History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 155

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 155

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).

BENJAMIN G. WOOD, the owner of one of the fine farms of Warminster town- ship, Bucks county, was born May 13, 1856, in Montgomery county, where his ancestors had resided through several gen- erations. His grandfather, Joseph Wood, was born in the same county, while earlier generations of the family had lived there in colonial days. They resided in More- land township, and were members of the Horsham Friends' meeting. Joseph Wood made farnring his life work, and also fol- lowed in the religious faith of his ances- tors. He never aspired to public office, but was the advocate of all that tended to pro- mote the moral and material development of the community. His children were: Chalkley; Rebecca, wife of Hughs War- ner; Comly, John, Mary, wife of Lec Garigus; George; Ann, wife of Jonathan Davis; Joseph. and Elizabeth, wife of Ab- ner W. Walmsley.

George Wood was born on his father's farm in Montgomery county and was there reared. At the time of his marriage, he settled upon a part of the old homestead and his attention was given to general farm- ing and marketing; his products being sold in Philadelphia, where for many years he had a stall in one of the city markets. He was practical, energetic and determined in his business affairs, and, prospering in his undertakings, he added to his land, becom- ing one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of his locality. He remained upon the farm until he sold it to the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, when he retired to Norristown, where he and his wife are now enjoying the fruits of their former labor, having acquired a comfortable com- petence through the careful husbanding of their resources. Mr. Wood is now eighty years of age. In his early years he was also interested in pike roads, and his hearty co-operation was given to many public measures for the welfare and upbuilding of the county. He married Sarah Garigus, a daughter of Benjamin Garigus, of an honored early family of Pennsylvania. He, too, was a farmer, with a wide and favor- able acquaintance, and he was widely known and active in the Friends Meeting. His political support was given the Whig party until its dissolution, when he became a Re- publican. In his family were four chil- dren: Lee; Margaret, the wife of J. L. Jones; Ellen. wife of J. Meredith; and Sarah. To George and Sarah (Garigus) Wood were born two daughters and two sons: Emma C., the wife of J. M. Jones ; Wilmer A .; Benjamin G .; and Anna G.

Benjamin G. Wood attended the public and private schools, acquiring a good Eng- lish education. and received ample train- ing at farm labor under his father's direc- tion, assisting in the operation of the home farm until 1881, when he was married and took charge of the homestead. This he continued to cultivate until 1890, when he purchased the farm in Bucks county upon which he now resides, it being the historic

716

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

old homestead of D. Longstreth. He has · since given his attention to general agri- cultural pursuits, having a well improved place, which in its attractive appearance indicates his careful supervision. He has also attended the Philadelphia market for more than twenty years, never missing a market day, and his business affairs have been so wisely directed as to bring to him a very desirable annual income. He owns one of the beautiful homes of this part of the county, having remodeled and made additions to the old mansion, until it is now a commodious, three-story stone resi- dence, which he has equipped with modern improvements, including hot and cold water, furnace and in fact all the conveniences known in the modern city home. It occu- pies a beautiful building site, and there are . fine forest and fruit trees and large groves. The large button-ball trees are among the attractive features of the place, and the main drive leading from the house to the road is bordered on either side by spread- ing maples. Mr. Wood exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He has served as school director, but does not de- sire official preferment as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Horsham Friends' Meeting, and his life has been so honorable and straighforward that he com- mands the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Mr. Wood wedded Miss Mary R. Kirk, who was born on the homestead farm where they now reside, December 12, 1859. Her parents were Isaac Rush and Mary Y. (Montanye) Kirk, the former a native of Montgomery county and the latter of War- minster township, Bucks county. The grandfather, Isaac Kirk, was a prominent and well known farmer of his locality, and belonged to the Friends' meeting. His children were: Caroline; Mrs. Mary Twin- ing; Mrs. Louisa T. Snyder; Hannah; Sarah, wife of W. Paxson; Susanna, wife of C. Camby; and Isaac Rush. The last named was reared upon a farm in Mont- gomery county, and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. After his marriage he settled upon the farm now occupied by Mr. Wood, and there engaged in the tilling of the soil and in attending market until his death, which occurred in 1860, when he was but thirty- six years of age. He voted with the Re- publican party, and affiliated with the Friends' Meeting. His widow yet survives and finds a good home with her daughter, Mrs. Wood, and also lives a part of the time with Comly Walker. She is a daugh- ter of Samuel E. and Clarissa (Yerkes) Montanye, the former a son of Thomas B. Montanye, who was born in the state of New York and became a leading minister of the Primitive Baptist church, devoting many years to Christian work, and also following the occupation of farming. His children were : Maria, Benjamin, Henry W., Cornelia, Samuel E., Sarah. Eliza, Re-

