History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 58

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 58

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HARRY F. MOLLOY, recorder of deeds of the county of Bucks, was born in Wrightstown, August 14. 1856, and is a son of Nicholas E. and Frances Jenks (Stradling) Molloy.

Nicholas E. Molloy, for many years a well known farmer and highly re- spected citizen of Wrightstown, was born on the Atlantic ocean when his parents were on their way to America from Ireland in 1817. At the age of six he was taken charge of by David Shipps of Northampton township, and was reared in his family. Soon after arriv- ing at manhood he purchased a farm in Northampton, near Richboro, on which he resided for a number of years, and then sold it and removed to Wrights- town where he resided for two years, and then removed to the old Lacey farm in Buckingham, on the Wrightstown line, the birthplace of General John Lacey, living in the house erected by the Lacey family about 1706, now torn down. He purchased this farm in 1878, but had previously purchased and re- moved upon an adjoining farm, now oc- cupied by his son Harry F. Molloy. where he died in August, 1880, aged sixty-three years. Mr. Molloy was an industrious and successful man, and was highly respected in the community. For over thirty years he ran a commis-

sion wagon to Philadelphia, carrying his own and his neighbors' country pro- duce to the Philadelphia market. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and encampment. Frances J. Stradling, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Thomas Stradling, and a descendant of Thomas Stradling who married, October 5, 1715, Lydia Doan, daughter of Daniel Doan, who came to Middletown from Massachu- setts in 1699. Thomas Stradling settled in Newtown township, where he died in 1761, leaving two sons: Daniel, of Plun- stead, and Joseph, who died on the homestead in 1810, without issue, and the children of his second son Thomas who died in Newtown in 1757. Thomas, Jr., the ancestor of Mrs. Molloy, mar- ried, December 13, . 1744, Elizabeth, Fisher, born June 13, 1727, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Scarborough) Fisher, who, after his death, married, December 4, 1759, Joseph Lee. The chil- dren of Thomas and Elizabeth (Fisher) Stradling were: Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Thomas, and Daniel, of whom Thomas was the grandfather of Mrs. Molloy. Nicholas E. and Frances J. (Stradling) Molloy were the parents of three chil- dren: Harry F., the present recorder of deeds of Bucks county, and popular merchant at Pineville; Anna, wife of W. Harry Rockafellow ,of Buckingham; and' John B. Molloy,, of Wycombe, a sketch of whom appears in this work.

Harry F. Molloy was born and reared in Wrightstown and has always lived in that vicinity. He was educated at the public schools, and continued to reside on his father's farm until 1875, when he became a clerk in the store of Jesse P. Carver, at Pineville, of which he is now proprietor. On Mr. Carver's retirement in 1877 he continued with his successor, Seth Cattell Van Pelt, until 1879 when he went back to the farm. In 1888 hc purchased the store at Mozart, Buck- ingham township, where he conducted the mercantile business for five years. Having purchased the store stand at Pineville, he removed there April I, 1893, and has since conducted a large and successful business there. In poli- tics Mr. Molloy is a Democrat, and in the fall of 1902 was elected on the Dem- ocrat ticket to the office of recorder of deeds. He continued to conduct his store at Pineville, spending a portion of each week in the office in Doylestown, which is mainly conducted by his son J. Carroll, a young man of much prom- ise. Mr. Molloy takes an active interest in local affairs, and is well and favorably known in his native township. He is a member of Doylestown Lodge No. 245, F. and A. M .; Doylestown Chapter No. 270, R. A. M .; of Northern Star Lodge No. 54. I. O. O. F. at Richboro: New- town Council, K. of P .; and Wycombe Castle No. 125, K. G. E.

Harry. A. Moloy.

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

He married in 1883 Anna M. Leedon, daughter of John and Sarah (Harrold) Leedom, of Wrightstown. She died Oc- tober 5, 1902. On the paternal side she was descended from Richard Leedom, an early English settler in Southampton, the ancestor of a numerous and prom- inent family in Lower Bucks and else- where, and on the maternal side from Samuel Harrold, who came from Ireland in the early part of the eighteenth cen- tury and settled in Buckingham, where he became a large landholder and prom- inent man. He was twice married and reared a large family, who have left numerous descendants in Bucks, though few of the name now reside here. The children of Harry F. and Anna M. (Leedom) Molloy are: J. Carroll and William H.

