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

OWEN L. UNDERWOOD. One of Pennsylvania’s old families is represented by Professor Owen L. UNDERWOOD, of New Hope. The founders of the UNDERWOOD family in America were three brothers, Zephaniah, Alexander, and John, who came over from Wales not less than two centuries since. Alexander settled in Virginia and John in Massachusetts, where his descendants are numerous. Zephaniah made his home in York county, Pennsylvania. One branch of Alexander’s family came to Pennsylvania (Owen L. UNDERWOOD is a descendant of this branch). Zephaniah, a descendant of Alexander, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, where his son Charles was also born. All the UNDERWOODs of this branch were farmers and members of the Society of Friends.

Reuben L. UNDERWOOD, son of Charles UNDERWOOD, mentioned above as the descendant of the emigrant ancestor. Alexander UNDERWOOD, was born in 1842, in Unionville, Center county, Pennsylvania, and received his education in the common schools. He was a farmer and in 1883 moved to Adams county, where he remained until 1903, when he abandoned farming and removed to Grampian, Clearfield county, where he now resides. He is a staunch Republican and has filled several local offices which were entirely unsought by him. He has been an active worker in his party and influential in its councils. He is a member of the Society of Friends. He Married Emeline GRIEST, and they were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom survive: Ida J., who is a graduate of the State Normal School and is now engaged in teaching; William A., who is a farmer in Illinois; Miles W., who is a contractor and painter in Clearfield, Pennsylvania; Eli G., who is a merchant in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania; Owen L., mentioned at length hereinafter; Edward who is a farmer in Illinois; Alfred who is a graduate of the State Normal School and is now teaching in the Public schools; Lydia, who is attending the State Normal School at Shippensburg; Bessie; and Eliza, at home.

Owen L., UNDERWOOD, son of Reuben L. and Emeline (GRIEST) UNDERWOOD, was born April 16, 1879, in Unionville, Center county, Pennsylvania, and attended the public schools of Adams county, graduating after a uniform course in 1895. In 1897 he attended a summer Normal school at York Springs, and in 1901 graduated from the Shippensburg State Normal School, having previously taught two terms. After his graduation Professor UNDERWOOD taught one term at Johnsville, Bucks county, and in the autumn of 1902 went to New Hope, having been made principal of the Public schools of that place, in which position he is now serving his fourth term. He is a member of York Springs Lodge, No. 211, I. O. O. F., is a Republican in Politics, and a member of the Society of Friends. The length of time that Professor UNDERWOOD has been retained in his office sufficiently attests his popularity.

Test taken from page 360 of:

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