History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 78

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 78

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Mr. Murray has found a most faithful companion and assistant in his wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Elizabetli Kraft, and who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1861. Her parents were

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

Gotlip and Mary (Doll) Kraft, the for- mer a native of Germany and the latter of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, but both are now deceased. Gothip Kraft was an honest farmer, but died before he had ac- quired much property. Ilis wife soon af- terward passed away. She was a daughter of Christian Doll, a farmer of Pennsyl- vania, of Dutch descent, and a soldier of the war of 1812. In early life he learned the shoemaker's trade, but subsequently carried on agricultural pursuits. The gov- ernment granted him a pension in recog- nition of his patriotic service in the sec- ond war with England. His children were: Washington, a weaver and farmer ; Charles, a cigar manufacturer; Jesse, a plasterer; Mrs. Elizabeth Diehl and Mrs. Mary Kraft. After the death of her par- ents Mrs. Elizabeth Murray had to make her own way in the world, and she was employed in different households up to the time of her marriage. She became the able assistant of her husband, and their united efforts have resulted in the acquire- ment of a good home and a fine farm, and now they are enabled to enjoy many of the comforts and luxuries of life. They have two children, Mabel, born May 29, 1887; and C. LeRoy, November 17, 1894.

OLIVER J. DEEMER. The Deemer family of Bucks county are descendants of Johannes Deimer, who emigrated from Germany in the ship Davy, arriving in Philadelphia, October 25, 1738, and soon after settled on a large tract of land in Nockamixon township, on the river, just below the Durham line. Whether he was the same John Deimer, who was a captain of a company in the expedition against Quebec in 1746-7, is problematical. Tra- ditions in the family seem to bear out the theory that he was. Tradition further re- lates that he was reared in the Roman Catholic faith and educated for the min- istry, but becoming enamored of a Protest- ant maid, he married her and emigrated to America to escape the wrath of his family and church. The name of Diemer appears in different parts of Pennsylvania at about the time of his arrival. A John Deimer, practitioner in Physic and Chirur- gery was a land owner in New Providence township, now Montgomery county, as early as 1734, and died there in 1759. He purchased land in Bucks county in 1753. which was sold by the sheriff after his death on suit against his administrator, James Deimer. A Michael Deimer set- tled in Limerick township in 1769 and died there in 1795, leaving sons George and Daniel and a daughter Eve, who married Jacob Painter. The eldest son George removed to Vincent township, Chester county, and is the ancestor of a family of the name located later in the Cumber- land valley.

Johannes Deimer was the father of Michael Deimer, mentioned . at length

hereinafter and probably of George Deemer, "House Carpenter," who purchas- ed land in Rockhill in 1773, which he and wife Dorothea conveyed in 1777, as well as of Joseph Deimer who located in New Jersey at about the same date, after having resided some years in Durham, Bucks county.

Michael Deemer, son of Johannes, the immigrant of 1738, and ancestor of ail the present Bucks county family, was born in or near Durham, Bucks county, about the year 1750. On the division of the Dur- ham tract in 1773, he purchased one hun- dred and sixty-three acres on the Nock- amixon line, and in 1789 purchased a tract adjoining in Nockamixon. He died in 1797, and his widow Elizabeth, some years. later. They were the parents of thirteen children, John, Jacob, Mereles, Catharine, Solomon, Madlena, Sarah, Michael, George,. Henry, Frederick, Barnet, and Margaret. Michael and Elizabeth Deemer were among the original members of Nockamixon Re- formed church at its organization in 1773, and the baptism of several of the above children appear of record there, the ear- liest one to be baptised there, however, be- ing Sarah, born October 2, 1774, and the last one Margaret, on March 17, 1782. John Deemer, the eldest son, died a year before his father, leaving eight small chil- dren, Benjamin, John, Mary, Margaret, Sa- rah, Hannah, Michael, and Catherine. The eldest, Benjamin, born April 17, 1784, is the paternal ancestor of Newberry Deemer, of Bridgeton, through the marriage of his. daughter Sarah to William Deemer, son of Frederick, above mentioned. Michael Deemer, another son of Michael and Eliza- beth, born December 20, 1776, died March 8, 1850, was the grandfather of Edward Deemer, a soldier in the civil war and late- ly a resident of Doylestown; and Elias Deemer, the prominent lumber merchant and business man of Williamsport, Penn- sylvania. Barnet Deemer, youngest son of Michael, Sr., settled in Rockhill and was the father of Mrs. Michael Lehman, of . Doylestown.