JOSEPH L. SMITH connected with the farming interests of Warminster township, was born in Lower Makefield township, Bucks county, June 8, 1860. The family is of German lineage and was established in America at an early epoch in the history of this part of the state. The paternal grandfather, An- drew Smith, was a native of Bucks county, following the occupation of farming and was widely known and highly respected. He gave his political allegiance to the Democratic party. His sons and daughters were as follows: Elias A .; William; Andrew; James; Jessie H .; Alfred R .: Mary, the wife of J. B. Tumbleson ; Elizabeth, the wife of George Slack; and Jane and Etta, who are still living. The parents were consis- tent and faithful members of the Epis- copal church.

William Smith, father of Joseph L. Smith, was born in Makefield township. and was reared to the occupation of farming in Bucks county. He followed that pursuit throughout his entire life, remaining upon the old homestead farm up to the time of his marriage, when he settled upon a tract of rented land. which he continued to operate for a few years or until his industry and economy had brought him capital sufficient to en- able him to make purchase of land. He then bought a farm, which he conducted for a number of years; he then sold that and purchased a larger tract of land whereon he spent his remaining days. He followed general farming and sold his produce in the Philadelphia market. In all of his business interests he was practical and energetic, and his well conducted affairs brought to him- de- served success. He left to his family an untarnished name because of his in- tegrity and honor in all life's relations. His political views were in harmony with Democratic principles, and he kept well informed on all the questions and issues of the day. He belonged to the

Friends' Meeting, and died in that faith in April, 1904. In early manhood he wedded Sarah A. Linton, who died May 25, 1902. She was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah Linton, descendants of old families of Bucks county. Her father was a leading and influential farmer, whose political support was given to the Whig party and afterward to the Re- publican party, and who in his religious faith was a Friend. In his family were two sons and a daughter: William and Joseph, who follow farming; and Sarah, who became Mrs. Smith. To Mr. and Mrs. William Smith were born six chil- dren: Anna, who married Joseph R. Comly; Emma, the wife of S. D. Tom- linson; William A., who follows farming on the old homestead; Joseph L .; Sarah H., who married Joseph W. Ross; and Jennie E.

Joseph L. Smith remained in the home of his parents up to the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1888. He had been reared to the occupation of farming, and he chose that pursuit as a life work. At the time of his mar- riage he settled on the farm where he now resides, one mile east of Ivyland, and there he carries on general agricul- tural pursuits, attending the Philadel- phia market, where he places his farm products on sale. He has many regular patrons, and his business has become profitable. His farm is productive and is kept in a high state of cultivation. There is a commodious residence, splen- didly situated on a building site that commands an excellent view of the sur- rounding country. There are beautiful trees about the place and everything is neat and attractive in appearance. There is a large barn, commodious outbuild- ings and, in fact, the entire property is well improved. He uses the best farm implements in conducting the labor of field and meadow, and he raises some stock for the support of the farm. He is a fancier of fine horses and always has some splendid ones upon his place. He is now raising some colts, having two fine thoroughbreds which will un- doubtedly develop into superior road- sters if not race horses. Mr. Smith is a stanch advocate of Democratic prin- ciples, and uses his influence to further the growth and success of his party. He is well qualified for public office, but the Democracy is in the minority in Bucks county, and Mr. Smith belongs to that class of men who would never surrender a principle for an office within the gift of the people. He has served as school director, however, for nine years and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He is a man of social nature, of pleasant ad- dress, public-spirited and highly re- spected.

