CHAPTER XXVII.
BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES — BRISTOL.
SAMUEL APPLETON, manufacturer, Bristol, was born in
Leicester, England, May 22, 1831. He came to America in 1850,
landed at New York, and engaged as a workman in a factory at
Germantown. In 1853 he began the manufacture of woolen goods at
Palethorp and Oxford streets, Philadelphia, in a factory thirty
by sixteen feet. In 1856 Mr. Appleton became general manager for
Schofield & Branson, in Philadelphia. In 1866 he returned to
Palethorp and Oxford and built the present Phoenix mills there.
He removed to Bristol in 1873 and became manager of the Bristol
woolen mills, then owned by Thomas Hugh & Co. In 1879 the
construction of the Providence hosiery mill was begun by Mrs.
Clara Appleton, who married the subject of this sketch in 1865.
The factory first built was sixteen by thirty feet; this has
been enlarged with the growth of the business until at present
the plant is valued at $76,000. About two hundred operatives are
employed, while the annual product aggregates several hundred
thousand dozens of hose of every description.
CHARLES S. BAILEY, retired, P.O. Bristol, was born in this
township July 27, 1820. He is a son of William and Harriet
(Stackhouse) Bailey, both natives of Bucks county and of German
and English origin. The father was a carpenter and had nine
children. Charles S., the oldest, was reared in Bensalem and
received his education in the public schools of that township.
He learned the carpenter’s trade early in life, but never made
it his permanent occupation. He has been engaged in various
lines of business and has met with financial success. In 1846 he
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Stewart. She is of
Irish origin. They have five children now living: Anna, wife of
John G. Warwick; Ellen, Harriet, Margaret, wife of Charles H.
Bunting, and Charles S., Jr. Mr. Bailey is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and has been trustee and treasurer.
In politics he is a republican. He served ten years as justice
of the peace, was collector of school taxes twelve years, and
assessor seven years.
CHARLES BAKER, farmer, P.O. Newportville, was born at
Newportville August 21, 1850, and is a son of Edward and
Caroline (Roberts) Baker, natives of Bucks county and of English
and German origin. His father was a carpenter and bridge-builder
in early life, but was subsequently a lumber-dealer and run a
saw-mill in Newportville. In later life he was a farmer. He died
in 1886. He was the father of fourteen children, eleven of whom
grew to maturity. Charles was the sixth and grew to manhood in
Newportville, where he attended the common schools. He first
worked with his father in the saw-mill and also worked at the
carpenter’s trade in Bristol for two years. He has been farming
since 1880. In 1870 he married Anna, daughter of Egbert and
Parmelia Street. She is of English origin. They are the parents
of six children: Walter, Willie, Carrie, Cora, Charles, and
Emma. Mr. Baker is administrator of his father’s estate. In a
financial point of view he has been successful. He is a
republican.
JOHN T. BAKER, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born at Newportville,
February 21, 1863, being a son of Edward and Caroline (Roberts)
Baker, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German
origin. Edward Baker died here in 1886, being then in his 69th
year. His family consisted of fourteen children, eleven of whom
grew to maturity. John is the youngest and was reared in Bristol
township, attending school here. He chose farming as a business,
and is now the owner of the homestead farm. He is a republican
in politics, as was also his father. His father was a prominent
and successful business man. In early life he engaged in the
lumber and saw-mill business at Newportville. In latter life he
engaged in farming and succeeded in accumulating a handsome
fortune, which he left to his children. The administrators of
the estate were John T. and his brother Charles.
WILLIAM B. BAKER, M.D., dentist, P.O. Bristol, is a prominent
dental practitioner, having his office and residence in
Radcliffe street, in this borough. He was born in Bristol
township July 21, 1820, and is a son of Thomas and Maria (Birkey)
Baker, the former born in Freemansburg, of German origin, and
the latter in Burlington, N.J., of Swiss descent. They had
thirteen children, ten of whom lived to grow up, of whom our
subject was the third, and the oldest now living. He attended
school in his native township, and chose medicine as his
profession, graduating from the Philadelphia medical college
with the degree of M.D. in 1844. He had also studied dentistry,
which he practised before his graduation, and preferring it,
gave up his regular practice except as he had occasion to use
his knowledge in the practice of dentistry, where it has been of
great value to him. He knows that, to be a successful dentist, a
thorough knowledge of anatomy and medicine is requisite, and his
success proves him eminently qualified in both. He has practised
in Bristol since 1848 with marked success. In 1845 he was
married in Bristol to Anne E., daughter of William Fenton, of
this county, where she was born. They have two children living:
Mary C., and Henry H., who is an engineer on a Delaware river
boat. Dr. Baker was postmaster of Bristol for eight years, and
for ten years served as school-director. He and his wife are
members of the Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman; he
is likewise a Royal Arch Mason. In politics he is a republican.
THOMAS BARNARD, merchant, P.O. Bristol, son of Thomas and
Rebecca (Eastman) Barnard, was born in New Hampshire, June 14,
1831. His grandparents came from England to New Hampshire, where
his parents were born. His father and grandfather were farmers.
Thomas, our subject, was the seventh child in a family of eight
children. He was reared on the farm and received a common school
education. Early in life he learned the tinsmith’s trade, and
was in the tin and stove business in New York city ten years. In
1875 he came to Bristol and established himself in the same
business, to which he has since added coal and wood. He was
first married in 1871. His wife died in 1876, and in 1883 he
married his present wife. They are members of the Presbyterian
church. Mr. Barnard is a democrat, an Odd Fellow, and a Knight
of Pythias. Hon. Daniel Barnard, a prominent attorney of New
Hampshire, and several terms a state senator, is a brother of
our subject.
W.J.A. BIRKEY, M.D., surgeon dentist, Newportville, Bucks
county, was born in Burlington county, N.J., March 25, 1804, and
is a son of John Birkey, who was a hatter by occupation and
carried on his trade and owned the hotel at Newportville,
Bristol township. Peter Birkey, the grandfather of W.J.A., was a
quartermaster in General Washington’s army during the
revolutionary war and a pioneer of Bucks county. The family are
of English origin. Dr. Birkey received a medical diploma from
Spain, but made dentistry his profession and practised in
Philadelphia for fifty years. He stood at the head of his
profession and is now living a retired life. He has three sons,
all of whom are graduates of medicine. Two of them practised
dentistry in Philadelphia. William J.A., Jr., was one of the
pioneers to California in 1851. Isaac M. Birkey acted as a
medical officer of the army during the war, and is a Knight
Templar in Masonry. Dr. W.J.A. Birkey has been an active and
influential member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
has held high offices in that organization, having travelled and
organized lodges; also of the Free Masons, Druids, etc. He has
been a prominent politician and was president of the convention
which nominated General Zachary Taylor for president. His other
son, Henry W. Birkey, entered the United States service at the
commencement of the war and served until its close in the
regular navy. He was twice honorably mentioned to the department
for volunteering to go into battle at Mobile and for attending
the yellow fever cases during the epidemic at New Orleans. He
has one son, John Washington Birkey.
WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, proprietor of bakery, P.O. Bristol, was
born in the borough of Bristol, February 16, 1845. He is a son
of Philip and Mary (Wright) Blackwood, the former a native of
New Jersey, the latter born in Bucks county and both of English
origin. Philip Blackwood was a wheelwright. He had six children.
Our subject, the fifth child, received a common school education
and learned the baker’s trade. He carried on a bakery in
Philadelphia three years, then came to Bristol, where he has
since been in the same business. His store is a three-story
brick building on the main street of Bristol. He is also quite
extensively engaged in the ice business and has recently built
three ice-houses. His success in business is entirely due to his
industry and ability. He is a man of undoubted integrity and is
greatly esteemed in the community. In politics he is a
republican. He is a director of the Cemetery Association and
treasurer of the Bristol Building Association, and a member of
the I.O.O.F.
JACOB W. BOWMAN, the senior member of the firm of Myers &
Bowman, seed-growers, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
township, December 10, 1849, and is a son of William and Eliza (Shinkle)
Bowman. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and of German
origin. His father is a farmer and now living a retired life in
Bristol township, being 83 years of age. He has been twice
married, his wives being sisters. Jacob is the youngest of seven
children, and was reared on the farm, attending the district
school at Newportville. He served two years at the
harness-maker’s trade, and first engaged in business in 1881, as
a commission merchant in Philadelphia. In 1883 he embarked in
his present business in company with James L. Myers. They
cultivate fifty acres of land, all in garden seed, and are
making a success of the business. They attend to the business
themselves, both being industrious men, and press their work
with a determination to succeed. They sell all wholesale. Mr.
Bowman was married in 1877 to Sally, daughter of Charles and
Mary (Book) Myers. She was born in Philadelphia and is of German
origin.
JOHN S. BRELSFORD, deceased, carpenter and undertaker, P.O.
Bristol, was born in Burlington, N.J., a son of William
Brelsford. His father was twice married. He had five children by
his first marriage, and two by the second, of whom John S. was
the youngest. His mother died when he was only ten years old.
His parents were of Scotch origin, and early in life instilled
into him habits of industry, which have proved a powerful factor
in his financial success. At the age of ten years he started to
learn the shoemaker’s trade, but discontinued after one year,
and returned to Bristol. At the age of fifteen he learned the
carpenter’s trade in Bristol, and worked at journey-work a short
time, after which he went into business for himself. In 1842 he
added undertaking to his business, and met with success in both.
He was essentially a self-made man, having attended school but
one winter in his life. In 1848 he married Sarah Helling. She
died in 1853, leaving two children, Joseph and Rachel. In 1855
he married Mary, daughter of William Ward, of Bristol. Their
children are: Joseph, Elwood, William, and Loring. Mr. Brelsford
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was Sabbath
school superintendent for twenty years, and class-leader for
thirty years. He was school-director and member of the town
council, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd
Fellows of Bristol. May 15, 1887, he died of paralysis, after an
illness of ten days.
AMOS BRIGGS, attorney and ex-judge, residence 1303 North
Broad street, Philadelphia, is a native of Bucks county and was
born in Penn’s Manor, January 22, 1825. His early life was spent
on a farm in Penn’s Manor and attending school. At the age of 19
he began teaching in Tullytown, Falls township, where he taught
for two and a half years, when he came to Philadelphia and began
reading law in the office of William R. Dickerson in August,
1846. He remained there thirteen months, when he left and was
registered with the late Theodore Cuyler, with whom he finished
his studies, and on his motion was admitted to practise at the
bar of the Philadelphia courts in November, 1848. He continued
in active practice until 1872, when he was elected judge of the
District Court of Philadelphia. He remained on the Bench until
January, 1883, since which time he has been actively engaged in
the practice of his profession in the city of Philadelphia. In
October, 1863, he was elected a member of the city council, but
as it interfered with his business he resigned nine months
later. The Judge is a self-educated and a self-made man, and is
a natural student. By his own exertions he obtained an education
equal to a collegiate course. He is the oldest son and second
child of John and Sarah (White) Briggs, who had two sons and two
daughters. Three are living: our subject; Benjamin, a successful
farmer of Penn’s Manor; and Sarah Ann, widow of John Hawke,
residing in Bristol. Judge Briggs married Miss Joanna Cheston,
October 15, 1846. She was born in Falls township, Bucks county,
and was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Lovett) Cheston. She was
the mother of four children: Mary L., who died at the age of
sixteen; John; Anna, wife of William C. Newport, of Willow
Grove, Pa.; Frank, an attorney in Philadelphia. The mother died
in November, 1863. Judge Briggs married Mrs. Eliza Cheston in
March, 1865. She was born in Bristol township, Bucks county, and
is a daughter of Amaziah and Susan Headley. No children have
been born to this marriage. The Judge is a member of Lodge No.
