson, George Harrison, Esther Rodman, G. W. Rue, and Elizabeth Gill. Reverends W. G. P. Brinckloe, W. M. Jarrett, John G. Furey, and John A. Jerome have been the rectors within recent years. The present membership is fifty-seven. The Methodist Ej^iscopal church edifice was built in 1844. Oxford Valley, a post village in the southeastern part of Middletown, pre- sents no feature of special importance. 454 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. Newtown was probably the only township regularly laid out and entirely dis- posed of to purchasers prior to the publication of Holme's map in 1684. William Penn's favorite theory of promoting settlements and encouraging improvement by laying out townsteads is nowhere more fully exemplified than in this instance. In one of the articles of agreement between the proprietor and purchasers, it was pi'ovided that they should be allowed to form a township when the amount of land jointly owned should aggregate five or ten thousand acres. In the case of Newtown, probably the only instance in which this provision was fully carried out, the location was first selected, then the purchase was made, and lastly the survey, ten per centum being allowed for the townstead. Sixteen wedge- shaped farms were laid out, varying in area from two hundred to seven hundred acres, and in length from three-fourths to two and one-half miles. Richard Price was the owner of the largest, which stretched across the Middletown border ; the land of Thomas Rowland adjoined this, being separated from it by Newtown creek ; thence in regular order were the tracts of John Rowland, Eli Braber, Thomas Revel, Christopher Taylor, William Bennet, " Governor's," Arthur Cook, John Otter, Jonathan Eldrey, Abraham Wharley, Benjamin Roberts, Shadrach AValley, William Sneed, and Israel Taylor, " to the place of beginning," viz., Richard Price's, at the corner of Lower Makefield, Mid- dletown, and Newtown. Scarcely anything is known concerning these original owners of the soil. It seems evident that they must have coincided with Penn in his plans regarding the new experiment in town-founding. Christopher Taylor was a Yorkshire Puritan until 1652, when he became a Eriend and endured severe persecution for the zeal with which he defended that sect. He lived at Bristol, was a member of assembly in 1682, and his son performed the first execution in the county. William Bennet, of Hammondsworth, in Middlesex, arrived in November, 1683, and died in March, 1684. It is disputed whether he lived in Newtown, counter-evidence seeming to indicate that it was Ealls instead. A comparison of John Cutler's survey of 1702 with that of 1684 shows that " the survival of the fittest" as a principle applies to land owner- ship as well as to natural phenomena. Thomas Rowland's five hundred acres had passed into possession of Stephen Twining, and William Buckman owned seven hundred acres formerly in possession of John Rowland. Shadrach AValley had absorbed the possessions of five of his former neighbors and be- come the proprietor of one thousand two hundred acres. Samuel Hough, Ezra Croasdale, Henry Paxson, Israel Morris, Thomas Hilborn, James Eld- ridge, and Mary Hayworth owned the land adjoining tlie Wrightstown and Upper Makefield borders. Yates is supposed to have been the father of James Yates who participated in the Indian war of 1737. He built a mill some time prior to 1728, when he sold it. William Buckman, of Billinghurst, in Sussex, settled first upon a patent of three hundred acres in Northampton, but pur- chased land in Newtown of Robert Webb and removed thither in 1695. The HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 455 family of this name is one of the most numerously represented of the old fami- lies in the county. The jury of 1792 referred to the township north of JMiddletown in one brief line, " Newtown and Wrightstown one township," thus showing that they were also known by their present names at that time. Tradition asserts that the former name was suggested by a remark of William Penn to the effect that it was the place designed for his new town. Names were not regarded as import- ant at that early date as at present. It not infrequently occurred that when a township was erected in the early period of a county's history it was popularly referred to as " the new township" in the absence of a more appropriate designation, and in this case temporary usage may have crystallized into per- manence without disturbing the general indifference on the subject. The area of Newtown is about seven thousand three hundred acres. Population, in 1810, nine hundred and eighty-two ; in 1820, one thousand and sixty; in 1830, one thousand three hundred and forty-four ; in 1840, one thousand four hun- dred and forty ; in 1850, eight hundred and forty-two ; in 1860, one thousand; in 1870, nine hundred and eighty-three ; in 1880, nine hundred and seventy. The most important town in this section of country in point of historical associations, religious and educational advantages, and business and industrial interests is Newtown. With the possible exception of Bristol, it is the oldest in the county, and has probably borne its present name longer than any other. It is said that the first house was built by Penn's personal orders at the corner of State and Mercer streets, and that Cornelius Spring was living there in 1692 ; although he may not have been the first inhabitant, he was the only one at that time. Under the conditions established by the survey of the townstead and adjacent farms, it would have been almost impossible for the town not to have come into existence. A number of roads, at present numbering eleven, ■were opened on the dividing lines between the farms, necessarily converging toward the town-plot in the center. The road to Bristol was laid out in 1693, this beino- the first link in the great Durham road. A second outlet to the river, by way of Dolington, was opened in 1723, and a third in 1724 to the falls. The village at that time consisted of some eight or ten log-houses. It derived a considerable impetus from the removal of the county-seat thither from Bristol in 1725. The center of population of the county had by that time moved northward to the extent of requiring this change. The court-house was located on Court street, near Sullivan, the prison directly west, and the county oflSces on the opposite side of State street. Five acres were bought for county purposes from John Walley and laid off into six squares of equal size. This was done in 1733, and is the earliest mention of any part of the town being regularly laid off. Strickland's lane, now known as Washington avenue, was laid out in 1784 eastward from Sycamore street. The square bounded by Washington, Liberty, Jefferson, and State streets Avas laid off by Joseph 456 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Archambault in 1835. The streets in regular order from east to west are Lincoln, Chancellor, Congress, Liberty (north of Washington), Court (south of Washington), State, and Sycamore ; from north to south, Jefferson, Green, Washington avenue, Sullivan, jMercer, and Tenn. Newtown became a borough by act of assembly of April 16, 1838, the officers being a chief burgess and assistant burgess, elected annually, and nine councilmen, three of whom are elected triennially. The borough limits excluded Lincoln and Sycamore streets and all that part of the town north of Jefferson and south of a line extending from the creek to Chancellor street, crossing the Bristol road at right angles. A considerable addition to this on all sides was made in 1882. The population in 1850 was five hundred and eighty; in 1860, six hundred and fifty-two; in 1870, eight hundred and fifty-nine ; in 1880, one thousand and one. The " Newtown common" has been the subject of much discussion, and possesses an interesting history. To encourage settlement, Penn arranged that purchasers should be allowed to locate in the townstead one-tenth as much land as they owned outside of it (the townstead was a mile square and contained six hundred and forty acres, nearly one-tenth of the area of the township). But, as the course of Newtown creek was considered too winding to be a boundary between lots, a strip of land containing foi'ty acres was reserved on either side, known as the " common." August 16, 1716, this was conveyed to Shadrach Walley, William Buckraan,and John Frost, in trust for the people of the township " for the convenience of roads, passage to ye water, and other benefits to ye said township." The only proceeding of these commissioners of ■which anything is known is the grant of ten acres to Thomas Mawberry, for a site to locate his shop. Whether this was intended to be a self-perpetuating trusteeship, or whether the conveyance to Walley, Buckman, and Frost was merely a matter of form, those persons died without appointing their successors or providing in any way for a succession to the trust. The common thus became a common again, in more than one sense of the word. It could not be farmed, occupied, or owned by any individual, and yet its joint ownership was distributed among so many people, liable to so many abuses and productive of so little benefit, that it became a virtual public nuisance. At this juncture of affairs, William Buckman, Francis Murray, James Hanna, Thomas Storey, William Linton, and John D. Murray were vested with authority to procure the title from the state, dispose of the lands in question in such a way as to pro- cure revenue from them, and apply the sum to the academy and schools. A patent was issued by the proper state authorities, July 8, 1796. The common was found to contain forty acres and ninety-seven perches. It was divided into fifty-five lots, all of which were sold at public auction, August 1, 1796, the titles for some being given in fee simple absolute, while ground-rents were reserved on others. Further legislation was rendered necessary by the failure of many of the purchasers to comply with the conditions of the sale, and in ^^^^'^>L_ HISTORY OF BUCKS CO0XTY. 459 1818, Enos Morris, Thomas Kennedy, Jacob Janney, Phineas Jenks, Joseph Worstall, and Thomas Buckman were appointed trustees of the common by act of the legislature, and under their administration the property was finally dis- posed of. It is probably fortunate for the regularity of the streets that the disposition of the common was thus delayed and amply discussed. The revolutionary associations of the town are interesting. A pathetic story is told of a soldier boy, who, being sick, was obliged to remain behind his regiment, and placed with others to guard a number of persons engaged in mak- ing clothes for the continental army. They were at work in a house on State street below Washington, and he was in the garret, while the militia were dis- persed at diiferent places. The latter were obliged to retreat by a sudden attack of the tories, but the boy, from his garret window, shot several of the enemy before he himself received a mortal wound. He was buried in a vacant lot at the upper end of the town, but as no tombstone marks the spot, its exact location is not known. General Greene's headquarters during the campaign in this state were at the Brick hotel, then known as Hinkle's. It was from this place that he went in 1776 to the battle of Trenton, and upon his return some days later, the prisoners were confined in the Presbyterian church. Washing- ton stopped at the house of John Harris, across the creek, for nearly a week, and troops were quartered in the vicinity. Human bones were discovered in the church in making some alterations years ago, supposed to have been the remains of one of the prisoners buried there. Newtown was famous a century ago for the number of its hotels. The place must have been quite a village before the revolution. It is said that five hotels were in operation at that time. The oldest of these, and the only one that is continued as a hotel, is known as the " Brick." It was owned by Joseph Walby in 1748, and leased to Amos Strickland for twenty years from that date. The tenant became proprietor before the expiration of his lease, and at his death in 1779 was succeeded by his son-in-law, Mark Hapenny. It has passed through many vicissitudes of fortune in its long career. Its most distinguished proprietor was Joseph Archambault, a native Frenchman, born at Fontainebleau in 1796 ; he became a ward of the empire, a page of the emperor, and one of the twelve of his attendants who were permitted to accompany him to St. Helena, of whom he was the last survivor. He was not permitted to remain with his royal master, but sent to New York in 1817, having barely attained his majority. He was successful in business, and although the quiet pursuits of the country village in which he had made his home seemed to engross his attention, he always manifested an interest in training days, and although an old man at the time of the civil war, he engaged in it as a captain and major. He died at Philadelphia in 1874. Newtown has received quite an impetus in recent years from the opening of the Philadelphia, Newtown & New York railroad. This has given it 460 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTT. direct communication with Philadelphia ; it was opened in 1877, and although not a success financially, has done much to develop and sustain the industries and business of the town at its eastern terminus. An extensive manufactory of agricultural implements, tannery, mills, foundries, carriage works, and cigar factories are among the principal industrial establishments. The usual lines of business are well represented. Several fine business blocks have been built within recent years. If Newtown had continued as the county-seat, it might now hold the same position among the towns of the county it did at the begin- ning of the century. If Bucks county had been divided, its prestige and im- portance as the most central place in its southern division might still be unim- paired. But such speculations do not remedy the misfortunes they deplore ; and in the recent industrial and business activity manifested, there is sufficient to indicate that this fact is being recognized. The first National Bank of Newtown (No. 324) was authorized to do a banking business, March 17, 1864, with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, the original holders of which were thirty-five in number. The first charter having expired, a second was issued February 25, 1883. The bank organized March 4, 1864, with Kinsey B. Tomlinson president, and Barclay J. Smith cashier. The present officers are as follows : president, Edward Atkinson ; cashier, S. C. Case ; directors, Edward Atkinson, John L. Atkinson, John P. Agnew, Lewis Buckman, George W. Craven, Jonathan W. Gillam, Charles G. Knight, Niles Martin, William K. Walker. The present capital is one hundred thousand dollars ; the surplus fund, equal to three-fourths of that amount, has accumulated in the main since 1878. A number of well-sustained secret and benevolent societies are represented. Lodge No. 57, Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted March 4, 1793, with Reading Beatty, M., James Hanna, S. W., and Nicholas Wynkoop, J. W. The " Red House" was built for lodge purposes in 1796. This fraternity was dis- banded in the anti-masonic agitation of 1821-30. Newtown Lodge, No. 427, was constituted November 6, 1868, with George A. Jenks, W. M., Eugene Smith, S. W., J. Miles Jamison, J. W., Lewis Buckman, T., and Owen W. Worstall, S. The members numbered fifteen. The following have been Mr. Jenks's successors : Eugene Smith, J. Miles Jamison, John Stackhouse, Joseph Willard, Joseph B. Roberts, John T. Gilkyson, Amos W. Buckman, I. Wilson Merrick, Robert Shields, E. P. Feaster, Thomas C. Knowles, J. B. Lovett, C. S. Fetter, T. B. Scott, and Marcus Lippus. Newtown Chapter, H. R. A. M., No. 229, was instituted September 6, 1870, with George A. Jenks, H. P., J. Miles Jamison, K., John Stackhouse, S., Samuel Reed, T., and Owen W. Worstall, S. Siloam Lodge, No. 265, I. 0. 0. F., was organized November 29, 1847, with C. W. Higgs, N. G., Amos Reeder, V. G., Samuel H. Hough, S., Silas C. Bond, A. S., Joseph Harvey, Treas., G. W. Tunbrook, A. Hubbart, John HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 461 Fenton, James Tomlinson, George Rigby, and John Barnesby, officers and members. Some time during the first decade of its history the stone building on State street, in which meetings are held, was built and is owned by the lodge. Curtis Encampment, No. 77, I. 0. 0. F., was organized at Addisville April 10, 1848, but afterward removed to Newtown. The original officers were Howard L. Sagers, C. P., Christopher H. Leedom, H. P., Nicholas Maloy, S. W., William Hardis, Jr., J. W., Silas H. Transue, S., William Thompson, T., Edwin Knight, G., and John M. Morrison. , Northern Star Lodge, No. 224, K. of P., met for the first time, December 8, 1869, when the following persons were installed by representatives of the Grand Lodge: Palmer McMasters, V. P., Robert Shields, W. C, E. H. Blaker, V. C, M. V. Sickel, G., Joshua P. Vanartsdalen, R. S., Robert McMasters, F. S., G. W. Rutherford, B., William Copeland, I. S., and Samuel Henry, A. S. Triumph Lodge, No. 564, Independent Order of Good Templars, was in- stituted March 28, 1868, with Thomas Baker, W. C. T., Jennie Buckman, W. V. S., Willett Lloyd, W. C, Alfred Blaker, Jr., W. S., Laura Rose, W. A. S., Robert B. Stockton, W. F. S., George C. Worstall, W. T., Ashbel AVatson, W. M., and Lettie A. Worstall, W. D. M. This is the only lodge of this character in the county. Newtown Lodge, No. 215, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was in- stituted June 30, 1885, with Samuel C. Case, R. M., W. Wallace Trego, N. W., Abram B. Harvey, S. F. Willis, G. Worstall, 0., James M. Snyder, R., Harry A. Smith, F., Horace B. Hogeland, R., Edward Buckman, G., Harry C. Wor- stall, J. W., and Edgar P. Smith, 0. W. Northern Star Castle, No. 120, Knights of the JMystic Chain, was instituted May 26, 1886, with Frank Gurney, chaplain, H. Clay Hellings, K. C, John H. Marshall, K. V. C, John H. Cope, K. F. L., Warren G. Roberts, R. S., Israel A. Evans, A. R. S., and Thomas K. Gumper, Treas. Of Newtown churches, the Presbyterian was the only one in existence in the last century. The first church building was erected in 1734 on the Swamp road a mile west of the town, where several unmarked graves in the uncultivated corner of a field mark its site. This was a frame building and was sold to John Thompson. It had previously been a school-house in Wrightstown township. The second building, the walls of which are still intact, was erected in 1769. The entrance was on the south side, opposite the pulpit. There were five single pews and one double pew on each side of the pulpit, two blocks of pews in the center, a row on each side, and five pews between the two south doors — sixty- two in all. A plan of the interior in 1818 shows all the pews occupied except two, with an annual rental of six hundred and eighty-six dollars. The front seat on the left side of the middle aisle was reserved for the pastor's family. 462 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Doctor Reading Beatty's pew was directly opposite that of James North in the northeast corner of the church, while David McNair and James Slack sat opposite the pulpit. The stone wall of the graveyard and a number of sheds for horses were erected in 1791-92. Two stoves were purchased in 1794, prior to which innovation the room was warmed by a charcoal fire. The burial- ground was enlarged in 1796 by the purchase of two lots on the north and east. In 1800 it was arranged that this congregation should receive two-thirds of the pastor's time and labors, instead of one-half, as formerly. Dollars and cents first appear in the financial records in 1813, supplanting pounds, shillings, and pence, the denominations formerly used. In the same year the services of the minister were divided with Solebury. The property in 1783 consisted of two lots of ground and four thousand dollars in stocks. In 1816 a fee of four dollars was expected for funeral services by the pastor, when the person de- ceased was not a member of the church. This was reduced one-half thirty years later. Furnaces were first used for heating the church in 1843. The lot upon which the old church building stands was purchased May 13, 1769, from Thomas Buckman and wife by Anthony Tate, of Middletown, Joseph Sackett, of Wrightstown, John Slack, of Lower Makefield, and William Thompson, of Middletown, in consideration of five shillings. Lots No. 45 and 46 of the New- town common were purchased August 1, 1796, subject to a ground-rent of one pound, fourteen shillings forever. This was reduced to one dollar and a half in 1826, and redeemed two years later by the payment of twenty -five dollars to the trustees of the common. May 30, 1769, John Harris and wife conveyed to the above-mentioned trustees a half-acre of ground adjoining that secured from Thomas Buckman. The church was incorporated March 12, 1783, James McNair, Joseph Sackett, John Thompson, Joshua Anderson, John Burley, and Reverend James Boyd constituting the first board of trustees.. The old church has frequently been repaired, particularly in 1838, 1842, 1850, 1857, and 1870. The old academy property was purchased in 1855 and used for religious purposes until Sunday, December 26, 1886. On Wednesday, twenty-ninth in- stant, the new stone chapel, corner of Washington avenue and Chancellor street, was dedicated with impressive ceremonies. It is one of the most substantial and handsome buildings in the vicinity, of striking architectural design, and commanding from its elevated location a view of the town and surroundings. Its interior arrangement is well adapted to the purposes of Sunday school and lecture-room. The main audience chamber is surrounded by six class-rooms and a library recess. It is finished in white and yellow pine ; the windows are of stained glass, and the walls of stone. The old bell that called the con- gregation together in years gone by does similar duty from the belfry over the vestibule. This building has involved an expenditure approximating ten thou- sand dollars. Reverends A. M. Wylie, the pastor, D. C. Hanna, S. J. Milliker, E. Birdsall, G. H. Nimmo, W. K. Preston, A. J. Collom, R. H. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 463 Wright, T. H. Scott, and T. W. J. Wylie participated in the dedicatory ser- vices. The following clergymen have been pastors of this church : Hugh Carlisle, D.D., 1743 to 1747 ; James Campbell, 1747 to 1759 ; Henry Martin, 1759 to 1769 ; James Boyd, 1769 to 1813 ; James Joice, 1813 to 1815 ; Alexander Boyd, 1815 to 1838 ; Robert D. Morris, 1838 to 1856 ; George Burrows, D.D., 1856 to 1859 ; Henry E. Lee, 1859 to 1861 ; S. J. Meliken, 1861 to 1866 ; George C. Bush, 1866 to 1876 ; A. McElroy Wylie, 1877. The Newtown academy, established in 1794, was conducted under the auspices of this church for some years. It was opened on Monday, June 16, 1794, in a vacant room in the court-house. It was incorporated April 1, 1797. The trustees of the common transferred ground for the site of a building to the trustees in 1796. Its affairs reached a low ebb in 1820 and again in 1852, when all efforts at resuscitation having failed, the grounds and building were sold and the proceeds divided equally between the schools of the borough and township. Methodism was introduced into Newtown in 1811 and 1812, when camp- meetings were held in the vicinity. It was not until 1840, however, that an organization was effected, at which time it was embraced in the Doylestown and Attleboro circuit, the existence of which dates from May 29, 1840, when it embraced Doylestown, New Hope, Pennsville, Attleboro, Newtown, Yardley, Morrisville, and Lumberville. Under this arrangement, and subsequently as a circuit and separate station, the pastors at Newtown have been as follows : 1840, C. J. Crouch, William K. Gentner ; 1842, Dallas K. Lore, John Ruth ; 1844, John M. Arthur, Peter Hallowell ; 1845, Joseph Hand, D. L. Patterson ; 1846, Joseph Hand, Alfred Cookman ; 1847, George S. Quigley ; 1849, John Edwards ; 1850, John Edwjirds, W. B. Wood ; 1851, M. H. Sisty, R. Owen ; 1853, J. Watson, M. A. Day; 1854-56, S. Irwin; 1857, C. J. Crouch; 1858-59, Frank Egan; 1860-61, J. B. Ayars ; 1862, M. A. Day, J. Todd ; 1866, J. H. McLaughlin, J. L. King; 1868, S. R. Gillingham, E. C. Griffith; 1869, S. R. Gillingham, Nathaniel Turner ; 1870-71, lUman ; 1872, W. H. Bur- rell ; 1873-74, G. L. Shaffer ; 1875, W. C. Johnson ; 1878, L. B. Brown : 1881, J. S. Cook; 1883, G. W. North ; 1886, A. I. Collom. The church building was erected in 1842, Frederick Ellenger, T. Jenks, and William Davy being the most active members at that time. The erection of a second and more modern structure has been decided upon. There is also an African Methodist church in the town, of which Reverend Thomas H. Scott is pastor. St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal church was founded in 1832 by Reverend Greenbury W. Ridgely, rector at Bristol at that time. It became a corporate body September 7, 1836, Pliineas Jenks, Garret Brown, James Worth, Wil- liam Paff, R. C. Nagel, Daniel Y. Harman, Joseph Whitall, Daniel T. Jenks, Joseph Archambault, Thomas H. Buckman, Amos Vansant, Morris Buckman, 464 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTV. and Thomas Hud being the constituent members. The church building was erected in 1832, and consecrated May 15, 1836, by the Right Reverend Henry U. Onderdonk, D.D. Mr. Ridgely, the rector, pronounced the sentence of con- secration, while the bishop preached. The following persons succeeded him as rector: R. F. Burnham, 1839-41; William C. Cooley, 1841-43; 0. A. Shaw, 1844 ; Donald Frazier, 1845 ; C. Wiltburger, 1845-52 ; W. E. Webb, 1852 ; William Homanan, 1856 ; J. N. Leadenham, 1866 ; J. P. Fugett, 1867; A.-Q. Taylor, 1870 ; W. S.Cochran, 1872; Abdiel Ramsey, 1874 ; William Davidson, 1881 ; J. Thompson Carpenter, 1883 ; Robert H. Wright, 1886. St. Andrew's Roman Catholic church is an outgrowth of the efforts of Father P. F. Lynch, by whom it was organized about the year 1876. Services were first held at the residence of Nicholas McGowan in the town. Principally through the exertions of Mr. Costigan, a contractor for the building of the New- town railroad, a lot of ground on the Philadelphia pike just beyond the borough limits was secured, and a church building erected thereon the following year (1877). It is a brown-stone structure sixty by forty feet in dimensions, with a cemetery on the south side and ia the rear. The pastoral residence adjoining was erected in 1884. Father Ward, the successor of Father Lynch at Bristol, included this congregation in his charge. The first pastoral appointment was made in 1881 in the person of Father William F. Meagher, whose pastorate ceased in 1884, when Reverend James Ragnery was pastor two years and eight months. Upon his resignation in 1885 the present incumbent. Reverend Hugh P. IMcGovern, took charge. The present numerical strength of this con- gregation is about three hundred. The Friends of Newtown became a separate meeting in 1815 by indulgence of Middletown meeting. They met for worship in the abandoned court-house two years, when, in 1817, the present meeting-house was built. Wkightstown was peopled by Europeans years before the purchase of 1737 had extinguished the Indian title to a large part of its area. John Chapman, of Yorkshire, England, a Friend, emigrated from that place in 1684, and crossed the wilderness from Philadelphia, making his abode in a cave upon a tract of five hundred acres previously secured. This cave has now disappeared. It was situated on the right-hand side of the road leading from the meeting- house to Penn's Park. Chapman's house, the first in the township, is thought to have been in the immediate vicinity. William Smith came to America from Yorkshire in 1684. He first stopped for a while with Phineas Pemberton, but having purchased one hundred acres from Chapman, removed thither the same year (1684). He also owned one hundred and fifty acres extending to the Newtown line and the Neshaminy. The third settler was John Penquite, who secured three hundred acres between the Park and the Neshaminy. Part of this tract is now owned by his descendant, Mr. G. C. Blackfan. Penquite HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTT. 465 arrived in this country in September, 1683, but did not remove to Wrights- town until the next decade. The fourth settler was John Parsons, who located northwest of the Park. Garret Vansant patented land in the extreme north- western part of the township in 1690. Richard Lumley and Robert Stuckes- bury arrived in 1695, and Peter Johnson in 1697. Among other early settlers were William Lacey, from the Isle of Wight ; Zebulon Heston, from New Jersey ; Richard Mitchell, proprietor of the first mill ; Joseph Warner, from Newcastle, Delaware ; Joseph Hampton, a Scotchman ; John Linton, from New England ; Stephen Twining, who arrived in 1735 ; and John Lay- cock, who became a resident in 1722. The landed proprietors in 1719 were John, Abraham, and Joseph Chapman, Smith, Penquite, Parsons, Stuckes- bury, Vansant, Johnson, Ambler, Trotter, Pemberton, Clark, Lumley, and Williams, Many of these family names are still numerously represented. Wrightstown is the smallest township in the county, having an area of about five thousand acres. Its boundaries are quite regular except upon the south- west, where the Neshaminy separates it from Northampton. A very scanty strip of land on the opposite side of that stream is included in this township. Population, in 1810, five hundred and sixty-two ; in 1820, six hundred and eighteen ; in 1830, six hundred and sixty ; in 1840, seven hundred and eight ; in 1850, eight hundred and twelve ; in 1860, eight hundred and sixty-two ; in 1870, eight hundred and thirty-three ; and in 1880, seven hundred and seventy- three. It would seem that the township was so named by Phineas Pemberton, for, in a letter to Penn in 1687, he thus speaks concei;ning it: " The land I have in Wrightstown is twelve hundred ackers, and only one settlement upon it. I lately ofiered to give one hundred ackers if he would have seated there, and he has since bought one hundred at a very high price rather than go so far into the woodes. There is about five hundred ackers yet to take up in the towne. The people hereabout are much disappointed with sd Wright and his cheating tricks he played here. They think much to call it after such a runagadoe's name. He has not been in these partes several years, therefore, desire thee to give it a name. I have sometimes called it Centertowne, be- cause it lyes near the center of the county, as it may be supposed, and the towne is layd out w'h a center in the middle of six hundred ackers or there- abouts." This explains the origin of the name more fully than has yet been attempted. The mention of Newtown and Wrightstown in 1692 proves con- clusively that both were laid out prior to that time ; and Holme's map affords additional evidence if that were necessary. The time at which they were separated for municipal purposes cannot be determined so easily. They were recognized subdivisions of the county at the time of Cutler's survey in 1703 ; and as the separation of Southampton and Warminster occurred in that year, there is reason to believe that a similar change occurred with reference to New- town and Wrightstown at the same time. An effort was made to enlarge the 466 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. area of the latter in 1720 by annexing the adjacent portion of the manor of Highlands, subsequently known as Upper Makefield. The citizens of Wrights- town were generally in favor of this, the reason alleged being that a road through the manor much used by them would thus be better repaired. The proposed territory to be annexed was nine hundred and thirty perches long and four hundred and seventy-four wide. The change was not effected. Pineville, Wrightstown, and Penn's Park are the villages of Wrightstown township. A group of thrifty pines at the upper end of the township gave to this locality the name of " The Pines," while a store with dwelling-house attached, school-house, and several others constituted the " Pinetown" of a century ago. John Thompson kept a store there before the revolution. It became Pineville in 1830., when the post-office was established with Samuel Tomlinson as postmaster. Its present population is about one _ hundred. Wrightstown is situated in the southern part of the township, on the old Durham road, which was opened through this section in 1723. Its site is part of the tract of John Chapman. Midway between these two places is the Anchor, one of the most famous of old-time taverns in central Bucks county. Penn's Park, otherwise known as Pennsville, is situated about the central part of the town- ship. The original Penn's Park was a tract of land one mile square, surveyed and designed as a site for a town. It was laid off in 1695 ; but as the town was slow about coming into existence, and settlement was not so dense as to require a public park, it was divided among the land-holders, fifteen in number at that time. The village at the park consists of about twenty houses, hotel, and Methodist church. The latter was built many years ago, but this sect has not been very favorably received in the " Quaker township." The name is appropriate. Friends' meetings have been held for two hundred years uninter- ruptedly. Samuel Smith says that in 1686, James Radcliffe, a noted public Friend, settled near John Chapman, " and for the ease" of these two families, a meeting was held at their houses, which was continued until 1690, when a general meeting for the county was appointed to meet at Chapman's once a year. It was at first held on first day, but by authority of the county quarterly- meeting, the time was changed to the last fifth day of the fourth month, when, upon the death of John Chapman, the place of meeting was removed to the house of John Penquite. Here it was held until 1721, when a meeting-house was built, four acres having been given for that purpose by the Chapmans. An addition of twenty feet was built in 1735, and the present stone meeting- house was built in 1787. Bucks quarterly meeting convened here for the first time in 1735. In 1765 the monthly meeting was adjourned because it came on election day. People walked and rode horseback ; there was one riding-chair in 1780, but in 1832 there were one hundred gigs, some quite ex- pensive. The " Solemn Religious meeting" of three days' duration to celebrate " The Providential Care of a Bountiful Creator" was continued here more than a century, and largely attended. r ■'^ ^>^ Ai:^-^ '' ' HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 489 in this country, and harmony was restored. In 1749 a call was extended to Jonathan Du Bois, not yet a reverend, but only a student, whom the church was assisting to educate. He was to preach twice on Sunday in summer and once in winter. He was to receive fifty pounds salary, the use of seventy acres of land and of a house and barn ; also, " a horse and all that belongs there- unto," and " eight Sundays in the year to yourself," which it was understood should be employed in Bensalem. He came first as stated supply, but in 1752 was ordained and installed, having married in the previous year Hilletje AVynkoop, the daughter of an elder in his church. One of his first acts, and the most important of his administration, was the building of a church at Addis- ville. This step had been decided upon prior to his installation. The work was begun in 1751, when an acre of ground was purchased from Evan Jones. Derrick Kroesen, Joseph Fenton, Adreejan Cornell, Garret Van Zandt, Gerardus Wynkoop, and Nicholas Wynkoop were among those most active in this enterprise. Among the items in a bill of expenses is one of fifteen shillings for " rum for the raising of the meeting-house." It was completed and paid for " in full of all debts, dues, and demands," in 1753, through the assistance of churches in New Jersey and on Long Island. The seating capacity of this church was one hundred and seventy. The pew-rent system in a modified form was introduced. A new phase of organization and government appears in 1757 in the election of two church-masters. The first two were Hendrick Kroesen and Jacob Bennet. They found a small balance in the treasury, and applied it to repairs of the Feasterville church. The pastorate of Mr. Du Bois was closed by his death in 1772. He was well adapted to the people among whom he labored ; his remains rest with theirs in the burial-ground at Addisville. For their next pastor, instead of sending to Holland or educating him from among themselves, the people looked to the Dutch council of New York. July 8, 1774, a call was extended to Reverend Martinus Schoonmaker, but he declined. Rynier Van Nest received the next call, and regarded it with equal favor. April 12, 1776, Reverend William Schenck accepted a call signed by fifty-five women and twenty-two men. The disparity of members thus shown indicates to what extent the Dutch of Northampton and Southampton were patriots. Their new pastor had been compelled to leave Jlonmouth, New Jersey, .by the British. He was promised a salary of eighty pounds, and that he might gradually learn to address his congregation in their vernacular, he was to preach the first year in English only, the second year " half-and-half" in summer and two-thirds Dutch in winter. How far the experiment was suc- cessful can only be conjectured. The next pastor was Matthew Leydt, 1780-83. He was called on a salary of two hundred and ten bushels of wheat. For the third time in the history of the church its minister died at his post. Mr. Leydt is buried in the Feaster- 26 490 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ville graveyard. Although without a pastor, church work was not relinquished. A contribution was sent to the Minnisink congregation, which had suffered severely during the war. The church buildings were also repaired. Reve- rend Peter Stryker was called as pastor, September 15, 1788. His was the first call written in English, but the new pastor was distinctively a Dutchman. He remained two years. In September, 1794, Reverend John C. Brush re- ceived a letter from the consistory, which, from its introductory sentence, " In the name of God, Amen," may have seemed somewhat like a will, but which imported nothing more serious than a call to their church at an annual salary of three hundred dollars. He accepted, and remained two years. Reverend Jacob Larzelere, the ninth pastor of this church, was installed October 13, 1797. A new parsonage was built the following year, Daniel Hogeland being business agent. In 1804 a bequest of three hundred pounds was left to the congregation by the will of Henry Lymbacher. The centennial of its history passed by without special observance. Perhaps the needs of the present were too plainly apparent. The erection of a new church building was a considera- tion of first importance about that time. The Southampton church had stood seventy-five years, the Northampton building sixty years. August 16, 1813, it was decided by a vote of eighty-four to thirty-two to rebuild one church only. September 28, the northeast corner of Mr. McNair's farm was chosen as the site. A lot of three acres was purchased and given to the church by Gilliam Cornell. Joshua Prall was made superintendent of the building. It was finished in 1816, but with a debt of six thousand dollars, partially liquidated by the sale of pews. With accumulated interest, it ultimately absorbed the parsonage and farm. About this time, the burial-grounds at the, former old churches were inclosed and their general appearance greatly improved. The prosperity of the church during Mr. Larzelere's thirty-one years' pastorate seems to have been temporal rather than spiritual. In 1823, Christopher Vanarts- dalen, the treasurer, reports among the church's resources three thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight dollars in interest-bearing bonds. There was scarcely any increase in the membership. One reason to which this may be assigned is the location of the church, which was not convenient to many. Two hundred and sixteen marriages are recorded during this pastorate : five hundred and eleven baptisms, and one hundred and twenty-nine accessions. October 13, 1838, pastor and people mutually agreed to separate. The ensuing pastorate of Reverend Abram Ootwout Halsey was the longest in the history of the church. His call was dated May 5, 1829. A new house for the new pastor was forthwith purchased. He was evidently skeptical as to whether charity should begin at home. With an exhausted local treasury, he nevertheless called upon the people regularly for mission contributions. On one occasion, sixty-seven dollars were sent to the aid of Sunday schools in the Mississippi valley. Every tenth year was signalized by a revival of religion. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 491 In 1842-43 one hundred and seventy persons were received into the church on confession ; there were ninety accessions in 1852-53. Tiie use of coal was introduced in 1846, when two furnaces were built for heating purposes. An- other church building was the great question in 1857. It was decided to build at Addisville. A building committee of thirteen was appointed, ground purchased, and work begun in 1858. The new church was completed the fol- lowing year, and Reverend N. S. Knowlton became associate pastor. But this arrangement caused some friction ; and in 1864 the Addisville church was organized and an amicable division of the church property effected. This was the closing act of Mr. Halsey's administration. His death occurred August 27, 1868. His sermons were characterized by length, depth, and breadth ; originality, comprehensiveness, and eloquence. Four short pastorates since 1868 follow this one of thirty-eight years. Reverend William H. De Hart was called February 24, 1868, and resigned December 31, 1870 ; Reverend Henry Martyn Voorhees was called October 31, 1871, and resigned in 1877 ; Reverend B. C. Lippincott was called June 27, 1877, and resigned November 5, 1881 ; Reverend Samuel Strong, the present incumbent, was installed February 16, 1882. The beautiful appear- ance of the church building is largely due to his efforts, nearly twenty years ago. The parsonage adjoining was purchased in 1873. The essential points in this history of one hundred and seventy-seven years have now been pre- sented ; the church has had a career honorable to the denomination with which it is connected and to the membership of which it is composed ; and its pres- ent prosperous condition proves that it has not outlived its usefulness. The Southampton Baptist church is the oldest in the county and seventh in the state. Its origin dates from the " Keithian" division among Friends in 1691, when the dissidents were known as "Keithian Baptists." A small con- gregation met for worship monthly at the house of John Swift in Southampton, with John Hart, a former distinguished Friend, as pastor. In 1702 this church was connected with Pennypack, but the meetings at Swift's were continued, jMr. Hart's position being changed to that of assistant to Thomas Griffith, the regular pastor. Subsequor.tly, Mr. Swift removed to Philadelphia, and the place of meeting was changed to the house of Peter Chamberlain. In 1721, upon the death of Reverend Samuel Jones, then pastor at Pennypack, these meetings were discontinued ; but in 1726, when Jenkin Jones became pastor, tliey were resumed. A short time afterward George Eaton was called as assist- ant, and the house of John Morris became the place of meeting. In 1730 he gave a lot of one acre for meeting-house and burial-ground, " in order that the preaching of the gospel might be continued at Southampton." For the sup- port of a pastor he supplemented this with a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. A deed of trust for this property was executed in 1732 to Jeremiah Dungan, Robert Parsons, John Dungan, John Hart, and Thomas Dungan, the 492 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. church building having been completed the previous year. Joseph Eaton was called to preach one Sunday in each month and Jenkin Jones on week-days. The history of the congregation as an organization dates from April 5, 1745, when Pennypack church, at the request of the Southampton people, dissolved the union formerly existing between them and constituted the latter a separate body. Three days later a solemn convocation was entered into by fifty-two persons, among whom appear the names of Yerkes, Gilbert, Jones, Shaw, Dungan, Potts, Murray, Morgan, and others equally familiar at the present day. Joshua Potts, Stephen Watts, and John Hart were called to the offices of teacher, ruling elder, and deacon, respectively. Upon the death of Mr. Potts in 1761 Thomas Davis preached for a short time. Dr. Samuel Jones became pastor in 1763. Erasmus Kellcy succeeded him June 1, 1776, and Willian Vanhoern May 29, 1773, but resigned in 1785. Reverend Thomas B. Montanye was called from Warwick, New York, in 1801. He died in 1829, after a pastorate of twenty-eight years. James B. Bowen was pastor for twelve years preceding 1843 ; Alfred Earle, from December 30, 1843, to June 17, 1848 ; William Sharp, April 7, 1849, to September 14, 1854 ; Dan- iel L. Harding, October 14, 1854, to January 11, 1865 ; William J. Purring- ton, August 26, 1867, to April 13, 1879 ; and Silas Durand, April 12, 1884, to . The church was incorporated by act of assembly in 1794. The first board of trustees was composed of Elias Yerkes, Arthur Watts, Thomas Folwell, Elias Dungan, Abel Morgan, John Folwell, Joseph Hart, Isaac Edwards, Joshua Dungan, and Jacob Yerkes. It was connected with the Philadelphia Baptist Association until the formation of the Del- aware River Association in October, 1835, when it became one of the constituent churches of that body. The church building erected in 1731 was rebuilt in 1772, and enlarged in 1814. One of the first Sunday schools in the county was organized here in 1814 or 1815. Among its superintendents were William Purdy, Jacob Wright, Christopher Search, and John Davis. This was a pioneer school. For years no other Sunday school was held in all this section of country, and people came for miles to see how it was conducted. The Davisville Baptist church was known originally as the " Independent Baptist church of Southampton." It was constituted at the house of Jesse L. Booz March 31, 1849, with thirty -three members who had withdrawn from the older body on account of differences of opinion regarding different matters of church polity. This new organization met for worship in the Davisville school- house until January 1, 1850, when a church edifice was completed. This building was of stone, thirty-three by forty-five feet, and cost fifteen hundred dollars. It was changed into the present commodious house of worship in 1867 at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The following pastors have served the church : Alfred Earle, 1849-1856 ; Frederick Kent, 1857-1858 ; Charles Cox, 1858-1860.; James IL Appleton, 1860-1861 ; Alfred Earle, 1861-1862: HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 493 Thomas Cole (supply for six months); W. H. Conard, 1862-18Tt3 ; S. V. Marsh, 1876-1883 ; Philip Berry, 1883 . The deacons, in regular or- der, have been John Potts, Bernard Van Horn, Thomas Erwin, Samuel Leedom, Dennis Britton, Thomas Leedom, John B. Heritage, and Charles W. Heaton. The church was first known by its present name in 1858, when a mission church in New York acknowledged the receipt of a communion set from " Davisvllle" church. In 1870 a formal change was made, but the new name had been in popular use long before that. This church was unassociated until 1858, when it became a member of the North Philadelphia Association. Northampton is referred to in the report of the commission of 1692 as "the lands about [Southampton]." From preference, necessity, or indifference, its people permitted their farms and houses to be known by this comprehensive but undefined name for thirty years. December 11, 1722, a petition was pre- sented to the court, praying for the erection of a township between Southamp- ton, Warminster, and the Neshaminy. This document was accompanied by a draft of the proposed township ; and as its present boundaries are identical with those therein described, it is evident that the petition was acceded to. The extreme length is seven and one-half miles, and width four and one-half miles. Between Warwick on the north and Middletown ort the south, Newtown and Wrightstown on the east, Warminster and Southampton on tlie southwest, an area of fourteen thousand acres is inclosed. The population by the last census was one thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight. Farming is the principal occu- pation, and the agricultural character of Northampton and Southampton is of a high order. The soil is fertile, the land uniformly level, with a well-defined slope to the south and soutlieast. The meadows produce luxuriant crops of haj', a staple product, much of which is hauled by the farmers themselves to Phila- delphia. Since the opening of railroads through this section (1876) dairying has also been pursued Avith profit. For this it is admirably adapted. Nume- rous springs and streams of water increase and preserve the fertility of the soil, while the rows of willow and sycamore that line their banks relieve the monotony of an otherwise unbroken landscape. Broad Axe creek rises above Springville, in Northampton, flows in a southerly course, receiving waters of the "Iron Works" at Holland, and numerous smaller streams at various points, and thence pursues its meandering course to the Neshaminy. Jacksonville and Slack creeks are affluents of the Little Neshaminy from northern Northampton. Mill creek is one of a number of tributaries of the Neshaminy from the same townsliip. The Poquessing rises in Southampton, pursues a zigzag southerly course at the boundary between Bucks and the adjoining portion of Philadel. phia county, and empties into the Delaware at Torresdale. Several branches of the Pennypack rise in this township. East of the Bristol road in Northampton, the most considerable survey was that of Arthur Cook, which formed the northwestern corner of the township ; 494 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. south of this, and adjoining the same thoroughfare, were the lands of Joab Howie, Robert Freeman, William Buckman, Thomas Rowland, Samuel Allen, Peter Freeman, Edmund Bennet, and Thomas Walmesley, whose tracts extended diagonally to the Nesiiaminy ; following the course of this stream to the north, the successive land-holders along its border were Hurst, Edmund Ben- net, Richard Thatcher, Christopher Taylor, Anthony Tompkins, Robert Turner, John Brown, William Pickering, and Benjamin East ; the three tracts in the center of the township which did not extend to any of its boundaries were those of Thomas Atkinson, John Pennington, and Daniel Wherley. Among the settlers of Northampton were several who accompanied Penn in the Welcome, on his first visit to the province. Thomas Walmesley, of Yorkshire, and William Buckman, of Sussex, millwright and carpenter, respec- tively, were of this class. The former died before executing his plans, for his purchase included lands along the Neshaminy which might have made an eligible mill-site, and he had brought with him such necessary machinery as could not be readily improvised in a new country. Cuthbert Hayhurst, of Yorkshire, though not mentioned on Holme's map, was the owner of a tract of four hundred acres in the southwestern part of the township. The Dutch families of the township are descended from the same ancestry as those of the name in Southampton. The Middle road was granted in 1693, and when completed to Yardley, passed through the central part of Northampton in a direction nearly due east. Many years ago, when the public house was in greater favor than at present, one Mr. Bennett established on this road the " Black Bear," a hostelry famous in its day and generation. He was succeeded by Richard Leedom, who was " mine host" in revolutionary times, and amassed considerable property by speculating in continental money. His uniform prosperity invited competition, and the " White Bear" was thenceforth opened. The opening of a new road promised to give it the advantage, but Leedom, who owned all the land in the vicinity, was not thus easily left in the rear. He opened a private lane throuo-h his land, thus giving the travelling public a more direct route than before. It is known to this day as " Spite" lane. In course of time the Middle road was extended from the Bear to the Anchor, in Wrightstown, and a second branch was opened to connect with the Bristol road. About the beginning of this century Amos Addis laid off a number of building-lots a short distance north from the Bear on this road, and the hamlet that thus came into existence received the name of Addisville. Richard Leedom again felt that his preroga- tive was infringed upon, and forthwith prepared to absorb this incipient village into the town of " Leedomville." The effort was only partially successful ; for in the course of years, and by a process neither rapid nor brilliant, the dis- tance between the two villages was so abbreviated and their joint population had so increased that it became necessary to select a name for a post-office. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 495 Whereupon, with a mutual forbearance both wise and effectual, the traditional antagonism was forgotten, or rather compromised, by the choice of Richboro, compounded from the first name of the richest citizen it has ever known and a good old Anglo-Saxon termination. Bat the Reformed church of Addisville has meanwhile come into existence ; and as this reconciles the friends of that name, let the metropolis of Northampton be known ecclesiastically as Addis- ville, politically as Richboro, and popularly as the Bear to the end of time. The only other villages entirely within the township are Rocksville and Jacksonville, in its extreme southern and northern portions. The latter was so named in honor of the president whose name it bears, but it may be questioned whether it is not more of an honor to the place than to him. Rocksville, though eminently appropriate, judging from the appearance of the country in its imme- diate vicinity, is known as a post-office under the name of Holland. A station on the Philadelphia, Newtown, & New York railroad is also called Holland. Although country villages are not usually favorable to the growth of secret societies, one of the oldest Odd Fellows' lodges in this county is that of Rich- boro. The charter of Northern Star Lodge, No. 54, I. 0. 0. F., was granted April 21, 1845, to Samuel Thompson, N. G., Christopher H. Leedom, V. G., William Edwards, S., and John K. Tomlinson, A. S., in lieu of one surrendered to the Grand Lodge in 1837. There is reason to believe that this first charter was granted as early as 1825. Meetings were first held at the White Bear hotel, then kept by William Harris. In 1845 the hall occupied at present was erected. It is a large stone building three stories in height. Curtis Encampment, I. 0. 0. F., of Newtown, was instituted here in 1848. The membership of Northern Star Lodge in October, 1886, was eighty. Star of Liberty Castle, No. 83, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was organized at Ghurchville under a dispensation granted March 24, 188G, with a member- ship of thirty-two, of whom the following were the principal officers : Jesse J. Finney, Thomas Beans, W. A. Yerkes, Thomas H. Fetter, E. H. Leedom, G. W. Beans, W. 0. Cunningham, George Jamison, and Wilson Brown. Harmony Castle, No. 109, Knights of the Mystic Chain, was instituted at Churchville, August 13, 1884, with Jesse J. Finney, Chaplain, John W. Saur- man, S. K. C, John W. Tomlinson, S. K. V. C, Abraham Krewson, F. L., W. C. Cunningham, R. S., George Beans, A. R. S., George Huey, F. S., Thomas Beans, S. K. T., Wilson Brown, I. G., George Jamison, 0. G. The religious afi&liations of the people of this township with the Churchville Reformed church have been observed ; and a separation from the parent body was long deferred and reluctantly decided upon. The church edifice (Re- formed) at Addisville was dedicated April 20, 1859. The congregation worshipping here was thenceforth served alternately by Dr. Halsey and Mr. Knowlton. Upon the resignation of the latter, application was made to classis for a division of the charge. This was granted, and the separate existence of 496 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the Addisville church dates from May 19, 18G4. An organization with seventy- nine members was effected April 7, 1864, when Henry S. Krusen, Gilliam Cornell, Jonathan Lefferts, and Theodore M. Vanartsdalen were chosen elders, Alfred Carver, Isaac Bennett, John Krusen, and Thomas H. Hart deacons. The first settled pastor was Reverend G. DeWitt Bodine, who was ordained and installed September 20, 1864, and remained four years, when he was succeeded by Reverend J. L. Ammerman, who resigned in 1871. The ensuing pastorate of Reverend Isaac Collier was thirteen years in length and terminated October 1, 1885, when Reverend E. Birdsall, the present incumbent, took charge. About the year 1857, an unsuccessful effort was made to establish a Presbyterian church at Richboro. A church edifice was built, and subse- quently purchased by a recently formed Methodist society. It is a substantial building with pleasant surroundings, and valued at six thousand dollars. The membership in 1886 was seventy-nine. The Methodist church at Scottsville was built in 1867. It is a stone structure, thirty-five by forty-five feet, with a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty. CHAPTER XV. WAHMIXSTER— WARWICK— WARRIXGTON. A WIDE dissimilarity in the essential characteristics of the people whose -LA_ history has been traced in the preceding chapter and their immediate neighbors to the north and northwest might have been observed at the time when neither had lost their peculiarities by mutual contact and common inte- rests ; and although the influences that have developed from the so-called " American type" have well nigh obliterated in this process their differences in language, social prejudices, and other distinctive traits, the present generation retains the religious preference of the people from whom they are descended sufiiciently to attest the diversity of crude customs among the latter. The most considerable aflluent of the Delaware west of the Neshaminy is the Pennypack, while the Poquessing drains a comparatively small basin be- tween their lower courses ; and these topographical features explain in great measure the way in which the settlements extended inland from the river. The Dutch peopled the peninsula between the Poquessing and Neshaminy, in very few instances going beyond the limits thus apparently established. Middletown and Bristol on the east and Byberry and Moreland on the west e-- '^-•^^'^^^'Z,,^^^, HISTORY OP" BUCKS COUNTY. 499 were almost exclusively settled by English Friends. The advance of settle- ment in a new country naturally follows the valleys of its streams ; and thus it was that the Quakers pushed steadily up the Pennypack, keeping pace with the Dutch, and eventually reaching Warminster and Warrington. Warminster was among the earliest townships settled, and at the time of Holme's survey appears to have been pretty well apportioned among land- holders. Of this number, Henry Comly, Sarah Woolman, Henry English, Abel Noble, Nathaniel Allen, William and Mary Bingley, John Jones, James Potter, George Randall, John Hart, and John Rush, Sr., the Bingleys were the largest proprietors. Nearly all were non residents, of whom but little is known, nor is it a matter of great importance that much should be known. John Rush, who owned five hundred acres, lived in Byberry, and was success- ively Puritan, Quaker, and Keithian Baptist. His land was patented by Bingley, to whom it was sold. Nathaniel Allen owned land in Bristol also, and is thought to have resided there. John Hart and Henry Comly were the first progenitors of the numerous families of their respective names in this state. Hart was a native of Whitney in Oxfordshire, where he was born in 1651. He purchased a thousand acres of William Penn for the merely nominal sum of twenty pounds, and located equal portions of it in Byberry and Warminster. He lived first at the former place on the banks of the Poques- sing, but removed to the vicinity of Johnsville in 1695, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1714. The family homestead descended from father to son for five generations. Among the distinguished descendants of John Hart were his sons, Joseph and Oliver, the former a distinguished revo- lutionary patriot, the latter a prominent Baptist clergyman and a pupil of Wil- liam Tennent. Henry Comly removed from Bristol, England, in 1682, having previously secured a warrant for five hundred acres which he located on the northern border of this township. The Nobles were residents of Bristol in this county prior to their settlement in Warminster. Richard Noble, who arrived at Salem, New Jersey, May 13, 1675, was the owner of the Bristol lands near the confluence of the Neshaminy and the Delaware, and his son, Abel Noble, was an original proprietor in Warminster and the owner of about seven hun- dred acres tliere in 1752. This tract was bisected by the York road and ex- tended from the county line to the Street road. The numerous and influential family of Yerkes was first represented by Herman Yerkes, who purchased land from the Nobles about 1750. The family is of German origin. The most dis- tinguished of his descendants is the Honorable Herman Yerkes, president judge of this county. Among others of the earliest English settlers was Bar- tholomew Longstreth, a Yorkshire Friend, who emigrated in 1698. His first experience with America was an unfortunate investment of four hundred pounds in a West India venture. His first purchase in Bucks county was three hun- , dred acres located in the Edge hills, which he improved and then disposed of 500 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. with the intention of returning to England. His resolution changed in favor of Warminster, however, and he became a resident there in 1710. His acres multiplied until, at his death in 1749, they numbered more than a thousand. His house was begun in 1713, and after being added to and subtracted from at various times, has finally been entirely eliminated. It was built by Philadel- phia artisans and considered one of the most pretentious and substantial of the buildings of its generation. The homestead farm adjoining remained in the family five generations. The original owner was the father of eleven children and the ancestor of a numerous progeny. Several Dutch names, Vansant, Corson, Craven, etc., also appear among the predominating English element. They were connected with the families of those names in Northampton and Southampton. The Cadwalladers and Garrisons were of the same stock, and with true Dutch deliberation removed from their native country to New Am- sterdam before finally becoming residents of Warminster. John Fitch was in many respects the most remarkable man who ever lived in Warminster. Born at Windsor, Connecticut, in 1743, he early experienced the hardships of poverty ; and although his opportunities to acquire knowledge were very limited, he became a proficient surveyor and developed great mechanical ingenuity. His domestic relations were unfortunate, and when the disagreeable temper of his wife at length became unbearable he left her with the small property they owned and travelled westward to Albany, thence to New York, and thence to Trenton, deriving a scanty subsistence as a mender of clocks and a peddler of brass buttons. He was among the first to enlist when the revolution began ; but as his services were more valuable as a gun- smith than a soldier he was not permitted to enter the active service. His shop was at Trenton, and when, in 1776, that place was taken by the British, he lost his occupation and retired with the American army into Bucks county. He stopped for a while with John Mitchell at Attleborougli, and then, made his home with Charles Garrison in Warminster and began the trade of silversmith at the shop of Jacobus Scout. He engaged in various pursuits until the end of the war, and at its close found himself in possession of forty thousand dol- lars, continental currency. The only way of securing its face value was in- vestment in government bonds, and in 1780 Fitch made a journey to Kentucky, where he secured more than a thousand acres of land. In 1782 he returned to that region, but was captured by Indians, and after an eventful journey through Canada reached " Cobe" Scout's shop on New-year's day, 1783. He was not yet ready to relinquish his land projects, and in 1785 formed a company and surveyed thousands of acres in Ohio which it was their purpose to seat when the opening of the national land oifice would permit ; but a changed method of disposing of the public lands rendered all this " labor •lost," and in the deepest disappointment Fitch returned to Warminster. In April, 1785, Avhile returning from Mr. Irwin's church, the idea of applying HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 501 steam to the purposes of locomotion first occurred to him ; he was rheumatic from exposure on his surveying expeditions, and in a proper frame of mind to entertain such ideas. Some time afterward he explained his plan to Mr. Irwin, when, to his surprise, he was shown a description of which he was ignorant. " He made his model steamboat in ' Cobe' Scout's log-shop, with paddle-wheels as they are now used. The model was tried on a small stream in Joseph Longstreth's meadow, about half a mile from Davisville, in Southampton town- ship, and it realized every expectation. The machinery was made of brass with the exception of the paddle-wheels, which were made of wood by Nathaniel B. Boileau while on a visit during vacation from Princeton college." Fitch laid his plans before congress in an application for pecuniary aid, in which he was re- commended by the provost of the University of Pennsylvania and the president of Princeton college. Failing in this, he next laid the project before the legis- latures of Maryland and Pennsylvania with a like result. The New Jersey legislature was more easily moved, fortunately, and in three days after his petition was presented passed a law granting him the exclusive right for four- teen years to navigate the waters of that state. Similar concessions from New York, Virginia, and Delaware were secured the same year. A company to construct a boat was formed, and in July, 1788, the Perseverance made a trial trip from Philadelphia to Burlington. The engine used, constructed by Fitch and Henry Voight, was the first made in this country and the fourth then in use. From various causes Fitch did not meet with the success he de- served. He died in Kentucky in 1798, and is buried at the village of Bards- town. The honor of inventing the steamboat was undoubtedly his. The trial in Southampton was made eleven months before James Ramsey exhibited a similar invention at Harper's Ferry, Md., and nineteen years before the Cler- mont was launched on the Hudson the Perseverance was making successful voyages on the Delaware. Warminster is first mentioned as a political subdivision of the county in the report of the jury of 1692, in which they declare " Southampton, and the lands about it, with Warminster, one township." A partial separation for municipal purposes was made in 1703, but not completely effected until eight years later. It is the only township in the county of which the shape is a per- fect parallelogram. The length from northeast to southwest is four and one- half miles, and in the opposite direction one-half as great, inclosing an area of more than six thousand. acres. The population in 1880 was one thousand and sixty -one. Roads are numerous in this section, the township being completely sur- rounded and traversed diagonally from north to south by a thoroughfare that has survived the period of its greatest usefulness, but is yet known by its old familiar name, the York road. It was more of a Philadelphia road to the- people of this section, however. That portion of the city to the Bucks county 502 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. line was confirmed by the provincial council in 1693, but was not opened to the Delaware until the beginning of the next century. At a place formerly known as Round Meadows, but now as Willow Grove, a second road diverges from the " Old York" road, following for some distance a direction due north, and continuing that general course to Easton. That part of it between Willow Grove and the county line was opened in 1723 at the instance of Governor William Keith, whose residence, Graeme Park, is situated just beyond the con- fines of Warrington. This road was extended through that township and on to Dyer's mill the following year. The County line. Street, and Bristol roads were laid out at intervals between 1700 and 1750. The general law regarding the origin and growth of villages is fully ex- emplified in the case of Hartsville, the founder of which was William Hart, landlord of the Hartsville tavern, still standing at the intersection of the York and Bristol roads, and the oldest house in that section of country. John Baldwin was proprietor here in 1744, and was succeeded in 1748 by James Vansant. There is no means of ascertaining what device the sign bore at that time. William Hart became landlord toward the close of the century; his sign was a representation of the human heart, and from this circumstance the name of the village has been derived. It comprises several churches, the usual com- plement of local manufactures, and a population of about two hundred. The turnpike road leading to Doylestown passes through the village. A short dis- tance to the north the creek is spanned by a fine suspension bridge erected in 186G. This has been a post-village since 1826. Hartsville station, at the terminus of the jSTortheast Pennsylvania railroad, nearly two miles from Hartsville proper, is known as a post-office under the name of Breadysville, and comprises eight or ten houses along the Bristol road, principally in Warminster. It has come into existence within the last few years. A short distance west is the town of Ivyland, a place of much greater preten- sions and more pleasant appearance withal. It is regularly laid out and enjoys a pleasant and healthful location. It is also a new town, but has become a local business center. Johnsville station, like Hartsville, is misleading as re- gai-ds the location of that village. The latter is located on the Street and Newtown roads, a mile from the Southampton line. Its name is derived from that of John Craven, its first merchant, whose store was opened in 1814. It subsequently enjoyed the distinction of being the location of a mower and reaper manufactory, but this has become a thing of the past. The station is on the N. E. Penna. R. R., the first then in this country. Neasham Tribe, No. 160, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted at Ivyland February 21, 1885, with the following persons as incumbents of their respective offices: William Orem, Sachem, Edmund Barton, S. S., S. D. Ed- wards, J. S., W. Carr, C. R., Charles T. Horner, K. W., S. C. Finney, P., W. II. Barton, I. G., Tobias Sneekenburger, 0. G. The Warminster Presby- HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 503 terian church was organized February 10, 1839. Reverend Thomas B. Brad- ford was pastor from 1839 to 1841 ; Henry R. Wilson, D.D., 1812-49 ; Jacob Belville, D.D., 1850-60 ; A. M. Woods, 1860-70 ; and G. H. Nimmo from that time to the present. The church edifice at Hartsville was built in 1842, a lecture-room some years later, and a chapel at Ivyland quite recently. The Friends living in Warminster township originally attended Horsham meeting, but having long experienced the inconvenience of living five miles from their place of worship, they resolved to build a meeting-house in their own locality. A site was secured on the Street road, a half-mile northwest of Johnsville, and the building erected in 1842. A preparatory meeting was established in 6th month, 1841. The first elders were Seth and James Davis, Thomas Parry, and Elizabeth Townsend. Joseph Thorne was the first minis- ter, and Dennis C. Worrell his immediate successor. Among other active mem- bers were Joseph Warner, Daniel Longstreth, Seth Davis, Watson Twining, and Thomas Parry. Much educational activity has been manifested in Hartsville. Amid the duties of an active clerical career William Tennent found time to open a school and sustain it with such results as amply compensated his efforts. It influenced to a great extent the church in this country at the period in which he lived, and was the first of a succession of educational achievements that have contributed more than any other circumstance to the prestige of the Presbyterian church to-day. This institution bore no other name than that of Log college, and its exact location from 1726 to 1735 cannot be definitely determined. Mr. Tennent purchased the farm in Warminster upon which Mr. Cornelius Carroll now lives in 1735 for one hundred and forty pounds. It is probable that prior to that time the school was conducted at his own house, which is thought to have been in Northampton. The generally accepted location in Warminster is a lot of ffround on the York road half a mile below Hartsville, where the school-house was in operation about eight years. Its existence terminated with that of Mr. Tennent, who died in 1745. The abilities and influence of its founder were so comprehensive in their scope and his personality so deeply impressed itself upon current history as to render his decease an event of more than ordinary or local importance. He had established one of the first classical schools in the province and the only one in that time where young men could be prepared for the ministry of the Presbyterian church. Some of the ablest divines of the last century were educated under his tuition. Others took up the work where he laid it down, and the Log college ultimately proved to be the germ of Princeton. Prior to the introduction of the public school system, there were good edu- cational advantages at Hartsville, and almost to the present time schools of advanced standing have been sustained. The " graveyard" school-house must have been built prior to the revolution, for when torn down in 1825 it was yet 504 HISTORY OF BUCE3 COUNTY. in a good state of preservation. Among those who taught here were James Gray, William Long, Gideon Prior, John Emory, Alfred PL Carpenter, and Thomas McKean. John McNair, subsequently a member of congress, was the last " master" in the old building. It was replaced in 1825 by a stone struc- ture, in which Samuel Long was the first to teach. Hart's school-house, near the road from Johnsville to Newtown, was a small log building in 1756, in which James Stirling taught at that time. A stone structure of larger dimen- sions waa built in that year on the same ground. It was divided, into two apartments, each eighteen feet square. Joseph Hart, John Dungan, Derrick Kroesen, James Stirling, William Ramsey, and James Spencer were among those who subscribed to the expense fund. William Folwell, John Dungan, Anthony Scout, and John Vanartsdalen were the local trustees in 1757. Hon. John McNair and Col. David Marple taught here. The third building on this site was erected in 1831. It was abandoned in 1860. It was here that the Warminster Debating Society held its meetings. While the efforts of an entire neighborhood were usually enlisted in the erection and equipment of school-houses, private individuals sometimes assumed that task. In 1835 Robert Darrah, desirous of providing for the education of his children, proposed to Mr. Joseph Hart and Reverend Robert B. Belville that he would erect a school building upon his property if they would co-operate with him in engaging a teacher, who was to be assured two hundred and forty dollars a year, and " board 'round." They assented, and the plan was at once put in execution, but not long continued before the stipulated support was with- drawn and the teachers were allowed to develop their own resources, which eventually resulted in extending the scope of the school so as to include many of the studies of an advanced course. The instructors were as follows : Miss Howe, Miss Margaret Bliss, 1836-38 ; Misses Doane and Griswold, 1839 ; Henry A. Boardman, 1840 ; James A. Darrah, 1840-42 ; Mahlon Long, 1843 ; W. C. Sturgeon, 1843-45 ; C. S. Stone, 1846-46 ; Douglas K. Turner, 1846- 48 ; J. D. Nichols, 1848-49 ; Miss Emily Darrah, 1849-54. The seminary was closed in 1854, the improved condition of the public schools havin"- ren- dered its further continuance unnecessary. John C. Beans also built a house for school purposes in 1835. Among those who taught here were George Hart and J. D. Nichols, graduates of Yale and Dartmouth colleges respectively. Reverend Robert B. Belville's academy was in operation from 1818 to 1828, and stood in high repute. The founder was the pastor of Neshaminy church at that time, and finding his income insufficient, the members of the session prevailed upon him to take this method of increasing it rather than accept a call elsewhere. His pupils were principally the sons of Philadelphia business men, but some were from the far south. Mr. Belville's efforts were continued by Samuel Long, who opened a private school in 1830. His career was closed by sudden death, December, 1835. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 505 The " Tennent School," so named in honor of William Tennent, was opened November 6, 1850, and was remarkably prosperous to its close, June 29, 1870. The founders were Reverend Mahlon Long and Prof. Charles Long. The latter died in 1856, and from that time his place was filled by assistants. A number of former students here have risen to positions of honor and responsi- bility in the various walks of life. Roseland seminary, exclusively for young ladies, was established in 1851 by Reverend Jacob Belville and Mrs. Harriet McElroy, and continued until 1865. One of the most successful teachers in Warminster was Miss Elizabeth Croasdale, who began her career in the school- room in 1846 as teacher of a primary school, and rose to the position of princi- pal of the Philadelphia School of Design. In her death in 1883 her profession lost one of its most talented and accomplished members. '■ The Emlen Institute for the Benefit of Children of African and Indian Descent" is located in Warminster. Samuel Emlen, of Burlington, N. J., who died in 1837, bequeathed twenty thousand dollars to establish a manual labor school in which Indian and colored youth might be trained in industrious habits. It was first located in Mercer county, Ohio, but removed in 1857 to Solebury township, this county, whence, after a period of fifteen years, the present location was chosen. The value of the property at present is estimated at thirty-six thousand dollars. Twenty pupils are usually in attendance. Howai'd Meredith has been superintendent for several years. WjMIWICK was the next of this group to be admitted into the fraternity of townships. This occurred in 1743, when a petition signed by Robert Jamison, Benjamin Walton, William Ramsey, Alexander Breckenridge, Thomas Howell, Hugh Houston, Samuel Martin, William Miller, Jr., Valentine Santee, James Polk, Robert Sibbett, John McCollock, Arthur Bleakley, Alexander Jamison, Henry Jamison, Andrew Long, Joseph Walton, and Joseph Roberts, was pre- sented to the court with that object in view, which was granted the following day. As originally described the township extended from Bristol road to Buckingham, and from Northampton to New Britain. Its shape was thus nearly rectangular. The erection of Doylestown in 1819 reduced this gene- rous area three thousand five hundred and fifteen acres, its present extent being two thousand seven hundred acres. The name prior to its organization was Middlebury, probably from its position in the midst of townships previously organized. " Warwick" seems to have gained popular usage about the same time as legal sanction. The population in 1880 was seven hundred and twenty- one. The first settlement in the township was made by Scotch-Irish families almost exclusively. The original home of this race was Scotland, whence they immigrated in large numbers to the province of Ulster in the north of Ireland in the beginning of the seventeenth century. Their migration to this country began a century later, and in this county was first directed to portions of the 506 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Neshaminy valley, first Newtown and then Warwick. Their purchase in the latter township was preceded by that of the inevitable and ubiquitous land speculator. James Claypole, George Willard, Thomas Potter, Henry Bailey. James Eoyden, and Benjamin Furby belonged to this class. Claypole came into the province from Middlesex, England, in 1682, by way of Choptank, JNIaryland, but it is not known that he ever lived upon his land in Warwick. Randall Blackshaw accompanied him on his roundabout journey, and made this township his home, lie brought several servants, some of whom had fam- ilies. Among well-known Scotch families were those of Ramsey, McCalla, Jamison, Snowden, MclMicken, and Carr. The name McCalla was also spelled McCauley. Henry Jamison was the first who bore that name in this county. He purchased land from Langhorne, but lived in Northampton. Langhorne and Kirkbride had secured this from Thomas Tresse, and he from John Henry Sproegel, by whom it was purchased from Benjamin Hurley, the patentee. William Ramsey settled in the southern corner of Warwick in 1741 upon a tract owned conjointly by himself and Richard Ashton. One of his descend- ants, Robert Ramsey, became a member of the state and national legislature. John Snowden is supposed to have resided in the forks of the Neshaminy as early as 1700, and Joseph Carr is known to have been there in 1743, when he rented a portion of the Bailey tract at one shilling per acre. Jamison is named from the family of that name, one of whom was an inn- keeper there many years ago. Its name at that time was Jamison's Corners. Bridge Valley, on the eastern line of the township, has been known as a postf office since 1869. Neshaminy Castle, No. 159, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was instituted at Jamison, October 30,1886, with E. H. Fenton, P. C, A. E. Ramsey, N. G., E. D. Worstall, V. C, William Conard, S. H., Isaac F. Sutch, H. P., C. Watson, V. H., J. J. Spencer, M. R., G. L. Conard, C. E., F. M. Conard, K. E., J. N. Flack, W. B., Isaac Harr, W. C, George Harr, E., William Dudbridge, Esq., George Roberts, F. G., and John Ewer, S. G., tlie membership at that time being forty-two, which has since increased con- siderably. Lodges with such numerical strength are not often found in country communities. Ilartsville was an important point upon the ecclesiastical map of a century and a quarter ago. " The Neshaminy church of Warwick" was one of the earliest religious organizations in the state and the second Presbyterian society in the county. The church edifice is a stone structure, severely plain in its architectural appearance, but memorable in historic associations. It is situated on the northeast side of the Bristol road, at the crossing of Neshaminy creek. In the cemetery on the hill in the rear are the graves of four generations of those who once assembled here for worship. Only a short time elapsed after the first settlers came into the neighborhood before they associated themselves together for the establishment and maintenance of regular worship. The first Jm{^ HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 509 church building was erected in the year 1727, and a square stone with that date and the initials " N. M." and " W. G.," which formerly formed part of the old church building in the graveyard, has since been inserted in two in- closing walls and appears conspicuous in that which surrounds the cemetery at present. The congregation, composed of immigrants from Ireland, was col- lected and organised by Reverend William Tennent in 1726. Born in Ireland in 1G73, he Avas educated for the established church and ordained in 1704. lie came to America in 1716, and connected himself with the Presbyterian synod two years later. From this time until 1726 he was pastor at Bedford, New York, with the possible exception of an indefinite period in which he was connected with the Bensalem church. The fact that he was not regularly in- stalled at Neshaminy proves conclusively that no organization existed prior to his coming. He was a man of great natural ability, fair attainments, and per- severing energy, well adapted to the work of laying the foundations of the great ilenoEiination in tlw early history of which in this country his name occupies a prominent position. He had four sons, Gilbert, William, John, and Charles, all of whom became Presbyterian clergymen and ably seconded the efforts of their father. Gilbert, the oldest, was licensed to preach in 1726, and assumed charge of churches at New Brunswick, N. J., and at Philadelphia. An experi- ■ence of William, Jr,, illustrates the religious fervor of the period. While studying theology witli his brother at New Brunswick he passed through a^ trance, and during this period of suspended animation believed that he was permitted to ex.perience, in a measure, the felicity of heaven. It was with difficulty that he was restored to life. The experiences of that time exerted such a strong influence upon his mind that he lost all the knowledge he had acqu'-.-ed and was obliged to begin again the study of Latin, although he iad previously been able to converse fluently in that tongue. After a tim®' tlie forgotten knowledge gradually returned. He was pastor at Freehold, N.. J., forty-four years. Mr. Tennent was assisted during the last years of his ministry by Rewrend -Francis McHenry. When, in 1741, the synod of Pliiladelphia was divided tupon measures proper to be used in the promotion of religion, a portica of the Neshaminy congregation not in sympathy with the views of Mr. ToriBerit, who favored the "new measures," elected Mr. McHenry as their pastor, and-, with- drew to the " Old Light" synod of Philadelphia, or rather contiaued, in con- nection with that body, while those who supported the "New Lights^"' elected Reverend Charles Beatty. The latter in the same year (1743),^ through James Craven, John Guy, Alexander Junyson, Robert Walker, Jahn McGulloch, George Hare, Henry Junyson, Jr., and John Scott, their trustees, purchased a lot of ground containing " two acres and twelve square perches," with a stringent clause in the deed providing that no minister should eyer be allowed to preach in the edifice to be erected without the consent of the congregation, 27 510 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. and that no person should be eligible to the office of trustee who was not in sympathy -with " the work of grace in this land, New England, and Scotland in calling sinners to repentance." Thus expressly did the people provide that their clergymen should be in full accord with the " New Lights." Mr. Beatty's first acquaintance with Tennent began soon after his arrival in this country. One day he came to the door of the Log college in the dress of a peddler with a pack of goods on his back and addressed the principal in good Latin. The latter persuaded him to continue his studies, and in due time he became quali- fied for the ministry. He was installed at Neshaminy, December 1, 1743, upon an annual stipend of sixty pounds. He lived during a considerable part of his life on the farm now owned by John M. Darrah, but afterward purchased fifty-seven acres at the cross-roads and built thereon the substantial stone house still standing. His influence was not limited to the narrow compass of the Neshaminy settlement, however. Being a man of unusual intellectual ability, he was employed to visit Great Britain and solicit pecuniary aid for the church in America. In this capacity he was present at the coronation of George III., who presented him with a liberal donation. Between 1760 and 1762, and again from 1767 to 1769, he was employed on missions of this character. In 1766 he was associated with Eeverend George Duffield, of Carlisle, in a mis- sionary visit to the frontiers of this state. They rode on horseback across the Allegheny mountains and continued their journey one hundred and thirty miles beyond Fort Pitt, returning in six weeks. It was intended that this initial efibrt should be followed up, but the revolution was close at hand, and largely occupied the minds of the clergy of the Presbyterian church, while the hostile attitude of the Indians rendered missionary labors among them impossible. But this was not Mr. Beatty's first experience with frontier life. In the winter of 1756, he accompanied Franklin's regiment as chaplain and marched with the troops several weeks in the winter. Franklin thus relates an incident which would reflect severely upon the character of a clergyman at the present day, though not at the time when it occurred : " We had for our chaplain a zealous Presbyterian minister, Mr. Beatty, who complained to me that the men did not generally attend his prayers and exhortations. When they enlisted they were promised, besides pay and provisions, a gill of rum a day, which was punctually served out to them, half in the morning and half in the evening, and I observed they were punctual in attending to receive it, upon which I said to Mr. Beatty : ' It is perhaps below the dignity of your profession to act as steward of the rum, but if you were to distribute it out, only just after prayers, you would have them all about you.' He liked the thought, undertook the task, and with the help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, executed it to satisfaction, and never were prayers more generally and more punctually attended. So that I think this method preferable to the punishment inflicted by some military Jaws for non-attendance on divine service." Mr. Beatty was HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 511 twice subsequently connected with military expeditions to the frontier. May 4, 1766, accompanied by the elders of his church, he left his home for Harris's ferry, where he remained with the troops until the following August. In 1758 he accompanied General Forbes's expedition to Fort Du Quesne as chap- lain to the first Pennsylvania battalion. There he preached to the victorious army the first thanksgiving sermon by a Protestant clergyman in the valley of the Mississippi. He was warmly interested in the success of Princeton college, and solicited aid for that institution with the same assiduity that rendered his" labors in the army so effective. He undertook a mission to the Island of Bar- badoes in the interests of the college, and there died of yellow fever, August 13, 1772, in the midst of a useful career. Reverend Nathaniel Irwin succeeded him as pastor at Neshaminy in May, 1774. He was educated at Princeton and licensed to preach in 1772. He was installed at Neshaminy November 3, 1774, on a yearly support of one hundred and thirty pounds. He resided at a farm on the road from Doyles- town to Philadelphia the greater part of his incumbency. Soon after his installation, measures were adopted to improve and enlarge the church edifice ; and in 1775 it was remodelled to such an extent as to merit for some time after- ward the name of the " new church." Mr. Irwin was a staunch patriot, a man of extensive and varied acquirements, fond of music, poetry, and nature. In social intercourse his manners were courteous and affable. He was the friend and patron of John Fitch. His political influence was signally exerted in favor of the selection of the present site of the county almshouse and the county seat. He died JMarch 3, 1812, and was followed to his grave by a vast con- course of people. The site of the pulpit in the old church was chosen as his grave. Reverend Robert B. Belville was installed as pastor in October, 1818. He was eloquent, persuasive, and effective in his work. Owing to nervous prostration he resigned November 1, 1838. His efforts in educational matters are mentioned elsewhere in this chapter. The choice of a successor at once resulted in the division of the congrega- tion. Those favoring the election of Reverend James P. Wilson continued to worship in the church, while those opposed withdrew to a school-house in the graveyard and afterward to a tabernacle on the Bristol road. The church pro- perty was claimed by both parties, and the matter was referred to the civil courts for adjudication. Those who had continued to worship at the meeting-house purchased it for six thousand dollars, half of which sum was paid to the other portion of the congregation. The latter, in 1842, built their present sanctuary, which has since (in 1882) been greatly improved. Mr. Wilson's congregation remodelled their church edifice in 1845. A slate roof was placed thereon in 1860, a vestibule erected in 1871, and other improvements effected in 1877. 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XjBpunoq u.ioq^jou 9i •p9:(B:)S X[9^iuij9p 9q ^ouubo siq? :)nq '9rap :)Bq? %v X.iBpunoq uj9?sb9 s?i sbav pB pisug; 9q; %'e\\% 9Soddns oj uose9j si ojgqjj '^mj Aunoo qi\% puB jpuvjB puB 'uiB^iJg; AV9j^ puB a9?suiuiJBj\^v a99Mi9q Xjo')i.u95 pgziuBSjoun i![snoiA9jd 9 pgpnjoui %i 'XSiX — ^jdiavjbj^y ^^1}^ -"^^^ 84'* pgziuBSao sbav NOXSNiaiiy^W 'liRX '^] 'ilV^I SBAi iQ']%'e\ 91 •Ij9i9ai9D 9q; 0% 90ubj:(U9 gq'} :)b pdaqo oiq:(Of) 'b puB 'jgdoad 9|i;ias?j:bjx ui rao -9an;o9{ b suavo uopBJodjoo oq:) 'p9uoi()U9tn 9ogip9 9iqBJ9U9A 9q; 0; uoqip] uj 'XSSI "I °"H p9p990Dns 'jo^sBd ?u9S9ad gq:^ 'uo:>S9j 9Sod -jnd jaq;o ou joj pa:)B9J0 aq o} siuaas oqAi 'j9jbo{ oq:) si ajaq pa:)uas9jd9j X;iu -J9:)BJj jCjuo 9qj^ •2ui2Bjnooua :)ou 9JB q'jAiOj2 jo spgdsojd S!)j -uavo^jsujo^ c; UMo:)satjfo(j uiojj "uipBaj pBOj 9')B:)g aq') puB pBOj [O^jsug; aq^ jo 2uissojo aq^ /q panijoj — aJBnbs jBdiouijd aq) jo sjaujoo a^isoddo uo sasnoq jnoj jo si^sis -uoo 9i[iAsapBjj^ -pa^dopB aq o^ sb XjqBJOABj os X^mnrauioo oq; passajdrai 9ABq 0'] piBS si 'jadaajj-doqs pooj aq) iq raiq pjo:) sbaa (;Ci()U92i(ip guiqoJB9S U9aq pBq aq qoiqM joj) aoBjd aq:) jo aniBu 9q^ uaqAV '^laajr) ui passajdxa S9vai% -anios 9jaAi suoi)B)i2oo asoqAv jBtipiAipui ub jo uoi)B(iiBpxa Xjb^utiioaui aqj^ •:)! 2uipug UI X)inoigip araos paouauadxa 9ABq uoi)B90( s)i q:)iAV pa:)uiBnbDBun suos -jad :)nq 'a|iiA)UBSB9u sb u.mouj| XiJBjtidod si B^iajng; -xgST ui p9)n)i)sui sbai 'sAiojia^ PPO JO japjQ quapuadapuj ^iff -oj^ 'agpo^; uoQ2uiqsBjV\ •Ja:)SBra)sod qSnojj uiuiBfuaa; q:)iAV '6881 ^\ ^^^H paqsjiq^'^sa sbav aoijjo-')sod y •Xjn)u90 :)SBi aqi JO aippioi aq) :)b p9:)sixa pq:) uo)2uiJa-Bj^ jo \[e pasudmoo uj9AB) s^2ibjq uqof -BJigjug puB '9[iiAS9pBJX 'ifuiniBqsg^ 'uo)2uijjba\. 9JB S92BniA-)sod aqj^ •IUJ9) aq) JO guiuBam jadojd aq; uiq:)iAi uo;2uijjBj^ ui suavo) ou ojb ajaqj^ SIS "iixnoo saona ^o ahOlLSih 51i HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. rally thought that the founder of the church could best direct its affairs, and Mr. Ewing was therefore called ; he accepted and was installed as pastor January 20, 1841. The church was dedicated May 19th following, when the membership was increased to forty-one. Reverend William E. Cornwell was installed as Mr. E wing's successor, May 3, 1842. This was a time of great financial stringency with the church, so much so that one of its active mem- bers related that he had no sooner been baptized than a trustee asked him to endorse a note of one thousand dollars which was to be negotiated in order to save the church property. The pastor reminded his trustee of the danger of thus frightening additions to their numbers. During his pastorate of seven years, Mr. Cornwell received one hundred and eight persons into the church. He was a rigid disciplinarian, as is shown by the number of excommunications which occurred during his incumbency. His views on the subject of baptism were radically different from those of the Reformed church, and for this reason his connection with this organization was dissolved November 14, 1850 ; his successor was installed in the person of Reverend N. S. Aller, a former Pres- byterian clergyman. One of his last oiEcial acts in a pastorate of twenty-one years and six months was the confirmation of sixty persons. At the request of the consistory. Reverend U. Weidner, then a Methodist minister, became a sup- ply for about one year, during which time the church building was repaired. March 28, 1872, Reverend W. D. E. Rodrock succeeded him, but resigned the following spring. JMr. Weidner again supplied the charge, and was installed as regular pastor July 25, 1375. The present membership is three hundred. CHAPTER XYI. BUCKINGHAM— SOLEBURY. ONLY a few years elapsed from the time that John Chapman became the farthest settler north until his claims upon that distinction were success- fully disputed hj the pioneers of Buckingham. The southern parts of the county were not so thickly populated as to necessitate the privations which this distance implied. Its northern border as far north as Warrington and Warwick gave few indications of the labor of the colonists ; but the "vale of Lahaska" was beautiful, fertile, and attractive then as now, to such an extent as to warrant the adventurous and enterprising in placing a wide stretch of unculti- vated country between themselves and civilization. Buckingham mountain and HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 515 Bowman's hill are the most striking topographical features of central Bucks county ; to the north are Lahaska creek, the historic Cuttelossa, Pannacussing, and numerous smaller streams to which no local name attaches ; to the south are Pidcock's creek and at the western end of the valley the broad Neshaminy ; each possesses a distinct individuality, but all harmoniously blended, forming a landscape that rivals in pastoral beauty the most famous in the state. It is not surprising that the Indians lingered here years after they had left other locali- ties ; for at the Aquetong spring is the reputed birthplace of the renowned Teedyuscung, and here among the braves of his tribes he passed the early years of his life, and, if early chroniclers may be credited, a rare degree of mutual kindness and good feeling existed between the untutored savage and his civilized neighbors. " In 1690," says John Watson, " there were many settlements of Indians, one on the low land near the river on George Pownall's tract, which remained for some time after he settled there ; one on James Streipur's tract, near Conkey's hole ; one on land since Samuel Harrold's ; one on Joseph Fell's tract; and one at the Great Spring, etc. Tradition reports that they were kind neighbors, supplying the white people with meal, and sometimes with beans and other vegetables, which they did in perfect charity, 'bringing presents to their houses and refusing pay. Their children were" sociable and fond of play. A harmony arose out of their mutual dependence. Native simplicity reigned in its greatest extent. The difference between the families of the white man and the Indian in many respects was not great — when to live was the utmost hope, and to enjoy a bare sufficiency the greatest luxury. A band of the Lenni Lenape, probably the last in this county, removed from their wigwam on Buckingham mountain in 1775. Their destination was the Wabash river, where a portion of their tribe had previously become residents." A remarkable instance of Indian friendliness occurred in the experience of the first settler of Buckingham, Amor Preston. Samuel Preston thus gives the tradition of his family regarding this : Amor Preston, his grandfather, was "a tailor by trade, and made frocks, trousers, and moccasins out of deer skins, the clothing then most generally in use. . . . They went to Wicacoe, below Philadelphia, where, in a dry, windy time, their little establishment was surrounded by fire in the woods, and they with difficulty escaped with their lives — all their little property being consumed. Some of their former Indian acquaintances invited them to go over Laskeek (Buckingham mountain) to their village, called HoUekonk. I know it well : it is a limestone sink-hole that used to contain good water. Here they were well treated by the hospi- table Indians, and here jny uncle, Nathan Preston, was born : the first white child in the bounds of Buckingham township. The mother and infant were kindly nursed by a young Indian woman named Sarah. Amongst the young Indians Nathan learned to speak their language before he did English, and she 516 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTV. was fearful that her children, like herself, would not obtain any learning ; but the event proved otherwise." The names of Paxson, Fell, Watson, Carver, Smith, Hughes, Ely, Bye, Kirk, and others were well known among the early settlers, and are equally familiar at the present day. In 1699 Thomas Bye purchased from Edward Crews, Nathaniel Park, and others an extensive tract secured by them in 1681. This was probably one of the earliest surveys. Bye removed to his land in the year of its purchase. About the same time William Cooper bought five hundred acres of Christopher Atkinson, upon which he settled at once (1699). Robert Smith, who arrived at Philadelphia an orphan, his father having died on the voyage out, became the owner of five hundred acres in Buckingham. Thomas Canby, a native of Yorkshire, Eng- land, found his first acquaintance with provincial life as the indentured appren- tice of Henry Baker, with whom he immigrated in 1683. It is supposed that he lived in Buckingham as early as 1690. He married and reared a large family. Joseph Fell, ancestor of the numerous family of that name, was born in 1668 at Longlands in Cumberland. After learning the trade of a carpenter, he came to America in 1705 with wife and two children. They reached Bucks county by way of Chesapeake bay, and lived in Makefield one year, but then ■(1706) removed to Buckingham, where the family is numerously represented. Among the new settlers who arrived in 1704 was Thomas Watson, formerly of Pardsey Cragg, County Cumberland, Great Britain, at which place his certifi- cate as a Friend was signed, 2-3d of 7th month, 1791. His wife was Eleanor Pearson, of Probank, in Yorkshire. They had a family of two sons, Tliomas and John. Their first settlement was at a place then called Money hill, in the northwestern part of Falls township, from whence the family removed to Buckingham. William Carver was one of the earliest settlers of Byberry, but exchanged his lands there for a much larger tract in Buckingham, and sev- eral of his sons removed thither. Mathew Hughes, Ephraim Fenton, Robert Smith, William Lacey, John Lacey, Nathaniel Bye, Hugh Ely, Samuel Hough, John Worstall, Henry Large, Joseph Large, Richard Lundy, Jr., and Enoch Pearson were also early settlers. Mathew Hughes was a man of considerable influence, although of very limited education. He was a member from Bucks in the assembly of 1725, and justice of the peace for a long time — a greater number of years, it is said, than any other man in the county. John Watson and John Lacey were also prominent citizens of the olden time : the former as a surveyor, the latter as a soldier. AVatson was educated by Jacob Taylor, of Philadelphia, who afterward became surveyor-general of the province, and ap- pointed his pupil deputy for Bucks county. As the county was then quite large, he was assisted by John Chapman and Samuel Foulke. His business as a surveyor and conveyancer was quite extensive. Some of his peculiarities are yet remembered. He had a horror of rattlesnakes, because his father had died from a bite of that reptile. He wore loose, ill-fitting clothes, and was ^^<^: ~^i--<^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ^ 519 fond of going barefoot in the summer time. When surveying in the woods, however, he went to the opposite extreme, and wore uncommonly thick boots. fie was an expert penman. Franklin relates that when, with Governor Morris and others, he was going to Easton to hold a treaty with the Indians, they came upon Watson, who had previously been engaged as secretary, mending his fences by the York road. He was introduced to the governor, who looked with some surprise upon his rough dress and bare feet, but found him a valuable and an able secretary nevertheless. Watson was commissioned by surveyor- general Nicholas Scull to assist in running the line of Maryland and Delaware. While engaged in this work Scull became ill and died. Watson thereupon be- came surveyor-general ; but like his predecessor he incurred a malarial fever, and died at his home within a few weeks after his appointment. He was re- garded as one of the most proficient members of his profession. He is buried at Buckingham meeting-house. General John Lacey was a Quaker, but a zealous patriot and an active offi- cer in the revolution. His great-grandfather emigrated from the Isle of Wight, and was among the earliest settlers in the county. The family were principally farmers. The educational opportunities of General Lacey were limited. At the time of the revolution he was employed at the grist-mill of his father, and with others of his neighbors responded to the request of the county committee by organizing a volunteer militia company, of which he was elected captain. His commission from congress was dated January 6, 1776. On the twelfth of the following month he recruited his company to its full complement. They were attached to General Anthony Wayne's Fourth Pennsylvania Battalion, and directed to rendezvous at Chester. From that point the march was begun to New York, and thence continued in the direction of Canada. In April Lacey was dispatched by Wayne to Philadelphia. In his absence his command ■was conferred upon a Captain Moore, and Wayne declined to reinstate him. Although thus unfairly treated, he enlisted as a private, and at Ticonderoga in July he was again placed in command. In January following he resigned his commission, owing to personal difficulties with the commanding general. He subsequently rose to the rank of colonel, and participated in some of the most important engagements of the war. He was elected to the assembly from Bucks county in 1778, and became a member of council in 1779 ; he again appears as a soldier in 1780-81 in command of a brigade of Pennsylvania militia. After the war he removed to New Jersey, where he was interested in the iron business. Here he became county judge and-member of the legis- lature, and continued an active career until his death, February 17, 1814. . The exact date of the separate organization of Buckingham as a township can- not be definitely determined. Its first mention as such is made by John Cutler in his resurvey of the county, 1702—3, but there is reason to believe that the township had a nominal existence some years prior to that date. The name had 620 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. previously been applied to Bristol, and seems to have been a favorite of Penn. The boundaries of Buckingham were thus defined at the September term of the court of quarter sessions, 1722 : " Beginning at a corner by a street which lies between Buckingham and Solebury, to run thence southwest by a line of marked trees one thousand four hundred and ninety-three perches to a corner, by Clay- pole's land ; thence northwest by said land four hundred and thirty perches to a corner ; thence southwest two hundred and ten perches to a corner ; thence northwest by John Rowland's land one thousand and sixty perches to a corner by the society's land; thence northeast by said land three hundred and ninety perches ; thence northwest by the same five hundred and forty -seven perches ; thence northeast by Richard Hill and Christopher Day's land nine hundred and fifty-three perches ; thence northwest eighty perches to a corner by Thomas Brown's land ; thence northeast three hundred and ninety perches, and thence by the said street two thousand one hundred and eighty-four perches to the place of beginning." Recorded September 15, 1722, by order of court. Tlie area thus described has been considerably curtailed by the excision of its northwest corner in favor of Doylestown in 1819, but the more than eighteen thousand acres that yet remain entitle this to recognition as the most important agricultural township of the county. It has long been famous for the fertility of the soil, the abundance and variety of its productions, and the substantial appearance of its farm-houses and barns. Until quite recent years the burning of lime was an important and lucrative branch of industry. Kilns were erected some fifty years ago by James Jamison. The business received a second im- petus when coal was introduced as fuel. Lime was henceforth used extensively as a fertilizer until the introduction of commercial manures of a different char- acter. The effect of this change upon the lime interests of this section is seen in the number of abandoned kilns which appear upon every side. There are still those who hope for a return of favor to lime as a fertilizer, but even under present conditions its manufacture for building purposes might be pursued with profit if there were better facilities for getting the product to market. AVith the suspension of this branch of industry Buckingham remains a purely agri- cultural region. Its farms are not usually large,* and correspondingly well * In 1787 Michael Walter owned five hundred acres of land ; Thomas Watson, three hundred and sixty ; l)r. John Watson, three hundred and forty-seven ; Timothy Smitli, two hundred and ninety ; William Preston, two hundred and fifty ; John Malone, two hundred and forty ; William Kimble, two hundred and sixty ; Amos Hughes, two hundred and eighty-six ; David Gilbert, two hundred and sixty ; Samuel Fenton, two hundred and forty ; Joseph Carver, two hundred and forty ; John Beal, two hundred and ninety-eight ; Thomas Bye. three hundred and eighty-three ; William Bennet, three hundred and twenty-three ; Samuel Harrold, two hundred and thirty-five. There were seventy-seven farms ranging in size from one hundred to two hundred acres. A comparison of this with the size of farms at the present day is suggestive. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 521 tilled. The seed farm of Samuel Wilson, near Mechanicsville, has become widely known. Many varieties of garden vegetables, flowers, and field grains have been originated and developed here. This business was established in 1876, and has expanded from year to year. Two great highways of travel, the Durham and old York roads, pass through Buckingham, intersecting at Centerville. The former was opened through this section in 1738, the latter in 1711. In former years, and no doubt within the memory of the present generation, there passed over this road a public conveyance upon the panels of which was emblazoned this auspicious title, "The Swift Sure." This conveyance would, it was repeatedly asserted, transfer the passenger from Philadelphia to New York in three days — less obstructions such as snow-drifts, quagmires, etc. Roadside inns were not only necessary, but in- dispensable at that time. An institution of this character came into existence at Centerville in due time. When the stage-coach at length gave place to more rapid methods of locomotion, the old hotel witnessed the departure of its greatest prosperity. It is cherished among the traditions of the place that General Greene made his quarters here, and that other distinguished officers were his guests for a short time. A small hamlet clusters about the cross-roads. Its principal feature is a Protestant Episcopal church, founded in 1840, and usually considered part of Doylestown parish. Buckingliam post-office was established at this place in 1805, with Cornelius Van Horn postmaster. A number of other localities — Mechanicsville, Forestville, Concord, Bushington, Lahaska, Pineville, and Greenville — are usually classed as villages, and their number would seem to indicate that the region is prolific in their production. Three — Pineville, Bushington, and Lahaska — are upon the township boundaries. There are two Friends' meeting-houses at Lahaska. The meetings of this society in Buckingham were held as early as 1700, at the houses of John Gil- lingham, William Cooper, James Streator, and Nathaniel Bye. A log church was built in 1708 on land given for that purpose three years previously. Upon the establishment of a monthly meeting in 1721 a frame building was erected. A stone house, both substantial and commodious, was built in 1731, a portion of which was set apart for women's meetings. This was burned in 1768, whereupon the present meeting-house was built. Spring Valley is the seat of Mechanics' Valley post-office. A similar relation exists between Con- cord and Mozart, the former being the village name and the latter that of the post-office. Forestville was formerly known as Forest Grove. The Presby- terian church at this place, founded some years ago, has been under the pas- toral care of Reverend Jacob B. Krewson during the last fourteen years. Much interest is manifested in education, and the history of the schools of the township presents many interesting passages. It is said that Thomas Watson attempted to establish an Indian school as early as 1730-40, but with- out success, owing to the ravages of smallpox among his pupils. In 1754 522 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Adam Harker left a legacy of thirty-five pounds to Wrightstown and forty pounds to Buckingham monthly meeting for educational purposes. In 1768 certain residents of Buckingham united with others in Wrightstown and Upper IMakefield in leasing for school purposes a tract of land " for and during the time the walls of a certain house now building on said land shall by them, their heirs or assigns, be thought sufficient to bear a roof," at a yearly rent of one peppercorn. This house was finished and used for a school many years. In 1789 thirty-two citizens of Buckingham subscribed a trifle less than one hun- dred pounds, with which Tyro Hall was built. This is one of the most famous schools of the township. The next educational effort was made by the Friends in 1792. The monthly meeting secured by contributions a school fund amount- ing to seven hundred and fifty-nine pounds. The Harker legacy, which had accumulated to a considerable sum, was applied to the education of poor chil- dren. Legacies have since been added by Joseph Walker, Jonathan Ingham, and Thomas Watson. The school building was erected in 1794. The Ortho- dox branch of the society subsequently built a second school-house. Schools were also established at Carversville, Forestville, and Bushington. In 1811 Amos Austin Hughes bequeathed a farm of ninety-one acres and eight thousand dollars in money to establish a charity for the education and maintenance (when necessary) of poor children. In 1841 a school-house was built, and within a few years thereafter the trustees employed Joseph Fell as teacher. The public- school system was adopted in 1834, the first board of directors being Pryor Kirk, Joel Worthington, James Jamison, William Beans, Jesse Reeder, and Robert Smith. Of the public schools that known as Union claims to have graduated a judge, a general, and a millionaire ; while Buckingham hill num- bers among its former pupils the first two county superintendents, Joseph Fell and William H. Johnson ; five judges, Honorables Edward M. Paxson, of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Richard Watson, of Bucks county, Hampton Watson, of Kansas, Alfred Shaw, of New Orleans, and D. Newlin Fell, of Philadelphia ; two generals, Andrew J. Smith and John Ely ; and three mem- bers of Doctor Kane's exploring expedition. The old Union school-house was built in 1823 ; Church's is so named from Joseph Church, upon whose land it was built ; Hickory Grove was formerly known as the octagon, or eight square ; Independent was built in 1844, Friendship in 1848, and Greenville in 1863. At the present time (1887) eleven public schools are sustained an annual term of nine months. SoLBBUKY first appears in the records of the court of quarter sessions in 1709, when it received the appointment of a constable jointly with Bucking- ham. It is possible that this arrangement may have existed prior to that date, but there is no evidence in proof of this in the records of the court. The earliest mention of the name yet discovered occurred in 1702. It appears that William Beakes was granted one thousand three hundred acres of land, five HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 523 hundred and eighty of which he located " at Quatielassy, in the county of Bucks, ahove the manor of Highlands," that being the way in which the location was designated at the time, probably prior to 1690. The land- marks having become indistinct, Phineas Pemberton, on the twelfth of eighth month, 1702, was given a warrant for its recovery, and the location is given as " Quatielassy, in Solebury, in the county of Bucks." Pemberton died before executing his commission, and John Cutler, who succeeded him, returned the survey as six hundred and twenty-four acres, eighteen perches, nearly one square mile. The land adjoining was owned at that time by Paul Wolf, Ed- ward Hartling, Bandal Spakeman, and William Croasdale. The Beakes tract was at the mouth of the Cuttelossa. Among others who held lands in northeastern Solebury was Samuel Beakes, whose tract of three hundred and fifty acres was surveyed by warrant of October 15, 1702, and confirmed by patent March 14, 1703. On the eleventh of sixth month, 1703, William Croas- dale purchased from the commissioners of property two hundred and fifty acres ; prior to the making of his will in 1687, George White became the owner of fifteen acres of land. Henry Paxson purchased two hundred and fifty acres from Croasdale in 1704. " Pikeland," a tract of six hundred and twenty -four acres, was confirmed by patent to Joseph Pike, December. 3, 1705. March 19, 1714, it passed into possession of Ebenezer Pike, who willed it in 1724 to Richard Pike, of the city of Cork. January 7, 1768, Joseph Eastburn, Sr., purchased a portion of this tract. It has remained in his family since that time, and was given the name of Rabbit Run farm by the present proprietors. At the time of Cutler's survey nearly all the land was seated. Thomas Story owned one thousand acres ; George White, fifteen hundred ; Thomas Cams, four hundred and fifty ; John Scarborough, about five hundred ; Sypke Anke, three hundred ; James Logan, five hundred ; William Beakes, about six hun- dred ; and others, tracts of varying size. James Pellar Avas an early settler, and is said to have built a house in 1689 in this township. Jacob Holcomb was a resident in 1700. Samuel Eastburn, whose father was living in Phila- delphia in 1700, is thought to have been the first of that name in this county, whither he removed in 1728. Edward Blackfan, a connection of the Penns and a resident at Pennsbury for some years, removed to Solebury about 1720. The following is a partial list of residents in 1730 : Henry Paxson, William Paxson, James Paxson, George Pownal, Isaac Pellar, John Scarborough, Wil- liam White, Edward Beek, Joseph Duer, Francis Hough, John Hough, Thomas Brown, John Skelton, Edward Hartley, Roger Hartley, Nathaniel Bye, Joseph Lupton. Among others who may be classed as eai'ly settlers were John Schofield, John Rich, William Neely, Edward Rice, and Mr. Hutchinson, of whom but little more is known than the fact that they once lived here. Schofield came from Buckinghamshire, England, probably before 1720. Thomas Canby was 524 HISTORY OF BOCKS COUNTY. an early settler, and is said to have been greatly in favor with the Indians. " Until a sufficient quantity of grain was raised for themselves and the new- comers, all further supply had to be brought from the Falls or Middletown ; and until 1707 all the grain had to be taken there, or to Morris Gwin's, on the Pennepack, below the Billet, to be ground. In that year Robert Heath built a grist mill on the Great Spring stream in Solebury. This must have been a great hardship, to go so far to mill for more than seventeen years, and chiefly on horseback. It was some time that they had to go that distance with their plow-irons and other smithwork. Horses were seldom shod ; and blocks to pound hominy were a useful invention borrowed from the natives." The oldest mill in Solebury with which the present generation has any acquaintance was built by Samuel Armitage about 1760, midway in the course of the Cuttelossa, the first in the neighborhood or upon this stream. Armitage was from York- shire, England. He was a weaver by trade, but possessed also considerable mechanical ability. The enduring structure built by him was justly regarded as one of the most complete of its kind. The Cuttelossa has lost nothing of its romantic beauty, nor has the " Great Spring" (otherwise known as Ingham's and Aquetong) ceased to excite the wonder of the visitor. Some idea of its magnitude may be gained from the fact that the volume of water is sufficient to furnish motive power for several mills. The remarkable flow of water and its apparently inexhaustible source render Aquetong a noticeable feature of the township. An equal degree of interest attaches to the Solebury copper mine, the discovery of which opened a wide field for speculation among the curious. The main shaft, running northwest from the entrance, is four feet wide, seven feet high ; sixty-six feet from the entrance it crosses a chamber about fifteen feet in diameter, seven in height, with a stone pillar near the center. The drift extends twelve feet eastward from the chamber. To the right of the latter is the main shaft to the surface, six feet in diameter and about thirty in height, which descends through the chamber to a depth of twenty-two feet, and at the bottom a second drift is encountered, extending northward fifteen feet. A tradition concerning the existence of the mine has always been current in the neighborhood. A considerable depression in the ground above the hill, and an intermittent spring at his side, with other indications, induced Mr. John T. Neely, in 1854, to seek their cause, and confirm by his discoveries the general belief of the inhabitants. The spring was found to be the opening of the drift, and the depression that of the shaft. The land surrounding was originally seated by William Coleman, from whom it passed to a company composed of James Hamilton, Langhorne Biles, Joseph Farren, William Plumstead, William Allen, and Lawrence Growden, all of whom are known to have been interested in Durham furnace. They disposed of the land in 1753 to Robert Thompson, reserving the " full and free liberty, license, and authority to dig, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 525 search, and -work for copper, lead, or iron ore, and the right of way to and from the mines to the river Delaware." There is no evidence that they or any subsequent purchasers made the original excavations. Indian tradition asserts most clearly, however, that " white men worked" the mine. Who they were, whence they came, and what disposition was made of the minerals they extracted, are among the secrets of history. Independent of the mine as a subject of historic interest, the locality is not without other associations of a similar character. Within a short distance Washington and his generals met to plan the battle of Trenton, and all around their troops were quartered. It is said that a miller in the vicinity took a supply of flour to Trenton a few days before Christmas, and returned with much important information for the commander-in-chief. At the top of Bow- man's hill is the reputed burial-place 'of Dr. John Bowman, who, it is said, was surgeon in an English fleet sent out to capture Captain Kidd, but turned pirate himself, came to Bucks county after Kidd was hanged, built a cabin at the foot of the hill, and excited the curiosity of the inhabitants by his frequent ram- blings over the hill. The story is probably derived largely from their excited imaginations. . There are other landmarks of the past of which the history is less obscure, and their influence upon the present more clearly defined. Among these is the York road, opened in 1711 from Center Bridge to Philadelphia, largely through tlie efibrts of residents of Solebury. It has always been a great thoroughfare. After breaking up his camp at Valley Forge, General Washington and his army traversed this route on their way to New York. The river ferries were also locally important, but their early history is indistinct. Toward the close of the last century, four ferries — Wall's, Painter's, Mitchell's, and Coryell's — seem to have been on an equality as to patronage, with a possible prepon- derance in favor of Mitchell's and Coryell's, induced by -their position upon the arms of the York road. A change in the relative importance of these places was first apparent in the decade following 1784. That year is rendered important by the advent of Benjamin Parry into the quiet neighborhood about the mouth of Aquetong creek. That stream was already utilized for various purposes. Philip Williams established a fulling-mill along its bank in 1712, a saw-mill and forge were added to this about 1743, and the grist-mill of Robert Heath was still in operation. The ferry was established in 1722 by Emanuel Coryell upon the Jersey shore, John Wells having previously been ferryman upon the Pennsylvania side. The honors of the name were sometimes with the one family and sometimes with the other. Parry secured a mill-site upon the Aquetong in 1784, and at once engaged in active business. He established the manufacture of linseed oil, and extensive lumber-mills. He was interested in the development of timber lands at the head waters of the Lehigh, and from this locality the lumber manufactured at his mill was drawn. He operated 526 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Prime Hope mills in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and New Hope mill on this side of the river. Beside these local enterprises, he was also engaged in business at Philadelphia. Three other men — William Maris, Lewis S. Coryell, and Joseph D. j\Iurray — contributed largely to the business importance of the town. Maris was a builder, and erected some of the largest and most substan- tial houses in the county at that time. Coryell was a carpenter, but was also a civil engineer of great skill. He was associated with Parry in many of his enterprises, but is best remembered as a persistent advocate of public improve- ments, and for the wide political influence he wielded. Murray was a native of North Carolina, whence he removed to Philadelphia in 1812, and thence to New Hope five years later. He entered into partnership with Coryell in con- tracting for the canal excavations through New Hope, and for other work in the construction of locks, etc. These men made New Hope the most active business town in the county. Hulmeville possessed something of the same character, but Bristol, although larger, was not a manufacturing place, and Doylestown had little else than a recognized existence. The crowning effort of this coterie of business men, the most substantial reminder of the prosperity they brought about, and possibly the cause of its departure, is the New Hope Delaware bridge. The inception of this enter- prise is generally attributed to Benjamin Parry. The first effort to organize a company was made September 25, 1811, at the public house of Garret Mel- drum, in New Hope. Benjamin Parry, Samuel D. Ingham, Joseph Lambert, Cephas Ross, and Jeremiah Kershaw were constituted a committee of ways and means. The company was incorporated by the legislatures of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, December 23, 1812. The following persons were the prin- cipal subscribers : Benjamin Parry, Samuel D. Ingham, Hugh Ely, John Beau- mont, Robert T. Neeley, John Coryell, Charles Stewart, John Keith, Joseph Lambert, Leopold Nottnagel, Isaac Landis, Francis Murphy, John Parker, David Heston, John Holcomb, Daniel Parry, Richard Corson, Joshua Vansant, Richard Leedom, Enos Addis, Wilson Lambert, Bishop & Kershaw, Solomon Landis, Joseph Stout, Araos Taylor, Jeremiah Kershaw, G. W. Lambert, A. L. Ross. The total cost of the structure was sixty-seven thousand, nine hun- dred and thirty-six dollars and thirty-seven cents. Charles Stewart, one of the contributors, was a commodore in the United States navy, commander of the historic Constitution^ and grandfather of Charles Stewart Parnell, the Irish agitator. The work of construction was begun in April, 1813, and the first vehicle crossed September 13, 1814. The charter of the company also con- ferred banking privileges ; and two banks were opened, that in New Hope being situated in a large double brick building on Bridge street, and that in Lambertville at the corner of Union and York streets. The bank failed in 1826 ; the bridge was sold to satisfy its creditors, and finally passed into pos- session of Samuel Grant, Esq., of Philadelphia, who purchased it November ^hyV^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 529 29, 1853. The property with all its franchises was purchased in 1887 by a number of persons interested in reviving the original organization. This was effected at Camden, New Jersey, May 7, 1887, when Charles S. Atkinson was elected president; John S. Studdiford, Richard Randolph Parry, Charles Crook, T. T. Eastburn, Joseph P. Stockton, and Watson P. Magill, directors ; John S. Williams, secretary and treasurer. And thus, after experiencing many changes, the bridge is again vested in a local company, as at the beginning of its history. New Hope was incorporated as a borough April 26, 1837. The first elec- tion resulted in the choice of John Parry, burgess ; Jonathan Johnson, consta- ble; Joseph D. Murray, D. K. Reeder, Mordecai Thomas, Isaac McCarty, and Sands Olcott, councilmen. The population in 1840 was eight hundred and twenty ; in 1850, one thousand one hundred and thirty-four ; in 1860, one thousand one hundred and forty-one; in 1870, one thousand two hundred and twenty-five ; in 1880, one thousand one hundred and fifty-two. The opening of the canal in 1831 deferred for a time the evil results occa- sioned by the collapse of the bank, but the former prosperity never returned. The opening of the Belvidere Delaware railroad in 1834 gave to Lambertville a powerful ascendency, and from that time New Hope virtually has remained stationary. It has been the objective point of several railroads, but the expec- tation of the citizens in this respect have been uniformly disappointed. The present manufacturing interests comprise a twine factory, owned and operated by John King, Esq., of New York ; a cotton factory, owned by Joseph Whitely ; and the works of the " Union Mills Paper Manufacturing Com- pany," of which Messrs. F. W. Roebling, Clark Fisher, B. F. Lee, John A. Hall, and Edward R. Solliday are constituent partners. " Union Mills" have existed in name since 1817, Avhen Lewis S. Coryell and Joseph D. Murray operated a saw-mill and grist-mill by water-power derived from the Delaware at Wells's falls. They were succeeded by the Ball Lock Company. These locks attained a wide celebrity, but the venture was not a financial success. William and Charles Crook took possession of the property, and for a score of years conducted the manufacture of agricultural implements with a greater degree of success than their predecessors. James M. Patton next utilized the water-power in grinding barytes and other chemicals. Then, for twenty-five years or longer, the property was allowed to rust and decay, until, in 1880, it was purchased by the present proprietors. They at once removed the dilapidated buildings that then marked the former presence of active industry. The pres- ent plant represents a cost of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. A mo- tive force of three hundred horse-power is derived from three turbine water- wheels, one hundred and eight, eighty-seven, and fifty-seven- inches in diameter respectively. Exclusive attention is given to the manufacture of manilla wrap- ping and copying paper. The cylinders used are eighty-eight and sixty-two 28 530 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUKTY. inches wide, tlie average capacity per day being about six tons. Tiie annual product is valued at twenty-five thousand dollars. A pumping station at this place supplies the canal with water. Three religious denominations are represented in New Hope — Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic. Methodism was introduced about 1830 by Reverend Daniel Bartine, who preached occasionally at the house of Samuel Sutton. Soon afterward Reverends Edward Page and As bury Boring began to hold services with some regularity, first at Mr. Sutton's house and then in the academy building. The first class numbered seven, viz., Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Sutton, Mr. and Mrs. Newland, Mrs. Hibbs, Pettinger, and Vansant. The appointment was attached to Bristol circuit, of which D. W. Bartine and James Hand were then in charge. Among those who have since preached there were Reverends R. Owen, Samuel Irwin, M. Caskey, J. D. Custis, W. H. Elliott, John Ruth, D. D. Love, W. H. Williams, Gent- ner, J. W. Author, C. J. Crouch, M. Sisty, John Edwards, Alfred Cookman, M. A. Day, J. H. Turner, J. A. Watson, N. C. Stockton, Hickman, N. J. Paxson, W. B. Wood, George Quigley, and D. L. Patterson. New Hope became a station about 1855, and William Mullen was appointed preacher in charge. His successors in this capacity have been : 0. W. Landreth, C. T. Frame, J. Walsh, E. E. Stevens, L. Dobson, W. P. Howell, W. J. Mills, N. D. McComas, L. B. Brown, S. B. Best, Garbutt Read, and Frank B. Lynch, the present incumbent. The first church building was erected in 1836-37. The present one, the finest M. E. church in the county, was dedicated June 7, 1874, and October 1, 1880. It is a stone structure, seventy by forty-four feet, with two floors, the first comprising vestibule, class-rooms, infant school, and Sun- day school rooms ; a wide stairway ascends to the audience-room, which is well furnished, and has a seating capacity of five hundred. St. Martin of Tours parish. New Hope, Reverend Peter Quinn, pastor, originated in 1885 in the labors of Reverend Henry Stommel, of Doylestown. He was delegated by the archbishop ; and on Sunday, February 22, 1885, called a meeting of the Catholic residents of the place, at which the advisability of building a church edifice, and the ability to do so and support a pastor were considered. The matter was held under advisement for a time, and no definite action taken until four weeks later, when it was decided to build. Father Stommel had meanwhile purchased six acres of ground, which was now trans- ferred to the bishop of the diocese. The work of building was at once begun. The corner-stone was laid. May 3d, by Reverends Stommel and Brady. July 12th two new bells were blessed. Two children were christened in the church on that day, and on the following Sunday the first mass in the new structure was celebrated. August 16th to 23d Father Stommel conducted a mission, at which four persons professed conversion. August 20th, the first wedding occur- red, and September 7th the first funeral, that of Mrs. Elizabeth Pidcock. The HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 531 dedication occurred September ITtli, Archbishop Ryan officiating, four clergy- men being present. The sacrament of confirmation and baptism were adminis- tered, and solemn mass celebrated in the presence of a large concourse of people. The ceremonies throughout were most impressive. The archbishop and his retinue entered the town from Lambertville. The procession consisted of the clergy, an escort of thirty young men on horseback, bands of music, and a number of private carriages, pedestrians, etc. Triumphal arches had been erected at various places on the way to the church, and the streets were lined with people. This was the most imposing civic or religious demonstration the town has ever known. The church edifice is a solid stone structure, eighty by forty feet in dimen- sions, with a sanctuary in shape of a bay window at the south side, and sacristy annexed. The first floor consists of eight rooms, the residence of the priest. The tower is about one hundred feet high. The interior arrangements of the audience-roona are substantial and attractive. The seating capacity is four hundred. The cemetery adjoining was laid out and blessed September 6, 1885. Father Stommel continued in charge as pastor until October 18, 1886, when, in the afternoon at three o'clock, he installed as the first regular pastor Reverend Peter Quinn. The numerical strength of the parish is estimated at four hundred souls. The Presbyterian chapel is connected with the Thompson Memorial church. It was built in 1874-75 through the efforts of R. Randall lloes, a graduate of Princeton college and prospective student of theology. The chapel is a neat frame structure, with seating capacity of two hundred, and cost about twenty- three hundred dollars. A Sunday school was established and conducted by the Lambertville Presbyterian church. Reverend P. A. Studdiford preached occasionally, but in 1876 the chapel and its worshippers were transferred to the church with which it is now connected, of which Reverend Dwight C. Hanna is pastor. Of the present houses in the town the oldest is that known as the Vansant property. Of others, built prior to 1817, the following are still occupied: The Parry and Paxson mansions, the frame building and hotel opposite the former, the stone house on Front street corner of Mechanic, Dr. Richard Corson's residence on Ferry street, the frame house on Front adjoining Wil- liam H. Murray's store, built in 1808 by John Beaumont, in which Mr. Murray has lived since 1817. The Parry mansion was built in 1781 by Ben- jamin Parry. Three years were consumed in building, but the completed structure amply justifies the pains thus bestowed. It was at that time, and remains to-day, one of the most substantial residences of the county. Over the main entrance is the quaint bonnet or hood then considered indispensable and never removed. Beneath is the old-fashioned oak door with transverse panels and massive hinges, brass knocker, and cumbrous lock. This opens into 532 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. a wide hall, extending through the middle of the house, with a long parlor on one side, dining-room and drawing-room on the other. Upon the walls are family portraits and other carefully preserved heirlooms. The upper floors are reached by a stairway of easy ascent. Upon the landing half-way up stands the old eight-day clock, which has ticked in and ticked out the lives of several generations of the family. Five rooms communicate with the upper hall. There is an attic overhead, and far up amid the rafters a secret room, the receptacle of valuable papers in the time of the original owner. No efforts have been made to modernize the stately old pile, and it is to be hoped that it will long rennain what it now is — a true type of eighteenth century architec- ture. " Maple Grove," the home of the Paxsons, has been materially changed, unfortunately for its importance in the eyes of the antiquarian. It was origi- nally an old-style, double stone mansion, two stories in height, with attic above, the front door opening at the center into a wide hall, with rooms on either side. The windows throughout were filled with the quaint, old-fashioned, diminutive panes of " ye olden time." Much of the original structure still stands, although the present owner has remodelled it to a great extent, and it now presents the appearance of a handsome modern residence. From the south the house is approached by a broad avenue lined with trees, leading to the York road. An old tree just east of the end of the lane is pointed out as the one to which General Washington tied his horse while his army was crossing the river. The date when the house was built has never been accurately ascer- tained, although it is known that Oliver Paxson was its first occupant. It was probably erected in ante-revolutionary times. Although the oldest and most important town in Solebury, New Hope does not monopolize that distinction. The post-villages of the township are Lumber- ville, Carversville, Center Bridge, Aquetong, Lahaska, and Buckmansville. Peter's Corner, Center Hill, and Lumberton are places of secondary import- ance. Lumberville was given its present name in 1814 by Messrs. Heed and Hartley, who were then engaged in the lumber business there, previous to which it was known as Wall's Landing, Colonel George Wall having been proprietor of the mills, justice of the peace, surveyor, and conveyancer. The bridge was in process of erection from 1854 to 1857, and cost eighteen thou- sand dollars. A Methodist church was built in 1836, Reverend J. Finley having formed a society thi-ee years previously. Lumberton is situated at the junction of the Cuttelossa and the Delaware. There was a mill at this place long before the revolution, of which William Skelton was proprietor in 1771 when he sold it to John Kugler. George Warne became the owner in 1782. Reuben Thomas and Jacob Painter were the next proprietors. In 1800 the place comprised a tavern, store, and grist-mill. John Gillingham built a new saw-mill in 1816, and projected other improvements. In 1825 Samuel Runk, who rented the hotel from Jeremiah King, asked his landlord for a new sign, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 533 which was refused. Thereupon he extemporized one bearing the suggestive legend, " Hard Times," by which name the place was known until 1833° when John E. Kenderdine conferred upon it that which it now bears. The most noteworthy feature of the place is its quarries, the property of William H. Kemble, of Philadelphia. The product consists mainly of Belgian paving stones. The available ledge of so-called granite is practically inexhaustible. A wire-rope tramway connects the quarries with the Belvidere Delaware railroad on the opposite side of the river. Center Bridge is so known from its position about midway between Lumberville and New Hope; Amono- its active citizens at the beginning of the century was John Mitchell. The bridge was built in 1813, mainly through his efforts. A thrilling incident occurred in connection with this bridge in 1841. George B. Fell, a merchant in the vicinity, walked out upon it to obtain a view of the river, which was risino- rapidly. While in this position the part upon which he stood was swept from the piers, and the unfortunate gentleman, who could not swim, began his peril- ous journey down the Delaware. Measures were at once taken for his rescue. Hiram Scarborough, of New Hope, put out from the Pennsylvania shore iu a small boat, but failed to reach Mr. Fell, who was seen to emerge from under the bridge at that place upon a raft of driftwood. William H. Murray had just crossed the bridge to give the alarm on the Jersey shore, when the two piers on that side were swept away, and the danger of the hapless voyager in mid-stream doubly increased. Mr. Fell passed under the Taylorsville bridge in safety, and at Yardley Edward Nickleson repeated the efforts of Mr. Scar- borough, and succeeded in bringing the exhausted and despairing man to shore. The Lahaska Methodist church is about all of tiiat village that is in Sole- bury. It was built in 1853 at a cost of one thousand dollars, and enlarged in 1868. Reverend M. H. Sisty was the first pastor. The Solebury Baptist church originated in the labors of Reverends George Young and J. P. Walton of the First Baptist church in Lambertville, N. J. The former first preached in the vicinity of Paxson's corner in the winter of 1840, and in the following spring the first four converts were baptized ; the latter, his successor at Lambertville, instituted regular services, and in Decem- ber, 1842, conducted a protracted meeting in a school-house not far from the present church edifice, at which many were converted. The necessity of a church organization was now apparent, and at a meeting March 6, 1843, favor- able action on the subject was taken. Definite action was taken March 28, 1843, when thirteen members, with Reverends Joseph Mathias, H. G. Jones, Joseph Wright, and J. P. Walton, convened to organize. The church was con- stituted with the thirteen members present May 10th following. Reverend Wal- ton was elected pastor, John and Jacob Naylor deacons, and Albert Edwards clerk, and the membership increased to thirty-three before the close of the year. September 5, 1846, Mr. Walton resigned. Daring the three years following 534 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUKTT. Reverend "\V. B. Swope of Lambertville supplied the pulpit. Reverend Joseph Wright Avas pastor from 1849 to 1853 ; Joseph N. Folwell from 1853 to 1855 ; AVilliam Birdsall, 1857 ; Samuel G. Kline, 1859 ; Martin M. King, 1859-63 ; Silas Livermore, 1865-66 ; George H. Lavison, M.D., 1869-76 ; Charles H. Thomas, 1876-78; C. H. Frame, 1879-82; George H. Lavison, M.D., 1882-85 ; W. P. Ilile, 1885 . The church edifice was begun in 1844, finished in 1851, and remodelled in 1869. Much of the later prosperity of this church is directly traceable to the personal efforts of Dr. Lavison. The " Thompson Memorial Church of Solebury" was organized in 1813 as the " Presbyterian Church of Solebury." Many of the original members were formerly connected with the Presbyterian church of Newtown. Among this number were William Neely, Richard Corson, and Mrs. Samuel D. Ingham. Dr. Amazi Armstrong, of New Jersey, seems to have been especially active in agitating the building of a church edifice, which was effected in 1812. The church was formally organized on the third Sunday of April, 1813, by Dr. Wilson, under direction of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. William Neely, Benjamin Pidcock, Thomas M. Thompson, and David Wynkoop were elected ruling elders. No records are extant for the first nine years, but it is known that Reverends Samuel B. Howe and Thomas Dunn were pastors during part of that time. In the autumn of 1821 Peter 0. Studdiford, a licentiate of the New Brunswick Presbytery, was called as stated supply. Four years later he became pastor, and so continued until June, 1848. Plis successors were as follows: W. II. Kirk, 1819-53 ; Henry E. Spayd, 1853-67 ; Henry Calkins, 1868-73 ; William Dayton Roberts, 1876-81 ; Henry D. Lindsay, 1883-84 ; D wight C. Hanna, 1886 . The present stone church edifice was built in 1875 by William Neely Thompson, Esq., of New York, in memory of his father, Thomas M. Thompson, one of the founders of the church. It was dedicated October 13, 1875, Reverend P. A. Studdiford officiating. It is a stone structure, one of the most beautiful in the county. The Carversville Presbyterian church was organized in 1870 by Reverend F. R. S. Hunsicker, whose pastorate ceased December 31, 1883. Reverend Henry G. Gleiser has since been in charge. The Solebury Friends' meeting was first held 12 mo. 30th, 1806, in a commodious meeting-house about the center of the township, the constituent members having previously worshipped at Buckingham, from which meeting they received much pecuniary aid. This is the predominant religious body in the township. Among the distinguished men of Bucks county birth Solebury is repre- sented by Major Andrew Ellicott, the most eminent of a family of whom all were above mediocrity and upon which a rare degree of talent seems to have been conferred. He was born January 24, 1754. Though of Quaker parent- age, he commanded a company of the Maryland Line during the revolution. His scientific attainments soon attracted public attention, and in 1784 he was HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 535 employed on behalf of Virginia in fixing the boundary line between that state and Pennsylvania. In 1786 the supreme executive council of the latter state commissioned him to survey its northern boundary line. In 1788 he Avas directed to make a survey of the islands in the Allegheny and Ohio rivers in western Pennsylvania. In 1789 he was commissioned by the United States government to survey the western boundary of New York state, and ascertain the validity of the claim of that state to the site of Erie. His valuable service in this responsible duty seems to have been duly appreciated, for he writes upon its conclusion: "General Washington has treated me with attention. The speaker of congress and the governor of the state have constantly extended to me most flattering courtesies." In 1790 he was employed by the general government to survey and lay out the District of Columbia and Washington city. In 1796 Washington appointed him commissioner to establish the bound- ary line between the United States and the Spanish possessions. One import- ant trust succeeded another, and for forty years he was constantly employed in some public capacity. In March, 1801, Jefferson appointed him surveyor- general of the United States. In September, 1813, he was appointed professor of mathematics at West Point ; he removed to that place the same year, and there died, August 28, 1820. President Hale thus summarizes his career : " The memoirs of Andrew Ellicott, when written, will form a valuable addition to the history of our country, taking us away from the beaten ground of battle- fields and senate chambers and cabinets to the services which science can ren- der in the settlement of a new country in a civilized age." His family removed to Maryland in 1770, and there established important manufactures on tlie Patapsco river ; a town has grown up at this point and bears the name of Ellicott City. Samuel D. Ingham occupies a conspicuous place among those who have risen from obscurity to commanding influence. Born at Great Spring, in Sole- bury, September 16, 1779, he succeeded to little else save an honorable name. His great-grandfather, Jonas Ingham, settled. at Trenton about 1705. In 1710 he removed to Solebury and purchased from James Logan the property long known as Ingham Spring. Jonathan Ingham, Sr., the grandfather of Samuel D., was born here in 1710, and his son Jonathan, the father of Samuel D., July 16, 1744. The latter was a physician, and rose to eminence in that pro- fession. He lost his life during the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia. At the time of his death Samuel was the oldest surviving son, and resolutely assumed the care and maintenance of his widowed mother and her dependent family. He became an apprentice at the paper-making business in an estab- lishment on Pennypack creek. Here, through much persevering effort, he acquired an education. At the age of twenty-one he returned to his mother's home and took charge of a paper-mill on the Great Spring stream. August 536 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 25, 1801, lie married Rebecca Dodd, of Bloomfield, N. J., a ladj of Puritan extraction, who exercised a favorable influence upon his character. His political career began in 1805, when he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, in which position he was continued three terras. Previous to this he had been actively interested in township and county affairs, and was several times secretary of the democratic county conventions. Upon his declination of a third legislative terra. Governor McKean commissioned him a justice of the peace, for which position his judicial temperament well qualified him. His interest in the welfare of the community is shown by the active sup- port he rendered the New Hope bridge project, the ultimate success of which he was largely instrumental in accomplishing. In 1812 he was chosen a repre- sentative in congress from this district by a majority of two thousand ; he was again chosen in 1814 by an increased majority, and in 1816 he was elected to a third terra, but the failing health of his wife prompted his resignation. He then accepted the position of prothonotary of this county, and removed his residence for a few years to Doylestown. Governor Findlay appointed him secretary of the commonwealth in 1819, an office which he filled with ability to the close of the gubernatorial term. In 1822, 1824, 1826, and 1828 he was a member of congress. For some time he was chairman of the committee on post-offices and post-roads, and a member of the ways and means committee, and his influence in shaping the legislation of the period was marked. In 1828 he was among the warm supporters of General Jackson, as he had also been four years previously, when Adams was elected by the house of representatives. Ingham thereupon wrote a pamphlet violently denouncing this subversion of the popular will and warmly advocating Jackson's claims. The latter was a man of intensely ardent personal feelings. The important political support Ingham had rendered was regarded by him as the strongest claim of the latter upon his gratitude, and in 1829 he nominated him to the second position in his cabi- net, the treasury portfolio, for which his natural ability and long political career were regarded as sufficient qualifications. The United States bank was at this time in the full tide of prosperity, but for reasons that need not be here explained the president's attitude toward it was hostile. This was one of the first subjects that engaged Mr. Ingham's attention. His views, and also his style of thought and expression, are shown in the following extract from a communication to Nicholas Biddle regarding the bank : " Having labored ardently to create it, I may not be supposed the first to contaminate or decry it ; but however imposing its attitude, if once satisfied that the powers of its charter and the resources of its wealth are debased and perverted to practices at war with the liberties of the country and the rights and liberties of my fellow-citizens, no consideration of a personal nature will curb me in exercisino- the legal power with which I may be invested, to check its tendencies and reform its abuses ; and it will be my care, not less than my duty, never to sur- V. