History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 133

Author: Davis, W. W. H. (William Watts Hart), 1820-1910; Ely, Warren S. (Warren Smedley), b. 1855; Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : The Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1040

USA > Pennsylvania > Bucks County > History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III > Part 133

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HENRY HUNSBERGER SOUDER, proprietor of the Bush House, of Quaker- town, and one of the prominent and influ- ential residents of this part of the county, was born July 4, 1849, at Souderton, in Montgomery county, which place was named in honor of his family. His parents were Henry and Hanna Hansberger Souder. The family has been identified with this state from the earliest period of its de- velopment, an ancestor of our subject hav- ing been one of the Germantown colony that settled that place under the Penns. Christopher Souder, the grandfather of Henry H. Souder, was born March 24, 1777, in Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, and settled at what is now Souderton, Montgomery county, where he acquired a considerable tract of land, and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He was married June 8, 1803, to' Elizabeth Ober- holzer, who was born January 18, 1782, and their children were as follows: Joseph, born March 1, 1804; Maria, November 19, 1805; Henry, September 1, 1807; Catherine, November 15, 1809; Samuel, March 23, 1811; Anna, January 6, 1815; Christian and Johann, twins, July 3, 1817; Enos, April 8, 1819; and Elizabeth, January 20, 1824.

Henry Souder, son of Christopher Sou- der, was born September 1, 1807, at Sou- derton, Pennsylvania, and died August 28, 1897, at that place. His parents were farm- ing people and were among the early set- tlers of that locality, having taken up their abode' there before Montgomery county was organized. Henry Souder made the best use of his educational opportunities, but his advantages in that direction were limited. However, his experience and ob- servation in later years added largely to his knowledge and made him an enterprising and successful business man. Following his marriage he settled at Souderton, where he had previously learned the carpenter's trade and eventually became one of the most prosperous builders of his day in that Io- cality. Saving his money, he soon estab- lished a coal and lumber yard and became one of the principal business men in the northern part of Montgomery county. His political support was given to the Whig party, and later he endorsed the principles of the Republican party, but took little active interest in politics as an office seeker. He held membership in the old Mennonite church. He was married November 2, 1834, to Hannah Hunsberger, who was born October 11, 1814, and died at Souder- ton August 25, 1898. They were the pa- rents of nine children : William, born September 19, 1835; Edmund, April 27,

IS38; Elizabeth, January 30, 1841 ; Maria, November 7, 1845; Frederick, August 27, 1846; Henry, July 4, 1849; Catherine Ann, December 21, 1851; Ellis, August 11, 1858; and Milton, July 12, 1863. Four other chil- dren died in early life.

Henry H. Souder was the sixth in this family of thirteen children. In his early years he attended a private German school conducted by a Mr. Gehman, and was also a student in the public school of his dis- trict until his twentieth year. In the mean- time, during the periods of vacation, he found plenty to do, for his father did not believe in letting young people remain idle. He himself was a man of great en- ergy, and had large business interests, in- cluding a general store, a sawmill, and a coal and lumber yard. He likewise dealt in hay and grain, and his son Henry largely assisted him in these various lines of busi- ness activity. He remained at home in his father's employ until twenty-two years ot age when, desiring to enter upon an inde- pendent business career, he formed a con- nection with his sister's husband, Henry Hemsing, at Souderton, where they con- ducted a planing mill. Following his mar- riage he began his domestic life at Souder- ton, where he continued to engage in busi- ness, prospering in his milling enterprise. In 1876 he embarked in the coal trade, and in the meantime extended the field of his operations by becoming a general contractor and builder. His business in that line be- came very extensive in Montgomery and Bucks counties, and for a number of years he was recognized as one of the leading representatives of the commercial and in- dustrial life in this part of the state. Pub- lic affairs have also felt the stimulus of his efforts, and, while conducting his business interests, he likewise became actively con- nected with measures for the general wel- fare. He is a stalwart Republican and has done much for the welfare of his party, yet has never sought or desired the honors and emoluments of public office for himself. In the fall of 1884 he purchased the Bush House, the leading hotel in Quakertown, from William Bush, and took possession in the spring of 1885. He has since conducted this hostelry and has been as successful as a hotel proprietor as he was in his former business ventures at Souderton, He has made extensive improvements in the property by enlarging the house, making a stone addition, crowned by an observa- tion tower. He has also beautified the in- terior with appropriate decorations, and is regarded as one of the leading hotel men of this part of the state. He has also built Souder's Block, the principal business block of the town, likewise Citizens' Hall, which is the principal lodge hall and place of entertainment in Quakertown. He is largely interested in real estate holdings, and is one of the proprietors of Lulu Park and of the baseball grounds. He is a char- ter member and vice-president of the Mer- chants' National Bank. Mr. Souder be-

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

longs to the Masonic lodge of Quakertown, and he and his family are members of the old Blue Church ( Mennonite) of Rockhill township.

