History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 74

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 74

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Joel M. Mason, the elder son of Joel Mason, pursued his education in the Friends' school at Falsington and in the public schools at Morrisville, Pennsyl- vania. When he was about twenty-two years of age he began farming for him- self in Lower Makefield, where he re- , mained for two years. He then returned to the old homestead farm in Falls township, where he was born and con- tinued its cultivation until 1886, when he removed to Morrisville. There he en- gaged in the stock business and also con- tinued his farming operations, and he is now well known as a stockdealer of that town, making extensive purchases and shipments so that his annual sales reach a large figure. Mr. Mason has been prominent in public affairs, and is a stal- wart advocate of the Democracy. He has been elected three times as a mem- ber of the council of Morrisville, and was street commissioner for one year. He was also appointed fish and game war- den of Bucks county in 1899 for a term of three years, and the capable manner in which he has discharged his busi- ness duties has fully justified the con- fidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. Mr. Mason married Miss Annie Crosslie. a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Crosslie. They are the pa- rents of five children: Edmond, who is engaged in the ice business: Annie. the wife of Henry Ort: Joel, who deals in coal and lumber: Charles, who is con- nected with the Wright Publishing Com- pany; and William, a motorman. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Mason wedded Mrs. Jennie T. Moorehouse, nee Tice, and there is one child by this mar- riage, Jennie L. Mason.

MARTIN H. SMITH, an esteemed and honored citizen of Doylestown township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, was born Octo- ber 16. 1838, a son of John D. and Mary M. (Hevener) Smith, and grandson of George and Susanna (Deaterly) Smith. George Smith (grandfather) was a lifelong resident of Bucks county, where he fol- lowed farming and teaming. and, being a man of energy, industry and perseverance, achieved a fair degree of success. By his marriage to Susanna Deaterly, eleven chil- dren were born, as follows: Joseph; Mary, who became the wife of Philip Swartley ; Sarah, who became the wife of Martin Loux; Henry ; Catherine, who became the wife of Henry Treisbach; Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Fox: John D., mentioned hereinafter; Susanna, who be-

came the wife of Peter Frick; Nancy, who became the wife of Eli Ruth; George; and Lydia, who died in childhood. George Smith was buried in the Mennonite church- yard at Deep Run.

John D. Smith (father) was born in Plumstead township, Bucks county, Septem- ber 29, 1812. In early life he learned the blacksmith trade, but after his marriage commenced farming, giving his entire at- tention to that pursuit until compelled to retire on account of infirmities due to old age. He was one of the first school direc- tors of Bedminster township, his incum- bency of the office being noted for integrity and efficiency. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and his political support was given to the Republican party. He married Mary M. Hevener, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Hevener, and their family consisted of nine children, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving members of the family are: Martin H., whose name heads this review, born Octo- ber 16, 1838; Frances, born September 2? 1840, married Sarah Snyder, and their children are: Martha, Mary, Ellen, de- ceased; Amanda, wife of James High ; Clara, wife of Jacob Beerley, and John. Mary Ann, born November 11, 1843, widow of Henry Kile. Ephraim and Oliver (twins), born September 25, 1845: Oliver married Mary Ann Myers, daughter of Christian B. and Sarah Landis Myers, and they are the parents of one child, Emily, wife of Isaac Long. Susanna, born June 19, 1850. George, born October 22, 1853. married and has two children: Catherine and George, Jr., Reed, born February 16, 1856, now deceased.

FRANCIS M. PHILLIPS, who was born in Warminster township, Bucks county, where he yet follows the occupation of farmer, is a son of Horace G. and Caro- line ( Matlack) Phillips, the former of Bucks county and the latter of Philadel- phia county. The paternal grandfather, Horace Phillips, was a native of New Jer- sey and in early life settled in Bucks coun- ty, where he followed the occupation of farming. He also carried on shoemaking for some time, but subsequently devoted his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. In politics he was a Democrat. but never aspired to office, and he belonged to the Presbyterian church. He died in Harts- ville, Pennsylvania. In his family were the following named children: Hannah, the wife of B. T. Jamison; Caroline; David S .. a business man of Philadelphia; and Horace G.