becca, Thomas, Amy and Jane. The chil- dren of Samuel and Clarissa Montanye were: Edwin Y .; Amy, wife of W. A. Car- rell; Mrs. Mary Y. Kirk; Thomas B .; Harmon Y., former recorder of wills in Bucks county; and Margaret, who died in childhood. The parents were members of the Baptist church. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Rush Kirk were born three children : Clara M., who married C. Walker; Sarah R., who died in childhood; and Mary R., who became Mrs. Wood. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have four children: Gertrude K., Sara W., Clara M., and Anna B. The parents are members of the Friends' Meet- ing, and occupy a prominent position so- cially, the circle of their friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

SAMUEL B. THATCHER. Among the names of the notable and distinguished men of Pennsylvania, the men of ability and en- terprise who have labored assiduously to advance the interests of the community, may justly be named Samuel B. Thatcher, the man after whom the town of Thatcher, Pennsylvania, was named. He was born May 22, 1822, on a farm then owned by his grandfather, Ludwig Afflerbach, in Durham township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the son of Charles and Magdalena ( Afflerbach) Thatcher. Charles Thatcher was a son of Bartholomew Thatcher, a native of Eng- land, who emigrated to this country before the Revolutionary war, settling in Quaker- town, New Jersey, and is thought to have followed the occupation of a farmer. His son Charles settled in Durham, Bucks coun- ty, Pennsylvania, later removing to Haycock township, where he was united in marriage to Magdalena Afflerbach. Six children were born of this union, Samuel B. (mentioned at length hereinafter) becoming the most prominent.

Samuel B. Thatcher's parents occupied and cultivated the farm until the death of his grandfather, Ludwig Afflerbach. In the spring of 1833 the property was sold and the family removed to a farm in Bedminster township, which the father, Charles, rented. After one year's residence in this place they removed to Rockhill township, near what is now Perkasie, remaining there two years. Here Samuel B. obtained what educational training the subscription schools of the neighborhood afforded, continuing in school until 1834, when, at the age of twelve years, he went to Doylestown, there entering into his first regular employment in the bark shed of a tannery, where he remained some time. In the meantime (March 28, 1837) his parents removed to a farm in Haycock township, and there he joined them, assisting his father with the farm work. He subse- quently succeeded his father in the conduct of the farm, in which he engaged until 1860.

Politically, Mr. Thatcher was a Whig, and took an active interest in the affairs of

717

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

the party. At the formation of the Repub- lican party he joined the ranks of its for- lowers and labored diligently and untiringly for its success. In the fall of 1860, a pe- riod of great political excitement through- out the country, Mr. Thatcher, at the earnest solicitation of his fellow townsmen, be- came a candidate for the office of prothon- otary, and was elected in that victorious campaign of the Republican party with Lin- coln at its head. Mr. Thatcher's victory was more gratifying than the majority of the candidates, for out of a strongly Demo- cratic district he received a majority of over one-third of the voting population, which demonstrates in some part the popu- larity and esteem in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. He discharged the du- ties of his position of responsibility and trust with the greatest credit and efficiency. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Thatcher removed to Doylestown, where he remained for three years. In 1864 he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, for which occupa- tion he had a strong liking. At the death of his mother he purchased the place, com- prising seventy-three acres of land, at the settlement of the estate, and he was engaged in the conduct of the same until 1871.

