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CHAPTER XLV.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES—SOUTHAMPTON.

REVEREND PHILIP BERRY, P.O. Southampton, was born near Hackensack, Bergen county, N.J., February 16, 1837. He graduated from Rutgers college and the Theological seminary at New Brunswick, N.J. His first year of theological study, however, was pursued in the Union Theological seminary, New York city. In 1858 he made a trip to Europe and was homeward bound on the ill-fated steamship, Austria, when she was burned in mid-ocean. He was one of the eighty-seven persons saved. He entered the ministry of the Dutch Reformed church. From 1863 to 1865 he and Mrs. Berry labored under the auspices of the American board. Since 1872 he has labored in connection with the Baptists. From 1878 to 1883 he was assistant editor of the "National Baptist," residing in Philadelphia. Since 1883 he has resided in Southampton as pastor of the Davisville Baptist church. Mrs. Berry was born in Bremen, Germany, and made that city her home until 1860, when she came to this country and married Mr. Berry. Her father, Gottfried Wilhelm Luce, was an eminent practicing physician in her native city.

LEWIS W. DANENHOWER, dealer in coal, lumber, feed, etc., P.O. Southampton, was born in Abington township, Montgomery county, this state, November 25, 1846. His great-grandparents were John Danenhower and Catharine Righter. His grandparents, John and Elizabeth Danenhower, had seven children: George, Charles, Jacob, John, Rex, Ann Eliza and Abram. John, the father of Lewis W., married, in January, 1842, Mary, daughter of Jonathan Shaw, and engaged in farming in Abington township, Montgomery county. They had five children:

Elizabeth, born December 13, 1843, died December 31, 1879; Rachel, deceased; Lewis W., Lottie S. and Charles, born October 20, 1852, died November 6, 1876. Mrs. Danenhower and her daughter, Lottie, reside in Jenkintown. Lewis W. early in life engaged in farming, and March 22, 1874, he embarked in the coal and lumber business at Jenkintown, with Thomas Nicholson. After remaining there one year he removed to Breadysville station and followed the same business there for two years. He then engaged in farming for four years, and in 1881 rented the coal yard on the Philadelphia and New York railroad, at Southampton, where he carried on the coal, lumber, feed and fertilizer business ever since. In the spring of 1887 he purchased the yard. Mr. Danenhower started in life without capital, and by his own unaided efforts has raised himself to his present position. December 23, 1874, he was married to Ella S. Mann. They have three children: J. Albert, born March 7, 1876; Lewis S., born October 1, 1883; and R. Parker, born October 14, 1885. Mrs. Danenhower was born in Moreland township, Montgomery county, April 22, 1853, and is a daughter of Albert R. and Rebecca J. Mann. Her paternal grandfather, Joel K. Mann, was a prominent democrat, and represented Montgomery county both in the state legislature and in congress. He was also a member of the constitutional convention held in Philadelphia. He was a grandson of Captain John Mann, of the revolution, and of Scotch-Irish descent. He was born August 1, 1781, and died August 28, 1857. He married Sarah Shelmire and had seven children. She was born March 1, 1786, and died May 1, 1856. Albert R. Mann was born in Cheltenham, Montgomery county, March 17, 1822, and was married February 18, 1852. His wife was born June 2, 1824, and was the daughter of Daniel S. and Ann W. (Johnson) Shelmire; the former was born January 29, 1795, died January 5, 1861, and the latter born January 11, 1801, and died December 10, 1886. They had eleven children. Albert R. Mann is a farmer and prominent democrat of Montgomery county, and elder in the Presbyterian church of Abington, and a strictly temperate man. He has had seven children: Ella S., Sallie E., Anna R., Albert J., Kate R., Lottie B. and Mary S. Sallie E. married George Hamel, and Anna R. married Frank S. Bockius.