Horace G. Phillips, father of Francis M. Phillips, always followed the occupation of farming and at the time of his marriage rented a tract of land. Later he became owner of a farm and continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits and in marketing until his demise. He voted with

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IHISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

the Democracy, served as school director and filled some minor township offices. In the Presbyterian church he held member- ship, served as one of its elders and took an active interests in its work. He mar- ried Caroline Matlack, a daughter of Francis E. and Mary (Titus) Matlack, the latter a native of Doylestown, Pennsyl- vania, while Mr. Matlack was born in Philadelphia and was a son of Abram and Elizabeth (Elliott) Matlack. Abram Mat- lack was a native of Petersburg, Pennsyl- vania, and when a young man removed to Philadelphia, where he followed the wheel- wright's trade for a number of years. Sub- sequently he returned to Petersburg, where his remaining days were passed. Francis E. Matlack was born in Philadelphia and spent his entire life in this state. He pur- sued his education in his native city, and later engaged in the conduct of a boot and shoe factory for many years. In 1866 he retired from that business and purchased a farm in Warminster township, carrying on general agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred December 1, 1890. In politics he was a Whig and afterward a Republican, but he never aspired to public office. He was a consistent and worthy member of the Presbyterian church, con- tributed generously to its support, aided actively in its work and served as one of its trustees. He died December 1, 1890, while his wife passed away in 1881. She was the daughter of Joel and Hannah (Thompson) Titus, both natives of Bucks county, and descended from old colonial families. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Titus were: Jo- seph ; John; Samuel: Elizabeth: Griffith ; Susan, who became the wife of J. Mana- hon: Lucy A .; and Mary, the wife of F. Matlack. The children of Francis Matlack are: Mary E., and Caroline, the latter the wife of Horace G. Phillips. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Horace G. Phillips resided upon a farm in Bucks county and here his death occurred January 28, 1904, while his wife passed away July 25, 1902. They were the parents of seven children : Francis M .: Emily. the wife of H. Halde- man ; Mary. the wife of C. Sprogell : Eliza- beth, the wife of W. McDaniel ; Rachel, the wife of H. Barton, an architect in the em- ploy of the government at Washington, D. C. : Caroline, the wife of W. Vanartsdalen ; and Ella G.

Francis M. Phillips was born and reared in Warminster township. early becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits and throughout his entire life he has engaged in the tilling of the soil. He acquired his education in the common schools, and re- mained at home until after his marriage. bringing his bride to the old homestead farm, where he yet resides. He inherited the Matlack homestead and expects always to make it his place of residence. On February 1, 1900, Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Florence E. Watson, who was born in Bucks county, January I, 1877. Her paternal grandfather, Howard Watson was

born at Edgewood, Bucks county, March IO, 1822, and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed throughout his active business career, but in his later years lived retired. After his marriage he settled at Horsham, where he conducted a smithy for a number of years, but is now living retired in Byberry. He married Catherine L. Doron, who was born in June, 1826, and was reared at Hatboro Mill. Thev re- sided for forty-nine years at the Horsham homestead, having there a small tract of land and a commodious home. They were members of the Horsham meeting, and Mr. Watson was a Republican in his political affiliation. Their children were: Elwood, a steamboat clerk and business man. B. Frank; Enos, a farmer of Horsham; Howard, engaged in the insurance business; and Adele, wife of H. Jenks. B. Frank Watson was born at Horsham and learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. He remained at home until his marriage and then settled upon a rented farm, where he lived for a year. He afterward located upon the homestead now occupied by Francis M. Phillips, and here he carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his re- maining days, passing away February 28. 1898. He followed general farming and also raised some stock, and was practical and successful in his business methods. In politics he was a Republican, and fratern- ally was connected with the Knights of Pythias. His wife died in 1897. She lost her parents during her early girlhood and was reared by her grandparents, who were prominent farming people and were highly respected throughout the community in which they lived. Mrs. Watson was an only child. By her marriage she became the mother of four children: Florence E., now Mrs. Phillips: Herbert: Claude L. ; and Leila H. Both Mr. and Mrs. Phillips hold membership in the Hartsville Presbyterian church. They are widely known in Bucks county, representing old families of Penn- sylvania, and Mr. Phillips is regarded as one of the progressive agriculturists of his community.

ELMER E. ALTHOUSE, editor and proprietor of the "Sellersville Herald," was born in Sellersville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1874, and is a son of Milton D. and Elizabeth (Nace) Althouse. The pioneer ancestor of the subject of this sketch was Arndt (Andrew) Althouse, who emigrated from Germany in the ship "Fane" ar- riving in Philadelphia on October 17, 1749. He located on the Tohickon, near Church Hill, in Haycock township. He and his wife Anna Maria were members of Tohickon Reformed church at Church Hill. and their son Daniel was baptised there March 4. 1753.