3, A.Y.N., of Philadelphia. He stands high in the estimation of
the citizens of Bucks county and of Philadelphia. He is of
English and German descent on the paternal side. His
grandfather, Amos Briggs, was born in New Jersey, and was of
English descent. His maternal grandfather was of English descent
and a native of Pennsylvania.
MOSES BROWN, deceased, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1826.
Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early
English settlers in America. He was the only child of Moses
Brown, who was a merchant. Our subject was reared in Boston,
where he received his education, and early in life embarked in
the mercantile trade, first as a salesman, then as a merchant.
He subsequently engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade in
New York city, and during his life succeeded in accumulating a
handsome fortune. He retired from business in 1866, and bought
the property in Bristol on the banks of the Delaware river,
where he died December 3, 1876. In 1847 he was married in
Philadelphia to Miss Anna M., daughter of John Seisser, who was
a merchant. Her parents were of German origin. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown had two children: Helen Collins, deceased, and Mortimer
Harris, now an attorney in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are
members of the Episcopal church.
J. MERRICK BROWN, passenger agent, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Bristol, April 1, 1827, and is a son of John T. and Susanna (Fouzer)
Brown, natives of Bucks county. His father was a prominent man
and served as deputy sheriff of this county at one time. He was
agent for the Camden and Amboy railroad and steamboat line. He
died in 1849, aged fifty years. He had nine children, of whom J.
Merrick was the third. He was reared in Bristol, receiving his
education in the public schools. He has been agent for the
Camden & Amboy and Pennsylvania railroad company since 1847, and
is one of the oldest agents in the company’s employ. He learned
telegraphy, and was manager of the Western Union Telegraph
company here from 1861 to 1882. He is also express agent and
served all this while as passenger agent. In 1849 he married
Sarah Stocks. They are the parents of four children: Clara, wife
of G.W. Waite, train-master on the Pennsylvania railroad; Anna
A., died January 22, 1886; Mattie S. and Lizzie G. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown are members of the M.E. church, and he has been
superintendent of the Sabbath school for twenty-four years. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I.O.O.F. In
politics he is a republican.
JAMES MADISON BRUDON, retired merchant, P.O. Bristol, was
born in the borough of Bristol, March 4, 1805. His grandfather,
Captain Joseph Brudon, was a native of Ireland, where he was
married. He came to Philadelphia prior to the revolution, and
was one of the first to volunteer his services on the side of
the patriots. He was one of the twenty picked volunteers who
formed the advance of the forlorn hope as it was called. Of
these twenty, seventeen were either killed or wounded. Mr.
Brudon was wounded in the jaw by a bullet. He was elected
captain and crossed the Delaware with Washington on the
memorable night of the 25th of December, 1776. He lost an eye at
Trenton, and was shot in the leg at Princeton. He drew a pension
until his death, and also received a land grant in Ohio. He was
a very large man and stood six feet two inches in his stockings.
He died in Bristol at a ripe old age. He and his wife, Bridget,
were members of the Episcopal church. They had five sons and two
daughters: Mary, who married Enos Wright; William, who married
Elizabeth Van Hart, and was a farmer in Falls township, and died
at the age of 95; John, who married a Miss Latt, and was a
farmer of Bristol; Joseph; Thomas, who was a cooper and died
unmarried; James, also a cooper, married a widow Winner; and
Richard, a tailor and a bachelor. Joseph Brudon was born in
Bristol, August 15, 1776, and died July 29, 1854. He was married
to Hannah Gosline, born in Bristol, March 24, 1782, and died
April 7, 1868. He learned the cooper’s trade, which he followed
a number of years. He was in the war of 1812, was a great
temperance man, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
over fifty years. His wife was also a member of this church. She
was a daughter of Richard and Rachel (Greene) Gosline, the
latter a niece of General Greene, of the revolutionary war.
Richard Gosline was a property owner in Bristol. He was
imprisoned at Philadelphia while the English were in possession
of the city. Richard and Hannah Brudon had six sons and four
daughters: Mary, married Euclidus Stackhouse, November 20, 1827;
James, married Sarah Osmond, November 20, 1828; Ann, married
John Saudy, March 1, 1832; Joanna Painter, married Jonathan
Milnor, February 14, 1839; Charles Tompkins, married Mary Ann
Cook, December 26, 1841; Elizabeth, married John Fisher; and
John, who married Henrietta Appleton. James Brudon, the second
child and oldest son of Joseph, was educated in Bristol, learned
the cooper’s trade with his father, and was in partnership with
him. He married twice. His first wife was Sarah Osborne, to whom
he was married November 20, 1828. She was born in Bristol, April
14, 1808, and was a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Lott)
Osborne. She died December 26, 1860. She was the mother of six
sons and four daughters: Mary A., wife of John Adams; Edward C.
married Caroline Patterson; Joseph married Susannah Gordon;
James Madison died unmarried; John Wesley died in infancy;
William and Sarah, twins (William married twice, Rebecca Hibbs
and Lydia Newton; Sarah married Charles Wollard); Lizzie L.
married T. Watson Bewley, April 7, 1869. They had three
children: Mattie T., James, and Eddie B. Charles F. married Mary
E. Jones, March 22, 1871. They have two children: Tillie and May
Belle; Hannah O. married John Force. James M. Brudon married for
his second wife, Maria T. Bewley, February 11, 1863. She was
born near Newtown, Bucks county, and was a daughter of Charles
and Rebecca (Hellings) Bewley. The result of this marriage was
two children who died in infancy. Mrs. Brudon died April 16,
1884. James Brudon engaged in the mercantile business in 1836,
and retired in 1854, since which time he has been engaged in
erecting buildings and looking after his property. He has been
chief burgess of Bristol two terms, and has been a member of the
council thirty years. He has the confidence and respect of all
who know him. He is now in his 82d year, and enjoys good health.
In politics he is a democrat. He has twenty grandchildren and
eleven great-grandchildren.
EDWARD C. BRUDON, collector and agent of the Lehigh Coal and
Navigation Company, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol, January
21, 1832, and is the oldest son of James and Sarah (Osmond)
Brudon, of Bristol. He was educated in the Bristol schools, and
at the age of sixteen apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner’s
trade, and continued to follow his trade until 1859, when he
became associated with what is now the Lehigh Coal and
Navigation Company. He was married at Bristol, December 22,
1853, to Miss Caroline Patterson. She was born in Bristol, and
was a daughter of Robert Patterson and Ann Eliza West, natives
of Bristol. The former was collector for the canal company for a
number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Brudon had four children: Ann
Eliza, wife of Frank R. Rue, a farmer of Bristol township;
Sallie died at the age of 18 years; Robert P., dealer in lamp
oils, etc., Bristol; and Carrie, who resides at home with her
parents. Mr. Brudon is a member of the Hopkins Lodge, No. 87,
I.O.O.F., of Bristol. He has held the office of school-director
three years, and has refused other positions of trust. In
politics he is a democrat.
ANTHONY BURTON was one of the first settlers of what is now
Bucks county (then called Buckingham) in Pennsylvania. He
emigrated from England. The exact date of his arrival is not
known. He was settled, however, and possessed of considerable
property previous to 1684. In Phineas Pemberton’s book of cattle
marks of that date his mark is there described and recorded. He
also owned slaves. March 16, 1695, he and one Thomas Burk
purchased from Peter White and others a tract of land covering
the present site of Bristol. They laid it out in town lots and
called it New Bristol, and he, with other lot-owners, in 1720
petitioned for and procured letters patent from Governor Keith
for the incorporation of Bristol, which continued its charter
down to the Revolution. In 1715 he was commissioned a justice of
the peace, and held that office for several years. He was a man
of liberal education and great influence in the community. He
belonged to the established church and gave the land for the
church and church-yard of St. James Episcopal church, at
Bristol, and also contributed to the erection of a church
building which was completed in 1712. It appears from the
records that he and any of his lineal descendants are entitled
to the occupancy of two pews in the church forever. On the 18th
day of December, 1687, he married Sarah Gibbs, widow; she died
June 28, 1718, without issue. July 28, 1720, he married Susan
Keene, by whom he had two children: Martha, who died unmarried,
and Anthony, Jr., born July 17, 1721. Anthony Burton died in
1739, and was buried in St. James churchyard at Bristol.
Anthony, Jr., son of Anthony and Susan, married Mary Hough,
daughter of Richard Hough, February 12, 1752. He was a large
land-owner and resided on his estate on the old road about
midway between Bristol and the falls of the Delaware, in what is
now Bristol township. The father of his wife was an eminent
Friend and the daughter was a member of meeting. It was supposed
her husband adopted her religious views, as it does not appear
that he attended at Bristol church after his marriage. All his
children became Friends. He had eight children, of whom four
died in infancy and four survived him: John, born September 17,
1753; Martha, born July 25, 1756; Anthony, born August 9, 1758;
and Jonathan, born August 21, 1765. John, the oldest son of
Anthony, Jr., and Mary, married Rachel Wilson (née Satcher),
widow of Henry Wilson, in February, 1778. He resided on the
homestead of his father in Bristol township the most of his life
and afterward removed to Falls township. He had two children by
his wife Rachel: Joseph and John. She died in 1781. October 9,
1789, he married Hannah Watson, and by her had the following
children: Benjamin, Mary, Rachel, Anthony, and Charles. He died
September 3, 1835, and was buried at Fallsington. Anthony, son
of Anthony, Jr., and Mary, married Jane, daughter of Dr. John
Gregg, of New Jersey, April 27, 1781. Their children were John
G., Amos, Deborah, and William. He died in April, 1838, and was
buried at Fallsington. Jonathan, son of Anthony, Jr., and Mary,
married Letitia Williamson, on the 11th of March, 1790, and had
children: William, Sarah, Mary, Peter, Ann L., and Elizabeth. He
died in 1840 and was buried at Falisington. The descendants of
these three children of Anthony, Jr., and Mary have become
related by marriage to the Houghs, Watsons, Williamsons,
Wilsons, Carlisles, LaRues, Headleys, Paxsons, Mitchells,
Thompsons, Stackhouses, and Cadwalladers, nearly all of the old
families in the lower part of the county. Being Friends they
eschewed politics, although always having a decided, political
faith. They were generally agriculturists, some of them
occupying land owned by the first Anthony.
Joseph, the grandson of Anthony, Jr., was a large land-owner
in Bristol and Falls townships and was a justice of the peace
for over thirty years. He married Sarah Watson and died in 1858.
Anthony, also a grandson of Anthony, Jr., was nominally a
farmer, though he engaged in many other business enterprises. He
married Mary Headley, and after her death Anna Paxson. He died
in 1874. He was a devoted and prominent member of the Society of
Friends, a man of unblemished reputation and great ability. For
twenty-four years he was president of the Farmers’ National Bank
of Bucks County. He was also president of the Delaware River
Steamboat Company, and filled many other positions of trust and
usefulness. In the various public positions to which he was
called his ability and worth were highly appreciated, and he
enjoyed to the fullest extent the esteem and confidence of the
entire community. In his social intercourse he was kindly and
frank and always ready to encourage those in adverse
circumstances. All efforts made for the advancement of society
received his quiet aid. He was industrious and frugal, yet
generous. In his death the community lost a valuable citizen and
a wise counsellor. His son, Elwood, is a successful merchant of
Tullytown. William, also a grandson of Anthony, Jr., was a
merchant in Philadelphia, and afterward a doctor of medicine. He
was remarkable for his brilliant conversational powers and the
extent and variety of his information. He married Susan
Hallowell, of Philadelphia, and died at Penn’s Manor.