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 539 render any of the rights vested in the government for this purpose." Mr. Ingham resigned the ofiSce of secretary, of the treasury in April, 1831, and relinquished the duties of that position in August following. His political policy was almost universally endorsed by his Pennsylvania constituents, and the president himself expressed entire satisfaction with his management of " the fiscal affairs of the nation." But the caprice, obstinacy, and virulence of Jackson in his personal antipathies were such as to render the dissolution of his cabinet unavoidable, however ably the functions of its members were ad- ministered. Mr. Ingham was subsequently interested in the development of the coal regions of this state and in various internal improvements. He died June 6, 1860, at Trenton, New Jersey, and his remains are interred in the graveyard of the Thompson Memorial church, Solebury. General Zebulon M. Pike represents the military profession among Sole- bury's distinguished trio. Born at Trenton January 5, 1779, his father re- moved to Lumberton within a few years, where he was reared and secured his early education. In youth he enlisted in the company of his father, Captain Zebulon Pike, who was stationed with the regular army on the frontier. Jan- uary -3, 1799, he was commissioned ensign in an infantry regiment, of which he became second lieutenant April 24, 1800. He advanced rapidly in the esteem and confidence of his superiors. When the Louisiana purchase was consummated and the government took measures to explore and define its limits, he was selected for this responsible mission. August 9, 1805, with a small body of soldiers and scouts, he embarked at St. Louis, the first explorer of the great northwest under the auspices of the United States. He was at once commanding officer, surveyor, astronomer, naturalist. The expedition returned in nine months, having fairly accomplished its object. He was shortly afterward dispatched on a similar mission to the region of the Arkansas and Red rivers, involving perils and hardships of which it is impossible to form an adequate conception. In July, 1807, his party emerged from the vast wilder- ness they had traversed at Natchitoches, and Pike received the thanks of congress in a resolution expressive of appreciation of his " zeal, perseverance, and intelligence." A narrative of the various journeys he had performed, pre- pared by himself, was published in 1810. It reached sevei-al editions and was republished at London and Amsterdam. The autiior relinquished his literary labors in 1813, when he resumed his military life as the commander of a force of fifteen hundred men for the invasion of Canada. At York, April 27, 1813, he met hid death by the explosion of a magazine of the retiring garrison. His career presents many interesting experiences. oiO HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER XVII. DOYLESTOWN. THE " Society Lands," comprising nine thousand acres in central Bucks county (a large portion of which was included in this township), were surveyed to the Free Society of Traders as part of their extensive grant from Penn in 1682. The trustees of that corporation disposed of this land in 172d, when that portion in Warwick, or south of Court street, Doylestown, was pur- chased by Jeremiah Langhorne. A considerable tract adjoining this on the north and west was secured by Joseph Kirkbride, and thus, in 1726, the site of the town and a large portion of the township came into possession of these two individuals. This was a fortunate circumstance in the settlement of the region. Although the "Society Lands" presented advantages equal to those of Buckingham valley, the southern part of Warwick, or the western part of New Britain, they were not open to purchase from the original owners, and the latter made no attempt to carry out their plans regarding the " Manor of Franks." The extensive and fertile area that formed this broad domain seems to have marked the limit of colonization. But with the dissolution of the So- ciety and the transfer of its lands to others this obstacle was rem'oved. It was the obvious intention of Langhorne and Kirkbride to open the region to settle- ment, and the first actual settlers made their appearance during the ten years immediately following the time of their purchase. Among this number were the following: Charles Stewart, a Scotchman and a gentleman of culture, who subsequently became a captain in the French and Indian war ; Benjamin Snod- grass, an emigrant from Ireland, whose whole family perished on the voyage, except one daughter ; James Meredith, the father of Dr. Hugh Meredith, who removed from Chester county to Castle valley ; Walter Shewell, from Glouces- tershire, England, the founder of Painswick Hall, still the homestead of his descendants ; Edward and William Doyle, the former of whom purchased land from Kirkbride in 1730, and the latter emigrated from the north of Ireland five years later. These persons all arrived prior to 1735. David Thomas, William Wells, John Marks, Thomas Adams, Thomas Morris, Hugh Edmund, Clement Doyle, William Beal, Joseph Burges, Nathaniel West, William Dungan, Solomon McLean, and David Eaton were residents in 1745. At his death in 1742, Langhorne willed to two of his negroes, Joe and Cudjoe, a life- HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 541 interest in certain lands included in that part of the borough south of Court street and east of Main. The principal inducement with the earliest settlers in locating here was the low price at which lands were for sale as compared with what was asked for improved tracts nearer the river or the city of Philadelphia. It is scarcely possible that any one of them would have predicted the removal of the county- seat, which occurred three-quarters of a century later, but long before the possi- ble existence of a town in the midst of their settlement dawned upon the minds of the most sanguine, the present site of Doylestown became an objective point, easily accessible from all directions by two of the much-frequented highways of the period — the Easton and Swedes' Ford roads. The former was opened from Philadelphia to Round Meadows (Willow Grove), thence to the governor's resi- dence in Horsham, and thence, upon petition of inhabitants of Plumstead, it was extended to Dyer's mill in 1723. That part of the road from Coryell's ferry (New Hope) to Norristown, between the York road and Simon Butler's mill (Chalfont), was opened in 1730. These highways cross as Main and State streets of the borough, and to the advantages thus conferred the exist- ence and present importance of the town are directly traceable. Fifty years after the purchase of 1726, Joseph Kirkbride, Edward and William Doyle, Joseph and Samuel Flack, William and Robert Scott owned the site of the town and much of the land adjacent. The Doyles were the oldest and possibly the only residents. William opened an inn in 1745, and at that time there was no other public house within a radius of five miles. He continued this pioneer hostelry for thirty years, and during all this period it had no other name than Doyle's tavern. The proprietor removed to Plumstead at some time between 1774 and 1776, and from that time to this the family has not been represented in this community. But the name was already stamped indelibly upon the locality.* * March 1, 1778, General John Laccy, in dh'ecting the movements of his brifjade, men- tions " Uoylcstown" as the destination of our detacliment. In other instances he spelled the name " Do3le Town," and the original orthography of the family name was Doyl. On a map of Philadelphia and its vicinity, prepared by British engineers in 1777-78, the town is first located topographically, and thus, in the trouble and turmoil of sanguinary con- llict, the cross-roads hamlet first received its name. The following, with regard to an encampment subsequent to General Lacey's, appeared in the Intelligencer in 1833 : " The most particular event which signalized the history of Doylestown at that period was the encampment of the American army a few nights previous to the memorable battle of Monmouth, which took place on the 28th of June, 1778. The army was divided into three encampments : the first of which was stationed in the rear of a row of cherry trees that extended westward from the last-named building (a low, log struc- ture, the predecessor of Mrs. Magill's mansion house), which was occupied during the night as headquarters, and which bore the imposing insignia, 'Cakes and Beer;' the second was placed near where the Presbyterian church stands; and the third on the farm of Mr 54-2 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The site ol' Doyle's inn was in Warwick township, probably at the intersec- tion of Main and State streets. Of subsequent public houses there have been quite a number. Lenape building occupies the ground upon which a tavern stood in 1773 and for more than a hundred years after that. Joseph and Samuel Flack were the proprietors from 1773 to 1791. The Fountain house was kept as an inn by Charles Stewart in 1780. Enoch Harvey became proprietor in 1800. The old mansion houSe (opposite) was first licensed in 1813. The Clearspring hotel was known as " Bucks County Farmer" in 1812, and kept by Joseph Overbach in 1815. The Monument house was known for many years as the Court inn. The Ross mansion, probably the oldest house in the town at present, was kept as a hotel in 1812, and known as the " Indian Queen." Private residences at the beginning of this century were few and far be- tween. Main street was lined with woods from Broad to the Cross Keys, and southward from Ashland, Court street, and the farms east of the village were also heavily timbered. There was a log school-house on Main below Ashland ; a frame building upon the Lenape lot and another nearly opposite, the resi- dence of Dr. Meredith ; the old stone house of E. M. Armstrong ; the dwelling of the village blacksmith, Mr. Fell, now incorporated in the Ross man- sion; the house of George Stewart, where the Intelligencer building stands, the frame building removed about ten years ago by N. C. James, and tiie prede- cessor of the Ross stable. Upon a map supposed to have been prepared in 1810 there are indicated the locations of twenty houses, viz., Enoch Harvey, two, his hotel and house adjoining ; She well, Hugh Meredith, and Asher Miner, ^n the west side of Main street between State and Broad ; Seruch Titus lived in the Lyman house, and worked at his trade as a saddler in a shop that stood in Dr. James's yard ; S. Wigton lived nearly opposite ; H. Robinson and Elijah Russell across the road from the " Clear Spring" hotel ; Morris where Lenape hall stands, and another of the same name a little farther down Main street ; Magill on the other side of the street ; Daniel and Jonathan Mcintosh, who came from Winchester, Virginia, in 1800, lived where the house of Mrs. Harriet Smith stands ; Josiah Y. Shaw came down from Plumstead in 1808, and built the house opposite ; along the north side of State street appear the names of G. Hall, about where the spoke-works are located ; Meredith, between Main and Pine, I. Hall between Pine and Broad, U. DuBois at the corner of Broad, and J. Wigton further on. The academy building completes the number. At the time when the court-house was built (1813), there were but one or two build- Calleiular about a half a mile from the village on the New Hope road. The next mornin'^ was oocnpietl until near noon before the army and baggage wagons were completely under way." It may be stated in this connection that the most recent visit of a military body oc curred May 28-30, 1887, when a detachment of artillery, en route from New York to Wil- mington, Delaware, encamped in a vacant lot on Maple avenue. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 543 ings from the angle of Main and Court streets to the borough limits on the latter. The rate of growth at that period is shown by the fact that only one house, and that of logs, was built on the east side of Court between Main and the academy in the next eighteen years. The stone house of Mrs. A. J. Larue, at Broad and jMain, was built by Septimus Evans. The year 1813, or rather the event in county aifairs which signalized it, the removal of the seat of justice from Newtown to Doylestown, gave to the latter its individual character among the towns of Bucks, and also the impetus that has resulted in its social and political influence.* There was at that time a population of about two hundred. The most distinguishing feature of the place was Asher Miner's newspaper, the "Pennsylvania Correspondent," established in 1801. The literary prestige thus gained has never been relinquished, and Doylestown journals rank with the foremost of the country papers in this state. With the erection of the court-house there was an immediate accession of people of wealth and culture. The legal and medical professions have been represented here by some of their ablest members in this part of the state. In the literary, religious, and social activity of the town, and the general interest manifested in educational matters, there is every reason to believe that its dis- tinguishing characteristic will continue to be the intelligence and culture of its people. The inhabitants of the new county town were not slow to appreciate the importance which this dignity conferred, and also to experience the serious dis- advantages of being situated as they were upon the extreme portions of two different townships ; for Court street was then the boundary between Warwick and New Britain. The local supervisors were remiss in their attentions to the public roads that formed the streets of the village, and although in its incipiency people did not realize the inconvenience of this absence of the power to regulate their 'own affairs as they must have done at a later period, it was, nevertheless, apparent that the growing importance of the place warranted such changes as would render it a separate and distinct political division. Accord- ingly, at the September term, 1817, a petition from a number of public-spirited citizens of the vicinity was presented to the court of quarter sessions, stating " that they reside on the extremity of the townships of Buckingham, Warwick, * The most formidable competitor for metropolitan honors at that time was Houghville, otherwise known as " The Turk," the geographical center of the county. In 1808, " The Sign of the Grand Turk" was occupied by Septimus Hough, who laid off a town and offered a lot of ground for the court-house, but without avail. At this time a grist- and oil- mill were situated here. Bridge Point and Bushington, known as post-offices under the respective names of Edison and Furlong, have existed quite as long as "The Turk" with- out manifesting any symptoms of remarkable growth. Furlong's early name was "The Green Tree," afterward "The Bush," from which Bushington was derived. A Baptist church is located here, and a Presbyterian chapel at Bridge Point. 544 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUXTY. New Britain, and Plumstead, and that it would be to the interest and advantage of the said petitioners to have a new township laid off from the said townships, making the court-house the center thereof or as nearly so as may be con- venient." William Long, Samuel Abernathy, and John Ruckman, com- missioners appointed to lay oif the proposed territory, submitted their report December 3, 1817, and produced a draft of the township in question with boundaries nearly identical with those subsequently adopted, except that the Street road in Buckingham and Plumstead was made the eastern limit. This report was not confirmed, for the reason that the draft did not show the shape of the original townships as affected by the change suggested, nor were there any landmarks, natural or artificial, in explanation of the many different courses described. The matter was not allowed to lapse, however ; and at the August term, 1818, a new commission, consisting of Thomas G. Kennedy, Thomas Yardley, and Thomas Story, was appointed to consider the propriety of granting the petition first presented eleven months before. Their report was " confirmed nisi," November 30, 1818 ; and, after the usual delays for argument and appeal, "confirmed absolutely" March 4, 1819. Plumstead territory was entirely excluded, and the area otherwise reduced from that proposed in the first instance. Five thousand three hundred and fifty acres were taken from New Britain, one thousand one hundred and eighty-five from Buckingham, and three thousand five hundred and fifteen from Warwick. And thus, in the year 1819, after a persistent agitation of nearly two years on the part of those favorable to the project, the township of Doylestown was erected. The map of Bucks county has not been materially changed since that time. The formation of a new subdivision by uniting the contiguous portions of older organized territory was a procedure without precedent in the previous history of the county. Township organization was beneficial in many ways, but the growth of the village was thought by public-spirited citizens to justify a further concentra- tion of political powers. A second period of nineteen years from the begin- ning of the century elapsed before the agitation on this subject was brought to a favorable issue. Legislative action was secured in 1838, providing for the incorporation of Doylestown as a borough and its government as such, upon the acceptance of the provisions of the act by popular vote. Thursday, May 17, 1838, the election was held, and the charter was adopted by the practically unanimous vote of fifty-four to four ; and on the following Monday, May 21, the first election for officers under the new regime was held at the public house of William Field. The results on this and subsequent occasions of a similar character appear at the close of this chapter. The chief executive officers are a chief burgess, assistant burgess, and high constable, all of whom are elected annually. The legislative powers are vested in a common council, the members HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 545 of which, nine in number, were also elected every year until 1867, when the act of incorporation was so amended as to make the time of service three years. Among the first official acts of the council was " an ordinance naming the streets," of which twelve were then recognized, viz., Main, Green, York, State, East, West, Court, Church, Broad, Pine, Mechanic, and Garden alley. Main and State streets were the oldest ; Broad was opened in 1811 ; and Pine — from State to Main — prior to 1812 ; Broad was extended from Court to State in 1818. The last end of this street is worse than the first ; after passing through surroundings indicative of a high order of development in education, finance, and jurisprudence, it descends to the valley below, where it is known by the less dignified name of " Dutch lane." In like manner Main street became " Ger- many." Of later streets, Clinton, Center, Franklin, Decatur, Union, and Pine, with Lacey, Linden, and Afton avenues, were recognized by council in 1870 ; Church, Pine, North, Stover, Cottage, and Cemetery avenues in 1871 ; Donald- son and Hamilton in 1872 ; Lafayette and Washington are beyond the borough limits, which have never been extended, but comprise the same area as in 1838 (about four hundred and fifty acres), and there is yet considerable territory not occupied by buildings: The increase in the population is shown from the fol- lowing statistics : The number of inhabitants in 1840 was nine hundred and six ; in 1850, one thousand and two ; in 1860, one thousand four hundred and six- teen ; in 1870, one thousand six hundred and one ; in 1880, two thousand and seventy. No public enterprise reflects greater credit upon the citizens of Doylestown than its system of waterworks, first projected about the year 1849. The prop- erty then owned by Sandham Stewart in its numerous springs and water- power presented advantages not to be found elsewhere in the vicinity. Lest the opportunity of securing it for the borough might be lost, Messrs. Samuel Hart, W. T. Rogers, Lewis Apple, Elijah Lewis, George Hart, and R. Thorn- ton purchased the Stewart estate from his administrators on their own respon- sibility with the view of transferring it to the town. At their request, the burgesses called a public meeting to consider the matter, and on the evening of the last day of the year of 1850 a general town meeting was held at which Samuel Keichleine presided. The representative of the purchasers informed the meeting that the entire property had been secured for six thousand dollars ; that that part of it which included the springs, mill-site, and valuable franchises would be disposed of for about half that sum, and that any other arrangement which might be suggested would be considered. The chairman appointed a committee of fifteen, viz : George Lear, H. J. Taylor, C. E. Wright, Joseph Harvey, C. E. DuBois, C. H. Mann, Samuel Green, W. L. Hendrle, J. C. Mangle, A. D. Bennett, James Gilkyson, S. J. Paxson, Edward Fox, Josiah Hart, and William Carr, to collect information and formulate a plan for water- works. January 15, 1851, they presented a report containing all the infer- 54<3 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. mation necessary in forming an intelligent conclusion regarding the proposed new departure. The cost of the works was estimated at nine thousand five hundred dollars ; and it was recommended that the horough purchase the prop- erty in question and undertake the work rather than an incorporated company. Messrs. W. T. Rogers, George Lear, Josiah Hart, James Gilkyson, H. J. Taylor, S. J. Paxson, and J. S. Brower were constituted a committee to make further inquiry into the ways and means of constructing the works, the expense likely to be incurred, and the comparative advantages to the citizens in placing the enterprise in the hands of a company or under the supervision of the borough. After some further discussion, the question was apparently settled at a special election on Friday, March 21, 1851, when, by a vote of one hun- dred and nine to fifty-seven, it was decided that the borough authorities should undertake the work. The purchase of the mill property was concluded June 17 following, the administrator of the Stewart estate also transferring to the borough certain rights and privileges in certain lands not included in the pur- chase. Arrangements were also made with the trustees of the cemetery for a lot of ground as a location for the reservoir, the construction of which was begun. At this point further operations were summarily suspended. A new council representing the element of opposition was elected in 1852. Men learned in the law expressed grave doubts as to the right of the borough to acquire property, the right of the cemetery trustees to dispose of land, the right of any individual or corporation to take water from the creek to the dis- advantage of riparian owners farther down its course ; and whether right or wrong, the work was stopped and not resumed for nearly twenty years, during all of which time Doylestown enjoyed the distinction of being the only munici- pality in the world which owned and operated a grist-mill. Committees were regularly appointed to superintend its affairs ; and in the almost utter absence of other subjects for local legislation, the seemingly ill-advised action in acquir- ing the property assumed a fruitful topic of discussion which sometimes attained the dignity of a local " campaign issue." Through all these years the unfin- ished reservoir on the cemetery hill was a continual reminder of what miiTht have been ; and, to the more sanguine, an earnest of what was yet to be. In March, 1867, an act was passed by the legislature conferring upon the borou'T-h the authority to construct and maintain water-works at the public expense, and to issue bonds as security to an amount not exceeding thirty-five thousand dollars. The question again became a matter of public interest, and those who favored the project, finding themselves a majority of the common council in 1869, began to consider measures for the completion of the work begun in 1851. May 6, 1869, a loan of twenty-five thousand dollars for ten years at six per cent, was authorized. William E. Morris, a civil engineer, was em- ployed to prepare plans, estimates, and specifications. It had no sooner be- come apparent that the council was energetically prosecuting the enternrise 1^ vr5 — .,'/, •v f HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 549 than the reactionary elements of the community again manifested strong oppo- sition. Several public meetings were held in the court-house, and the action of council was condemned in unmeasured terms. In an assembly of this char- acter, June 16, 1869, the council attended in a body. W. W. H. Davis, J. L. DuBois, and William E. Morris spoke in explanation of the plans of the coun- cil. The details became better understood and the advantages more fully appreciated, and from this time hostility gradually subsided. There were still those who went so far as to question the constitutionality o*f the act of 1867, and others who feared that legal complications might result from the use of so much of the water from the creek as would result in damage to mills of riparian owners. The last-named objection was disposed of in a summary manner. Counsel for a mill-owner at " The Turk" having filed application for a tempo- rary injunction restraining the borough authorities from further excavations, Honorable Ilenry Chapman, president judge, after giving the case an extended hearing, dismissed it with this significant expression, " De minimis lex non curat." The work was continued with such energy that September 21, 1869, it had so nearly reached completion as to permit a trial of the Worthington pumps for the first time. Not long afterward, water was introduced into pri- vate houses, John L. DuBois and W. W. H. Davis being the first to receive it. The mains have been extended at various times, and now reach every part of the town. A Holly automatic pump has been introduced, and greatly in- creases the efficiency of the system. The necessity of a fire department is effectually obviated ; and although none is in existence, insurance underwriters have expressed the opinion that there is no town of equal size in the state so adequately protected. The enterprise has proven a financial success. Rates are much lower than in towns of the same population where valuable franchises have been placed under control of private corporations, and a sum of money is annually applied to liquidate the indebtedness incurred in the construction and equipment of the works. Gas was introduced in 1858, and a movement to supersede it by electric light is now under consideration. Travelling facilities have done much to advance the interests of Doylestown. On the 29th day of April, 1792, John Nicholaus established a stage line from Easton to Philadelphia by Avay of Doylestown, which, under successive pro- prietors, was continued until 1854, when the Belvidere railroad was opened. During this time there were a number of lines established from this place to the city. Staging finally ceased in 1856, when the North Pennsylvania railroad was opened, October 9th of that year. It is much to be regretted that the Doylestown branch was not extended to New Hope ; but, considering things as they exist, no one would deny that the facilities for travel thus aff"orded have proven a decided advantage. Business and manufacturing interests have not been advanced to any extent, however. The railroad permits easy access to the 29 550 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. great stores of Philadelphia, without any compensating advantages to local trade. The usual lines of business are well represented, Main street being the principal thoroughfare. Prominent among its attractions is the Lenape build- ing, erected in 1874-75 by the Doylestown Improvement Company. It com- prises on the first floor a market-house, the post-office, and a number of store- rooms ; on the second ■ere found the public library and club-rooms, besides a public hall, well equipped with stage fixtures and a seating capacity for six hundred persons; and on the third the .three bodies of Odd Fellows here represented meet regularly in a commodious and well-furnished apartment. This building, in point of size, appointments, and appearance, is unequalled by any other of a similar character in the county. Of moneyed institutions, the Doylestown National Bank, the private bank of J. Hart & Co., and the Bucks County Trust Company render the county-seat a financial center of growing importance. Prior to the year 1832 there was neither bank nor banking-house in the town, the disadvantage of which was seriously felt by the business portion of the community. The initial effort in obviating this inconvenience was taken November 26th of that year, when a meeting of citizens favorable to the project was held at the public house of David Weirman. An organization was effected with a board of directors, consisting of Abraham Chapman, John Roberts, E. T. McDowell, Timothy Smith, Samuel Yardley, Christian Clemens, Samuel Kachline, Benjamin Hough, Elias Ely, "William Stokes, John T. Neely, Mahlon K. Yardley, and John Blackfan. It was also decided that the capital stock should be sixty thousand dollars. The board organized with Abraham Chapman president, and at its second meeting, December 3, 1832, elected Daniel Byrnes cashier. The property of Mary ShaAV on State street was rented for business purposes, and there the bank was opened. It enjoyed the confidence of the community from the beginning, and has been successful throughout its long career. In view of the large increase of business within the first few months, it was thought advisable to secure a more eligible building and location, and at a meeting of the board of directors, February 20, 1833, this matter was favorably considered. The purchase of the present site from Stephen Brock and the estate of Enoch Harvey was consummated March 6, 1833. May 22d following Samuel Kachline entered into a contract for the erection of a new banking-house. On the first day of January, 1834, the board of directors dined in the recently completed building. Its occupation for busi- ness purposes was deferred until February 22d, the one hundred and second anniversary of Washington's birth, possibly in deference to the patriotic feelino's of those concerned. This structure was remodelled in 1870, and as thus enlarged has been called the best constructed building, architecturally, in the town. The management has experienced some changes, although comparatively few have marked its history for more than half a century. In November, 1847, after an incumbency of fifteen years, Abraham Chapman resigned his position HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 551 as president, and Charles E. DuBois was elected his successor. Upon the death of the latter, Honorable George Lear was elected president, March 22, 1865, and continued in that office until his death, in May, 1884, when Henry Lear succeeded him. He is the present incumbent. Daniel Byrnes, the first cashier, resigned December 8, 1847. Josiah Hart was his immediate successor. John J. Brock, the present cashier, was elected November 10, 1857. The capital is one hundred and five thousand dollars ; surplus, one hundred thousand dollars. About the year 1855, Josiah Hart, George Hart, Richard Watson, William M. Large, and Jonas Fretz formed a co-partnership for the transaction of pri- vate banking business under the name and style of J. Hart & Co., by which the house is still known. Messrs. Watson, Large, and Fretz withdrew in 1862, and George Hart in 1875, when Josiah and John Hart succeeded to the busi- ness. The former died in 1885, and as at present constituted the members of the firm are John and Frank Hart. The Bucks County Trust Company has existed as a corporation since Feb- ruary 23, 1886. Its original and present organization is constituted as follows: president, Richard Watson ; vice-president, John S. Williams ; treasurer, T. 0. Atkinson ; directors, Richard Watson, J. K. Miller, Louis H. James, George Ross, J. Monroe Shellenberger, Hugh B. Eastburn, Robert M. Yardley, Samuel Steckel, James B. Doyle, Aaron Fretz, Joseph S. Atkinson, Philip H. Fretz, John S. Williams, B. F. Gilkeson, Joseph Thomas. The authorized capital is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. This corporation insures persons in- terested in real estate from loss by reason of defective titles, and acts as agent in the purchase and transfer of property of all kinds, the settlement of estates, and the execution of trusts of every description. The advantages of thus transacting a business of this character are the complete security afforded by the capital stock, the permanency of the corporation, and its enlarged facilities. The operations of the company so far have been eminently satisfactory. Its business is transacted in a building owned by the company at the corner of Broad and Court streets. No precaution has been spared to render the vault absolutely impregnable. A solid granite wall, thirty inches thick, forms its exterior, while the vault proper consists of a heavy metal lining. The door is of massive proportions, and is secured by a system of locks, complex, ingenious, and intricate. The general aspect of the building and its appointments is such as to impress confidence in the methods of the corporation of which it is the visible exponent. Manufactures have never developed beyond the limits of local consumption. Of those at present in operation the most extensive are the agricultural imple- ment and repair shops of Daniel Hulshizer, established in 1848-49 by the present proprietor and Christopher F. Melic, who were then conducting a similar business at New Village, New Jersey, thirty miles distant. During the 552 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. first year this was merely a branch office for the sale of their products. Mr. Hulshizer removed to Doylestown in 1849, and brought with him such ma- chinery as was necessary to perform the finishing of woodwork, while iron castings and shafting for the implements they made were hauled by wagon from New Village. This arrangement continued for five years, when, having established a larger trade at Doylestown, Mr. Hulshizer returned to New Vil- lage, leaving his interests here in the hands of Messrs. Martin & Wetherill. He returned in 1866, and in the following year built the large and commodious factory now occupied. The main building is eighty-three by thirty-six feet, three stories high. An addition was erected in 1882, thus enlarging the facili- ties fully one-half. Twenty-five men are employed. Different persons have been associated with Mr. Hulshizer at various times, but he is now sole pro- prietor, and has witnessed the growth of a prosperous industry from a compara- tively small beginning. The East Pennsylvania Spoke and Bending Works, Worstall & Carl pro- prietors, were established in 1858 by Samuel Green at their present location, Court and State streets, in a stone building erected in 1851 and used as a car- riage-shop. The business was successively conducted by Coheen & Evans, Coheen & Jarrett, M. P. Jarrett, M. P. Jarrett & Co., and the present man- agement, which assumed control in 1886. The product is used in the manufac- ture of carriages. The sash and planing mills of Louis J. Buckman & Co., Wallace Dungan's hide and tallow factory, with other establishments of lesser note, complete the industrial representation of the town. Considering the fact that Doylestown is but the terminal point of a branch railroad, the prospect of further growth in this respect is not promising. Until within recent years there does not appear to have been a disposition favorable to manufacturing enterprises. In January, 1887, the borough council passed a resolution ex- empting, under certain conditions, the plant of factories from taxation for a term of years. If other circumstances were equally favorable, there might be a change in the condition of affairs in this respect. This action of the council is the first encouragement capital has yet received, and indicates more than might be inferred from direct results. A full complement of secret societies is represented. Doylestown Lodge, No. 245, F. & A. M., was constituted August 27, 1850. Original officers : John W. Fry, W. M., Josiah Rich, S. W., Caleb E. Wright, J.. W., Stephen Brock, T., William Carr, S., John S. Bryan, S. D., Jonas Ott, J. D., John Mcintosh, Tyler. The hall owned by this body was purchased in 1857, and after undergoing extensive alterations, dedicated to masonry on Thursday, Oc- tober 28, 1858. Doylestown Lodge, No. 94, 1. 0. 0. F., was granted a charter March 11, 1844, which became defaced to such an extent that it was surrendered, and in lieu of this the present charter was issued January 22, 1847, to David H. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 553 Goucher, N. G., R. Thornton, V. G., John G. Michener, S., William Lime- burner, T. Present membership, about one hundred. Doylestown Encampment, No. 35, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted June 22, 1846, with John G. Michener, C. P., 0. E. Wright, H. P., R. Thornton, S. W., Hiram Lukens, J. W., Samuel Darragh, S., Joseph Young, T., E. K. Sherer, and John White, with others, petitioners. Aquetong Lodge, No. 193, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted June 30, 1846, with George H. Michener, N. G., William Keichleine, V. G., Isaac Lippincott, S., John G. Michener, T. The three bodies last named meet in a commodious and well-furnished apartment in the Lenape building. Doylestown Council, No. 166, 0. U. A. M., was organized September 2, 1868, with the following members and officers: T. N. Myers, C, Joseph A. Martin, V. C, A. W. Heany, R. S., David Firman, A. S., James H. Clark, F. S., T. P. Harvey, Treas., Lewis Heller, H. S. Siegenfuss, William Eluck, E. R. J. Ughworth, William Lightcap, John P. Kinney, Wilson D. James, A. C. Large, D. S. Williams, A. B. Rickerd, 0. H. Smith. Present membership, fifty-seven. Excelsior Grand Lodge, No. 379, P. H., was organized November 10, 1874, with twenty-nine members, of whom Samuel S. Fries was secretary and James M. Gathers treasurer. Its charter was granted March 10, 1875. The present membership is eighteen. General Robert L. Bodine Post, No. 306, G. A. R., organized January 23, 1883, with the following members: Charles A. Cuffel, Richard Watson, Thomas B. Miller, Jacob Clemens, F. Swartzlander, Samuel Silvey, Joseph S. Hawk, Mills Williams, John Townsend, John Hargrave, Isaiah I. Sellers, J. T. Atkinson, Robert Conrad, James Gilkyson, C. H. IMagill, Andrew Conrad, D. W. C. Callender, C. K. Frankenfield, Evan Stover, James M. Fulton, James Garis, Lewis K. Bryan, Samuel L. Ely, William T. Radcliife, John Flack, Patrick Harford, James Bissey, Rudolf Myers. George T. Harvey Camp, No. 164, S. of Y., was mustered December 13, 1886, with the following members: John Yardley, K. Ochersperger, Howard .J. Fries, Frank Livezey, Kirk Atler, Nelson Y. Naylor, Charles Mclntyre, Frank B. Atler, J. Harrison Wilson, C. H. Kolbe, Jr., George Watson, Charles M. Williams, William A. Patton. Franklin Lodge, No. 44, 0. S. of P., was instituted September 6, 1886, with twenty-three members, viz., J. M. Schellenberger, Henry S. Murfit, John R. Bigell, Edward Carl, Thaddeus Boeck, Evan J. Morris, Fred. Constantine, F. F. Bechlin, Lycurgus Bryan, Gilbert R. Fisher, Ernest Werner, George Schroth, Samuel Z. Freed, J. M. Meglathery, Lewis K. Bryan, E. Edwin Scheetz, John Yardley, Frank Livezey, M. B. Dill, George Peelser, William Sell, J. Evan Zorns, Warner Worstall. This was the first lodge of the order outside of Philadelphia. 554 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Sciota Tribe, No. 214, Imp. 0. R. M., organized December 10, 1886, with fifty-eight members, of whom the following were elected officers: Andrew F. Bertles, C. S. ; Thomas H. Walton, P. ; Joseph H. Wilson, S. S ; Edwin Smith, J. S.; William Lightcap, K. of W. ; George Skelton, C. of R. The present membership is seventy-three. St. Tammany Castle, No. 173, K. G. E., was instituted April 25, 1887, Avith Frank Zorns, V. C. ; Irvin N. James, N. C. ; Charles 11. Heist, V. C. ; J. Wilmot Harvey, H. P. ; Harvey Scheetz, V. H. ; M. of R., John D. James ; C. of E., Frank Stover ; K. of E., William Schoner. The German Aid Society of Doylestown was organized in Jane, 1866, with Fred. Constantine, president ; George Kraft, vice-president ; Dominic Bau- man, secretary; John Bauer, treasurer; and three other members. This number increased to thirteen the second year, fifteen the third, and twenty-one the fourth. Its membership at present is sixty-five. The society was incor- porated May 3, 1867. It is of a purely beneficial character. The- Doylestown Maennerchor was organized July 1, 1884. The officers at that time were Edward Carl, president; Augustus Zeigler, leader ; George W. Schrooth, vice-president; F. F. Bechlin, secretary, and Charles L. Zeigler, treasurer. The membership of fourteen at that time has since increased to fifty-eight. The purpose in view at first was solely social and musical culture. A beneficial feature was added November 1, 1885. The society was incor- porated March 14, 1887. The Doylestown Library Company was incorporated March 31, 1856, upon petition of the following persons : S. "SL Andrews, George Hart, W. W. Grier, Henry T. Darlington, Enos Prizer, Richard Watson, M. Yardley, C. E. DuBois, George Lear, Edwin Fretz, John S. Brown, James Gilkyson, Henry Chapman. John S. Brown, the editor of the " Intelligencer" at that time, was first treasurer. John B. Pugh succeeded him in 1864, and Elias Carver in the next year. The affairs of the compan}' are managed by a board of directors, three in number: Henry Lear, ^Vlfred Paschall, and Thomas W. Goucher con- stitute the present board (1886). The libraiy was opened in an apartment in the old court-house in 1856. It was then removed to a room in Honorable Richard Watson's residence, and, since 1875, has occupied a room in the Lenape building. The number of volumes is about three tliousand. The educational interests of the borougli. are well sustained. Four distinct effiDrts have been made to establish schools of advanced standing, the earliest of which resulted in the Doylestown academy, the building for which was erected in 1804, and is still standing at the corner of Broad and Court streets. The necessary funds were provided principall}' by subscriptions, although a lottery scheme was projected, and sanctioned by the legislature in 1805, for the pur- pose of realizing three thousand dollars. Sixteen thousand tickets were to be sold, of which four thousand six hundred and thirty-five were to draw HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 555 prizes. The lottery was conducted by seven commissioners, Andrew Dunlap, Christian Clemens, John Hough, Thomas Stewart, Hugh Meredith, Nathaniel Shewell, and Josiah Y. Shaw, with Shaw and Asher Miner agents. The income from this source was still insufficient, and for several years an annual appropriation was received from the state. The first principal was the Reverend Uriah DuBois, who was also pastor of the Presbyterian congregation at Deep Run. After his death, in 1821, there was not a regular succession of teachers. Ebenezer Smith had charge of the classical department from 1821 to 1828. Reverend Samuel Aaron, one of the most eloquent public speakers in the state, and Silas M. Andrews, D.D., subsequently conducted the school. The building is now used for public school purposes. The second educational enterprise was Ingham Female Seminary, incorporated by the legislature in 1838, and sus- tained for several years by state appropriations. C. Soule Carter was principal, but after his departure the institution collapsed. This occurred in 1843. Eventually, the bui4ding and grounds, at the corner of Broad and JNIechanic streets, became the site of Linden Female seminary, founded under a charter from the county court in 1872. It grew out of a school for girls opened by Reverend L. C. Sheip in the spring of 1870, in Masonic Hall. The principals were Henry A. Hough and Rev. L. C. Sheip. The school attained an enviable reputation in this and adjoining states, and promised a career of great usefulness. But two similar enterprises had failed under more favorable conditions, and the third seemed irresistibly drawn toward the same conclusion. Mr. Sheip was well calculated to make the school a success, and it is to be regretted that adverse circumstances deprived the town of the advantages which must have inured from its continuance. The Doylestown seminary of the present was incorporated May 29, 1877, but had been in operation fully ten years prior to that time. It was estab- lished in 1867 by Benjamin Smith. The main building was erected in 1869-70, and when the school opened the following term one hundred and seventy-nine pupils were in attendance, a larger number than has since been enrolled. In 1876 the property came into possession of a board of trustees in lieu of the obligations of the former proprietor, and Reverend Haiford was placed in charge as principal. M. E. Scheibner succeeded him in 1877. The property once more came into possession of an individual owner in 1880, when Augustus.C. Winters purchased it. It has been con- tinued as a proprietary school, and is now owned and conducted by John Gos- man, Ph.D., who assumed the management in 1882. For the first time in its checkered career the school is prosperous financially. More than one hundred pupils are in attendance, many of whom reside at a distance from the town. The school enjoys in a marked degree the confidence of the immediate com- munity, and it is to be hoped that it will experience a future as successful as its past has been unfortunate. 556 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Since the reduction in size of New Britain in 1819 there is no more forcible reminder of its former extension southeast than the New Britain Baptist Church, the extension of which under its present name beyond the limits of that township is the only circumstance apparent to the casual observer to indi- cate that the latter division once embraced part of Doylestown. The burial- ground and church edifices are located in the extreme western portion of Doylestown township, about four miles west of the county- seat and thirty from Philadelphia, on an elevation between two branches of the Neshaminy. The cemetery comprises two acres, and its tenants number several thousand, the oldest inscription being that of John Riale, under date of August 14, 1748. The burial-ground is intersected by a public road. It was enlarged in 1843, and is inclosed by a stone wall of venerable appearance. An additional acre comprises the site of the church edifice and chapel, and in one corner there is a never failing spring of water over which the baptistry is built. The present church edifice, built in 1815, is sixty-five feet long, forty-six feet wide, and twenty-three feet high, with seating capacity of six hundred. It is a stone building. The interior has been much improved in appearance in recent years, and combines the ideas of threescore years ago with those of the present. There are galleries around three sides and two rows of windows, rather small in proportion to the dimensions of the exterior wall. The first meeting-house was built in 1744, and was known for many years as the " Society meeting house," from its location about the center of the lands owned by the " Penn Society of Traders." The site was donated by Joseph Growden. It is thus described in 1770 : " The house is of stone, forty feet by thirty, erected in 1744 on a lot of two acres, partly the gift of Judge Growden and partly the gift of the congregation, whereon are stables, a school-house, and a fine grove. It is a rising ground formed into an angle by the crossing of two highroads. The house is accommodated with seats, galleries, and a stove." The chapel, built in 1885, is a substantial structure fifty-six feet long and thirty-three feet wide. It is arranged for the various purposes of Sunday-school room, sociables and church receptions, etc. Beside these buildings there are a number of sheds on the premises for horses and carriages. The general aspect of the build- ings and grounds is such as to convey an idea of strength, liberality, and pro- gressiveness on the part of the congregation. The organization of the New Britain church was effected under difficulties. The emigration of Welsh Baptists to Pennsylvania began in 1683, and in 1719 they had become sufficiently numerous in Montgomery to organize at that place one of the first churches of this denomination in the province. It subsequently included among its membership much of the Welsh element in New Britain. A dissension arose about the year 1735 regarding certain doctrinal points, Simon Butler, of New Britain, being one of the chief disputants ; his neigh- bors adhered generally to his views, which were not acceptable to the Mont- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 559 gomery people. The matter Avas taken before the association and an amicable settlement attempted, but without success. The New Britain people were de- sirous of becoming a separate church, and improved this opportunity for action in that direction. Twenty-two of their number — Isaac Evans, David Stephens, Evan Stephens, John Williams, Walter Shewell, Joshua Jones, William George, Clement Doyle, William Dungan, John James, David Morgan, Thomas James, David Stephens, Jr., Thomas Humphreys, Mary James, Mary Shewell, Mar- garet Phillips, Elizabeth Stephens, Jane James, Catharine Evans, Margaret Doyle — associated themselves together November 28, 1754, and became the original constituent members of the New Britain Baptist church by attaching their signatures to a written instrument setting forth their belief and the ob- jects of thus organizing. The leaders in this movement were Benjamin Griffith, William Davis, Isaac Eaton, and John Thomas. An arrangement was made by which the Montgomery church dismissed the new organization, and in 1755 the latter was received into the Philadelphia association. And thus the ninth Baptist church in the state, with respect to seniority, came into existence. Frequent pastoral changes have marked the course of its history. Reve- rend Joseph Eaton, the first pastor, preached in the old meeting-house before the organization of the church. He was born in Wales August 25, 1679, immigrated to America in 1686, was called to the ministry in 1722, ordained October 21, 1727, and died April 1, 1^49. He is mentioned by his contem- poraries with uniform respect and regard. His colleague during the latter years of his life was Reverend William Davis, also a native Welshman, who succeeded to the pastorate in 1749. His death occurred October 3, 1768. Reverend Joshua Jones became his assistant in 1761, and assumed pastoral charge in 1768, continuing in that capacity until 1793, a period of twenty-five years, including the revolutionary interval and a remarkable schism in the church caused by David Evans, a man of vigorous mind and fair education, who became a Universalist, and constrained many of the membership to adopt his views. He built a small house for worship in 1801, and there expounded his doctrines to such as cared to hear them ; but the congregation did not sur- vive the death of its founder, which occurred in 1824. Reverend William White was pastor from 1795 to 1804, and Silas Hough, M.D., from the latter year to 1818. The incumbency of the former was remarkable for the number of accessions, as was also that of Reverend John C. Murphy, who succeeded Hough in 1819, and closed a five years' pastorate April 18, 1824. The next in order was Reverend James McLaughlin, who was elected October 20, 1825. The next was Reverend Samuel Aaron, the most talented and brilliant man who ever occupied the pulpit at New Britain, noted for his invectives against intemperance and slavery. During the administration of his immediate suc- cessors. Reverends T. T. Cutcheon and Samuel Nightingale, the condition of the church was far from prosperous. It received an upward tendency from 560 niSTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the next incumbent, Ileman Lincoln, D.D., under whom the membership was largely increased and the general interests of the church advanced. Reverend William AVilder, Levi G. Beck, A. C. Wheat, William Whitehead, Lewis Manger, and N. C. Fetter complete the pastoral record. The charges above noted may be thus summarized : Joseph Eaton, 1743-49 ; William Davis, 1749-68; Joshua Jones, 1768-98; William A^hite, 1795-1804; Silas Hough, 1804-1818; John C. Murphy, 1819-24; James McLaughlin, 1825-27; Samuel Aaron, 1830-31; T. T. Cutcheon, 1836-38; Samuel Nightingale, 1838-45; Ileraan Lincoln, 1845-50; William Wilder, 1851-54; Levi G. Beck, 1855-59; A. C. Wheat, 1860-65; William Whitehead, 1867-71; Lewis Munger, 1872-79 ; N. C. Fetter, 1880 . In Doylestown township, a mile from the borough, stands a Mennonite meeting-house, said to be the oldest church edifice in middle Bucks county. It is known to have been built prior to 1810. In the burial-ground adjoining many of the old German families of the vicinity are represented in several generations. The Doylestown Presbyterian church is the oldest denominational organi- zation in that borougli. It originated in the labors of Reverend Uriah Du Bois, during his residence at Doylestown as principal of the academy in the begin- ning of this century. He was ordained and installed at Deep Run in 1798, and, after the completion of the academy building (1804), began to preach occasionally in an apartment therein which the trustees placed at the disposal of all Christian denominations. He preached also at Tinicum until 1808 ; and when that appointment was relinquished, regular services were conducted at Doylestown alternately with Deep Run. The removal of the county-seat in 1812, and the fact that there was then no church building in the town, ren- dered it necessary that adequate accommodations for worship should be pro- vided. The Presbyterian congregation undertook this work, and in 1813 building operations were begun. August 14, 1815, it had so far approached completion as to be dedicated, Reverends Jacob J. Jancway, Robert B. Belville, and U. DuBois performing that ceremony. This structure was fifty-five feet long by forty-five in width, with four ranges of pews and side galleries. It was enlarged and remodelled in 1850. On the last Sunday in May, 1871, the congregation assembled here for a final service, and within a few weeks the building was demolished. On the 16th day of the same month in the following year the present church edifice Avas occupied for the first time. It is a stone building, sixty feet wide by ninety feet long, with tower one hundred and forty- six feet surmounted with a belfry; chapel, Sunday-school rooms, and audience- room with a seating capacity of one thousand persons. The aggregate cost was fully thirty thousand dollars. A memorial tablet in the chancel is in- scribed to the memory of Reverend Silas M. Andrews, D.D., who was pastor from November 16, 1831, until his death, March 7, 1881 — a few months less HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 561 than fifty years. In the interval of ten years between the death of Mr. Du- Bois (September 10, 1821) and his installation (November 16, 1831) there were a number of supplies, among others, Messrs. Tustin, Beatty, and Charles Hyde. The latter was ordained and installed as pastor November 18, 1823, and resigned May 11, 1829. Reverend Henry Hotchkigs became stated supply in 1830. He was the immediate predecessor of Dr. Andrews ; and Reverend W. A. Patton, the present pastor, who was installed May 3, 1881, succeeded upon the death of the latter. The congi-egation numbers about six hundred. Seven Sunday-schools are connected with the church, numbering nearly a thousand scholars. The following persons were ruling elders from 1796 to 1876 : Thomas Stewart, James Ferguson, Andrew Dunlap, John Mann, John C. Ernst, Jonas Newton, John Beatty, W. S. Hendric, James McNeely, Samuel Godshalk, Nathan Lewis, John AViddifield, John H. Anderson, Samuel Hall, John Greer, Silas H. Thompson, John G. Mann, Benjamin S. Rich, and John G. Harris. In the year 183-1 several Friends residing in and near the village of Doyles- town made application to Buckingham monthly meeting for permission to hold an indulged meeting on first days. The meeting appointed a committee to inquire into the matter, and when the request had been favorably reported, the proposed meeting was authorized. It was held for a time in a room rented for the purpose, until, in the following year, a meeting-house was erected, which cost, with improvements, one thousand six hundred and fifty-four dollars and fifty cents. Methodism was introduced into Doylestown in 1837. The first sermon was preached in the Presbyterian church by Reverend James Hand, who was then in charge of Attleborough circuit. His predecessors had previously preached occasionally in tlie vicinity, but it is not known that regular services were ever held in the town. Mr. Hand's text was " Fear not, little flock," etc. He was a good mechanic as well as preacher, and personally engaged in the work of building a church. His efforts Avere ably seconded by the liberal men of the town. A neat and commodious stone church edifice was completed in 1838. It is sixty feet long and forty feet wide, with a seating capacity of four hundred and fifty. The present membership is one hundred and three. Reve- rend H. R. Robinson has been pastor two years past. This pulpit has been occupied by some of the brightest intellects of the Philadelphia conference. The parish of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church, Doylestown, was organized April 26, 1846, at the residence of Andrew Donaldson on State street. The vestry, as then constituted, consisted of Andrew Donaldson, Henry J. C. Taylor, AVilliam Limeburner, Richard M. Donaldson, James Kempton, Benjamin Jackson, and Charles H. Mann. William Limeburner and Charles H. Mann were elected wardens. At a subsequent meeting of the vestry. May 15, Bishop Potter presiding, George Blight and Dr. Charles Treichel, of 562 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Germantown, were elected additional members; the latter, instead of Benjamin Jackson, resigned. The parish was admitted into union with the diocese in 1848, and a charter of incorporation granted by the civil court February 8, 1848. The moving spirit of these developments was Reverend George P. Hopkins, then a resident of Germantown. He held his first service at Masonic hall, Doylestown, on Sunday morning. May 18, 1845. At this time there was only one member of the Episcopal church in the place — Mrs. Thomas Ross. Mr. Hopkins was elected rector at the first meeting of the vestry, and continued in that capacity until his resignation, JMarch 19, 1853, deriving his support mainly from the " Society of the Protestant Episcopal church for the advance- ment of Christianity in Pennsylvania." The building of a church edifice was the principal event of his administration. Formal action was taken by the vestry May 15, 1846, in the appointment of Henry J. C. Taylor, William Limeburner, and Andrew Donaldson as a building committee, with Hon. Thomas Ross as treasurer of the building fund. Ground was broken for the proposed building, July 20, 1846 ; the corner-stone was laid by Bishop Potter September 16 of the same year, and the first service in the new building was held April 23, 1848. It was consecrated by Bishop Potter, May 30, 1850. At that time the building consisted merely of the nave ; the new chancel and bell-gable were added in 1870, and the Sunday-school and lecture-room fur- nished in 1854. Reverend ReesC. Evans was pastor from March 11,1854, to July 7, 1855 ; William R. Gries, from November 12, 1855, to October 18, 1861, when he resigned to accept the chaplainship of the one hundred and fourth regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers ; John Tetlow from October 1, 1862, to March 31, 1864 ; Byron McGann from August 1, 1864, to August 1§, 1868 ; Hurley Baldy from October 1, 1868, to November 1, 1873 ; Thomas R. Cole- man, from April 26, 1874, to January 15, 1875 ; V. Hummel Berghaus, P. A. Widdemeyer, J. F. Taunt, and George N. Eastman from 1875 to the present. The church of Our Lady of JMount Carmel, built in 1856, and dedicated November 23 of that year by Bishop Neumann, is third among the places of worship of this denomination (Roman Catholic) established in this county. Father George, its founder, was pastor at the time at Haycock, and upon the completion of the church edifice was placed in charge of the parish thus formed, which position he occupied nearly a score of years. He was stationed elsewhere by the archbishop in 1875, when Reverend James I. McDermott was appointed his successor. He remained but four months. December 1, 1875, the present pastor, Reverend Henry Stommel, assumed charge ; he, like Father George, was the rector of Haycock immediately previous to his removal here. Under his administration a number of neighboring parishes have been formed, and the numerical strength of this one at Doylestown increased to about six hundred souls. The church edifice is a solid stone structure, one hundred feet long by forty wide, with tower one hundred and thirty-five feet high, a peal of bells, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 563 and pipe-organ. The pastoral residence attached is thirty-one by forty-six feet in dimensions, and three stories high, and a corresponding wing to the north of the main building is occupied by the sisters who conduct the parish school. In the rear of the church there is a beautiful cemetery, comprising several acres. In 1860 Reverend W. R. Yearick was commissioned by the Board of Domestic Missions of the Synod of the Reformed church in the United States to labor among the scattered members of the denomination in and around Doyles- town. A congregation of twenty members was organized March 17, 1861, with William Ruth and David Fleck, elders ; L. S. Gearhart, Israel Frantz, and John Davis, deacons. It was incorporated as " Salem Reformed Church of Doylestown, Pa.," at the September court, 1864. October 16 of that year the corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid, and in due course of time it was completed. After serving this congregation in connection with the Hilltown church eight years, Mr. Yearick resigned, whereupon Reverend W. H. Heilman was appointed to succeed him. At the end of eight months a vacancy again existed, upon which Reverend L. C. Sheip was appointed, and entered upon his duties December, 1868. He is the present (1887) pastor. The church was repaired, reseated, and otherwise improved in 1877. Owing to a lack of material, the membership has not increased rapidly. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church was incorporated May 17, 1870, with Reverend A. T. Geisenhainer, pastor ; Jacob Schaeffer, Frederick Constan- tine, and Adam Daubert, elders ; John Keller, Levi Nace, and Ludwig Ebert, deacons. Its membership was originally connected with the Hilltown church, and was first ministered unto by Reverend G. Heilig in 1862. He preached in the Reformed church, and resigned in 1865. Reverend W. R. Buehler was pastor from 1870 to 1871, R. S. Wagner from 1872 to 1874, J. H. Fritz from 1874 to 1879, A. R. Home (regular supply) from 1879 to 1885, and E. L. j\liller since his installation, July 19, 1885. The church edifice was dedicated in 1868, and re-dedicated on Ascension Day, May 6, 1875. The First Baptist church of Doylestown was organized on the evening of Thursday, December 3, 1867, with the election of Reverend W. S. Wood as pastor, and two deacons — Robert Johnson and James D. Scott. There were more than fifty constituent members, a majority of whom had formerly been connected with the New Britain church. It was recognized as a regularly constituted organization January 16, 1868, by a council composed of represent- atives of seven diiferent Baptist churches, Dr. George Dana Boardman deliv- ering the sermon on the occasion ; and at the next meeting of the North Phila- delphia Association this church was formally admitted into the body. The initial step in building a church was taken January 12, 1867, when a com- mittee was appointed to purchase a suitable site. Within two years from that date the proposed building was under roof; but owing to financial stringency 564 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. it was not dedicated until January, 1877. It is a substantial structure, eligibly located, commodious, well furnished, and involved an aggregate expenditure of twenty-three thousand dollars. The successors of Mr. Wood as pastor were: Reverend H. A. Hastings, John Miller, and T. R. Hewlett. The membership numbers one hundred and seventy-five at present. Buckingham Valley Baptist church, at Bushington, was organized in August, 1880, by Reverend George A. Larrison, M.D., then pastor of Solebury Baptist church. The first services were held during the months of February and March of that year in private houses and at the school-house in Bushington, when thirty-six persons were converted. Reverends Larrison, Frame, Harte, and Huffnagle have been pastors, but Mr. Larrison was most active, and to his efforts the church owes its existence. The church edifice, a substantial frame structure, was built in 1886. This church is connected with the Reading Baptist Association. A list of the principal officers of Doylestown borough since its incorpora- tion is herewith submitted: — Burgesses : 1838-1848, Abraham Chapman ; 1849-52, Samuel Keich- leine ; 1853-54, Charles E. DuBois ; 1855-56, James Gilkyson ; 1857, John B. Pugh ; 1858, Samuel P. Hamilton ; 1859, John Fretz ; 1860-62, Charles E. DuBois ; 1863, James Gilkyson ; 1864, N. C. James ; 1865, John Fretz ; 1866, John L. DuBois ; 1867-68, Joshua Beans ; 1869-70, Harman Yerkes ; 1871, Joshua Beans ; 1872-73, Samuel Cuthbert ; 1874, James M. Wilkinson ; 1875, A. J. Larue ; 1876, Henry C. Michener ; 1877, John M. Purdy ; 1878, Josiah Frantz ; 1879, Barney McGinty ; 1880, A. II. Heist ; 1881-82, John Donnelly; 1883, William Hargrave ; 1884, James M. Wilkinson; 1885, George T. Harvey ; 1886-87, John R. Bitting. High Constables: 1838, Thomas Dungan; 1839, Asher Cox; 1840, Smith Price; 1841-43, Nathaniel Hubbard; 1844, Aaron Fell; 1845-47, Preston Price; 1848-52, Nathaniel Hubbard; 1853-56, James McCoy; 1857-84, John K. Tomlinson ; 1885-86, Andrew Conrad ; 1887, Joshua Tomlinson. Gouncilmen : 1838. Samuel A. Smith, Nathaniel Hubbard, John B. Pugh, A. D. Bennett, Nathan Cornell, B. Vanluvanee, William Stokes, Moses Arm- strong, Caleb E. Wright. 1839. Caleb E. Wright, John Seitzinger, John Potts, Thomas Wambold, William Maxwell, John B. Pugh, Samuel A. Smith, A. D. Bennett, Moses Armstrong. 1840. Josiah V. Shaw, Robert Armstrong, C. F. Yardley, William Max- well, W. Limeburner, Stephen Brock, William Stokes, Thomas Wambold, John Seitzinger. 1841. Robert Armstrong, John Lenzler, W. Limeburner, Samuel Solli- day, Charles Wigton, Thomas Hays, Samuel Yardley, William Stokes, Lester Rich. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 565 1842. E. T. McDonald, Moses Armstrong, Abel M. Griffith, Charles E. DuBois, John B. Pugh, E. H. Slierer, C. H. Mathews, J. Mcintosh, Charles Wigton. 1843. C. II. Mathews, John B. Pugh, Benjamin Morris, E. T. McDonald, Charles Wigton, Charles E. DuBois, J. Mcintosh, A. M. Griffith, Alfred Magill. 1844. C. H. Mathews, J. Mcintosh, E. T. IMcDonald, John B. Pugh, Charles E. Du Bois, A. M. Magill, Benjamin Morris, Joseph Harvey, D. H. Goucher. 1845. C. H. Mathews, J. Mcintosh, A. M. Magill, John B. Pugh, Samuel Yardley, Standham Stewart, W. Limeburner, E. Lewis, Robert Armstrong. 1846. W. J. Ilendric, J. Mcintosh, George Lear, Levi Johnson, T. T. Kinsey, James Bleiler, John Clemens, E. Lewis, Alfred Magill. 1847. W. J. Ilendric, L. L. Roberts, John Cox, Joel Vasey, Samuel Darrah, E. Lewis, John Clemens, William Addis, T. T. Kinsey. 1848. A. D. Bennett, J. S. Brown, Joseph Harvey, Preston Jones, George Lear, A. M. Magill, Thomas Scotland, J. B. Smith, Samuel Solliday. 1849. A. D. Bennett, George Kick, Charles Rotzell, Samuel Solliday, John Weikel, William Carr, Enos Kulp, Thomas Scotland, S. II. Thompson. 1850. (No return of the result of this year's election appears upon the records of the council or the court of quarter sessions.) 1851. Levi Johnson, Enos Kulp, George T. Harvey, John T. Brooks, George Hart, George Mcintosh, James Gilkyson, I. W. Cornell, T. L. Cress- man. 1852. J. L. Bean, Thomas Doyle, Isaac Riale, Samuel Hall, G. H. Michener, A. M. Magill, C. Sherer, A. Howe, B. Vanluvanee. 1853. Joseph Harvey, George H. Michener, Isaac Riale, Amos Stone, Thomas Hays, R. F. Scheetz, Samuel Hall, Thomas Dyer, A. M. Magill. 1854. Jesse Armstrong, R. F. Scheetz, S. T. Roberts, J. S. Bryan, Thomas Dyer, A. M. Magill, James Bleiler, Geoge Michener, Thomas Goucher. 1855. William Beck, John Clemens, A. C. Vanluvanee, George Mcintosh, William T. Eisenhart, M. Yardley, S. H. Thompson, T. W. Goucher, George Lear. 1856. John Clemens, Thomas Goucher, C. Vanluvanee, G. McCoy, M. Yardley, Charles Wigton, John Brooks, George Mcintosh, H. S. Fisher. 1857. G. R. McCoy, R. Thornton, John J. Brock, Richard Watson, B. Vanluvanee, S. P. Hamilton, Enos Kulp, James Gilkyson, Charles Solliday. 1859. John Beatty, F. Constantino, A. D. Hartzell, W. E. Warford, N". P. Brown, John Hargrave, C. J. Shade, II. F. Druckenmiller, John J. Brock. 1860. John J, Brock, A. H. Barber, Francis Adelman, J. L. Ely, R. Thornton, Robert Thompson, H. F. Druckenmiller, Samuel Hall, W. C. AVar- ford. 566 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1861. Jesse Armstrong, Joseph Harvey, N. C. James, Thomas Adelman, Enos Kulp, W. T. Rogers, Samuel Hall, Robert Lewis, R. F. Sheetz. 1862. Jesse Armstrong, John J. Brock, William I. Rogers, Joseph Har- vey, James Gilkyson, N. C. James, Robert Lewis, T. N. Goucher, W. Con- stantine. 1863. Jesse Armstrong, John J. Brock, John S. BroAvn, W. Constantine, T. W. Goucher, Joseph Harvey, Robert Lewis, William T. Rogers, S. H. Smith. 1864. Jesse Armstrong, John J. Brock, Joseph Harvey, T. W. Goucher, S. M. Andrews, James Gilkyson, N. P. Brower, A. J. Riale, L. A. Smith. 1865. A. J. Riale, John J. Brock, James Gilkyson, Henry Livezey, S. H. Aaron, Enos Kulp, Francis Adelman, Joseph Harvey, Jesse Armstrong. 1866. John J. Brock, A. H. Barber, M. 0. Kulp, N. P. Brower, W. S. Brunner, H. T. Darlington, Joseph J. Greer, G. E. Donaldson, S. P. Hamilton. 1867. For one year : John L. DuBois, Charles Wigton, Morgan Rufe ; for two years : Joseph J. Greer, L. B. Thompson, A. H. Barber; for three years : Charles Rotzel, Samuel Hall, H. S. Fisher. 1868. John L. DuBois, Eugene James, Henry T. Darlington, W. W. H. Davis. 1869. N. P. Brower, A. J. Carrel, George Deemer. 1870. James Biglan, George Lear, G. R. McCoy. 1871. William Thompson, L. P. Worthington, James Rickert. 1872. W. W. H. Davis, J. La Rue, Thomas Hays. 1873. Charles Hamilton, Samuel Trumbower, Jonas Knight. 1874. John G. Randall, Isaiah Frantz, H. D. Livezey. 1875. Evan J. Morris, D. E. Brower, T. P. Harvey. 1876. H. H. Hough, Charles Hamilton, Levi Fluck. 1877. 0. P. James, M.D., Augustus Zeigler, M. Dungan. 1878. T. P. Harvey, John L. Kramer, Edward Mcintosh. 1879. John J. Brock, I. W. Closson, William Lightcap. 1880. 0. P. James, M.D., Augustus Zeigler, Charles Hamilton, Henry Hough. 1881. Samuel Steckel, James Barrett, John L. Kramer, Charles Hamilton. 1882. John J. Brock, I. W. Closson, Thomas W. Henry. 1883. 0. P. James, M.D., Samuel Steckel, Dr. R. B. Knight. 1884. James Barrett, Martin Evans, Henry Long. 1885. John L. Kramer, Andrew P. Rickert, Levi Huck. 1886. 0. P. James, M.D., Thomas Biglan, William H. Bobbins. 1887. John Yardley, James W. Bartlett, Martin Evans. Ay-T^^ i^'at-T^y^^' HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 569 CHAPTER XVIII. PLUMSTEAD— BEUMINSTEIl. THESE townships were originally included in one, which extended from the northern boundary of Buckingham and Solebury to Tohickon creek on the north and northwest, with the line of New Britain and Hilltown as its western border. This territory marks the northern limit of English Quaker immigra- tion between the Neshaminy creek and Delaware river. There was also a numerous Scotch-Irish element among its early population ; but in common with neighboring townships on the north and west, the Germans have practically overwhelmed these earliest represented nationalities. Plumstead is the only township in the county bearing the name of an in- dividual. The person thus honored, Francis Plumstead, was in no wise distin- guished, except as one of the first holders of land in the locality that bears his name. He was also one of the largest landed proprietors. The area of his estates was twenty-five hundred acres, representing the insignificant investment of fifty pounds, exclusive of surveyors' fees. He resided in London and never came to this country, preferring to continue his avocation there as an " iron- monger" rather than venture upon the precarious existence of a colonist in the wilds of America. It appears that his name was applied to the settlement north of Buckingham quite early ; in a petition for township organization in 1715 it is given as the preference of the people of that section. Why they should thus seek to perpetuate the memory of one whom they had never seen and could scarcely regard in any other light than as a land speculator is not apparent. The name was finally and permanently engrafted upon the locality in 1725, when, in response to a petition presented at the December term of the previous year, the court of quarter sessions erected the township of Plumstead. With an area approximating forty thousand acres, it thus became the largest organized territory in the county. This has since been reduced to twelve thousand eiglit hundred acres. The population in 1784 was nine hundred and fifty-three ; in 1810, one thousand four hundred and seven ; in 1820, one thou- sand seven hundred and ninety ; in 1830, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine ; in 1840, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three ; in 1850, two thousand two hundred and ninety-eight ; in 1860, two thousand seven hun- dred and ten ; in 1870, two thousand six hundred and seventeen ; in 1880, two thousand five hundred and thirty-seven. 30 570 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Next to Francis Plumstead's large tract the most extensive was that of Arthur Cooke, from whom a local stream received its name. He was given a patent for two thousand acres, part of which adjoined the Dublin road in 1686. Upon his death, in 1699, one-half of this was purchased by Clement and Thomas Dungan, who thereupon settled upon it. Christopher Day and John Dyer also bought portions of the Cooke survey. A map of 1724 locates the following land-owners at that time, some of whom may not have been actual settlers : Arthur Day, Henry Child, John Dyer, Kichard Hill, Abraham Hilyer, Silas MacCarty, William Michener, John Earl, James Shaw, James Brown, Henry Paul, Samuel Barker, Thomas Brown, Jr., Richard Lundy, and Henry Large. At the time when a part of Francis Plumstead's tract was surveyed (1704), Joseph Paul, Elizabeth Laird, and widow Musgrave were land-owners. Chris- topher Day settled in this township in 1708, and resided here until his death in 1748. Thomas Brown removed from Essex county, England, to Philadel- phia, and thence to the southwest corner of Plumstead, about 1710. He was one of the earliest settlers in that locality. His son, Thomas, married Eliza- beth Davidson in 1720 ; their declaration of marriage is the first on record in the minutes of Buckingham quarterly meeting. The first to intrude upon the solitude of the Browns was John Dyer, from Gloucestershire, England, whither he removed to Bucks county prior to 1712. He purchased the improvements made by Thomas Brown, and the latter, possibly desiring to become again the first to establish a new community, removed farther into the woods, to the vicinity of Plumstead meeting-house. John Dyer founded Dyer's mill, Dyers- town, and was instrumental in having the Easton road opened from Governor Keith's to his property, from which circumstance it was known as the Dyer's mill road. This mill was the first in the township, if Bot in central Bucks county. It was built in 1725, with money borrowed from Abraham Chapman of Wrightstown. It is recorded that when Dyer came into the township wild animals were plenty, the beavers built dams across Pine run, and the Indians were numerous and friendly. William Michener, from whom many of that name in this county are descended, settled here in 1725 and owned four hundred acres. Henry Childs, the ancestor of the Childs family, settled in Philadelphia and Warminster before locating in Plumstead. The Carlisles and Penningtons, the McCallas, Lundys, Shaws, and Doans were also represented prior to the middle of the last century. The opening of roads received the attention usually manifested in recently settled localities. The second link in the Easton road, from Keith's plantation to Dyer's mill, was laid out in 1723. A corresponding extension of the Dur- ■ ham road was made three years later, when its northern terminus became Gardenville instead of Centerville. It was further opened in 1729 to the northern boundary of the township. The Strut road was laid out in 1741, the Eerry road in 1738, the roads to Point Pleasant and Lower Black's Eddy the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 571 same year, and to Krout's mill on Deep run in 1750. The road from the Delaware at Point Pleasant westward, in a direction nearly parallel with the township boundary, has been converted into a turnpike. The most distinguished native of Plumstead was Honorable Charles Huston, late judge of the supreme court of Pennsylvania. He was educated at Dick- inson college, and subsequently became a teacher at that institution. He was admitted to the bar in 1795, and began the practice of law in Lycoming county. He was commissioned a judge of the supreme court in 1826, and re- tired from the bench in 1845. John Ellicott Carver, born in 1809, in Plum- stead, achieved an honorable reputation as one of the pioneer architects of Philadelphia. He was a carpenter and wagon-maker, but found time in the midst of his daily occupation to peruse scientific treatises, and thus qualified himself for a distinguished position in his adopted profession. Several mem- bers of the McCalla family became well-known clergymen : General John Moore McCalla was adjutant of the American forces at the massacre of the river Raisin. Village indications on the map of Plumstead are rather misleading : a number of places being designated with post-office names where no town is visible to the naked eye. The discrepancy between the idea thus conveyed and the actual state of things may properly be attributed to the magnifying power of the surveyor's theodolite. The post villages of Plumstead are Danborough, Plumsteadville, Gardenville, Wismer, Fountainville, Dyerstown, and Point Pleasant : the last three being partly in Tinicum, Buckingham, and New Britain respectively. Danborough derives its name from that of an early resident and prominent citizen, Daniel Thomas. It has also borne the names of Danville and Clover Hill. Samuel Nicholas kept a hotel here many years, and was prominently identified with the stage business of a generation ago. Plumsteadville, the radial point of a number of roads in the northern part of the township, was comprehended under the name of John Hart's tavern a cen- tury and more ago. It has risen to considerable local importance since the establishment of the extensive carriage-works of Mr. Kratz, and comprises about twenty-five dwellings, with a population of more than a hundred. The post- office was established here in 1840 with John L. Delp as postmaster. The Presbyterian church was built in 1860. The Brownsville of three-quarters of a century ago, at the intersection of the Durham road and the Danborough and Point Pleasant turnpike, has been known as Gardenville since 1857, when John Shaifer was appointed first postmaster. The Browns were a prominent family of that vicinity. The "Plow," a hotel kept at this place as early as 1760, disputes with John Hart's tavern the honor of being the first hotel in the township. The Doans, famous ruffians of revolutionary times, were buried from this house, then a private dwelling and the residence of their aunt. The name can hardly be said to have been appropriate before the introduction of 572 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. lime for agricultural purposes, when the land was exceptionally sterile. Wisraer is the name of a post office in the extreme northeastern part of the township. The family of that name is quite numerous and was early represented. A cross-roads hamlet a mile southwest is known as Hinkletown. Dyerstown has shrivelled with age and depreciated in importance since the opening of roads and building of mills at other points. Point Pleasant is principally in Tinicum. Fountainville is situated in the midst of a rich agricultural community, and in three different townships. As the Friends were the earliest settlers in Plumstead, their meetings were the first of a religious character in the township. They met for worship at private houses as early as the winter of 1727-28, and in the autumn of the following year were given leave to meet on first day at Thomas Brown's house. Ground for the meeting-house and burial-ground, fifteen acres, was deeded by the Browns to Richard Lundy, William Michener, Josiah Dyer, and Joseph Dyer, in trust, at the rate of one shilling per acre, January 19, 17B0. The site for a meeting-house was selected by a committee appointed by Buck- ingham and Wrightstown meetings. A log meeting-house was built in 1730. The present stone structure replaced it in 1752 and was used as a hospital in the revolution. It was enlarged in 1876. The only burial-ground in the town- ship prior to 1730 of which traces yet remain is situated on the Swamp road a mile above Cross Keys, in the corner of the tract that Christopher Day bought of Clement Dungan in 1708. In his will, proved March 25, 1748, he gave ten perches square for a graveyard forever. The five stones bearing inscrip- tions are those of Christopher Day, March 6, 1748 ; C. Day, 1763 ; J. Morlen, 1749-50 ; Abraham Fried, December 21, 1772 ; William Daves, February 22, 1815. A Presbyterian church was built in 1730, at the intersection of the River and Durham roads. The congregation was probably a part of Deep Run, and seceded from it on account of doctrinal disagreement. The first pastor was Reverend Hugh Carlisle, who also preached at Newtown. Reverend Alex- ander Mitchell was probably the last. He resigned in 1785. This congrega- tion has long been extinct. The Mennonite meeting-house, on the Black's Eddy road a mile southwest of Hinkletown, was built in 1806. Its site, with the burial-ground adjoining, was given by Henry Wismer. Contrary to the usual custom, a number of per- sons not members of the society are buried here. The Plumsteadvill-e Presbyterian church was organized in October, 1861, by the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid October 17, 1861, and dedication occurred October 10, 1863. The following clergymen have been pastors here : Reverends Elijah Wilson, Samuel Harrison, J. E. Miller, F. R. S. Hunsicker, and Henry Gleiser. This HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 573 church originated in the religious interest awakened by the " Union Tabernacle" services. Bedminster was originally peopled almost exclusively by Scotch-Irish. The influx of population prior to 1756 must have been considerable, for at that time a religious organization was sustained. William Allen and the proprie- taries were then the sole land-owners in the township. They opened their lands for settlement about 1720, and it was about this time that the immigra- tion of Scotch-Irish to this country began to assume large proportions. Among those who found their way into what subsequently became Bedminster were the Armstrongs, Darrahs, Griers, McCallas, Kennedys, and Orrs. William Arm- strong immigrated from Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1736, and settled upon lands patented to him by the Penns. Thomas Darrah is supposed to have removed from Ireland to Montgomery county in 1725, but he afterward lived in Bed- minster. Humphrey Orr, the first of that name in this country, lived on the Tohickon in 1730, and died there in 1736. His son, John Orr, thereupon re- moved from Donegal, Ireland, and succeeded to his father's estate. Very few of his descendants are residents of the county, but some have risen to distinc- tion in other states. Thomas Kennedy emigrated from the north of Ireland prior to 1730, in which year he died, and is buried in Tinicum township. The family made a second migration shortly afterward, and has become nume- rous and influential in the Cumberland valley, this state. Nathan Grier was also an early settler, and an active member of the Deep Run church. Samuel Ayres died at Deep Run in 1742, having emigrated from Antrim, Ireland, the previous year. Germans, principally Mennonites, followed closely upon the steps of the Scotch, and eventually possessed themselves of a large portion of the township. They were represented in considerable numbers by 1742. The relative strength of the two nationalities may be correctly inferred from the fact that of thirty-five names appended to a petition for township organiza- tion in 1740, a majority were German. It appears that, although the Scotch immigration showed some strength at the beginning, the nationality received few additions, while the Germans increased in numbers constantly. About the close of the last and the beginning of the present century a number of Men- nonite families emigrated to Canada from this country, principally from Bed- minster, Hilltown, and Tinicum. The first colony, consisting of John, Jacob, Dillraan, and Stoff"el Kulp, Franklin Albright, and Frederick Hahn, with their families, departed for the region of the great lakes in 1786, and were followed at intervals by others of their former neighbors and friends, settling principally in Lincoln county, Ontario. This transmigration has been ascribed to various causes, the principal reason being the hostility and suspicion with which these people were viewed ; for, being non-combatant by religious principles, they rendered no active service to the American cause during the revolution, and were severely censured for this. But Bedminster's German population has 574 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. suffered no apparent depletion from this circumstance, and abundantly justifies its being classified among the strongly German townships of the county. The petition above referred to was favorably considered by the court ; and the jury appointed to define the boundaries of the proposed new township did so accord- ing to the wishes of the petitioners. The area is about sixteen thousand acres. The population in 1784 was nine hundred and ninety-one; in 1810, one thousand one hundred and ninety-nine : in 1820, one thousand two hun- dred and forty-eight ; in 1830, one thousand five hundred and ninety-four ; in 1840, one thousand six hundred and thirty ; in 1850, one thousand nine hun- dred and eleven ; in 1860, two thousand two hundred and thirty-eight ; in 1870, two thousand three hundred and seventy ; in 1880, two thousand four hun- dred and eighty-two. The villages of Bedminster, five in number, are Hagersville, Keelersville, Bedminsterville, Dublin, and Pipersville. The last named is situated in the junction of the Easton and Durham roads, in the southeastern part of the town- ship. A tavern was built here in 1759 by one Bladen ; it came into possession of Colonel George Piper in 1778, and was kept by him forty-five years, during •which time it was known as " Piper's tavern." Jacob Keichline was proprietor thirty-six years, and during his incumbency the name was " Bucks county hotel." Jacob Nicholson was appointed postmaster in 1845, at which time the present name was first applied. Dublin is situated at the intersection of six roads partly in liilltown and partly in Bedminster. The origin of the name is in no way associated with that of the ancient Irish capital. It has been ex- plained somewhat on this wise : In the olden time, when travel was consider- able and hotels so infrequent as to interfere with the time-honored institution of selling intoxicating drinks and imbibing thereof, thus depriving the teamster of the inalienable privilege and prerogative of his calling, two individuals, alike ambitious of gratifying the public propensities by exchanging the refreshing beverage for coin of the realm and incidentally acquiring wealth thereby, built each for himself a log tavern quite close together and much alike in many re- spects. In course of time, the one most fit to survive absorbed the property of his weaker rival, and their interests were amalgamated. And thus, while there were two inns, there was but one management ; and as the former were exact counterparts in many respects, they were popularly known as " the Double- Inn," and in the process of elision incident to constant pronunciations this name has been abbreviated to its present form. The name has survived the old hostelry and several successive editions of the same. The village is enter- prising and prosperous, several stores, the usual mechanics, and local industries of a more than ordinary character being among its important features. A number of dwelling-houses have been built within quite recent years. Cutta- lossa Tribe, No. 244, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted September 29, 1882, with the following officers : J. Price Ilarley, Sachem, S. P. Moyer, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 575 S. S., S. S. Meyers, J. S., B. F. Shearer, K. of R., John S. Rickert, P., and thirty members, which number has since increased to seventy-three. Keelers- ville and Ilagersville are situated in northwestern Bedminster on the old Bethlehem road. The central location of Bedminster in the northern part of the county may explain the religious activity which characterized its early history. There are located within the boundaries of the Deep Run settlement Presbyterian, Mennonite, Lutheran, and Reformed churches of great historic importance in the history of those denominations. Deep Run Presbyterian church was the cradle of that denomination north of Neshaminy. The Reverend William Tennent was called as its pastor in 1726, at which time it had an acknowledged exist- ence. It was recognized as a church and received into the presbytery in 1732. It formed Mr. Tennent's upper congregation, and was served by him as stated supply until 1738, when^ becoming enfeebled through his duties as pastor and teacher. Reverend Francis McHenry was appointed his assistant. The latter was born in Ireland in 1710, came early to this country, and lived in the Craig settlement, north of the Lehigh. Deep Run church was first known by that name at the beginning of his pastorate. He continued as assistant four years ; then, owing to a difference of opinion, both congregations were divided, and in May, 1743, he was installed as pastor at Deep Run. Here he died in 1757. He was a man of great learning, fair ability, and sound piety. Reve- rend James Latta, his successor, was born in Ireland in 1732, educated at the University of Pennsylvania, ordained in 1759, and installed at Deep Run in 1769 ; he resigned after a pastorate of nine years. Reverend Hugh Magill was pastor from 1773 to 1776, and James Grier from 1776 to 1791 ; a vacancy existed until 1798, when Reverend Uriah DuBois was called. At this time the Doylestown church came into existence, and the individual history of Deep Run came to an end. Among the gravest of men, Mr. Grier died of laughter. From a position on his porch he watched a hired man's vain endeavors to yoke a pig that had been wont to trespass. Mrs. Grier came to his assistance, and the quick manipulations of her deft fingers so excited his risibilities that he burst a bloodvessel and thus terminated his life. The first building was a primitive log structure, erected in 1725 or 1726 upon the east corner of the graveyard. A second, of stone, was removed in 1841 from the site of the present building. This fronted south, with doors at each end, walnut pulpit, sounding board, and galleries around three sides reached by an outside stair- way. A lottery to build a parsonage was organized in 1770, and over five thousand tickets were sold. The present church was dedicated August 14, 1841. A walk through the adjoining country reveals many graves with no mark to perpetuate the posthumous fame of their occupants. Among the earliest tombstones with inscriptions are those of Alexander Williams, 1747 ; Samuel Hart, 1750 ; James Kennedy, 1763 ; Thomas Thompson, 1765 ; James Coch- 576 HISTOET OF BUCKS COUNTY. ran, 1707; John Grier, 1768; ReverendJames Grier, 1791; William Kennedy, killed in the capture of Moses Doan in 1783 ; while the Stewarts, Eryans, Smiths, Dunlaps, Wigtons, Darrahs, Armstrongs, and McNeeljs are among other tenants of this " God's Acre." In Rowan county, N. C, five hundred and fifty miles from this place, there is a large and flourishing congregation of the Concord Presbytery, a large proportion of the members of which are de- scended from persons formerly connected with this church and congregation. The Mennonite congregation of Bedminster is one of the oldest of that denomination in Bucks county. The meeting-house stands on the southeast corner of the township at the north side of a branch of Deep run, on a knoll facing east. The land was given by William Allen, together with a farm of fifty acres adjoining. The deed bears date March 24, 1746. It was executed in trust to Abraham Swartz, Hans Friedt, Samuel Kolbe, and Marcus Ober- holtzer, the bishops and deacons at that time. Mr. AJlen also presented them with a silver cup, still in use for sacramental purposes. The above-named Swartz emigrated from Germany, where, in all probability, he had been ordained. During the period of his ministry he became hopelessly blind. He still continued to preach, however, and would have some one read the portion of Scripture in which his text occurred, thus presenting an instance of exceptional fidelity. The first meeting-house, a log structure erected in 1746 as nearly as can be ascertained, was replaced in 1766 by a stone building thirty-five by fifty- eight feet in size, part of which was used as a dwelling-house. This arrangement was discontinued in 1794, when the building was remodelled. It was removed in 1872, and a more modern structure was built. The log building first men- tioned was used for school purposes from 1776 to 1842, when its existence ceased with the ninety -fourth year of its history. Mr. Swartz's immediate suc- cessor in the ministerial function was Jacob Gross, a native German and a man of irreproachable character. He was a bishop, and influenced to a great extent the policy of the church at this period. Next in order appear the names of Abraham Wismer, Abraham Overholt, and David Landis. The latter, a mason by trade, was living at the close of the last century. Then followed Abraham Gross and Abraham Kulp, who were ordained at the same time. The next in regular order were Abraham Myers, Isaac Moyer, Samuel Godshall, and John Gross. Among those who have filled the office of deacon within the last seventy-five years were Henry Moyer, who died in 1832 ; Joseph Nash, who died in 1830 ; Abraham Fretz, Abraham Wismer, Samuel Shelley, Jacob Over- holzer, and Abraham Moyer. Jacob Gross was a preacher of exemplary life ; near the close of his life, December 7, 1810, he wrote a pastoral letter to his congregation, full of grave admonition and tender solicitude. Another promi- nent minister was Abraham Godshall, the author of a work on experimental religion, published at Doylestown in 1838. He states in the preface that he was a farmer and was called to the ministry at an early age. Althout^h denied ,^'-ni^%V^^-"'.s ;^/^. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 579 the advantages of even a common-school education, he was a zealous and effective speaker, with an extensive acquaintance with Scripture and well- defined theological views. A clause in the Allen deed provides that if the society should at any time fail to maintain an organization or regular religious services for a period of five years, the land granted should revert to the heirs- at-law of the donor ; but if a minister should be ordained, the title should again be vested in the society. It does not appear that the holding of services for public worship has deviated from an established regularity since 1746. A portion of the congregation separated from the present body in 1849, and formed a new organization, which has been sustained to the present time. A meeting-house was built several yards from the old one. The present pastor is Reverend Allen M. Fretz, and his congregation numbers about one hundred and fifty members. The Tohickon church, Lutheran and Reformed, is located in the western corner of Bedminster township, on theold Bethlehem road, thirty-four miles north of Philadelphia, near the Tohickon creek. The building is a solid stone structure, fifty by sixty feet in dimensions, erected in 1838 by Elias Nunemaker, contractor. The building previously in use was likewise a stone structure, erected in the year 1766. The following concerning its dedication appears in the Luthei-an church book: — Anno Domini 17G6, May the 8th, being tlie festival of Ascension, by me and Mr. Alfeuz, tlie Reformed pastor, the new stone church was publicly dedicated, on which occasion 1 preached on tlie text taken from I Keg., VIII., v. 28-20, and gave it the name Templum Pacis (church of peace). The Reformed minister took his text from Isaiah, Ivi., v. 7, the last sentence. Testor, PHILLIPPUS HENRICUS RAPP, Pastor loci. The house of worship previously used was a primitive log structure of •which but little is known. The oldest deed in possession of the church is dated 1733, and it seems probable that this first church was built about that time. The earliest reliable record is that in the Halleschen JSfachricJtten, where re- peated mention of Tohickon appears as early as 1749. In that year Reverend Henry Melchior Muhlenberg had charge of the Lutheran congregation, which he describes as " small and poor." As he had a large field and could not attend to this congregation regularly, he secured the services of a student or candidate named Rudolph H. Schrenk, whose preaching was highly appreci- ated. The sacraments were administered from time to time by Muhlenberg himself. In 1750 two delegates from this congregation appeared before the Lutheran ministerium, asking to be received into connection with it, and pray- ing for the ordination of Mr. Schrenk as their pastor. Their request was acceded to at the next convention (1751), but Mr. Schrenk had meanwhile 580 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. accepted a call to Raritan, N. J., whereupon candidate Lucas Raus was recommended, and Tohickon constituted part of a charge which also included Indianfield and Old Goshenhoppen; but for some reason he served only the last- named congregation after a short time. About this time, and no doubt by Mr. Raus, the baptismal record was begun, with two Greek letters. Alpha and Omega, at the top of the page, succeeded by the following entry: " Johann Heinrich, son of Jacob and Magdelea Haehns, born March 6, baptized March 24, spon- sors, Henry Acker and wife and Jacob Loch and wife." Following this for a score of years this congregation was supplied by a number of irregular inde- pendent ministers, ordained by a certain dismissed preacher named Conrad Andreae ; 1753-56, .Johann Martin Shaeffer ; 1756-59, Johann Joseph Roth ; 1761-64, Johann Wolf Lizel ; 1765-69, Philip H. Rapp ; during which time there were but two regular ministers of the Lutheran church ; Reverend John Hartwick, of Rhinebeck, N. Y., in 1750, during a stay of six months in Pennsylvania, and Reverend T. IL Shaum who was instructed to teach and preach at Tohickon. From these conflicting statements it is inferred that there were two parties, which relation resulted in the organization of Salomon's or Keller's church, three miles east and likewise on Tohickon creek. In 1772 this congrega- tion (the original Tohickon church) reunited with Indianfield and Old Gosh- enhoppen in a call to Reverend Conrad Roeller. That this union might be permanently established a parsonage farm of one hundred and sixty acres was conjointly purchased near Tylersport, which was occupied by the pastors until 1866. Mr. Roeller served this extensive charge until his death in 1796. His body I'ests under the altar in the Indianfield church. His son George became his successor a year later, when he had finished his duties with Reverend Geiscnhainer at New Hanover. After a faithful pastorate of forty-four years, he died in 1839 ; father and son having performed the pastoral functions uninter- ruptedly for sixty-eight years. In April, 1840, Reverend Engelbert Peixoto, the pastor-elect, was duly installed. He resigned in April, 1864. Reverend F. Walz, the present incumbent, after accepting a unanimous call, removed into the bounds of the charge January 1, 1865. This congregation is at present in a more prosperous condition than at any previous period, numbering about four hundred and thirty-five confirmed members. The venerable names of Kramer, Yost, Lewis, Eckert, Leasterly, and Crouthamel figure largely in its entire history. The German language is used almost exclusively in public worship. It may be especially mentioned that benevolent and local objects have received much attention during the present pastorate. The changes ex- ternally and internally in the appearance of the church property are creditable to the congregations. It is impossible at this late date to ascertain when and by whom the Reformed congregation of Tohickon was organized. In 1738-43 a large number of French Huguenots and Palatine families, with some Swiss and HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 581 Germans, settled in the vicinity of the church, bringing with them in many instances little else than the Bible, hymn-book, and Heidelberg catechism, and meeting in each other's houses for worship as circumstances permitted. It was in this way that the Reformed people were kept together, and that disposition to unity established which still characterizes this people. There are evidences of an organization in 1743, but no pastor was settled here until August 27, 1749, when Reverend Jacob Riesz was installed. His successors number twelve, as follows : Reverends John Egidio Hecker, Christopher Gebrecht, Caspar Wack, John Therbald Faber, John Michael Kern, John William Ingold, Nickolus Pomp, Jacob Seam, John Andrew Strassburger, Joshua Derr, Peter S. Fisher, and J. Kehm, the present pastor. Some were highly educated. ]Mr. Hecker begins his record thus : " April 19, 1756, Ego, Johannes Egidio Plecker, Hoc tempore Reformatae Religionis pastor Dohickon." Latinisras appear frequently, particularly in the entries of baptisms, for instance, " uxor ejus," " Testes erant parentes ipse," etc. Mr. Wack was pastor during the revolutionary period, and was an ardent patriot. On one occasion a favorite horse was captured by the British. He went to their camp and was told that it had been recaptured, whereupon he expressed a wish that he might be doing good service. Strassburger spent the whole of his ministerial life here. But one former pastor, Mr. Derr, is still in the active ministry. The average length of the pastoral relation has been about ten years. The congregation has increased rapidly in numbers since its beginning, and is one of the strongest, numerically, of the churches in the county. All the Reformed churches of this section have derived their membership from old St. Peter's, as it is called. The present pastor, Reverend J. Kehm, preached his introductory sermon. May 1, 1871. Perceptible changes have occurred during the sixteen years of his incumbency. The transition from German to English in public worship is being gradually effected. Services have become more frequent. Benevolent and local objects receive considerable attention. Although the oldest of this denomination in the county, and the mother of quite a number of congregations of more recent origin, this church still possesses the element^ calculated to render her future prosperous and useful. The Dublin Lutheran church has been connected with Doylestown until quite recent years. Reverend A. R. Home, D.D.,was pastor in 1876, and S. H. Fritz subsequently. Reverend J. W. Mayne was installed June 20, 1884. Reverend II. F. Seiple, of Lansdale, is the Reformed pastor. His congrega- tion was organized in 1868 by Reverend W. R. Yearick, then pastor at Hill- town. The Evangelical Lutheran congregation worshipping in "Keller's" church, Bedminster, had an organized existence as early as 1751. In that year, the Rev. Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, D.D., the patriarch of the Lutheran 582 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Church in America, sent the Rev. Lucas Raus, of Germany, to take charge of the congregation. Raus preached his introductory sermon on the 7th of July, and in the Church Record begun by him speaks of the congregation as the " vacant Evangelical Lutheran congregation at the Toheka [Tohickon], in the Township of Bethmeister [Bedminster], Province of Pennsylvania, County of Boox [Bucks]." From this it may be inferred that the congregation was in existence for some time before his coming, but how long it seems impossible to determine. As nearly as can be ascertained, Raus remained with the congre- gation a little over two years. Who his immediate successor was the Record does not state : but beginning with 1757, the following were the pastors, so far as known, until the close of the record in 1870 : Wilhelm Kurtz, 1757-58 ; Conrad Daniel Walther, 1760 (?) 1761; Otto liasse, 1762-64; Johann Michael Enderlien, 1766-70; Friedrich Neimeyer, 1774; Anthony Hecht, 1794 (died, Dec. 29, 1794, aged 31 years, 3 months, and 28 days, and lies buried in the old cemetery of the congregation) ; August Heinrich Schmidt, 1795-98 (buried at the same place); '^enno, about 1802 ; Johann Nicalaus Mensch, 1806-23; Henry S. Miller, 1823-38; C. F. Welden, 1838-41 ; Wm. B. Kemmerer, 1842-60 ; Edward IL M. Sell, 1862-63 ; Leonard Groh, 1863 ; Reuben B. Kistler, 1865-70. In the summer of 1870 this congregation, with the one at Applebachsville, united with St. John's, at Quakertown, in a pastoral charge, with the Rev. George M. Lazarus as pastor. After the tragic death of Mr. Lazarus, Jan- uary 31, 1874, the charge called the present pastor, the Rev. J. F. Ohl. It is not known when the congregation under consideration erected its first church edifice. The present one erected in 1841 is the third, and is jointly owned with the Reformed congregation, though previous to 1841 the church and lot were the exclusive property of the Lutherans. The church derived its name from the numerous descendants of Heinrich Keller, who was for many years very prominent in the early history of the congi-egation, which is in a highly flourishing condition and numbers considerably over 400 members. HISTORY OF BUCKS CO[J^^TY. 583 CHAPTER XIX. NEW BRITAIN— HII.LTOWN. THE first European emigrants to the region of the upper Nesharainy found it well watered and heavily timbered, the soil fertile and easily cultivated, the scenery beautiful, the surface diversified with hill and plain and valley. Its solitudes were unknown and unbroken save by the Indians, or perchance some adventurous hunter or surveyor. The adjoining portions of Montgomery county were already marked by the presence of civilization. The southern portions of Bucks had been settled a generation previously, as with difficulty and danger the advancing tide of emigration penetrated to the head-waters of the Nesharainy. Southampton, Warminster, and the lower part of Warrington were settled in the latter part of the previous century, while Buckingham and Solebury had become comparatively thickly populated prior to 1705. New- town and Bristol were villages of some importance ; the former had been incorporated more than a quarter of a century, whilst the eligibility of the latter as the county-seat of the future was already under discussion before there was yet a European settler within the present geographical boundaries of New Britain and Hilltown. It may be observed with regard to the colonization of these and other town- ships in the western or northwestern part of Bucks county that the route of the settlers was the course of the Perkiomen and its numerous tributaries rather than the valley of the Neshaminy. This was a more direct course, but the nationality of the people induced its choice rather than that consideration. The early immigration to the province was composed principally of Friends, who found the Delaware a safe and convenient highway to their prospective homes, and thus peopled, almost to the exclusion of all others, the fertile southern portion of the county. The first German emigrants settled near Phila- delphia, and those who followed extended this settlement farther inland, pre- ferring to be near those of their own people ; and thus, as the tidal wave of colonization advanced toward the sources of the Perkiomen, northwestern Bucks county was reached and speedily evinced the presence and industry of the hard-working and patient German. It was by a different people, however, that the first inroads upon the un- broken forests of New Britain were made. A settlement of Welsh Friends existed at Gwynedd at an early date ; they were followed, or perhaps accom- 584 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. panied, by others of the same nationality, but with widely different religious views. The latter were Welsh Baptists, and had become so numerous in the townships of Gwynedd, Montgomery, and Hatfield (Montgomery county), as to sustain a flourishing religious society in the first quarter of the last century. The extension of this settlement into Bucks county was not rapid. It has been said that one Lewis Evan crossed the border as early as 1695, but there is no satisfactory evidence to support this view. It would seem that Simon Mathews and Simon Butler were among the first Europeans to make New Britain their permanent homes. They emigrated from Wales in 1712, landed at Philadel- phia, settled for a time in Chester county, and removed to Bucks at some time between the year 1715 and 1732. Near the village of Chalfont they built a mill (owned for many years by Philip Grove), and operated it in partnership until 1753. This was one of the two earliest mills in central Bucks county. Simon Butler was prominently identified with the early history of New Britain ; he was a justice of the peace for many years, a surveyor of some ability, and a man of excellent judgment. Prior to that plenitude of law- yers which forms a distinctive feature of society at the present day, a man who could write a deed, an agreement, or an indenture was almost invaluable in any community, and that Simon Butler was such a man is evident from the frequency with which his name appears in old legal documents. He died in 1764, a consistent member of the New Britain Baptist church. Mr. Mathews did not rise to such prominence in local affairs, but was quite successful as a farmer and business man. He amassed considerable property, principally real estate, and was the owner of a large tract of land formerly included in that of the "Free Society of Traders." The homestead of this family was owned by five genera- tions of his descendants. Several houses built by him or his children remained intact for many years and appeared to have been constructed with much care. The Mathews family is still numerously represented. Among other names of Welsh etymology, which appear in the early settle- ment of New Britain, are those of James, Griffith, Jenkins, Morris, and Mat- thias. Upon the death of Thomas Stevenson in 1723, his executors disposed of one thousand acres of his estate to John and Thomas James, father and son, conjointly. It is recited in this deed that they had already been living upon the land. From authentic records bearing upon the subject it would seem that the original home of the family was the peninsula of Pembrokeshire in South Wales. John James, with a numerous family of sons, landed at Phila- delphia in 1711, and settled on the eastern border of Montgomery county, whence he removed to newly acquired property on Pine run in. 1719. All of the family became large landed proprietors. John Matthias was also a native of Pembrokeshire ; he emigrated about the same time as the James family, located at first near Line Lexington, but subsequently followed the Jameses to New Britain. He is the first progenitor of the numerous and highly respect- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 585 able family of that name in this county. Thomas Morgan purchased land from Isaac James in 1731, and added his family name to that of the Welshmen who preceded him. Owen Rowland removed to this county in 1727 or 1728 from Delaware county, whither he had emigrated from Wales some years previously. Those of that name in this township are descended from Stephen Rowland, his fourth son, the majority of his descendants having moved to the west, when that term meant the distant portions of this state. Benjamin Griffith, a native of Cardigan, Wales, and a resident of Montgomery county in 1720, was the ancestor of those who bear that name in this section. He was successively farmer, teacher, and clergyman, and a man of more than ordinary intelligence and intellectual ability. The Free Society of Traders, formed in London in 1682, received at an early date a grant for lands which comprised much of the territory on the southern and eastern boundaries of New Britain, and the adjacent portions of Doylestown and Warrington. This tract was about two miles in width at a point where a line crossing it would have passed through the village of New Britain. Above this, adjoining Pine run on the north, and also Iron hill, were the lands of Thomas Hudson, and west of this, a tract of considerable area granted to Dennis Rotchford, April 23, 1683. No bounds were specified in the grant to Hudson, but he was allowed to locate his tract in any part of the province not previously occupied. He chose this section of country, and after his land was resurveyed, it was found to interfere with prior claims, and its area was thus reduced to four thousand acres. Through his agent, William Biles, Hudson disposed of his entire tract to five gentlemen, viz : William Lawrence, Joseph Thorne, Samuel Thome, John Tallman, and Benjamin Fields in 1691, all of whom were from Flushing, Queen's county, Long Island. The entire tract was again consolidated in 1719 and sold to Thomas Stevenson, a prominent and influential citizen. The "Long Eiland line" is referred to in old pagers. As originally constituted this township was about six and one-half miles long, and four and one-half miles wide. It was erected prior to 1728. No plot or description of the original boundaries has been preserved, but it seems probable that it was rectangular and oblong in shape, and much larger than at present. Its former generous proportions were reduced in 1819 by the excision of the southeastern corner in favor of Doylestown; and a portion on the northern border of Warrington was also added to that township in 1850, thus reducing New Britain to its present limits. It comprises an area of ten thou- sand four hundred acres. The population in 1880 was one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four. There is reason to believe that it was also called "North Britain" at an early period. In this section, as elsewhere in rural communities, it is sometimes difiicult to accurately determine the time in which villages came into existence. This 586 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. has frequently required such profound investigation as to baffle the most dis- tinguished chronologers. The evolution of a village from a cross-roads tavern or store is seldom accomplished in one generation ; but the process is not utterly devoid of interest on that account. The village of New Britain, situ- ated at the intersection of the old North Wales and Almshouse roads, was near the center of the township a century ago, and not, as now, partially beyond its limits. It is a well-established fact that it consisted of but one house at that time, that of William Thomas, built some time prior to 1760. A pottery was erected in 1807 by Ephraim Thomas, and the village derived considerable im- portance from these two establishments. The first post-office in New Britain township was opened here in 1829 by Isaac W. James. The town comprises about a score of dwellings, several business places, a railroad station, and a Baptist church. New Galena is situated several miles west of Doylestown, in the eastern part of the township. It is supposed that a considerable deposit of lead ore exists in the vicinity, but raining operations have never been con- ducted with success. Chalfont, on the Doylestown branch of the North Penn- sylvania railroad, has developed into a town of considerable business activity within recent years. It comprises about fifty dwellings, a number of stores, two churches, and a population of about two hundred. Large quantities of hay, flour, milk, and produce are shipped from this place to Philadelphia. The Neshaminy receives several branches near the village, and would afford fine waterpower, but this has never been utilized save by local mills. The earliest name by which the village was known was Barndtville,-from the village tavern- keeper's name. A post-office was established in 1843 under the name of Whitehallville with William Stephens as postmaster. Upon the opening of the railroad in 1856 this name was continued for a time, but finally changed to Chalfont, which seems to meet with general approbation and will probably be more permanent than its predecessors. A place of that name in England is the burial-place of William Penn. Washington Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 95, was instituted at Chalfont April 3, 1886, with Michael Martin, president, Wilson N. Delp, vice-president, Nelson MacReynolds, sec- retary, Henry Groif, treasurer. Line Lexington, at the intersection of the Bethlehem and County-line roads, is situated in New Britain and Hilltown, and in Hatfield, Montgomery county. This is quite an old town. Not many de- cades ago, before the railroad had superseded the stage-coach, this was an im- portant point on the route from Philadelphia to the Lehigh. The coaches in both directions received fresh relays of horses here, and the passengers stopped for dinner. But the glory of that time has departed. A village, with a popu- lation of about three hundred, several stores and local industries, post-office and tavern, constitute its present status. Colmar station, on the North Penn- sylvania railroad, is about a mile distant. This place was so named from Colmar, in Scandinavian history celebrated as the place where Norway, Sweden, ' V' » ■■ ^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 589 and Denmark were united under the government of Queen Margaret in 1396. Colmar, Chalfont, and New Britain' are the three intermediate stations on the railroad between Lansdale and Doylestown. St. James Evangelical English Lutheran church was the first religious society at Chalfont. The church building was erected in 1857, previous to which Reverend John Hassler preached occasionally in a school-house. Reve- rend P. M. Rightmeyer was the first regular pastor ; Charles P. Whitecar assumed charge February 19, 1871, was installed May 21, 1871, and resigned December 1, 1872 ; R. F. Kingsley assumed charge January 1, 1874, and resigned September 22, 1874 ; H. M. Bickel became pastor in the autumn of 1874 and resigned in the following year ; J. M. Hartzell was a supply in 1876-77 ; B. B. Collins' pastorate began October 7, 1877, and ended October 2, 1881 ; J. A. Hackenberry took charge January 1, 1882, and resigned March 18, 1883 ; E. S. Morell, the present pastor, preached his first sermon in May, 1883. The membership is sixty. This is a mission church. The Presbyterian church of Leidytown and Chalfont has become such within the past year (1886). In 1840 pastor Hougan held a prayer-meeting in the Hilltown church, thus introducing a new feature in public worship. The new departure thus made culminated in a protracted meeting conducted by Reverend John Naille in 1852, which was strongly opposed by a numerous body of his members. Formal action was taken requesting his removal, when a member of the consistory proposed an amicable division of the congregation, which was favorably considered by classis and finally accomplished. The ad- herents of Mr. Naille forthwith built a stone church edifice, which was dedi- cated in 1853. Reverend N. S. Aller was pastor from 1854 to 1871. Nothing of particular significance marked this period, except the gradual intro- duction of Presbyterian forms of worship. Reverend J. M. Hartzell was pastor from 1871 to 1885, during which time an adjunct church was organized at Chalfont, and a chapel, fifty-two by thirty-two feet, was built in 1877. Reve- rend F. F. Christine was called as his successor in 1885, but resigned the following year. The change to Presbyterianism has been merely nominal, as in forms of worship and government it has been in conformity with that denomi- nation throughout its entire history. Of the Mennonite church at Line Lexington and the Dunkard church at Fountainville no definite information is available. Hilltown was erected in 1722. " Hill township" and " Hilton" were its common designations at that time, and the origin of the name has been ex- plained in various ways. " Hiltondale" was the country residence of the Langhornes in England, and their wishes were consulted in the matter. The people asked that the name might be " Aberystruth" unless Justice " Lanom" thought otherwise, and evidently he did. The original boundaries remain un- changed, and the shape is that of a rectangle. It is one of the large townships 31 590 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. of the county. The surface is undulating, with a well-defined slope from an elevated plateau about the center of the township. Here are found the sources of the Perkiomen and Neshaminy. Much has been said in praise of the fine prospect commanded by this elevation. The largest among the original land-holders were James Logan, Jeremiah Langhorne, and the proprietaries. Logan and Langhorne were conspicuous characters in colonial history. Israel Pemberton was the original owner of the Logan tract, having received it from William Penn in 1716. Langhorne's Hilltown lands were east of Perkasie manor. One of the earliest and most distinguished representatives of the Welsh nationality in Hilltown was Reverend William Thomas (or, in deference to the custom of the period, "elder" instead of reverend). He was born in 1678 at Llamvenarth, in Monmouthshire, Wales, a county at a distance from the sea, but adjacent to the English boundary. His family belonged to that large ele- ment of the English social system known as the middle classes. They were the owners of landed property of considerable value, which enabled them to give their children educational privileges not enjoyed by the poorer classes. Having disposed of his patrimony upon the death of his parents, William Thomas pre- pared to embark for America, whither the generous offers of William Penn had attracted many of his countrymen. He was at this time in the full vigor of early manhood, with a fair education, a sufficient knowledge of mechanical pursuits to gain a livelihood, and means to begin life in a new country with every prospect of success. Reverend Joseph Matthias thus narrates the misfortunes that befell him at this time : " He, with his wife and first-born son, named Thomas (then an infant), left their native country to come to America. He agreed for a passage with a vessel lying at Bristol, bound for Philadelphia. The value of his possessions bid fair for him to become a land-holder to a large amount in this country, with plenty of cash to enable him to build, stock, and improve to advantage. His cash, some valuables, together with all the clothino- for himself and family, except what would be necessary for their use for a few days, were all put on board the vessel. The freight was not all on board nor the passengers all ready, but a day was assigned on which they should sail. Li the interim he took his family to the country, intending to return at or be- fore the appointed day. They did return before the time assigned, but found to their great grief that the vessel had set sail, but was not yet out of sit^ht. Pursuit was made in some small craft, signals were hoisted and kept up, but to no purpose. The vessel was lost sight of, and the family left destitute. They agreed for and took passage on credit in the first vessel bound for Philadel- phia, where they arrived safely on the 14th of February, 1712. Upon inquiry they found the vessel in which their property had been deposited, but the mas- ter of the ship had absconded, and it was in care and possession of others. HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 591 ■They had the mortification to see some of their goods in possession and some of their wearing apparel on the backs of those who had purchased them from the dishonest master of the vessel, yet they were not able to recover anything." Nevertheless, through the assistance of a family of Watkins who had known them in their old home, the passage-money was paid and William Thomas en- gaged at his trade of coopering in Radnor township, Delaware county, continuing at this five years. His industry and skill were at length successful. He had the shrewdness, the judgment, and the enterprise of a successful business man, and rapidly emerged from his poverty, paid his debts, and with the accumulated savings of five years of toil, looked around him for an opportunity to invest advantageously in landed property. February 12, 1718, he purchased four hundred and forty acres in Hilltown from Jeremiah Langhorne. It bordered upon the county line a distance of one mile, and extended inland a nearly equal distance, embracing a beautiful and fertile valley, now divided into several farms. The tract was originally part of one thousand acres granted to John Brock in 1681. It seems probable that William Thomas took possession at once. In the course of a few years he built a stone dwelling, demolished in 1812, but the location is still indicated by a slight depression in the meadow bank near Samuel Detweiler's house. Mr. Thomas' worldly possessions con- tinued to increase. In 1723 he purchased three hundred acres of land from James Logan, who secured it from the Pembertons. His experience in negoti- ating for this tract illustrates the social differences of that time. Edward Mathews thus narrates the circumstances: "At that period there was a much wider distinction between classes than now, and Logan moved in a very differ- ent rank from the farmer and mechanic. He was rather haughty and pompous and knew not the rude-looking countryman, clad in coarse, homely garb, who, on his way home from market, whither he had carried produce -on horseback, stopped at ' Stenton' to inquire the price of the land. Logan surveyed Thomas at first rather critically, and inquired whether he was able to pay for the land if he should buy it. His reply was : ' ]My name is AVilliam Thomas. Let me know the price of the land. If that shall meet my approbation, I will then refer thee to Mr. Langhorne for any particulars thee may wish to know con- cerning me.' The price, ninety pounds, was named, and William was invited to call again. Meanwhile, Logan had seen Langhorne, who, from former dealings with and knowledge of Thomas, gave him a first-class character. At the next interview the change in his demeanor was marked. With a smiling countenance he informed Thomas that Langhorne had said that ' if he did not pay for the land, he would do so himself.' " His landed possessions finally aggregated one thousand two hundred and fifty-eight acres, nearly two square miles. He was the father of seven children, and it is estimated that his descendants at this time number several thousand. 592 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Of the other "Welsh families in Hilltown, those of Lewis, Owen, Morris, and Lynn were the earliest, and are at present most numerously represented. There was also another family of Thomases, in no way related to the Reverend William. Lewis and Evan Thomas were holders of large tracts of land in the northwestern part of the township near Rieflf's corner, and eastward from the village of Telford. They were wealthy and aristocratic, and owned slaves prior to the revolution. The family graveyard was situated on the Bethlehem turn- pike a half-mile above its divergence from the county line. It is said that a number of slaves were buried here. The spot has long been desecrated, and there is now nothing to indicate that it was once the place of interment of an aristocratic family of colonial times. Richard Thomas was the head of the family prior to the revolution. His two sons, William and Evan, were tories and joined the British army. The former was a captain, and the latter recruited a troop of cavalry. He was present at the skirmish with General Lacey's troops, May 15, 1778, at Hatboro'. It seems probable that Henry Lewis settled in Hilltown as early as 1730 ; a mortgage is recorded against his property in 1742, so that he must have been in the township prior to that time. There were also a James Lewis and a Jeremiah Lewis ; the former lived near the Rockhill line, and the latter removed to Virginia before the revolution. Griffith Owen is believed to have been the first progenitor in Bucks county of the family that bears his name. He emigrated from Wales in 1721, purchased about five hundred acres of land in the southeastern middle portion of Hilltown, pursued the occupation of surveying for many years, and was a member of assembly a number of terms. His influential position seems to have been of a character similar to that of Simon Butler in New Britain. The Griffith family of Hilltown is descended from Evan Griffith, the son of Howell Griffith, who lived in Pembrokeshire, Wales. He sailed for America in 1704, but was taken prisoner of war by the Spaniards, and did not reach his destination for some years. He settled first in Montgomery, but removed to Hilltown in 1726, and bought land of Thomas Walmsley. His family consisted of ten children, and his descendants are quite numerous. The number of Welsh families was not large. They seem to have been prolific, and intermarried principally among themselves. Hence, in the second or third generation from the original settlers, the population had increased consider- ably, but this cannot be attributed to the influx of new colonists. There seems to have been a lack of stability and tenacity about the Welsh. They were comparatively intelligent and enterprising ; but not inclined to devote the best years of their lives to the task of securing a competency from a soil not over- productive. Many yielded to the inducements offered by other pursuits and engaged in merchandising or manufacturing. Others emigrated west or south, ■and did again the work their fathers had done in developing a new country. When enterprise was synonymous with change, and conservatism with retro- HIgTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 593 gression, this wide-spread desire on the part of energetic young or middle-aged men to seek their fortunes in other than rural pursuits cannot be utterly con- demned. But for every farm that was offered for sale there was a purchaser, seldom a Welsh purchaser, however. A new element in the population was rapidly increasing' in numbers and importance — the stolid, conservative, tena- cious Germans. They were descending from the north, from Rockhill and Richland and Montgomery county, bringing customs, social forms, ideas and manners, language, and religious views, widely different from those of the people they supplanted. They came to stay. In 1774 the German names among a list of taxables in Hilltown numbered sixty-eight, the Welsh sixty, and other nationalities fifteen ; total, one hundred and forty-three. Their popula- tion at the present time as Against all other nationalities is as twenty to one. The villages of Hilltown wholly within its borders are Leidytown, Mt. Pleas- ant, Fricks, Lawndale, and Blooming Glen, while Dublin is partly in Bedmin- ster and Grier's Corners is partly in Plumstead. Leidytown derives its name from Zachariah Leidy, by whom it was laid off about forty years ago. The first temperance hotel in the county was kept here by him with success for a number of years. The population is estimated to be two hundred and fifty. Frick's post-office is located on the Line Lexington and Hilltown turnpike, about a mile southwest from Leidytown. Mt. Pleasant is a hamlet of twenty or more dwellings on the same thoroughfare and about the same distance in the opposite direction. The post-office is known as Hilltown, and was established in 1817 with Elisha Lunn as postmaster. Blooming Glen post-office is popularly known as Meyer's store, and is about equidistant from Perkasie and Dublin. Lawn dale, formerly known as Pennville, is a pleasantly located village on the turn- pike leading from Sellersville to liatfield. Of the churches of this township the oldest are those which owe their inception to the early Welsh settlers. They were as a class devoutly religious and almost unanimously adhered to the Baptist faith. Fortunately for the continuance of these denominational preferences, one of their number, William Thomas, had been ordained as a minister before his departure from Wales, and in the multitudinous duties of a pioneer settler he did not suifer his convictions to lose that positiveness characteristic of his race. He connected himself with the Montgomery Baptist church, of which the Reverend Benjamin Griffith was pastor. The place of worship was several miles from his home, and much far- ther from those of others of his neighbors. They were present at communion services of the Montgomery church, but the distance debarred many from attending regularly upon its services. That this difficulty might be obviated, occasional meetings were held at private houses or in the open air. The popu- lation increased, and the congregations in a corresponding ratio. That the community might enjoy those opportunities of which it had been so long de- prived, the preacher resolved to supplement his preaching with a house for 594 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNT.Y. ■worship. He built a meeting-house in the year 1737 on the Bethlehem road. It is disputed whether it was of stone or wood ; in either case, the community probably rendered assistance, although Mr. Thomas himself worked upon the furniture of the interior, making the pulpit altar out of a hollow gum-tree sup- ported horizontally. It is said that the people went to church here armed and ready to defend themselves ; that the preacher, before ascending the pulpit, deposited his arms at its base and examined his powder ; for this was a time of real danger, when no foresight could determine at what time a hostile band of savages might descend from the unexplored region beyond the Blue mountains, leaving death and ruin in their rear. The preacher's knowledge was not merely theological, but embraced military tactics as well. The original meet- ing-house was replaced by a stone structure of more pretensions in 1771 ; this second one, after having stood eighty-seven years, gave place to the present brick church, built in 1858, very nearly upon the same site as its predecessors. In the burial-ground adjoining are the graves of several thousand persons, four or five generations of the population having passed over to the silent majority. One epitaph is here reproduced : " In memory of William Thomas, Minister of the Gospel, who died October 6th, 1757, aged 79 years: ' III yonder meetinfj-liouse I spent my breath ; Now silent, mouldering here, I lie in death ; These silent lips shall wake, and yet declare A dread amen to truths they published there.' " Quaint, unique, and appropriate ; also, it is believed to have been original, as nothing similar has been found anywhere in England or this country. The wishes of the Reverend IMr. Thornas regarding " yonder meeting- house" are thus expressed in his W'ill : "I give and bequeath unto the inhabi- tants of Hilltown, forever, the meeting-house erected by myself, together with the graveyard in which to bury their dead, and all others, far and near, black and white. Such as are guilty of self-murder I only reject and deny to be buried in my graveyard or in any part of my land. I give liberty to the said inhabitants to enlarge the said graveyard as much as occasion may demand, the same to be laid out and bounded in the following manner : To begin at Henry Lewis' corner post, thence southeast somewhat farther than the spring or well which belongeth already to the said meeting-house 35 perches ; thence north- east 20 perches ; thence northwest 35 perches to a white oak sapling by the great road ; thence along the said road southwest 20 perches to beginning, con- taining by estimation four acres of land and some perches. I forbid any timber to be cut on said lot for any use save to repair said meeting-house, grave- yard, etc. The said meeting-house and lot of land as before described I give unto the inhabitants of said township forever to bury their dead in, and to school their children (I also allow others to send to school there), and to perform Christian worship, but under the foregoing and following directions and restric- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 595 tions, viz : I allow all tolerated ministers to preach funeral sermons either in the graveyard or meeting-house, which they may like best. Papists and heretics I reject and altogether deny them any grant. My will is that the Baptists hold religious meetings in the said house as often as they can ; but not any one that deny the Nicene creed. I allow the Presbyterians to preach in the said house, provided they hold the Westminster confession of faith, likewise Independents. But if it happens that any one of them will not swear allegiance to a Protestant king, such I deny and disallow altogether. Papists nor Mora- vians I allow not to preach in said house, nor any other strangers let them appear ever so godly until they are well known to be sound in the faith. My will is that catechising children shall be kept up in the said meeting-house for- ever by orthodox catechism, and in order that my will therein may be observed, I do constitute and depute my five sons, Thomas, John, Ephraim, Mannasseh, and William, to assist and take proper care therein. I appoint Lewis Evans, junior, Nathaniel Griffith, eldest son of Evan Griffith, and Jonathan Evans, all of the township aforesaid, and further I direct and order them, and every one of them in their wills to depute some honest religious man in the room of each of them to answer the care and trust I have reposed in them." Notwithstanding the earnestness and energy with which Thomas builded and preached, the liilltown church during his long ministry was merely an adjunct of Montgomery, nor did it become a separate organization until nearly a quarter century after his death. Reverend Benjamin Griffith died in 1768, thus leaving the pastorate of the united churches vacant. John Thomas, a son of Elder William, had been called to the ministry in 1749 ; he was born in 1713 at Radnor, and had never enjoyed any educational advantages nor received any special preparation for his work save from his father, and consequently assumed the ministerial functions at a disadvantage. He filled Mr. Griffith's pulpit, but not his place in the community. As he was generally acceptable to his Hilltown parishioners, a separation became inevitable. There were other and more potent causes for this, however. In this, as in other sections of the country, the revo- lutionary war engendered a wide difference of political sentiment, and friction between the two principal parties distracted every community. An act to test the feelings of the people by requiring them to take the oath of allegiance passed by congress brought matters to a crisis. Those who refused to comply were forbidden to pass beyond the borders of their respective counties — a pro- vision which, in this case, debarred the disaffected of Hilltown from attending church in Montgomery, except by undergoing the indignity of arrest and deten- tion. They were arrested en masse on one occasion, taken before Justice Evans, but acquitted on the ground that the meaning of the law had been misconstrued. But the annoyances still continued ; and with the consent of the Montgomery church fifty-four of its members living in Hilltown were constituted a separate organization, November 28, 1781. Elder John Thomas continued as its pastor 596 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. eight years, and doubled its membership during this period. He administered the rite of baptism for the last time in June, 1786, and died October 31, 1790, from the effects of a paralytic stroke. In March of the preceding year, his successor had been chosen in the person of Reverend James McLaughlin, a young man from the eastern shore of Maryland. His ministry of fifteen years was quite successful. Reverend Joseph Matthias was ordained as pastor in 1806, and continued in that capacity until his death in 1851. The "upper end" church was built in 1750 upon a lot given for that purpose by John Kelley. A second building was erected in 1804, and a third in 1875. For various causes the condition of this church in recent years has not been prosperous, nor are its future prospects encouraging. The German immigration followed the Welsh, and the origin of their churches dates from a correspondingly later period. Three denominations are represented — Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite. St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of liilltown first worshipped in a substantial stone building, forty by forty-four feet, with galleries around three sides, and three doors level with the ground, erected in 1805. For many years the long-handled cloth collection-bags hung unused beside the pulpit, though some of the present generation well remember the tinkle of the bells on their lower border as the deacons with becoming gravity passed them around. Among the names of the earlier membership were Erdman, Wasser, Hartman, Bader, Schemel, Triewig, Snyder, Eckert, Cope, Savacool, and Rohr. Reverend J. K. Rebenack in- structed and received into the church his first cateclietical class, numbering thirteen, in 1806. The next class, thirty in number, were received June 7, 1812, by Reverend John Wiand. Mr. Rebenack was the first pastor, and Mr. Wiand appears to have remained but one year. Tradition says that a Mr. Mensch was pastor for a time, but there is no record of his labors. Reverend William B. Kemmerer took charge in March, 1829, and served as pastor unin- terruptedly until 1859, thirty years, in connection with a field that embraced nearly the whole of this county. Reverend F. Berkemeyer, the present incum- bent, assumed the pastoral care of this congregation in 1859. During a ministry of twenty-seven years he has baptized three hundred and fifty, and confirmed two hundred and ten persons; although in regular connection with the Pennsylvania synod no written constitution had ever been adopted by this congregation until 1868. The church building, situated about a mile and a half from Line Lexington on the Bethlehem road, was built conjointly by Lutheran and Reformed. A new stone church was built in 1875 upon the site of the old basement ; steeple, pulpit recess, bell, and organ render it complete in all its appointments. The Reformed congregation (St. Peter's) was organized by Reverend Jacob Senn, who preached his first sermon April 1, 1805. Reverend George Wack was the first pastor. He confirmed a class of catechumens in 1810, of whom ..