In 1871 Samuel B. Thatcher received the appointment of assistant United States revenue assessor, and when that office was abolished became deputy collector of in- ternal revenue under Colonel James Ash- worth, of Philadelphia, who was later suc- ceeded by Mr. Elliott, during President Grant's administration. Mr. Thatcher served a term of twelve years as collector, acquitting himself with honor. He again returned to farming, in which he was at- tended with considerable success. Later, in a district which was Democratic three to one, he was elected justice of the peace, serving one term of five years, and in 1884 received the distinction at the hands of the Republican party of being made one of the thirty-two presidential electors of his state. It is said that Mr. Thatcher has been an attendant of every county convention, either Whig or Republican, between the years 1844 and 1902.

Mr. Thatcher was the originator and first president of the Tohickon Live Stock In- surance Company, and served as its head for over thirty years. He was also one of the organizers and directors of the Quaker- town National Bank. Besides his varied business interests, he takes a deep and active interest in educational affairs, and served eighteen years as school director, and was secretary of the school board seventeen years. He also served as a delegate to the Republican State convention that nominated Generals Geary, Hartranft and Beaver for governors.

Mr. Thatcher's career as a man of public affairs has been unusually eventful and one of marked success. He is pre-eminently a self-made man. Starting in life with few advantages. he has with a tenacity of pur- pose, lasting determination and earnest de-

sire to make something of his life, reached the top rung in the ladder of prosperity and success. In 1889, as a mark of respect and acknowledgment of his worth and public servises, a postoffice was created at the gen- eral store near his home, and at the sug- gestion of Mr. James Shelly, postmaster at Richlandtown, and many others, the new postoffice was named "Thatcher."

February 24, 1855, Samuel B. Thatcher was united in marriage to Miss Deborah Shelly, who was born in 1833, the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Clemmer) Shelly, who resided near Sellersville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. The issue of this union were four children, as follows: I. Charles, born December 2, 1855, married Ellen Mayers, daughter of Franklin and Elizabeth Mayers, and the following named children were born to them: Frank; Samuel, deceased; Harri- son; Mark. 2. Katharine, born November II, 1857, married William, son of Peter H. and Mary ( Sames) Lewis, farmers of Hay- cock township; 3. David, born September 30, 1860, died May 12, 1871 ; 4. Samuel B., born August 15, 1867, died December 25, 1882. The parents of these children, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Thatcher, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, February 24, 1905. The numerous messages of congratulation, and visits from friends and neighbors, far and near, attested the re- gard and esteem in which they are held in the community. Mr. Thatcher and his family are members of the Flatland Men- nonite church, near Quakertown, Pennsyl- vania.

WASHINGTON CADWALLADER, a prominent farmer, descended from an honored early family of Bucks county, was born August 7, 1871, on the old fam- ily homestead near Warrington, where he yet resides. The Cadwallader family had its origin in Wales and was planted on American soil during colonial days. The first settlers here, who were the pa- rents of John Cadwallader, lived at vari- ous places in the east and eventually be- came farming people of Horsham town- ship, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. They were consistent members of the Hicksite branch of the Friends' meeting. Their son, John Cadwallader, the father of Benjamin Cadwallader, was born in Montgomery county and was reared in Horsham township under the strict in- fluence of the Friends' Society to the faith of which he always closely adhered. He made farming his life work and after his marriage settled in Horsham town- ship, where he remained until after the birth of all of his children. Subsequently he purchased a large tract of land in Buckingham township, Bucks county, made splendid improvements thereon and became a very prominent, success- ful and influential farmer of his locality. In his later life he divided his property

718

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

among his sons and retired to Byberry, Philadelphia county, where he spent his remaining days. He was a man of un- faltering integrity and honor in business affairs and in private life, commanding the uniform confidence and good will of his fellow citizens in whatever locality he resided. At his death his remains were taken back to Horsham township, Montgomery county, for interment. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Han- nah Bradfield, was a native of Horsham and died several years prior to her hus- band's demise. They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters: Eli, Yardly and Benjamin, all of whom be- came prosperous agriculturists; Peter, who engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery; John, a farmer; David, a tailor by trade; Cyrus, who learned the followed the wheelwright's trade; Uree, who married James Bonner; and Eliza- beth, who became the wife of John Rich.