Jonathan, a grandson of Jonathan and great-grandson of
Anthony, Jr., was a large manufacturer of iron and died in Ohio
a few years since very wealthy. William, another great-grandson,
was a successful merchant in New York. One of his sons is now in
the U.S. navy, and another was killed in the late war. John A.,
a great-grandson of John, son of Anthony, Jr., is a lawyer of
high standing at the Philadelphia bar. He married the daughter
of Dr. William S. Van Horn, who was a surgeon of eminence in the
U.S. navy. John H., a great-grandson of Anthony, son of Anthony,
Jr., was a member of the state legislature in 1878.
JOHN BURTON, farmer, P.O. Tullytown, was born August 3, 1829,
at Tullytown, Pa., and is a son of Anthony Burton and Mary
Headley. His early life was spent on the farm and he was for a
short time engaged in the mercantile business. At the breaking
out of the rebellion, he enlisted as a private in the Anderson
cavalry. He participated in 18 engagements and was mustered out
as lieutenant. He was married February 7, 1867, to Elizabeth
Headley, daughter of Edward and Eliza Headley. Their children
are: Franklin, born February 27, 1868; Elwood, born August 2,
1870; Horace H., born March 30, 1877; and A. Russell, born July
17, 1881. Among the many positions of public trust and honor
held by Mr. Burton may be mentioned: director of the Farmers’
National Bank of Bucks county, of the Bristol Improvement
Company, of the Delaware River Steamboat & Transportation
Company, of the Cape May and Delaware Bay Navigation Company,
and treasurer of the William Penn Mutual Loan and Building
Association. In politics he is a republican, and is a member of
the Society of Friends.
HON. JOHN H. BURTON, farmer and stock-grower, P.O. Emilie,
was born on the farm where he now resides November 22, 1830, and
is a son of John G. and Rebecca (Brooks) Burton. The former was
born in Bucks county, Pa., and the latter in Chester county.
They were of English origin and were descendants of Friends, and
among the early settlers of Bucks county. In early life his
father was a carpenter, but in later life engaged in farming. He
died in 1868 and his wife in 1859. They had ten children, all of
whom grew to middle age, seven of them being still living. Their
names are as follows: Deborah, Lydia, Amos, Jane, Hannah,
Margaret, Anthony, John, Anna Eliza, and Henry A. John H. was
reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common
schools, and chose farming as a business. In early life he
taught school and subsequently went to Ohio, Indiana, and
Illinois, remaining for five years in the west. He then went to
Virginia and taught school for one year, after which he went to
the Adirondack mountains in New York and was engaged in the
lumber trade for five years. In 1861 he enlisted in the 93d N.Y.
volunteer infantry in Co. D, and served three years as private,
sergeant and lieutenant. He then went to the northern neck of
Virginia and engaged in the lumber trade, and in 1868 returned
to Bristol, and has farmed here since. In 1878 he was elected to
the legislature from Bucks county and served one term. He is a
member of the G.A.R., and belongs to the Society of Friends.
JOSEPH BURTON, deceased, was born in Bristol in the house in
which his daughter now resides, and which has been occupied by
five generations of Burtons. The pioneer of the Burton family
was Anthony Burton, who came from England about 1660, and first
settled where Bristol now stands. To him belongs the honor of
giving Bristol its present name. He was an Episcopalian, but
married a member of the Society of Friends. His family consisted
of six sons and one daughter. The sons were members of the
Society of Friends, while the daughter held to her father’s
faith. Therefore those that bear the name of Burton are mostly
members of the Society of Friends. The family are among the
influential and thrifty families of this county. Joseph Burton
was born in 1779, being a son of John and Rachael (Satcher)
Burton. He was the oldest of a family of seven children. He was
reared on the farm, attended the common schools and made farming
the business of his life. He died in 1858. He married Sarah
Watson, who was born in New Jersey in 1772. She was of English
origin and a member of the Society of Friends. She died in 1859.
They were the parents of six daughters and one son: Ann, Rachel,
Sarah, Joseph, Mary W., Martha, and Rebecca W., all members of’
the Society of Friends. Joseph Burton was a republican and was
justice of the peace for forty years. Financially he was
successful, and at the time of his death was the owner of 281
acres of valuable land.
JOSEPH BURTON, farmer, P.O. Bristol, is prominent among the
descendants of the early pioneers of Bucks county. The family of
which he is descended came from England to Bucks county at a
very early date. Joseph Burton was born on the farm where he now
resides in 1848, and is a son of John C. and Sarah (Headley)
Burton, natives of Bucks county. His maternal ancestors were
also among the early emigrants from England to America. His
father was a farmer and had three children, Joseph being the
youngest. He was reared on the farm, attended the district
school, and has been a tiller of the soil all his life. He is
also engaged in the dairy business. He was married in 1870 to
Miss Anna E., daughter of William G. and Elizabeth C. Allen, and
granddaughter of William Allen, whose family came from England.
They have two children, Joseph Allen and Russell Wilson. Mr.
Burton is a republican in politics. He has been a school
director and is a member of the I.O.O.F.
JOHN W. CLOSSON, deceased, who was county coroner of Bucks
county, and for fifteen years proprietor of the Closson House,
Bristol, was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and
ability. He was born near Point Pleasant, Tinicum township, June
16, 1839, being a son of George W. and Charlotte (Wyker)
Closson. They were natives of Bucks county. "Obituary: George W.
Closson, an old and well-known resident of Bucks county, died at
his residence on the Delaware, below Point Pleasant, in
Plumstead township, on Tuesday last, aged over seventy-two
years. For several years his health and faculties had been
giving way, and for some time previous to his death be was in
quite a weak condition. Mr. Closson was extensively known as a
business man and politician. About thirty years ago he was
elected county treasurer, holding the office for two years,
which was the term then prescribed. It was during his term that
the tenure of office of the treasurer was limited to one year,
by an act of the legislature, in consequence of the great number
of candidates, who could not otherwise be so well accommodated.
Mr. Closson made a good officer, and in his transactions at the
Doylestown Bank made the acquaintance of Abraham Chapman, then
its president. At the request of Mr. Chapman he bought a few
shares of stock in the bank and became one of its directors. He
occupied that position for nearly or quite twenty years. He was
supervisor of the Delaware Canal for many years, while it was
the property of the State, receiving his appointment from the
board of canal commissioners. As a politician Mr. Closson was an
active democrat, and was always interested in party affairs,
though not generally bitter in his feelings. On Friday his
remains were interred in the Doylestown cemetery, the funeral
being attended by many friends and relations, and the members of
the masonic lodge at Doylestown, to which he. belonged." He was
a son of William and Sarah Closson. Mrs. George W. Closson was
born September 16, 1803, and is still living. She was a daughter
of Henry and Mary Wyker. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Closson had
three sons and four daughters. John W., our subject, was the
fifth child. He was educated at Point Pleasant. He clerked in
stores for his father and brother until the outbreaking of the
late war. Mr. Closson was one of the gallant young men of Bucks
county who joined the Doylestown Guards April, 1861, and hurried
to the defence of the flag. Mr. Closson returned home, was
mustered out and soon after was engaged in the mercantile
business for himself at Point Pleasant. November 16, 1865, he
married Miss Mary Leslie, a daughter of James and Mary (Boyle)
Leslie, natives of Ireland, where they were married. They first
settled in Mauch Chunk, Carbon county, Pa., afterward in
Bristol. After Mr. and Mrs. John W. Closson were married they
moved to the "Exchange Hotel" in Bristol, which Mr. Closson
purchased in 1872 of his father-in-law, James Leslie, and in
1875 remodelled, and which has since been the Closson House. In
1872 he was elected coroner, and by a special act of the
legislature he was empowered to appoint deputies throughout the
county of Bucks, and served six years, when his health failing
him, he gave up political life and turned his attention to his
hotel, where he died November 8, 1882. Mrs. Closson took charge
of the hotel at once, and being a lady of excellent mind and
business talent, she has by hard work and good management made
her house one of the most popular in the state. Owing to the
increase in trade, she has erected a fine three-story brick
building with pressed brick front and all the most modern
improvements. The chambers of the Closson House are spacious,
handsomely furnished, well ventilated and comfortable. The
parlors and reception rooms are attractive and elegant. Mrs.
Closson possesses every possible qualification for the position
she fills with so much womanly grace and dignity. During her
management of the Closson house she has maintained the high
reputation it has always held, and makes it a home for all who
seek rest or refreshment beneath its quiet roof.
RICHARD CORSON, farmer and builder, P.O. Bristol, was born in
this county, September 16, 1816. His parents were Amos and
Martha (Martindale) Corson, of French and English descent. Amos
Corson was a farmer and had nine children, five of whom lived to
maturity. Richard was educated in the district school and chose
farming as his occupation. He followed this business exclusively
until 1863, when he bought sixty-five acres of land in the
borough of Bristol. On this land, which has mostly been laid out
in town lots, he has erected a large number of houses. He has
eight in course of erection at the present time, and has done
much to improve the town. He is a republican. In 1871 he was
married to Mary, daughter of Isaac Willard. They have one child,
Mabel. Mrs. Corson is a member of the Presbyterian church.
ELLWOOD DORON, coal and lumber-dealer, P.O. Bristol, is of
German extraction, and is a son of John and Catharine (Lamb)
Doron, both of whom were natives of this state. His father was a
miller. He had ten children, of whom Ellwood was the oldest son.
Our subject was born in Frankford (now a part of Philadelphia)
on March 5, 1827, and lived in Montgomery county until he was 21
years old. He was educated in the common schools, and his father
dying when he was 17 years old, he learned the trade Of a
miller, which he followed for four years in Montgomery county.
He then went to Ohio, but subsequently returned and followed his
trade in Bucks county for twenty-two years. He worked in Bristol
for Dorrance & Knight one year and afterward engaged in
butchering for five years, at the end of which time he formed a
partnership with John Dorrance. After his partners death he
carried on the mill business alone until 1870, when he bought a
property on Radcliffe street, and established his present
business, in which he has been successful. In 1851 he was
married to Elizabeth Hellings, who died in 1872. They had eight
children, but two of whom are living: William E., who is married
and has two children, and Kate, who lives with her father. Mr.
Doron served as burgess of Bristol for four years. He belongs to
the masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
Knights of Pythias, and is a man of undoubted integrity.
JAMES DRURY, editor and postmaster, P.O. Bristol, is a native
of Chester county, and was born March 2, 1848. He is a son of
John and Mary C. (White-man) Drury, and is the oldest of a
family of eight children. He was reared in Bucks county, where
he attended the common schools, and early in life learned the
trade of a printer at Phoenixville and Doylestown. In 1871 he
came to Bristol and established the "Observer," which he still
conducts. In 1885 he was appointed postmaster of Bristol. In
1871 he was married to Miss Etta Slack, a native of this county.
They have two children: Eva R. and Morris D. Mrs. Drury is a
member of’ the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Drury
is a democrat.
