History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 149

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 149

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

EDWIN K. HALDEMAN, one of the most popular men in the community in which he lives is Edwin K. Haldeman, of Chalfont. He is a great-grandson of Chris- tian Haldeman, one of three brothers who emigrated from Germany in quest of homes across the sea. Christian settled in War- rington township, where many of his de- scendants still reside.

Daniel Haldeman, son

of Christian Haldeman, was born in 1799, on the Halde- man homestead, situated on Pickerton road, in Warrington township. This estate, which has now passed out of the possession of the family, has many interesting relics of past times, among them a corn-crib which was built one hundred and fifty years ago but is still in use and in a good state of preserva- tion. Mr. Haldeman spent his life in agricul- tural pursuits. He was a public-spirited citizen and a stanch Republican. His church membership was with the Mennonite society in Doylestown. He married Magda- line Myers, and among their children was a son Charles, mentioned at length herein- after. Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman closed their long and useful lives rich in the love and respect of all who knew them.

Charles Haldeman, son of Daniel and Magdaline (Myers) Haldeman, married Mary, who was born August 31, 1826, in New Britain township, daughter of Simion Kratz. Their children were: I. Sarah Ann, who married Henry M., son of William Fretz, of Tinicum. 2. Daniel, who married Ella, daughter of Christian Haldeman, and had three children, Edgar, Florence and Daniel. 3. Emma, who became the wife of Abraham G., son of Noah Ruth, of New Britain, and died in March, 1888, leaving one child, Mary H. 4. Edwin K., mentioned at length hereinafter. 5. William, who is deceased.

Edwin K. Haldeman, son of Charles and Mary (Kratz) Haldeman, was born May II, 1862, in Warrington township, and on Octo- ber 12, 1893. entered the service of Abra-

688

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

ham M. Moyer in order to learn the busi- ness of a butcher. In the spring of 1896, after becoming thoroughly proficiem, he purchased Mr. Moyer's business, including residence and buildings, and carries on a brisk trade both in the town and in the surrounding country. His fellow-citizens have evinced their regard for him by choos- ing him to fill the office of school director for three years. Politically he is a Re- publican. He is a member of the New Britain Baptist church. Mr. Haldeman married January 1, 1887. Emma J., daugh- ter of Albert D. Wilgus, of Warrington township. Mrs. Haldeman died April 6, 1893, leaving one child, Mabel W. Mr. Haldeman afterward married Bertha, daughter of Harry F. and Mary Jacoby, and they have two children : Mary Mildred, born April 25, 1900; and Charles Herbert, born .September 26, 1902.

WILLIAM W. YARDLEY was de- scended from one of the most prominent early families of Pennsylvania, his ancestors having been contemporaries with William Penn and active in the material, educational and moral upbuilding of the colony. He was of the fifth generation of the family in America, and traced his ancestry back in direct line to Thomas Yardley, his great- great-grandfather, who was a native of England, whence he emigrated to America in 1704, settling in Bucks county, Penn- sylvania. He purchased the tract of land upon which William W. Yardley was born, lived and died, and it is still in possession of the family. Among his ten children was :

(II) William Yardley, who married Sarah Kirkbride, a daughter of Mahlon and Mary Kirkbride, on the 3Ist of March, 1756.

(III) Mahlon Yardley, son of William and Sarah (Kirkbride) Yardley, wedded Elizabeth Brown, daughter of John and Anna Winfield Brown, April 6, 1787. They had eight children, including

(IV) Charles Yardley, who was born September 4, 1802, and was married March 25, 1830, to Mary Anna Warner. They had five children: Willis, Franklin, Robert Winfield, Edwin and William W.

(V) William W. Yardley was born Sep- tember 26, 1841, at the old family home- stead in the borough of Yardley. A part of the house was built by his grandfather, Mahlon Yardley, about 1790, although it has been enlarged and improved since that date, and is now a modern, commodious and attractive residence. Here William Yardley devoted his entire attention to his home and family, giving little time to out- side affairs. He followed agricultural pur- suits with good success, and was thus en- abled to provide comfortably for his wife and children. He had not yet, however, completed a half century when he was called to his final rest, September 14. 1890. On the 30th of August, 1877, William Yard-

ley was married to Miss Mary D. Baily, a daughter of Samuel H. and Maria Baily, and they became the parents of five chil- dren: Anna W., born August 4, 1878, died June 14, 1903; George W., born November 5, 1879, who was educated in the Yardley high school and trained on the school-ship "Saratoga," being now second officer on the transport "Sheridan," running between Manila and San Francisco; Lillian B., born October 21, 1880; Elma, born February 27, 1883, and was married September 2, 1903, to R. Irving Tobey, general manager of the Cold Springs Bleaching Company of Yard- ley ; and Mary A., born January 3, 1884.

