Bucks County PA Archives Bios..... Solebury Township from Battle's, History of Bucks County, 1887
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Patricia R. Smith Bastik
History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887.
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Chapter XLIV
Biographical Sketches - Solebury
pp. 1084-1113
JOHN ARMITAGE
deceased, was born in Solebury township March 12, 1780, and is a son of James and Martha
(Dennis) Armitage. His grandfather, Samuel Armitage, from Leeds, England, settled in
Solebury prior to 1740. He was a weaver, also taught school, and about 1750 built the
Armitage mills. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of James Hambleton, by whom he had two
children, James and John. The former married Martha Dennis, and had nine children:
Elizabeth, Hannah, John, Martha, Henry, Samuel, Letitia, Charles and Amos. Of these,
John was a farmer, and married Alice, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Gilbert) Walton, of
Buckingham township, and had eight children: Lydia, Hannah, James, Julia (Mrs. Amos
Ellis), Martha, Charles, Harriet and Maria (Mrs. Tobias Helwig). Mr. Armitage died
December 30, 1857, and his wife December 25, 1876, aged 93 years. They were members of
the Society of Friends. Tobias Helwig, who married Maria Armitage, youngest daughter of
John and Alice (Walton) Armitage, was born in Tinicum township, this county, July 21,
1819, and is a son of Daniel and Catherine (George) Helwig. His father, a mason by
trade, settled in Tinicum township in 1805, and in 1834 in Solebury, where he resided
until his death. His children were: Amos, Tobias, Lavina, Silas, Susan, Frederick and
Edward. Mr. Helwig's grandfather was Adam Helwig, of German descent, whose ancestors
were early settlers of Berks county. He was in the war of the revolution. His maternal
grandfather was Frederick George, a farmer of Tinicum township.
CHARLES S. ATKINSON
manufacturer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Buckingham township, and is a son of Mahlon and
Sarah H. (Smith) Atkinson. His grandfather was a blacksmith and farmer. His maternal
grandfather, Thomas Smith, was a farmer and nurseryman at Wrightstown. Mahlon Atkinson
was a prominent farmer of Buckingham township, and was born, reared and died there. He
had four children: Charles S., Silas (deceased), Howard and A. Jennie (Mrs. Charles H.
Williams). Charles S. was educated in the common schools, the Millersville Normal
school, and Claverack academy, Hudson, N. Y. He engaged in farming, and in 1879
purchased the New Hope Agricultural works, which he is now conducting. He located in
Solebury township in 1862. The same year he married Matilda M., daughter of Jonathan P.
and Mary (Watson) Magill. Her grandparents were Jacob and Rebecca (Paxson) Magill.
Jacob was a son of John and Mary (Whitson) Magill; John, a son of William and Sarah
(Simcock) Magill, early settlers of this county. Her maternal grandparents were David
and Rachel (Twining) Watson. David was a son of Joseph and Rachel (Croasdale) Watson,
and Joseph a son of Mark and Ann (Sotcher) Watson. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson are the parents
of one child, Mary M. Mr. Atkinson is a prominent citizen, and a member of the Hicksite
Society of Friends. Politically he is a republican.
LEVI BLACK
agent, P.O. Lambertville, N. J., was born in Plumstead township, December 28, 1829, and
is a son of Isaac and Cynthia (Carver) Black. His grandfather was Henry Black, a farmer
of Plumstead township and a son of Abram Black, a native of Germany, a Mennonite preacher
and an early settler of Tinicum township. Isaac Black was a carpenter. His children
were: Sophia (Mrs. Hile Wood), William, Catharine, Anna (Mrs. Joseph G. Rice), Levi,
Isaac, Ezra, Abram and Jesse. Levi was reared in Plumstead and Solebury townships, and
for fifteen years was in the mercantile business at Aquetong. He married Amanda,
daughter of Joseph and Cynthia (Scarborough) Large, of Solebury township. They have had
five children: H. Ella, Mercianna, Caroline P., Remington (deceased) and Stella.
WILLIAM C. BLACKFAN
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, August 20, 1832, and is a son of
John and Elizabeth R. (Chapman) Blackfan. Edward Blackfan was a son of Edward and
Rebecca (Crispin) Blackfan, born in Stenning, county of Sussex, England, in 1699. He
came to America with his mother in 1700 and settled at Penn Valley. In 1721 he married
Eleanor Wood, of Philadelphia, and settled in Solebury about 1726, residing there until
his death in 1779. The homestead is now owned by Charles Atkinson. William Blackfan,
his fifth child, was born May 28, 1732, and married to Esther Dawson. He had eight
children, of whom John, the first child, was born February 20, 1762. He married Martha
Quinby, of New Jersey, and had one child, John, who was born in October, 1799, and was
married in 1821 to Elizabeth R., daughter of Benjamin and Mary Chapman, of Wrightstown,
and had seven children, of whom four grew to maturity: Hetty A., William C., George C.
and Martha C. William C. Blackfan, the subject of this sketch, was married October 3,
1861, to Elizabeth, daughter of Amasa and Alada (Brittain) Ely, of Philadelphia, and has
three children: Alada E., Elizabeth C. and Edward. The Blackfans are descendants of
John Blackfan, of Stenning, county of Sussex, England, whose son, Edward, married Rebecca
Crispin, of Kinsale, Ireland, in 1688. The wedding certificate, with the names of William
Penn, wife, son and daughter as witnesses, is now in the possession of William C.
Blackfan. The farm now owned by William C. Blackfan came into the family through Esther
Dawson, wife of William Blackfan. She was the daughter of Thomas Dawson and
granddaughter of John Dawson, whose deed of the farm is still on record, dated 1719.
THE CANBY FAMILY
Perhaps no one person who came to our shores in the early settlement of this county has a
history of more interest than Thomas Canby. His father was Benjamin Canby, who resided in
Thorne, Yorkshire, England. Thomas was an orphan of 16 years of age when in 1683 he came
with his uncle and guardian to Bucks county. The family were Friends, and the youth, in
connection with his guardian and Bucks quarterly meeting, settled a claim of five years'
service due in payment of his passage over. After the expiration of this service young
Canby settled near Jenkintown, Montgomery county, and in 1693 married Sarah Jarvis, by
whom he had nine children. His wife died in 1708, and about two years thereafter he
married Mary, daughter of Evan Oliver, who came from Radnorshire, in Wales. By her he
had eight children. She died in 1721. He moved from Abington shortly after and
purchased land below Centerville, in Bucks county. He remained there some time, but
finally disposed of it and purchased three hundred acres on the Street road, in Solebury
township. We find him again marrying his third wife, Jane Preston, a widow, and living
at the mill on the Great spring above New Hope, on the Delaware. It does not appear that
he had any children by his third wife. Some time afterward he removed to Wilmington,
Delaware, where some of his children had located, but returned to Solebury, where he died
in 1842, aged 75 years. In the life of Thomas Canby there is much to admire. Starting in
the humble walks of life a poor and friendless orphan boy, we find him working his way by
industry and perseverance into general confidence, while his sterling integrity of
character, his usefulness as a citizen, and his many acts of Christian kindness and
charity endeared him to the community at large. In the home circle and the religious
society, of which he as an active member, his influence for good was widely felt. He and
his descendants served Buckingham monthly meeting as clerks almost continuously after its
establishment in 1720 for a period of over one hundred years, and in important
appointments in church matters the name of Canby often appears. The Canby name is not
very common in our county at the present day. This is partly owing to the fact that of
Thomas Canby's seventeen children twelve were girls. Most of them changed their names
and were blessed with large families. The children of Thomas Canby by his first wife
were: Benjamin, who died young; Sarah, married John Hill; Elizabeth, married a Lacey;
Mary, married a Hampton; Phebe, married, first, Robert Smith, and second, Hugh Ely, of
Buckingham; Esther, married John Stapler; Thomas, married Sarah Preston; Benjamin, the
second of the name in the family, left eight children; Martha, married a Gillingham. Of
the children by his second wife, Jane, the eldest, married Thomas Paxson, who was a
grandson of James, through William. The late Thomas Paxson was a grandson through
Jacob. Rebecca, another child of Thomas Canby, married a Wilson; Hannah died young;
Joseph left no children; Rachel died single; Oliver married Elizabeth Shipley; Ann did
not marry; and Lydia married John Johnson. Many of the above contracting parties settled
outside of Bucks county, and their descendants under the various names have a large
following in the states of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and the far west. Bucks
county retained her full quota, however, and travelers in central and lower Bucks will
meet them on every hand; and to have come from "the good old Canby stock" is a household
word.
ALEXANDER CATHERS
farmer, P.O. Lahaska, was born in Buckingham township, July 7, 1806, and is a son of
William and Anna (Duer) Cathers. His father was a native of the north of Ireland, and
when 18 years of age settled in Plumstead township. Later he located in Buckingham, and
lived there until his death, August 28, 1866. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Duer, a
pioneer of Buckingham township. By her he had five children: Alexander, Samuel, Robert,
Newton and Harrison. His second wife was Mary Maginness, by whom he had six children,
five of whom grew to maturity: John, Monroe, George, Thomas and Anna. Alexander
Cathers, with the exception of four years, resided in Buckingham township until 1880,
when he removed to Solebury. He married Amy, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burns) Hill of
Buckingham, by whom he had thirteen children, eight now living: Thomas S., Oscar, Mary
A., Helen, Margaret, William, James and Henry. For many years our subject was engaged in
lime burning, and for twenty years was a buyer and seller of mules. He kept hotel at
Lahaska for twenty years. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson for president in
1828. In politics he has always been a stanch democrat.
HENRY E. CARVER
deceased, was born in Plumstead, this county, March 13, 1815, being a son of John and
Sarah (Ellicott) Carver, of that township. His parents had nine children: Rachel,
Thomas, Parmelia, Ann, Sarah A., Letitia E., John E., Rebecca G., and Henry E. The
latter was a miller, and for many years owner of Carver's mills, near Carversville.
December 7, 1844, he married Elizabeth S., daughter of John and Grace (Carr) Shaw, of
Plumstead township, by whom he had one daughter, Sarah Grace, who died young. Mr. Carver
was a thorough business man, and one who attended strictly to his own affairs. Though not
a member of the Society of Friends, he was an advocate of their principles. Politically
he was a republican. He died February 22, 1877.
J. WATSON CARVER
miller, P.O. Carversville, was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., September 29, 1854, being
a son of Samuel L. and Sarah A. (Kegan) Carver. He was reared in Bucks county from the
age of eight years, and served an apprenticeship of two years at the milling trade at
Carver's mills. He also served two years at Chain Bridge mills, Northampton township.
In 1875 he became a partner with Henry Carver in the milling business at Carver's
mills. He remained with Mr. Carver two years, and on his death continued one year longer
with the widow of the latter. In 1878 he purchased the property, which he has since
managed successfully. In 1876 Mr. Carver married Cynthia, daughter of Edward and Cynthia
(Carver) Worthington, of Buckingham township, by whom he has three children: Gertrude,
Minnie and Della. He is a member of the Christian church, and also of the Knights of
Pythias. Politically he is a republican.
MAHLON CARVER
P.O. Carversville, was born in Philadelphia, September 25, 1823, and is a son of John and
Elizabeth (Briggs) Carver. John and Mary (Lane) Carver came from Hertfordshire, England,
in 1682, with his brothers, William, Joseph and Jacob, and settled in Byberry, now
Twenty-third ward of Philadelphia, and took up seven hundred acres of land along the
Poquessing creek. It included the site of the old homestead, which has remained in the
family for six generations, having descended successively from father to son, all of whom
were named John, until 1864. The pioneer, John Carver, died in 1714. He had four
children: John was the second child, and married Isabel Weldon, by whom he had three
children, of whom John, the eldest son, married Mary Buckman, of Wrightstown. He had ten
children, of whom John was the third child and first son. He married Elizabeth Briggs, of
Wrightstown, daughter of John and Letitia (Buckman) Briggs. They had four children:
John, married to Phebe A. Tomlinson, of Philadelphia; Mahlon, Esther and Eliza (Mrs.
Richard Wilson). All except John are residents of Bucks county. Mahlon was reared in
Byberry, where he resided until 1867. In 1869 he removed to Carversville, where he has
since resided. He married Susanna G., daughter of Daniel and Catherine (George) Helwig,
of Solebury.
ROBERT CONRAD
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, July 19, 1825, and
is a son of Abram and Euphemia (Flack) Conrad. His paternal grandfather was John Conrad,
of German descent. In 1859 he married Martha, daughter of Amos C. and Rachel (Ely) Paxson,
of Solebury, by whom he has two children: Annie R. and Carrie P. Mr. Conrad is a
representative farmer of Solebury township, and has carried on the Amos C. Paxson farm
since 1858.
STEDMAN COWDRICK
farmer, P.O. Carversville, was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., December 19, 1816, and is
a son of John and Elizabeth (Hall) Cowdrick. His paternal grandfather was John Cowdrick,
a native of Germany, who came to New Jersey in his boyhood. His maternal grandfather,
Jacob Hall, was of English descent. He was a stone mason by trade, but for many years
was a farmer in Hunterdon county, N. J. Stedman Cowdrick resided principally in Bucks
county since 1833, and located on the farm he now occupies in 1858. His wife was Martha,
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Paxson) Dilworth, of Solebury, by whom he had two children,
Beulah and Austin (both deceased). Mrs. Cowdrick is a granddaughter of Moses Paxson, who
formerly lived in Solebury, and is a member of the Orthodox Society of Friends.