ISAIAH DELANY, retired, P.O. Feasterville, is a grandson of John S. Delany, who came from Ireland about the middle of the last century, and settled first in Philadelphia county, afterwards removing to this county. He was born in 1732, and died in 1815. His son, William, the father of Isaiah, was born December 31, 1775, and died February, 1863. He learned the trade of shoemaking, and on his marriage settled in Hatboro. In 1800 he removed to Northampton township, where he stayed for eleven years, when he came to this township. His wife was Mary Brous, of Philadelphia county. She was born August 23, 1773, and died June, 1864. William Delany was a member of the old Baptist church at Southampton, of which he was for many years a deacon. They were the parents of thirteen children: Joseph, William, Henry, Uriah, Amy, Edward and Phebe, all deceased; and Ann, Charles, Eliza, Mary and Isaiah, living. The last was born August 27, 1806. For six years he Was employed in a store, after which he started on his own account in Feasterville, where he stayed for fourteen years. He then bought the farm near there where he has lived ever since. On March 20, 1834, he married Susanna, daughter of John and Helena Lefferts, of this township. She was born October 28, 1810. To their union three children were born: Eliza Ann, who died in infancy; Anna M., who became the wife of Peleg A. Dyer, and died when 28 years old; and Mary Helen, wife of Lambert Cornell, a farmer at Churchville, in Northampton township. Mr. Delany has been a school director of his township for thirty-two years. In 1842 he was one of the promoters of the Mutual Beneficial Insurance company of Langhorne, of which he was director, and for some years past has been its president. He and his wife are members of the Reformed church at Churchville, of which for several years past he has been a deacon, and is also its treasurer. In his long and honorable life he has always borne the reputation of a thoroughly upright and honest man and a consistent Christian.

ISAAC P. HELLINGS, retired, P.O. Southampton, is a descendant of an old Bucks county family. His grandfather, Jonathan Hellings, was a farmer in Northampton township. He and his wife Martha had four children: Thomas, John, Elizabeth and Margaret, all now deceased. The eldest of these children, Thomas, was the father of Isaac P. He was born in 1782 and died January 25, 1844. He was a carpenter by trade, but later in life became a farmer. He was a man of irreproachable habits and character, and had the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was constable for fifteen years, when that office was an important one, being not only a process-server, but also a collector of all the taxes, township, county and state. His wife was Lucretia, daughter of Captain John Krewson, of this township. She was born December 11, 1788, and died March 31, 1863. Their children were: John K., Martha Jane, Clarissa, Jonathan and Andrew Jackson, all deceased. The last served in the Union army, and was killed in the battle of Murfreesboro, in 1862, when in his thirty-eighth year. Those now surviving are: Isaac P., Rebecca V., wife, of Jacob Evert, of Northampton township; and Thomas J., who is a carpenter in Philadelphia. Isaac P. was born February 2, 1813. He lived with his parents until he was 17 years old, when he began learning the painter’s trade in Hatboro, Pa. Completing his trade, he removed to Philadelphia, where for twenty-three years he carried on his business in all its branches. He afterward moved to Southampton, and erected the comfortable house which has since been his home. Here he re-embarked in business, and he carried on his trade for six or seven years on a large scale, finally retiring a few years ago. On April 21, 1836, he married Katherine H., daughter of Casper Keyser, of Philadelphia. She was born January 5, 1813. To their union six children have been born: George, Ellen and Purdy, all of whom died young; and Josephine, wife of George Boileau of this township; Eliza J., wife of Allen T. Cornell, also of this township; and Anna L., wife of George W. Carr, living in Philadelphia. Mr. Hellings is one of the board of managers of the Fox Chase and Huntington Turnpike company, and has been its secretary for sixteen years. He was one of the organizers of the Hatboro National bank, of which he has been a director ever since. He has been trustee for estates, and his judgment and character are relied upon by his neighbors, among whom he is held in the highest esteem. He and his wife are members of the Southampton Old School Baptist church, of which he is clerk and trustee, having held these positions for nearly thirty years.

WILLIAM S. HOGELAND, farmer, P.O. Feasterville, is a descendant of Dirck Hanse Hogeland, captain of a vessel which came from Holland in 1655. He remained in this country, settling in Long Island. A grandson, also named Direk, born there in 1740, came to this township about 1788. The son of this Dirck, named Daniel, was the great-grandfather of William S. His son, Derrick P., was his grandfather. He was born April 26, 1762, and died December 10, 1837, on the farm now owned by William S. He was known as the "Old Squire," having been a justice of the peace in this township for nearly fifty years. His wife was Johanna Stevens, who died before her husband. Their children are all deceased. Their son Isaac was William’s father. He was born September 16, 1792, and died September 7, 1874. He was a good citizen and industrious man, and by thrift accumulated a competence. His wife Phebe, daughter of Joseph and Mary States, was born January 18, 1795, and died January 11, 1873. Their children were: Louisa and Abraham, deceased; and Julia Ann, Alfred, Harriet, and William States, who was born October 7, 1820. Since five years old he has lived in the same place. He inherited the home farm, and has since bought his father’s other farm adjoining. He never married. Mr. Hogeland has been assessor of his native township, also county auditor, his neighbors having implicit confidence in his judgment and integrity.