He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary Ruth, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Delp) Ruth. Her father was one of the settlers of Rockhill township, and a rep- resentative of one of the oldest families of Bucks county. The young couple began their domestic life at Souderton, where they. remained until establishing their home at Quakertown. Their children are as fol- lows: Preston Ruth, who married Lillian Hohein, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by whom he has two children: Muriel and Jennieve. They reside at Schuylkill Haven, in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, where Preston R. Souder is conducting the Grand Hotel. The younger members of the family are Lillian and Mabel Souder.

THE BURSON FAMILY. Bucks coun- ty cherishes with faithful affection the names of her founders and pioneers, and when, as sometimes occurs, their descend- ants have migrated from the ancestral home and amid other scenes and different surroundings have maintained and increased the traditional reputation of the race, the old county still follows their fortunes and rejoices in their success. Such has been the case with the Burson family, which traces its history through the following generations :

Joseph Burson (1) was born in London, England, and was a member of the So- ciety of Friends. In order to escape the persecution to which the followers of George Fox were then subjected, he emi- grated with his wife to Pennsylvania in 1681, and made his home in Bucks county, where he became a landowner. He was one of the founders of Quakertown and assisted in organizing the Richland Meeting.

Joseph Burson (2), son of Joseph (I), married Mary Potts, in honor of whose family Pottstown received its name, and they were the parents of the following children : I. Sarah; 2. Benjamin, men- tioned at length hereinafter; 3. James, who married Sarah Price, and was the father of seven children; Isaac, David, Josepn, Edward, James. Mary Ann and Sarah.

Benjamin Burson (3), son of Joseph (2). and Mary (Potts) Burson, was born in Bucks county. He married Sarah Dickey, and they were the parents of a son, James Burson (4), who married Jane Oilton. Their son Joseph Burson (5), married his second cousin. Margaret Burson, whose ancestry is traced as follows. Edward Bur- son, mentioned above as the fourth child of James and Sarah ( Price) Burson, was born in September. 1756, in Bucks county, and in 1778 married Elizabeth Blackledge. a member of an old Pennsylvania family, the genealogy of which is traced as fol- lows : William Blackledge was born in

Oxford. England, was a Friend in relig- ious belief, and with his wife emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1682. Ile settled in Bucks county, and was one of those instrumental in building up Quakertown. He and his wife were the parents of four children : Isaac, Thomas, William, and Elizabeth. Of these, Thomas married Margaret Wright, and they were the parents of seven children : Enoch, Levi, Isaac, Thomas, Elizabeth, Martha, and Margaret. Of this. number, Elizabeth, who was born Octo- ber 26, 1758, became the wife of Edward Burson, as mentioned above. Edward and Elizabeth (Blackledge) Burson went in

1778 to Greene county, Pennsylvania, where they made their future home. The following children were born to them: James, David, Levi, Joseph, Isaac, Abra- ham, Sarah, Thomas, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Dinah. Margaret, the eighth of these eleven children, became the wife of hier second cousin, Joseph Burson (5), as men- tioned above. Mr. Burson, the father of the family, died February 9, 1841, and his- wife on July 26, 1853. Like her husband, she was a native of Bucks county.

Joseph Burson (5) and Margaret (Bur- son) Burson, emigrated to Ohio, and in 1826 settled in Noble county. Their means were large and they were the owners of one of the most spacious and beautiful resi- dences in the state. This old home is sit- uated near Kennonsburg, and remains much the same as it was seventy-five years ago, being now occupied by Stephen and Minerva (Burson) Williams, daughter and son-in- law of the original owners. Mr. and Mrs. Burson were the parents of the following children: Edward, mentioned at length hereinafter, and James, twin sons; Thomas, Jane, Elizabeth, Minerva, mentioned above, and Margaret.