GEORGE EASTBURN
teacher, 700 North Broad street, Philadelphia, born in Solebury township, Bucks county,
November 25, 1838, is the great-great-great-grandson of Robert Eastburn, who, with his
wife Sarah, and their minor children, was received at a monthly meeting of Friends held
at Philadelphia December 26, 1713, as members from the monthly meeting of Brigham, in
Yorkshire, England. As evidenced by the minutes of Philadelphia monthly meeting Robert
was a prominent and influential member until his death in 1755. Samuel Eastburn, the
second son of Robert, came from England with his parents. He married Elizabeth
Gillingham, a member of Abington monthly meeting, in 1728. He and his wife removed to
Solebury and settled on a large tract of land lying northeast of the present Center Hill,
becoming members of Buckingham monthly meeting March 6, 1729, by certificate from Abington
monthly meeting. They have seven children, of whom Robert, the youngest, born June 23,
1739, inherited a part of the homestead, which continued to be the ancestral abode during
his lifetime. Samuel Eastburn was a prominent minister of the gospel. Much of his time
during the latter part of his life was spent in visiting meetings in different parts of
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, at which he preached to the edification and spiritual
comfort of his hearers. Robert Eastburn married Elizabeth Duer, a member of Falls
monthly meeting, 11th mo., 22nd, 1763. After her death he married on 9th mo., 16th,
1785, Rachel Paxson. He was a man of positive character, discreet in action and very
prosperous in business, having added to his inherited possessions two of the best farms
in the fertile limestone valley of Solebury. Moses Eastburn, born 4th mo., 1st., 1768,
the oldest son of Robert and Elizabeth, was the second of their five children. On 10th
mo., 21st, 1790, Moses married Rachel, daughter of John and Mary Knowles, who, in a line
of descent through his son, Robert Sotcher, was a great-granddaughter of John Sotcher,
William Penn's trusted friend, whom he delighted to call "Honest John" and to whom the
great founder consigned the care of his domestic affairs at Pennsbury on his first
departure from America. Moses and Rachel Eastburn had eleven children, of whom only two
now survive. They are Rachel Eastburn, who lives at Langhorne, and Moses, who resides on
the farm formerly occupied by his father, which was brought by Robert Eastburn in 1770
from Abraham Heed, and which was the birthplace of all the children of Moses and Rachel
Eastburn. Moses Eastburn, Sen., was a man of marked personal characteristics. He was
distinguished for his strict integrity and enterprising spirit, sparing neither pains nor
cost in the encouragement of whatever he believed would be of substantial benefit to the
community. After the marriage of his son Moses he retired with his daughters Sarah and
Rachel upon his property at Limeport, where he died in 1846, the death of his wife having
occurred in 1842.
Jacob Eastburn, the fifth child of Moses and Rachel, was the father of the subject of
this sketch. He was born September 14, 1798, and died August 26, 1860, on the farm which
his father bought for him about the time of his marriage and upon which all his surviving
children were born. He was a member of Solebury monthly meeting and was noted for his
unassuming manners, his kindness of heart and great generosity, helping many of his
poorer neighbors in such an unostentatious way as to obey the scriptural injunction not
to let his left hand know what his right hand did. He also deserved the blessing
promised to the peacemakers, his kind offices being often called for in that capacity.
His beneficial influence was widely felt in the community and he died regretted by a
large circle of mourning friends. He was married in 1829 to Elizabeth K. Taylor, who,
being descended through a line from his daughter, Mary Sotcher (who married Mahlon
Kirkbride about 1725), was a great-great-granddaughter of John Sotcher. She was born at
Dolington, in Upper Makefield township, in 1805, and died in 1877. She was a woman of
wonderful energy and rare executive ability. She was prominent in the transaction of
business, in Friends' meetings, serving as chief officer in some meeting continuously
from early womanhood until feebleness of age necessitated retirement, having been chief
clerk some time in her life of the whole series of meetings from the little preparative
meeting at home to the great yearly meeting held in Philadelphia.
Jacob and Elizabeth K. Eastburn had ten children, three of whom died in infancy. The
survivors are: Robert, justice of the peace of Lower Makefield; Ellen E., wife of Samuel
Hart, of Doylestown township; Mary Anna, wife of J. Simpson Betts, of New Hope; Elias, now
sheriff of Bucks county; Timothy T., justice of the peace of New Hope borough; Sarah T.,
wife of Mark Palmer, of Lower Makefield township, and George, who was born next after
Mary Anna. He worked on the homestead farm in summer and attended district school in
winter until his seventeenth year. During the winters of 1855-56 and 1856-57 he attended
the Friends' Central school in Philadelphia, of which Aaron B. Ivins, a native of Bucks
county, was principal. In the summer of 1856 he taught in the octagonal school-house
near Lumberville, which was the last educational work done in that building, the oldest
school edifice in that part of the county. From April, 1857, to July, 1858, he taught at
Edge Hill, Abington township, Montgomery county, and in September, 1858, became assistant
to Mr. Ivins in the Friends' Central school. He taught in that institution five years, in
which time he prepared himself in classics for admission to Yale college, where he took
the regular four years' course in the academical department and graduated with the degree
of B. A. in 1868. In 1871 his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of
Arts. Having long before dedicated his life to the cause of education he in October,
1868, opened an English and classical school for the preparation of boys for business and
for admission to college. He commenced his school with seven pupils at Broad and Market
streets, Philadelphia. Constantly increasing success attending his instruction, after
two other removals, he, in the summer of 1877, establishing his school at his present
location, Broad street and Fairmount avenue, where he has the most completely equipped
institution of the kind in the city, neither pains nor expense being spared to keep it
abreast of the most modern developments in the profession. On September 8, 1870, Mr.
Eastburn was married to Mary O. Davis, of Cream Ridge, N. J., who died on May 8, 1873,
leaving one child, Holmes D., born May 15, 1872. On July 12, 1876, he was married to
Elizabeth M. Beale, of Philadelphia, who is the mother of two children: George, Jr.,
born August 31, 1877, and Agnes G., born October 16, 1878. Professor Eastburn's chosen
life-work has been successful. Devoting himself to it with ardor he has laid the
educational foundation of many young men who are now holding enviable positions in the
legal and medical professions, in mercantile life and as students in many of the best
colleges in the land. While at college Mr. Eastburn resigned his birthright membership
in the Society of Friends and united with the Congregational church of Yale college, and
upon his return to Philadelphia he brought his certificate of church membership to the
Central Presbyterian church, of which he is now a deacon, a trustee and an elder.
Professor Eastburn is deeply interested in the promotion of education and all kinds of
true culture. He is vice-president of the Schoolmasters' association and a member of the
Franklin Institute, the Historical society of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Horticultural
society and the Fairmount Park Art association.
MOSES EASTBURN
retired, P.O. New Hope, is the youngest and only surviving son of Moses and Rachel
Eastburn before mentioned, and is now living on the place of his birth, where almost all
of his life has been passed. He was born 5th mo., 9th, 1815, and is a worthy
representative of this old family. Always unassuming in demeanor, Mr. Eastburn has ever
been distinguished by the possession, in a marked degree, of those sterling qualities
which have characterized the members of this family. He has never held any political
office, though often urged thereto, but has been in many positions of trust, and has
always taken an active part in enterprises for the benefit of the people of the county,
among whom his long and useful life has been passed. As a farmer he has stood in the
front rank in the county. He was a manager for several years, and afterward president of
the Bucks County Agricultural society; an active member of the Solebury Farmers' club; a
manager of the Farmers and Mechanics' Mutual Insurance association of Bucks county for
many years, and its president from 1877 to 1886; a manager of the Lahaska and New Hope
Turnpike company, from the organization of its first board in 1853, and its president
continuously since 1864; a manager of the Buckingham and Doylestown turnpike company
since 1867; and a director at different times of the Lambertville National bank. Amongst
township offices he has held the positions of school director, assistant assessor, etc.
He was appointed by the court in 1877 a member of the almshouse investigating commission,
serving thereon with Dr. Joseph Thomas and William Kinsey, Esq. He has served Solebury
monthly meeting of Friends for thirty years, as assistant clerk first, and since 1864 as
clerk, and in every position he has filled has discharged its duties with ability and
fidelity. Mr. Eastburn was married o 4th mo., 16th, 1845, to Mary Anna, daughter of Hugh
B. and Sarah M. Ely, of Buckingham township, where she was born on 11th mo., 30th, 1816.
She died 7th mo., 22nd, 1879. They had two children: Hugh B. and Fanny C., the latter
of whom died in 1851.
Hugh B. Eastburn, only surviving child of Moses and Mary Anna Eastburn, was born on the
homestead in Solebury 2nd mo., 11th, 1846. He attended the public schools until the fall
of 1859, when he went to the Excelsior Normal institute at Carversville, graduating there
in 1865. In September, 1866, he commenced a two years' service as teacher of the Boys'
Grammar school, one of the Friends' schools, located at Fifteenth and Race streets,
Philadelphia, and taught in the Friends' Central High school in 1869. While in
Philadelphia he began the study of law under the direction of D. Newlin Fell, Esq. (now
judge). He was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia in the spring of 1870. In June of
that year he was appointed by State Superintendent Wickersham to fill a vacancy in the
office of County Superintendent of schools in Bucks county, and was elected to that
position in 1872, and again in 1875 by the directors of the county. He discharged the
duties of the office with ability, and resigned in July, 1876, and was succeeded by W. W.
Woodruff. During the session of 1876-77 he attended the law department of the University
of Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar of Bucks county in August, 1877, and in 1885
was elected district attorney. Mr. Eastburn was chairman of the committee of
arrangements, having in charge the Bucks county bi-centennial celebration in 1882; was a
member for several years of the board of trustees of the West Chester State Normal
school, and is a director of the Bucks County Trust company. He was married in December,
1885, to Sophia, daughter of John B. and Elizabeth S. F. Pugh, of Doylestown, and has one
child, Arthur Moses, born September 27, 1886. Mr. Eastburn is regarded as one of the
leading young men of the county.
THE ELYS OF CINTRA
Centra, situated in the borough of New Hope, on the rising ground west of the village,
was built about 1816 by William Maris, and so called after the castle of Cintra near
Lisbon, Portugal, from a wing of which the plans were designed. It was bought by Richard
Randolph in 1830, and conveyed to his brother-in-law, Elias Ely, father of the present
owner, by deed dated March 11, 1834. Richard Elias Ely and Sarah M. Wilson, daughter of
Dr. John Wilson, of Elm Grove, Buckingham township, this county, and Margaret Mitchell,
his first wife. The eldest child, Ruthanna Ely, was born in 1825 and was married in 1861
to Oliver Paxson, son of Thomas Paxson and Hannameel Canby. She owned and resided at
Maple Grove until 1869 when she died leaving four children: Sarah Ely Paxson, Margaret
Ely Paxson, Oliver Wilson Paxson and Caroline Ely Paxson, the present owners of that
place. The second daughter of Elias Ely married in 1860 Dr. James E. Rhoads, of
Philadelphia, and with her children, Anna Ely Rhoads, Caroline Newbold Rhoads and Charles
James Rhoads, now lives at Bryn Mawr, Pa. In 1858 Richard Elias Ely married Caroline
Amelia, daughter of William F. Newbold and Elizabeth Pancoast, then living in Burlington,
N. J. William F. Newbold was a grandson of Clayton Newbold, of Springfield township, New
Jersey, whose great-grandparents, Michael Newbold, and Alice, his wife, came to this
country from England. The earliest ancestor in England of whom there is record was John
Newbold, of Newbold, Parish of Chesterfield, Derby, who died in 1556. The Newbold arms
are: Azure, two bends argent, a chief of the last. Crest, a cross flory fitchee
azure. Richard Elias Ely has two children: William Newbold and Margaret Wilson, both
born at Cintra.
The ancestor of the Elys of Cintra, in this country, was Hugh Ely, who settled in
Buckingham about 1720. He was the fourth son of Joshua Ely, of Dunham, Nottinghamshire,
England, who bought land in New Jersey about 1685, and died in 1702, having married
Rachel Lee, his second wife, in 1699. In 1712 Hugh Ely married Mary Hewson, the original
marriage certificate being on file among the family papers at Cintra. He had four
children: Thomas, who married Sarah Louther, and went to Maryland; Hugh, Ann, who
married Peter Matson, and Anna, who married John Wilkinson. The second Hugh Ely, born in
1715, married in 1746 Elizabeth, daughter of William Blackfan and Eleanor Wood, and
grand-daughter of Edward Blackfan, who was the son of John Blackfan, of Stenning, county
of Sussex, England, and Rebecca Crispin, his wife, who was the daughter of William
Crispin, of Kinsale, Ireland, who were married at Ifield, in Sussex, on the 24th day of
August, 1688. The children of Hugh Ely and Elizabeth Blackfan were six in number, as
follows: John, William, Elizabeth, Hugh, Jesse and Joseph. The fourth child, Hugh, was
born in 1760. He married in 1793 Ruth Paxson, daughter of Oliver Paxson and Ruth Watson,
who resided at the place now known as Maple Grove. Hugh Ely bought this place of Oliver
Paxson, and lived there until his death in 1822. He left two children: Elizabeth, born
in 1794, married Richard Randolph, of Philadelphia, and died in 1831 without children.
Elias was born in 1795, and married Sarah M. Wilson in 1823, as was before stated. He
died in 1836. The Ely arms are: Argent a fesse, engrailed between six fleurs-de-lis,
gules.
ANDREW J. ELY
farmer, P.O. Solebury, was born in Solebury township, October 6, 1822, and is a son of
John H. and Elizabeth (Kiple) Ely. His paternal grandfather was Asher Ely, who married
Eleanor Holcomb. Asher was a son of John and Sarah (Simcock) Ely, and John was a son of
Joshua Ely, who settled in Solebury in 1738, and was a son of George, and a grandson of
Joshua Ely, who came from England in 1685 and settled where Trenton, N. J., now stands.
John Ely, father of Andrew J., was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Pownal,
daughter of Reuben Pownal, of Solebury, by whom he had two children: Reuben P. and
Elizabeth (Mrs. Howard Paxson). His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Kiple,
by whom he had five children: Andrew J., Matthias C., Albert K., Asher and Margaret
(deceased). Andrew J. Ely married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Jane (Dungan) Gill, of
Northampton township, by whom he had six children: Sarah A. (deceased), Jefferson,
Daniel, David K., Margaret (Mrs. Harry L. Fries), and Henry P. (deceased). Mr. Ely is a
prominent farmer, a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. and A. M. Politically he is a
democrat.
ISAAC ELY
retired farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, this county, May 24, 1819,
and is a son of Mark and Rachel (Hamilton) Ely. His paternal grandparents were George
and Sarah (Magill) Ely. The former was a son of the Joshua Ely already mentioned. The
maternal grandfather of our subject was James Hamilton, who was a prominent farmer of
Solebury township. Isaac Ely was reared in Solebury township and was educated there,
where he engaged in farming up to 1884, when he removed to New Hope, and resides there at
present. He was married December 25, 1841, to Mary E., daughter of John and Anna (Ely)
Magill of Solebury township, by whom he has seven children: William M., Anna M. (Mrs.