-,1^^ '-«^'' ^^;;: / (7~>t£cd lM^AYMJP HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 599 Henry Driesbach and Henry Leidy were the last survivors. His pastorate continued until 1827, excepting 1820-21, when Reverend A. L. Dechant preached. Successive pastoral changes from that time have been as follows : 1827-34, Henry Gerhart; 1834-39, Henry S. Bassler; 1840-42, J. M. Hangen ; 1843, George Wack ; 1843, A. Beckey ; 1845-52, J. Naille ; 1852- 58, A. L. Dechant ; 1860-76, W. R. Yearick ; 1877 , A. F. Seiple. The partition deed of 1735 opening the manor of Perkasie for settlement was a strong inducement to Mennonite immigration. Henry Funk and Christian Lederach arrived in 1747, John Funk in 1748, Andrew Godshall in 1752, Valentine Kratz in 1748, Hoopert Kassel in 1758, those of the name of Moyer, High, Hunsberger, Kulp, Rickert, and others at a later period. The Perkasie or Hilltown Mennonite meeting-house was built in 1 753 upon a small lot on Henry Funk's land, forty-four feet square in the rear being reserved as a burial- ground. This was a log church about as large as an old school-house. It stood for seventy years ; it was rebuilt in 1823 on an adjoining lot about seventy-five feet from the original site ; and this, sixty-nine years later, was replaced by the substantial and commodious edifice that marks its site. Among the first preachers were Moyer, Wismer, Jacob Hunsicker, and Jacob Hunsberger. The ministers living at this time are Isaac Overholt, Abraham F. Moyer, Henry B. Moyer, and Henry Rosenberger. Fifty or more years ago, Isaac Detweiler first preached in this county as a minister of United Brethren in Christ. A meeting-house was built by those of this faith at Lawn- dale in Hilltown in 1883, although meetings had been held in private houses since 1846. Henry Rosenberger and Joseph Detweiler are the preachers. Trinity Evangelical church, Montgomery circuit, Philadelphia district. East Pennsylvania conference, numbers about fifty members. The first church building in Hilltown was erected in 1843 ; the second, a neat brick structure with tower and bell, was dedicated December 7, 1884, the corner-stone having been laid August 10th previously. Messrs. John Albright, Christian Sliefer, Elias Ilecker, Abraham Gerhart, and Reverend J. S. Newhart, pastor, con- stituted the building committee. Jacob Albright, the founder of the Evangelical church, was a resident of the vicinity for several years. 600 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER XX. RICHLAND— MILFORD—KOCKHILL. RICHLAND is distinguished as the only one of the northern townships of which the Friends formed the early population. Under date of 4th month, 15th, 1773, Samuel Foulke thus explains the settlement and growth of the society : " The first settlement of Friends in this place was about the year 1710, by our ancient friend Peter Lester, from Leicestershire, in England, who, with his wife and children and their families, became members of Gwynedd monthly meeting, held at the said Peter Lester's house for several years. Friends lived in amicable intercourse with the Indian natives, who at that time were numerous in these parts and often helpful to the new settlers in furnishing them with necessary provisions, which is gratefully remembered by some yet living among us. About the year 172-3 a small meeting-house was built and a preparative meeting there held by the assent of the said monthly meeting. And Friends continuing to increase in number by the youth growing up and the accession of several families of Friends from other places, it became neces- sary, in the year 1730, to build a new meeting-house, which was done on a commodious lot of ground near the center of the settlement. And our said meeting, through the blessing of divine Providence both spiritually and tempo- rally bestowed, still continued to increase in strength and numbers until the year 1742, when Friends thought it expedient to make application to the quarterly meeting held at Philadelphia, the 1st of 9th month, 1742, to have a monthly meeting erected among themselves ; which was granted them to be held the third fifth day of the week in each month and called Richland monthly meetino-, which from that time has continued, and Friends here have since made consider- able additions to their meeting-house to accommodate the meeting." It appears from this that the Friends were the earliest settlers of Richland. This was occasioned, not by the regular advance of that people from the lower townships, but by a flanking current of immigration, principally AVelsh, which advanced by way of Gwynedd in Montgomery county. The language, social customs, and religious preferences of these first settlers are still retained in marked contrast with distinctive German characteristics of the surroundinsr territorv. At the time when this region was first invaded by the colonist it was known by no other name than " The Great Swamp," and the present designation would have been considered a misnomer. The proprietors were among the first to HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 601 become apprised that the land was better than its reputation, and by their order John Chapman and John Cutler surveyed the manor of Richlands, the area, according to their return, being sixteen thousand seven hundred and forty-nine acres. The date of this survey cannot be definitely determined, and it is sup- posed that the earliest individual warrant for lands in this section was that of GriiBth Jones, whose warrant was issued in 1701, and called for six thousand acres. In 1708 Abraham GrifRth purchased a portion of this from his relative and removed thither within a few years. Joseph Growden and Joseph Gilbert were also early land-owners. The families of Roberts, Foulke, Gilbert, Nixon, Edwards, and Hyatt were prominent among those who formed the early com- munity. The district had little need for local officers, and not until 1719 was it recognized in the appointment of constables and supervisors. At September court, 1734, the following petition was presented : " The petition of several of the inhabitants of that part of this county commonly called the Great Swamp or Richlands whose names are hereunto subscribed, hereby sheweth : That although that part of this county in which your petitioners dwell has for many years last past been reputed a township, yet having never been actually laid out by virtue of any order of this court many disputes have arisen touching the extent and boundaries thereof, so that your petitioners have found it ex- tremely difficult to obtain an amendment of their highways when occasion required, and some of these are become almost impassable ; for avoiding of which and many other inconveniences that may attend, your petitioners pray an order of this court for erecting and laying out a township by the name of Richlands, to begin at a corner white oak tree between David Jenkins' and Abraham Griffith's lands on the south side of the said lands, and from thence to run north five miles and a half, then east about four miles and a half (or so far as that a due south line may include James Logan's and Joseph Pike's lands), and from that corner south along the lines of the said lands five miles and a half, and so due west to the place of beginning." The signatures of Peter Lester, Sr., Thomas Mc , Nora , Duke Jackson, Lawrence Growden, John Ball, George Hyatt, John Phillips, Edward Roberts, John Lester, and Thomas Herd are attached to this document. A draft of the territory to con- stitute the proposed township was also submitted to the court. The idea seems to have been to have its shape conform to that of a parallelogram, but this was partially frustrated. Eavorable action was taken by the court, and the township with due for- mality erected. Its extreme length is five and one-half miles, width four miles, and area fourteen thousand acres. The population in 1880 was one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four. The " rich lands" have not ceased to merit that name. Richland is one of the most wealthy, populous, and prosperous of the northern townships. Farming and dairying receive much attention, and for both the surface and soil are admirably adapted. There is a 6i02 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. scarcely perceptible rise of the land toward the -western boundary, culminat- ing in the water-shed which separates the basins of Swamp creek and the Tohickon. The latter here receives the waters of Licjdng creek, Beaver run, Morgan run, and other streams not so fortunate as to possess local names. If local names and the significance of the original name may be credited, these streams were once scarcely distinguishable currents in the surrounding bog. Through a process known only by its effects the stagnant water and decaying vegetation were at length separated, leaving a level plain of great fertility. There still lingered in the humid earth germs of disease which the first opera- tions of the pioneer farmer speedily quickened into life ; and so in the first years of the township's history sickness was frequent and often fatal. This condition of things ceased when the country was brought under general culti- vation, and the locality is famous for its healthfulness and salubrity, and the remarkable longevity of its inhabitants. The borough of Quakertown is situated at the center of an elevated elliptical plain (the basin of the swamp — the circumference being a belt of trap rock), the diameters of which are six and four miles respectively. In the immediate vicinity the owners of land, in 1715, were Morris Morris (one thousand acres), Michael Atkinson (two hundred and fifty acres), James McVaugh (one hundred acres), John Moore (two hundred acres); in 1737, John Bond (two hundred and fifty acres), John George Bachman (two hundred and thirty-four acres) ; in 1774, Hugh Foulke (three hundred and thirteen acres). The residents of this vicinity, in 1730, were Hugh Foulke, John Lester, John Adamson, Arnal Heacock, John Phillips, William Morris, John Richards, William Jamison, Edmund Phillips, John Ball, John Edwards, Thomas Roberts, William Nixon, Arthur Jones, and Edward Roberts. Scull's map of 1770 locates the public house of Walter McCool at the intersection of two well-known and much-travelled roads, one leading from Bethlehem to Philadelphia, the other from Milford to the southern part of the county, and within the present limits of the borough. The Friends' meet- ing-house completed the number of houses at that time, and but little change was apparent before the close of the century. But, as must inevitably occur at a place combining the advantages of cross-roads, hotel, and meeting-house, a hamlet eventually came into existence ; and in 1803 it received a name and the appointment of its first postmaster in the person of William Green. For many years its growth was scarcely perceptible, and such houses as were built were not at a greater distance than necessary from the Red Lion hotel. The condition of the roads was not flattering ; it is said that within the memory of persons now living the highway leading east from the village was almost im- passable except in the summer months, and a dense forest lined it on either side. And thus, until the middle of the present century, Quakertown was only a country village possessing few features of importance and almost without a HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 603 history as far as material growth was concerned. In 1856, it comprised sixty- tw6 dwellings, an increase of twenty-two in thirty-four years. The North Pennsylvania railroad was constructed in that y-ear ; and the impetus thus given to improvement and expansion may be traced in the subsequent develop- ment of the town. However, old Quakertown was separated from the station of that name by a mile of mud road, thus modifying to a great extent the bene- fit it would otherwise have derived. The land about the railroad station was owned by John Strawn and Joel B. Roberts, by whom it was laid out into streets and building lots ; and in a few years this was the site of a busy, active, and growing village. A post-office was established in 1867 under the name of Richland Center,, by which it is still known. In the meantime a macadamized road has taken the place of the former indifferent highway to the old town. It is known as Broad street between Main and Front ; west of the former it be- comes the Bethlehem road, and east of the latter the Doylestown road. The intervening streets are twelve in number, and are named in order from Front, First, Second, etc. They are not parallel, a circumstance which should have been guarded against, as it prevents regularity in form and appearance. Juni- per street is parallel with Broad to the south from it. Quakertown was incor- porated as a borough in 1854. The corporate limits were so extended in 1874 as to include Richland Center, so that both are now under the same municipal government. The population in 1870 was eight hundred and sixty-three ; in 1880, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine, an increase of more than nine hundred persons. Although the expansion so noticeable a decade ago has not continued in such a marked degree, the growth of the town at the present time is fully sus- tained by the development of its business and industrial interests, and has, therefore, a character of permanence and stability. There are quite a number of manufacturing pursuits — cigars, tools, boots, shoes, clothing, harness, spokes, felloes, handles, and stoves being the principal products of local industry. The Quakertown stove-works, operated since October 13, 1881, by Roberts, Scypes & Company, have contributed more to the prosperity of the town than any other of its industrial estabhshments. The business was originated by Thomas, Rob- erts, Stevenson & Company, in 1866, on a small scale, and gradually enlarged until 1882, when there were one hundred and two men on the pay-roll. On the morning of November 2, of that year, the works were completely destroyed by fire. February 8, 1882, the new firm first operated their recently com- pleted works, the firm name becoming Rodgers, Scypes & Company, and so continuing until the present style was adopted. Sixty-eight operatives are em- ployed, the yearly disbursements for wages aggregating thirty thousand dollars. The annual product approximates in value seventy-five thousand dollars, and consists exclusively of stoves, heaters, and ranges. The Quakertown harness- works, established in 1878, are also of considerable local importance. A large 604 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. brick building, one hundred and forty by fifty-seven feet in dimensions, has recently been erected to accommodate the expanding proportions of the manu- facture. It was first occupied in December, 1886. Similar particulars might be given concerning other establishments, but their relative importance is not sufficient to justify this. Nearly every branch of business is represented. There are four drug-stores ; but the vital statistics of the locality fail to explain whence they derive an existence. Business transactions, of every character, are greatly facilitated by the Quakertown National Bank, a well-sus- tained financial institution. It was organized June 27, 1877, and incorporated July 21, 1877, with one hundred thousand dollars capital. The original organization was constituted as follows : president, Joseph Thomas ; cashier, Charles C. Herring, Jr. ; teller, Byron Thomas ; directors, A. B. Walp, J. D. K. Rinehart, R. B. Delp, S. B. Thatcher, R. J. Linderman, I. H. Shelly, John S. Stephens, Charles Fellman, and S. F. Sheetz. The annual dividends have uniformly been six per cent., and the surplus is equal to fifty per cent, of the capital stock. The predecessor of this was a state bank, established May 12, 1871. It paid enormous dividends, but was merged into the present con- cern, the usefulness of institutions of its character having become a thing of the past. In social, as well as business circles, this place is second to no other in the northern part of the county. Quakertown Lodge, No. 512, F. & A. M., was chartered June 5, 1872, with Benjamin H. Senderlin, W. M., Joseph Thomas, S. W., and Joseph Hartman, J. W. A list of successive past-masters is here- with presented : Benjamin H. Senderlin, Joseph Thomas, Isaac S. Mover, Charles E. Trausue, John A. Ozias, James M. Shaw, Ezekiel Thomas, Joseph Hartman, Simon Singer, George W. Keeler, and Milton K. Erdman. Quakertown Council, No. 149, 0. U. A. M., was instituted December 17, 1857, by Edward Ranch, state councillor, with the following members: Wil- liam M. Jackson, E. T. Oohs, J. P. Jacoby, L. P. Jacoby, J. B. Edmonds, S. W. Miller, James Van Houten, William Van Houten, Tobias Grant, William H. Dengler, George 0. Mangle, and William Bunsteln, of whom Mr. Dengler is the only survivor. Upwards of five hundred persons have been initiated in the thirty years of its history. Quakertown Lodge, No. 714, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted June 17, 1870. The following were original members : Thomas T. Ochs, N. G. ; Joshua K. Wise, V. G. ; J. H. Fulmer, secretary ; Henry F. Hager, A. S. ; Henry U. Erd- man, treasurer ; F. H. Hausraan, Lewis H. Walp, Milton F. Wolf, S. U. Sino-. master, William H. Bean, li. B. Fellman, David L. Reimer, William N. Loux, Charles D. Walp, William H. B. Diehl, Henry Bean, David R. Jamison, R. B. Slack, and Joseph Thomas. The present membership is sixty-four. Quakertown Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was organized August 17, 1880, by C. G. Simon, G. M. of this state, with thirty-three members, of HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 605 whom the following were incumbents of their respective ofSces : William H. Dengler, P. C, A. R. Eidell, N. C, Samuel Hoffart, V. C, Owen Guzzman, M. R., A. Grouse, C. E., M. F. Miller, K. E., Elmer Jordan, V. H., Reuben Rupert, S. H., and Gharles F. Wetter, H. P. Secona Tribe, No. 263, Order of Red Men, was formed November 27, 1885, with fifty-five members, of whom Henry H. Miller, L. C. Raisner, J. S. Monroe, Thomas J. Ziegenfuss, and John M. Weidamoyer were the principal ofiicers. Marion Gircle, No. 16, B. U. (H. F.) C. of A., was instituted January, 1867, at the house of George Miller, in Quakertown, when the following mem- bers were initiated: T. P. Walters, Washington Snyder, John Laybold, Charles F. Miller, Elias Snyder, Charles M. Brunner, George Miller, Alfred Facken- thall, Thomas Morris, George Wolford, Everhart Fisher, Edward Roth, Michael Heitz, and Rufus Hoover. Two hundred and eight members have been ini- tiated in the twenty years of its existence. The amount of money paid in benefits aggregates nearly four thousand dollars ; present assets, about three thousand dollars. General Peter Lyle Post, No. 145, G. A. R., was mustered April 3, 1880. The following names appear on the roll for that evening: Jeremiah S. Fluck, Joseph C. Harmer, Edward Carroll, William Clements, Robert E. Patton, A. M. Harmer, Levi K. Moore, Henry Seas, Evan' H. Strawn, Joseph Gerbrohn, Charles Sigman, and Francis K. Saylor. The present membership is twenty- one. Considerable interest has always been manifested in education. The Friends established schools at an early day, which were also attended by Ger- mans, and exerted a healthful influence. The Richland Library was established in 1789, and has continued in active operation until the present time. The first teachers' institute in the county was held at Quakertown in 1860. A classical and normal school of advanced grade was opened in 1858 by Reverends F. R. Home, D.D., and H. Louis Baugher, D.D., and continued five years. The originators subsequently engaged in other work, and the school was not so successful in the hands of their successors as it had been with them. The local public schools are well sustained and compare favorably with others of a similar character elsewhere. The oldest religious society at Quakertown and in the northern part of the county is the Friends' meeting, of which an account has been given. The present location of the meeting-house was chosen in 1730 ; and more than a hundred years elapsed before a second religious body appeared. The Lutheran and Reformed pastors of the vicinity preached occasionally in the village school- house, but no effort was made to effect organizations prior to 1860. In August, 1858, the " Union Tabernacle," under the management of Reverend E. M. Long, was brought to Quakertown from Philadelphia, where it had been dedi- 606 HI3T0EY OF BUCKS COUNTY. cated May 1, 1838. Services were begun in September and continued more than a month, and as a result a chapel was built for the use of the different churches, and dedicated November 7, 1858. Although not in the way in- tended, this effort effected much in arousing the latent religious activities of the people. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Quakertown was organized by Reverend F. Berkemeyer with about a score of members in the year 1860. The corner-stone of the present church edifice, situated on Roberts street, and owned jointly with St. John's Reformed congregation, was laid August 19, 1860, by Reverends P. S. Fisher and F. Berkemeyer. The basement was dedicated April 7, 186^, and the audience-room December 2, 1865. Having succeeded in establishing the congregation on a firm basis, Mr. Berkemeyer resigned the pastorate in 1867, and in August of that year he was succeeded by the Reverend George M. Lazarus, during whose ministry the congregation made great advances. The membership increased rapidly, the debt remaining on the church property was paid, a pipe-organ purchased, and English services became more frequent. In 1870 the Lutheran congregations at Applebachs- ville and " Keller's" church, Bedminster, were added to St. John's, forming the Quakertown charge. In the midst of his successful pastoral labors, Mr. Lazarus was suddenly called away under the most distressing circumstances. January 31, 1874, whilst in attendance at a funeral he was violently thrown from his carriage by a runaway horse, receiving injuries from which he died in an hour. He was greatly beloved in the community in which he labored and exerted an influence for good in many directions. In addition to his pastoral work, he took a lively interest in educational matters. For several years he conducted a private academy in the lecture-rooms of St. John's church, and at the time of his death was superintendent of the Quakertown borough schools. It was largely through his efforts that the high school was established. He was fol- lowed by the present pastor, the Reverend J. F. Ohl, who has served the congregations without intermission since June, 1874. During his incumbency the church edifice has been twice remodelled, and is now one of the handsomest places of worship in the county. There has been a steady increase in the membership, which now numbers more than three hundred. The congrega- tion has a most promising future. St. John's Reformed church was organized in 1861 by Reverend P. S. Fisher. It has experienced much the same history as the Lutheran, with which it is united in the ownership of the church edifice. The present pastor is Reverend F. J. Mohr. Methodism was introduced into Quakertown in 1872 by Reverend B. L. Sanderlin, who formed a class of twelve members. The present membership is seventy ; value of property six thousand dollars. The first Evangelical class in the town was formed in 1879 by Reverend Anthony Ziegenfuss, then stationed V.-f «s pi ■ cJ<^-'^^:Z^ ^. :P^^^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 609 at Kulpsville. He first held service, a prayer-meeting, at tlie house of S. Ilorne, in 1878. There were at this time hut two families of this persuasion in the town. The frame church building on Juniper street was dedicated November 15, 1880. Philip Kuntzman was the first class-leader. The following clergy- men have been pastors : Anthony Ziegenfuss, David Lutz, F. D. Geary, Fred- erick Kuoker, and G. C. Knobel. The Evangelical Mennonite congregation originated in Haycock township, where in October, 1859, the first church build- ing of this denomination was dedicated. This was torn down and rebuilt at Quakertown in 1872. Reverend Abel Strawn is pastor. Richlandtown is situated three miles east from Richland Center, with which it is connected by the Quakertown & Richland turnpike. It has been known successively as Three Lanes' Ends, Ducktown, Frytown, Flatland, and its pres- ent name, which came into existence as the post-office designation in 1839. The first house was built in 1804. It comprises a population of about one hundred, several stores and shops, and two churches. The oldest of these, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed, was built in 1808 and rebuilt in 1860. It has not been ascertained whether or not religious services were held prior to 1808 ; it is known that there was a cemetery in the vicinity, and it is related that funeral services were sometimes conducted on the barn floor of a Mr. Groman. It is said that the person who hauled the first load of stones for the first church, Mr. Philip Stimraer, did so before daylight, so strong was his determination to secure that honor. Ludwig Fluck and Henry Massmer ■were the building committee. John Schaff'gave the ground for its site and for the cemetery adjoining. Henry Stabler was the contractor and architect. He was paid one thousand two hundred dollars, in addition to which all the material was furnished. It was a stone building, in dimensions about thirty-five and forty feet, with galleries on three sides. The pulpit, in shape similar to a goblet or chalice, was artistically and profusely carved, as were other portions of the wood-work. The walls were substantially built, and after standing half a century were found to be in good condition. The cedar shingles of the roof were also in a good state of preservation. The succession of pastors has been as follows : Lutheran, Reverends Conrad Roeller, 1808-18 ; Frederick Waagi, 1818-60 ; Ferdinand Berkeraeyer, 1860-62 ; Edwin Sell, 1862-64 ; Leonard Gerbe, 1864-66; Reuben Kistler, 1866-70; Joseph Hillpot, 1871-81 ; D. H. Reiter, 1886. Reformed, Jacob Senn, 1808-18 ; Samuel Stahr, 1818-42 ; x\braham Birkey, 1842-45 ; Samuel Hess, 1845-68 ; Henry Hess, 1868-74 ; F. J. Mohr, 1874. The Flatland Mennonite church numbers about twenty members, and is served by Reverend A. B. Shelly. The only other villages of Richland are California, a small hamlet several miles north of Quakertown ; Bunker Hill on the Rockhill boundary line, and Shelly station and post-office, near California. 32 610 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. MiLFORD was the objective point of the first German immigrants to this county. It was here, at its extreme northwest corner, that this people first appeared upon its soil ; and having gained a foothold, extended its occupation north, east, and south, adhering tenaciously to each new territory acquired, and pushing southward at a rate that may well cause the intelligent observer to inquire whether Bucks will not ultimately become a German county, unless the advancing column becomes Anglicized in its progress. It seems probable that the first settlement of Milford took place between 1720 and 1730 ; and in 1734 the following persons were among its residents : Peter Luer, Simon Rathnor, Peter Zay, John Ileistand, Michael Roeder, Michael Rider, William Lauer, Jacob Wacket, Peter Wettlord, Joseph Heistand, John Bright, Peter Chook, Chilemon Robon, Caspar Kortes, Peter Eoser, Christian Climer, John Yoder, John Fisel, George Sain, Martin Weis, Peter Herz, Sander Dessert, John Huber, Philip Einhart, Joon Hoover, Henry Ditterer, George Samez. In a petition to the county court, June 13, 1734, they describe themselves as "settled between the county line and the body of that called Richland town- ship ;" and state that " Whereas there hath for a considerable time been settle- ments made within the above-mentioned bounds and inhabitants still increasing to the northward and southward at such a distance that it becomes a very great hardship and almost impossible for ye constable and collector duly to do their offices, with other inconveniences that attend in this case for want of a division and proper boundaries, which you [the court] can more fully conceive than we express; we, your petitioners therefore, humbly desire of your honors please to grant that a township be laid out bounded by ye county line the course whereof is southeast ; then by a line due east about four miles and a half in length from the said county line through vacant land and on the line of the lands of William Jameison, Joshua Richards, John Edwards, and Thomas Roberts, including-the said lands, and to continue the same course through vacant land to ye sd extent of about four and one-half miles ; to join a north line that may touch and include the land of Peter Evans, and to extend thence northward through vacant land to ye land of William Nickson, and include ye same ; and at ye north bounds thereof set off thirty perches east by ye land of Michael Lightfoot to take in the land formerly J. Growden's, and to run north by the same to ye extent thereof and three hundred perches further in vacant land (which will be north- ward from ye said east line in all about five miles and a quarter) ; and thence extend due west about nine miles and three-quarters supposed in vacant land to ye said county line ; and which boundaries we believe will leave difference enough between and Hilltown for another township and will accommo- date the body of the inhabitants of Richland township to ye eastward >of us, to which said north lines they agree with us." A survey of this territory was ordered and its boundaries changed, but not materially from those suggested as above described. When confirmed, the name " Bulla" was affixed, " now HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 611 and for the future (1734) ;" but within a short time " Lower Milford" was adopted, in distinction from the Milford in Lehigh county. The present name was a long time in gaining popular sanction. The township is triangular in shape and ranks among the largest subdivi- sions of the county. The greater portion is fertile and well adapted to farm- ing. The principal stream is Swamp creek, which rises in the vicinity of Zion's Hill, flows in a southerly direction, receiving the waters of Licking, Molasses, and Schmultz creeks ; thus augmented, it affords the motive power for several mills, and is finally absorbed by the Perkiomen. In some parts the surface is hilly, rocky, and stony, not so valuable for the raising of farm crops, but fairly productive under careful tillage. Dairying and grazing receive much attention here. Besides these pursuits, the most important branches of industry are cigar-making and the manufacture of whip-stocks ; the former is carried on in the towns at all seasons of the year, the latter principally in the winter by small farmers. Everybody is employed, and nobody seems to be in need of work. The result of patient, untiring industry is seen in the substantial appearance of farm buildings and the general air of comfort vv-hich seems to pervade the community. As elsewhere in the county, the population is not concentrated to any extent, although small towns are numerous. The post villages are five in number, viz., Trumbauersville, Milford Square, Steinsburg, Geryville, and Spinnerstown. Trumbauersville is connected with Quakertown by a turnpike road, and is situated on the direct route from Philadelphia to Allentown. It was known years ago as the Eagle hotel, subsequently as Charlestown, and since 1822, when the post-office was established, by its present name, which is derived from that of one of the oldest families in the neighborhood. Some of the houses are quite old, and others have apparently been built quite recently, indicating that the growth of the place has been stationary until the last few years. The principal industry is cigar-making, which is extensively pursued. The estimated population is two hundred. Milford Square is situated on the Quakertown and Spinnerstown turnpike road, about midway between its terminal points, in the eastern interior of the township. It became a post-office in 1872. It ranks next to Trumbauersville in size and importance, the usual local indus- tries, stores, and cigar factories being the only features worthy of notice. Geryville is in the extreme western part of Milford, and comprises hotel, store, and probably twelve houses. Spinnerstown is several miles farther west, six miles from Quakertown at the terminus of a turnpike leading thither. Henry Haring became the first postmaster in 1825. Steinsburg derives its name from that of George Steinman, who was appointed postmaster in 1852. Trum- bauersville Lodge, No. 372, Knights of Pythias, was chartered June 28, 1872, the principal officers being the following: 11. Pahlum, C. H. Wilson, William t)12 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Magnet, Charles Wonsidler, Benjamin Cressman, Jesse Reiter, Aaron G. Diibbs, Samuel Edelman, and Enos Shantz. The Mennonite persuasion is strongly represented in Milford, and the Swamp church was one of the earliest of this denomination .in the county. Among the early Mennonite settlers were the Clemmers, Shellys, Musselmans, Brechts, Hiestands, Yoders, and others, whose descendants are still living in this section and almost invariably adhere to the faith of their fathers. At what date the first church organization was eifected cannot be definitely determined. Tradition asserts that meetings were held as early as 1737. Certain it is that there was an organized church prior to 1740. The first church building is said to have been erected in the year 1735 on land now owned by Christian Mussel- man. If this date is correct, its site was on land then owned by William Allen, an English land-holder, who was not a resident nor a member of this church, but is known to have performed similar good ofiices toward other churches elsewhere. In the year 1743, Jacob Musselman, ancestor of the numerous connections of the name, bought land from Allen to which the plot whereon this building stood belonged ; and as he was either a minister in the church when he came from Germany or was soon afterward elected to that office, it is more than probable that the first Mennonite meeting-house was built on his land after he had pur- chased from Allen, and hence not before the year 1743. It is noticeable that no interments ever took place here, but that the dead were buried in the grave- yard of the East Swamp church, about a mile to the east from the site of the fiirst church building. The latter (East Swamp) church was built about the year 1771, upon a lot of ground conveyed for that purpose June 15th of that year by Ulrich Drissel, Abraham Taylor, and John Ledrach to Valentine Clemmer, Peter Saiger, Christian Bieler, and Jacob Clemmer, " trustees of the religious society or congregation of Mennonites in the East Swamp." To this original lot other tracts were added by indentures bearing dates August 17, 1818, April 3, 1848, April 13, 1850, and February 18, 1867. After the erection of this new house of worship services were held in both alternately. The new one was afterward destroyed by fire, and a second of logs, erected in its stead, which served the double purpose of school- and meeting-house, one portion being partitioned off for school purposes, as was the case with many churches at that early day. In later years, this feature of the building was discontinued, but it was used as a meeting-house until 1850, when it was replaced by the present large and substantial East Swamp church. Changes were also in pro- gress with the older church building. In 1790 Michael Musselman, son of the above-named Jacob, owner of the land formerly belonging to his father and also a minister, conveyed a tract of eighty perches of land to Peter Zetty, Christian Hunsberger, and Michael Shelly, " elders or overseers of the Mennonite con- gregation." This lot is the site of the present West Swamp Mennonite church. The original meeting-house was removed thither and rebuilt, and services were HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 613 held therein until 1819, when a more commodious stone building was erected in its place ; and this, like the western building, was also used for school pur- poses, which arrangement was discontinued in 1839. A new and much larger church was built in 1873 in order to accommodate the increased number of worshippers and the demands of the Sunday-school. It is not known who were the first ministers among the Mennonites, but it appears quite certain that Jacob Musselman was among the first. Other early ministers were Filly (Valentine) Clemmer, Michael Musselman and his son Samuel, of whom the last-named died in 1847 at the advanced age of eighty- seven years, Jacob Nold, Christian Bleim, Christian Zetty, Jacob Heistand, John II. Oberholzer, William N. Shelly, Levi 0. Schimmel, and Andrew B. Shelly, the present incumbent, have been pastors within the present century. Oberholzer was elected to the ministry in 1842. Being a man of more than ordinary intelligence and of liberal and progressive ideas, his views were in advance of those of some of his fellow-ministers, in consequence of which, with others who shared his opinions on matters of systematic theology, dress, etc., he was suspended from connection with the Franconia conference in October, 1847, whereupon the so-called " New" Mennonite conference of eastern Pennsylvania was organized. The Swamp church, of which Oberholzer was pastor at that time, adhered to him and associated itself with the new ecclesiastical body. A small portion, however, remained true to the old conference, separated from the church, and built a meeting-house in 1847. It is known as the Old Mennonite Swamp church, and its ministers have been three in number, viz., Jacob Beidler, John A. Beidler, and Abraham Young. The old churches constituted one con- gregation, services being held alternately at both, places, retaining their individuality under the names of the eastern and western divisions. Their separate existence became more and more distinct in course of time, and finally separate organizations were formed, known as the East Swamp and West Swamp churches, which, with the church at Flatlands, constitute a charge under the pastoral care of Reverend A. B. Shelly. Its combined membership is about three hundred and twenty-five. A Sunday school was organized in 1857, this being the first Mennonite institution of this character in existence. The first number of " Der Religioese Botschapter," a Mennonite church paper, was issued August 23, 1852, by Reverend Oberholzer. The name was afterward changed to " Das Christliche Volksblatt," when the Mennonite Printing Union became proprietors. January 1, 1867, the name was changed to " Men- nonitische Friedensbote," and Reverend A. B. Shelly became managing editor. The paper was published at Milford Square until January 1, 1882, when it was consolidated with another Mennonite paper published at Ilalstead, Kansas, and transferred to the Publication Board of the Mennonite General Conference, by which it is continued semi-monthly at Berne, Indiana, under the name of " Der Christliche Bundesbote." 614 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The organization of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church at Spinners- town, though somewhat obscure, must have taken place between the years 1730 and 1740. In proof of this, it may be stated that baptisms and other items are entered in the church-book as early as 1734. From its origin to the year 1762 this congregation worshipped unitedly with Trinity Reformed con- gregation of Lower Milford, Lehigh county, where there was a log church. Owing to some dissatisfaction, the Lutherans withdrew in 1762 ; a parcel of ground was donated by Elder Scheetz, upon which a log building was erected in 1763 ; and from this circumstance the church has been popularly known as Schutzen Kirchen. In the year 1820 this log building gave place to a small but neat stone structure, which served for church purposes until 1874, when the present stone edifice, sixty by forty feet in dimensions, was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars. The present house of worship is therefore the fourth in the history of the congregation, which has existed at least one hundred and fifty years. For a large part of this period it was small in numbers and weak in influence. The membership has increased from one hundred and fifty in 1868 to four hundred at the present time. Nothing definite can be stated regarding the early pastors, as the records are silent on this subject prior to 1789. It has been connected with the Goshenhoppen charge for a hundred years, and if, as seems plausible, this relation was sustained from its origin, the successive pastors with the dates of their induction into office have been as follows : John Jacob Justus Birkenstock, 1739 ; John Conrad Andrea, 1743 ; Frederick Schultz, 1751; John Frederick Reis, 1756; George Frederick Neimeyer, 1764 ; Conrad Sebastian Roeller, 1771 ; John Schwarbach, 1775; F. Augustus Muhlenberg, 1778 ; Charles B. Dannapfel, 1789 ; Christian Espich, 1790 ; Frederick W. Geisenhainer, 1793 ; Jacob Miller, 1808 ; Frederick Waagi, 1829 ; Oswin F. Waagi, 1868. The first church building at Trumbauersville, known as the Lower Milford church, was dedicated in 1769. It was a log structure, and conformed in archi- tectural design to the ideas then in vogue. The second, a stone building for which Henry Stabler was contractor, was completed in 1805. The third and present edifice was built in 1868, close to the site of its two predecessors. In size it is sixty-two by forty-six feet, and comprises basement- and audience-rooms, organ, tower, and bell. The original building was exclusively Lutheran. The early pastoral record of this denomination coincides with that of St. John's. RocKUiLL township was so named from the range of hills which forms its most striking natural feature. This ridge crosses its northeastern boundary and extends southwest quite across to the county line. It presents many curi- ous geological formations. Ridge Valley creek passes through this rocky bar- rier in a deep gorge or canm, but the bed of the stream is literally a mass of huge boulders which have never been completely submerged in the most vio- ent freshets. The soil here is stony and sterile and inclined to be marshy, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 615 although highly elevated. The fertile valley to the south presents a widely different aspect. Here the north branch of Perkiomen creek pursues its course through an unbroken succession of well-cultivated farms from Hagersville to Franconia. This comprises the larger part of the wealth of the township, though not of its area. Here successive generations of the same people who now form its population have established their homes or found in the heritage of ancestral acres or of an ancient homestead the quiet satisfaction of possess- ing the accumulated wealth of years that have passed since the first settlement. This occurred in the early part of the last century, but here as elsewhere tra- ditional knowledge is very meager and correspondingly unsatisfactory. Among the early land-holders was John Furness, barber, of Philadelphia, who secured a tract of three hundred and fifty acres in the south corner of the township adjoining Telford. It was sold to Andrew Hamilton of the same city in 1723, and passed from him to Henry Hartzel, a native of the Palatinate, in 1727. He was the first to settle upon it. A log cabin was first erected, then a com- fortable one-story log-house, and finally a two-story stone dwelling. This was improved and enlarged by its successive occupants, but it is not known that any part of the original structure was removed until 1881, when the whole was sacrificed to the spirit of improvement which seems to agitate this community. Although the date of its erection could not be accurately determined, it was undoubtedly the oldest house in West Rockhill. A Swiss barn of medium size, with stone walls, erected in 1754, is still standing on the old Hartzel farm. The family preserve a tradition that about the year 1750 Magdalene H., prob- ably a granddaughter of the first settler, was sent to the Kulp woods, now Mr. Homing's, in search of the cows. She was then but a young girl, but well accustomed to the ways of the forest. Seeing a fawn asleep at the foot of a tree, she approached with noiseless tread, spread her long homespun apron over its head, and then ran home with it in all haste for fear of being pursued by the parent deer. The fawn was tamed and became a large and handsome buck, but his depredations in the garden and fields were of such frequent occurrence as to incur the displeasure of the farmer, and he was killed. Conrad Deterer bought a tract embracing the site of Telford in 1737, but he lived at Franconia, Montgomery county. In 1730 Jacob Stout, an immi- grant from Switzerland, purchased two hundred acres from the Perkasie manor tract, including the site of the village of that name. The two-story stone dwelling-housewhichhebuiltpriortol750is still occupied as such. A stone barn built in 1752 was destroyed by fire in 1875. Abraham Stout, born on these premises in 1740, was a member of the constitutional convention of 1790. During the revolution he preserved such papers as he deemed of special value in a recess in a cellar wall of his house. It is related that during the whole of one summer the Doans and their confederates used his pasture-lands at night for their stolen horses. In the winter of 1777, after the battle of Ger- 616 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. mantown, a cavalry detachment numbering fifty-six men were quartered with Abraham Stout. In 1799, during Fries's rebellion, nine hundred United States troops with some light artillery encamped on the rising ground above Sellersville. Getman and Ileany, two of the leaders in the house-tax rebellion, were inhabitants of this township. They were tried, convicted of treason, and sentenced to be hung, but pardoned by President Adams. Getman lived to an advanced age and is buried at Schlichter's church on the Ridge. Prior to 1750 the families of Cressraan, Detweiler, Althouse, Schlichter, Wenhold, Stauffer, Kramer, Eckert, Rosenberger, Landis, Price, Ilarr, Bean, Frank, and others were represented in the southern part of the township. The earli- est mill was Derstine's, and the earliest tannery Abraham Wambold's. The latter was located upon a tract near Sellersville which he seated in 1730. Wambold also built a grist-mill. The name early applied to this section of country, as appears from old deeds, was Freetown. At June sessions a new district was ordered to be laid out, " the same to be bounded on the northeast by John Penn's manor of Per- kasey, including the same, on the northerly side by Richland and Lower Mil- ford townships, on the westward by the county line and southward by the township line, to be named Rockhill." It was surveyed in 1740 by Nicholas Scull, and is the largest as well as the most populous township in the county. In 1880 the population was three thousand two hundred and seven. The township also ranks first as regards the number of incorporated villages within its limits. These ai-e three in number, and all derive their importance from the North Pennsylvania railroad, upon which they are situated. Sellers- ville, the oldest and largest, is so named from Samuel Sellers, who established at this point on the Bethlehem road a wayside hostelry, the walls of which are yet intact. Thomas Sellers became postmaster in 1820, when the office re- ceived the name of Sellers's Tavern, which was changed to its present form in 1866. The village was incorporated in 1874, and had a population of four hundred and ninety, six years later. It comprises several large stores, two taverns, and a bank, Charles II. Miller's fertilizer manufactory, F. S. Deily's creamery, E. A. Hilton's woolen mills, John Schwartz & Co.'s chair-works, the vest factory of A. Toone, and a number of cigar factories. The Sellers- ville National Bank was incorporated April 28, 1882. The first movement in this direction was made January 27th previously, when a number of gentlemen favorable to the project held an informal meeting. A preliminary organization was effected February 28, 1882, when Henry C. Moore was elected president, Charles P. AUhouse cashier, Elias Shellenberger teller, Eli Fretz, R. F. Stover, Levi Shellenberger, J. A. Schlichter, R. R. Cressraan, J. G. Moyer, A. R. Cressman, and II. C. Moore directors. At the second annual election Daniel Clewell was chosen an additional director, and upon his death in 1885 his place was filled by Wilson B. Butterwick. With this exception the original \_r ! ^. i^u^M-^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 619 organization remains as then constituted. The capital stock, fifty-five thousand dollars at first, was increased to seventy-five thousand in April, 1883. A brick building for banking purposes was built in 1882. The surplus fund amounts to eleven thousand dollars. Semi-annual dividends of two and one- half per cent, have been uniformly paid. Sellersville Lodge, No. 658, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted April 9, 1869, with the following officers : George E. Hegeman, N. G., Mark Hartzell, V. G., J. Evan Zorns, S., Emanuel Hoese, A. S., John G. Craik, T. Sellersville 'Encampment, No. 252, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted September 7, 1877 ; the first officers were C. D. Fretz, C. P., Joseph Thomas, S.^W., R. W. llengey, J. W., J. Evan Zorns, S., and M. H. Sellers, T. Both organizations are well sustained. Perkasie is the second village in size and importance. Thfe origin of the name is a matter of curious interest. It has generally been regarded as an Indian name, but this view is disputed by certain antiquarians who regard it as the Anglicized form of Bargansee, a German name meaning " the sea be- tween the hills," applied to a settlement of that nationality in this locality at the middle of the last century. There was also a family of Perquises among the early settlers. Perkasie manor, a tract of some thousands of acres, com- prised all of the southeastern portion of Rockhill and portions of liilltown. The name as a post-office designation was first applied to the village now known as Blooming Glen in the latter township. At the time when Perkasie was laid out (1870) it consisted of a store, smithy, several houses, and a railroad station known as Comlyville, in honor of Franklin A. Comly, president of the North Pennsylvania railroad company for many years. The town has im- proved rapidly since 1870. Local manufactures and business interests have come into existence, and a weekly newspaper, the " News," is well sustained. The town was incorporated in 1876, and the population at the next census was three hundred. Perkasie Council, 0. U. A. M., was instituted October 23, 1884, with twenty-three charter members, of whom the following constituted its organiza- tion : Henry C. Moyer, C, Samuel R. Kramer, V. C, Levi TI. Leatherman, R. S., A. K. Reiner, F. S., Philip S. Grossman, T., F. W. Benner, A. R. S. Telford comprised but one house in 1857, that of Isaac G. Gerhart, who opened the first store in the following year. It received its early impetus in the construction of extensive steam flouring-mills by Thomas B. Woodward. The town is regularly laid out, and although partly in Montgomery, may pro- perly be considered a Bucks county town. It was incorporated in 1882. Bridgetown is a place of about two hundred inhabitants, a mile south of Perkasie. It is so situated as to be inaccessible by any public road except by crossing a bridge ; hence the name. There are the usual stores and local industries at this point. Schlichter's, Argus, and several other post-office 620 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. names adorn the map of Rockhill, but are misleading so far as the existence of a village is concerned. As in area, population, and boroughs, so in the number of its churches, this township ranks first among the political divisions of the county. The oldest religious body is Gehman's Mennonite church. The earliest recorded datum concerning it is a deed executed June 2, 1773, by Samuel Bechtel and wife to George Derstine and Abraham Gehman, trustees, for one-fourth of an acre of ground. The first meeting-house, built in 1773, was used for sixty-five years. It was built of logs, plank, and light weather boarding, but was quite substantial.' Jacob Derstine, Samuel Horning, and John Jloyer were the building committee in charge of the present stone edifice in 1838. Its dimensions are forty and fifty-two and one-half feet ; the roof is slate, and seating capacity three hun- dred. The congregation also owns a house in which the sexton lives; it was built in 1883 from the proceeds of a legacy of the Reverend Samuel Landis. The above-named Samuel Bechtel was one of the first ministers. He was ordained prior to 1773, probably at the Franconia church, which was popularly known as Bechtel's, and his name is mentioned in connection with the Funk controversy of 1777. Samuel Gehman, his grandson and the grandfather of Reverend Abel Horning, was ordained in 1798 to a ministry which continued uninterruptedly until 1845. He was assisted by George Derstine, who was a minister about twenty -five years and died in 1837. Jacob Detweiler was ordained in 1840, and served about thirty-nine years, dying July 18, 1879, at an advanced age. Abraham Fretz was ordained in 1843, John Allebach in 1846 ; the former died in 1875, the latter, although past fourscore years, still attends meetings regularly. Abel Horning was ordained in 1862, and Samuel Detweiler in 1876. They are the present pastors. The following have been deacons in regular succession : Michael Derstine, John Detweiler, John Alle- bach, Samuel Souder, John F. Detweiler, and Joseph B. Allebach. On the twelfch day of December, 1792, " a certain piece or tract of land situate in Rockhill township" was conveyed by deed to certain persons by one Henry Guittleman, " for and in consideration of the sum of five pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, in gold and silver coin . ... in trust . to and for the use of the congregations of the Lutheran and Re- formed Calvinist societies, and their successors. ... to erect and build a church on the said premises, with a graveyard for the use of the said con- gregations and their ministers and elders .... and to and for no other use or purpose whatsoever." This certain piece of ground lying on the Allen- town road, north of Tylersport, one and one-half miles, ami west of Sellersville about four miles, is the plat upon which Ridge Valley Church stands. A por- tion of the ground was originally set apart for a graveyard, and on the other portion a school-house was built, at the close of the eighteenth, or the begin- ning of the present century. At a later period, possibly between the years HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 621 1830 and 1840, an addition was built to the same in such manner that both apartments could be thrown into one on funeral occasions, and also for public worship, occasionally conducted here. In this school-house the children of the community received schooling, during the winter months, until 1854, when it was taken down, and the present church edifice built upon its site, since which time Lutheran and Reformed congregations have regularly worshipped here. The following have been Lutheran pastors : Frederick Waagi, 1854-67 ; 0. F. Waagi, 1868-73 ; S. A. Ziegenfuss, 1874-76 ; James L. Becker, 1877. Reve- rend S. K. Gross has been the Reformed pastor since 1857. Jerusalem Church is situated on the Ridge road, at the village of Schlich- ters, about a mile northwest of Sellersville. A number of old tombstones testify to the fact that interments were made here as early as the middle of the last century, at which time the ground adjoining was owned by George Get- man, by whom, presumably, the graveyard was donated to the community. As there was neither church building nor school-house in the immediate vicinity, funeral services were conducted in winter at the house of mourning, and in summer upon the burial-ground, under the shade of trees which yet survive the storms of a hundred years. Among those who officiated upon these occasions were Reverends Roeller and Senn, of the Lutheran and Reformed churches respectively. A school-house was built in the year 1800 ; and in this the Reverend John Andrew Strassburger preached. In the year 1824 or 1825, Reverend Frederick Waagi, a young Lutheran minister, alternated with him in the place of Mr. Roeller, who had now become quite old. The Mennonites also met here for worship quite frequently, and the different clergymen organ- ized congregations. There was at that time in this community no more influ- ential citizen than Henry Beotel. He voluntarily began to agitate the building of a church, and urged the people generally to contribute liberally ; upon which a meeting was held to consider the matter, and after due deliberation a favorable decision was formed. John Nase, Abraham Trumbore, and John Kinsey were constituted a building committee, representing the Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite churches, respectively. Ground for a church site was donated by Enos Schlichter, Sr. Peter Ott and John Zellner were engaged as master masons ; John Nase and Conrad Wetzell as master carpen- ters. The corner-stone was laid on Ascension day, 1826, and the dedication occurred, in all probability, on Christmas following. The services on tlie latter occasion were conducted by Reverends Strassburger, Waagi, and Kemmerer. A music band from Bethlehem was present, and participated in the exercises. The expense incurred in building and finishing this structure was eighteen hundred dollars. It was built of stone, thirty-six by forty-four feet, with gal- leries on three sides of the audience-chamber. The earliest Lutheran organi- zation consisted of Henry Beotel and John Nase, elders : John Zellner and John Getman, deacons. The first Lutheran pastor. Reverend William B. Kemmerer, 622 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. continued in this capacity until his death in I860,, a period of thirty-three years. Reverend F. Berkemeyer then became his successor ; but since his resignation in 1884, neighboring pastors have supplied the pulpit. Abraham Trumbore and Jacob Driesbach, elders, and Enos Schlichter and John Gerhart, deacons, constituted the first Reformed consistory. Reverend J. A. Strass- burger was the first Reformed pastor ; but after preaching here, in connection with three other places, for twenty-seven years, he resigned. Reverend J. H. Derrwas then pastor three years, when he removed to Lehigh county. There- upon, in 1857, Reverend S. K. Gross, the present incumbent, became pastor. The first church edifice was in use fifty-five years, from 1826 to 1881. The board of control by which the present edifice was erected consisted of Jacob Schlichter, Reformed, and Jonas Nase, Lutheran. Work was begun in May, 1881, and concluded in January, 1882. The corner-stone was laid at Whitsuntide, June 5, 1881 ; the completed structure was consecrated October 23, 1882. It is built of stone, thirty-six by fifty-four feet, with an extension in the rear for Sunday-school purposes, and a well-proportioned tower in front. St. Michael's Lutheran Church, of Sellersville, was organized in May , 1870, by Reverend F. Walz, who, with Reverend F. Berkemeyer, had previously preached in the village school-house. Reverend S. A. Ziegenfuss was pastor from April, 1873, to October, 1876. The present pastor, Reverend James L. Becker, took charge in 1877. The congregation is in union with the Evangeli- cal Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, use the German and English languages in its service, and has grown from about twenty members at its organization (almost all from Little Zion Church, Indianfield, Montgomery county) to the number of two hundred and thirty-seven, the present numerical strength. St. Michael's Reformed congregation of Sellersville was organized May 21, 1870, by the venerated Reverend Peter S. Fisher, who officiated until his death, which occurred May 22, 1878. From that time it was regularly supplied by ministers from Tohickon classis, until June 8, 1874, when Reve- rend James G. Dengler, the present pastor, was called. The Union church edifice is a handsome stone structure, situated on an eminence which gives it a prominent appearance for miles around. It is jointly owned by a corporate body known as " The Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed St. Michael's Church and Cemetery Corporation." It is of stone, forty-two by seventy feet, with pulpit recess, central tower projecting, basement, and main audience-room with end gallery, built in 1870, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. In size, appointments, and appearance it ranks with the finest buildings of a similar character in the county. St. Agnes', Sellersville (Roman Catholic), that for years had been attended from St. John's at Haycock, a distance of fourteen miles, was made a parish December 1, 1872, and received as its first pastor Reverend Hugh McLaughlin. St. Stephen's Reformed church at Perkasie is the only one in that boroui^h. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 623 It was built during the year 1885, incorporated as an exclusively Reformed church, and dedicated November 14, 1886. The style is pure Gothic. The congregation was organized August 29, 1886, by Reverend J. G. Dengler. At the same time that the people of Sellersville were agitating the building of a church, a similar movement was in progress at Bridgetown. Actuated no doubt by a friendly rivalry, the people at the latter place succeeded in being first ready to dedicate — in 1869. The result of their efforts is a stone build- ing, substantial, plain, and comfortable. Reverend P. S. Fisher organized the Reformed congregation, and F. Berkemeyer the Lutheran, and by these denominations the church property is jointly owned. The Bridgetown Evangelical church was originally known as Walter's class, one of the three organized by Albright himself, and therefore important in the history of the denomination of which he was the founder. It had a checkered career, became nearly extinct several times, worshipped in private houses and at an abandoned Methodist church on the Ridge road, and at length, in 1866, secured a permanent place of worship at Bridgetown. The following list of ministers has been compiled from reliable sources; 1844, Frederick Kracker ; 1845, Christian Myers ; 1846, J. L. Farnsworth; 1848, D. Wiend ; 1852, M. Sindlinger; 1853,' J. L. Gross; 1855, John Hachl ; 1857, J. Frey ; 1859, F. Lehr; 1861, F. Schott ; 1864, S. Breyfogel ; 1865, G. B. Fisher; 1866, W. H. Weidner ; 1867, J. S. Shimer ; 1870, H. Kempfer ; 1871, H. Kindt ; 1873, James Oplinger ; 1874, W. A. Shoemaker ; 1877, A. Ziegenfuss ; 1880, G. D. Sweigert; 1883, J. S. Newhart; 1886, T. A. Hess. CHAPTER XXI. TINICUM— NOCKAMIXON. n^EE triangular area partially included between Haycock and Tohickon J- creeks and the Delaware river comprises the only townships of the county of which the names are of Indian origin. The creeks mentioned separate them from Haycock, Bedminster, and Plumstead. Tinicum creek and its numerous branches drain the larger part of both townships, the course of the main stream being nearly parallel with that of the Tohickon until, at a distance of about five miles from its mouth, the direction changes to the east at a sharp angle and the river is reached at a point midway between the Nockamixon and Plumstead lines. It receives the waters of Nockamixon creek within the boundaries of 624 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. that township, and of numerous smaller tributaries at intervals in its progress. Gallow's run, mentioned in early records as Galloway's run, is a small stream which reaches the Delaware near th6 Durham line. The little Tinicum and Mill creeks drain the interior of Tinicum. All these streams unite with the Delaware through deep and narrow valleys. A ridge of hills parallel with its course begins above the mouth of the Tohickon, and assumes greater regularity of contour and elevation within several miles of Kintnersville, where the cliffs are known as the Narrows. These rock walls rise abruptly to the height of several hundred feet almost from the water's edge, confining the river to a narrow channel with scarcely sufficient space at their base for the canal and roadway. Few localities in Bucks county present greater attractions to the naturalist or tourist. Tinicum was originally settled by the same nationality as Deep Run in Bedminster — the Scotch-Irish — a people who have virtually disappeared, leav- ing few memorials of their history. The families of Hughes, Lear, Haverford, Ross, Williamson, Campbell, Stewart, Shaw, and McFarland were represented in 173S. Herman Rosencrout, Bernard Schneider, Samuel McConoghy, Wil- liam Richards, Henry Newton, Jacob Fox, Robert Stovart, John Wallace, and Martin Freyley were residents in 1762 upon a tract of nearly five thousand acres owned by Richard Stevens. The first grist-mill in the township was built by Henry Killian about 1740 upon Tinicum creek, over which two dams were constructed. The race was one hundred and seventy-five yards long, with a fall of twenty feet at the overshot wheel. There was one run of stones. A number of Indian implements and weapons have been found in the vicinity ; among others a broken war-club, two and one-half inches thick and three feet long, of a coarse flint texture. The first saw-mill was built by the Pattersons on Mill creek some distance from the grist-mill of Henry F. Betz, which they also built. Among the early settlers there was no character more interesting than Edward Marshall, the celebrated walker of 1737. Having failed to re- ceive the promised reward for his remarkable pedestrian feat, he continued his life as a hunter, and in 1754 removed to a settlement at Benjamin Stroud's mill, eighteen miles above Easton. Several years afterward a party of Indians attacked his cabin during his absence, killing his wife and wounding a daughter. His son sufiered a similar fate from a savage ambush. For the greater protec- tion of his life and property he removed to an island in the Delaware which yet bears his name. The Indians seem to have cherished an insatiate revenge against him on account of his connection with the " walk" of 1737. Forty years after that event, during the revolution, it is said that a party of Ohio braves journeyed the long distance from their hunting-grounds with the avowed object of taking his life, and that he escaped them only by being absent at the time. The inveterate hatred thus manifested was fully reciprocated ; and after the tragic death of his wife and son Marshall neglected no opportunity for HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 625 retaliation. He died at his liome on the island at the advanced age of ninety years. It may be further mentioned, in connection with tlie events in which he figured with such prominence, that at Red Hill (Ottsville), in this township, Jennings became exhausted after a walk of nineteen miles in two hours and a half, leaving Marshall and Yeates to proceed alone. The erection of Tinicum as a township occurred in 1747, although an in- effectual effort in this direction was made nine years earlier, and a constable appointed in 1741. The following is extracted from the minutes of March session, 1747 : " A petition from divers inhabitants settled on lands adjoining to Plumstead that to remove sundry inconveniences they at present labor under the court would erect the following land into a township and that it may be called Tinicum township, viz.. Beginning at the lower corner of the township of Nockamixon on the river Delaware, thence by same township southwest two thousand one hundred and forty perches to Tohickon creek, thence down the said creek by the townships of Bedminster and Plumstead to Delaware afore- said, and thence up the said river Delaware to the beginning," was read and a commission appointed to consider the subject. It was favorably reported and the organization of the territory in question forthwith ordered. At September session, 1761, a petition for the division of the township was presented. The reasons urged were its " extensiveness," and the distance necessary to travel to work on the highways. The court set aside the petition without comment, and the boundaries as originally established continue in force. The area approximates eighteen thousand acres, and the population, by the census of 1880, was two thousand three hundred and forty-six. Villages occur with the frequency characteristic of thickly settled farming communities. Point Pleasant, the town of greatest size, is situated on both sides of Tohickon creek at its mouth. John Van Fossen was the first land owner on the peninsula between the creek and river. He built the first tavern at the point, established the fishery, and was otherwise prominent in local affairs. The river is here spanned by a bridge, which thus secures to the inhabitants in a measure the railroad facilities afforded by the Belvidere Dela- ware railroad. The site presents few claims as an eligible location for a town. Steep hills ascend on every side, and the narrow strip of level land at their base is crossed by the creek, the canal, and several public roads. The scenery is beautiful. The village comprises a population of several hundred, several stores, a school-house, and church. Erwinna is situated about the center of the township. The name is derived from that of a family once quite influen- tial. Arthur Erwin is referred to in 1807 as the richest man in the county. Wormansville, about midway between Erwinna and Point Pleasant, is a post- village in expectation, and should become such in reality, as it is located in the midst of a thickly settled region. The Wormans have been a prominent family in the vicinity for many years. Uhlertown is on the Delaware opposite French- 626 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUXTY. town, New Jersey, with which it is connected by a bridge. Ottsville became a post-village in 1814, when Michael Ott was appointed postmaster. It is a hamlet of uncertain limits, and derived some importance in past years from its location upon the Durham road. That highway was opened through this sec- tion in 1715. Several miles south of Ottsville at the crossing of the Tohickon the first bridge over that stream was built. It was then known as John Orr's ford, from the inn of which he was proprietor on the Bedminster side. When a petition for the bridge was presented to the court in 1763, the following re- port was made thereon : " The grand jury is of opinion that a bridge is neces- sary where it is prayed for, but that the petitioners for such bridge ought first to receive by subscription as large a sum as convenient they can agreeable to the practice heretofore followed by this county." At the next session (June), Tinicum, Bedminster, and Plumstead reported having appointed managers for their bridge and secured subscriptions to the amount of eighty-four pounds. The court was asked to confirm the managers. September 11, 1764, William Yardley, Joseph Watson, and Henry Jamison were appointed to inspect the bridge and the accounts of the managers. In December following, they re- ported that the entire cost was two hundred and eighty-five pounds, sixteen shillings, ten and one-half pence ; the amount of subscriptions, one hundred and one pounds, thirteen shillings, six pence ; leaving one hundred and eighty- four pounds, three shillings, four and one-half pence to be provided by the county commissioners. It is not necessary to state that the present substantial stone structure at this place was built by a different method of procedure. The village of Smithville might also have been mentioned in this connec- tion fifty and more years ago. At a secluded spot along the Delaware two and one-half miles above Point Pleasant there was located an industrial estab- lishment of more than ordinary importance and interest to the farming com- munity. Here, in 1783, Joseph and Robert Smith began the manufacture of agricultural implements. In 1797 they made the first cast-iron mould-boards in the state. Patents on their inventions were secured. Prominent men became interested in the success of their projects. President Jefferson wrote to them requesting the best plow they could make, for his Virginia farm ; when Joseph Smith read the letter, he replied in simple Quaker phrase that they were " all best." The Smiths were the first to introduce the use of anthracite coal for heating purposes into Bucks county. They were also active in farming clover and plaster for farming purposes. Joseph Smith died suddenly in Solebury, September 28, 1826, at the age of seventy-three. Few men have served their day and generation better than he. A degree of historic interest attaches to Red Hill in connection with the early Scotch population of Tinicum. It was here that their religions actively centered. Though now extinct, the Presbyterian church at this place was once a flourishing organization. It was founded in 1766. The property, by deed f • v/x {/hoaJtcz^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 629 of November 16, 1762, was noted in a session composed of William Wear, Robert Patterson, John Howey, and James Patterson. Its recorded history begins with 1785, when (August 8th) Reverend Nathaniel Irwin presided at a meeting of sessions of which Thomas Stewart was clerk. The Longs, Kel- leys, Wilsons, Barclays, and Flemings were among those who formed the con- gregation at this time. At a meeting of Presbytery in 1786 Red Hill was united with Deep Run and placed under the pastoral care of Reverend James Grier. The church was incorporated in 1787. Reverends Hannah, Peppard, and Irwin preached occasionally during the next five years. Reverend Nathaniel Snowden was called in 1792 and Uriah DuBois in 1798. In the latter year there was an unusual spirit of improvement manifested. A well was dug, twenty-five apple-trees planted in the church-yard, and an addition to the same purchased. Mr. Boyd, from Newtown, was stated supply from 1820 to 1826. The Presbyterians having become very weak numerically their trustees deeded an undivided half interest in the property to the Lutheran and Re- formed in 1843. The old church building, " Founded,»1766," was rebuilt and dedicated on Whitsunday, 1844. The pastors here have generally been the same as at Christ's. Neither of the congregations is in a very prosperous con^ dition. This arises from no failure of the pastors in their duties, but from certain conditions which may be briefly explained. Some of those families once prominently identified with the religious activity of the community are no longer represented ; in order to engage in other pursuits there is a constant migration of young men from farming regions to the towns and business cen- ters ; a still stronger reason is found in the tenacity with which families living in the neighborhood of the church and frequently attending its services retain their membership at other points. It remains to be seen whether in future years these congregations may not share the fate of their Presbyterian prede- cessor. Ruth's church. Upper Tinicum, originated in the evangelistic labors of Reve- rend Mr. Wilcox, Lutheran pastor at Riegelsville, who held occasional services in the school-houses of the vicinity. As a result there was a general desire for a house of worship in the neighborhood. Ground was at once offered by two persons, George Ruth and Jacob Frankenfield. The location of the former was regarded as more accessible and therefore accepted. The corner-stone of the new church was laid on Whitsunday, 1851, and the dedication occurred in the autumn of that year. The Lutheran church was organized by the pastor from Riegelsville, and has been served in connection with that church, the pres- ent pastor being Reverend D. T. Koser.. The following Reformed clergymen have officiated here : H. Daniel, 1852-55 ; William Philips, 1856-61 ; G. W. Aughinbaugh, 1862-63, 1864-73 ; D. Rothrock, 1873-74 ; William H. Bates, 1874-76 ; G. W. Roth, 1876-84. The Point Pleasant Baptist church originated in the labors of Reverend 33 630 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Joseph Matthias, who missioned extensively in this section years ago, preach- ing in groves, houses, barns, and school-houses. The church was organized in 1849. A building erected there three years later was dedicated Saturday, September 17, 1853. Reverend John C. Hyde was the first pastor, and his successors, among others, were W. B. Strope, E. S. Widener, J. H. Appleton, George Young, and W. P. Ilile, the present incumbent. Christ church is the oldest now in existence in Tinicum. The first church building, a rude log structure, was built at some time during the ministry of Reverend Jacob Senn at Tohickon, and, in the simplicity which characterized everything at the time, was regarded as amply sufficient in all its appointments. But as the neighborhood became more thickly settled, the Reformed and Lutheran congregations, though weak in numbers, decided to unite in the erection of a house of worship better adapted to that purpose ; and in 1808 the Union church of Tinicum was built upon a site nearly identical with that of the present building. The Reformed congregation extended a call to Reverend Samuel Stahr in 1811, in which year he had been ordained. He accepted and became pastor of a charge embracing Durham, Springfield, Nockamixon, and Tinicum. The church record was begun by him as follows : " Kirchen Buck. Der Hoch-Deutsch Evangelisch Reformirten Geniende in Tinicum, Bucks county, in Staat Pennsylvanien, den 13th Tag November, 1813." Services were held once a month. The entire German element of the population attended without regard to the denomination of the preacher. The names of John N. Solliday, the Wormans, Kilners, and Wagners are conspicuous in the business transactions of this period. This was before the present system of fixed salaries, and the dominie was content with " was fallt," what the people chose to give, which was not always a liberal allowance. As shown by the receipts for seven consecutive years, the average annual salary was sixty dollars eighty- seven and one-half cents. Mr. Stahr continued in tliis, his first charge, until his death, September 27, 1813. Reverend W. T. Gerhart became his successor in the spring of the following year. At his first communion. May, 1844, the names of forty-five persons appear upon the records. The first class confirmed numbered twenty-two. Mr. Gerhart labored under many disadvantages through- out his ministry of fourteen years. A strong element favored the introduction of English into the public worship, while others adhered tenaciously to the German. His successor. Reverend D. Rothrock, preached his introductory sermon May 3, 1859. The principal event of his ministry was the buildinn- of a new church. The building of 1808 was somewhat antiquated, contracted, and uncomfortable. The prospect was discussed at a number of congregational meetings ; in the spring of 1862 the completed structure was dedicated. It is built of brick, fifty by seventy feet, with basement and audience-room, and a spire that forms a prominent object in the surrounding country. Cost, eleven thousand dollars. Building committee : Lutheran — JMahlon C. Lear, William HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 631 Reep, Jacob Hofford, John N. SoUiday, Abram FrankenfielJ, and John Clemens ; Reformed — Abram Wolfinger, Samuel George, Tobias Worman, Isaac Summers, and Samuel Lerch. Mr. Rothrock introduced English preach- ing on alternate Sundays, and although this action was severely criticised, it resulted favorably to the interests of the church. Upon the redistribution of charges by Tohickon classis at its first session, November 19, 1873, this church became vacant, having been detached from the charge of which it formerly was a part. November 19, 1874, Reverend William H. Bates was ordained and installed ; and Reverend G. W. Roth, October 26, 1876. Since the resigna- tion of the latter, July 1, 1884, the pastorate has again been vacant. Reverend W. S. Emery was the Lutheran pastor for many years. St. Rosa's chapel, Piusfield, is a mission of St. John's, Haycock. Mass had frequently been said at private houses, but as the number of Catholic families increased, it became necessary to provide better facilities for worship. Ground was selected at a most beautiful spot, which, having no proper name, was called in honor of the Holy Father, Pope Pius IX., " Piusfield." By special delega- tion the corner-stone of the new church was laid on Rosary Sunday afternoon, October 5, 1873. It was dedicated on Sunday, December 28, 1873, to the honor of St. Rosa, of Lima ; and mass was celebrated in it for the first time on that day. NOCKAMIXON was settled by the same class of people as Tinicum. The names of Thatcher, Weaver, Richards, Dickson, Wilson, Ramsey, and Blair indicate English or Scotch nationality, and they were familiar names among the early settlers. The German element appeared before the revolution, with what result in establishing itself need scarcely be stated. Among the early families of the latter class were those of Frankenfield, Buck, Kintner, Stover, Trauger, Keyser, and Cruchler. Some of these are no longer represented, thus indicating that even a German community may experience changes. The English were most active in moving for township organization. This was a long time under consideration. It was petitioned for in 1742, and in the following year a survey was made, which is thus described: "Beginning at a black oak on ye bank of Delaware by a corner of Durham tract ; thence by said tract and land of Thomas Blair, south seventy degrees, west one thousand and forty perches ; thence by land of William AVare, southeast two hundred and forty perches ; thence southwest five hundred and forty perches to Hay- cock run ; thence down said run td Tohickon creek ; thence down the said creek to a tract of land laid out to James Sterling ; thence by that and the London Company's land northeast two thousand, one hundred and forty perches to the river Delaware ; thence up the same to place of beginning." At March term, 1744, a report embodying this was presented to court, but for some reason it was not confirmed until 1746. It is a large township, the area being about seventeen thousand acres. The population in 1880 was one thousand five 632 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. hundred and fifty-four. For convenience in voting it is divided into two elec- tion districts, of which the one of most recent origin is known as Bridgeton district. The village of that name is the largest in the township. It is situated on the Delaware, opposite Milford, with which communication is established by a bridge. The post-office is known as Upper Black's Eddy. Some distance farther north, a hamlet in the rear of the river hills bears the appropriate name of Narrowsville. Kintnersville, so named from Major Jacob Kintner, sheriff of the county in 1825, is situated north of Gallows run. Several miles farther inland and within the valley of that stream is Rum corner, the seat of Nocka- mixon post-office. Bucksville, founded by Nicholas Buck, is located on the Durham road, and was a stopping-place for stages half a century ago. There is little in its present appearance to suggest the activity and importance once derived from this source. The almost exclusively German population of this section is shown by the fact that until recent years the only church organizations within the township limits were connected with the two great denominations with which that people usually affiliate. St. Luke's church, Lutheran and Reformed, dated its origin from the period of the revolution. Some time prior to 1773, a log church building was erected upon a half acre of ground obtained from a Mr. Shoup. As was then customary, a school-house was also built upon the same lot. This church stood near the road or immediately adjoining it, below the brick church, removed several years ago, and the school-house occupied the site of the present church. This was owned exclusively by the Reformed con- gregation. About 1797, a half acre was purchased from Lawrence Pearson, for burial purposes, and still later half as much more from his heirs. About the year 1804, a narrow strip of land adjoining the original purchase from Mr. Shoup was secured from Adam Sheetz ; about this time also the Lutherans, who had previously worshipped in a log building on a hill near Center Hill school-house, obtained permission to worship in the Reformed church, and from this time sepa- rate denominational ownership was obliterated. It was resolved to build a new church in 1814, for which purpose the following persons were constituted a building committee : Nicholas Kruger, George Adams, Henry Leidig, Abraham Fullmer, Philip Leidig, and Henry Miller. The corner-stone was laid on Easter Monday, April 19, 1813. This church was forty by fifty feet in dimensions, with galleries on three sides, the pulpit at the east end, toward the cemetery, and quite elevated until 1852, when it was lowered, thus bringing the minister into the same atmosphere as his congregation. The carpenter work was superintended by John George Hager. Upon the whole, this was one of the best church edifices in the northern part of the county at the time it was built. The same may be said of its successor, the third and present church, the corner-stone of which was laid July 3, 1875. The dimensions of this building are seventy-eight HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 633 Feet, with gallery, basement, tower, bell, and seating capacity of about six aundred ; it was dedicated May 20, 1877. The debt of seven thousand dollars ;hen remaining has since been liquidated. The following Reformed pastors lave officiated here : Reverend Caspar Wack, 1782 ; Frederick William Von Der Sloot, 1787 ; John Mann, 1792 ; Hoffmeyer, 1796 ; Jacob WiUiam De- ;hant, 1808; Samuel Stahr, 1811 ; W. T. Gerhart, 1844 ; D. Rothrock, May, 1859. The Lutheran church was organized about 1752. Reverend J. Michael Enderline (1766) is the first pastor of whom there is any record. He was succeeded by the following: Jacob T. Miller, 1773 ; Sanna ; Peter Ahl, L789 ; Augustus Herman Schmidt, 1798 ; Kramer, 1801-1803 ; John Nicholas yiensch, 1803-28 ; Henry S. Miller, 1823-38 ; C. F. Welden, 1838-42 ; C. P. Miller, 1842-65 ; W. S. Emery, 1865-79 ; 0. H. Melchor, 1880. In Feb- •uary, 1880, the ecclesiastical connection of this congregation was changed from he general council to the general synod. St. Joseph's, Marienstein, is a mission of St. John's Roman Catholic parish, Haycock. Ground for the chapel was broken August 10, 1882, the corner- tone was laid the following day (Sunday), and the dedication occurred Decem- )er 8th of the same year. The solemn blessing was administered September !1, 1873, by Right Reverend Augustus Trebbe, Bishop of Covington, Kentucky, ifter which Father Rosenbauer, C. S. S. R., of Philadelphia, celebrated high oass. Confirmation was then given for the first time in the chapel by Bishop ?rebbe. CHAPTER XXII. SPRINGFIELD — HAYCOCK. rHE northern central portion of Bucks county is characterized by a great diversity of natural features. It is a region of rapid alternations of hill nd valley, of numerous streams, of curious and interesting geological forma- ons, of wooded slopes, and fertile meadows. Here the foot hills of the Blue lountains, deeply seamed by centuries of attrition, form rapid water-courses, ad, still retaining something of that aspect of wildness and desolation asso- ated with an uninhabited region, mark the gradual transition from the ma- sstic heights of the parent range to the lower level of that part of the great .tlantic plain west of the Delaware. The general direction of these hills is best idicated by reference to the boundary line between Bucks and Northampton )unties, with Avhich it coincides for some distance westward from the Delaware, he point of greatest elevation, known as Flint hill, is situated in the northern 634 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. part of Springfield townsliip, overlooking the valleys of Durham and Saucon creeks. It commands a widely extended prospect. Easton and the mountains beyond are visible to the north, the valley of the Schuylkill to the west, and all the northern portion of Bucks county to the south. Immediately north of Burson- ville and adjoining the Durham line is Buckwampum, one of the highest hills in the county. Its summit and northern exposure are still covered with forests, while deeply furrowed glens mark the less abrupt descent upon the opposite side. Here a number of small streams take their rise. The name is of Indian origin, and signifies " a hill with a swamp on top." Many local superstitions are associated with this hill. The most conspicuous landmark, however, is Haycock mountain. The ascent is gradual and the contour regular. Its ap- pearance is strikingly that of an immense sugar-loaf or haycock, and hence the name. Isolated elevations of its height arc rare. In Luzerne county, this state, there is a mountain of similar size and appearance known as the Sugar- loaf; and with equal propriety the nearest approach to a mountain peak that dignifies the surface of Bucks is known as the Haycock. This name is also applied to a small stream that rises in its northern slope. It is absorbed by Tohickon creek after an uneventful career of about five miles. The latter stream also receives several tributaries from the western and southern slopes of the mountain. The principal stream to the north is Durham creek, which drains a large section of country. It was by the valley of this creek, in all probability, that the first settlers reached Springfield. The early influx must have been quite rapid, for in 1743, nine years before the erection of Northampton county, upwards of forty residents petitioned for township organization, among whom were the following: James Green, Stephen Twining, William Crooks, Brien Ceruil- lin, Hugh Oelton, Joseph Blair, Richard Jonston, Jacob Wason, Samuel Hill- born, Jacob Ohl, John Lester, Conrad Duru, Christian Fry, Peter Lester, John McCoy, Thomas Foltz, Francis Adamson, Joseph Bond, Joseph Unthank, Con- rad Clares, James Williams, Peter Ashton, Peter Leatherman, Michael Didart, Christian Shook, jMichael Dort, Peter Oldenrose, Simon Carey, John Greazly, George Hazly, Daniel Stout, Stephen Acreman, Henry Hormel, Philip Rous, Jacob Maure, and Michael Gould. It is seen from the orthography of these names that many were English ; and while there may have been others not of this nationality who were not interested in the movement for the township, the fact remains that the early population of this, as of other localities where the Ger- man element predominates, was originally English. In this instance there were two currents of immigration. There were some English Friends who came over from Richland, but the majority ascended the Delaware to Durham and followed Durham creek to its sources. Germans entered the township from the north and west. But little is known individually concerning these early settlers. The usual method o. purchasing land was to locate a tract, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 635 secure a warrant for its survey, and then procure a patent. Richland manor, or lottery lands adjoining it, was in this township. * In the petition above mentioned the territory in question is described as the settlement between Eichland, Lower Saucon, and Durham. It was pre- sented at the June term, 1743. Although a remonstrance was presented at the following session (September), the court ordered "that Springfield town- ship begin at the northeast corner of Richland, and run thence north sixty-six degrees east eighty perches so as to intersect a line from the southwest corner of Durham tract, running south twenty-four east and then back the last-mentioned line to Durham corner north twenty-four degrees east, and along Durham line the same course eight hundred and seventy-eight perches, thence a line intended for another township, now called Lower Saucon, south sixty degrees north to the corner of Saucon township, and thence by Saucon line to Richland town- ship, and thence along the head of Richland township to the beginning," com- prising, as enlarged on the north and south, a present area variously estimated at from seventeen to eighteen thousand acres, and a population in 1880 of two thousand five hundred and twenty-five. The towns of this section are of that general provincial type best described as never having been famous for anything or given birth to any one of note, or possessed any local celebrities or staple industries, and of which the population is so stationary that any addition from the great outside world would create quite an effervescence of excitement. Springtown, the most important, and one of the most flourishing in upper Bucks, is a notable exception to the general rule. It is situated in the northeastern part of the township, on the left bank of a branch of Cook's creek, and within a mile of the line of Northampton county. It is supposed that the first house was situated in the northern part of the town near or upon the site of Frederick Warner's. Caspar Wister, of Philadelphia, was the owner of six hundred acres in this vicinity in 1738, five hundred of which he sold to Stephen Twining the same year, and the latter at once built thereon the first mill in the township, which was on the exact site of H. S. Funk's mill. Twining afterward sold this land and improvements to Abraham Funk, and in 1782 a new mill was built. The property has descended from father to son by will since 1738. The third mill was built in 1803 at a cost of more than twenty-five thousand dollars. This burned down shortly afterward, but was immediately rebuilt, and is at present the principal manu- facturing establishment in the place. Among others of lesser note are ex- tensive handle-works, carriage-shops, lime-kilns, and local mechanics' shops. Several streams of water in the immediate vicinity might be advantageously utilized for manufacturing purposes, as the fall is considerable and the volume of water is seldom affected by the summer drought of recent years. Spring- town is a local business center. Two of the largest stores in the upper end of the county are located here. Much of the produce fi-om the surrounding farms 636 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. finds its -way to the markets of Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton. The prin- cipal street, extending east and west, is Main street, and upon this the stores and business houses are located. North of this is Berks street, so called, it is said, from the name of a mason who built several of its first houses. Sei- fert and Collis streets cross these at the eastern and western extremities of the town ; and College street, so named from the educational institution lately opened upon it, extends northward from Main to Berks. Walnut street is parallel with Main and south of it, but has not yet asserted its right to a continuous existence from Seifert to Collis. Center street is in the central part of the town. There are two public school buildings, one in the east and one in the west end of the town. The former scarcely mei-its a complimentary notice, but the latter has but recently been erected and is well adapted to the purposes of a primary school. The academy building was erected in 1885 by a body of reliable men who have organized themselves into a joint-stock company. The first term opened October 19, 1885, with Professor T. C. Strock, an alumnus of Ursinus college, as principal. Its success has given the projectors abundant reason for mutual congratulation ; and the results of such an institution in moulding character and directing public sentiment in the community cannot fail to be salutary. Another indication of progress recently manifested is the " Springtown Times," a weekly newspaper, edited and published by Mr. H. S. Funk, the first number of which appeared October 10, 1885. Two thriving local insurance companies are represented. The Springtown Horse Company was organized and incorporated more than a century ago. In order to extend its workings it has quite recently been merged into the " Globe Mutual Live Stock Insurance Company." The latter was incorporated April 29, 1887, with Joseph Schlieffer president, Henry S. Funk secretary, and George A. Hess treasurer. The Farmers' American Mutual Fire Insurance Company was in- corporated May 5, 1855, and organized in September following with Aaron Laubach president, David W. Hess secretary, and Hugh Kintner treasurer. Both have sustained prosperous and useful careers. David Conrad was ap- pointed first postmaster at Springtown in 1806. Mail facilities have been greatly improved since then ; there are now four daily mails from Quakertown, Bingen, Riegelsville, and Bucksville. The telegraph line has been operated through the town since 1882. With railroad facilities Springtown might be- come a place of considerable importance. The present population is estimated at five hundred. Pleasant Valley is the site of one of the oldest hotels in the northern section of Bucks county. It was kept as an inn when Lafayette passed over the old Bethlehem road in 1777, and here he stopped on his return from hospital service at Bethlehem. The tract upon which the village is located was patented by Michael Dunhart in 1757, and came into possession of Joseph Santz in 1773. The latter established the inn, and conducted it until 1785, when Isaac HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 639 Burson succeeded to the proprietorship. The garden attached was the site of the first Lutheran Reformed church in this part of the county. The inn de- rived its importance from the travel over the Bethlehem road, which was opened from Philadelphia to the Lehigh in 1745. The first stage-wagon passed over this route in 1763, George Klein proprietor, and John Hoppel driver. A post- office was established here in 1828, with Lewis Ott postmaster. Bursonville derives its name from that of the first hotel proprietor, Isaac Burson, an Eng- lish Friend from Abington. It was known as Bursontown in 1804 ; Archibald Davidson was postmaster. This was probably the earliest post-office in the northern part of the county. Stony Point, an inn in the vicinity, has been known by that name since 1833, when Jacob E. Buck placed it upon his sign- board. It was known as the "Three Tuns" as early as 1758. Zion Hill is a hamlet in the extreme western part of the township, partly in Milford. The North Pennsylvania railroad passes within a mile of the village. The Union church idea is fully exemplified in the ownership of churches in this region. Of the early history of Trinity church. Reformed and Lutheran, Springfield, but little is known. Prior to the year 1745 both the congregations, if the history of Lutherans goes back to that date, worshipped in a log building, which was used for church as well as school purposes. The first church building was erected in 1763 upon ground given by Christian Schuck for this purpose. This was followed by a second in 1816, and a third in 1872, the corner-stone of which was laid May 20th of that year. It is a handsome structure, with steeple and organ. Reverend J. C. Wirtz is mentioned as the Reformed pastor in 1747, John Egiduis Hecker in 1756, J. Daniel Gross, D.D., in 1772, John Henry Hoffmeyer, 1794-1806, Samuel Stahr, 1811-43, Henry Hess, and J. H. Hart- zell, the present incumbent. There is no record of any Lutheran pastor prior to 1763, when the name of Reverend John Michael Enderline appears. He was followed by Reverend Augustus Herman Schmidt, Sanna, Peter Abel, 1789-97 ; John Conrad Yeager, 1797-1801 ; beginning with the latter years, the pastoral record coincides with those of Nockamixon — Reverends John Nicho- las JMensch, Henry S. Miller, C. F. Welden, C. P. Miller, W. S. Emery, and 0. H. Melchor, the present pastor. Christ Church in Springtown is owned conjointly by the Lutheran, Reformed, Presbyterian, and Mennonite persuasions. The corner-stone was laid May 18, 1872. The Presbyterians never had an organized congregation, nor regu- lar preaching. The Lutheran congregation was organized April 6, 1874, by Reverend W. S. Emery, who continued as pastor five years. April 11, 1879, Reverend 0. H. Melchor was called as pastor; and soon afterward this organization, with others of the charge, passed into the General Synod of the Lutheran church. It has prospered under Mr. Melchor's administration, and now numbers one hundred and fifteen members. Reverend J. M. Hartzell is the present Reformed pastor. Elder Jacob Moyer conducted Mennonite ser- 640 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. vices until 1880. The Evangelical church at this place was built in 1842, and rebuilt in 1868, the pastors at present being Reverends J. F. Heisler and T. L. Wentz. There are several organizations of this character in the town- ship. The Mennonite church, Springtown, was built in 1885, the present pastor being Reverend Abel Strawn. The Springfield IMennonite church was founded about 1750 ; at least, the early Mennonite settlers — Moyers, Funks, Landis' Gehmans, Schlieffers, etc. — were here at that time. George Schimrael emigrated from Germany in 1753. The first church may be supposed to have been built prior to the revolution. The raeeting-house in use at present was built in 1826, and is the second structure upon its site. Among the ministers there have been Peter Moyer, Jacob Gehman, Peter Moyer, Jr., Jacob Moyer, and Abraham Geissinger, the last of whom was ordained in 183G. A divi- sion in the church took place in 1847, resulting from differences of views on questions of discipline and doctrine. John Geissinger was ordained as the New School pastor in 1849, and Samuel Moyer in 1851. The present numerical strength of this branch is about eighty members, with Jacob S. Moyer pastor, and Peter A. Moyer deacon. A Dunkard church has recently been built at Fairmount, at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars. Trinity chtirch at Zion Hill was built in 1840 by Lutheran and Reformed, the pastors of the former denomination having been Reverends William B. Kemmerer, A. R. Home, L. Groh, R. B. Kistler, J. Hillport; of the latter, J. Stahr, S. K. Gross, Bassler, and J. F. Mohr. Two religious bodies once represented are now extinct, viz., the Friends and English Baptists. The former were granted permission to rent for worship at the houses of Joseph Unthank and John Dennis, in Springfield, in 1743, but these meetings were discontinued in 1759. The Baptist church at Zion Ilill is still standing, but there is only one family of that connection in the vicinity, and services have not been held for years. Haycock, in 1743 (or, properly speaking, the unorganized territory be- tween Richland, Rockhill, Bedminster, and Nockamixon, and the proposed town- ship of Springfield), had a population of thirteen families, the names of eleven of which were as follows : Joseph Dennis, Edwin Bryan, John Balzar Hubner, James Sloan, Griffith Davis, Dennis Onan, John Doan, Michael Weinich, Silas McCarty, George Shuman, and Henry Hauk. This was the first generation of actual settlers. The Bethlehem road was opened through this territory in 1738, and it is not probable that their appearance preceded that date by any considerable interval. Two years later (1745) the families of McCarty, Nicholas, Henche, Steinbach, Scheiff, Steuber, and Deech were represented. From that time to the present the population has been almost exclusively German. That language prevails to a great extent, and has not, as in localities reached by railroads, given place to English. Although separated from the county-seat by a long distance, the community HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 641 immediately north of the Tohickon was watchful of its interests, and did not hesitate to appeal to the courts when stronger settlements endeavored to secure measures not liable to promote its advantages. Thus, in 1743, they state to the court that " James Green and Stephen Twinen, with others of their neigh- bors, has purposed for a township" from which they were excluded, that being so few in numbers they were not equal to the labor of repairing their roads ; and therefore prayed that the court would have their settlement comprehended in the proposed new township of Springfield. The following is endorsed upon the back of this petition ; " Ordered that Springfield township begin at a corner of Durham township and run thence south twenty-four degrees east till it comes to Bedminster township line." No mention of this appears in the records of the court ; and in the light of future results the probability of Hay- cock having been thus joined to Springfield is very slight. A supervisor was appointed for the roads in this territory in 1715. At June term, 1751, Joseph Dennis, on behalf of himself and others, petitioned that a large tract of land on which they resided (corresponding to Haycock) might be laid out as a township and called Mansfield. In 1758, at September court, a supervisor was appointed for " the adjacents of Kockhill and Springfield, or the Haycock," because the Bethlehem road between Michael Ditter's and Samuel Dean's was in such a condition as to be unsafe in many places. March 17, 1763, a petition in these words was presented for the consideration of the court : " Whereas the Hay- cock is large and contains as great a number of inhabitants as any township within this county, there now being upwards of seventy persons taxable within the said adjacents, and it (as not being properly a township) is subject to many and great inconveniences which would be needless here to mention, we, the said inhabitants, humbly prayeth that this honorable court may take the same into consideration that we may have the said adjacents properly a township." This was from inhabitants of " the Haycock and places adjacent." They were directed to produce at the next court a draft of the proposed territory. At June term following two drafts were submitted ; one endorsed " a draft of the jacence of Springfield township," containing a number of courses and distances said to begin at a large rock on the Tohickon in the line of Bryant's and Pike's lands ; the other was similarly endorsed, but with correct orthography, as James McLane's survey. The courses in his draft were found to cross each other, while a vacancy was painfully apparent between the places of beginning and ending. The court declined to render judgment ; " but if the said peti- tioners are desirous of having a township laid out, the court recommend to them to employ a surveyor who understands his business and can survey a piece of land and make a plan of it himself, and return it to the next court." Septem- ber 18, 1763, a draft was produced, the description of the boundaries read, approved, ordered to be confirmed by the name of Haycock, and recorded. And thus through much tribulation the township of Jiaycock was finally 642 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. erected. Its area is about twelve thousand acres, a large part of which is not under cultivation. The population in 1880 was one thousand three hundred and thirty-two. With the exception of a few Welsh families in the extreme western part, and a number of Irish about Haycock run, the population, past and pre- sent, has consisted exclusively of Germans. They are a frugal, industrious, and provident people. The extremes of wealth and poverty are less apparent here than in any other portion of the county. Farming is the principal occupa- tion. The farms are not large, ranging in size from forty to seventy-five acres. The utmost attention is given to careful tillage, and although the soil is not of superior fertility, farm products in quantity and quality compare favorably with those of more favored localities. Applebachsville is the metropolis of Haycock, and was for many years the residence of her most distinguished citizen, General Paul Applebach. He built the first new house in 1848, and laid out the land on both sides of the old Bethlehem road with building lots. The village comprises about thirty houses and a population of more than a hundred. The founder was a major-general of the state militia, an active politician, and several times the candidate of his party for important offices. The post-offices of Tohickon and Haycock Run are also located within this township. St. John's parish (Roman Catholic), Haycock, Reverend Gearhart H. Krake, pastor, dates its origin from the latter part of the last century, when the pastors at Goshenhoppen included the seated population of that faith in this section in their pastoral labors. The families of McCarty, Garden, Doren, Sanders (Irish), and others of German nationality were among those of this persuasion. Services were first held at the house of Nicholas McCarty, in Nockamixon, at irregular and infrequent intervals. These annual services were occasions of great interest and importance. Many attended from a dis- tance, and the most hospitable attention was bestowed upon the assembled people. As the congregation increased, mass was celebrated at intervals of three or four months. Fathers Malone, Bready, Herzog, Reardon, George, Hispuley, Reply, Wachter, Newfield, Koppernagel, Loughren, Narstersteck, Stommel, Istwan, Walch, and Krake have successively performed the pastoral functions. Father George was the first resident pastor. He assumed charge in 18.50, in which year the rectory was built. The first parish church was a primitive log structure, built at an early period. Reverends Theodore Schneider officiated here in 1743, J. B. DeRitter in 1787, and Boniface Corvin, under whose administration a stone church was built upon the site of the present one. The latter was completed in 1855, and is a stone structure. The parish school building was erected in 1861 and incorporated as St. Theresa Academy. It was begun under the Blue Sisters of the Immaculate Heart, but the location was found to be inaccessible and it was suspended as an institution of the character at first proposed. It was opened September 1, 1873, by the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 643 Sisters of St. Francis, St. Stephane, St. Clotildis, and St. Gregoria, and has since been continued as a parish school. Reverend Henry Stommel was pastor from October 6, 1871, to November, 19, 1875 ; Father Krake took charge July 30, 1876. The parish comprises the missions of St. Lawrence, Durham, St. Joseph's, Marienstein, and St. Rosa, Piusfield, and numbers about one thousand souls. It was for many years the only Roman Catholic organization in the county. St. Paul's Lutheran church, Applebachsville, was organized in 1855. The following clergymen have successively held pastoral relations with this church : Reverends C. P. Miller, A. R. Home, L. Groh, R. B. Kistler, George M. Lazarus, and J. F. Ohl, the present incumbent. The congregation has never been large, owing to the nearness on every side of older and more influential oi-ganizations. The present membership is one hundred and twenty-five, and services are held alternately in the English and German languages. The church edifice, erected in 1855, is owned jointly by Lutheran and Reformed con- gregations. It was remodelled in 1881-82, and is now an attractive place of worship. CHAPTER XXIII. DURHAM TOAVNSHIP. IN the extreme northeastern part of Bucks county, a nearly rectangular area about ten square miles in extent is inclosed between Northampton county and the Delaware river on the north and east, and Nockamixon and Springfield on the south and west, differing widely from the surrounding country in the nature of its resources, the circumstances of its settlement, and the character- istics of its population. It is a region of great natural beauty. Durham creek flows through the valley of this name, which is about two miles in breadth, bounded on either side by high hills, the ascent of which is sufficiently gradual to permit cultivation almost to their summits. From the highest point of one of these elevations the observer beholds a scene spread out before him which rivals the most famous landscapes in this country. The protecting convolutions of South mountain form the northeastern horizon; while spurs of every variety of contour, elevation, and direction radiate from the primary range. Tlie Delaware sweeps into view at a point to the north, gradually widening in its approach until it becomes the broad expanse of water immediately beneath the observer's gaze. Following its course to the southeast, it describes a bold. 644: HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ■ semicircular curve, entering tlie "Narrows" beneath the shadows of over- hanging and perpetual foliage. These rocks of new red sandstone rise in per- pendicular bluffs about three hundred feet above the level of the river, compar- ing favorably in height with the famous "Palisades" of the Hudson. There are evidences of the existence of the prehistoric man in these cliffs that line the Delaware. It does not require any great effort of the imagination to conceive of a rounded stone having been used as a hammer, a sharply pointed one as the point of an arrow or a spear ; a cave may have been a habitation, and the loose fragments of its rocky sides the implements and weapons of primeval man. The progress of his rude civilization through the successive periods of the stone, bronze, andiron ages can be as clearly traced in the cabi- net of the archaeologist as the political development of the races that have succeeded him from the records of the historic page. The frequent discovery of Indian relics suggests the occupation of the Indian race. The location of several towns in Durham has been accurately determined by the presence of these silent but interesting relics of former generations. The site of an extensive village has been traced from the Riegelsville Dela- ware bridge southward as far as the Durham iron-works, and inland a distance of a half-mile with the course of Durham creek. The remains of earthen fire- places, pottery, and stone implements were quite numerous a half-century since, but have steadily disappeared under the frequent drafts of relic-hunters. This town existed in 1727 under the name of Pechoqueolin, at which time it was presided over by a chieftain, who bore the euphonious name of Gachga- watchqua. He was accountable for the deeds and misdeeds of his people to the Lenni Lenapes, and held the land by a tenure which bore some resemblance to the feudal system of the middle ages. His people were Shawanese. They were a brave, active, turbulent, and warlike people. They seem to have been comfortably established here. About a mile west from the principal town, on an elevated plateau, was an opening in the forest about seven acres in extent, still remembered by the older citizens. It is remarkably free from the loose stones scattered promiscuously over the surrounding fields. It is supposed that this was an Indian corn-field. In support of this theory it may be stated that the soil within well-defined limits had apparently been exhausted by years of cultivation before the arrival of the German farmer who first applied the plow, and endured the disappointment of ill-requited toil. To the west of this about two miles, on the second spur of the South mountain and overlooking Fry's run, there is another traditional Indian field. Its area is about five acres, and it was completely circumscribed by a dense forest until 1875. About the center stood a solitary tulip-tree, fully five feet in diameter. Numerous little mounds or ridges everywhere mark the effects of cultivation by the Indians. These mounds have been ob- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 645 seryed throughout the west, and are seen in the corn-fields of the Indians to- day, where the plow has not superseded the use of his simple implements. The ostensible occasion of their residence at Pechoqueolin is explained by James Logan, who states in one of his letters that, upon their arrival from the south, " they were placed by the Delawares at such places where there was something to watch over." One band was sent to Wyoming to guard the supposed silver mines there ; another was stationed in the Minisinks near Stroudsburg to guard the copper ore ; and a third division was intrusted with the protection of the iron of Durham. This was in 1698. It has been inferred from this that the existence of iron ore here was certainly known at this time ; and it seems probable that the mining of ore had been begun equally early, but such supposition is purely a matter of conjecture. It had already enlisted in its development the efforts of a powerful London syndicate, " The Free Society of Traders." The powers and privileges conferred by Penn upon this remarkable corporation were most unique. It was organized in March, 1682, with Nicholas Moore as president, and received a grant of twenty thousand acres of land, which were to constitute " The Manor of Franks." Officers of the province were restrained from interfering with its affairs. Taxes were to be assessed and collected within the manor by such process as its officers should direct. It was stipulated in behalf of the proprietary that the society should establish factories, transport tradesmen and artificers, manumit slaves after fourteen years' service, and signify their allegiance to him by the payment of one shilling annually upon the day of the vernal equinox. Five thousand acres of the grant of 1682 were surveyed at some time before the close of that century, and located under the name of Durham, com- prising the whole of the township of that name and a considerable area in Northampton county. The seating of a tract of land fifty miles distant from any important settlements when it could have been pi-ocured in the vicinity of Philadelphia at equal cost, and possessing the advantages of greater fer- tility and accessibility, proves conclusively that the mineral resources of the region were already known. One hundred men were to be sent to Durham ; but there is no evidence in regard to the carrying out of this plan. In a metrical composition entitled " A Short Description of Pennsylvania," which appeared in 1792, the author, Richard Frame, states " that at a certain place about some forty pounds of iron had been made." No particulars as to where, or how, or by whom this was done are given. In the history of New Albion, published in 1648, allusion is made to the existence of lead in the hills some distance above the falls of Delaware. The Indians early learned the nature and value of that metal. It is possible that their information on the subject induced investigation and led to the discovery of iron. And thus in the wealth of the mineral resources of its hills is found the explanation of the comparatively early settlement of Durham. 646 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The recorded history of the furnaces dates from the year 1727. On Jlarch 4th of that year a stock company was formed for the purpose of working iron, by .Jeremiah Langhorne, Anthony Morris, James Logan, Charles Reed, Robert Ellis, George Fitzwater, Clement Plumstead, William Allen, Andrew Bradford, John Hopkins, Thomas Linsley, Joseph Turner, Griffith Owen, and Samuel Powell. These persons had succeeded to the interests of the Free Society of Traders, who derived their title from the Indians direct before their right had been extinguished by formal purchase of the constituted authorities. An act of assembly was passed in 1700 declaring void all subsequent private purchases. The fact that Teedyuscung acknowledged this purchase and the title of the society to their land proves that it must have been acquired before that time. If any iron was made by them, it must have been in blomaries, as no furnace was in existence at the time of the formation of the new company in 1727. The first furnace of which anything authentic is known was put in operation in that year. It occupied the site of the mills of R. K. Bachman & Bro. on the Durham creek about one mile and a half from its mouth, and in the center of a rich metalliferous deposit. It is said to have been between thirty-five and forty feet square and about thirty feet high. The casting-house was built of stone, facing toward the west. Upon the site of Bachman & Bro.'s store was the stamping-mill, a building in which the cinders were crushed and the iron that had been wasted with the slag was separated from it. In digging the foundation for the grist-mill, the workmen encountered a huge lump of iron ("salamander") of about six to eight -tons in weight, which had evidently escaped from the furnace through the hearthstones. All endeavors to remove it proving futile, they were at length compelled to dig a pit at the side and thus lower it out of their way. The water-power of the creek was utilized in various ways, principally in operating a number of forges and in working an enormous bellows that produced the blast. The dam was situated about a mile farther up the creek, and the timbers constituting the dam in the bed of the stream are still sound and may remain so for another century. The course of the race can still be plainly traced. There were three forges along the creek, all below the furnace. The uppermost was situated about a half mile distant from it, wjiere the foundations are still distinguishable, and the cinders and debris were screened about forty years ago. The middle or second forge was located about the same distance farther east, and its foundations can also be traced. The third, of which every vestige has been obliterated, occu- pied a site near the present furnace. In addition to these, numerous forges elsewhere were also supplied, among which were those located at Mount Pleas- ant, in Berks county ; Chelsea, on the Musconetcong creek, one mile north- east of Riegelsville, New Jersey ; Changewater, near Washington, N. J. ; on the same stream in Warren county, New Jersey, ten miles east of Belvi- j5X"^S55>r.^ r^ ^-V S%' ^\ ^ J\ '^^. .**' f "i - - ^'flM ■ « ^yyo^yy ^Z^i^iy HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 649 dere ; Greenwich, near Chelsea ; Green Lane, on the Perkiomen, in Montgomery county. Another industry already associated with the furnaces was the burning of charcoal. The improved methods now in vogue had not then been introduced. That it was an important industry may be inferred from the number of pits of which the remains may yet be seen in the valleys ofthe Durham and Musconet- cong. In those early times, when the howling of the wolves broke the stillness of the forest, and the red man was the frequent visitor of his white neighbor, the occupation was interesting and adventurous as well as lonely and danger- ous. The method usually employed consisted in selecting a location easy of access and sheltered from the prevailing winds ; the site chosen was carefully levelled and a stake was driven into the ground with a height of a foot or more above the surface, around which a quantity of small wood to ignite the pile was placed until it attained a radius of two or three feet from the stake. Horizontal layers were added to this to the height of nine or ten feet, thus forming an opening for a chimney. Outside of this and inclining inwards the material of the pit was placed in vertical layers until it attained the required size. The whole of the exterior surface was then covered with turf. While in process of burning or charring the pit required constant attention during a period ranging from seven to ten days. The process reduced it to about half its original size. The charcoal was then hauled to the furnace in wagons drawn by four and six horses. Such, in brief, was one of Durham's " lost arts." The manufacture of stoves may be classed in the same category. As far as known, the earliest effort to dispense with the open fire-place, once univer- sally in use, and to substitute an appliance similar to the common stove, was made in 1678 by Prince Rupert of England. It was he who first demonstrated the feasibility of applying heat through the medium of a radiating surface. The most important improvement upon this was made by Dr. Benjamin Frank- lin. The following instructions, written by himself, were given to those who should use his stove : " To use it, let the first fire be made after eight o'clock in the morning or after eight o'clock in the evening, for at those times there is usually a draft up a chimney, though it has long been without a fire ; but be- tween these hours in the day there is often in a cold chimney a draft downward, when, if you attenspt to kindle a fire, the smoke will come into the room ; but to be certain of your time, hold at the top of the base over the air-hole a piece of lighted paper. If the flame draws strongly down, the fire may be lighted." Franklin perfected his invention in 1745. The published account of it gives abundant and conclusive reasons why those previously in use should be aban- doned in its favor. It does not appear whether the Durham proprietors secured the right to manufacture it or not, but from 1745 to 1791 a stove combining its advantages with such improvements as experience proved necessary was manu- factured by them to an extent sufficient to give the works a wide reputation. 34 650 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The Franklin stove sold at the furnace for four pounds ten shillings. The Philadelphia stove, a contemporary innovation, was disposed of at the rate of eighteen pounds per ton, the price varying with the cost of the material of which it was made. In 1790 a Mr. Pettibone, of Philadelphia, patented a heating apparatus for use in churches, halls, hospitals, and similar large rooms. It is not probable that many of these were made at Durham, as the furnace blew out the following year. The earliest pattern of a stove known to have been made here was called the " Adam and Eve," from the character of the embellishments on its side. The date, 1741, is inscribed in raised characters, and in the background appears a representation of Adam, Eve, the serpent, several animals and trees well executed and in good artistic taste. The Back- house pattern, so known from the proprietor of the works during the revolution, was the most popular among those who used it. It combined the fixtures of a heating, baking, and cooking stove. The most superbly finished pattern was that made by George Taylor, who had an elaborate model constructed with the inscription, " Durham Furnace, 1774," that being the year in which he assumed control of the works the second time. A portion of a stove bearing this inscrip- tion was to be seen for many years in front of the post-office at Easton in a con- spicuous position. A noticeable peculiarity in connection with this branch of the iron business is the fact that shipments were always made by land and never by boats, when the consignment was to Philadelphia. It required a full week for a team of four or six horses to make the journey to the city and return. And yet, under a combination of unfavorable circumstances such as this, the requirements of the age were fully met aS far as Durham stoves were concerned. The machinery that could thus be adapted to the peaceful pursuits of the people could be used with equal success in furthering their efforts when at war. The shipments of shot and shell during the month of November, 1780, when the revolution was drawing to a close, amounted to upwards of two tons, and the price was twenty-five pounds per ton ; the total value of shipments during the year was one thousand and seventy-six pounds one shilling two and one-half pence. In the following year, the different con- signments of shot and shell for the continental army aggregated in value one thousand nine hundred and eighty -two pounds eight shillings eight and one-half pence. The product throughout the war was correspondingly large. A large proportion of the shot were three and nine pounders, but double-headed shot were also cast and shipped. The shell weighed from twenty to sixty or more pounds apiece. In 1782, August 12th to 17th inclusive, twelve thousand three hundred and fifty-seven solid shot, ranging in weight from one ounce to nine pounds, were shipped to Philadelphia. Mementoes of this stormy period are yet to be found in the cabinets of persons interested in local history. The course of events during this period was marked by important changes in the ownership, management, and control of the furnaces. The copartnership HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 651 of 1727, although originally intended to continue fifty-one years, was dissolved by mutual consent some time before the expiration of that period. To facili- tate a division of the property, the eight thousand five hundred and eleven acres one hundred perches composing it were divided into forty-four tracts of varying size; and in the allotment which followed, tracts numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and -33, embracing the site of the furnace and forges, and the principal sources of ore, became the property of Joseph Galloway and Grace his wife, and was confirmed to them in a deed of partition executed December 24th, 1773, to which are affixed the names of the Galloways, Abel James, John Thompson, trustees of Thomas Nickleson, and Elizabeth his wife ; Joseph Morris, and Han- nah his wife ; the Honorable James Hamilton, Cornelia Smith, relict of George Smith, and James Morgan, an iron-master. Joseph Galloway thus became the first individual proprietor of Durham Furnace. He was born in Maryland in 1730, of respectable parentage, but removed to Philadelphia in early life, and engaged in the study and practice of law, but after marrying Grace Growden, the daughter of Lawrence Growden, proprie- tor of Trevose, he made the latter place his residence. He was a man of fine talents, but lacked strength of character. During the earlier troubles with Great Britain, he was prominently, and probably sincerely, identified with the interests of his native country. But when misfortunes and reverses appeared upon the American political horizon, he proved unworthy of the cause he had espoused, joined the British at New York, and became the persistent defender of the crown. By act of assembly of March 6th, 1778, he was required to surrender himself under pain of being attainted of high treason. He deemed it advisable for his personal safety not to comply with the mandates of the law, and was ac- cordingly attainted, and his estates declared forfeited to the commonwealth. Richard Backhouse succeeded to the title thus vested in the State authorities, but his possession was of short duration. Legal complications ensued, the heirs-at-law of Galloway protesting that his property had been acquired by marriage, and was not therefore subject to seizure as the penalty of treason, as his wife had not shared his political views. The courts decided adversely to Backhouse,* whose heirs were dispossessed in 1799, when Elizabeth (Galloway) Roberts succeeded to the possession of the property. Her daughter, Grace Ann (Roberts) Burton, was the next owner of the furnaces. She died in 1837, when her son, Adolphus William Desart Burton, became proprietor under his mother's will. He was the last descendant of the Growdens in whom the title to their ancestral estates was vested. During this time the management and operation of the works were princi- * This case, Jenks vs. Backhouse's Heirs, is reported in 1 Binney, 97 ; it was argued in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in June, 1798, and again December 7, 1798, and was de- cided December 23, 1799. 652 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. pally intrusted to lessees or superintendents. The James Morgan, " iron- master," and owner of a sixteenth interest in the works, prior to the partition sale of 1773, was one of the latter class. The son. General Daniel Morgan, rose to distinction as a revolutionary soldier. He was born in Durham town- ship in the winter of 1736, and has justly been given the place of honor as the most distinguished of her citizens. In early life he assisted his father in the multitudinous duties of his position. He began his military career as the driver of a baggage-wagon in the disastrous expedition of 1755 against Fort Duquesne, having run away from his home two years previously. The following year he held an ensign's commission, and endangered his life on several occasions while the bearer of important despatches. In one instance, when accompanied by two companions, both were killed by an Indian ambuscade, while he escaped with a wound in his cheek, and the loss of several teeth. At the close of the seven years' war he married, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clark county, Va., where he remained until the outbreak of the revolution, when he recruited the famous brigade known as "Morgan's Riflemen," from among the backwoodsmen of Virginia and western Maryland. Their achievements at Stillwater and Cowpens have received merited praise from the most competent military critics. But the exposure and privations of repeated campaigns at length affected the iron constitution of their gallant commander. He returned to his home upon the cessation of hostilities, was elected to congress, but re- signed before the expiration of his term. He died at Manchester, Virginia, July 6, 1802, at the age of sixty-seven years. A scarcely less distinguished personage, whose connection with the furnace was still more intimate, was George Taylor, a signer of the declaration of inde- pendence. He was born in 1716, the son of an Irish clergyman, who designed to educate him for the medical profession. His nature was not adapted to the pur- suit of a calling requiring such assiduous attention, and he deserted his studies at the earliest opportunity, taking ship for America as a redemptioner. Arriv- ing at Philadelphia, he indentured himself to Mr. Savage, the lessee of the Durham works at that time, who paid the expenses incurred on his voyage. He accompanied Mr. Savage to Durham, there to redeem the money thus advanced by labor scarcely as pleasant as studying medicine. He was employed for some time as a " filler," but, giving evidences of intelligence and ability, was pro- moted to the position of clerk, and eventually became a member of the firm. Upon the death of his employer, in 1788, he married his widow, and became sole lessee of the Durham iron works. He again assumed control from 1774 to 1779, during the ownership of Galloway. He amassed a considerable for- tune, and was interested in industrial pursuits of a varied character at other places. He early manifested an interest in provincial politics. He represented Northampton county in the assembly for the first time in 1765, and again on several occasions. In 1763 he was appointed treasurer of a board of trustees HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 653 ■which superintended the erection of a court-house at Easton. In June, 1766, he was one of a committee which drew up the remonstrance against the " Stamp Act." He was a member of the continental congress of 1776, and in that capacity signed his name to the declaration of independence. The following year he was active and energetic in urging the legislature of Pennsylvania to provide for its defense against threatened invasion. In March, 1777, he retired from public life. His death occurred February 23, 1781. One of the most prominent objects in the Easton cemetery is a graceful shaft of Italian marble, the pedestal of which bears the arms of the state of Pennsylvania, while the American flag, draped in crape, is suspended at the top. It was dedicated to the memory of George Taylor November 20, 1855, with proper civic and military observances. The work is both significant and appropriate. It recalls the worth and public services of a useful citizen and an unswerving patriot. The construction and appearance of the furnaces changed with much less frequency than their proprietors. Tradition asserts that iron was made at Dui'ham long before the works of 1727 were erected ; and if this be true, it may safely be assumed that the blomary or stuckofen was in use for this pur- pose. The process of smelting was attended with much difficulty (owing to the crude process thus employed) and without the knowledge of chemistry. The operation was frequently repeated several times, in order to secure a prod- uct free from cinder and other foreign substances. In the transition from the primitive machinery at first used to modern appliances, the first step was in- creased height in the blomary. One of the two blomaries in operation in 1750 was probably erected on this principle. It was about ten feet high, with an opening about two feet square in front and another three feet in diameter on top. The former was not closed until the blast had been applied, when the charcoal and ore were thrown in at the same time. The product was a mass of conglomerate iron and steel, malleable, and yet more fibrous and dense than is usually produced at more modern furnaces. The annual product of a blomary of this character was about one hundred and fifty tons. The weekly capacity of the regular furnace was twenty-five tons. The furnace of 1727 was in operation from that year until 1791, with occasional intervals of suspension from various causes. The following extract from Richard Backhouse's journal shows some of these causes during his administration : " Tuesday, May 30, 1780 ; at eleven o'clock in the morning, Durham Fur- naces began to blow. July 18, Tuesday, at f after three o'clock, blew out — blew seven weeks. September 1, 1780 ; Friday night, at half after ten o'clock, began to blow. November 15, Wednesday morning, at ten o'clock, blew out — blew ten weeks and five days. Sunday morning. May 13, 1781, at 10 o'clock Durham Furnace began to blow. June 18, Monday morning, stopt up for want of coals occasioned by the excessive floods of rain. June 654 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 25, Monday morning, began again to fill with mine, etc. 27, Wednesday morning about 7 o'clock, the mine came down. July 17, Tuesday at 8 o'clock in the morning, blew out. June 9, 1782, Sunday morning at 4 o'clock, began to blow. December 16, 1782, at four o'clock in the afternoon, the furnace blew partly oflF, and then finished by heaving off the rest, as the wheel froze fast — blew 6 mo. 1 week. Put fire in the furnace on Thursday, May 15, 1783, about three o'clock in the afternoon ; put on mine Saturday about 12 o'clock at night ; blowed on Tuesday morning, 20th, about 6 o'clock ; made the first casting on Wednesday the 21st, about 7 o'clock in the evening ; the average amount of Pig Iron per week was 18 tons." But Mr. Backhouse, although his business transactions were characterized by thoroughness and precision, had nevertheless been injudicious in purchasing Durham from the commissioner of confiscated estates. The legal proceedings instituted against him in 1791 resulted unfavorably to his interests two years later, and although the action of the state authorities in conveying the property to him was then set aside, it does not appear that he was ever reimbursed, save in the miserable pittance of four hundred and fifteen dollars appropriated by the legislature in 1808 for expenses incurred in defending his title. But with his nominal possession and active management the active operation of the works also ceased in 1791. Immense piles of bomb-shells and solid shot were re- moved from the premises in 1806, and the deserted buildings were then allowed to decay, having outlived several generations of those who had been sheltered in their daily toil by their walls. The furnace was not then sufiered to die a natural death (if it may be thus personified); it was removed in 1819, when the grist-mill that marks its site was erected. A stone having date " 1727" was preserved from the accumulated rubbish, and was an object of interest at the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876; it now occupies a conspicuous corner in the office of the iron-works. Adolphus William Desart Burton disposed of the property in 1847 at public sale, consisting of eight hundred and ninety- four acres divided into several farms, to Joseph Whitaker & Co. Deed dated March 16, 1848, when possession was given for fifty thousand dollars. They built two new furnaces adapted for the use of anthracite fuel on the site of the present one in 1848-50, and thus, after the lapse of more than one-half a cen- tury, the sounds of peaceful industry were again echoed and re-echoed from the Durham hills. Hon. Edward Cooper (son of Peter Cooper), and Hon. Abram S. Hewitt, of New York city, purchased the works from Joseph Whitaker & Co., in 1864, for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, but disposed of them the following year to Lewis Lillie & Son of Troy, New York. The plant was en- larged and improved by the latter and adapted to the manufacture of Lillie's chilled iron safes on an extensive scale. Failing to meet their obligations to Messrs. Cooper & Hewitt, the property reverted to the latter in 1870, and the manufacture of safes was then abandoned ; they continued, however, to operate HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 655 the two blast furnaces until 1874, when they were demolished and the erection of one large furnace commenced which was first put in blast February 21, 1876. The two furnaces erected in 1848 and 1850 were 40 feet high. One was 13 feet and the other 14 feet in diameter. They were afterward en- larged to 48 and 50 feet high by 15 and 16 feet internal diameter respectively ; they were built of stone and lined with fire-bricks in the usual way, had open tops, and were equipped with iron pipe stoves or ovens for heating the blast. It is estimated that the entire output of these two furnaces from the time of their erection was 178,000 gross tons of pig-iron, with an average weekly out- put during the actual time in blast of 100 gross tons for each furnace. It required about two tons coal, two tons three cwt. of ore, and seventeen cwt. of limestone to produce one ton of pig-iron. The total stock consumed by these furnaces can therefore be estimated as follows : — 356,000 tons coal, 382,700 " ore, 151,300 " limestone. Coal was brought to Durham on boats from ^Mauch Chunk through the Lehigh and Delaware Division canals ; the limestone was quarried from the property. The ore mixture contained about sixty per cent, of primitive ore from the Durham mines and forty per cent, of brown hematite, part of which was also mined from the Durham furnace tract and the balance from other mines in the neighborhood of Durham. The present furnace, completed in 1876, is 19 feet diameter or bosh by 75 feet high. It is built of sheet-iron supported by heavy cast-iron columns. It has a closed top and is equipped with six hot-blast ovens which were designed by Hon. Edward Cooper. This particular form of oven, first in use at these works, is very economical, and has been adopted by many other furnaces throughout the country. Blast is supplied by two upright blowing engines of 4 feet stroke with 44 inch steam cylinders and 84-inch blowing cylinders. Each engine therefore blows 308 cubic feet of air per revolution.* In the present practice they are run to their capacity, 80 revolutions, and deliver 18,472 cubic feet of air per minute. The boilers are of the ordinary cylindrical type of fur- nace-boilers, 24 in number, 12 steam-boilers 36 inches diameter by 60 feet long, and 12 mud-boilers 30 inches diameter by 40 feet long. The plant further consists of pump-house, foundry, and machine shops, blacksmith shops, wood-working shops, saddler shop, office, laboratory, and other necessary build- ings. The employees number 350 men and boys. Some of the men employed in the erection of the furnace in 1848 have worked continuously here ever since. * This could be compared to tbe blowing machines used at the old furnaces, 1727-1791, when bellows operated by water-power were used. 656 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. The present furnace was put in blast February 21, 1876, and up to Febru- ary, 1882, divided into four blasts, produced 99,992J gross tons of pig-iron, being a weekly average of 388 tons during the actual time in blast. The fifth blast, lasting 151 weeks, commenced April 1, 1882, and produced 90,450 gross tons, or a weekly average of nearly 600 tons. The sixth blast commenced July 1, 1885, and up to July 1, 1887, had produced 66,779 gross tons, or a weekly average of over 642 tons. At present writing the furnace is still run- ning successfully in her sixth blast. The coal required during the fifth and sixth blasts is a little less than 1 ton 4 cwt. per ton of pig-iron. The output in one month has reached 3,135 tons, in one week 752 tons, in one day 129 tons, while the lowest weekly fuel consumption is one ton per ton of pig-iron. Since 1876 the Durham mines have produced about 34 per cent, of the ores used in the mixture. 11 per cent, was brown hematite from Durham and Spring- field townships, and from Williams township, Northampton Co. The remaining 55 per cent, of the mixture was from properties belonging to Messrs. Cooper and Hewitt, situated in Morris and Passaic counties. New Jersey ; but when making iron suitable for Bessemer steel large quantities of ore are imported from Elba, Spain, Africa, and many Mediterranean ports. To bring this ore and other material necessary to supply a plant with the increased production, it was found necessary in 1876 to build a ferry across the Delaware in order to get connection with the Belvidere Division of the Pennsylvania railroad ; tracks were put down on both sides of the river and the cars carried over into the works without transferring ; the ferry-boat, 20 feet wide by 80 feet long, is operated in the usual old-fashioned way by the current of the stream, and a stationary wire-cable. The cars are run on the boat over an iron truss bridge 30 feet long, which is lifted from and lowered on the boat by cranes erected for that purpose, one end being hinged to the dock, thus making a continuous track. It requires two locomotives to deliver the cars to and from the boat, one on each side of the river. The entire output of pig-iron is taken across and shipped in this way. When the river is in favorable condition the capacity of the ferry is about 500 tons daily, or 250 tons in each direction. No small part of the operation of a blast furnace is the handling of the slag or cinder. At Durham this amounts to 100 tons every .24 hours. It is run into cast-iron cars and carried away over a narrow-gauge track by means of a narrow-gauge locomotive. All the available space around the furnace and around the river front having been filled, the present dump is on the northeast end of Rattlesnake hill. As we have already shown, the mining of ore probably commenced as early as 1698, and that in 1727 ore was regularly mined to supply the blast furnaces which continued in operation with the usual interruptions until 1791 ; it is probable that the ore mined from the Durham hills during this time aggreo-ated 150,000 tons. The entire quantity furnished by the Durham mines up to the r% -4 " * \ \. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 659 present time would therefore approximate 550,000. This, however, does not include the brown hematite mined from the furnace tract or from other prop- erties in Durham. The ore from the Durham hills is primitive and not magnetic ; it is found on two hills, one called " Rattlesnake," situated nearest the furnace and about 1500 yards from the Delaware river, the other, called " Mine hill," situated further to the west, extending beyond but south of the village of Durham where the original furnace was located. The mining operations of 1727-1791 were evidently confined to " Mine hill." In 1846 this entire hill was leased to the Glendon Iron Company, which worked it in connection with their adjoining tract. Their lease expired in 1848, when Joseph Whitaker & Co. took posses- sion ; when the mine was reopened after having been idle for more than fifty years, some of the timbers were sound and some old tools were found. This opening was known as " old tunnel;" it started on the western end of the hill running northeast, and was the principal source of ore supply for some years ; a shaft was put down intersecting this " old tunnel," and the ore worked out at a depth of 250 feet, being 70 feet below the level of the old tunnel. The Glendon Iron Company continued to work their own mines (shipping the ore by canal to their furnaces at Glendon, Pa.) until 1857, when they abandoned them ; in 1875 their property on Mine hill known as the " Glendon lot" was purchased by Messrs. Cooper and Hewitt, and thus again became part of the Durham furnace tract. In 1859 a tunnel was commenced on the north side of Mine hill, near the Creek level, running southwest. This is known as the " new tunnel," and was intended not only to drain the " old tunnel mines," and make the expensive machinery for pumping and hoisting no longer necessary, but also to cut the shoot of ore at a greater depth ; and further to fully test the ground on the north side of the hill several small shoots of ore were intersected, but they were not large enough to justify working. Work was not carried on regularly, and it was not until 1874 that the old workings were reached, the new tunnel having attained a length of 2000 feet. Since then drifts have been run in every direc- tion, and considerable ore mined. In 1858 an opening was first made on the south end of Mine hill, the ore outcropped on the surface, and the mine was therefore called " surface mine." Work at this point was suspended in 1862, and resumed in the fall of 1878, when a slope or inclined plane 200 feet long was sunk. This led to the discovery of a new shoot of ore, which was 30 feet wide at the largest place, and richer in iron than the old surface ore. The shoot was 500 feet long, and had a maximum height of 40 feet. There are two other shoots of ore at this place, one 75 feet to the south, which was 300 feet long and at places 12 feet wide. The other shoot is 100 feet to the north, outcrop- ping at the surface, has a maximum width of 18 feet, and is 350 feet long. Since re-opening this mine in 1878, it has been the principal source of supply from the 660 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Durham hills. There are several other openings on this hill, from which small quantities of ore are mined. Operations on Rattlesnake hill commenced in 1851 on top and near the center of the hill. The ore outcropped and was worked as an open cut. In 1853 a tunnel was commenced on the north side of the hill near this open cut some 200 feet above the Creek level. At this place two " veins" of ore were intersected, the first one called " Rattlesnake vein," the other overlying vein called " Back or South vein." The general strike of the ore is northeast and southwest, pitching southeast and dipping south. A slope from the end of the tunnel was put down on the " Rattlesnake vein," following the dip of the ore. At intervals of 50 and 100 feet levels were made and the ore stopped out. At present there are five levels, and the slope or incline is 350 feet long. In 1854 a tunnel, called " Hollow tunnel," was put into the eastern end of the hill, about eight feet above the Creek level, and a larger quantity of ore produced at a cost of 90 cents per ton delivered at the furnace. The pocket of ore having been worked out, this tunnel was abandoned in 1862, but in the fall of 1878 operations at this point were resumed by the driving of another tunnel about 75 feet farther to the south. This is also called "Hollow tunnel." After drifting some 500 feet the " Back or South vein" was intersected, and the vein followed on its course some 500 feet more. The ore varies in thickness from six inches to ten feet. A cross-cut running north was then started at a point 500 feet from the mouth of the tunnel (where the " Back vein" was first cut), and after drifting 175 feet the " Rattlesnake vein" was intersected, and the tunnel of 1854-1862 explored ; it was found to be five feet lower than the present "Hollow tunnel," and running on the course of " Rattlesnake vein." This course was then followed, and work pushed vigorously to connect with Rattlesnake mine. At the same time the lower level in Rattlesnake mine was continued going east. The connection was made September 8, 1885, at a point about 500 feet from where the vein was first intersected, being 1000 feet from the mouth of the " Hollow tunnel." The drift in the bottom of Rattlesnake mine was 500 feet from the slope where the connection was made, and was 50 feet above the Hollow tunnel. At the point where the connection was made the vein is 12 feet thick, and the ore richer in iron than any other ore on the Durham property. The Rattlesnake vein varies in width from two feet to 50 feet, with an average width of ten feet. There are several openings in Back or South vein on the eastern end of the hill, which consists of shafts, small tunnels, and open cuts. In 1872 considerable ore was mined under contract from one of the surface openings. The principal brown hematite opening on the Durham tract, or in Durham township, was the " Orchard mine," on the northeastern end of Rattlesnake hill, 800 feet north of the Hollow tunnel. Operations here commenced as early as 1849, and continued for some years until the mine was exhausted. In 1876 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 661 the mine was re-opened, but no appreciable quantity of ore taken out. The primitive ore from the Durham hills is quite low in phosphorus and sulphur, and contains no other objectionable impurities. Comparatively speaking, they are not rich in iron, but are admirably adapted to mix with other ores, and produce a mill iron of unusual strength. They are also suitable chemically for making pig-iron for Bessemer steel, and are at present being used largely in the mixture for that purpose. Analyses of the Durham ores are shown by the fol- lowing table : — MINE HILL. RATTLESNAKE HILL. Rattlesnake Back ok Old Tunnei.. New Tunnel. Surface. Mine. South Veins. Average of Average of Analysis Average of 2 analyses, in 3 analyses, made in 2 analyses, Made in 1881. 1869 and 1870. 1875, 1880, 1885. 1885. 1881 and 1885. Oxide of iron 74.27 56.72 66.73 71.66 66.3 7 Silica .... 20.39 35.84 30.45 24.80 32.82 Lime .... .47 .07 .16 .08 Magnesia . . 4.27 1.22 .17 .82 Traces. Alumina . . . 3.33 .96 2.22 .61 Phosphoric acid . .117 .07 .06 .096 Traces. Sulphuric acid .190 .35 .32 .260 .01 Combined water . 1.64 1.15 1.00 Total . . . 99.237 99.64 99.81 100.756 99.89 Metallic iron . . 53.630 41.02 47.15 51.51 48.02 Phosphorus . . .050 .034 .026 .042 Traces. Sulphur . . . .076 .140 .127 .105 .004 Settlement in Durham followed the discovery and development of its min- eral resources. Europeans were living within the limits of this township as early as 1723, and their settlement was the outpost of civilization along the Delaware at that time. It seems probable that immigration thither began some years earlier, but of this there is no conclusive evidence. The English element predominated for some years, and until farming began to receive some atten- tion. While the first settlers arrived by way of the Delaware, the Germans who followed reached Durham valley through Springfield and from Williams and Allen townships on the north. And thus, while the agricultural pursuits of the township are almost exclusively in the hands of persons of Teutonic de- scent, the population at the furnace has always been made up mostly of English, Scotch, and Irish. It does not appear that the corporate ownership of the land encouraged immigration ; and hence it was not until after the partition of 1773 that the population had increased sufficiently to warrant the erection of this township. Efforts had been made much earlier than this, however, and it 662 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. seems probable that the Durham tract was recognized as a municipal division long before its organization as such. Constables and justices of the peace for this section were appointed by the court as early as 1738. The agitation for local government culminated in the northern part of Bucks county in 1743, when Springfield was erected, and like action may have been taken Avith regard to Durham but for the conflicting wishes of its people, some of whom desired to be annexed to it, while others, including the furnace proprietors, petitioned for separate municipal privileges. June 13, 1775, a petition with this latter end in view, signed by Jacob Clymer, Henry Iloupt, George Taylor, George Heinline, Wendell Shank, Thomas Craig, Michael Deemer, William Abbott, and others, was presented to the court, and the importunity of the agitators was at length successful. Durham township was erected with metes and bounds identical with its present limits and an area of five thousand seven hundred and nineteen acres. It is the smallest township in the county with a single excep- tion, but one of the most important in wealth and resources. The roads first opened in Durham were characterized by a general con- vergence toward the furnace. The " Durham road," one of the principal thoroughfares of the county, was so named from the northern terminus, toward which it was slowly completed for nearly three-quarters of a century. It was begun in 1693 and completed from Bristol to Newtown. With successive ad- ditions at irregular intervals, it was extended to Durham in 1745 and to Easton ten years later. Roads had also been opened westward to intersect the Beth- lehem road prior to 1755. In 1767, the court was petitioned to disregard ap- plications for any more roads, as there were enough already. The river con- tinued to be a most important highway. Durham boats were quite as well known as Durham stoves. These boats were about twenty feet in length, and manned by five men, one of whom was at the helm, while two with stout poles in their hands stood at each side and propelled the craft by pushing against the bottom of the stream. When moving against the current, it was possible to progress at the rate of twenty-five miles a day. It is said that the first boats were built on the river bank, near the cave, by one Robert Durham, from whom the name was derived. They were found to be remarkably well adapted to river navigation, and were extensively used until canals rendered them un- necessary. In every part of the world and at every period in its history, population has concentrated under well-defined laws, to which Durham has not been any exception. Its villages, Durham, Monroe, and Riegelsville, have become such because of the advantages of their geographical situation, the energy and per- sistence of their founders, or the industrial enterprises which attend and sustain their population. Riegelsville may be said to combine these conditions of healthful expansion. It is the most northern village in the county, twenty miles from Doylestown, and ten from Easton, situated upon an alluvial deposit, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 663 which was formerly an island in the Delaware river. At a period anterior to its settlement by Europeans, it was the site of an Indian village known as Pechoqueolin. Upon the partition of the furnace lands in 1773, it was included in tracts numbers 32 and 33. The latter embraced one hundred and ninety- three and one-half acres, and became the property of Joseph Galloway, from whom it passed successively to Joseph Morris, Thomas Long, Michael Boyer, Abraham Edinger, Jacob Uhler, John Leidy, and Benjamin Riegel. Plot number 82, south of the main street of the town, came into possession of James Hamilton, who disposed of it to Wendell Shank in 1774. Either through im- providence or because of unfavorable surroundings the Shanks suffered greatly during the first years of their residence here. It is related that they were compelled to feed the thatched roof of the barn to famishing cattle during two consecutive winters. Their house was situated near the river bank, upon the site of Abraham Beyer's residence. They were the first proprietors of the Riegelsville ferry. The only neighbor near enough to be called such was Jacob Moser, who kept a cake and beer shop for the accommodation of ferry hands. Three Shank brothers lived at the ferry which bore their name. Practically the growth of the town began in 1814, when Benjamin Riegel (farmer) erected the large stone barn still standing. The stone house was built in 1820 ; and in 1830 Benjamin Riegel (miller) located upon the plot number 33, which he had purchased from John Leidy the same year. In 1832 he erected a brick mansion occupied at this time by Mr. W. F. Adams. About this time he first began to see the advantages of the place as the location for a town ; and on the 15th day of January, 1834, by his direction, Michael Fackenthall surveyed twenty-four building lots, twelve of which fronted on the canal, and an equal number on the Easton road. Among the .first purchasers of these lots were W. H. Townsend, Thomas Brotzman, Daniel Landa, and Benjamin Walters. The opening of the canal in 1832 gave an impetus to mercantile and industrial pursuits. The first store was opened in the year previous (1831) by Messrs. Jesse Heany and Jacob Leaver, and a second in 1832 by Messrs. Heany and Riegel. In 1831 the village comprised this first store, a tavern, and these dwellings. The tavern was kept by Benjamin Riegel (farmer), who applied for license soon after completing his commodious dwelling in 1820. He erected the large hotel building at the river bridge in 1837 or 1838. Isaac H. Bush was landlord here from 1841 to 1848. John Dickson was proprietor from 1851 to 1868, David Walters from 1868 to 1871, and Joseph Rensimer from 1871 to the present time. In 1841 Tobias Worman removed from Tinicum and engaged in merchandising here, and in 1845 he was appointed first postmaster by President Polk. He was succeeded in 1848 by Benjamin Riegel, but the latter retained him as deputy, so that the change was merely nominal. Mr. Worman continued as the incumbent of the office until 1859, a period of twenty- 664 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. four years. Frederick M. Grouse succeeded him in that year, but was re- moved in favor of G. W. Fackenthall under the present national administration. Riegelsville became a money-order office in 1879. Prior to 1869 there was but one daily mail ; but about that time a tri-weekly service was established between Quakertown and Riegelsville, which, in 1878, was merged into a daily mail. There are also direct overland mail communications with Doylestown, and numerous daily arrivals of mails from points on the Belvidere Delaware railroad. The Riegelsville post-office has always been in honest, capable, and energetic management, and in an existence of forty-two years has become the most important post-village in this section of the county. Besides numerous local roads (the first of which was opened in 1815 or 1816) and the canal, the village is connected with Riegelsville, New Jersey, on the Belvidere Delaware railroad, by a substantial wooden bridge, and enjoys many advantages from that line of traffic. The ferry flats had long been in- adequate for the constant stream of travel before the project of building a bridge assumed tangible form. A company was formed in 1837 with Hon. William Long president, and Benjamin Riegel secretary. The structure first erected was swept away in the great freshet of January 8, 1841, and the present one erected. In 1850 Riegelsville comprised one store, one tavern, and eleven dwellings. A draft of the village in that year locates the residences of Benjamin Riegel, farmer ; Benjamin Riegel, miller ; Anna Bush, John Clymer, 0. W. Fancher, Tobias Worman, Samuel Dilgard, John Boyer, Hannah Riegel, Peter Uhler, and William B. Smith. The site of Clark & Cooley's hardware store was then occupied and for a long time previously by a limekiln. The building area was greatly increased in 1877 by the sale of several tiers of lots south and west of the town from land formerly owned by Mr. Abraham Boyer. The present population approximates five hundred. The principal industrial estab- lishment is the carriage manufactory of Mr. W. P. Helms, which has been in successful operation since 1875. Religious and educational interests are well represented. A number of secret and benevolent societies are also sustained. Peace and Union Lodge, No. 456, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted September 11, 1851, with Michael Uhler, N. G.; Christian Hager, V. G. ; Christopher Wykoff, secretary; Samuel Dilgai-d, assistant secretary; and Smith Clark, treasurer. A large hall built in 1861 belongs to this asso- ciation. Colonel Samuel Croasdale Post, No. 256, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized June 14, 1882, with the following members: Frederick Crouse, Solomon Wolfinger, L. Quintus Stout, G. W. Fackenthall, Andrew J. Crouse, Samuel Shaffer, William W. Clark, Edward Renseimer, Jacob E. Saylor, Robert Brodt,M. S. Maguire, Henry Warford,C. E. Hager, John Y. Bougher, Joseph Leister, Aaron Miller, Isaac M. Smith, Edward Deemer, Jeremiah Transue, Christian Bratzman, Adam Bigley, William H. Crouse, Franklin HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 665 Lehr, William Marsteller, William S. Mettler, William Taylor, and S. D. Bigley. Among the other valued contributions to the Post is a portrait of Colonel Croasdale, executed by Miss Elizabeth Croasdale, his sister, and a former superintendent of the Philadelphia School of Design. Fraternal Council, No. 158, Order of United American Mechanics, was chartered April 26th, 1858. First officers were John J. Campbell, Solomon Wolfinger, Michael Wolfinger, and Samuel Dilgard. A fine hall valued at three thousand dollars is owned by this association. Prosperity Loge, No. 567, Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted Sep- tember 4, 1886, with Edward W. Lerch, W. M. ; Dr. Alexander S. Jordan, S. W. ; Dr. Newton S. Rice, J. W. ; and nine other charter members. The war- rant for its organization was granted July 16, 1886. The village of Monroe is situated at the mouth of Rodger's run, about two miles below Riegelsville, and is embraced within the boundaries of plot No. 13 of the Durham lands. This embraced one hundred and seventy-six acres, and came into the possession of Thomas Purcell some time prior to 1780. He first erected a log-cabin ; then a saw-mill, the first in this region, and afterward excavated a large mill-pond, and also built a second mill. He established a ferry in 1785, which at once became an important thoroughfare from Sussex, in Jersey, to Philadelphia. He opened a road from the ferry to the Durham road by way of Gallows run, and thus increased the patronage of his mills. He was a man of invincible energy and remarkable sagacity. He died at Musconetcong, New Jersey, and is buried in a deserted graveyard near that place. The Monroe post-office was opened in 1832 with John H. Johnson as postmaster, which position he held twenty-six consecutive years. In May, 1858, William Bennett was appointed, and in June, 1866, Matthias Lehman super- seded him. In 1841, however, the name of the office had been changed to Durham, and in 1869 it was discontinued at Monroe, and removed to the store at Durham iron-works, and in 1876 (Feb. 5) it was removed to Bachman's store with Hon. R. K. Bachman as postmaster, where it still remains. Durham village is about equidistant from the Springfield and Nockamixon boundaries. It comprises the grist-mill of R. K. Bachman & Bro., store, post- office, and about ten dwellings. Postal facilities to this place have had a checkered history. It is said that the furnace managers established a mail service at an early date. Richard Backhouse was the first proprietor who re- duced this to a system, and about the time of his death (1792) the first United States postal law was passed. James Backhouse, 1798-1805 ; George Heft, 1805-1813; Dennis Reilly, 1813-1 818 ; Nathan Reilly, 1818-1825 ; Thomas Long, 1825-1836, were successively landlord or storekeeper, and as such post- master. The office was discontinued in 1836, and in 1876 the Monroe post-office was removed to Durham, when R. K. Bachman became postmaster as above 666 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. described. He was nominated for congress several years afterward, and Edward Lerch succeeded him. Darliam schools compare favorably with those in other sections of the county. The first school-house in this section of the county was the " Old Durham Furnace school," built in 1727. It was a small log-house on the east side of the road leading from Easton to Philadelphia, about one hundred yards north from Durham creek. The only teachers of whom any record exists were James Backhouse, whose proficiency in mathematics was extraordinary ; John Ross, subsequently a judge of the supreme court of Pennsylvania ; Thomas McKeen, afterward president of the Easton National Bank ; and Rich- ard H. Horner, who taught in 1784 at a salary of seven shillings sixpence per day. The singing school was an important adjunct under his administra- tion. This school-house, the educational pioneer of northeastern Bucks county, was demolished in 1792. The Laubach school has probably influenced the farming community more than any other in the township. Among the teachers here were Jacob Lewis in 1813 ; Dr. Drake, a man of great scientific acquire- ments, in 1815 ; Michael Fackenthall, a proficient surveyor, in 1817; James Rittenhouse, a relative of the great mathematician, in 1822 ; and Mr. Stryker, a rigid disciplinarian, in 1833. The first school-house in the Rufe district was of logs, built in 1802. The ground necessary for its erection was donated by Samuel Eichline. In 1861 the old house was burned and the present stone building erected. Among those who have taught here were Dr. Joseph Thomas and Hon. C. E. Hindenach. The new Furnace school-house was built about 1855, and destroyed by fire in 1876. A graded school built on land donated by Cooper & Hewitt was opened in February, 1877, with N. S. Rice principal, and C. W. Fancher assistant. The McKean Long school-house, a typical structure of the olden time, was built in 1802 to accommodate those families who were not convenient to Rufe's or Daubach's. It is a long, low, stone building and many of the older residents of the township point to it with just pride as the place where the foundation of their future usefulness was laid. The first school-house in the Monroe district, a small frame building, was erected in 1838 upon ground donated by George Trauger. The more pretentious structure in use at the present was built in 1865. Among those who have taught here were Dr. S. S. Bachman, John Black, Reverends L. C. Sheip and C. H. Melchor, Dr. B. N. Bethel, Dr. C. D. Fretz, and D. R. Williamson. The Durham Church school-house was built in 1844 upon ground donated by John Knecht, Sr. Jacob Nickum was the first teacher ; Aaron S. Christine and Carrie Fackenthall were among his successors. The present school-house is a commodious building, and compares favorably with any other in the county. The first school-house in Riegelsville was built in 1846 and opened with Dr. R. Kressler as teacher. G. F. Hess, H. H. Hough, Rebecca Smith, and David W. Hess were Ss?- -s 3 -vr,^tv\i Ot- . i v H'p) "^^^c^^-z^n^ ^x/o HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 669 among its teachers. August 3, 1857, C. W. Fancher opened an academy in the Presbyterian church. D. R. Williamson took charge September 1, 1869 ; Dr. George N. Best, September 13, 1871 ; John Frace, September 30, 1872 ; but for want of support the project was abandoned. After a suspension of ten years the eifort to establish a school of advanced standing was renewed. Through the efforts of John L. Riegel, Esq., Professor B. F. Sandt, a former student of Lafayette college, was induced to open an academy. It has out- grown the accommodations at first provided, and since September 3, 1886, has been conducted in a large stone building erected mainly through the munifi- cence of Mr. John L. Riegel and deeded in trust for educational purposes to the trustees of St. John's Reformed church in the United States. A circula- ting library is one of its most valuable features. The institution reflects credit upon its projectors and cannot fail to exert a favorable influence upon the social and intellectual life of the community. The earliest account of any religious services being held in this township places it in 1728 at the school-house connected with the iron-works. The Presbytery of New Brunswick sent supplies to Durham in 1721. The Durham Presbyterian congregation was fully organized in 1742, and supplied from diiferent Presbyteries, principally the one above mentioned. There was a con- siderable influx of Germans from Easton, and in 1790 a German Presbyterian congregation was organized and sei'vices held in a log barn belonging to George Henry Knight, about five hundred yards west from Durham church. Reverend John Jacob HofFmeyer preached here in 1794 to 1806. German services were also held in the log school-house, popularly known as Laubach's by preachers from Easton. The religious complexion of those who worshipped at this latter place was principally Reformed and Lutheran. In 1812 these three congrega- tions united in purchasing land from William Long, and appointed John Jacoby, Michael Zearfoos, Morgan Long, Anthony Trauso, John Boyer, Jacob Uhler, and Jesse Cawley trustees for the erection of a church building, which was completed in 1813. The altar was three feet high and three feet square, surrounded by a railing of equal height, twelve feet square. The deacons passed long poles with black velvet bags at the ends to receive contribu- tions. There were three doorways, and an equal number of stairways ascending into the galleries. This church is said to have been exceedingly uncomfortable in cold weather. It was replaced in 1857-58 by the Durham Union church of the present, one of the most beautiful edifices in the county. From a distance only the white spire is visible above the surrounding trees. The following Presbyterian pastors have officiated here: Stephen Boyer, Bishop John Gray, Joseph McCool, 1883 ; Joseph Worrel, 1886 ; John W. Yeomans, D.D., 1843; Charles Nassau, D.D., 1844 ; John Carrol, 1849-58 ; William C. Cattell, D.D., LL.D., 1856-60; John L. Grant, 1860-65; and G. W. Achen- baugh, D.D., 1866-67. The numerical strength of the Presbyterian congrega- 35 670 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tion has declined steadily since 1843. A Presbyterian church was built at Riegelsville in 1849. This was subsequently sold by order of the county court, and the congregation disbanded. And thus, after a checkered experience of one hundred and thirty years, all efforts to maintain Presbyterian services in Durham have finally been relinquished. The first German Reformed pastor was Reve- rend Samuel Stahr, who preached at the Union church from 1812 to his death in 1843, when he was buried in the graveyard adjoining. He was succeeded the following year by Reverend W. T. Gerhard, who introduced English preach- ing. The present pastor, Reverend D. Rothrock, succeeded him in 1859. The first Lutheran pastor was Reverend John Nicholas Mensch, who preached from 1811 to 1823, and was succeeded by the following: 1823-1838, Henry S. Miller ; 1838-1842, C. F. Welden ; 1842-65, 0. P. Miller ; 1865-79, W. S. Emery ; 1879, 0. H. Melchor. Upon his accession the congregation severed its connection with the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, and united with the gen- eral synod of the Lutheran church. The Lutheran church of Riegelsville was organized in 1850 by Reverend John McCron, CD., then pastor at St. James' church, near Phillipsburg, N. J. His pastorate continued but a few months. Rev. J. R. Wilcox was pastor from 1851 to 1860 ; Rev. C. L. Keedy, in 1862 ; Rev. Nathan Yeager, in 1863 ; Rev. Theophilus Heilig, in 1864-76; and Rev. D. T. Koser, 1877 to 1887 ; Rev. C. L. Hech is the present pastor. The church building was erected as a Union house of worship in 1851. Believing that the only ground upon which the divided state of the Christian church can be justified is that each denomina- tion has its peculiar and individual work, an amicable division of this property was effected in 1871, by which the Lutherans became its exclusive owners. July 7, 1872, the corner-stone of a new Reformed church was laid with impres sive ceremonies. The church is substantially built of brown stone, and is beautifully frescoed. This congregation was organized by Reverend John H. A. Bomberger, D.D., LL.D., December 21, 1851. Dr. Bomberger was then pastor at Easton. He was succeeded in 1854 by Reverend Thomas G. Apple, D.D., LL.D. ; in 1856, by Rev. William Phillips ; in 1862, by Rev. George W. Achenbaugh, D.D., LL.D. ; in 1873, by Rev. R. Leighton Gerhart ; in 1879, by Rev. J. Calvin Leinbach ; and Rev. B. B. Ferer, the present incum- bent, preached here for the first time, October 31, 1884. The membership now numbers 250, and owns much valuable and substantial church property as before mentioned. It holds in trust the academy building and teachers' resi- dence for educational purposes, besides possessing a commodious stone parson- age and a comfortable sexton's house. The congregation has also received an endowment of $5000, which is to draw perpetually an annual interest of six per cent, from Mr. John L. Riegel. It is also a fact worthy of note that three of these Reformed pastors subsequently became college presidents, and two of the Lutheran pastors became principals of leading ladies' seminaries in the country. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 671 The Roman Catholic persuasion has been represented by its membership from an indefinite period, but no public religious service was held until 1849, when Father Reardon, of Easton, celebrated mass in private houses. He was the first priest to officiate at Durham. The following clergymen have suc- ceeded him : Wachter, Newfield, Koppernagel, Laughran, Marsterstech, Stommel, Walsh, and Krake. A chapel was erected in 1872 near the fui-nace on property donated by the furnace company, during Reverend Stommel's incumbency. Methodist Episcopal services were held in houses along the Rattlesnake as early as 1850, but it was not until 1865 that a degree of regularity was observed. Reverend Robert C. Wood was pastor during part of this time. When the new building for a graded school in the Furnace district was built in 1872, one of the old school-houses comparatively new was purchased by the congregation, and after undergoing alterations it was dedicated as a place of worship, J. Bowden being pastor at that time. Services have been conducted regularly since then. The original Methodist population was small, but it has been increased in recent years by the arrival of English people, mostly miners from Cornwall, of that denomination. The society is in a flourishing condition. CHAPTER XXIV. APPENDIX. THE "Book of Arrivals" was a record provided for in the "Frame of the Government," but Phineas Pemberton appears to have been the only one of the early officers to discharge the duty thus assigned. As no regulations were adopted to aid the register in making it complete, the list is not so complete nor so accurate as was probably intended, but with all its imperfections it has been of great value to historians. The original record, time-worn and barely legible, is still to be seen in the register's office at Doylestown, but in the natural order of things will soon fall into utter decay. It has never before been published, and is here preserved for the future historian. The register of births and deaths is copied in full. Of the register of marriages the certificates are omitted. 672 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTT. S'S 03 r^ cfi O «J -^ ufl o (C o E-S '^l- ■^ nj "^ ^ CO CD e,2 r:^ > -^ t- <^D M +^ s^ rt ;- ►^W fa CM ^- a; fe rt c5 O C,2-S c S'5 0-3 •2 -^5 ^ -t; 5 S ^ ? S ■a " & a^ « r ^1 " 5 I^ S » S . =^ 5 "^ 5 .^ <; W ^ o tmci 00 > -^ o Ci CJ ^ .«.---, „(!)'""' .3 "^ t s .5 a S -3 < IB S fi O <-, P CJ P ►? fe; ^ i&l^itl HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 673 3 o O Si s s O ?5 n >? > w « ?= aj s fe o o « a In ^, r*^ ^ rf to y ™ to 2 -C fat^ o.Sg H lO O CO gw pjCQ W 1 ■JJ ^'Z I -J Cp §5 !» g >-=a >a g ^ 03 a >i'3 >>5^ 'k^ fl^ Pi -2 3 C3 O rv to o N ^30.9 -a — o ^ ^ „, S £ ■S " c5 I S "= CO -^ »- S *"; CO , °3 ^ > t-, ;_. ;- 1^ S.S op5 1 OJ ^'3 a 3 U ^ .- CO T3 o S g o «s OJ « '^ ♦^ += " C3 y ^ O rf t- g .^ +j „ t: « e -^ ■S.C •- OS £-" c Si o| I- - .2 "S o - 2g vis « g,t-- ° » c c 'c ^ 'd "^ •"'-'> CI lis P.-2 2 CD rt O ca'P^ Is o f^ I 1 QJ i^ t^ o ^=1 'a p o J >,'-' o a« -kJ* s £ a a ^ c . cu cp Qg ^ ^ . .^ CD CtJ ; f-a ^■s g43o1^ Mi:g ts J! J .3 5 J 8 &H ►? ig-5Sg; o S o -W^ S c " ^ c ■r- j: CD - *J J! p c CD' OJ ;::: CO r-i5 .- ■ ca -p S > c g S ^ ^ c- «£!= A o > z) > a »r ^^ rf cfi = O c3 .2 ■= > CO o a > :^ 3 m CD is QJ 3 .SS8 _ 3 .3 6J .£ 3 CO Is "i ^s a 5" s CD - CD - _ CJ V *H ) S 50 S.3^* .S g 3 .8 fl 1^3- § ca o 674 HISTORY OF BUCKS CO0NTY. ic -^^ in CS r^ - GO « ;^ -*J c3 OJ rf CO o s s -o t- t. 1- rt IS d S^5 O O O Q ; s go § t- H ^ ■ji o ^ t- CO Qi 9 o " 3'2 i CO o s s ^^ -^ n ^ CO n ^ , V- QJ O J-, ^ ^ fa/.D5 -tn T3 5 , -*^Q^ CO CO r^ I ^- - o j: g g . 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Jr =3 03 'r" 2g IH O =^ .-1 "^ sjD o t:^ ^ WoociKg^ d .S-o " fe s Is MS ° ■== ^r ^ 03 t^ 03 to > -^ C O Q .S ,-^ O J. g 1 .2 O 5 ?CB "o £,'-0 3 03 C« fl CO tg a *3 -c; CO ■S +^ T-< ^ g E •« vco ^t^ - 3 g- "H-S a 3 ^ P5 03 .0 S o 2 03 C rt *^ „^ et3 03 +J ^ .^ O - C ^ _ m r- 03 rS 03 C ^ S 2 ,§ " - V- m Ja t*- 03 O 03 -►^ c3 C3 .2 ta-S^ s .5 ° ^ » - o O O 03 W ,03 (2 cq . ar s is ^ ■£ C g o'~5 ■' 2 fe ,S ■- 'S "^ .2 S ■§ m hJ ^ ~ ^ '-3 B£ .0 t3 Sj03 >- 9 t^ as ■^^ to " G ■^ ^ CO ci Li CO CO . a> -^ CD '^ CO - 2 3 >>«> 03 ci3 3 al O to ■S MtuS I IS q ^ '^ n '" ,0 -3 .2 03 C3 U3 "3 OJ^ 03 - ^ a 03 3£.-S - O ^ > 03 •;3 '3 .£ o^gS-^S e -Q S -3 03 ^' ^ 676 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Q < c a is. a S bo . ojC — o S=« m 'oil 2 « L-. t>i '?^ m n E> '_ «=« 00 n > . i. B ^ a t.1 CQ ^ O OJ o O I ri03lrtO.SClHUT30l3 id QJ QO £ cj to ' C 3 E ri O) a I-" flj ^^ I . rj cU '^ r^ c r- O O C .*J rt +J C O OT3^ XI C H E- 5 !^ S Q h2 to o > +^ 1- (D o ■ t- o ^G<1 -H CO o tfl o CO CO (D 1:0 s^^-S O 2 O) >- o 5 > o^ > <«. 500 o j5 o "^ a> ^ o to — 'Ji Ed QJ m Li C3 QQ QJo5 H H H CO CO C JD S c a •^. -Q CO X to >i CO 00 ■A 7-. C tJ C3 Ti J=! >1 >, « 'f C 3 != 3 fi rt C oi '^ C S cc K B ^ci ^S OS oS 0=3 xi^ a xT .xTg&a rt C QJ ri t! :d 10 ow .-T ^ *^ ^""S •^^ 'P. a CO r— jd a 3 S ii'-' h-l '^ 1— < .s ° 2 § +=• CD ^ a S^agS ta53 a2 "7 c3 t- CO ':3 3 3 55 ^ CD "" rt ^ o^C^^ s °3 S»5«S ?;•« ■s-^-slS g a ° ^ -*? pill "=2 n-; ^'S P s |gs6c^ S5 h =« -3 "a ^ a rr% n3 y. 03 ►§ ^3 lO ^« S j<> _ j: c ►> ^^a t-( g o O 2 t, -M CO a> e.a3 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 677 C cij CO O 5 =1 i=i o (jj CO a) rt p ^ 1^ o ^ .-, <" fcr-2 Eh lO Oh-5 o 3 C c o O O iO ^2 ■« ° 6 CO ^ S -•CO ,c* . 03 +j . t- ^ CO CO 00 >^ rf CO CD ■—CO P3 CO CD :; CO ;> Vh ^^^ ■u GJ rt '^^' CD n to 00 O JD s O cd -i::^ i-H o o H H H a! 3 CO Ci to ?^ ? n, «> O ., E-i : oi-:i: — aj l-iil! t-i 01 , U m . §S og go go Ot4rt OhJrH O^ B Oi-l E H B t- H S ■Sim « ■| ts .« rt f> ? t> O p P-. 12; -3 o ^ =! to -2 C tj . '^ S tH H g o3 OJ t> ■3 o x; .S j= .2 ^ •gE .J3 •"jHtliTj o O '^ . C TJ rO ^ ►^^ gpq t> P3 < 2 tc cS'O--' rf >. .a-g 3 o«<„ *^ a. o « QO o rf ^ .^ o "S E S-a-gg ■St£| IsSe o o ^ o -£E:^-S .5 o :;: o '-< so cu t, ?^ „ ;> |.i Bi-i o o (0 S ■'^ 2 - fi- 't-H .C ., — Sf > ■•^ g o ES V- — ' o ^ ^E .u c t- OJ Tl « -g. OJ ES o OCD^ L. JJmE-1 a iTfC iB o o S Sgcs couuty of C Delaware Ri dou, the Mr. p 5 1J e O rC C O 05 ^ I- s - 3 ? - O = 'Of a - - o - o C2 s .-g'°• a 5 o ., Pet. -t^ 5j rC J2i "f ^3 O-r rOW E G » S v. P o ~ « OS ?=„->' <^ 2 ■» ,r S '3 11 CO ~ •- S s CO .^ I < '^ T-( 3.S o ^ C.S- "S « "^ _ o -r 678 HISTOKY OF BUCES COUXTY. 3 C c o 0^ ^^ ^^ v. = O lO 13 oj o O J-i « w d CO — g: in H s fl rt '^ rf a o ^"^ -5 CO O ^ s ^ a SFi ^ •— t> > > t-. PS <3 o o a — JSgO ^ o M o 5; to ^^^-^ t> S a> t, D -co •a t3 D g-" a c o ^ 3 -^ ^ ^H cs o +J ii CO § c 6 ■3 3'^ o lOJ +j o 6 O 03 W 03 t- ja **-< c ■^ s i^" ° o S 2 o - ■(£03 -S 3 \B-^ E ?§ E (O g to S 03 QQ ■a >v 2 c c o 03 .22 3 t^^ rJ:: 00 - 00 -"-^ ?o 3 o ,0 03 ■3 03 B I S c o .£ o ,G .g HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 679 c o a ) 1 CO •" f(-^ '^ en e|s 1-1 Us 5 S •a _ c a o a ^ o .C Ota §!> 0-° _0 o ^ , of L onten 0. X OS &j „0 •gog s Pa died ucks ondo the th, 1 homa and ichnr of B of L S.S-3 s^a H K5 t<5 B 6 pq c.~ O C3 to 3 < 25 i-"tr| O P -^ •Sp5 a; ■'-' ^-' -r o 5- <•-= S ^ CO pS ^-6 "S O ciJ ■S oj o i; -, •p _ -t^ CU 1-1 ^ «, o P 2 -^J p -p °^ y .1 So o e g P ggo - p s ~ 4J CO go g OS g = -c^ o "-g ??.s o O^"^ Co ^ ^ •S O CO o in cS P ■^s oi >> E.s'g 03 -P 1-3 o S c CO ^ CD CJ t- - z; -3 cu p 'o > O *f ^ P P << CO o ,Sc«3i-i " "^ 5 >-5 ° ■g 5 -* p ^ s" P=|.S5S.SS o '- -S ■ CD _ °5 ohj e OKI e ^ E-< E^ ■^ ^ *" dJ Ci •c 2 >o3 ^ ears to se e of oke s. K^5 =".;2^^? Cm v: "^^^»5 rt r; ^j ^+:i t_ t- r^ 0! tji D 5^ "Do <^ c3 iX> i- XJ cd +J t*^ rt X"^^ X -:^ a. cu t. .sag s^ S 6^ to o3 QJI-3 § o'S o O -gfiSo, ■^ ° g ° ESS vr> a S^H^^ ,- y3 r; "^ j= .^2 ebst Jain ver t S s ■' C '^ c"^ ors.2 s.^ ■^ > 3 '> ^ Coo r^ --^ , CD ;3 Gj '* z; S *^ '^ o <;-. p.^-^S ;^ CO a- {V) _?^ "* ^ C .g "1 ° s £.g'3 -3 ocQco Co. O 5 3 <^ F':^ -rt W OJ '2 "5 to ,0 ^ -n gg c . cj fe^-P y CD - > g 1 II Ss - ■*^ iT P- o ^£ .=-3 t« 1-1 cs J- -5 ."S Ot„'a o "^ S >>S o*" gjj o "o -E ja - « o O -s .2 Sj-c "^ o ^^ JZ "^ o aj r- . E r ' & ° CJ > t- *J — ^ g 2 =3 t, -^ g .G C ^ .P ^ -^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 681 A Registery of all the Births and Deaths of all within the county of Backs in the Province of Pennsylvania. BIRTHS. Their name and whose child. George Poumall, son of George & Ellinor Pownall, in the county of Bucks in the Province of Pennsyl- vania. Henry, the son of Henry & Elizabeth Marjofum, born Hannah, the daughter of John & Christian Palmer, born Elizabeth Kidgioay, daughter to Richard & Eliza- beth Kidgway, born Thomas, the son of Samuel & Ann Dark, born Mary, the daughter of Lyonell and Elizabeth Brit- tain, born Rebecka, the daughter of the said Lyonell & Eliza., born ]\fary, the daughter of Josua Boare & Margaret, born Latvrence, the son of Lawrence & Elizabeth Banner, born Days of the month. The year. Born the 1 1 of 9 month, 1682. the 12th, 7 mo.. 1683. the 23, 1 mo., 1684. the 17, 12 mo.. 1682. the 11, 8 mo.. 1683. the 13 day of 10 month, 1680. the 19th day of 11 month, the 31 of the 6th month, the 20th day of the 9th month, 1683. 1685. 1685. Thus far I have given an aoo't to C. Taylor, the 1, 3 mo., 1686. Robert Bond, son of Thomas Bond, neare Garstang in Lancashire in old England, dyed and was buried near William Yarleys Ralph Smith, the governor's gardiner, was buryed at the buring place in the, point Henry Gihhs, the governor's carpenter, was buryed in the point William Hiscock was buryed at Gilbert Wheeler's burying place' Thus far I have given C. Taylor an acc't the 1, 3 mo., 1686. David Davis of Neshaminah, chirurgeon, dyed and was buryed att the buring place at Nicholas Walne the 23 day of tlie 1 raontli, Richard Amor of Neshaminah, formerly of Bucket Burry in Barkshire, was buryed about the latter end of the 9th month, 1682, at Neshaminah, the 3d day of the 7 month, 1684. the 5th day 3 mo.. 1685. the 21 day of the 9th month, 1685. the 23 day of 10th month, 1685. 1686, 1682. 682 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. A registery of all marriages within the county of Bucks in the Province of Pennsylvania. Ricliard Hough to Margery Clows, the 17th day of 1st Month ; year illegible ; probably 1G83-4. William Sandford ^ Frances Hummer, both of Bucks County, 31st, 3 month, 1G84. Samuel Dark §• Ann Knight, 4 Mo. 17, — 1683. Hichard Lundy §• Elizabeth Bennet (6 Mo. 24, — 1684). Mauris Leiston, of Black Bird's Creek in New Castle County, and Jane Greaves, daughter to Ann Milcome, of Bucks County, 6th month 8th, 1685. John Bainhridge and Sarah Clows, daughter of John Clows, both of Bucks County, 15th 6th Month, 1685. Thomas Butter, of Philadelphia, and Rehecka Staples, of Bucks County, 10 Mo. 11th, 1685. Samuel Dark §■ Martha Worrall, both of Bucks County, 12 Mo. 6, 1685. David Davis, of Neshaminah, and Margaret Evans, of the same place, 1 mo. 8th, 1G8.5/G, at the house of the said Davis. Joseph English, of Poqueston Creek in Philadelphia County, and Jane Comley, of Bucks County, 26th 2 mo., 1685. Henry Paxtnn §■ Margary Plumly (13th 6 mo., 1684). John Nailer, of Neshaminey, and Jane Cuttler, of Neshamineh, 11th of 5 Month, 1685, at the house of James Dillworth, of Neshaminah. Stephen Sands §■ Jane Cowgill, of Neshaminah — 25th 8 month, 1684, at the house of Nicholas Walne, of Neshaminah. Edmund Bennet, of Bucks County, & Elizabeth Potts, of Philadelphia, 22 10 Mo., 1685 at the house of John Otter. Joseph Charley and Mary Akerman, both of Bucks County, the 2d month y' 6th day, 1686 James Rothwell ir Ester Rothwelt, both of Bucks County, 12th 2 Month, 1686. William Berry, of Kent Count)-, and Naomy Walley, of Bucks, — at Pennsbury, 9th month, 1686. Nehemiah Allen and Mary Earlysman, both of Bucks Co., 29th 8 mo., 1683, at the house of Edmund Bennet. — Daniel Pegg, of Philadelphia, & Martha Allen, of Neshaminah Creek, in Bucks County, 22d of 2d month, 1686, at the house of Samuel Allen, on Neshaminah Creek. Walter Bridgman and Blanch Constable, both of Neshaminah, Bucks Co., 26th 6 month, 1686, at the house of Stephen Sandes. Abraham Cocks and Sarah Woolfe, both of Bucks Co., 2Gth 9 mo., 1686. ROSTER OF COUNTY OFFICERS. The original officers of the county were a sheriif, clerk of the court, deputy- register, deputy register of wills, deputy master of rolls, coroner, deputy sur- veyor, and " inferior receiver" of taxes. The clerk of the court performed clerical service for both the county court and the orphans' court, and until 1770 received the commission and did the business of deputy register, register of wills, and master of rolls. On the temporary institution of the court of com- mon pleas in 1707 the office of prothonotary was also instituted, but the new title brought no additional duties. In 1777 the duties of prothonotary and HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 683 clerk were devolved upon one officer, and the duties of register and recorder upon another. In 1808 the clerical duties of the orphans' court and court of common pleas were divided between the prothonotary and the clerk of the orphans' court, and in 1836 the prothonotary was relieved of duty in the court of quarter sessions. In 1829 the clerk of the orphans' court was commissioned as clerk of quarter sessions, but this arrangement does not appear to have been continued beyond that year. The duties of register and recorder were per- formed by one officer from 1777 to 1830, when two officers were appointed. The list which follows indicates the probable date at which the other offices were established. This list is not absolutely complete, but great pains have been bestowed upon it, and it is believed that it is as perfect as the records now existing will permit. Prothonotakies. — 1683-1700, Phineas Pemberton; , Robert Cole; 1700-1742, Jeremiah Langhorne ; 1 742-1770, Lawrence Growden ; 1770-1772, William Hicks ; 1772- 1777, Isaac Hicks; 1777-87, James Benezet ; 1787-95, Samuel Benezet; 1795-1800, William Linton; 1800-1808, Thomas Ross; 1808, T. G. Kennedy; 1809-18, William Watts; 1818, Samuel D. Ingham; 1819-21, John S. Benezet; 1821-24, Crispin Blackfan ; 1824-29, John S. Benezet; 1829, Peter Gwinner;* 1830-34, William Purdy ; 1834-36, Charles H. Mathews; 1836-39, Elias Gilkyson ; 1839, John B. Pugh ; 1839-42, John S. Bryan; 1842-45, William U. Ruckman ; 1845-48, James G. Hibbs ; 1848-51, Isaiah James ; 1851-54, Levi O. Kulp ; 1854-57, Andrew W. Gilkyson; 1857-60, John W. Fry; 1860- 63, Samuel B. Thatcher; 1863-66, Reading B. Slack; 1866-69, Reuben F. Sheetz ; 1869- 72, William H. Cook; 1872-75, S. C. Van Pelt; 1875-79, James Barrett; 1879-82, Thomas S. Folwell ; 1882-85, John R. Bitting ; 1885 — , Elwood W. Minster. Clekk of Okphans' Court. — 1808-14, James Boyd; 1814, William W. Hart; 1815-21, Uriah DuBois ; 1821-24, Francis B. Shaw; 1824-29, Charles E. DuBois; 1829, Eli Kitchen;* 1830-36, William Carr; 1836-39, John W. Stover; 1839, George F. Wagner; 1839-42, Samuel Darrah ; 1842-45, William Addis ; 1845-48, James Cummings ; 1848-51, James M. McNair; 1851-54, Edwin Fretz ; 1854-57, Jonathan White; 1857-60, Robert Ramsey; 1860-63, Aaron B. Rosenberger; 1863-66, I. Coulton Thomas; 1866-69, David Swain; 1869-72, Michael R. Ott; 1872-75, Isaac G. Thomas; 1875-7, Martin V. B. Vanartsdalen ; 1878-81, John Roberts; 1881-84, Josiah W. Leidy ; 1884 — , Michael Dougherty. Clerk of Court of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer. — 1836-38, JohnDungan; 1838, James Kelly; 1839-45, Manasseh H. Snyder; 1845-48, William Beejv ; 1848-51, Rynear T. Donatt ; 1851-54, Andrew C. Worthington; 1854-56, Edwin Fretz: 1856, Thomas B. Hartman ; 1857-60, John H. Stern; 1860-63, Samuel R. Hill- yer; 1863-66, Julius Kuster; 1866-69, Francis S. Mann; 1869-72, John G. Randall; 1872-75, A. Smith Dudbridge; 1875-78, Joseph A. Fluck ; 1878-81, Eugene Highland; 1881-84, Francis Bartleman ; 1884—, Charles D. Bigley. Register and Recorder. — 1683-1700, Phineas Pemberton ; 1700-42, Jeremiah Langhorne; 1742-70, Lawrence Growden; 1770-77, William Hicks; 1777-88, Joseph * Also clerk of quarter sessions. 684 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Hart ; 1 788-1802, James Hanna ; 1802-5, Nathaniel Irwin ; 1806-10, William Hart ; 1810- 21, John Pugh; 1821-24, Benjamin Field; 1824-29, Samuel A. Smith; 1829, William H. Rowland. Register.— 1830-36, AndreV Hellor ; 1836-39, John Fackenthall; 1839-42, David Marple; 1842-45, David White ; 1845-48, William Percy; 1848-51, Joseph Carver; 1851- 54, AVilliam Thompson ; 1854-57, Joshua Stackhouse ; 1857-60, Patrick McEntee ; 1860- 63, Jonathan Davis; 1803-66, Howard K. Sager; 1866-69, Samuel H. Heany ; 1869-72, John T. Murfit; 1872-75, Jesse H. Atkinson; 1875-78, Benjamin W. Pursell ; 1878-81, Hugh B. Campbell ; 1881-84, William H. Barton; 1884—, John F. Fosbenner. Recorder. — 1830-36, Michael Dech ; 1836-39, Samuel Atkinson; 1839-42, David Drissel ; 1842-45, Robert Stoneback ; 1845-48, John C. Mangle ; 1848-51, Morris Mathews ; 1851-54, Joseph Morrison; 1854-57, Hugh Kintner ; 1857-60, James Ruckman ; 1860-63, Isaac Van Horn; 1863-06, Allen H. Heist; 1866-69, Asher Cox; 1869-72, Philip J. Hawk; 1872-75, J. Watson Case; 1875-78, Silas H. Beans; 1878-81, James W. Bartlett; 1881-84, Austin McCarty ; 1884—, Milton D. Althouse. Sheriff.— 1682, Richard Noble; 1683-85, John Brock ; 1685, Nicholas Walne ; 1686- 89, Abraham Wharley ; 1089, William Beakes ; 1090-92, William Yardley ; 1093 (April 29- July 30), Israel Taylor; 1093-95, Thomas Brock; 1695-1701, Samuel Beakes; 1701-05, William Biles, Jr. ; 1705-11, William Croasdale; 1717-18, John Hall; 1719, John Abraham Denormandic; 1720-23, John Hall; 1723-28, Thomas Biles; 1728-30, Timothy Smith ; 1731-32, Isaac Pennington; 1733, John Hall; 1734-36, Timothy Smith ; 1737-39, John Hart; 1740-42, Joseph Jackson; 1743-45, John Hart; 1746-48, Amos Strickland; 1749, John Hart; 1750-51, Joseph Hart ; 1752-54, William Yardley ; 1755-56, Benjamin Chap- man ; 1757-58, Timothy Stackhouse; 1759-01, Joseph Thornton; 1702-64, John Gregg; 1765-67, William Buckman ; 1708-70, Joseph EUicott; 1771-72, Richard Gibbs ; 1773-75, Samuel Biles; 1776-78, John Thompson; 1779-81, George Wall; 1782-84, Samuel Dean; 1785-87, William Roberts; 1788-90, Jacob Bennet; 1791-93, William Chapman; 1794- 90, Joseph Fell; 1797-99, David Thomas; 1800-2, Nathaniel Shewell ; 1803-8, David Thomas; 1809-11, Elisha Wilkinson; 1812-14, Samuel Sellers; 1815-17, Thomas G. Kennedy; 1818-20, George Burgess ; 1821-23, Stephen Brock ; 1824-20, Jacob Kintner ; 1827-29, Stephen Brock; 1830-32, Benjamin Morris; 1833-35, William Field; 1836-38, Cornelius Sellers ; 1839-41, Rutledge Thornton; 1842-43, Thomas Purdy ; 1844, Samuel Darrah (vice Thomas Purdy, deceased); 1845-47, Charles H. Mann; 1848-50, Jonas Ott; 1851-53, Albert Phillips; 1854-56, Charles Fellman ; 1857-59, Joseph S. Ely; 1860-62, John T. Simpson; 1863-65, James M. Wilkinson; 1866-68, John E. Corcoran; 1869-71, Elias Hogeland; 1872-74, John M. Purdy; 1875-77, J. D. K. Reinhart ; 1878-80, Samuel L. Ely; 1881-83, Allen H. Heist; 1884—, Elias Eastburn. Treasurer.— 1684, William Biles; 1724-32, Jeremiah Langhorne ; 1747-50, Timothy Smith ; 1750-67, John Watson, Jr. ; 1757-62, Thomas Janney ; 1762-07, Abraham Chap- man; 1768-71, Paul Preston; 1772-76, Joseph Chapman; 1777-79, Henry Wynkoop ; 1780-85, John Hart; 1786-88, Henry Wynkoop; 1789-90, Joseph Chapman; 1791, Isaac Chapman; 1802, T. Hicks; 1804-5, Isaac Hicks; 1806, Enos Morris; 1810, Jonathan Smith; 1812, Thomas Jenks ; 1813-16, John Courson ; 1815, Jonathan Smith; 1816, John McNair; 1817, George Burgess; 1818, Thomas Stewart; 1819, Christopher Vanartsdalen ; 1820, Jacob Kooker; 1821, Nathaniel Shewell; 1822, William Watson; 1823, Samuel Palmer; 1824, Benjamin Smith, Jr.; 1826, John Ruckman; 1826, Aaron Larue; 1827, •t^ v t ^ i ) ■ ' HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 689 Samuel McNair ; 1828, Daniel Boileau ; 1829, Andrew Apple; 1830, John Euckman ; 1831, Alexander Van Horn; 1832, AVilliam Strawn ; 1833, Jesse Johnson; 18S4, Michael H. Jenks; 1835, Frederick Lutz ; 183C, William D. Ruckman ; 1837, Moses Larue; 1838, John Harpel; 1839, Moses Gibson; 1840, Joseph Morrison ; 1841, Abraham Fretz ; 1842, George W. Closson ; 1843, Joshua Wright ; 1844, Jesse P. Carver; 1845, James R. Boileau ; 184G, John Barnesley ; 1847, Thomas Dungan ; 1848, John McEntee ; 1849, Edward Baker; 1850, IJavid Todd; 1851, Samuel M. Hager; 1852, Joseph C. Leaw ; 1853, William Cor- son ; 1854, Joshua Fell ; 1855, John K. Holt ; 185G, Harman Yerkes ; 1857, Charles Levy ; 1858, Emmor Walton; 1859, Joseph A. Van Horn; 1860, Tobias Nash; 1861, William Albertson; 1862, Andrew J. Larue; 1863, Lycurgus S. B odder ; 1864, Alfred Johnson; 1865, Jacob Bachman ; 186G, Francis Hartman ; 1867, Andrew Ott ; 1868, George B. Cope; 1869, Elias Shellenberger ; 1870, Benjamin Cadwallader; 1871, John Harton ; 1872, Levi Trauger ; 1873, Isaac H. Worstall ; 1874, Edwin Knight; 1877, Samuel S. Gearhart ; 1880, David B. Feastcr ; 1883, Jacob Hagcrty; 1886, Levi O. Biehn. County Auditor. — 1810, William Stokes; 1811, Isaac Hicks; 1812, George Burgess. 1817, John Moore; 1818, William Long; 1819, Asher Miner; 1826, John N. Solliday ; 1827, John P. Hood; 1828, Lewis S. Coryell; 1829, John Moore; 1830, Moses Larue; 1831, John Linton; 1832, David Drissell ; 1833, James McNair; 1834, John Ruckman; 1835 Samuel Lutz; 1836, Samuel Hart; 1837, James McNaIr ; 1838, Richard Moore; 1839, Moses Larue ; 1840, Charles W. Everhart; 1841, James Cummings ; 1842, Franklin Van- sant ; 1843, Tobias L. Cressman ; 1844, Lemen Banes; 1845, Stephen N, Bartine; 1846, Joseph Schleifer; 1847, William H. Long; 1848, Christopher H. Leedom ; 1849, Peter Shelly; 1850, Stephen N. Bartine, Charles Thompson; 1851, James C. Finney; 1852, Thomas Cope; 1853, Nathan J. Hines ; 1854, Alfred Marple ; 1855, Levi O. Mickley, S. G. Slach; 1856, Samuel Darrah ; 1857, Lewis B. Scott; 1858, John A. Loux ; 1859, Charles Thompson; 1860, Anthony K. Joyce ; 1861, John N. Solliday; 1862, Abiah J. Riale; 1863, William S. Hogeland ; 1864, Henry T. Trumbower; 1865, Charles Thompson ; 1866, Cyrus M. Sacket ; 1867, Jonas Laubenstine; 1868, Therdon P. Harvey; 1869, Charles Stewart; 1870, John N. Solliday; 1871, James C. Iden ; 1872, Isaiah Delaney ; 1873. Aaron K. Wamboid ; 1874, Reuben F. Scheetz ; 1875, John N. Solliday, William Percy, Aaron K. Wamboid; 1878, Robert Eastburn, John J. Moore, Charles Gaine ; 1881, Israel D. Fox, Joseph N. Gross, David S. Flack; 1882, George AV. Boileau (vice David S. Flack, deceased) ;'''l884, John G. Weinberger, Samuel K. Althouse, John H. Larue. CORONEK.— 1685, Robert Hall; 1688, George White; 1692, Arthur Cook; 1698, Jonathan Swift; 1717, William Biles; 1718-19, John Cuttler ; 1720, Jeffrey Pollard; 1721, William Atkinson; 1726-30, Jonathan Woolston ; 1731-35, William Atkinson; 1736, John Woolston; 1739-40, William Atkinson; 1742, John Hart; 1743-4.'i, Joseph Chap- man ; 1746-47, John Chapman; 1748, John Hart; 1749-51, William Smith; 1752-54, Evan Jones; 1755, Simon Butler ; 1756-59, William Ashbourne ; 1760-63, William Buck- man ; 1764, John Addis; 1765-7, AVilliam Doyle; 1768-72, James Wallace; 1773-75, George Fell; 1778, William Hart; 1781, John Carr ; 1783-84, William Bennet; 1785,Jere- miah Vastine ; 1786-91, Isaac Van Horn; 1791-92, John Hough; 1794, Daniel Thomas; 1796, Stephen Smith; 1797, Cephas Child, Jr. ; 1803, Joshua Beans ; 1804, Hugh Thomp- son; 1806, Andrew Quintin ; 1809-12, Nathaniel Vansant ; 1813, John Hines; 1815, John Chapman; 1818, John Riale; 1821, John Price; 1824, Casper Hinkle ; 1827, John Kel- ler; 1828, Caspar Hinkle; 1829, John Keller ; 1830, Michael Walter ; 1831, John Keller ; 1832, William Walter ; 1833, Michael Walter ; 1834, William Sands; 1839, Stephen K. Price; 1842, Jacob R. Hibbs ; 1845, William Early; 1848, James D. Brunner; 1851, 36 690 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. * John G. Hibbs; 1854, Towiisend Fell ; ISSS, John C. Shepliard; 1858, James Manning- ton ; 18G1-70, William Early; 1871-77, J. Wilson Closson ; 1877, E. J. Groom; 1880, Evan J. jMorris; 1883, James V. Smith; 1886, William S. Silbert. County Surveyor. — 1G86, Arthur Cook, Thomas Janney ; 1G93, Robert Longshore 1789, Isaac Hicks; 1805, John Euckman ; 1812, Samuel Hart; 1813, William Long 1814, William Stokes; 1822, Caleb Foiilke; 182^-30, Caleb Foiilke ; 183G, Caleb Foulke 1839, William Wright; 1842, David AVliite; 1853-G2, Frederick G. Hillpot; 1862, David R. Hibbs; 1865, l^evi H. Rogers; 1868, Tliomas JMacReynoIds ; 1871, M. D. Franken- field; 1874, Charles Savage; 1877, Samuel H. Laubach ; 1883, David W. Hess; 1886, John M. Ziick. Co-MMissiONKR. — 1722, Robert Heaton, Samuel Baker, Mathew Hughes, John Hutch- inson, Henry Nelson, William Atkinson; 1723, Jeremiah Langhorne ; 1725, Matthew Hughes; 1730, Jose])h Kirkbride ; 1734, Joseph Kirkbride ; 1735, Simon Butler ; 1736, Ben- jamin Morris; 1737, Jeremiah Langhorne; 1739, Timothy Smith ; 1741, John Watson; 1742, Abraham' Chapman; 1743, John Hall; 1744, John Hill; 1745, Benjamin Taylor; 174C, Samuel Carey ; 1747, John Watson, Jr. ; 1748, John Woolston ; 1750, John Hart ; 1751, William Pa.\son ; I 752, Joseph Watson ; 1753, Amos Strickland; 1754, Giles Knight ; 1755, John Wilkinson; 1756, William Yardley ; 1757, AVilliam Buckley; 1758, Jonathan Ingham; 1759,. Abraham Chapman; 1760, John Storj' ; 1761, John AVoolston ; 1762, John Terry ; 17G3, Joseph Watson ; 1764, John Brown ; 1765, John Gregg ; 1766, Edward Thomas ; 1767, Thomas AVatson ; 1768, Thomas Yardley; 1769, Thomas Foulke; 1770, John AVil- kinson; 1771, David Twining; 1772, Theophilus Foulke; 1774, Gilbert Hicks; 1775, James Chapman; 1778, John Wilkinson; 1779, Joseph Thomas; 1780, Samuel Smith; 1781, Francis Murray; 1782, John Carr ; 1783, Alexander Hughes ; 1784, Joseph Mcll- vaine ; 1785, Nathaniel EUicott ; 1786, William Bryan; 1787, Timothy Taylor (vice Jo- seph Mcllvaine, deceased); 1787, Thomas Jenks, Jr.; 1788, Amos Griffith; 1789, Isaac Burson ; 1790, Giles Knight; 1791, Joshua Vansant ; 1792, Everard Foulke; 1793, Daniel Martin; 1794, William Proctor; 1795, John Heaney ; 1796, John Brown; 1797, James Gillinghani ; 1798, John Brock ; 1799, Samuel Benezet ; 1800, David Thomas ; 1801, Mi- chael Fackenthall ; 1802, Thomas Cooper; 1803, Philip Miller ; 1804, John Keller ; 1805, John McElroy (vice Michael Fackenthall) ; 1805, John Longstreth ; 1806, William Hart; 1807, Jacob Weaver; 1808, Thomas Jenks ; 1809, John Corson ; f'SlO, George Cyphert; 1811, Jonathan Smith; 1812, John McNair ; 1813, John Jacoby ; 1814, Thomas Stewart; 1816, Christian Vanartsdalen ; 1816, Jacob Kooker ; 1817, Nathaniel Shewell ; 1818, Wil- liam Richardson; 1819, Shipley Lester ; 1820, John C. Ernst; 1821, ]\L AVilliamson ; 1822, William Stokes; 1823, William Watson; 1825, Elias Gilkyson ; 1825, Andrew Apple; 1826, John Ruckman ; 1827, Alexander Van Horn; 1828, ^\'illiam L. Strawn ; 1829, Jesse Johnson; 1830, M. H. Jenks; 1831, Henry Eckel ; 1832, William McHenry ; 1833, Clark Johnson; 1834, Daniel Shive ; 1835, Hugh B. Ely ; 1 83 C, Joseph Morrison ; 1837, Abra- ham Fretz; 1838, H. L. Miller; 1839, Samuel Gilkj-son ; 1840, Jacob Dill; 1841, Samuel Kachline; 1842, Thomas B. Craven; 1843, Malachi White, Felix AValp ; 1844, William S. Thomas; 1845, George W. Brown; 1846, Enos Artman ; 1847, John Shipe ; 1848, Garret Vansant ; 1849, Anthony Transue ; 1850, Benjamin Harwick ; 1851, Hazel Scott ; 1852, Samuel Rymond ; 1853, John Cozens; 1854, Jesse G. AVebster; 1856, Paul H. Hartzell; 1856, Andrew Dudbridge ; 1867, John Fenton ; 1858, Michael O. Kulp ; 1869, Samuel Anglemoyer ; 1860, AV. H. Richardson; 1861, Eli HotTbrd, Jesse Black; 1862, Jesse Black; 1863, Peter Staales ; 1864, Daniel Clewell ; 1865, Josiah AV. Leidy ; 1866, Thomas Heed; 1867, David Seip ; 1868, Moses O. Kulp; 1869, Charles Willett; HISTORY OP BUCKS COUXTY. 691 1870, Jolin Kncclit; 1871, Benjamin Wiggins; 1872, Abi-aliam Thompson; 1873, Charles B. Yost; 1874, Samuel Keller; 1875-81, Samuel Keller, Andrew J. Solomon, Kdmund Goddard ; 1881, John Wj-nkoop, Jonas T. Breisch, Isaac Ryan; 1884, Isaac C. Hoben- sack, John Johnson, Comly Michener. Diiti'XTOR OF THE PoOR. — 1807, Jamcs Chapman, John IMcMasters, Ralph Stover; 1808, Jolin Mann; 1809, Christian Clemens; 1810, Ilarman Vansant; 1811, Elijah Stin- son ; 1812, John Courson ; 1813, Jonathan Smith; 1814, Abraham Dunlap ; 1815, John Riale : 18IG, John Courson; 1817, Hugh Thompson; 1818, Benjamin Hough; 1819, Francis B. Sliaw ; 1820, Moses Eastburn ; 1821, Adrian Cornell; 1822, Joseph Jones; 1823, Robert Thompson; 1824, AVilliam B. Vandegrift ; 1825, Abel H. James; 1826, JosiahRieh; 1827, John H. Bispham ; 1828, Isaac Hines ; 1829, Samuel Rodman ; 1830, Abraham Sellers; 1831, Jacob Kooker ; 1832, Jacob Markley ; 1833, Jonathan Delaney ; 1834, Andrew Apple; 1835, Samuel Brown ; 1836, William Booz ; 1837, Philip Geisinger ; 1838, John Johnson; 1839, Joshua Wright ; 1840, Conrad Overpeck; 1841, David Todd ; 1842, Clark Johnson: 1843, Philip R. Harpel ; 1844, William Austin; .1845, Jesse E. Booz; 1846, AVilliam B. Warford ; 1847, Cornelius Shepherd ; 1848, William B. Slack; 1849, Owen Spinner; 1850, Thomas Jacoby ; 1851, James M. Boileau ; 1852, Henry Cope; 1853, Thomas McKinstry ; 1854, John Eukens ; 1855, Martin Bebighouse; 1856, Daniel Hill; 1857, Samuel Banes ; 1858, Samuel Meyers, Anthony Johnson ; 1859, Enos Huntsbergcr; 1H60, Samuel Hillborn ; 1861, Henry Kemmcrer; 1862, David Riale ; 1863, John Thompson, John Sager ; 1864, Valentine Rensliimcr ; 1865, John S. Mann; 1866, Jesse Dungan; 1867, Lewis B. Christman; 1868, George Snyder; 1869, David Cornell; 1870, Jesse Ahhini ; 1871, James S. Pool; 1872, Edward H. Buckman ; 1873, Abraham B. Pearson; 1874, John G. Harris; 1875, John R. Banes; 1876, Joseph F. Nicholas; 1877, James A. Wilson; 1878, William Kinsey ; 1879, James Williams; 1880, Robert James; 1881, Jesse W. Knight; 1882, Silas P. Apple; 1883, Eli Morris; 1884, Stacey C. Buckman; 1885, George W. Walter; 1886, Charles C. Williams. Steward of the Almshouse.— 1810, John McMasters ; 1821, Abner Morris ; 1827, Abraham Jacoby ; 1836, Jacob Markley ; 1837, Daniel Hill; 1838, William Worthington ; 1839, Elias Black; 1842, Henry Black; 1847, William Edwards; 1S50, Abiah J. Riale; 1860, William Allen; 1862, Samuel Trumbower ; 1871, Edward Yost; 1878, David S. Fetter. Jury Commissioner.— 1867, Robert James; 1870, Amos Jacoby, John .Wildman ; 1873, George R, Lear, Jacob Van Boskirk ; 1876, Jacob ^McBrien, Comly Michener ; 1879, Isaac Ilillpot, Amos B. Headley ; 1882, Henry P Sands, Thomas Y. McCarty ; 1885, Jacob Winder, Jacob H. Myers. County Superintendent of Public Schools.- 1854, Joseph Fell; 1857, Wil- liam H.Johnson; 1860-69, Simon S. Ovcrholt ; 1869, AVilliam P. Sharkey, Stephen T. Kirk; 1870-78, Hugh B. Eastburn; 1878-87, W. W. Woodruff; 1887, William H. Slotter. EOSTER OF THE BENCH AND BAR. President JnDGE.—1780, Henry Wynkoop ; 1789, John Barclay ; 1806, Bird AVilson ; 1818, John Ross; 1830, John Fox ; 1841, Thomas Burnside ; 1845, David Krause ; 1857, Daniel M. Smyser; 1861, Henry Chapman; 1871, Henry P. Ross; 1873, Richard Wat- son ; 1883, Harman Yerkes. 692 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Additional Law Judge.— 1869, Henry P. Ross; 1871, Arthur G. Olmstead ; 1872, Stokes h. lloberts ; 1873, Kichard Watson. AssociATK Judge (since tlie year 1812). — Matthias Hutchinson, Francis Murray, Samuel Hart, Robert Smith, William Watts, William Long, John Ruckman, Michael H. Jenks, Samuel A. Smith, William S. Hendrie, Stephen N. Bartine, Andrew Apple, John S. Brjan, John Wildman, Henry Troxel, Joseph Morrison, William Godsclialk. District Attorney.— 1708, Thomas Clarke; 172G, Joseph Growden, Jr.; 1812 to 1850, John Fo.x, Matthias Morris, Robert Bethel, William F. Swift, Francis B. Shaw, Thomas Ross, Charles E. DuBois, Hugh Hamilton Henry, Caleb E. Wright, Stokes h. Roberts, George Lear; 1851-54, Elias Carver; 1854-60, Nathan C. James; 1860-63, James Gilkyson ; 1863-66, Henry P. Ross; 1866-69, Robert L. Cope; 1869-72, Harman Yerkes; 1872-73, Thomas H. Heist; 1873, James Gilkyson (appointed); 1873-76, Levi L. James; 1876-79, J. M. Shellenberger ; 1879-82, Robert M. Yardley; 1882-85, Henry S. Murfit; 1885, Hugh B. Eastburn. Attorneys. — 1727, Joseph Growden; 1727, Andrew Hamilton; 1729, James Biles; 1729, William Biles; 1730, Nathan Watson : 1732, John Emerson; 1732, William Pierce; 1732, John Baker; 1732, Isaac Pennington; 1733, G. H. Sherrard ; 1734, Thomas Bowes; 1734, William Fry; 1736, John Ross; 1736, John Grohoch (the admissions from 1736 to 1750 cannot be ascertained); 1751, John Moland; 1751, William Morris; 1751, Abraham Cott- man ; 1751, Tench Francis; 1751, Edward Shippen ; 1751, Benjamin Price; 1751, John Lawrence; 1752, Lewis Gordon; 1752, William Peters; 1753, William Pidgeon ; 1753, Joseph Galloway; 1754, Joseph Bennett; 1755, Benjamin Chew; 1755, Samuel Morris ; 17.56, Samuel Johnson ; 1758, Joseph Norvall ; 1758, David Henderson ; 1760, John Morris, Jr.; 17G1, AVilliam Smythe; 1761, Joseph Worrell ; 1761, Daniel Co.xe ; 1761, John Ross ; 1761, Samuel Bard; 1762, Nicholas Walne ; 1763, James Kinsey ; 1763, Joseph Smith; 1764, John Dickinson; 1764, Thomas Anderson; 1764, Isaac Allen; 1765, Thomas Mc- Kean ; 1 765, Jasper Ycates ; 1765, Alexander Wilson ; 1765, Richard Peters ; 1765, John Koplin ; 1765, Lindsey Coates ; 1765, Andrew Allen; 1765, James Allen; 1765, Alex- ander Porter; 1765, James Sayre ; 1765, Isaac Hunt; 1766, Daniel Henderson; 1767, David Broagley; 1767, William Hicks; 1767, George Campbell; 1769, Stephen Watts; 1769, Daniel Clymer; 1769, John Haley; 1769, Miers Fisher; 1770, Isaac Hunt; 1772, Jacob Bankson ; 1772, James Lukens ; 1 7 72, Peter Zachary Lloyd; 1772, John Lawrence ; 1772, James Wilson ; 1772, Abel Evans ; 1773, Alexander AVilcox ; 1773, Andrew Allen ; 1773, William Lewis ; 1773, Phineas Bond; 1773, John McFarson ; 1773, Joseph Reed ; 1774, William. Hanna ; 1774, Lewis Hanna (no data from 1776 to 1781); 1781, Jonathan Seargent ; 1781, Charles Swift ; 1781, James Hanna ; 1781, Henry Osborne ; 1781, Jacob Rush; 1781, Jared IngersoU ; 1781, J. F. Miflin ; 1782, John Currie; 1784, John Van- nost; 1784, Thomas Ross; 1784, AVilliam Ewing ; 1785, William Rawle ; 1785, John Andre Hanna; 1785, William Bradford, Jr.; 1785, AVilliam Moore Smith; 1787, Thomas Arm- strong ; 1787, Benjamin Morgan; 1787, Ralph Bowy ; 1787, Samuel Roberts; 1787, Anthony Morris ; 1787, Joseph McKean ; 1787, Matthias Baldwin ; 1 787, Samuel Bayard ; 1787, John Todd; 1790, Abraham Chapman; 1791, Nathaniel Higginson : 1791, Jonathan A\'illiams Condy ; 1791, Seth Chapman; 1791, Joseph Thomas; 1791, James Hunter; 1791, John D. Murray; 1791, Benjamin P. Morgan ; 1792, John Ross ; 1792, Thomas W. Tallman; 179-i, Henry K. Helmuth ; 1794, Edward W. Drury ; 1794, James Milnor ; 1794, A. M. Bolton; 1794, Walter Franklin; 1794, Daniel Stroud; 1794, Robert Henry Dunken; 1794, Jonathan W. Condy. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 693 A List of the Resident Practising Attokneys at the bar of Bucks county SINCE THE YEAR 1812, WITH THE DATES OF THEIR ADMISSION.— 1 790, Mareli 9, Abra- ham Chapman; 1800, Feb. 10, Francis B. Shaw; 1801, May 4, Enos Morris; 1801, Aug. 3, William Mcllhcnny ; 1807, June 1, John Fo.x ; 1809, Auj;. 30, Matthias Morris; 1812, June 3, John D. Roncy ; 1813, June 3, William Watts Hart; 1819, Nov. 29, Joseph S. Pickering; 1820, May 31, Robert Bethel; 1820, Ailg. 28, Charles E. DuBois; 1821, Feb. 17, George R. Grantham; 1821, May SO, John B. Chapman; 1822, May 27, Albert Smith; 1822, May 27, Joseph Hough; 1822, Sept. 9, Eleazar T. McDowell; 1823, Sept. 8, Thomas Morris; 1823, Sept. 8, Thomas Stewart ; 1823, Dec. 8, John Wilkinson ; 1823, Dec. 8, Charles Eastburn ; 1823, Dec. 8, George AV. Smith; 1824, May 3, Gilbert Rod- man; 1826, April 2.5, Daniel C. H. Simms ; 1825, April 25, Henry Chapman; 182G, Sept. 15, Campbell D. Meredith; 1827, Feb. 13, William F. Swift; 1828, Dec. 9, Samuel A. Bridges; 1829, Feb. 9, Thomas Ross; 1830, Sept. 14, John B. Pugh ; 1832, Sept. 10, Stokes L. Roberts; 1833, Sept. 9, Caleb E. Wright; 1835, Feb. 12, Peter WykofF; 1835, Sept. 14, Hugh Hamilton Henry; 1836, April 26, William R. Dickerson; 1836, Dec. 12, Abel M. Griffith; 1837, April 25, John D. Morris; 1837, Dec. 12, Frederick A. Gwinner; 1838, April 24, James Vanhorn ; 1838, Sept. 13, Robert Mellon; 1838, Oct. 29, Gilbert R. Fox; 1839, Dec. 9, William T. Risler ; 1840, Feb. 11, Anthony Swain; 1840, April 27, John G. INIichener ; 1840, April 29, Andrew W. Gilkeson ; 1840, Sept. 16, John Titus ; 1841, Feb. 9, James Gilkyson ; 1841, Dec. 14, Emmett Quinn ; 1843, Feb. 18, Thomas S.Murray; 1843, Feb. 18, Joseph R. Dickerson; 1843, Nov. 16, George Hart; 1844, Feb. 6, George H. Michener; 1844, Nov. 16, George Lear;* 1845, April 30, Elias Carver ; 1845, Sept. 16, Edward J. Fo.x ; 1846, Feb. 2, Mahlon Yardley ; 1846, April 29, Richard Watson; 1846, Sept. 15, William W. H. Davis; 1848, Nov. 9, E. Morris Lloyd; 1850, April 24, Edward M. Paxson ;f 1850, Dec. 2, Benjamin F. Fackenthall ; 1851, Feb. 4, Nathan C. James; 1851, Sept. 10, Henry T. King; 1853, April 27, Lewis B. Thompson; 1856, Feb. 4, John L. DuBois; 1856, Dec. 8, Lewis R. Fox; 1858, Jan. 19, George A. Jenks ; 1858, Jan. 19, Joseph M. Holcomb ; 1858, June 10, Joshua Bean; 1858, Sept. 14, Joel M. Vanarsdalen ; 1859, Sept. 19, Jacob Magill ; 1859, Dec. 16, Henry P. Ross; 1860, March 13, Isaac S. Heston ; 1860, April 27, Charles Armitage ; 1860, Sept. 19, Samuel Croasdale ; 1860, Nov. 2, Benjamin F. Fisher; 1860, Dec. 4, William P. Andrews; 1861, June 11, Robert J. Armstrong; 1862, Sept. 10, James B. Lambert; 1864, Feb. 2, Benjamin F. Gilkeson; 1864, June 13, George Ross; 1864, Sept. 13, Robert L. Cope; 1865, April 26, John W. McDowell; 1865, Nov. 3, Harman Yerkes; 1866, Dec. 11, Thomas H. Heist; 1867, Sept. 10, Henry C. Michener; 1867, Sept. 10, Charles H. Mathews; 1868, April 27, Albert P. Schurz ; 1868, April 27, Louis H. James; 1869, April 26, Stephen T. Kirk; 1869, May 5, Alfred Fackenthall; 1869, Oct. 19, J. M. Shellcnberger ; 1870, April 25, Levi L. James; 1871, April 26, D. W. Clinton Robinson; 1871, June 12, James Lawrence; 1871, Sept. 11, Henry Lear; 1871, Sept. 11, Ivan T. Ruth; 1871, Nov. 2, Arthur Chapman; 1872, June 10, Hamilton H. Gilkyson; 1872, Feb. 14, Henry A. Lloyd; 1872, Sept. 9, Robert M. Yardley; 1873, March 11, Henry C. Dean; 1873, March 11, Joseph M. McClure; 1873, April 28, William Stuckert ; 1873, Oct. 30, Henry Trumbore ; 1874, Jan. 19, Abram H. Jones; 1875, June 15, William E. Barrick; 1876, Feb. 7, John C. Stuckert; 1876, March 13, E.Wesley Keeler ; 1876, Aug. 12, Henry M. DuBois; 1877, Jan. 2, Thomas MacRcynolds ; 1877, INIarch 12, Henry S. Murfit; 1877, Aug. 14, Hugh B. Eastburn; 1877, Nov. 12, Henry O. Harris; 1878, Sept. 9, John D. James; 1879, March 10, George S. McDowell; 1879, Aug. 12, Charles Hall; * Appointed attorne3'-general December 7, 1875. f Elected in 1874 as judge of supreme court. 694 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1879, Aug. 12, Rodman F. Piigli ; 1879, Aug. 12, W. H. Petcrman ; 1879, Aug. 12, AVillard P. Miller; 1879, Dec. 9, A. Weir Gilkeson ; 1880, April 6, Paul H. Applebaeh ; 1880, May'6, Malilon li. Stout; 1880, Feb. 7, J. Morris Seiner; 1880, Feb. 7, Joel H. DeVietor; 1881, June 13, Austin H. Cowdrick ; 1881, June 13, William E. Selioeh ; 1881, June 13, John U. Sells; 1881, Sept. 12, Charles F. Meyers; 1881, Nov. 14, J. Freeman Hcndrioks; 1881, Dec. 13, Henry Watson ; 1882, March 13, Hugh B. Campbell; 1882, March 27, Jerome Faekenthall ; 1882, Oct. 16, Samuel Z. Freed; 1882, Nov. 13, Richard M. layman; 1882, Nov. 13, T. Kirkbride Hulme ; 1884, Sept. 15, William C. Ryan; 1887, May 16, Henry D. Paxson. LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES. The carelessness with which the minutes of the council and assennbly were kept has rendered the attempt to compile the names of those who represented Bucks county in the provincial legislature a diiScult and not altogether satis- factory undertaking. No list of the members that composed the first assembly has been preserved, but from the record of the proceedings and other sources their names have been ascertained, and it is probable that the list of members in the succeeding legislature includes all of those elected to the first. The original " Frame" provided for twelve members from each county to constitute the coun- cil. This was found impracticable at the outset and in the second council, as it was probably done in the first, and three of this number were assigned to the coun- cil and the rest to the assembly. By the " Frame" adopted on April 2, 1683, the number from each county to form the council was fixed at three, and the number to form the assembly was fixed at six. In the list for Bucks county for 1684, however, but five names appear, and as the absent member's name no- where appears in the record of proceedings it is probable that the unknown member never attended. The public service at this time involved a great deal of inconvenience, and notwithstanding a fine of " twelve-pence, sterling" per day was early imposed upon those " having made contumacies by absenting themselves," a complete representation, even when it scarcely exceeded a score of persons, was rarely found. The stipend granted a member of the council was at first three and a half and then changed to five shillings per day of at- tendance, and that granted to a member of assembly was at first three then four shillings, to be paid by their respective counties, with a mileage allowance of two-pence. Occasionally the rental of the place of assembly was similarly paid. On the accession of Governor Fletcher in 1693 the old order of things was largely set aside. The first day of March had been the day for general elections, but under the new governor it was decided on April 27, 1693, "that writts issue, returnable the fifteenth of May next, and that foure Representatives be returned for the County of Philadelphia, foure for New Castle, and three for each of the other Counties." The council was no longer elective, and the loyalty HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 695 of Bucks county to the deposed proprietor caused it to be unrepresented in that body during Fletcher's administration. On the restoration of the province to William Penn in 1695 the old order was generally restored, the election occur- ring in May, however. Markham was appointed " governor under William Penn" with John Goodson and Samuel Carpenter " to be his assistants," and among the first acts of the new governor Avas to issue writs for the election of a council for the purpose of revising the laws and considering " a new frame & modell of governm'." The first session adjourned on the 30th of May to the 9th of September. On that day the full council convened, and after the secre tary had read all the minutes, the governor said : Gcntl., I ordered all the ministers of couiicills that have been held since the proprietor's restoration to his governm' to be read, to remind you how wee have fallen outt of the method of governm* formerlie settled by the proprietor & the people's representatives, In which the provinciall Councill used to promulgate bills that were to be past into Laws twentie dayes before the sitting of the assemblie, att the end of which time the assemblie used to meet to confirm or reject those bills. Gentl., You are sensible how much I was ag' altering anie thing in the charter which was granted us by the proprietor, wtout his knowledge & consent, & how great occasion I had for an Assemblie was & is plain to you, viz : to answer the Late Queen's Comands in assist- ing New York w' o' Quota ag' o' common enemie the French. Gent!., T endeavoured to bring the governm' to the method that was ever used in the pro- prietor's time, before his Excellie Governo' Fletcher had it, and accordinglie, I issued outt writts to forme a provincial Councill ; In answer whereto you mett & performed by Oathes, attests, & Subscriptions, all things necessarie to it ; and then I did my dutie & Laid before you the Late Queen's Letter & his Excellie the Governo'' of New Y^ork's application to mee for the Quota allotted to this governm', expecting you wold have promulgated bills for the raising monio for it, but instead of that your Resolves wer that you were not in a capacite to orive a full & satisfactorie answer to so weightie a matter wtout a Generall Assemblie, & most of vou Living soe remote from this place, & Harvest drawing on soe neer, that you could not meet untill about the ninth day of Sep'' then next ; And yrfor, did advise mee to command the ssemblie to meet the said day, to consult & resolve yrupon. And yrfor, it was resolved that the assemblie be conveened to meet att Philadelphia the sd ninth day of Sepf then next. And now, Gentl., you are to advise what course to steer to attain to the chief end of o' meeting, viz: to answer the Late Queen's Letter, & when that is done & the Ice broken, all other things will be easie. Gentl., the Assemblie is come according to appointment. The first thing wee are to consider of is the method of preparing and passing Bills. Gentl., Both you of the Councill as well as of Assemblie, are Kepreseiitatives of the people, both being chosen by them ; I Have not the choice of one member of either, therefore, when I speak to you I speak to the people's Representatives, as much as when I speak to the Assemblie, and wtout yo' & their Consent I cannot raise raonie, & wtout monie I cannot answer the Queen's Commands. I pray God direct you that what you doe vnay be to his glorie, the King's honor, & the saftie of this poore province. Gentl., I expect your ans^ In their reply to this address the members of the council made a favorable response, granting the money in such a way as to avoid the infringement of 696 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. their conscientious scruples against abetting war, but the assembly coupled with the bill making such a grant an " act of settlement," which the governor refused to sanction, for reasons which he declined to give, and he accordingly dissolved the council and assembly. Neither body was again convened until the latter part of 1696, the council meeting on the 25th of September. How this body was summoned does not appear, but it was probably by appointment from the governor, and was composed almost entirely of gentlemen not in the last council, none appearing from Bucks county. The governor assigns as a reason for the delay in calling this body together that he " expected orders from 0' proprietor & Chief Governo'." By his letters Markham had reason to believe some of his communications to England had been captured by the French. On the 28th the members of the council " did Unanimouslie advise the Governo' to call an assembly. Whereupon the Go' ordered the secrie to prepare writts to be issued to the sheriffs of the Seall counties, to Sumon the people to meet in the usual places upon the Sixteenth of Octob' next, & the counties .of Philadelphia & newcastle, to choose for each of them foure persons to serve in Assembly, & the other four counties to choose for each of them three persons to serve in Assembly, to meet the 26th day of the sd mo." The assembly thus convened sent their message to the governor, declaring " whereas the governor has been pleased to convene us, by his writs, although not in the form of our charter, as we could desire, we have obeyed the same, and considered what he has laid before us." In the end the assembly granted the money for the aid of New York, and on November 7th passed the new " Frame" by which it was provided that the council should consist of two per- sons, and the assembly of four persons, " of most note for virtue, wisdom and ability" out of each county, to be elected the tenth day of the first month. In all this " ado about nothing" the assembly appears to have been actuated by a fear that Penn's representative would not observe the proprietor's charter, and after finding objection to Markham's resuming the old form determined to override his objection to new legislation upon the matter. When the present assembly met it transpired that eighteen months before Penn had sent a com- mission to Goodson to place Arthur Cook in his stead as assistant. In 1699 Penn arrived in the province, and on the 1st of January, 1700, first met the council. On the 25th instant the assembly met in its second ses- sion, and on the 9th of February addressed " the proprietary and governor" to the effect " That whereas divers persons (as we understand) have petitioned thee that the next election for representatives to serve in council and assembly might be three persons for council and six for assembly, contrary to our present frame of government ; and we being also informed that thou art inclined to issue out thy writs for choosing accordingly : Therefore we desire that thou would consider the best methods to avoid confusion we fear the people will fall into thereupon, and with submission propose that the advice and consent of the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 699 representatives, both in council and assembly, to any alteration of this kind may be proper." To this the proprietor consented, and minutes were made in the proceedings of both bodies to that effect. In obedience to the writs thus provided the assembly met on the 10th of May, and adjourned on the 8th of April. Subsequently other writs were issued for the election of four members out of each county to meet in assembly at Newcastle on the 14th of October. It is not known whether members of council were elected at the same time or not. It is quite probable that they were, but no records of the council convened at Newcastle were preserved. The occasion of this special assembly was, as announced by the proprietor, " That we wanted a Frame of Government, and Body of Laws, a Settlement of Property, and a Supply for the Support of the Government." The business was readily transacted, save in regard to the " Frame of Government," which was finally referred to the next general assembly. A brief special session of the assembly was held in August, 1701, but tlie " Frame" was not then taken up, and the subject would naturally have been delayed until the next assembly to meet in October, but on the 21st of August Penn received advices from England which represented that strenuous endeav- ors were being made to annex the several proprietary governments to the crown, and that measures to this effect had so far advanced in parliament that only the presence of the proprietor could prevent their becoming a law. It was accord- ingly ordered by the council " that writs be forthwith issued for calling a new assembly to sit on the 15th day of the 7th month next ensuing." The election was held on the 4th of September, and on the 15th four out of each county convened at Philadelphia. The records of the proceedings of the assembly from October 27, 1701, to the 12th of April, 1704, are wanting, but " the Charter of Priviledges" granted by Penn on October 28, 1701, has been pre- served. By the second clause of this instrument it was provided that the as- sembly should consist of four persons out of each county, to be elected " upon the first day of October forever." The members of the council, however, were left to be appointed by the governor. A final proviso was added to the eifect " that if the representatives of the province and territories shall not hereafter agree to join together in legislature, and that the same shall be signi- fied unto me, or my deputy, in open assembly, or otherwise, from under the hands and seals of the representatives, for the time being, of the province and territories, or the major part of either of them, at any time within three years from the date hereof, that in such case the inhabitants of each of the three counties of this province shall not have less than eight persons to represent them in assembly for the province." The 14th of October was the date fixed by the charter for the meeting of the assembly each year, and on this day in 1702 the members-elect from the province convened. The lower counties neglected to hold any elections, and the governor issued special writs for the 700 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. purpose. In obedience to these representatives from the territories met at Philadelphia, but refused to act under the charter, declaring that they had not accepted it and could not act with the province according to its provisions with- out betraying their rights. After much fruitless negotiation the assembly was dissolved. In the following year the province elected eight members from each county in accordance with the provision of the charter, and this number con- tinued constant for Bucks county until 1776, when the number was reduced to six, and subsequently to five, and then to four as indicated in the list. The council being appointed by the governor this county does not appear to have contributed to its membership subsequently to 1723 until the organization of the provisional government in 1776. In 1681: and 1685 Joseph Growden represented Philadelphia county. In 1689 Thomas Lloyd was elected to the council from Bucks county, but his election was questioned by Governor Blackwell, and he was not admitted to his seat until January, 1690. Nicholas Walne represented Philadelphia county in 1696 after representing Bucks for several years, and in 1703 is found repre- senting his original county again. In 1705 Samuel Carpenter represented Bucks county in the assembly and two successive years in the council. 1682. . — James Harrison, Christopher Taylor, William Yardley. 1683. Council. — Christopher Taylor, Jamos Harrison, William Biles. Assemlly. — AVilliam Yardley, Samuel Darke, Kobert Lucas, Nicholas Walne, John AVood, John Clowes, Thomas Fitzvvater, Robert Hall, James Boyden. 1684. Council. — Christopher Taylor, James Harrison, Thomas Janney. Assemhly. — William Beakes, John Clowes, llichard Hough, John Otter, Ednmnd Bennett. 1685. Council. — Christopher Taylor, Thomas Janney, Phineas Pemberton. Assembly. ■ — William Beaks, Gilbert Wheeler, Henry Baker, William Darke, James Dilworth, Henry Paxson. 1686. Council. — Thomas Janney, Phineas Pemberton, Arthur Cook. Assembly. — William Y^ardloy, Joseph Growden, John Otter, William Biles, Joshua Hoopes, John Row- land. 1687. Council. — Phineas Pemberton, Arthur Cook, Joseph Growden. Assembly. — Thomas J..anghorne, Robert Hall, Nicholas Walne, Robert Lucas, Henry Baker, Edmund Bennett. 1688. Council. — Arthur Cook, Joseph Growden, William Yardley. Assembly. — Nich- olas Walne, Henry Baker, Richard Hough, Joshua Hoopes, Robert Lucas, Robert Hall. (The last two dead.) 1689. Council. — Joseph Growden, William Yardley, Thomas Lloyd. (The last two dead.) Assembly. — Arthur Cook (speaker), William Biles, Phineas Pemberton, John Swift, Nicholas Walne, Edmund Bennett. 1690. Council. — AVilliam Yardley, Thomas Lloyd, Arthur Cook. Assembly. — Joseph Growden (speaker), Henry Poynter, Richard Hough, Henry Baker, Edmund Bennett, John Cook. 1691. Minutes not preserved. 1692. Council. — Minutes not preserved. Assembly. — John Swift, John Otter, Joshua Hoopes, AA'illiam Paxson, Nicholas AA'alne, John Rowland. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 701 1G93. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly Joseph Growden (speaker), John Swift, Henry Poyntcr. 1694. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — William Biles, Phineas Pem- berton, Jonathan Scaife. T695. Council. — William Biles, Phineas Pemberton, Joseph Growden. Assembly. — Joshua Hoopes, Henry Paxson, Samuel Uarke, Nicholas ^^'alne, John Swift. Joseph INIiUer. 1G9G. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — William Biles, Joshua Hoopes, William Paxson. 1697. Council. — Joseph Growden, Pliineas Pemberton. Assembly. — Joshua Hoopes, Stephen Beakes, Richard Hough, Jeremiah Langhorne. 1698. Council. — Joseph Growden, William Biles. Assembly. — Phineas Pemberton (speaker), Robert Heaton, Joseph Kirkbridc, Henry Baker. 1699. Council. — Phineas Pemberton, William Biles. Assembly. — John Surkett, John Swift, Richard Hough, Enoch Yardley. 1700. (May.) Council. — Joseph Growden, William Biles, Richard Hough. Assembly. — John Swift, Phineas l^emberton, Joshua Hoopes, William Paxson, Jeremiah Langhorne, Samuel Darke. 1700 (October). Council. — Phineas Pemberton. Assembly- — Joseph Growden (speaker), Richard Hough, Samuel Darke, Robert Heaton. 1701. Council. — Phineas Pemberton. Assembly. — Joseph Growden (speaker), John Swift, Joshua Hoopes, William Paxson. 1702. Council. — Phineas Pemberton (died in March). Assembly. — Joseph Growden (speaker), John Swift, William Paxson, Jeremiah Langhorne. 1703. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Nicholas Walne, William Biles, Joseph Growden, Tobias Dymmock, Richard Hough, William' Paxson, Jeremiah Langhorne, Joshua Hoopes. 1704. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — William Biles, Joseph Grow- den, John Switt, Peter Worral, Jeremiah Langhorne, Henry Paxson, Richard Hough, Thomas Watson. On the lltli of May, 1705, Peter Worral and Richard Hough were announced as dead, and a special election being ordered Joslma Hoopes and Samuel Beakes were returned to till the vacancies. 170.5. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Josejih Growden (speaker), John Swift, Jeremiah Langhorne, Joshua Hoopes, Tobias Dymmock, Henry Paxson, Samuel Carpenter, William Paxson. 1706. Council. — Sanuu^l Carpenter. Assembly.— John Swift, William Paxson, Joshua Hoopes, Henry Paxson, Samuel Darke, Thomas Hilbourne, Ezra Croasdale, Thomas Hard- ing. 1707. Council. Samuel Carpenter. Assembly.— Henry Paxson, Samuel Darke, John Swift, William Paxson, Thomas Hilbourne, William Biles, Ezra Croasdale, Samuel Beakes. 1708. Council. — Joseph Growden. y-ls.semj;]/.— William Paxson, William Biles, Joshua Hoopes, Henry Paxson, Samuel Darke, Samuel Beakes, Ezra Croasdale, Thomas Hil- bourne. 1 709. Council.— Joseph Growden. Assembly. — Joshua Hoopes, Samuel Beakes, Samuel Darke, Ezra Croasdale, Robert Heaton, Jr., Henry Paxson, Thomas Hilbourne, Thomas Harding. 1710. Council.— J osci^h Growden. Assembly.— AhA Janney, John Clark, Stoffel Vansand, John Hough, Thomas Stevenson, Samuel Baker, Jeremiah Langhorne, William Biles. 702 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1711. Council. — Joseph Growden. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas Steven- son, William Biles, Samuel Burgcs, Jr., Thomas Stackhouse, Joshua Hoopes, Robert H Baton, Jr., Samuel Baker. 1712. Council. — Joseph Growden. Assembly. — Joseph Kirkbride, John Sotcher, Thomas Watson, Thomas Stevenson, Samuel Burges, Stoifel Vansand, John Snowden, John Frost. 1713. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Joseph Growden (speaker), John Swift, Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas Stevenson, William Stockdale, Thomas Watson, Jr., Thomas Stackhouse, Joseph Kirkbride. 1714. Council. — Joseph Growden. Assembly. — John Swift, Joseph Kirkbride, Everard Bolton, Thomas Stevenson, Stoff'el Vansand, William Stockdale, William Paxson, Robert Harve)'. 1715. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Joseph Growden (speaker), John Swift, John Sotcher, Thomas Yardley, Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas Stackhous8, John Frost, Thomas Harding. 1716. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas Stevenson, John Sotcher, Joseph Bond, Joseph Kirkbride, Thomas Stackhouse, John Swift, James Carter. 1717. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Thomas Stevenson, Jeremiah Langhorne, John Sotcher, William Stockdale, William Paxson, Joseph Bond, Thomas Watson, Joseph Growden. 1718. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — William Biles, Thomas Steven- son, Jeremiah Langhorne, John Sotcher, Joseph Bond, William Paxson, Joseph Kirkbride, John Swift. 1719. Council. — None from Bucks county. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne, John Sotcher, William Biles, Thomas Watson, Joseph Bond, William Paxson, Stoffel Vansand, William Stockdale. 1720. Council. — Andrew Hamilton. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne, John Sotcher, William Biles, Thomas Watson, Joseph Bond, Henry Nelson, William Paxson, Joseph Kirkbride. 1721. Council. — Andrew Hamilton. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne (speaker), Wil- liam Biles, John Sotcher, Joseph Fell, Abel Janney, Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., Bartholomew Jacobs, Thomas Canby. 1722. Council. — Andrew Hamilton. Assembly. — Joseph Growden, William Paxson, William Biles, John Sotcher, Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., George Clough, Thomas Canby, Tliomas Yardley. 1723. Council. — Andrew Hamilton. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne, William Biles, Thomas Watson, Matthew Hughes, Joseph Fell, Christian Vanhorne, Abraham Chapman, Benjamin Jones. 1724. Assembly. — William Biles, Jeremiah Langhorne, Joseph Fell, Christopher Van- horne, Matthew Hughes, Thomas Watson, Benjamin Jones, Abraham Chapman. 1725. Assembly. — Jeremiah Langhorne, William Biles, Joseph Fell, Abraham Chap- man, Christian Vanhorne, Matthew Hughes, Richard Mitchell, Benjamin Jones, William Paxson. 1726. Assembly.. — Jeremiah Langhorne, Joseph Kirkbride, Abraham Chapman, Chris- tian Vanhorne, Matthew Hughes, Richard Mitchell, Benjamin Jones, William Paxson. 1727. Assembly. — Joseph Kirkbride, Jeremiah Langhorne, William Paxson, Christian Vanhorne, Benjamin Jones, Matthew Hughes, Andrew Hamilton. 1728. Assembly. — Joseph Kirkbride, Jeremiah Langhorne, M'illiam Paxson, Christian Vanhorne, Abraham Chapman, Matthew Hughes, Andrew Hamilton, Benjamin Jones. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 703 1729. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbrido, Jr., Jeremiah Langhorne, William Paxson, Abraham Chapman, Christian Vanhorne, Matthew Hughes, Benjamin Jones. 1730. Assemhly.^KndirGw Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., William Pa.xson, Jeremiali Langhorne, Abraham Chapman, Christian Vanhorne, Matthew Hughes, Tliomas Canby. 1731. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., Jeremiah l.,anghorne, AVilliam Paxson, Christian Vanhorne, Abraham Chapman, Matthew Hughes, Benjamin Jones. 1732. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., Jeremiah Lang- horne, William Paxson, Abraham Chapman, Christian Vanhorne, William Biles, Matthew Hughes. 1 733. Assemhly. — Jeremiah Langhorne (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., Abraham Chapman, William Paxson, John Watson, Joseph Fell, Thomas Marriot, Thomas Canby. William Paxson died and did not take his seat. 1734. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., Christian Vanhorne, Jeremiah Langhorne, Abraham Chapman, William Biles, Lawrence Growden, Thomas Marriot. Hamilton elected in Paxson's place. 1735. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., Christian Van- horne, Jeremiah Langhorne, William Biles, Lawrence Growden, Matthew Hughes, Benja- min Jones. 1736. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Joseph Kirkbride, Jeremiah Langhorne, Christian Vanhorne, Lawrence Growden, William Biles, Matthew Hughes, Benjamin Jones. 1737. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Jeremiah Langhorne, Joseph Kirk- bride, Jr., Lawrence Growden, Christian Vanhorne, William Biles, Benjamin Jones, Mat- thew Hughes. 1 738. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton, Jeremiah Langhorne, Joseph Kirkbride, Abraham Cluipman, John Watson, Benjamin Field, Thomas Marriot, Thomas Canby. 1739. Assemhly. — Andrew Hamilton (speaker), Jeremiah Langhorne, John Watson, jMark Watson, Thomas Canby, Jr., Joseph Kirkbride, Abraham Chapman, Benjamin Field, Benjamin Jones. Hamilton resigned and was succeeded by Mark Watson. 1740. Assemhly. ^Jeremiah Langhorne, John Hall, Mark Watson, John AVatson, Abraham Chapman, Benjamin Field, Thomas Canby, Jr., Mahlon Kirkbrido. 1741. Assemhly.— John Hall, John Watson, Garrett Vausant, Benjamin Field, Abraham Chapman, Mahlon Kirkbride, Joseph Shaw, Mark Watson. 1742. Assevibly.— Mahlon Kirkbride, Mark Watson, John Watson, Abraham Chapman, John Hall, Benjamin Field, Joseph Shaw, Garrett Vansant. 1743. Assemhly.— Muhlon Kirkbride, John Watson, Abraham Chapman, John Hall, Mark Watson, Benjamin Field, Garrett Vansant, Joseph Shaw. 1 744. Assemhly.— John Hall, Mark Watson, Mahlon Kirkbride, Abraham Chapman, Benjamin Field, John Watson, Garrett Vansant, Joseph Shaw. 1745. Assevihly.— John Hall, Mark Watson, Mahlon Kirkbride, Benjamin Field, Abra- ham Chapman, John Watson, Richard Mitchell, Cephas Child. 1746. Assemhly.— Kichard Mitchell, Derrick Hogeland, Abraham Chapman, Mahlon Kirkbride, John Watson, John Hall, Cephas Child, Joseph Hampton. 1747. Assembly.— Mdhlon Kirkbride, Cephas Child, Joseph Hampton, Derrick Hoge- land, Richard Walker, John Watson, Abraham Chapman, John Hall. 704 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1748. Assembly. — Derrick Hogoland, Maliloii Kii-kbride, Cephas Child, Joseph Hump- ton, Aliraham Chapman, John Watson, George Logan, Rieliard Mitchell. 1749, Assembly. — Jolin Wolfton, Samuel Eastburn, Joseph Hampton, Mahlon Kirk- bride, Richard Walker, Griffith Owen, Garret Vansant, John Hall. 17.50. Assembly. — Mahlon Kirkbride, Joseph Hampton, John Wolfton, Griffith Owen, John Hall, Garret Vansant, Richard Walker, Abraham Cliapman. 17.51. Assembly. — Jlahlon Kirkbride, Joseph Hampton, Abraham Chapman, John Wolfton, Griffith Owen, Richard Walker, Samuel Brown, Garret Vansant. nh2. Assembly. — Abraham Chapman, William Hoge, Joseph Hampton, Derrick Hoge- land, Mahlon Kirkbride, Samuel Brown, Richard Walker, Griffith Owen. 175.S. Assembly. — Griffith Owen, Derrick Hogeland, .Jonathan Ingham, William Smith, Mahlon Kirkbride, Joseph Hampton, Samuel Brown, William Hoge. 17,54. Assembly. — Joseph Hampton, William Hoge, Jonathan Ingham, Samuel Brown, Mahlon Kirkbride, William Smith, Griffith Owen, Derrick Hogeland, 1755. Assembly. — Jonathan Ingham, Griffith Owen, Samuel Brown, Derrick Hogeland, AVilliam Smith, William Hoge, Mahlon Kirkbride, Joseph Hampton, 1756. Assembly. — Joseph Hampton, Mahlon Kirkbride, William Smith, James Melvin, William Hoge, Gabriel Vanhorne, Griffith Owen, Richard Walker. Kirkbride and Hoge resigned, and Jobn Abraham DeNormandie and Thomas Blackledge were elected. 1 757. Assembly. — Griffith Owen, Gabriel Vanhorne, James Melvin, Thomas Blackledge. Richard AValker, Amos Strickland, William Smith, John Abraham DeNormandie (de- ceased). 1758. Assembly. — Amos Strickland, Benjamin Chapman, Joseph Watson, Derrick Hogeland, Joseph Kirkbride, Griffith (Hven, William Smith, James Melvine. 1759. Assembly. — Benjamin Chapman, James JMelvine, William Smith, Jonathan Ing- ham, Jacob Bogart, Mahlon Kirkbride, Amos Strickland, Griffith Owen. Miililon Kirkbride vacated bis seat at tlie request of the council in London, as it was desirable that there should be no Quaker in the assembly during the war, and Joseph Watson was elected. 17C0. Assembly. — Abraham Chapman, Joseph Hampton, Henry Wynkoop, Giles Knight, William Smith, George Ely, Amos Strickland, James Melvin. 17G1. Assembly. — Abraham Chapman, William Smith, John Wilkinson, Samuel Foulke, Samuel Brown, Giles Knight, James Melvin, Henry A^'ynkoop. 17G2. Assembly. — John Wilkinson, Giles Knight, Samuel Brown, Henry Krewson, Samuel Foulke, Abraham Chapman, William Smith, James Melvin. 17G3. Assembly. — Henry Krewson, Abraham Chapman, James Melvin, William Rod- man, Samuel Foulke, Giles Knight, ^^'illiam Smith, Samuel Brown, 17G4. j\ssembly. — Samuel Brown, William Smith, Henry Krewson, James Melvin, Giles Knight, William Rodman, Peter Shepherd, Samuel Foulke. 17G5. Assembly. — Samuel Foulke, William Rodman, James Melvin, William Smith, Samuel Brown, Giles Knight, Henry Krewson, Peter Shepherd. 17CG. y1.<:se?Hi/^.— Heury Krewson, Benjamin Chapman, Joseph Hampton, James Mel- vin, William Rodnum, Samuel Foulke, Peter Shepherd, Samuel Browne. 17G7.—^,s^^ s^~ oO. /^^^^^^^.^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 739 union five children were born : Anna Margaret, Abby, Reuben K., andErwin, who live with their parents ; and Oscar, who died young. Mr. Mittman is a man of excellent reputation, and is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church. His wife belongs to the Keller Lutheran church. D. P. MoYER, physician, P. O. Dublin, was born in Montgomery county, this state, March 4, 1847. His parents, Jacob D. and Christiana (Price) Moyer, were natives of Montgomery county, where they were married and remained until the death of the father. Mrs. Moyer is still living and resides on the old homestead. Doctor Moyer received an academic education in the Freeland Seminary, now called Ursinus College, and in 1869 he commenced a course of medicine in the University of Pennsylvania. Graduating in 1872, he soon after located in Dublin and began practice here which he has ever since continued. He was united in marriage December 5, 1872, with Ella E., daughter of William H. and Christiana (Cope) Bush, who are now residents of Quakertown, Pa. ; Ella E. was born June 19, 1850. The doctor and his wife are the parents of three children : Isabella B., Christine B., and Edith May. Mrs. Moyer is a member of the Lutheran church. The doctor is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. Henry C. Moyee, proprietor of creamery, P. 0. Bedminster, is a grandson of Abraham Moyer, who died in Hilltown about forty years ago at the age of 70 years. He had fourteen children, of whom five are yet living: Henry B., a min- ister in Hilltown ; John B., living in Michigan ; Abraham, living in Illinois ; Mary, in Indiana ; and Elizabeth, in Hilltown. Samuel, father of Henry O., was born in Hilltown in 1815 and died there in 1852. He was a farmer and was noted for raising and training fast horses, having at one time tlie fastest horse in the county, which he sold nearly forty years ago for $325 — a great price at that time. He was a member of the Mennonite chui'ch, and a good man. His wife was Hannah Oberholtzer, who is now living with our subject at the age of 68 years. They had six children : Isaac, Enos, Abraham, and Mary Ann, deceased ; Samuel, living in Hilltown, and Henry O., who was born in Hilltown November 27, 1845. When 16 years old he began working at the blacksmith's trade, and continued for ten years. He afterward engaged for five years in butchering, and two years in brick manufacturing. He then built the Bedminster creamery, which he has since suc- cessfully conducted. He has handled as high as 18,000 pounds of milk in a day, his average being about 12,000. The creamery has been a great benefit to the farming community of this section. October 6, 1886, Mr. Moyer was married to Sarah Jane, daughter of Henry A. Moyer. She was born October 15. 1845, in Hilltown. They have seven children : Theodore M., Ida Jane, Hannah M., Henry Clinton, Samuel Linford, Sarah Alice, and Florence Mabel. Mr. Moyer is regarded as a leading man in Bedminster, his judgment, honesty, and straight dealing winning for him the confidence of the people. He and his wife are members of the Dublin Reformed church. Isaac S. Moy'ee, farmer, P. O. Bedminster, is a grandson of Jacob Moyer, who lived near Dublin, in this township. He died nearly sixty years ago, and was blind for nine years before his death. His son, William, was the father of Isaac S. He was born on the farm near Dublin, and lived there all his life, dying at the age of 68. He was a good man and was a member of the Old Deep Run Menno- nite church. His wife, Sarah Stout, survived him many years. They had four- teen children, of whom ten lived to maturity. Those now living are : Abraham S., who is on the home farm ; William S., living near there ; Samuel, in Dublin ; and Isaac S., who was born April 28, 1819. After his marriage he farmed the home place for three years, then removed to his present place, which was then owned by his wife's father, and which he afterward bouglit. December 16, 1848, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Abraham Moyer. She was born May 12, 1828, in the house which has always been her home, and in which her father and grand- 740 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. father had lived and died. They had ten children, of whom three died young, Abraliam died at the age of twenty-nine, and Isaac at twenty-three. Those living are : Sarah, wife of Reuben F. High, of Plumstead township ; Catharine, wife of Albert F. Myers, of Perkasie ; Lizzie, wife of Dr. Brumbaugh, of Pipersville ; and William and Tillman, who are living with their parents. Mr. Moyer is an indus- trious man, has always attended closely to his business, and bears a high character for integrity. He and his wife are members of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church. Aakon F. Myers, farmer, P. O. Bedminster, is a grandson of Henry Myers, a farmer and mason of Plumstead township, where he died forty-three years ago. His wife, Elizabeth Fretz, died in 1865. Their ciiildren were: Henry F. and John F., living in Plumstead; Reuben F., Joseph F., William F., Barbara, Catharine, and Annie, deceased. The father of our subject, Joseph F., was born in Plumstead in 1812. He was a mason andfarmer. Forty years ago he quit his trade, farming solely thereafter. In 1844 he bought the farm now owned by Aaron, where he died May 12, 1882. When he bought the farm a large part of it was uncleared, and the only buildings on it were an old log cabin and an old wagon-house. He put up the fine buildings now on it and cleared the land. His wife was Barbara, daughter of Abra- ham Fretz, of this township. She died January 8, 1884, in her 72d year. Of their children Enos, Mahlon, Mary Ann, Susannah, and an infant are deceased; Henry F. lives in Tinicum ; Abraham F., in this tovvnsliip ; and Aaron F., who was born July 10, 1846. When 18 years old he began teaching, which he followed for five years. After his marriage he rented a place in this township for a year, when he bought a farm in New Britain, which he sold ten years later, returning to the home place, which he bought on the death of his father two years afterward. May 1, 1869, he was married to Lydia, daugliter of Henry Moyer, of Lehigh county. She was born February 7, 1845. They have had nine children, of whom Barbara, Su- sanna, and Henry are deceased; and Oscar M., Joseph M., Titus M., Pierson M., Isaiah M., and Levinas M. are at home. Mr. Myers has the confidence of those who know him, for a thoroughly lionest and reliable man. He is a member and a trustee of the Second Deep Run Mennonite church. Abraham F. Myers, farmer, P. O. Hagersville, is a grandson of Henry Myers, who was born, lived, and died in Plumstead township, near Smith's corners. He was both a mason and a farmer. He died nearly forty years ago. His son, Joseph F. , was father of our subject. He was born in Plumstead and was also a mason and a farmer. In 1845 he came to Bedminster, living on tlie farm now owned by his son, Aaron F., until his deatli in 1883, when he was 71 years old. He was a mem- ber and a trustee of tlie Second Deep Run Mennonite church, and had the confidence of his fellow-men. His wife was Barbara, daughter of Abram Fretz, of this town- sliip. Slie died in 1885, in her 72d year. Their children were: Susanna, Enos, Mahlon, Mary Ann, and an infant, deceased; and Henry F., in Tinicum; Aaron F., in this township; and Abraham F., who was born in Plumstead October 12, 1842. In 1872 he began for himself on the home farm, where he stayed until 1881, when he bought the farm near Hagersville, which has since been his home. November 18, 1871, he was married to Susanna, daughter of John High, of Plumstead. She was born in 1849, and died October 13, 1883. She had three children: Anna Belle, who died in infancy ; and Clara and Josephine, living with their father. Mr. Myers bears an excellent reputation for probity and straightforward conduct. Like all of his ancestors he is a Mennonite, and is a member of the Deep Run church. Abraham O. Myers, dealer in stock, P. O. Dublin, is a grandson of John Myers, who was a school-teacher in Plumstead township for many years, and died there about twenty years ago. His wife, Elizabeth, died many years before him. Their son, Samuel, was the father of Abraham 0. He was born in Plumstead and learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until a short time before his death. He also owned a farm there. He was an upright man, of excellent reputation, and a mem- HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 741 ber of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church. He died October 29, 1882, aged 59 years. His wife, Annie, was a daughter of Jacob Overholt, of Bedminster town- ship. She is now living in New Britain township with her daughter, Mary Ann. Their children were: Henry, Hannah, Annie, and an infant, deceased; and Mary Ann, wife of Isaac Johnson, living in New Britain townshij) ; Lizzie, wife of Wat- son Michener, in Plumstead township ; and Abraham O., who was the fourth child, and was born in Plumstead June 8, 1857. He worked for his father until he was of age and then embarked in the business he is now following, dealing in horses, cattle, calves, poultry, and stock of all kinds. He first settled in Tinicum township, ^hen went back to Plumstead, and from there removed to his present residence in tiiis township. February 17, 1879, he was married to Charlotte, daughter of Wil- liam Buehrle. She was born in Tinicum township. They have three children : Grace, Annie, and William Henry. Mr. Myers is a driving, energetic young man of good habits, and is bound to succeed. He and his wife are both members of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church. Christian M. Mykrs, roller flour manufacturer, P. 0. Pipersville, is a great- grandson of John Myers, a former resident of this township, who, on November 27, 1762, bought a tract of land in Plumstead township, where he died. His son, Christian, was the father of Samuel, who was the father of Christian M. Samuel was born on the Plumstead home, where the fourth generation is now living, in 1805, and died there in 1879. He was a farmer and a man of quiet, reserved dis- position, who never pushed himself forward, was temperate in everything, and reared his family in habits that insured their prosperity, and educated them as well as pos- sible in the schools of the day. He was a member of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church, and never held or desired office. His wife, Susanna, daughter of Jacob Nash, of Tinicum, is now living on the old home. They had eight children : Han- nah, who died in childhood ; Jacob, living in New Britain township; Tobias N., in Doylestown township ; Amos, on the old homestead ; Elizabeth, who died in January, 1862, aged 19; Anna, widow of David B. Kratz, living in Lansdale, Montgomery county; Charles in Hatfield, Montgomery county; and Christian M., who was next to Tobias, and was born April 29, 1841. He was brought up on the farm and after his marriage engaged in the milling business at the old " Stover Mill" where he now is, and which is owned by his wife's father, and has been in the Stover name for over one hundred years. January 7, 1863, lie was married to Eliza B., daughter of Samuel Stover, who was born on the place where they now live February 22, 1844. They have three children, all of whom make their home with tiieir parents. They are : Samuel Horace, now attending Lafayette College, at Easton, and who will graduate in 1888 ; Hugh Ely, preparing for college ; and Ira Stover, attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Myers recognize the value of education, and intend giving their children all the advantages possible. Mr. Myers is a man of positive convictions and believes in saying and doing just what he thinks right. He is uni- versally recognized as an upright man and a good citizen, though reserved in dis- position ; an earnest advocate of the temperance cause, and gives liis time and means to promote Sunday school work and otiier charities. William S. Nicholas, veterinary surgeon, P. O. Bedminster, is a great-grandson of Jacob Nicholas, born Januarys, 1750, and died January 13, 1837. His wife, Elizabeth Barbara Brey, was born May 1, 1752, and died February 13, 1837. They were residents of Haycock. He lost one of his legs by accident, but lived many years thereafter a useful man. His son, John Peter Nicholas, was born June 16, 1795, and died March 26, 1876. He was grandfather of William S. and was a farmer and weaver. His wife, Elizabetli Helmer, was born September 8, 1796, and died P'ebruary 26, 1858. Their son, Josiah F., was the father of the sub- ject of this sketch. He was born in Tinicum November 6, 1823, and now lives in Haycock. He is also a veterinary surgeon, having practised that profession for 742 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. thirty-five years. He has virtually given up practice, though he occasionally re- sponds to the calls of his neighbors. He is a man of good character and reputation, a member of the Keller Lutheran church, and at one time deacon. His wife was Sarah Shives, born December 9, 1829, and died October 26, 1880. Their children were : Pierson and an infant, deceased ; Mary Catharine, wife of Abraham Alt- house, in Haycock township ; Lizzie, wife of Mahlon Durn, in Philadelphia ; Mahlon, in Quakertown ; Ella, wife of Abraham K. Hess, in Haycock ; Amandus, in Per- kasie ; Emma, Adaline, Clara, and Harvey, with their father; and William S., who was born in Haycock township July 30, 1857. When 21 years old he went to Kutz- town Normal school to complete his education, after which he taught for two termSj and in 1882 went to the Columbia Veterinary College and School of Comparative Medicine in New York city, from which he was graduated in 1884. He then prac- tised in his father's office for a year, and on his marriage removed to his wife's father's house. Tliere he stayed for nineteen months and then, his wife having died, he removed to Bedminsterville. February 12, 1885, he was married to Euphemia, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Mickley, who was born March 9, 1864, and died March 7, 1886, leaving one child, named for the mother. Dr. Nicholas has the ad- vantage of a thorough training in one of the best veterinary colleges in the country and is very successful, having a large and growing practice. Noah S. Nonemakee, physician, P. O. Bedminster, is a great-grandson of Adam Nonemaker, a native of this county and of foreign parentage. He was born April 21, 1759, lived in Hilltown township, died' August 28, 1843, and is buried at the Tohickon Church burying-ground. He was a farmer all his lifetime. His wife was Barbara Kramer, born March 5, 1763, died April 27, 1821. Their son, Henry, grandfather of Noah S., was born in Hilltown township July 31, 1786, and died in this township September 16, 1871. He carried on for many years the busi- ness of undertaker and cabinet-maker in Bedminster. He, with all of this family, was noted for his skill as a worker in wood — a trait possessed to this day in a marked degree by his descendants. His wife was Elizabeth Rosenberger, born November 26, 1785, died in this township April 7, 1845. They had four sons and three daughters. Of these Charles and Henry are now living in this township ; and Maria, widow of Peter Stout, is in Quakertown. Those deceased were : Elias, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Aaron. The latter was the father of Noah S. and was born in Rockhill township June 26, 1814. He was brought up to farming, and for fourteen years after his marriage farmed the home place in this township, and then bought a small place near Perkasie, where he lived for nearly thirty years, dying there March 17, 1885. He was an honest and upright man, and, though without education, enjoyed the confidence and respect of the entire community. His wife was Anna Shutt, of Horsham township, Montgomery county. She was born March 5, 1815, and is now living at Perkasie. Their children are: Deborah, widow of Charles Wise, living in Perkasie ; Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob, in Delaware; and Noah S., who was born March 23, 1854. In youth he worked at farming, attend- ing district school until he was 13 years old, then engaged in mechanical pursuits for ten years. He was a great reader and student, and while working close by Doylestown attracted the attention of Dr. F. Swartzlander, who enabled him to satisfy his love for the study of medicine, and while continuing to work indus- triously he began reading for the profession under the doctor's instruction, and began his collegiate course in 1877, graduating from Jefferson Medical Collen-e, Philadelphia, in 1879. He at once came to Bedminster, where he has built up a large practice. March 15, 1883, he was married to Lizzie, daughter of Abraham Bean, of Sellersville. She was born September 8, 1857. They have three children : Annie Lucretia, Edgar Vasco, and Claudius Howard. Dr. Nonemaker is emphati- cally a self-made man. Starting in life without advantages of any kind, supporting himself by industrious work in the daytime and assiduous study at night, with rare HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 743 energy and perseverance and indomitable courage he has become a well-read, suc- cessful, and honored member of an honored profession. Benjamin Ott, farmer, P. O. Ridge, is a grandson of Peter Ott, who was born, lived, and died about seventy years ago in this township. He was twice married, and had a numerous family, none of whom are living. His son, George, was father of Benjamin. He was a farmer, and on his marriage began for himself on a place near by. He died while with a daughter in Rockhill, in February, 1878, aged 82. His wife was Mary Jacoby, who was born in Haycock, and died on the farm in this township, in September, 187-5, aged 73. Their children were : Catherine, Peter, Thomas, and Sarah, deceased ; Jacoby, in Hatfield, Montgomery county ; Daniel, on the old home ; Mary, wife of Isaac Fluck, of Rockhill township ; and Benjamin, who was born October 26, 1832. He worked at harness-making for four years, and on his marriage began for himself, buying his present home two years later. November 23, 1856, he was married to Susannah, daughter of Thomas Kramer, of this township. She was born February 17, 1839. To their union six children have been born : Wilson K. and Thomas, deceased ; and Mary Elizabeth, Hannah Etta, Qnintes, and Ida, living at home. Wilson K. was a well-educated young man. He taught school two terms in this township, and he afterward came home from Millersville school, was taken sick, and died at home September 3, 1878. Mr. Ott is an industrious, hard-working farmer, whose character for probity stands as high as that of any man in the community. He is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church, and his wife of the Lutheran church. Aaron M. Rickert, farmer, P. O. Dublin, is a grandson of Daniel Rickert, who came from Hilltown in 1836, and bought the place now owned by the subject of this sketch. About ten years later he removed to the farm across the road, which is now owned by his son Isaac. He died March 7, 1869. His wife was Elizabeth Kulp, who died several years before him. They had three sons, namely : Isaac and Jacob (dealer in coal, lumber, feed, etc., in Weissport, Carbon county. Pa.), and Daniel K., who is now living on a farm adjacent. Daniel K. is the father of Aaron M., and was born September 15, 1825. He was married in 1850 to Hannah, daughter of John 0. Moyer. She was born in May, 1826. Mr. Rickert is a mem- ber of the Second Deep Run Mennonite church, of which he is also a trustee. Their children were : Eliza, Lydia Ann, Sophia, and Susanna, deceased ; and Katie, wife of William K. Powell, of Danborough, this county ; and Aaron M., who was born in 1852, and has lived on the place of his birth all his life. On his mar- riao-e his father rented the homestead to him, and removed to his present home. In 1872 Aaron M. was married to Catherine L. Sell, of Milford township, who was born in 1851. Their children are : Lillie Jane, Hannah Louisa, Daniel S., Barbara Ellen, Peter, Menno, and Katie May. Mr. Rickert is a man of high character and rrood standing. Like his ancestors he is a Mennonite, and is a deacon of the Second Deep Run church. • Isaac Rickert was married to Anna Stauffer, of Milford township. They had five children : Sarah, deceased ; Anna, Lizzie, Daniel, and Amanda, who are still living with their parents, and are members of the Second Deep Run Mennonite church. Jacob Rickert has two sons : Hiram and Daniel, who are assisting him in his business. He is a man of good standing, and a member of the Evangelical church. Jacob D. Rosenberger, farmer, P. O. Dublin, comes of a family that have lono- resided in Bucks county. His grandfather, Benjamin, was a miller and farmer near Perkasie. His wife was a Nash. Both have been dead many years, Their son, Jacob, was father of our subject, and was born in Rockhill, February 12, 1799, and died where Jacob D. now lives, March 10, 1883. He was a farmer, first in New Britain, then in Tinicum, and in 1848 bought the place where he died. He was a hard-working, sober man, of good repute. He was twice married, his first wife bein'^ Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Detweiler, of New Britain township. She 744 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. was born August 6, 1801, and died February 22, 1839. His second wife was Mary, daughter of Isaac Kulp. She was born May 28, 1803, and died here August 4, 1878. The children, all by the first wife, were : Mary and Enos, deceased ; John D., living in Hilltown township ; Joseph D., in Eockhill ; and Jacob D., who was born in Tinicum, December 20, 1833. He learned the trade of shoemaking, at which he worked for ten years, when he began farming for his father on the home farm. He left there and was away five years, when he returned, and has ever since lived there. October 31, 1857, he was married to Hannah, daughter of Daniel Barnes, of New Britain township. She was born December 3, 1838. They have had ten children : Daniel B., living in Plumstead ; Mary B., a twin sister, wife of Frank B. Snavely, in Illinois ; Isaiah, also in Illinois ; Elizabeth B., Emma B., John Henry, Amanda Magdalena, Fanny B., William Fretz B., and Annetta B., with their parents. Besides being a farmer, Mr. Rosenberger is a dealer in agricul- tural machinery. He is an industrious man of excellent character. Like their ancestors he and his wife are Mennonites, members of the Second Deep Run church, of which he is a trustee. Gideon S. Rosenberger, farmer, P. 0. Ridge, is a nephew of Jacob D. Rosen- berger, of this township, under whose name is given a sketch of the older branches of this old family. The father of Gideon S. was John D., who was the oldest son of Jacob, and who was born July 8, 1826. He was a farmer as long as he was engaged in any occupation, and is now living retired in Hilltown township. He bought the farm where he now lives twenty-two years ago. He has always been a temperate, industrious man, and by his correct conduct has acquired the confidence of those who know him. He is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church of which he has been deacon. He has been twice married. His first wife was Catherine Sto- ver, of this township, who was born September 2, 1828, and died September 5, 1882. His second wife was Mary Krout, of New Britain. His children, all by his first wife, are : Mary Lizzie, wife of Henry Schull, living in Montgomery county ; Amanda, wife of Dr. N. C. E. Guth, in Monroe county ; Jacob, in New Britain township ; and Gideon S., who was the second, and was born December 18, 1850. He followed milling for eight years, and on his marriage rented his father's farm in Hilltown for a year, when he bought his present home. January 8, 1880, he was married to Addie, daughter of Joseph S. Funk, now of this township. She was born January 28, 18G0. They have two children living: Joseph Funk and Minnie Catherine ; and one who died in infancy, John Herbert. Mr. Rosenberger is a highly esteemed citizen of the township. He is a director of the Dublin Creamery Company, takes a warm interest in educational matters, and is a member of the school board. He is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church, and has been superintendent of the Sabbath school. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church of the same place. Charles Scheetz, farmer and justice of the peace, P. O. Keller's Church, is a grandson of Conrad Scheetz, who came from Germany and settled in Philadelphia, whence he went to Germantown, but later returned to the former place, where he died. His wife survived him many years, dying at an extreme old age. 'I^eir son George was father of Charles. He was born in Germantown December 12, 1785, and died September 17, 1863, in the house opposite to where his son Charles now lives. He was a hatter by trade, but became a teacher and removed to this township, living at Keller's Church for forty-five years. The older residents here still speak in the highest terms of his excellent qualities as a teacher. For twenty years before his death he was a member of the German Reformed church, and for several years was a deacon. His wife, Hester Fluck, was born March 6, 1792, and died April 7, 1875. Of their children, William and Edwin live in Quakertown ; Francis in Nor- ristown ; Reuben F. and Albert F. in Doylestown ; Eliza, wife of Aaron Fulmer, and Jacob in this township ; Samuel F. in Richland township ; and Charles, who HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 745' was born January 17, 1823. He was brought up to mercantile pursuits, in which he spent forty-five years, the last twenty-eight in the store at Keller's Church, now conducted by his son, J. Edwin. When the Keller's Church post-office was estab- lished, he was appointed postmaster, which position he still holds. On retiring from the mercantile business Mr. Scheetz became a farmer. In 1868 he was elected justice of the peace, and has held the office ever since, being now in his nineteenth consecutive year. October 12, 1851, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of John Hager, of Nockamixon. She was born December 1, 1829. They have had eight children : Vestilla, wife of C. Y. Apple, of Haycock township ; Grier, in Perkasie ; Horace, in Norristown ; George, in Haycock ; Iron, in St. Louis ; J. Edwin, at Keller's Church ; Charles with his brother, J. Edwin ; and Laura, living with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Scheetz are members of the German Reformed church, and Mr. Scheetz is universally esteemed as a man of sobriety and a good citizen. J. Edwin Scheetz, merchant, P. O. Keller's Church, is a son of Charles Scheetz. He was born July 6, 1864, in the house where his father now lives, and which was his home until his marriage. After having obtained a good district school education he attended the State Normal school at West Chester, on leaving which he went into the store of his brother, Grier, at Perkasie. A year later he returned to Keller's Church, clerking for three years for his brother George, who had succeeded his brother Grier who succeeded his father in the store there. At the end of this time he bought out his brother and now owns the business. Jan- uary 29, 1887, he was married to Rosa, daughter of William Buehrle of this township. She was born November 13, 1865. In February, 1887, Mr. Scheetz was appointed assistant postmaster under his father and does all the business of the office except that actually imposed on the postmaster personally by law. He is one of the younger merchants of the township, and one of the most enterprising and energetic. By industry, intelligence, and close attention he has built up and main- tains a flourishing trade. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed church. He takes a considerable interest in public matters, and in politics is a democrat. He is a member of the I. O. R. M. Charles F. Siddons, farmer, P. O. Ridge, is of P^nglish extraction, both his parents having been born there. He was born in France. His father died in England and his mother in Amiens, France, in 1878. Charles F. was born at Calais, June 24, 1820, and learned the trade of lace-making, weaving, and stocking-making, at which he worked in France and subsequently for five years in England, where he had gone in 1840. He came to this country in 1846, settling in Germantown, where he worked at his trade for one firm nearly forty years. In 1865 he bought a farm in Montgomery county, and made it his home for three years, his son carrying it on while he continued at his trade. In 1868 he bought his present farm, with the same arrangement, but in 1885 retired permanently to his farm. In 1844 he was married in Leicester, England, to Caroline Wood, a native of that place. Slie was born May 18, 1821. They have had eight children, three of whom died in infancy, and a son, John Henry, when 28 years of age and unmarried. Those living are : Eliza, wife of James Service, of this township ; Harriet, wife of F. J. Parker, in Montgomery county ; Joseph Benjamin, who married in England and is living there in Nottingham ; and Francis AVilliam, single, who lives on tiie farm. Mr. Siddons stands very high in the estimation of those who know him. He is a member of Walker Lodge, No. 306, I. O. O. F., of Germantown, in which he has passed all the chairs. He and his wife are members of the Deep Run Presbyterian church. Joseph Sine, farmer, P. O. Bedminster, is a grandson of Henry Sine, whose father came from Germany. Henry was born in this county and in iiis later years was a resident of this township. His son, John, was the father of Joseph and was born here. He was a weaver by trade and died in Hilltown township in 1861. 746 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. His wife was Magdalena Garis, who died in 1858. Their children were : Charles, who died young; Samuel, now living in this township; John, in Hilltown; Elias, in Bedminster ; Catherine, wife of John Dennison, near Willow Grove, Montgom- ery county ; and Joseph, who was the youngest of the sons, and was born September 24, 1821. When 20 years old he learned the trade of a weaver, which he followed for fifteen years, after which he rented a farm for a year whei-e he now lives, having bought the property in 1859. He has been twice married, his first wife being Leanna Kline, to whom he was married in 1841. She was born in Lehigh county, and died May 28, 1885. January 23, 1887, he was married to Amanda, widow of Michael Kulp, whose maiden name was Dexter. The children, all by the first mar- riage, are : Elizabeth, Amanda, and Joseph, deceased ; Franklin, a farmer in this township ; Edwin, living with his father ; Darius, in Haycock township ; Sarah, wife of John M. Gruver, of this township; Missouri, wife of Levi Roth, of Bed- minster ; and Justina, married to Peter S. Solliday, who farms her father's place. Mr. Sine is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church, of which he has been both deacon and elder. He is essentially a self-made man. Starting in life without any advantages, he has made for himself a competence and an honorable name, and has gained the confidence and respect of his fellow-men. Jacob Slotter, farmer, P. O. Bedminster, is a grandson of Anthony Slotter, who came from Germany and settled on the farm in this township now owned by Jacob and occupied by his son-in-law, M. Crouthamel. He had two children : a daughter and a son, Anthony, who was father of Jacob. He was born, lived, and died on that farm. He died in 1825. He was an upright man and a respected cit- izen, and was a member of the Tohickon Lutheran church. His wife, Elizabeth Idem, born May 22, 1777, died in 1862, in her 85th year. They had three children: John and Mary, deceased, and Jacob, who was born October 31, 1815. He was but 10 years old when his father died, and he lived with his mother until his marriage, when he began farming and droving for himself. He lived in Hay- cock for a year, then in Tinicum for two years, and afterward in Bedminster along the Tohickon for eight years, when he sold out and in 1854 removed to his present home, which he bought two years later. April 7, 1842, he was married to Leah, daughter of Ulrich Hockman. She was born August 24, 1823, and died January 9, 1886. They had thirteen children, of whom three are deceased : Elizabeth H., Mary Ann, and John H. The others are : William H., county superintendent, living in Yardley ; Anna Maria, wife of Abel Stover, of Buckingham ; Leah, wife of Milton Crouthamel, on the old home; Jacob Titus, in Michigan ; Martha H., wife of Lewis Ott, in Rockhill ; Anthony H., farming his father's place ; Aaron H., in Bedmin- sterville ; Lincoln H., in Richboro ; Barbara Ann, wife of Aaron Landis, in Plum- stead township ; and Reuben H., on a part of the old farm. Mr. Slotter has always been a very industrious, upright man, greatly respected by his neighbors. He is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church. Peter C. Snyder, farmer, P. O. Tohickon, is a great-grandson of Michael Snyder, a former resident of Nockamixon township. His son, also named Michael, was the grandfather of Peter C. He removed to this township, where he worked at his trade of blacksmith, also farming a small place. He died in 1865. He was twice married, and had three children by each wife. A son of the first wife, named Peter, was the father of our subject. He was born in this township, lived here all his life, and died October 20. 1865, when he was 66 years old. His wife was Christiana, daughter of John Crouthamel. She died in March, 1874. Their children were : Elizabeth, wife of Eli Miller; Catherine, wife of George Hockman; Amanda, widow of Cornelius Frantz ; and Mary, widow of Isaac Steeley, all living in this township; Sarah, wife of John Weimer, in Northampton county ; Lewis, who died young ; and Peter C, who was born March 21, 1842, on the place where he now lives. He followed carpentering for twelve years, then for five years worked at ^'CZAXm^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 749 butchering. He then went into cattle-droving, which he still carries on in connection with farming. December 23, 1860, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Magdalena (Trauger) Romig. Her father now lives in Springtown, and is in his 75th year. Her mother died April 7, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had sixteen children : William Henry, Mary Ann, Sylvester and Horace, who died young ; Isaac, living in Perkasie ; Elsworth, in this township ; Agnes, who is the wife of Wilson H. Beish, also in this township ; and John Solomon, Amanda, Alice (a twin sister of Agnes), Peter, Emma Elizabeth, Franklin, Harvey, Anna Minerva, and Sabilla, who live with their parents. Mr. Snyder and his wife are members of the Keller Lutheran church, and he bears the reputation of an honest man and a good citizen. John Stever, retired, P. O. Bedminster, is a great-grandson of Philip Stever, who came from Germany and first located in Germantown. He afterward took up 300 acres of land in Haycock township for which he got a warrant, and on which place he died. His son, George, grandfather of John, was born, lived, and died on that place, leaving a son, Abraham, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Haycock in 1782, and died in 1844. He followed the trade of a carpenter for many years, but later farmed the old homestead on which he died. His wife was Mary Sillfeis, who was born in Rockhill. Their children were : Samuel and Polly, deceased ; Reuben, in Dublin, this township ; and John, who was born No- vember 10, 1812. He worked on the farm and also in his father's shop, thus learn- ing the trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker, at which he afterward worked in various places until 1844, when, having for the previous four years had a shop in Bedminsterville, he bought the farm near there where he now lives. In 1838 he was married to Mary Magdalena, daughter of Benjamin Bartholomew, of Haycock township, where she was born September 23, 1816. Their children are; Joseph and Sarah, deceased ; Reuben B., and John, who farms for his father and is married to Louisa Deaterly, and has seven children : Amanda, Aaron, Clara, Annie, Mary, Irving, and Noah. Mr. Stever and wife are members of the Keller Lutheran church, of which for twelve years he was trustee. An upright man, he is deservedly respected. Notwithstanding his 75 years he still works in his shop to occupy his time, and has in it very creditable specimens of hand-made cabinet-work. Reuben B. Stever, farmer, P. O. Bedminster, is the oldest son of John Stever. He was born August 25, 1839, and working with his father learned the trade of cabinet-making. This he followed until 1872, when he began farming on the place where he now is, fifty acres of which he bought from his father. In 1873 he bought thirty-three acres adjoining from Enos Crouthamel, and in 1877 got sixteen more from the estate of Christian Fretz. He has put up new buildings and otherwise much im- proved the farm. October 11, 1864, he was married to Mary S., daughter of John and Hannah Stover. She was born August 24, 1843. To their union ten children have been born : John XL, born June 12, 1866 ; Abraham S., March 29, 1868 ; Isaac S., August 31, 1870; Mary, October 20, 1872; Elizabeth, August 10, 1874; Jacob, April 6, 1877 ; Reuben S. and Lydia Ann, twins, October 7, 1880 ; Allen S., May 31, 1883; and Enos, May 23, 1886. Lydia Ann, one of the twins, is de- ceased. The rest are all at home. Mr. Stever is a practical farmer and his place shows the result of good care and good judgment. A plain, common-sense man he has the good-will of his neighbors, who respect him for his integrity. He has been school director for the past four years and has two years more to serve on his present term. He is a member of the Keller Lutheran church, of which he has been an elder for four years. His wife belongs to the Reformed church of the same place. Allen K. Stout, farmer, P. O. Ridge, is a native of Hilltown township, and was born May 21, 1843. His great-great-grandfather, Jacob Stout, was born in 1710, in the Palatine district, on the Rhine, came to America in 1725 with his two brothers, and died in 1779 in Rockhill township on the farm afterward bought by 39 750 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. his son, Abraliam. Abraham was born in Eockliill township in the first half of the last century, was a farmer, and died there. His son, Henry, grandfather of Allen K., was also a native of tliat township. He was born in 1776, and died in Hill- town January 1, 1854. His wife was Elizabeth, daugiiter.of Christian Carn, who ke|it the Green Tree tavern in Roekhill, in connection with which he owned a farm of 320 acres. Henry Stout had seven daughters and one son, Enos, the fallier of Allen K. He was born in 1818 in Hilltown, was always a farmer, and bought apart of the home place on which he built, and after his father's death bought the rest of the property, owning the whole 150 acres until his death, December 6, 1886. He was a good man, especially noted as a wise counsellor of his neighbors in trouble. His wife was Catherine, daughter of John Kratz, of Plumstead, born May 22, 1809. She was of a family of fifteen children, of whom three are living. She lives on the old home. They had six children, of whom two, Edward C. and Wilhehnina, are deceased ; Lewis lives in Philadelphia; John Henry, in the west ; Reuben, in Perkasie ; and Allen K., in this township. Our subject learned the trade of mill- ing, at which he worked until March, 1865, when he enlisted in company F, 202d Regiment P. V., serving until the close of the war, being mustered out August 3, 1865. lie again engaged in milling, and in 1878 rented a farm, the following year buying his present place of over 100 acres. July 29, 1871, he was married to Catherine L., daughter of Abraham Scherer, of Lehigh county. She was born in this county April 29, 1851, and died March 24, 1887. They had two children : Edgar, who died in infancy, and Ella Amanda, born in 1874. Mr. Stout is known as a straightforward man, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors. Henry M. Strouse, farmer, P. 0. Bedminster, is a grandson of Henry Strouse, whose father came from Germany, and who was a resident of Nockamixon town- ship, where he died over fifty years ago. His wife survived him many years. Their son, also named Henry, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a weaver by trade, and died in 1833, when a comparatively j'oungman. His wife was Susannah Myers, who died in A[)ril, 1878. Their children were: Elizabeth and Franey, who died of the same fever which carried off their father ; Catherine, who lives in Plumstead township ; and Henry M., who was born December 25, 1826. His father dying when he was quite young, he was hired out. Marrying when 22 years old, he bought a lot in this township, on which he lived for three years, when he sold it and farmed on shares for ten years, at the end of which time he bought the farm where he now lives, and which he has greatly improved. August 22, 1847, he was married to Sarah Ann H., daughter of William Bryan, of this township. She was born July 18, 1826. They have five children: Reuben B., married to Jane Davis, and living in Northampton county; Mary Ann, wife of Titus A. Sny- der, of this township ; Susannah, wife of Joseph D. Kister, of Telford, Montgomery county ; Cyrus B., married to Sophia Nash, and living in Hilltown township ; and William H. B., who is single and living in Haycock. Mr. Strouse is reckoned among the best citizens of the township. He and his wife are members of the Kel- lar Lutheran church, of which he has been both trustee and deacon. Horace R. Trauger, proprietor of marble works, P. O. Keller's Church, is a grandson of William Trauger, a native of this county, who died on his farm in Nockamixon township. His wife, Susan Deemer, now nearly 80 years of age, still lives on the homestead. Their children were : Jonas, living in Bethlehem ; Elizabeth, wife of Michael Yost, of Williams township, Northampton county ; Rosanna, wife of Michael Roth, of the same township ; Jlary, deceased ; Titus and Milton in Nockamixon ; and Franklin, father of Horace R., who was born in 1830, and is now a mason and farmer in Durham township, where he bought a farm after his first marriage. He has been twice married, his first wife being Catharine, dauo-hter of Frederick Rufe, of Nockamixon. She died in 1865, leaving five children : Anna, living in Riegelsville ; Alice, in Kintnersville ; Harvey, in Plumsteadville ; Horace HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 751 E., a twin brother of Harvey ; and Catharine, in Easton. Mr. Traugev's second wile, Mary, is a sister of his first. They liave seven cliildren : Mahlon and Asa, in Durham township ; Flora, deceased ; Irena, David, Carrie, and Susan Augusta, ■who live witli their parents. Horace R. was born in Nockamixon townsln'p, March 19, 18G3. At tlie age of 19 lie began learning the trade of marble-cutting, in the shop of which he is now proprietor, having in 1884 bought out his employer, John K. Koder. He is a skilled workman, and his ability, skill, and taste are shown in many of the handsomest monuments in the burial-ground of the Keller church. lie erected the largest granite monument in that cemetery. He is unmarried, and a young man of unblemished character. Jacob W. Trefkinger, i'armer, P. O. Bedminster, is a native of Philadelphia county. His parents came from Wittemberg, Germanj', about ten years before his birth. His father, Frederick, was a farmer and in his laler years came to Hilltown township, this county, where he died in 1875. He was an industrious man, a mem- ber of the Hilltown Lutlieran church, and was much respected in tlie townsliip. His wife died about eight years before her husband. One of tlieir children died before they came from Germany. The others are all living and are : Frederick, who lives in Hilltown^ Ilannaii, wife of Lewis Knoll, also of Hilltown ; and Jacob W., who was born in Philadelphia county in 1836. First lie worked at carpenter- ing, then at bridge building, and after that at locomotive building. He bought the farm he now owns in this township in 1881. In connection with tliis he carries on a mill. In Ma3% 1887, he was married to Lizzie, widow of Joseph Ilolcomb, and whose maiden name was Overholtzer. He is a member of the Lutheran church and his wife of the Second Deep Run Mennonite church. For honesty and straightforward conduct.no man in the township stands higher than he. Joseph Tyson, farmer, P. O.Dublin, is a native of Springtown township, and was born December 7, 1853. His grandfather, also named Joseph, was born in this town- ship, and died on his place, near Bedminsterville, about the year 18G4. His wife was Annie Leatherman, who is living with her son, Aaron, in this township, and is 82 years old. Their son, Jacob, was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in this township February 27, 1825, and died March 18, 1885. After his marriage he removed to Springfield, and a few years later bought and removed to the farm where Joseph now lives, and died there twenty-eight years afterward. He was a man who took his share of the responsibilities of a citizen and held several offices, though he never sought any. He was a member of the Old Deep Run Men- nonite church, and was held in esteem by his neighbors. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Joseph Myers, of Springfield township. She was born April 18, 1827, and is now living with Joseph. They were married March 1, 1853. Two of their children, Cornelius and Elizabeth, died young. The others are Annie, wife of Jonas Fretz, in Bedminsterville; Susanna, living with her mother; Elizabeth, wife of Elias Fretz, in Bedminsterville ; Abraham, who lives with our subject ; and Joseiih, who was the oldest of the family and who, on his father's death, bought the home place, where he has since lived. December 4, 1880, he was married to Eliza, daughter of Joseph D. Rosenberger. She was born November 7, 1853. Mr. Tyson is one of the progressive young men of the township. Active, energetic, and wide awake he is bound to succeed. He and his wife are members of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church. Albert H. Weisel, farmer, P. O. Hagersville, is a great-grandson of Henry ■\Veisel, one of the early settlers of Bedminster township. He bought the farm where Albert now lives, which then comprised 300 acres, now divided into several farms. His son, Joseph, was Albert's grandfather. He was born on that place, in- herited a part of the tract, including the homestead, on which he passed his life, dying there in 1873, in his 80th year. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Fulmer, who died in February, 1828, when but 29 years old. His second 752 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. wife was the widow of Pliilip Fulmer, whose maiden name was Susanna Rufe. The children were all by the first wife, and were Cornelius who is the only survivor, living in Easton, Pa., and Lucy Ann, Catharine, and Francis F., deceased. The latter was the father of Albert H. He was born on the old homestead, which he in- herited, and on which he passed the greater part of his life. lie was born Septem- ber 19, 1825, and died June 15, 1879. lie was a good man and an honorable, up- right citizen, and possessed the respect of every one who knew him. He was a deacon and elder of the Tohickon Reformed church. He was married March 25, 1849, to Sarah Ann, daughter of John Ilarpel, Esq., of this township. She was born August 4, 1827, and now lives on the okl home. Her children were : Catharine, deceased, who was the wife of Reuben K. Stover, who is also deceased ; Anna Maria, deceased, who was the wife of Milton S. Fulmer, of this township ; John A., who is married to Mary Ellen Roudenbush and is a farmer in Rockhill ; and Albert II., the youngest, wlio lives with his mother, for whom he farms the home place, which has been in the family for four generations. Albert II. was born May 19, 18G6. After learning what he could in the district school he completed his education at the Sellersville Normal school. He is unmarried and is a young man of many excellent qualities, industrious and steady, and has the respect of the people among whom he was reared. He is a member of the Tohickon Reformed church. William II. Wolfinger, farmer and undertaker, P. 0. Keller's Church, is a grandson of Jacob Wolfinger, who was a farmer and weaver in Nockamixon town- ship, where he died nearly sixty years ago. His wife, Elizabeth Sassaraan, outlived him about thirty years. Their children were: Jacob, Samuel, John, Elizabeth, and Marj', deceased; Henry, living in Tinicum township, and Reuben, father of Wil- liam II. He was born in 1812, and is now in Haycock. He was a mason «nd far- mer, and is now living retired. He has been an industrious man, of good repute, and a member of the Reformed church. His wife was Sarah Diehl, born in Spring- field township in 1813, and died in September, 1886. Their children were: Louisa Ann, wife of Henry Angeney, of Haycock; Franklin, in Rockhill; Jacob, in Hill- town ; Sarah, wife of Joseph Musselman, of same township ; Elizabeth, wife of Franklin Myers, of Haycock ; Emeline, wife of Jacob Boas, Hilltown ; John, in Richland; Catharine, deceased; Edwin, in Haycock; and William H., who was the oldest son, and was born August 13, 1835. He followed for many years the trade of a carpenter, which he still occasionally works at. Kovember 13, 1859, he was married to Lovina, daughter of Tobias Crouthamel, of this township. She was born June 21, 1837, in the house where they now live, which, with the farm, they bought from her father. To their union seven children have been born : Oliver, liv- ing in Chicago ; Mary J., who was the wife of Jacob D. Stover, and died March 20, 1887 ; Tillie, Lovina, Elmer, and Alice, who live witli their parents ; and Elmira, who died young. Leside his farm and carpentering, Mr. Wolfinger has for thirty years carried on undertaking. He is a member of the Reformed church of which lie has been deacon. His wife is a Lutheran. His fellow-townsmen speak highly of him as a man and neighbor. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 753 CHAPTER XXVI. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— BENSALEM. WILLIAM B. ALBURGER, P. 0. Andalusia, was born in Philadelphia October 10, 1818, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (St. Clair) Alburger, natives of Philadelpiiia, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Piiilip Al- burger was a farmer residing in Lower Dublin township (now 23d ward, Philadel- phia), and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His family consisted of four sons and one daughter, of whom William B. is the oldest. He was reared in Philadelphia and received his education in the city of Alexandria. He came to Bucks county in 1844 and followed the occupation of a farmer. He purchased a hotel and farm in the upper part of Bensalem township where he resided until 18C3, when he removed to Andalusia and has resided there ever since. He was commissioned by Governor Bigler June 22, 1854, major of the First regiment, first brigade, second division of the uniformed militia composed of the counties of Bucks, Montgomery, and Dela- ware, and on the 6th of June, 1858, was appointed aid to Governor Packer with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He is surveyor and appraiser of the Line-Lexing- ton Insurance Company. In politics he is a JefFersonian democrat. He served two terms as postmaster in the legislature and one term as door-keeper in the state sen- ate, and ten years as assessor of the township. He was married in 1842 to Mary Louisa, daughter of Edward and Sarah A. (Willett) Parry. Her grandfather was General Augustin Willett, who served in the revolution. Their children are Eliza M. and Emma Virginia. General Willett was born in Bucks ifounty in 1751, and was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Willett, of English descent. He married Elizabeth Ilicks, daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Rodman) Hicks, of Attle- borough (now Langhorne). At the outbreak of the war he raised a company at his own expense in the lower end of Bucks county. He was with Arnold's division in that terrible march to Quebec in the winter of 1775. From captain he rose to tlie command of a regiment as lieutenant-colonel, and was a faithful and efficient officer. He was in the battles of White Plains, Monmouth, Trenton, Brandywine and Ger- mantown, and was commissioned brigadier-general in the peace establishment. He was a man of tall stature. He had a favorite colored servant named Priam, wiio was with his master in tiie army and accompanied liim in all his goings, always on horseback. He belonged to the Bristol Masonic Lodge, organized March 15, 1780. He was one of the men of tlie age that tried men's souls and did his state good ser- vice in his day and generation. He died in the year 1824, honored and respected by all who knew him. Elizabeth, his wife, was born in 1755 and died May 24, 1833. They had eight daughters and two sons, viz : Mary, Elizabeth, Abigail, Horatio G., Joseph R., Sarah A., Margaret, Euphemia, Grace, and Lydia. The Willett homestead stood along the Valley run not far beyond the Neshaminy creek, at Oakford, on the road leading from Langhorne, in the township of Bensalem. The plantation at the time of his death was divided into farms for his children. All have now passed into the hands of strangers except one farm of 100 acres where the buildings stand. His descendants still live there. His great-grandson and namesake is now serving as a member of the state legislature. Edwakd BiLGER, farmer and stock-grower, P. 0. Oakford, was born in Doyles- town, Pa., December 28, 1825. His parents were George and Mary (Weaver) 754 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Bilger, wlio were of German origin. Tlie fatlier was a baker by trade, and also was a hotel-keeper, but died before the birth of Edward. The latter was placed in the county house, where he remained until he was taken and reared by a farmer in Warwick township. He worked for the latter until he reached his majority, attend- ing the common schools during the winter season. He was then given his liberty, and for three years subsequently worked at farming by tiie day. He then rented a farm, and finally bought 60 acres of land. He has added to this land until he now owns 18G acres, which he has enriched and brought to a high state of cultivation. He was married on March 1, 1854, to Ann Eliza, daughter of Abraham and Ann Larue. Her parents are of English descent. They have had two children : Charles W. and Augustus, both of whom are farmers. The latter is at home, and has two children : Anna Bell and Frank E. His wife's name is Emma. Both sons were educated in Bensalem, and are energetic and industrious young men. Mrs. Bilger died in 1879, and on September 1, 1880, Mr. Bilger married Margaret, a daughter of Eli Ilibbs, who was at this time the widow of William Hulme. She had one child by her first marriage, George W. Hulme. Her parents were of English de- scent. Mr. and Mrs. Bilger are members of the M. E. church, of which he has been trustee, and superintendent of the Sabbath school. Politically, he is a repub- lican. Charles W. Bilger, the eldest son by the first marriage, was born in Bensa- lem township December 27, 1854, and in 1879 married Margaret, a daughter of Afa Smith, who is of English origin. They have four children, Mary, Eldward, Charles, and P^orrest. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. He is also a member of the I. 0. O. F. He owns 108 acres of land. Enos W. BouTCiiEit, lumber-dealer and farmer, at Cornwall station, N. Y. Division P. R. R., Maud P. O., was born in Bensalem township in 1817. He is a son of Benjamin and Ellen (Vandegrift) Boutcher, natives of Bucks county, and of English and Dutch origin. His father was a ivheelwright and coachmaker. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among tlie early settlers of Bensalem. His parents reared seven children, four of whom are now living, two daughters and two sons. Enos W. is the oldest son livingat the present time. He was brought up in the township of Bensalem, and very naturally learned the trade of his father, but before he had completed his apprenticeship his father died. This was in 18.35. After the death of his father he completed his trade, and worked at the business for a period of six years. He then bought a farm, which he has managed with success. He is the owner of a farm at Cornwall station, and has sold many lots for building purposes. He has also dealt largely in lumber and coal since 187.3. He was married to Eleanor, daughter of William B. and Christiana Vandegrift. This union has been blessed with four children : Frank, who died in the year 1884; Susannah, widow of George I. Duncan, deceased; Sarah, wife of T. B. Simons ; and Adaline, at home. Mrs. Boutcher is a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Boutcher is a democrat. He has held the office of con- stable and supervisor, was a school-director for nine years, and served three terms as assessor, and four as collector for Bensalem. He takes an active interest in the schools, and has held various offices in school boards. Geokge E. Brock, retired merchant, P. 0. Maud. This enterprising and suc- cessful merchant is now living a retired life on his beautiful farm in Bensalem town- ship, in the village of Cornwall. He was born in Philadelphia, where he was edu- cated and grew to manhood. His father was John Brock, and was a man of means. George E. was a salesman in a store in Philadelphia in his early life, and very natu- rally embarked in the mercantile trade, and made it his permanent business. He carried on the wholesale grocery business in Philadelphia until he bought a farm, consisting of 200 acres of land, in Warwick township. This farm he sold, and bought a smaller one, which he has greatly improved. He has lived in this county since 1857. In politics he is a republican. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 755 in William Catrbal, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Andalusia, was born Kirkby county, England, November 12, 1835. His parents, Edward and Alice (Cropper) Catreal, were natives of England. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion and his family consisted of 13 children, seven of whom grew to maturity. AVilliam was the second in the family, and was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the schools of his native country, and chose agricultural pursuits as his occupation. He came from England to America in July, 1856. He worked in New Jersey for a time, and in 1858 came to Andalusia, wliere he worked for Dr. King 20 years. In 1877 he bouglit his present farm, and has made farming and gardening his business since. He has made his own way in the world, and owns forty-five and three-quarters acres on the Bristol pike, twelve miles from Philadel- phia. He was married in 1876 to Sarah G., daughter of Dr. George Glintworth. Her mother's maiden name was Jeanette Galbreath. The farm owned by Mr. Catreal since 1877 was in the possession of the Galbreath family for over 60 years. Mr. and Mrs. Catreal have had one child, William, who died at the age of 11 years. Mrs. Catreal died in 1886. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Catreal is a member of the Episcopal church, and in politics is a republican. George Daniels, Sen., farmer and stock -grower, P. 0. Eddington, was born in Philadelphia July 29, 1820. His parents, Henry and Rachel Daniels, were natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. The father was a carpenter during liis life and had a family of four children, George being the oldest and the only one now living. He was put out when he was 11 years old, went to New Jersey, and came to Bensalem when he was 16 years old. He attended common school in Phila- delphia, chose farming as his occupation, and has made it iiis business for 26 years ; he lived on the Beakley farm for nine years, and on the farm of Dr. Schenck 11 years. At present he is on tlie farm owned by the Misses Drexel, who are building the large Catholic orphan school at Andalusia. He was married in Pliiladelphia in 1844 to Mary Ann, daughter of John Yates. She is of German origin. To this union eight children have been born, seven of whom are now living: John T., Wil- liam S., George, Harry, Sarali, May, Theodore A., and Linford (deceased). He is a democrat in politics, and has been school director for 11 years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Odd-Fellows and Red Men. Mrs. Daniels Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. John Y. Daniels, farmer and agent for agricultural implements, P. 0. Maud, was born in Frankford, Philadelphia county, October 12, 1845. His parents were George and Mary Ann (Yates) Daniels, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English descent. His father is a farmer and now resides on the Drexel farm, in Bensalem township. His family consisted of six sons and two daughters. John Y. was the oldest and was reared on the farm, received his education in the Doylestown public schools, and has made farming his business. He was married April 6, 1876, to Alice, daughter of Bernard Strickler. This union has been blessed with four children : Meta, Bernard, Charles, and George. He is a democrat in politics, and served two years as supervisor. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Daniels' father, Bernard Strickler, deceased, was born in Bucks county October 1, 1804, and died in 1863. He was the son of Joseph and Barbara Strickler, who were among the early settlers of the county. He was reared on the farm, attended the old-fashioned subscription schools, and chose farming as his business, in which he was successful. He was married in 1829 to Susan, daughter of William and Mary (Sipler) McMullin, natives of this county, and of Scotch and German origin. Tiieir children were Alfred and Mary Ann (deceased), Charles, a carpenter, and Alice, wife of John Y. Daniels. Richard Dingee, physician, P. O. Newportville, is a son of Dr. Obadiah and Hannah (Welch) Dingee. He was born in Byberry, Philadelphia county, January 11, 1829. In 1841 he removed with his parents to Lancaster county, this state, 756 HISTORY oy BUCKS COUNTY. and in 1851 was graduated from Jefferson Medical college. He began the practice of his profession in Mortonville, Chester county, Pa. In 18.59 he located at New- portville and engaged in practice there. In 1883 he retired from active practice and purchased the Croyden farm in Bensalem, on which he now resides. Samuel Fulton, farmer, P. O. Oakford, was born at Hulmeville, Bucks county, November 29, 1819, and is a son of John and Mary (Lane) Fulton, the latter a native of New Jersey. His father was born in Ireland, and was a coach blacksmith by trade, at which he worked in Bucks county for many years. His mother lived to the advanced age of 87 years. Samuel was the ninth in a family of 11 children, and was reared in Bucks county, where he attended the common schools. He and his brother Mahlon learned the wheelwright trade. The latter is now manufacturing wagons and carriages in Philadelphia, and is doing an extensive business. Samuel also worked at his trade until 1857, when he commenced farm- ing, and has followed that occupation since. He is the owner of a well-improved farm in Bensalem township, where he resides, and owns other valuable real estate. He is a congenial and agreeable gentleman, upright and honorable in all his dealings. In 1839 he married Harriet Gibson, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bee) Gibson. Her parents were of French and Irish descent, her father being a soldier in the revo- lutionary war. This union has been blessed with two children, Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Vanhorn, a farmer; and Rebecca, wife of Theodore Larue. Mr. and Mrs. Larue have a daughter and son, Dora M. and Samuel F. The daughter married Nelson W. De Saw, and has one child, John Fulton De Saw. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Fulton is a dem- ocrat. Thomas Gaffney, farmer, P. 0. Bensalem, was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1822, and is a son of John and Mary (McCoe) GaflFney, natives of Ireland. His father was a farmer in that country, and left Ireland in 1849. He came to America and lived in Bucks county with Thomas until his death. He had five children, all of whom came to America: Joseph, deceased; Thomas, Michael, residing in Phila- delphia ; Catharine, deceased ; and Mary, wife of William Penley. They were all born in Ireland, and the mother died in the old country. Thomas was the first of the family to come to America. In May, 1844, he bade farewell to his father and friends and took passage on a sailing vessel, landing in Philadelphia after a nine weeks' voyage. He remained only a few days in Philadelphia, and then came to Bucks county and hired out with Joseph Hellings for one year. He worked out for 13 years, 11 years for one man, and by economy accumulated enough money to buy a farm, which he did in 1857, and moved on the place and has since occupied' it. He now owns two good farms, well improved. In 1845 he married Elizabeth Flynn, a native of Ireland, by whom he had six children : Mary, wife of Richard Landis ; Maggie, deceased; Elizabeth, Anna, Susan, and Theresa. Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney are members of the Catholic church. William E. Hakvey, farmer, P. O. Eddington, was born in Philadelphia, Sep- tember 3, 1852. His parents were Josiah L. and Caroline F. (Randolph) Harvey, the latter born in Newfoundland and the former in Philadelphia. They were of Eno-lish descent. His father was a dealer in real estate in Philadelphia. His family con- sists of seven sons and one daughter. William E. is the second. He was reared in Philadelphia and attended the common school. He has always liked to be on the farm, which has been owned by his father for over thirty years. The farm is situ- ated in Bensalem township, on the bank of the Delaware river, and is well improved. Our subject has made many valuable improvements and has done much to beautify the grounds. He has spent most of his time here since he left school. He was married in New Jersey to Laura P., daughter of John Henry. She is of English descent, and a member of the Presbyterian church. His parents were members of the Society of Friends. He is a democrat and a member of the masonic fraternity. '< -MS' f 1 '•:? '^ : p ^^■?'"'^"^>V''r ." ^^^) / C^Z^C^^^^i^Z^^ /y^^^n^^'^^. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 759 Francis W. Headhian, farmer, P. O. Bensalem, was born in Philadelphia Sep- tember 14, 1821, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Du Camp) Headman, both na- tives of Philadelphia and of German and French descent. The grandfather, Francis William Headman, and liis brother Andrew emigrated from Germany some time between 1766 and 1773. Andrew settled in the upper end of Bucks count)', and Francis AVilliam settled in Philadelphia. They were both potters by trade. Francis William located on the corner of Eighth and Slarket streets, and lived and died on Eighth near Market street. Both brothers served in the revolutionary war. Francis William was a sergeant. There is a vest now in Independence Hall which was worn by Sergeant Headman at the battl'e^of Germantown, and Francis W. has a flag which he carried in that battle. He carried on his trade-in Philadelphia almost all his life. Andrew lived and died in this county. The father of Francis W. Head- man was a coachmaker by trade, and with his brother carried on coach-making on the corner of Eleventh and Market streets. He was at one time superintendent of the Germantown railroad. Both parents died in Philadelphia. They had four children : Mary A., wife of Thomas H. Rockwell ; Francis W., Henry D., and George F., deceased. Francis W. remained in Philadelphia until 1848. He learned the trade of a machinist with M. W. Baldwin. He was engineer in 1841 and 1842 on the Pennsylvania railroad, and in 1843 run between Springfield, Mass., and Pitts- field. He was a railroad engineer for several years. In 1843 he went to Philadel- pliia and built all the machinery for Roussel, a manufacturer of mineral water, and was afterward a partner in the firm for four years. In 1849 he went to Savannah, Ga., where he remained until 1861, being engaged in plumbing and gas-fitting. In 18o6 he bought the place where he now lives and sent his family to live on the farm, and since 1861 he lias resided there. From 1865 to 1867 he represented Bucks county in tiie legislature. He has held several minor offices in his township. Mr. Headman is one of the prominent men of Bucks county, a man of great influence. He was one of the few democrats who served in the legislature from 1865 to 1867, and his democratic friends presented him with a handsome silver pitcher and tea set. He has also in his possession a certificate and a handsome gold head cane which was presented him by the old soldiers of " 1812" in remembrance of the interest he took in the soldiers' cause while serving in the legislature, by passing a pension bill. He was married in 1842 to Ann Elton, a native of Philadelpiiia, by whom he has two children : Frank C., in the real estate business ; and G. D. Sickel, in the lum- ber business, both residents of Philadelphia. Bexjamin S. Hilt, farmer, P- O. Oakford, was born in Philadelphia county, February 18, 1813. He was a son of John and Ann Hilt, descendants of the earliest German families of America. John Hilt, the first of the name in this country, came to America soon after its discovery by Columbus. The family lias numbered many mei-chants and some eminent divines, but they have usually been farmers. Our sub- ject's grandfather, John Hilt, served under General Washington in the revolutionary war. He was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, but served all through the war and lived to a ripe old age. Our subject's father was in the war of 1812. His two uncles were in the Mexican war and two brothers in the last war. The family are and for many years have been democrats in politics. Our subject's father was a farmer. His family consisted of seven children, of whom Benjamin S. was the second. He was reared on the farm, attended the common schools, learned the cordwainer's or shoemaker's trade. He worked at his trade eigliteen years. His health then failed and he bought a farm to which he has since devoted his time. He was mar- ried in 1834 to Ann Sands, who is of English descent. Of their six children only three are living : Mary A., Isaac L., a machinist by trade, and Harriet C, wife of William Lawton. Mr. and Mrs. Hilt are members of the M. E. church. He is steward and class-leader and has been superintendent of the Sunday school. In 760 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. politics be is a democrat. He is an Odd Fellow and has passed the chairs of the suboi'dinate lodo;e. Jesse L. Johnson, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Eddington, was born on the farm where lie now resides September 5, 1822. His parents, Clark and Rachel (Grim) Johnson, were natives of Pennsylvania and of Swede and English descent. His father was born in Bucks county. The male members of the family have usually been farmers. Jesse L. Johnson was the second son in a family of four children, and obtained his education in the Eddington school. From his youth up he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, which lie still follows witli success. He is the owner of 138 acres of land, of which he is justly proud. He was married in 1858 to Anna P., daughter of Robert Levis, who was a farmer and tanner by occu- pation. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had ten children, nine of whom are still living : Lizzie, Elmer, Mary, Jose phine , Louisa, Clara, Joiin, Jesse, and Anna. Mrs. Johnson is a member of The Episcopal church. Mr. Johnson is a democrat, and in early life was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Charles Ray King, M.D., plij'sician and farmer, born in New York on the 16th of Slarch, 1813, is the son of John Alsop King and Mary Ray, both of New York. His father, after receiving an education at Harrow, in England, on his re- turn home was admitted to the bar, served in the war of 1812, and then took up his residence in the country, where he lived as a farmer until his death. He was frequently in the legislature of the state, in congress in 1850-51, governor of the state of New York, and a leading republican politician, earnest in advocating the abolition of slavery. John A. was the son of Rufus King and Mary Alsop. Rufus King was born in Maine, a member of tlie continental congress, and of the con- vention for forming the constitution of the United States from Massachusetts, and hav- ing moved to New York was sent to the United States senate from that state, where he served until appointed by General Washington minister plenipotentiary to Eno-- land, where he remained until 1803. He was chosen some years after his return to the senate of the United States, his career in that body ending in 1825. During his service there he was earnest, as he had been from his earliest entrance into pub- lic life, in his desire and efforts to put an end to slavery, and bore the leading though ineffectual part in endeavoring to prevent the admission of Missouri as a slave state. Dr. King was educated at Columbia college, N. Y., and was graduated in 1834 in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. After two years spent in pursuiim- his studies in Paris he engaged in the practice of his profession, first in New York and afterwards in Philadelphia. Having purchased a farm on the banks of the Dela- ware he removed to it in 1847, and having retired from the practice of medicine engaged actively in farming and interested himself in the affairs of the neighbor- hood, the advancement and welfare of the Protestant Episcopal church, in which he had been brought up, and in the promotion of the cause of public education, hav- ing served as president of the scliool board in Bensalem lor 15 years, in all of which he still continues to exert an unremitting and beneficial influence. He has been twice married. His first wife, Hannah Wharton Fisher, of Philadelphia, died in 1870, leaving him two children, the eldest a daughter, Mary, married to Charles F. Lennig, of Philadelphia, who have three sons, and the other a son, John Alsop Kino-, who married Lillie H. Hamilton, of Philadelphia, and died in 1885, leavin"- a widow and one daughter. Dr. King's present wife is Nancy Wharton Fisher, with whom he enjoys the pleasures of a quiet home at Andalusia, on the banks of the Dela- ware. He has never engaged in public life, though like his ancestors he was ever earnestly opposed to the extension of slavery and an advocate of the principles which characterized the old federal and whig party. Richard Landers, farmer, P. 0. Oakford, was born in Philadelphia Novem- ber 10, 1843. He is a son of Richard and Bridget (Quinn) Landers, who were natives of Ireland and came to Philadelphia at an early age. In early life his HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 761 father engaged in tlie flour and feed business, but spent most of his life on a farm in Beusalem township, to wliich he removed in 1848. He followed farming here until his death in 1878 at the age of 76 yeai-s. lie started in life witii no pecuniary ad- vantages, but by good management, industry, and econoniy succeeded in accumu- lating a competence. He had seven children, five sons andltwo daughters. Richard was tlie fourth son and was reared on the farm in Bensalem township. He attended tlie common schools, chose farming as a profession, and has met with success. In 1874 he married Mary Gaffney, who is of Irish origin. Their children are : Rich- ard, Tliomas, Bessie, Joseph, Mary, and Susie. Tliey are all members of the Cath- olic church. He is a democrat politically, and has been inspector of elections and assessor of Bensalem township. Charles McFadden, railroad contractor, P. O. Andalusia, owns a summer res- idence and farm on Bristol pike, in Andalusia, Bensalem township. His fatlier was also a railroad contractor. Charles attended school in Adams county. Pa. His hrst business was with his fatlier, and he subsequently embarked in the contracting business for himself. He soon became prominent in his business, and at present is une of the leading railroad contractors in the United States. He has taken very- large contracts and sometimes has two or three extensive ones under way at once. He has employed as high as 4000 men. He has been very successful in business. He bought the farm at Andalusia in 1875 and iiis family spend the summer there. He is an active, energetic business man. Socially he is a congenial and pleasant companion. Charles V. JIurray, farmer and truck-grower, Bensalem P. O., was born in Bensalem township, August 29, 1851. He is a son of Jacob and Olivia (Booz) Murray, both natives of Bucks county and of P^nglish descent. His father was a farmer all his life and died in 1882. Charles V. was the only son, of seven children. He was reared on the farm, attended district school and at the age of 17 began to learn the miller's trade, and served four years. He farmed for four years, when he concluded to get married, which he did May 14, 1876, to Agnes G., daughter of Thomas F. and Lydia (Artman) Woods, and granddaughter of William and Mary Woods. Her parents were of English and Dutch descent. Her father was born in the city of New York, the day iiis parents landed. He was reared in Philadelphia county, and came to Bucks county after he was married, in 1848, and lived on Miss Sarah Galbraith's and T. Wharton Fisher's places until his death. He died at the age of 51. He was a republican. Mrs. Murray's grandfather, Artman, was born and reared near Doylestown, and lived to the age of 81 years. Mr. and Mrs. Mur- ray have six children : Edward, Agnes, Bertha, Charles, George, and Robert. He is a democrat in politics and a member of the B. U. H. F. His grandfather John Murray lived to be 95 years old, and his grandfather Samuel Booz lived to the age of 87. They were both farmers. Samcel F. Ridge, contractor and builder, P. 0. Trevose, was born in Bensalem township, October 6, 1819, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Paumly) Ridge, who were natives of this township, members of the Society of Friends and of English descent. The father was a school-teacher. His family consisted of three children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He was reared in Bensalem township and re- ceived a common school education. He has been engaged in building and contract- i]ig successfully for more than 45 years. He was married in 1845 to Rebecca G., daughter of Samuel and Jemima States, whose parents were of English and French descent. They have four children living : Emma, wife of Linfred Eastburn ; Mary E., wife of G. R. Gaddis ; Lavinia D., widow of J. L. L. Ramsey ; and Ida, wife of B. F. Vansant. Mrs. Ridge is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Ridge has a birthright in the Friends' meeting. In politics he is a republican. Barkley L. Roberts, farmer, P. O. Andalusia. Prominent among the suc- cessful farmers and stock-growers of Bucks county may be mentioned the name of 762 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Barkley L. Roberts, who was born in Philadelphia county (now tlie 23d ward) February 26, 1825. His parents, Mordecai and Ann (Sliallcross) Roberts, were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and Welsh descent. His ancestors were early settlers of this state. The history of the family shows them to have been mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits, both in Pennsylvania and in Europe. Barkley L. is the fourth in a family of six children ; four sons and two daughters. He attended the district school in Wiieat Sheaf, in his native county, and wisely chose farming as the business of his life. He bought the valuable farm where he now re- sides in 1871. It is situated on the Bristol turnpike, 12^ miles from Philadel- phia. The house, barn, and out-buildings are first class, and together cost over $10,000 ; the farm is under a high state of cultivation, is well stocked and managed, and is under tlie superintendence of Mr. Roberts' son with the father's assistance. Our subject was married in 18.50 to Elizabeth S., daughter of John and Rebecca (Hawk) Crip[)s. Her father was a stone mason. Her ancestors were of English descent on one side and German on the other. This union has been blessed with prosperity. Their children are: George W., who is now superintendent of the farm and is married to Sarah J., daughter of Boyd Headley, now a resident of Bristol and among the largest land-holders of that township ; Mary H.,- at home ; and Anna R., wife of Frank R. Wright, of Emilie, this county. (They have one child.) Mr. Roberts is a re[)ublican in politics. T. B. Snroxs, manufacturer of phosphates, P. 0. Maud, was born in Philadel- pliia March 12, 1842, and is a son of George and Mary (Dungan) Simons. His parents were of German and Welsh descent. His father was a farmer all his life. He reared a family of ten children, the youngest of whom is now 23 years old. Our subject's grandfather was a farmer and the business of the family has usually been farming. His grandfather lived to be 84 years old and his father lived to be 76. Our subject was reared in Philadelphia county, attended school in Philadelphia, and chose farming as his occupation. He followed that business until 1873, when he embarked in the coal business at Maud station. He also engaged extensively in the manufacture of phosphates. He was married in 1871 to Sarah, daugliter of Enos W. and Eleanor (Vandegrift) Boutcher. Their children are : B. Vandegrift, Enos Ray, Franklin A., Charles Russell, .Jolm W., Fred, Ralph, Walter G., and Adaline B. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simpns are members of the Presbyterian church. He has been Sabbath school superintendent fourteen years. In politics he is a republican. G. W. SiPLER, merchant, P. O. Bridgewafer, was born in Bensalem township April 27, 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Clark) Sipler, natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born in Bensalem, and was a descendant of some of the earliest settlers of Bucks county. The Sipler family came to America about 16.S2. They were usually farmers, and some of the family were extensive land- holders both in Bucks county, Pa., and in Burlington county, N. J. They were a long-lived and tjirilty race. Our subject's mother is living at the age of 89 years. His father died in 1829. George W. Sipler is the second in a family of five child- ren. He was reared in Bensalem township, attended the district school, and followed farming until he reached his majority, when he entered a store in Bridgewater as a salesman. He subsequently became a partner in the business. His partner was not here, so he had tiie full charge of the store. In 1876 he bought out the business and has conducted it ever since. He has been in this store for 41 years. He was married in. 18,08 to Mary L. Brindle. This union has been blessed with one child, John W., who is now a clerk in the store. His second wife's maiden name was Josephine R. Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Sipler are members of the M. E. church. He has held most of the ofiices of the church of his choice, such as secretary and recording secretary, steward, and class-leader. In politics he is a republican. He lias served as deputy-postmaster and postmaster ever since 1846. Since early life he has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 763 Charles "W. Taylor, farmer, P. O. Hulmeville, was born in Pliiladelphia in the earlier half of this century. He is a son of Caleb and Lydia (Williams) Taylor, both of Philadelphia. The pioneer of the Taylor family in America was Thomas Taylor, the son of a London merchant of very considerable estate, who dying when liis son was very young left him in charge of his uncle as his guardian. This uncle, coveting the family estate, had his nephew placed on board a Virginia trader and sent him to Virginia. Family tradition says he was kidnapped, not a very un- usual circumstance in those days. Young Taylor on his arrival in Virginia found a refuge in the family of a tobacco planter, where he remained for many years, going througii pretty much the same experience as that depicted by Hogarth in his " Industrious Apprentice," marrying his employer's daughter included. By this marriage and by his own exertions he became possessed of a large landed estate and was very prosperous. In the course of time the uncle in London died, and the existence of an heir in Virginia coming out, he was sent for. But this call he did not feel inclined to respond to. His predilections were all in favor of his adopted country. His wife, children, friends, and property were there and lie had grown up with the country, while his recollections of his childhood in London were probably anything but pleasant. He, however, collected together such evidence as he thouglit sufficient to establish his identity, and forwarded it to the administrator of the estate in London, but he would not go himself, which was a fortunate thing for him, as the vessel in which the documents were sent was never heard from. He never could be prevailed upon to try again. His descendants, however, have not regarded the loss of their patrimonial estate with quite such equable feelings, and some genera- tions afterward an effort was made to recover it. In this effort some of General Taylor's family (ex-president Zachary Taylor), who claim the same descent, partici- pated. The best of counsel was employed. A son of Richard Rusli, formerly U. S. minister to England, in Philadelphia, and the U. S. consul in London, had charge of tiie claim. After a large amount of money had been spent on the lawyers an act of parliament was brought to light which appears to have been drafted with the ex- jn-ess purpose of discouraging lawsuits of this kind. This act confirms the title of liolders of real estate who have had undisputed possession of the same for a certain number of years. Thomas Taylor, a grandson of the first Thomas, joined the Society of Friends in his youthful days, and when the family estate came to be divided he declined to take any share, either of slaves or of land that must be culti- vated by the labor of slaves. His family bought him out, and he left Virginia and settled in York, Pa., then known by the name of Little York, where he died in 1837, a^ed 84 years. His son, Caleb, went into the drug business in Philadelphia in 1810, when barely 21 years of age, first learning the business with Dr. Isatio Thompson, Second and Market streets. He established himself at 24 N. Front street, on the premises sold after his death, by his administrator, to Stephen Girard, and now a part of the Girard estate. During the following ten years he built up a laro-e and profitable business. Early in August, 18^0, he was on a wharf in Boston attending to the landing of an invoice of goods he had imported. At the next pier there was a vessel from South America discharging a cargo of hides that had been damaged by salt water. His friends attributed his death to this as he was taken sick directly after reaching home, and died of yellow fever as his physician said, his case being the only one in the city at the time. He left four children. All are de- ceased except Charles W., the second son, owner of the Trevose homestead in Bucks county, and Sarah T., wife of Thomas Paul, Esq., of Germantown, Phila- delphia. Caleb Taylor, Sen., married in 1814 Lydia Williams, a descendant of tiie Eo"-er Williams family, who, when driven from Connecticut on account of their religious belief, settled in Shrewsbury, N. J., where many of their descendants are still living. She was also a granddaughter of Grace, a daughter of Charles W. Biles, of Southampton, Bucks county, and granddaughter of Thomas Langhorne, 764 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. fatlier of Jeremiah Langhorne, of Laiigliorne Park, Bucks county. Sarah, another granddaughter of Thomas Langhorne, presumably a sister of Grace, married Lawrence Growden the younger, a grandson of Lawrence Growden tlie elder, who, with his son .Tose|)h, were first purchasers, each of 5000 acres of land in Bucks county, October 24, IGS], known in the early surveys as " Lawrence Growden's great tract in Bucks county." llezekiah Williams, the husband of Grace Langhorne Biles, was a promi- nent member ol' the Society of Friends, a Pliiladelphia merchant shipping goods to the West Indies. He became reduced in circumstances in his old age, owing to bis faitli in the paper money issued by the continental congress. The Williams family man- sion was in Arch street, above Second, then about the center of the Quaker popula- tion. The fashionable promenade in those days was on the south side of Arch street westward from Front. 8le[ihen Girard was on friendly terms with Hezekiah Williams, both being in the same business (tlie West India trade), and be would frequently stop and have a chat with the old man, who was then getting to be well on in years. Hezekiah Williams died in 1807, from over-exertion. He was very much interested in the building of the Market street bridge over the Schuylkill, which was going on at tlie time, and be walked out to see it one afternoon and back, a distance of about four miles, which was too much for a man in his 91st year, and he died shortly afterward. His son, Charles Williams, grandfather of the owner of Trevose, fell a victim to his exertions in nursing the sick during the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793. He was taken with the fever and died after a few days' sick- ness. His grandson, the present owner of Trevose, was born and educated in Phila- delphia, principally at Friends' Academy, on P'ourtli street below Chestnut. Soon after coming of age lie went into the Ciiina and East India trade, making several voy- ages to Canton and other ports in the East Indies, as supercargo and one of the char- terers of the ship in which he sailed. He removed to Trevose, now a farm of 212 acres, in the spring of 1848. Trevose is one of the historic estates of Bucks county. It was a part of the 10,000 acre tract purchased of William Penn in 1G81 by Law- rence Growden, the elder, and his son, Joseph. In 1707 Lawrence Growden, the elder, deeded to his grandson, Lawrence Growden, the younger, all his undivided half of the 10,000 acre tract. The consideration was the sum of five shillin"-s in cash and a rent of one peppercorn, " to be paid when lawfully demanded." Law- rence Growden, the younger, had two children: Elizabeth, who married Thomas JS'ickelson, of Philadelphia, and Giace, who married Joseph Galloway. When their father's estate came to be divided in 1 774, the portion allotted to Grace Galloway consisted of the three tracts called Trevose, Belmont, and Richelieu, in Bensaleni township, containing together 1,425 acres, and the four tracts in Durham township, containing the iron mines, furnaces, etc. These together formed the estate that was sold by the Burton family, grandchildren of Joseph Galloway and great-grandchil- dren of Lawrence Growden, the younger, in 1847. There is no known record of the date of the erection of the Trevose mansion house, but from the casual mention made of it by travellers and others at 'the time, it is believed to have been built about the year 1G90. Gabriel Thomas, who came over in 1681, wrote " An Historical descrip- tion of the Province of Pennsylvania" up to 1G96, printed in London in 1G98, in which he refers to it as follows: "And Neshamany river, where Judfe Growden bath a very noble and fine house, very pleasantly situated, and likewise a famous orchard adjoining to it, wherein are contained above a thousand apple trees of vari- ous sorts." As he says nothing about the house being a new one, it had probably been built several years before this was written. The two stone wings belono-injr to the mansion house are still standing pretty much as they were 200 years ago. They stand back about 30 feet and distant some 14 or 15 feet from the house. The west wing was occupied in the olden time by Richard Gibbs, secretary to Judge Growden, a justice of the supreme court and speaker of the assembly. Gibbs lived there with a wife and four children, to each of whom the judge bequeathed the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 765 sum of one hundred pounds. In tliose days there was a covered passage-way reach- ing from tlie secretary's house to Growden's (afterward Galloway's) office in the northwest corner of the main building. There has been no trace of this connection between the two houses for at least half a century. The east wing was used as a kitchen and was occupied by Growden's slaves, four in number. There was also a covered passage-way connecting this wing with the housekeeper's room in the north- east corner of the main building. This has long since disappeared, but has been rebuilt by the present owner. All the buildings on the premises were constructed in the most substantial manner, as if they had been put up to last for all time. The walls of the dwelling-house are of solid stone over 22 inches in thickness, and the wood work of the interior was of white oak, yellow pine, and white cedar, no other kinds of wood having been used in its construction. The old house with only ordinary care appears to be good for another 200 years. The room on the ground floor, which has been used for an office for several generations, and which is still used as such, has many associations of the olden time connected with it. It was here that Judge Growden, who held several high offices in the province, dis- patched his business and dispensed justice to his slaves and dependents, and to the oifendeis who were brought before him. And it was here that in the next gen- eration Joseph Galloway and his intimate friend Dr. Franklin held many a con- sultation. Here the Doctor ventilated his theories with regard to electricity and rehearsed his experiments and told of his success in bringing down lightning from the clouds. Here too they discussed the signs of the times and the tokens of the approaching conflict which was very then near at hand, and in which they made up their minds they would have to take opposite sides. It is highly probable that it was owing to Galloway's influence that Franklin exhibited so great a reluctance in signing the declaration of independence. This was very natural, for to the Doctor it seemed that, look which way he would, there was nothing but ruin in view. In one event he would lose his estate and in the other there was every prospect of his being hanged. He, however, with his usual sagacity chose the winning side. With Galloway the case was very similar. He was one of the eminent men of his day. He was a very able lawyer, and in 1776 he had a very large practice in the courts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and was a man of great activity and enerfv, and of indefatigable industry. His private fortune at this time was esti- mated' at 40,000 pounds sterling. He had been a member of the provincial assem- bly for eighteen years, and speaker of the house twelve years. The assembly sent him as a delegate to congress, with instructions as to the course he was to take with reo-ard to the settlement of the difficulties between the colonies and Great Britain. These instructions he adhered to, to the letter. He believed that everything could be settled constitutionally and amicably, without bloodshed, and he was opposed to independence and to the separation of the colonies, as he believed that both would do better together. These views he upheld in congress openly and boldly, and his influence was so great and he had such a following that his most violent opponents, men who insisted on independence at any risk and at all hazard, saw that he must be silenced, and they took their measures accordingly. He had been spending some little time with his family, consisting of his wife and daughter, at Trevose ; this was late in November, 177G, when a body of armed men made their appearance at the house in search of him. They did not find him, however, as he was a man who was (Tenerally aware of anything of importance that was going on, a little sooner than his neighbors. He had been warned in season and had left. They then sacked his mansion, plundering and destroying as they pleased. They also sacked the fire-proof record office on the premises, containing Dr. Franklin's papers and correspondence placed there for safe-keeping. His home being now broken up Galloway joined the British array. It does not appear that he had any other course open to him. His wife and daughter went to Philadelphia, where he rejoined them the following 766 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. year, entering the city with the British army under Sir WiUiam Howe. He was made superintendent of police by the British general. His house was at Sixth and Market streets, now "Wanamaker's. Having once made up his mind as to his course, Galloway acted with his usual energy. He enlisted a troop of American liglit horse and also a company of refugees from Iiis own county. Having had these well disci- plined he kept them busily employed all that winter and spring in scouting and ob- taining intelligence, and attacking such detached parties of the continentals as they could come across. Among their encounters they had one witli a body of men posted near Bristol, numbering over 200. These they dispersed, killing 23, and taking 8 prisoners. Knowing that Washington's army at Valley Forge was in great distress for want of clothing and that lie had seized all the cloth at the fulling mills in Bucks county and was having it made up for his army at Newtown, Galloway sent a detachment of 24 of his light horse and 14 of Iiis refugees to fake it. His men re- turned the next day M-ith the cloth and 24 prisoners, having had two encounters with tiie troops guarding it and killed eight men. During the winter and spring of the British occupation of Philadelphia, Galloway's troops and company took nearly 200 prisoners and kept all Bucks county from Philadelphia to Trenton clear of the disaffected, so his friends claimed. Elizabeth Galloway went to England with her father in 1778 and married there, but his wife remained in Philadelphia engaged in an effort to prevent the confiscation of her estate. In this she succeeded, but she appears to have suffered great deprivation while living away from her husband. By iier will, dated December 30, 1781, she devised all her real estate to nine per- sons therein named, to their heirs and assigns, without any restrictions or limitations whatever. This will was proved in Philadelphia in 1783, and the legatees took possession and held the estate until 1801, when their survivors recorded in Doyles- town a " Declaration of Trust" that they held the estate in trust for Elizabeth Galloway, her heirs and assigns, covenanting to convey, etc., at her and their request, etc., the tracts Trevose, Belmont, and Richelieu were so conveyed to Elizabeth Galloway Roberts and were sold by her grandchildren in 1847. Edward Thomas, retired merchant, P. 0. Torresdale, was born in Newport- ville, Bucks county, August 20, 1825. He is a son of Samuel and Martha (Lloyd) Thomas, natives of Montgomery county. Pa., and of Welsh and English descent. His father was a miller, and run the grist-mill at Torresdale as early as 1817. He subsequently moved to Newporlville, where he operated a grist-mill and saw-mill. He spent most of his life in Bucks county, and died in 1872 in his 81st year. His wife lived to be 70. They had eleven children, ten of whom grew up and were married ; five sons and five daughters. Seven of them are still living, all in Phila- delphia county, except Samuel, Jr., who is a resident of Phillipsburg, N. J. Edward was the fourth in the family. He received his education in the common schools of Bucks county, the Westtown boarding school, Chester county. He chose lumbering as a business, and subsequently added milling, and the brick and coal business. He has also devoted some time to farming. The business was established in 1845, under the firm name of J. & E. Thomas, and continued with success until 1877, when his son Edwin M. and C. S. Vandegrift bought the business. Since then Mr. Thomas has not been actively engaged in business. He has owned farms for j'ears. The farm where he resides in the 23d ward of Philadelphia cost him $35,000. He also owns 135 acres at Torresdale, and the mill property. In 1855 he married Harriet Penrose, daughter of Morris and Rebecca Penrose, of Montgomery county. Pa. Her parents were members of the Society of Friends and of English descent. Their union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are now living : Edwin M. and Helen. The latter attended the schools of Phila- delphia, also the Moravian seminary at Bethlehem for two years, and is now at home. Edwin graduated at the Philadelphia liigh school, and chose his father's occupation, merchandising and dealing in building supplies and lumber. He was ^k^ ^ *' "^X/ ■ l\^'-. 4 t HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 769 married in Philadelphia to Alma, daughter of Robert Murray. She is of English descent. They have two children : Robert and Morris P. The family are members of the Society of Friends. In politics our subject is a republican. He served twenty-three years as a director of the Bucks County Farmers' National Bunk. He is a director and treasurer of the Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Bucks and Montgomery counties. He takes an active interest in education, and is one of tlie directors of the Lower Dublin Academy of the 23d ward of Pliiladel- phia. M\: Tiiomas has many friends, is well known as a good business man, and has met with marked success. Hon. C. S. Vandegript, Jr., of the firm of Thomas & Vandegrift, manufac- turers and dealers in lumber, flour, feed, brick, and cement, and dealers in coal at Torresdale, P. O. Eddington, was born in Bensalem township, August 20, 1839, and is a son of Alfred and Catherine (Gibbs) Vandegrift. His parents were of Holland and Englisii descent. The family have been residents of Bensalem township for manj' years. Our subject's father was a farmer all his life, and met with success. Ills family consisted of eight sons and four daughters, ten of whom lived to maturity and were married. C. S. Vandegrift was a third son. He lived with his parents and attended the common school until he was 13 years of age, when he went to live with his uncle, C. S. Vandegrift, Sr. He clerked in a store and attended academy two years. He subsequently took full charge of the store, his uncle retiring, and continued the business in all nearly twenty-two years. In 1874 he embarked in the lumber business at Eddington, and continued there six years, when he moved his business to Torresdale. The mill business was established here at an early day, but this property came into the possession of the Thomas family over forty years ago, and has been run by them since, until Mr. Vandegrift became a member of the firm. The present managers of the business have increased it and have met with success. Mr. Vandegrift is a democrat in politics. In 1882 he was elected state senator, and served four years in that capacity, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. He w'as married in 1862 to Mary H., daughter of Cliarles Rowland. She was a native of Chester county, Pa. This union has been blessed witli one child, Frederick B., who is now a custom house broker in Philadelphia. All are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Vandegrift has served as trustee and treasurer of the board of trustees of the church, and also served as librarian in the Sabbath school. He is a member of the masonic fraternity, and a past master of the lodge, and past high priest of the chapter at Bristol. He is a member of St. John Commandery, Knights Templar, of Philadelphia. J. G. Vandkgrift, merchant, P. 0. Eddington, was born in Bensalem town- ship, September 2, 1834. His parents, Alfred and Catharine M. (Gibbs) Vande- grift, were natives of Bucks county and of German and English descent. His father was a farmer all his life. His family consisted of ten children. He was one of tlie prominent men of Bucks county, and took great interest in the public schools. He served fourteen years as school director. He was a man of strong determination, and seldom failed in what lie undertook. Our subject grew to manhood on the farm, and received a common school education. He chose farming for a business, which he followed with marked success. In 1882 he embarked in the mercantile trade, and keeps a general store at Eddington. He has also opened a sand bank near the vil- lage. He owns a fine farm on the banks of the Delaware, known as Brushy Park, deeded June 15, 1774, by Thomas (son of Wm.) Penn, to Capt. John Kidd, and containing 160 acres. He owns other valuable real estate in Eddington. He was elected justice of the peace in 1878. He has served ten years as school director, and is secretary of the board, and district superintendent. He is a Knight Templar. He was married in 1862 to Mary J., daughter of Thomas Creighton. She is of Irish descent. They have two children, Lemuel and Kate. They are members of the Episcopal church. 40 770 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Joseph J. Vandegrift, deceased, was for many years the proprietor of (he Half Way House. He was born in Bucks county, February 21, 1837, and was a son of Jolin and Sarah A. (Jackson) Vandegrift, natives of Bucks county, and of German descent. His father was a well-to-do man, and during his life owned con- siderable real estate. He was the owner of Dunkin's ferry, and conducted the hotel there for years. Joseph J. very naturally took up the hotel business as his future occupation, but was cut off in the prime of life. He died in 1873. He was a man eminently qualified to entertain the weary traveller, having made the hotel business tlie occupation of his lifetime. He married Louisa A., daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Howell) Fenton. She is of Frencli and German descent. Her father was a blacksmitli,and for many years carried on business in this county. Tliree of their children are living : Josephine, John (clerk in the hotel), and Regina. He was a democrat. Moses Vandegrift, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Eddington, was born on the farm on which he now resides, and which he owns, June 5, 1841. He is a son of Jolin and Susannah (Sipler) Vandegrift, natives of this county, and of Holland Dutch descent. His ancestors were among the pioneers of Bucks county, and were usually farmers. Our subject's father was not an exception to this rule, and also followed farming. He died in 1877 on the farm now owned by his son Moses. This farm has been in the possession of the family over 100 years. Moses is the third of seven children, and the oldest now living. He was reared on the farm in Eddington, where he received his education. He has made farming a successful business. He was married in 1878 to Sally, daughter of Stricklin Knight. She is of French and German descent. Tiieir children are: Walter, Rolland, and Fannie. In politics he is a democrat. He has held the offices of supervisor and assessor. Theodore D. Vandegrift, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Eddington, was born in Bensalera township, December 24, 1822. His parents were Joseph J. and Hannah (Jacoby) Vandegrift, natives of this county, and of German descent. His father was a carpenter, and assisted to I'ebuild the Capitol when it was burned by the British. He afterward embarked in the mercantile business, and also in farm- ing. His family consisted of six children, of whom Theodore was the oldest. He was reared in Bensalem township, attended subscription school, and also boarding school at Andalusia. He chose agricultural pursuits as his occupation, but early in life served an aiiprenticeship at the broom business, though he never made his trade a permanent business. He is the owner of 45 acres of well-improved land on which he now resides. The buildings are substantial and comfortable. He was married in 18G2 to Sarali Ann, daughter of Gilbert Green, of Penn's Manor, and Sarah Ann Vansciver, of Beverly, both natives of New Jersey, and the latter of German descent. Mrs. Vandegrift is a member of the Episcopal church. In politics he is a democrat. W. G. AVinder, physician, P. O. Andalusia, was born in Langhorne, Bucks county, May 14, 1847, and is a son of Aaron and Mary (Gillam) Winder. His father was a physician and practised in Langhorne, when the town was called Attle- boro. He was born in Bucks county, spent his life here, and died in 1883. He liad two sons, of whom W. G. is the older. He was reared in this county, attend- ing the common schools here and the'Friends' High School in Philadelphia. He studied medicine and was graduated from Jefferson Medical college in 1869. He commenced the practice of his chosen profession in Philadelphia, where he remained one year, then returned to Langhorne and practised there until 1876, when he came to Bensalem township. His practice now extends over a large territory and into the city of Philadelphia. He is the physician to the convent of Sacred Heart, Tor- resdale, and to the Edwin Forrest home at Holmesburg. He is devotedly attached to his profession and is noted for his prompt and energetic professional work. In politics he is a republican. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 771 CHAPTER XXVII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— BRISTOL. SAMUEL APPLETON, manufacturer, Bristol, was born in Leicester, Enjiland, May 22, 1831. He came to America in 1850, landed at New York, and engaged as a workman in a factory at Germantown. In 1853 he began the manufacture of woolen goods at Palethorp and Oxford streets, Philadelphia, in a factory thirty by sixteen feet. In 1856 Mr. Appleton became general manager for Schofield & Bran- son, in Philadelphia. In 1866 he returned to Palethorp and Oxford and built the present Phojnix mills there. He removed to Bristol in 1873 and became manager of the Bristol woolen mills, then owned by Thomas Hugh & Co. In 1879 the con- struction of the Providence hosiery mill was begun by Mrs. Clara Appleton, who married the subject of this sketch in 1865. The factory first built was sixteen by thirty feet ; this has been enlarged with the growth of the business until at present the plant is valued at $76,000. About two hundred operatives are employed, while the annual product aggregates several hundred thousand dozens of hose of every description. Chaules S. Bailey, retired, P. O. Bristol, was born in this township July 27, 1820. He is a son of William and Harriet (Stackhoiise) Bailey, both natives of Bucks county and of German and English origin. The father was a carpenter and had nine children. Charles S., the oldest, was reared in Bensalem and received his education in the public schools of that township. He learned the carpenter's trade early in life, but never made it his permanent occupation. He has been en- gaged in various lines of business and has met with financial success. In 1846 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Stewart. She is of Irish origin. They have five children now living; Anna, wife of John G. Warwick ; Ellen, Har- riet, Margaret, wife of Charles H. Bunting, and Charles S., Jr. ]\Ir. Bailey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been trustee and treasurer. In politics he is a republican. He served ten years as justice of the peace, was col- lector of school taxes twelve years, and assessor seven years. CriARLES Baker, farmer, P. O. Newportville, was born at Newportville August 21, 1850, and is a son of Edward and Caroline (Roberts) Baker, natives of Bucks county and of English and German origin. His father was a carpenter and bridtre- builder in early life, but was subsequently a lumber-dealer and run a saw-mill in Newportville. In later life he was a farmer. He died in 188G. He was the father of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. Charles was the sixth and grew to manhood in Newportville, where he attended the common schools. He first worked with his father in the saw-mill and also worked at the carpenter's trade in Bristol for two years. He has been farming since 1880. In 1870 he married Anna, daughter of Egbert and Parmelia Street. She is of English origin. They are the parents of six children : Walter, Willie, Carrie, Cora, Charles, and Emma. ]\Ir. Baker is administrator of his father's estate. In a financial point of view he has been successful. He is a republican. John T. Baker, farmer, P. O. Bristol, was born at Newportville, February 21, 1863, being a son of Edward and Caroline (Roberts) Baker, natives of Penn- sylvania, and of English and German origin. Edward Baker died here in 1886, 772 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. being tlien in his 69tli year. His family consisted of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. John is the youngest and was reared in Bristol township, attending school here. He ciiose farming as a business, and is now the owner of the homestead farm. He is a republican in politics, as was also his father. His father was a prominent and successful business man. In early life he engaged in the lumber and saw-mill business at Newportville. In latter life he engaged in farming and succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune, which he left to his cliildren. The administrators of the estate were John T. and his brotliei- Charles. William B. Bakkr, M. D., dentist, P. 0. Bristol, is a prominent dental prac- titioner, having his office and residence in Radclitfe street, in this borough. He was born in Bristol townsliip July 21, 1820, and is a son of Thomas and Maria (Birkey) Baker, the former born in Freemansburg, of German origin, and the latter in Burlington, N. J., of Swiss descent. They had thirteen children, ten of whom lived to grow up, of whom our subject was the third, and the oldest now living. He attended school in his native township, and chose medicine as his profession, graduating from the Pliiladelphia medical college with the degree of M. D. in 1844. He had also studied dentistry, which he practised before his graduation, and pre- ferring it, gave up his regular practice except as he had occasion to use his knowledge in the practice of dentistry, where it has been of great value to him. He knows that, to be a successful dentist, a thorough knowledge of anatomy and medicine is requisite, and his success proves him eminently qualified in both. He has practised in Bristol since 1848 with marked success. In 1845 he was married in Bristol to Anne E., daughter of William Fenton, of this county, where she was born. They have two children living: Mary C, and Henry H., who is an engineer on a Dela- ware river boat. Dr. Baker was postmaster of Bristol for eight years, and for ten years served as school-director. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman ; he is likewise a Koyal Arch Mason. In politics he is a republican. Thomas Baunard, merchant, P. 0. Bristol, son of Thomas and Rebecca (Eastman) Barnard, was born in New Hampshire, June 14, 1831. His grand- parents came from England to New Hampshire, where his parents were born. His father and grandfather were farmers. Thomas, our subject, was the seventh child in a family of eight children. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education. Early in life he learned the tinsmith's trade, and was in the tin and stove business in New York city ten years. In 1875 he came to Bristol and established himself in the same business, to which he has since added coal and wood. He was first married in 1871. His wife died in 187C, and in 1883 he married his present wife. They are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Barnard is a democrat, an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias. Hon. Daniel Barnard, a prom- inent attorney of New Hampshire, and several terms a state senator, is a brother of our subject. W. J. A. BiKKEr, M. D., surgeon dentist, Newportville, Bucks county, was born in Burlington county, N. J., March 25, 1804, and is a son of John Birkey, who was a hatter by occupation and carried on his trade and owned the hotel at Newportville, Bristol township. Peter Birkey, tlie grandfather of W. J. A., was a ((uartermaster in General Washington's army during the revolutionary war and a pioneer of Bucks county. The family are of English origin. Dr. Birkey received a medical diploma from Spain, but made dentistry his profession and practised in Philadelphia for fifty years. He stood at the head of his profession and is now living a retired life. He has three sons, all of whom are graduates of medicine. Two of tliem practised dentistry in Philadelphia. William J. A., Jr., was one of the pioneers to California in 1851. Isaac M. Birkey acted as a medical officer of the army during the war, and is a Knight Templar in Masonry. Dr. W. J. A. Birkey has been an active and influential member of the Independent Order of Odd HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 773 Fellows, and has held high offices in that organization, having travelled and organ- ized lodges ; also of the Free Masons, Druids, etc. He lias been a prominent politician and was president of the convention which nominated General Zachary Taylor for president. His other son, Henry W. Birkey, entered the United States service at the commencement of the war and served until its close in the regular navy. He was twice honorably mentioned to the department for volunteering to go into battle at Mobile and for attending the yellow fever cases during the epidemic at New Orleans. He has one son, Jolin Washington Birkey. William Blackwood, proprietor of bakery, P. 0. Bristol, was born in the borough of Bristol, February 16, 1845. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Wright) Blackwood, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter born in Bucks county and both of English origin. Philip Blackwood was a wheelwright. He had six chil- dren. Our subject, the fifth child, received a common school education and learned the baker's trade. He carried on a bakery in Philadelphia three years, then came to Bristol, where he has since been in the same business. His store is a three-story brick building on the main street of Bristol. He is also quite extensively engaged in the ice business and has recently built three ice-houses. His success in business is entirely due to his industry and ability. He is a man of undoubted integrity and is greatly esteemed in the community. In politics he is a republican. He is a director of the Cemetery Association and treasurer of the Bristol Building Associa- tion, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Jacob W. Bowmak, the senior member of the firm of Myers & Bowman, seed- growers, P. O. Bristol, was born in Bristol township, December 10, 1849, and is a son of William and Eliza (Shinkle) Bowman. His parents were natives of Penn- sylvania and of German origin. His father is a farmer and now living a retired life in Bristol township, being 83 years of age. He has been twice married, his wives being sisters. Jacob is the youngest of seven children, and was reared on the farm, attending the district school at Newportville. He served two years at the harness-maker's trade, and first engaged in business in 1881, as a commission merchant in Philadelphia. In 1883 he embarked in his present business in com- pany with James L. Myers. They cultivate fifty acres of land, all in garden seed, and are making a success of the business. They attend to the business themselves, both being industrious men, and press their work with a determination to succeed. They sell all wholesale. Mr. Bowman was married in 1877 to Sally, daughter of Charles and Mary (Book) Myers. She was born in Philadelphia and is of German origin. John S. Brelsford, deceased, carpenter and undertaker, P. O. Bristol, was born in Burlington, N. J., a son of William Brelsford. His father was twice mar- ried. He had five children by his first marriage, and two by the second, of whom John S. was the youngest. His mother died when he was only ten years old. His parents were of Scotch origin, and early in life instilled into him habits of industry, which have proved a powerful factor in his financial success. At the age of ten years he started to learn the shoemaker's trade, but discontinued after one year, and returned to Bristol. At the age of fifteen he learned the carpenter's trade in Bris- tol, and worked at journey-work a short time, after whicl) he went into business for himself. In 1842 he added undertaking to his business, and met with success in both. He was essentially a self-made man, having attended scliool but one winter in his life. In 1848 he married Sarah Helling. She died in 1853, leaving two children, Joseph and Rachel. In 1855 he married Mary, daughter of William Ward, of Bristol. Their children are : Joseph, Elwood, William, and Loring. Mr. Brelsford was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was Sabbath school superintendent for twenty years, and class-leader for thirty years. He was school-director and member of the town council, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows of Bristol. May 15, 1887, he died of paralysis, after an illness of ten days. 774 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTT. Amos Bkiggs, attorney and ex-judnfe, residence 1303 North Broad street, Phila- delpliia, is a native of Bucks county and was born in Penn's Manor, January 22, 1825. His early life was spent on a farm in Penn's Manor and attending school. At the age of 19 he began teaching in Tullytown, Falls township, where he taught ibr two and a half years, when he came to Philadelphia and began reading law in the oiRce of AVilliam R. Dickerson in August, 1846. He remained there thirteen montlis, when he left and w'as registered with the late Theodore Cuyler, with whom he finished his studies, and on Jiis motion was admitted to practise at the bar of the Philadelphia courts in November, 1848. He continued in active practice until 1872, when he was elected judge of the District Court of Philadelphia. He remained on the Bench until Januai'y, 1883, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Philadelphia. In October, 1863, he was elected a member of the city council, but as it interfered with his business he re- signed nine months later. The Judge is a self-educated and a self-made man, and is a natural student. By his own exertions he obtained an education equal to a col- legiate course. He is the oldest son and second child of John and Sarah (White) Briggs, who had two sons and two daughters. Three are living : our subject ; Ben- jamin, a successful farmer of Penn's Manor; and Sarah Ann, widow of John Hawke, residing in Bristol. Judge Briggs married Miss Joanna Cheston, October 15, 1846. She was born in Falls township, Bucks county, and was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Lovett) Cheston. She was the mother of four children : Mary L., who died at the age of sixteen ; John ; Anna, wife of William C. Newport, of Willow Grove, Pa. ; Frank, an attorney in Pliiladelphia. The mother died in November, 1863. Judge Briggs married Mrs. Eliza Cheston in March, 1865. She was born in Bristol township, Bucks county, and is a daughter of Amaziah and Susan Headley. No children have been born to this marriage. The Judge is a member of Lodge No. 3, A. Y. M., of Philadelphia. He stands high in the estimation of the citizens of Bucks county and of Philadelphia. He is of English and German descent on tlie paternal side. His grandfather, Amos Briggs, was born in New Jersey, and was of English descent. His maternal grandfather was of English descent and a native of Pennsylvania. Moses Bkown, deceased, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1826. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early English settlers in America. He was the only child of Moses Brown, who was a merchant. Our subject was reared in Boston, where he received his education, and early in life embarked in the mercan- tile trade, first as a salesman, then as a merchant. He subsequently engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade in New York city, and during his life succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune. He retired from business in 1866, and bought the property in Bristol on the banks of the Delaware river, where he died December 3, 1876. In 1847 he was married in Philadelphia to Miss Anna M., daughter of John Seisser, who was a merchant. Her parents were of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had two children : Helen Collins, deceased, and JMortimer Harris, now an attorney in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Episcopal church. J. MERRicit Bkown, passenger agent, P. O. Bristol, was born in Bristol, April 1, 1827, and is a son of John T. and Susanna (Fouzer) Brown, natives of Bucks county. His father was a prominent man and served as deputy sheriff of this county at one time. He was agent for the Camden and Amboy railroad and steamboat line. He died in 1849, aged fifty years. He had nine children, of whom J. Merrick was the third. He was reared in Bristol, receiving his education in the public schools. He has been agent for the Camden & Amboy and Pennsylvania railroad company since 1847, and is one of the oldest agents in the company's employ. He learned telegraphy, and was manager of the Western Union Telegraph company here from 1861 to 1882. He is also express agent and served all this while as pas- senger agent. In 1849 he married Sarah Stocks. They are the parents of four HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 775 oliildren: Clara, wife of G. W. Waite, train-master on the Pennsylvania railroad ; Anna A., died January 22, 188G ; Mattie S. and Lizzie G. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the M. E. churcli, and he has been superintendent of the Sabbath school for twenty-four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a republican. James Madison Brcuon, retired merchant, P. 0. Bristol, was born in the borough of Bristol, March 4, 1805. His grandfatlier. Captain Joseph Brudon, was a native of Ireland, where he was married. He came to Philadelphia prior to the revolution, and was one of the first to volunteer his services on the side of the patriots. He was one of the twenty picked volunteers who formed the advance of the forlorn hope as it was called. Of these twenty, seventeen were either killed or wounded. Mr. Brudon was wounded in the jaw by a bullet. He was elected cap- tain and crossed the Delaware with Washington on the memorable night of the 25th of December, 1776. He lost an eye at Trenton, and was shot in the leg at Prince- ton. He drew a pension until his death, and also received a land grant in Ohio. He vvas a very large man and stood six feet two inches in his stockings. He died in Bristol at a ripe old age. He and his wife, Bridget, were members of the Epis- copal church. They had five sons and two daughters : Mary, who married Enos Wright ; William, who married Elizabeth Van Hart, and was a farmer in Falls township, and died at the age of 95 ; John, wiio married a Miss Latt, and was a farmer of Bristol ; Joseph ; Thomas, who was a cooper and died unmarried ; James, also a cooper, married a widow Winner ; and Richard, a tailor and a bachelor. Joseph Brudon was born in Bristol, August 15, 1776, and died July 29, 1854. He was married to Hannah Gosline, born in Bristol, March 24, 1782, and died April 7, 1868. He learned the cooper's trade, which he followed a number of years. He was in the war of 1812, was a great temperance man, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church over fifty years. His wife was also a member of this churcli. She was a daughter of Richard and Racliel (Greene) Gosline, the latter a niece of General Greene, of the revolutionary war. Richard Gosline was a pro- perty owner in Bristol. He was imprisoned at Philadelphia while the English were in possession of the city. Richard and Hannah Brudon had six sons and four daughters : Mary, married Euclidus Stackhouse, November 20, 1827 ; James, married Sarah Osmond, November 20, 1828 ; Ann, married John Saudy, March 1, 1832 ; Joanna Painter, married Jonathan Milnor, February 14, 1839; Charles Tompkins, married Mary Ann Cook, December 26, 1841 ; Elizabeth, married John Fisher ; and John, wiio married Henrietta Appleton. James Brudon, the second child and oldest son of Joseph, was educated in Bristol, learned the cooper's trade with his father, and was in partnership with him. He married twice. His first wife was Sarali Osborne, to whom he was married November 20, 1828. She was born in Bristol, April 14, 1808, and was a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Lott) Osborne. She died December 26, 1860. She was the mother of six sons and four daughters : Mary A., wife of Jolm Adams; Edward C. married Caroline Patterson; Joseph married Susannah Gordon ; James Madison died unmarried ; John Wesley died in infancy; William and Sarah, twins (William married twice, Rebecca Ilibbs and Lydia Newton ; Sarah married Charles Wollard) ; Lizzie L. married T. Watson Bewley, April 7, 1809. Tiiey had three children : Mattie T., James, and Eddie B. Charles F. married Mary E. Jones, March 22,1871. They have two children: Tillie and May Belle ; Hannah O. married John Force. James M. Brudon married for his second wife, Maria T. Bewley, February 11, 1863. She was born near Newtown, Bucks county, and was a daughter of Charles and Rebecca (Hellings) Bewley. The result of this marriage was two children who died in infancy. Mrs. Brudon died April 16, 1884. James Brudon engaged in the mercantile business in 1836, and retired in 1854, since which time he has been engaged in erecting buildings and looking after his property. He has been chief burgess of Bristol two 776 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. terms, and lias been a member of the council thirty years. He has the confidence and respect of all vvlio know him. He is now in his 82d year, and enjoys good healtli. In politics he is a democrat. He has twenty grandciiildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Edward C. Beudon, collector and agent of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, P. 0. Bristol, was born in Bristol, January 21, 1832, and is the oldest son of James and Sarali (Osmond) Brudon, of Bristol. He was educated in the Bristol scliools, and at the age of sixteen apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade, and continued to follow his trade until 1859, when he became associated with ■what is now the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Pie was married at Bristol, December 22, 18.53, to Miss Caroline Patterson. She was born in Bristol, and was a daughter of Robert Patterson and Ann Eliza West, natives of Bristol. The former was collector for tiie canal company for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Biudon had four children : Ann Eliza, wife of Frank R. Rue, a farmer of Brit^tol township; Sallie died at the age of 18 j-ears ; Robert P., dealer in lamp oils, etc., Bristol ; and Carrie, who resides at home with her parents. Mr. Brudon is a member of the Hopkins Lodge, No. 87, I. 0. O. F., of Bristol. He has held the office of school-director three years, and has refused other positions of trust. In politics he is a democrat. Aktiiony Bdrton was one of the first settlers of what is now Bucks county (then called Buckingham) in Pennsylvania. He emigrated from England. The exact date of his arrival is not known. He was settled, however, and possessed of con- siderable property previous to 1684. In Phineas Pemberton's book of cattle marks of that date his mark is there described and recorded. He also owned slaves. March 16, 1695, he and one Thomas Burk purchased from Peter White and others a tract of hind covering the present site of Bristol. They laid it out in town lots and called it New Bristol, and he, with other lot-owners, in 1720 petitioned for and procured letters patent from Governor Keith for the incorporation of Bristol, which continued its charter down to the Revolution. In 1715 lie was commissioned a justice of the peace, and held that office for several years. He was a man of liberal education and great influence in the community. He belonged to the established churcli and gave the land for the church and cliurch-yard of St. James Episcopal church, at Bristol, and also contributed to the erection of a church building which was com- pleted in 1712. It appears from tlie records that he and any of his lineal descend- ants are entitled to tiie occupancy of two pews in the church forever. On the 18th day of December, 1687, he married Sarah Gibbs, widow ; she died June 28, 1718, without issue. July 28, 1720, he married Susan Keene, by wliom he had two chil-. dren : Martha, who died unmarried, and Anthony, Jr., born July 17, 1721. An- thony Burton died in 1739, and was buried in St. James churchyard at Bristol. Anthony, Jr., son of Anthony and Susan, married Mary Hough, daughter of Richard Ilougli, February 12, 1752. He was a large land-owner and resided on his estate on the old road about midway between Bristol and the falls of the Delaware, in what is now Bristol township. The father of his wife was an eminent Friend and the daughter was a member of meeting. It was supposed her husband adopted her religious views, as it does not appear that he attended at Bristol church after his marriage. All his children became Friends. He had eight children, of whom four died in infancy and four survived him: John, born September 17, 1753 ; Martha, born July 25, 1756; Anthony, born August 9, 1758; and Jonathan, born August 21, 17G5. John, the oldest son of Anthony, Jr., and Mary, married Racliel Wilson (nee Satclier), widow of Henry AVilson, in Februarj', 1778. He resided on the home- stead of his father in Bristol township the most of iiis life and afterward removed to Falls township. He had two children by his wife Rachel : Josepli and John. She died in 1781. October 9, 1789, he married Hannah Watson, and by her had the fol- lowing ciiildren : Benjamin, Mary, Raciiel, Anthony, and Charles. He died Septem- ^J ■/ j/ Ci^^i-e^e^-Cd o-^i-tJ) HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 779 ber 3, 1835, and was buried at Fallsington. Anthony, son of Anthony, Jr., and Mary, married Jane, daughter of Dr. Jolin Gregg, of New Jersey, April 27, 1781. Their children were John G., Amos, Deborah, and William. He died in April, 1838, and was buried at Fallsington. Jonathan, son of Anthony, Jr., and Mary, married Letitia Williamson, on the 11th of March, 1790, and had children : William, Sarah, Mary, Peter, Ann L., and Elizabeth. He died in 1840 and was buried at Fallsing- ton. The descendants of these three children of Anthony, Jr., and Mary have be- come related by marriage to the Houghs, Watsons, Williamsons, Wilsons, Cai-lisles, LaRues, Headleys, Paxsons, Mitchells, Thompsons, Stackhouses, and Cadwalladers, nearly all of the old families in the lower part of the county. Being Friends they eschewed politics, although always having a decided political faith. They were generally agriculturists, some of them occupying land owned by the first Anthony. Joseph, the grandson of Anthony, Jr., was a large land-owner in Bristol and Falls townships and was a justice of the peace for over thirty years. He married Sarah Watson and died in 1858. Anthony, also a grandson of Anthony, Jr., was nominally a farmer, though he engaged in many other business enterprises. He married Mary Headley, and after her death Anna Paxson. He died in 1874. He was a devoted and prominent member of the Society of Friends, a man of unblem- ished reputation and great ability. For twenty-four years he was president of the Farmers' National Bank of Bucks County. He was also president of the Delaware River Steamboat Company, and filled many other positions of trust and usefulness. In the various public positions to which he was called his ability and worth were highly appreciated, and he enjoyed to the fullest extent the esteem and confidence of the entire community. In his social intercourse he was kindly and frank and always ready to encourage those in adverse circumstances. All efforts made for the advancement of society received his quiet aid. He was industrious and frugal, yet generous. In his death the community lost a valuable citizen and a wise counsellor. His son, Elwood, is a successful merchant of Tullytown. William, also a grandson of Anfhonj', Jr., was a merchant in Philadelphia, and afterward a doctor of medi- cine. He was remarkable for his brilliant conversational powers and the extent and variety of his information. He married Susan Hallowell, of Philadelphia, and died at Penn's Manor. Jonatiian, a grandson of Jonathan and great-grandson of Anthony, Jr., was a large manufacturer of iron and died in Ohio a few years since very wealthy. Wil- liam, another great-grandson, was a successful merchant in New York. One of his sons is now in the U. S. navy, and another was killed in the late war. John A., a great-grandson of John, son of Anthony, Jr., is a lawyer of high standing at the Philadel|)hia bar. He married the daughter of Dr. William S. Van Horn, who was a surgeon of eminence in the U. S. navy. John H., a great-grandson of Anthony, son of Anthony, Jr., was a member of the state legislature in 1878. John Bukton, farmer, P. O. Tullytown, was born August 3, 1829, at Tully- town, Pa., and is a son of Anthony Burton and Mary Headley. His early life was spent on the farm and he was for a short time engaged in the mercantile business. At the breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted as a private in the Anderson cavalry. He participated in 18 engagements and was mustered out as lieutenant. He was married February 7, 1867, to Elizabeth Headley, daughter of Edward and Eliza Headley. Their children are: Franklin, born February 27, 1868;, Elwood, born August 2, 1870 ; Horace H., born March 30, 1877 ; and A. Russell, born July 17, 1881. Among the many positions of public trust and honor held by Mr. Burton may be mentioned: director of the Farmers' National Bank of Bucks county, of the Bristol Improvement Company, of the Delaware River Steamboat & Transportation Company, of the Cape May and Delaware Bay Navigation Com- pany, and treasurer of the William Penn Mutual Loan and Building Association. In politics he is a republican, and is a member of the Society of Friends. 780 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Hon. John H. Burton, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Emilie, was born on the farm where lie now resides November 22, 1830, and is a son of John G. and Rebecca (Brooks) Burton. The former was born in Bucks county. Pa., and the latter in Chester county. They were of English origin and were descendants of Friends, and among the early settlers of Bucks county. In early life his father was a carpenter, but in later life engaged in farming. He died in 1868 and his wife in 1859. They had ten children, all of whom grew to middle age, seven of them being still living. Their names are as follows : Deborah, Lydia, Amos, Jane, Hannah, Margaret, Anthony, John, Anna Eliza, and Henry A. John H. was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools, and chose farming as a busi- ness. In early life he taught school and subsequently went to Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, remaining for five years in the west. He then went to Virginia and taught school for one year, after which he went to the Adirondack mountains in New York and .was engaged in the lumber trade for five years. In 1861 he enlisted in the 93d N. Y. volunteer infantry in Co. D, and served three years as private, sergeant and lieutenant. He then went to the northern neck of Virginia and engaged in the lumber trade, and in 1868 returned to Bristol, and has farmed here since. In 1878 he was elected to the legislature from Bucks county and served one term. He is a member of the G. A. R., and belongs to the Society of Friends. Joseph Buiiton, deceased, was born in Bristol in the house in which his daughter now resides, and which has been occupied by five generations of Burtons. The pioneer of the Burton family was Anthony Burton, who came from England about 1660, and first settled where Bristol now stands. To him belongs the honor of giving Bristol its present name. He was an Episcopalian, but married a member of the Society of Friends. His family consisted of six sons and one daughter. The sons were members of the Society of Friends, while the daughter held to her father's faith. Therefore those that bear the name of Burton are mostly members of the Society of Friends. The family are among the influential and thrifty families of this county. Joseph Burton was born in 1779, being a son of John and Rachael (Satcher) Burton. lie was the oldest of a family of seven children. He was reared on the farm, attended the common schools and made farming the business of his life. He died in 18.58. He married Sarah Watson, who was born in New Jersey in 1772. She was of English origin and a member of the Society of Friends. She died in 1859. They were the parents of six daughters and one son : Ann, Rachel, Sarah, Joseph, Mary W., Martha, and Rebecca W., all members of the Society of Friends. Joseph Burton was a republican and was justice of the peace for forty years. Financially he was successful, and at the time of his death was the owner of 281 acres of valuable land. Joseph Buiiton, farmer, P. O. Bristol, is prominent among the descendants of the early pioneers of Bucks county. The family of which he is descended came from England to Bucks county at a very early date. Joseph Burton was born on the farm where he now resides in 1848, and is a son of John C. and Sarah (Headley) Burton, natives of Bucks county. His maternal ancestors were also among the early emigrants from England to America. His father was a farmer and had three children, Joseph being the youngest. He was reared on the farm, attended the dis- trict school, and has been a tiller of the soil all his life. He is also engaged in the dairy business. He was married in 1870 to Miss Anna E., daughter of William G. and Elizabeth C. Allen, and granddaughter of William Allen, whose family came from England. They have two children, Joseph Allen and Russell Wilson. Mr. Burton is a republican in politics. He has been a school director and is a member of the I. 0. O. F. John W. Closson, deceased, who was county coroner of Bucks county, and for fifteen years proprietor of the Closson House, Bristol, was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability. He was born near Point Pleasant, Tinicum HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 781 township, June IG, 1839, being a son of George "W. and Charlotte ( "Wyker) Closson. They were natives of Bucks count}-. " Obituary : George W. Closson, an old and well-known resident of Bucks county, died at his residence on the Dela- ware, below Point Pleasant, in Plumstead township, on Tuesday last, aged over seventy-two years. For several years his health and faculties had been giving way, and for some time previous to his death he was in quite a weak condition. Mr. Closson was extensively known as a business man and politician. About thirty years ago he was elected county treasurer, holding the office for two years, which was tlie term then prescribed. It was during his term that the tenure of office of the treasurer was limited to one year, by an act of the legislature, in consequence of the great number of candidates, who could not otherwise be so well accommo- dated. Mr. Closson made a good officer, and in his transactions at the Doylestown Bank made the acquaintance of Abraliam Cliapnian, then its president. At the request of Mr. Chapman he bought a few shares of stock in the bank and became one of its directors. He occupied that position for nearly or quite twenty years. He was supervisor of the Delaware Canal for many years, while it was the pro- perty of the State, receiving his appointment from the board of canal commis- sioners. As a politician Mr. Closson was an active democrat, and was always interested in party affairs, though not generally bitter in his feelings. On Friday his remains were interred in the Doylestown cemetery, the funeral being attended by many friends and relations, and the members of the masonic lodge at Doylestown, to whicii he belonged." He was a son of ^Villiam and Sarah Closson. Mrs. George W. Closson was born September 16, 1803, and is still living. She was a daughter of Henry and Mary "Wyker. Mr. and Mre. George W. Closson had three sons and four daughters. John W., our subject, was the fifth child. He was educated at Point Pleasant. He clerked in stores tor his father and brother until the outbreaking of the late war. Mr. Closson was one of tlie gallant young men of Bucks county who joined the Doylestown Guards April, 1801, and liurried to the defence of the flag. Mr. Closson returned home, was mustered out and soon after was engaged in the mercantile business for himself at Point Pleasant. November 16, 1865, he married Miss Mary Leslie, a daughter of James and Mary (Boyle) Leslie, natives of Ireland, where they were married. They first settled in Maucli Chunk, Carbon county, Pa., afterward in Bristol. After Mr. and Mrs. John W. Closson were mar- ried they moved to the " Exchange Hotel" in Bristol, which Mr. Closson [lurchased in 1872 of his father-in-law, James Leslie, and in 1875 remodelled, and which has since been the Closson House. In 1872 he was elected coroner, and by a special act of tlie legislature he was empowered to appoint deputies tiiroughout the county of Bucks, and served six years, when his health i'ailing him, he gave up political life and turned his attention to his hotel, where he died November 8, 1882. Mrs. Clos- son took charge of the hotel at once, and being a lady of excellent mind and busi- ness talent, she has by hard work and good management made her house one of the most popular in the state. Owing to the increase in trade, she has erected a fine three-story brick building with pressed brick front and all the most modern improve- ments. The chambers of the Closson House are spacious, handsomely furnished, well ventilated and comfortable. The parlors and reception rooms are attractive and elegant. Mrs. Closson possesses every possible qualification for the position she fills with so much womanly grace and dignity. During her management of the Closson house she has maintained the high reputation it has always held, and makes it a home for all who seek rest or refreshment beneatli its quiet roof. RlCHAKD Corson, farmer and builder, P. 0. Bristol, was born in this county, September 16, 1816. His parents were Amos and Martha (Martindale) Corson, of P''rench and English descent. Amos Corson was a farmer and had nine children, five of whom lived to maturity. Riciiard was educated in the district school and chose farming as his occupation. He followed this business exclusively until 1863, 782 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. wlien he bought sixty-five acres of land in the borough of Bristol. On this land, which lias mostly been laid out in town lots, he lias erected a large number of houses. He has eight in course of erection at the present time, and has done much to improve the town. He is a republican. In 1871 he was married to Mary, daughter of Isaac Willard. They have one child, Mabel. Mrs. Corson is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. Ellwood Doron, coal and lumber-dealer, P. 0. Bristol, is of German extrac- tion, and is a son of John and Catharine (Lamb) Doron, both of whom were natives of this state. His father was a miller. He had ten children, of whom Pvllwood was the oldest son. Our subject was born in Frankford (now a part of Philadel- phia) on March 5, 1827, and lived in Montgomery county until he was 21 years old. He was educated in the common schools, and his father dying when he was 17 years old, he learned the trade of a miller, which he followed for four years in Montgom- ery county. He then went to Ohio, but subsequently returned and followed his trade in Bucks county for twenty-two years. He worked in Bristol for Dorrance & Knight one year and afterward engaged in butchering for five years, at the end of which time he formed a partnership with John Dorrance. After his partnei's death he carried on the mill business alone until 1870, when he bought a property on Rad- cliffe street, and established his present business, in which he has been successful. In 1851 he was married to Elizabeth Hellings, wlio died in 1872. They had eight children, but two of whom are living : William E., who is married and has two children, and Kate, who lives with her father. Mr. Doron served as burgess of Bristol for four years. He belongs to the masonic fraternity. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias, and is a man of undoubted integrity. James Drdry, editor and postmaster, P. 0. Bristol, is a native of Chester county, and was born March 2, 1848. He is a son of John and Mary C. (White- man) Drury, and is the oldest of a family of eight children. He was reared in Bucks county, where he attended the common schools, and early in life learned the trade of a printer at Pliccnixville and Doylestown. In 1871 he came to Bristol and established the " Observer," which he still conducts. In 1885 he was appointed postmaster of Bristol. In 1871 he was married to Miss Etta Slack, a native of this county. They have two children : Eva R. and Morris D. Mrs. Drury is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Drury is a democrat. David Everitt, retired farmer, P. O. Emilie, was born Middletown township, Bucks county, in 1804, and is a son of Aaron and Mary (Hellings) Everitt, who were of Dutch origin. His father was a farmer and tanner, and had a family of seven children, of whom David was the youngest. He was reared in Middletown township, attending the subscription schools, and chose farming as his business, which has been his main occupation througli his life. His wife was Miss Letitia White. Of their nine children seven are now living: Theodore, a merchant in Illinois ; Elizabeth E., who was the wife of Joseph E. Allen (deceased) ; Matilda E., married George W. Allen (deceased) ; Mary Ellen, wife of Samuel W. Headley ; Aaron Huston (deceased) ; David, a merchant in Illinois; Julia (deceased) ; Anna Maria, wife of William Hibbs ; and Aldridge, a farmer. Mr. Everitt is a democrat, and has been fax-collector and school-director in Bristol township. A. Weir Gilkeson, attorney, P. O. Bristol, was born in Bristol, October 29, 1853, and is a son of A. W. and Margaret M. Gilkeson. His father, who is de- ceased, was for many years a piominent attorney in Bristol. A. Weir is the youngest of a family of four children, and was reared in Bristol. He was educated at the Eipis- copal academy, in Philadelphia, and at St. Stephen's college, Annandale, N. Y., from which he graduated in 1873. He studied law with his brother, B. F. Gilke- son, in Bristol, and was admitted to the bar of Bucks county in 1879, when he opened an office in Bristol and has since practised there. He is also engaged in real estate, surveying, and fire insurance, his business being distinctively everything in HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 783 connection with real estate. lie is regarded as a successful business man. He is prominent in building association matters, being secretary of the " Bristol," " Fidel- ity," and " Union" associations of Bristol, is a well-known member of the Building Association League of Pennsylvania, and one of the editors of " The American Building Association News," a monthly journal, published in Chicago. He is treasurer of the public library of Bristol and official surveyor of Bristol borough. In 1882 he married Mary E., daughter of Rev. Dr. Fairbairn, president of St. Stephen's college. Slie is of Scotch origin. They have one child, Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Gilkeson are members of tlie Episcopal church. B. F. Gilkeson, attorney, P. 0. Bristol, was born in Bristol August 23, 1842. The father of this gentleman was Andrew W. Gilkeson, whose ancestors were among the first settlers of the state, as were also those of his mother, who was a Miss Kinsey. The father was born in Montgomery county, but spent most of his life in Bucks. He practised law in Bristol for many years, and served one term as prothonotary of Bucks county. Our subject was educated in the graded schools and at the Hartsville academy, and studied law with Anthony Swain, Esq., of Bristol. He began the practice of his profession in February, 1864, and is now accounted among the leading attorneys of the county. In 1870 he was married to Charlotte B., daughter of George B. Jones, of Pittsburgh, Pa., who died in 1872, and in 1874 Mr. Gilkeson was married to Helen E., daughter of Samuel Pike, of Bristol. They have three children : Franklin, Helen, and Ethel. Mr. Gilkeson was a member of tlie state militia during the war. He is district deputy grand-master of Masons for Bucks and Montgomery counties, and a trustee of the state lunatic asylum at Norris- towii, Pa., and has been corporation counsel for the borough of Bristol for many years. He is a member of the Episcopal church ; and his wife of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a republican. Samuel Goslin, dealer in agricultural implements, P. O. Newportville, was born in Newportville, Pa., January 4, 1821, and ig a son of John and Martha (Randall) Goslin, natives of Bucks county, and of English descent. His father was a blacksmith in Newportville for many years. Samuel is the sixth in a family of four sons and three daughters. He was reared in the town where he spent almost his entire life, and attended the subscription school. He learned the wheelwright's trade, and was engaged in wagon-making in Newportville until 1852, when he embarked in his present business. In 1842 he married Jane, a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth (Tliornton) Addis, of Bucks county, and of German descent. Their children now living are : Edward H., Ellwood, Sally, and Harry. Mrs. Goslin is a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Goslin is a republican politically. His son, Ellwood, is now a partner with him in business. He was born in Bucks county, and was married in 1871 to Miss Lina G., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Pickering) Pearce, the latter a native of Philadelphia, and the former of New York State, and of English origin. They have two children, Jennie and Elizabeth. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a republican politically. William H. Grudy, manufacturer, P. 0. Bristol, was born in Philadelphia in December, 1836. He is a son of Edmund and Rebecca (Hume) Grudy, the former born in England, and the latter in Hulmeville, this county. The father was a merchant in Philadelphia, and had four children. William H., the second child, attended select school, was a clerk in early life, and afterward in mercantile trade for himself in Philadelphia. In 1877 he began the manufacture of worsted yarn at Bristol, where he has been uniformly successful. He has done much to add to the prosperity of the borough. In politics he is a republican, and is burgess of Bristol borough. He is a member of the Masonic order. He was married in 1861 to Mary R. Ridgeway. Their children are : Joseph R., clerk in his father's olBce, and Meta R., at home. 7S-i HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Amos B. Headley, farmer, P. O. Tullytown, is among the descendants of the early pioneers of Bucks county. He was bom in Bristol townsliip March 30, 1842, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Headley, who were natives of Pennsyl- vania, and of English origin. His father was a miller by occupation. He built and owned a large saw-mill and was engaged in tlie lumber business in Bristol township many years. This mill was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. He at the same time owned the mill now owned by Amos B., which tlie latter bought in 1868. Thomas Headley is retired from active labor and lives in Bristol borough. Amos B. was the third in a family of four children. He was reared on the farm, attending the public schools at the same time, and also attended college at Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Early in life he worked with his father in the mill, and his first business was that of a merchant miller, combined with that of a saw-mill, which occupied him from 18G5 to 1880, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He owns a neat and substantial residence in Tullytown, where he resides. He was married Decem- ber 10, 1868, to Miss Emma T., daughter of Isaac and Sarah Ann (Hendrickson) Ivins. Her parents were of English origin, and now reside in Bristol borough, her father having retired from business. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Headley has been blessed with two children, Irene and Editli. They attend the Friends' meeting. In politics Mr. Headly is a republican. He once served as jury commissioner of Bucks county. Jesse S. Heston, a native of Upper Makefield, Bucks county, was a merchant for many years at Newtown, and also largely engaged in the development of coal lands in Pennsylvania. In 1866 he removed to Bristol, wiiere he died April 16, 1879, aged 80 years, and was regretted by all who knew him. He was a friend of the [loor, a rare business man, and possessed of fine mental abilities. His wife, Martha (Thomas) Heston, who was a native of Philadelphia, is still living, at an advanced age. Their family consisted of three children : George T., who is a prominent physician at Newtown ; Wiljiam Ellwood, and Joseph T., who were engaged in business with their father, and are now residing with their mother at Bristol. They are all republicans politically. Andrew J. Hibus, retired merchant, P. O. Bristol, was born at Newportville, Bucks county, June 1, 1829, and is a son of Mahlon and Margaret (Brodnax) Hibbs, the latter a daughter of Robert Brodnax. His ancestors were amonor the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. Maiilon Hibbs was a mason in early life, but abandoned it, and kept a hotel at Newportville for twenty years. He subsequently moved to Bristol, and was toll-keeper on the canal until he retired, a few years before his death, which occurred in 1876, when he was 79 years old. His wife died in 1854. She was a member of the Episcopal churcii. They had nine children : John G. (deceased) ; Robert B., a farmer in Bristol township ; Angeline, a widow; A. J. and Julia, twins, the latter a widow residing in Philadelphia; "William Henry, residing in Bristol ; Mary E., who married Wm. R. Wrin-ht, and resides in Doylestown ; and two cliildren who died in infancy. Andrew J. Hibbs was reared in Bucks county, receiving a common school education, and early in life clerked in a store. In 1850 he embarked in the mercantile business in Bristol, and was actively engaged in business for tvi'enty-seven years, when he re- tired. July 8, 1852, he was married in Philadelphia to Christine G., daughter of Elijah Thorp, of Bucks county. Mr. Hibbs is a democrat, and has often been a delegate to county and state conventions. He was a delegate to the Chicago con- vention that nominated Cleveland for president in 1884. Robert B. Hmus, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol township, January 20, 1820, and is a son of Mahlon and Margaret (Brodnax) Hibbs, natives of Penn- sylvania, and of English origin. His father was a mason by trade, his family con- sisting of five children. Robert B. is the second, and was reared on the farm, attending the common schools at liulmeville in Bucks county. He chose farming HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 785 as the business of his life, in which he has met with success. His financial success is due to his industry, economy, and determination to succeed. He is the owner of a well-improved farm of 145 acres. He was married in 1844 to Sarah B. Hutchinson. Their cliildren are : Charles Willis, who is married, and engaged in farming; and Evaline AV., wife of "William Milner, also a farmer. Mrs. Hibbs is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Charles T. Iredell, cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Bucks county, was born in Montgomery county. Pa., September 11, 1805. He was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Thomas) Iredell, both of whom were natives of this state. The Iredells came from England about 1700, and the Thomas family, who were of AVelsh extraction, were among the early settlers of the state. His parents moved to Philadelphia during his early boyhood, where his father was a merchant, and where he received his education. He worked in a drug-store tijl 1827, when he entered the bank at Bristol, in which institution he was employed for over fifty-five years. His strict integrity, clear business insight, and energy were known and fully appreciated by the many who came into business relations with him. He was actively engaged in the duties of the bank until within six weeks of his death, which occurred June 16, 1882. The officers of the bank unanimously passed resolutions expressive of their high appreciation of his services ; of their sorrow at his decease; and of sympathy for his bereaved family. He left his widow and family in comfort- able circumstances. They occupy the fine home in Bristol, adjoining which they have seventy-seven acres of very valuable land. Mr. Iredell was an elder and treasurer of the Bristol meeting of the Society of Friends, to which society his an- cestors, on both sides, for many generations, belonged. He was also treasurer of several building associations. He was married October 8, 1829, to Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Howell) Newbold, who was a native of Dflavvare. Their children are : Hannah A., Louisa, Samuel N., Abbie N., Mary H., Charles, Susan T., Bessie N., living, and Joseph and Rachel, deceased. All are members of the Society of Friends, and all highly respected. Three are married, and the others live with tiieir mother. William E. Jeffries, merchant, P. O. Bristol, was born in Philadelphia July 9, 1820. His parents, Robert and Isabella (Edgar) Jeffries, were of English origin and were born in Pennsylvania. Robert Jeffries was a seafaring man. He had three sons and two daughters. William E., the oldest son, received his education in tiie public schools of Philadelphia and learned the ropemaker's trade, which he followed for over twenty-five years. He came to Bristol in 1848 and engaged in manufacturing until the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he enlisted under the gallant Colonel Baker. He was afterward transferred to the 69th regiment. Soon after the battle of Petersburg, he was promoted sergeant. In 1866 he was married in Philadelphia to Phebe Haines, who was born in Germany. They have four cliildren : Andrew, Anna, John, and Edward. Mr. Jeffries embarked in his present business in 1883. He is a member of the republican party. B. S. Johnson, merchant, P. O. Bristol, was born in Bristol July 12, 1862, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Lyle) Johnson, natives of Ireland. B. S. is the sixth in a family of seven cliildren. He was reared in Bristol, where he received his education. He first was clerk in a store, and subsequently entered the employ- ment of the Pennsylvania railroad as a brakeman. He was also baggage-master and served two years as conductor on a Pullman car. In 1883 he and his elder brother, John L., established the present business, the firm name being John L. & B. S. Johnson. They deal in ready-made clothing. The firm have the confidence of their customers, and,, their business "and stock are constantly increasing. Mr. Johnson is prudent and industrious, and has made his own way in the world. The present business is a successful one. He is a democrat politically. 786 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Jaaies F. King, farmer, P. 0. Bristol, was born in Bristol township February 20, 1853, and is a son of James C. and Elizabeth (Headley) King of English origin. His maternal ancestors were among tlie early settlers of Bucks county. James C. King came from England when a boy. Our subject's great-grandfather, Joshua AVriglit, was taken prisoner in Bristol by the British during the revolutionary war. The family have usually been tillei-s of the soil. James C. King, father of James F., was a school-teacher in early life, but later on followed farming. His family con- sisted of nine children, seven of whom are now living. James F. is the youngest and was reared on a farm in Bristol township, where he also attended school. He wisely chose the occupation of farming, being also engaged in the milk business, to which he has devoted considerable time. He is now the owner of a well-improved farm, where he resides. He was united in marriage in 1878 to Sarah Woodman, daughter of Benjamin and Ellen (Ewer) Woodman, natives of this county. Her parents were of English and AVelsh origin. This union has been blessed with three children : Florence, Frank, and Mary. In politics Mr. King is a republican. S. II. King, farmer, dairyman, and stock-grower, P. O. Tullytown, was born in Bristol township, Bucks county, August 23, 1842, and is a son of James C. and Elizabeth A. (Headley) King, natives of Bristol township and of English origin. His father was a teacher in early life, and later a farmer. His family consisted of nine children, of whom vS. H. w-as the oldest son. He was reared on the farm, and attended school at Millersville. He chose farming as a business, and at present is the owner of the farm where he resides, near Tullytown. It consists of 110 acres of well-improved land. He was married in 1867 to Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Jonathan Milnor. She was born in Bristol borough, and is of English and German origin. Their children are : William, Milnor, Wesley, Kate, and John. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a republican, and has been school-director in his township. AViLLiAM KiNSEY, retired, P. O. Bristol, is a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of this state. The family was early divided into two branches; one engaged in iron-working and the other as workers in leather. Of the former branch were the ancestors of our subject, and several of them were in the revolutionary war. The fii'st to settle in Bristol was Samuel, the son of a cotton manufacturer of Birming- ham, England, who came here in 1728. He was a farmer. His son was the great- grandfather of our subject, and was born in 1755. All of the family since then have been born here. William was born in November, 1804. His early education was limited, but he has been a constant reader. He worked in the cotton mill for a short time, but early in life learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed until 1850. Afterward he engaged in iron manufacturing for several years, sub- sequently dealing in real estate, acting as auctioneer, etc. In 1829 he was married to Mary, daughter of Richard Gastine, whose family have been residents of Bucks county for three generations. Their children were : Mary Anna, Caroline, Eliza- beth, Margaret, Fanny and Samuel, deceased, who was a graduate of West Point. Mr. Kinsey has held many public positions. In 1829 he was elected high constable, serving six years; in 1836 chief burgess, holding the position for seven years ; and in 1837 school director, serving twenty-four years. In 1842 he was appointed assignee in bankruptcy for the county, and in March, 1845, was appointed post- master, filling that office for four years. In 1850 he was elected justice of the peace for five years. As assignee, executor, and administrator he has settled about fifty estates. In 18G2 he was elected to the state senate for a term of three years, and proved himself an able speaker on the floor, besides serving on the committees of education, agriculture, domestic manufacture, etc. On the call for troops to defend the state invasion, he assisted in raising a company and went into the service, re- ceiving an honorable discharge at the close of his term. He is a frequent contributor vb -*% ^/rC4^y7^7 a^-n^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 789 to the newspapei-s and to local history. He is the oldest Freemason in Bristol, and in politics is a democrat. Jesse W. Knight, retired miller, P. O. Bristol, was born in Ptiiladelpliia September 15, 1823, and is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Wilson) Knight, who were natives of this state, of "NN^elsh and English descent. His father, who was a farmer, was in 1832 elected a member of the legislature from Philadelphia county for two years, afterwards made associate judge, and subsequently was justice of the peace. He died in Philadelphia in 1860, liis wife dying in 1856. They had ten cliildren, of whom six are living. The oldest son is a prominent farmer near Doylestown, and lias been treasurer of Bucks county. Our subject was educated at the academy in Philadelphia, learned the trade of a miller in New Hope, Bucks county, and in 1837 came to Bristol, and in 1841 accepted the position of superintendent of the large mill of John Dori-ance. He held this position seven years, when he entered into partnei-ship with Mr. Dorrance, continuing for ten years. He was elected to tiie state legislature in 18G0, and was again elected in 1870 to the state senate for three years. He has also been director of the poor and a member of the town council of Bristol. ' He has settled several estates to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Knight has been twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Adair, who died in 18G8. They liad two children : Jolin D., who is now a manufacturer and dealer in carpets in Philadelphia ; and Frank, who is a travelling salesman for David Lan- dreth & Son, seed men. In 1871 Mr. Knight was married to his second wife, who is Sally, daughter of William Fenton, a sea-captain. Mr. Knight is a member of the Society of Friends, a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. His wife belongs to the Episcopal church. John H. La. Rue, farmer, P, O. Biistol, was born in Newportville, Bucks county, March 13, 1846, and is a son of George and Christiana (Headly) La Rue. His parents were born in Bucks county, and were of French and English origin. Our subject's grandfather, Moses La Rue, was a wheelwright and settled in New- portville, in Bristol township, where he carried on his trade. He was justice of the peace for many years and served one term as county treasurer of Bucks county. The father of John H. worked with his father at the wheelwright's trade for a time and succeeded him in the business, but preferred farming and made that his business. He met with success and is now living a retired life in Bristol. His family consisted of two children, John H. and Mary E. John H. is now living on the home farm, and makes farming his business. He received a good English education at Attleboro and Mount Holly Institute. He is now serving as one of the auditors of Bucks county. William Larzalere, farmer and stgck-grower, P. O. Bristol, was born in Bris- tol townshif), January 24, 1809, and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Brown) Lar- zalere, natives of Bucks county. His grandfather, Nicholas Larzalere, was one of the first settlers of this county. The family are descendants of French Huguenots. Benjamin Larzalere was a farmer, and had a family of nine childi-en, of whom Wil- liam was the youngest. He attended the subscription school in Bucks county, .and learned the mason's trade, which he followed until he got a start in the world, when he went to fki'ming and has since followed that with success. He is the owner of a well-improved fai'm, where he now resides. He was married January 22, 1852, to Anna, daughter of Thomas Antrim. She is of English and Irish origin. Their children are: Benjamin, a farmer; Sallie, the wife of John Tomlinson ; and Fred- erick. Mrs. Larzalere died in 1885. She was a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Larzalere is a republican, and has served as school-director. His success in life is largely due to his own exertions. Joseph J. Lovett, farmer, P. O. Emilie, was born July 7, 1836, in the house where he now^ resides, on the farm in Bristol township. This farm has been in the possession of the family for over two hundred years. The pioneer of the family came 41 790 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. over with William Penn in 1682, and Joseph J. is of the sixth generation in descent from this ancestor in Bucks county. He holds the original deed from William Penn. The family were Quakers and usually followed farming. They were of English origin and settled first in Falls township. Our subject's maternal ancestors were descendants of the Holland Dutch, and also early settlers of Bucks county. Joseph J. was reared here, attending school in Bristol township, and has made farming the business of iiis life. He was married November 13, 1879, to F,annio, daughter of Joseph and Margai-et Ann (Taylor) Janney. Her parents were of Holland and English origin. Mr. and Mrs. Lovett are members of the Society of Friends. In politics he is a republican. Financially he has been suc- cessful. Jacob McBuien, bottler and harness-maker, P. O. Bristol, son of James and Ann (McBrien) McBrien, was born in Ireland, November 12, 1819. His father was a shoemaker and died in Ireland. His mother married again, came with her family to America, and settled in Bristol in 1829. Jacob attended the public schools and early in life was apprenticed to learn the harness-maker's trade. Business being dull, he worked by the day and week until 1842. In that year he embarked in the harness business in Bristol, and has been doing a lucrative business ever since. He also carries on the bottling business successfully. In 1844 he married Mary, daugh- ter of William and Hester (Cleff) Sanderson, both of English origin. Their chil- dren are: Sarah, Anna Mary, Jacob, Jr., and Robert. Mr. McBrien is a member of the Masonic order, has been a member of town council and jury commissioner. He is a member of Hopkins Lodge, No. 87, I. O. 0. F., and of the twelve charter members he is the only survivor. During the forty-four years he has been connected with the order he has never drawn a sick benefit. Charles McCorkle, blacksmith, P. 0. Newportville, a native of New York City, was born March 13, 1841, and is a son of Nathan and Catherine (Dodge) McCorkle. His father was born in Bucks county, and his mother in the state of New York. His father was a merchant tailor. His family consisted of seven chil- dren, six of whom grew to maturity. Charles was the third child. His parents came to Bucks county in 1844, and settled in Newtown, where Charles received his education, and learned the blacksmith's trade. He first worked at his trade at Hulmeville. He was married in 1867 to Margaretta A., daughter of Randall and Mary (Smith) Curl, natives of Bucks county and of English descent. Their chil- dren are : Forest, Mary J., and AVilliam K. Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle are members of the Blethodist Episcopal church. He has been Sabbath school superintendent for eighteen years. In politics he is a republican, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and also is a member of the Grand Army Republic. He enlisted in 1861, under Captain Durell, in the battery that was raised with Colonel Davis's regiment. He was in thirteen battles, among which were Antietam, Vicksburg, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Chancellorsville, and Bull Run. He had many narrow escapes, but was never wounded, being covered by dirt torn up by shells. John McGinley, farmer, P. 0. Bristol, was born in Ireland, August 16, 1828, and is a son of Barney and Barbranna (Colay) McGinley, natives of Ireland. His father was a farmer all his life in Ireland. John was the third in a family of seven children. He attended school both here and in Ireland, having come to America with an uncle, when but 14 years of age. He first obtained work as a drayman in New York City, and subsequently came to Bristol, where he has resided for over forty years. When he came here he was a poor boy, and worked on the river for a time, and then kept a livery-stable. He afterward dealt in real estate, and since 1882 has resided on one of his farms in Bristol township. He is the owner of four farms, and nine houses and lots in Bristol, and lately sold one house and lot for $9,750. Mr. McGinley has made his own way in the world, and at present is worth about . HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 791 $100,000. In 1854 he married Miss Bridget Ilewea, daughter of Frank Hewes. She was also born in Ireland. Tliey have liad live cliildren : John, a merchant in Bristol; Michael, Mary Ann, James (deceased), and Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. McGinley are members of the Catholic church. In politics he is a republican. jAJr?:s E. Magill, farmer, P. O. Newportville, was born in Solebury town- ship, April 24, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Ruth (Reece) Magill, natives of Bucks county. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were early settlers of Pennsylvania, and of English origin. Our subject's father is a farmer, and now resides in Solebury township. His family consists of ten children, of whom James E. is the oldest. He was reared on a farm, attending the district school, and has made farming his business. He was married in 1835 to Sally, daughter of John and Sarah Ann (Bachraan) Jones, and is of English descent. Their children are : Jesse, John, Frank, and Herbert, the last deceased. Mr. ]\[agill is a republican in politics. He has been justice of the peace, supervisor, collector and treasurer of Bristol township. He enlisted in 1862 in company C, 128th Pennsylvania infantry, and held a non-commissioned office. Squire Magill has many friends in Bristol townsliip. R. J. Miller, farmer, P. O. Emilie, was born in Philadelphia, November 29, 1851, and is a son of William and Susanna (Shuttlewood) Miller, natives of England. His father was a cabinet-maker by trade, but later followed farming for many years. His family consisted of four children, two of whom are still living. R. J. was tlie youngest of the family, and was reared in Bucks county, where he received his education. He also attended Andalusia college for a time. He chose farming as his occupation, in which vocation he has been successful, and is now one of the lead- ing farmers in Bristol township. In 1882 he married Kate, daughter of Robert Banford, who is of English descent. They have two children : William R. and Vernon B. (twins). In politics Mr. Miller is a democrat. Richard H. Morris, right-of-way agent for the Pennsylvania railroad company, P. O. Bristol, is one of the Morris family whose ancestors came from Wales in 1683, as detailed in the history of the Morris family in Falls township. His fatiier was Richard Morris, a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., who died in Bristol in 1849, aged 54. His mother was Maria Dorrance, a native of Windham county. Conn., who died in 1885, in her 80th year. Richard Morris came to Philadelphia prior to 1830, and in company with David Dorrance built part of tlie Delaware division of the Pennsylvania canal; part of the Philadelphia and Trenton railroad, and also the Delaware breakwater. Richard H. was his only child, and was born in Phila- delphia, January 19, 1840. In 1842 the family removed to Bristol, and when of suitable age young Richard attended tlie well-known Teiinent school, which was built on the site of the old log college founded by Rev. William Tennent, near Harts- ville, this county. In 1856 Mr. Morris engaged in mercantile business in New York City, but on the outbreak of the rebellion at once gave up his business, enlist- ing in April, 1861, as a private in company C, 9th regiment, N. Y. V., the well- known " Hawkins" Zouaves. By successive promotions lie was placed in command of company K, and also of a battery. He also did some naval service. He remained in the service until June, 1863, when he returned to New York, engaging again in business there, and also in Philadelphia, and becoming a partner in tlie firm of Isaac Hough & Morris, in the West India trade, in connection with which he travelled extensively. In 1875 he abandoned the West India trade and engaged in railroad business, becoming connected in 1882 with the Pennsylvania railroad. He is married to Alice L., daughter of Professor Lardner Van Uxera, state geolo- gist of New Y'ork. They have five sons : Richard, now at Lehigh University ; Lardner V. ; Archibald D. ; Armand V. ; and Sidney. Mr. Morris is a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States, composed exclusively of commissioned 792 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUKTT. olficevs of the army or navy who have absolutely clear records. He also organized H. Clay Beatty Post, G. A. R., of Bristol, and was its first commander. James Patterson, farmer and veterinary surgeon, P. O. Newportville, was born in Bucks county June 19, 1843, being a son of Jesse and Huldali (Morgan) Patterson, natives of Bucks county. They were members of the Society of Friends and of English origin. Jesse Patterson was a farmer. His family consisted of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, James being the fourth child. James Patterson remained with his parents until he was 12 years old, after which he worked out and attended school. In 18G4 he enlisted in the 5th Pennsylvania cavalry in company H, serving one year. He was severely wounded by a sharp- shooter. The ball passed through his right arm and also through his body, lodging in a book which he had in his coat pocket. The doctor has the ball and the book, which he prizes highly as a relic of the late war, although it came near costing him his life, tlie ball coming within an inch of his heart. He was wounded at Five Forks or Gravely Run, and was discharged at Washington, D. C, in 1865. After re- turning home he farmed for five years, then commenced the study of medicine and veterinary surgery at the New Jersey Veterinary school, where he graduated in 1878, and commenced tlie practice of his profession in Newportville. In 1881 he bought the farm where he now resides and has his office, and has at present an extensive practice. He was married in 1867 to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles R. and Maria (Vanzant) AVright, natives of Bucks county. Mrs. Patterson's paternal grand- ))arents were Joshua and Beersheba (Rue) Wright, who were of Englisli origin. Her grandfather was a farmer in this county, and had a family of eleven children, of whom Charles Rhodes Wriglit, her father, was the second. He was a farmer by occupation and, his liealth failing, he retired irom the active duties of life and re- moved to Bristol, where he died in 1885. Tlie union of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson has been blessed witli four cliildren : Lillie B., May W., Charles R., and Alice T. The doctor is a republican. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and an Odd Fellow, and has been school-director and chairman of the Republican committee of Bristol township. Symington Philups, revenue collector, P. O. Bristol, was born in New York City, April 12, 1819, and is a son of William W. and Frances (Symington) Phillips. His lather, 6f Dutch extraction, was a native of New York, and his mother, who was a native of Canada, was of English descent. His father was pastor of the First Presbyterian church of New Yoi'k City for over forty years. He had twelve chil- dren, of whom ten lived to maturity. Our subject received his education at the University of New York, in which city his business career began, coming to Bristol at the age of 23, where he has since resided. For several years after coming to Pennsylvania he carried on the twine manufactory at New Hope, in this county, and still owns the property. He is now deputy United States revenue collector in Bristol. In 1841 he was married to Margaret, daughter of John Phillips, M. D., of Bristol. Their children are : Frances, wife of George Hamilton, a dry-goods mer- chant, of New York City ; Meta, wife of B. Landreth, of Bristol, one of tlie pro- prietors of the great seed farm ; Anna J., Sarah C, and Edward iS., who is superin- tendent of the A\'ilson Ocean Steamship Line in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been trustee. He has often served in the town council, has been president of the board, chief burgess, and in 1872 was the choice of his party for congress, but was defeated. In 1879 he was elected to the legislature, and again in 1882 and 1885. William C. Peirce, of the firm of Sherman & Peirce, sash, doors, blinds, berry box manufacturers, also lumber yard, P. O. Bristol, was born at that place August 21, 1846, and is a son of Charles W. and Mary (Smith) Peirce ; the former was the first representative of his family in Bristol, and the latter was a native of Haribrd county, Md. William C. was reared in Philadelphia and was educated at HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 793 the Friends' Central High school and private schools of that city. He began his business career as a member ol' the Piiiladelphia board of brokers, .which relation is still sustained. He conducted a brokerage business on Third street in that city for fifteen years. In 1884 he became a member of the firm of Siierman & Peirce and assumed entire charge of the book and sales department. The business of the firm has more than doubled since his connection with it. Wilson Randall, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, P. O. Bristol, was born in Newportville, Bucks county, September 5, 1833. His parents, Eben and Rachel ( Vanzant) Randall, were natives of this county and of German descent. His father was a shoemaker and farmer. He was reared on tlie farm, received a com- mon school education, and learned the wagon-maker's trade, wliich he has followed ever since, most of the time in business for himself He was in Newportville two years, and afterward eight years with his brother in Newtown, under the firm name of Wilson & J. V. Randall. The latter still owns and carries on the business at Newtown. Wilson Randall came to Bristol in 1872 and established his present business. He was married to Rachel C, daughter of Thomas Harding. Four cliildren have been born to them: Clara, wife of C. F. Brodiutx ; Clarence and J. M., in business with their fatlier; and Rachel. Mr. Randall is a republican and has served as school-director of the borough. Caleb P. Roberts, farmer, P. 0. Newportville. was born in Philadelphia, Pa., tenth month, 1818, and is a son of livan and Riioda 8. (Pancoast) Roberts. His mother was born in New Jersey, and his fatlier in Philadelpliia. They were of English and Welsh origin. His father was a farmer all his life and died in 1862. His family consisted of six children, Caleb P. being the oldest. He was reared on the farm, attended the school at Fallsington, and has made farming his business. He has been successful in life and is now the owner of a farm of 76 acres of land, on which he resides. He was married in 1872 to Margaret G., daughter of Alan and Su- sanna (Berkheimer) Shoemaker. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English origin. At the time of her marriage to Caleb P. Roberts she was the widow of Oliver Wilson, by whom she had two children, Alan and Mary T. Tlie marriage of Caleb P. and Margaret J. Roberts has been blessed with one child, Evan. Tlie family are all members of the Society of Friends. Caleb P. Roberts is a republican politically. S. S. Rue, undertaker, P. O. Bristol, was born in Newportville, May 10, 1828, and is a son of Lewis and Ann (Stackliouse) Rue, natives of Bucks county and of English and French origin. His motlier was a member of the Society of Friends. His father was a harness-maker and trimmer by occupation. His family consisted of four sons and two daughters, all now living and in prosperous circumstances. Mr. Rue was reared in this county, attending the school at Newportville. He learned the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trade, serving five years' apprenticeship. In .1850 he came to Bristol and embarked in business witli David Swain, and after tlie death of the latter continued the business himself. In 1852 he was married in Bristol to Elizabeth, daughter of John Martin. She is of Irish and English origin. Their children are: Harvey S., now married and living in Bristol, who was born in 1855, and is now in business with his father; Sarah Ann, wife of Lewis Hall; and Eva, the wife of William Downing. Mrs. Rue died in 1881. Mr. Rue is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a republican and served six years as a member of the town council of Bristol. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and the Red Men. Andrew Schaffek, farmer, P. O. Bristol, was born in Bristol township, De- cember 3, 1827, and is a son of John and Anna (Silba) Schaffer. They were natives of Germany and settled in Bucks county when they first came to America. His father was a cooper and also engaged in farming. Andrew Schaffer is the sixtli in a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. He received his educa- 794 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tion in tlie common scliools, Hiid wlien but eight years of age hired out by the year to work. By economy and industry he managed to get a start in the world. At the present time he is the owner of tlie well-known farm adjoining the corporation of Bristol, known as the Fairview farm. The house is over 100 years old, and is yet a very substantial structure. He was married in 1849 to Catharine, daughter of William and Susannah (Miller) "Williams, natives of Monroe county. Pa., and of German and AVelsh descent. They have had eight children, six now living: Michael, Susan, wife of James Warden, a merchant in Bristol; Mary, Elizabeth, Priscilla, William, and Anna. Mr. Schaffer is a republican and has been a school-director nine years. Charles E. Scheide, manufacturer of hoop, band and bar iron, P. O. Bristol, was born in the city of Philadelphia, April 18, 1842. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Morgan) Scheide, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Most of the father's life was spent in Philadelphia, and he liad six children. Our subject was the oldest of these children, and was reared in Philadelphia, graduating in the high school of that city at the age of sixteen years. He was engaged for a time in journalistic work, on the Philadelphia " Press," and other journals, and subse- quently in mercantile pursuits, and was thus employed when he enlisted in the 1.5th regiment of cavalry as a private in 1862. He served tliree years, was in several severe battles, including Stone river, and was captain of the company when it was discharged. He was in Warren county, this state, five years, engaged in bank- ing and oil producing. He came to Bristol in 1876, the firm of which he was a member (Neregold, Scheide & Co.) having built the Bristol rolling mill the year previously. Upon the withdrawal of Mr. Neregold in 1886, the " Bristol Rolling Mill Company" was organized, and incorporated December 1, 1886, with Mr. Sheide as president. During the short period of his incumbency the facilities of the mill have been enlarged one-half, tlie lease of a blast furnace at Hamburg, Berks county, successfully negotiated, and other advantageous conditions rendered operative. Joseph Sherman, senior member of the firm of Sherman & Peirce, manufac- turers of sash, doors, etc., P. 0. Bristol, was born at Spring Lake, N. J., in 18.5.5, and is a son of Benjamin Sherman, who was also a native of that state. His educa- tional opportunities were limited, but he early developed rare mechanical ability. The vicinity of his birthplace is noted as a great fruit-producing region, and the crude methods of marketing its products revealed to the practical mind of Mr. Sher- man a wide field for the exercise of his inventive genius. A process for the manu- facture of boxes from wooden slats was at length perfected, and in 1875 their manu- facture on a large scale was begun at Bristoh Mr. Sherman was sole proprietor of this enterprise until 1884, when the present firm was established. The business has been extended in various directions, and ranks among the most stable industrial fea- tures of the town. John Sher-\vood, deceased, was born in Scotland, June 29, 1806, and was a son of Thomas and Catherine (Bixby) Sherwood, natives of Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was a manufacturer in that country, and reared a family of five children, of whom John was the oldest. He was reared in Scotland, receiving a good educa- tion, and also studied medicine two years at the University of Pennsylvania. He devoted some time to the study of botany and commenced the florist business in Philadelphia. He owned a handsome place in Laurel Hill, where he was engaged in this business for several years. He bought a place in Bristol township in 1856, and lived there until his death in 1883. He was engaged for over fifty years in the propagation and introduction into this country of new and rare plants, and was widely known both here and abroad as an authority in all matters pertaining to flori- culture. In 1840 he married Annabella, daughter of Joel Shuttlewood, by whom he had three children, only one of whom, Joel W. Sherwood, of Brooklyn, is now living. This wife died in 1847, and he subsequently married Isabella, daughter of Robert HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 795 M. and Catharine (Munson) Hartley. Her ancestors were of English origin and eminent people, her father being well known as one of the philanthropists of New York City. His widow and two children still survive him, Robert H., who married in 1875 tlie daughter of the late Hon. G. W. Palmer, of Luzerne county, and Kathe- rine J., wife of Henry II. Jones, of Philadelpliia. Rev. Edward P. Shields, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian church, of Bristol, was born at New Albany, Ind., August 31, 1833. His grandfather, Patrick Shields, emigrated from the nortli of Ireland to the colony of Virginia and settled on the Rappahannock. Here he married Mary Nance, a lady of Huguenot descent, and here, in August, 1801, Henry Burnett, the father of Edward P., was born. Not long afterward the family removed to Kentucky, and after a short residence crossed the Ohio river into what is now the state of Indiana. Here Mr. Shields was an active citizen. He held various places of public trust, and was a member of the convention which framed the first constitution of Indiana. Edward P. is the son of Henry B. and Joanna (Day) Shields, the latter a native of Morristown, N. J. On April 19, 18.58, he married Sarah Scovel, and tliey are the parents of six chil- dren : Clara (MacConnell), Henry B., Hannah S., Edmund S., William H., and Lillian M. He was educated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and graduated from that institution in June, 1854. He attended the Presbyterian theological semi- naries at New Albanj^ Indiana, and Princeton, New Jersey, graduating from the latter in 1858. On June 2d of that year he was ordained by the Presbytery of West Jersey, and at once entered upon his first pastorate at Pittsgrove, N. J., remaining there until 1870, when he removed to Cape May, his second pastorate, which also continued thirteen years. On March 1, 1884, Jlr. Shields became pastor at Bristol and this relation still exists. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by his alma mater at the annual commencement, in June, 1887. Jacob Simons, deceased, was born in Philadelphia, September 20, 1821, and was a son of Jacob Simons and of German origin. He received his education in Philadelphia, and engaged as a salesman for a number of years. He also worked at gardening, and in 18G6 bought a farm adjoining the corporation of Bristol, and em- barked in the business of gardening, which he carried on until his death, which occurred in 1884. He was noted for his honesty and manly dealings. He was a successful gardener and had many friends in Philadelphia and Bristol. In politics he was a republican. He was married in 1854 to Mary, daughter of John and Han- nah (Adams) Young. Her parents were Germans. Their children are: Jacob, who is a farmer, John, Henry, William, and Mary. Since the death of their father, the boys have taken charge of the farm and are doing well. Tlie children are all at home. John R. Stackiiouse, farmer and stock-grower, P. 0. Bristol, was born in Bristol township, September 15, 1820, and is a son of John and Anna (Bowman) Stack- iiouse. The pioneers of the Stackiiouse family were Tliomas Stackiiouse and two nepliews, John and Thomas, wlio came over with William Penn in 1682. They settled first at Langhorne, in this county. They bought land from Penn and laid out contiguous farms. They were all members of the Society of Friends, but some of their descendants have become Baptists. The father of John R. was a soldier in the revolution, and was at one time overseer of the poor of Bucks county. He was the father of sixteen children, of whom John R. was the youngest. He was reared on the farm, attended school in Emilie, and chose farming as a business, in which he has met with success. In 1853 he married Mary A., daughter of John and Anna (Booz) Subers, who were of German descent. They had seven children : Edward S., Joseph (deceased), Henry, Jolin and William (twins), Thomas, and Anna M. Mr. Stackhouse is a republican and has held most of the township offices. He has served as school-director, and has been justice of the peace since 1879. He is past master of the Masonic fraternity. 