ALFRED JOHNSON, farmer, P.O. Feasterville, is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, his grandfather and two brothers coming to this country many years ago, one settling on Long Island, one going to Virginia, and one, Garrett, settling in what is now Upper Makefield. His children are all deceased except one son, Garrett, living in Tinicum. His son John was Alfred’s father. He was born in 1791 and died in 1863. He inherited one of his father’s farms, on which he lived until late in life, went to Ohio, and died there. He was a well-known and respected citizen, and was for several years director of the poor of this county, and like his father was a member of the Presbyterian church of Newtown. His wife was Eliza Harvey, whose family were among the earliest settlers of the county. She was born in 1797 and died February 7, 1856. They had a numerous family: John, James, Joseph, Henry H., Jane and Axie, deceased; and C. Burrows, Mary, Emeline, Martha, Eliza, Ellen and Alfred living. The last was born October 9, 1829, and on his marriage came to this township, living on the "Leadmine" farm for thirteen years, when he bought and removed to his present home February 18, 1858; he was married to Harriet Hogeland, of this township. She was born July 5, 1834. They have no children. Mr. Johnson has held several township offices, and in 1864 was elected county treasurer, at a time when the responsibilities of the office were very great. He was a promoter of, and since its organization a director in the Langhorne National bank, and is universally recognized as a leading citizen of the county.

THE KNIGHT FAMILY are among the oldest residents of this part of the state. Giles and Mary (English) Knight came from England in the ship with Penn, in 1682, and settled on two hundred and fifty acres of land in Byberry. Giles had a son Joseph in England, and eleven more children were born here. Their son Daniel was the ancestor of the Knight family living in this township. He was born in Byberry, in 1697, and was three times married; first in 1719 to Elizabeth Walker, and in 1728 to the widow of Joseph Walton, and in 1777 to Mary Wilson. He died in 1782. His son, Jonathan, whose mother was Elizabeth, was born 8th mo., 5th, 1722, was married to Grace Croasdale, and died in this township 3d mo., 30th, 1772. His wife died 3d mo., 20th, 1799. He had six sons and one daughter: John, Abraham, Absalom, Grace, Samuel, David and English. Of these children, Absalom was born 9th mo., 17th, 1754, was married to Ann, daughter of John Winder, of Lower Makefield township, and died 7th mo., 23d, 1818. Ann was born 1st mo., 4th, 1756, and died 8th mo., 30th, 1824. Their children were: Amos, Aaron, born 8th mo., 29th, 1781, married Catharine, daughter of Nicholas Larzalere, of Bensalem, and died 9th mo., 16th, 1835; Grace, born 12th mo., 30th, 1782, married Joshua Paul, of Warminster township, in 1822, died 9th mo., 13th, 1869, (she had one daughter, Ann, who married S. Lukens Shoemaker, of Abington township); Benjamin; John, born 3d mo., 13th, 1792, married Esther Knight, of Byberry, and died without issue 9th mo., 12th, 1847; and Moses, born 8th mo., 13th, 1796, married Rhoda, daughter of Jesse and Sarah Tomlinson in 1819 (by whom he had one daughter, Sarah Ann) and died 6th mo., 30th, 1823 (after his death his widow married Joseph Walton of Chester county, Pa.). Absalom Knight lived and died on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Samuel P. Knight. He was a blacksmith, and accumulated a competence. Benjamin Knight was born 4th mo., 16th, 1785, and died 7th mo., 9th, 1862. He lived and died on the place of his birth. He was a farmer, and like all his ancestors a Friend, and was a man of excellent character. On 8th mo., 25th, 1825, he married Mercy Y., daughter of Amos and Martha Martindale, of a very old and prominent family in Philadelphia county. She was born in Solebury township, 5th mo., 6th, 1806, and lives on the old homestead. Their children were: J. Paul, Absalom, born 1st mo., 21st, 1830, died 10th mo., 15th, 1851, Ross M., Aaron R.W., Samuel P., Rebecca W., born 4th mo., 3d, 1841; and Martha Ann, born 12th mo., 15th, 1845.