Eli Cadwallader (4), born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, was reared in Buckingham township and after his mar- riage settled upon a part of the old home- stead farm, where he spent his remaining days. When death claimed him his re- mains were interred in Buckingham township, where he had so long resided, conducting his business affairs in a man- ner that won him public confidence, as well as prosperity, while his relations with his fellow men gained for him gen- eral confidence and commendation. He was true to the teachings the

Friends' meeting, in which he had been reared, and in his political adherence was loyal to the principles in which he be- lieved, supporting the Whig party and becoming the champion of the abolition cause. He married Rachel Morris, of an honored early family of Bucks county. a daughter of Benjamin Morris, who was of Welsh lineage and became one of the prominent agriculturists of this county. He contributed, too, in large measure to the intellectual and moral development of his locality, his influence ever being found on the side of right, justice and improvement. Eli and Rachel (Morris) Cadwallader were the parents of five children: James, a farmer; Uree, the wife of Haslett Gibson; Ann, wife of Samuel Trumbower; Grace, the wife of Moses Haldeman; and Eli Cadwallader, Jr.

Eli Cadwallader, Jr., (5), born in Bucks county. Pennsylvania, was reared in his father's home and after the latter's death became the owner of the old homestead property, on which he remained for a number of years. He later sold the farm and purchased the tract of land upon which his son Washington resides and which is known as the John Kenngott farm. There he made permanent settle- ment and began the improvement of his land, which was but partly cultivated when it came into his possession. His labors wrought a great transformation

there, making it one of the best farm properties of the neighborhood. He car- ried on general agricultural pursuits, also raising products for the Philadelphia market, and his efforts were attended with good success. He was below the average height, yet possessed a strong constitution and was a very energetic and industrious man. Competent and farsighted in business affairs and broad- minded in all his views of life, his own "integrity caused him to be selected to ad- minister inany estates and to act as guardian on various occasions. He pos- sessed a social, genial nature, which made him a companionable gentleman and gained for him a large number of friends. The poor and needy received from him generous assistance and he ever held friendship inviolable. His in- tegrity and business honor stood as un- questioned facts in his career. He voted with the Republican party, and although he never aspired to office was deeply

interested in Republican successes and attended various party conventions. As the years passed he prospered in his business undertakings and became the owner of various farms and mortgages. so that he left to his family a handsome estate. He had been reared in the faith of the Society of Friends and was always true and loyal to its teachings. He mar- ried Miss Sarah Knipe, a native of Mon- roe county, Pennsylvania, and a daugh- ter of George L. and Mary Knipe, both natives of Bucks county. Pennsylvania. Early in their married life they removed to Monroe county, where they spent their remaining days. Her father was originally a wheelwright, but purchas- ing land in Monroe county turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits and con- tinued the improvement of his farm up to the time of his death. He gave his political allegiance to the Democracy, and lived an honorable, upright life. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Haldeman, and was a representative of one of the old and worthy families of Pennsylvania. The Knipe family was connected with the Lutheran church, while the Haldemans were of the Men- nonite faith, and all were consistent Christian people. To George and Mary Knipe were born seven children: Jacob, who was killed in the second battle of Winchester, while serving in the Union army during the civil war; Emeline, the wife of George B. Kerst; Mary, the wife of Abner Boorse: Ann. the wife of James Zabriska: Sarah, wife of Eli Cad- wallader, Jr .; Rachel, wife of N: Scoble; and Josephine, the wife of A. Ahler. Eli Cadwallader, Jr .. died December 21, 1891, at the age of sixty years. and was survived by his wife, who is now about sixty years of age. Their children were: Washington; Mary. the wife of H. S. Abbott: Ruberta, wife of R. Martin; Sarah: and Grant, who is a civil engineer.