Fred Smith), John H., Laura, Warren S., Alice K. and Mattie C. Mr. Ely was for many
years a director of the Doylestown Agricultural society, and has held several of the
minor offices of the township. Both he and his wife are members of the Society of
Friends. Politically he is a republican.
JAMES H. ELY
retired farmer, P.O. Solebury, was born in Solebury township, November 16, 1816, and is
another son of Mark and Rachel (Hamilton) Ely. His father was twice married. His first
wife was Hannah Johnson, by whom he had four children: Martha, Sidney, Rachel (Mrs. Amos
Paxson) and Sarah A. (Mrs. Samuel Cooper), all but the latter now deceased. His second
wife was Rachel Hamilton, by whom he had six children: James H., Isaac, Cyrus
(deceased), Mary (Mrs. Howard Paxson), Amy (Mrs. Isaac H. Worstall) and Mercy (Mrs.
William McDowell). James H. married Emeline, daughter of John and Anna (Ely) Magill, of
Solebury, by whom he had six children: Henrietta (Mrs. Ellis Walton), Mary E. (Mrs.
Joseph Lear), Josephine (Mrs. George Quniby), Mark (married Mary Leedom), Rebecca
(deceased) and Amie.
JEREMIAH S. ELY
farmer, P.O. Aquetong, was born in New Hope, Bucks county, December 4, 1841, and is a son
of Thomas and Mary (Ely) Ely. His paternal grandparents were Amos and Deborah (Witson)
Ely. Amos was a son of George and a grandson of the Joshua Ely who settled here in
1738. His maternal grandparents were Asher and Eleanor (Holcomb) Ely. Asher Ely was a
son of John and Sarah (Simcock) Ely, and John was a son of the original settler in this
township, Joshua Ely. Thomas and Mary Ely had eight children: Eleanor (Mrs. Richard
Paxson), Howard, Lucy, Jeremiah S., Mahlon, Henry, Deborah (Mrs. Elias Eastburn) and
Letitia. Jeremiah S. Ely married Ella, daughter of Levi and Amanda (Large) Black, of
Lambertville, N. J., and has one child, Walter B., living and two dead, both older than
he, Herdes and Carrie.
DANIEL ELY
deceased, was born in Solebury township, October 27, 1796, being a son of Asher and
Eleanor (Holcomb) Ely. His great-grandfather Joshua Ely, settled in Solebury in 1738.
His paternal grandparents were John and Sarah (Simcock) Ely. His maternal grandfather
was John Holcomb, an early settler of Solebury township. Daniel Ely was reared in
Solebury, where, with the exception of one year, he resided until his death, which
occurred March 14, 1886. He was a miller by trade, and conducted a feed-mill on his farm
for years. His wife was Sarah Cox, daughter of Tunis and Elizaabeth (Reeder) Cox, of
Nockamixon township, this county, by whom he had one child, William L., who with his
mother occupies the old homestead.
REUBEN POWNALL ELY
was born in Solebury township, June 7, 1815. Like all others of the name in Bucks
county, he is a descendant of the first Joshua Ely. The second son of the first Joshua
was the father of seven children, the eldest of whom was the Joshua who in 1738 removed
to Solebury. Among the seven children of the last-mentioned Joshua Ely, was a son John,
who was married twice. By his first wife, Sarah Simcock, he had five children, the
second child and only son being Asher, who was born July 11, 1768. He married Eleanor
Holcomb in 1791, and she bore him nine children, the eldest of whom was John H., born
March 6, 1792. He was married twice; the first time to Elizabeth Pownall, daughter of
Reuben and Mary Lee Pownall. She was born June 30, 1786, was married November 11, 1812,
and died October 3, 1817. Reuben P. was the second one of three children; the eldest,
William Lee, having died in infancy; and the youngest, Elizabeth, born August 17, 1817.
She married Howard H. Paxson, and had three children: Alfred, Rose Ellen (died in
infancy), and Martha Elizabeth. Elizabeth (Ely) Paxson died February 12, 1847. Reuben
P. Ely followed farming for a number of years, but removed to Lambertville, N. J., in
1860, where he has ever since resided, with the exception of six years at New Hope, Pa.
He married Violetta Duer, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Duer, and has two children,
Elizabeth F. and Sarah W. For a number of years he has been engaged in collecting the
genealogy of many families of Bucks and Hunterdon counties.
WILLIAM M. ELY
farmer, P.O. Solebury, was born in Solebury, January 29, 1844, and is a son of Isaac and
Mary E. (Magill) Ely. He was reared in Solebury, where he has always resided, and is a
prominent farmer. He was married December 19, 1876, to Agnes S., daughter of Hugh B. and
Sarah (Betts) Michener, of Plumstead township. They are the parents of one child, George
H.
W. HORACE FELL
proprietor of the Black Bass hotel, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Plumstead township,
this county, October 5, 1858, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Allam) Fell. His
paternal grandfather, James B. Fell, was a farmer of Solebury township, and his maternal
grandfather, John Allam, a farmer of Plumstead. Mr. Fell is a miller by trade, and he
followed that business in Taylorsville, this county, fourteen years. In the spring of
1887 he became the proprietor of the Black Bass hotel, in Lumberville. April 24, 1883,
he was married to Mary, daughter of Abner and Elizabeth (Heft) Cleaver, of Newtown, by
whom he has two children: Abner and Lizzie.
RICHARD C. FOULKE
physician, P.O. New Hope, was born in New Hope, November 2, 1843, and is a son of Charles
and Harriet (Corson) Foulke. His father, also a physician, was a native of Pennlynn,
Montgomery county, and began the study of medicine with Dr. Hiram Corson, of Plymouth,
Pa., and was graduated from the Medical university of Philadelphia in 1835. In 1842 he
located in New Hope, where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession
until his death in 1871. In 1842 he married Harriet, daughter of Dr. Richard Corson, of
this county, by whom he had three children: Richard C., Edward and Thomas, the latter
deceased. Dr. Richard Corson was a native of Bucks county and a prominent physician of
his time. He died in 1842. He was a son of Richard Corson, a pioneer of Solebury, who
died in 1812. Richard C. Foulke, the subject of this sketch, was reared in New Hope, and
began the study of medicine with his father in 1866, and was graduated from the medical
university of Pennsylvania in 1869. He began practice in New Hope the same year, and has
been in active practice ever since. He was married in 1872 to Louisa, daughter of Edward
and Jane (Willett) Van Zant of Solebury. He has two children living: Charles E. and
Claribel V. Dr. Foulke is a member of the Bucks County Medical society, and of the I.
O. O. F. He has been burgess of New Hope for seven terms. Politically he is a
republican.
CAREY L. GORDON
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Buckingham township, April 21, 1835, and is a son of
Stephen and Araminta (Bodine) Gordon. His grandfather was Giles Gordon, an early settler
of Wrightstown, Bucks county, whose children were: Giles, James, John, Stephen,
Zephaniah, Mary and Ann. His maternal grandfather was David Bodine, an early settler of
Buckingham and a lime burner by occupation. Stephen Gordon was reared in Wrightstown
township, lived in Buckingham, and about the year 1850 came to Solebury and located on
the farm occupied by our subject. Later he removed to Philadelphia and died there. His
children were: Cary L., Edward, Morris, William H., Anna M. and Angeline. Cary L.
Gordon is a prominent farmer of Solebury. In 1865 he married Melissa, daughter of Robert
N. and Rebecca (Selner) Caffey, of Upper Makefield township. They have an adopted
daughter, Mary A. Mrs. Gordon is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the W. C.
T. U. Mr. Gordon is a republican politically.
GEORGE W. HUFFNAGLE
retired, P.O. New Hope, was born in Philadelphia, May 9, 1821, and is a son of John and
Sarah E. (Franks) Huffnagle. His father was a native of Lancaster country, Pa., and was
a merchant in Philadelphia for many years. In 1847 he removed to New Hope, residing
there until his death. His wife was a daughter of Colonel Isaac Franks, of Germantown,
Pa., who entered the revolutionary army in 1776, when 17 years of age, and served with
distinction. He was taken prisoner by the British in New York, but escaped to New
Jersey. He was appointed ensign of the 7th Massachusetts regiment by John Hancock, and
was for a time assistant commissary at West Point under General MacDougall. He retired
at the close of the war as colonel, and soon after was appointed prothonotary of
Philadelphia. He owned the house and furniture in Germantown, which was rented and
occupied by General Washington and his family in 1793. The children of John Huggnagle
were: Charles, William K., Mary A., Benjamin F., George W. and Alfred. Of these Charles
was a physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He was surgeon of the
ship "Star," from Philadelphia to Calcutta in 1826, and was for several years identified
with a leading business house in India. He was appointed consul to India by President
Polk in 1847, receiving the first appointment to that position, which he held under the
succeeding administrations as counsel-general, until his death in 1860. At the great
London exhibition in 1851, he received two bronze medals for the best collection of
objects of art and industry of British India at the exhibition. He died in London in
1860. William K. Huffnagle was a civil engineer, and the first of the family to locate
in Bucks county. He afterward removed to Mount Holly, N. J., where he resided until his
death. He held the following positions: principal assistant engineer in the
construction of the Camden and Amboy railroad; principal assistant engineer in the
construction of the Tide-water canal, and principal engineer for the eastern division of
the state of Pennsylvania, for her railroads, canals, etc. George W., the subject of
this sketch, in early manhood located in western Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the
mercantile business and other enterprises up to 1858, when he located in New Hope. Since
then he has lived a retired life.
CHARLES HURLEY
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, August 24, 1871, and is a son of
Johnson and Margaret (Lewis) Hurley. His father was a native of New Jersey, and in 1785,
at the age of four years, was bound to John Blackfan, of Solebury township, until he was
16 years of age. He then learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed that as an
occupation until his death in 1849, aged 68 years. His wife was a daughter of Elias
Lewis, of Solebury township, by whom he had five children: Thomas (deceased), Lucilla
(Mrs. Charles Martin), Charles, Richard and John (deceased). Charles Hurley was reared
in Solebury township. He followed shoemaking until he was 21 years of age, when he
engaged in farming. He located on the farm he now occupies in 1865. His wife was
Matilda, daughter of Moses and Anna (Stout) Larue, of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley
have four children: Britton, Ezra, William W. and Lewis P. Mr. Hurley served a short
time during the late civil war in company C, Pennsylvania militia, going to Harrisburg,
New Castle and Hagerstown, Md. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and politically is a
republican.
WILLIAM W. HURLEY
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, January 23, 1853, and is a son of
Charles and Matilda (Larue) Hurley. He was reared in Solebury, and was educated in the
common schools, finishing at Sharkey seminary, Lambertville, N. J. He taught in the
common schools for three years, but his main occupation has been that of a farmer. In
October, 1879, he married Achsah, daughter of William Wallace and Mary (Britton) Paxson,
of Solebury. He has two children, Wallace P. and Beulah Achsah. Mr. Hurley and wife are
members of the Baptist church. Politically he is a republican, and is a member of the I.
O. O. F.
WATSON KENDERDINE
manufacturer, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pa.,
February 3, 1830. He is a son of John E. and Martha (Quinby) Kenderdine, who settled in
Solebury in 1834, locating at Lumberton, where his father built the grist-mill, owned now
by Wilson S. Paxson. In 1847 John E. Kenderdine erected a saw-mill, which property is now
occupied for business purposes by his son Watson, and in 1851 changed it to a
planing-mill, and in 1854 to a sash-factory. In 1862 the building was remodeled for the
purpose of manufacturing bone dust and phosphates, which business has been carried on by
Watson Kenderdine since 1865. In 1886 his son-in-law, H. W. Rice, became a partner, the
present firm being W. Kenderdine & Rice. John E. Kenderdine was a thorough business
man. He made nearly all the early improvements in the vicinity of Lumberton, and was the
projector of the Cuttalossa road. He was foremost in all enterprises for the welfare of
the public. In politics he was an anti-Mason whig, and at one time was defeated for
state senator by only two votes. His children were: James (deceased), Watson, Ellen
(Mrs. Eastburn Reeder), Thaddeus S., Elwood (deceased), Robert, who was killed at the
battle of Gettysburg, and was in the 114th Pennsylvania Zouaves; Isaiah, and Lizzie (Mrs.
E. Watson Fell). John E. Kenderdine died in 1868, in his 69th year. His son Watson was
reared in Solebury township since the age of four years, and has been in his present
business since 1865. His wife was Hannah, daughter of Nathan and Martin (Stradling)
Preston, of Plumstead township, by whom he has three children living: Ellen K. (Mrs.
Edward W. Phillips), Emma L. K. (Mrs. H. W. Rice), and Florence. Mrs. Kenderdine is a
wide-awake business man, and a well-known writer on agricultural and other subjects, and
has a talent for writing poetry. He has contributed many articles to the county
papers. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and politically is a republican. The
first of the family in America settled in Horsham township, Montgomery county. Thomas
Kenderdine, at the age of eight years, came to America with his father from the town of
Landless, Montgomeryshire, North Wales. He married Dorothy Roberts and had seven
children: Benjamin, Joseph, Jacob, Margaret (married Richard Clayton), Mary (married
James Robinson), Jane (married Samuel Jones), and Hannah (married Mathias Shoemaker).
Jacob, the third son, had three children: Jacob, Jr., John and Joseph. Jacob, 3rd, was
the father of Thomas, Jacob, 4th, and John, twin brother of Joseph, who married Ann
Edwards and had four children: Hannah, Robert, Elizabeth and John E.
CHARLES T. KITCHEN
merchant, P.O. New Hope, was born in Center Hill, Solebury township, December 25, 1846,
and is a son of William B. and Mary A. (Alford) Kitchen. His grandfather was Phineas
Kitchen, a teacher by profession, and a resident of the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
county. His father was a tailor, and in early manhood located at Center Hill, in this
township, and continued in business there until his death. His children were: Emma,
Anna, Susan, Jennie, Bertha, William (deceased), Charles T. and Addison. Charles T. was
reared in Solebury township, and in 1881 located in New Hope, where he embarked in the
mercantile business, which he has followed successfully to the present time. In 1873 he
married Isabella, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Conover) Pickett, of New Hope, by
whom he has six children: Elmer, Addison, Burleigh, Augustus, Eva and Jesse. He has
one stepson, Joseph Holcombe. Mr. Kitchen is a member of the I. O. O. F., and
politically is a republican.