EDWARD INSINGER, the proprietor of the Continental Hotel at Yardley, des- cends from a Swiss family. His father, Albert Insinger, emigrated from Switzer- land to America about 1840, accompanied by his wife and three children, settling in Philadelphia. By trade he was an engraver of designs for printing calico, having learned that business in his native land. After reaching the new world he began work on Third and Greene streets in Phila- delphia. making engravings for bedsteads, and occupied that position for about four or five years. He then removed to German- town, where he engaged in the carriage painting business until 1869, after which he began the manufacture of carriages on his own account in that city. He succeeded in developing a profitable enterprise, owing to the excellence of his output, and con- tinned in the trade until his death, which occurred in 1875. His business career was marked by steady progression, for he had little capital when he came to America, and at his death was the possessor of a very comfortable competence. He belonged to the German Red Men of Germantown, in which he filled all the offices. While liv- ing in Philadelphia he served as a commis- sioned officer in the state militia. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaretta Brun- er, and they were the parents of seven chil- dren, three of whom were born in Switzer- land-Lena, the eldest, is the wife of Martin Craig: Albert enlisted for service in the civil war, and for three years and three months was a member of Company E, Ninety-fifth Regiment of Pennsylvania Vol- unteers ; Sophia, is the wife of Alford Lans- dale: Alford is a machinist at Wayne Junction, Germantown, and is now acting as general manager of the Insinger Manu- facturing Company: Edward is the next of the family ; Emile is a carriage builder in Germantown; Clara P. is the wife of Xaier Harte.

Edward Insinger, whose name introduces this record, was born in Germantown, Penn- sylvania, September 3, 1852, and acquired a common-school education. In early life he learned the trades of carriage building and blacksmithing with his father, and was thus employed for about six years, after

Edward Jneingo

689

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

which he began business on his own ac- count as a dealer in stationery and cigars. From the beginning the new enterprise prospered, and he conducted his trade for twenty years, having a very large patron- age. He was also distributor at German- town for the Philadelphia morning papers for ten years. In 1895 he purchased the Continental Hotel at Yardley, of Aaron Slack, being the second proprietor of this hotel since its establishment in 1866. He has found favor with the traveling public, making his a good hostelry which secures a liberal patronage. Mr. Insinger is well known and popular in fraternal organiza- tions, belonging to Washington Council, No. 1, Junior Order of United American Mechanics at Germantown, and is the third oldest member living of this council in which he has passed all the chairs; Sem- inole Tribe of Red Men, No. 30, of Ger- mantown; the Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 345, also of Germantown; and Mitchell Lodge, No. 296, F. & A. M., of that place.

In 1874 Mr. Insinger was married to Miss Hannah Mary Longacre, who is des- cended from one of the old families. of Chester county in the maternal line. Her grandfather was Ezekiel Powell, who was a prominent man of Chester Springs, and her grandmother was a member of the Moses family. Mr. and Mrs. Insinger have one daughter, Margaret Lillian, who is a graduate of the Germantown public school and also of the Abrahanson Business Col- lege of that place. For the past twelve years she has been employed as a stenog- rapher by William P. Buchanan, of Phila- delphia.

JOHN IRWIN, a practical and progres- sive citizen of Bristol, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, is a worthy representative of that class of men born in foreign countries, who, upon their settlement in the town of their adoption, become 'loyal and zealous citizens and are active in promoting all measures that conduce to the general welfare. He is a native of Kings Court, county Cavan, Ireland, born April 5, 1866, a son of John and Margaret (Simpson) Irwin. John Irwin (father) came to the United States from his home in Ireland when a boy, but after a residence of ten years in the new world returned to his native isle, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was largely interested in the livery business in Kings Court, Ireland, this proving a remunerative means of livelihood. About the year 1860 he married Margaret Simp- son, and eleven children were born to them, eight of whom are living at the present time (1904). Mr. Irwin died in 1898; his wife passed away in 1891.