Daniel Althouse was a farmer in Hay- cock township until 1785. when he lo- cated in Bedminster township, where he

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

died in 1795. He was twice married and left the following children: Maria, Frederick, Abraham, Conrad, Michael, Jacob and Rebecca by the first wife, and Isaac, Elizabeth, Daniel, Martin, and George by the second wife.

Frederick Althouse, born in Haycock in 1783, on attaining manhood located in Rockhill township, where he purchased twenty-three acres of land in 1818. In 1824 he purchased of Andrew Schlichter a farm of eighty-seven acres on the Bethlehem road, near Sellersville, and lived there the remainder of his life, dying January 26, 1852. He married Susanna Schlichter, of Rockhill town- ship, and had nine children who sur- vived him, viz: Thomas, Elias, Daniel, James, Andrew, Elizabeth, wife of Enos Sellers; Hannah, wife of Isaac Barndt; Mary, wife of Noah Weisel, and Abigail.

Elias Althouse, second son of Fred- erick and Susanna (Schlichter) Alt- house, was born and reared in Rockhill township. He was born August 5, 1814, and died in July, 1869. At the death of his father he accepted a portion of the homestead and it was adjudged to him by the orphans' court, and part of his allotment was a small lot included in the present limits of Sellersville borough. He was a tailor by trade, and probably lived on this lot and followed his cal ing. He moved back to Rockhill in 1856, and lived there until his death in 1869. He married Maria Dietz, daughter of Abra- ham Dietz, of Rockhill, and they were the parents of nine children, viz: Mil- ton D .; Susanna, wife of Thomas R. Leister; Elizabeth, wife of Peter R. Ziegenfuss; Henry; John: Thomas; Will- iam; Amos; and Emma, wife of Charles Himmelwright.

Milton D. Althouse was born in Rock- hill township, January 6, 1841, and was reared and educated in Sellersville. He learned the trade of a cigar maker when a boy, and worked at that trade for twenty-five years. He at one time owned and conducted a cigar factory in Sellersville. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the town, and has filled a number of local offices, serving as school director and mem- ber of borough council for several terms. In politics he is an ardent Republican. and for many years took an active part in the councils of the party. He was elected to the office of recorder of deeds of Bucks county in 1884, and served one term of three years. He has also filled the position of transcribing clerk in the recorder's office. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Sellersville by President Harrison, and filled that posi- tion for four years. Since July, 1903, he has had charge of the rural free delivery on the Sellersville mail route. He and his family are members of the Reformed church at Schlichtersville, of which he has been an elder for -

twenty-two years, and deacon for eight years. He also filled the position of trustee and treasurer of the church. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and Patriotic Order Sons of America. He married, October 15. 1863, Elizabeth Nace, and they have been the parents of four children, of whom only Elmer E., the subject of this sketch, survives.

Elmer E. Althouse was born in 1874, and was reared in Sellersville. He graduated from the Sellersville high school in 1891, and from Pierce's Busi- ness College, Philadelphia, in 1892. He entered the law department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1896. He, however, had a taste for journalism, having been correspondent for Philadelphia and Doylestown papers for some years, and in 1897 started the "Sellersville Herald" in partnership with C. R. Addison. During the first year he purchased his partner's interest, and has since conducted the paper alone, which now has the largest subscription of any weekly paper in upper Bucks. He is also connected with the "Emaus Herald," published at Emans, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. The "Herald" is a popular weekly local paper and exer- cises a potent influence toward the im- provement and development of the town of Sellersville and vicinity. Mr. Alt- house is deeply interested in the affairs of his native town, and has filled a num- ber of local positions; he is now serving as borough auditor.

He is a member of McCalla Lodge, No. 596, F. and A. M., and Sellersville Lodge. No. 658, I. O. O. F. Mr. Alt- house married June 30, 1807, Margaret G. Leinbach, daughter of Rev. Samuel A., and Margaret (Everhart) Leinbach, and they are the parents of two chil- dren-Samuel L., born October 12. 1899; and Mary Elizabeth, born March 23, 1905. The family are members of St. Paul's Reformed church, Sellersville.