J. Paul Knight was the oldest child of Benjamin Knight, and was born 1st mo., 8th, 1828. He received a good education and afterward taught school three years, then stayed on the farm until the death of his father, when he bought that part of the farm which has since been his home. On 11th mo., 12th, 1857, he married Elizabeth R., daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Vansant, of Bensalem township. She was born 7th mo., 3d, 1834. They have three children: Anna Rebecca, wife of David H. Stout, of Philadelphia; Samuel P., at home, and Harriet S., wife of Harvey E. Scott, of Northampton township. Mr. Knight has held several positions of honor and trust, and has for two years represented his county in the legislature. He is known and respected as a representative citizen. In politics he is a republican.

Ross M. Knight was born in Southampton township, 7th mo., 9th, 1832, and married Sarah Rebecca, daughter of Aden and Martha Worthington, of Southampton township, at Trenton, N.J., 11th mo., 18th, 1858. She was born in Wrightstown township 12th mo., 31st, 1836. He was a farmer in Byberry and afterward for several years a merchant in the same place. Their children were: Julia S., born in Byberry, 8th mo., 24th, 1859, married Edward S. Crippe, 10th mo., 19th, 1880; Aden B., born 8th mo., 27th, 1861, a merchant at Byberry; Martha Rebecca, born 5th mo., 8th, 1865; Sarah Evelyn, born 10th mo., 5th, 1867; and Ross M., Jr., born 9th mo., 27th, 1876.

Aaron R.W. Knight was born 6th mo., 13th, 1835. In his youth he worked at the trade of machinist, in Bristol township, then attended school near Woodstown, Salem county, N.J., and the next year at London Grove, Chester county, Pa. The following year he went into his father’s mill, and in 1862 began mercantile business where he is now, removing a few years later to Langhorne. From there he went for two or three years to a farm at Somerton, and thence back to his first place of business. On 2d mo., 28th, 1865, he was married at Warwick, Orange county, N.Y., to Anna Eliza, daughter of Henry and Mary A. Stout. She was born in Montgomery county on 8th mo., 3d, 1843. Mr. Knight was drafted during the war, and put a substitute in the army. By his straightforward and honorable dealing he has required the confidence of his customers and friends.

SAMUEL P. KNIGHT is the youngest son of Benjamin Knight. He was born 11th mo., 29th, 1838, on the place where he has spent all his life. His education was completed at Langhorne, after which he worked for his father until the death of the latter. He has always been a farmer, is unmarried, and bears the repute of an upright man. His mother and sister Rebecca live with him. His mother is a woman of marked characteristics, of great industry, an excellent manager, and much of her husband’s success was owing to her foresight and care. She has proved herself a good wife, an equally good mother, and as a consequence has, in a marked degree, the respect and love of her children. During the war Samuel P. was drafted for nine months’ service, and before the expiration of the term was again drafted for three years, thus having two substitutes in the army at the same time.

Martha Ann Knight was married in Trenton, N.J., 1st mo., 20th, 1876, to Franklin K. Depew, of Moreland, Montgomery county, Pa., a son of Benjamin and Sarah Depew. They have one child, Harry K., born in Moreland township, 11th mo., 19th, 1881. Mr. Depew is a farmer and ice-cream manufacturer.

JONATHAN KNIGHT, farmer, P.O. Feasterville, is a son of Amos Knight, a brother of Benjamin. He is a grandson of Absalom Knight. His father was born 7th mo., 11th, 1779, and died 5th mo., 13th, 1849. He was a blacksmith and a farmer, and stood high in the estimation of the community. He died on the place now occupied by Jonathan Knight. He was married, 4th mo., 18th, 1802, to Mary, daughter of Jonathan Clayton, of Montgomery county. She died 6th mo., 10th, 1863, aged 81. Their children were: Ann and Clayton, twins, Mary, a second Ann, Rebecca, Grace and Rachel, all deceased, and Jonathan, who is the only survivor. He was born 1st mo., 3d, 1810, and was brought up to farming. On 11th mo., 13th, 1834, he married Mary, daughter of Charles Vansant, of Warminster township. She was born 4th mo., 7th, 1813. They have had nine children: William C., Jane, John, Amos, Emma, David and Mary Ann are deceased. The oldest and the youngest of the family are living: Charles G., married to Elizabeth Cornell, living in Northampton township; and Jonathan, married to Martha Tomlison (a daughter of Watson Tomlison, a Quaker preacher), living on the home farm. Mr. Knight has always been an enterprising man, coming to the front in all things for the benefit of his county. He was one of the promoters of, and heaviest stockholders in the Newtown railroad, and is held by his neighbors in high repute. In politics Mr. Knight is a republican.