The national school at Kings Court, Ire- land, afforded John Irwin an opportunity for acquiring a good English education. In 1888, when twenty-two years of age, he emigrated to the United States, and his

first position in the land of his adoption was that of clerk in a hotel in the city of Philadelphia, where he remained one year. In April, 1889, he served as coachman for D. Landreth & Sons, of Bristol, Pennsyl- vania, remaining in their employ five years. He was then engaged for a short period of time in the wholesale grocery estab- lishment of B. S. Janney, Jr. & Co., of Philadelphia. From 1894 to 1900 he was engaged in the business of baker, becom- ing the proprietor of two establishments, through which he conducted an extensive and lucrative trade. After disposing of this business to advantage he became proprietor of the livery stable in connection with the Closson House, Bristol, and for several years he has received the largest patronage in this line of any man in the town. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party. His strict integ- rity and energy are known and fully appre- ciated by the many who come in business contact with him. Mr. Irwin married, June 6, 1894, Mary McLees, of Bristol, daugh- ter of Thomas and Rose McLees. Their children are: Margaret Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 13, 1895; Rose Thompson, born July 26, 1897; George John, born August 17, 1900; and Lillian Frances, born March 28, 1904.

JOHN S. KRATZ, a practical and pro- gressive agriculturist, who was born in the township in which he now resides, New Britain, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 2, 1840, is a son of Abraham and Sarah (Swartley ) Kratz, and grandson of Valentine Kratz.

Abraham Kratz (father) was born near Naces Corner, New Britain township, Bucks county. He selected for his life work the occupation of farming, with which he was thoroughly familiar, and to this he ever afterward devoted his entire attention. He was a member of the Mennonite church, and, believing in the principles laid down in the Republican platform, he cast his vote for the candidates of that party. Mr. Kratz married, September 25, 1838, Sarah Swart- ley, daughter of John Swartley, and grand- daughter of Philip Swartley, and their chil- dren were as follows: John S., William, Mary Ann, Henry, Levi, Abraham, Jr., Oliver, and Jacob. The deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Kratz occurred respectively : May 9. 1889, and in July, 1902.

John S. Kratz received a common school education and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1888 he purchased the old Henry Miller homestead whereon he has since resided, and since attaining his twen- tieth year has devoted his attention ex- clusively to the produce commission busi- ness, which has proved most profitable. He has always manifested an interest in the public welfare, and he is particularly inter- ested in the advancement of the cause of education, serving as school director of

44-3

690

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

his township for seventeen consecutive years. In religion and politics he has fol- lowed in the footsteps of his father, hold- ing membership in the Mennonite church and affiliating with the Republican party. On November I8, 1869, Mr. Kratz was married to Angeline Godshalk, who was born September 13, 1843, a daughter of Abraham and Mary ( Reiff) Godshalk. Ten children were the issue of this union, as follows: I. Abraham, born December 24, 1870, died August 3, 1871; 2. Jennette, born April 6, 1872; 3. Harvey, born March 29, 1874, married Annie Swartley, and they are the parents of three children: Edna, Viola, and Harrold; 4. William, born Octo- ber 1, 1875; 5. Mary, born May 29, 1877, died in May, 1879; 6. Sarah Emma, born September 16, 1879, wife of Herbert Lilly, and mother of one child: Annetta Lilly ; 7. Ella, born October 16, 1881, died in Jan- uary, 1883; 8. Howard, born November 22, 1883; Ida May, born September 28, 1885, died November 28, 1887; Io. John F., born April 9, 1888.

AARON LEATHERMAN. Like many of the old families of Pennsylvania, the Leathermans sprang from German ancestry, representatives of the name coming from the fatherland to Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, during the pioneer epoch in the his- tory of this part of the state. The grand- father, Jacob Leatherman, was a farmer of Plumstead township. His son, Joseph Leatherman, father of our subject, was born in Bucks county, and throughout his busi- ness career carried on agricultural pursuits, remaining a life-long resident of Plumstead township. His political views were in ac- cord with the principles of the Whig party, and, enjoying the full confidence and respect of his fellowmen, he was chosen to the office of township supervisor, in which ca- pacity he served for a number of years. His religious faith was in accord with the teachings of the Mennonite church. was twice married, his first wife being Miss Sarah Myers, and there were eleven chil- dren by that wife: Joseph; Jacob; Isaac; Christian; Abram; Esther, the wife of Elias Fretz; Sarah, the wife of John Fretz; Mary, wife of Jacob Shaddinger ; Catherine, wife of John Halderman; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry D. Wismer; and Annie H., who died at the age of twenty-four years. For his second wife Joseph Leatherman chose Mrs. Mary Slotter nee Godshall.