Edward Burson (6), son of Joseph (5) and Margaret (Burson) Burson, was born September 30, 1824, in Jefferson county, Ohio, and was a member of the Society of Friends. He married Patience Ann Mc- Burney, born in 1823. in Belmont county, Ohio, and their family consisted of five daughters : Isabel, Margaret, Rachel, Alary and Elizabeth. These children were early deprived of their mother's care, Mrs. Burson dying June 16, 1860, at the age of thirty-seven. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church. The death of Mr. Burson occurred June 12, 1900. He and his wife are both buried in the church- yard at Kennonsburg. Margaret, the sec- ond of their five daughters, was born Janu- ary 16, 1851, at Terre Haute, Indiana, and became the wife of John Sellers Braddock. John Sellers Braddock is a lineal descend- ant' of Raphael Braddock, of Maryland, who served in the French and Indian war under the command of his consin. Gen- eral Edward Braddock, and afterward in in the American Revolution. John Sellers Braddock was born December 13, 1844, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he received his education in the public schools. He is

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

engaged in the real estate business, and is the owner of one of the largest granite quarries in the United States. He takes an active part in public affairs, and has served two terms in the legislature of Ohio, one in the house of representatives and one in the senate. He was nominated for congress in the 17th-28th district of Ohio, but was defeated by a narrow margin. His po- litical principles are those upheld by the Democratic party. He is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Braddock married, March 4, 1869, in Fredericktown, Ohio, Margaret Burson, as mentioned above, Mrs. Braddock is seventh in descent from Joseph Burson, the emigrant ancestor. She is a' member of the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Braddock are the parents of five children: Katherine, men- tioned at length hereinafter; Edward Bur- son, who is a lawyer and unmarried; Wal- ter David, who is a Rock Island Railway official, and married Christine, daughter of Commander Houston, of the United States Navy; Margaret Mae, who is the wife of Hale, son of Henry Hale Sturges, a banker of Mansfield, Ohio; John Sellers, Jr., who married Katherine, daughter of Hon. Dan- iel McCoy, of Grand Rapids, state treasurer of Michigan. A striking proof of Mr. Braddock's public-spirit is furnished by the faet that he has laid out two additions bear- ing his name in Mount Vernon, Ohio; and two additions, one for white and the other for colored citizens, in Little Rock, Ark- ansas.

Katherine Braddock, daughter of John Sellers and Margaret (Burson) Braddock, and eighth in descent from Joseph Burson. the emigrant ancestor, was born September 19, 1870, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and grad- uated from the Mount Vernon high school, also from the H. Thane Miller School. of Cincinnati, Ohio, class of 1889. She has studied art extensively, and also music, and during her residence in Cincinnati belonged to the May Festival Chorus of 1896 under the direction of Theodore Thomas. She is a member of the United States Daugh- ters of 1812, by virtue of lineal deseent from Nicholas Headington, of Maryland, who served with distinction in the war of 1812. She is also regent of the Little Rock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, being a lineal descendant of Raphael Braddock, of Maryland, mentioned above. She is also a member of the Aesth- etic club ; president of the Tuesday Musical Club; and one of the directors of the Musical Coterie. She is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, having been confirmed in 1894 in St. Paul's church, Mount Vernon, and being now connected with Christ church, Little Rock, Arkansas. She belonged to the choir of the former church for more than ten years. Since January, 1899, she has been a member of the Daughters of the King. of the Protest- ant Episcopal church, and also belongs to St. Cecelia's Guild, in which until recently she held the office of secretary. She was

married at Christ church, Little Rock, Ar- kansas, December 7, 1898, to John Barrow, mentioned below.

John Barrow was born in 1868, and is the son of Judge J. C. Barrow, a retired lawyer and capitalist, who was a slaveholder prior to the Civil war and throughout that con- flict served on the Confederate side. ilis wife was Jean, daughter of Elijah Frink Strong, of Connecticut, the founder of the family, John Strong, having come over in 1630 and helped to found Dorchester, Massachusetts. Mrs. Barrow's mother be- longed to a Huguenot family of the name of Barrineau. John Barrow is a graduate of the Little Rock high school and the Bap- tist College, Russellville, Kentucky. He spent one year at the United States Mili- tary Academy, West Point, New York, and then entered the law school of the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, grad- uating in 1890. He has practiced law in Little Rock ever since, and at one time rep- resented Pulaski county in the Arkansas legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Barrow have had two sons; the elder, born October 8, 1899, died in infancy; the younger, John Council Barrow, Jr., was born December 5, 1900.

ALEXANDER CHRISTY, of Bridge- water, Bensalem township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, is a man of undoubted integrity. greatly esteemed in the community, and his success in busi- ness is entirely due to his industry and ability. He was born in Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland, November 10, 1830, a son of Henry and Mary ( Macelvenna) Christy, who were the parents of nine children, Alexander being the only sur- vivor. Mr. Christy is a lineal descen- dant on the maternal side of General Montgomery. of the American army, who was killed in the storming of Que- bec, during the revolutionary war, and whose remains are buried at St. Paul's church, New York city.