719

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

Washington Cadwallader 6), born and reared on the old homestead, pursued his education in the public schools and in the Horsham Friends' school. He as- sisted in the cultivation and improve- ment of the home farm until after his father's death, when he took charge of the property and later became its pur- chaser. He still continues general farm- ing and he also keeps a herd of cows and sells milk. He markets the products of his farm in Philadelphia, and was a reg- ular attendant at the city market for ten years. His entire attention is devoted to his agricultural pursuits. His farm comprises one hundred and nine acres of land, which is very productive. It is situated within a mile of the Warrington postoffice, and the house is a commo- dious, two-story structure, standing on an elevation that commands a splendid view of the surrounding country. There is also a large barn, modern in con- struction, and all the outbuildings neces- sary for the shelter of grain and stock. He uses the best improved machinery, has his fields under a high state of cul- tivation and follows the most modern ideas of farming in carrying forward his work. There are apple and peach or- chards upon the place, together with small fruit and everything about the farm indicates his careful supervision and practical and progressive spirit. He is a broadminded and intelligent business inan and competent farmer, and through unfaltering diligence has achieved a very gratifying measure of success. In addi- tion to the control of other business af- fairs, he is a director of the Whitehall Fire Insurance Company and a director of the Danboro Livestock Insurance Company. He belongs to Hatboro Lodge, No. 410, F. and A. M. They are num- bered among the most highly respected citizens of their locality, and the influ- ence which Mr. Cadwallader exerts in community affairs has been far-reaching and beneficial.

In 1893 Washington Cadwallader was joined in wedlock to Miss Agnes Mere- dith, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1873. She is a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind and has been an able assistant to her husband. Her parents, Charles and Catherine (Mckinstry) Meredith, are na- tives of Bucks county and representa- tives of early families of this part of the state. The paternal grandfather, James Meredith, was a leading and successful farmer of Warminster township, and his business integrity and public-spirited cit- izenship made him highly respected. Charles Meredith was reared to farm pursuits and when married settled upon a farm and afterward conducted a hotel. Later he served as jailer at Doylestown, and is now a salesman of Philadelphia. Those with whom he has come in con- tact entertain for him high regard be-

cause of his allegiance to honorable, manly principles. His wife, Mrs. Cath- erine Meredith, died in 1875, in the faith of the Neshaminy Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Meredith also belonged. His second wife was Mary Duckworth, a daughter of Samuel Duckworth, a well known farmer of Bucks county. There was one child of the second marriage, Frank. By the first marriage there were two children: James H., who is now a conductor on a trolley line; and Agnes. Mrs. Agnes Cadwallader was only two years old at the time of her mother's death, and was reared by Hiram Cornell and his wife (the latter her mother's sis- ter), who gave her good educational privileges and surrounded her with all the loving attention she would receive in the parental home. To Mr. and Mrs. Cadwallader have been born four chil- dren: James Russell, October 17. 1895; Eli Franklin, February 12, 1898; Charles Paul, March 8, 1900; and Eleanor J., May I. 1902. A Republican in politics Mr. Cadwallader takes an active interest in public questions, frequently attending conventions of his party and has la- bored to secure the nomination of com- petent and capable men. He has filled varius township offices, and at the pres- ent time (1904) is school director in his district. He has been secretary of the board since 1896, and has been most loyal to every trust reposed in him, and has been the supporter of every measure which has concerned public progress and improvement.

WILLIAM HOBENSACK, who for a number of years has been closely identi- fied with the business interests of Ivy- land, was born in Southampton township, Bucks county, May 17, 1862, upon a farm belonging to his father, Isaac C. Hoben- sack. The family history gives it that three brothers of the name came from Germany to America in colonial days and from them were descended the rep- resentatives of the family now in Penn- sylvania. They have mostly been farm- ers . and mechanics. Isaac Hobensack, Sr., grandfather of William Hobensack, was a native of Bucks county, and throughout his entire life followed farm- ing, his death occurring in Warminster township, at Johnsville. He took an ac- tive interest in public affairs, gave his political allegiance to the Whig party and filled a number of township offices, in which his loyalty in citizenship was manifested. His wife was of the old school Baptist faith, and both were held in high regard in the community. She bore the maiden name of Emily Fetter and by their marriage they became the parents of seven children: Rachel F., the wife of James Hart, who served in the civil war; Margaret, who married Will-

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 155

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