Johan George Deemer, fifth son of Michael Deemer, Sr., and great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Nockamixon, February 2, 1779, and baptized in Nockamixon church, March 13, 1779, though the latter date is given on his tombstone as the date of his birth. He was a farmer and considerable land owner in Nockamixon and Haycock, being appar- ently a large dealer in timber and timber land. He married Elizabeth Unangst, born September 17, 1783, died March 19. 1862. He died April 27, 1858, and they are buried side by side in Nockamixon burying ground. They were the parents of six chil- dren, as follows: Margaret, born Septem- ber 1, 1811. married David Argart; Cathe- rine, who married Samuel Wagener ; Mary, who married Henry Sassaman; Samuel, who married Catharine Ruth; Charles, who married Mary Bergy ; and Rose Anna, who

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

married Thomas Atherholt. All of the above children left descendants except the eldest. Henry and Mary Deemer Sassa- man had eight children, Margaret, who married .Oliver H. Myers; Sarah, who married James McNamee; Elizabeth, who married James Smith, and is the mother of W. Harry Smith, present sheriff of Bucks county ; Mary, who

married Harry Strycker; William, who married Amanda Reaser; Lavinia, who married George B. Deemer; Lydia, who married Thomas Mos- er, and Annie, who married Augustus Feas- ter. Samuel, the eldest son of George Deemer, born December 4, 1803, died Jan- uary 12, 1874, married Catharine Ruth, and had four children; George R., who died in Nockamixon, April 2, 1904; Samuel W .; Savilla, who married James Y. Zeigenfuss, and is the mother of Mrs. Elmer Funk, of Doylestown; and Rosanna, who married Aaron Zeigenfuss. Thomas and Rose Anna (Deemer) Atherholt were the parents of four children: Eliza, wife of Reden Mey- ers; Mary, Sarah, and David.

Charles Deemer, second son of George and Elizabeth ( Unangast) Deemer, and the grandfather of the subject of this sketcht, was born in Nockamixon, , Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1808, and died there February 13, 1882. He was a far- mer and followed that vocation in dif- ferent parts of the county, prior to the death of his father, living at one time in Doylestown township. After the death of his father, he succeeded to a portion of the old homestead in Nockamixon and spent his remaining days there. He mar- ried Mary Bergy, who was born January 6, 1798, and died April 3, 1860, and they were the parents of two children, Anna Margaret, born December 1I, 1828, died June 13, 1895; married Charles Zuck; and George B., born January 23, 1830, died March 1, 1898.

George B. Deemer was born and reared in Nockamixon, and in early life learned the trade of a stone mason and plasterer which he followed during the active years of his life, He removed to Doylestown in 1866, and resided there until his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and took an active part in the councils of his party. He served one term as jury commissioner of Bucks county. He and his family were members of Nockamixon Reformed church. He married Lavina Sassaman, daughter of Henry and Mary (Deemer) Sassaman, born October 15, 1834, died February 25, 1898, and they are the parents of five chil- dren : Arabella, Margaret M., Sarah E., Oliver J., and Viola, all of whom 'except Oliver J., reside in the homestead on Court street, Doylestown.

Oliver James Deemer born in Springfield township, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, August 17, 1861, and came with his parents to Doylestown, at the age of five years. His education was acquired at the Doylestown school. When a young man he entered the employ of Allen H. Heist,

distiller, wholesale liquor dealer and cider manufacturer at Doylestown, and in 1888 was placed in charge of a branch estab- lishment at Gallitzin, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, which he conducted for sev- eral years for Mr. Heist, and in April, 1900, purchased it of Mr. Heist, and has since conducted it on his own account with success. Mr. Deemer is a man of excel- lent business ability, and irreproachable character, and has many friends both in his native town and in Gallitzin. In the latter place he has been actively identified with many of the local enterprises and pub- lic improvements, and has served for many years as a member of the town council. He is a member of Aquetong Lodge, No. 193, and Doylestown Encampment, No. 35, 1. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Or- der of Elks, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, No. 175, and kindred organizations in Gallatzin. He is unmarried. He is a strong Democrat in politics.