DAVID EVERITT, retired farmer, P.O. Emilie, was born
Middletown township, Bucks county, in 1804, and is a son of
Aaron and Mary (Hellings) Everitt, who were of Dutch origin. His
father was a farmer and tanner, and had a family of seven
children, of whom David was the youngest. He was reared in
Middletown township, attending the subscription schools, and
chose farming as his business, which has been his main
occupation through his life. His wife was Miss Letitia White. Of
their nine children seven are now living: Theodore, a merchant
in Illinois; Elizabeth E., who was the wife of Joseph E. Allen
(deceased); Matilda E., married George W. Allen (deceased); Mary
Ellen, wife of Samuel W. Headley; Aaron Huston (deceased);
David, a merchant in Illinois; Julia (deceased); Anna Maria,
wife of William Hibbs; and Aldridge, a farmer. Mr. Everitt is a
democrat, and has been tax-collector and school-director in
Bristol township.
A. WEIR GILKESON, attorney, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Bristol, October 29, 1853, and is a son of A.W. and Margaret M.
Gilkeson. His father, who is deceased, was for many years a
prominent attorney in Bristol. A. Weir is the youngest of a
family of four children, and was reared in Bristol. He was
educated at the Episcopal academy, in Philadelphia, and at St.
Stephen’s college, Annandale, N.Y., from which he graduated in
1873. He studied law with his brother, B.F. Gilkeson, in
Bristol, and was admitted to the bar of Bucks county in 1879,
when he opened an office in Bristol and has since practised
there. He is also engaged in real estate, surveying, and fire
insurance, his business being distinctively everything in
connection with real estate. He is regarded as a successful
business man. He is prominent in building association matters,
being secretary of the "Bristol," "Fidelity," and "Union"
associations of Bristol, is a well-known member of the Building
Association League of Pennsylvania, and one of the editors of
"The American Building Association News," a monthly journal,
published in Chicago. He is treasurer of the public library of
Bristol and official surveyor of Bristol borough. In 1882 he
married Mary E., daughter of Rev. Dr. Fairbairn, president of
St. Stephen’s college. She is of Scotch origin. They have one
child, Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Gilkeson are members of the Episcopal
church.
B.F. GILKESON, attorney, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
August 23, 1842. The father of this gentleman was Andrew W.
Gilkeson, whose ancestors were among the first settlers of the
state, as were also those of his mother, who was a Miss Kinsey.
The father was born in Montgomery county, but spent most of his
life in Bucks. He practised law in Bristol for many years, and
served one term as prothonotary of Bucks county. Our subject was
educated in the graded schools and at the Hartsville academy,
and studied law with Anthony Swain, Esq., of Bristol. He began
the practice of his profession in February, 1864, and is now
accounted among the leading attorneys of the county. In 1870 he
was married to Charlotte B., daughter of George B. Jones, of
Pittsburgh, Pa., who died in 1872, and in 1874 Mr. Gilkeson was
married to Helen E., daughter of Samuel Pike, of Bristol. They
have three children: Franklin, Helen,. and Ethel. Mr. Gilkeson
was a member of the state militia during the war. He is district
deputy grand-master of Masons for Bucks and Montgomery counties,
and a trustee of the state lunatic asylum at Norristown, Pa.,
and has been corporation counsel for the borough of Bristol for
many years. He is a member of the Episcopal church; and his wife
of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a republican.
SAMUEL GOSLIN, dealer in agricultural implements, P.O.
Newportville, was born in Newportville, Pa., January 4, 1821,
and is a son of John and Martha (Randall) Goslin, natives of
Bucks county, and of English descent. His father was a
blacksmith in Newportville for many years. Samuel is the sixth
in a family of four sons and three daughters. He was reared in
the town where he spent almost his entire life, and attended the
subscription school. He learned the wheelwright’s trade, and was
engaged in wagon-making in Newportville until 1852, when he
embarked in his present business. In 1842 he married Jane, a
daughter of Amos and Elizabeth (Thornton) Addis, of Bucks
county, and of German descent. Their children now living are:
Edward H., Ellwood, Sally, and Harry. Mrs. Goslin is a member of
the Episcopal church. Mr. Goslin is a republican politically.
His son, Ellwood, is now a partner with him in business. He was
born in Bucks county, and was married in 1871 to Miss Lina G.,
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Pickering) Pearce, the latter
a native of Philadelphia, and the former of New York State, and
of English origin. They have two children, Jennie and Elizabeth.
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a
republican politically.
WILLIAM H. GRUDY, manufacturer, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Philadelphia in December, 1836. He is a son of Edmund and
Rebecca (Hume) Grudy, the former born in England, and the latter
in Hulmeville, this county. The father was a merchant in
Philadelphia, and had four children. William H., the second
child, attended select school, was a clerk in early life, and
afterward in mercantile trade for himself in Philadelphia. In
1877 he began the manufacture of worsted yarn at Bristol, where
he has been uniformly successful. He has done much to add to the
prosperity of the borough. In politics he is a republican, and
is burgess of Bristol borough. He is a member of the Masonic
order. He was married in 1861 to Mary R. Ridgeway. Their
children are: Joseph R., clerk in his father’s office, and Meta
R., at home.
AMOS B. HEADLEY, farmer, P.O. Tullytown, is among the
descendants of the early pioneers of Bucks county. He was born
in Bristol township March 30, 1842, and is a son of Thomas and
Elizabeth (Brown) Headley, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and
of English origin. His father was a miller by occupation. He
built and owned a large saw-mill and was engaged in the lumber
business in Bristol township many years. This mill was destroyed
by fire and never rebuilt. He at the same time owned the mill
now owned by Amos B., which the latter bought in 1868. Thomas
Headley is retired from active labor and lives in Bristol
borough. Amos B. was the third in a family of four children. He
was reared on the farm, attending the public schools at the same
time, and also attended college at Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Early in
life he worked with his father in the mill, and his first
business was that of a merchant miller, combined with that of a
saw-mill, which occupied him from 1865 to 1880, since which time
he has been engaged in farming. He owns a neat and substantial
residence in Tullytown, where he resides. He was married
December 10, 1868, to Miss Emma T., daughter of Isaac and Sarah
Ann (Hendrickson) Ivins. Her parents were of English origin, and
now reside in Bristol borough, her father having retired from
business. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Headley has been blessed
with two children, Irene and Edith. They attend the Friends’
meeting. In politics Mr. Headly is a republican. He once served
as jury commissioner of Bucks county.
JESSE S. HESTON, a native of Upper Makefield, Bucks county,
was a merchant for many years at Newtown, and also largely
engaged in the development of coal lands in Pennsylvania. In
1866 he removed to Bristol, where he died April 16, 1879, aged
80 years, and was regretted by all who knew him. He was a friend
of the poor, a rare business man, and possessed of fine mental
abilities. His wife, Martha (Thomas) Heston, who was a native of
Philadelphia, is still living, at an advanced age. Their family
consisted of three children: George T., who is a prominent
physician at Newtown; William Ellwood, and Joseph T., who were
engaged in business with their father, and are now residing with
their mother at Bristol. They are all republicans politically.
ANDREW J. HIBBS, retired merchant, P.O. Bristol, was born at
Newportville, Bucks county, June 1, 1829, and is a son of Mahlon
and Margaret (Brodnax) Hibbs, the latter a daughter of Robert
Brodnax. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of
Pennsylvania. Mahlon Hibbs was a mason in early life, but
abandoned it, and kept a hotel at Newportville for twenty years.
He subsequently moved to Bristol, and was toll-keeper on the
canal until he retired, a few years before his death, which
occurred in 1876, when he was 79 years old. His wife died in
1854. She was a member of the Episcopal church. They had nine
children: John G. (deceased); Robert B., a farmer in Bristol
township; Angeline, a widow; A.J. and Julia, twins, the latter a
widow residing in Philadelphia; William Henry, residing in
Bristol; Mary E., who married Wm. B. Wright, and resides in
Doylestown; and two children who died in infancy. Andrew J.
Hibbs was reared in Bucks county, receiving a common school
education, and early in life clerked in a store. In 1850 he
embarked in the mercantile business in Bristol, and was actively
engaged in business for twenty-seven years, when he retired.
July 8, 1852, he was married in Philadelphia to Christine G.,
daughter of Elijah Thorp, of Bucks county. Mr. Hibbs is a
democrat, and has often been a delegate to county and state
conventions. He was a delegate to the Chicago convention that
nominated Cleveland for president in 1884.
ROBERT B. HIBBS, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
township, January 20, 1820, and is a son of Mahlon and Margaret
(Brodnax) Hibbs, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English origin.
His father was a mason by trade, his family consisting of five
children. Robert B. is the second, and was reared on the farm,
attending the common schools at Hulmeville in Bucks county. He
chose farming as the business of his life, in which he has met
with success. His financial success is due to his industry,
economy, and determination to succeed. He is the owner of a
well-improved farm of 145 acres. He was married in 1844 to Sarah
B. Hutchinson. Their children are: Charles Willis, who is
married, and engaged in farming; and Evaline W., wife of William
Milner, also a farmer. Mrs. Hibbs is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
CHARLES T. IREDELL, cashier of the Farmers’ National Bank of
Bucks county, was born in Montgomery county, Pa., September 11,
1805. He was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Thomas) Iredell, both
of whom were natives of this state. The Iredells came from
England about 1700, and the Thomas family, who were of Welsh
extraction, were among the early settlers of the state. His
parents moved to Philadelphia during his early boyhood, where
his father was a merchant, and where he received his education.
He worked in a drug-store till 1827, when he entered the bank at
Bristol, in which institution he was employed for over
fifty-five years.
His strict integrity, clear business insight, and energy were
known and fully appreciated by the many who came into business
relations with him. He was actively engaged in the duties of the
bank until within six weeks of his death, which occurred June
16, 1882. The officers of the bank unanimously passed
resolutions expressive of their high appreciation of his
services; of their sorrow at his decease; and of sympathy for
his bereaved family. He left his widow and family in comfortable
circumstances. They occupy the fine home in Bristol, adjoining
which they have seventy-seven acres of very valuable land. Mr.
Iredell was an elder and treasurer of the Bristol meeting of the
Society of Friends, to which society his ancestors, on both
sides, for many generations, belonged. He was also treasurer of
several building associations. He was married October 8, 1829,
to Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Howell) Newbold, who
was a native of Delaware. Their children are: Hannah A., Louisa,
Samuel N., Abbie N., Mary H., Charles, Susan T., Bessie N.,
living, and Joseph and Rachel, deceased. All are members of the
Society of Friends, and all highly respected. Three are married,
and the others live with their mother.
WILLIAM E. JEFFRIES, merchant, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Philadelphia July 9, 1820. His parents, Robert and Isabella
(Edgar) Jeffries, were of English origin and were born in
Pennsylvania. Robert Jeffries was a seafaring man. He had three
sons and two daughters. William E., the oldest son, received his
education in the public schools of Philadelphia and learned the
ropemaker’s trade, which he followed for over twenty-five years.
He came to Bristol in 1848 and engaged in manufacturing until
the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he enlisted under the
gallant Colonel Baker. He was afterward transferred to the 69th
regiment. Soon after the battle of Petersburg he was promoted
sergeant. In 1866 he was married in Philadelphia to Phebe
Haines, who was born in Germany. They have four children:
Andrew, Anna, John, and Edward. Mr. Jeffries embarked in his
present business in 1883. He is a member of the republican
party.