Aaron Leatherman, the only child of the second marriage, was born in Plumstead township, March 6, 1837. Following the completion of his common-school course he gave his undivided attention to the work of the home farm, assisting his father in its operation until he had attained his majority. He then began teaching school, and for some time followed that profession in Bed- minster and Plumstead townships, especi- ally through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he gave his attention to

agricultural pursuits. Among his other edu- cational labors he taught a singing school for some time, having much natural talent in that direction, as well as a good under- standing of the principles of the art. Hle was also engaged in the butchering business for a number of years in Danboro, Pennsyl- vania, and subsequently turned his atten- tion to the commission business, which he followed for seventeen years. His business career lias been characterized by laudable ambition, strong and honorable purpose, and what he possesses has been acquired through his own well directed efforts. He has been a director in the Danboro & Plum- steadville Turnpike Company for a number of years, and at this writing (in 1904) is president. He was also for some years sec- retary of the Danboro Live-Stock Asso- ciation, and his business affairs have large- ly been of a character that, while promoting individual success, have also advanced the general prosperity and material develop- ment of the county. Deeply interested In the welfare and progress of his county, Mr. Leatherman has taken an active and helpful part in many measures contributing to the general good. In politics he is an earnest Republican and upon that ticket he was elected assessor of Plumstead town- ship when he was but twenty-two years of age, and held the office continuously for seventeen years. No higher testimonial of his capable service could be given than the fact that he was so long retained in his posi- tion. He was employed by the government as an enrolling officer during the war of 1861-65. He has also been auditor of his township for some time, and in the spring of 1904 was elected supervisor, which position he is now filling. Recognizing the obligations which have devolved upon him in his con- nection with public office, he has faithfully performed his duty as a patriotic citizen, and his efforts have been beneficial to his community. He is a man of unquestioned honor and integrity, his life being in har- mony with his principles as a member of the old Mennonite church. He has been very active in the Sunday-school at Dan- boro, and has filled the office of treasurer for nearly thirty years.

Mr. Leatherman was married on the 26th of May, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Fry. a daughter of Samuel and Susanna Fry. They have six children: Susanna, born January 4, 1861, and is the wife of Eli Van Luvanee ; Mary Emma, born November 3, 1862, and is the wife of John Gerhart; Anna, born August 23, 1865, and married A. G. C. Wel- don; Lizzie, born December 7, 1867, and married Stanley G. Rapp; Rosie, born April 15. 1870; and Eleanora, born January 2, 1881, and is the wife of Daniel P. Fluck. The mother died January 29, 1902.

Mr. Leatherman is one of Bucks county's most respected citizens, a broad-minded public spirited man, ever alive to the inter- ests of his community. Progress has been the keynote of his public and private life, and he has made advancement along lines

691

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

demanding strong intellectuality, unfalter- ing purpose and keen discrimination. He is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, and the circle of his friends in Plumstead township is extensive.

C. ALLEN KNIGHT, whose birthplace was the farm on which he now resides, in Solebury township, Bucks county, is a grandson of Charles and Mary (Cooper) Knight, who spent their entire lives in Newtown township. Their son, Alfred Knight, also born in Newtown township, was reared on the old homestead there, and when a young man went to Carversville, from which place he ran the stage line to Doylestown for a number of years. He also owned and operated a number of hay presses, and during the period of the Civil war had a contract with the government to furnish hay for the horses used by the army. he also served for a short time with the Union troops. In 1866 he purchased a farm near Carversville, and, moving to that prop- erty, made it his home up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was sixty-six years of age. He was a successful business man and bought and sold various farms, prospering in his undertakings be- cause of his judicious investments. While residing in Newtown he was married to Miss Ruth Anna Allen, who at that time was conducting a millinery establishment in Carversville. She is a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Walker) Allen. Her father was a tanner by trade, and for a number of years conducted a tannery in Carversville. Mrs. Knight is still living, and makes her home with her daughter Ida in Forest Grove, Pennsylvania. To Alfred and Ruth A. Knight were born three children: S. Eva, wife of Albert W. Preston, of Sole- bury township; M. Ida, wife of Harry W. Kirk, of Forest Grove; and C. Allen.