AARON F. MYERS. One of the highly esteemed citizens of Bedminster is Aaron F. Myers. Mr. Myers is a grandson of Henry Myers, who was a brick and stone mason of Plumstead township, and married Elizabeth Fretz. Their children were: Henry F., John F., Reuben F., Joseph F., mentioned at length hereinafter; William F., Barbara, Catharine, and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Myers both died in Plumstead township, where they had passed their lives.

Joseph F. Myers, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Fretz) Myers, was born March 12, 1812, in Plumstead township, where he learned the trade of a mason which he followed for some years. In 1844 he pur- chased the Myers homestead in Bedmin- ster township, whither he removed, and thenceforth devoted himself to agricul- tural pursuits. In politics he was a Repub- can, but while taking an active interest in the affairs of the organization, was never an office seeker. He was a member of the Deep Run Mennonite church, of which he was a trustee for many years. He married Barbara, daughter of Abraham Fretz, of Bedminster, and of the eight children born to them three are now living: Henry F., who lives in Tinicum township; Abraham F., who is a resident of Bedminster town- ship; and Aaron F., mentioned at length hereinafter. Mrs. Myers died January 8, 1884, in the seventy-second year of her age, and her husband passed away May 12, 1882.

Aaron F. Myers, son of Joseph F. and Barbara (Fretz) Myers, was born July 10, 1846, on the farm which is now his home. He was educated in the common schools, and at the Carversville Normal School, which he attended for three terms. At the age of eighteen he began to teach and continued to do so for five years. In the spring of 1870 he bought a farm near New Galena, New Britain township, and engaged in agriculture. At the end of ten

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

years lie sold the estate and returned to the home farm, which he purchased after the death of his father, which occurred the following year. He lias served as school director, is a Republican in politics, and a member and trustee of the New Memnon- ite church. Mr. Myers married, May I, 1869, Lydia, born February 7, 1845, daugh- ter of Henry Moyer, of Lehigh county. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers, Barbara, Susanna and Henry are deceased, and the following survive: Os- car, who lives in Milford township; Jo- seph, who is a resident of the same place, Titus, who resides in Dublin, Bedminster township; Pierson, Isaiah, Levinus, Abra- ham, and Menno, all of whom reside at home.

OWEN L. UNDERWOOD. One of Pennsylvania's old families is represented by Professor Owen L. Underwood, of New Hope. The founders of the Underwood family in America were three brothers, Zephaniah, Alexander, and John, who came over from Wales not less than two centu- ries since. Alexander settled in Virginia and John in Massachusetts, where his de- scendants are numerous. Zephaniah made his home in York county, Pennsylvania. One branch of Alexander's family came to Pennsylvania (Owen L. Underwood is a descendant of this branch). Zephaniah, a descendant of Alexander, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, where his son Charles was also born. All the Under- woods of this branch were farmers and members of the Society of Friends.

Reuben L. Underwood, son of Charles Underwood, mentioned above as the de- scendant of the emigrant ancestor, Alexan- cer Underwood, was born in 1842, in Uni- onville, Center county, Pennsylvama, and received his education in the common schools. He was a farmier and in 1883 moved to Adams county, where he remained until 1903, when he abandoned farming and removed to Grampian, Clearfield coun- ty, where he now resides. He is a staunch Republican and has filled several local of- fices which were entirely unsought by him. He has been an active worker in his party and influential in its councils. He is a men:ber of the Society of Friends. He married Emeline Griest, and they were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom survive: Ida J., who is a graduate of the State Normal School and is now en- gaged in teaching; William A., who is a farmer in Illinois; Miles W., who is a contractor and painter in Clearfield, Penn- sylvania; Eli G., who is a merchant in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania; Owen L., mentioned at length hereinafter; Ed- ward, who is a farmer in Illinois; Alfred who is a graduate of the State Normal School and is now teaching in the public schools; Lydia, who is attending the State Normal School at Shippensburg; Bessie; and Eliza, at home.

