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EDWARD D. WORSTALL, a popular merchant and postmaster at Jamison, is of English lineage, the early members of the family in America coming to Pennsylvania from England in colonial days. Joseph Worstall, Sr., grandfather of Edward D. Worstall, was born in Bucks county, and was a tanner by trade. After mastering that pursuit he carried on an extensive business at Newtown for a number of years, but subsequently purchased a farm upon which he established his home and there spent the evening of life. He was a consistent member of the Friends meeting and died in that faith. He married Jane Heston, a native of Hestonville, Chester county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Edward and Sarah Heston. Her father was born in Chester county, March 16, 1745, and died February 14, 1824, while his wife, who was born April 16, 1763, died August 15, 1856, at the age of ninety-three years. The Hestons were directly connected with the Rev. Hicks, the author of the Hicksite faith of the Friends meeting. The Hestons were widely known in eastern Pennsylvania, and were prominent and popular people, highly respected by all. Unto Joseph and Jane (Heston) Worstall were born five children: Sarah A., the wife of Jacob Hibbs; Hannah, who married P. Scarbro; Edward H., a tanner; Isaac H., a farmer and ex-county treasurer of Bucks county; and Joseph.

Joseph Worstall, Jr., was born in Bucks county and was reared in Newtown, where he learned the tanner’s trade under the direction of his father, whom he assisted until after his marriage. He then purchased a farm in Doylestown township, where he established his home, there spending his remaining days in the quiet pursuits of agriculture. He affiliated with the Friends meeting, and politically was Whig, but had no aspirations for office, although he kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day. It was his ambition to provide well for his family and to this end he labored earnestly and persistently, making for himself an honorable name by reason of his fidelity to all life’s relations. He died in July, 1853, while his wife passed away in March, 1894, at the age of seventy-four years. Mrs. Worstall bore the maiden name of Mary Van Buskirk, and, like her husband, was a native of Bucks county. Her parents were Isaac and Susan (Van Horn) Van Buskirk, representatives of early families of Bucks county. Both were members of the Neshaminy Presbyterian church. In their family were seven children: Andrew, John, George and Isaac, all of whom followed farming; Mary, who became Mrs. Worstall; Susan, wife of S. Rake; and Elizabeth, wife of R. Eddus. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Worstall, Jr., had but two children, the daughter, Susan, living at home with her brother, Edward D.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Edward D. Worstall spent the days of his boyhood and youth, being reared upon the old family homestead by his mother, for his father died during the infancy of the son. He continued to assist his mother during the period of his minority, and when he had attained adult age he purchased the old homestead, which he conducted for a number of years. In 1880 he was married, and the following year he purchased a store in Jaminson, which he is yet conducting. He has been very successful in his mercantile ventures, enjoying a constantly increasing patronage. In 1877 he tore away all of the old buildings and erected a commodious frame block, three stories high, including both his residence and business property. In 1898 he built a fine barn and he has two acres of land and many outbuildings. His is a finely improved home and business place, and he is a practical and prosperous merchant. He drew the plans for the block which was erected, and in his tore he carries a well selected line of general merchandise. He is also one of the large stockholders in the Doylestown National Bank, assisted in its re-organization and has since been one of its directors. He also holds stock in the Warwick Creamery Company, a successful business enterprise, and for two years he was secretary and treasurer of the company. The third story of his building is occupied by the Odd Fellows lodge, and it was largely through Mr. Worstall’s instrumentality that the lodge was instituted here. He also secured the establishment of the postoffice through the influence of I. N. Evans, congressman from this district. Mr. Worstall was appointed postmaster January 21; 1884, and has since managed the affairs of the office. In his political affiliations Mr. Worstall has always been a stanch Republican, and in addition to serving as postmaster he has held the office of school director in Warwick township for thirteen years. He likewise filled a similar position in Doylestown township for six years, and has been treasurer of the Warwick school board for the entire period of his connection therewith. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all of the chairs, has taken the blue lodge and chapter degrees in Masonry, holding membership with the Doylestown lodge, is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Hatboro, with the Knights of the Golden Eagle and with the American Mechanics. He is in good standing in all of these organizations and has filled many positions in the different lodges. He and his family are members of the Neshaminy Presbyterian church.

Mr. Worstall was married to Miss Clarissa Fell, who was born in Doylestown township, in 1855, a daughter of James C. and Mary E. (Gargus) Fell, both natives of Bucks county. Her father was a prominent farmer, whose active and honorable business career was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Friends meeting. He died in February, 1897, at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife survived until June, 1904. Her death occurred while she was visiting in South Carolina, but her remains were interred in Doylestown cemetery. Their children were: Abram, a farmer; Caroline, wife of Joseph Ellis; Ella, the wife of Hugh Carroll; Fanny, the wife of E. Bodine; and Clarissa, the wife of Edward D. Worstall. Mr. and Mrs. Worstall have but one child, Joseph F., born May 1, 1884, who is now assisting his father in the store and postoffice.

Text taken from page 371

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