CHARLES B. KNIGHT, farmer, P.O. Feasterville, is a grandson of Abraham, a brother of Absalom Knight. His wife was Annie Croasdale. Their youngest son, Phineas, was father of Charles B., and was born in the house where the latter now lives. This house was bought by Abraham Knight, and has been in the possession of the family ever since. Phineas was born 7th mo., 26th, 1793, and died 2d mo., 27th, 1868. He was a plain industrious man, of a genial, hopeful nature, universally liked. His wife, Mary Ridge, was born in Bensalem township, 3d mo., 4th, 1793, and died 4th mo., 27th, 1884, aged 91 years. Their children were: Emily, Sarah Ann, Hannah B., Rachel R., and Julia W., deceased; and Ann Eliza, widow of Abraham Hogeland, in Feasterville; and Charles B., born 8th mo., 2d, 1825. He has all of his life lived on the farm where he was born. On 10th mo., 10th, 1849, he married Rebecca Buckman, born in this township on 11th mo., 16th, 1828, who died 7th mo., 10th, 1880. They had three children: Anna Mary, who died young; Amanda B., wife of Conrad Root of Byberry; and Harry P., married to Jennie Walton, who lives on his father’s farm and has one child, Raymond C. Mr. Knight is a man of influence in his native township. Inheriting his father’s genial humor and upright character, he makes friends of all with whom he comes in contact.

CHARLES B. MORRISON, hotel proprietor, P.O. Feasterville, is a son of Joseph and Ellen Morrison. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. His grandfather was John Morrison, who came from Delaware county to Northampton township and died there, aged 92. His son Joseph, father of Charles B., was born in Delaware county, October 18, 1794, and learned the trade of a miller with Amos Addis. He subsequently married the latter’s daughter Ellen. A few years later he bought a mill at Rocksville, Northampton township, which he ran for fifty years, when he bought the old Anchor tavern in Wrightstown, and lived there until his death, on July 30, 1880. His wife was born December 11, 1802, and died January 8, 1870. He then married Mrs. Mary Ann Lashley, who died in 1855. He was one of the noted men of the county, and a democrat in politics. In the days of the militia he held all the commissions from captain to brigadier-general. He was county commissioner and county treasurer, and in 1851 was elected recorder for three years. In 1863 he was elected associate judge, and by subsequent re-election served fifteen years, until the office was abolished. He died full of years and honors. His children, all by his first wife, were: John, who died in Tennessee while in the Union army, and Hannah Rebecca, also deceased. Those living are: Amos Addis, Johnson, Ruth Ann, Eliza, Mary Ellen, Andrew Jackson, and Charles B., who was born March 31, 1832. He learned his father’s trade at home, following that business until 1859, when for six years he engaged in mercantile business. He then sold out and for four years lived at home, when, in 1869, he engaged in the hotel business at Jamison’s Corners, Warwick township, where he stayed for five years, after which he engaged in the same business in Philadelphia for a year, subsequently returning to his old place for eight years. In 1883 he went to Richboro and kept a hotel there for a year, when he took the old stand known as the "Buck," in this township. In 1854 he married Mary A., daughter of Aaron and Eliza Feaster, who were of the well-known family from which Feasterville derived its name. To their union four children have been born: William H., Joseph, Emma E. and Alfred J. Mr. Morrison is a member of Northern Star Lodge, No. 54, I.O.O.F., of Richboro.

GEORGE ALBERTSON PARKER, physician, P.O. Southampton. His grandfather, a resident of Trenton and captain of a boat on the Delaware, was drowned in 1819. His son, George, the father of George A., was born in Trenton, and learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed until he was appointed deputy in the state prison, which position he filled for twelve years. He was born September 23, 1818. His wife, Sarah Hepworth Thomas, was born in England. Mr. Parker is a man of strong individuality, and an earnest member of the Baptist church, in which he is a licensed preacher, and he was for many years a deacon of the First Baptist church in Trenton. He is a warm advocate of the prohibition of the liquor traffic. His children are: Susannah T. and Ida, deceased; William Bradford and Edward Yard, both in Trenton, and George A., who was born November 2, 1853, in Trenton. After attending the public schools he studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1875, afterward going into partnership with Dr. Aaron Winder in Langhorne. Soon after he removed to Churchville, from thence to Trenton, and later to Southampton to practise. On May 25, 1881, he was married to Elizabeth E. Ewing, of Philadelphia. She was born August 4, 1857. They have two children, George A., born August 31, 1882, and Harry E., born March 31, 1887. Dr. Parker and wife are members of the German Reformed church at Churchville. Since coming to Southampton Dr. Parker has built up a lucrative practice, and acquired the reputation of a well-read, skilful and successful physician.

