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

THOMAS CLAXTON NEGUS

THOMAS CLAXTON NEGUS, an enterprising and highly esteemed citizen of the borough of Bristol, where he has resided since 1876, a period of twenty-nine years, is a native of the city of Philadelphia, the date of his birth being March 17, 1831. His parents were Stephen West and Eliza (Ray) Negus, the former named having been a son of John Negus, and grandson of John Negus and the latter named born in Georgetown, D.C., a daughter of John and Harriet (Claxton) Ray. The Rays were a very prominent family in the District of Columbia, as were also the Claxton family, of which Commodore Claxton, noted for his career in the United States navy, was a member.

Thomas C. Negus received his preparatory education in the public schools of Philadelphia and in 1848, after pursuing the regular course of instruction, graduated from Yale University. Shortly afterward he entered the counting room of his father, who was engaged in the wholesale grocery business, and after spending a brief period there was promoted to the position of cashier, in which responsible capacity he served four years. He then entered the firm of Ray & Negus, this connection continuing until his retirement from active pursuits in 1889. In 1876 Mr. Negus purchased a farm in Bristol borough, which he improved and cultivated, and has resided thereon continuously since that date. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and a Republican in politics. Mr. Negus married May 10, 1854, Martha Jane Shearer, of Philadelphia, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Baldwin) Shearer. Their children are as follows: 1. Mary Shearer, born in 1855, became the wife of John S. Ely, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of one child: Claxton Negus Ely, educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, and is now employed by the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Company. 2. Josephine Baldwin. 3. Georgina.