Mr. Smith married Miss Martha H. Spencer, who was born in Northampton

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

township, in 1864, a daughter of Cam- eron and Rachel B. (Hart) Spencer, both natives of Bucks county, their an- cestors having located here in early days. In fact the name of Spencer is closely associated with the history of the material and moral development of this part of the state. The early repre- sentatives of the name here were of Irish birth and of Presbyterian faith. John Spencer was enrolled with the volun- teers in the war of 1812, and afterward received a pension in recognition of his services. His son, Samuel Spencer, was a reliable farmer, successfully conduct- ing his business affairs. He voted with the Whig party in early life, and upon its dissolution joined the ranks of the new Republican party. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. He married Sarah A. Harmon, and died in March, 1889. Their only son, Cameron G. Spencer, was born in Bucks county and reared and educated there, remaining upon the old homestead as his father's assistant until 1859. when he married and brought his bride to the farm, of which he then took charge, making a home for his father during his remaining days. Cameron Spencer was born in November, 1836, and was but five years of age when he lost his mother in 1841. He was reared by his father and the latter's housekeeper, and his life developed into that of a man of remarkable strength of character and sterling purpose. He never used to- bacco or liquor in any form. and he was popular and prominent in the commun- ity, receiving the unqualified trust and respect of those with whom he was as- sociated. After bis marriage he con- ducted the home farm for eleven years, and then sold that property, removing to Philadelphia, where he rented a hotel property in Spring Garden street. He made it a temperance house and to the astonishment of all his friends pros- pered in this undertaking, although those who knew him predicted that he could not win success unless he sold liquors there. However, he conducted a tem- perance house for ten years after which he purchased a farm near Jacksonville, Bucks county. He then resumed farm- ing, in which line of activity he contin- ued until his death. He was a Repub- lican. and although he was never an as- pirant for office he served for one term as assessor, while residing in Philadel- phia, discharging the duties of the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the general public. He was widely known and commanded the confidence and good will of the people of every community in which he lived. His death occurred in May, 1882. His wife still survives him and makes her home with her two children, Mrs. Smith, and a son who resides upon the homestead farmı. She was born in Northampton

township in 1837, and is a lady of cul- ture and intelligence; she is a daughter of Joshua and Martha (Bonham) Hart, both connected with early colonial fam- ilies. Her father was a son of John and Sarah (Dungan) Hart, also of Bucks county. John Hart followed farming and merchandising, making his home in Jacksonville, and he became widely known as a highly respected citizen. He was of Irish lineage, affiliated with the Baptist church, and his political allegi- ance was given to the Democracy. His children were: Joshua, William, Rachel, Joseph, John, Elizabeth, Sarah, Hum- phrey, and Rebecca.

Joshua Hart, who was born in 1802, was reared to farm pursuits, and after his marriage settled in Northampton township, while later he took up his abode upon the farm now occupied by , Mrs. Smith. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits, and died in Buckingham township. In poli- itics he was a Democrat, but had no political aspirations. In an early day he served as captain in a militia com- pany. His wife was born in 1809, and was a daughter of Joseph and Letitia (Kinsey) Bonham, both of Bucks county, her father being a prominent and well known farmer. In politics he was a Whig. The members of the Bonham family were Jonathan, Isaiah, Charles, Kinsey, Samuel and Martha. The children of Joshua Hart were: Sarah. the wife of John Spencer; Letitia; Charles, who died in the civil war; Rachel B., who became the mother of Mrs. Smith: Elizabeth, the wife of Jo- siah Thompson, of Philadelphia; and John, also of Philadelphia. To Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Spencer were born three children: Horace G., who was reared upon the home farm, and was later em- ployed by the Presbyterian board of publication; died in September, 1888, leaving a wife but no children; Martha H., who became Mrs. Smith; and A. Lincoln, who is now farming the old homestead; he is a stanch Republican in his political views: he has a son, Cameron, born January 23, 1895.

FRANK F. BELL, deceased, who was elected the first treasurer of Philadelphia under the new city charter, popularly known as the "Bullit Bill." having been the youngest incumbent upon whom this responsible office had ever fallen, was of old and honored German origin. His paternal grandparents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. His

grand- mother died when her son, John Bell, father of Frank F. Bell, was about eleven years of age, and subsequently her husband and son emigrated to America, the former named dying dur- ing the voyage at sea.

FUL

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

Jolın Bell (father) came to Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, an orphan, and sub- sequently became a well known and re- spected citizen of Old Northern Liber- ties, having established an extensive business as caterer and confectioner. He was united in marriage to Mary Lang- enstein, who was born in Gros-Glatt- bach, Wurtemberg, Germany, daughter of Frederick and Anna Mary (Wein- gartner) Langenstein, whom she accom- panied to America in 1839, settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Frederick Langenstein was a son of Michael and Eva Dorothea (Schaefle) Langerstein, both of Gros-Glattbach, Wurtemberg, Germany, and grandson of Michael Lan- genstein, who served in the capacity of burgomaster of the aforementioned place. John Bell (father) died at the early age of thirty-six years, his son Frank F. being then only two years of age.