WILLIAM S. LARGE
farmer, P.O. Solebury, was born in Solebury township, October 1, 1820, and is a son of
Joseph and Cynthia (Scarborough) Large. His grandfather was Ebenezer Large, formerly of
New Jersey, and of German descent. He was a shoemaker, but in latter life was a farmer
and a resident of Solebury for many years. His children who lived to maturity were:
Joseph, Isaiah, Samuel, Ann (Mrs. Stephen Kirk) and John R. The oldest son, Joseph, was
a miller, though his principal occupation was farming. He married Cynthia, daughter of
Isaac Scarborough, who was a son of John and Margaret Scarborough, early settlers of
Solebury. The children of Joseph and Cynthia Large were: William S., Isaac, Mary A.
(Mrs. William Moon), Amanda (Mrs. Levi Black), Hannah (Mrs. E. H. Smith), and Joseph.
William S. was reared in Solebury and was a shoemaker, which trade he followed for
fifteen years. For more than thirty years he has been engaged in farming. He has been
twice married; his first wife being Martha, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Grubham)
Past, of Solebury, by whom he had three children: Anna (Mrs. Chapman Kirk), Winfield and
Frank. His second wife was Charlotte, daughter of Amos and Mary (Pearson) Pearson, of
Solebury, by whom he had four children: Henry, Merrick, Watson and Mary. Mr. Large is
a leading citizen of Solebury, has held several township offices, and politically is a
republican.
ALBERT LIVEZEY
retired P.O. Lumberville, was born in Solebury, September 12, 1811, and is a son of
Robert and Sarah (Paxson) Livezey. The Livezeys are of Anglo-Saxon origin, the first of
the name to settle in Bucks county being Daniel Livezey. He married Margery Croasdale,
from which marriage all the Livezeys of Bucks county (except those living at Doylestown)
trace their genealogy. Daniel Livezey settled in Southampton township, about 1781, and
died there in 1796, leaving eight children. Robert, the eldest son, was born at Fox
Chase, Philadelphia county, February 22, 1780, and at the age of 16 removed to Solebury,
to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1804 he married Sarah Paxson, daughter of Abraham
Paxson, and settled on his father-in-law's farm. In 1814 he removed to the old Townsend
place, and lived there until his death in 1864. He had eight children: Cyrus
(deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. Hiram Jones), Ann (Mrs. Samuel Rice), Albert, Allen, Samuel
(deceased), Elias and Abram. Albert Livezey married Mrs. Hannah F. Kirk, daughter of
Jonathan and Elizabeth (Fulmer) Bright, of Abington, Pa. Mr. Livezey has been in the
mercantile trade at Center Bridge and Lumberville for thirty-three years, and ten years
prior served as clerk in a store. He was postmaster of Lumberville from 1841 to 1848,
and of Center Bridge from July 1, 1860, to April 1, 1869, and again at Center Bridge from
October 1, 1883, to April 1, 1887, when he resigned. Between his commercial life at
Lumberville and his return to it at Center Bridge, he was a farmer on a farm of fifty-six
acres, near the former place, for nine years, and at Center Bridge, in addition to
storekeeping, was a horticulturist of more than ordinary ability. He is a man of strict
integrity and retired from business with an unblemished reputation. April 1, 1887, he
again selected Lumberville as his residence. He has for many years been correspondent of
the "Doylestown Democrat." He is a member of the Society of Friends, and in politics a
democrat.
ELIAS LIVEZEY
real estate dealer, Baltimore, Md., is the youngest but one of the sons of Robert and
Sarah Livezey. He was born on the farm near Lumberville, June 3, 1819. He began his
mercantile career when 14 years old, first with his brother Cyrus at Lumberville, then
with his uncle at Attleboro, and later with Plumley and Ely at the same place. When 20
years of age he began for himself in a store at Centerville, Buckingham township. Two
years later he took his brother's store at Lumberville, which he successfully carried on
for three years, when, on his marriage, he removed to Attleboro, buying out the business
and real estate of the former firm of Plumley & Ely. Here he did a flourishing trade for
ten years; then sold and removed to Philadelphia; but not finding a satisfactory opening
he accepted, a year later, the position of secretary and treasurer of the London Park
Cemetery company (in which he had a large interest, and was one of the incorporators);
5000 Union and a large number of Confederate soldiers now rest in this cemetery. He
removed to Baltimore, where he has since resided. He gradually got into the real estate
business, in which he has since been actively engaged, building up a large and prosperous
trade. In 1841 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Rachel Elton, formerly
of Philadelphia. Three of their children are deceased; Thomas Elton, Elton Paxson and
George Gillingham. Three are now living: Francis B., farmer in Howard county, Md.;
Elizabeth Catherine, wife of Bernard N. Baker, a prominent shipping merchant of
Baltimore; and Josephine, living with her parents. Mr. Livezey is a straightforward,
outspoken man, and during the darkest days of our civil war used all his force and
influence to keep Maryland loyal to the Union. In politics he is an ardent republican,
and he is in every way a worthy son of old Bucks county.
EDWARD H. MAGILL, A. M.
president of Swarthmore college, was born in Solebury township, Bucks county, September
24, 1825. He is a son of Jonathan P. and (Mary Watson) Magill, the former also a native
of this township, and the latter of Falls township, and a daughter of David and Rachel
Watson, whose ancestors came from England with William Penn. Jonathan P. Magill was
engaged in farming during his active life. Both he and his wife were consistent members
of the Society of Friends, and were of strong anti-slavery proclivities, and were leaders
in that movement, their home having been one of the stations of the celebrated
under-ground railroad, where many hunted fugitives found help and safety. They had seven
children, viz.: Sarah T. (deceased), Edward H., Watson P., Rebecca (deceased), Catherine
M. (Mrs. Henry C. Phillips), Rachel M. (Mrs. John S. Williams), and Matilda R. (Mrs.
Charles S. Atkinson). The early life of Edward H. was spent at the home of his parents
until his 14th year. He then became a pupil of the Friends' school at Westtown, Chester
county, for two years, after which he was engaged in teaching until his 25th years.
Entering the Freshman class of Yale college in 1850, he remained one year, and in 1851
became a student of Brown University, Providence, R. I., from which he received in 1852
the degree of A. B., and that of A. M. in 1855. In 1852 he became principal of the
classical department of the Providence High school, acting as such until 1859, when he
was appointed sub-master of the Boston Latin school. During his sub-mastership he
published a French grammar, and a series of French readers, that have been widely used in
the schools and colleges of this country. In 1867, having resigned his position in the
Latin school, he devoted a year to foreign travel. In 1869 he was made principal of the
preparatory school of Swarthmore college, and two years later became president of the
college, which office he still holds. In 1852 he was married to Sarah W., daughter of
Seneca Beans, of Lower Makefield township, Bucks county. The children born to this union
were: Helen, Eudora, Beatrice, Gertrude B., Francis G. (deceased), and Marian. Under the
presidency of Mr. Magill, Swarthmore college has enjoyed a high degree of prosperity. His
career as an educator has been attended by signal success. His own accurate scholarship
has led him to require the same accuracy and thoroughness in his students. With this
trait of his character is combined unwearied patience, with a seriousness and earnestness
which have won for him the confidence of those under his instruction.
WATSON P. MAGILL
farmer, was born in Solebury township, December 1, 1827, and is a son of Jonathan P. and
Mary (Watson) Magill. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Rebecca (Paxson)
Magill. Jacob was the son of John and Amy (Whitson) Magill, and John was the son of
William and Sarah (Simcock) Magill. William Magill came from the north of Ireland and
settled in Bucks county about 1726. The maternal grandparents of Watson Magill were
David and Richard (Twining) Watson. David was a son of Joseph and Rachel (Croasdale)
Watson, and Joseph a son of Mark and Ann (Sotcher) Watson. Ann (Sotcher) Watson was a
daughter of John and Mary (Loftis) Sotcher, both of whom came from England, with William
Penn. Jonathan P. and Mary (Watson) Magill, who lived in Solebury, reared a family of
seven children: Sarah T., Edward H., Watson P., Rebecca, Catherine M., Rachel and
Matilda R. Watson P. was married in September, 1851, to Mary W., daughter of Eli and
Rachel (Hollingsworth) Harvey, of Delaware county, Pa. They had two sons: Chalkley H.,
a resident of Philadelphia, and Edward W., a member of the Philadelphia bar. In 1882
Watson P. was married to Elizabeth H., daughter of Francis W. and Mary (Kelly) Moore, of
Philadelphia, and a niece of James Kelly, one of the early editors of the "Bucks County
Intelligencer," at Doylestown. Mr. Magill always took an active part in the political
affairs of Bucks county and served one term in the legislature, to which he was elected
in 1854. In 1862 he raised and was captain of a company of one hundred and three men,
with whom he was mustered into the 17th regiment, Pennsylvania militia, at Harrisburg,
and during the battle of Antietam they were forwarded to Hagerstown, Md. In 1863, prior
to the battle of Gettysburg, he again responded to the call of the governor, and with his
company was mustered into the United States service for the emergency, as company D, 31st
regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers. He was elected presidential elector in 1868 on the
Grant ticket. He was appointed to and held the office of United States assistant
internal revenue assessor in the fifth district of Pennsylvania for four years, and was
appointed United States gauger and inspector for the first district of Pennsylvania in
July, 1879, which position he held until December, 1885. He has always been a stanch
republican, and was a pioneer in the organization of that party, being president of the
first republican association formed in Solebury and New Hope, a position he continued to
fill for a number of years. He is now a resident of Philadelphia.
JOHN MAGILL
farmer, P.O. Carversville, was born in Solebury township, August 15, 1848, and is a son
of Joseph and Angeline (Hallowell) Magill. He was reared in Solebury, and located on the
farm he now occupies in 1874. He married Harriet A., daughter of Isaac S. and Ann E.
(Coneway) Large, of Solebury, by whom he had seven children: Howard L., I. Remington,
Emma L., Della, William, C. Roscoe and Bessie.
JOSEPH E. MAGILL
retired farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, July 1, 1811, and is a son
of John and Anna (Ely) Magill. His first ancestor in this country was William Magill,
who with his brother, Alexander, emigrated from the north of Ireland in 1727. The latter
died in Troy, N. Y. William located in Falls township and was a tailor by trade. Soon
after his marriage he settled in Solebury, where he engaged in farming and remained until
his death. He had six children, of whom John was the second son. He married Amy Witson,
by whom he had six children: Jacob, Jane, Rachel, William, David and John. The latter
married Anna, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Witson) Ely and had six children: Jane
(Mrs. Joseph Wiley), Joseph E., Emeline (Mrs. James H. Ely), William, Henry and Mary
(Mrs. Isaac Ely). Joseph E. was reared in Solebury, and owns and occupies the original
homestead where William Magill first settled. In 1839 he married Angeline, daughter of
Thomas and Sarah (Shoemaker) Hallowell, of Chester county, Pa., by whom he had twelve
children, ten of whom grew to maturity: Sarah A., Thomas, Spencer S., Amy (Mrs. E.
Doan), Ezra, John, Elizabeth (Mrs. Harvey Stout), Jane (Mrs. Benjamin Patterson), Joseph
and Clara (Mrs. Amos Patterson). The homestead farm is now carried on by Joseph, the
youngest son, who was married January 16, 1877, to Ida J., daughter of John and Lydia
(Benscoter) Hough, of Solebury, and has two children, George H. and John J.
ASHER MATTISON
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, December 24, 1847, being a son of
Joseph and Mahala (Vanselas) Mattison. His grandparents were Richard and Mary (Pownal)
Mattison. Richard Mattison came from Hunterdon county, N. J., and settled in Solebury
township about 1800. He had a family of nine children, of whom Joseph succeeded to the
homestead. He has two children, Asher and Richard. The latter is a manufacturing
chemist in Philadelphia, of the firm of Keasby & Mattison. Asher Mattison resides with
his father. He was married February 12, 1885, to Huldah, daughter of Wilson and Rachel
(Fell) Pearson, of Solebury. Mary Pownal, paternal grandmother of Asher, was a
descendant of George and Elinor Pownal, who came from England in 1682. Two weeks after
their arrival he was killed by a falling tree near Yardleyville. George Pownal, Jr., his
sixth and youngest child, was born in Bucks county, near Yardleyville, November 11, 1682,
eleven days after his father's death. He married Hannah Hutchinson in 1707, and settled
in Solebury. They had four children, of whom Reuben was the third, and was born March 8,
1719. He married Effie Burd and had eleven children, of whom Reuben, the third child and
first son, was born November 6, 1750. He married Mary Lee and had two daughters, of whom
Mary married Richard Mattison, the paternal grandfather of our subject, and had nine
children. Only two of these survive, Joseph Mattison, father of Asher, and Martha.