Alexander Christy obtained his edu- cation in the common schools of his na- tive county, and at the age of sixteen years emigrated to the United States. hoping thus to secure greater business opportunities and also to enlarge his sphere for usefulness. His first em- ployment in the new world was as a farmer, but shortly afterward he en- gaged in the business of a cattle dealer, continuing in the same up to the pres- ent time, and achieving great prosperity. In 1886 he purchased a farm in Bris- tol township, consisting of one hundred and forty-six and a half acres, which he conducts in the most approved and scientific manner, residing thereon dur- ing the summer months, and in his home in Philadelphia during the winter sea- son. He is an extensive owner of real estate in the city of Philadelphia, from which he derives a goodly income, and

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

in point of service is the oldest man engaged in the cattle business in that city. In the carlier years of the busi- ness. James Christy (a brother of the subject) was a member of the firm. He died in 1896, and Mr. Christy took into partnership his two nephews, Alexan- der and Henry Christy, who have be- come valuable assistants in the rapidly increasing business of this enterprising firm. During the early years of his manhood Mr. Christy cast his vote with the Democratic party, but since 1860 lias been identified with the opposing organization, the Republican party, the principles of which he firmly advocates. As a man of good standing and sub- stance Mr. Christy wields an influence for good in the community in which he has resided so long.

Mr. Christy was united in marriage, April 19, 1852, to Margaret Daniels, who was born in Ireland, in 1832. Two chil- dren were the issue of this union: one who died in infancy, and Mary Eliza- beth, born October 26, 1864. educated in the private schools of Philadelphia, and the Northwest Institute, 'from which she was graduated; she resides with her father, endeavoring to the best of her ability to fill the place of her mother, whose death occurred February 28, 1889. Mr. Christy and his daughter are mem- bers of Cohocksink Presbyterian church of Philadelphia.

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITH. Griffith Grif- fith, the progenitor in America of the branch of the family to which belongs Austin E. Griffith, a retired agriculturist of Chalfont. Bucks county, Pennsylvania, accompanied by his brothers William and John, emi- grated from Wales in 1720 and settled in East Nantmeal township. Chester county. Pennsylvania. By his marriage to Given Thomas the following named children were born: Abel. William, Evan, David, Amos .. Levi and Rebecca. The line of descent is traced through Abel Griffith, eldest son of Griffith and Given Griffith, who was born February 28. 1723, in Chester county, Penn- sylvania. He married, and among his chil- dren was a son, Amos Griffith, who was adopted when a child by his uncle, Amos Griffith. a brother of his father, who had no children of his own. Amos Griffith ( uncle) located in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and settled on a tract of land which has since been in the possession of members of the family.

Amos Griffith, son of Abel Griffith, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1771. He was reared and educated by his uncle as aforementioned, and after com- pleting his literary studies pursued a course of medical reading under the preceptor- ship of Dr. Benjamin Rush, the founder of the Rush Medical College. Subsequently he established an extensive practice extend-

ing from the Delaware to the Schuylkill river, being the only physician in that sec- tion of the county at that time. He per- formed his round of visits on horseback, and when traveling great distances his son would bring him fresh horses as relays. He possessed an exceptionally good education for that day. In his intercourse with the sick he was kind and sympathizing, and in an eminent degree secured the confidence and respect of the entire community in which he moved. On June 1, 1797. he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Weber, who was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1776, a daughter of Captain Christian and Elizabeth Weber, the former named having been an officer in the Penn- sylvania line during the Revolutionary war. Their children were: Jesse W., Charles M., Sarah, Elijah, Elizabeth, Amos, Abigail, Abel M., John W., and Ann. Dr. Griffith was a member of the Baptist church, and a Democrat in his political affiliations. He was prominent in military affairs, taking an active interest up to the day of his death, November 17, 1863, when he lay down and expired, after remarking that he would take a last look at the world. His wife died June 3, 1843.

John W. Griffith, youngest son of Dr. Amos and Elizabeth Griffith, was born at North Wales, Montgomery county, Penn- sylvania, May 3. 1812. He attended the pub- lic schools of New Britain township, after which lie settled on the farm and succeeded to the property. He was a model farmer, his well-tilled fields and plentiful crops af- fording ample evidence of this fact. He

took a deep and active interest in public affairs, contributing to the best of his ability in every enterprise that had for its object the general welfare of the com- munity. He was a member of the Baptist church, and for a quarter of a century served in the capacity of trustee. In April, 1840, Mr. Griffith was married to Susan Harrar, a daughter of William and Ann (Todd) Harrar, of Montgomery county. Four children were the issue of this union, namely : Abel M., Austin E., Eleanor, who died in infancy ; and A. Judson. John W. Griffith died in October, 1887, having sur- vived his wife a number of years. her death having occurred February 25. 1875.

