History of Bucks County, Pa Volume 3 by William H. Davis
Names and Page # Index

JOHN L. KULP, whose enterprising spirit has prompted him to fill many public positions resulting in benefit to this community and who is well known as proprietor of a hotel in the village of Plumsteadville, was born in Bedminster township, Bucks county, November 13, 1857, and is a representative of one of the old families of this part of the state. His paternal grandfather, Henry Kulp, lived and died in Bucks county, where for many years he followed the occupation of farming. He was a member of the Old Mennonite church. His children were: Jacob, David, Abraham, Hannah, who married John Porter; Mary, the wife of Isaac Gross; and Elizabeth, the widow of Samuel Wismer.

Abraham Kulp, son of Henry Kulp, was born in Bedminster township, in 1816, and in early life learned the shoemaker’s trade, which he followed for many years in connection with general agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the Mennonite church and a law-abiding citizen, whose upright life won the respect of all. He wedded Miss Nancy Leatherman, a daughter of John Leatherman, and his death occurred in August, 1900. To them were born six children: Mary, wife of Aaron M. Kulp; Annie, wife of Isaac S. Yothers; Barbara, who died in childhood; John L., Henry, who died in childhood; and Abraham.

John L. Kulp acquired his education in the common schools of Bucks county and in the State Normal schools at Millersville and Westchester, Pennsylvania. He afterward engaged in teaching through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked at the carpenter’s trade, giving his attention to the dual pursuits for about ten years. In 1887 he began farming in Bedminster township and while carrying on the work of cultivating the fields through the summer months he continued as a teacher for about ten years. He was thus closely identified with the educational development of his locality, and was acknowledged as one of the competent instructors in the common schools of Bucks county. In 1897 he purchased the hotel at Plumsteadville, and has since given his undivided attention to its conduct, making it a popular hostelry with the traveling public. Politically a Republican, Mr. Kulp is now filling the office of township auditor, and while he has never been very active as an office seeker he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 678, now of Plumsteadville, where he has passed all of the chairs, and he likewise belongs to the Order of United American Mechanics, No. 75, at Plumsteadville, in which he has also filled all of the offices. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Old Mennonite church. John L. Kulp was married to Miss Hannah E. Barndt, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Barndt, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Henry B., born July 29, 1884; Isaac Newlin, December 7, 1886; Eleanora, July 2, 1888; Anna Mary, September 20, 1889; Estella May, December 20, 1891; Abram Lincoln, September 12, 1893; Aaron Freeman, February 13, 1895; and John Walter, born April 29, 1897.

Text taken from page 316

Davis, William W. H., A. M. History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania [New York-Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1905] Volume III