CHARLES T. MICHENER
mail contractor, P.O. Solebury, son of Levi J. and Elizabeth P. (Kirkpatrick) Michener,
born in Solebury township, 10th mo., 24th, 1842. The pioneers of the family came from
England with William Penn. The first to come was John Michener. His wife's name was
Sarah. Their son, William, was born 10th mo., 1st, 1696, and married Mary Kester in
1720. Their son, George, was born 6th mo., 10th, 1744; he married first, Elizabeth
Worthington, second, Hanna Shoemaker, in 1771. They had a son, George, born 11th mo.,
10th, 1777, who married Isabella Shannon 12th mo., 7th, 1805, and died 4th mo., 10th,
1823. Their son, Levi J., was born 12th mo., 8th, 1818, and died 2nd mo., 12th, 1860.
He married Elizabeth Kirkpatrick 6th mo., 20th, 1839. She was born 3rd mo., 8th, 1820,
and died 3rd mo., 7th, 1884. They had nine children: Thomas K., Charles T., George W.,
Mary A., Joseph K., Caddie B., Sallie M., Jefferson S. and Belle H. Thomas K. was born
5th mo., 23rd, 1840. He enlisted in company E, 19th Indiana volunteer infantry, and was
at the battle of Gettysburg. Charles T. enlisted in company C, 104th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, 9th mo., 4th, 1861, and was mustered out as first orderly sergeant in 2nd
mo., 1863. He re-enlisted in the same company as second lieutenant and was honorably
mustered out with the rank of captain 8th mo., 28th, 1865. Since then he has been
engaged in various enterprises. For five years he has been mail contractor between
Solebury and Center Bridge. He married Martha E. Hamilton 9th mo., 25th, 1874. George
W. was born 11th mo., 26th, 1843. He enlisted in company G, 104th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, 9th mo., 4th, 1861, and was honorably discharged as color sergeant 9th mo.,
1864. He married Mary A. Evans, of Ohio, 4th mo., 7th, 1870. Mary A. was born 2nd mo.,
24th, 1845, and married James S. Michener, 12th mo., 30th, 1866. Joseph K. was born 12th
mo., 10th, 1850, and died 12th mo., 15th, 1850. Caddie B. was born 5th mo., 7th, 1848,
and married first, Isaac H. Selnor 12th mo., 30th, 1867. He died 6th mo., 27th, 1874,
and 10th mo., 16th, 1880, she married Frank Poulton. Sallie M. was born 12th mo., 26th,
1851, and married Randolph Hauler 11th mo., 8th, 1872. Jefferson S. was born 4th mo.,
10th, 1854 and married Mary A. Smith 1st mo., 25th, 1885. Belle H. was born 8th mo.,
11th, 1856, and died 4th mo., 24th, 1871. The Michener family are of Quaker parentage,
and Levi and all his children are republicans.
ISAIAH MICHENER
veterinary surgeon, P.O. Carversville, was born in Buckingham township January 25, 1812,
and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Bradshaw) Michener, the latter a daughter of James
Bradshaw, of Warrington township. His paternal grandfather was Mechack Michener, an
early settler of Buckingham, whose wife was Mary Trego. He had eight children, of whom
Thomas was the fourth. The latter was a shoemaker by trade. In early life he was a
resident of Buckingham, then removed to Horsham township, Montgomery county, where he
resided until his death. His children were: Mary, Jane, James B., Clarissa, Isaiah,
Sarah A., Hannah, Susan, Eliza and Rebecca. Isaiah was reared in Buckingham township,
Bucks county, and in Horsham township, Montgomery county. In 1830 he located in
Buckingham, where he resided until 1884, then removed to Solebury. He began the practice
of his profession in 1836. His wife was Esther, daughter of John and Sarah (Smith) Good,
of Plumstead township, by whom he had ten children: Ezra, Sarah B. (Mrs. Charles
Paxson), Curtis C., Thomas (deceased), Mary Ellen (Mrs. Asher M. Fell), Horace, Clarissa,
Charles, Anson B. and Anna M. (deceased). Mr. Michener is a member of the Society of
Friends, and was president of the Doylestown Agricultural and Mechanics' Institute for
twenty-one years, and politically is a republican.
THE PARRY FAMILY
trace their descent from the Parrys of Caernarvonshire, North Wales, a family which in
point of antiquity takes rank with the most ancient in the kingdom. Their coat of arms
may be founding "Burke's General Armory of England, Scotland and Ireland," published in
London, A. D. 1842, and are thus given: Arms - vert - a stag trippant - Ppr. For Parry;
Crest - a war charger's head and neck, argent. Lord Richard Parry, Bishop of St. Asaph,
from A. D. 1604 to the time of his death in A. D. 1623, was of this family; and Sir Love
Jones Parry of "Madryn Castle" in Caernarvonshire (born A. D. 1781), and who was a general
in the British army, at the battle of Waterloo, was a lineal descendant of Colonel
Geoffrey Parry, mentioned below, the colonel himself having at one time been an officer
in the English army. Colonel Geoffrey Parry, of Caernarvonshire, North Wales, a cadet of
this family, married Margaret Hughes of Cefn Llanfair, North Wales, by whom he had issue a
son, Love Parry, Esq., of Wanfour, who was high sheriff of Caernarvonshire in 1685. He
married Ellen, daughter and heiress of Hugh Wynn, of Penarth. By her he had two sons,
Love Parry, Esq., and Thomas Parry, gentleman. The latter was the first of the family in
America. He was born in Caernarvonshire, North Wales, in 1680. He settled in
Pennsylvania, and in 1715 married Miss Jane Morris, of an early and distinguished
colonial family. By her he had ten children. Thomas Parry died in 1751, aged 71 years.
JOHN PARRY
of Moorland Manor, third child of Thomas Parry, was born July 25, 1721, and on September
21, 1751, married Margaret Tyson, having by her seven children. He died November 10,
1789, aged 69 years. Benjamin Parry, son of John and Margaret (Tyson) Parry, became an
early resident of New Hope borough, settling there in 1784, while it was still styled
Coryell's ferry, and bringing with him considerable means, obtained from his father. He
was born March 1, 1757, and came to Coryell's ferry from Philadelphia county. He was a
prominent and useful citizen, and foremost in all enterprises for the benefit of his
neighborhood and the county. He was, in connection with his friend, the Hon. Samuel D.
Ingham, especially active in procuring from the legislatures of Pennsylvania and New
Jersey the necessary charters permitting the erection of the New Hope Delaware bridge at
that point, and was the first signer of the original list of stockholders, and a liberal
subscriber to the stock. Mr. Parry was fond of study and scientific research, and his
reading covered a wide range of subjects. In 1810 he invented the well-known "kiln
drying" process, and has bee largely engaged in exporting corn-meal to the West Indies
and other tropical countries. Beside being the proprietor of the linseed oil factory at
New Hope, he owned mills for the manufacture of flour, lumber, etc., both at New Hope and
in Amwell township, N. J., the latter being called the "Prime Hope mills." He also had
erected a warehouse and store, continuing his interest therein with his brothers, Thomas,
David and Daniel, for a number of years. A map of New Hope in 1798 shows most of the
settlement to have belonged at that time to the Parry family. Benjamin Parry was the
senior member of the firm of B. Parry & Co., a partner in Parry & Cresson, and was also
connected in Philadelphia with the old flour commission house of Timothy Paxson & Co., of
which his relative, Mr. Paxson, was the head. Benjamin Parry was married November 4, 1787,
to Jane, a daughter of Oliver Paxson of "Maple Grove," Solebury township, by whom he had
four children: Oliver, Ruth, Jane and Margaret. Mr. Parry died in 1839 at the "old
Parry mansion" in New Hope, in the 83rd year of his age, and is buried in the family lot
in the Friends' Solebury burying ground.
OLIVER PARRY
gentleman, only son of Benjamin Parry, was born in New Hope, December 20, 1794, and
became a wealthy and prominent citizen of Philadelphia, dying at his home in that city
February 20, 1874, aged 80 years. He also is buried in the Friends' Solebury burying
ground. May 1, 1827, he married Rachel Randolph, of Philadelphia, daughter of Major
Edward Randolph, a patriot of 1776. He had by her eight daughters and four sons. The
first son was Major Edward Randolph Parry, of the United States army, born at New Hope,
July 27, 1832, and married December 17, 1863, to Frances, daughter of Gen. Justin Dimick,
of the United States army. In May, 1861, Major Parry entered the army as first lieutenant
in the 11th United Stated infantry and served throughout the war with great credit. In
1864 he was made captain of the 11th, afterward transferred to the 20th, and on
re-organization of the army was promoted a major for gallant services. He was in the
terrible fighting along the line of the Weldon railroad, and before Petersburg, Va.,
commanding his regiment in several actions. In 1865 he was assistant adjutant-general of
the regular brigade, Army of the Potomac, and was serving upon the staff of General
Winthrop when the latter was killed. At Lee's surrender he was attached to army
headquarters. In 1868 Major Parry commanded Forts Phillips and Jackson at the mouth of
the Mississippi river, and Fort Ripley, Minn., in 1869. He resigned on account of ill
health in 1871, and died at the "old Parry mansion" in New Hope, April 13, 1874, and was
buried on the 16th at Friends' Solebury burying ground. Major Parry was one of the few
representatives of Bucks county in the regular army during the civil war, and was a
gallant soldier.
The second son was Richard Randolph Parry, gentleman. He was born December 5, 1835, and
was married October 11, 1866, to Miss Ellen L. Read, of Portland, Me. He has three
children: Gertrude R., Adelaide R. and Oliver Randolph Parry; the latter born March 29,
1873. Richard Randolph Parry is a member of the Bucks County Historical society, and
also of the Historical society of Pennsylvania, a director of the New Hope Delaware
bridge company, and a warden of St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal church, Lambertville.
The third son, George Randolph Parry, physician in Philadelphia, was born in
Philadelphia, September 3, 1839, and began the study of medicine in the Philadelphia
College of Pharmacy in 1859, and graduated in 1862. He entered the medical department of
the University of Pennsylvania in 1864, and was graduated in 1867. He began the practice
of medicine the same year at Union Springs, N. Y., remaining there until 1880. He then
located in New Hope, in the ancestral home, the "old Parry mansion," where he has been in
active practice ever since. Dr. Parry is a member of the Bucks County Historical society,
and also of the Historical society of Pennsylvania. He was married March 2, 1869, to Miss
Elizabeth Van Ettan, by whom he has had two daughters: Elizabeth Randolph and Jane
Paxson. The fourth son, Oliver Paxson Parry, was born June 20, 1846, and died December
13, 1852. The "old Parry mansion" in New Hope borough, erected in 1784 for Benjamin
Parry, Esq., has never been out of the family, and is now owned and occupied by his
grandsons, Richard Randolph Parry and Dr. George Randolph Parry.
Daniel Parry, Esq., a gentleman of liberal fortune, lived and died in New Hope. He
married in early life, but left no issue. The Bucks county papers, in speaking of his
death, described him as a man of large benevolence, and a generous friend to the
destitute; he was the youngest brother of Benjamin Parry. Colonel Caleb Parry, of the
army of 1776, cousin of Benjamin Parry, was instantly killed at the battle of Long
Island. Much mention is made of him in a work entitled "Campaign of 1776," published by
the Long Island Historical society, and in sundry other works. The Parry family in the
United States are allied by marriage, and intermarriage, with some of the oldest colonial
families, such as Morris, Tyson, Randolph, Vaughn, Paxson, Bull, Wayne (General Anthony
Wayne), Lewellyn, Winslow, and others of note.
THE PAXSONS OF MAPLE GROVE
The Maple Grove property was conveyed about 1763 from Richard Pike, of Cork, Ireland, to
Thomas Paxson, son of William and Abigail Pownall Paxson, grandson of James and Jane
Paxson, who came to America in 1682 from the county of Bucks, England. Thomas Paxson
married in 1732 Jane, daughter of Thomas Canby, who came in 1683 from Yorkshire,
England. He married first, Sarah Jarvis, and second, Mary Oliver, of Welsh descent,
mother of Jane Canby. Thomas and Jane (Canby) Paxson had nine children. Two of them,
Benjamin and Oliver, are respectively the paternal and maternal ancestors of the present
heirs of Maple Grove. Oliver Paxson, a prominent and influential Friend, married first
Ruth Watson, and second Ruth Johnson. By the first marriage there were four children,
two of whom, William and Oliver, died in infancy; Jane married Benjamin Parry, and Ruth
married, in 1793, Hugh Ely, son of Hugh and Elizabeth Blackfan Ely. Their children
were: Elizabeth, married Richard Randolph, and Elias, married Sarah M., daughter of Dr.
John and Margaret (Mitchel) Wilson, of Buckingham. Elias Ely died in 1836 and his wife
in 1849, leaving three children: Ruth Anna married in 1861 Oliver Paxson, son of
Benjamin Paxson; Margaret Wilson married Dr. James E. Rhoads; and Richard Elias married
Caroline A. Newbold. Oliver Paxson, senior, ancestor of Ruth Anna Ely, had a brother,
Benjamin, ancestor of the late Oliver Paxson, as mentioned before. Benjamin Paxson
married in 1763 Deborah Taylor, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Town) Taylor, and had
eight children. Thomas, the third child, born in 1769, married in 1814 Hannamiel,
daughter of Thomas and Beulah Canby. They had six children, two of whom died young. The
remaining are: Deborah, Elias, married Margaret Wilson; Richard, married Eleanor Ely; and
Oliver, who married in 1861 Ruth Anna Ely, and whose children are: Sarah Ely, Margaret
Ely, Oliver Wilson and Caroline Ely Paxson, who at present reside at Maple Grove.
AMOS C. PAXSON
retired farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, September 17, 1805, and is
a son of Eliada and Mary (Cooper) Paxson. James Paxson came from the parish of Bucks,
England, in 1682, and settled in Buckingham, under which township heading is given a
detailed history of the family. His son Henry, born in 1683, married Ann Plumley in
1706, by whom he had twelve children, of whom Thomas, the eleventh son, was born July 17,
1726. His son Aaron was the paternal grandfather of Amos C. Paxson. Eliada Paxson,
father of the latter, was a farmer. Amos C. learned shoemaking as a trade, and followed
that for ten years. In 1836 he engaged in farming, which he followed up to 1858, when he
retired; and the homestead has since been carried on by his son-in-law, Robert Conrad.
Mr. Paxson was twice married; first to Rachel, daughter of Mark and Hannah (Johnson) Ely,
by whom he had nine children: Hannah (Mrs. A. C. Worthington), Letitia (Mrs. William W.
West), Moses, Beulah, Sarah A. (Mrs. Horace Smith), Mary Ellen (Mrs. Charles M. Updike),
Lewis, Martha (Mrs. Robert Conrad) and Caroline (Mrs. R. P. Price). His second wife was
Rebecca S., daughter of Eli and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Smedley, of Lancaster county, Pa.,
by whom he had two children: Elizabeth S. and Dora.
CHARLES S. PAXSON
farmer, P.O. Carversville, was born in Solebury township, March 8, 1836, and is a son of
Howard and Mary (Small) Paxson, the latter a daughter of Jonah Small, of Philadelphia.