796 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. William M. Stackiioqse, druggist and insurance agent, P. O. Emilie, was born in Emilie, Miircli 9, 1849, and is a son of Jesse L. and Mary B. (Headley) Stackliouse, who were of Englisii origin. His father was a general insurance agent and also dealt in real estate for many years. His family consisted of three children, of whom William M. is the second. He was reared in Emilie, attending the schools there and also attended Pennsylvania State College, where he graduated in 1869 with the degree of B. S. He then commenced clerking in a drug-store and soon embarked in business for himself. He very naturally took up the insurance busi- ness, having been in his father's office as an assistant, and has been thus engaged since. His motiier died in 1876, his father following in 1879, and his brother J. H. in 187.5. Mr. Stackliouse was married in 1874 to Anna S. Headley, who is of English and Irish descent. Their children are : Charles H. and Jesse T. In politics Mr. Stackhouse is a democrat. He is school-director in the township and is a Royal Aich Mason. John C. Stuckekt, attorney, P. O. Bristol, was born in Warrington township, this county, and is a son of William Stuckert, under whose name, in that township, is given the history of the family. Our subject was born June 23, 18.52, was educated at the Doylestown Seminary, and graduated from Lafayette College in 1875. He studied law in Doylestown, and began practising at Bristol in 1877, where he has since continued. In 1879 he was married to May li. Wright. They have two children, Florence and Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Stuckert are members of the Presby- terian church, of which he is a trustee. In politics he is a democrat. Anthony Swain, lawyer, P. O. Bristol, was born October 6, 1815, on the banks of the Neshaminy, opposite Newportville. His father was Samuel Swain, and his great-grandfather Benjamin Swain, who came from England about 1725, owned a tract of land about three miles north of Bristol, on which he built a house of bricks made on the land, as was the custom in early times. He died there in 1793. He had one son, Abraham, who died before him, leaving several children, of whom Samuel was one. Samuel was married in 1810 to Martha, daughter of John and Letitia Briggs, of Newtown township, this county, and some years after purchased and improved the above Newportville farm now belonging to the estate of William Elmslie, where he resided until 1833, when he sold the farm and removed to Bristol. Anthony lived at his father's, mostly working on the farm, except in winter, when he attended the neighboring schools. He also attended boarding-schools in Bristol, Burlington, N. J., and Alexandria, Va. He taught school in Bristol and other places until September, 1837, when he commenced the study of law at Doylestown, in the office of Hon. Thomas Ross, the father of George Ross, Esq., the present state senator. lie was admitted to the bar in February, 1840, and began practice in Bristol, which he has ever since continued, but since completing his 70th year in 1885 he has withdrawn from active business. On the 26tli of October, 1843, he married Abby, daughter of Joseph Warner, of Bristol, to whom he was devotedly attached. She departed this life January 26, 1883. His principles always allied him firmly to the republican party, and though he neither sought nor held public office yet he discharged all duties of citizenship cheerfully and conscientiously, aidino- all movements for the benefit of the community in which he lives. He lias been president of the Bristol Water company since its inception, also president of the Bristol Gas company, and director of the Farmers' National bank for many years. He and his ancestors, both paternal and maternal, nearly all of whom trace back to settlers contemporary with William Penn, have been consistent members of the Society of Friends and true followers of its doctrines and discipline, and the Bristol meeting has seldom contained a more valued member. He was identified with the anti-slavery cause in his youth and has always been a frieiid to the colored man. He has also been a warm advocate of the temperance cause, and in all walks of life is regarded as one of Bristol's most respected citizens. ,1 1 J •* y4^^^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 799 William Tabram, mercliant, P. O. Bristol, was born in England in October, 1819, and is a dealer in furniture, stoves and hardware in Bristol borou»; 7^ ( »- r^f- W'^^L. / ^^f ^/ 9?Z,y^ CZ^CJi^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 819 (Sands) Fell, natives of Bucks county, and of English descent. Our subject's grandfather was Jonas Fell, a farmer who lived and died in Buckingham township. Our subject's father was a farmer, and also carried on the nursery business. He had ten children, eight of whom are living: Lydia A. (widow of Samuel Franken- field), Sarah J. (wifeof J. M. Flack), Preston J., Rachel S. (wife of John M. Gray), Isabella S. (wife of J. Roberts Rapp of Philadelphia), Louisa (wife of Amos Ran- dall), Addie, and Dr. John A. Those deceased were Benjamin, who died in infancy, and Henry C. The latter was a member of company B, 104th regiment P. V. He died May 31, 1862, the day of the battle of Fair Oaks, when so many of his comrades fell in battle. Our subject was reared on a farm, and has always fol- lowed farming. He has lived here all his life. He owns a farm of 52 acres, and is also engaged in the nursery business. He was married November 3, 1870, to Cassie H., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hiestand) Stover. Mr. Fell is an industrious and intelligent citizen. Dr. Joseph Foulke, physician, P. O. Buckingham, was born on January 27, 1827, in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pa. His parents were Josepli and Elizabeth Foulke. Their ancestors came from Wales to tliis country in 1698. He was educated at the Gwynedd boarding school, of which his father was principal, and also an eminent minister of the Society of Friends. In 1845, at the organi- zation of the Friends' Central School, of Philadelphia, he became assistant teacher under the noted Professor Benjamin Hallowell. About 1848 Dr. Joseph became principal of the Gwynedd boarding-school, which position he held for seve- ral years. He graduated from the medical department of the University of Penn- sylvania, April 1, 1854, commencing practice May 1, 1854, in the city of Philadel- phia. There he remained until the spring of 1857, wlien he visited Europe, attend- ing some of the medical schools and hospitals of Paris and London. In 1859 he came to Centerville, where he has since been in practice. He has built up a good practice, which extends far and near. Dr. Joseph Foulke is a member of the Bucks County Medical Society, of which he was secretary for about 21 years. In 1870 he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Hughsian Free School, and in 1874 was elected treasurer of the same institution, which position he still occupies. He has performed the astronomical calculations for the Friends' Almanac from 1847 to the present time. His father commenced this work in 1832. He was married in 1858 to Caroline Chambers, of Philadelphia, by whom he has six children : Elizabeth C., Piioebe F., Caroline, Hannah, William D., and Melissa 11 He is also a member of the American Medical Association. The doctor is a prominent and enterprising citizen of Bucks county. John M. Gray, farmer, P. O. Forest Grove, was born in Buckingham town- ship, Bucks county, August 16, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Julia A. (Robinson) Gray, of Bucks county, the latter of Irish descent, and native of New Jersey. His grandfather, John Gray, came from Ireland at an early day, and settled in Buckingham township, where he bought a farm and lived until his deatli. Samuel Gray, father of John, was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed during the early part of his life, afterward being a farmer. He had two sons and one daughter, all deceased, except John M., who was reared on a farm, and has always followed farming as an occupation. In 1876 he built a fine residence in Forest Grove, where he now re- sides. He owns several fine farms, and is one of the directors of the Forest Grove Creamery. He is also a director of the Doylestown & Buckingham turnpike. He has been supervisor one term, and is also township auditor. He was married in 1860 to Rachel R. Fell, by whom he has one child, Samuel C. Mr. Gray is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the I. O. 0. F. Lodge of Warrington. He is an enterprising man, and a prominent and influential citizen. In the spring of 1885 he was elected a director of the Doylestown Agricultural Society. 820 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. William H. Hartley, farmer, P. 0. Pineville, was born in Buckingham township, July 4, 183G, and is a son of Levi and Rachel (Heaton) Hartley, and of English and German descent. The pioneers of the Hartley family emigrated from England in the IGtii century, and settled in the lower part of Bucks county. Six brothers came over, all of wliom settled in this county. The father of "William H. was a farmer during the early part of iiis life, but later on kept the toll-gate at Cen- tcrville. He had five children : Mary A., George W., Eliza A. (deceased), William H., and Eli (deceased), who was the oldest and died in Philadelphia in 1886. He was a tailor by trade and run a large merchant tailor establishment. He left a large fortune, which he willed to his brother and sisters and his wife. William H. was reared in this township, and at the age of fifteen years began to learn the black- smith's trade. He served three years' apprenticeship and then worked at journey- work, following his trade up to 1S83, when he gave it up and is now living retired. He was married December 18, 1858, to Sarah E. Girton, by whom he has five children: James II., married to Amanda B. Maine, resides in Dakota; Mary, wife of Pierson Eddows; George W., Eli, an^ Willie. James K. Iliuns, farmer, P. O. Pineville, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, Afiril G, 1828, and is a son of William and Marjorie (Kirk) Hibbs, natives of Bucks county and of English descent. This branch of the family came here at an early day and settled near Newtown. The grandfather Hibbs was a farmer, and lived and died on a farm near Newtown. William Hibbs was also a farmer, and just before his marriage moved up from Northampton to Buckingham township, and located at Pineville, where he bought a farm and lived until his death. He had four children : James K. ; Eliza, married Joseph Atkinson, of Buck- ingham ; Mary, married Eichard Janney, of Solebury; and William H., married Elmira Malone, of Buckingham. William H. served three years in the 104th rc^giment, company C, Pennsylvania Volunteers. James K. was reared on a farm and has always followed farming. In 1868 he bought and removed to the place where he now resides. He was married in December, 1868, to Esther, daughter of Edward AVilliams. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbs are the parents of three children : Edward W., Mabel K. and J. Russell. James C. Iden, retired, P. O. Buckingham, was born in Warwick township, Bucks county, January .5, 1813, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Chapman) Iden, natives of Bucks county and of Welsh and English descent. His great-great- grandfather, Randall Iden, took passage at Bristol, England, on a sailing vessel and on the voyage he died, and was buried at sea. His wife while in port gave birth to a child whose name was Randall. She was left with nine children in Falls town- ship. She was the first of the Iden family to settle in this county, which she did about 1690. The great-grandfather, Randall, married a Miss Greenfield, who came from New England. He died in Richland township this county. The grandfather's name was also Randall. He was a farmer and owned a farm in Richland township. He died in 1812. He was a strict Quaker and at the time of the war of the revo- lution was twice robbed of all his bed-clotliing. Our subject's father was also a farmer. He moved to Buckingham township in 1816, and followed farming until his death, with the exception of about one year, vvlien his son, James C, took charge of the farm. He had two children, one of whom is living, our subject. The latter was brought up as a farmer, which business he followed until 1850, when he rented his farm and was em|)loyed in a store at Centerville, where he remained a short time. He was postmaster from 1855 to 1859, after which he did some conveyancing. In 1871 he was elected county auditor and served one term. He has also been town- ship auditor for about eighteen years. He is one of 'the trustees of the Hughsian Free School and a director in the library. He has been treasurer of the Centerville et Pineville pike ever since its start in 1859. Mr. Iden is one of the prominent citizens of Bucks county. His ancestry presumably dates back to the time of Henry HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 821 VI. and Sliakespeare. He is a public-spirited, intelligent, and enterprising citizen, and has won tlje confidence of all with whom he has done business. Mr. Iden is the only person of the name in the State. WiLMAM Johnson was a native of Ireland, which country he left in early man- hood and arrived liere about the year 1750. His motive for the change may perhaps be explained by the motto on tlie family coat-of-arms, " Ubi libertas, ibi patria." Little is known of his early history, as he was taken from his family while yet young. He was a man of the highest scholastic attainments and left many manu- script lectures on various scientific subjects. Those upon electricity bear date of 1763 and were [irobably delivered at that time. He had one of the best loadstones in this country, which he used to illustrate his lectures on magnetism. It was after- ward presented to Princeton College, under the following circumstances : Calling one day at the college on a visit to its president, he found that gentleman and his wife amusing themselves by picking up needles with a small loadstone. Professor Johnson at once sent over to his own house for his large stone, and astonished the president and his wife by picking up with it a large pair of fire-tongs with the shovel tied thereto. He then presented the stone to the college and it is now among the curiosities of the college museum. He also presented to the same institution the original electrical machine made by Benjamin J'ranklin. When he crossed the ocean he brouglit over with him four hundred volumes of standard works ; a portion of them are now in possession of his descendants in Buckingham, through Ann Johnson, his granddaughter, who married Thomas Paxson. After about two years' residence in America he married Ruth Potts, of Trenton, N. J., who was a sister of the mayor of that city. He was the only one of his brothers that chose America as an abiding-place, although Gervis Johnson, a minister in the Society of B^riends, travelled through it in that capacity, and visited his brother's grave in South Caro- lina. He died at the early age of 32 years, leaving a widow with three children. Sarah, the eldest child, became the wife of Thomas Mathews of Virginia. Hon. Stanley Mathews of the Supreme Court of the United States is a lineal descendant. Tliomas Potts Johnson, the second child, became an eminent lawyer of New Jersey, and his portrait, until quite lately, and possibly at the present time, hangs in the court-house at Flemington. He left numerous descendants ; Dr. Foulke, of New Hope, is a great-great-grandson. Samuel Johnson, the third child, was born in Philadelphia in 1763, and shortly afterward his parents removed to Charleston, where they remained until lie attained his fourth year. At that time his father died, and his mother, witli four cliildren, returned to Philadelphia. They finally moved to Trenton, where they resided at the time of the memorable battle there during the revolution. He moved to Bucks county in 1786 and purchased the property long known as " Elm Grove," the residence in later time of the late George G. Maris, near Laliaska. He planted the row of Sycamore trees at the bridge on the turn- pike opjiosite Daniel Smith's residence. He brought them from the Delaware river on horseback. Wiiile living there he married Martha Hutchinson, daughter of Matthias Hutchinson, who was one of the associate judges of tlie courts of Bucks county. He was also the master mason builder of Friends' meeting-house, Bucking- ham, as it now stands. Samuel Johnson disposed of the " Elm Grove" property and purciiased a large farm extending from the present Holicong well to the moun- tain. " Bycot House," the residence of Judge Paxson, is situated on this tract. He was a successful farmer, and held tlie office of justice of the peace for many years. In the year 1801 he retired from active business and moved to the residence of his son-in-law, Thomas Paxson. At tliis period his literary liie may with propriety be said to have commenced. Plis time was generally devoted to readiag, conversing with friends or in poetic composition, jiis favorite pastime. He was a poet of more than ordinary merit and his verses are marked by an easy flow of language that led them to be much admired. Two volumes of his poems have been published, 822 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the last and largest one in 1844. It is entitled the "Triple Wreath," and contains also a number of poems from his two daughters who seemed to have inherited the poetic talent of their father. Samuel Johnson was without the benefit of a collegiate course of education, his father being taken away while he was young, and his mother having four small children to care for. She was a woman of much culture and refinement and her son as he advanced in years proved a true type of the Irish character. He was companionable for old or young, and his ready wit and humor made him prominent in the social circle. His useful life came to a close in 1840, aged 81 years. His wife died a few years previously. There were three children ; Elizabeth, born in 1790, married Jonatlian Pickering of Solebury in 1814, and a few years thereafter moved to Philadelphia, and finally to Germantown, where she died. Ann Johnson, second child of Samuel and Martha Johnson, was born at " Elm Grove," Buckingham, in 1792, and married Thomas Paxson in 1817. She was a woman of mark. The warm impulsive nature that distinguished her ancestors found a home with her. Wlienever by sacrifice and self-devotion a fellow-being could be made more comfortable she was the good Samaritan, and the numerous homes of want and sickness tliat it was her wont to visit, call to grateful remem- brance her many acts of Christian kindness and charity. She was a writer of much merit, both in prose and poetry, and her " Memoirs of the Johnson family, with an autobiography," has left her name wreathed in the myrtle memory of family and large circle of devoted friends. She died in 1883, in her 92d year. Samuel John- son Paxson, deceased, and Albert S. Paxson, Esq., and Judge Paxson, of Bucking- ham, are her children. William 11. Johnson, third child of Samuel and Martha Johnson, was born in 1794. He was a classical scholar and mathematician, and received instruction at Enoch Lewis' celebrated school. He married Mary, daughter of Jacob Paxson, of Abington, Montgomery county, in 1818, and engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm in Buckingiiam. In this he was successful for a time, but his impulsive nature warmed up to the seeming evils in our land, and he became a leader in the temperance and anti-slavery movements. He was honest in his convictions, and he lived at a time when to be a reformer was attended with much personal sacrifice. He was a member of the Society of Friends, but their methods of accomplishing reforms seemed slow to him, and he therefore united with various organizations having a single purpose in view. He did not sever his connection with the Friends, however, althougli most of his interest was centered elsewhere. He was not a fluent speaker, but, as was said by a contemporary, "give him a goose-quill" and he will be a match for any one. He was a vigorous writer, and his essays in the Bucks county "Intelligencer" some forty years ago, signed "Humanitas," show a wide expanse of thought. He was a close student and he never allowed his Latin and Greek to grow rusty. He continued his contribution to various journals until late in life. He died at the residence of his son-in-law, Stephen T. Janney, in Newtown, and he will be remembered by very many of the people of the middle and lower end of this county. He lived to see slavery abolished, but intemperance, a twin sister with slavery as he considered, survived him. William F. Kelly, farmer, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Queens county, Ireland, August 15, 1823, and is a son of Garrett and Ann (Fines) Kelly. The father of William F. was a farmer, and had eleven children : William F., Michael, Margaret, Maria, Patrick, James, Thomas, John, and three who died in Ireland. William F. was reared on a farm in his native country until he was 27 years of ace. On September 15, 1850, he took passage at Dublin on the sailing vessel " Carry." He landed at New York, on October 15, 1850. He remained one week in that city, thence moved to Horsham, Montgomery county. Pa., and went to work on a farm, remaining two and a half years in one place, a part of this time having full HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 823 charge of the farm. He then went to Hatboro and remained one year. In 1854 he went to farming on shares with the same party that he worked for wlien he first came here. He remained on this farm until 1863, and in 1864 removed to Springfield township, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Bucks county and bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of 118 acres. He has made a great many improvements, and the surroundings sliow that Mr. Kelly is a man of good taste. He was married January 11, 1859, to Catherine Phalan, who is also a native of Queens county, Ireland. They have four children: Jeremiah, Daniel, William, and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are members of the Catholic cliurch of Doylestown. He has two sisters and three brothers in this country. William M. Kiuk, merchant, P. 0. Forest Grove, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, December 21, 1821, being a son of William and Phoebe (Malone) Kirk, of Irish descent. This branch of the Kirk family were among the early settlers and are quite numerous in Bucks county. William Kirk, the father of William M., was a farmer in Buckingham township. He raised a family of nine children, five of whom still survive : Albert, John M., William M., S. Smith, and Charles M. William M. received his education in the district schools until he had attained the age of 16 years, at which time he entered a store at Forest Grove as clerk, remaining in this position sevei-al years. In 1857 he bought the store and has continued the business since, with the exception of about two years. The firm is now known as W. M. Kirk & Son. They keep a general line of merchandise. He was married in 1846 to Elmii-a Johnson, by whom he has two children, only one of whom is living, C. Johnson, married to Lydia Scarborough. Mr. Kirk is esteemed by all wlro have dealt with him. Joseph H. Leaky, retired, P.O. Doylestown, was born in Philadelphia, November 11, 1838, and is a son of John and Mary (Donovan) Leary, both of whom came from Ireland in 1836, and settled in Philadelphia. John Leary learned the weaver's trade in his native land, and carried it on there. He was married in Ireland, and had one daughter born there. After arriving in Philadelphia, he was engaged in coffee-roasting, which he followed during his lifetime in that city, and died in 1869. He was the father of ten children, three of whom are living: Joseph H. ; Margaret, wife of James Malone, resides in San Francisco ; and Ellen, wife of Dr. Buchman, resides in Philadelphia. Those deceased are: Daniel, two children named John, Mary, and William. Joseph H. was reared in Philadelphia, where he received his education. At the age of 17 years he entered the lithographing establishment of Wagner & McGuigan, and served an apprenticeship of four years, being with this firm five years. He then went into the coffee-roasting business, followed that until 1876, when he bought the place to which he retired, his health being feeble. He has sold his present farm, and is going to move to Doylestown and build. He was married in 1876 to Emma Giberson, by whom he has three chil- dren : Edward, Ella, and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Leary are members of the Catholic church of Doylestown. He is an enterprising and intelligent citizen. John Niblick, deceased, was born in Buckingham township, June 18, 1810, and was a son of James and Sarah (Jamison) Niblick, both natives of Scotland. James came to this country in his youth, remained several years, then returned, married and brouo-ht his wife over, settling in Buckingham township, where he lived until his death. He followed farming, and was twice married. He had seven children by his first wife, and three by his second. John Niblick was a resident of Buck- ingham township all his life. He was a very successful farmer, and owned four farms at the time of his death. He was married December 13, 1838, to Mary, daughter of Charles and Margery (Clymer) Seiner. Mr. and Mrs. Niblick were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living: George D., married to Emma L. Briggs ; Amanda E., wife of Harry McDowell ; Franklin P., married to Lizzie Devinie ; Sallie L., wife of Lafayette De Coursey ; Maria L., wife of Wil- 824 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. liam C. Betts, and Samuel C. Those deceased were : Sarah, James, Cliarles, Jacob, and AnnaM. Mr. Niblick died December 4, 1885. Mrs. Niblick still retains the farms, consisting of about 362 acres of land. Mr. De Coursey lives on the farm with the widow. Dr. H. NiELDS, physician, P. O. Mozart, was born in Chester, Pa., February 26, 1834, and is a son of John and Ann (Williamson) Nields, natives of Chester county, and of Scotch descent. The grandfather came from Scotland and settled in Delaware, and afterward removed to Chester county. John Nields, father of H. J., followed farming all his life. He was the father of seven children, five of whom are living : Evan, Margaretta, wife of Jacob W. Harvey, superintendent of Chester county scliools ; Henry J., Harvey, and John Wesley. Dr. Henry J. was reared on a farm, wliere he remained until the age of eighteen years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which lie followed until he was 21, working in the day time, and studying at night. He then entered the Pennsylvania Medical College Univer- sity, where he graduated in 1857, and practised in Chester county, about four years. He then moved to Philadelphia and started a drug-store at Tenth and Thompson streets, remaining about two years. In 1869 he came to Bucks county and located at Concord, purchasing the property, where he has since carried on an extensive practice. He was married in 1857 to Caroline V. Lancaster, a native of Bucks county, by whom he has three children : Selena, Emma E., and Ella W. Dr. Nields is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. The Paxson Family — James Paxson, Henry Paxson the elder, and William Paxson were brothers, and came to Pennsylvania in 1682 in the ship " Samuel" of London, England. Henry came from the parish of Stowe, Oxfordshire. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and brought a certificate from Biddleston, in the county of Bucks. He called his home " Bycot House," which is believed to be the ancestral home for many generations. Judge Paxson, of Pennsylvania, in visiting England recently, made a visit there, and found a Henry Paxson yet occu- pying the premises. James Paxson and his brother AVilliam came from the parish of Marsh Gibbon, which is in the vicinity of Stowe. They were also Friends, and brought certificates from Coleshill meeting. They spelled the name Paxton then, and those of their kindred that remain there still adhere to it. At what period they changed it in this country does not clearly appear. A few, however, those living in Catawissa, this state, spell it with a " t." On a map of Newtown, published in 1703, Henry Paxon, yet another style, is marked as a property holder there. The wife of Henry, the elder, died at sea on the voyage over, as also her son Henry, who died the day before, his mother. One or more of the three brothers settled in Middletown, but the next generation spread their outstretched arms over most of southern Bucks county. James Paxson, from whom are descended most of the name in Solebury and Buckingham, was married in England, and his wife died in 1710. James died in 17"22, leaving children : Sarah, William, Henry, and James. William Paxson, second child of James, was born in 1675, and in 1696 married Abigail Pownell. He died in 1719, leavingchildren : James, Thomas, Reuben, Esther, Abigail, Mary, and Anna. Henry Paxson, another son of James, was born in 1683, and married Ann Plumly in 1706. He bought 250 acres of land in Solebury, and settled there. He was in the assembly in 1705-7, and somewhat prominent in public affairs. He died in 1728, leaving twelve children, ami their descendants fairly swarm over the hills and valleys of Solebury, and are likely to do so for an indefinite period. Thomas Paxson, a grandson of James, through William, was the owner of a large tract of land in Solebury between Center bridge and the Delaware, includino- the present Johnson estate and an island in the river opposite, containino- about one hundred acres. The Johnson mansion was probably built by him, and here he HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 825 brought up his family. The old Paxson homestead where his father William settled is thought to be on the back road from Center hill to the river. Thomas was mai-ried in 1732 to Jane Canby, a daughter of Thomas Canby, and died in 1782, leaving eight children. They intermarried with the Taylors, Watsons, Blakeys, Shaws, Knowles, and Biles, and have left a large following here and elsewhere. Jacob Paxson, the fourth child of Thomas Paxson and Jane Canby, was horn in Solebury in 1745 and married Lydia Blakey in 1769. He purchased a farm and mill property on Tacony creek, Montgomery county, and settled thereon. He was left a widower with two children, and in 1777 he married Mary Shaw, of Plumstead, by whom he had thirteen children, the most of whom married and had large families scattered throughout Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties. He died while on a visit to his son-in-law, William H. Johnson, in Buckingham, in 1832, and was buried at Abington, his home. He lived within the memory of a few of the present generation, and has left a character and name unsullied. Thomas Paxson, one of Jacob's faniily of fifteen, was born in Montgomery county in 1793, and married Ann Johnson, daughter of Samuel Johnson, in 1817. They settled on the homestead at Abington, but moved to Buckingham, this county, in 1819. Later in life he purchased a portion of the Johnson homestead near tlie mountain, now the residence of his son. Judge Edward M. Paxson, and known as " Bycot House." His useful life came to a close in April, 1881, at the advanced age of 88 years. He was buried from the meeting-house, where he had been a con- stant attendant twice a week for more than sixty years. Into that old historical edifice, rich in remembrance of its many scenes of both bridals and burials, friends true and devoted were assembled, for it was here on a bright autumnal morn in 1817 that the fitting vows of love and constancy were spoken that remained unbroken until now that his bark had crossed the mystic river, while hers yet lingered on the shores of time. A few fitting words of love and sympathy by Caleb E. Wright, and the earth closed over all that was mortal of Thomas Paxson. He was no ordinary man. He took an active part in the scenes of life and had strong convictions of right and wrong, and if need be, strenuous in their defense. Order in him found an earnest advocafe and living example, and the old landmarks of Friends that had distinguished them as a people were held in reverence. Tliat portion of the disci- pline so lightly passed over by many, viz: "Are Friends punctual to their promises and just in the payment of their debts ?" was closely observed by him. He was conservative in his views, and while an earnest advocate of all true reforms for the improvement of mankind, he believed the religious society of which he was a mem- ber had a broad mission to fulfil, and with the Christian religion as a basis was able to lead out of all error. He has left an example of devotion and sacrifice rarely met with, and in his death the Society of Friends has lost an earnest supporter. Samuel Johnson Paxson, oldest child of Thomas and Ann J. Paxson, was born in Montgomery county in 1818, and married Mary Anna, daughter of the late Joseph Broadhurst in 1840. He commenced business as a farmer, but in 1842, in connec- tion with his brother Edward, commenced the publication of the " Newtown Journal," which they carried on successfully, but Mr. Paxson seeing a wider field at Doyles- town, parted with his interest in the paper to his brother, and bought out the " Doylestown Democrat" of Judge Bryan in 1845. He had nothing with which to purchase save an indomitable energy of character and perseverance. These he brought to bear, and with the aid of good friends entered upon his duties with a zeal that rarely fails of success. He was the first to introduce a Hoe press in this county driven by steam, and he infused new life into the columns of his paper. The old landmarks and Rip Van Winkle somnolence of county journalism were swept away and new methods, more in accordance with the spirit of the age, adopted. A few shook their heads mysteriously at this new departure, but the success attending his efforts was soon apparent and otiier journals were not slow in following. As Mr. 826 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. Paxson was the first to introduce these and other improvements, so long as he held connection with the paper he maintained its superiority as a newspaper over all rivals. The late Judge Ross very truthfully observed that " Mr. Paxson occupied that relation to the local press of Pennsylvania which James Gordon Bennett so long retained to the journalism of New York." Close application to business in a few years impaired his health somewhat and admonished him to retire from the con- fining duties of a printing-office, and in 1858 he sold it to Gen. W. W. H. Davis. He was a past-master of Doylestown Lodge, No. 245, F. and A. M. Mr. Paxson purchased a small farm in Buckingham and removed thereto, but his health contin- ued to decline, and at the close of day on the 28th of May, 1864, he gazed for the last time on the mountain and valley he loved so well, and in the departing twilight his lamp of life faded flickeringly out ; his labor over and his duty done, he fell asleep — " Like one Who wraps the drapery of his coucli around him And lies down to pleasant dreams." He left two daughters : Helen, who married J. Hart Bye, and lives in Delaware, and Carrie, who married Watson B. Malone, and lives in the mansion erected by Mr. Paxson near Holicong. His widow also resides at the old home. Albert S. Paxson, second child of Thomas and Ann J. Paxson, was born in Buckingham, a short distance from where he now resides, in 1820. His life thus far has not been a very eventful one. In early life he had the benefit of such instruc- tors as the late Joseph Fell and William H. Johnson, and at the age of 19 engaged in teaching a public school in Montgomery county near where his father had taught many years before. At that time the present free school system had just gone into operation there, and methods of teaching were much changed. On returning to Buck- ingham in 1840 he taught at the historic " Tyro Hall," wherein Joseph S. Large, ^Villiam H. Johnson, Joseph Fell, and other eminent teachers had many years be- fore swayed the sceptre. He also taught several years at Friends' School near Buckingham meeting. This was before the present system was in operation here, Bucks being slow in its adoption. In the year 1844 he married Mercy, daughter of Dr. Jesse Beans, of Solebury, and relinquished teacliing to engage in agricultural pursuits. In 1849 he lost his wife, and in 1851 moved to Doylestown and assisted as local editor and general manager of the " Doylestown Democrat." In 1854 he married Lavinia S., daughter of the late Aaron Ely, of Buckingham, and in 1856 removed to the old Ely homestead that had been occupied by them continuously since 1720. In early life he adhered to the traditions of his ancestors and until the fall of Henry Clay and the disintegration of the time-honored whig party, when he joined tlie democratic legion and has since acted with them. While a decided par- tisan he is broad and liberal in his views, and enjoys the confidence and respect of tlie community at large. He was before the people as a candidate for justice of the peace in 1873, and was elected without serious opposition. At the end of the five year term the office had increased in importance and his success in adjustino- difficulties between contending parties had drawn business largely from surroundino- townships. It was thought to be highly remunerative likewise, and the aspirants to its honors were not a few. The contest settled down to two candidates, however, and after an all-day battle, with an adverse political majority of 200 against him, he was re-elected by a large majority over an honorable competitor and worthy man. After ten years' service he retired, and having relinquished farming during his term of office found a congenial place in his well-stored library, and occasionally gives the public some productions from his pen. He writes under a nom de plume, and while his contributions have not been voluminous, his "Memories of the Past," "Notes of Southern Travel," and " Travels in the West" and other kindred productions would perhaps place him among the first essayists of Bucks county. By his first ^^'^it^?^^^.*-^^ (^/ / '^^-^Sr-i-o HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 829 wife he had one child, Mary, who married Robert Howell Brown, of Mount Holly, N. J. She was left a widow soon after with one child. She died at " Bycot House," her home, July 20, 1887, in her 42d year. She left one child, T. Howell Brown, who has grown to manhood and is engaged with Mr. Dalrymple, the great wheat- grower in Dakota. The children by his second wife are : William, born in 1856, died in infancy ; Edward E., born May 7, 1860, is a banker and resides in Phila- delphia ; and Captain Henry D., born October 1, 1862, commissioned captain of Company G, 6th regiment. First Brigade, National Guard of Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 28, 1887 ; read law in the office of George Ross and L. L. James, and was admitted to the bar of Bucks county May 16, 1887. He is an antiquary and a lawyer of considerable promise. Hon; Edward M. Paxson, the third son of Thomas and Ann J. Paxson, was born in Buckingham, Bucks county, Pa., September 3, 1824. Though his early education was thorough he did not take a collegiate course, but fitted himself in the classics and the higher branches of learning by his own private exertions. At the age of 16 he was successful in obtaining over many competitors a complete copy in library style of the Waverly Novels, it being a prize offered by the editor of the " Saturday Evening Post" for the best essay or tale. When quite a young man he formed the idea of establishing a newspaper in his native county. He first learned the practical part of the business necessary to enable him to carry on successfully a country newspaper, and in 1842, while yet only 18 years of age, he established the " Newtown Journal," at Newtown, this county, which at once under his manage- ment took a flattering position in the consideration of the public men of the county and state. April 30, 1846, he was married to Mary Caroline Newlin, of Philadel- phia, daughter of the late Nathaniel Newlin, of Delaware county, and Rachel H., his wife. They settled in Newtown. During the summer of 1847 he sold his print- ing establishment, which had been so successfully and creditably conducted, and established the " Daily News" in the city of Philadelphia. In the following year he disposed of his interest in the " News" to John P. Sanderson for the purpose of adopting the more congenial profession of the law. In pursuance of this desire he removed to Doylestown and entered the law office of Hon. Henry Chapman, then a practising attorney in Doylestown and afterward the president judge of the Chester court and later that of Bucks. He was duly admitted to the bar of Bucks county April 24, 1850, removed to Philadelphia and began practice there in 1852. By long and studied attention to business, and the practice of the same qualities of patience and industry which had characterized his early youth, he rose to an envi- able position at the bar, and was the trusted counsellor of business men, who gave him the care of large interests before the courts and in the consultation room. His staunch republican record during the war marked him for executive recognition, and when the opportunity arose by the resignation of Judge F. Carroll Brewster, in 1869, from the common pleas bench of Philadelphia, Governor Geary at once ap- pointed him to fill the vacancy, and in the handsomest manner, as there had been none of the usual influences of personal and friendly solicitation brought to bear upon the governor to secure the appointment. At once he showed such marked ability for the performance of the duties of a judge that the party at their convention in the following June tendered him the almost unanimous nomination for the same position. The people at the following October election ratified this confidence of the party leaders by a vote which showed a decided preference in his favor over the rest of the ticket. The reputation of Judge Paxson acquired in the lower court commended him as a proper nominee for the higher. He was therefore placed in nomination by the republican party at their state convention, and in conjunction with Warren J. Woodward, duly elected to the supreme bench. He was commissioned November 2, 1874. It was flattering to his friends that the new supre«ie judge at once took a commanding position among his judicial brethren. By his ability and industry he . 43 830 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. has sustained himself therein. His opinions, always on time for publication, are distinguished by terseness, clearness and appropriate diction. They always give evidence of his accurate knowledge of the law, a knowledge rendered clear to the comprehension of others by excellence of style. An examination of the supreme court reports for some years past will show that no member of that bench has con- tributed more opinions than Judge Paxson. Many of the most important cases brought into that tribunal, especially that of Asa Packer vs. Noble, reported in 7th Outerbridge, were committed to his hands, the confidence reposed in him by his yoke-fellows in office being thus rendered apparent. The first wife of this distin- guished jurist died at Bycot House, Buckingham, June 7, 1885. She was interred at Laurel Hill. The judge was married to Mary JIartha S. Bridges, widow of the late congressman, deceased, Samuel A. Bridges, of Lehigli county, at Allentown, December 1, 1886. KicriARD R. Paxson, merchant and postmaster, P. O. Lahaska, was born in Solebury township in 1828, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Canby) Paxson, natives of this county and of English descent. The great-grandfather, Tliomas Pax- son, was married in 1732. He settled in Solebury township. The grandfather, Benjamin, was a farmer, also our subject's father. The latter had six children, three of whom are living: Deborah, Elias E., and Richard R. The father died in 1843. Our subject was reared on a farm until 21 years of age. He began his mercantile life at New Hope, where he remained two years. In October, 1851, he came to Lahaska, where he has carried on business over 35 years. He carries a line of general merchandise. He is secretary of the Doylestown Mutual Insurance Company, also secretary and treasurer of the Lahaska Insurance Company, which position he has held for 17 years. He was a school-director of Buckingham township for nine years. He has been postmaster at Lahaska since 1859, and had previously held the office for two years. He was married in 1851 to Eleanor, daughter of Thomas and Mary Ely. They have had eight children, five of whom are still living : Thomas E., Harriet F., Anna L., Oliver H., and R. Randolph. Benjamin S. Rich, retired, P. O. Holicong, was born in New Britain town- ship, June 5, 1810, and is a son of Anthony and Maria (Mann) Rich, natives of Bucks county, and of English descent. The first of the family to settle in this county was John Rich, who settled in Solebury township in 1730. He purchased a large farm and lived there several years. He then moved to Plumstead township. The ancestors of the family owned Warwick Castle in England. The grandfather, Jonathan, was a miller and afterward a farmer. He bought a farm in Plumstead and lived there until his death. Our subject's father was born in Plumstead town- ship, where he lived several years, then moved to New Britain township, afterward to Doylestown township, and from there he moved into Buckingham township. He worked very hard during liis lifetime and by economy and industry he accumulated about 300 acres of land. He had 15 children : Benjamin S., Jonathan (deceased), Mary (deceased), John M., Martha (deceased), Preston Y., Josiah (deceased), Elizabeth A. (deceased), Elmira, James S. (deceased), Susan W., Anthony W., Emily C, Sarah E. (deceased^, and one who died in infancy. Benjamin S. Rich was about one year old when his parents moved to Doylestown township, and he came with them to Buckingham township and remained with them until he was 24 years old. He then began teaching school and taught for seven years, two years in Philadelphia. In 1842 he moved to Solebury and bouglit a farm. After the death of his father he bought the place where he now lives. He was engaged in survey- ing for 44 years. He was secretary of the Farmers and Mechanics' Insurance Association for 44 years, when he resigned and was elected its president, which posi- tion he still holds. He was the instigator of this institution and carried it on until they liad over $8,000,000 insurance. He has been justice of the peace for over 30 years and has held several other township olRces. He has been superintendent of HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 831 the Presbyterian Sabbath school 39 years. He built the hall in which they hold services. Mr. Rich is an influential and prominent citizen. He was married first, in 1839, to Emeline McNait, by whom he had three children, one living, Matilda, wife of William Wiley, who resides in Philadelphia. His wife died May 21, 1841, and he was again married to Elizabeth H. Hart, November 15, 1854. By her he had one child, John H. His wife died October 10, 1855, and he was married to Isabella T. Hari-ar, December 16, 1863, and by her he had one cliild, Caroline A. Mr. Rich has been a member of the Presbyterian church since 1840, and ruling elder since 1853. William Rockafellow, farmer, P. O. Mozart, was born in Huntingdon county, N. J., April 9, 1816, and is a son of William and Rachel (Thatcher) Rockafellow, who are of German descent. The Rockafellow family came from Germany to New Jersey at an early day, and purciiased farms, the family generally following farming. Tlie father of William had ten children, six of whom are living: Aaron, William, Tunis, Samuel, Rachel, and Elizabeth. Those deceased are: Jonas, John, Sarah, and Margaret. William was reared on a farm in New Jersey until 13 years of age, when he came with his parents to Bucks county and settled in Buck- ingham township, where he has since resided. The father died in Chester county. William has lived for 37 years on his present farm, which is a valuable one. He was married in 1841 to Mary A. Wortliington, by whom he has had seven children : Benjamin, Anna, wife of Charles L. Smith ; Sarah, wife of Henry Wilkin- son ; William H., married to Anna Malloy ; Fannie, wife of Albert Wilkinson. The ones deceased were Mary and Rachel. Mr. Rockafellow's wife is deceased. Benjamin Rockafellow married Sallie Doan. Charles M. Shaw, retired, P. 0. Lahaska, was born in Plumstead township, Bucks county, June 11, 1809, and is a son of Aaron and Susan B. (Brown) Shaw, natives of Bucks county and of English descent. Aaron Shaw was a mechanic by trade, but lived a retired life during the latter part of his life, and died in Buck- ingliam township. He was the father of seven children, two of whom are living, Cliarleg M. and Harvey. The former was reared on a farm, where he remained during the early part of his life. He has lived most of his life in Buckingham township, where he owns a large farm. In 1857 he moved to the place where he now resides, and for several years has lived a retired life. He has held the office of collector for a number of years, and is also a director of turnpikes and bridges, among them the Delaware bridge. Ele has been connected with insurance companies for a number of years, and has been an influential and prominent man. He was married in 1834 to Eunice Fell, by whom he had one child, Anna E. Mr. Shaw is a member of the Society of Friends. His wife is deceased. JosErn Smith, deceased, was born in Wrightstown township, February 10, 1809, and was a son of William and Margaret (Wortliington) Smith, natives of Bucks county and of English descent. The grandfather, Josepli Smith, engaged in the manufacture of ploughs and pumps, and made the first patent plough in Bucks county. Our subject was a farmer, and pump-maker, and carried on both these vocations for several years. After marrying, he moved to Penn's Park, where he carried on pump-making for three years, and then moved to Newtown, where he bought a farm and lived for sixteen years. In 1857 he moved to Buckingham township and purchased the farm where the widow now resides, living here until his deatli May 25, 1882. He was an honest and intelligent citizen. He was mar- ried March 22, 1838, to Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Priscilla (Buckman) Twining. They had seven children : Thomas T., Margaretta, wife of Ezra Michener ; Pris- cilla A., wife of John Pool ; Mary E., Henrietta, wife of Edward Slack ; Sallie and Rachel. Mrs. Smith is a member of tlie Friends' meeting. Daniel Smith, retired, P. O. Lahaska, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, March 2, 1795, and is a son of Joseph and Ann (Smith) Smith, of 832 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Englisli descent. Robert Smitli was the first to come to this county, and settled in Upper Makefield township at an early day. The tradition is that his father, who started from England with his wife and children, died on the passage and was buried at sea. In 1738 Robert Smith built a stone addition to his log house which is yet standing, and has been occupied as a dwelling house by six generations of tlie family. Robert and Josej)h Smith, grandsons of Robert and Phebe Smith of Buck- ingliam township, made the first plough ever made with an iron mould board. Joseph Smith was tiie first person in Bucks countj' who was successful in burning anthracite coal for fuel. The first experiment was made by heating anthracite red hot with charcoal, which proved a failure, but he did not despair, and eventually succeeded in getting it to work right. He was the founder of Smithtown, having removed there in 1802, and erected a number of houses and shops. It was in one of these shops, about 1812, that the first Lehigh coal was burned. He died in 1826, aged 73 years. He had twelve children : Jonathan, Joseph, William, George, Mahlon, Amos, Charles, Jonas, Albert and Phoebe, all deceased. Those living are Sarah, who resides in Doylestown ; and Daniel, who was the youngest of ten sons and lived with an uncle and aunt from childhood. He was married at 29 years of age and continued to live on his uncle and aunt's farm in Plumslead township, which he inherited at their death in 1843, where he lived until April 3, 1866, when he moved to the place where he now resides. Mr. Smith is in his 93d year, retains his faculties, and is a very active man for his age. He was married in April, 1824, to Hannah, daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Blackfan) Betts. JMr. and Mrs. Smith had six children, four of whom are living: Anna E., Esther, Samuel, de- ceased, Martha, Letitia R., wife of Timothy Atkinson, deceased ; Hannah B., deceased. James Willis Atkinson, son of Timothy and Letitia R. Atkinson, was born in Wrightstown, September 25, 1866. The family are all members of the Society of Friends, and are influential and prominent in the county. Charles H. Williams, deceased, was born in Buckingham township, Decem- ber 30, 1843, and was a son of Edward and Phoebe E. (Scofield) Williams, the former a native of Bucks county and the latter of Virginia and both of English descent. His grandfather was Samuel Williams, who was a resident of Buckingham township. He was a farmer by occupation. Our subject's father, Edward, was quite a prominent man and widely known for honesty and integrity. He held several positions of trust. He was a trustee of the Hughsian free school, and presi- dent of a turnpike company. He had three children by his first wife, only one living, John S. He had seven by his second marriage : Charles H., deceased, Esther S., Mary E., William (deceased), E. Marshall (residing in Florida), Frank H. (physician in Trenton), and Harriet F. Our subject was reared on the farm and at the age of twenty-one went to Illinois, and located in Butler township, Ver- million county, and remained on a farm purchased by his father until the spring of 1876. In the meantime he came back, was married and returned. In the spring of 1876 he moved to Buckingham township, this county, where he lived until his death. In 1882 he built a commodious residence in which the widow now resides. She retains the farm in Illinois, consisting of two hundred acres. He died in August, 1886. He was married October 10, 1872, to Anna J., daughter of Mahlon and Sarah H. (Smith) Atkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of five children : S. Ellen, P^lizabeth S., Edward, Albert M., and Naomi. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Society of Friends. Charles Williams, farmer, P. 0. Buckingham, was born on the place where he now lives. May 13, 1833. He is a son of Anthony and Sarah (Thompson) Wil- liams, both natives of Montgomery county, the former of Welsh descent and the latter of English. The grandfather, Joseph, was a farmer by occupation. They were large land-owners. Joseph reared a family of six children, only one of whom survived, Charles. Our subject's father was also a farmer. He moved to Bucks HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 833 county in 1832, and settled wliere our subject now lives. He lived here four years, then moved back to Montgomery county and remained until his death in 1844. The mother died in March, 1880. They were the parents of seven children : Jane (deceased), Charles, Edward H., Joseph, two daughters who died in infancy, and Anthony. Our subject, when four years of age, moved with his parents to Mont- gomery county, where he remained until he was 21 years old. He then moved back to his birtliplace and has since resided there. He was married April 12, 1860, to Hettie A., daughter of John and Sarah W. (Smith) Eastburn, which family emi- grated from England. They are the parents of six children : John E., deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of George B. Brown ; Edward, deceased ; Howard, deceased ; Sarah S., and Edith C. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Society of Friends. He is one of the trustees of the Hughsian free school. Oliver Howard Wilson, deceased, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, February 2, 1822, and was a son of Oliver and Ann W. Wilson. His father died when he was six months old. He remained with his mother seven or eight years, after which the family removed to Newtown, and Oliver Howard attended school at the academy there. When he was 11 years old he entered the store of Thomas & Hawkins, Philadelphia, on Second street above Market. Mr. Thomas dying, he returned to Newtown and attended school again, when one mueh interested in him sent for him to return to the city. He entered the store of I. V. Williamson, No. 73 Market street, and remained until Mr. Williamson retired. The firm then changed to Williamson, Burroughs & Clarke, and when they retired, Mr. Wilson became a partner, the firm-name being changed to Mahlon Williamson & Co. During the rebellion the firm changed to Wilson, Anderson & Cernae. Being tired of the business Mr. Wilson, with General James Stewart, opened a commission house on Front street, and remained there until his death, which occurred June 30, 1876. At that time he was a member of the city council, which was on an excursion, and on reaching Mauch Chunk he became suddenly ill and died in a few hours. He was a member of the Society of Friends and in politics a republican. Samuel Wilson, dealer in and grower of all kinds of seeds, P. 0. Mechanics- ville, was born in Buckingliam township, in 1824, and is a son of Samuel and Han- nah (Longstreth) Wilson. He is descended on the paternal side from ancestors who originally came from Yorkshire, England, and who for several generations have been members of the Society of Friends. The first emigrants of the name came to America about 1683, and settled in Bucks county, and in New Jersey, opposite Bristol and Morris ville. The first of the family in Buckingham township was Samuel Wilson, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was born in Bucks county, January 6, 1706. He moved to Buckingham and took up a large tract of laud extending to the Delaware river, and in 1731 built the older portion of the two- storied stone house, near the present village of Mechanicsville. In 1729 he married Rebecca, the ninth child of Tiiomas Canby, whose ancestors also came from York- shire, England, and to this marriage were born thirteen children. Of these, the tenth, Stepiien, born in 1749, remained upon the original homestead and married Sarah Blackfan, to whom were born eight children. Of these, the second, Samuel, born in 1785, married Hannah Longstreth, and was the father of the subject of tliis sketch. The mother of the present Samuel Wilson was a granddaughter of Bar- tholomew Longstreth, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1679, and emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1698. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and in 1727 married Ann Dawson, who was born in London and came to America in 1710. By her he had eleven children. The eleventh child, Benjamin, married Sarah Fus- sel, daughter of Solomon Fussel, and to this marriage were born twelve children, of whom the ninth child, Hannah, born in 1791, married Samuel Wilson, and had eight children, of whom but two. are living: Samuel, and IMargaret O., wife of Elias Paxson, of Solebury. Samuel Wilson was reared on the larm, and when 21 years 834 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. of age engaged in the mercantile business at Newtown. Five years later he returned and in 1852 built a house on tlie original tract of land. The same year he was mar- ried to Maria Webster, ?(^e Burger, by wliom he had three children, all living: Samuel Howard, William E. and ISIary Elizabeth. In the spring of 1876 he com- menced the business of growing seeds, wiiich he has carried on extensively.^ In 1885 he built a larger seed-house, and erected a three-story stone building, 35 by 60 feet. He employs a large number of hands, and has sale for seeds in all parts of tlie world. His establishment is one of the largest of its kind in this part of the country. Mr. Wilson has served as school director nine years. He is an intelli- gent and enterprising citizen. John WoKTiiiNGTON, merchant, P. 0. Bridge Valley, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks counly, September 27, 1814, and is a son of Joel and Agnes (Walton) Worthington, the former of Bucks county and of English descent, and tlie latter a native of Byberry, Philadelphia county. The Wortliingtons came from Lancashire, England, tlie first to emigrate being three brothers, John, Samuel and Thomas, who reached Byberry in 1705. Thomas, one of the three brothers, was received as a member of the monthly meeting of Friends in 1732. In 1759 he liad a difficulty with one Dunkin, but nothing further is known of him. Samuel took a certificate for himself and wife to Abington 10th month, 28, 1724. They settled in Byberry, where they remained until 1732. Some time after that they removed to Maryland, where tliey died. It is said that one was a member of congress and another a governor of Ohio territory. John, the oldest, was a weaver. He was much resjiected, and died in 1777. The grandfallier, Joseph Worthington, was a farmer. Our subject's father was also a farmer in Buckingham township. He was the father of five children, four living: Abner, Deborah, John and Sarah A. John Worthington engaged in the mercantile business in 1841 on a capital of $10. His business increased very rapidly, and in a few years he liad his store stocked with ail the necessary merchandise. He has been in business where he is to-day for forty-six years. He carries a general line of merchandise, valued at about $7000. He also owns a farm in connection with the store, and two others in Warwick town- ship. He is the oldest merchant in Bucks county, and by economy and industry has laid up a competence. He was married in January, 1838, to Amy, daughter of Israel and Mary (Lovett) Worthington. They are the parents of five children: Francis L., Lewis, Rienzi, Eldwin and Laui-a, wife of William P. Ely. Mr. Worthington is a director of the Doylestown National Bank. WiLMER Worthington, superintendent of creamery, P. O. Forest Grove, was born in what is now Buckingham township, January 26, 1836, being a son of Eber and Rebecca (Malone) Worthington, natives of this county and of English and Irish descent. Abner Worthington, grandfather of Wilmer, followed the occupation of farming. His sou Eber was also a farmer, and led a quiet, honest life. He was a strict whig in political views, but never active in politics. He was a member of the Society of Friends and was twice married. He had two children by his first wife, Wilmer and Ellen, who died in inti\ncy. He also had two children by his second wife: Joseph J., and Mary J., wife of Asher C. AVorthingion. Eber Worth- ington died January 16, 1863. Wilmer Worthington was reared to farming, and has been as successful as the average farmer. In 1875 he purchased the place which he has since made his home. In 1875 he was elected supervisor, which office he held until 1887, when he resigned. In 1883, at the organization of the Forest Grove creamery, he was elected its superintendent, a position he still holds. He has been twice married, first, December 24, 1857, to Elizabeth D. Bennett, by whom he had one child, Linford. His wife died January 17, 1872, and he was again married September 10, 1874, to Eaehel Bailey, by whom he had three child- ren : Alice M., Wilmer J. and Mattie K. Mr. Worthington is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Warrington, Knights of Pythias at Carversville, and Knights of the Golden Eagle at Warwick. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 835 CHAPTER XXIX. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— DOYLESTOWN. CtHARLES L. ALLEN, farmer, P. O. Tradesville, was born in Horsham township, ) Montgomery county, September 10, 1825, and is the son of Abram and Martha (Conard) Allen. His great-grandfather came from Ireland and settled in Montgom- ery county. His son, John, was a farmer, who lived and died in that county. Our subject's father was born in 1802, and followed farming during the early part of his life. He was sexton at Horsham burying ground, it being the Friends' meeting, and served over thirty years until his death. He was twice married, and was the lather of nine children, all living. Charles L. was reared on a farm, and remained at home until 21 years of age. He then worked by the day and by the year until he was able to start in life for himself. He rented a farm in Upper Dublin township, Mont- gomery county, where he remained three years. Jn 1860 he rented the place where he now lives, and in 1867 purchased it and made a number of improvements. He has gained all this by industry and economy. He also owns a property in Doyles- town borough. He has been three times married : first, to Rebecca Michener, by whom he had seven children : Lukens, Jervis, Emma, Amos, Sallie and Ida, living; and Susie, deceased. His wife died in 1868, and he was again married in October, 1870, to Sarah Haldeman, who died April 2, 1885. November 23, 1886, he was married to Elizabeth Foster. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist church, and the children are members of the Friends' meeting. Mr. Allen has been a member of the Doylestown Agricultural Institute since 1874. He has also been judge of the election and school director. John E. Andre, su[)erintendent Smith's rose garden, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 28, 1859, his parents being John and Annie Andre. John E. learned the trade of florist in his native place with H. Taplin, and remained with him three years. He then went to Long Island and was employed as a florist for two years, after which he went to Madison, N. J., where he remained with E. J. Slaughter for three and a half years. He then came to Doylestown and enfawed with J. Y. Smith. Since Mr. Andre has had charge of this business he has made a great many improvements to the interest of Mr. Smith's business. He is an experienced man in his vocation, having always been engaged in this work. He superintends the entire business, does the shipping, and has six men under his charge. Rev. Silas M. Andrews, D. D., deceased, for nearly fifty years the esteemed pastor of the Doylestown Presbyterian church, was born in North Carolina, March 11, 1805. His ancestors were of that Scotch-Irish stock from which Presbyterian- ism in this country has received so much of its bone and sinew. After the usual preparatory course in school and academy, he entered the Sophomore class of the University of North Carolina in July, 1823. He had united with the church in October of the previous year. He was graduated in June, 1826, and spent two years in teaching, partly as a tutor in the University. On the 15th of December, 1828, he was matriculated as a student in the Princeton Theological seminary, where he took the full course of study. The year after entering the seminary he was taken under the care of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, aS a candidate for 836 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the ministry and was licensed February 2, 1831. In May, 1831, he preached in the church of Doylestown as a candidate for the pastorate. On the 16th of the following October he was ordained and installed pastor of tiie united congregations of Deep Run and Doylestown. His pastorate closed with his death in March, 1881. During this long and useful period of earnest labor, he officiated at no less than 1,2G6 funerals and 1,242 wedding ceremonies, and received 1,050 into church mem- bership. He was for several years, commencing in 1835, principal of the academy, and afterwards had a school in his own house. He was trustee of Lafayette college thirty-five years, and clerk of the Synod of Piiiladelphia for many years. He was one of the projectors and managers of the Doylestown cemetery. In all objects of moral and religious interest he was always ready to lend his voice and influence. He was one of the leading members of the Bucks County Bible Society. He never took a vacation and was seldom absent from his pulpit more tlian one Sabbath at a time. No man in the community, either in the church or out of it, exercised a wider influence for good, and his death was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. Thomas O. Atkinson, real estate broker, and treasurer of Bucks County Trust Company, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Wrightstown township, Bucks county, October 12, 1834, and is a son of Edmund S. and Ruth (Simpson) Atkinson, natives of Bucks county, and of English and Irish descent. The first of the name in this country was John Atkinson, who came from England in 1699. He obtained a certificate from Lancaster Monthly meeting, England, dated February 3, 1699, for himself, wife and children to Friends in the province of Pennsylvania. It is said that the parents both died at sea, leaving three children : William, Mary and John. The last named John had a son, Thomas, whose son, also named Thomas, was the father of Timothy Atkinson, grandfather of our subject. Timothy Atkinson was a farmer, and owned a good farm. Our subject's father had also been a farmer all his life, and is still living. He was the father of eight children, three by his first wife : Robert, Thomas O. and J. Simpson. The last named is now living in Springfield, Mo. He has been an active business man in the west for a number of years. Our subject remained at home until 24 years of age, going to school and teaching. In 1858 he went to Linn county, Kansas, where he engaged in the mercantile business for about one year. He then came back to Wrightstown township, and engaged in the mercantile business at Penn's Park, which he carried on until January 1, 1871, when he came to Doylestown and engaged in the real estate business, which he has since carried on, being a part of this time in partnership with A. J. Larne, now deceased, and later with S. A. Firman. In 1886 he was elected treasurer of the Bucks County Trust Company. He was married in March, 1861, to Mary B. Heston, of Buckingham township, by whom he has one child, Edmund R., deceased. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends. General Joseph Barbiere, journalist, P. O. Doylestown, was born in New York, November 27, 1831, son of Joseph and Floise (Ouvre) Barbiere, natives of Marseilles, France, and of Boston, Mass. His father, a professor of music, came to New York in 1827, and from there went south. He was buried in Mem- phis, Tenn. Our subject's grandfatliers were soldiers under Lafayette at York town, and his paternal grandfather in the French revolution. When our subject was six years of age, his parents moved to New Orleans, thence to Mississippi, and in 1843 to Memphis. He received only a common-school education. He engaged in the auction and commission business, stationed for a period at New Orleans, served on the staff of the Memphis " Avalanche," read law in Memphis, was one of the three commissioners selected by the south in 1860 to advocate direct trade with Europe, and while in Europe was presented with a magnificent antique ewer, by the Board of Free Traders of Belgium. On his return he received the thanks of the city of Memphis and the legislature of his state, and was delegated to the national conven- tion at Baltimore in 1860. At the outbreak of the war General Barbiere organized ~''.^^^^^, ay?ny0 1^, HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 839 a company, and was engaged in the battles of New Madrid, Mo., and Island No. 10 ; was captured and sent to Camp Chase, and thence to Johnson's Island. While con- fined in this prison he wrote a book which was used as a weapon in driving him from a position which he had not solicited in the United States Pension office at Philadelphia. After his exchange he was appointed major, then colonel, then transferred to the cavalry — " Barbiere's battalion" — and then appointed inspector- general. After four years' service he was paroled by General Chrysler. He was tried for high treason, and acquitted. On proof of his kindness to Union men in Alabama his disabilities were removed by congress. He then went into the law with Judges John E. R. Ray and John W. Smith. Soon after he returned to journalism, and organized and aided in establishing the " Mechanic," " Eclectic," " Independent," " Presbyterian," " Evening News" and " Daily Democrat." In 1875 he was elected vice-president, and again president, 1876, of the Tennessee Press Association. While commissioner he was selected to deliver the centennial address for Tennessee by Governor Porter. He was a correspondent of the Ameri- can Newspaper Union at the Centennial. He aided in establishing the National Newspaper Union at Philadelphia. He established the " Atlantic Times," in Atlantic City, the " Ambler, Pa., Times" now " Gazette," and was on the staff of the German " Democrat" and " Thoroughbred Stock Journal," of Philadelphia, and lately he has edited the " Lonsdale, Pa., Democrat." He lectured on " Temperance" in New England and in the south, and also obtained a patent for an iron wheel. He was married in 1855 to Mary G. Levett, by whom he had four children, of whom one is living : Eloise, wife of J. F. Gentry, residing in Clifton Heights, Delaware county. Pa. His wife died in 1867, and he was again married in 1868 to Lucie Levett, by whom he has had three children: Levett D., with Doylestown "Democrat ;" Francis J. and Marguerette. General and Mrs. Barbiere and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Doylestown. He is also a Mason, and is a member of the Scientific Association of France. He was appointed captain of the Sixth Letter of Marque issued by the Confederate states. He was elected in 1859 an honorary member of the " Phi Mu" Society of the La Grange Term — Synodical Colleo-e. As an author General Barbiere has written several books, " Scraps from the Prison Table," " Polaria," " The Confederate Conscript," " A Commercial Dictionary," " Fifty Years on the Mississippi," " The Question in a Nut-Shell," an economic work. Our subject is connected by marriage with one of the oldest and most respected families in Bucks county, the Abiah R. James branch of the James family. He is a staunch believer in a protective tariff and in the necessity for maintaining a strong government. James W. Baktlett, farmer, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Philadelphia February 15, 1838, and is a son of James W., Sr., and Martha J. (Worthington) Bartlett; his father was a native of Strafford county, N. H., and his mother of Philadelphia. The Bartlett family originated from England, and has been traced back 800 years. James Bartlett, Sr., was a calico printer by trade, and while very young came to Philadelphia with a party of eastern capitalists, who bought out a calico printing establishment known as the Le Grange, in which he run the first printing machines He remained there several years, when the company failed and he went to Providence, R. I., and worked several years at his trade. He then came to Gloucester, N. J., and was superintendent of a printing establishment for a few years. In 1855 he bought a farm in Northampton township, where he remained several years. He then sold his place and bought another in Buckingham township, where he still resides. He was the father of eleven children, eight living : Charles H., Edward T., James W., Jr., Mahlon W., George W., Winfield S., Martha J. and Albert L. James W., Jr., lived in Philadelphia until ten years of age, when he moved to Providence, R. I., thence to Bucks county, and went on a farm with his uncle, where he remained two years. In the spring of 1860 he began butcher- 840 HISTORY OF BOOKS COUNTY. jng, which he continued for seven years at Jacksonville, Bucks county. He then pur- chased and removed to a farm in Northampton township, where he lived until 3 879, when he was elected recorder of deeds, which office he held three years. At the expiration of his term he moved to Point Pleasant, N. J., and engaged in the real estate business, continuing until 1885, when he moved to Doylestown. He still owns his farm of 65 acres. He was married in September, 1859, to Sarah A., daughter of Jacob and Mary A. (Stelle) Brown. They are the parents of two children, one living, Charles E. Mr. Bartlett is a prominent citizen of Bucks county. Captain F. F. Bechlin, editor and proprietor of the "Bucks County Mirror" and the " Bucks County Express and Reform," P. O. Doylestown, was born near Hamburg, Germany, June 10, 1850, and is a son of William F. and Frederick (Noelke) Bechlin. The father was a college professor in the old country for many years, and afterward became professor of the Gymnasium, and while holding this position took the cholera and died in 1867. The mother died in Danzig in 1877. The subject of this sketch was brought up in his native country, attending school until 15 years of age. In January, 1865, be became a sailor boy, and his first trip was from Hamburg to Philadelphia. He made two voyages on the same vessel and went to New York, when he was discharged. He remained a sailor on the American ships running out of New York for seven years. He made trips to Cape Horn and was two years sailing up and down the coast of China. In 1869 he landed in Sydney, Australia, and spent about three months in digging gold in the mines. He then made a voyage to San Francisco, and sailed between that point and the Chinese coast for some time. He next went to Germany on a German vessel, arriving there in the spring of 1873. He attended school in Germany and passed examination for a mate on a vessel. He then became mate and was employed on German vessels for a short time. In the summer of 1874, he became officer of a Trans-Atlantic American vessel. In 1877 he was promoted to captain of the Hamburg-American steamers, and held that position until June, 1882. During his sea life of seventeen years he lost two ships, on one of which there were only liim- self, the mate and cook saved. In 1882 he went to New York, where he remained about one year. In February, 1883, he came to Doylestown and purchased the "Mirror" and the " Express and Reform," the latter a German newspaper, and has published them both ever since. Under his management these papers have steadily increased in popularity and circulation. He uses an improved gas engine in running his presses, and produces a spicy and newsy paper. He was married November 20, 1883, in New York, to Caroline Heitman, a daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Schroder) Heitman, natives of Germany. Capt. Bechlin is a member of the Masonic order. Knights of Pythias, League of Honor, Sons of Progress, and a member of other secret societies. He is a very progressive and enterprising citizen, and the years that he has spent in this county have been well improved. John R. Black, P. 0. New Britain, farmer, was born in Doylestown township on the old homestead where he now lives, in August, 1834, and is a son of Elias and Cynthia (James) Black, natives of Bucks county. His paternal ancestors came from Wales and settled in this county. The farm now owned by our subject has been in the family for about one hundred and fifty years, or for three generations. It is a beautifully located place, and is one of the finest farms in this section of the county. It is well improved, the Black family all being enterprising and progres- sive. Elias Black was the father of nine children, four of whom are now living : Enos J., Margaret, Elmira and John R., our subject, who has lived all his life at his present location. He was married January 3, 1881, to Lizzie Dearie, of Pliila- delpiiia, whose parents came from Scotland. Mrs. Black is a member of the Baptist church. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 841 David Cakr, P. O. Fountainville, was born in Plumstead township, Bucks county, May 19, 1817, and is a son of Jonathan and Maciea (Worthington) Carr, natives of this county. His grandfather, David, was a farmer and lived in Plum- stead township. He was a strict Quaker. The Carr family are of Scotch descent and were among the early settlers of this county. Our subject's father was a farmer in Plumstead township, where he owned a good tract of land, which he afterward sold and lived retired. He was the father of seven children: Hannah, Macrea, Martha, William W. and David, living, and Jane and Mary, deceased. David Carr was reared on a farm in Plumstead township, until he was 28 years old, when he was married. He then bought and removed to the place wliere he now resides. He has made many improvements since living here. He was married October 5, 1843, to Maria, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Strawn) Hill of Doylestown township. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are the parents of seven children, five of whom are living: Henrietta, wife of Charles Worthington ; Jennie; Hannah M., wife of Abram S. Johnson ; William and Harvey. Those deceased are Macrea E. and Lewis W. Mr. Carr is an enterprising and worthy citizen. Jacob Cleiiens, farmer, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Doylestown township, in October, 1840, and is a son of Lewis and Eliza (Kulp) Clemens. His father was a native of Bucks county, and his mother of Montgomery. His great-grandfather came from Germany early in the 17th century, and settled in this county, where he followed farming. His son Christian was also a farmer and carried on contracting to some extent. He resided in Doylestown township. Our subject's father was born and lived on the old homestead where John Clemens now lives, and followed farming. He died June 3, 1883, and his wife died in February, 1848. They were the parents of three children : Jacob, John and Lewis H. Jacob Clemens lived on the farm with his parents until he was 27 years of age. He then removed to the place where he has since resided, and has erected a fine stone residence and made many improvements. In 18G1 he enlisted in company K, 25th regiment P. V., and served three months. They marched througli Virginia and Maryland, and across the Potomac, but entered into no engagements. He also enlisted several times in the defense of the state. He was married March 4, 18C8, to Mary, daugh- ter of George and Margaret (Perkins) Meyers. Mr. and Mrs. Clemens are the parents of three children: Harry, Maggie and Anna. They and their son are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Clemens is a member of the Grand Army of the Eepublic-. John Clemkns, farmer, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Doylestown township, in 1842, and is a son of Lewis and Eliza (Kulp) Clemens. His father is a native of Bucks county, and his mother of Montgomery county. His grandfather. Chris- tian Clemens, located in Bucks county in the early part of the 17th century. He married a Miss Switzer. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in the house in which John now lives. Our subject's father was also a farmer and was born and died on the old homestead, which is one hundred years old. He died in 1883, and he was the father of three children : Jacob, John and Lewis. Our subject, John, has always lived where he now resides. He was educated in the schools of Doyles- town township. In 1873 he married Hannah, daughter of David and Margaret Johnston, by whom he has two children : Katie and Emma. Mrs. Clemens is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Clemens is an intelligent and enterprising citizen, and takes a great interest in public affairs. r. A. Coney, D. D. S., P. O. Doylestown, was born in Lock Haven, Pa., No- vember 20, 1854, and is a son of David and Hannah (Condon) Coney, natives of Maine, and of German and Scotch descent. David Coney, our subject's father, was born in Huntingdon county, this state. He is the father of ten children, eight of whom are living: Frank A., Warren M., Ella M., Robert R., Elmer H., Levi H., William and Jessie. Flora and Ruth were the names of those deceased. The 842 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. parents are still living and reside in Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pa. Our sub- ject was about 15 years of age when his parents moved to Williamsport, where he attended the commercial college. At the age of 21 he entered the dental office of A. S. Rhoads, of Williamsport, where he remained two years, after which he went to Princeton, N. J., as an assistant. He remained at that place with P. J. Wilson, dentist, until the fall of 1880, when he entered the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and took one course of lectures there. In the spring of 1881 he came to Doylestown and entered into partnership with John S. Rhoads, who died about six weeks later. Dr. Coney took entire charge of the business until the end of the year. In the spring of 1882 he purchased the building of Dr. F. Swortzlande, where he now resides. Dr. Coney is an able dentist and enjoys a large practice. In the fall of 1882 he matriculated in the old Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the oldest of its kind in the world, where he graduated in March, 1883. He was married June 27, 1882, to Flora A., daughter of Edward and Lydia Ann (Landis) Yost, of Bucks county. Dr. and Mrs. Coney are members of the Presbyterian church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and Odd Fellows. Fred Constantine, Jr., editor of the " Bucks County Mirror," P. O. Doyles- town, was born in Doylestown, February 23, 1853. His parents emigrated from Baden-Baden in 1846, and came to Doylestown in 1849, where they have since re- sided. The subject of our sketch attended the public schools for a number of years, but at an early age was apprenticed to the printing trade. After acquiring the art preservative, he went west and passed nearly four years in Nebraska and Wyoming territory, before he became of age. Returning to Doylestown in 1873 he resumed employment at his trade, and in 1875 became connected with the " Mirror," being advanced to the editorship of the paper in 1880, which position he has since held. In 1879 he was married to Mary E., daughter of William W. and Amanda White, late of Bedminster township, whose forefathers were among the earliest settlers of the county and state. In politics Mr. Constantine is a democrat, and was elected asses- sor of the borough by a large majority over his republican opponent in 1885, re- elected in 1886, and again in 1887, by a largely increased majority over those of the preceding years. He is a member of a number of secret organizations of the town, and served upward of six years in the National Guards of the state as a mem- ber of company G, 16th and 6th regiments, stationed at Doylestown, being rapidly promoted from private to first lieutenant, and only avoided an election to the captaincy of the company by his pei'emptory refusal to accept the position. Doctor M. B. Dill, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Rockhill township, Bucks county, July 24, 1852, a son of Tiiomas and Sarah (Button) Dill, of German and English descent. The first of the family to come to this county was Frederick Dill, in the early part of the 17th century. Jacob, the grandfather, was a tanner and also carried on farming. Our subject's father followed farming and is now living in Perkasie. He is the father of eleven children, six of whom are now living : Maria, Susan, Mahlon B., Irwin B., Sallie I. and Selena. Doctor M. B. Dill was reared on a farm until he was 12 years of age, when he moved with his parents to Perkasie, where he attended school. He then clerked in a store for four years, and afterward entered a drug store at Perkasie, where he studied medicine. In 1879 he entered Jefferson Medical College, where he graduated in the spring of 1881. He began practice at Shimersville, Lehigh county, where he remained about one year, when he removed to Danborough, Bucks county, where he practised until the spring of 1886. He then moved to Doylestown, where he has since resided and is building up a good practice. He was married in June, 1881, to Ida S. Dirstine, a native of Philadelphia, by whom he has two children : Gertrude B. and Nellie I. Doctor Dill and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is also a member of the Sons of Progress. Irwin B., brother of Doctor M. B. Dill, who is a baker in Sellersville, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 843 was born in Rockhill township, Bucks county, September 27, 1855. He was edu- cated at Perkasie, and at the age of 23 engaged in dealing in fruit trees, which he continued for four years. In 1883 he engaged in the bakery business at Sellers- ville. He was married in February, 1880, to Lizzie A. Millet, a native of Phila- delphia. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association. His wife's parents were Edward G. and Anna (Zendt) Millet, the former a native of England and the latter of Germany. G. E. Donaldson, jeweler, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Philadelphia, Octo- ber 17, 1827. He is a son of Andrew and Mary (Eyre) Donaldson, of Scotch-Irish descent. His great-grandparents came from the old country and located in Philadel- phia. His grandfather, William T. Donald, was sheriff for the city and county of Philadelphia at one time. He was worth $100,000 at the time of his taking office, but was a very charitable and genial man and gave away nearly all his income. Our subject's father was a mast-maker, which business he followed until he retired fiom active life. He died in Philadelphia in the fall of 1851. He lived in Doyles- town several years and owned a farm just outside of the borough. He was the father of four children: William F., retired, lives in Philadelphia; and George E., who attended school until he had reached the age of 13, when he came to Bucks county with his father, with whom he remained until 1851. He was apprenticed to learn the watchmaker's trade in 1848, and in the spring of 1851 he commenced business in Doylestown. He is the oldest jeweller in Doylestown. In 1862, he went with the militia and was out a short time, and July 2, 1863, he went with the Dana troops of Philadelphia, and was absent three months. He was married in January, 1852, to Martha M. Rich, of Plumstead, Bucks county, by whom he has four chil- dren, three of whom are living: Winfield S., George E., Jr., and Mary R. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson and daughter are members of the Episcopal church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of Post No. 306 of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has been a member of the council, etc. Mr. Donaldson is one of the oldest business men now living in Doylestown, and is an enterprising citizen. John Donelly, manufacturer, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Philadelphia, July 28, 1850, his parents being Felix and Sarah (McMahon) Donelly. His father was a butcher and followed that occupation until his death, January 6, 1873. He is buried in Philadelphia. John was reared in that city, and received his education in the Eighth and Fitzwater street grammar school. He learned the trade of tin- smith in Wilmington, Del., and remained there two years. He then returned to Philadelphia, and was engaged at his trade until June 1, 1871, when he came to Doylestown, to act as foreman for James Wilson, tin and iron manufacturer. When Mr. Wilson was sold out in 1774, Mr. Donelly purchased the tools of the establish- ment and continued the business. January 1, 1883, he removed to his present quarters, which place he had erected in 1882. The building is of brick and cost about $2000. He manufactures nearly all the tinware sold in his store, his factory for the manufacture of tinware, heaters, ranges, etc., being in the second story. He also owns the property adjoining his store. He was married in Philadelphia, April, 1870, to Miss Catherine McKeward. They had one child, Thomas, now deceased. Mr. Donelly was chief burgess of Doylestown for three years, and has been first assistant engineer of the fire department for a number of years. He has built him- self up to his present rank among business men of Doylestown since 1871. Charles Ewing DuBois, deceased, was the oldest child of the Rev. Uriah and Martha P. DuBois, and was born July 16, 1799, at the Deep Run parsonage, in Bucks county. Five years afterward his parents removed to Doylestown, where he continued to reside the rest of his life. He received his education in the Union Academy of that place under the careful tuition of his father, who was the principal and pastor of the Deep Run and Doylestown Presbyterian churches. He studied law under Abraham Chapman, Esq., and was admitted as an attorney August 28, 844 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1820. In 1823 he was commissioned by the governor as clerk of the orphans' court and in 1832 he was appointed district attorney. He also at one time filled the position of postmaster. In 1847, on the resignation of Mr. Ciiapman, he was chosen president of the Doyleslown bank, which office he held to the entire satisfac- tion of all concerned until his death. The leading work of his life was as a prac- tising attorney. As a counsellor, in which form of practice he was chiefly employed, his judgment was implicitly confided in by his clients, while his opponents never feared that any unfair advantages would be taken of them. Great trust was placed in his honor and his scrupulous morality. His opinions were carefully considered before they were given, so that when given they carried weight and commended themselves to the court. His appeals were made to reason, justice and law, rather than to tlie passions, emotions, or prejudices. He practised law for forty years in the courts of Bucks county. Through all his life he bore the character of an honorable high-toned man. In politics he was never an active partisan, but was always a true lover of his country and a staunch adiierent of the Union. Devoted to his profession he worthily won an ample competence in its practice. He was married to Mary S., daughter of Rev. John E. Latta, of Newcastle, Del. They had a family of eleven children, of whom seven are now living, and two are married. The oldest, John L., succeeded his father as an attorney, James is a merchant in San Francisco, Cal. and Henry M. is a practising attorney in Philadelphia. Emma, his eldest daughter, married Edward P. Flint, a merchant of San Francisco, who lives at Oakland, Cal. In his early life Mr. DuBois was fond of society, but after his marriage he became quite domestic in his habits. He was of great service to his mother, whom he assisted in managing her affairs and in taking the oversight of his younger brothers and sisters. He had many warm friends and as to his enemies he scarcely knew wliere to find them. He died on the morning of the 5th of March, 1865, in the 66th year of his age. John L. DuBois, attorney-at-law, P. 0. Doj'lestown, was born in Doylestown, April 16, 1832, and is a son of Charles and Mary L. (Latta) DuBois, the former a native of Bucks county, and the latter of Christiana, Del. The DuBois family came from France about two linndred years ago and settled near Kingston, N. Y. Tliey were Huguenots. The grandfather of our subject, Uriah DuBois, was a min- ister, and founded the Presbyterian church at Doylestown, in 1804. He was its pastor until his death, which occurred in 1820. Our subject's father was a lawyer, and practised in Bucks county forty years, and died in 1865. His wife resides in Doylestown and is in her 76th year. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are living. John L. is the oldest, and has always lived in Doylestown. He attended school here until 1847, when he went to Norristown and attended a boarding school kept by Samuel Aaron. He attended this school for one year. He then went to boarding school at New London, Cliester county. Pa., kept by "William ¥. Wyers, where he remained about one year, and tlien entered La Fayette college at Easton. He was graduated in 1852, and then came to Doylestown and read law under his father. He was admitted to the bar in 1856 and has since been prac- tising at Doylestown. He was president of the town council for about three years, and held the office at the time water was introduced into the borough. He has for several years been treasurer of the Doylestown Improvement Company. He was married June 11, 1863, to Emma Rex of Montgomery county. They are the parents of two children. Bertha and John. Mr. and Mrs. DuBois are members of the Presbyterian church. He is an elder in the church and has been superintendent of the Sabbath school for eighteen years. Samuel R. Dcbs, physician, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., November 8, 1811, and is a son of Martin and Sarah (Jones) Dubs, natives of Le- banon county. Pa., and of Swiss and Welsh descent. His grandfather Dubs came from Switzerland and located in Lebanon county, where he followed farming. His HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 845 grandfather Jones was a surveyor. His father, Martin, was a wholesale grocer in Philadelphia and was among the wealthiest merchants of that city in his day. He died in March, 1851, at the Merchants' Hotel. He raised a family of eleven chil- dren, two of whom are living : Samuel R. and Sarah J. Our subject was reared in Philadelphia and there attended school until he was 17 years of age, when he began the study of medicine under Prof. Charles D. Meigs, and in 1836 he was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He practised in Philadelphia until 1858, when he came to Doylestown. He has a good practice in Doylestown and the sur- rounding country. He has been twice married : first in December, 1836, to Ade- laide, daughter of Judge John Ross, by whom he had four sons, of whom two are living: Howard, of Philadelphia, and J. Ross, of Boston, Mass. His wife died in 1851 and he was again married, August 17, 1853, to Miss Mary, a daughter of William B. Wolfe, a wholesale hardware merchant in Philadelphia. They have three children: Samuel F., who resides in El Paso, Texas; William B. W., of Lewistown, Pa. and Mary A., wife of William Mason. Mrs. Dubs is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church. The doctor is a member and was one of the founders of the American Institute of Homoeopathy in 1844. He has practised homceopathy exclusively for more than forty years, and in 1839-40 he was induced by experi- ments on the sick to introduce the decimal scale of preparing medicines in place of the centesimal, and although not favorably received at first it is now almost uni- versally acknowledged. Wallace Ddngan, tallow manufacturer, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Doyles- town township, July 8, 1845, and is a son of Isaac and Rebecca (Boos) Dungan, natives of Bucks county. Jesse Dungan, grandfather of Wallace, still lives (aged 86) in Bristol township, having all his life been a farmer, until a few years ago, when he retired. His son, father of Wallace, has also been a farmer during most of his life. He was twice married, the children of the first marriage being Wallace and Mahlon H.; and by the second, Willie, and three deceased. Our subject re- mained at home until twenty-two years ago, when he was married and began farm- ing in Southampton township. During an interval of five years he farmed in the latter township, in Hatboro, Montgomery county, and in Doylestown, after which he started in the hide and tallow business, and subsequently moved over the borough line in the south end, and built a factory, which he run for eight years with great success. On June 29, 1880, the factory was burned. In 1877 he bought the place where he now lives, and in 1878 built the house. In 1880 he built the new factory, which is equipped with steam and all machinery necessary to the business. The buildings are all of brick, the factory being fire-proof, with a boiler-house twenty- ei"-ht by fourteen feet. Mr. Dungan does an extensive business. He was married February 21, 1867, to Rachel Heaton, by whom he has one child, Effie F. Mr. Duni'an and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He is also a member of tlie Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Red Men. Mr. Dungan is one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Bucks county. Elias Eastbdrn, sheriff of Bucks county, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Solebury township, December 28, 1840, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth K. (Taylor) Eastburn, the former born in Solebury township and the latter in Lower Makefield township. The Eastburn family were among the early settlers of the county. His grandfather, Moses Eastburn, was a farmer by occupation and died in Solebury township. Our subject's father was also a farmer and died in 1860. Our subject remained on a farm until he was 24 years of age, after which he worked out by the day for eighteen months. He was engaged in butchering for about twelve years in Solebury and Buckingham townships, and has followed auctioneering for the past twenty years. In January, 1885, he removed to Doylestown, where he has since resided. In the fall of 1884 he was elected sheriff of Bucks county, which office he still holds. He was justice of the peace one term in Buckingham township 846 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. and one in Solebury township. He has been twice married ; first in 1863 to Deborah Ely, by whom he had five children, two of whom are living: Thomas E. and T. Taylor. His wife died in March, 1878, and he was again married on April 9, 1879, to Amanda Moon, by whom he has two children : Marion and Stanton. Mr. and Mrs. Eastburn are members of the Society of Friends. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was out three different times during the emergency at the close of the war. Alfred Fackenthall, attorney-at-law, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Dur- ham township, Bucks county, May 24, 1846, being a son of Jacob and Hannah (Mickley) Fackenthall, of German and French descent. His great-great-grand- father was the first of the Fackenthalls to settle in Bucks county. They were farmers. His grandfather, John Fackenthall, was a farmer and was at one time register of the county and a member of the legislature. He was a man of prom- inence and had many friends. Jacob Fackenthall was a farmer and also a mill- wright. He died in Doylestown in 1875. His wife is yet living. They were the parents of three children : Alfred, Horace and Jerome. Alfred lived a part of his early life on a farm, and at the age of 17 years entered the Carversville Normal school and studied the higher English branches under a private tutor, and afterward taught school for about six years. He then became a student of ex-Judge Watson for the law course and was admitted to the bar May 5, 1869, and has since been practising in Doylestown. He was on the electoral ticket in 1884 on the republican side. He was married in September, 1874, to Annie, daughter of Aaron and Martha (Scholl) Meredith. They have two children, Norman and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Fackenthall are members of the Reformed church. He is also a member of Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Doylestown Encampment, No. 35, and has passed all the chairs in both branches. He has also passed the chairs in the Grand Encampment of the state. At the annual session of May 17, 1886, upon retiring from the chair of grand patriarch, he was presented with a handsome gold watch by the members of the lodge as a token of their esteem and respect, and in acknowledgment of the able manner in which he had discharged the duties of the otRce. John Farren, deceased, was born in Lancaster county. Pa., March 1, 1809, being a son of William and Jane (McVey) Farren, both natives of Ireland. Mrs. Farren's grandfather, John Fretz, came from Bedminster township, and located where she now lives. He built a house in 1797, which is still standing. Our sub- ject was reared on a farm, but early engaged in the contracting business, his father having been a contractor also. He subsequently entered into the business quite ex- tensively, and took a contract on the Pennsylvania railroad between the tunnel and Cresson Springs which he completed. He took a number of contracts on other railroads and was interested in the building of the Hoosac tunnel. In January, 1844, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Christian and Mary (Stoner) Fretz, and they had four children, one living, Mary S., wife of Samuel J. Penrose. Those de- ceased are: Mary J., Francis and John A. The last named died December 12, 1884. Mrs. Farren has been a member of the Catholic church at Doylestown for forty years. Mr. Farren died December 16, 1879. A. M. Fell, dentist, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, October 24, 1834. His parents, Seneca and Sarah (Cress) Fell, were of German and English descent. The Fell family came from England, and three brothers settled in Bucks county, but afterwards separated. Our subject's grandfather, Seneca Fell, owned a farm in Buckingham township, where he lived and died. Our subject's father was also a farmer, and lived and died in Bucking- ham township. He lived fifty years in one place. He died in 1875, and his wife is still living, in her 91st year. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are still living : Mary A., wife of William K. Large ; Cress, James, Seneca, Jane, 6ved to Doylestown, and with Mr. K. Rufe erected the steam tannery. In 1875 he sold out the business, having pre- viously purchased Rule's share. In''1876 he again engaged in general merchandise and carries a stock worth about $30,000, the largest stock carried in the county. In 1860 he was married to Matilda Laubach. They have had seven children, five of whom are living : Leo, a merchant ; Harvey, in his father's store ; Ellen, Harry in the store ; and Erwin. Mr. and Mrs. Scheetz are members of the Reformed church. Reverend Levi C. Sheip, M. A., P. O. Doylestown, was born in New Britain township, Bucks county, December 30, 1833, and is a son of John and Hannah (Snyder) Sheip, natives of Bucks county and of Swiss descent. The pioneers of the Sheip family were three brothers who came from Switzerland to this country. One of them settled in Bucks county in the early part of the 17th century. Our subject's grandfather and father were both farmers. In 1847 the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 873 latter was elected county commissioner and served one term. He was the father of six cliildren : Noah S., Catherine, wife of Jonas Cressnian ; Anna, wife of Elias Fretz ; Levi C, Elizabeth, wife of William ReifF; and Francis P. Levi C. was reared on a farm, attending the country school until about 12 years of age, when he enfeied the Doylestown academy. After leaving there he tauglit public school for some time, after which he prepared for college at Frederick institute at Frederick, Montgomery Co., and graduated at Franklin and Marshall college, at Lancaster, Pa., in I8G1. He then entered the Reformed theological seminary at Mercersburg, and was licensed by Goslien Hoppen classis in 1864. He accepted a call to the Reformed church at Bloomsburg, Pa., in 1805. In 1867 he accepted a call to a school in "West Philadelphia, and in 1868 became pastor of the Salem Reformed church at Doyles- town, where he is still pastor. In 1863-64-65 he had charge of a classical school for boys at Doylestown. In 1869 he taught a female school in Masonic hall at Doylestown in connection with his congregation, and in 1871 in connection with H. II. Hough, founded Linden Female seminary at Doylestown, remaining in this connection until the fall of 1869, when he became principal of the Doylestown public schools, which position he still holds. He was school director and secretary of the school board, having always taken a great interest in educational affairs. In 187.5 he visited Europe, travelling through Holland, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, and going up the river Rhine for 800 miles. On his return he delivered illustrated lectures of his trip in numerous cities and towns. J. Monroe Shellenberger, attorney-at-law, P. 0. Doylestown, Pa., was born in wiiat is now Sellersville borough, Bucks county, on October 31, 1849, and is a son of P21ias and Caroline (Cressman) Shellenberger, both natives of Bucks county and of Palatinate descent. His grandfather, John L., owned a large tract of farm , land in this county, and was a very prominent man in his day. At his death, in his 92d year, he left a large estate. He was a life-long member of the German Reformed church, as were all his family. He took a great interest in matters per- taining to the church. Our subject's father for many years was general wood agent for the North Pennsylvania railroad, and was justice of the peace for twenty years, county treasurer, and is now teller in the Sellersville National bank, and general busi- ness ao'ent, having settled as many estates as any one man in the upper part of the county. At the time of his election as county treasurer he had twelve hundred over his opponent, when the average majority was in the neighborhood of six hundred. In ills own district he received one hundred and twelve votes out of one hundred and twenty-two, which shows that Mr. Shellenberger had a great many friends. He is the father of three children : J. Monroe, Sarah J., widow of John C. Danthower, who resides at Sellersville, and lilias C, hardware and saddlery merchant at 504 Arch street, Philadeljihia. Our subject remained at home until twelve years of age, when he went to school at Bethlehem academy, where he remained about four years, thence to Oley academy in Berks county for one year, thence to Frederick institute, where he prepared for Franklin and Marshall college, and passed examination for sophomore, but did not enter the college. He then came to Doylestown and read law with Nathan C. James, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1870, and has been practisino- in Doylestown ever since. In October, 1876, he was elected district-at- torney and served a term of three years. He is at present a member of the State Board of Public Charities, appointed by Governor Pattison on June 10, 1886. He is presidentof tiie Doylestown Agricultural and Mechanics' Institute, elected January, 1886. He is one of the charter members and director of the Bucks County Trust company. He has been a member of the Doylestown school board for three years, and solicitor to the county commissioners of Bucks county for two years. Mr. Shellenberger is a gentleman of high honor and one of the leading and prominent citizens of ^Doylestown. He was married April 14, 1875, to Caroline, daughter of Major John O. James, of the well-known mercantile firm of James, Kent, Santee & 874 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Co., Pliiladelpliia. Mr. and Mrs. SlielIenbero;er are the parents of seven children, four of whom are living : Joiin 0., Frederick, J. Monroe and George. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has passed all the chaii-s, and is trustee of the German Aid society, Doylestown, and president of the order of Sons of Pro- gress. Oliver P. Siiutt, farmer, P. 0. Tradesville, was born in Doylestown town- ship, November IG, 1820, being a son of John and Ann (Kephard) Shutt, natives of Bucks county, and of German descent. The tirst of the Shutt family to locate in Bucks county was Jacob Shutt, wlio settled here in 1794. He was a carpepter by trade, and came up from Towamencin, Montgomery county. He paid £1080 for the land he purchased, which extended 3720 feet along the Bristol road. To his sons, John and Samuel, he bequeathed his plantation, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Oliver P. The late Samuel Shutt was well known as a good citi- zen, and long connected with tlie Doylestown bank. John Shutt was a farmer all his life, and lived and died on the farm which Oliver P. now owns. He had seven children, only three of whom are now alive: Oliver P., Sarah A. and Mary A. Oliver P. was married in November, 1853, to Sarali A., daughter of Abraham and Leah (Ruth) Gargas. The issue of this union was five children, only three of whom survive: Anna, wife of P. S. Hughes; Emma 0. and George F. Those deceased are: Mary L. and Ida. Mrs. Shutt and daughters are members of the New Britain Baptist church. The Shutt family is one of distinguished prominence, the members of which have been noted for their integrity and enterprise. Mr. Shutt has always been a farmer. Sahuf-l Steckei,, retired, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Durham town- ship, Bucks county, September 28, 1826, and is a son of Samuel, Sr., and Anna (Black) Steckei. His father was born in Springfield township, and his mother in Pliiladelpliia. His great-great-grandfather Steckei came from Germany, and settled in Bucks county about 1725. His grandfather, Philip Steckei, was born in Bucks county and was the only son of his parents. He came to Doylestown in 1778 and with his father swore allegiance on August 27th of that year. Our sub- ject's father was born in 1789 and was the only son of his parents. He was a car- penter and builder, learning the trade under his father. He took charge of tlie business at the age of 18, his fatlier losing liis sight. He moved to Durham town- ship in 1818, and there lived until his death, wliich occurred in 1866. He served in the war of 1812. He was the father of eight children, two of whom, Samuel and Julia Boyle, are living. His wife died in 1861. Our subject, Samuel, remained with his parents until 14 years of age, then clerked in a store at Stony Point, one year. He was clerk for ten years. In 1850 he engaged in mercantile business at Durham, where he continued eleven years. In 1861 he removed to Philadelphia, and engaged in the mercantile business until 1879, when he removed to Doylestown and built a fine residence, where he has since lived a retired life. He is a stock- holder and director in the Bucks County Trust company. He was married July 17, 186G, to Catharine B., daughter of David and Anna M. (Bruner) Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Steckei are the parents of two sons, AVilliam H. and Edward L. Mrs. Steckei died in March, 1880. Siie was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is Mr. Steckei. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is an enterprising citizen and is greatly esteemed in the community. Eev. Henky Stom:mel, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church, at Doylestown, was born at Hodgeroth, county of Siegburg, Germany, June 23, 1842. He is the second of a family of four children, all of whom except the eldest are residents of this county. Henry Stommel was devoted to the ministry, and pursued liis prepara- tory studies in Germany, and later in Belgium. He was ordained at Louvain, in Belgium, September 11, 1870, by tlie Et. Rev. Stein, bishop of Calcutta, India. Early in December, 1870, he sailed for Boston, Mass. Soon after his arrival he HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 875 was appointed assistant pastor of St. Boniface church in Philadelphia, by the late Archbishop Wood, and on the 9th of October, 1871, he assumed charge of St. John's church and the missions at Haycock. Since then, Father Stommel has con- tinued his labors with signal success. Under his direction about twenty parochial buildings have been erected, seven churches, school-houses, residences, halls, etc., beside the many improvements effected on existing buildings. Among the structures which owe their origin to the pastor's enterprising industry are St. Joseph's, at Marienstein, St. Lawrence's at Durham, St. Rosa's at Piusfield, St. Martin's at New Hope, St. Isedor's at Quakertown, in Bucks county; and St. Stanislaus at Landsdale, and St. Antliony's at Ambler, in Montgomery county. Three parochial schools, which are conducted by the Sisters of St. Francis, have also been estab- lished by Father Stommel, at« Haycock, Doylestown and Ambler. His pastorate has been marked by unremitting labor, save in 1880, when he was absent for three months, visiting Rome and the scenes of his early youth in Germany. Mahlon II. Stodt, attorney, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Rockhill town- ship, Bucks county, March 10, 1853, and is a son of Jacob and Amanda (Headman) Stout, natives of Rockhill township, and of German descent. The pioneers of the family came from Germany about 1730, and were among the earliest settlers of Rockhill township. The great-great-grandfather, Jacob Stout, at one time owned nearly all the land where Perkasie borough now stands. He was a potter by trade. Tlie great-grandfather, Abraham, and the grandfather, Jacob, were farmers, and resided on the homestead in Rockhill township. They are all buried in the family burying- ground at Perkasie. Our subject's father is also a farmer, and still resides in Rockhill township. He is the father of three children : Maria, Emma, and Mahlon H., who was reared on a farm until he was 17 years of age, when he began teaching school, which he continued for four years. He then prepared for college at Ursinus college, Montgomery county. He then entered the freshman's class of Franklin and Mar- shall college in the fall of 1874, and graduated in the classical course in the class of 1878. He tlien began to study law with Adam J. Eberly, of Lancaster, and was admitted to the Lancaster bar on April 2, 1880. In May, 1880, he was admitted to the Bucks county bar and began to practise in Doylestown, where he has since continued. He is now in partnership with ex-Judge Richard Watson. Mr. Stout has also a branch office at Hulmeville, this county, and is there on Saturdays only. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F., JS"eshaminy Lodge, No. 442, also of the Chi Phi fraternity, Zeta chapter, located at Franklin and Marshall college. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity of Doylestown. Frank Swartzlander, physician and surgeon, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Rocksville, Bucks county, February 9, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Abigail (Rankin) Swartzlander, both of German descent. His great-grandfather came to Bucks county about 1760, and settled on what is called Pine run. He built the grist- mill on Pine run, whicli is the second oldest in the neighborhood. His place was visited by the continental troops during the revolution. The grandfather, Jacob, was also a miller, and moved to Southampton about 1808, remaining there until his death, about 1845. They all took an interest in politics. Joseph Swartzlander was born in Southampton, about 76 years ago, and was also a miller. His son Frank was raised in Yardley, and attended school there, and in Philadelphia. At the ao'e of 18 he began reading medicine with Dr. Joseph Smith, of Yardley, and Dr. Rufus Tryon of the U. S. Navy at Philadelphia. He entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1861, and whilst a student in 1862, was appointed anatomist at Twenty-fourth and South streets military hospital, Philadelphia, making all post-mor- tem examinations at that place until time of graduation. He was graduated in 1863, and in March of the same year was appointed assistant surgeon 74th regt. Pa. Vols. He has quite an extensive practice, for which he is well fitted. He was married in Oc- tober, 1872, to Susan, daughter of tiie late Judge John S. Bryan. They have three 876 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. cliildren : Frank, Jr., Joseph R., and Susan. He is a member of the G. A. R., the military order of the Loyal Legion of the U. S., and the Masonic fraternity. Dur- ing tiie war he was present at tlie battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, John's Island, S. C, with liis regiment, and after the mustering out of the regiment, took a commission as assistant surgeon of volunteers, and was sent south to meet Sher- man's army, then just arrived at Savannah, Ga., was assigned to the charge of the " JIarshall House" military liospital, subsequently the " Pavilion House" military hospital ; remained in hospital service until close of war. After attending special lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, came permanently to reside at Doyles- town, 18C6. Li 1867 he was appointed physician for the almshouse hospital in this county, which position he has since held. Thomas W. Trego, retired, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Buckingham town- ship, Bucks county, jNIay 13, 181G, and is a son of Jacob and Letitia (Smith) Trego, both natives of this county and of French descent. The ancestors, being Protestants, left France in consequence of religious persecution about 1685, and afterwards settled in Chester county. Pa., where the earliest official record of the name is under date of 1690. John Trego, the progenitor of the Bucks county Tregos, and great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from Chester county to Bucks county about the year 1722, a minor^ and settled in Wrightstown townshi|). The grandfather, William, was a farmer and occupied the old liomestead until near his death in 1827. He had eleven .children : Thomas, Mahlon, Joseph, William, John, Mary, Jacob, Jesse, Hannah, Rebecca and a second Mary. Our subject's father, Jacob, was a farmer, and after his marriage occupied a part of the old homestead farm for some years, when he purchased a farm in Buckingham town- ship, where he lived until 1846. In that year he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where he remained until 1862, when he returned to Bucks county, and during the last five years of his life made his home with his son Thomas. He died in 1870 in his OOtli year. He was the father of eleven children: Smith, deceased ; Howard, killed by a cyclone in Illinois in 1844 ; Allen, residing in Iowa ; Curtis, deceased ; Henry, residing in California ; Elinor, deceased ; Thomas, Rebecca, residing in Philadel[)hia ; Elias, deceased ; Joseph, residing in Kansas, and Yardley, residing in Iowa. Our subject lived with his father on the farm until about 19 years of age, when he went to Philadelphia, where he was in school over a year. He then became a clerk in the wholesale dry goods house of Wood, Abbott & Co. A year later he engaged as a clerk in the store at Wrightstown meeting house, where he remained two years, when, in the spring of 1840, he went in company with tliree brothers to Mercer county, Illinois. In 1841 he was engaged in the government survey of the lands ceded to the government at the close of the Black Hawk war. In the autumn of that year he returned to Bucks county, where he remained until the spring of 1846, engaged most of the time in teaching, when, witli ail the remaining members of his lather's family, he returned to Illinois. Two years were then spent in opening and improving a farm. In tlie spring of 1848 he engaged as clerk on the steamboat " Fortune," i)lying between Galena and St. Louis and served two seasons, going thence into the wholesale store of the steamer's owner in Galena. The following summer he was sent to manage a store and smelting furnace at iMineral Point, Wisconsin, and remained there until the spring of 1853, when, in company with J. W. Woodruff, he opened an iron and hardware store in Galena, and remained there uiitil 1860. He then removed witli his family to Chicago and engaged in the lumber trade until 1864, when he returned here and purchased a farm in Doylestown township, which he sold in 1875. In 1881 he removed to Chicago. In 1884 he came back to Doylestown and built the house in which he now resides. He was married August 21, 1851, to Elizabeth Betts, daughter of Thomas Betts, of Upper Makefield township, Bucks county, by whom he has five children : JSTellie, wife of H. II. Gilkyson ; Walter, who resides in Chicago ; Joseph, «?fA"«t*^-^, , 4- '^V . X ■v^ ^« .'■ ■-' V',. l-V ^' HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 879 in San Francisco ; Edward, in Kansas, and Mary Sydney. Mr. Trego is a member of the Society of Friends, as were also most of liis ancestors on both sides. "WiLLiAJr Vaux, merchant, P. 0. Doylestown, was born in Philadelphia March 20, 1825, and is a son of Richard and Mary A. (Collins) Vaux, both natives of England. His father, Richard, came to America in 1816 and located in Philadel- phia. He was married in Philadelphia to Mary Collins, who came from England after he arrived. He moved to Bucks county in 1835 and located near Doylestown, where he lived until his death. He was the father of six children, four living, of M'hom AVilliam is the eldest. At the age of seven and a half years he went to Horsham township, Montgomery county, where he worked on a farm about five years. He then came to Doylestown township, and then to Plumstead townsliip, where he worked on a farm about five and a half years for board and clothing and some schooling in tjie winter season, thence to Spring Valley, this county, where he served an apprenticeship of two years at the shoemaker's trade. He then came back to Doylestown township and carried on business about five years. During this time he had saved some money and bought a small farm and worked at trucking, also at his trade at times, and kept a small store. He carried on business in this way for three years and afterwards engaged in butchering about seven years. July 3, 18G3, he enlisted in company F, 31st regiment, Pa. Vols., under Captain George Hart. His term expired and he was discharged August 4, 1863. After he came home he again engaged in butchering until 1868, when he sold out and worked his little farm and kept a small store again until the spring of 1870, when he built a store and dwelling in Doylestown. He moved to Doylestown and engaged in keep- ing green groceries. He built a number of houses in the borough. Vauxville was named for the Vaux family. Since living in Doylestown he has been mostly en- gaged in the mercantile business, but gave it up to his son. In 1882 he went to Scotland, travelling through England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Bavaria, Aus- tria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and back to London, thence to Scotland and home. Finding his health had greatly improved he ventured into business again in the spring of 1886. With his daughter, Lottie, lie engaged in dealing in garden, field, and fiower seeds and flowers of all descriptions. He was married April 11, 1849, to Mary Henry, a native of Philadelphia, by whom he has had six children : Mar- garet, wife of Charles Hoffman, William H., Lottie, Charles K., deceased, A. Halsey, deceased, and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Vaux are members of the Presbyterian church. He has been a member of several secret societies, among which are the Sons of Temperance, Odd Fellows, and Good Templars. John Walkek, retired, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Solebury township, Bucks county, A[)ril 6, 1799. His parents were Robert and Asenath (Beans) Wal- ker, both of English descent. His grandfather, Joseph, came over from England with his brothers, Louis, Samuel, John and Stacy, in 1699. Joseph settled in Bucks county. He bought a large tract of land near Langhorne, where he lived until his death. Our subject's father settled in Soleburj' township, and lived there until his deatli. He had ten children by his first wife and five by his second, two of whom' are still living : John and Dr. Amos, who is in his 93d year. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained tliere until he was 21 years of age, when he went to Buckingham township and bought a farm and engaged in the lime business, also carryin" on farming for twenty years, when he sold out and bought a farm in Mont- gomery county and carried on farming there twenty years. He owns one hundred and ten acres of land. In 1858 he bought property in Doylestown, where he has since resided. He has been twice married ; first in 1820, to Buella Walker, who died in 1840. In 1861 he married Eliza C. Williams. Mr. Walker's ancestors were among the first settlers of Bucks county. He invented the first set limekiln in March, 1833. In 1835 he went to the West and took up between two and three thousand acres of government land in the Wabash valley, which he improved and 880 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. sold for a good advance. He carried on the lime trade very extensively for twenty years. Judge Richard Watson, P. O. Doylestown, is a descendant, in the fifth generation, of Thomas Watson, of Buckingham. The latter was the oldest son of John and Elizabeth Watson, of High Moor, in county Cumberland, England. He was married at Cockermouth the 14th, 4 mo., ] 696, to Elinor Pierson, of Pois Bank, in Westmoreland. He emigrated to Pennsylvania, with his wife and two sons, Thomas and John, about 1701, and first settled at Money Hill, near Bristol. About 1704 he bought four hundred acres of John Hougii in Buckingham, at the head of the valley, and was one of the earliest settlers in the township. He had been a mal- ster in England, but possessing some general knowledge of medicine, he responded to the pressing demands of the new community and practised the healing art with marked success. The eldest son, Thomas, married Elizabeth Smith, of Wrightstown, and had one son, John, who is known in the records of that day as " John Watson, surveyor," of whom a sketch may be found in the chapter on Buckingham. In this line the name has run out. The younger of his two sons, John, received such medical education as the province afforded and succeeded to his father's practice. He married Ann Beale, who died in 1747, and in the following year married Sarah Brown. Three children, Elizabeth, Joseph and Thomas, were the issue of the first marriage. Eliza- beth married John Fell and has left numerous descendants. She died in 1812, at 94 years of age. Her daughter Ann married Joseph Chapman, the father of Abra- ham Chapman. She died in 1828, at 89 years of age. Thomas, the youngest of the children and the victim of persecution by the army under Lord Sterling, married Sarah Woolston. A daughter of these parents married Isaiah Jones, of whom there are no living descendants. A son, Thomas, married Mary Verree, of Abington. Their daughter, Annie, married Joseph Watson, of another family. She has left children, among whom are James V., president of the Consolidated bank of Phila- delphia; George, who is a successful builder and business man in the same city, and Joseph, who is the cashier of a bank in the state of Delaware. Annie Watson died recently at an age exceeding 90 years. Joseph, the second child of John and Ann Watson, succeeded his father in the practice of medicine, and was a member of the assembly for several years. At the beginning of the revolution he was active in the cause of the colonies, endeavoring to obtain redress by peaceful means, and was a member of the county committee of safety. But he was a Friend, as all his ancestors had been, and he was obliged by his conscientious scruples to withdraw from a position where his influence must be used in favor of warlike measures. At his death, in 1796, he left one child only. This was a son named John, born 12th, 6 mo., 1746; married Mary Hampton, of Wrightstown, 1st, 1 mo., 1772; died 23d, 10 mo., 1817. Upon his marriage he settled in Wrightstown, and engaged in farming and milling. At the beo-innino- of the revolution he was well stocked for his business, with, the prospect of a prosperous future. As a young man he was liable to military duty, but his convictions and the rules of the Society of Friends, of which he was a member, forbade his taking up arms or assisting in warlike measures. His stock was seized for the payment of military fines, and in this way he was stripped of the means of carrying on his busi- ness. After the war he removed to Solebury near Paxson's corner, and lived here, farming and practising medicine to some extent, until after the death of his father. He possessed considerable literary taste and acquirements, though without much scholastic education. Among his printed literary productions are several fut^itive pieces of poetry, a history of Buckingham and Solebury townships, and two essays upon the use of intoxicating liquors. He had six daughters and two sons. The second child, John, was born 25th, 8 mo., 1774; married 20th, 6 mo., 1795, and 31st, 12 mo., 1817 ; died 4th^ 9 mo., HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 881 1864. John "Watson was a man of unusual ability. His early opportunities for scho- lastic instruction were slight. Until about eleven years old he went to a neighboring school and pursued the usual studies of a child. When grown nearly to manhood he went one winter to school at Lumberton, to George Wall, where Thomas Elliott and John Duer were among. his school-fellows. This finished his school experience, and otherwise he was self-taught. His ancestors Iiad been physicians, and he was anxious to succeed them, but was not encouraged to follow his professional taste. He read and studied such books as came within his reach, and continued a diligent reader all his life. Upon his marriage he engaged in teaching, and soon afterward went upon a farm devised to him by his grandfather, subject to his father's life in- terest. Here he remained until 1814, when he removed to Greenville. In 18o4 he removed to Doylestown, where he made his home with his son-in-law, George Hart, to the end of his life. He was a sincere and zealous Friend. In the difficulties which resulted in the division of the Society he took an active and prominent part, warmly sustaining the Hicksite branch. He, however, outlived the excitement of this dispute and after- wards deeply regretted the dissensions which led to the disruption of the Society to which he belonged and was deeply attached. He was strictly temperate in his habits and strongly anti-slavery in his opinions, and yet took no part in the popular agita- tion of these subjects, believing that Friends best served the cause of truth and morality by a strict performance of their duty as Friends and confining their labors within the limits of the Society. The only office he held was that of fence-viewer, a capacity in which he was called to different parts of the county to adjust differ- ences in regard to line-fences. He was often called upon to act as surveyor in such cases, and was usually successful in adjusting differences. After his removal to Doylestown he gave up all active pursuits and passed the remainder of his life in the quiet of home. His first marriage was contracted with Euphemia Ingham, of Sole- bury, by whom he had nine children. His second marriage was with Martha Dun- kin, daughter of Aaron and Susanna Dunkin, who was born 5th, 4 mo., 1784, and died 5th, 10 mo., 1849. The issue of this marriage were four children, of whom two only survived to the age of maturity — Richard, born 3d mo., 1823, and Martha L., born 15th, 2d mo., 1825. The latter married George Hart in 1853. Judo'e Richard Watson, the third of the children of John and Martha Watson, married Isabella T. McCoy, daughter of Gilbert R. and Maria McCoy, 28th, 6 mo., 1866. The issue of this marriage are six children, the oldest three of whom only, Miriam, George and Jenny, are living. A sketch of Judge Watson's public career may be found in the history of the bench of the county. Under the emergency call of 1862 he joined tlie company of Captain George Hart as a private and served with it to the expiration of its term of enlistment, being stationed at Hagerstown. He went out again with the same organization under the emergency call of 1863. While in camp at Harrisburg he was seriously wounded in the thigh by the accidental or careless disoiiarge of a musket from some unknown quarter. He was conveyed home the same night, and for eleven weeks was unable to leave his bed. For nine years he carried this memento of the war in his limb, when it became so troublesome that it was sought for and extracted. In his earlier years Mr. Watson was an active member of the I. O. O. F., and in 1867 was elected Grand Master of the order in Pennsylvania. Waknek Worst all, manufacturer, P. O. Doylestown, was born in Upper Makefield township, Bucks county, January 22, 1835, his parents being Hugh and Mercy (Lowery) Worstall. Mr. Worstall's great-grandfather came to this country from pjugland, and lived in this county, where tiie succeeding generations have lived. I-Iugh Worstall, father of our subject, was reared in Upper Makefield town- siiip, where°he lived all his life, and died September 9, 1885. He and his wife were buried in Wrightstown. They were members of the Friends' meeting, as were all 882 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. the old stock of Worstalls. They were the parents of eight children : John, Samuel, Lewis, Setli, Owen, Watson, Harrison C. and Warner, who was reared in Upper I\Iake- field township, and at the age of 17 hegan to learn the carriage-making trade with his brother Lewis, at Buckmanville. He remained there five years and removed to Pineville, where he carried on carriage-making two years. He subsequently pur- sued his trade at Forest Grove and at Doylestown. In 1877 he entered tiie firm of M. P. Jarrett & Co., which dissolved in April, 1885, and the business was continued as Worstall & Carl. They manufacture spokes and bent work, and find a market for their goods tiiroughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Tlie business has increased greatly since Mr. Worstall entered the firm. In 1857 Mr. Worstall married Miss Sarah Hill, of Bucks county. They have six children living : Lizzie, wife of Samuel Shelly, lives in West Philadelphia; Edward, John, Harry, Ella, Hettie and Gussie (deceased). Mr. Worstall is a member of Aquetong Lodge, No. 193, I. O. O. F., at Doylestown, and has been thi-ough all the chairs. He is also a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 44, Sons of Progress, of which he is vice- president. He is a republican politically. A. T. WoRTHiNGTON, miller, P. 0. Edison, Satterthwaite, farmer and dairyman, P. 0. Fallsington, was born in Falls townsliip, December 1, 1828. The family settled early in this county. His parents, William and Tacie (Palmer) Satterthwaite, were of English descent and were born in Lower Makefield township. The father was a farmer. David Sat- terthwaite was the eldest of a family of ten cliildren. He attended the public scliools of his native town and boarding school in Montgomery county. He has made farm- ing the business of his life, and with success. Plis farm is one of the best in the town- ship. In 1852 he married Ann F., daughter of Natiian and Elizabetii (Flowers) Watson. Their children are: Annie, wife of Ciiarles B. Comfort ; Watson, a farmer, married and living in Lower JNIakefield township; and David, Jr., a farmer, married and living in Falls township. Mr. Satterthwaite and wife are members of the Society of Friends. He is an elder in the church, an earnest member, and a regular atten-d- ant. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and has served five terms as a school director. Honorable Habry J. Shoemaker, merchant, P. 0. Tullytown, was born in Montgomery county, December 25, 1855, and is a son of James and Phoebe Shoe- maker, who were natives of Montgomery county and of German origin. His father still resides on the farm in Horsham township, where our subject was born. Their family consisted of five daughters and two sons, Harry J. being the oldest son. He acquired a rudimentary education and subsequently attended Doylestown seminary, and at the age of 19 taught school in Bedrainster, Bucks county, and in 1877 was made principal of Tullytown public school, which position he held for three years. In 1880 he embarked in general merchandise in Tullytown, and has since been cii- o-ao-ed in that business. He also owns a small farm near Tullytown, which he man- a"-es with success. In 1879 lie was united in marriage with Ella B., daughter of John H. Wright, a prominent farmer of Falls township, in Penn's Manor. Mrs. Shoe- maker is of Eno-lish and German origin, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have one child, Elsie C. Mr. Shoemaker is a member of the Society of Friends, and has held the following offices : postmaster at Tullytown four years, town clerk, school director and secretary of the school board. In 1885-86 he served as a member of the state legislature of Pennsylvania, he being the only republican member elected from Bucks county. He was made secretary of the agricultural committee of the house of representatives. He came within four votes of being nominated to congress by the republican convention in 1886. John G. Shdll, farmer and seed-grower, P. 0. Tullytown, was born in Bensa- lem township, Bucks county, January 8, 1848, and is a son of Levi J. and Abecca 916 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. (Green) Shull, tlie latter a daughter of John Green. His parents were of German and English origin. His father was a farmer and died when John G. was 3 years old, leaving his mother with three children. She was married, again, in 1854, to Joseph V. Peck, a farmer in Falls township, by whom she has two children. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the district school and early in life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 187(3. Since that time he has followed farming. He was married February 22, 1876, in Philadelphia, to Caroline S., daugh- ter of William and Asenath (Strickland) Alberfson. This union has been blessed with two children, Asenath Abecca and John Noah. Mrs. Shull is of German and English origin. Mr. Shull is a democrat, and is now serving his second term as supervisor of Falls township. IsHA V. Smith, retired farmer, P.O. Morrisville,son of Benjamin and Sarah (Van Cleve) Smith, was born near Pennington, N.J. , November 20, 1832. His parents were natives of New Jersey, and of English origin. His father was a farmer and after- ward a merchant in Trenton, N. J. Our subject was the only child. He was edu- cated in select schools at Trenton. He was a clerk in a Philadelphia dry goods store two years, but has made farming his principal occupation. He was one of the originators of the rubber works at Morris ville, and served as secretary two years. He sold his farm in 188G and in 1887 moved to Morrisville. He was married in 1854 to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Hannah Atchley, jiatives of New Jer- sey and of German origin. They had one child, Benjamin, who died at the age of 18. In politics Mr. Smith is a democrat. The Spencer Family About the year 1700, Samuel and William Spencer, quite young men, arrived in this country from England. Tradition says they were spirited away to secure to another individual certain titles and estates, which would otherwise have been inherited by them. Samuel, the older son, left Pennsylvania and settled in Virginia, in which state many of his descendants now reside. Wil- liam jjurchased a tract of over six hundred acres in Northampton township, extend- ing from the Almshouse road to beyond the Bristol road, in Warminster township. Soon after he disposed of over two hundred acres and received in return a negro slave, whom he liberated and paid a regular salary. William married Elizabeth Lewis, from Montgomery county. His children were: James, Thomas, Ann, Sarah, Samuel, Enoch, Job and Abel. Thomas and Samuel inherited from their father over two hundred acres each and settled on their farms. William Spencer died in 1756 and his widow in 1797, aged 84 years. Thomas died in 1811, aged 75 years. He married Mary Hollowell, of Montgomery county, and had seven children: Wil- liam, born 1701; Mary, born 1764; Thomas and Elizabeth (twins), born 1767; Margaret, born 1770; Amos, born 1773; and Sarah, born 1775. All lived and died in Bucks county except Sarah, who married Isaac Hollowell, of Montgomery county. Samuel had two sons, who inherited about one hundred acres each. Samuel, the eldest, died in New Jersey. John, his brother, sold his portion to John Bready and bought a farm in Northampton, on whicli he died. Of the children of Thomas, son of William, the eldest married his cousin, Margaret Spencer, and had four daugh- ters : Mary, Sarah, Margaret and Elizabeth, all of whom died unmarried. William, the father, died in 1840. The second child, Mary, married Isaac Walton, of War- wick township, and had one child, Sarah, a highly esteemed young woman, who died when she was about 20 years of age. The next child, Thomas, married Esther Worthington, of Wrightstown, and had five children: Mary, William, Thomas, Esther and Lewis. William and Lewis died young, and Mary and Esther without issue. Tliomas married a Miss Burns and had one child, Elizabeth, who married William Bennett. They have three daughters living. Margaret, the third daughter of the elder Thomas, married AVilliam Worthington. They had six children : Thomas, Mary, William, Jesse, Esther and Spencer. Margaret Worthington died ,^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 919 in 1802. Amos, the third son of Thomas, the elder, married Anna, daughter of Thomas Brown, who came from Ireland about the year 1770 and followed teaching. He was a fine scholar and an efficient teacher. Amos Spencer died in 1857 and his wife in 1844. From Amos and Anna Spencer nearly all the family at present residing in the county are descended. Thomas B., the eldest, was born in 1798 and died in 1869, unmarried. Sarah, the second, was born in 1801 and died, unmarried, in 1882. John G., the third, was born in 1803 and followed teaching many years. In 1833 he entered the mercantile business at Springville. In 1834 he married Eliza- beth, daughter of George Fetter, of Montgomery county. In 1840 he purchased a store property, where he now resides, in Oxford Valley. In 1873 he built a resi- dence in the village for himself and turned over his business to his second son, C. Watson. His wife died in 1880, since whicii he has resided with his eldest son, Amos L. and wife. lie has four children living: Arnie Ann, who married William R. Vandegrift, and they have eight children living. The second, Amos L., is a graduate of the Westchester State Normal school, and for the last six years he has had charge of the grammar school at Langhorne. He married Louisa, daughter of Owen Knight, of Somerton, Philadelphia. The third, C. Watson, married Ange- line, daughter of I. W. Gerhart, of Northampton township, and has five children. He carries on the mercantile business at Oxford Valley. The youngest child, G. Franklin, married Mary E., daughter of Lewis Darrah, of Middletown. They have three children. William H., the third son of Amos and Anna, married Sarah, daughter of Christopher Search, of Southampton, by whom he had six children, of whom only three are now living. He resides in Maryland. Charles, the fourth son of Amos and Anna, married Elizabeth Porter, of Northampton, and had three sons and three daughters. He followed carriage-making a few years, then farmed until his death in 1880. His three sons, Orrin, James and Albert, are all married and have children. None of the daughters married. Alice, the only one living, resides with her mother. The sons are all farmers and residents of the county. James, the fifth son of Amos, married Matilda Duiilap. He died in 1876, without issue. Mary B., the second daughter of Amos and Anna, resides in Philadelphia with her husband, Henry Land. They have no children. Isaac W., the youngest child of Amos and Anna, married Louisa, daughter of John Jamison, of Warwick, by whom he had one son, John J., who married a Miss Myers, and is a justice of the peace at Jamison. Isaac W. died in 1868. The Spencer family formerly were all members of the Society of Friends. Many have united with other denominations. Nearly all have been farmers. John G. was school director twenty-six years, and has been postmaster at Oxford Valley ever since the office was established in 1849. John J. has been a justice of the peace for several years. David Taylor, retired, P. 0. Morrisville, was born in Bucks county, January 16, 1829, and is a son of William and Mary (Crozer) Taylor. His maternal ances- tors were among the earliest settlers of Bucks county. His father was born in Philadelphia, and was of English and French origin. He was a shoemaker in early life, but later on followed farming. David was the third in a family of seven children. He was reared on the farm until eleven years old, attending school in his native county, principally at the academy. His first business was clerking, which he followed for five years. He next embarked in the lumber trade, dealing in lumber, and at the same time running a saw-mill. This he followed with signal success for eighteen years, after which he retired. In 1853 he married Huldah, daughter of Elisha Reeves. They had but one child, Francis, who died in infancy. Mr.°Taylor is a republican in politics, and has been borough burgess of Morrisville. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Sir Knight Templar. He was not a regular soldier, but went to Harrisburg with the emergency men at the time of the battle of Antietam. 