B.S. JOHNSON, merchant, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
July 12, 1862, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Lyle)
Johnson, natives of Ireland. B.S. is the sixth in a family of
seven children. He was reared in Bristol, where he received his
education. He first was clerk in a store, and subsequently
entered the employment of the Pennsylvania railroad as a
brakeman. He was also baggage-master and served two years as
conductor on a Pullman car. In 1883 he and his elder brother,
John L., established the present business, the firm name being
John L. & B.S. Johnson. They deal in ready-made clothing. The
firm have the confidence of their customers, and their business
and stock are constantly increasing. Mr. Johnson is prudent and
industrious, and has made his own way in the world. The present
business is a successful one. He is a democrat politically.
JAMES F. KING, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
township February 20, 1853, and is a son of James C. and
Elizabeth (Headley) King of English origin. His maternal
ancestors were among the early settlers of Bucks county. James
C. King came from England when a boy. Our subject’s
great-grandfather, Joshua Wright, was taken prisoner in Bristol
by the British during the revolutionary war. The family have
usually been tillers of the soil. James C. King, father of James
F., was a school-teacher in early life, but later on followed
farming. His family consisted of nine children, seven of whom
are now living. James F. is the youngest and was reared on a
farm in Bristol township, where he also attended school. He
wisely chose the occupation of farming, being also engaged in
the milk business, to which he has devoted considerable time. He
is now the owner of a well-improved farm, where he resides. He
was united in marriage in 1878 to Sarah Woodman, daughter of
Benjamin and Ellen (Ewer) Woodman, natives of this county. Her
parents were of English and Welsh origin. This union has been
blessed with three children: Florence, Frank, and Mary. In
politics Mr. King is a republican.
S.H. KING, farmer, dairyman, and stock-grower, P.O.
Tullytown, was born in Bristol township, Bucks county, August
23, 1842, and is a son of James C. and Elizabeth A. (Headley)
King, natives of Bristol township and of English origin. His
father was a teacher in early life, and later a farmer. His
family consisted of nine children, of whom S.H. was the oldest
son. He was reared on the farm, and attended school at
Millersville. He chose farming as a business, and at present is
the owner of the farm where he resides, near Tullytown. It
consists of 110 acres of well-improved land. He was married in
1867 to Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Jonathan Milnor. She was born
in Bristol borough, and is of English and German origin. Their
children are: William, Milnor, Wesley, Kate, and John. Mr. and
Mrs. King are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In
politics he is a republican, and has been school-director in his
township.
WILLIAM KINSEY, retired, P.O. Bristol, is a descendant of one
of the earliest settlers of this state. The family was early
divided into two branches; one engaged in iron-working and the
other as workers in leather. Of the former branch were the
ancestors of our subject, and several of them were in the
revolutionary war. The first to settle in Bristol was Samuel,
the son Of a cotton manufacturer of Birmingham, England, who
came here in 1728. He was a farmer. His son was the
great-grandfather of our subject, and was born in 1755. All of
the family since then have been born here. William was born in
November, 1804. His early education was limited, but he has been
a constant reader. He worked in the cotton mill for a short
time, but early in life learned the trade of a blacksmith, which
he followed until 1850. Afterward he engaged in iron
manufacturing for several years, subsequently dealing in real
estate, acting as auctioneer, etc. In 1829 he was married to
Mary, daughter of Richard Gastine, whose family have been
residents of Bucks county for three generations. Their children
were: Mary Anna, Caroline, Elizabeth, Margaret, Fanny and
Samuel, deceased, who was a graduate of West Point. Mr. Kinsey
has held many public positions. In 1829 he was elected high
constable, serving six years; in 1836 chief burgess, holding the
position for seven years; and in 1837 school director, serving
twenty-four years. In 1842 he was appointed assignee in
bankruptcy for the county, and in March, 1845, was appointed
postmaster, filling that office for four years. In 1850 he was
elected justice of the peace for five years. As assignee,
executor, and administrator he has settled about fifty estates.
In 1862 he was elected to the state senate for a term of three
years, and proved himself an able speaker on the floor, besides
serving on the committees of education, agriculture, domestic
manufacture, etc. On the call for troops to defend the state
invasion, he assisted in raising a company and went into the
service, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of his
term. He is a frequent contributor to the newspapers and to
local history. He is the oldest Freemason in Bristol, and in
politics is a democrat.
JESSE W. KNIGHT, retired miller, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Philadelphia September 15, 1823, and is a son of Jonathan and
Elizabeth (Wilson) Knight, who were natives of this state, of
Welsh and English descent. His father, who was a farmer, was in
1832 elected a member of the legislature from Philadelphia
county for two years, afterwards made associate judge, and
subsequently was justice of the peace. He died in Philadelphia
in 1860, his wife dying in 1856. They had ten children, of whom
six are living. The oldest son is a prominent farmer near
Doylestown, and has been treasurer of Bucks county. Our subject
was educated at the academy in Philadelphia, learned the trade
of a miller in New Hope, Bucks county, and in 1837 came to
Bristol, and in 1841 accepted the position of superintendent of
the large mill of John Dorrance. He held this position seven
years, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Dorrance,
continuing for ten years. He was elected to the state
legislature in 1860, and was again elected in 1870 to the state
senate for three years. He has also been director of the poor
and a member of the town council of Bristol. He has settled
several estates to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Knight
has been twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Adair,
who died in 1868. They had two children: John D., who is now a
manufacturer and dealer in carpets in Philadelphia; and Frank,
who is a travelling salesman for David Landreth & Son, seed men.
In 1871 Mr. Knight was married to his second wife, who is Sally,
daughter of William Fenton, a sea-captain. Mr. Knight is a
member of the Society of Friends, a Royal Arch Mason, and a
member of the Knights of Pythias. His wife belongs to the
Episcopal church.
JOHN H. LA RUE, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Newportville, Bucks county, March 13, 1846, and is a son of
George and Christiana (Headly) La Rue. His parents were born in
Bucks county, and were of French and English origin. Our
subject’s grandfather, Moses La Rue, was a wheelwright and
settled in Newportville, in Bristol township, where he carried
on his trade. He was justice of the peace for many years and
served one term as county treasurer of Bucks county. The father
of John H. worked with his father at the wheelwright’s trade for
a time and succeeded him in the business, but preferred farming
and made that his business. He met with success and is now
living a retired life in Bristol. His family consisted of two
children, John H. and Mary E. John H. is now living on the home
farm, and makes farming his business. He received a good English
education at Attleboro and Mount Holly Institute. He is now
serving as one of the auditors of Bucks county.
WILLIAM LARZALERE, farmer and stock-grower, P.O. Bristol, was
born in Bristol township, January 24, 1809, and is a son of
Benjamin and Sarah (Brown) Larzalere, natives of Bucks county.
His grandfather, Nicholas Larzalere, was one of the first
settlers of this county. The family are descendants of French
Huguenots. Benjamin Larzalere was a farmer, and had a family of
nine children, of whom William was the youngest. He attended the
subscription school in Bucks county, and learned the mason’s
trade, which he followed until he got a start in the world, when
he went to farming and has since followed that with success. He
is the owner of a well-improved farm, where he now resides. He
was married January 22, 1852, to Anna, daughter of Thomas
Antrim. She is of English and Irish origin. Their children are:
Benjamin, a farmer; Sallie, the wife of John Tomlinson; and
Frederick. Mrs. Larzalere died in 1885. She was a member of the
Episcopal church. Mr. Larzalere is a republican, and has served
as school-director. His success in life is largely due to his
own exertions.
JOSEPH J. LOVETT, farmer, P.O. Emihie, was born July 7, 1836,
in the house where he now resides, on the farm in Bristol
township. This farm has been in the possession of the family for
over two hundred years. The pioneer of the family came over with
William Penn in 1682, and Joseph J. is of the sixth generation
in descent from this ancestor in Bucks county. He holds the
original deed from William Penn. The family were Quakers and
usually followed farming. They were of English origin and
settled first in Falls township. Our subject’s maternal
ancestors were descendants of the Holland Dutch, and also early
settlers of Bucks county. Joseph J. was reared here, attending
school in Bristol township, and has made farming the business of
his life. He was married November 13, 1879, to Fannie, daughter
of Joseph and Margaret Ann (Taylor) Janney. Her parents were of
Holland and English origin. Mr. and Mrs. Lovett are members of
the Society of Friends. In politics he is a republican.
Financially he has been successful.
JACOB MCBRIEN, bottler and harness-maker, P.O. Bristol, son
of James and Ann (McBrien) McBrien, was born in Ireland,
November 12, 1819. His father was a shoemaker and died in
Ireland. His mother married again, came with her family to
America, and settled in Bristol in 1829. Jacob attended the
public schools and early in life was apprenticed to learn the
harness-maker’s trade. Business being dull, he worked by the day
and week until 1842. In that year he embarked in the harness
business in Bristol, and has been doing a lucrative business
ever since. He also carries on the bottling business
successfully. In 1844 he married Mary, daughter of William and
Hester (Cleff) Sanderson, both of English origin. Their children
are: Sarah, Anna Mary, Jacob, Jr., and Robert. Mr. McBrien is a
member of the Masonic order, has been a member of town council
and jury commissioner. He is a member of Hopkins Lodge, No. 87,
I.O.O.F., and of the twelve charter members he is the only
survivor, During the forty-four years he has been connected with
the order he has never drawn a sick benefit.
CHARLES MCCORKLE, blacksmith, P.O. Newportville, a native of
New York City, was born March 13, 1841, and is a son of Nathan
and Catherine (Dodge) McCorkle. His father was born in Bucks
county, and his mother in the state of New York. His father was
a merchant tailor. His family consisted of seven children, six
of whom grew to maturity. Charles was the third child. His
parents came to Bucks county in 1844, and settled in Newtown,
where Charles received his education, and learned the
blacksmith’s trade. He first worked at his trade at Hulmeville.
He was married in 1867 to Margaretta A., daughter of Randall and
Mary (Smith) Curl, natives of Bucks county and of English
descent. Their children are: Forest, Mary J., and William K. Mr.
and Mrs. McCorkle are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He has been Sabbath school superintendent for eighteen years. In
politics he is a republican, and is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and also is a member
of the Grand Army Republic. He enlisted in 1861, under Captain
Durell, in the battery that was raised with Colonel Davis’s
regiment. He was in thirteen battles, among which were Antietam,
Vicksburg, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Chancellorsville, and
Bull Run. He had many narrow escapes, but was never wounded,
being covered by dirt torn up by shells.
JOHN MCGINLEY, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born in Ireland,
August 16, 1828, and is a son of Barney and Barbranna (Colay)
McGinley, natives of Ireland. His father was a farmer all his
life in Ireland. John was the third in a family of seven
children. He attended school both here and in Ireland, having
come to America with an uncle, when but 14 years of age. He
first obtained work as a drayman in New York City, and
subsequently came to Bristol, where he has resided for over
forty years. When he came here he was a poor boy, and worked on
the river for a time, and then kept a livery-stable. He
afterward dealt in real estate, and since 1882 has resided on
one of his farms in Bristol township. He is the owner of four
farms, and nine houses and lots in Bristol, and lately sold one
house and lot for $9,750. Mr. McGinley has made his own way in
the world, and at present is worth about $100,000. In 1854 he
married Miss Bridget Hewes, daughter of Frank Hewes. She was
also born in Ireland. They have had five children: John, a
merchant in Bristol; Michael, Mary Ann, James (deceased), and
Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. McGinley are members of the Catholic
church. In politics he is a republican.