His paternal grandfather was Elias Paxson, who married Catherine Rice. Elias was a son
of Abraham and Elizabeth (Brown) Paxson, and Abraham a son of Thomas and Sarah (Harvey)
Paxson. Thomas was a son of Henry and Ann (Plumly) Paxson, and Henry a son of James and
Jane Paxson, who came from Bycot house, Oxfordshire, England, in 1682 and settled in
Bucks county. Howard Paxson was a farmer, and had a family of nine children: Charles,
Emeline (Mrs. William H. Walter), Watson F., Joseph A., Eugene, Wilson S., Elliott,
Catherine (Mrs. J. R. Paxson), and Oscar. [See "The Paxson Family," in Buckingham
township, for a detailed history of the family.] Charles S. Paxson was reared in
Solebury, and was married March 12, 1863, to Sarah B., daughter of Isaiah and Esther
(Good) Michener, of Solebury. They are the parents of one child, J. Howard, born
September 2, 1868. Mr. Paxson is a member of the Society of Friends. Politically he is
a republican.
EUGENE PAXSON
farmer, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Solebury township, January 8, 1845, and is a son of
Howard and Mary (Small) Paxson. [See Charles S. Paxson, above, for family ancestry.]
Eugene Paxson occupies a part of the old Paxson homestead, where he was born and
reared. November 23, 1869, he married Martha, daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Bright)
Livezey, of Solebury, and has five children living: Samuel L., Lizzie C., M. Anna,
Edward M., and W. Henry. Mr. Paxson and family are members of the Hicksite Society of
Friends. Politically he is a republican.
WATSON F. PAXSON
real estate and general business agent, P.O. Carversville, was born in Solebury township,
August 18, 1840, and is a son of Howard and Mary (Small) Paxson. [See Charles S. Paxson,
for family ancestry.] Watson F. Paxson was reared and educated in Solebury township,
and on attaining his majority embarked in the mercantile business in Carversville, which
he successfully continued until 1882. Since that time he has been engaged in his present
business. September 28, 1869, he married Ruth, daughter of Ephraim and Margaret (Good)
Shaw, of Plumstead township. Her paternal grandfather was Ephraim Shaw, and her mother's
father was John Good, both representatives of old and respected families of Plumstead
township. Mr. and Mrs. Paxson have two children, Margaret S. and Mary S. Mr. Paxson
was appointed postmaster of Carversville under President Grant's second administration,
and held the office until 1884. He had his family are members of the Solebury Friends'
meeting. Politically he is a republican.
WILSON S. PAXSON
proprietor Lumbertown mills, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Solebury township, March 14,
1847, and is a son of Howard and Mary (Small) Paxson. [See Charles S. Paxson, above, for
family ancestry.] Wilson S. was reared in Solebury, and in 1868, on reaching his
majority, purchased the Lumbertown mills, which he has since successfully conducted. In
1872 he married Jennie, daughter of A. Ellicote and Sarah (Kiple) Hall, of Upper
Makefield township. He has three children: George S., R. Ella and Watson. Mr. Paxson
is a member of the Solebury Friends' meeting. Politically he is a republican.
ELIAS E. PAXSON
farmer, P.O. Aquetong, was born in Solebury township, October 25, 1817, being a son of
Thomas and Hannamell (Canby) Paxson. His grandfather was Benjamin Paxson, a tailor by
trade, but who followed farming. He was a son of James Paxson, who settled in Bucks
county in 1682. The maternal grandfather of Elias E. Paxson and Thomas Canby, a son of
Thomas, who was a son of Benjamin Canby. Thomas Canby came from Yorkshire, England, and
settled in Bucks county in 1683. Benjamin Paxson was the first of the name to occupy the
farm now owned by Elias E. He had eight children, of whom Thomas, the father of our
subject, was the third child. Thomas had the following children: Deborah, Elias E.,
Oliver, Beulah (deceased), and Richard. Elias E. married Margaret, daughter of Samuel
and Hannah (Longstreth) Wilson, of Buckingham township, by whom he had four children:
Samuel W., Sarah W., Deborah (deceased), and Hannah. Mr. Paxson and family are members
of the Orthodox Society of Friends.
HOWARD H. PAXSON
retired, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, September 20, 1810, being a son of
Asher and Martha (Harding) Paxson. His grandfather was Mahlon Paxson, a descendant of
James and Jane Paxson, who came from the parish of Slow, Oxfordshire, England, and
settled in Bucks county in 1682. His maternal grandfather was Jonathan Harding. Howard
H. Paxson was reared in Solebury township, where most of his life has been spent in
farming. He was a natural mechanic, and was also engaged in various business
enterprises. He was twice married, first to Elizabeth, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth
(Pownal) Ely, of Solebury, by whom he had two children, Alfred and M. Elizabeth. His
second wife was Mary P., daughter of Mark and Rachel (Hambleton) Ely, of Solebury. By
the second marriage he has one child, Mary Anna, who is married to Harvey Warner, and has
one child, Howard.
HUGH P. PAXSON
farmer, P.O. Aquetong, was born in Solebury township, March 31, 1813, being a son of
Asher and Martha (Harding) Paxson. His paternal grandfather was Mahlon Paxson, a son of
Henry, who was a son of Henry Paxson. The latter was a son of James Paxson, from Bycot
House, parish of Slow, Oxfordshire, England, who settled in Bucks county in 1682. Our
subject's mother was a daughter of Jonathan Harding, of Southampton township, who died in
1833. Mahlon Paxson, grandfather of Hugh P., married Jane Parry, by whom he had four
children: Alice, Asher, Phineas and Jane. Asher, the second of these children, had five
children: John H. (deceased), Sarah H., Howard H., Alice P., Hugh P. and Grace W.
(deceased). Hugh P., with his sister Sarah, occupies the old homestead of his father
and grandfather.
WILLIAM WALLACE PAXSON
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, May 11, 1829, being a son of John
D. and Achsah L. (Dennis) Paxson. His paternal grandparents were Aaron and Letitia
(Knowles) Paxson. Aaron was a son of Thomas and Sarah Paxson, and Thomas a son of Henry
and Ann (Plumly) Paxson. Henry was a son of James Paxson, of the parish of Slow,
Oxfordshire, England, who emigrated to America in 1682. Henry Paxson was born July 7,
1663, married Ann Plumly in 1706, and had twelve children, of whom Thomas was the
eleventh child. He was born June 17, 1726, and took up the land now owned and occupied
by our subject, in 1764, and erected the present dwelling in 1774, which is a
well-preserved mansion. His son Aaron succeeded to the property, and reared a family of
six children: Phineas, Letitia, Ezra, Eliada, Aaron and John K. The latter succeeded
to his father's property. He was born December 27, 1794, and was married July 31,
1828. He had three children: William Wallace, John L. and Eugene. Our subject was
married January 17, 1855, to Mary, daughter of John C. and Sarah (Quinn) Britton, of
Holland, N. J. They are the parents of three children: Achsah (Mrs. William Hurly),
Sallie and Lizzie.
CHARLES PHILLIPS
proprietor of Phillips' Mills, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, November 12,
1820, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah (Croasdale) Phillips. His grandfather was Thomas
Phillips, a son of Aaron Phillips. In 1756, Aaron Phillips, purchased of his
half-brother, William Kitchen, an interest in the mill property now owned by Charles
Phillips, and in 1779 became the sole owner. He was succeeded by his son Thomas, who in
turn was succeeded by his son Aaron. These mills have been owned and conducted by
Charles Phillips since his father's death in 1858, and for upward of a century have been
known as Phillips' mills. Aaron Phillips married Sarah Croasdale, daughter of Jeremiah
and Ann (Quinby) Croasdale. Her father was a descendant of Thomas Croasdale, who came
from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Middletown, Bucks county, at an early date.
Aaron and Sarah Phillips had four children who grew to maturity: Anna (Mrs. Smith
Trego), Mary (Mrs. Barclay Knight), Charles and Martha (Mrs. John S. Young). Charles
Phillips was married in 1847 to Sarah B., daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betts) Smith, of
Upper Makefield township, by whom he had five children: Fannie S. (Mrs. Martha
Cunningham), Edward W., Frank A., Mary E. and Addie M. Mr. Phillips and family are
members of the Hicksite Society of Friends. Politically he is a republican. He has been
township auditor and school director, and is now and has been for a number of years one of
the directors of the Lambertville National bank.
THOMAS T. POOL
proprietor Great Spring grist and paper-mills, P.O. New Hope, was born in Buckingham
township March 10, 1848, and is a son of William and Maria (Thompson) Pool. His
grandfather was William Pool, of English descent. He was a farmer, and early settler of
Southampton township. His maternal grandfather was Hugh Thompson, a farmer of
Wrightstown. He was a son of John Thompson, a native of Ireland, and an early settler of
Northampton township. Thomas Pool has followed the occupation of milling for twenty-two
years. In 1876 he purchased the Great Spring grist and paper-mills, which he has
operated successfully to the present time. He married Jennie Slack, a daughter of Albert
and Elizabeth (Fell) Slack, of Buckingham, by whom he has two children: Samuel A. and
Ellen D.
ISAIAH QUINBY
retired, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., September 5, 1814, and is
a son of James and Margaret (Good) Quinby. His maternal grandfather was Robert Good, a
pioneer of Plumstead township, Bucks county. Isaiah Quinby was reared in Hunterdon
county, N. J., and located in Solebury in 1834. He learned the milling business at
Lumberton with his brother-in-law, John ?. He followed this as an occupation for
twenty-five years, after which he retired. He married Ruth, a daughter of Crispin and
Mary (Shaw) Scarborough, of Solebury, by whom he had three children: Wilmot, Mary and
Margaret. Mr. Quinby and wife are members of the Society of Friends at Solebury
meeting. He has held the office of school director of Solebury township for nine
years. In politics he is a republican.
EASTBURN REEDER
farmer and dairyman, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury June 30, 1828, being a son of
Joseph E. and Letitia (Betts) Reeder. Charles Reeder was born in England June 24, 1713,
emigrated in 1734, and settled in Bucks county. He was one of the petitioners that
Makefield be organized as a separate township in 1737. The same year he married Eleanor
Merrick, by whom he had eleven children. Merrick, the seventh son, was born July 31,
1754, and in 1773 married Elizabeth Collins. In 1810 they removed to Muncy, Lycoming
county. They had thirteen children, of whom Merrick, Jr., was the second son, born
February 8, 1776. In 1802 he married Elizabeth Eastburn, and had three sons: Joseph E.,
David K. and William P. Merrick Reeder, Jr., was a prominent citizen of his day. He was
a good surveyor, was a clerk of the almshouse, and a justice of the peace for many
years. He died in 1851, aged 75 years. Joseph E. Reeder, eldest son of Merrick Reeder,
Jr., and father of Eastburn Reeder, was born March 28, 1803. He married Letitia,
daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Blackfan) Betts, by whom he had two children: Eastburn
and Elizabeth; the latter of whom died November 7, 1860. Eastburn Reeder, the subject of
this sketch, was married December 15, 1853, to Ellen, daughter of John E. and Martha
(Quinby) Kenderdine. Mr. and Mrs. Reeder are the parents of four children: Watson K.,
Elizabeth (Mrs. Newton E. Wood), Letitia and Martha. Mr. Reeder is a representative
citizen of Solebury, and is an extensive breeder of Jersey cattle, in which he has been
interested since 1872. He has been the representative of the State Board of Agriculture
from Bucks county since 1876, and is a member of the Hicksite Society of Friends, and
politically is a republican.
WATSON K. REEDER
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, October 3, 1854, and is a son of
Eastburn and Ellen (Kenderdine) Reeder. His father was a son of Joseph E. and Letitia
(Betts) Reeder. His maternal grandparents were John E. and Martha (Quinby) Kenderdine.
Wilson K. was reared in Solebury, and was educated in the common schools, subsequently
attending Swarthmore college. February 20, 1879, he married Mary, daughter of Robert and
Ann (Carver) Beans, a representative family of Warminster township.
WILLIAM REEDER, D. D. S.
southwest corner of Sixth and Green streets, Philadelphia, was born in Solebury township,
April 14, 1857, and is a son of Merrick and Rachel A. (Trego) Reeder. The ancestry of the
family is given in detail, under name of Eastburn Reeder, above. David K., second son of
Merrick, Jr., and Elizabeth (Eastburn) Reeder, was born in Solebury township, October 29,
1804, and married Elizabeth Reeder, daughter of Charles and Jane (Atkinson) Reeder, of
Lower Makefield township. He had two children, Merrick and Sarah J. The former was
born in Philadelphia September 19, 1828, and in 1856, married Rachel A., daughter of
Charles T. and Anna (Smith) Trego, of Wrightstown, Bucks county. Charles T. Trego was a
son of WilliamTrego, born in 1774, and a grandson of William Trego, born in 1744. The
latter was a son of John Trego, born in 1711, John, a son of Jacob Trego, born in 1687,
and Jacob, a son of Peter Trego, who was born in 1655, and settled in Bucks county in
1682. Merrick and Rachel Reeder were the parents of two children, William and Mary.
William Reeder was reared in Solebury township, and educated in the public schools, and
at the Lambertville (N. J.) seminary. He began the study of dentistry in 1879, at the
Pennsylvania Dental college at Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1881, from which date
until 1885 he was demonstrator of operative dentistry in the same college. He also began
the practice of his profession in 1881, in Philadelphia, where he has built up an
extensive and successful practice. April 28, 1886, he married Florence, daughter of
Linford and Anna M. (Reeder) Lukens, of Philadelphia. Dr. Reeder is a member of the
Pennsylvania Association of Dental Surgeons, of the Odontological Society of
Pennsylvania, and a member of the board of managers of the Philadelphia Lying-in-Charity
and Nurse school.
HAMPTON W. RICE
manufacturer, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Solebury township, March 24, 1844, being a
son of Samuel H. and Ann (Livezey) Rice. His grandfather, William Rice, was a farmer,
and a grandson of Edward Rice of county Tyrone, Ireland. The latter settled in Bucks
county in 1736. Mr. Rice's mother was a daughter of Robert Livezey. Samuel H. Rice,
father of Hampton W., was a farmer and also an auctioneer for many years. He was married
twice; first to Euphemia, daughter of John Watson of Buckingham township, by whom he had
one child, Mary E. (Mrs. William Wharton). His second wife was Ann Livezey, by whom he
had three children: Euphemia A., Hampton W. and Sallie L. Hampton W. owns the
homestead farm, and followed farming until 1886. He then embarked in the manufacture of
bone-dust and fertilizers, in connection with his father-in-law, Watson Kenderdine, under
the firm name of W. Kenderdine & Rice, in which business he is still engaged. His wife
was Emma, daughter of Watson and Hannah (Preston) Kenderdine, of Solebury township. They
have two children, Marian and J. Walter. Mr. Rice is a member of the Friends' Solebury
meeting. Politically he is a republican.