ALBERT S. PAXSON, farmer, P.O. Langhorne, is a great-grandson of Phineas Paxson, a farmer, formerly landlord of the "Buck" hotel, at Feasterville, who died on his farm, which is now owned by William S. Hogeland. His wife was Sarah Michener. But one of their children, Charles, lived to maturity. After his father’s retirement he kept the hotel for several years, then went to the "Trappe" tavern for a few years, then to Langhorne, and thence to a farm in Northampton township. This he sold and removed to Wrightstown and six or seven years later removed to Salem, N.J., where he died in 1854, aged 76 years. His wife, Susan Michener, died a few days before him, aged 68. Their children were: Mary, Annie, Susan, Alice and Charles, deceased; and Sarah and Phineas, father of Albert S., who was born May 6, 1827. He has always been a farmer, and is now living in this township near his sons. His wife was Rebecca Tomlinson, who was born in 1829, and died in January, 1885. Their children are: Amos, Charles and Alice, all deceased; and Emily, John, Carrie, Augustus, Ella and Albert S., living. The latter was born March 5, 1854. He was reared to farming and lived with his father until his marriage, when he rented for a year, then farmed his father’s place for seven years, then bought the farm owned by his mother’s father, Amos Tomlinson. On December 23, 1875, he married Josephine, daughter of John R. Bitting, of Doylestown. She was born August 22, 1853. They have had five children: Willie, Mamie, George and Wesley, living; and John, who died in infancy. Mr. Paxson is an active, enterprising man, who believes in doing thoroughly whatever he undertakes.

JONATHAN ROBERTS, retired, P.O. Davisville, is a son of Robert and Hannah T. Roberts, natives of Montgomery county. Robert Roberts was a farmer in Moreland township, where he died in 1876. He was a member of the Horsham meeting and was a good upright man. His wife was also a member of the Society of Friends and died in 1875. Their children were: Mary W., Stacy Ann, and Jonathan, who was the oldest son, and was born July 14, 1824. He was reared to farming and on his marriage took the home farm, on which he remained for four years, when he rented a farm in Moreland and stayed there nine years. At the end of that time he bought and removed to the farm in this township, which has since been his home. Six years ago he retired, building a new residence on a part of the place. He has been twice married, his first wife being Martha Walton, of Montgomery county, to whom he was married in 1846. She died in 1865, leaving one son, Edwin W. In 1869 Mr. Roberts was married to Mary A., daughter of George W. and Mary Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence was a native of Philadelphia, and a descendant of William Lawrence, one of the Friends who came here with William Penn. The family record shows the descendants to have all been consistent adherents of the faith of their ancestor. His wife came from an old Maryland family, and was a native of Baltimore. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts had one child, Jonathan L., who died in his eighth year. They are members of the Horsham meeting, and have the respect of all who know them.