Frank F. Bell was born in the city of Philadelphia, May 26, 1855. Upon reaching the qualified age he was entered as a pupil at Girard College, from which institution he was graduated with high honors at the conclusion of the eight years' course. After his graduation he entered upon the study of architectural drawing in the office of Professor Rich- ards, of the University of Pennsylvania, and later he accepted a position in the manufacturing firm of W. C. Allison & Sons. He had a special aptitude for ac- counts which rapidly brought him to promotion in the counting room of this great firm. Not long after, however, an opportunity arose which promised him an opening in the political arena, and served to afford opportunity for the study of law, which he had already de- cided to follow as a profession. He was offered a position of trust in the office of the receiver of taxes, which he ac- cepted, and at the same time became a law student in the office of Hampton Todd. Shortly after his acceptance of this new office an investigation of its af- fairs was ordered by the city comp- troller, which proved to be prolonged and exhaustive, and Mr. Bell acquired a reputation in this investigation which led directly to his future advancement. Shortly after its conclusion William B. Irvine was elected city treasurer of Philadelphia, and he, having a knowl- edge of the executive ability of Mr. Bell, tendered to him the important office of chief of the department for the collec- tion of revenue due the commonwealth. The successful efforts of Mr. Bell in this position brought him prominently into public favor, and resulted in making him the nominee of his party to succeed Mr. Irvine. The public confidence in his fitness for the office was expressed by a popular majority of 21,106 votes, and he met the responsibilities and fulfilled the duties of the position in a highly cred- itable manner. In his business and po-

litical relations he was eminently con- sistent and reliable. His matured capa- bilities had received ample and thorough training in the great trusts and in all the departments of activity to which he had been called, and in his handling of the millions of dollars in the city treas- ury there was not the slightest whisper of the innuendos and scandals so fre- quently alleged of men in public life.

Mr. Bell was a member of the Union League Club of Philadelphia; of the Philadelphia Athletic Club; of the Al- gonquin Club of Bristol; and of the Stock Exchange of Philadelphia and New York.

In 1881 Mr. Bell was made a Mason in Oriental Lodge, No. 385, and four years from that date was chosen wor- shipful master, and this rapid rise in Masonry and in the affections of the craft was but a reflex of his walks in life. The following is an extract from the eulogy paid to Frank F. Bell by Past Master Z. Taylor Rickards: "Ac- quaintance with him elicited admiration, intimacy was to love him; to contribute to his ambitions was but to do right and receive his gratitude always. To-mor- row we shall look for the last time at the face of our dear friend and brother, stilled, no longer to respond to the cheerful greeting he had for all who knew him. We shall not look again into those soul-lit eyes. He is dead- and what is this condition we call death ? What of it? It has come to Frank F. Bell at forty-eight. When it will come to each of us, no man can tell, but of him we know that in this preparing room he leaves a record so good that we believe it is well with him now. Let us emulate his virtues and remember him for his ever kindly walks with us here."

On January 18, 1888, Mr. Bell was married to Helen Geneva Edwards, of Philadelphia, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Atmore) Edwards, paternal granddaughter of James and Mary Ed- wards, maternal granddaughter of Will- iam Penn and Caroline (Stowe) Atmore, maternal great-granddaughter of Will- iam and Mary Magdalene Stull, and ma- ternal great-great-granddaughter of George and Caroline Lausatte, who were born in Alsace or Lorraine, France. William Penn Atmore came to America in the same ship with William Penn and settled in Philadelphia. George Stroup. maternal great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Bell, served with Washington during the revolutionary war, as did also his son. The children of Frank F. and Helen G. (Edwards) Bell are as follows: Frank Frederic, born September 25, 1888, is being educated at Swarthmore preparatory to entering the Institute of Technology at Boston, Massachusetts ; Helen Florentine, born January 29, 1891, is a student at the Holman School, Pliil- adelphia; Dudley Edwards, born Octo-

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

ber 4, 1894, attends the Friends' Central School, Philadelphia. Frank F. Bell, father of these children, died August 31, 1903. Ilis widow resides in a beautiful home, elegant in its appointments, is devoted to her children, and prominent in the social life of Bristol, Pennsyl- vania.

ROBERT M. JOHNSON, one of the energetic business men of Chalfont, is a son of William Johnson, who was reared on a farm, and upon the breaking . out of the civil war enlisted in the Union army from New Britain township. He married Hannah Lutz, and . their children were: Franklin L., Emma E., and Robert M., mentioned at length hereinafter. Franklin L. married Anna Lister. Emma E .. became the wife of Abraham Clymer, of Line Lexington, and after his death married John Lewis, of Hilltown.