WILLIAM HENRY RICE
farmer, P.O. Lahaska, was born in Solebury township, September 22, 1828, and is a son of
Joseph and Julia (Iden) Rice, the latter a daughter of George Iden, of Richland
township. His grandfather Joseph, son of Edwin Rice, came from county Tyrone, Ireland,
and settled in Solebury in 1736. He brought a certificate of good character, signed by
the rector and church wardens of the parish of Killaman, which certificate is now in the
possession of his great-great-grandson, Hampton W. Rice, of this township; Joseph Rice,
grandfather of William H., was a weaver by trade, and also followed farming. He had four
children: William, a farmer; Joseph, Letitia and Catherine. Joseph was a farmer, and had
four children: Joseph G. and William H. (farmers), and George I. and Lewis C., who were
physicians. Mr. Rice has always been a resident of Solebury, and occupies a part of the
family homestead. He married Phebe T., a daughter of Jacob and Ann (Passmore) Taylor, of
Chester county, Pa., by whom he had six children: Alfred T., Anna P., George I., A.
Lincoln, Julia I. and Joseph. His son George I. was married on October 7, 1882, to R.
Amy, a daughter of Aaron Gilmore, of Buckingham township, and has three sons and one
daughter, William H. and A. Lincoln, twins born April 22, 1883, James A. Garfield, born
January 7, 1884, and Maude, July 25, 1886. On January 1, 1887, his son A. Lincoln was
married to Miss Sadie B., daughter of John Shepler, of Lambertville, N. J.
JOHN M. RICH
farmer, P.O. Holicong, was born in Buckingham township, February 10, 1815, and is a son
of Anthony and Maria (Mann) Rich. His grandfather, Jonathan Rich, a farmer of Plumstead
township, had three children: Anthony, James S. and Josiah. Jonathan Rich was a son of
Joseph Rich, and a grandson of John Rich, who settled in Solebury as early as 1730. He
was of English descent, and his ancestors came to America in the "Mayflower," in 1620.
Mrs. Rich's grandfather was John Mann, a carpenter, and a resident of Doylestown.
Anthony Rich was born in Plumstead township, but nearly all his life was a resident of
Buckingham. He was a farmer, and a soldier of the war of 1812. His children were:
Benjamin, Jonathan, Mary, John M., Martha, Preston, Josiah, Elizabeth A., Almira, James,
Susan, A. Worthington, Emily and Sarah E. John M. was reared in Buckingham township,
and in 1847 located on the farm he now owns and occupies. He married Mary M., daughter
of Lewis and Caroline (Clark) Deffebach, of Doylestown. Mrs. Rich's father was colonel
of a regiment during the war of 1812, and for several years was the editor of the
"Doylestown Democrat." Mr. Rich and wife have had two children: Lewis D. and Martha
(deceased). The son carries on the homestead farm. He married Caroline, daughter of
Henry and Emeline (Rich) Watson of Buckingham township.
HIRAM SCARBOROUGH
collector of tolls, New Hope & Delaware Bridge company, P.O. New Hope, was born in Upper
Makefield township, this county, January 19, 1806, and is a son of Enos and Meribah
(Jackson) Scarborough. His paternal grandfather was Isaac Scarborough, a native of
England, and a blacksmith by trade, who settled in Upper Makefield township, this county,
and died there. His son Enos was also a blacksmith. In 1809 he settled in New Hope,
where he died. His children were: Isaac, Joseph, William, Hiram, Susan, Hannah, Mary
and John. Hiram Scarborough was also a blacksmith by trade. He always took an active
part in political affairs, and served two terms as a member of the legislature, besides
holding several local offices. In 1851 he lost his right arm by the accidental discharge
of a gun, since which time he has been collector of tolls for the New Hope and Delaware
Bridge company. His wife was Anna M., daughter of Joab and Elizabeth (Fisher) Jones, of
Lambertville, N. J. They have four children living: Rutledge, Isaac, Kate and
Fletcher. Mr. Scarborough is a member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a
democrat.
ISAAC P. SCARBOROUGH
farmer, P.O. Aquetong, was born in Solebury township, July 24, 1846, and is a son of
Isaac and Mercy (Pearson) Scarborough. His grandparents were Isaac and Amy (Pearson)
Scarborough. The Isaac last mentioned was a son of John and Margaret Scarborough, who
early settled in Bucks county. The maternal ancestors of our subject were Crispin and
Hannah Pearson, and the great-grandparents, Crispin and Elizabeth (Wilkinson) Pearson.
The children of Isaac Scarborough, grandfather of our subject, were: Crispin, John,
William, Asa, Cynthia, Isaac, Charles, Amy, Pearson and Elijah, all now deceased but
Elijah. Isaac, son of the above, and father of our subject, had six children: Amy,
Watson, Elizabeth (Mrs. Richard Betts), Mercy E. (Mrs. Isaac C. Thomas), deceased, Isaac
and Margaret (deceased). Mr. Scarborough occupies the homestead of his father and
grandfather. He married Emma, daughter of Quinby and Elizabeth (Betts) Hampton, of
Buckingham township, by whom he has had eight children: Charles, Mercy (deceased),
William, Elizabeth, Howard, Frank (deceased), Isaac and Nellie.
WATSON SCARBOROUGH
farmer, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Solebury, April 24, 1839, and is a son of Isaac and
Mercy W. (Pearson) Scarborough. He was reared in Solebury township, and has always been a
farmer. He was married on January 1, 1868, to Anna M., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth
(Wismer) Stover, of Solebury. They have one son, Harry W., born July 24, 1870. Mrs.
Scarborough is a member of the Christian church. Politically Mr. Scarborough is a
republican.
JAMES SHAW
farmer, P.O. Carversville, was born in Plumstead township, August 13, 1821, and is a son
of John and Grace (Carr) Shaw. His grandparents were James and Rachel (Bancroft) Shaw,
and great-grandparents James and Mary (Fenton) Shaw, pioneers of Plumstead township.
John Shaw's family consisted of five children: Eleazer C., Elizabeth S. (Mrs. Henry E.
Carver), Hannah, Comley and James. The latter was reared in Plumstead township, and has
always followed farming. He located in Carversville in 1883. In 1845 he married
Charlotte T., daughter of Samuel and Susan (Pittenger) Smalley. They are the parents of
the following: Grace Emma, Clementine G., John S., Henry C. and Albert P. Grace Emma
married William Henry Palmer, and had two children: M. Alice and Lottie E. John S.
married Tarilla Reading, and Henry C. married Sarah R. Watson. Albert P. married Anna
L. Reading, and has two children: Frank and Bertha. Mr. Shaw's maternal grandfather was
David Carr, a farmer of Plumstead township, and a son of Jonathan and Deborah (Robinson)
Carr.
SAMUEL SHUPE
blacksmith and farmer, P.O. Carversville, was born in Nockamixon township, February 19,
1835, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Meyers) Shupe. His grandfather was Jacob Shupe,
and his maternal grandfather Henry Meyers, both farmers and early settlers of Tinicum
township. Jacob Shupe, Sr., had six children: Solomon, Mary, Henry, Jacob, Jr.,
Abraham, and Sarah. Jacob, Jr., was a farmer and reared a family of seven children:
Elizabeth (Mrs. James Jolley), Catherine (Mrs. Silas Althouse), Joseph, John, Mary A.
(Mrs. George Ely), Samuel and Sally (Mrs. William Mason). Samuel was reared in Tinicum
township, and in 1859 located in Solebury, where he has followed blacksmithing and
farming. He married Charlotte, daughter of George and Sarah (Ott) Mood, of Bedminster
township, this county, by whom he has six children living: William, Sally (Mrs. Morris
Hellyer), Edwin, John, Libbie and Mary.
JOSEPH B. SIMPSON
farmer,P.O. New Hope, was born in Solebury township, December 4, 1828, and is a son of
John and Letitia (Buckman) Simpson. His grandparents were David and Agnes (Wiggins)
Simpson. David Simpson was a son of John Simpson, who was born October 23, 1739. This
John was the second of five children of John Simpson, who was born in Ireland in 1712,
and emigrated to this country. He married Hannah Delaplane, of French origin. They
settled in this county on the verge of Buckingham monthly meeting, when their son John
was an infant. In the 26th year of his age he became an able minister of the gospel. He
married Ruth Whitson and had five children, of whom David was the eldest. David Simpson
married Agnes Wiggins and their children were: Ruth, Sarah, John, Rachel, Hannah and
Agnes. Of these John married Letitia, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Linton) Buckman,
by whom he had five children: Joseph R., Benjamin W. (deceased), David, Elizabeth and
Agnes. Joseph B. occupies the homestead farm owned by his father and grandfather. He
was twice married; first to Macre A. Flowers. His second wife was Sarah P., daughter of
Preston and Macre (Pickering) Eyre, of Upper Makefield township, by whom he has had three
children: Edward, Charles and Martha. Mr. Simpson has been school director of Solebury
for fourteen years and served several terms as township auditor. He is a member of the
Hicksite Society of Friends. Politically he is a prohibitionist.
FREDERICK M. SLAUGHTER
merchant, P.O. New Hope, was born in Frankford, Pa., October 21, 1818, and is a son of
Peter and Sarah (Mangold) Slaughter. He was reared in Frankford, where he served four
years and four months as an indentured apprentice at the machinist's trade, after which
he worked as a journeyman in various sections of the country until 1855, when he located
in New Hope and embarked in the mercantile business, which he has continued until the
present time. In 1841 he married Mary A., daughter of John and Martha (McKeone) Bartley,
of New Hope, by whom he had four children: Hiram (deceased), Peter, Frederick (deceased)
and Jonathan. Mr. Slaughter served about one hundred days in the late war of the
rebellion, being honorably discharged at the end of that time. He is a member of the New
Hope Presbyterian chapel. Politically he is a republican.
ANDREW J. SOLOMON
proprietor Delaware house, P.O. New Hope, was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., June 20,
1828, and is a son of Charles and Asenath (Kelley) Solomon. His father was a native of
Bucks county and a millwright by trade. Andrew J. located in New Hope in 1851, and was
employed on the Delaware division of the State canal for several years. He afterward
engaged in various business enterprises, and in 1879 became owner and proprietor of the
Delaware house at New Hope, which he has since conducted. His enterprise and natural
fitness for this pursuit have proven him to be the right man in the right place. Mr.
Solomon has always taken an active part in the political affairs of the county; he was
elected county commissioner in 1875 and served three years with credit to himself and to
the satisfaction of his constituents. Politically he is a stanch democrat.
WILLIAM STAVELY
was born in Shrewsbury parish, Kent county, Eastern Shore of Maryland. At his death he
had in his possession the original deed for seven hundred acres of land, dated 1682, and
granted by "Charles, absolute lord and proprietor of the province of Maryland and Lord
Baron of Baltimore," a part of which tract is still held by the Stavely family. When 15
years of age Mr. Stavely went to Philadelphia and was apprenticed to Thomas J. Stiles,
publisher of "The True American." He then entered the employ of John H. Cunningham and
in 1823 purchased Mr. Cunningham's business and printed on a small scale at Third and
Dock streets, until the property was purchased by Stephen Girard. He then removed to
Pear street near St. Paul's church and began to extend his business. August 27, 1822, he
married Margaret, daughter of George Sheed, Esq., of the old district of Southwark. In
October, 1823, he began to print "The Philadelphia Recorder" (afterwards called "The
Episcopal Recorder," and successively "The Episcopal Register" and "Church"), a weekly
paper published by a brother of the late Bishop Potter. This brought him in contact with
many of the most prominent clergy and laymen of the Episcopal church, with many of whom
his business relations ripened into a life-long friendship. Shortly afterward he
published and circulated throughout the United States a cheap edition of the Common
Prayer Book. Just after the liberation of the Spanish American colonies, Mr. Stavely did
a very large and lucrative printing trade in the Spanish language for the Mexican and
Columbian governments. He afterward removed to the vicinity of Third and Dock again. He
took James McCalla into partnership and then the firm assumed the name of Stavely &
McCalla. A vast amount of church printing, convention journals, reports, tracts, etc.,
fell into the hands of the firm. In 1839 he bought Garret Bryan's estate, consisting of
three hundred acres in Solebury township, near Lahaska, and afterward added to it the
adjoining Brown estate, consisting of two hundred and thirty-two acres, thus making
himself one of the largest landowners in Bucks county. He removed to the country and
made farming his occupation, though keeping up his connection with the publishing house
until 1854. He was an ardent churchman and worked faithfully and contributed generously
to all the parishes that he was in any way identified with. He was for fifteen years
vestryman and Sunday School superintendent at "Old Swedes" church, and also took great
interest in the "Church of the Ascension," which church, through his efforts, was greatly
relieved from financial difficulties. After his removal to Bucks county he took an active
part in the organization of the parishes at Doylestown and Centreville, the parsonage of
the latter of which was donated by him. He was also president of the Bucks county Bible
Society. His life in the country was simply a repetition of his city life. His great
knowledge and tact as a business man, coupled with his remarkable energy, always assured
him prominent positions. He was for a number of years president of the Bucks County
Agricultural society. At the time of his death he was president of the Brownsville Horse
company, United Horse companies, Farmers and Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insurance company of
Bucks county and director of Lahaska and New Hope, Buckingham and Doylestown turnpike
companies, declining the presidency of the latter on account of advanced years. He was
very much interested in all farming improvements. In fact, he was the first man who used
a mowing machine in this county. In politics, first a whig and later on a republican, he
always took great interest, though he never sought for a public position. Eight children
were the fruit of his marriage, five of whom are still living. On August 27, 1872, he
celebrated his golden wedding, and the great number present, the expressions of regard
and the congratulatory addresses all testified to the great esteem in which he was
held. He died on the 22nd of March, 1877, at the ripe age of 77 years, and was buried in
Centreville.