JAMES E. MAGILL, farmer, P.O. Newportville, was born in
Solebury township, April 24, 1844, and is a son of Henry and
Ruth (Reece) Magill, natives of Bucks county. Both his paternal
and maternal ancestors were early settlers of Pennsylvania, and
of English origin. Our subject’s father is a farmer, and now
resides in Solebury township. His family consists of ten
children, of whom James E. is the oldest. He was reared on a
farm, attending the district school, and has made farming his
business. He was married in 1855 to Sally, daughter of John and
Sarah Ann (Bachman) Jones, and is of English descent. Their
children are: Jesse, John, Frank, and Herbert, the last
deceased. Mr. Magill is a republican in politics. He has been
justice of the peace, supervisor, collector and treasurer of
Bristol township. He enlisted in 1862 in company C, 128th
Pennsylvania infantry, and held a non-commissioned office.
Squire Magill has many friends in Bristol township.
R.J. MILLER, farmer, P.O. Emilie, was born in Philadelphia,
November 29, 1851, and is a son of William and Susanna
(Shuttlewood) Miller, natives of England. His father was a
cabinet-maker by trade, but later followed farming for many
years. His family consisted of four children, two of whom are
still living. R.J. was the youngest of the family, and was
reared in Bucks county, where he received his education. He also
attended Andalusia college for a time. He chose farming as his
occupation, in which vocation he has been successful, and is now
one of the leading farmers in Bristol township. In 1882 he
married Kate, daughter of Robert Banford, who is of English
descent. They have two children: William R. and Vernon B.
(twins); In politics Mr. Miller is a democrat.
RICHARD H. MORRIS, right-of-way agent for the Pennsylvania
railroad company, P.O. Bristol, is one of the Morris family
whose ancestors came from Wales in 1683, as detailed in the
history of the Morris family in Falls township. His father was
Richard Morris, a native of Saratoga county, N.Y., who died in
Bristol in 1849, aged 54. His mother was Maria Dorrance, a
native of Windham county, Conn., who died in 1885, in her 80th
year. Richard Morris came to Philadelphia prior to 1830, and in
company with David Dorrance built part of the Delaware division
of the Pennsylvania canal; part of the Philadelphia and Trenton
railroad, and also the Delaware breakwater. Richard H. was his
only child, and was born in Philadelphia, January 19, 1840. In
1842 the family removed to Bristol, and when of suitable age
young Richard attended the well-known Tennent school, which was
built on the site of the old log college founded by Rev. William
Tennent, near Hartsville, this county. In 1856 Mr. Morris
engaged in mercantile business in New York City, but on the
outbreak of the rebellion at once gave up his business,
enlisting in April, 1861, as a private in company C, 9th
regiment, N.Y.V., the well-known "Hawkins" Zouaves. By
successive promotions he was placed in command of company K, and
also of a battery. He also did some naval service. He remained
in the service until June, 1863, when he returned to New York,
engaging again in business there, and also in Philadelphia, and
becoming a partner in the firm of Isaac Hough &, Morris, in the
West India trade, in connection with which he travelled
extensively. In 1875 he abandoned the West India trade and
engaged in railroad business, becoming connected in 1882 with
the Pennsylvania railroad. He is married to Alice L., daughter
of Professor Lardner Van Uxem, state geologist of New York. They
have five sons: Richard, now at Lehigh University; Lardner V.;
Archibald D.; Armand V.; and Sidney. Mr. Morris is a member of
the Loyal Legion of the United States, composed exclusively of
commissioned officers of the army or navy who have absolutely
clear records. He also organized H. Clay Beatty Post, G.A.R., of
Bristol, and was its first commander.
JAMES. PATTERSON, farmer and veterinary surgeon, P.O.
Newportville, was born in Bucks county June 19, 1843, being a
son of Jesse and Huldah (Morgan) Patterson, natives of Bucks
county. They were members of the Society of Friends and of
English origin. Jesse Patterson was a farmer. His family
consisted of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity,
James being the fourth child. James Patterson remained with his
parents until he was 12 years old, after which he worked out and
attended school. In 1864 he enlisted in the 5th Pennsylvania
cavalry in company H, serving one year. He was severely wounded
by a sharp-shooter. The ball passed through his right arm and
also through his body, lodging in a book which he had in his
coat pocket. The doctor has the ball and the book, which he
prizes highly as a relic of the late war, although it came near
costing him his life, the ball coming within an inch of his
heart. He was wounded at Five Forks or Gravely Run, and was
discharged at Washington, D.C., in 1865. After returning home he
farmed for five years, then commenced the study of medicine and
veterinary surgery at the New Jersey Veterinary school, where he
graduated in 1878, and commenced the practice of his profession
in Newportville. In 1881 he bought the farm where he now resides
and has his office, and has at present an extensive practice. He
was married in 1867 to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles R. and
Maria (Vanzant) Wright, natives of Bucks county. Mrs.
Patterson’s paternal grandparents were Joshua and Beersheba
(Rue) Wright, who were of English origin. Her grandfather was a
farmer in this county, and had a family of eleven children, of
whom Charles Rhodes Wright, her father, was the second. He was a
farmer by occupation and, his health failing, he retired from
the active duties of life and removed to Bristol, where he died
in 1885. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson has been blessed
with four children: Lillie B., May W., Charles R., and Alice T.
The doctor is a republican. He is a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic, and an Odd Fellow, and has been school-director
and chairman of the Republican committee of Bristol township.
SYMINGTON PHILLIPS, revenue collector, P.O. Bristol, was born
in New York City, April 12, 1819, and is a son of William W. and
Frances (Symington) Phillips. His father, of Dutch extraction,
was a native of New York, and his mother, who was a native of
Canada, was of English descent. His father was pastor of the
First Presbyterian church of New York City for over forty years.
He had twelve children, of whom ten lived to maturity. Our
subject received his education at the University of New York, in
which city his business career began, coming to Bristol at the
age of 23, where he has since resided. For several years after
coming to Pennsylvania he carried on the twine manufactory at
New Hope, in this county, and still owns the property. He is now
deputy United States revenue collector in Bristol. In 1841 he
was married to Margaret, daughter of John Phillips, M.D., of
Bristol. Their children are: Frances, wife of George Hamilton, a
dry-goods merchant, of New York City; Meta, wife of B. Landreth,
of Bristol, one of the proprietors of the great seed farm; Anna
J., Sarah C., and Edward S., who is superintendent of the Wilson
Ocean Steamship Line in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are
members of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been
trustee. He has often served in the town council, has been
president of the board, chief burgess, and in 1872 was the
choice of his party for congress, but was defeated. In 1879 he
was elected to the legislature, and again in 1882 and 1885.
WILLIAM C. PEIRCE, of the firm of Sherman & Peirce, sash,
doors, blinds, berry box manufacturers, also lumber yard, P.O.
Bristol, was born at that place August 21, 1846, and is a son of
Charles W. and Mary (Smith) Peirce; the former was the first
representative of his family in Bristol, and the latter was a
native of Harford county, Md. William C. was reared in
Philadelphia and was educated at the Friends’ Central High
school and private schools of that city. He began his business
career as a member of the Philadelphia board of brokers, which
relation is still sustained. He conducted a brokerage business
on Third street in that city for fifteen years. In 1884 he
became a member of the firm of Sherman & Peirce and assumed
entire charge of the book and sales department. The business of
the firm has more than doubled since his connection with it.
WILSON RANDALL, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, P.O.
Bristol, was born in Newportville, Bucks county, September 5,
1833. His parents, Eben and Rachel (Vanzant) Randall, were
natives of this county and of German descent. His father was a
shoemaker and farmer. He was reared on the farm, received a
common school education, and learned the wagon-maker’s trade,
which he has followed ever since, most of the time in business
for himself. He was in Newportville two years, and afterward
eight years with his brother in Newtown, under the firm name of
Wilson & J.V. Randall. The latter still owns and carries on the
business at Newtown. Wilson Randall came to Bristol in 1872 and
established his present business. He was married to Rachel C.,
daughter of’ Thomas Harding. Four children have been born to
them: Clara, wife of C.F. Brodnax; Clarence and J.M., in
business with their father; and Rachel. Mr. Randall is a
republican and has served as school-director of the borough.
CALEB P. ROBERTS, farmer, P.O. Newportville, was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., tenth month, 1818, and is a son of Evan and
Rhoda S. (Pancoast) Roberts. His mother was born in New Jersey,
and his father in Philadelphia. They were of English and Welsh
origin. His father was a farmer all his life and died in 1862.
His family consisted of six children, Caleb P. being the oldest.
He was reared on the farm, attended the school at Fallsington,
and has made farming his business. He has been successful in
life and is now the owner of a farm of 76 acres of land, on
which he resides. He was married in 1872 to Margaret G.,
daughter of Alan and Susanna (Berkheimer) Shoemaker. Her parents
were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English origin.
At the time of her marriage to Caleb P. Roberts she was the
widow of Oliver Wilson, by whom she had two children, Alan and
Mary T. The marriage of Caleb P. and Margaret J. Roberts has
been blessed with one child, Evan. The family are all members of
the Society of Friends. Caleb P. Roberts is a republican
politically.
S.S. RUE, undertaker, P.O. Bristol, was born in Newportville,
May 10, 1828, and is a son of Lewis and Ann (Stackhouse) Rue,
natives of Bucks county and of English and French origin. His
mother was a member of the Society of Friends. His father was a
harness-maker and trimmer by occupation. His family consisted of
four sons and two daughters, all now living and in prosperous
circumstances. Mr. Rue was reared in this county, attending the
school at Newportville. He learned the carpenter’s and
cabinet-maker’s trade, serving five years’ apprenticeship. In
1850 he came to Bristol and embarked in business with David
Swain, and after the death of the latter continued the business
himself. In 1852 he was married in Bristol to Elizabeth,
daughter of John Martin. She is of Irish and English origin.
Their children are: Harvey S., now married and living in
Bristol, who was born in 1855, and is now in business with his
father; Sarah Ann, wife of Lewis Hall; and Eva, the wife of
William Downing. Mrs. Rue died in 1881. Mr. Rue is a member of
the Presbyterian church. He is a republican and served six years
as a member of the town council of Bristol. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and
the Red Men.
ANDREW SCHAFFER, farmer, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
township, December 3, 1827, and is a son of John and Anna
(Silba) Schaffer. They were natives of Germany and settled in
Bucks county when they first came to America. His father was a
cooper and also engaged in farming. Andrew Schaffer is the sixth
in a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. He
received his education in the common schools, and when but eight
years of age hired out by the year to work. By economy and
industry he managed to get a start in the world. At the present
time he is the owner of the well-known farm adjoining the
corporation of Bristol, known as the Fairview farm. The house is
over 100 years old, and is yet a very substantial structure. He
was married in 1849 to Catharine, daughter of William and
Susannah (Miller) Williams, natives of Monroe county, Pa., and
of German and Welsh descent. They have had eight children, six
now living: Michael, Susan, wife of James Warden, a merchant in
Bristol; Mary, Elizabeth, Priscilla, William, and Anna. Mr.
Schaffer is a republican and has been a school-director nine
years.