In the common schools C. Allen Knight began his education, which was supple- mented by study in the Trenton Business College. He was trained to the practical work of the farm on the old homestead, and on reaching his twenty-first year he was allotted one of his father's farms, he to have all the produce raised thereon. He re- mained there for three years and laid the foundation for a successful career along agricultural lines. In 1893 he purchased the old homestead, on which he has since lived, and he has added modern improvements and equipments, while by his untiring labors he has made this a very valuable and attrac- tive farm property. While residing on his first farm Mr. Knight was married to Miss Alice W. Watson, a daughter of Jenks G. and Caroline C. (Shaw) Watson, of Car- versville. They have three children: Ma- rion, Helen W. and Florence. Mr. Knight is a Republican, but without political as- piration, preferring to give undivided atten- tion to his business affairs, although aiding in the promotion of progressive public measures as a private citizen.

THOMAS H. GRAY. For many years Thomas H. Gray, of Upper Makefield town- ship, was prominently identified with the interests of more than one of the leading · railroad companies. On the paternal side Mr. Gray traces his descent from an an- cestor who emigrated from Scotland to the American colonies. Abraham Gray, a de- scendant of this ancestor, was the grandta- ther of Thomas H. Gray. Dean Gray, son of Abraham Gray, was born in Bucks county, probably in Solebury township, and while still a child was deprived by death of both his parents. He was reared in the family of Joseph Scarborough, in Solebury township, and on reaching manhood ap- prenticed himself to the blacksmith's trade. Later he purchased a farm on the Bucking- ham and Solebury line, which was cultivated by his sons, as they became old enough, while he worked at his trade. He was an active worker in the temperance cause, and, although a strong Democrat, was a pro- nounced anti-slavery man, advocating the freeing of the slaves by peaceable means. He was a member and officer in the Presby- terian church. He married Sarah Stock- dale, and the following children were born to them: Napoleon B .; William Warner; Rhoda A .; Joseph N .; and Thomas H., mentioned at length hereinafter, who is the sole survivor of this family. Mrs. Gray died in 1869, and her husband passed away in 1871, at the age of sixty-seven.

Thomas H. Gray, son of Dean and Sarah (Stockdale) Gray, was born April 22, 1838, in Buckingham township, and was reared on the farm. On reaching his eighteenth year he determined to adopt some other calling than that of a tiller of the soil, and in 1856 went to Philadelphia, where he op- tained a position as clerk in a store, and was employed in different clerical capacities for some years. For eight years he culti- vated the homestead acres, and in 1867 the property was advantageously sold. The family then moved to Brownsburg, where they resided one year, and then removed to the vicinity of Trenton, New Jersey. There for four years Mr. Gray was en- gaged in truck-farming, remaining at home as long as his parents lived. In the spring of 1872 he accepted a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Flem- ington, and one year later was given a po- sition as clerk in the superintendent's office at Lambertville, where his work was so sat- isfactory that four months later he was made clerk to the auditor of freight re- ceipts. His close application to business undermined his health, and in 1881, after eight years in the office, he was obliged to resign. He was immediately employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company as traveling car agent for the lines in New Jersey, a position which he held until the Lehigh Valley road came under the control of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, which event took place in 1889. At this period of his life Mr. Gray purchased his present farm in Upper Makefield township,

692

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

and settled down to the life of an agricul- turist. Shortly afterward the Car Asso- ciation was formed for the purpose of trac- ing the cars of the different lines, and Mr. Gray was offered a position with them, but this he declined for the reason that his acceptance would have required him to miove to New York. He served one term as a member of the city council of Lambert- ville, but has never sought or desired office. In politics he is an Independent. He and his wife are members of the Thompson Memorial Presbyterian church, in which he is one of the officers. . Mr. Gray mar- ried, in 1869, Louisa, daughter of Francis Vanartsdalen, and granddaughter of Adrian Cornell, senior, and two children have been to them, Mary Frances and William Walter (twins), of whom the latter survives and is at home with his parents.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 149

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