Robert M. Johnson, son of William and Hannah (Lutz) Johnson, was born July 13, 1859, in New Britain township, and was educated in the public schools of his birthplace. a

He acquired

knowledge of plumbing, heating and ventilation with David E. Hebner, of Chalfont, and after the expiration of his time he worked for five years as jour- neyman at Line Lexington. In 1887 he purchased the store of William Bruner, at Chalfont, where he now conducts an extensive , plumbing and heating busi- ness, carrying a large stock of stoves, heaters, ranges and similar articles. His patronage is not limited to Chalfont, but includes the surrounding towns. His political connections are with the Demo- cratic party, and he is a member of the Pleasantville Reformed church.

Mr. Johnson married Lillie I., daugh- ter of Dr. Louis C. and Lucilla (Ely) Rice, and they are the parents of the following children: Marion, who was born January 1, 1882; Florence, born October 31, 1891; and Chester, who was born December 3, 1898.

BYRON M. FELL, D. D. S., of Doylestown, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1872, being a son of James B. and Josephine B. (Conard) Fell, and of the sixth generation in de- scent from Joseph and Bridget (Wilson) Fell, of Longlands, Cumberland. Eng- land, who settled in Buckingham in 1707.

Benjamin Fell, son of Joseph, born in Cumberland, England, 9 mo. 12, 1703, died in Buckingham 9 mio. 12, 1758, was thrice married, first 6 mo. 27, 1728, to Hannah Scarborough, by whom he had six children, second to Hannah Iredell, who bore him four children, and third

to Sarah Rawlins, by whom he had one SON.

John Fell, eldest child of Benjamin and Hannah (Scarborough) Fell, was born in Buckingham, 4 mo. I, 1730, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Paxson) Hartley, Io mo. 30, 1753, and had by her thirteen chil- dren. Among them were Seneca and Nathan, twins, born 4 mo. 5, 1760.

Seneca Fell married Grace Holt, of Horsham, Montgomery county and set- tled in Buckingham on a farm purchased by his grandfather in 1753, part of which has remained in the family to the pres- ent time, the late residence of E. Hicks Fell. Seneca and Grace had eight chil- dren, viz .: Sarah, married John Stock- dale; Eli, see forward; Martha, married Jacob Michener; Rachel, married Charles Wilson; Jesse, died unmarried; Seneca, married Sarah Cress; and Grace, married Benjamin Buckman. In 1817 Grace Fell, the widow of Seneca, re- moved with her son Jesse and son-in- law Jacob Michener to Harrison county, Ohio, and died at the residence of her son-in-law Jacob Michener, in Morgan county, Ohio, about 1845.

Eli Fell, eldest son of Seneca and Grace, was born on the homestead above referred to in 1787, and died there 3 mo. 6, 1859. He married 5 mo. 4, 1808, Rachel Bradshaw, daughter of William Bradshaw, and had thirteen children, nine of whom grew to matur- ity; Jane, wife of Cornelius Shepherd; Ruth, died unmarried; Eunice, married Charles M. Shaw; Uree, married Abra- ham Geil; Eli; Rachel, widow of Wilson Pearson; Martha, married John Bur- gess; James B .; Elias Hicks; and Hulda Ann, married John M. Kirk.

James B. Fell, the eleventh child of Eli and Rachel (Bradshaw) Fell, was born on the old homestead in Bucking- ham 8 mo. 17, 1827, and died in Buck- ingham 5 mo. 19, 1880. He was a farmer, and lived all his life in Buckingham. He married I mo. 1, 1857, Josephine B. Conard, daughter of Jacob and Martha Conard, of Buckingham, who died 5 mo. 28, 1891. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom lived to mature age; Clara M., late wife of Elmer W. Kirk, of Doylestown; J. Conard, of New Hope; Eli H., of New York; Marian. V., wife of Earl Peters, of Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania; and Byron M., the subject of this sketch.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm in Buckingham, and ac- quired an elementary education at the public schools. In November, 1891, he entered Trenton Business College, from which he graduated in 1892, and accepted a clerical position with the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, which he filled until October, 1893, when he entered Philadelphia Dental College. from which le graduated March h 5. 1896. On his

Вирои Ш. Эле

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

graduation he at once located in Doyles- town, opening an office in the Rhoads build- ing on Main street, and began the practice of his profession. He soon built up a lucra- tive practice, and four years later purchased his present residence and offices on Court street.

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 58

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