HENRY KEMMERER KLINE, re- siding at Quakertown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, is a representative of an old family of German extraction. His ancestor, Isaac Kline, came from Ger- many and settled in Bucks county prior to the Revolutionary war. By his wife Barbara, Isaac Kline was father of a son George, born August 17, 1788, who mar- ried Susanna Hembach, born November 16, 1803. George and Susanna (Hem- bach) Kline were the parents of the following named children: I. Solomon, born February 12, 1826; died July, 1904: he married Sarah Keppler, and resided in Easton. 2. Mary, married M. Erd- man. 3. Isaac, born 1828; married Enie- line Kneedler, of Kneedler's Corner, Gwynedd township, and lived in Beth- lehiem. 4. Sarah, born April 12, 1834,

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married Joseph Himevelt, and lived in Philadelphia. 5. Susanna, born Septem- ber 3. 1835, married Louis Kehl, of Montgomery county. 6. George, to be further mentioned hereinafter. 7. An in- fant. The father of this family died February 3, 1838, and his wife survived him many years, dying January 14, 1875.

George Hembach Kline, son of George and Susanna (Hembach) Kline, was born January 13, 1837, on a farm then owned and cultivated by his father, at Hembach, Lower Milford township, Lehigh county. He attended the sub- scription school of Samuel Crawford, at Swamp Church, and also for two years the public schools, which were then first opened. He then went to Plym- outh Meeting, Montgomery county, where he remained until his sixteenth year, working 011 a̱

farm and attending the Friends' school. He was then ap- prenticed to Jacob Harley, a harness maker at Zion Hill, Lehigh county, and who was father of Jonas Harley, pro- prietor of harness manufactory at Quakertown. Here George Kline re- mained one year, when he went to Quakertown, where he entered the em- ploy of Louis P. Jacoby. In the course of a few years he established a shop on his own account at Riegelsville, Dur- ham township. In 1859 he located in Quakertown, where he purchased the business of his former employer, Louis Jacoby. He conducted his establish- ment profitably until the second year of the civil war, when (October 1. 1862) he enlisted in Company H. Fifteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, Colonel William J. Palmer commanding. He was detailed for special duty as saddler, and in August. 1863, was promoted to sergeant, which rank he held until he was honorably discharged from the ser- vice of the United States after the col- lapse of the rebellion, in June, 1865. He participated in some of the most stirring campaigns of the great con- flict, and among the notable battles in which he bore a part was the sanguin- ary struggle at Chickamauga, Tennes- see. After returning from his army service, Mr. Kline resumed his business, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. He has always taken an active part in community affairs, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors in high degree. During President Cleveland's first administra- tion he filled a full term of four years as postmaster, discharging the duties of the position with ability and integrity. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. With his family he holds membership in St. John's Lutheran Church, in which he has served as deacon, and has other- wise been active in church work.

In 1857, while residing in Riegels- ville, Mr. Kline married Elmina, daugh-

ter of Henry and Lydia (Bartholomew) Kemmerer, and of this union were born the following children: I. Henry Kem- inerer, to Emma B., who became the wife of be further mentioned ; 2. Harry Y. Jacoby, son of Simon Jacoby,. of Sellersville, Bucks county; 3. Susan B., who became the wife of Andrew Snovel, of Hatfield, Montgomery county; 4. William K.

Henry Kemmerer Kline, eldest child of George H. Elmina ( Kemmerer ) Kline, was born June 4, 1862. He at- tended the common schools and the high school until reaching his sixteenth year, after which he worked for J. S. Harley. He became assistant post- master to his father, acting in that ca- pacity for four years. During the sec- ond Cleveland administration and that of President Harrison he was assistant postmaster to Edward Ochs, and after the death of Mr. Ochs, with Dr. Joseph Thomas. For two years and a half he was assistant to Mahlon Detweiler, after which he was employed for six months by Mrs. Clymer. Since October, 1903, he has been engaged in stove- mounting. He has been active in public affairs, and for four years served as clerk of the council, and is now a mem- ber of the school board and clerk of the. election board. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife are mem- bers of St. John's Lutheran Church, in which for many years he has served as deacon and secretary of the Sunday school. Mr. Kline married, December 26. 1891, Emma Matilda, daughter of Til and Amelia (Mint) Osnean, of Quakertown, formerly of Allentown, and they have three children: J. Robert,. Herman Otto and Lillian Naomi. All these children attend school and J. Robert is studying music.

JOSHUA TOMLINSON, honored as the oldest living resident of Langhorne, of which city he is a native, and the only surviving charter member of the Lodge of Odd Fellows in that village, is a representative of ancestry who set- tled in Pennsylvania in the colonial days, shortly before the Revolution. The founders of the American branch of the family came from England and settled in Philadelphia and Bucks counties. They were farmers by occupation, and Friends in religion.