Austin E. Griffith, eldest son of John W. and Susan Griffith, was born on the Griffith homestead in New Britain township, Bucks county. Pennsylvania, October 27, 1845. His boyhood days were spent in assisting with the labors of the farm and acquiring an education, the latter being gained at the New Britain Seminary. He then engaged in farming on the homestead in conjunction with his brother Abel M., this connection continuing until the year 1900, when Austin E. retired from active duties although re- taining his interest in the farm, and changed his place of residence to Chalfont, where he has since resided. In that year he was one of the organizers of the borough of Chal- font, and was appointed its first burgess,

austin Griffiths -

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

which office he still holds. He has served as president of the Farmers' Creamery Company of Philadelphia. He holds men- bership in the Montgomery County Baptist Church, in which body he served as secre- tary of the board of trustees, and his politi- cal allegiance is given to the Democratic party.

On April 5, 1894, Mr. Griffith was mar- ried to Eva Anna Funk, who was born in New Britain township. Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1854. a daughter of Joseph Funk, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

GEORGE DOUGLASS, postmaster of Hulmeville, whose duties have been discharged in a faithful and efficient manner, receiving and meriting the ap- proval of all loyal citizens, since his ap- pointment by the late President McKin- ley, May 1, 1899. to the present time (1905), was born March 1, 1840, a son of George and Edith (Dunlap) Doug- lass, and grandson of James and Sarah (Bowden) Douglass. Both his father and grandfather followed the trade of a carpenter, but during the latter years of his life the former turned his attention to the butchering business, which yielded him a livelihood and the means of laying by a comfortable competence.

George Douglass received his edu- cation in the public schools of Hulme- ville, and after completing the same served an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for the long period of forty years. When the Union was in peril the call to arms could not have met with a more pa- triotic response than that given by Mr. Douglass, who served with distinction during the civil war as a member of Battery D, Second Pennsylvania Light Artillery, participating in nearly a score of engagements, including Antietam, Fredericksburg. the Wilderness, and the surrender at Vicksburg. As a soldier he was courageous; as a citizen, active and alert; as a husband and father, faithful and devoted; as a friend, firm and true, and throughout his long and useful life he has been respected and beloved by a wide circle of friends and relatives. He is a Republican in poli- tics, and for many years has been an active worker in the ranks of that great organization. He served several terms in the borough council, and filled the responsible position of burgess of the borough. He is a member of Neshaminy Lodge. No. 422, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Hulmeville, and of Hugh Martindell Post, No. 366, Grand Army of the Republic.

. Mr. Douglass married December 27, 1865, Elizabeth E. Goslin, of Newport- ville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Ran- dall and Ellen Goslin, and granddaugh-

ter of John and Martha Goslin. Their family numbered six children, as fol- lows: I. George, born February 3, 1868, married, March 2. 1892, Mary Elizabeth Brown, of Oxford Valley, a daughter of J. Jennings, and Amanda E. Brown, and they have one child, Ethel May, born May 24. 1893. 2. Howard Meredith, born November 13, 1871, married, March 2, 1893, Sarah Vansant Force, born June 25, 1870, and they are the parents of three children: Verna Meredith, born January 3. 1895; George Durell, born May 15, 1899, and . Howard Meredith, born September 7, 1903. 3. Margaret Barclay, born November 27, 1873; she was twice married, (first) March I, 1894, to John H. Magill, who died No- vember 25, 1901, and (second) to John H. Moore, of Lambertville, New Jersey, who had a daughter Bessie by a prev- ious marriage: Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of a son, George Douglass Moore, born October 3, 1904. 4. Alfred W., born June II, 1876, died November 13, 1876. 5. Elizabeth May, born July 6, 1878. 6. John Jerry, born September 28, 1882, died February 29, 1884.

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 133

Author: Davis, W. W. H. (William Watts Hart), 1820-1910; Ely, Warren S. (Warren Smedley), b. 1855; Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921 Publication date: 1905 Publisher: New York ; Chicago : The Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1040

Author: Davis, W. W. H. (William Watts Hart), 1820-1910; Ely, Warren S. (Warren Smedley), b. 1855; Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : The Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1040