CHARLES E. SCHEIDE, manufacturer of hoop, band and bar iron,
P.O. Bristol, was born in the city of Philadelphia, April 18,
1842. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Morgan) Scheide, the
former of German and the latter of English descent. Most of the
father’s life was spent in Philadelphia, and he had six
children. Our subject was the oldest of these children, and was
reared in Philadelphia, graduating in the high school of that
city at the age of sixteen years. He was engaged for a time in
journalistic work, on the Philadelphia "Press," and other
journals, and subsequently in mercantile pursuits, and was thus
employed when he enlisted in the 15th regiment of cavalry as a
private in 1862. He served three years, was in several severe
battles, including Stone river, and was captain of the company
when it was discharged. He was in Warren county, this state,
five years, engaged in banking and oil producing. He came to
Bristol in 1876, the firm of which he was a member (Neregold,
Scheide & Co.) having built the Bristol rolling mill the year
previously. Upon the withdrawal of Mr. Neregold in 1886; the
"Bristol Rolling Mill Company" was organized, and incorporated
December 1, 1886, with Mr. Scheide as president. During the
short period of his incumbency the facilities of the mill have
been enlarged one-half, the lease of a blast furnace at Hamburg,
Berks county, successfully negotiated, and other advantageous
conditions rendered operative.
JOSEPH SHERMAN, senior member of the firm of Sherman &
Peirce, manufacturers of sash, doors, etc., P.O. Bristol, was
born at Spring Lake, N.J., in 1855, and is a son of Benjamin
Sherman, who was also a native of that state. His educational
opportunities were limited, but he early developed rare
mechanical ability. The vicinity of his birthplace is noted as a
great fruit-producing region, and the crude methods of marketing
its products revealed to the practical mind of Mr. Sherman a
wide field for the exercise of his inventive genius. A process
for the manufacture of boxes from wooden slats was at length
perfected, and in 1875 their manufacture on a large scale was
begun at Bristol. Mr. Sherman was sole proprietor of this
enterprise until 1884, when the present firm was established.
The business has been extended in various directions, and ranks
among the most stable industrial features of the town.
JOHN SHERWOOD, deceased, was born in Scotland, June 29, 1806,
and was a son of Thomas and Catherine (Bixby) Sherwood, natives
of Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was a manufacturer in that
country, and reared a family of five children, of whom John was
the oldest. He was reared in Scotland, receiving a good
education, and also studied medicine two years at the University
of Pennsylvania. He devoted some time to the study of botany and
commenced the florist business in Philadelphia. He owned a
handsome place in Laurel Hill, where he was engaged in this
business for several years. He bought a place in Bristol
township in 1856, and lived there until his death in 1883. He
was engaged for over fifty years in the propagation and
introduction into this country of new and rare plants, and was
widely known both here and abroad as an authority in all matters
pertaining to floriculture. In 1840 he married Annabella,
daughter of Joel Shuttlewood, by whom he had three children,
only one of whom, Joel W. Sherwood, of Brooklyn, is now living.
This wife died in 1847, and lie subsequently married Isabella,
daughter of Robert M. and Catharine (Munson) Hartley. Her
ancestors were of English origin and eminent people, her father
being well known as one of the philanthropists of New York City.
His widow and two children still survive him, Robert H., who
married in 1875 the daughter of the late Hon. G.W. Palmer, of
Luzerne county, and Katherine J., wife of Henry H. Jones, of
Philadelphia.
REV. EDWARD P. SHIELDS, D.D., pastor of the First
Presbyterian church, of Bristol, was born at New Albany, Ind.,
August 31, 1833. His grandfather, Patrick Shields, emigrated
from the north of Ireland to the colony of Virginia and settled
on the Rappahannock. Here he married Mary Nance, a lady of
Huguenot descent, and here, in August, 1801, Henry Burnett, the
father of Edward P., was born. Not long afterward the family
removed to Kentucky, and after a short residence crossed the
Ohio river into what is now the state of Indiana. Here Mr.
Shields was an active citizen. He held various places of public
trust, and was a member of the convention which framed the first
constitution of Indiana. Edward P. is the son of Henry B. and
Joanna (Day) Shields, the latter a native of Morristown, N.J. On
April 19, 1858, he married Sarah Scovel, and they are the
parents of six children: Clara (MacConnell), Henry B., Hannah
S., Edmund S., William H., and Lillian M. He was educated at
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and graduated from that
institution in June, 1854. He attended the Presbyterian
theological seminaries at New Albany, Indiana, and Princeton,
New Jersey, graduating from the latter in 1858. On June 2d of
that year he was ordained by the Presbytery of West Jersey, and
at once entered upon his first pastorate at Pittsgrove, N.J.,
remaining there until 1870, when he removed to Cape May, his
second pastorate, which also continued thirteen years. On March
1, 1884, Mr. Shields became pastor at Bristol and this relation
still exists. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by his
alma mater at the annual commencement, in June, 1887.
JACOB SIMONS, deceased, was born in Philadelphia, September
20, 1821, and was a son of Jacob Simons and of German origin. He
received his education in Philadelphia, and engaged as a
salesman for a number of years. He also worked at gardening, and
in 1866 bought a farm adjoining the corporation of Bristol, and
embarked in the business of gardening, which he carried on until
his death, which occurred in 1884. He was noted for his honesty
and manly dealings. He was a successful gardener and had many
friends in Philadelphia and Bristol. In politics he was a
republican. He was married in 1854 to Mary, daughter of John and
Hannah (Adams) Young. Her parents were Germans. Their children
are: Jacob, who is a farmer, John, Henry, William, and Mary.
Since the death of their father, the boys have taken charge of
the farm and are doing well. The children are all at home.
JOHN R. STACKHOUSE, farmer and stock-grower, P.O. Bristol,
was born in Bristol township, September 15, 1820, and is a son
of John and Anna (Bowman) Stackhouse. The pioneers of the
Stackhouse family were Thomas Stackhouse and two nephews, John
and Thomas, who came over with William Penn in 1682. They
settled first at Langhorne, in this county. They bought land
from Penn and laid out contiguous farms. They were all members
of the Society of Friends, but some of their descendants have
become Baptists. The father of John R. was a soldier in the
revolution, and was at one time overseer of the poor of Bucks
county. He was the father of sixteen children, of whom John R.
was the youngest. He was reared on the farm, attended school in
Emilie, and chose farming as a business, in which he has met
with success. In 1853 he married Mary A., daughter of John and
Anna (Booz) Subers, who were of German descent. They had seven
children: Edward S., Joseph (deceased), Henry, John and William
(twins), Thomas, and Anna M. Mr. Stackhouse is a republican and
has held most of the township offices. He has served as
school-director, and has been justice of the peace since 1879.
He is past master of the Masonic fraternity.
WILLIAM M. STACKHOUSE, druggist and insurance agent, P.O.
Emilie, was born in Emilie, March 9, 1849, and is a son of Jesse
L. and Mary B. (Headley) Stackhouse, who were of English origin.
His father was a general insurance agent and also dealt in real
estate for many years. His family consisted of three children,
of whom William M. is the second. He was reared in Emilie,
attending the schools there and also attended Pennsylvania State
College, where lie graduated in 1869 with the degree of B.S. He
then commenced clerking in a drug-store and soon embarked in
business for himself. He very naturally took up the insurance
business, having been in his father’s office as an assistant,
and has been thus engaged since. His mother died in 1876, his
father following in 1879, and his brother J.H. in 1875. Mr.
Stackhouse was married in 1874 to Anna S. Headley, who is of
English and Irish descent. Their children are: Charles H. and
Jesse T. In politics Mr. Stackhouse is a democrat. He is
school-director in the township and is a Royal Arch Mason.
JOHN C. STUCKERT, attorney, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Warrington township, this county, and is a son of William
Stuckert, under whose name, in that township, is given the
history of the family. Our subject was born June 23, 1852, was
educated at the Doylestown Seminary, and graduated from
Lafayette College in 1875. He studied law in Doylestown, and
began practising at Bristol in 1877, where he has since
continued. In 1879 he was married to May H. Wright. They have
two children, Florence and Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Stuckert are
members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee. In
politics he is a democrat.
ANTHONY SWAIN, lawyer, P.O. Bristol, was born October 6,
1815, on the banks of the Neshaminy, opposite Newportville. His
father was Samuel Swain, and his great-grandfather Benjamin
Swain, who came from England about 1725, owned a tract of land
about three miles north of Bristol, on which he built a house of
bricks made on the land, as was the custom in early times. He
died there in 1793. He had one son, Abraham, who died before
him, leaving several children, of whom Samuel was one. Samuel
was married in 1810 to Martha, daughter of John and Letitia
Briggs, of Newtown township, this county, and some years after
purchased and improved the above Newportville farm now belonging
to the estate of William Elmslie, where he resided until 1833,
when he sold the farm and removed to Bristol. Anthony lived at
his father’s, mostly working on the farm, except in winter, when
he attended the neighboring schools. He also attended
boarding-schools in Bristol, Burlington, N.J., and Alexandria,
Va. He taught school in Bristol and other places until
September, 1837, when he commenced the study of law at
Doylestown, in the office of Hon. Thomas Ross, the father of
George Ross, Esq., the present state senator. He was admitted to
the bar in February, 1840, and began practice in Bristol, which
he has ever since continued, but since completing his 70th year
in 1885 he has withdrawn from active business. On the 26th of
October, 1843, he married Abby, daughter of Joseph Warner, of
Bristol, to whom he was devotedly attached. She departed this
life January 26, 1883. His principles always allied him firmly
to the republican party, and though he neither sought nor held
public office yet he discharged all duties of citizenship
cheerfully and conscientiously, aiding all movements for the
benefit of the community in which he lives. He has been
president of the Bristol Water company since its inception, also
president of the Bristol Gas company, and director of the
Farmers’ National bank for many years. He and his ancestors,
both paternal and maternal, nearly all of whom trace back to
settlers contemporary with William Penn, have been consistent
members of the Society of Friends and true followers of its
doctrines and discipline, and the Bristol meeting has seldom
contained a more valued member. He was identified with the
anti-slavery cause in his youth and has always been a friend to
the colored man. He has also been a warm advocate of the
temperance cause, and in all walks of life is regarded as one of
Bristol’s most respected citizens.
WILLIAM TABRAM, merchant, P.O. Bristol, was born in England
in October, 1819, and is a dealer in furniture, stoves and
hardware in Bristol borough. His father, J.C. Tabram, was an
auctioneer and a dealer in real estate in England, where his
whole life was spent. He had five children. Our subject was
reared and educated in England. In early life he was apprenticed
to a wholesale clothier in London and served seven years. He was
employed there till 1843, when he came to this country. He first
settled at West Troy, N.Y., and worked on the canal for three
years. In 1847 he came to Bristol and, with a few hundred
dollars’ capital, began his present business on a small scale.
From the start his business steadily increased and he now has
several thousand dollars invested. In 1847 he was married to
Emma E., daughter of John Glass. She was born in England. Their
children are: J. Cleff, a merchant; Elizabeth, John G., a
merchant, and Fannie H. Mr. Tabram is a member of the Society of
Friends, and in politics a republican. Mrs. Tabram died in 1878.
She was a member of the Baptist church.
HON. CALEB NEWBOLD TAYLOR, farmer, P.O. Bristol, Pa., is the
seventh child of Anthony Taylor, who in 1802 married Mary, the
tenth child of Caleb Newbold, of Springfield township,
Burlington county, N.J. He was born at Sunbury farm, on the
Neshaminy, in Bristol township, July 27, 1814, and is still
living in the same house after a lapse of seventy-three years.