Mr. Tomlinson was born March 24, 1822, in Middletown township, son of Aaron and Jane (Headley) Tomlinson; grandson of William and Rachel ( Ever- ett) Tomlinson; and great-grandson of Richard Tomlinson. He was educated at the Friends' school and the Belle- view school in Langhorne, that last named being then under the charge of William Mann, one of the most capable

Can

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

teachers of that day. Young Tomlin- son labored upon the paternal farm until he was seventeen, and at that early age entered upon an apprenticeship to the coachmaker's trade in a shop which his father conducted in connection with his farming labors. He was so em- ployed for four years, and at the expira- tion of that time, his father retiring. he succeeded to the management. He con- ducted the business with much success until 1849, when he sold it and went to Maryland, where he cultivated a plan- tation for a couple of years. In 1851 he returned to Middletown and resumed his coachmaking business, in which he successfully continued until 1875, when he retired to a finely improved and highly productive farm which he had previously purchased, and where he made his home for thirteen years. He then made a final removal to Lang- horne, where he has since resided, occu- pying a beautiful and comfortable home where he enjoys that well merited ease and contentment which should properly crown so active and well spent a life. He enjoys the esteem and confidence of the community, to whose prosperity and advancement he has materially con- tributed, and among whom he is held in peculiar regard as the oldest citizen. He is the oldest surviving member of and the only charter member now liv- ing of Orionto Lodge, No. 177, I. O. O. F., organized in May, 1846, and of which he has been an active and con- tributing member continuously down to the present time, a period of forty- eight years. He was for five years a justice of the peace, and for many years was a member and secretary of the old Attleboro Fire Company. In religion he is a Friend, and in politics a staunch Republican, having affiliated with the party when it organized in 1856 for its noble purpose of staying the aggres- sions of slaveholders and the prostitu- tion of free soil to human slavery, a crime against humanity and a sin against God. Mr. Tomlinson married, July 4, 1847. Miss Lydia Ann Noble, of Phila- delphia, daughter of Edward and Eliza- beth (Tiller) Noble. Of this union were born three children, all of whom were educated in the Friends' and public schools of Langhorne. They were: 1 Edward Hicks, born May II, 1848, he married Annie Reigan, and they became the parents of the following children- Florence May, born 1874: Joshua Noble, who married in 1904, Elizabeth Griffith ; Estelle, Clarence L., and one who died in infancy. Florence May was married to Ervin Fisher, of Philadelphia, and they became the parents of two chil-

dren: Nevin Oswald Fisher. Elizabeth Jane, born September 29, 1850. Frederick Noble, born June 17, 1855. never married. Mrs. Tomlinson, mother of this family, passed away January 28,

1902, leaving to her mourning husband and children the tender memories of a beautiful spirit which shed the light of love upon all who came into companion- ship with her.

GEORGE TOMLINSON, son of Aaron and Jane ( Headley ) Tomlinson, and grand- son of William and Rachel ( Everett) Tom- linson, mentioned in the preceding sketch, was born in Middletown, February 15, 1840, and was educated at the public and Friends' schools of Langhorne. He re- mained on the farm with his parents until twenty years of age. In 1861 he responded to the call of his country by enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers under Captain Alfred Marple, and that veteran of two wars, Colonel (now General) W. W. H. Davis, and participated with his regiment in the bloody battles of Fair Oaks, the Seven Days Fight, Malvern Hill, as well as in a number of other engage- ments and skirmishes. On account of ill health he was honorably discharged on October 3, 1862, after having been confined for some time to the military hospital on David's Island, New York. He returned home, and after careful nursing regained to some extent his normal hea.th, though he never fully recovered from the results of the campaign of hardships in the Vir- ginia swamps. As soon as sufficiently re- covered he resumed the vocation of a farmer, which he followed until 1883 when, having purchased a house on Green street, Langhorne, he retired to that borough, where he has since resided, having built his present residence in 1891. He has al- ways taken an active interest in the affairs of the town, and is a member of Sergeant Hugh A. Martindale Post, G. A. R., No. 366, and of Orionto Lodge, No. 177, 2. O. O. F. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, of which his ancestors have been members for many generations. In politics he is a Republican, and has always taken an active interest in the suc- cess of his party. He married, December 21, 1865, Annie Strouse, daughter of Sam- uel and Susan (Lutz) Strouse, of Lang- horne .-

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 74

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