920 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. David H. Taylor, lumber dealer, P. 0. Morrisville, Pa., wa,s born in Doling- ton, in tliis county, on February 17, 1809, and is a son of Josepli and Mary Taylor, who were natives of Bucks county, of English and Scotch lineage, and members of the Society of Friends. Joseph Taylor had two sons and one daughter, and pos- sessed of limited means, was only able to give his children such educational advantages as could be had at the district schools, until tiiey were of age to learn trades. David was the youngest son, and chose to be a shoemaker, and when 15 years old was apprenticed to Benjamin Moore, serving faithfully his apprenticeship of five years. After that he followed his trade for two years and a half, but his sedentary occupation not satisfying one of his active temperament, and desiring out-door em- ployment, he began working at tlie trade of carpenter with his father, for the modest remuneration of sixty-two and a half cents per day. This trade he followed for about eight years, visiting tlie west in that time by private conveyance, there being no railroads west of the mountains at that day — which was in the fall of 1837. Find- ing the new country almost a wilderness he returned, and for a time contented him- self with earning his living by working hard for a dollar per day. Some time after this he accepted inducements held out to him to go to "White Haven, Luzerne county, where he superintended the building of a saw-mill, and conducted the lumber busi- ness for David B. Taylor, Levi Buckman and Joseph Yardley. White Haven at that time consisted of about a dozen log houses, three saw-mills, and a tavern. After a few years spent in this way Mr. Taylor began manufacti^ring timber for other parties on his own account, by the thousand, removing three miles into the woods, where lie lived in a log-house, so far removed from any neighbor that his wife sometimes for six months at a time saw no other woman except the one who worked for her. The memorable flood of January, 1841, completely destroyed navigation between Mauch Chunk and tlie phice wliere he lived, carrying off almost all the bridges and dams on the river. During the two years that elapsed before they were rebuilt, and navigation resumed, the settlers endured great hardships, many of them leaving the settlement utterly discouraged. Mr. Taylor and his wife wereamong those who remained and endured the privations of frontier life. The neces- saries of life were sometimes difficult to get ; fresli meat was supplied by the rifle, and other articles were obtained with great difficulty. There were no means of raising ready money, and it was often the case that letters were left a long time in the post- office, because of the inability of the settlers to get the five cents wliich at that time was the rate of postage. In 1843 navigation was resumed, and again Mr. Taylor, aided by his estimable wile, started in tlie struggle for a competence. By unceasing diligence, tlirift and U|)right dealing he commanded success, and became the owner of mills and lands. During this period of hard labor and varied experience, but general success, of unusual energy as well as large benevolence, his house was always the liome of the itinerant in cliurcli and moral reform, as well as the sick and unfortu- nate of all those in his employ, whose wants were supplied without charge, irrespec- tive of condition or nationality. Remaining tliere until 1858, he then removed to Bethlehem, where he did a thriving business as a coal and lumber dealer until after the outbreak of the civil war. The disastrous freshet in the Lehigh, in June, 1862, cauo-ht him with a large lot of logs in the river, almost all of which were lost, as well as a large stock of lumber and coal in his yard, which likewise became an almost total loss, sweeping away at one stroke tlie greater part of the results of twenty years of an industrious life. Feeling it unsafe to resume business on the river, the banks of which had been his home for so many years, he saved what he could from tiie wreck, and afew years later, in 1871, returned to his native county. He settled in Morrisville, buying the lumber yard and mill property of Messrs. Taylor & Par- sons, wlio though of the same name were no relatives of his. Here Mr. Taylor again establislied himself in his old business of lumber and coal, under the name of David H. Taylor & Sons, which is yet the style of the firm, and which is composed of the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 921 fatlier and his three sons, Joseph S., B. Frank and Charles S. Undismayed by a disaster which would have overwhelmed a weaker man, Mr. Taylor lias, with the energy which has always characterized him, to a great extent repaired the breach in his fortunes, and is to-day in comfortable circumstances. In addition to his in- terests in Morrisville, he yet owns considerable property on the Lehigh, and in the evening of his days is enjoying the fruits of a long life well spent, and is deservedly held in high esteem by all who know him, for his integrity and his blameless life. He is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian cliurcii, and is an eai-nest advocate in the cause of temperance. Seeing the many advantages which would accrue to this section by the damming of the Delaware (permission for which was given ten years ago by New Jersey), he has by his voice and pen urged it upon the attention of tlie peo|)le and the legislature, and has awakened an interest in the project. If carried out it would furnish an immense power for manufacturing purposes, and would be ot incalculable benefit to Bucks county. Mr. Taylor's domestic life has been a happy one. While working at carpentering with his father, he was married to Hannah K., daughter of John and Hannah Shafer, they being natives of Bucks county, of Ger- man and English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had four sons and two daughters, all now living save one daughter, and a son named Jonathan, who laid his life upon the altar of his country. He was captain of company C, 129th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded in the first general engagement in which he participated. He was removed by his father and mother to a private house at Georgetown, where for four months the parents tenderly nursed him, sparing nothing that money or parental love could procure, but witiiout avail; after four months' suffering he joined that band of heroes wiiose lives were given that tiieir country miglit live. BEN.rAMiN F. Taylor, lumber and coal dealer, P. 0. Morrisville, was born in Upper Makefield township, Bucks county, December 22, 1834, and is a son of David H. and Hannah Taylor. Benjamin F. was the second of the cliildren and is the oldest now living. His early life was spent in Luzerne county, where his father was engaged in the lumber business and also kept a saw-mill. He attended the Baptist school at Abington Centre and the AVyoming seminary, at Kingston, Luzerne county, and early in life embarked in mercantile pui'suits, being a salesman for two and a half years. He is now a member of the firm of David H. Taylor & Sons, wholesale and retail dealers in lumber, coal and wood at Morrisville. He came to this place in 1871 and lias been here since that time. He was married in 1858 to Theresa B., daughter of Richard and Maria (Jacobs) Fancher, and a native of Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. In politics Mr. Taylor is a republican. Charles S. Taylor, coal and lumber merchant, P. 0. Morrisville, was born in Carbon county. Pa., May 14, 1845, and is the youngest son of David H. Taylor. He received his education at Bethlehem and Wyoming seminary. He studied civil engineering and made that a business for five years. Since 1871 he has been en- gaged in his present business, and is a member of tjie firm of David H. Taylor & Sons. He was married in Bethlehem, Pa., to Miss Hannah L. Luckenbach, this lady bein"- of English and German origin. They liave two children, Gertrude A. and Lucy C. ]\ir. Taylor is a republican politically. His wife is a member of the Mo- ravian church. Joseph C. Taylor, retired lumberman, P. 0. Morrisville, was born in Falls township, Bucks county, August 25, 1826, being a son of William and Mary (Crozer) Taylor, the former a native of Philadelphia, and of French origin. His mother's family is of English origin, being among the earliest settlers of Pennsyl- vania. The first of the family to come to America was Andrew Crozer, who came to this country in 1723 and settled in Penn's Manor, Falls township, in 1758. William Taylor, the paternal ancestor of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, July 14, 1796. He was reared in Penn's Manor, where he followed farming and died in 1866. William Taylor, father of Joseph C, learned the trade of a shoe- 922 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. maker in early life, but was for the most of his life a merchant and farmer. He died in 186G. Joseph C. is the third of a family of seven children, six of whom are now living. He was reared in Morrisville, attending the school there, and early in life embarked in the lumber business in company with his father, and continued in it until the death of the latter. From 1853 to 1871, J. C. was actively engaged in the lumber trade. He is now living in Morrisville. He is a republican in politics. He was married in 1860 to Maria, daughter of Miles and Anna (Kelly) Watson, her family being of English descent. Their children are: Anna W., Mary C. and Lillian. John W. Tully, manufacturer, P. 0. Tullytown, is among the descendants of the early settlers of Bucks county, and was born in "Williamsport, Washington county, aid., in 183.5. He is a son of William and Esther Ann (Murray) Tully, the former a railroad contractor who operated in Virginia and Maryland. His parents were of Irish origin. .John W. was the youngest of a family of four children, three of whom grew to maturity. He was reared in Williamsport, Md., and attended the public schools there. In 1845 he came to Bedford county, Pa. In 1848 he came to Philadelphia and started to learn the machine business and served two years in the Baldwin locomotive works, after which he served five years at the painter's trade in the Norris locotaotive works, and was then made foreman in the painting department of those works. In 1857 he went south as superintendent of the paint department of the Wilmington and Manchester railroad, where he remained until 1860. Return- ing to Philadelphia, he accepted a position as master painter for the Lehigh Valley railroad, wliere he remained a number of years. He engaged in manufacturing paints in 1870, and in 1877 he opened a store in Philadelphia, which he still retains. He came to Tullytown in 1883, and has since been engaged in manufacturing his patent iron filling, paints and varnishes. He is the inventor of thirteen articles which he purposes to manufacture here, and will employ quite a number of men. In 1860 he married Mary Young, daughter of Colonel Henry Young, of Philadel- phia. They had two children: Mathew L., deceased, and Martlia E., who is now the wife of Charles S. McNally. Mrs. Tully is a member of the Pjpiscopal church. Her husband is a member of the Catholic ciiurch, and in politics is a democrat. Levi S. Walton', physician, P. O. Tullytown, was born in Hatboro, Montgom- ery county, July 16, 1862, and is a son of Lewis and Susannah (Snyder) Walton, natives of JMontgomery county, and of English and German origin. His father was a farmer and was the father of five children, of whom Levi S. was the fourth. He was reared on the farm, receiving his literary education at the LoUer academy, but was also one year under a private teacher. He subsequently commenced the study of medicine at Jefl^erson Medical college, where he was graduated April 2, 1885, and the same year commenced to practise in Tullytown, where he has been since. He was married January 7, I.S.S6, to Miss Florence, daughter of Charles and Louisa (Cad- wallader) Grove. She is a native of Bucks county, and is of Welsh and German origin. Dr. Walton and his wile are members of the Baptist church. He is a republican politically. Geokhe Wakner, Jr., lumber manufacturer, member of the firm of Gillingham, Garrison & Co. (limited), 943 Richmond street, Philadelphia, is a descendant of a very old fiimily in Bucks county, and is collaterally related to many well-known residents of the county. On both sides he traces his ancestry to Benjamin Taylor, a native of this county, whose father was one of the English Friends who came here in the latter half of the 17th century. Of the date of Benjamin Taylor's birth there is no record, but he was married to Hannali Towne in 1719. A daughter of this couple, also named Hannah, was married to William Field in 1755, and died in 1815, and her daughter, Letitia, became the wife of William Warner on 1st mo., 4th, 1803. This William Warner was the grandfather of George Warner, and was the son of Abraham Warner, who, in the 12th mo., 1768, was married to Ann Yardley. The HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 923 exact date when the Warner family first came to the country is unknown, but it was probably about the same time as the Taylors. The Yardley family genealogy is preserved in the Harley MSS. in the British Museum back to 1402. A member of the family came to this country about the same time as the others named above and settled in Yardleyville, which was named after him. The Abraham AVarner men- tioned owned the farm at Penn's Manor, Falls township, on which his great-grand- son, George, subject of this sketch, was born. William Warner was born 10th mo., 26th, 1769, and died 9th mo., 28th, 1828. He and his wife, Letitia, had six children. The oldest, Abraham (father of George), was born 10th mo., 9th, 1803, and died 9th mo., 3d, 1860. He also lived all his life on the place of his birth and was a successful farmer, accumulating a good property. He was a prominent member of the Pennsburg meeting, and was much respected in the community. He was married on the 12th mo., 24th, 1840, to Sarah Ann Taylor, a lineal descendant of the Benjamin Taylor before mentioned. She was born 21st of 1st mo., 1819, and after Mr. Warner's decease became the wife of John Wildman, of Langhorne, where .she is now living. Abraham Warner had four children : Hannah Taylor, wife of Phineas Briggs, and living in Upper Makefield township ; Letitia, wife of Stephen B. Twining, of Yardley ; William Yardley, married to Jennie T. Robbins, and living on the old historic Penn Manor farm, which has recently been purchased by his brother, George, who is the youngest of the children and was born June 6, 1852. Bendemere (beautiful water), the home of the AVarners, was built in 1692, of bricks brought from England, and had belonged to them for four generations. It was originally owned by the Browns, and was the birthplace of Jacob Brown, who was so patriotic that, notwitlistanding his Quaker principles, he entered the Continental army and rose to the rank of general. He afterward served in the war of 1812, and, strange to say, was never disowned by his meeting. The father of George Warner died when the latter was eight years old. After attending school until he was 15 years of age, he entered Taylor and Jackson's academy at Wilmington, Del., from which institution he was graduated in 1869. He then went to Baltimore and engaged in the lumber business, and in 1872 accepted the position of assistant super- intendent with Gillingham & Garrison, the largest manufacturers of and dealers in lumber in Philadelphia. He was rapidly advanced, and at the expiration of four years was admitted as a member of the firm. The business has steadily increased, and in 1882 the firm purchased 3,000 acres of pine timber land in Elk county, this state. They have there two steam mills-, with a capacity of 25,000 feet each per day ; two large booms for storing logs, a steam shingle mill, a store, forty houses, shops, and everything necessary for the manufacture of lumber. Coal of excellent quality and in great quantity underlies much of their land. The New York, Lake Erie & Western railroad has been extended through these lands, giving rail facilities to market as well as water. Mr. Warner was married October 22, 1879, to Lydia Yardley, daughter of Algernon S. and Susan J. Cadwallader, of Yardley, this county. They have one son, Seymour Yardley, born October 31, 1880. An interesting fact came to their knowledge after their marriage. Mrs. Warner also traces her descent from the Yardley family, and her great-great-grandfather Yardley also bore the same relation to her husband.' She was born in Yardley 12th mo., 11th, 1853. Mr. Warner is a firm believer in the principles of the republican party, and like all his ancestors a member of the Society of Friends, and a sincere admirer of the principles and character of the founder. He is now the owner of William Penn's home and farm, and believes that Penn's "holy experiment" and his noble idea of man's capacity for self-government were the seed from which sprang this mighty nation. Hector C. Watson, retired farmer, P. 0. Fallsington, was born in Falls town- ship November 23, 1826. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Thompson) AYat- son, the former born in England, the latter in Ireland. His father was a farmer, and 924 HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. settled in Bucks county when he first came to America in 1816. His motlier came to this country in 1804. The male members of the family have been farmers for many generations, and yet own land in England. Hector C. was the third in a family of five cliildren. He attended the schools of Falls township, and a boarding school in Montgomery county three years, after which he taught school for three years, since wliich time he has made farming the business of his life. He bought the present farm in 1852. He was married in 1852 to Mary R., daughter of John B. and Sarah (Browne) Brown. She is a descendant of General Brown. Their chil- dren are: John, wlio is in business in Philadelphia; James, a farmer; Joseph, a bookkeeper; Robert, in college; Anna, wife of Frank "Warrington; and Sallie, married to R. H. Hanes, of New Jersey (deceased). Three of the boys gradu- ated at the commercial college at Trenton. Mr. Watson is a republican, and has been school director For several years. Mrs. Watson died November 25, 1885. Thomas Watson, of Strawberry, now parish of Cockermouth, county Cum- berland, England, came with his wife, Rebecca (Mark) Watson, and children to America in 1702, and settled on a farm of 357 acres, near Oxford valley; a part of which tract is now owned by J. Harvey Satterthwaite, and on which is the old stone graveyard, known then and always since as the Watson graveyard. The children that came over with them were: Mary, who married AVilliam Paxson ; Nathan, who married Sarah Biles ; Amos, who married Mary Hillborn ; and Mark, who married Ann Sotcher. Two others, born in America, were: John, born in 1703, who mar- ried Ruth Blakey, and Jose|)h, born in 1705. They were members of the Society of Friends, and tiieir certificate was read and approved in Falls meeting, 3d month, 1702. Thomas AVatson was a justice of the peace for many years, perhaps until his death (in 1738), and a prominent man of that time. From him are descended most, if not all, of the Watsons in the lower part of Bucks county, and his descend- ants have entered into many families, among which are the names of Fell, Palmer, AVhite, Paxson, Hough, Satterthwaite, Davis, Blakey, Burton, Stackhouse, Jenks, Flly, Parry, Richardson, Gilbert, AVildman, and otliers. EsECK H. White, farmer and stock-raiser, P. 0. Penn Valley, was born in Falls township, October 7, 1825. The family was of English origin, and settled early in this state. The parents of our subject were John and Sarah (Flanigan) AVhite. They spent most of their lives on a farm in Penn's Manor. John AVhite was a mason in his early life. Eseck H. received a common-school education, and has followed the business of farming. He owns a well-stocked and improved farm. He was married October 16, 1878, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Stackhouse, and widow of David PuUen, by whom she has one daughter, Bertlia E. Pullen. Mr. AVhite is a republican. Mahlon W. AVhite, farmer, P. O. Tullytown, was born in Falls township, Bucks county, June 19, 1829, and is a son of John and Sarah (Flanigan) AVhite, natives of this county and of Irish and English origin. In early life his father was a mason and in later life a farmer. His family consisted of nine children, of whom seven grew to maturity. Five of them are now living. Mahlon W. is the third child and was reared on the farm, receiving a common-school education. He chose farming as a business and has met with marked success in that branch of industry. His farm of one hundred and eleven acres of land is in a high state of cultivation. His success in life is largely due to his own exertions. He was married in 1865 to Jennie, daughter of Hugh Sterling. They have no children now living. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Tullytown, of which he is a trustee. Mrs. White is a teacher in the Sabbath school. Mr. AVhite is a republican. E. P. AVkight, real estate, P. O. Morrisville, was born in Lower Makefield, Bucks county, September 6, 1840, and is a son of Stephen and Sarah (Hellingsj AVriglit, natives ot Pennsylvania, and of English origin. His father was a farmer and was the parent of seven children, of whom E. P. was the youngest. He was HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 925 reared in Bucks county, attended school at the Model school at Trenton, N. J., and at the Normal school at West Chester, Pa. His first occupation was farming, but he subsequently embarked in the broker's business for two years, and then went into the grain trade, wliicli he followed for nineteen years. He also dealt in real estate, and for a time has devoted most of his attention to that business, in which he has been very successful. He was married in 1869 to Anna, daughter of Thomas Adams, who was a tailor by trade and of Englisli origin. They have one child, Augustus C. Mr. Wright has served two terms as deputy sheriff of Bucks county, and has served two terms as burgess of Morrisville. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a democrat. Mrs. Wright is a member of the Presby- terian church. John H. Wright, farmer, P. 0. Tullytown, was born in Lower Makefield township, Bucks county, March 25, 1829, and is a son of Stephen and Sarah (Hell- ings) Wright. His mother was a native of Bristol and his father of New Jersey. They were of English and German descent. John H. was reared in Bucks county, receiving a common-school education, and at the age of sixteen learned the carpen- ter's trade in Morrisville at which he worked for seventeen years. He then went to farming and since that time has devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits, nine years of which time were spent in Burlington county, N. J. He now resides in Falls township, wliere he owns a very fine farm. He has met with success and is stil! actively engaged in farming. He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Harding, who is of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are the parents of three children : Ella, wife of Hon. Harry J. Shoemaker, a merchant in Tully- town ; Ida, wife of Edward Brown ; Elmer, in school at Trenton college. Mr. Wright and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member of the board of trustees. He has served several terms as school director and was several times juryman at Doylestown. Stephen Wright, retired farmer, P. O. Fallsington, was born July 23, 1801, and has spent most of his time in tliis county. He was a poor boy and earned money to pay his schooling. After working nine years he had saved $300 and enou"h to buy a horse. During this time the highest wages he received were $100 per year, and in 1821 he worked for $60 per year. He was married B^ebruary 26, 1826, to Sarah, daughter of John Hellings, of Bristol. For nearly thirty years after his marriage he rented a farm, and saved enough to -purchase a small farm, which he did in 1854. He had five sons, one daughter afid twenty-one grandchil- dren. His wife was a member of the Cliristian church and died in 1876. Mr. Wright is a republican. Harvey Wright, deceased, son of Stephen and Sarah (Hellings) Wright, was born in Falls township, August 4, 1829. He received a common-school education, became a farmer, and at the time of his death owned a well-improved farm. He was married in 1857 to Maria, daughter of John and Sarah (F'lanagan) White. They had one son, M. Williamson Wright. Harvey Wright died in 1872. M. Williamson Wright, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Lower Makefield township, June 25, 1859. He is a son of Harvey and grand- son of Stephen Wright and was an only child. He received his education at Penn Valley and at Trenton. He chose farming as a vocation and since his father's death has had full charge of the latter's farm. In 1886 he was married to Sadie, daugliter of James and Elizabeth (Stinson) Fabian. She is of English descent. In politics Mr. Wright is a republican. 926 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER XXXII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— HAYCOCK. CAPTAIN JOHN II. AFFLERBACH, farmer, P. O. Keller's Church, was born in this townshipin 1840. His grandfather married Dorothy Stoneback, who was the mother of thirteen children. Abraham was the seventh child. He married Mag- dalene Bibighaus and had four children, of whom John is the only one living. He was raised on the farm, and received a good public school education. He was mar- ried in 18G8 to Abbie, daughter of John and Catherine (Kramer) Fulmer, of Bucks county. Four children were the result of this marriage : Anna Mary (deceased), John Franklin, Abraham Lewis and Emma. Mr. Afflerbach was drafted in 1862 as a private, and was pi'omoted to the rank of captain, being in the service nine months, through Wasliington, Virginia, and the Carolinas. After his return from the war he, in the spring of 18G4, engaged in mercantile pursuits for nine years, six of which were spent in conducting the general store at Bedminsterville, where dur- ing this time a large and lucrative business was established. Retiring in the spring of 1873, he moved to the farm on which he now resides. He owns sixty-one acres of land, nearly all of which is under a good state of cultivation. He and his family are members of the German Reformed church. In politics he is a democrat. Levi F. Ahllm, farmer, P. O. Richland Center, was born in this township in 1838. Jacob Ahlum, who was the first of the name in this county, came from Germany to America about 1750. He had two sons, one of whom enlisted in the Revolutionary war at tiie age of 18 years. Jacob Ahlum purchased a large tract of land, part of whicli is now owned by Levi F. Thomas Ahlum, a descendant of this pioneer, married Julianna Fullmer, of this county, by whom he had two sons : Levi and Reuben. In 18G6 Levi married Amanda, daughter of Tobias Trumbauer, of Rockhill township. They were the parents of three children : Leidy, Annie and Estella. Mr. Ahlum farms about one hundred and sixteen acres of land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and politically is a democrat. Henky Applebacii, deceased, was born in Haycock township in 1818, and died in 1865. He was the second son of Daniel and Catherine (Apple) Applebach. He married Sarali Jane, daughter of James Ely, of Monroe county. The result of this union was four children : Hannah Camille, the wife of Rev. J. S. Stahe, of P^reedensburg ; Jennie, who was born in 1860; and James H. and Daniel. Mr. Applebach was an active business man, and was engaged principally as a dealer in stock, which he carried on successfully in connection with his brother Paul. Miss Hannah, a sister of the above, is the youngest and only remaining female member of this family. She was born in 1828, and remained with her parents until t!ie age of 23, when she lived with her brother Paul, and now is the owner of the home- stead. Miss Jennie, the youngest daughter of Henry Applebach, is a graduate of the Linden female seminary at Doylestown, and makes her home with her aunt, Miss Hannah. Paul AprLEBACH, deceased. The Applebachs were originally natives of Wur- temberg, Germany, and were extensively engaged there In the manufacture of iron. Near the close of the revolutionary war Henry Applebach with two cousins came to jU'u^^n^^^^L^ (k^^t::^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 929 America and located in Bucks county. Henry was a blacksmith and lived in Springfield township. Six children were born to him, three sons and three daugh- ters. Daniel was the youngest and was for many years justice of the peace in liis township. He married Catherine, daughter of Paul Apple and sister of the late Judge Apple. They had seven children. Paul was the oldest son and was born in 1816 and died in 1872. He was major-general of the militia and was an active, progressive citizen, wielding large influence in the upper districts of his county. He was an able politician and was a candidate for the house of representatives and the senate, but on account of the strong democratic majority against him was de- feated. He had one son, Harry, who was born in 18(56. For a period of two-and- a-half years the latter has been a student in (he Keystone Normal school, and for the past three years has been engaged in teaching, principally during the winter months, and is preparing to read medicine. Aaron D. Atiieriiolt, tanner, P. 0. Tohickon, was born in Haycock town- ship in 1843. David Atherholt was a tanner and lived to be 86 years old. AVIien a young man he came to Haycock township and purchased forty-three acres of land, whereupon he erected a stone tannery and during the remainder of his life he carried on the tanning business. He married a Fulmer, to whom seven children were born, five sons and two daughters. Joseph was the oldest. He was born on the farm and at an early age learned the trade of his father, which he followed up to his death. He married Catherine Dieterly, a daugliter of Michael Dieterly, of Bucks county. Three sons and four daughters were born to this union. Aaron D. was the sixth child. He attended public school till he was 16 years old, when he left school and learned the trade of his father, which he has carried on at the same place ever since, also superintending the farm of forty-three acres purchased by his grandfather. In 1865 he was married to Emma F. Strawn. He has three chil- dren : Lavinia, Emma and Wilson. Mr. Atherholt is one of the most progressive men in his township. In politics he is a republican. The family are members of the German Reformed church. TnojfAS C. Atherholt, wholesale dealer in china, glass and queensware, 422 Market street, Philadelphia, was born on his father's farm in Haycock township, Bucks county. Through his mother he is a descendant of Edward McCarty, of revolutionary fame. His great-grandfather was Nicholas McCarty, who served under Washington at Valley Forge and who was widely known in the northern part of the county as a justice of the peace in the early days of the republic. The McCarty.s were among the pioneers of Haycock and Nockamixon townships. Tlie father of the subject of this sketch was named Samuel, and was married to Hannah, daughter of John G. McCarty. They had three children, of whom Thomas was the second and the oldest son. His father dying when he was but three years old lie lived with his grandfather, David Atherholt, until he was 14 years old, when he was apprenticed for three years to learn the business of storekeeping. He then entered Hemingway's academy at Milford, N. J., where he stayed tor more than a year, and then again engaged in mercantile pursuits. Having a good education^ at the a^e of 20 he went to Wisconsin, where he engaged in teaching. Imbibing from his patriotic ancestors a spirit of hatred to every form of oppression, and especially to that of human slavery, he soon went to Kansas and took an active part in the anti- slavery ranks under John Brown and James Lane against the border ruffians. AVhile in Kansas he was also engaged in surveying government lands. Two years later, in 1868, he returned to Bucks county and again engaged in mercantile busi- ness, first at Stover's Mill, in Haycock, and later at Pipersville and Point Pleasant. In 1868 he removed to Trenton, N. J., engaging in the wholesale china and queens- ware trade. In 1872 he removed to Philadelphia and began the wholesale china business under the firm name of Atherholt, Fisher & Co., and ten years later sold out to his partners, and in 1884 commenced his present business under the firm 48 930 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. name of Thomas C. Atherliolt & Co. He was married in 1859 to Martha C, daughter of Henry Fretz, of Bucks county. They have had five children : Samuel, Edgar Frank, Arthur Thomas and Joseph Octavius, living, and Wilson David, who died in infancy. Mr. Atherholt and his family are members of Trinity Reformed church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the I. O. 0. F., and politi- cally is a republican. John Bartholomew, retired, P. O. Applebachsville, was born in Bucks county in 1803. His father, Benjamin Bartholomew, married Elizabeth Home, who bore him eight children, three of wliom are now living. John was the second son and was born on his father's farm. At the age of 14 years he learned the shoe- making trade from his father, who had long been in that business. In 1836 Mr. Bartholomew married Veronica, a daughter of Philip Frankenfield, of Bucks county. They have had five children, one deceased. Those living are : Jacob, Franklin, Sarah and Mary (Mrs. Allium). For a period of forty years Mr. Bartholomew worked at his trade, but gave it up finally in 1862. He came to his present place in 1863 and commenced the mercantile business, which he carried on for nine years, after which his son took charge of the store. Mr. Bartholomew is probably the old- est man in Haycock township, and though showing the marks of a long business life is quite active for a man of his years. He is a member of the Lutheran church and cast his first vote for General Jackson. David M. Clark, farmer, P. O. Richlandtown, was born in "Washington, Washington county. Pa., in 1850. His grandfather, Robert S. Clark, came to America from England in the year 1805, and was a real estate agent and convey- ancer. Two sons were born to Robert S. : James and Robert, the latter now de- ceased. James, father of David M., was born in Philadelphia in the year 1812. He married for his second wife Sarah Ann Fitz Randolph in the year 1840. She bore him ten children and died in 1878. David M. was a son of this marriage. James Clark, D.D., married a third time, in his old age, Mrs. Sarah Hires, sister of F. Shepperd, of Philadelphia. He was also the father of two children by the first marriage. David M. Clark attended the schools and classical academies in Philadelphia until the age ot 17 years, when he came to Bucks county and located on his present farm. In 1872 he purchased this farm, which has been- greatly im- proved under his management. In 1873 he married Miss Annie B., daughter of Samuel S. Bean, of Quakertown. Seven children are the result of this marriage: Bennington (deceased), David B., Stella (deceased), Annie, Mary, Walter and Gertrude. Reverend James Clark, D.D., now a resident of Philadelphia, was for the greater part of his life a minister, which position he ably filled. He was grad- uated from the University, of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1830, and was or- dained to the gospel ministry by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J., in 1837. His first pastoral charge was in the Tennent church. Freehold, N. J., and his last in Lewisburg, Pa. He was president of Washington college. Pa., 1850-52. He received the degree of D.D. from Jefferson college. Sarah Ann Fitz Randolph, wife of said James Clark, was the daughter of Francis C. Fitz Randolph, Esq., of Newark, N. J., and his wife, Phebe Halsey F. Randolph (born Crane; by whom he had ten children, of whom David M. is the sixtli. Mrs. Sarah Ann Fitz Ran- dolph was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., September 23, 1821, and departed this life November 6, 1878. Her remains rest in Woodland cemetery. West Philadelphia, a loving and faithful wife and mother. Tlie Clarks are members of the Presbyte- rian church and politically republicans. The Frankenfield Family — Adam Frankenfield came to America from Germany, and settled in Springfield township. He had eight sons ; Henry, the oldest, married Catherine Weaver, to whom were born two sons and two daughters. Henry came to Haycock township in 1808, and purchased sixty-five acres of land from one Jacob Harwick. There were four children in this family. The eldest son, Henry, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 931 married Anna Datesman, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shellenberger) Dates- man, of Hilltown township, this county. They had three sons and two daughters. For thirty-five years Henry Frankenfield was justice of the peace for Haycock town- ship, and he held other positions of trust. His eldest daughter, Mary, was born in 1832, and in 1855 was married to Abraham Youngken, a son of Nicholas and Mary Youngken, of Nockamixon township. One son was born of this mar- riage, Abraham F. Abraham Youngken died in 1856. She was again married to Aaron Ziegenfuss in 1861. Five children have been born of this marriage: Ella- manda, Anna, Mahlon, Henry and Harvey. Harvey is deceased. Elizabeth, the second daughter, was born in 1835, and was married in 1853 to William S. Nase, a son of David and Maria Nase, of Springfield township. Two children have been born of this marriage. One died in infancy, and the other, Harvey, is a graduate of the Springtown academy. The eldest son of Henry Frankenfield, Jonas, was born in 1838, and in 1860 was married to Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Cathe- rine (Deaterly) Atherholt, of Haycock township. They have two children : Sarah at home, and Edwin a student at Kutztown Normal school. Jonas Frankenfield has remained on the farm of one hundred acres, which he now owns, since 1861. This farm is in a high state of cultivation. He is treasurer of the Haycock Run creamery, a member of the Lutheran church and a democrat. Mahlon D. Frankenfield, second son of Henry, was born in Haycock township in 1841, and was married in 1866 to Jennie, daughtei- of Jacob Maust. She died in 1867, having had one child, wlio is deceased. He again married, in 1870, Catherine, daughter of John Fulmer, of Hill- town township. Eight children have been born of this marriage: Asa, Emma (de- ceased), Laura, Ira, Alice, Mahlon, Catherine and Maggie, all at home. Mahlon D. Frakenfield was born and reared on his father's farm, whicli he now owns. He attended the Quakertown High schoo 1 and the Bucks County Normal school, and graduated from Eastman's Business college, Poughkeepsie, in 1865. He has been justice of the peace since 1871. He is also surveyor and conveyancer. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a democrat. Abel Frankenfield, the third son of Henry, was born in 1848, and was married in 1871 to Mary C, daughter of John and Diana (Sassaman) Hager, of this county. They have three children: Aden, Annie and Harry, all at home. Abel received a liberal education, and in 1877 engaged in general merchandising and does an extensive business. He has a farm of sixty acres conducted by his son under his surpervision. He is assistant postmaster at Haycock Run and the oflftce is in his store. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is a democrat. Dr. Milton H. Herbine, physician, P. O. Applebachsville, is a native of Berks county, and was born in 1857. The ancestors of the family came from Holland in 1740, and settled in Oley township, Berks county. Dr. Jonathan S. Herbine, a grandson of the first pioneer, is now a practising physician at Sinking Spring, Berks county. He married Elizabeth, a daughter of Jacob Winters, of Berks county. Six children were the result of this union, Milton H. being the oldest. The latter attended the public schools until 17 years of age, when he entered Palatinate college, at Myers- town, remaining there two years, after which he engaged in teaching for two years. In 1876 he commenced to study medicine under his father. In 1877 he entered Jefferson Medical college, at Philadelphia, and graduated in 1879, at the age of 21. In 1884 he married Lizzie, daughter of R. B. Delp, of Church Hill, Bucks county. Tiiey have had two children : Carrie and Hattie, the former deceased. In 1879 Dr. Herbine came to Applebachsville, where he has since remained, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. He and Mrs. Herbine are members of the German Reformed church. Politically the doctor is a democrat. Rev. Father Gerard "Henry Krake, rector, P. 0. Bucksville, was born in Germany, March 21, 1849. His father, also named Gerard Henry, the second son of Hermann, and Mary Krake, was born June 15, 1815. After having attended 932 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. school eight years he remained on his father's farm in the township of Gruetlohn, borough of Borken, Munster, Westphalia, Germany. About 1846 a friend named Drogterd persuaded him to go with him to America. They sailed to New Orleans and thence went to St. Louis. Mr. Krake soon after returned to his fatherland, and married Christina Ilebing, of Borken. Their children were : Gerard Henry, our subject; John Gerard, now a Franciscan father in Wisconsin ; Gerard Joseph, who died in 1879, wiiile preparing for the priesthood ; and Hermann Bernard, who is at home. Having finished the eight years' course of study required by law in Germany, his parents required him to work at home and at his father's sister's aunt, Mrs. Adelheit Schulze Schierenberg, in Borken. A year later he was sent to a near college to study languages, etc. He chose the missionary life of a priest in this country, and in 18G9, after having finished his course in college,' and having taken special lessons from neigliboring clergymen, when the Catholic Bishop of Philadel- phia stopped off' his journey to Rome at Miinster, desiring some German students, Gerard H. Krake wished to go, and soon he came to Philadelphia and was sent by the Eiglit Rev. Bishop Wood into the seminary of St. Charles Borromeo. In 1874 he was ordained subdeacon March 12, and later in the same year deacon. March 7, 1875, he was ordained priest by Right Rev. Bisliop Crane, and on the 17th of the same month was appointed assistant at St. Bonifacius church, at Philadelphia. July 30, 187G, he received liis present charge of St. John the Baptist's Parish, at Hay- cock, including the missions of Durham, Marienstein and Piusfield. Aaron Landis, farmer, P. O. Richland Center, was born August 18, 1829. The Landis family came originally from Germany, and settled in America at an early period. George Landis, a descendant of these early settlers, was born in Le- high county, Pa. lie married Anna Myers, who bore him two sons and six daugh- ters. John, the second son, married Susanna, a daughter of George Detwiler, of Bucks county, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. John died at the age of 81 years. Aaron was the third of this family. For over one hundred years tlie farm now owned by Mr. Landis has been in the Landis name. His grandfather, George Landis, willed it at his death to his son John, and the latter willed it to his son Aaron. The latter was born and reared on this farm, and attended school until 18 years of age. He remained with his father until the latter's death. In 1853 Mr. Landis married Sarah, daughter of Christian and P^lizabeth (Frankenfield) Hager. She was born March 24, 1828. Four children have been born to them: Mary (JIis. Fellman), Emelina (Mrs. D. M. Landis), Jolm H., at home, and Sallie, also at home. John H. is married to Angeline, daughter of William Knachel, a farmer of Haycock township. Mr. Landis has one of the finest farms in Haycock township, his long experience in farm work enabling him to manage the business profitably. He is agent for the Line Lexington Fire Insurance company, and also tiie AVind Storm company. He is a member of the Mennonite church (new school), and a republican politically. Charles Thomas Leitch, druggist, P. 0. Quakertown, was born in Hilltown township, Bucks county, in 1865. His father, Thomas Leitch, was a native of Philadelphia and came to Bucks county about 1860. He married Catherine Walp, a daugiiter of Felix Walp, of Richland township, by whom he liad two children, Cliarles Thomas and Kate Alice (Mrs. Benner). Thomas Lejtch died in 1868. Charles T. attended the public schools until the age of 18, when he took up the study of medicine, William M. Bowen, of Philadelphia, being his preceptor. Mr. Leitch has been a student at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and contem- plates graduating at that institution. In 1886 he purchased the drug store of S. F. Penrose at this place, and is continuing the business at the old stand, having always on hand a stock of pure, fresh drugs. Mr. Leitch purchases his stock direct from Philadelphia and New York. He is a member of the St. John's Lutheran church, and is an active member of the order of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, besides HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 933 has served six months as master of records for the Quakertown Castle, No. 118, K. G. E. Jacob Mkyers, retired farmer, P. O. Keller's Cliurch, was born in Haycock township, January 27, 1807, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Younken) Meyers, and is the sixth son of seven children. He received his education in the common schools. In 1837 he married Caroline, daughter of Abraliam and Catherine Zeigen- fuss. In 1839 a daughter was born to them. Mr. I\Ieyers was a farmer and dis- tiller until the revenue tax law went into effect, and after that devoted his time exclusively to his farm until about 1870, when he retired and resigned his farm to his son-in-law, B. Frank Slifer. He is a democrat and a member of the Reformed church. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church. Franklin G. Meyers, farmer, P. O. Richland Center, was born in this town- ship in 1830. His grandfather was Jacob Meyers, a native of Bucks county, who married Catherine Younken. Five children were born to him, of whom Henry was the oldest. He married Catherine, daughter of Ellas Groover. Franklin G. was the only child born to this couple. He worked on the farm until his father's death, purchasing the property in 1868. In 18G7 he married Lizzie Wolfinger, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Diehl) AVolfinger, of this county. No children have blessed this union. Mr. Meyers is one of the successful farmers of Haycock township, his land being in a high state of cultivation. He and Mrs. JNIeyers are members of the German Reformed church. He has been inspector of elections and assistant assessor of his township. He is a democrat. Jeremiah Ott, farmer, P. O. Keller's Church, was born in Bedminster town- ship in 1829. Jolin Ott, the grandfather of Jeremiah, was a son of Michael Ott, also of Bedminster township, was born in 1770, was reared in Bedminster township, after which he learned the trade of a weaver. In the year 1792 he was married to Dorothy, daughter of John Keller, who owned the place whereon the Ott family now resides. Mr. Keller died about the year 179.S. In tiie year 1800 John Ott bought this place from his brother-in-law, Henry Keller, to whom it was appraised, subject to a petition, filed and approved before the court of this countjs then iield at Newtown, by the heirs of the aforesaid John Keller's estate, it being at that time a tract of about one hundred and forty acres, situated in Haycock township. John Ott lives on this farm, and manages it himself, besides working at his trade. He has had three sons and five daughters : Magdalena, Alexander, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jacob, Hannah, John and Mary Ann, seven of whom are dead. The youngest was married to a Mr. Dietrich (now deceased), of Philadelphia, and she is still living there. His wife died in 1811. He was married a second time to Elizabeth Mars- teller. No children were born to his second marriage. Jacob, the fifth of the family, vi'as born in 1800, worked with his father on tiie farm, in his boyhood, after which he learned the trade of a tailor. In 1829, he was married to Mary, daugh- ter of George Ratzel, of Bedminster township. One son (Jeremiah) was born to this union. Jacob Ott followed his occupation, living the first two years after bis marriage in Bedminster township, then purchasing a lot of sixteen acres in Hay- cock township, whereon he moved and lived up to tiie time of his father's death, in 1851, intestate; the farm was thereupon sold, Jacob buying it in 1852. He sold his lot of sixteen acres, and moved on the farm. He gave up tailoring, and engaged in farming, he with his son farming the place. Jeremiah Ott was married, in 1858, to Lucy Ann, daughter of David Kramer, of Bedminster township. To them were born two sons and three daughters, all living : Lydia Louisa, married to Mr. T. M. Frantz, living at Sellersville, this county ; Oliver K., Ellamanda, Mary Emma, and John Henry, living at home with their father. The mother of this family died in 1872, the farm being bequeathed to Jeremiah at the death of his father, wiiich took place in 1875. His mother is still living on tlie old homestead with her son. Jeremiah Ott received a common-school education, served one term as school direc- 934: HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. tor, togetlier witli other otfices of trust, and has been a farmer all his life. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and a respected citizen. The Ott home- stead has been in the family for upward of eighty- seven years. George Scheetz, merchant, P. O. Applebachsville, is a member of one of the oldest families in tliis part of Bucks county, and was born in tliis county in 1859. George Scheetz, his grandfather, married Hester Fluck, by whom he had eight sons and one daughter. Charles, who was the sixth child, married Magdalena, daughter of John Ilager, of Bucks county. Eight children, all of whom are living, were born to this marriage. George is the fourth child born to his parents, who are now aged respectively 63 and 57 years. Charles Scheetz was more than 40 years engaged in the mercantile business, which his sons have now taken up, and are following in the footsteps of their father, who has had a long and successful career in that business. George Scheetz left school at the age of 17 years to en- gage in business. lie clerked for liis father and brother until 1883, when he engaged in business for himself at Keller's Church, and remained there four years. In 1887 he located at Applebachsville, where he carries on a general merchandise business. He is an active young man, full of push and energy, and is a member of the Masonic order, and the Improved Order of Red Men. Politically he is u democrat. B. Frank Slifer, farmer, P. 0. Kellei-'s Church, was born in Springfield town- ship, on April 25th, 1840. He is tlie son of John and Caroline Slifer and the sec- ond son of seven children. He was born and reared on his father's farm and was educated in the public schools. In 1869 he married Sarah Ann, daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Ziegenfuss) Mover, of Bucks county. No cliildren have been born of this marriage. Mr. Slifer now owns the farm where he resides, having purchased one hundred and twenty acres from his father-in-law. His wife is the only child of her pai'ents. He is a republican, and both himself and wife are members of the German Reformed church. Abraham Z. Stover, farmer and miller, P. 0. Keller's Church, was born in this township in 1840. About the year 1810 the first Stovers came to Haycock township. His grandfather, Abraham Stover, was born July 9, 1793, and was mar- ried to Susanna Stover in 1814. He bought the mill and farm in 1816 from Wil- liam Stokes, and occupied the homestead until his death, April 20, 1874. After his death the mill and farm were by will given to his second son, John S., and after his death to his two sons. In 1880 Abraham Z. bought the property. The homestead has been in the Stover name seventy-one years. Abraham Stover had nine chil- dren. Henry L., the eldest, was born in 1815 and married Mary Ann, daughter of Henry Ziegenfuss, of Rockhill township. Nine children were born of this union, six of whom are now living, Abraham being the eldest. The mother died in 1870, aged 53 years, and the father is still living. From the age of two and one-half years Abraham lived with his grandfather until the latter's death. In 1868 he married Amanda, daughter of John Eitter, of Springfield township, this county. They have had three children: Ely (deceased), Watson R. and Elmer. Mr. Stover has a large grist-mill on his farm, where all kinds of family milling are done. He is a member of the Mennonite church and politically a republican. Samuel B. Thatcher, retired, P. O. Richland Center, was born May 24, 1822. Both of his grandfathers came to this country previously to the revolution. His father was a native of New Jersey, and died in 1844. His mother's maiden name was Afllerbach. She was born in this county and died in 1864. Their children were: William, Albertus, Aaron, Catherine (deceased), Samuel B. and Rachel. Samuel B. was born May 24, 1822. . He was married February 24, 1855, to Deborah Shelly and has had four cliildren : David and Samuel, deceased, and Charles and Kate. He lived on his father's farm till 1860, when he was elected prothonotary of the county by the republican party. At the expiration of his term of office he moved HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 935 back to liis old home. He was a school director for eighteen years, deputy United States collector for six years, and assistant United States revenue assessor for six years. He was also a director of the Quakertown National bank. He has retired from farming and his son succeeds him on the homestead. In politics he is a repub- lican. Isaac Weierbacii, retired farmer, P. 0. Applebachsville, was born in Bucks county, March 13, 1805. Isaac Weierbacii, his grandfather, married Ann Frey, by whom he had six children. Jacob was the oldest of these. He married Elizabeth Akerman, who bore him one child. Mrs. Weierbach died, and he married Mary Amey, to whom six children were born, Isaac being the second son. The mother of these children died, and Mr. Weierbach married for his third wife Eebecca Wool- slicker, who bore him eleven children. Isaac Weierbach remained with his father until 1825, when he married Mary, daughter of Michael Derr. They have had eleven children, one of whom died in infancy. Those who lived to maturity are : Absalom, Jacob, Monroe, Sano, Annie (Mrs. Strawn) ; deceased, Matilda (Mrs. Knechel), Rebecca (Mrs. Apple), Hannah (Mrs. Lewis), Catherine (Mrs. Wasser) and Sarah (Mrs. Reiss). The mother of these children died in 1870. Mr. Weier- bach has retired from farming and resides on the homestead, while his son-in-law, Mr. Knechel, carries on the work of the farm. It consists of one hundred and fifty- six acres, most of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Weierbach is a mem- ber of the German Reformed church, and a democrat politically. Jacob D. Weierbach, farmer, P. O. Applebachsville, was born in 1833 in Haycock township. He is the son of Isaac and Mary (Derr) Weierbach, who had eleven children, of whom Jacob was the sixth. He was born and reared on his father's farm and attended school mostly during the winter months till he was 17 years of age. He married Annie Mary, daughter of Leonard and Mary (Rice) Laudenberger, of Lower Saucon township. Nine children were the result of this union : Titus H., married ; Sallie, Ida, Ella, James Monroe, Annie, Isaac Jacob (deceased), Warren Oscar (deceased), Kate (deceased). In 1867 Mr. Weierbach purchased one hundred and two acres of land of which he has about eighty-five acres under cultivation. He has always been a hard-working man and has been successlul. He is a member of the German Reformed church and a democrat. CHAPTER XXXIII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— HILLTOWN. DR. TITUS ALBRIGHT, physician, P. 0. Hatfield, Montgomery county, was horn in 18G1. His grandfather, Daniel Albright, .was born in Germany, crossed the ocean with his parents at the age of 7 years, settled in Lehigh county and eventually came to Ililltown township, this county, and remained there until his death, which occui-red when he was 84 years of age. He was three times married. The second wife was the mother of six children, of whom Henry was the first son, and was born in 1818. He was 13 years old when his father settled in Hilltown. He was reared on his father's farm, and married Catherine High. He was engaged in the real estate business and conveyancing for a period of twenty-five years. '^He was justice of the peace in his township, and in his time was held in 936 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. high esteem. He died in 1874. His widow is still living, aged 66 years. They were the parents of twelve children, ten of wliom are living. Dr. Titus Albright was the youngest of the family, and from the age of six to sixteen attended the public schools, after which he was a student at the normal school at Millersville for two years, and one of the teachers of the Hilltown public scliools for three years. In tlie spring of 1883 he commenced the study of medicine. Dr. Kratz, of Doyles- town, being his preceptor. In the aulumn of 1883 he entered the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated after three years. Dr. Albright was married in 1883 to Lizzie, daughter of Leidy and Mary (Lewis) Eckel, of Hilltown township. They have had two children : Eva and Blanche. The doctor located at his present home soon after graduating. His ability as a physician and his genial manners have enabled him to build up a lucrative practice, which will no doubt increase as he becomes better known. He is a democrat politically. Samuel Anglemoyer, architect, plumber and steam fitter and carpenter, P. 0. Lawndale, is a native of this township, and was born in 1834. His great- grandfather came from Germany. His grandfather came from Northampton county. His son, Henry, married Mary, daughter of Martin Fretz. They had ten children, of whom but four are living. Samuel was the youngest child, and at the age of 11 years left school and engaged in various pursuits until he was 15, when he learned the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years, and after that work- ing at journey work for about one year; he was employed as borough carpenter, in which capacity he served for about twenty-three years. He married Louisa Ann, daughter of John Hangey, of Montgomery county, Pa. John Hangey had four children : Allen and Louisa Ann, living: and Hannah and Mariah, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anglemoyer had four children : John Henry, Lovinia, Allen and Hannah (deceased). For a period of years previously to settling at his present home, Mr. Anglemoyer carried on farming in connection with his other business where his son now lives. He is a member of the Mennonite church, and a republican politically. Gideon Appenzeller, farmer, P. O. Soudertown, Montgomery county, was born in 1823. Jacob Appenzeller, the pioneer of the family, came from Switzerland about 1735, and settled in Hilltown township. He married a lady named Ober- holtzer, and had two sons, Jacob and Henry. The latter joined the British army. Jacob married Nellie Savacool, and had three children : Henry, Jacob and Eliza- beth. Jacob married Elizabeth Ulp, who bore him three children : David, Hannah and Aaron. Mrs. Appenzeller died, and he married Susanna, daughter of Paul and Marie (Delweiler) Biehn. They had three children, of whom Gideon was the oldest. The mother died in 18G3. Gideon remained with his father until he was 17 years of age, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for six- teen years. In 1852 he purchased his present farm, containing sixty-seven acres, and three years after gave up his trade. In 1855 he married Marie, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Boyer) Gearliart, of Bucks county. They had three sons : Jacob, who is now with his father on the farm, and is engaged in teaching during the winter months; Henry, a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal church in Corea, where he has been since 1884 ; and Milton, also at home. Mr. Appenzeller is a progressive and intelligent farmer. He has held the office of school director for jiine years, has been assistant assessor, a director of the Hilltown and Sellersville turnpike company for filteen years, and secretary of the Dublin & Soudertown turn- pike company. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and is a democrat politically. Samuel Bacokn, farmer, P. 0. Hilltown, was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., in 1841. His grandfather, Henry, came to America from England. This pioneer had a son, Henry, who married Susan, daughter of William Warner, of New Jersey. Seven children were born to this couple, six of whom are now living. Samuel was the third son, and was reared on a farm. At 12 years of age he left school. He / ^-iZ.^.^ '>%^ ^'t/yL^ — HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. 939 continued to do farm work, and at the age of 27, in 1868, he married Mary Ann, daughter of John and Harriet Grier. Tliey had six daughters, all of whom are living : Georgianna, born in 1869 ; Josephine M., born in 1870 ; Jennie S., born in 1872 ; Lucy G. and Harriet G. (twins), born in 1875 ; and Ella M., born in 1880. Three of these daughters have attended Mt. Seminary, a female institution at Bir- mingham, Huntingdon county. Pa., of which their uncle, L. G. Grier, is principal. In 1883 Mr. Bacorn purchased his present farm, consisting of one hundred and six acres, which is beautifully located and for richness of soil is not surpassed by any farm in the county. He has, by his own labor and business ability, made a success at farming. He and all the members of his family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a democrat. JoxAS G. Bergey, blacksmith, P. O. Fricks, was born in Montgomery county in 1839. His grandfather, Henry Bergey, married Lizzie Castle, by whom he had seven children. Isaac was the oldest child, and married Lizzie Garges. Ten children were the result of this union, of whom Jonas was the sixth. Since the age of 24 years he has been engaged in the blacksmith business. In 1862 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John G. and Sarah (Shoemaker) Swortley. Five children were born to this couple, one of whom, Silas, is deceased. Those living are : Sallie, Eeinhart, Wilson and Maiy. Mr. Bergey has, by his own industry, been able to secure for his family a comfortable home. The children are taking advantage of the opportunity offered by their parents of securing a good education. The family are all members of the Mennonite church. Mr. Bergey is a republican. Henry S. Cope, farmer, P. 0. Sellersville. Tliere is probably not an older family in Hilltovvn township than the Cope family. Yost Cope was the name of the original pioneer. He was a farmer, and came to America from Wurtemberg, Ger- many, about 1727. He and his wife, Dorotha, had two sons, Abraham and John Adam. Henry S. is a direct descendant of the latter, who married Margaret H., daughter of Henry Hartzell, and had eleven children. John, who was the seventh child, married Susanna, a daughter of William Savacool, of Bucks county. Six children were born to this union, of whom Henry S. was the third son. His father died in 1862, and his mother in 1873. In 1861 Henry S. married Eliza, daughter of Hon. Jacob Erdnian. Mr. Cope was born and reared on a farm, and for ten years was engaged in Philadelphia as a clerk in the grocery trade, a part of tliat time being a partner in the business. He left it on account of poor health, and for three years was employed as a traveling salesman for a Philadelphia house. After that he came to his present home. Mr. and Mrs. Cope are the parents of six children : Ida (Mrs. Appenzeller). John, Laura, Sallie, Jacob and Edwin. Mr. Cope owns seventy acres of land, which are part of the large tract that was once in possession of his ancestors. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church. Leidy L. Cope, physician, P. 0. Hatfield, Montgomery county. Pa., a descend- ant of one of the oldest families of Hilltown township, is the second son of J. F. and Marie (Leidy) Coi)e, and was born in 1859. He was born and reared on liis father's farm, where he remained until 19 years of age ; then for a period of two years he was a student at the Sellersville High school. In 1880 he began the study of medicine, Drs. Fretz and Ritter being his preceptors, and in April, 1880, he entered the Jeffb-son Medical college at Philadelphia, graduating in 1883. The same year he began the practice of medicine at his home, continuing there until January, 1887, wlien he removed to his present location. In 1886 he married Sadie Estella, daughter of Eli and Sarah (Rothrock) Ziegler, the former a prominent merchant of Hatfield, Montgomery county. No children have been born to this marriage. The doctor is Lutheran and his wife is Reformed, and are members of the Emanuel church, Franconia township. In 1885 the doctor was elected as organist for the Union choir of said church. 940 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Eli O. Crouthamel, farmer, 1?. 0. Hilltor\'n, was born in Bedminster township in 1838. George Croutliamel, grandfather of Eli, married a lady named Rush, by whom he had nine children, six of whom grew to maturity. Peter was tiie eighth child. He married Catherine, daughter of Frederick and Eve (Deiterly) Ott, by whom he had ten children, six now living. Eli was the third son, and was born and reared on a farm. He attended school during the winter months, and remained on the farm until he was 18 years old. In 18G2 he married Barbara, daughter of John and Barbara (Rlckard) Sherm, of Bucks county. Four children were born to this couple : Abbie Bertha (deceased), Emma Catherine, Oscar Wilson and Warren Leidy. Mr. Crouthamel has always been engaged in farming, living in many parts of the country. In 1877 he came to his present place, purchased the farm, and has since resided there. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically is a democrat. Hilary Crouthamel, manufacturer of men and boys' clothing, P. O. Line Lexington, is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Hunsberger) Crouthamel. The ancestors of this family came to America from Germany at an early period. Our subject's grandfather, Andrew, was the son of one of two brothers who emigrated from Ger- many to this country. Joseph and Lydia Crouthamel had four sons and seven daughters, of whom Hilary is the youngest son and fourth child. Our subject mar- ried, in 1863, Mary E., daughter of John Eikhart, of Hilltown township. They have three sons and one daughter : William A., Adam A., Elmer and Orphia, all living. Our subject attended school in his early life and at 17 years of age entered practical life. After having been a tailor's apprentice for two years, he worked at the trade until he was 25 years of age, when he was married. At this time he pur- chased the establishment where he had been employed, and with the small sum of $100 began business. One of his brothers joined him in the management of the firm, which was carried on for the period of five years under the name of Croutha- mel & Bro., and since tliat time he has had exclusive control of the business. Mr. Crouthamel is a prominent member of the church. Thomas Curley, farmer, P. 0. Hilltown, was born in county Galway, Ireland, in 1837. Patrick and Mary Curley were the parents of seven children, four of whom are deceased. Thomas was the oldest son and second child. He left school at an early age, having but few advantages to obtain an education. In 1848 he came to America, and for a period of fifteen years was engaged in farming in Pennsylvania and New York. During the "gold craze," he went to California, and from there he went to Australia. His expectations not being realized he returned to California, and from there East. In 1874 he came to Bucks county, and purchased his farm of eighty acres, where he now resides. In 1865 he married Mary J., daughter of John and Mary (Preston) Hawkins, also of county Galway, Ireland. Three children were born to this couple, one of whom died in infancy. Those now living are : Thomas Francis, born in 1875 ; and James Patrick, born in 1881. Mr. Curley is a successful farmer, and by his strict application to business, and the aid of his wife, now has a good farm and good buildings. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. He is an independent democrat. Jacoi! a. Detweiler, farmer and cattle dealer, P. 0. Blooming Glen, was born in this county in 1835. His grandfather. Christian Detweiler, married a lady named Reiff, who bore him eight children, one of whom is deceased. Josepli, the second son, married Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick Oldeifer. This couple had eight children, of whom Jacob A. was the youngest. He married Hannah, daughter of Martin and Mary (Hile) George. Twelve children were born to this union : Henry, Enos, Mary E., Milton, Diana (deceased), Ellamanda, Wilson, Frank, Emma Linda, Sallie, Kate (deceased), and Howard. Mr. Detweiler was born and reared on a farm, and attended school till he reached the age of 14 years. He re- mained on his father's farm until he was 21 years old, when he engaged in farming HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 941 for himself. In 1876 he came to hiS present place, where he has since remained. He is now engaged in shipping to the New York and Philadelphia markets. He is a memher of the Mennonite cliurch, and a republican politically. Joseph B. Detweileu, clothing manufacturer, P. 0. Soudertovvn, Montgomery county, was born in Bucks county in 1848. His grandfather was Henry Detweiler, whose son, Joseph, married Hannah Bergey, by whom he had eight children. Joseph B. was the youngest son, and was but two years of age when his father died. He was placed under the care of an older brother, with wliom he remained until he was IG years old. During tliis time he attended scliool in the winter, working on the farm during the summer. Soon after he attained tlie age of 16 he learned the tailor's trade, and at 18 commenced the manufacture of clothing, and with the exception of one year has carried on that business since. In 1869 Mr. Detweiler married Sallie D., daughter of Henry and Rachel (Delp) Stover. They are the parents of nine children, all living: Ida, Sallie, Henry, Isaac, Kate, Rachel, Hannah, Joseph and Martha, all residing with their parents. Mr. Detweiler pays out §500 per week for the manufacture of men's and boys' clothing, which he receives ready cut from the wholesale houses in Philadelphia. In addition to this, he superintends the work on his farm, which consists of eighty-five acres of land in a high state of cultivation. In 1884 Mr. Detweiler was ordained a minister of tiie gospel in the denomination " Brethren in Christ," and since that time has labored for the cause. Politically he is a republican. Joseph Feetz, farmer, P. O. Dublin, was born in Hilltown township in 1831, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Benner) Fretz. His grandfather was Henry Fretz, who had nine children. Henry was the youngest of these, and was born in 1800. He married Catherine Benner, by wiiom he had three children, Sarah and Joseph being twins. Joseph Fretz was born and reared on a farm, and remained with his father until the deatli of the latter. In 1867 he married Esther, daughter of Henry L. Kulp, of Hilltown township. They were the parents of five children : Sarah Ann, Henry, Emma Jane (deceased), Catherine and Harvey. ' Mr. Fretz has always been a hard-working and industrious farmer, and now in his declining years is enjoying the result of his labor, being the owner of one of the best farms in this section of the country. His wife died in 1878. Mr. Fretz is a member of the Mennonite church, and politically is a republican. Francis J. Feick, merchant, P. O. Fricks. The first pioneer of this name came to America from Germany. He had two sons, of whom John was the oldest. He married Anna Rohr, by whom he had five sons and one daughter. Samuel, the youngest child, married Mary Landis (now deceased), a daughter of George and Annie Landis. Three sons and a daughter were the result of this union, one of whom, Jolin, married Susanna, daughter of Jacob Swartley. They were the parents of four children, of whom Francis J. was the third. For a period of twenty years John Frick was engaged in the mercantile business. He died in 1875, and his wife is still living. Francis J., who is an active, enterprising young man, has assumed control of the business, which is carried on in its usual profitable way. In 1883 he married Ida, daughter of John G. Barndt, of tiiis county. They have one child, Howard. Until the age of 17 years, Mr. Frick was a student at Conway scliool, and later attended the high school at North Wales. BIr. and Mrs. Frick are mem- bers of the German Reformed church. Mr. Frick has been postmaster for four years, and politically is a republican. Henry Gerhart, merchant, P. O. Lawndale, was born in this county in 1845. His grandfather was Abraham Gerhart, whose son, Elias, married Esther Cope. Nine children were born to this couple, of whom Henry was the seventh. Mr. Gerhart left home at the age of eiglit years, and lived among strangers. At 16 he learned the shoemaking trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years. After that he was engaged in the business for a period of twenty years. In 1882 he came to 9i2 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Lawndale and was engaged in the general merchandise trade with Jacob C. Wismer,and in 1883 purchased the interest of Mr. Wismerand assumed sole proprietorship of the business, which he has since conducted. In 1871 Mr. Gerhart married Emma E., daughter of Carey and Sophia (Scheip) Snyder, of this county. They have three children : Leidy, Harriet and Emma Jane, all of whom are living. Mr. Gerliart's store is well filled with all kinds of goods found in country stores, which are ex- changed for produce. lie was appointed postmaster in 1883. He is a member ot the Ueformed church, and is a republican politically. CiiRiSTOPiiER S. GuLiCK, justicc of the peace, P. O. Blooming Glen. The ori- ginal ancestor of the Gulick family came from Switzerland to America at an early date. To this pioneer a son was born, named Jonathan. The latter married Urily Aaron, by whom he had one son and three daughters. This son married Christiana Swartz, who was the mother of eight children, two deceased, Christopher being the youngest son now living. He was born and reared on a farm, where he remained until he was 25 years old. At the age of 18 years he left the common schools, and for five summers after was a student at the Sellersville graded school, and during tlie winter months was engaged in teaching. He married Emma H., daugliter of Rev. Abraham F. and Hester (Hunsberger) Moyer, of this township. Born of this mar- riage is one son, Arnon, born January 8, 1886. Since Mr. Gulick's marriage he has been engaged principally in teaching school. In 1880 he was elected justice of the peace by the republican party. JoSErn S. Johnson, superintendent of creamery, P. 0. Blooming Glen, was born in this county in 1834. Robert Johnson, grandfatlier of Joseph S., came to America from England at an early date. To this pioneer eight children were born, seven sons and one daughter, Robert being the eldest. He married Rebecca, daugh- ter of George and Margaret (Wort) Sine, of Bucks county. They had ten chil- dren, six of whom are still living. Joseph S. was the youngest son, and third child. He left school at the age of 15 years, and learned the saddlery trade, serving an apprenticeship of two and a half years. He followed this business for fifteen years. In 1856 he married Salome, daughter ol' John S. Moyer, who bore him one son, Henry, deceased. His wife died in 1858, and Mr. Johnson was again married, in 1859, to Hannah, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Moyer) Hunsicker. Two chil- dren were born of this marriage : Emma, at home, and Abraham (deceased). Mr. Johnson has, since the establishment of the creamery at Blooming Glen, been super- intendent of its works, which position is filled each year by the board of directors. He is a member of the Evangelical church, and is a republican politically. John R. Khout, merchant, P. O. Dublin, was born in this county in 1848. Philip and Elizabeth (Kilmer) Krout, his grandparents, had a family of two sons and one daughter. Samuel, the second son, married Susanna, daughter of Charles Reinliard, a native of German}'. This couple, who are both living, were the pa- rents of eight children, of whom John R. is the oldest. At the age of 15 years he learned the jeweler's trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years in Plumstead township, finishing tlie trade in Philadelphia, and continuing the business for him- self until 1879. At that time he engaged in the mercantile business in Montgomery county for three years, after wliich he returned to this place. Mr. Krout was mar- ried, in 1871, to Louisa Printz, who died without issue. In 1878 he was again married to Bernie, daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Hoppock, of this county. No children have been born to this marriage. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is a democrat politically. Henry M. Kulp, farmer, P. 0. Dublin, was born in this township in 1836. The first of the family of whom we have any record was Jacob Kulp, who was born May 21, 1689. His wife, Sarah, was born January 6, 1690. Their son Isaac, born in 1710, had a son Jacob, who was born April 16, 1737, and married Elizabeth, daughter of John Fretz, born July 9, 1739. Their children were : Isaac, Jolin, Abraham, Dil- HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 943 man, Henry, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Barbara and Catherine. Of these Isaac was born March 3, 17G2, married Mary Beclitel, and had eight children : Jacob, Dilman, Moses, Isaac, Mary, Elizabeth, Gertrude and Frances. Jacob, the oldest, never married. Dilman married Catherine Rosenberger, and had two sons and three daugliters: Jacob, Isaac, Mary Ann, Catherine and Elizabeth. Gertrude married Isaac Meens and had a son, Levi, and a daughter, INIary. Elizabeth married Daniel Rickei-f, and had three sons. Mary married Jacob Eosenberger. Frances married John Frick. Abraham mari'ied Sarah Hunsicker. They had six sons and three daughters : Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, John, David, Henry, Sarah, Barbara, and Elizabeth. Jacob moved to the state of Ohio. Dilman married Hester Leizy. They had one son and one daughter. Henry, the oldest, married, first, Elizabeth High, by whom he had three children. She died and he married her sister, Mary, who had five children. She died, and he was married to Catherine Fretz, widow of John Fretz. Elizabeth married Samuel Angeny. Henry, grandfather of Henry M., married Ann Hunsicker, and had three sons and one daughter. Jacob, the old- est, married Barbara Hunsberger. Isaac, father of Henry M., married Anna Moyer, and had one son and one daughter. Joseph married Elizabeth Moyer, and they had four sons and one daughter. Elizabeth married David Angeny, and had two sons and two daughters. Gertrude married Jacob Hunsberger. Pjlizabeth married Henry Silfuse. Barbara died single. Catherine married Simon Musselman. Henry M. was reared on the farm where he now resides, and which he owns. His parents are both living, the father aged 79 and the mother 71 years. Mr. Kulp married Mary Ann, daughter of Dilman and Christiana (Rosenberger) Kulp, of Montgomery county. They have one son, Isaac. Mr. Kulp is held in high esteem by all who know him. He has held many positions of trust, most prominent among which is treasurer of the creamery at Dublin, which position he has held since its establishment in the summer of 187S. He is also a director of the Dublin & Soudertown turnpike company. He is a Mennonite, and a republican. JosiAii AV. Leidy, retired farmer, P. O. Bean, was born in Hilltown township, in 181 G. His grandfather, Henry Leidy, was also born in this township, and mar- ried Barbara Roudenbush, of Bucks county. Four sons and two daughters were born to this couple. George, the eldest ciiild, married Mary, daughter of Abraham "Wambold, by whom he had ten children, five of whom are now deceased. Josiah was the second son, and was born and reared on his father's farm, where he remained until the death of his fatlier. His father dying when Josiah was 16, the old home- stead was purchased by Peter D. Bloomer. Mr. Leidy was married in 1843 to Caroline, daughter of George Cope, of Bucks county. They had five cliildren : Edwin, a justice of tlie peace and school teacher; Benjamin F., a cashier in Penns- burg bank ; Mary (deceased), Lydia (Mrs. Beidler), and one who died in infancy. Mr. Leidy left school at the age of 16 years, and for a period of fourteen years was engaged in teaching during the winter months, and worked on the farm during the summer. In 1862 he was elected by the democratic party county commissioner lor three years, and in 1881 was elected clerk of tlie orphans' court for three years. He was nominated by acclamation for that oflSce, and was elected by a large major- ity over the strongest man on the republican ticket. He is president of the Telford & County Line turnpike company, treasurer of the Hilltown & Sellersville turn- pike company, and manager of the Mutual Fire Insurance company at Line Lexing- ton. Mr. Leidy is a member of the German Reformed church, and politically is a democi'at. Alfred D. Long, carriage manufacturer, P. 0. Blooming Glen, was born in Lehigh county in 1854, and is a son of Ephraim and Hannah Long. Alfred was tlie third son in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are now living. The parents are both living and are residents of Lehigh county. Mr. Long attended the public schools till the age of 16 years, after which he learned the wheelwright's trade, 944 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. serving an apprenticeship of three years. For twelve years after that he was engaged in journey work. In 1878 he located at his present place, purchasing the property in 1881. In 1880 he married Amanda, daughter of Henry M. Hunsberger, of this county. They have two children, Delia May and Clarence E. Mr. Long is a pro- gressive man, who has by his own energy and perseverance secured for himself a business which demands the respect and confidence of all who know him. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically is a democrat. John H. Mathias, deceased, was born in 1811, and died in 1881. The Matliias family is one of the twenty families who emigrated from Wales to America about 1730, and located in Bucks county. Abel Mathias married Sallie Howell, to whom there were born eight children. John H. was the youngest. He married, in 1840, Jane, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Hoff) Mason, of New Jersey. Four children were born to this couple : Abel, at Eapid City ; Dr. Andrew, in Dakota; John, deceased; and Miss Sallie, a graduate of Lewisburg College. John H. Mathias was prominent in Hilltown township, and was a man of more than ordi- nary intelligence, a successful farmer, and for many years justice of the peace. His widow and only daughter reside on the homestead farm, the management of which is superintended by them. The family are members of the Baptist church. Levi Means, agent for agricultural implements and fertilizers, etc., P. O. Blooming Glen, is of Scotch and Irish descent. His great-grandfather came to America at an early date and located in Bucks county. There was one son born to this pioneer named Henry. He married Miss Swortz, to whom were born ten chil- dren. Isaac, tlie oldest son, married Gertrude Kulp, by whom he had three chil- dren : Henry, jNIary and Levi. The latter went with his parents to Ohio at an early age. He remained with them until the death of his father, when he returned with his mother to Bucks county. Since then he has remained here, with the ex- ception of a few years. He left school at the age of 15 years and learned the shoe- making trade. After an apprenticeship of three years he followed it for a period of fifteen years. In 1859 he married AVilhelmina, daugliter of Alfred and Mary Car- ver, of Bucks county, by whom he had one child, Maggie, now Mrs. Ruth. His wife died in 1860 and Mr. Means was again married in 1861 to Elizabeth King. Mary Etta, Isaac Grant and Ida are the children born of this marriage. The mother of these children died in 1875 and he was again married in 1875 to Anna E. Rosenberger. J. C. MiCHENER, veterinary surgeon, P. 0. Colmar, Montgomery county, was born in Buckingham township in 1844. The family is of English descent. William Michener, who came to America about the time of William Penn, was one of the first settlers of Plumstead township. He had ten children, of whom Meshick was born April 22, 1737, and married a Miss Trego, of Wrightstown. They had ten children. Of these Thomas was born August 21, 1778, and married a Bradshaw, to whom ten children were born. Isaiah was one of the youngest. He was born in Buckingham township and made a study of veterinary surgery, practised for twenty years and passed a satisfactory examination at Dr. Dodd's college at Boston and also at the " Philadelphia Keystone Veterinary." He married Hester, dau"-h- ter of John Good, of Bucks county, and had ten children, of whom eight are now living. The mother died in 1875. J. C. was the third child. He remained with his father till he was 22 years old, studied medicine under his father, and after a two years' course at the University of Pennsylvania, graduated in 1865, but makes a specialty of veterinary surgery, and holds a certificate from the " Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association of Philadelphia." He was married in 1866 to Anna C, daughter of Holcomb Ely, of Bucks county. They had four children : Edward M., Linford, Rebecca and Anna C. (deceased). The mother died in 1880. The doctor was again married, in 1881, to Emma, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Robbins) Smith, of Montgomery county. No children have been born to this marria<'e. In HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 945 1879 Dr. Michener purchased fifty acres of land, his present farm, the work of which he superintends, devoting most of iiis time, however, to his profession. Rev. a. F. Moyer, minister and farmer, P. O. Blooming Glen, was born in Montgomery county in 1823. Christian Moyer, his grandfatiier, was the father of six children, of whom Abraham was the youngest son. He married Elizabeth Fretz, by whom he had three sons and four daughters. Three of the family are still living. Abraham was the youngest child, and at the death of his mother came to Bucks county and was placed under the care of an uncle, remaining with him until he was 16 years of age. After that he was employed as a clerk in a store, wliich occupation he followed until he was 21 years of age, when he married Hester Hunsberger, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Moyer) Hunsberger, of this county. They have had eleven children: Mary Ann, now Mrs. S. H. Moyer; Henry H., carpenter; Allen H., clerk Adams Express company, Philadelphia; Jacob H., at home on the farm ; Reuben H., in Philadelphia; Aaron H., in Philadelphia; Isaac H., a farmer; Abraham H., a tailor; Lizzie, now Mrs. Charles Castle; Emma, now wife of C. S. Gulick, justice of the peace, and Annie, whose death at the age of 14 is mourned by the family. Her death was caused by her clothes taking fire at a stove. Mrs. Moyer died at the age of 48 years, her death occurring in 1873. Mr. Moyer was again married, in 1874, to Annie Hunsberger, a widow, and daughter of Abraham L. Moyer. In 1855 Mr. Moyer was ordained a minister of the gospel and since that time has been the Mennonite minister for the Blooming Glen church. In 1847 he moved to his present farm, where he has since been. He is an active worker in the church, and by all who know him is highly respected. He is a re- publican politically. Isaac H. Moter, farmer, P. O. Blooming Glen, was born in this county in 1820. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Susanna (Blaim) Moyer. They had four sons and three daughters, of whom Christian was the eldest son. He mar- ried Kate, daughter of Isaac Hunsberger, of Bucks county. Five children were born to this union, of whom Isaac was the second son. He was born and reared on his father's farm, left school at the age of 19 years, and learned the shoemaking trade, which he followed for two years. In 1850 he married Annie, daughter of Martin and Susanna (Bechtel) George, of Montgomery county, Pa. They had nine children, eight of whom are now living. Their names and births are as fol- lows: Mary Ann, born 1851; Henry, born 1852; Susanna, born 1854; Ephraim (deceased), born 1856; Sarah, 1859; Christian, 1861; Hiram, 1864; Elizabeth, 1866, and Allen, 1869. Mr. Moyer resides on the farm where he was born and reared, and at the death of his father purchased it. Among the positions of trust which he has held are: treasurer of the Blooming Glen Dairy association, treasu- rer of the turnpike company since its foundation, school director for a number of years and trustee of his church. He is a member of the Mennonite church and politically is a republican. Jonas D. Moyer, retired, P. O. Dublin. Mr. Moyer's grandfather came to America from Germany at an early date. Born to this pioneer was one son, Joseph, who married Elizabeth Detweiler, of Montgomery county. Pa. They had six chil- dren, of whom but three now remain, Jonas D. being the second son. He was born and reared on a farm, and left school at the age of 18 years. He was a student at the boarding school at the " Trappe." After the age of 20 years he was employed in teaching school, which he continued until he engaged in the mercantile business, which covered a period of thirty years. In 1848 he married Caroline H., daughter of Jacob S. and Sarah Harley. They have three children : Theodore, born in 1851 ; Ellen Jane, born in 1853; Jesse H., born in 1856, now a resident of Texas. Mrs. Moyer died in 1886. Mr. Moyer has retired from active business pursuits. No man in this township is more highly respected than he. After a long life of active work and successful business transactions he is now enabled to reap the fruit of his 946 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. labors. He has held many positions of trust, and is at the present time a director in the Doylestown National bank, secretary of the D. & D. T. P. company, secre- tary of the Dublin Dairy association, and is a trustee and deacon in the Baptist church, of which he has been a member for many years, and is also superintendent of the Sabbath school. Politically he is a republican. Samuel M. Mover, farmer, P. 0. Lawndale, is a son of Jacob and Hannah Moyer. His grandfather, Samuel Moyer, married Susan Blaim, by wiiom he had four sons and two daughters. Jacob was next to the youngest of this family. Samuel M. Moyer and wife lived with his father-in-law, in Montgomery county, from 1868 to 1871, when he moved to Bucks county, where he now lives. He mar- ried Hannah, daughter of William Moyer, of Springfield township. They had four children, of whom Samuel was the youngest. He attended school until he was 14 years old, and remained with his father on the farm until he was 25 years of age. In 18G7 he married Mary, daughter of Enos and Leanna Moyer, of Montgomery county. Pa. They are the parents of the follovving children : Allen M., Leanna M., Enos M., William M., Jacob M., Samuel W., Mamie Stella, and Henry Clayton. In 1871 Mr. Moyer purchased his present place of fifty-five acres, and in 1873 he bouglit another place of thirty acres, where he has since been engaged in farming and marketing, going to Philadelphia each week with all kinds of produce. He is a stockholder in the S. & D. turnpike company, and also in the Blooming Glen creamery. He is a member of tiie Mennonite church, and is a republican politically. A. F. Myers, physician and surgeon, P. O. Blooming Glen. Among the self- made and promising young men of this township may be mentioned Dr. A. F. Myers. He is the sixth child born to John K. and. Marie (Fretz) Myers, of this county. Leaving the public schools at the age of 19, Mr. Myers entered the Normal school at Millersville, Pa., and after an attendance of about two years completed the course there. For many years he taught school during the winter months, and attended school himself during the summer. He commenced the study of medi- cine under Dr. S. S. Brumbaugh, of 'Pipers ville, this county. In 1882 he entered the Missouri Medical college at St. Louis, taking a three years' course, and was gradu- ated in 1885. Returning east, in order to become a practising physician in this state, he passed a very creditable examination at the Medico-Chirurgical college of Philadelphia, and since that time has been a practising physician and surgeon at Blooming Glen, where, by his success in treating intricate cases, and his ambition to become more proficient in his profession, he has gained the confidence of the people and enjoys a lucrative practice. J. B. EoSENBERGEU, merchant, P. 0. Dublin, was born in this township in 1847. His grandfather, Eli Rosenberger, married Miss Hunsberger, also of this county, by whom he had two children, Isaac and Henry, twins. Isaac married Susanna, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Fretz) Bishop, of Bucks county. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom are now living. The father died in 1887, and the mother is still living, aged G6 years. J. B. Rosenberger, a son of this couple, was born and reared on a farm, and left school when IG years of awe. After that he taught school for a number of years during the winter months, and worked on the farm during the summer. He remained with his father until he was 2G years of age, when he engaged in the mercantile business. At the age of 28 he married Sallie M., daughter of William F. and Elizabeth Moyer, of this county. Her father is deceased. They have three children : William M., Allen M. and Susie M., all living. Mr. Rosenberger has been in the mercantile business for fif- teen years, and at present is one of the firm of B. F. Shearer & Co. He is also engaged personally in the flour and feed business, and is a successor to Charles Gabel. He is a member of the Mennonite church, and politically is a republican. William H. Rosenberger, commission merchant, P. 0. Hilltown, was born in Montgomery county in 1837. Isaac D. and Elizabeth (Detweiler) Rosenbero-er ^^^O.^tfA/^^'^^ HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 949 were his grandparents. Eight children were born to this couple, of whom but two remain. Martin D. was the oldest son. He was also born in Montgomery county, and married Sarah Sellers. Four children were the result of this union, William being the oldest, and Frank, his only brother, the youngest. The latter is now in Texas. At the age of 15 years Mr. Rosenberger left school and engaged in business for two years following, clerking in Philadelphia, and for four years was engaged in the retail grocery business for himself in that city. At the expiration of that time he returned to the country and located in Leidytown, where he carried on the manu- facture of cigars for thirteen years. In 1857 he married Marie, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Koftle) Mowrer, of this county. Two daughters were born to this marriage: Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Myers, of Hilltown) and Arvitta, at home. Since 18G0 Mr. Rosenberger has been at his present home, where he is engaged in farm- ing, making a specialty of the commission business and carrying all kinds of pro- duce to Philadelphia once a week. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a republican in politics. George R. Ruos, superintendent of creamery, P.O. Bean. The "Walnut Lawn creamery" was built in 1880 by an incorporated association, of which An- drew Hartzell was president and F. Hartzell secretary ; the managers being : George Easton, Jonas Loii, David Derstine, Jacob Souder and John A. Fluck, these officers being elected by the stockliolders. This association existed until 1886, wjien the property was sold to F. S. Hartzell. Since that date the institution lias been under the management of H. D. Ruos & Bros., formerly of Doylestown. Joseph A. Ruos, the father of these gentlemen, came from Switzerland to America. He mai-ried a Miss Daaz, of Germany, by whom he had four sons : William, Joseph, H. D. and George R., who are all engaged in the creamery business. From fifty to sixty cheeses are made per week in the creamery, besides a great quantity of butter which is shipped to Philadelphia and New York markets. The power is furnished by a ten-horse power Erie engine and a fifteen-horse power boiler. Tlie Ruos brothers are among tlie active, enterprising young men of the county, and have con- trol of an industry which under their management ranks second to none. It is creditable to such young men that they are able to manage a business which, but a few years ago, was tiiougiit could only be successfully prosecuted by men who had grown old in the service. B. F. Shearer, general merchandise, P. O. Dublin, was born in Montgomery county in 1852. B. W. and Harriet (Kneedler) Shearer were the parents of six cliildren, two of whom ai-e deceased. One son was killed at the battle of Malvern Hill during the late war. B. F. Shearer is the youngest living child of this couple. He received his education at the Doylestown seminary. At the age of 19 years he came to Dublin, and for a period of five years was employed as clerk in the store which he now owns. At the expiration of that time he was admitted as a partner, the firm name being J. S. Rickert & Co., which existed for seven years, when a new partnership was formed, J. S. Rickert retiring. In 1884 Mr. Shearer purchased the property, and a general merchandise business is now being successfully carried on by the proprietors, B. F. Shearer, C. Frankenfield and J. B. Rosenberger, the firm name being B. F. Shearer & Co. In 1875 Mr. Shearer married Miss Lizzie, daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Swortley) Beidler, of this county. They have three chil- dren : William (deceased), Gertrude and Herbert. Mr. Shearer, by business tact and fair dealing, has succeeded in coming to the head of a firm doing a business of $70,000 per year, the patronage extending throughout a good portion of the sur- rounding country. Since June 10, 1873, he has been a member of the Odd Fel- lows, Doylestown lodge, and in 1883 was instrumental in organizing the I. 0. of R. M. at Dublin, from which date up to the present time he has been secretary. He is also postmaster at Dublin, receiving his appointment under President Cleveland's administration. Politically he is a democrat. 49 950 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Henry H. Sheli.enbergkr, farmer, P. O. Sellersville, was born in 1837 on the farm wliich he now owns. His grandfather, Conrad Shellenberger, married Eva Leidy, by whom he had two sons and six daughters. John was the oldest, and mar- ried Catharine Snyder, by whom he had four sons and four daughters. His wife died and he married Elizabeth Harr. Henry H. was the only son born to this mar- riage. John L. Shellenberger died in 1882, aged 90 years, and his wife in 1884, aged 80 years. Henry H. left school at the age of 16, and since then has de- voted his time entirely to the work of the farm, which he purchased at his father's death. In 1867 he married Sarah G., daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Groff, of Bucks county. They had five children : Lizzie, Levi, Kate, Ida and Charles, all at liome and attending school. Mr. Shellenberger has sixty-one acres of land, forty- nine of which are in a high state of cultivation. His residence and buildings are on a slight elevation which overlooks the whole farm. He and his family are members of the German Reformed church. Politically he is a democrat. Henry II. Snydkr, farmer, P. O. Fricks. There are probably few older fami- lies in Hilltown township than the Snyder family. They trace their ancestry back to one Jacob Schneider (that probably being the original spelling of the name), who married Elizabeth Yost, by whom he had five sons and five daughters. George was the oldest son of the family. He married Mary Wittig and had five children. His wife died and he married Lydia Hartzell, by whom he had one son, Henry H. She died in 1858, and Mr. Snyder married for his third wife Elizabeth Martin, who died in 1864. He then married Caroline Ackerraan. No children were born to the last two marriages. Mr. Snyder died in 1884. Henry H. Snyder was born in 1842, and was reared on the farm, where he has always lived, and wliich he now owns. In 1865 he married Amanda R., daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Reiff) ReifF, of Bucks county. Three children were born to this union : Elmer R., now a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia; Sallie E. and A. Mamie, at home. George Snyder divided the original tract of one hun- dred and fifty acres owned by his father, Jacob, between his two sons, Francis and Henry H. The latter is now profitably engaged in the commission business, beside carrying on his farm. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church. He is a stockholder of the Hilltown & Sellersville turnpike company. There are but few farmers to-day who have taken so much pride in the education of their children as Sir. Snyder has done, and the benefit of it will be felt long after the parents have f>assed away. Abraha:*! F. S'wartz, teacher, P. O. Lawndale, was born in Montgomery county in 1882. Abraliam Swartz, his father, married Susanna, daughter of George and !Margaiet (Biehn) Frj', by whom he had seven children, only two of whom are now living. Abraham F. was the youngest child, and at the age of two and a half years came to Bucks county. His father died when he was seven months old, and ISIr. Swartz was placed under the care of an uncle, who then owned the farm which our subject now owns and occui)ies. Mr. Swartz lived with his uncle on the farm. At 16 he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, and at the age of 18 began teaching. Fi'om that time to the present (a peiiod of thirty-four years) he has taught school, principally during the winter months. In 1856 he married Catherine Siegfried (born in 1831), by whom he had six children: Susanna Louisa, Mary S., Isaac Franklin, John (deceased), Abraham Lincoln and William Henry (deceased). The mother of these children died in 1872, and Mr. Swartz was again married, in 1882, 10 Mary C. (born 1848), daughter of Andrew and Catherine B. (Cassel) Swartz, of Montgomery county. They had two children: Norman S., born in 1883; and Maurice S., who was born in 1884, and died in 1885. Mr. Swartz was elected assessor for the township in 1860 and served seven years. In 1884-5 he was sec- retary of the Blooming Glen creamery. He is a stockliolder in the creamery at Blooming Glen, and also of the turnpike company, and is a member of the Rockhill Mennonite church. Politically he is a republican. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 95 L Jacob C. Wismer, clothing manufacturer, P. O. Lawndale, was born in this county in 1848, and is a son of Cliristian and Mary (Cassel) Wismer, the latter a daughter of George Cassel, of Montgomery county, Pa. Seven children were born to this couple, six of wliom arc now living. Jacob was the oldest son, and was born and reared on a farm. He left school at the age of 17 years, having been a student at Ursinus college, in Montgomery county. lie remained on his father's farm until he was 23 years of age, when he engaged in the raei-cantile business at Lawndale, where he continued for ten years. At the expiration of tliat time he sold out his stock of store goods and leased the property to other parties, and started the manu- facture of men's and boys' clothing for a Philadelphia firm. lie does a business of about $35,000, that amount being annually paid for the manufacture of clothing. In 1874 he married Catherine, daugliter of Peter S. Stout, of Bucks county. They had three sons: Joel (deceased), Cliarles and William, now at home. Mr. Wismer is regarded by all who know him as an enterprising and upright man, and enjoys tljc confidence of the people of his county and those with whom he does business. He is a director of the Dublin & Soudertown turnpike company, and in politics is a republican. CHAPTER XXXIV. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— LOWER MAKEFIELD. FREDERICK T. BEANS, farmer, Dolington P. 0., was born on the farm he now owns and occupies, October 31, 1836, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Holcomb) Beans. His paternal grandfather was Benjamin Beans and his maternal grandfatlier was Samuel Holcomb, a farmer of Upper Makefield. Benjamin, father of Frederick, had four children: Pliebe A. (Mrs. Robert K. Burroughs), Sarah E. (Mrs. William S. Janney, M. D.), Frederick T. and Caroline, wlio died in 1859, aged 14 years, 7 months and 18 days. Frederick was reared on the farm and was educated in the common schools and Tremont seminary, at Norristown, Pa. He married Sarah J., daughter of J. Holcomb and Sarah A. (Longshore) Walker, of Solebury, by whom he lias had six children : Caroline L., Horace II., Eugene L., Mary L. and Anna E., and B. Franklin, the second child, wlio died at tlie age of 6 months, March 11, 18G1. William Beans, retired farmer, P. 0. Yardley, was born in Upper Makefield township, January 24, 1812, and is a son of Cliarles and Sarah (Buckman) Beans. His paternal grandfather was Benjamin Beans, who married Mary Smitli. He was a son of Jacob Beans, an early settler of Buckingham township and of Welsh de- scent. All were farmers of Bucks county. Benjamin Beans, after his marriage, settled in Lower Makefield and lived and died tiiere. His children were: Racliel (Mrs. Yeomans Pickering), Sarah, Elizabeth, Charles, Jonathan, Benjamin, Jr., and Seneca. Of these Charles was a farmer, and was for many years a resident of Lower Makefield. In later life he removed to Falls townsliip and died there. He married Sarah, daughter of William Buckman. The latter was a farmer and mill owner, and a prominent citizen of Lower Makefield, and was for several years justice of the peace. Charles and Sarah Beans were the parents of six children: William, Mary (Mrs. Job Garwood), Benjamin, Hannah (Mrs. Jesse B. Twining), Lydia (Mrs. Albert Comfort) and Charles D., Jr. William Beans was reared in Lower 952 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ;^[akefield from the age of seven years. March 28, 1838, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Heston) Lovett, of Lower Makefield township, by whom he had had two children, Daniel and Sarah (Mrs. Daniel Lovett). After his marriage Mr. Beans located in Falls township, this county, where he resided fifteen years. He then returned to Lower Makefield, where he has lived ever since. Algernon S. Cadwallader, P. O. Yardley, was born in Lower Makefield township, Bucks county, in 1828. He is descended on his father's side from the Cadwalladers and Taylors, and by his mother from the Yardleys and Staplers. All these families were cotemporaries of William Penn in the early settlement of Penn- sylvania ; all were members of tiie Society of Friends, and active in both private and public affairs. He was educated at the public schools until he was 16 years old, when he was sent to a boarding-school in Chester county under the care of Benjamin Price (a brother of, the late Eli K. Price, of Philadelphia), where he remained for some time, after which he finished his education at the Attleboro academy, under the tuition of James Anderson. He lived with his father on the farm until he was 21 years of age, when he moved to the village of Yardley, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he followed for several years. In 1853 he married Susan Josephine, eldest daughter of William and Sarah (Hart) Yardley, a woman of great worth, by whom he had nine children: Lydia Y'^ardley, the eldest, married George Warner, Jr., of Philadel- phia ; William Y. married Carrie E. Lansing, of Trenton, N. J. ; J. Seymour, a very promising young man, died in his 21st year ; Letitia >S. married Edmund R. Wil- lets, of Trenton, N. J. ; T. Sidney married Ida R. Weeks, of Lancaster, Pa. ; Sarah Yardley married George F. Craig, of Philadelphia; Augustus J., Mary Anna and Helen M. are living at their father's home. Wiien a young man Mr. Cadwallader ■was an active and ai-dent Henry Clay whig, imbibing the principles of protection to American capital and American labor, whicli, year by year, have strengthened with him, and he now thinks it the most important question before the American people. After the disbandment of the whig party he became an active republican. In 1861 he was nominated for state senator, and though the county at that time was largely democratic, he was defeated by only a small vote. This was the only election, since he gained his majority, in which he did not cast a ballot. From the time of his nomi- nation until after the election, he was confined to his bed by very serious illness. In 1865 he was appointed collector of internal revenue for the fiftli district of Pennsyl- vania, and in 1878 he was a candidate for congressional nomination for the sixth district of Pennsylvania (Bucks and Montgomery counties), and had a majority of his own county delegates, but was defeated by the action of Montgomery. In 1886, at the earnest solicitation of many Bucks county republicans, he was again a candi- date for nomination, and had a plurality of delegates from the home county, on the first ballot, after which he withdrew as candidate. In 1862, at the request of Governor Curtin, he superintended the enrollment of the Bucks county militia, and throughout the war of the rebellion was active and earnest in supporting the Union cause. In 1864 he represented the fifth district of Pennsylvania in the national convention that renominated Abraham Lincoln for president, and was also a delegate to the national convention of 1868, which nominated U. S. Grant, and at various times Mr. Cadwallader has represented his district in state conventions. For the last few years he has been retired from active business, and is still living in the village of Yardley in an old mansion built in 1728, by his great-great-grandfather, Thomas Yardley. Moses Cadwallader, farmer and fruit grower, P. O. Fallsington, was born on tlie farm where he now lives in Lower Makefield township, November 24, 1829, and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Comfort) Cadwallader, natives of Bucks county. John Cadwallader, the predecessor, was descended from the King of Wales. Tra- dition says, that he is tlie original ancestor of all the present Cadwallader family. The Comforts are of English descent. The first to emigrate to America was the HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 953 great-great-great-grandfather, or the sixth generation back. He died on the island of Tortula, in the West Indies, while on a religious visit in 1742. He was a minister of the Society of Friends. The family are descended on the Taylor side from John Sotciier and Mary Loftie, who were William Penn's upper servants, having charge of his property. Mrs. Mary Taylor was Benjamin Cadwallader's mother. John Cadwallader was our subject's great-great-great-grandfather, and Jacob his great- great-grandfather. Jacob, Jr., his great-grandfather, married Phebe Radcliffe, and Cyrus, the grandfather, married Mary Taylor in 1790. He was a farmer and re- sided in Lower Makefield township on the farm where George Justice now lives. He was a member of the legislature at one time and took considerable interest in politics. He was a man of fine appearance. Benjamin, the father of Moses Cad- wallader, married Sarah Comfort, by whom he had six children : Elizabeth (deceased), Mary, wife of Joseph H. Satterfhwaite ; Cyrus, Moses, Benjamin (deceased), and Sarah (deceased). Benjamin was a minister of the Society of Friends. Moses Cadwallader was reared on a farm, and has always lived where he now resides, on the homestead of his father. He is a successful farmer, and is also engaged quite extensively in fruit growing. He was married in May, 1853, to Lucy Burton, by whom he had two children: Ann, deceased, and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Cadwalla- der are members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Cadwallader is an industrious, intelligent citizen and an upright, honest man. Charles B. Comfort, farmer, P. O. Yardley, was born in Falls township, in Penn's Manor, December 22, 1855. He is a son of Albert and Lydia W. (Beans) Comfort, natives of Bucks county and of English descent. The Comfort family originated from England. Josiah, the grandfather, was a resident of Falls township all his life. He was a tanner by trade, which occupation he carried on with a man by the name of Allen, the firm being Comfort & Allen. In his later life he was a farmer. The father of Charles B. was a farmer, and his younger days were spent in Falls township. He moved to Lower Makefield township, where he died in 1859, the day he was 30 years of age. He had but one child, Charles B., who was reared on a farm and has always followed farming. He moved to where he now lives in 187G, when be commenced life for himself. He has a very valuable farm, well im- proved. In 1881 he married Annie Satterthwaite, by whom he has two children: Albert D. and Charles B., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Comfort are members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Comfort is an intelligent and enterprising citizen. EoBKRT S. Dana, M. D., P. O. Morrisville, was born in Circleville, O., Novem- ber 10, 1833, and is a son of Sylvester and Elizabeth (Brown) Dana, his father a native of Wilkesbarre, Pa., and his mother of Bloomfleld, Connecticut, and of French and P^no-lish descent. Richard Dana was the first of the family in America. He was one of the Huguenots born in France about 1612, whence he fled to England in 1G29. He left England about 1640, and landed in the Plymouth colony, subse- quently settling in West Cambridge, near Boston. He died in Massachusetts, April 2, 1G90. Anderson Dana was born in 1733, and emigrated with the Connecticut colony to the Wyoming valley, then AVestmoreland. now Luzerne county. Pa., in 1772, where he made a settlement. He was killed July 3, 1778, in tiie Wyoming massacre, at which time he was a member of the colonial legislature, representing tlie district of Westmoreland in the Connecticut legislature. He was a very promi- nent man, and held a number of offices. His body was never identified after the massacre. Anderson Dana, Jr., the grandfather of the present generation, was born in 1705 at Ashford, Conn. He moved to Wilkesbarre with his father, and after the battle fled back to Connecticut, as did all the other inhabitants of the valley. After several years he returned to Luzerne county to look after his father's property there. He married Sarah Stevens, of Wilkesbarre, and spent the remainder of his life in Luzerne county, where he carried on farming. He was at one time associate judge of the county and councilman, also lieutenant in the state militia, and held a number 954 HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. of imporlant and prominent offices. He was held in high esteem by the people among whom lie lived. At the time of his death lie was 86 years of age. Sylvester, the father of Kobert S., was reared in Wilkesbarre, and graduated at Yale college, re- ceiving the degree oi' Master of Arts when he was about 21 years of age. After he graduated lie returned to AVilkesbarre, Pa., where he studied law with Judge Gar- rick Mallory. When admitted to the bar he went to Ohio, and had charge of Worthington seminary for two years, then practised law with Judge Doane and edited the " Olive Brancli" about tour years, but his health failing, he moved back to Wilkesbarre, where he took charge of the academy, with which he was con- nected as principal until 1839, when he built a fine private academy of his own, which he kept until October, 1865. He then gave up his school and moved to Bucks county on the place where Robert S. now lives, and died there June 19, 1882, aged 77 years. His wife died February 6, 1878. They were the parents of five children : Robert S., Eunice A., Elizabeth, Louisa A. and Ellen. The daughters are living in Trentpn. Sylvester Dana was a man of great educational ability. He had charge of the academy at Jersey Sliore for two or three years, and also at Salts- burg, near Pittsburg, for two years. He never took an active part in politics. Robert S. Dana was but three years of age when his parents left Ohio. He studied under his father until he entered the Jefferson IMedical college, from which he graduated in March, 1857. He studied medicine for five years in Phila- delphia. He pi-actised in Nanticoke one year, and in Wilkesbarre two years. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the 9th Pa. cavalry staff as musician (mounted cavalry band). In September, 1862, he was mustered as a physician in the 107th regiment. Pa. Vols. He entered as assistant surgeon, and was afterward promoted first surgeon of his regiment, and served until the close of the war. After being mustered out lie attended college at Pliiladeliiliia. In June, 1866, he came to Morrisville, and has since continued in practice in this locality. He has a beautiful residence, and is now retired from active practice. He was married June 13, 1872, to Fannie Pawling, of Norristown, by whom he has one child, Sj'lvester, born in 1873. Mrs. Dana is a member of the Episcopal church. The doctor is a trustee and treasurer in the Presbyterian church in Morrisville. He was a member of the school board for eight years, and its president seven years. He was also a member of the town council two years, and is an enterprising and influential citizen. Howard S. Doan, wheelwright, P. O. Edgewood, was born in Lower Make- field township. May 15, 1843, and is a son of George and Mary (Vanartsdalen) Doan. His paternal grandfather was Thomas Doan, a son of Israel Doan, born about 1730. The latter was a farmer of Plumstead township, and during the revolution had his cattle driven away by tiie British. He was a son of Israel Doan, born in 1699, and a grandson of Daniel Doan, who came from Plymouth, Mass., in 1696, and settled in Middletown township. Thomas Doan was a farmer of Bucks county, and had four children: Eliza (Mrs. Benjamin Wolsey), deceased ; Rachel (Mrs. Peter Bailey), Rebecca (Mrs. Henry Watson), and George. The latter was reared on his fiather's farm, and at the age of 17 was ajiprenticed to the wheelwright trade, serving five years. He engaged in business for himself in Springville, this county, in 1834. In 1836 he went to Lower Blakefield, where he has since resided. In 1832 he married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Vanartsdalen, of Langhorne, by whom he has had five children : Sarah (Mrs. O. M. Tliornton), Rachel (Mrs. George Meyers), Howard S., Frank and Ella (Mrs. Jacob Heuscher). Howard S. Doan was reared in Lower Makefield township, and learned the wheelwright's trade with his father, and has carried it on for himself in Edgewood since 1874. He was married January 1, 1867, to Mary, daughter of Charles and Rachel (Slack) Young, of Lower Make- field. They have two children : Augustus C. and Lillie M. Captain David V. Feaster, farmer, P. 0. Yardley, was born in Northampton township, this county, October 27, 1822, and is a son of William and Jane (Van Horn) HISTOBY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 955 Feaster, the former a native of Bucks county, and the latter of New Jersey, and both of German descent. The grandfather, John, kept a hotel in Philadelphia for a number of years, and afterward moved to Nortiiampton township, and bought a farm, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1841. Captain Feaster's father was a farmer. He had nine children : Ann, David V., Rebecca, Lena, Wil- liam, Martha, Elizabeth, Joseph and Susan. David V. was reared on a farm until he was 17 years of age, wlien he learned the wheelwright's trade. In 1844 he moved to Bustleton, and worked as a mechanic until 1849. He then moved to Newtown, and worked in the machine shop until tiie war broke out in 1861, and troops were called for. He raised a company, of which lie was captain, and fought with his company in the 3d Reserve corps of Pennsylvania. He took part in tlie battles at Drainsville, in the seven days' fight on the Peninsula, the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain and Sharpsburg. He was obliged to resign on account of dis- ability. He came home and lived in Newtown, until 1868, when he moved to Byberry, Twenty-third ward, where he was engaged in the machine business for two years. He then came back to Newtown, where he worked until 1884, when he bought tiie farm where he now lives. He lived in Philadelphia one year, and moved to wiiere lie now lives in January, 1886. He was married in 1846 to Mary A. Lugar, by whom he has three children : Harry W., conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad; Jennie H. and Laura. In 1881 he was elected county treasurer, which office he held one term of three years. Captain Feaster is a member of the Masonic frater- nity. He is a very prominent citizen of the county. David Howell, deceased, P. O. Yardley, was born in Lower Makefield township, December 17, 1804, and is a son of Timothy and Rebecca (Margerum) Howell. His father was twice married. By his first wife he had two sons, Levi and Asher. By his second wife, Rebecca Margerum, he had six children: John, David, Sarah, (Mrs. Lewis Moore), Mary, Susanna (Mrs. Joiin Temple) and Martha (Mrs. Samuel G. Slack). David Howell was born and reared in Lower Makefield, where he re- sided until his death in 1804, and was a prominent farmer. His wife was Harriet I., daughter of Francis and Mary E. (Smith) Sandoz, of Bristol, this county, the former a native of France, and the latter of Germany. They settled in this county in 1795. The children of this union were seven daughters, of whom five are liv- inif: jNJary E. (Mrs. E. N. Ely, had one son and two daughters: Howell, Carrie and Ilattie), Martha A. (Mrs. Joshua Maris, had three daughters : Bertha H., Dela H. and Elma H.), Emma, Carrie (Mrs. Samuel W. Throp, had one daughter, Helen A., and one son, Russell R.), and H. Amelia. William Smith Jannet, M.D., 1535 North Broad street, Philadelphia, is a member of the family wliose genealogy is given under the name of Stephen T. Jan- ney, of Newtown township. He was a son of William Janney, who was born in 1810 on the old homestead, which has been in possession of the family since 1684, and who has been almost all his life a farmer in Newtown and Lower Makefield townships, but is now living retired in Newtown boroug^i. His wife, Rebecca, is a daughter of William and Sarah Smith, of Solebury township, where she was born in 1811. Her father was a descendant of Thomas Smith, who came from York, England, in 1686, and settled in Wrightstown, this county. They have had eight children, of whom seven are now living. William S. was the second child, and was born August 12, 1833, in Lower Makefield township. After leaving the district school he attended- the Newtown academy, the Bellevue academy, and finished liis educa- tion as a private pupil of the late Joseph Fell, of Buckingham township. When 17 years old he taught school at Brownsburg, and afterward at Lumberville, at the same time reading medicine ; and attended the lectures at the Pennsylvania Medi- cal college at Phikdelpliia, during tiie winters of 1852, 1853 and 1854, graduating in March, 1854. He began the practice of his profession at TuUytown, this county, where he remained two years, removing in April, 1856, to Leavenworth, Kansas, 956 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. just in time to become involved in tlie noted " border war." Keturning east in the i'all of the same year, be began practising in Woodsville, Mercer county, N. J., where he stayed until 1870; but during that time, in 1862, he went into the army as assistant surgeon of the 21st N. J. Volunteers, and was promoted to sur- geon of the 22d regiment. His regiment, during their ten months' service, took part in the battles of Fredericksburg and Clianceliorsville, and he had ample opportunity for the use of all his skill. In 1870 the doctor removed to a planta- tion in Caroline county, Va., where he staved until 1874, when he renewed the practice of his profession at Eighth and Oxford streets, Pliiladelphia, removing in 1877 to his present residence, on the southeast corner of North liroad and Oxford streets. In 1880 he was elected coroner of the city of Philadelphia by over twenty thousand majority. He has also for the past twelve years been one of the surgeons of the Philadelphia hospital, and deservedly stands high in his profession. In November, 1855, he was married to Sarah Ellen, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Beans, of Lower Makefield township, where she was born in April, 1835. They have had four children, two of whom, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. The survivors are Marianna, born November 2, 1873, and William, born February 18, 1876. Dr. Janney is a member of Post 2, G. A. R., of Philadelphia, and in poli- tics is a republican. David C. Lee, carpenter, builder and proprietor of planing mill, P. O. Yardley, Avas born in Upper Makefield township June 20, 1844, and is a son of Ralph and Ruth (Colman) Lee. His paternal grandfather was William Lee, a native of Phila- delphia, who settled in Wriglitstown, Bucks county, about 1815, and died there. His children were: AVilliam Ralph and Sarah (Mrs. Garrett Johnson). Ralph was reared in Wrightstown and was a carpenter and builder by trade, which he followed in Yardley twenty-five years prior to his death, which occurred in 1876. His wife was a daughter of David and Sarah Colman, of an old family of Upper Makefield. He had nine children, six of whom are now living: David C., Edward IL, Mary A. (Mrs. Frederick Green), Alfred, Wilbur and George. David C. Lee was reared in Yardley, and educated in the public schools of that place. He learned his trade with his father, and lias followed it since he was 16 years of age. In 1886 he built a planing-mill, and engaged in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, employ- ing from eight to fifteen hands, and has the only business of the kind in the vicinity. He married Sarah K. Watson, of Falls township, by whom he has three children : Taylor, Emily and Elwood. Mr. Lee and wife are members of the Episcopal church. Politically he is a democrat. Abraham Livezby, physician, P. O. Yardley, was born in Solebury township, September 15, 1821, and is a son of Robert and Sarah (Paxson) Livezey. His paternal grandparents were Daniel and Margery (Croasdale) Livezey. Daniel was a son of Jonatlian Livezey, who married Catherine Thomas, and Jonatlian a son of Jonathan Livezey, originally from England, and who married Esther Eastburn, of Bristol township, Philadelfiliia county. He was also a son of Jonathan. Robert Livezey, the eldest son of Daniel, was born at Fox Chase, Philadelphia county, February 22, 1780, and in 1796 located in Solebury township, and resided there until his death in 1864. His wife was a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Brown) Paxson. Abraham was a son of Thomas and Sarah (Harvey) Paxson. Tliomas was a son of Henry and Ann (Plumley) Paxson, and Henry was a son of James and Jane Paxson, from Bycot house, Oxfordshire, England, who settled in Bucks county in 1682. Our subject was reared in Solebury and educated at the Attleboro' high school and at Princeton college, and was graduated in 1842, receiv- ing the degree of A.B., and in 1845 the degree of A.M. He entered Jefferson Medical college at Philadelphia in 1843, and was graduated in March, 1845. He began the practice of his profession in Solebury, where he remained until 1850. He was then elected professor of practice in the Female Medical college of Pennsyl- ^^*-.?«p^ "^^^ 1* ~^mi ^^ (^X^^^^^J^ y^(^^-Of^<^t/^x£-, %^1 V'^ i%^;^£&*f .^ s,« •- '^l > ^ I ; J!" ^ ' mSTOEY OF BUCKS COUN'TY. 989 of English descent and members of the Society of Friends. Thomas AVliitson was a farmer. He reared a family of eight children, of whom Jeremiah was the youngest. He was reared on the farm, attending the schools in his native district and also the Friends' school. He served over three years as supervisor of the Philadelphia and Columbia railroad, tiiree years as assistant recorder of Lancaster county, and was also assistant U. S. internal revenue collector at Lancaster, Pa. He has been twice married ; first, in 1832, to Miss Ann S. Owens, who was of Welsh origin. They had four children : Tiiomas C, who is a dealer in real estate in Lancaster, and is also engaged in the insurance business ; Hannah, who is a physician, is married to Dr. J. Henry Lovell, of Philadelphia ; Lydia, wife of Henry Wiley; and Angelina, at liome. Mrs. Whitson died in 1866, and in 1869 lie married Elizabeth, a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Simons) Stackhouse. She is a descendant of early English settlers of Bucks county, and a sister of Joseph Stackhouse. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Wliitson she was the widow of William Newbold. The family are members of the Society of Friends. In 1871 Mr. Whitson retired from business life, and came to Langhorne, where he still resides. John Wildman, bank president, P. O. Langhorne, was born in Middletown township, February 10, 1813, being a son of John and Mary (Knight) Wildman, natives of Bucks county. In 1693 Martin Wildman, the great-great-grandfather of John, came to Bucks county from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Middletown township. He brought Ann, his wife, and six children with him. They were members of the Society of Friends and brought a certificate of membership from the monthly meeting of Settle, Yorkshire, England. Their children were : Matthew, born November 12, 1678; John, February 2, 1681; Joseph, January 23, 1683; James, January 20, 1685; Alice, February 6, 1687; and Elizabeth, September 9, 1689 ; all of whoni were born in England. One of these children, Joseph, was great-grandfather of our subject. His son John (born in Middletown July 8, 1732) was the grandfather of the present John Wildman, and his son John (born March 28, 1771) our subject's father and a successful farmer. He moved to Bensalem township in 1817, and died there in 1842. His family consisted of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity. John was the seventh of the family, and was reared on the farm. He attended the district school, and later the Friends' school in By- berry, Philadelphia. He chose farming as a profession, and in 1840 purchased a farm in Middletown township, on which he lived until 18o0, when he disposed of it and moved to Attleboro, now Langhorne. Since that time he has been agent for the Mutual Beneficial Insurance association of Bucks county, and for several years treasurer of the same. In 1853 he was elected a director and appointed an agent of the Bucks County Contribution (the oldest insurance company in the county), hold- ino- both positions to the present date. He is the only surviving member of the board as it stood when he was elected a member -thereof. He is a republican in politics, and in 1865 was appointed and served an unexpired term as one of the associate judges of Bucks county. He served three years as jury commissioner, and has been one'of the members of the visiting committee of public charities for the county of Bucks since the creation of that office in 1874. When Attleboro (now Langhorne) was incorporated he was elected its first chief burgess. On the organization of the People's National bank of Langhorne he was elected president, continuing to serve in that capacity to the present time. He also had the honor of naming the bank. Besides having been elected and appointed to positions of trust and honor he has, as executor, administrator and assignee, settled many estates, and has served as guard- ian for several orphan children. He has always been a faithful friend and upright citizen. In 1841 he was married to Abigail, daughter of Thomas Thomson. This estimable lady was of English origin, and she and her parents were members of the Society of Friends. They had one child, Jane T., who is the wife of Joseph John Watson, and has two children : Franklin and Abigail T. Mr. Wildman's wife 51 990 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. died in 1868, and in 1871 he was married to Sarah Ann, daughter of Yardley Tay- lor, of Loudon county, Va. She is of English descent and was the widow of Abram Warner. Mr. and Mrs. Warner had four children : Hannah, wife of Phin- eas Briggs, a farmer ; Letitia, wife of S. B. Twining, proprietor of stone quarries at Yardley ville ; William Y., a farmer; and George, a lumber dealer in Philadelphia. All are members of the Society of Fi'iends. Ja^ies Worth (deceased) was born in Kent county, Maryland, February 22, 1775. His parents were Jonathan and Lalethea Worth. His ancestors were among the prominent citizens of the state of Delaware, and were of English and Dutch origin. The Worth family were prominent in the revolutionary war. He came to Piiiladelphia when 14 years of age, and for six years was engaged as clerk in a dry goods store. In 1796 he embarked in the hardware business and met with marked success. In 1812 he bought a farm of three hundred acres of land in Middletown, and in 181.3 he moved there. It was built at great cost, is named " Sharon," and is one of the most beautiful places in Bucks county. Mr. Worth was a thorough agriculturist and a frequent contributor to scientific journals. He was a writer of acknowledged ability. He was three times married. By his first wife he had one child, Mary E., who married Greenburry Ridgely, an Episcopal minister. He established the church at Newtown and one at Hulmeville and at Yardley. Jn early life Mr. Ridgely was a lawyer, and was a partner with Hon. Henry Clay, of Kentucky. Mr. Worth's second wife died without issue. His third wife, who now resides on the Sharon farm, was born in Philadelphia, November 24, 1802. She was the daughter of Andrew Thatcher. Her parents were of English descent and her mother was a member of liie Society of Friends. Her marriage to Mr. Worth was a happy one. She had one child, Millementa Comegys Worth, who is now the wife of Henry Clay Thorn- ton, an attorney by profession. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton have two children : Henry Worth Thornton and Margaret. CHAPTER XXXVI. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.— MILFORD. 11,T1CHAEL F. ACHEY, justice of the peace and school teacher, grammar de- jlVl partment, P. 0. Milfbrd Square, was born in Northampton county. Pa., in ].S.i.5. His great-grandfather, with four brothers, emigrated from Germany. Lewis Achey, grandfather of Michael F., was the father of six children. His son Michael married Mary Wassor, to whom two children were born. Mr. Achey's first wife died, and he was again married to Miss Wirling, daughter of Andrew Wirling, of New Jersey. Nine children were the result of this marriage, two now deceased ; Michael F. was the third son. After passing through the common schools, he was for a time a student at the Normal school. He began teaching in 1874. In 1880 he married Hannah, daughter of Aaron and Susanna (Mussleman) Shimmel, of this township. Their children were : Joseph Warren and Ida Josephine, both living. Mr. Achey is a public-spirited man, and was elected by the democratic party justice of the peace in 1880, which position he now ably fills. He is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church. Mahlon Artman, of Artman &Treichler, wholesale dealers in carpets, oil cloths, etc., 713 Market street, Philadelphia, was born in Milford township April 1, 1833, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 991 and is a son of Enos and Margaret Artman. His education was principally obtained at the Friend's school at Quakertown. At the age of fifteen he was hired to Rich- ard Green to learn the mercantile business. After leaving Mr. Green he clerked successively at Quakertown, Milford Square and Zionsville, Lehigh county. In the spring of 1855 he started on a western tour, returning in the fall of 185G. In Decem- ber, 1856, he was married to Maria Backensto. The next spring he bought out the store of his brother, and carried on business at Zionsville for six years. His wife died in March, 1858, leaving one child, Horace. In 1800 he married Maria Loudenschlager, of Zionsville, who died in 1877 in Philadelphia. By her he had eight children, of whom two died young. Those living are : Edward, Alice, James, Annie, Flora and Stella. In August, 1879, Mr. Artman was married to Emma, widow of Thomas Hauberger, by whom he has no children. His oldest son, Horace, died in September, 1884, in India, where he had been sent as a missionary by the Lutheran church in the spring of 1880. In 1863 Mr. Artman removed to Phila- delphia and was engaged as salesman with Mussleman & Kirk. In 1866 he en- gaged in his present business under tiie firm name of Artman, Dillinger & Co. In 1869 Mr. Dillinger and E. R. Artman withdrew, and M. K. Treichler was admitted as a partner. The business lias steadily increased from $250,000 in 1869 to $1,300,000 in 1886. The business was first located at 216 JVorth Third street, then removed to 219 North Tiiird, and in 1881 to the present location, 713 Market street. Mr. Artman is a Lutheran and a republican in politics. David T. Bretscit, merchant and cigar manufacturer, P. 0. Trumbauersville, was born in this township in 1839. Michel Breisch, his grandfather, was the father of five children, Jonas being the youngest son. He married Sallie, daugiiterof Henry and Sista (Jude) Troxell, of this county. Eleven children were the result of tiiis marriage, tliree now deceased. The mother died in 184'.l, the father being still alive, aged 70 years. David T. was the second son of tliis couple. He began life with a common-school education, afterward learning cigar-making, which he followed till 1852, when he engaged in the coach-making business, following this for three year:-. After that he engaged in the lumber trade for eight years. In 1861 he married Mary, daughter of Charles Koechline, of this county, to whom three sons were born : Leo, Henry and Franklin, all living at home. In 1863 he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, and for a period of eighteen years has been at his present location. In 1885 a partnership was formed under the name of Reiter & Breisch, which carries on the manufacture of cigars and gives employment to over seventy hands. The firm also carries on a general merchandise trade and have a large store filled with all goods generally found in country stores. Mr. Breisch has for the past twenty- five years been a member of the Masonic order and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a democrat. Oliver H. Erdman, dealer in general merchandise and postmaster under Cleveland's administration at Steinsburg, is descended from a family who came from Germany early in the history of this country. The great-grandfather of our sub- ject had seven children. His second son, Henry, married Kate Seams, of Noi'th- ampfon county. This couple had three sons and three daughters, Henry E. being tiie youngest son. In 1848 lie married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Apple) Shinier. They were the parents of two sons, Allen and Oliver H. JMr. Erdman attended the common schools and was at one time a student at Collegeville. Returnincr home lie engaged in mercantile pursuits, which occupied him for nine years, when lie retired and rented the store property. In 1887 he again entered tiie mercantile business at Steinsburg, Bucks county. In 1872 he married Miss Ala- vesta, daughter of Charles and Elvina (Donner) Kemmerer, of Lehigh county. Mr. and Mrs. Erdman are the parents of two ciiildren : Quena and Viola, both liv- ing. Mr. Erdman is a member of St. Paul's German church and is a democrat politically. 992 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. John H. Fisher, horse and cattle dealer, P. O. Trumbauersville. This enter- prising business man was born in Philadelphia August 15, 1828. His father, Michael Fisher, came from Germany to Philadelpliia at the age of 20 years, and afterward married Margaret Cinser, a German lady, who at the age of 12 years came to America with her parents. Born to this union were eight children, six of whom are now living, John H. being the eldest son. In 1854 he married Sarah, daughter of Frederick Ritter. They are the parents of six children : Cliarles, Michael (deceased), John, Maggie (Mrs. Wile), Seth and Lizzie. Mr. Fisher learned the shoemaking trade, which occupation he followed for fifteen years. Since then he has been engaged with his sons, Seth and John F., in buying and selling horses and cattle, averaging for the past fifteen years the sale of four hundred head of horses and twelve hundred head of cattle yearly. The horses are mostly pur- chased in Indiana, and the cattle in Ohio and New York, whence they are shipped to Quakertown and sold at auction to farmers and traders. A large trade is carried on by this firm under the name of Fisher & Sons, which lias won the confidence of the community. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Lutheran church and belongs to the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Knights of the Golden Eagle. In poli- tics he is a democrat. Peter Gerstner, miller, P. O. Steinsburg, is the son of Frederick and Plliza- beth Gerstner, and was born in Prussia in 1804. He came to America in 1832. At the age of 21 Mr. Gerstner learned his trade, which he followed in various jilaces in this county after coming to America, but for the past eighteen years has been at his present location. In 1858 he married Miss Carolina, daughter of Peter vSmith, of Northampton county. They had two children, one of whom is deceased. "William, the survivor, entered school at the age of 16 and was a student of the Kutzfown Normal school, Berks county. In 1881 he married Miss Celesta Jones, of this county, to whom two children were born : Annie and Caroline. At the age of 21 William commenced farming with his father. He is also carrying on the milling trade. OswiN C. Keiper, farmer, P. O. Spinnerstown, was born in Lehigh county in 1848, his great-grandfather having been a life-long resident of Milford, Bucks county. Samuel Keiper, grandfather of Oswin, married Catharine Rosenberger, and had eleven children, five now living; John, tlie second son, was father of Oswin C. He married Rebecca, daughter of Adam and Margaret Carver. The result of this union was three children, of whom our subject is one. Oswin C. attended the com- mon schools until the age of 18, when he was for one year a student at the normal scliool at Millersville. For three years thereafter he taught during the winter months, attending school in the summer time, and from 1870 to 1884 was engaged exclusively in teaching, having been granted a permanent certificate from the state department of public instruction in 1880. In 1876 he married Lizzie, daughter of Isaac Bickel, of this township. Their union was blessed with four children: Minnie A., Elma, Corrinna and Robert Cleveland, all living. In 1884 Mr. Keiper gave up his occupation as teacher and engaged exclusively in farming on his farm, where he now resides. For a period of five years he was assessor of his native township. He is a member of the German Reformed church and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years. Mr. Keiper is highly respected by his neighbors for his honesty, integrity and sincerity. Politically he is a democrat. Joseph W. Reiter, cigar manufacturer and merchant, P. O. Trumbauersville, was born in this county in 1853. The pioneer of this family came from Saxony about 1790 and settled in Montgomery county. To him nine children were born, his son, Joseph, being the antecedentof our subject. Joseph Reiter was the father of four children, one of whom, Tobias, was married to Edith, daughter of George Wonsidler, of this township. Joseph W. was the son of this union, he beino- one of eight children. His mother died in 1864, and his father now lives, at the a"e of HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 993 63 years. When only 15 years old our subject learned the trade of cigar-making, which occupation he followed until 1872. In that year, in partnership with J. W. Brunner, under the style of Reiter & Brunner, he commenced the manufacture of cigars. April 1, 1877, the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Reiter continued the business alone, with about twelve employees, till October 1, 1883, when he took as a partner Frank W. Brunner, and the firm again became Eeiter & Brunner. July 1, 1885, the firm dissolved partnership, and Mr. Reiter, in connection with David T. Breisch, a merchant of this place, formed the present firm of Reiter & Breisch, general merchants, and proprietors of the Fidelity Ci^ar Manufacturing company. They employ seventy-three men and women. Mr. Reiter was baptized, married, and began business in the house where he was born, and remained there until 1883, when he purchased and removed to his present residence. He married Miss Mary, daughter of David Benner, of this township, who bore him four children: Maurice Revellan, deceased; Franklin Pierce, Katie Masella and Jennie Victoria, now living. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a repub- lican ; a master Mason of Saucon lodge. No. 469, F. and A. M., of Coopersburg, Lehigh county, and a Knight of Pytliias, of Trumbauersville. Tobias Reiter, retired, P. O. Trumbauersville, is a son of Joseph Reiter, and was born in this township in 1825. This gentleman is to-day the oldest resident in Trumbauersville. In 1848 he was married to Edith Wonsidler, to whom eight children were born, six of whom are now deceased, Joseph and Edward remaining. His wife dying in 1865 Mr. Reiter was again married in 1866 to Miss Sarah, daugh- ter of Anthony Cressman, who died in 1874. Mr. Eeiter's third wife was Miss Christiana Stiefel, daughter of Jacob and Catharine Stiefel, of Germany. They have no children now living by this marriage. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Heist, is still living, being 85 years of age, the father dying in 1879. Mr. Reiter received a common-scliool education and was always engaged in farming until 1878, when he retired from active work. He is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the Lutheran ciiurch. Politically he is a democrat. Edwin Z. Roeder, P. O. Spinnerstown, was born in Pennsburg, Montgomery county, in 1841. His father was the tiiird son of Samuel Roeder, and was married to Esther, daughter of Joiin and Rebecca Graber. This couple were the parents of six children, all of whom are now living, our subject being the oldest child. In 1864 he married Amanda, daughter of Daniel Dubbs, of Lehigh county. Mr. Roeder received a common-school education, and was reared on a farm. For 21 years he has lived on his present farm, where he moved after his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Roeder are the parents of four children : Carrie, Cora, Eugene and "Wil- liam, all livino'. Always being interested in farm life, Mr. Roeder has not sought public office at any time. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and is a democrat politically. N. C. Roeder, postmaster and dealer in general merchandise, P. 0. Spinners- town, is a native of Lehigh county, and was born in 1831. His grandfather, Samuel Roeder, was also a native of Lehigh county. His son Samuel married Miss Elizabeth Cressman, of Berks county. Pa. They were tiie parents of eleven chil- dren, our subject being the youngest son. He started with a common-school edu- cation, and till the age of 23 years was engaged in purcliasing produce and mar- keting. In 1854 he married Miss Lucinda, daughter of Amos and Lydia (Gery) Antri'ni of Bucks county. The result of this marriage is four children, all living : Elmira (Mrs. Dr. Fretz), Climeiia, Elmer and Emma. In 1854 Mr. Roeder started his mercantile life in Geryville, this county, where he remained for three years, when he moved to his present location. Through strictly honest dealing and carrying a full line of goods, he has secured the patronage of a large community. For twenty-one years he has been postmaster, and has been secretary of the Farm- 99i HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ers' Dairy association of Spinnerstown for seven years. He has been a member of the Reformed church for sixteen years, has been superintendent of the Sunday school and now secretary since 1884. In politics he is a democrat. Andrew B. Siiklly, clergyman, P. O. Milford Square, was born in this town- ship in 1834. The original Sliellys emigrated from Germany or Switzerland about 1730. Jacob, the grandfather of our subject, was the great-grandson of Abraham Shelly, who emigrated from Europe, settled himself in tliis township, and from whom a now numerous Slielly family, scattered in different parts of our country, originated. Jacob was the father of ten children. His second son, Joseph, married Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Bauer, of Montgomery county. Tliis couple were tlie parents of four children : one son, our subject, and three daughters, the youngest daughter now deceased. Tlie father died in 1872, and his wife is now living at the age of 77 years. Mr. Shelly's early education was received at the parochial and common schools, and at the age of 18 he commenced teaching school during the winter months, attending school part of his time during the summer. The remainder of his time during the summer he devoted to work on his fatlier's farm, and private study. He continued teaching for ten years. In 1854, as also in 1857, lie was a student at Freeland seminary, now Ursinus college, in Montgom- ery county. In 1858 he married Fannie, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Shelly) Weinberger, of this township. The issue of tliis union is five children : Mary Lizzie (Mrs. Clymer), Adeline (Mrs. Stauffer), Joseph, Menno, and Oswin. The first two sons are now teachers, and Oswin is a student at West Chester Normal school. In 1864 Mr. Shelly entered tlie ministry, being a teacher and leader of the doctrines of the Mennonite religion, and is now a minister at East and West Swamp and Flatland churches. For a period of fifteen years he was editor of the " Menno- nitisclie Friedensbote," a church paper, wliich was printed at Milford Square. Since then he was for some time associate editor of the " Christliche Bundesbote," a German paper, published in the interests of the Mennonite church at Berne, Indiana. At present he is one of the editors of the " Mennonite," an Englisli church paper, iiublished at Phihidelpliia. He has occupied a pi'ominent position in liis churcli, being president of the triennial general conference and a member of both the foreign mission and publication boards of the same. Mr. Shelly, from early life, has been a tiiitlifu! and ardent worker in whatever cause he undertook. A. B. Shelly, macliinist, P. O. Quakertown, was born in this township in 1856, and is a descendant of the original Shellys, who settled in this township. Noah, tlie fatlier of our subject, married Anna Boniger, of Ricliland township. They were tlie parents of three children, all living, A. B. being the youngest child. He received a common-school education, and lived on his father's farm until 18 years of age, when, after serving an apprenticeship of a year and a half, he started in business tor himself in this place, continuing for seven years. In 1885 he gave up his then occupation for that of a machinist, and in his present location, fitted up with modern conveniences, he carries on all kinds of machine work and the manufacture of all kinds of agricultural implements, such as rollers, cultivators, harrows, etc. A saw- mill is also attached, where any kind of sawing can be done, and he runs a larce cider press through the season. Mr. Shelly was married in 1881 to Sarah, daughtei- of Isaac Groff, of this township. They liave three children : Frank, Mamie, and Robert, all living. IMr. Shelly is a member of the German Reformed church. In politics he is a republican. Jacob N. Shelly, retired, P. O. Steinsburg, was born in this township in 1810. His grandfather, Jacob Shelly, was twice married, and by his second marriage had nine children. His son, Daniel, married Mary, daughter of John Newcomer, of Lehigh county. They were the parents of nine children, Jacob N. being the third son. From his early life until a few years ago, Mr. Shelly has been a hard-working and industrious farmer. He learned liis trade at the age of 21, and married Lydia HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 995 Geisinger, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Geisinger. They have four children, two deceased. The survivors are : Mary, married, and Elizabeth, residing at home. Mr. Shelly has already lived to a ripe old age, and is now enjoying the results of his hard-earned wealtli. He is a member of the Mennonite church, and is a repub- lican politically. William Stauffer, farmer, P. 0. Milford Square, is a native of this township, and was born in 1844. John Stauffer, father of our subject, married Elizabeth Yodder, of Lehigh county. They were the parents of but one child, "William. John Stauffer died in 1873, and his wife in 1877. William Stauffer received a common-school education, and was reared a farmer. He has now the pleasure of owning a fine farm, on which he lives. On December 25, 18G6, he married Marie, daughter of Henry and Anna Moyer, of Springfield township. They have five children : Emma, John, Howard, Oliver, and Clarence. Mr. Stauffer has owned his present farm since iiis marriage, it being the homestead. He is a member of the Mennonite church, and is a republican politically. William It. Stiiohm, farmer, P. 0. Quakertown, was born in Bedminster township, this county, in 1830. The original Strohms came to America from Germany at an early period. Jacob Strohm, grandfather of our subject, had seven children, the oldest son being John, who married Julia, daughter of William Roberts, of New Jersey. They were the parents of ten children, the second son being William R. In 1855 he married Sarali, daughter of Jacob and Mary Hockman, of this county. Their children are: James Monroe, Mary Ann, Edward, Laura, Willson, Huldah, Julietta, Sarah Jane, William Franklin, Amanda H., deceased, and Alice A. Mr. Strohm received a common-school education, and at the age of 21 learned the trade of stone mason, which he followed for twelve years, and then purchased the place which he now owns, and which is acknowledged to be the finest farm in this section of the township. Mr. Strohm was elected school director of Richland township for four years, and for upwards of sixteen years lias been an Odd Fellow. He is a member of the Reformed church, and in politics is a democrat. Jacob Van Buskiek, retired, P. O. Steinsburg, was born inRockhill township in 1816. The founder of the family in this country was Laurens Andriessen Van Buskirk, who came from Holstein, Denmark, in 1655. His name first appears in the records of New Amsterdam June 29, 1656, in a deed for a lot on Broad street. He was then unmarried. He was by trade a turner, but afterward became a draper. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and soon acquired great influence amonn' his neighbors. To him belongs the honor of holding the first commission to administer the coroner's inquest law in the county of Bergen, N. J. Laurens Van Buskirk, second son of Laurens Andriessen, came into the county of Bucks from Bergen, N. J., and bought a large tract of land in liilltown township, in 1707. Jacob, the great-grandfather of our subject, was married in 1727 and was the father of five children. Jacob, the fourth son, born in 1739, was a Lutheran minister. He married Anna Maria Hollenbach, of Montgomery county, this state, in 1764. Thomas, the youngest child of this union, was born in 1791, and was a tanner by trade, married Catlierine Schlichter, of Sellersville, this county, in 1813, and five children were born to them. The father died in 1828 and two of the children died in infancy. Jacob, our subject, was the oldest son. He attended school in Rockhill, Pottstown, Montgomery county, and Quakertown, this county, and learned his father's trade, that of a tanner and currier. His father was a learned man in his time. Six years after his marriage, Mr. Van Buskirk came to Steinsburg and carried on his trade here for fifteen years. In 1841 he married Miss Livy Apple, of Springfield township. They had three children. Thomas, the oldest son, a tan- ner by trade, was married to Lucretia Hilman, at Bethlehem, in 1863 ; and lias two sons : Samuel and Frank. James, the second son of Jacob, is a graduate 996 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. of the Jefferson Medical college, of Philadelphia, and a practising physician in that city, and is married to Leonore Hillegas, of Philadelphia. Albert, the youngest son, died at the age of 21 years. Samuel Van Buskirk, son of Thomas and grand- son of Jacob, is also a graduate of Jefferson Medical college. Mr. Van Buskirk has resided in Steinsburg since 1847, and during his long life has held various positions of trust. In 1862 he was appointed to make the enrollment of militia in Milford township for the civil war. In 1870 he took the census for Milford township and for three years was jury commissioner. He was postmaster for twenty years and is a director of tlie Perkiomen National bank. East Greenville, Montgomery county. Judged by his long business life he is looked on as a good, upright man, and has been a life-long advocate of the temperance cause. John G. Weinberger, farmer, P. O. Milford Square, was born March 17, 1835. Baltzar, his great-grandfather, came from Germany to this township before the revolution. He had four children. His son, Baltzar, grandfather of John, also had four children, Samuel, the second son, marrying Lydia, daughter of John Geh- man, of Berks county. Five children were the result of tiiis union, three sons and two daughters, John G. being the oldest son. The mother died in 1872, aged 64 years, and the fatiier, aged 81 years, resides in Locust Valley, Lehigh county. Mr. Weinberger was reared on a farm near Spinnerstown, this county, and attended school a few months each winter until the age of 16. He manifested an aptitude to learn and a desire for knowledge beyond what the surroundings afforded him. In those days books were scarce, and various expedients were resorted to in order to satisfy his craving for knowledge. Attending the Friends' school at Quakertown for some months in order to gain a little knowledge of the English language, he managed to teach the sciiool he formerly attended as a pupil. Teaching during the winter months and attending school himself in summer, he made such progress that in 1858 he entered the scientific course in the Normal school at Millersville, Lancaster county, from which institution he was graduated with honor in the class of 1861, being appointed valedictorian of the class. He then served as professor of mathematics in tiie same institution for two years. In 1863 he was elected by the board of school directors of Schuylkill Haven principal of their scliools, serving as such for two years. Failing health compelled him to resign this pleasant situation, and shortly after he accepted the appointment of paymaster for the Greenwood Coal company, which position he filled with credit and satisfaction for four years, resid- ing during that time at Tamaqua, Schuylkill county. In 1870 he removed to his present home. In 1863 lie married Sarah Ann, daugliter of Henry T. and Mary (Moyer) Slielly, of this county. They have four children : Ella, Laura, John How- ard and Oliver Nelson. Ella is a graduate of tlie West Chester Normal school and Laura is teaching at Andalusia, this county. Mr. Weinberger has held numerous positions of trust and responsibility, among which may be mentioned county aud- itor, paymaster of the above-mentioned company, treasurer of building associations, etc. During his residence in Tamaqua he received the unanimous support for school director, and to-day is one of the few highly-educated and intelligent men engaged in farming. He has a fine library of choice books, indicating good taste and refinement. He is a member of the Mennonite church and has served as super- intendent of the Sunday school for a number of years. Samuel L. Weiss, farmer, P. O. Milford Square, was born in 1839. His grand- father, Killean Weiss, was born in Lehigh county. Upper Milford township, December 15, 1751, and died February 16, 1840. Samuel L. Weiss, his father, was born in Upper Milford January 1, 1798, and died in Montgomery county March 21, 1876. He married Hannah Latchar, of Berks county, who bore him seven children, Samuel being the sixth child. He received a common-school education, and at the age of seventeen years learned the trade of blacksmith, whicli he followed for four years. He then engaged in farming. He was drafted during the civil war and f- 1 ■ t W ^ / V It fc / c/^c^/^^^^^P^C-^TiUK^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 999 served in the army nine months. He married Rebecca, daughter of Jolin Lewis, of Rockhill townsliip. They are the parents of the following children : Samuel, Abraham, Hannaii Elizabeth (deceased), Milton, deceased, Henry, Lewis, Anna, Catherine, Rebecca, Cora and Flora L. In 1875 Mr. Weiss moved from Mont- gomery county to his present farm, which he owns. He has always led a quiet life, doing all he could to secure a good education for his children, having two intelligent sons now engaged in teaching. He is a member of the Mennonite church, and a republican. Jacob Wennig, blacksmith and wheelwright, P. O. Spinnerstown, was born in Montgomery county in 1840. Jacob Wennig, the father of our subject, married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Wisler of Montgomery county. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are now deceased. Mr. Wennig received a common- school education in both German and English, and was engaged in cigar-making and then in brick-making, until 186.5, when he took up his present occupation. In 1867 he was married to Catherine Anna, daughter of Elias and Anna (Bartholomew) Wilt, of Bucks county. They were the parents of two children, Anna Ellen, de- ceased, and Emma Elizabeth. Among the positions of trust filled by Mr. Wennig is that of school director for four years, and auditor for the township for three years. In 1862 he was drafted, and after being in Virginia and the Carolinas was, in Au- gust, 1863, honorably discharged, his hearing being defective. Mr. Wennig is highly spoken of as an upright man, who is always identified in favoring any pro- gressive enterprise. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, and a demo- crat. C. H. WoNSiDLEK, deceased, Trumbauersville, ex-representative of Bucks county. Pa., was the son of George and Elizabeth (Weidner) Wonsidler, and was born in Richland township in 1838, being the youngest of six children. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. For many years he was enwa^ed in teaching. In 1867 he was elected assessor of Milford township, and was re-elected repeatedly until 1880, when his party (democratic), recognizing in him a worthy man and upright citizen, nominated and elected him representative, and re-elected him at the expiration of his first term. He married Sophia, daughter of Franklin and Catherine Demmer, of Montgomery county. They had eight chil- dren : Emma, Charles H. (deceased), Amanda, Carrie, Lizzie, Oliver Franklin, Robert and Annie, who make their home with their widowed mother. Mr. Won- sidler was for many years an active democrat. In whatever capacity he served his constituents, it was with that faithfulness to further their interests which was his marked characteristic. He died October 24, 1886, and his faithful wife and chil- dren continue to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and kind father. John M. Zuck, notary public at Quakertown National bank, surveyor and con- veyancer and farmer, P. O. Zion Hill, was born in this township in 1831. As early as 1727 the progenitors of the family came to America from Palatine, origi- nally from Switzerland, whence they were driven on account of their religion. Peter o-reat-o-reat-grandfather of John M., came to this country in 1727, in the ship " James Goodwill," and settled in Milford township, on the same premises tliat are now occupied by our subject. Three others, cousins, who came in the same ship, settled in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Peter, son of the above Peter, married a Rodetrock, by whom he had three children. John, the only son, married Anna Bochman of Lehio-h county, and had six children. Peter, the third son, married Hannah Markel, of Bucks county. This couple were the parents of five children, one of whom is John M. The father and mother deceased respectively in 1884 and 1886. Mr. Zuck received a common-school education, and for several years was a student at Quakertown Normal school. At the age of 22 years he commenced teaching, which occupation he followed for two years. He then engaged in farm- ing and in 1870 was elected justice of the peace of his township, which position he 1000 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. ably filled for ten years. In 18fi4 he married Miss Hannah Shive, daughter of Isaac Shive, of this county, and they had the following children : Milton Alvin (a twin deceased), James S., Annie S., John Henry and Kate Hannah ; and a child deceased. In 1882 Mr. Zuck was commissioned a notary public by Governor Pattison, and appointed by the National bank of Quakertown as their notary public. He represents the fifth generation which has owned the farm where he now resides, and which is only part of the original estate. In 1886 he was elected surveyor and conveyancer of Bucks county, and for a period of six years was township auditor. He has, since he was 17 years old, been a faithful member of the Lutheran ciiurch, his wife being a member of the German Reformed church. CHAPTER XXXVII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.— NEW BRITAIN. VB. CLYMER, wholesale dealer in cattle, hogs, etc., P. 0. Chalfont, was born , in Warrington township, Bucks county, in 1845. Tlie Clymer family is one of the oldest in the townsiiip, and have always been highly esteemed. Henry Clymer, grandlatlier of V. B., married Christiana Culp of this county. They were the parents of eleven children, Henry being the third son. He married Mary Benner, by whom he had eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Henry Clymer died in 1865. V. B. Clymer was a son of this couple, attended the common scliools until he was fifteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade. He alterwards removed to his present location, and engaged in milling. In 1881 he lost bis property by fire, and commenced his present business, which he carried on ex- tensively in connection with butchering, slupi)ing principally to Philadelphia markets. In 1870 he married Emma, daugliter of Christian and Susanna H. Haldeman, of this county. Tliey are tlie parents of two daugliters : Flora May, aged 15 years; and Elsie, aged 7 years. Mr. Clymer is a member of the New Britain Baptist churcli. In politics be is a republican. Edwin Cressjian, miller, P. 0. Line Lexington, was born in Rockhill town- ship in 1856. Philip and Annie (Gearhart) Cressman were the parents of five chil- dren, of whom Edwin was the second son. He was a student at the public schools until 15 years of age. He never served an apprenticeship before engaging in his present business. In 1885 he married Lizzie, daugliter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Leidy) Baclinian. They have one child, Florence. Not enjoying the opportuni- ties of many of the young men of to-day, Mr. Cressman by his industry and perse- verance has succeeded in establishing himself firmly in business, and is liberally patronized by his neighbors. In 1885 he purcliased the mill property, where all kinds of Hour and leed are produced. The mill is propelled by a twenty-horse power engine. Mr. Cressman is a member of the German Reformed church and a democrat. Francis J. Curley, farmer, P. O. Chalfont, was born in Galway county, Ire- land, in 1828. His grandfather was Nicholas Curley, who married Margaret McDer- moft, and bad three sons and two daughters. Nicholas, the youngest of this family, married Bridget Burns. The result of this union was a son and three daughters, all living. Francis J. was the second child. He attended pay school until 11 years of age, and from that age until 14 years of age he was a student at the National HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1001 school. Mr. Curley remained on his father's farm until 1848, when he came to America and spent three years on a farm near Philadelpiiia. In 1855 he married Marie, daugliter of Gerald and Annie Kelley, who at the age of 16 years came with her parents from Ireland. Three children have been born to tliis marriage : Wil- liam N., Francis J. and Marguerite, the first two being married. In 1857 Mr. Cur- ley came to Bucks county and engaged in farming. In 1875 he purchased a mill property near his farm, where all kinds of family milling are done. For the past few years he has not taken much active part in the work of his farm, but under his per- sonal supervision the work is profitably carried on. He is also engaged in marketing produce to Philadelphia weekly. lie is a member of the Catholic churcli, and in politics is independent, casting his ballot at all times for whom he thinks the best man. He has many times held the position of trustee for orphans. Henuv Dewaele, merchant and manufacturer, P. O. Doylestown, was born December 18, 1829, in Belgium. Joseph Dewaele, his father, married Catherine Van Croyenest, by whom he had eleven children, of whom Henry was the tenth. At the age of 15 years he left school to engage in tiie active pursuits of life. He served an apprenticesliip at the watch trade, after which he continued for seven years in that business and wine-growing. In 1884 he married Natalie Valcke, and tiiey had five children : Silva, born in 1855 ; Rosa, born 1860 ; Julius, born 1864 ; Adolph and Charles, who were twins, in 1870. Tiie mother of these children died in 1885. For thirty years previously to engaging in his present business, Mr. Dewaele carried on the manufacture of linen goods in tiiis and his native country. In 1872 he immigrated to Philadelphia and in 1885 moved to Bucks county, where he lias since been engaged in the general merchandise business, fruit-growing, and the manufac- ture of grape wine. Mr. Dewaele has always been an active business man, and though his declining years will not permit of his personal participation in the various branches of industry, yet under his supervision they are successfully carried on. John Geil, farmer, P. O. Chalfont, was born in Bucks county in 1819. His paternal grandfather came to this country from Germany, and was the father of John Geil. The latter married Elizabeth Pretz, by whom he had nine children, eight of whom lived to maturity, our subject being the second son. John Geil was a well-known Mennonite preacher ; his congregation was at Line Lexington. He was also a republican in (lolitics. He was born in New Britain township, April 1, 1778, and died January 9, 1866. He was pastor of the Mennonite church fifty-five years. He was a man of intelligence, read quite a great deal, wrote wills, deeds, agreements, etc., yet he went to school but a few months. John Geil, Jr., was born in the iiouse where he now lives, and was reared on a farm, remaining there until he was 28 years of age. He married Sarah, daughter of Jesse Koe, who bore him three children : Samuel S., born December 19, 1857 ; Mary Frances, born July 31, 1850; and Margaret, born October 13, 1853. His first wife died in 1859, and he was again married, in 1862, to Lydia, daugliter of Isaac and Catherine Strouse, of this county. They have no issue. Mr. Geil lias travelled a great deal, and has owned land and carried on farming in Ohio and Indiana. He is a great reader, and is well informed on the topics of the day. He is a republican politically. Wilson Haldeman, proprietor of creamery, P. O. Chalfont, was born in this county in 1845. About the year 1700 the original Halderaans came to America from Germany in the persons of two brothers, one of whom never married. It is believed that the Haldemans in the United States are all descended from the other brother. John R., the father of Wilson, married Mary, the daughter of Henry Hohlbain, of this county, and had two children, only one of whom, Wilson, is still livino-. He was educated in the common schools and in business college at Phila- delphia. He engaged in general merchandise business for seventeen years at Chal- font; the store property he still owns. Having sold his business, in 1881 he was elected by the board of directors secretary of the creamery, he being one of the original 1002 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. stockholders. In I880 he purchased the works and a partnership was formed under the firm name of Savidge & Haldeman. One year afterward Mr. Haldeman assumed entire control, and the establishment is now operated under his management. A ten-horse power engine and a twelve-horse power boiler are used. Butter and cheese are manufactured, and during the summer months ice cream. Mr. Haldeman was married in 1873 to Emma, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Eckert, and has three children : Florence, and Emerson and Orris (twins). Mrs. Haldeman died in 1886. Our subject has been auditor of the township eight years, and is a republican. He is a member of the Doylestown lodge No. 245, A. Y. M. William Hawkins, manufacturer, P. O. New Britain, was born in Yeovil Marsh, Somersetshire, P^ngland, March 22, 1814, and is the second son of William and Lydia Hawkins. He received but two weeks' schooling, and his early years were spent in caring for his little sisters. His parents had fifteen children, nine of whom grew up, were married, and in 1842 all settled in America. The fatiier died at the age of 02 and the motlier at 77. At the age of seven years William began to work for liis support. When eleven years old he was put to learn the trade of kid- glove cutting. After serving six months for one shilling per week, he was, in 1825, apprenticed for eight years. The first year he received 18 pence per week, and was advanced 6 pence per week each year until the close of his apprenticeship. The hours for work were in summer from fi A. M. till 8 P. M., and in winter from day- light till 9 P. M. His master was William Snook, for whom he worked about six months after his apprenticeship expired. Afterward he worked for Mr. C. Foan about five and one iialf years, at the end of which time he had saved about one hundred pounds. He then worked six months for Mr. Keddle. August 4, 1840, he was married to Sarah Gilbert, daughter of a respectable family, and a milliner and dressmaker. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins sailed for America on the 9th of Septem- ber, 1840, and landed in New York after a voyage of five weeks and three days. Not obtaining work Mr. Hawkins went to Boonton, N. J., wliere his brother John was living. Here his wife opened a millinery and dressmaking establishment, and soon did a good business. June 28, 1841, a son was born, who died in infancy. In 1841 Mr. Hawkins went to Philadelphia and engaged in business for six months with a partner, and afterward alone, being the first manufacturer of white kid in that city. Prejudice was strong against American made goods, but Mr. Hawkins by patience and perseverance overcame the difficulty. In 1850 he experienced a o-reat loss by fire. Later on (1855) he increased his business by dressing calf skins. During the first year of the civil war (1861), he purchased a lot, and in the following year erected a factory where he is now. The loft of this factory was first used in drilling recruits for the army. This place is at 206 Willow street. In 1875 he associated with him Lawrence Hawkins and James F. Radford. The firm then assumed the name of Hawkins & Co. The firm takes the skins in the hair and finishes them complete. They manufacture gloves, English kid, white and black calf, kid gloves, etc. Hawkins & Co. sell their goods in all parts of the country and have a well-earned reputation. At the age of 21 Mr. Hawkins became a member of the Independent church, and continued with that denomination until he came to America. When they went to Philadelphia he and his wife joined the First Pres- byterian church of Northern Liberties. In the summer of 1843 they went to Mont- gomery, Pa., and were baptized by Rev. William Mathews. January 25, 1846, they were united with the Second Baptist church of Philadelphia, and in October 1859, Mr. Hawkins was ordained deacon. In 1872 they removed to New Britain township, Bucks county. Mrs. Hawkins died in 1877. Mr. Hawkins has "iven eleven sets of Dr. Gill's Commentaries to different churches, and over $50,000 in money to churches and benevolent objects. In politics he is a republican. Jacob T. Hillpot, farmer, P. 0. Chalfont, was born in Tinicum township, Bucks county, in 1840. George Adam Hillpot, the great-grandfather of Jacob T., HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1003 married Maria Phillippina SclinauflPer, who bore him five sons and four daughters. At the age of forty years this pioneer died of fever contracted in the revolutionary war. Frederick Hillpot vias a son of this patriot. He married Susanna Stem, by whom he had five sons and four daughters. Samuel, the third child, married Eva Trauger, of this county, and they were the parents of four children : Joseph, a clergyman ; Hannah (Mrs. Grouver), Jacob T. and Susanna (Mrs. Allium). Jacob T. Hillpot attended school until he was 19 years of age. In 1873 he married Lydia, daughter of Joseph and Rosanna Ahlum, of this county. They have no issue. Mr. Hillpot lived on his father's farm until he purchased his present farm in 1882. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a democrat. Samuel G. Kerns, coach-maker, P. O. Chalfont, is a grandson of John Adam and Catherine (Shaffer) Kerns. They had five sons and one daughter. Samuel, their youngest child, married Catherine Geiger, of Montgomery county, Pa., to whom two sons and two daughters M^ere born, our subject, Samuel G., being the youngest son and third child. The ancestors came from Holland. Samuel G. re- ceived a common-school education, and at the age of 18 years learned the coach- building trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years and following his trade in this and many Western states. In 1859 he came to the East and in 1863 was married to Elmira, daughter of John and Elizabeth Eckhart, of Newville, this county. Three children were born to them: Franklin P., Willard Van (deceased) and Oliver E. Both sons are at home with their father. Since 1863 Mr. Kerns has been located at his present place of business. He manufactures and repairs all kinds of heavy and light wagons, etc. In 1862 he volunteered as a private in the Union army and for fourteen months was exposed to the dangers of war. He was engaged in the battle of Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg. Being wounded he was honorably discharged from duty. Mr. Kerns is a Lutheran and a democrat. Hakvet Kratz, physician and surgeon, P. 0. New Britain, was born in Plum- stead township, Bucks county, September 2, 1838, and is a son of Jacob S. and Elizabeth (Fretz) Kratz, natives of this county. The Kratz family came from Switzerland and located in this county in the latter part of the seventeenth century. Philip Kratz, grandfather of Harvey, resided in Plumstead township, where he was a farmer and owned a large tract of land. He died in 1846, aged 66 years. He was the father of seven children, three now living. Our subject's father was born in 1803 in Plumstead township, where he resided the greater part of his life. He was a farmer and died at Collegeville, Montgomery county, November 22, 1885. He was the father of six children, four of whom are living: Margaret, Emma, Laura (deceased), Harvey, William H. and Jacob T. (deceased). Doctor Harvey, our subject, was reared on a farm until 16 years of age, when he entered the high school at Collegeville and was afterward for several terms a student at Carversville. In 1860 he took up the study of medicine under Doctor I. S. Moyer. In the fall of the same year he attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania at Phila- delphia, and graduated in 1862, after which he began to practise at Mount Pleasant, Hilltown township, where he remained until 1884. Although enjoying a good practice he was desirous of a new location, and consequently came to New Britain, where he has since built up a large practice. He has a fine residence, which he has remodelled since coming here. In March, 1864, he married Sarah, daughter of Francis Rinker. They have eleven children, ten of whom are living : Lizzie, Bertha V., Rebecca M., Anna W., Charles S., Sarah, Margaret, Hannah, Esther and Emma. Doctor Kratz is a director of the Doylestown First National bank, president of the Hilltown turnpike and also president of the Self-Defence horse company. Pie is also a member of the State Medical society, the American Med- ical association and the Bucks County Medical society, of which he is the secre- tary. He is regarded by all as a prominent and influential citizen. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church. 1004: HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. • Zachariah Leidy, real estate agent, P. O. Chalfont, was born in Montgomery- county in 1814. His great-grandfather came from Germany! Jacob, tlie son of this early settler, was married to a Miss Sclioll, and had five sons and four daugh- ters. John, tlie oldest son and ciiild, was married to Mary Groff. Zachariah is the youngest of their four children. His motlier died when he was only four months old. Later his father was married to the widow of Jacob Gerliart. Two daughters wer6 the result of this marriage. Our subject was married in 1835 to Catherine A., daughter of Philip Gable, of Montgomery county, to whom five children were born : Isaiah, Jeremiah, Mary, Amanda and Emma. Amanda, now Mrs. Doughty, of Hartsville, Bucks county, is their only surviving child. Being the youngest son, our subject was sent away from home at the age of 7 years. When 18 years old he learned the tanner's trade and started in business for himself. His tannery was located in Hilltown township. Being of an enterprising disposition, he was soon engaged in a lucrative business, wiiich he carried on for fifteen years. He erected several dwelling-houses near liis own and built up a town which now bears his name. He also erected a temperance hotel whicli he kept in connection with a general store. In 1863 he removed to Chalfont, then Whitehallville, and engaged in the real estate business. He is a director of tlie "Whitehall Fire Insurance and Chalfont Storm Insurance companies, and in the year 1886 insured property to the amount of $200,000. When 16 years old, he joined the church and at the age of 22 was elected deacon. In the year 1853 he with several other members erected the pre- sent Leidytown Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder for about twenty-two years. About ten years ago he was instrumental in building the Presbyterian chaiiel at Chalfont, a branch of the Leidytown church. He gave the ground on which the above-mentioned church is built and has always rendered financial sup- port in time of need. He is a republican, and the prohibition cause lias in him a sincere advocate. Charles (or Karl) Massinger, farmer, P. O. Chalfont, was born in Kaiser- lantern Rhinepfals, Bavaria, August 17, 1832. There is probably not another family in tlie United States who bear this name, except one in New York city, and it is supposed that the above was the original spelling of the name which is now pro- nounced Messinger. Jacob and Catherine (Wenzel) Massinger were the parents of four children : Charles, Magdalena, Babette, and Louisa. In 1850 Mr. Massinger emigrated to America, landing in New York on July 4th of that year, settled in Hilltown township till 1854, and from that date till 18G5 traveled from Hilltown north, south, and as far west as the Rocky mountains, and in 1865 visited his native country, returning the same year. From 1860 to 1867 he was engaged in gold mining at Pike's Peak, and in 1867 returned and settled in New Britain town- ship. He was married in 1867 to Mary Amanda, daughter of Samuel and Annie Heckler, of Hilltown township, this county, and has six children : C. Jerome, now- studying medicine ; Eber M., Wesley, H. Omray, William and K. Mabel, at home. Mr. Massinger, since liis final settlement in the place, has devoted his time to look- ing after liis farm. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a democrat. Abel J. Mathews, physician and druggist, P. 0. Chalfont. It was about the year 1712 that Simon Mathews, with a party of emigrants, came from Wales to America and settled in this neighborhood. In 1713, to this pioneer was born a son, John, who married Diana Thomas. They were the i>arents of ten children, of whom three died in infancy. Joseph, born 1747, the youngest son, married Sarah Thomas, who bore him two children, both dying young. His vifife, Sarah, died and he afterward married Lydia Eaton, and by her had two children, John and Joseph. Joseph, born 1789, was the eldest child, and married Hannah, daughter of William and Elizabeth Hines. They were the parents of eight children : Simon, the oldest son, married Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Trumbower, of this county, and had three HISTORY 'OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1005 children, all living. Attending the common schools till tlie age of 18 years, Mr. Mathews commenced at the age of 19 years to study medicine, and in 1870 entered Jefferson Medical college at Philadelphia, graduating in 1873. Although not a graduate in pharmacy, he passed an examination before the examining board of Philadelphia, and was employed as clerk in a drug store for two years. In 1875 he located at this place. He was married December 25, 1876, to Ella, daughter of Joseph and Jane Scott, of Pliiladelphia. Tliey have had four children : Walter, Abel, Harry (deceased), and Ethel. Mr. Mathews is a member of the Baptist church, and a republican. Joseph Mitchell, Jr., butcher, P. O. Colmar, Montgomery county, is a native of Montgomery county. Joseph Mitchell, who is now 90 years of age, is the grand- father of our subject. Joseph, father of our subject, married Emeline Moore, to whom were born eight children, all now living. Joseph, Jr., was born and reared on his father's farm, and attended school until IG years old. At the age of 21 years he left his father's house and came to his present place. In 1878 he was married to Laura, daugliter of John and Catherine White, of Montgomery county. Pa. Bessie May, Howard, and Owen are the names of his children, all of whom are living. Mr. Mitchell is known throughout his township as an active business man, and following in the footsteps of his father. He makes a specialty of the pork trade, and during the winter months wholesales in the Philadelphia markets twice a week. He also car- ries on farming, which he profitably manages, to further the interests of the butcher- ino- business. He and Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Methodist church, and he is a democrat. Henry Moyer, farmer, P. O. Line Lexington, was born in New Biitain town- ship in 1852. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and P^lizabeth (Moyer) Moyer, who came to this township from Springfield, Bucks county, in 1829. This couple were the parents of one son and three daughters. Abraham, the oldest child, mar- ried Catherine Fretz, and Henry is a son of this marriage. Mrs. Moyer died in 1854, and Abraham was married in 1857 to Eliza, daughter of John and Annie Lapp, of this township, by whom he had six children. Henry Moyer was born and reared on a farm, attending the public schools until 17 years of age, when he took charge of the farm, and on tiie death of his father purchased it. In 1882 he married Annie Eliza, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Moyer) Swortley, of this township. They have one child, Martha, born in 1887. Charles M. Pearson, farmer, P. O. Chalfont. The pioneer from whom the Pearson families in this country are descended, came from England with William Penn. It is said that he christened " Chester" county in this state. His son Jesse married Hannah, daughter of Gideon and Hannah Vore, of Chester county. Nine cliildren were born to this couple, of whom John was the sixth child. He married Martha Miller, of Reading, Pa., and had thirteen children, of whom seven are now living. Charles M. was the youngest. He attended the High school till 17 years of age, and was also a student in a business college three years. After leaving school he was employed as a clerk, and for three years was engaged in manufactu- rino-. In 1859 he married Lizzie, daughter of John and Elizabeth Rockafellow, of New Jersey. They have had four children : Martha, deceased ; Clara N., de- ceased ; Bessie H. and Charles E. For eighteen years Mr. Pearson has owned the property where he now resides, which is beautifully situated along tiie Neshaminy creek. During the summer months sojourners from the city find the house a resort second to none°in the locality. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are members of the Baptist church, and he is a republican. John Ruth, farmer, P. O. Line Lexington, was born in 1823. Henry Ruth, his father, married Mary Swartz, by whom he had twelve children, of whom John was the youngest. He left school at an early age, and during his whole life his occupation has b'een that of a farmer. In 1853 he married Catherine Swartley, by whom he 1006 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. had five children : Mando, William, Henry, Sarah (deceased), and Mary. The mother of these children died in 1865. In 1866 Mr. Euth married Elizabeth Goh- man, to whom a daughter, Annie, was born in 1868. This wife died in 1870, and in 1872 Mr. Ruth married Mary Ann Rickert, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Lapp) Rickert. His children by her are : Allen R., born 1872 ; David R., born 1874 (deceased); John, born 1876 (deceased) ; Elizabeth, born 1879 ; Susanna, 1880; Israel, 1882; Titus, 1884; Martha, 1885; Rosa, 1887. Mr. Ruth is a member of the Mennonite church, and a republican. John S. Ruth, farmer, P. O. Chalfont, is a native of this township, and was born in 1845. David, his great-grandfather, came from Switzerland. Joseph, a son of this early settler, married Sallie Price, of Montgomery county (now 90 years old, with fair intellect), and by her had three sons and two daughters, all living, with the exception of one daughter. Henry, the oldest son, married Magdalena, daugh- ter of John Swartley, a descendant of Philip Swartley, who came from the town of Ebengen, Germany, in 1782, and married Sallie Rosenberger, of Montgomery county. This couple lived to a ripe old age, and owned the farm now occupied by Abraham G. Ruth. John S. and Joseph S. are the sons born to Henry and Magdalena. Ambitious to engage in the practical concerns of life, our subject abandoned school at the age of 13, and for the next twenty-three years devoted his time to farming, produce commission business and travelling. In 1874 he married Sallie Swartley, now deceased. She bore him two sons, Harry and Frank, both living. Mr. Ruth was married, in 1882, to Annie E., daughter of Lewis Seifer, a well-to-do farmer of Richland township, this county. In 1874 he purchased the farm where he was born and reared, and where he remained till 1882. In 1879 he was elected a direc- tor of the Union National bank of Souderton,in which capacity he still serves. He was engaged in the mercantile business at Chalfont for two years, then moved to his present home. He has for some time made a special study of phrenology, and his clear conception of men indicates conclusively there is in the science a great per- centage of truthfulness. Both he and his wife are members of the Mennonite church, and he is a republican. Joseph S. Ruth, proprietor of Woodlawn creamery, P. O. Line Lexington, was born in this township, April 24, 1848. His ancestors came from Switzerland at an early period. His parents, Henry and Magdalena (Swartley) Ruth, had two sons, John S. and Joseph S., both of whom are living and also the parents. Joseph S. attended tlie public schools until 17 years of age, and for six months was a student in Ursinus college, Montgomery county. Pa. He remained on his father's farm until he was 22 years of age, when he married Sarah A., daughter of Jonas and Eliza (Cressman) Leidy, of this county. They have five children : Elmer, Leidy, Flora, Lizzie and Maggie. Tlie last two are deceased. In 1877 Mr. Ruth purchased the homestead, where he has since resided. In addition to this farm he purchased, in 1886, the creamery known as the " Woodlawn," an establishment erected in 1881 under a stock corporation. At this creamery an average of two thousand four hun- dred pounds of butter per week and nineteen cheeses per day are manufactured, the propelling power being a twelve-horse power engine. Mr. Ruth is active and with thrift and energy is carrying on a successful line of business. He is also engaged with his brother, John S., in the commission business, dealing in all kinds of pro- duce, which is disposed of in Philadelphia markets each week. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and is a republican. Georgk W. Scheip, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Fricks, was born in New Britain township, in 1855. Over a hundred years ago two brothers of the Scheip family came to America from Germany. John Scheip, a son of one of these, mar- ried Elizabeth Heller, of Montgomery county, and had two sons and three daugh- ters. George was the oldest. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Leidy, of this county. Six children were born to this couple, five of whom grew to maturity. 4T^ j^^,.e^ tA:^-^^ HISTORY OF BUCKS C0U:N'TY. 1009 The father died at the age of 89 years. John L. was the oldest son of this family. He married Marie, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Leidy) School, of Montgomery county. Two sons were the result of this marriage: Isaiah, deceased, and George W., who was born and reared on the farm wliich his grandfather owned. He re- ceived a common-school education, and since leaving school has always been engaged in farming, taking great pride in growing choice fruit of all kinds. In 187G he married Lydia Albright, who has borne him six children : William F., Maria (de- ceased), Estella, Martha, Viola and Mary. Mr. Scheip is an enterprising young man, and being the only remaining child of a well-to-do father, his prospects in the future are bright. He is a member of the German Reformed church and a democrat. Daniel H. Sellers, retired farmer, P. O. Chalfont, is a native of Montgomery county, and was born in 1810. The family originally came from Wales. Philip, his father, was the oldest son in a family of six children. He married Hannah, daughter of Enoch Roberts, of Richland township, and had eleven children, six of wiiom are deceased. Daniel H. was the second son, and third child. He was born and reared on a farm and attended the common schools till sixteen years of age. He remained on the farm until 1833, at which date he engaged in teaching school, which he followed for nineteen years, including five years at Philadelphia. In 1852 he purchased a farm, where he remained until 1883, when he retired from active farm life, and his son took charge of the place. In 1834 Mr. Sellers married Mary, daughter of Jacob and Mary Bush, of Montgomery county. Five sons were the re- sult of this marriage: Dr. H. F., deceased, of Philadelphia, Charles P., Alphonso B., Daniel W., and Harry A. Charles P. is engaged in the brush manufacturing business in Philadelphia, and is assisted by Harry A. Mr. Sellers was for five years secretary and treasurer of the building association, also of the creamery at Wood- lawn. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and a democrat. Philip Thieeolf, farmer, P. O. Fountainville, was born in Hassen, Germany, and came to America in 1851. His parents were Adam and Sophia (Hiedt) Thie- rolf. Philip was the tiiird of a family of five children. For two years after com- ing to this country he was engaged in farming. In 1853 he married Mary Barndt, daughter of George and Sarah (Server) Barndt of Bucks county. The result of this marriage is six children: John, William, Edwin, Sarah (Mrs. Crouthamel), Lizzie and Emma. The two last named are deceased. Mr. Thierolf came to his pre- sent farm in 1869, and with the aid of his two sons carries on the work successfully. His son William married Lettie Wagner, and has one son, Philip. Edwin married Alice Bissey. Mr. Thierolf has always been a successful man in business, and is respected by his neighbors. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and a democrat. TiiK Whitehead Family. — The first ancestor of the Whitehead family came from England, settled at Jamaica Plains, Long Island, and took part in the revolu- tionary war. Thomas Willet Whitehead, a son of this early settler, married Maria Eiaway of Philadelphia, who was of German descent. They were members of tlie Third Baptist church of Philadelphia. To tiiis couple were born eight children, four of whom are now living: Mary Whitehead, married to Mortimer R. George, of Phila- delphia ; John Gaskill Lawrence Whitehead, M.D., Bordentown, New Jersey ; Annie Whitehead, married to David E. Gardiner, M.D., Pliiladelphia ; Elizabetii Whitehead, married to Joseph S. Rotzell, M.D., New Britain, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania. William Manlove Whitehead, the eldest son, was born in Philadelphia, December 12th, 1823. At the age of 16 he was baptized by Rev. George Higgins, one of more than ninety who were baptized in the river Delaware, the largest bap- tism on record. He went out with Mr. Higgins from the Third church, when he formed the Second Baptist church of Southwark. He was a man of liberal educa- tion, at one time a student at the University of Pennsylvania. He took a six years' 52 1010 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. course at Hamilton College and Madison University, New York, and was graduated at Union College in 1849. In 1850 he was ordained to the work of the gospel min- istry in the Second Baptist church, Southwark (Rev. John A. McRuan pastor), now the Calvary Baptist church. His ministry extended over twenty-two years. He aimed not at being a pastor, but rather to build up weak and enfeebled churches. Beaula, Chester county, Frankford, Twenty-third ward, Philadelphia, Great Valley, Chester county, McKeesport and Elizabeth, Western Pennsylvania, New Britain, Bucks county, and Woodbury, New Jersey, were churches which he served. In 1851 he married Eleanor Jennings, daughter of George and Catharine (MacGowan) Beaston, of Baltimore, Maryland. Eight children were born to this union : Wil- liam Manlove Whitehead, of Philadelphia, born at Frankford, Twenty-third ward ; George Beaston Whitehead, of New Britain, born at Frankford; Mary, of New Britain, born at Great Valley Baptist parsonage ; Elaway, of Philadelphia, born at Great Valley Baptist parsonage ; Annie, of New Britain, born at McKeesport, west- ern Pennsylvania; Henry Kauffman, of Philadelphia, born at New Britain Baptist parsonage; and Nellie, of New Britain, born on Iron Hill, New Britain. In 1861 he was pastor at Great Valley Baptist church. The young people of the Valley church raised their pole and floated their flag. In a few months the 97th regiment was raised at West Chester. Young men from the Valley church and surrounding country swelled its ranks, and he went forth with them to battle for the rights of men. When urged by his aged mother not to go, he said, " I cannot see this great strug- gle going on, and not take part." The 97th was sent to Hilton Head, South Carolina. While here he and another chaplain, and some colored brethren, formed a colored Baptist church. Many are the letters held sacred to-day from officer and private written to him concerning the better life. Contracting the southern mala- rial fever on the coast of Georgia, where the regiment lay for weeks in transports, waiting the attack upon Fort Pulaski, he became unable to perform his duties, and he resigned, and was honorably discharged August 20th, 1862. In 1872 he grad- uated at Hahnemann Medical College of Homoeopathy. While pastor at New Britain church, charmed with the beautiful county of Bucks, he purchased the old Iron Hill tavern property, improving it, and intending to spend his last days (he was an invalid) amidst its beautiful landscapes. He died at Woodbury, New Jersey, January 28th, 1874, and was buried at Great Valley church-yard, Chester county. After his death his family came back to the home selected by the father, and tear- ing aw.ay all traces of the tavern, built their modern country home. Hillside. CHAPTER XXXVIII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.— NEWTOWN. JERVIS S. ALLEN, veterinary surgeon, P. O. Newtown, was born in Horsham, Montgomery county. Pa., March 8, 1853, and is a son of Charles L. and Re- becca (Michener) Allen. He was reared in Bucks county from eight years of age, was educated in the public schools of the county, and in 1881 began the study of veterinary surgery at the New York College of Veterinary Surgeons. He began the practice of his profession at Tradesville, Warrington township, this county, in March, 1883, and remained there until January 20, 1887, when he removed to HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1011 Newtown, where he has a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Allen was married in 1880 to Mary E., daughter of John and Mary A. (Shear) Moore, of Doylestown. He has two cinldren : Eva M. and Blanche R. George Chapman Blackkan, farmer, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Solebury township, this county, .January 14, 1836, and is a son of John and Elizabeth R. (Chapman) Blackfan. His paternal grandfather was John Blackfan, who married Martha Quinby, of New Jersey. He was a son of William, who married Esther Dawson. William was a son of William, who came to America with his mother in 1700 and settled in Solebury, this county, about 1718. He was a son of Edward and Rebecca (Crispin) Blackfan. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Blackfan were Benjamin and Mary (Briggs) Chapman. His first maternal ancestor was John Chapman, born in Stanhope, county Durham, England, November 24, 1624, who emigrated to America in 1684, and was the first settler in Wrightstown town- ship, this county, where he purchased four hundred acres of land. The old Chap- man homestead is now owned by Mr. Blackfan, who was reared in Solebury town- ship, was educated at Tremont seminary, Norristown, Pa., and Samuel Gummere school, Burlington, N. J. In 1860 he located in Wrightstown township and resided there until 1880, when he removed to Newtown, wliere he has since lived. May 21, 1867, he married Lavinia T., daughter of Edward H. and Maria E. (Smith) Worstall, of Newtown, by whom he lias had two sons : John, born April 22, 1869, and Walter W., born October 16, 1873, who died June 30, 1881. Joshua C. Blaker, retired farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Northampton township, this county, August 6, 1816, and is a son of Paul and Rachel (Corson) Blaker. His father was a farmer and reared a family of six children : Joseph, Ben- jamin, Paul, Joshua C, Rachel and Alfred. His paternal grandfather was Paul Blaker, who married Agnes Buckman, by whom he had three sons : Paul, John and Peter. His great-grandfather was John Blaker, only son of Peter, who mar- ried Ruth Buckman. Peter was a son of John, a native of Germany, who immi- grated to America in 1683 and settled in Germantown, from which place he came in 1700 to Northampton township, this county, where he purchased one thousand acres of land and lived there until his death. He had tiiree sons : Peter, Samuel and Paul, and two daughters. The maternal grandfather of Joshua C. was Benja- min Gorson, a farmer of Northampton township and a son of Benjamin, who was a son of Benjamin, who settled .in Northampton about 1726. Joshua C. Blaker was reared in Northampton township and was engaged in farming there until 1883, when he removed to Newtown. In 1840 he married Ann, daughter of Benjamin and Agnes (Harding) Croasdale, of Nortliampton township, by whom he has seven children living: Rachel A. (Mrs. William Wynkoop), Benjamin, Alfred, Evaline (wife of Reverend L. B. Brown), Emma (Mrs. George C. Pool), Paul and Susan. William K. Carver, merchant, P. O. Newtown, was born in Buckingham township, this county, May 27, 1816. His parents were Joseph and Cynthia (Kirk) Carver. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Carver, was a son of William, and he a son of William, who came from England and settled in Byberry, Philadel- phia county, in 1682, and about 1700 settled in Buckingham. Joseph Carver was a farmer of Buckingham township, and his wife was Elizabeth Kimball, by whom he had the following children: Esther (Mrs. William McDowell), Joseph, Jesse P. and Eliza (Mrs. Samuel Kirk), all deceased. Joseph, father of William K., was a miller in Buckingham in early life and later engaged in farming. He died in Philadelphia. His children were : William K., Wilson J., Jesse H., Joseph P., Mary (Mrs. Ed- ward Woodman) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Greer). His maternal grandfather was William Kirk, a farmer and a member of an old Buckingham family. Wil- liam K. was reared in Buckingham township. In 1840 he left home and went to Dolington, where he was clerk in the store of his brother, Wilson J., for five years. In 1846 he located in Newtown and was clerk for Kinsey B. Tomlinson four years. 1012 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. In 1850 he bought out his employer and associated with B. Buckman, who was his partner five years and then sold his interest to J. T. Simpson, who was a partner until 1858. After several other changes in 1874 Joseph J. Greer purchased an in- terest in the business and the present firm of Carver & Greer was formed. Mr. Carver was postmaster of Newtown from 1859 to 1884. January 30, 1850, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Amelia ("Watson) Phillips, of Newtown, by whom he had two children : Joseph P., who married Lillian Worthington, and has one child, Sarah, and Adella, who is married to Edgar Pullen. Saiiuel C. Case, cashier First National bank of Newtown, was born in Buck- ingham township, this county, August 2, 1843, and is a son of Alexander J. and Le- titia E. (Carver) Case. Letitia (Carver) Case was a daughter of John Carver, whose wife was Rachel, daughter of William Smith, son of Mary (Croasdale) Smith, a daughter of Agnes Croasdale, who came from England in the ship " Welcome" with William Penn in 1682. His paternal grandfather, John Case, was for several years a resident of Solebury township, this county. His maternal grandparents were John and Sarah (Ellicott) Carver, of Plumstead township. Alexander J. Case, a shoe- maker by trade, was for many years a resident of Greenville, in this county, where he carried on his trade, and was for several years postmaster. In later life he pur- chased the farm in Solebury township now occupied by Edward Helwig, and resided tliere until his deatli. His ciiildren were : John W., Sarah A. (Rli-s. Samuel Long- sliore), deceased ; William E. (a physician of Morrisville), Caroline B. (Mrs. Daniel Wliarton), Henry C, Elizabeth (deceased), Rebecca C. (Mrs. Edward Helwig) and Samuel C. The last was reared in Solebury township and was educated in tlie public schools and at the Excelsior Normal school of Carversville. At the age of 23 he entered a store in Taylorsville, where he was clerk until 1873. In February, 1873, he entered tlie First National bank of Newtown as teller, and in April, 1874, was promoted to cashier, which position he has held until the present time. Mr. Case married in December, 1869, Anna E., daughter of Cornelius and Sarah (Hull) Slack, of Upper Makefield township, by whom he has three children living: Nettie D., Harry C. and Elmer E. Eleazer F. Church, publisher, P. 0. Newtown, was born in the township of Buckingham, this county, in 1820. At an early age he entered the printing office of the " Doj'lestown Democrat" to learn the business. In 1850 he removed to ]\Iaryland and published a newspaper in Baltimore county for seventeen years. In 1868 he returned to Bucks county and established the " Newtown Enterprise," which he still publishes. He has three sons and two daughters. Two of his sons are printers and are engaged with him in the business of the paper. His eldest son, William, is in the baking business in Newtown. Ai-.XER F. Cleaver, proprietor of the Brick hotel, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Berks county. Pa., September 27, 1832, and is a son of John and Hannah (Focht) Cleaver. His grandfather was Isaac Cleaver, a farmer by occupation. John Clea- ver, father of Abner F., was a wheelwright by trade. Our subject was reared in his native county, and at the age of 16 years embarked in the livery business in Betldeheni, Pa., in which he was engaged for six years. In 1854 he located in Bucks county, where he has been engaged in various enterprises. For eight years lie kept the Farmers' hotel, at Doylestown. In 1873 he removed to Philadelphia, where, with tlie exception of eighteen months, he was engaged in the hotel business until 1881. He then rented the Brick hotel in Newtown, which he has conducted successfully till the present time. In 1884 he purchased the property, on which he has since made many improvements. He is a popular landlord, and by his efficient management the Brick hotel has become widely and favorably known to the travelling public. Mr. Cleaver married, in 1854, Elizabeth, daughter of Moses Heft, of Springfield township, this county. He has six children living : Warren, Corson, James, Mary, Abner and Fannie. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTY. 1013 J. A. Crewitt, pliysician, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Reedsville, Mifflin county, this state, Marcli 29, 1853, was reared in Huntingdon, Pa., began tlie study of medicine in 1873 with Dr. D. P. Miller, of Huntingdon, entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore in 1874, was graduated in 1876, and began the practice of his profession in Robertsdale the same year, where he remained eight years. In 1884 he located in Newtown, where he has since been in active practice. He is a member of the Bucks County Medical society. He is township and borough physician and president of the school board. He is an Odd Fellow. J. Wilson Croasdale, merchant, P. O. Newtown, was born in Middletown township, this county, January 5, 1829, and is a son of Jeremiah W. and Sarah W. (Wilson) Croasdale. Jeremiah W. was a farmer of Middletown and died in New- town in 1873. His wife was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Blakey) Wilson, of Middletown, by whom he had four children : Mary W., who married Moses Paxson ; J. Wilson, Hannah W., who married Charles W. Kirkbride ; and Robert M. Our subject was reared in Middletown and remained on the home farm until 1853, when he located in Newtown and embarked in the mercantile business in which he has ever since been engaged. In 1862 he married Elizabeth B., daughter of Thomas F. and Mary E. (Eastburn) Parry, of Langhorne, by whom he has three children : Robert M., Thomas P. and Mary E. Ilis paternal grandfather was Robert Croas- dale, a son of Robert and Margery (Hayhurst) Croasdale, and he a son of Jeremiah who was a son of Thomas who came from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Mid- dletown township in 1682. George W. Cunningham, nurseryman, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Newtown township, May 21, 1816, and is a son of Matthew and Rachel (Taylor) Cunningham. His paternal grandparents were Thomas and Ann Cunningham, of Scotch-Irish parentage, who settled in Lower Makefield about 1770. Thomas was a farmer and died in Lower Makefield. His children were : Thomas, Matthew and four daughters. Mr. Cunningham's maternal grandfather was Joseph Taylor, son of Benjamin, who married Hannah Towne. His father, Matthew Cunningham, was a successful school teacher from the age of 16 years until his death, which occurred September 14, 1835, at the age of 56 years and 8 months. He also owned and operated a farm. His children were Jose})!) and George W. The former married Rebecca Cadwallader and had five children, three of whom are living: JMary, Matthew and William. George W. was reared in Newtown and was educated in tlie schools of Bucks county and Samuel Smith's school, of Wilmington, Del. Until 1857 he was engaged in farming; since that time he has carried on an extensive nursery business, growing all kinds of fruit and ornamental trees. In 1852 he married Mary, daughter of Barclay and Mary (Thompson) Ivins, of Penn's Manor. They have three children : Agnes, Mary I. and Edith. Isaac Eyre, retired farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Pliiladelphia, Pa., October 10, 1819, and is a son of Isaac and Eleanor (Cooper) Eyre. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Eyre, a native of Chester county, this state, and of English descent, was a son of William Eyre, a pioneer of Chester county. In Thorpe's catalogue of the deeds of Battle Abbey is found the following legendary account of the name of Ayres, formerly Eyre. The first of this family was named Truelove, one of the followers of William the Conqueror. At the battle of Hastings, A. D. 960, Duke William was thrown from his horse and his helmet beaten into his face, which Truelove observing, pulled off, and horsed him again. The Duke told him : " Thou shall hereafter from Truelove be called Eyre (or Air), because thou hast given me the air I breathe." After the battle the Duke, on inquiring concerning him, found him severely wounded. He ordered that he should be given the utmost care, and on his recovery gave him land in Derby in reward for his services, and the leg and thigh in armor cut off for his crest, an honorary badge still worn by all the Eyres in England, and the land is still in the name of Eyre. William Eyre, of 1014 HISTORT OF BUCKS COUN^TY. Chester, now in Delaware county, the first known of the family in America, was a large landholder. Isaac, his youngest son, was also a large landowner in Chester, and was a magistrate for many years. His first wife was a daughter of Jonas Pres- ton, a pioneer miller of Middletown, who built the first mill at Bridgetown on Core creek, and who afterward established the Brandywine mills at Wilmington, Del., and died there. Our subject's maternal grandfather was Isaac Cooper, of Camden, N. J., a descendant of "William and Margaret Cooper, who settled in Burlington, N. J., in 1G78. William Cooper was a member of the colonial legislature of New Jersey in 1G81, and was also a commissioner for laying out lands in that province, and became the owner of the land whereon the city of Camden, N. J., is now built, and established the ferry between there and Philadelphia. Isaac Eyre, the father of our subject, was born in Chester in 1778. He learned the trade of shipbuilder in Philadelphia, and was in Daniel Boone's time a builder of gunboats in Kentucky for eighteen months. After that he embarked in business in Philadelphia, and was a prominent builder of vessels there for many years. In 1828 he removed to Middle- town, to the farm now occupied by Malachi White. He died in Attleboro, now Langhorne, January 26, 1843. He had ten children, six of whom grew to maturity : William, Mary, Joseph, Edward, Preston and Isaac. Isaac was reared in Middle- town from 9 years of age. He was married in 1842 to Elizabeth, daughter of Caleb and Mary (James) Knight, of Byberry. The issue of this union was two chil- dren : William and Mary E. The latter married Thomas Thompson, of Montgomery county. Isaac Eyre was engaged in farming until 1871, when he retired and removed to Newtown, where he now resides. He still owns what was formerly known as the Jose|)h Jenks farm, of forty-five acres, in Middletown. George T. Heston, physician, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Buckingham township, this county, in 1827. He is a direct lineal descendant of Zebulon Heston, who came from the manor house of "Heston," near London, about 1650, and settled in Eastham, Barnstable county, Mass. In 1686 he removed to Burling- ton, N. J. lie was an extensive dealer in real estate, and left several hundred acres of land in Hestonville, Philadelphia, three hundred acres in Bucks county, and for that time a large amount of personal property. His wife's name was Dorothy, and they had nine children. Of these Jacob, the seventh, was born in 1713. He was an elder in the Friends' meeting. He married Mary Warner in 1739, and had seven children. Jesse, his second child and oldest son, was born in 1748, and was an elder in the Wrightstown meeting. He married Mary Stackhouse, by whom he had seven chil- dren. Jacob, the second child and oldest son, born in 1769, was the grandfather of George T. Jesse S., the father of George T., married Martha Thomas. He was an extensive dealer in coal lands in the Shamokin Valley, Pa., and was one of the pioneers of the Middle coal fields. He also owned a store in Newtown. Georn-e T. was reared in Newtown and educated at West Town boarding school and Haver- ford college. In 1845 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Phineas Jenks, of Newtown, and in 1847 entered the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- vania, from which institution he graduated in 1850. He began practice the same year at Fox Hill, N. J. In 1852 he located in Newtown, where he has been in active practice 35 years. His mother is living in Bristol, at the age of 84 years, with her two sons, William E. and Joseph T. Isaac W. Hicks, retired farmer, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Hulmeville, this county, January 20, 1809. He is a son of Edward and Sarah (Worstall) Hicks. His first ancestor in Bucks county was his great-grandfather, Gilbert Hicks, a son of Col. Isaac Hicks of the English army. In 1746 he married Mary, a daughter of Joseph Rodman, of Long Island, N. Y., and the same year settled in JBensalem town- shi[), this county. He was one of the early judges of Bucks county, and on account of reading General Howe's proclamation during the revolution, though he was in sympatliy with the American cause, he was driven from the county by the federals, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1015 and went to New York. After peace was declared he went to Nova Scotia, where lie is supposed to have been assassinated. He liad several children.. Isaac, the eldest, was born in Bensalem, April 21, 1748. He married his cousin, Catherine Hicks, daughter of Edward Hicks, a merchant of New York city. The issue of this union was three children: Gilbert E., Eliza V. and Edward. He was a prominent citizen of his day and held several county oflRces, among them justice of the courts. He died October 5, 1836. Edward Hicks, his youngest son, was born in Attle- boro, this county, April 4, 1780, and married Sarah Woistall in 1803, by whom he had five children : Mary H., Susan W., Isaac W., Elizabeth T. and Sarah. He was the first of the family to join the Society of Friends, and afterward became a prominent minister in the Society. He settled in Newtown in 1811 and embarked in the couch and sign painting business. He was a natural artist and prominent among his paintings were " Signing the Declaration of Independence," and " Wash- ington Crossing the Delaware." He died in Newtown, August 23, 1849. Isaac W. Hicks, his third child and only son, was reared in Newtown. In early life he was associated with his father in the coach painting business, but most of his life has been spent in farming. He was married in 1857 to Hannah, daughter of William and Hannah (Garrett) Penrose, of Horsham, Pa., by whom he had four children : Sarah W., Edward, Tacie A. (deceased) and William P. John Holcomb, retired farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Upper Makefield township, this county, December 4, 1802, and is a son of Samuel and Anna A. (Van Horn) Holcomb. His father was a farmer of Upper Makefield, and reared a family of eleven children : Sarah, who married Samuel Ross ; Mary, who married Benjamin Beans ; Elizabeth, who married William Hibbs ; John, Anna A., who married David Phillips ; Hannah, who married William Martindell ; Samuel, Phebe, Matilda, who married Gary Longshore; DeWitt C. and George. Our subject's pa- ternal grandfather, John Holcomb, married Mary Green. He was a son of Samuel, who married Eleanor Barber. He was a son of John, a native of England, who settled in Hunterdon county, N. J., in 1705, where he lived until his death. Samuel and his wife, Anna Amelia Van Horn, settled in Upper Makefield township in 1798. Our subject was reared in Upper Makefield and was married October 10, 1824, to Elizabeth, daughter of Lambert and Phebe Hibbs, of Newtown township, by whom he has had five children : Oliver H., Joseph, Phebe, William and Hannah. Mr. Holcomb located in Newtown in 1838 and was actively engaged in farming until 18G1, when he removed to the borough, where he has since resided. His farm in the township is occupied by his son Oliver H., who married Cynthia Scarborough in 1855 and has two children, William P. and Anna, the former being professor of history and civics in Swarthmore college. J. Pemberton Hutciiinsox, conveyancer and civil engineer, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Newtown township October 3, 1843, and is a son of David and Rachel B. (Child) Hutchinson. His paternal grandfather was Thomas Hutchinson, a farmer of Northampton township, whose wife was Sarah Twining, and by whom he had the following children : Elizabeth, Rebecca (Mrs. Chapman Buckman), Thomas (married Esther Smith) and David, who was a physician and a graduate of Jefferson Medical college, of Philadelphia. He began the practice of medicine in Bristol and subse- quently removed to Newtown, where he resided until his death, December 31, 1871. He had two children who grew to maturity: Edward S. and J. Pemberton, who was reared in Newtown and educated in the Polytechnic college at Philadelphia. He was graduated in 18G5 and went to Colorado, and opened a chemical laboratory and was a mine examiner and also engaged in prospecting for railroads. In 1867 he re- turned from the west and located in Newtown. He was at first assistant engineer and subsequently chief engineer of tlie Newtown railroad. He has been engaged in iiis present business for the past nine years. 1016 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. SxErriEN T. Jannet, farmer, P. 0. Newtown, was born in the house which he now occupies November 15, 1817. His first American ancestor was Thomas Jan- ney, of Cheshire, England, who, with his wife Margery, settled in Newtown on the farm now occupied by Stephen T. in 1683. The parents of Stephen T. were Jacob and Frances (Briggs) Janney. Jacob was a son of Richard and Sarah (Worth) Janney ; Richard a son of Thomas and Martha (Mitchell) Janney ; Thomas a son of Jacob and Mary (Hough) Janney, and Jacob a son of Thomas and Mar- gery mentioned above. Thomas and Margery came up the Delaware July 29, 1683, in the ship " Endeavour" from London. He was in his 50th year and had been a minister of the Society of Friends twenty-eigiit years. The farm which was pur- chased by him in 1683 has never been out of tiie Janney family. There was a saw-mill on the farm from its settlement until 1872. The grist-mill was erected by Jacob Janney in 1816 and is still in use. Jacob had thirteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity: Thomas, Richard, Jacob, John L., Martha (Mrs. Robert Simp- son), Sarah (Mrs. Joshua Dungan"), William, Joseph, Mahlon and Stephen T. The last married Harriet P., daughter of William H. and Mary (Paxson) John- son, of Buckingham township. Her paternal grandfather was Samuel Johnson, a prominent citizen of Buckingham township, and a son of William Johnson. Mr. Janney has five children : Calvin P., Horace, William H., Marietta and Frances (Mrs. Wilmer Briggs). During the revolution the residence of Mr. Janney was occupied by soldiers of the federal army. Geokge a. Jknks, attorney-at-law, P. 0. Newtown, is a son of the late Dr. Phineas and Amelia (Snyder) Jenks. His father practised medicine in Newtown for nearly fifty years. He was a student of the celebi-ated Dr. Benjamin Rush. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1837-8, and for several years a member of the legislature. He was also one of the founders of St. Luke's Episcopal church in Newtown. His wife, Amelia, was the oldest child and only daughter of Gov- ernor Simon Snyder. Thomas Jenks, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a prominent man in the affairs of Bucks county in his day and was a member of the constitutional convention of 1797-8. George A. was born in Newtown Oc- tober 9, 1829. His early education was received at the Newtown academy. July 4, 1850, he was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He read law with James C. Van Dyke, of Philadelphia, then United States district attorney. April 16, 1853, he was admitted to practice in the district court and common pleas of Philadelphia. After taking a full course in the law department of the University of Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1853, the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws were conferred on him. January 13, 1855, he was admitted to the supreme court of Pennsylvania; October 8, 1855, to the circuit and district courts of the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and January 19, 1858, to the courts of Bucks county. He practiced in Philadelphia until February, 1859, then removed to New- town, where he has since practiced. In political preferences he is a republican, but has never allowed the use of his name as a candidate for office, and has held no office except chief burgess of Newtown borough seven years and school director nineteen years. He is a member of the Episcopal church and has been a warden and vestryman for several years. In 1850 he was married to Ellen, daughter of Jesse and Susan B. Davis. Two children were born to this union, both of whom died at an early age. Jesse Leedoji, retired, P. O. Newtown, was born in Newtown township Sep- tember 13, 1822, and is a son of Charles and Lydia (McCarty) Leedom, the former a farmer by occupation, who lived and died in Newtown. He had six children who grew to maturity: Jesse, David, Edward, Elizabeth (Mrs. Gardner Kelly), Thomas and Mary (Mrs. Edward Taylor). His paternal grandfather, Jesse, was a farmer of Newtown township, where he lived and died. His wife was Mary Twining, by whom he had five children who grew to maturity: Edward, David, Charles, Eliza HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1017 and Racliel. His paternal great-grandfather was Richard Leedom, who was a son of one of three brothers who emigrated to this country from England about the time of Peiin's second visit, in the early part of the last century. He settled in North- ampton, was a farmer and merchant, accumulated a large fortune and died there. His children were: Jesse, Joseph, Benjamin, William, Lizzie, Rachel and Sarah. The mother of our subject was a native of Muncie, this state, and was one of a family of eighteen children and of Irish descent. Jesse Leedom was reared in New- town, and was engaged in farming for forty years. In 1870 he retired and removed to Newtown, where he has since resided. He has been twice married. His first wife was Achsah, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Staples, of Newtown, whom he mar- ried in 1847, and his second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of William and Sarah P. Mitchell, of Newtown. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Leedom were Thomas and Elizabeth McCarty. Elijah Martindell, retired farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Newtown township April 11, 1813, and is a son of Isaac and Rachel (Bonham) Martindell. His paternal grandfather was John Martindell, who married, February 9, 1746, Mary Strickland, by whom he had twelve children: Joseph, John, William, Rachel, Sara!), Miles, Strickland, Amos, Jonathan, Thomas, Isaac and Mary. John, hus- band of Mary Strickland, was a son of John and Mary (Bridgeman) Martindell, who came from England in 1684 and settled near Newtown. They had six chil- dren : William, Thomas, Ann, Mary, Alabrethe and John. The father of Elijah, Isaac, was born December 2, 1767. He had four children: Esther, who married Gerrett D. Percy; Elijah, Mary, wlio married William Hellyer; and Sarah, who married Joseph Martindell. Elijah was reared on the homestead of his father, where he resided until 1884, when he removed to Newtown. In February, 1838, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Tliomas and Esther (Martindell) Harvey, of Buckingham township, by whom he had nine children: Isaac, Caroline, Esther H., Marcus L. and Frank, deceased, and Thomas H., Rachel, John and Mary E. John S. Merrick, real estate dealer and conve3'ancer, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Upper Makefield township. He is a descendant of Samuel and Rachel (Heston) Merrick, who were among the pioneers of Upper Makefield, their residence being occupied by General Greene as his headquarters in 1776. Samuel Merrick had six children : John, Enos, Mary, Zebulon, Hannah and Samuel. Of these, Enos married Mercy Wilson, by w'hom he had seven children : Fannie, Sarah, Jose[)h, John, Elizabeth, David and Isaac. The father of John S., David, married .Jemima Scott, and was a farmer of Upper Makefield, where he was born and reared. He had five sons: Charles (deceased), John S., Enos, I. Wilson and Henry S. John S. was reared in Upper Makefield and resided there until 1865, when he re- moved to Newtown and engaged in the real estate business, conveyancing and sur- veying. He married Sarah E., daughter of Stacey and Elizabetli (Lee) Watson, of Middletown, and by her has one child, W. Aubrey. Henry Mitchell, quarryman and stone-cutter, P. O. Newtown, was born in Plymouth, Devonsiiire, England, July 29, 1830, and is a son of Jolm and Sarah (Tip|)i'tt) Mitchell. He came to America in 1852. He followed his trade in Brook- lyn, N. Y., for six months, and from there went to New Haven, Conn., and worked at his trade in various places until 1868. He then located in Bristol and operated a quarry in Yardleyville for fifteen years. In 1883 he came to Newtown, where he has since operated a quarry. He turns out over two thousand tons of stone a year for building purposes. This stone is shipped to all sections of the country and the industry is°one of the leading ones of Newtown. He employs about fifteen hands. Edward A. Tomlinson, proprietor of the Whitehall hotel, P. O. Newtown, was born in Bensalem township, this county, November 3, 1832, and is a son of Charles and Sarah ( Vandegrift) Tomlinson. His grandfather, Jesse Tomlinson, was born in Bensalem in 1766, and was a descendant of the Tomlinsons who settled in 1018 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Bensalem in the early part of the 18th century. He married Sarah, a daughter of Jonallian and Sarah Wilson, by whom he had three children : Jesse, Rhoda and Charles. The last named was born in Bensalem January 20, 1803, and was a farmer by occupation. His wife, Sarah A., was a daughter of William B> and Christiana Vandegrift, of Bensalem, whose paternal ancestors settled in Bensalem in 1679. Charles Tomlinson had three children : Julia A. (Mrs. Elwood T. Carver), Eliza (deceased) and Edward A. Our subject was reared in Bensalem and was engaged in farming there until 1880, wlien he removed to Newtown and embarked in the hotel business. His hotel, the " Whitehall," is one of the principal hostelries of Newtown. Mr. Tomlinson was married, April 28, 1864, to Rebecca A., daughter of James and Mary (Kinsey) Vanzandt, of Bensalem township. Her paternal grand- parents were John and Elizabeth Vanzandt, natives of Germany and early settlers of Bensalem. Her maternal grandparents, Samuel and Elizabeth Kinsey, were natives of England and early settlers of Bristol. Mr. Tomlinson has three children : Irene, Carrie and Charles. In 1878 Mr. Tomlinson was elected commissioner of Bucks county for a term of three years. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a mem- ber of the Order of Red Men. In politics he is a republican. James L. Torbekt, retired, P. O. Newtown, was born in the township of New- town, December 5, 1827, and is a son of James M. and Mary W. (Simpson) Torbert. His paternal grandfather was James Torbert, of Upper Makefleld township. He was a son of James Torbert, and an early settler of Upper Makefield, and he mar- ried Margaret McNair, by whom he had eleven children : Martha, Absalom, Han- nah, Ann, Alice, James M., Elizabeth, Samuel, John K., Charles and Margaret. Of these James M. was born December 25, 1795. He married Mary W,., daughter of William Simpson, of Upper Makefield township, by whom lie had seven children : William S., Isabella M. (Mrs. John Keitii), Caroline (Mrs. James Robinson), Mary A. (Mrs. Joseph M. Scott), James L., John W. and Anthony T. James L. was reared in Newtown and engaged in farming until 1875, when he retired. He mar- ried Maria C, daughter of Isaac and Ann (Torbert) Van Artsdalen, of Northamp- ton township, by whom he has tliree children living : Anna Mary (Mrs. Williana H. Janney), Horace G. and Lizzie D. (Mrs. Elijah S. Stewart). Aakon Twining, farmer, P. O. Wrightstown, was born November 29, 1821, and is a son of Jacob and Margery (Croasdale) Twining. His grandparents were Stephen and Mary (Wilkinson) Twining. Stephen was a son of John and Elizabeth (Kirk) Twining. John was a son of Stephen and Abigail (Young) Twining. Ste- phen, Sr., with his father, William, came from Eastham, Mass., in 1695, bou^-lit a large tract of land in the lower end of Newtown township, lying west of Newtown creek and adjoining tlie Neshaminy. William and his father, William, who are believed to be the first emigrants of the Twining name to this country, came from England about the year 1640 to Cape Cod, Mass., removed to Eastham, Mass., in 1645, and from thence William, Jr., and his son, Stephen, came to Newtown, Bucks county, in 1695. The grandfather of Aaron was a farmer of Newtown, and his son, Jacob, was also a farmer. The latter had the following children : Stephen, Elisha, Charles and Mary A. (Mrs. Eleazer Wilkinson), deceased ; and Croasdale, Isaac, Aaron and Deborah (Mrs. Charles R. Scarborough), living. Aaron has always resided in Newtown and occupies a part of the old homestead of his father and grandfather. He married Emily, daughter of Charles and Anna (Smith) Tj-ego, a descendant of Peter Trego, who settled in Bucks county in 1682. Two children have been born to this union : Fannie M. (deceased) and Anna H. Cyrus T. Vanartsdalf.n, farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Northampton township, April 5, 1823, and is a son of Isaac and Ann (Torbert) Vanartsdalen. His paternal grandfather, Garrett, was an extensive laudliolder in Northampton township, and a prominent citizen of his day. His wife was Euphemia Hocreland. He was a son of the pioneer, John Vanartsdalen, of Holland Dutch descent. The HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1019 maternal grandfather of Cyrus Vanartsdalen was James Torbert, son of James, a pioneer of Upper Makefield. Garrett Vanartsdalen reared a family of four children : John, Simon, Isaac and Maria. Isaac Vanartsdalen was a farmer of Northampton township wliere he died. His children were : Garrett, James T., Theodore M., Cyrus T., Margaret A. (Mrs. Wynkoop McNair), Alice E. (Mrs. James Anderson), Maria (Mrs. James L. Torbert) and Isaac K. Our subject was reared in North- ampton township, and settled in Newtown in 1859, wliere he has since resided. December 15, 1847, lie married Jane E., daughter of Jacob and Maria Cornell, of Northampton township, by whom he has had three children : Mary C, deceased ; Alice E., deceased ; and Isaac T., born March 28, 1857. James R. Van Horn, retired, P. O. Newtown, was born in Northampton town- ship, this county, March 21, 1818, and is a son of Abram and Susan (Ruckman) Van Horn. His paternal grandfather was Isaac Van Horn, a native of Northampton township, a farmer by occupation, and a son of Abram Van Horn, who settled in Northampton township about 1720. His maternal grandfather was James Ruck- man, a son of Thomas Ruckman, of New Jersey. James Van Hori^ was reared in Northampton township, and on attaining his majority engaged in farming, and was a dealer in cattle upward of twenty years. In 1869 lie removed to Newtown, where he has since resided. He married in 1872 Anna, daughter of John and Betsey (Hart) Craven, of Northampton township. EpHKAiM A. White, retired farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Falls town- ship, this county, October 8, 1813, and is a son of George and Abby (Anderson) White. His father was a farmer by occupation ; in early life in Newtown, and later in Penn's Manor, where he died. His maternal grandfather was Joshua Anderson, a farmer of Lower Makefield. Ephraim A. served an apprenticeship at the black- smith trade at Penn's Manor and at Wrightstown, and followed his trade at the latter place for five years. In 1850 he located at Southampton and engaged in farming, moving to Newtown township in 1857, and continuing farming until 1868, when he retired, and removed to the borough. He was married twice : his wives being sisters, daughters of Henry and Hannah (Davis) Watson, of Horsham, Mont- gomery county. He has five children : Hannah, Abbie, Anna Leah, Oscar and Laura. Mr. White traces his descent from an English family of that name which settled along the Neshaminy above Bristol, on a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, prior to the coming of William Penn, and whose immediate descendants were amono- the large property holders and tax-payers between 1680 and 1750. Oscar AV. White, produce commission merchant, Philadelphia, was born at Penn's Park, Bucks county, in 1845, and is a son of Epliraim A. and Lydia L. (Watson) White. His paternal grandfather was George White of Penn's Manor. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on the farm, and received an academic education. In 1868 he was married to Annie M., daughter of Dr. John Dyer, of Dyerstown, and by her has one child, Mary D. On his mother's side, Mr. White is descended from Thomas Watson, who came to the Falls in 1702, from county Cumberland, England. He is a republican in politics, and a member of the Society of Friends. Harry C. Worstall, hardware merchant, P. 0. Newtown, was born in Upper Makefield township. October 15, 1844, and is a son of Hugh and Mercy Worstall. He was reared in Upper Makefield township, in whose schools he was educated, and also attended the Millersville, Pa., academy, and the Poughkeepsie business college. In 1865, after leaving college, he went to Philadelphia, and was a book- keeper there two years. In 1868 lie embarked in the hardware business in New- town, and has followed that business successfully to the present time. He was married in 1871 to Martha, daughter of William and Rebecca (Smith) Janney, of Newtown, by whom he has two children : Rebecca and Mabel. 1020 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. CHAPTER XXXIX. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.— NOCKAMIXON. LM. ALTHOUSE, merchant, P. O. Kintnersville, was born in 1842. The I original Althouse in this county settled in Bedminster township. Daniel, grandfather of L. M., married a Wirt, to whom three children were born. Samuel, the oldest, was born and reared on the original fifty acres of land purchased by his ancestors. He married Sarah, daughter of Henry Mittman, of Bucks county, by whom he had nine children, of whom seven are living. Our subject was the second son. He lived at home till he was 21 years old, going to school during the winter montiis. In 18G8 he located at this place, wliere he has since continued in business. He was married in 18G6 to Sarah, daughter of Jacob Kiser, of Nockamixon town- ship. They have two children : Ciiarles Franklin and Sarah Estella, both attend- ing school at Kutztown. Mr. Althouse is a very active man. His store is filled with all kinds of seasonable goods and is well patronized. He is postmaster under the Cleveland administration. He belongs to the order of Eed Men. He is a mem ber of the Reformed church and in politics a democrat. Frank Bean, postmaster and merchant, P. 0. Nockamixon, was born in 1840. His father, Jacob, married Elizabeth Trouger, daughter of Jacob Trouger, of this county. They had nine children, Frank being the fifth son. Jacob was a tailor by ti-ade, an occupation he followed for some twenty years, after that farming the remainder of his life. Frank remained at home till he became a youncr man, and with a good common-school education left home and learned tlie bricklaying trade, vvhicli he followed till 1872, when he located at this place. In 1871 he M'as married to Rosa, daughter of Josepli Kiefer, of Noi-thampton county. No children as yet have blessed this happy union. Mr. Bean has his establishment well stocked with all kinds of goods found in a country store. He is a great reader and has quite an extensive library. Wilson W. Bean, merchant and manufacturer, P. 0. Nockamixon, was born in this township in 1853. His father, Henry, was born in Richland township, this county, in 1813 and died in 1882. His first wife was Sarah, daughter of John Hager. Nine children were born to this union, of whom Wilson was the eightli. The mother died in 1856. The fatlier was again married in 1861 to Sarah Fritz who had four children. Henry Bean was a slioemaker and followed that business up to the time of his death, doing a wholesale trade, the goods being mostly sold in this county. Wilson W. learned the trade of his father and keeps an average of fifteen men employed in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He married Ida, daughter of Josiah Rufe, of this township. She has borne him two children : Bertha Estella and Chester Clarence. Mr. Bean has recently built a handsome new residence near his old home. He is a member of the Lutheran church and superintendent of the Sabbath school. In politics he is a democrat. Captain John E. Corcoran, P. O. Upper Black's Eddy, was born November 8, 1827. His father, Patrick Corcoran, came from county Kin'rs, Ireland, about 1820, and located in New York city. He married Hannah Fell, who bore him five children, John being the only son. At the age of 16 he learned the cabinet-makino- trade and worked at it until he was 21. At the age of 22 he joined the miners and HISTOEY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1021 engineers then located at West Point and remained there three years. After that he was employed two years by the government in Mexico on the Rio Grande. In 1854 he came to Bucks county and assumed charge of the hotel, tiien the property of his brother-in-law. At the outbreak of the civil war he raised a company of vol- unteers, which joined the 140th regiment as company G. The regiment was soon mustered into service at Doylestown and proceeded to Washington. He was engaged in battle at the Peninsula, at the siege of Yorktown and at Fair Oaks, receiving at the last-named battle a severe wound from a minie ball May 31, 1862. In conse- quence of this wound he was out of active service two months. At the expiration of that time he again joined his regiment and served until the expiration of his time, September 30, 1864. He then returned to Bucks county and in 1866 was elected by the democratic party to tlie office of sheriff. He served one term in that capacity with credit. G. W. Grim, physician, P.O. Revere, was born in Montgomery county in 1832. His great-grandfather, John Grim (a native of Prussia), with his wife, by the name of Fisher, and a family of twelve children, first settled on the present site of Norris- town, Montgomery county, about tlie year 1700. The children grew up and scat- tered into Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties. The grandfather, George Grim, remained in Montgomery county and was married to Elizabeth Favinger, whose parents also emigrated from Prussia. He had one son and two daughters. The daughters died single. The son, Adam, married Christiana, daughter of Daniel Dismant, of English and Irish extraction, whose family first settled in Upper Provi- dence township, Montgomery county, in the beginning of the eighteenth century. Our subject is a son of this union. He remained at home witli his parents until 14 years of age, when his father was killed on the Reading railroad. The follovving nine years were employed in stove moulding, teaching and attending school at Washing- ton Hall, Trappe, Montgomery county. He received a good academic education, after which he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from Jefferson Medical college, of Philadelphia. In 1857 he married Elizabeth Koons, by whom he has had the following children : Ida, deceased ; F. Harvey, a graduate of Jeffer- son Medical college ; Warren, deceased ; George Melvin, at iiome, also a graduate of Jefferson Medical college ; A. Florence, now Mrs. Bigley ; I. AVebster, Frank S., Harry E., Cora B., Nora E. and James S. In 1859 Dr. Grim came to Nockamixon township and has since been engaged in practice here. He also superintends the work on his farm. The family are members of the Reformed church, and the doctor is a democrat. Henry and Austin McCaety, the former a farmer and the latter a retired merchant, P. O. Bucksville, are sons of Nicholas McCarty. Edward and Thomas McCarty, with their parents, Nicholas and Unity, came from the south of Ireland and located in Haycock and Nockamixon townships. Four children were born to Edward, one of whom died when quite young. Thomas, Nicholas and John grew to manhood, and at their father's death inherited equal shares of the two hundred and fifty acres purchased by their father. Thomas remained on the homestead and had two sons : Nicholas B. and Justus. Nicholas, at the age of 21, married Julia Kohl and had two sons, Henry and Austin, and four daughters. Henry was born in 1836 on the original tract purchased by Edward, a part of which he now owns. In 1871 he was married to Mary Ellen, daughter of Allen and Lydia McCarty, of Haycock township. Their children are: Arthur, Nora, Selesta, Grace and Blanche. Mr. McCarty purchased from his mother the farm consisting of forty-eight acres and has always led the life of a farmer. He is a member of the Catholic church and in politics a democrat. Austin, the second son of Nicholas, was born in Nockamixon township in 1838. He received a good education and remained at home on the farm until he was 25 years old. In 1872 he married Lucinda, daughter of Nicholas Buck. They have 1022 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. three children : Frank, Henry and Stella. Mr. McCarty has been an active and progressive man. lie was a merchant at Bucksville for many years. He has re- tired from the mercantile business, but still retains the position of postmaster. In 1881 he was elected by the democratic party to the office of recorder, which position he faithfully and ably filled. The family are members of the Catholic church. Thomas Y. McCarty, merchant, P. O. Bucksville, was born in 1850. Thomas and Edward McCarty, two brothers, came from Cork, Ireland, to America about the year 1737, and purchased two hundred and twenty-three acres of land in Haycock and two hundred and fifty in Nockamixon. Edward took possession of the land in Nockamixon. He is known to have had two sons, Nicholas and John. Thomas is presumed to have had no children and adopted his brother's son, John, as the latter came into possession of the land in Haycock township at the death of Thomas. John had three sons and one daughter. One of his sons, Nicholas, was the father of three sons, Ross Tliomas, John D. and Paul Abner, who was the oldest, and who married Louisa Mclntyre, who bore him seven sons and two daughters. Paul died in 1869. His widow is still living, at the age of 77. Thomas Y. was the youngest son. In 1877 he married Isabella McCarty. Four children have been born to this union : Leo, Angels, Roscoe and Alacoque, all of whom are now living. Nine years ago Mr. McCarty located at his present place, where he carries on quite an extensive business, dealing in general merchandise. He has also a farm, the work of which he superintends. He is a member of the Catholic church and a republican. Sextus C. Pursell, Philadelphia, was born in Nockamixon township March 31, 1841. He received his education in the public schools, the Milford, N. J. academy, and at the New York Conference seminary, at Charlotteville, N. Y. October 1, 1863, he entered the service of the Belvidere Delaware railroad company, as clerk in the superintendent's office, at Lambertville, N. J. He remained in that position until December 1, 1867, when he resigned to accept the agency of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation company, at Bethleliem, Pa. He remained there but a few months when he was promoted to a position in the general office of the com- pany atMauch Chunk. A-changein the management of the company's railroad led to his resignation, and he returned to his native place. May 1, 1870, he again en- tered the service of the Belvidere road, in the office of the superintendent, and in the fall of the same year was elected member of assembly for Bucks county, and was re-elected in 1871. June 1, 1874, he was appointed ticket agent for the Pennsyl- vania railroad company, at Kensington station, Philadelphia, and he still holds that position. He was married January 14, 1875, to Camilla I. Gwinner. They have had three children, one of whom died in 1886 at tlie age of nine years. D. RoTiiTROCK, pastor of the Reformed church, P. 0. Kintnersville, was born in Northampton county. Pa., in 1830. His parents were Jonathan and Susanna (Derr) Rothtrock. His grandparents were Samuel Rothtrock and his wife Anna Margareth, whose maiden name was Price. His grandparents, and afterwards his parents, resided on the same farm, about one mile from Hellertown. Samuel had four sons and six daughters. Jonatiian was the eighth child, and next to the youngest son. He married Susanna, daughter of Daniel Derr, of Northampton county. They had seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom are living. Jonathan died when in his 74th year, and his wife when in her 69th year. David was the fourth child. He remained at home, going to school whenever he could, till he was in his 17th year. He then commenced teaching, and afterward for two summers attended Tremont seminary at Norristown, of which Rev. Samuel Aaron was principal. From that time on, he was engaged in teaching durino- the winter months at first, and later nearly the whole year, till he was 25 years of ao-e. In 1852 he married Mary Ann, youngest daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Lercli) Hess. They have two children, George W. and Jacob J., the latter a minister in HISTOKY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1023 Lansdale, Montgomery county. It was in 1856 that Mr. Rothtrock began to study for the ministry, Dr. D. F. Brendle, pastor of several congregations of the Re- formed church near Bethlehem, Pa., being his preceptor. He was ordained in 1858. He has been in charge of his present congregation for twenty-eight years, and since 1880 has been located at Kintnersville. His church, of which he has so long been pastor, belongs to the Durham charge. Jacob Sumstone, deceased, was born in Nockamixon township in 1821 and died in 1886. His father, Jacob, married Catherine AfHerback and by her had eiglit children, of whom Jacob, Jr., the fourth, was born and reared on his father's farm. He was married to Hester Clymer, to whom two children were born. She died in 1859, and in 1868 he was married to Mary Ellen, daughter of Peter and Mary (Springer) Laubenstine. They have had six children, four of whom are now living : Annie Mary, Alice, Lizzie and Eva ; Katie May and Jacob Warren, the two youngest, are deceased. Mr. Sumstone was in his day a prominent citizen, having taken an active part in the politics of his county. His widow and children remain on the farm, which consists of one hundred acres, some of which are valuable timber land. Mr. Sumstone owned other tracts of land in this and Springfield townships. In politics he was a democrat. CHAPTER XL. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.— NORTHAMPTON. JOSEPH C. CAMM, retired farmer, was born in Philadelphia August 10, 1819, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Grant) Camm. His maternal an- cestors are Scotch. John Camm, grandfather of Joseph C, who was a tradesman in England, located in Philadelphia, where he died and was buried at the corner of Third and Pine streets. He was a member of the Society of Friends. His son, William, was a hatter in his younger days. He was twice married, first to Eliza- beth Grant, who died August 23, 1825, and is buried at Woodland cemetery. His second wife was Susan Ann Martine. By the first marriage there were ten children and by the second six. He died September 1, 1860. Of all his children Joseph C. is the only one living. The latter was reared in Philadelphia to the age of 21 years, spending his summers in Bucks county. He received his education in the schools of Philadelphia,- Abington, Lambertville and Lexington. On reaching maturity he engaged with the hardware firm of Baker & Moss, Philadelphia, with whom he remained for three years, after which he turned his attention to agriculture. He located in his present home, which is one of the landmarks of the county, hav- ing been erected in 1739 by Judge Henry Wynkoop, a member of the continental congress. In this home General Washington frequently visited Judge Wynkoop with his staff, among whom was Colonel Monroe. Mr. Camm was married Febru- ary 8, 1843, to Miss Martha Feaster, of Northampton towhship, a daughter of Aaron Feaster, who was the great-grandchild of John Feaster, the pioneer of the family in this county. Aaron Feaster married Matilda Cornell and they were the parents of seven children. Of these all are deceased except the wife of our subject. In the old stone house now owned by Ephraim Feaster, seven generations have found their home, the place having been in the family name since the early part of the 1024 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. eigliteentli century. Mr. and Mrs. Camm have had five children, of whom one, William, died in his youth. Those living are : Matilda, wife of Dr. William T. Sudler, of Bridgeville, Del.; Elizabeth B., wife of George W. Cornell; Edward, married to Sallie Marshall, lives with his parents, and Addie. Mr. Camm is a democrat politically. For many years he was director of the schools of the town- ship. Maiilo^ B. Cravex, retired farmer, P. 0. Richboro, was born in Warminster township, Bucks county, April 15, 1821, his parents being Isaac and Christiana Craven. The family is of English origin. Thomas Craven, great-grandfather of Mahlon, with his brother Giles, was the first who came to America and settled in Bucks county. Giles died without posterity and Thomas is the direct ancestor of the family in this county. He died in 1799, aged 84, and was interred in the old burying gi-ound in Warminster, used by the Craven and Van Zant families. James, the son of Thomas, was the grandfather of our subject. He married Adrianna Krusen, a native of Bucks county. James died in 1825 and his wife about 1844. Isaac, father of Mahlon, was the youngest of their children. He was a farmer and made that his life work, except such time as he devoted to travelling. He married Christiana Van Buskirk and they had five children, of whom three grew to matu- rity : Mahlon, Edmund and Emily Ann, deceased, wife of Lewis R. Praul. Isaac, father of the above, died January 17, 1878, his widow surviving him a short time. The fixmily were connected with the Dutch Reformed church. Mahlon received his education in the common schools of the township, but like many others obtained the greater part of his scholastic attainments by his own efforts, after the close of schooling days. He followed farming until 1858, since which time he has given most of his attention to literature. He was married November 12, 1850, to Isabella Test, of Philadelphia, who died in 1858. They had three children, of whom one, Milissa, has since deceased. Those living are Miriam and Cecelia. Mr. Craven's literary efforts have been chiefly confined to the discussion of religious subjects, and include some twenty-five critical reviews of prevailing beliefs from a liberal stand- point. His largest work is entitled "Criticism on the Theological Idea of Deity," a book of three hundred and fifteen pages. His works have sold over a large range of territory, being handled by houses from the Atlantic to the Pacific. George W. Cornell, P. O. Newtown, was born October 17, 1841, in the old house which was built in 1747 and torn down in 1861, his parents being Adrian and Mary Ann (Van Horn) Cornell. Adrian Cornell was born December 21, 1818, and was reared on the farm where our subject now resides, as were his father and grandfather, it being the original location of the family on coming to the county from Long Island. lie was educated in the schools of the vicinity, and made farming his life occupation. He built the family mansion, an imposing stone edifice, which was erected in 1860 at a vast expense. Adrian Cornell was married January 8, 1840, to Mary Ann Van Home, of Bucks county. They were the parents of one child, George W. Mr. Cornell wasan active man in business. He becameassociated with the Bucks County Agricultural society, of which he was for some years the president, succeeding his brother, James C. Cornell. He was a stockholder in the Newtown bank. He died September 17, 1870, and is buried at the Union cemetery, at Richboro. His widow resides at the homestead. George W. Cornell, subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of the vicinity, and spent three years in the Tennent school at Hartsville. He has always resided where he does now. He was married, October 10, 1871, to Sallie C. Lukens, who died May 23, 1873. He was married to his present wife, June 6, 1877. Her name was Libbie B. Camm, daugliter of Joseph C. Camm. He is a member of the republican party, and the older Cornells were whigs. His wife and mother are members of the Richboro Dutch Reformed church. He is a stockholder in the Newtown bank, and in the Second National bank at Frankford. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1025 Theodore Cornell, farmer, P. O. Holland, was born in Northampton town- ship, Bucks county, February 28, 1840, in a house which stood on the site of iiis present residence, his parents being James C. and Judith S. (Everett) Cornell. James C. was reared on the old Cornell homestead, and became one of the most successful farmers of Bucks county. He was one of the organizers of the Bucks County Agricultural society, and was its president for a number of years. He kept a large dairy, and was widely known for his success in farm management. He died February 1, 1865. His widow survived until 1879. They are buried at the cemetery at Richboro. Theodore was reared at the place where he now resides. He was educated in the neighboring schools, and was married, February 20, 1867, to Anna Buckman, of Middletown township, daughter of Levi Buckman. Mr. and Mrs. Cornell were the parents of three children, one of whom, Walter L., died in infancy. Those living are Eva B. and James Russell, the latter of whom is attend- ing Swarthmore college. Mr. Cornell is a member of the Newtown Lodge A. Y. M. He erected his present residence in 1885, and $15,000 would not duplicate it. Isaac Eastburn, retired, P. O. Richboro, was born in Southampton township, near Scottsville, February 4, 1818, his parents being Joseph and Alice (Krusen) Eastburn. His mother's ancestors are from Holland, and it is supposed that the progenitors of his father came to the country in the time of AVilliam Penn. Ben- jamin P^astburn, grandfather of our subject, was born in Bucks county, where he followed farming. He married a Miss Newell, They died in Northampton town- ship. Joseph Eastburn, father of Isaac, was reared in Northampton township, moved to Southampton, and lived there until he died. He married Alice Krusen, and tliey had eleven children, of whom our subject is the only one living. He was a farmer, but in the later years of his life kept store at Scottsville. He was a Pres- byterian and died in 1844. Isaac, our subject, was reared in Southampton town- ship to the age of 16, and then came to the " Bear" to learn the trade of a wheel- wrigiit with Nicholas Larzalere, where he remained five years, and then went to New Hope and carried on a shop for a short time. He then returned to Richboro and conducted a shop for about nine years. He then bought a farm at the upper end of the village, and commenced farming, but has lived retired since 1883. He was married December 28, 1843, to Miss Rachel Randall, of Ricliboro, daughter of Tiiomas and EliEabeth (Evans) Randall. Her father died in 1837, and her mother in 1867. The former is buried in the old Southampton Baptist burying ground, and the latter in the cemetery at Richboro. She is a member of the Reformed church. He is a republican politically. Ephkaim P. Feaster, farmer, P. O. Newtown, was born in Northampton township, November 5, 1841. The first of the family in this country were three brotliers who came from Amsterdam and settled, one on Long Island, one in Cata- wissa, this state, and the third, John Feaster, who was the ancestor of Ephraim P., in Holland, this county. John Feaster was born in 1708, and died December 19, 1775. His wife, Mary, was born in 1706 and died Jlay 28, 1774. Their son David was born April 8, 1740, and died September 28, 1808. He was married September 13, 1768, to Mary Hageman, who was born March 8, 1743, and died May 28, 1783. Their son, Aaron, grandfather of Ephraim P., was born October 30, 1772, and died July 18, 1860. He was married May 29, 1801, to Matilda Cornell, who was born April 20, 1779, and died December 22, 1858. Their chil- dren were: Jane, who married Henry D. Phillips; Sarah A., who married Vorhees Quick; Maria, who married Theodore Morris; Elizabeth, wiio married Dr. C. S. Baker; Martha, who married Joseph C. Camm ; David, father of Ephraim P., and John. David Feaster was born February 26, 1808, and was married February 26, 1836, to Mary, daughter of Piphraim and Sarah Phillips, of Lawrenceville, N. J., by whom lie had four children : Mary E., Aaron and Theodore, deceased, and Ephraim P. Mr. Feaster was a prominent farmer of Northampton, and by his own 53 1026 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUXTT. exertions, accumulated a large property. He was an lionest and upright citizen and took an active part in church matters, contributing largely of his means to the Dutch Reformed church of Addisville, in Northampton township, being the largest contributor towards the erection of the present church edifice, besides leaving $1,500 by his will to the church and for the care of the Feaster and Hageman cemetery. He died June 1, 1873. Mrs. Feaster was born September 10, IbOo, and is still living. Ephraim P. was reared on the old Feaster homestead in this township, which is still owned in the family, and resided there until 1876, when he removed to Newtown, where he now resides. He was married, April 19, 1864, to Elizabeth, daughter of Captain Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) McMakin, of Philadelphia, born January 31, 1865, by whom he had seven ciiildren : David, Frank, Lizzie, Joseph, Dora, Agnes and Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Feasler are members of the Dutch Reformed church. He is a member of the Masonic order and a republican. Isaiah W. Geauhart, lumber manufacturer, P. O. Holland, was born in Bloomsburg, Columbia county, January 23, 1819, his parents being Henry and Pliebe (Field) Gearhart. The Gearhart family were originally German. His father was a chair and spinning-wheel maker. When Isaiah W. was 8 years old he came to Bucks county to live with an uncle, Levi Field, who was a farmer. With him he lived until he was 16 years old, when he went to Montgomery county to learn the trade of carpenter, where- he remained six years. He then went to Philadelphia and worked in the city about two years, after which he carried on con- tracting tor about fil'teen yeai-s. He then removed to his present location and bouglit the saw-mill, which he has operated ever since, adding many improvements to it. He was married in Montgomery county in May, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Eames, a native of Boston, a daughter of Robert Eames. Mr. Gearhart started out in life lor himself, and has made his own way in the world, until he is now one of the wealthy men of the township. He is one of the directors of the Langhorne bank, and was formerly a director of the Newtown bank. He was a director of the Bustle- ton turnpike, and is now a director of the Feasterville and Holland turnpike. Mr. Gearhart is a member of the Newtown lodge, F. and A. M. He is a member of the Somerton cliurch. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart were the parents of nine children, of wliom four are living. Those living are: Angeline, wife of Watson Spencer, in Falls township ; Phebe Ann, wife of John Collum, lives in Oxford, Chester county ; Mai-tha Ann and Frank are at home. Mr. Gearhart has a flour mill at Rocksville, called the Rocksville mills, wiiich has a capacity for grinding two hundred bushels [ler day. Alfred LufI'% deceased, was born in Tinicum township, where his father car- ried on the business of a tailor. At 18 years of age Alfred was given his freedom, as were all his brothers and sisters. After that he worked for various persons, and in 1849, in company with his brother Joseph, bought a farm in this township, near Richboro, three years later buying his brother's interest, and living there for twenty- eight years. He then removed to another farm which he owned in Richboro, now owned by his son Stephen B., where he died September 24, 1882. He was a thor- ough-going business man, and accumulated a handsome property, at the time of his death owning four farms, the " White Bear" hotel property in Richboro, and other interests. He was essentially a self-made man. His wife was Ruth, daughter of Jesse and Amy Slack of this township. She died in July, 1880. Their children were: Oliver J., born November 12, 1843, who inherited and is now keeping the W^hite Bear hotel in Richboro; Darah, deceased ; Franklin P., who lives on the old homestead ; George R. and Henry K., both residents of this township ; and SSte|ihen B., who was the youngest of the family, and was born February 8, 1861. He was reared to farming, and on the death of his father bought from the estate the farm in Richboro, where his father died, and where he now lives. On November 21, 1883, he married Bella K., daughter of Tliomas and Anna Scott, of Newtown HISTORY OF BUCK3 COUXTY. 1027 township. To their union two children liave been born : Florence A., who died in infancy, and Herman B., born May 22, 1886. Alfred Luff' was an exam()le of what a man without early advantages can accomplish by industry, energy and good judg- ment. Griffith Miles, retired, P. 0. Breadysville, is a son of Griffith and Jane (Beans) Miles, both deceased. They were natives of Montgomery county, where they were married and first settled. In 1800 they removed to tiiis county, where they remained until their death. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are deceased ; Jane, John and Susan. Lydia is living at the age of 91. Griffith Miles was born in Montgomery county February 9, 1800, and came with his parents the same year to Bucks county, Northampton township, where he has re- mained ever since. He has never been married. He lived with his parents until their death, after which he bought out the interests of the other heirs in the estate, to which he has since added until he now owns three hundred and fifty acres of fine farming land, beside other valuable property. His sister, who has managed the household affairs these many years, like himself was never married. She is the owner of about two hundred acres of good land and other property. Mr. Miles is one of the substantial citizens of the township and is greatl}^ respected. John M. Rdlon, farmer, P. 0. Breadysville, was born in Philadelphia, August 22, 1840, his parents being Ephraim and Jane (Megee) Rulon. His paternal an- cestors were Huguenots and emigrated to this country from Bordeaux, France, in 1694, and located in Salem county, N. J. Mr. Rulon's grandfather on the maternal side, John Megee, was in business in Philadelphia at the beginning of the war of 1812, and having in his business a number of teams, he took them, and with the city pieces of artillery, formed a battery for the American service. He served through that war and after returning was accidentally drowned in the Delaware river, at Philadelphia. Ephraim Rulon, the father of John M., was born in 1806, and reared in Pliiladelphia, and carried on the business of a coppersmith. He married Jane Megee and they were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still liv- ing: Mar}' Spear, of Baltimore, Md.; Samuel H., of New Bedford, Mass.; William E., George M., lately deceased ; Harry E., Edward D., and John M., the subject of this sketch, who is a resident of Bucks county, the others being located in Philadelphia. Five of these brothers served their country in the late war. John M. enlisted in company G, 52d Pennsylvania Volunteers, in 1863, and served six- teen months in the construction corps ; after his discliarge he volunteered for the de- fense of the national capital, and was three weeks in the trenches though not an enlisted man. He came to Bucks county at the age of eleven years and made his home Avith John Buckman, with whom he lived five years ; leaving him to learn the trade of a machinist at Newtown. After the close of the war he returned to New- town and resumed the business of farming. He married Mercy, daughter of John Buckman, and she died in 1866. In 18G9 he was married to Hannah Gubbings, whose parents were born in London, Elngland. The children of this union are : Rebie, Annie, John B., Alfred B., and Ella, all of wliom are living. FiJED SwARTZLANDEii, physician, P. 0. Richboro, was born at Yardley, Bucks county, September 21, 1848, his parents being Joseph and Abigail W. (Rankin) Swartzlander. Philip Swartzlander, great-great-grandfather of oui- sub- ject, was born at Freiburg, in Swartzwald, Germany, and emigrated with his family to America, and located two miles north of Doylestown, on the Dublin road, opposite the old Abraham Delp property. With him came his son, Gabriel, five years of age, who was reared here, and married Salome Stout. Tlieir original liomestead was the Cope farm, opposite Delp's, and they owned other tracts adjoin- ing, among which was the Abraham Delp tract of 400 acres. They had six children : Jacob, John, David, Joseph, Margaret and Cathei-ine. Tlie last lived in Doylestown and died in Philadelphia. The oldest child, Jacob, was the grand- 1028 HISTORY OP BUCKS COUNTY. father of Fred. He came to Southampton township in 1808, bought Lightwood's house and mill (now Sterner's). His first wife was Elizabeth Cope, and they had the following children : Joseph, Abraham, Salome and Gabriel, deceased. His second wife was Elizabeth Moot. Tlieir children were: Emily, Clara, Wilhelmina, and Harriet, who died in infancy. He and his first wife are buried at Feasterville, Southampton township. His second wife is still living at Bustleton. Joseph Swartz- lander, father of Fred, was the oldest child of Jacob, and was reared in Southampton township, and learned the milling trade at Swartzlander's mill. At the age of twenty he set out on foot to travel. At Zanesville, O., he took the smallpox, but recovered, started ahead, and went on to New Orleans on a flat boat, to St. Louis on the steamboat and walked to Detroit, 564 miles. Coming north, he arrived on the shores of Lake Michigan. The site of the present metropolis, Chicago, was then a swamp. He then started for Rochester, via the Erie canal, and thence went to Boston, and from there returned home. A trip of this character at that time was both rare and hazardous. On his return he engaged in milling, which he is still en- gaged in, but has centered his interests in the lumbering business at Yardley. He has cut more hard timber than any man or firm in Bucks county. He is the father of nine children, seven living: Mary, Frank, Harry, Ella, Albert, Fred and Laura, Jacob and Abraham, deceased. Fred was born and reared in Yardley. He studied medicine at Doylestown in 1867 with his brother. He attended lectures at the Bellevue Hospital Medical college. New York, and afterward attended lectures at the old Jefferson college, at Philadelphia, and graduated in March, 1872. He located at Yardley, and practised there two years, associated with Dr. Joseph Smith. He came to Kichboro in April, 1874. He was married July, 1877, to Miss Henrietta Slack, daughter of Joseph C. and Elizabeth B. Slack. They have two children living, Joseph and Louis. One child, Bessie, is dead. In 1884 Dr. Swartzlander, desiring to attend the International Medical association at Copen- hagen, took an extensive tour through Europe. He has also travelled in the United States. During the war of the rebellion he was for three years an uncommissioned officer in company B, 6th regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Colonel Rush. This was Rush's Lancers regiment. Allen Tomunson, farmer, P. 0. Holland, was born in Moreland township, Montgomery county, October 15, 1827, his parents being Aaron and Tacy (Carter) Tomlinson. William Tomlinson, grandfather of Allen, was a farmer and was born in Chester county, afterward removing to Byberry. His wife's maiden name was JIalone. They were Friends, and are buried at the meeting-house in Byberry. Aaron Tomlinson, his son, was reared in Byberry, and followed general farming. He was married to Tacy Carter, and they had four children : Allen, Silas, Mary, and Mercy. Aaron Tomlinson died in 1838, and his widow survived him until 1884. She is buried at the William Penn cemetery at Somerton, and he at By- berry. Allen was five years old when he removed to Bucks county. He removed to Byberry upon the death of his father, and when 21 years old removed to where lie now lives. He received his education in the common schools in the winter, working on the farm in the summer, and attended a private school one winter. He was married in January, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph K. and Mary H. Harding, of Moretown, Montgomery county. She died in the fall of 1868. They Ijad seven children, of whom one, Annie, is deceased. Those living are: Ruth, Aaron, Albert, Julia, wife of Charles S. Atkinson ; H. Ellis, and Frank C. Mr. Tomlinson married his present wife in 1870. Her name was Rebecca Hawkins, a native of Montgomery county. Mr. Tomlinson has been director of the public schools, and held other public offices of trust in the township. He is now superin- tending the grading and making of the Feasterville and Holland turnpike road. He is a republican politically. HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1029 Jesse B. Twining, retired, P. O. Richboro, was born in Northampton town- ship, September 25, 1817, his parents being Jacob and Priscilla (Buckman) Twin- ing. Jacob Twining was born in "Wriglitstown township, but on the death of his father he moved to Northampton township. The mother of our subject was born in Falls township. Botii are buried at the Friends' burying-ground at Wrightstown. Jesse B. was reared in Northampton townsliip, but when 15 years old went to New- town to learn tailoring. He followed that business at intervals until 1841, when he entered a store at Penn's Park as clerk, and remained there one year. One year after quitting this employ he, in connection with William McDowell, entered into the mercantile business at Wrightstown, which continued for six years, when Mr. Twining was married, and soon removed to the farm, which he had bought three years before. Farm life was suited to his tastes, and he followed agricultural pursuits until 1886. He now rents out the land, though he and his wife reside on the place. He was married in 1848 to Hannah, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Buckman) Beans, of Lower Makefield township. Mr. and Mrs. Twining were the parents of six children, of whom three are living: Sarah, wife of William Smith, lives in Northampton township; Jacob, farming in Newtown township; and Albert C, married to Margaret W. Hoagland, lives at Asbury Park, N. J., where he is cashier of the First National bank. Mr. and Mrs. Twining are Orthodox Friends, and members of the Buckingham meeting. Mr. Twining was for six years a school director in Northampton, and secretary of the board. He is president of the Girard Avenue Farmers' Market company. Ninth and Girard avenue, Phila- delphia, which has a capital stock of $175,000, and which was built at an expense of $262,000. Isaac Van Horn, retired, P. O. Richboro, was born in Northampton township, Bucks county. May 2, 1813, his parents being Abraham and Susan (Ruckman) Van Horn. His maternal ancestors were Welsh and Scotch-Irish, and his paternal ancestors were Low Dutch and English. Abraham Van Horn, great-grandfather of Isaac, came to Northampton township in 1720, and located in the lower end of it, the place now being owned by Mrs. Paul. He was a farmer, and is buried at the Van Horn and Feaster burying-ground. Isaac Van Horn, his son, was born in Northampton township, and died in 1831. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Betts, by whom he had eight children. She died about seventeen years before him, and they are buried in the Friends' burying-ground at Wrightstown, both being mem- bers of the Society of Friends. Abraham Van Horn, father of our subject, was born and lived all his life in Northampton township. He married Miss Susan Ruckman, a native of Plumstead township, and they had eight children : Isaac, our subject; Mary Ann, James R., Isabella R., Sarah R., Elizabeth, Emily, and James (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn were members of the Dutch Reformed church at Churchville, and afterward at Richboro. He died in 1869, and his wife shortly after. They are buried at the Richboro cemetery. Isaac, our subject, was reared and received his education in Northampton township, and taught school in his early life. He has made farming his business until about 1869, since which time he has lived on his land, but has not operated it himself. He was married October 1, 1835, to Miss Cynthia Craven, native of Northampton township, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Krusen) Craven. Her father died about 1867, and her mother several years later. They are buried at the Richboro cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn were the parents of four children, of whom one, Charles Krusen, is deceased. Those that are living are James, who is cashier of the Hatboro bank; Thomas C, who is in the wholesale grocery and tobacco trade in Philadelphia, in the firm of Reeves, Parviu & Co.; and Julia Ann, wife of Abraham A. Slack, who was captain of a volunteer company in the late civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn are members of the Dutch Reformed church at Richboro. He was one of the promoters of this church, of which he is a trustee. He is one of the surveyors of the Farmers and Mechanics' 1030 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Mutual Insurance association of Bucks county. Pie was elected recorder of deeds of Bucks county in October, 1860, and served three years. He is a republican politically. Will A. Yeekes, machinist, P. O. Richboro, was born in Abington township, Montgomery county, on September .i, 1853, his parents being Isaac and Jane (Carr) Ycrkes. On his mother's side the family is of Irish descent. His father was a native of Montgomery county. His grandfather, Silas Yerkes, was county commis- sioner of Montgomery county. AVill A. was but 14 years of age when the family moved to Warwick township, where he was reared to the age of 17, when he went to Tren- ton to learn the machinist's trade in tiie Phoenix Iron works. He remained there about three years, and then went to Piiiladelphia and engaged with William Sellers and Co., tool manufacturers. One year later he engaged with Benient & Dougherty in the Industrial works. He came to Northampton township in 1814 and followed farming until 1886, when he engaged with Bement, Miles & Co., of Philadelphia, where he has remained since. He was married in February, 1874, to Mary Eliza- beth, daughter of John Addis, Jr., and Mary Ann (Gill) Addis. Mr. Yerkes has a line residence property in Richboro, erected in 18»6. CHAPTER XLT. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— PLUMSTEAD. JAMES BARCLAY, Sk., farmer, P. 0. Dyerstown, was born in Doylestown, September 21, 1810. He is a son of Robert and Ann (Fitzinger) Barclay, natives of Bucks county and of German descent. His maternal grandfather came fi-om Germany. Robert Barclay served in the war of 1812, and belonged to the Bucks county rifle rangers, under Captain Magill. He came home from service and died soon after. He had three sons, only one of whom is living, James. Those deceased were Jolm and Robert. James Barclay, Sr., lett home at the age of 10 years to seek a living for liimself. He came to Dyerstown, and worked for Jose[)h Dyer until the death of the latter, and also lived on his farm for a few years after his mar- riage. In 1860 he came into possession of the farm he now owns, and has since lived here. He has always followed farming, and has made a great many improve- ments since living here. He owns two residence properties, and has been a success- ful farmer. December 19, 1833, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ann (Van Forsen) Dyer, by whom he had three children: John D., married to Ida Cooper; Annie E. D. and James, Jr., married to Clara McLean. Mrs. Barclay died August 10, 1872. Mr. Barclay is an old and respected citizen of Bucks county. John S. Brown, treasurer of tlie Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit company, of Piiiladelphia, was born in Plumstead township, Bucks county, Pa., in December, 181.5. His parents were Samuel and Mary (Shaw) Brown, and his grandparents Josiali and Deboraii (Wilson) Brown. John S. was born and reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education, and when between 16 and 17 years of ao-e commenced an apprenticeship in the office of the " Bucks County Intelligencer." In July, 1838, he began business as editor of the " Hunterdon Gazette," at Flem- ington, N. J., and continued there until March, 1843. He then houo-ht tlie estab- lisliment of the " Intelligencer," which paper he successfully conducted until Marcii, HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1031 1853. From 1868 to 1873 he was cashier of the Second National bank of Phila- delphia, at Fiankford. On the organization of the Guarantee Trust and Safe De- posit company, February 1, 1873, he took his present position. In June, 1844, he was married to Rebecca J-, daughter of Malilon K. Taylor, of Taylorsville, Bucks county, this state. His children are: Edward T., Henry C. and Mary. Mr.- Brown is a member of the Episcopal church, and in politics a republican. A. M. Cooper., M. D., P. O. Point Pleasant, was born in Tinicum township, September 15, 1830, being a son of William B. and Elizabeth (Myers) Cooper, also natives of Tinicum township, and of English and German descent. The great- great-grandfather came from Stratford-upon-Avon, in England. Tlie Cooper family were among the very earliest settlers of this county, and settled in Tinicum town- sliip, where tliey owned a large tract of land. Tlie male members of the family were all farmers. The grandfather, James Cooper, father of William B., was born and reared and died in Tinicum township. He was the father of eleven children: La- vinia, Alfred M., Clara, Eva, Caroline and Justice, living; and Rebecca, Rachel, Jane, James B. and Newton R., deceased. Dr. Alfred M. Cooper was reared on a farm until 19 years of age, when he began teaching school, continuing for tive years, and occasionally doing farm work. During this time he turned his attention to medicine, and at the age of 23 years began to study under a preceptor, continuing for two years. He graduated from Jefferson Medical college March 10, 1856, and the same year began practice in Point Pleasant. There being a good pliysician within two and one-half miles he commenced under ditficulties, but in a few years established a good practice, which is constantly increasing. March 21, 1861, he married Elizabeth Ridge, by whom he has three children : William R., who is also a physician and a graduate of Jefferson Medical college; Joseph H. and Katie E. F. Dr. Cooper is a member of the Bucks County Mi;dical society, tlie State Medical society and Lehigh Valley Medical association. He has built himself a fine new i-esidence, and is at present a very prominent physician, as he is also a prominent and influential citizen of Bucks county. Samuei. Detweii.er, farmer, P. O. Dublin, is a grandson of John Detweiler, who was a resident of Bedminster township, and lived on a farm which is now divided into four parts, all of which are owned by his descendants. He died in 1826. His wife was Barbara Myers. Tlieir son, Peter, was the father of Samuel. He was born June 20, 1782, and died September 19, 1857. He was a tailor by trade, but on his marriage received that part of the farm where Jacob now lives. In 1816 he built the house now standing there. He was married April 25, 1809, to Hester Leatherman, who was born July 28, 1787, and died August 14, 1851. Both were members of the Old Deep Run Mennonite cliureh. Of their five eiiildren Samuel is the only survivor. Two died young. Elizabeth was the wife of Christian Myers, and John L. was the father of Samuel, our subject, who was born August 20, 1814. He was married September 17, 1839, to Mary, daughter of Henry Baum. She was born in Springfield township September 17, 1817. Three years after his marriage his father bought his present home for him. His children are: Hester, wife of Henry H. Landes, of" Hilltown township ; Elizabeth, wife of John Miller, in Bedminster township; and Henry B., who is married to Hettie Burgey, of this township. Like liis ancestors Mr. Detweiler is a member of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church, as are all of the family. He has been a trustee, and is one of the oldest members. He is one of the substantial citizens of the township. John L. Fretz, farmer, P. O. Gardenville, was born in Plumstead township, Bucks county, November 1, 1751, and is a son of Elias and Esther (Leatherman) Fretz, natives of Plumstead township and of German descent. John Fretz, his grandfather, resided in Plumstead township, in the old homestead where John L. now lives. He was a farmer and drover, following the latter a greater portion of his time. Elias Fretz was his son, and was also a farmer. He lived and died on 1082 HISTORY OF BUCES COUNTY. the farm where John L. now lives. This farm has been in the Fretz name over one hundred years. Elias Fretz and his wife liad three children, only one of whom is living, John L. He has always lived on the farm, and has been very successful. October 9, 1875, he married Sophia H. Myers, daughter of John and Anna Myers. Tliey are the parents of three children : Wilson, Eleanora, and Harrietta. Mr. and Mrs. Fretz are members of the Mennonite church. Daniel Gotwals, director of Doylestown National bank, P. O. Gardenville, was born in Plumstead township, September 19, 1821, and is a son of Adam and Esther (Atherholt) Gotwals, natives of Montgomery county. The ancestors of the Gotwals family came from Switzerland several generations back. His mother's family was of German descent. Mr. Gotwals' father was a shoemaker, and also carried on farming. He lived in Montgomery county until his marriage, when he moved to Plumstead township, where he carried on his trade. He was supervisor of the township for about twenty years. He and his wife are both de- ceased. They were the parents of five children : Mary, Daniel, and Esther, living ; and Catherine and Sarah (deceased). Daniel Gotwals was reared on the farm until 19 years of age, when he began teaching school, continuing this about four years, when he was married. In 1845 he engaged in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, Jonas Fretz, the partnership lasting five years. From 1850 to 1853 he was in the same business at Dublin, this county, and in the spring of 1853 re- turned to Gardenville and went in with his former partner. In 1865 Mr. Gotwals bought a property in Lumbervilie, which he traded for his present property in 1866. He continued in the mercantile business until 1884, when he gave it up to his son, Jonas, who still conducts it. In 1880 he bought the patent right of the perfection bed spring, of which he made a great success. He has been director of the Doyles- town National bank for the past twenty-seven years, and has held a number of pri- vate offices. February 29, 1844, he married Sarah Fretz, by whom he had nine children, three living : Franklin, Jonas and William. Mr. and Mrs. Gotwals are members of the Christian church. James .Jeffekson Greer, retired merchant, P. O. Dublin, was born in this township in 1801. About the year 1732 two brothers, Matthew and John Greer, came from Dublin, Ireland, and located in Bucks county. They were unmarried, and one of them was quite young. They purchased three hundred acres of land, and Matthew married Jane Savidge, by whom he had six children. Matthew was the second child, and lived on tlie farm until his death. He married Sarah, dauo-h- ter of James Snodgrass, of Bucks county. They had six children, two of whom died when young. James Jefferson was the second son. His father died in 1811, when the farm was divided between four of the children, John, James Jefferson, Jane and Ann. Our subject remained on the homestead farm until he was 27 years old. He tlien married Eliza, daughter of Griffith and Mary (Matthias) Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Greer have three sons and three daughters : Joseph, enwarred in the mer- cantile business at Newtown ; John, on the home farm ; Maiy, at home ; Sarah married and living in Piiiladelphia ; James, a lawyer in Philadelphia ; and Jane Ann (Mrs. Andrews, of Washington, D. C). For fifty-eight years Mr. Greer has been engaged in the mercantile business, and his long continuance in that trade has made his name a familiar one throughout his county, and he is universally respected. Mrs. Greer died in 1870. Mr. Greer is now 86 years old, and has but recently given up business. He was president of the Doylestown and Dublin turnpike, but soon resigned that position. He has always been a member of the Presbyterian church, and politically he is a stanch democrat. Isaac Gross, farmer, P. 0. Plumsteadville, is a grandson of Jacob Gross, who came from Germany in 1763. He first located at Skipback, Montgomery county, afterward went to Germantown, and from there came to Bedminster township, where he died December 12, 1810, aged 67. While in Bedminster he was ordained HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. 1033 minister of the old Deep Run Mennonite church, and was afterward elected a bishop of that denomination. He often preached in other churches, never took pay for his services, and was highly esteemed. His wife, Mary, died February 10, 1816, aged 6,3. Their son. Christian, father of Isaac, was born in Germantown, December 24, 1776, and died July 22, 1865. After his marriage he removed to Plum- stead, and a year or two later bought the farm where Isaac now lives, and died there. He also was a minister of the Mennonite church, and was highly respected.' He was married April 26, 1803, to Barbara Wismer, who was born April 9, 1798, and died February 10, 1816. Their children were: Abra- ham and Christian, who are deceased ; Jacob, who formerly lived in New Britain, and is now living retired on the home farm ; Mary, widow of Abraham Leatherman, living in Ohio ; John, in tiiis township ; and Isaac, who was born July 18, 1821, on the place which has been his lifelong home. When 25 years old he began working the home farm on siiares, and on his father's death inherited it. He has been twice married; first, January 15, 1852, to Deborah, daughter of Samuel Wismer, of this township, who was born September 2, 1821, and died December 15, 1874. She had eight children: David, Barbara, Tobias and John, deceased; Samuel, who lives with his father; Sarah, wife of Harvey Gehman, of this township ; Mary, wife of John H. Meyers, of Bedminster township ; and Ephraim, living with his father. October 25, 1880, Mr. Gross was married to Annie, daughter of Peter Smith. She was born in Russia, April 17, 1851. They have two sons : Alfred and Isaac. Mr. Gross has been school director for nine years, and has also been assistant assessor. He is treasurer of the Plum- steadville Dairymen's association. He and his wife are members of the Old Deep Run Mennonite church, of which he has been trustee. Jacob Hagertv, farmer, P. O. Plumsteadville, was born in Warren county, N. J., September 22, 1838, and is a son of John and Catherine Hagerty, natives of New Jersey. His grandfather, James Hagerty, came from Ireland, and settled in Nockamixon township. Jacob Walters, his maternal grandfatlier, came from Ger- many and settled at the Forge, in Warren county, N. J. John Hagerty was a shoe- maker, and also farmed in New Jersey until 1852, after which he settled in Nocka- mixon township. He was the father of ten children : Mary M., James, Jacob, Saraii E., Solomon W., Annie C, Sophia J., John W., Hannah M., and Preston W. Those deceased are James, Sarah and Solomon. Solomon died of brain fever while serving in the late war. Jacob Hagerty remained with his parents until he was 21 years old. He taught school for eight montiis, then hired with Jacob B. Snyder, at Plumsteadville, to run his commission wagon and farm. After remaining there for three years he rented the commission business of Mr. Snyder for one year, then went west one year, and on his return bought out the entire business of Mr. Snyder, which he carried on about ten years. In the meantime he purchased the farm on which he now lives. He sold the commission business to his brother, Preston W. In 1883 he was elected county treasurer, and served three years satisfactorily. In 1865 he married Mary, youngest daughter of Henry Landis, of New Britain, by whom he had tliree children : Maggie, Clara and an infant son. Maggie and the son are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerty are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hagerty is and always has been a very popular and influential man. Enos F. Hunsberger, farmer, P. O. Plumsteadville, is a grandson of Isaac Hunsberger, a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Germany in the early part of the last century. Isaac removed to Juniata county, where he died, his wife returning to tliis county with her children. She died in Hilltown about forty-five years ago. Their son, Abraham, was father of Enos. He was born in this tounty in October, 1786, and died in Hilltown in February, 1860. He was an industrious man, and of good repute. His wife, Nancy Fretz, was born in Hilltown in 1795, and died in September, 1863. They had nine children : Susanna, Martin, 1034: HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY. Isaac, Elizabeth andJohn, who are deceased ; and Estlier, Annie and Abraham F., all living in Dublin ; and Enos F., who was the youngest, and was born January 4, 1835. On his marriage he removed to his present home, then owned by his wife's fatiier, but which he subsequently bought. In this house Mrs. Ilunsberger was born and has lived all her life. She was born March 3, 1837, and is a daughter of Peter and Anna Loux. Mr. and Mrs. Hunsberger have had five children, of wiiom two, Anna L. and Sarah, died young. The others are : Emma L., Peter L., and Harvey D., all at home. The family are members of the Old Deep Run Mennonite ciiurch. Mr. Hunsberger is an honest, straightforward man. He has been school director for several years. Samuel Keller, retired, P. O. Danborough, was born in Bedminster town- ship July 20, 1822, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Kachline) Keller, natives of Bucks county, and of German descent. Samuel Keller's great-grandfather donated the ground where Kachline's church is located, and where many of the Kachlines are buried ; also the ground where Keller's church now stands and where many of the Kellers are resting. Both he and Andrew Kachline, the maternal ancestor, served in the revolution, and drew pensions. The father of Samuel was a soldier in the war of 1812 under Captain ]\Iagill,and also drew a pension. He was a blacksmith by trade, and lived to be nearly 95 years old. He held several town- ship offices. He was the father of eight children, four living : Catherine, Elizabeth, Samuel and Mahlon. Those deceased were : William, Francis, Josiah and Hannah. Samuel was reared on a farm until 18 years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that about sixteen years. He then went to farming in Bedminster township, and served as constable for four years. In 1861 he engaged in the mercantile business in Tinicum township, and carried it on five years, when be sold out. In 1866 he came to Plumstead township and bought the farm which be now owns. He was engaged quite extensively in the commission business about seven years. He owns several good properties in Danborough. In 1874 he was elected county commissioner for one year, was re-elected, and served three years. He was one of the commissioners at the time of the erection of tlie new court-house, which is creditable to the commissioners tlien serving. He was married January 25, 1846, to Catherine, daughter of George and Catherine (Messer) Fox. They are the parents of seven children : Emeline, wife of A. F. Wildono-er ; Geor