He is a lineal descendant of Samuel Taylor, of the parish of
Dore, county of Derbyshire, England, who sailed from Bristol,
England, in the fly-boat Martha, in the year 1677, and landed
where Burlington, N.J., now stands. He was one of the
proprietors of West New Jersey and owned one thirty-second of
seven undivided nineteenth parts. In the spring of 1678 he
located his homestead farm in Chesterfield township, Burlington
county, N.J., not far from where the town of Bordentown now
stands. It contained about 1500 acres, and it is a remarkable
fact that of this land not an acre had passed out of the hands
of his lineal descendants for a period of more than two hundred
years. To his son Robert he left 500 acres of the tract now
known as Brookdale, and from him it came to his son Anthony, an
ardent patriot in the revolution, and the grandfather of Caleb
N. Anthony Taylor, the son of Anthony, and the father of Caleb,
was born at Brookdale farm in the year 1772, and was when quite
young placed with John Thompson, an extensive merchant of
Philadelphia, to be educated in business. On attaining his
majority he formed a partnership with his wife’s brother, Thomas
Newbold, and engaged very extensively in the East India trade,
under the firm style of Taylor & Newbold. In 1810 he retired
from business, and removed permanently to "Sunbury farm," which
he had previously purchased for a country seat. He took great
interest in agricultural pursuits, and at the time of his death
was the largest land-owner in the county of Bucks. Anthony
Taylor had eleven children: Robert, Anthony, Sarah, William,
Edward Lawrence, Michael, Caleb Newbold, Mary Ann, Thomas, Emma
L., and Franklin. The subject of this sketch, Caleb Newbold
Taylor, like his father and other ancestors, took great interest
in agriculture, and is now the owner of about 3000 acres of
improved farm lands in the county. He is a man of great force of
character, and acknowledged ability in business affairs, and has
also devoted much of his time to political life, and was for
many years the acknowledged leader of his party in this county.
His political life commenced at the early age of eighteen, when
in 1832 he was elected to represent the county of Bucks in the
whig convention at Harrisburg. After having repeatedly refused
to accept political office, he in 1848 consented to become the
nominee of his party for member of congress, the congressional
district being then composed of the counties of Lehigh and
Bucks, both of which were very largely democratic, and though he
was defeated by a small majority, he ran more than a thousand
votes ahead of the general ticket. In 1850 he was again the
candidate of the whig party, and was again defeated, though
still running very largely ahead of the general ticket. in 1852
he was again placed in nomination by the whig party, and was
again defeated. In 1866 he was the candidate of the republican
party for member of congress and was elected by a handsome
majority, Lehigh county not then being in the district, and in
1868 he was re-elected to serve a second term in congress. He
has represented Bucks county in nearly every national convention
since he became of age. He is president of the Farmers’ National
bank of Bucks county, at Bristol, of which his father, Anthony
Taylor, was president at the time of his death in 1837. Mr.
Taylor has left his impress on the business and politics of
Bucks county, and by his strict integrity and unswerving
devotion t all he considers right, and for the best interests of
the people, has won the confidence and esteem of all who know
him.
CAPT. ANTHONY TAYLOR, coal-dealer, P.O. Bristol, Pa., is a
descendant of the Taylor family whose ancestry is given, under
the name of Caleb N. Taylor. On his mother’s side he is a
descendant of John Jones, who was one of the great landholders
in the early days of the colony, having large possessions in
Philadelphia and in Bucks county, beside owning many slaves.
Anthony Taylor is a grandson of Anthony and Mary Taylor, his
father, Robert Taylor, M.D., being a brother of Caleb N. His
mother was Elizabeth Ash Jones, and was of the fourth generation
in descent from John Jones, named. Anthony Taylor was born in
Burlington county, N.J., Oct. 11, 1837, and at an early age went
to Philadelphia, where he was educated at the "Protestant
Episcopal Academy." He was placed with the firm of John Farnum &
Co. to learn business, and remained with them until he reached
his majority, it having been understood that he should do so
without compensation. Soon after the breaking out of the
rebellion, he was residing in Bristol township, Bucks county,
the home of his immediate ancestors, and in August, 1862,
enlisted as a private in the 15th Pennsylvania cavalry, a
regiment enlisted from various counties of the state, all of the
members of which were obliged to join as privates, and no
commissioned officers were appointed until after the
organization of the regiment, except the colonel,
lieutenant-colonel, and majors. Having passed through the
various grades of non-commissioned officer, he was in the spring
of 1863 commissioned as first lieutenant of company A, and took
charge of the company as a commissioned officer, having been
previously in command as a non-commissioned officer. The company
was assigned for courier duty at the headquarters of the army of
the Cumberland, Major-General William S. Rosecrans commanding,
and acted in that capacity during the campaign from Stone river,
which culminated in the battle of Chickamauga, where they did
duty carrying despatches on the field. He participated in all
the campaigns of the army of the Cumberland, and was present at
the battles of Antietam, Stone river, and Chickamauga, and many
other, engagements. In the spring of 1865, General William J.
Palmer, formerly commanding his regiment, placed him on his
staff as aid-de-camp, and he remained with him until the close
of the war, having been previously promoted to the rank of
captain for services in the field. In February, 1871, he was
married to Caroline Fletcher, daughter of Lawrence Johnson
(whose ancestors on her mother’s side, the Winders, were for
many generations of Bucks county), and by whom he has two
children, Mary Lawrence Taylor, and Elizabeth Elmslie Taylor.
Captain Taylor is a leading coal-dealer in Philadelphia, having
an office at No. 201 Walnut place, and is a high-minded and
honorable merchant.
JOHN J. WARD, clergyman, P.O. Bristol, is the pastor of the
Roman Catholic church in Bristol, of which faith were his
parents, John and Mary (Campbell) Ward, natives of Ireland, who
came to this country shortly after their marriage. Our subject
was the youngest but one of a family of eight, and was born
January 1, 1847. He was educated in church schools, and ordained
a priest April 3, 1871. His first appointment was as assistant
at St. Peter’s church, Reading, Pa. From there he was
transferred to Philadelphia, serving for eight years at various
churches, among others at the Cathedral, where he spent the
better part of two years. On the death of the Rev. P.A. Lynch,
of St. Mark’s church, Bristol, Father Ward was appointed his
successor by the late Archbishop Wood, assuming charge of the
parish May 3, 1879. His pastoral care at that time embraced
Bristol, and two outside missions, Newtown and Yardleyville,
each eleven miles distant. During the summer of 1880 these
missions were formed into a separate parish, with a resident
pastor at Newtown. His present congregation is growing rapidly
and now numbers about fifteen hundred souls. Father Ward is
regarded as a very energetic worker. Soon after his advent to
Bristol he took up the unfinished work of his laborious
predecessor, beautified the interior of the church, erected a
handsome and sweet-toned pipe organ at a cost of $1200, and made
many other much-needed improvements at a total expenditure of
about $5000. Scarcely, however, were these things accomplished
when an accidental fire destroyed most of the church interior.
Sustained by the sympathy of the entire Bristol community and
that of many outside friends, he again went to work with renewed
energy, and has now unquestionably the handsomest church in
Bucks county. It is finely finished, having large, commodious
pews, frescoed walls and ceiling, beautiful altars, and a first
class pipe-organ. Recognizing the great advantages of a parish
school, Father Ward in 1884 purchased a most admirable site for
this purpose on Radcliffe street, facing the river, on which the
school building and sisters’ convent are now being erected. The
building from present appearances will be an ornament to the
town; it is much admired by all who see it. Besides the devoted
attachment of his own congregation Father Ward rejoices in the
respect and esteem of the entire Bristol community.
JAMES WARDEN, merchant, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Philadelphia, January 12, 1848. His parents, William and Martha
(Linch) Warden, were natives of Ireland and of Scotch origin.
William Warden came to America when a young man, and is still
living at the advanced age of 73 years. He was for over forty
years superintendent of the great Landreth seed farm in Bristol
township. He had five children, three of whom are now living.
James, the third child, attended school in Bristol and learned
the carpenter’s trade, which he followed until 1875. In 1877 he
embarked in his present business, which he has successfully
continued ever since. He was married in 1877 to Susan W.,
daughter of Andrew Shaffer. She was born in Bristol. Their
children are: Kate and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Warden are members
of the Presbyterian church in Bristol, of which he has been
trustee. He is a republican, and has served as a member of the
town council. He is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias.
WILLIS P. WEAVER, physician, P.O. Bristol, was born in
Lockport, Niagara county, N.Y., August 2, 1853. He was the third
in a family of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity. His
parents were Darius S. and Miranda (Barnes) Weaver, the former a
native of New York, and the latter of Connecticut. Our subject
attended the Union academy in Lockport and business college in
New York. When 18 years old he began teaching and taught school
six winters. After deciding to adopt the profession of medicine,
he entered the Hahnemann medical college in Philadelphia, and
was graduated in 1883. The same year he opened an office in
Bristol, where he has a large and increasing practice. His
wife’s maiden name was Adelaide Comstock. She was born in
Niagara county, N.Y. Her father, Artemas Washington Comstock,
was a prominent citizen of Niagara county, and served in the New
York state assembly. Dr. Weaver has two children, Florence and
Mildred. He is a member of the Homoeopathic medical society and
secretary of the Hahnemann medical college alumni, class of
1883. In politics he is a republican. Both he and Mrs. Weaver
are members of the Presbyterian church.
CORNWELL WOOLSTON, farmer and stock-grower, P.O. Emilie, was
born on the farm on which he now resides February 15, 1855, and
is a son of William and Elizabeth S. (Minster) Woolston, natives
of Bucks county and of English origin. His father was a
successful farmer and died in 1877, leaving two children.
Cornwell was the oldest and was reared on the farm, attending
the common schools and the public school in Philadelphia. He is
a farmer and stock-grower and has been successful in these
vocations. He is the owner of the Prospect farm, consisting of
one hundred acres of land, which he is constantly improving. The
land was bought nearly one hundred years ago by his grandfather,
Benjamin Woolston, who obtained it at that early date for less
than $30 per acre. It is now worth $150 per acre. Mr. Woolston
raises a fine grade of sheep and also keeps good stock. In 1877
he married Rhoetta, daughter of Mahlon and Esther A. (Porter)
Harding. Her mother is a native of Maryland and her father of
Bucks county, and of English origin: Mr. and Mrs. Woolston have
four children: William Lawrence, Elizabeth J., Bertha, and
Stella R. Mr. Woolston is a republican and a member of A.Y.M.
J. WESLEY WRIGHT, merchant, P.O. Bristol, was born in Bristol
May 29, 1843, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Bloomsburg)
Wright, natives of Bucks county. His father was a merchant of
Bristol and had five sons, three now living. They are all
prosperous merchants in Bristol. J. Wesley is the oldest. He was
reared in Bristol, attending the public schools, and early in
life clerked in his father’s store. He was admitted to a
partnership with his father in 1865, and continued the business
for three years after which his father retired from it, and
since then he has conducted it alone. His father built the
present store building in 1857. In 1864 Mr. Wright married Lucy,
a daughter of Joseph Tomlinson, of Bristol. They have one child,
William S., who is studying law. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and
treasurer and a teacher of the Bible class in the Sabbath
school. During the late war he served in the Union army as an
emergency man. He served twenty-one years as a member of the
council of Bristol, and during that time served four years as
chief burgess. He is a republican and a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic.
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