THEODORE C. SEARCH, wool manufacturer, 106 Chestnut street, Philadelphia, is a grandson of Christopher and Ann Search, who located in Southampton township about seventy years ago. He died in 1841, aged 77, his wife dying some, years afterwards in her 90th year. They had eight children, one of whom, Jacob M., the father of Theodore C., was born there in 1810. He has always lived on the homestead, which he farmed until eight years ago, when he built a house on a part of the farm in the village of Southamptonville, where he now lives. Jacob Search took a warm interest in educational matters, and was long an active member of the school board. He has for many years been a trustee of the Southamptonville Baptist church. His wife, Nancy M., is a daughter of Richard Corson, of Northampton township. She was born in 1817. Their five children are all now living, viz.: Elwood, living with his parents; Harry L., at Somerton; Erasmus, a wool merchant in Philadelphia; Annie, wife of Edwin Roberts, of Philadelphia; and Theodore C., who was the second son, and was born March 20, 1841. In 1859 he went to the Crozer Normal and High school at Chester, as student and assistant teacher, graduating three years later. He then taught for one season in Fallsington, Bucks county, when he went to Dauphin county as principal of the High school at Middleton, afterwards for two years being principal of the Academy at the same place. In 1866 he came back to Philadelphia, and for two years was an instructor in the Quaker City Business college, and one year as principal of the National Commercial institute, resigning to accept a position in a wool store. In 1872 he was admitted to a partnership in the house of Fiss, Banes, Erbin & Co., manufacturers of worsteds and woolen yarns, and has continued in the business ever since, finally succeeding to their business under the title of Erben, Search & Co. On December 25, 1862, Mr. Search was married to Anna L., daughter of Ephraim White, of Newtown. She was born in November, 1841. They have one daughter, Ida, who lives with her parents. In addition to his duties as one of the honored merchants of the city, wielding a large influence in business circles, Mr. Search holds many positions of honor and trust, giving largely of his valuable time to institutions designed to promote the welfare of his fellow-men. For some years he has been a director of the Bank of North America, is Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, and chairman of its committee of instruction; and he has been the entire organizer of the Philadelphia Textile school connected with it, the only school of the kind in America, giving instruction to young men in the textile manufacturing trade; he is also president of the Philadelphia association of textile manufacturers; a member of the committee on Science and Art of the Franklin Institute; treasurer of the Baptist Orphanage; and president of the board of trustees of the Baptist Memorial church, of which he and his wife are members.

JOHN H. STACKHOUSE, farmer, P.O. Davisville, Pa., is a grandson of Thomas Stackhouse, who was a farmer in Warminster township, where he and his wife died. They had three sons and four daughters. The oldest son, Charles, the father of John H., was born in Warminster and married Hannah Heston of Wrightstown township. After his marriage he removed to Horsham, Montgomery county, where he bought a farm on which he lived for forty years, dying there in February, 1881. He was a member of the Friends’ meeting in Horsham for many years, and was an upright man, who commanded the respect of the community. His wife, Hannah, is still living on the old homestead, and is in her eightieth year. Their children were: Thomas, who lives in Horsham; and John H., who was born on the old homestead. He was brought up to farming, and three years after his marriage removed to the farm, which has since been his home. On November 22, 1866, he married Rachel P., daughter of Benjamin and Mary Stackhouse, who were descendants of an old family of Langhorne, Middletown township. Benjamin Stackhouse is deceased, but his widow yet lives. His was a member of the Langhorne meeting of the Society of Friends, and was an upright, conscientious man, standing well among his neighbors. Mrs. Stackhouse was born in Langhorne. Her family are distant relatives of that of her husband. They have two sons: John J. and Howard, both living with their parents. Mr. Stackhouse is a member of the Horsham meeting, and is regarded by his neighbors as a man of undoubted probity.

LENDRUM L. VANSANT, farmer, P.O. Feasterville, is of Dutch descent. His great-grandfather was Captain Nathaniel Vansant, a revolutionary soldier, who was taken prisoner by the British and confined on Staten Island. After his release he came back to his home at Brownsville, in this township, where his father, Nicholas, and his grandfather, also Nicholas, had both resided. Nathaniel was born there on March 13, 1745, and died August 8, 1825. His wife was Hannah Britton, who was born January 16, 1746, and died August 19, 1818. His son Nicholas was grandfather of Lendrum L. He was born February 23, 1771, and died April 19, 1850. His wife was Mary Larzalere, who was born September 8, 1772, and died October 27, 1863. Their son Benjamin was father of Lendrum. He was born February 14, 1803, and died in June, 1869. He was a sober and industrious man, and accumulated a handsome property. He was twice married, first to Sarah Campbell, who was born March 7, 1810, and died March 10, 1853. His second wife was Jane Lukens. By his first wife he had four children: Lendrum L., Elizabeth R., Harriet P. and Charles R., deceased. His second wife had one child, Benjamin. Our subject was born October 4, 1832, and for several years after his marriage farmed the home place, afterward buying a farm in this township, on which he lived for ten years, when he removed to the adjoining farm, which has since been his home. On January 7, 1858, he was married to Amanda, daughter of Absalom Knight, of Middletown. Their children are: Laura E., wife of Elmer Ely, living in Philadelphia, and has had three sons: Harvey F., Alfred J. and Lendrum V., Elizabeth K., wife of G. Franklin Ely, of Philadelphia; George S., Jennie E. and Gertrude, living with their parents. Mr. Vansant has been for the past eight years supervisor of his township.

 

 
     
     
     
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