DR. W. R. STAVELY
physician and surgeon, P.O. Lahaska, was born October 21, 1831, in Philadelphia and is a
son of William and Margaret (Sheed) Stavely, the former a native of Maryland and the
latter of Philadelphia and both of English descent. Our subject's father moved to
Philadelphia before he was married and established a religious paper, which he conducted
as long as he lived. He also did job printing and had quite an extensive business. He
died in 1878 in Solebury township. He had eight children, five of whom are living:
Levina, Ermina, Dr. W. R., Margaret and Rosabelle. Our subject when seven years of age
moved with his parents to Solebury township, where they had purchased a large farm. He
remained at home until he was fifteen years of age and then entered the West Chester
school and from there went to Princeton, N. J., to college, where he graduated in 1852.
He studied medicine in the Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, where he graduated in
1856. He then came to this place and began practice. He practiced here until 1861, when
he enlisted as a private in the Doylestown guards and served three months, during which
time he was promoted to sergeant. He then came back and went to Harrisburg, where he was
examined and appointed surgeon in the 103rd Pennsylvania regiment and served about
eighteen months and left with the Chickahominy fever. After he recruited he served in
the Chestnut Hill Military hospital and the Dale hospital at Massachusetts. He witnessed
nearly all the battles of the campaign. At the close of the war he came home, where he
has since been in practice. He was married in 1856 to Julia Kelly, by whom he has four
children: Carrie, Albert, Margaret and Sarah. Dr. Stavely is a member of the Masonic
fraternity.
HENRY W. STOVER
miller, P.O. Carversville, was born in Bedminster township December 14, 1839, and is a
son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Wismer) Stover. His grandfather was Jacob Stover, born May
13, 1857, who was a soldier of the revolutionary war and followed farming in Bedminster
township. His wife, Catharine, was born March 27, 1768. His children were: Elizabeth,
Henry, Matthias, Nancy, Jonas, Jacob, Samuel, Abraham, Catharine and Isaac. The latter
in early life was a tanner and teamster and before the days of railroads made several
trips between this section and Pittsburg. In 1843 he purchased the Carversville mills,
which he conducted until his death in 1876. His children were: Oliver (deceased), Anna
M. (Mrs. Watson Scarborough), Henry W., Jacob A., Fannie E., Sarah J. (deceased), Kate M.
(Mrs. S. B. Jones), Cornelia (deceased), I. Newton and Emma L. Mr. Stover's maternal
grandfather was Henry Wismer, wife Barbara Ruth, a farmer and drover of Plumstead
township and one of the original manufacturers of eight-day clocks in Bucks county.
Jacob A. Stover is in the exchange and livery business and I. Newton in the grocery
business, both in Trenton, N. J. The latter married Adelaide Opdicke and has one child,
Jacob M. Henry W. Stover was reared in Solebury from the age of four years. He learned
the milling business and at his father's death succeeded to the business. He married
Amanda, daughter of Josiah R. and Catherine (Cress) Hellyer, of Solebury, and has four
children: Helen, Warren, Ray and Miriam. Mr. Stover was postmaster of Carversville two
years under President Hayes's administration. He is a member of the Christian church,
the Knights of Pythias and the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a republican.
LUKENS THOMAS
retired, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Montgomery county, Pa., near the mouth of the
Perkiomen creek, February 15, 1812, and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Lukens) Thomas.
He lived with his father on the farm in Upper Dublin, until 17 years of age, then went to
Upper Darby township, Delaware county, Pa., and served a three years' apprenticeship at
the milling business. In 1833 he located in New Hope, and for two years was miller for
Mordecai Thomas. He then removed to Lumberton, and started the flour mill built by John
E. Kenderdine, which he rented and occupied for two years; afterward he was a partner
with Mr. Kenderdine in the milling and lumber business for six years, the firm continuing
in the milling business two years, when Kenderdine & Thomas dissolved this he purchased
from the estate of William Dilworth, deceased, the property in Lumberville, where he now
resides, to which he removed in 1847, and there engaged in the retail lumber trade. He
also built a saw-mill, sash, door and blind factory, which he conducted up to 1867, when
he retired from business. He was one of the first stockholders, and a liberal subscriber
to the stock of the Lumberville & Delaware Bridge company, which, owing to his and others'
efforts, was made a success. Mr. Thomas was twice married. His first wife was Ann,
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Williams) Conrad, of Montgomery county, by whom he had four
children: Charles (deceased), Joseph, Jonathan and Reuben. His second wife was Sarah,
daughter of Amos and Rebecca (Huffman) Armitage of Solebury township. Mr. Thomas and
wife are members of the Solebury monthly meeting of Friends. Politically he is a
republican.
WILLIAM TINSMAN
lumber dealer, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Warren county, N. J., January 8, 1821, and
is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Fine) Tinsman, who settled in Durham township in 1831.
Daniel Tinsman was engaged in farming for many years in Durham township, and in the
latter part of his life conducted the Monroe grist and saw mills in the same township.
These mills were bought by Daniel Tinsman and William Bennett about 1840. His children
were: John F., Sarah (Mrs. William Bennett), William and Philip F. William remained in
Durham until 1846, when he farmed in New Jersey for five years. He also run a saw-mill
for four years. In 1854 he returned to Durham and purchased his father's interest in the
milling and lumber business, which was carried on by Bennett & Tinsman for twelve years.
He then sold out and was afterward in the lumber business at Riegelsville, N. J., two
years. In 1869 he rented the Ludens Thomas mills and lumber yards at Lumberville, this
county, where he has been actively engaged in business since, under the firm name of W.
Tinsman & Son. In 1844 he married Mary, daughter of John and Phebe (Purcel) Gordon, of
Riegelsville, N. J. They have four children: Emily (Mrs. Dr. J. R. Haney), Margaret
(Mrs. James S. White), Daniel and Sallie A. (Mrs. A. B. Worman).
MICHAEL A. VAN HART
proprietor Logan House, P.O. New Hope, was born in Makefield township, December 15, 1823,
and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Richardson) Van Hart. His grandfather, a native of
Holland, settled in Falls township prior to the revolution. His maternal grandfather was
Daniel Richardson, a pioneer, who resided near Dolington, this county. Jacob Van Hart,
father of Michael A., was a shoemaker, but followed farming to some extent. He reared a
family of fifteen children, of whom Michael A. was the ninth. In his tenth year he went
to work on a farm, and continued until he was 16 years of age. He then served an
apprenticeship of five years at the tailor's trade, for his board and clothes, after
which he worked for himself in various parts of Bucks county until 1863. At that time he
located in New Hope, and embarked in the hotel business, which he has conducted
successfully to the present time, being now proprietor of the Logan house. He married
Mary, a daughter of Francis and Sarah (Conrad) Worthington, of Centreville, this county,
and has three children: Frank, Kate and Minnie. Mr. Van Hart is an F. A. A. M., and in
politics is a republican.
JOSEPH B. WALTER
physician, P.O. Solebury, was born in Plumstead township, August 30, 1840, and is a son
of John and Mary (Beek) Walter. His paternal grandfather was Michael Walter, of Alsatian
descent, and an early resident of Plumstead township. He was a farmer, and for some years
a justice of the peace of that township. John Walter was born in Plumstead, and was a
carpenter by trade. His family consisted of five children: Catharine, Joseph B., Levi,
Silas and Emma B. Joseph B. resided with his parents in Plumstead until eight or nine
years of age, when, on the death of his mother, he was taken into the family of his
maternal uncle, William Beek, residing in Doylestown. He was educated in the private
schools of S. A. Thompson, Rev. Dr. S. M. Andrews and the public schools of that town,
and subsequently at Kishacoquillas seminary in Mifflin county, and at the boarding school
of Rev. M. S. Hofford, Beverly, N. J. In 1859 he entered upon the profession of
teaching, and also began the study of medicine, under direction of Dr. I. S. Moyer, now
of Quakertown. He taught in the public schools of Durham, Warrington and North and
Southampton townships. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in company E, One
hundred and twenty-second regiment Pennsylvania volunteers (nine months' service), and
was mustered out with his regiment in May, 1863; taught school for a few months at
Richboro, Northampton township, and then re-enlisted in the One hundred and fifty-second
Pennsylvania regiment, with which he served, being stationed for the most part at
headquarters, Virginia and North Carolina, until mustered out at the close of the war.
In this regiment he was promoted to the rank of third sergeant, and on September 1, 1865,
was commissioned second lieutenant, but declined. He participated in the battles of
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Appomattox, and other minor engagements. Immediately
on his discharge, he resumed the study of medicine with Dr. I. S. Moyer, then of
Plumsteadville, and in 1866 entered the medical department of the University of
Pennsylvania. He was graduated in the spring of 1868, and at once began the practice of
his profession with Dr. J. E. Smith at Yardley, in this county, where he remained till
the spring of 1870. He then located in Solebury township, where he has since been
actively engaged in the practice of his profession. On October 13, 1870, he married Mary
T., daughter of George M. and Sarah (Wood) Child of Plumstead township. Dr. Walter is a
member of the Bucks County Medical society, the Pennsylvania State medical society, the
Lehigh Valley medical association, the F. and A. M. (R. A. C. and K. T.). In politics he
is a republican.
JACOB A. WALTON
carpenter, P. O. Carversville, was born in Solebury township, February 22, 1837, and is a
son of James and Jane (Thomas) Walton. His great-grandfather, John Walton, was a son of
Jacob and Ann Walton, pioneers of Solebury township. John Walton married Hannah Carey,
and had seven children: Jonathan, David, Jacob, John, Jesse, Samuel and Mary. Of these
children, Jacob married Hannah Armitage, by whom he had five children: Evelina, Eliza,
John, James and Martha. Of these James, who was a farmer in Solebury, married Jane,
daughter of Jesse Thomas, of Plumstead township, and had eight children: Jacob A., Jesse
T., Caroline, Elvira B., Charles, Albert, George R. and Mattie. Jacob A. was reared in
Solebury, where, with the exception of four years, he has always resided. He married
Marietta, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Holcomb) Walton, of Solebury, and has one daughter,
Hannah M.
JOSHUA WHITELEY
manufacturer of cotton yarns, Spring Dale mills, P.O. New Hope, was born near Holmfirth,
Yorkshire, England, January 1, 1823, and is a son of John and Anna (Broadhead)
Whiteley. After receiving a common-school education, he became familiar with the
manufacture of woolen cloths. On March 1, 1853, he sailed for America, and located on
Upper Darby township, Delaware county, Pa.; in 1856, he and his brothers, Joseph and
John, together with John Ashwath, formed a partnership under the firm of Whiteley
Brothers & Co., and commenced to manufacture cotton and woolen goods at Cardington,
Delaware county, Pa., and after doing a successful business for over eight years, he sold
out his interest, and bought the New Hope cotton mills, and in 1865 began the manufacture
of cotton warp, which he has successfully continued until the present time. Under the
able management of Mr. Whiteley, the business has become one of the leading industries of
New Hope, giving employment to nearly fifty people, and turning out from 4200 to 4500
pounds of yarn per week.
JOHN S. WILLIAMS
farmer, P.O. New Hope, was born in Buckingham township, March 21, 1831, and is a son of
Edward and Esther (Scholfield) Williams. His grandparents were Samuel and Sarah (Watson)
Williams. Samuel was a son of Benjamin and Mercy (Stevenson) Williams, and Benjamin was
a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Newberry) Howland Williams, who were among the pioneers of
Tinicum township, this county. Jeremiah was a native of New England. The maternal
grandparents of John S. were John and Agnes (Blackfan) Scholfield. John was a son of
Samuel and Edith (Newlin) Marshall Scholfield, and Samuel a son of John and Ann (Lenoire)
Scholfield. The latter (wife of John Scholfield last mentioned) was of French Huguenot
descent, and came to Falls township, this county, from Acadia, Canada. Edward Williams
was a native of Buckingham township, and a farmer. He was twice married; first to Esther
Scholfield, above mentioned, by whom he had one son, John S., and two daughters
(deceased). His second wife was Ellen (Scholfield) Hunter, by whom he had six
children: Charles H. (deceased), Hetty (Mrs. James R. Hibbs), Mary (Mrs. T. H.
Atkinson), Frank H. (physician in Trenton, N. J.), E. Marshall and Harriet (Mrs. Benjamin
E. Johnson). Our subject was reared in Buckingham, and located in Solebury in 1855, where
he has since resided. In 1854 he married Rachel M., daughter of Jonathan P. and Mary
(Watson) Magill, of Solebury township, by whom he has three children: Carroll R.,
attorney-at-law in Philadelphia; Anges B. and E. Newlin.
S. HOWARD WILSON
physician, P.O. Carversville, was born in Buckingham township, December 23, 1854, and is
a son of Samuel and Maria (Burger) Wilson. He was reared in Buckingham, and educated in
the Doylestown English and Classical seminary. He began the study of medicine in 1878
with Dr. Joseph Foulke, of Buckingham. He entered the Jefferson Medical college of
Philadelphia in the fall of the same year, and was graduated in 1881. In 1882 he located
in Carversville, where he has been in active practice since. He is a member of the Bucks
County Medical society.
ISAAC WOOD
quarryman, P.O. Lumberville, was born in Plumstead township, November 14, 1848, and is a
son of Hiuel and Sophia (Black) Wood. His grandparents were John Wood, a farmer of
Plumstead township, and Catherine Ridge, his wife, by whom he had six children: John,
Hiuel, Clarissa, Charlotte, Julia and Susan. Hiuel was a farmer of Plumstead township,
and is now retired. He has had twelve children, of whom seven are now living: Ira C.,
Sally (Mrs. Shaddinger), Jonathan, Isaac, Marshal, Ella (Mrs. Samuel Hand) and
Winfield. Our subject was reared in Plumstead township and learned the wheelwright's
trade, which he followed several years. For the past five years he has resided in
Lumberville, being in the employ of Kimball Brothers in their quarries. He married Emma,
daughter of Francis S. and Mary (Myers) Rush, of Plumstead township. By her he has had
seven children: Francis, Iris, Lauretta, Samuel, Stella, Alice and Kemble.