Owen L. Underwood, son of Reuben L. and Emeline (Griest) Underwood, was born April 16, 1879, in Unionville, Center county, Pennsylvania, and attended the public schools of Adams county, graduating after a uniform course in 1895. In 1897 he attended a summer Normal school at York Springs, and in 1901 gradu- ated from the Shippensburg State Nor- mal School, having previously taught two terms. After his graduation. Pro- fessor Underwood taught one term at Johnsville, Bucks county, and in the au- tumn of 1902 went to New Hope, having been made principal of the public schools of that place, in which position he is now serving his fourth term. He is a member of York Springs Lodge, No. 211, I. O. O. F., is a Republican in politics, and a mem- ber of the Society of Friends. The length of time that Professor Underwood has been retained in his office sufficiently at- tests his popularity.

JOSEPH H. FRETZ, a successful and prosperous · business man of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was born in Hilltown towl- ship, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1876. He is a descendant of John Fretz, who, with his brother Christian, emigrated to this coun- try from Manheim, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, about 1725, settling for a time in Montgomery county, where he was married to Miss Barbara Mayer, of Upper Salford township, by whom he had hive children, namely: John, Jacob, Christian, Abraham, Elizabeth. His wife died in 1740, and he remarried and had three children. In 1738 he purchased two hundred and thirty acres of land, in Bedminster township where he died, February, 1772.

Jacob Fretz, second son of John and Bar- bara (Mayer) Fretz, married Magdalena Nash, daughter of William Nash, in 1755, and settled in Tinicum township, Pennsyl- vania, near Arwinna, returning to Bed- minster, where he died.

Abraham Fretz, second child of the ten children born to Jacob and Magdalena (Nash) Fretz, was born January I, 1758. When he was seventeen years of age, a team and wagon of his father's was im- pressed with the American army to carry powder and stores from Trenton to Bos- ton, and he was placed in charge of the team during this long journey, and was present at the battle of Bunker Hill, re- maining with the army three months, and he then returned home. March 14, 1786, he married Miss Elizabeth Harmon, and lived after marriage in Hilltown township, near Leidytown, engaging in farming and weaving. Five children were born of this union, namely : Jacob, Susan, John, Cath- erine, Abraham. Abraham Fretz died Feb- ruary 14, 1839, his wife surviving him four years, passing away in 1843.

John Fretz, second son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Harmon) Fretz, and grandfa-

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

ther of Joseph H. Fretz, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1795, died November 18, 1874. He was a pros- perous farmer of Bucks county, and in 1827 married Miss Elizabeth Kerns, born January 19, 1805. Four children were born of this union. Mrs. Fretz died January 7, 1843, and Mr. Fretz took for his second wife Miss Mary Landis, who was born Jan- uary 25, 1846, and died January 18, 1889. Their children were: Henry L., father of Joseph ; John L. and William L. Mr. Fretz was a member of the Mennonite church.

Henry L. Fretz, eldest son of John and Mary (Landis) Fretz, was born in Hill- town township, Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, November 14, 1846. He was reared and educated in his native town, and for several years after reaching manhood was engaged in buying and shipping stock. For the past twenty years he has been doing business successfully as a hotel-keeper, and is now sole proprietor of the Clear Springs Hotel at Doylestown, Pennsylvania. De- sember 10, 1873, he married Miss Wilhelmin Kline, born January 7, 1855, and their chil- dren are: Rev. Franklin K., Lutheran min- ister of Grace Evangelical church of Phila- delphia; Joseph H., Mary Irene, a milliner of Souderton; Ida Stelle, Arthur Alonzo, horse dealer of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, John Paul, in the employ of his brother, Joseph H .; Frances Grace, reading medi- cine at North Wales; Flora Fidella, at home; Lydia Viola, at home; Elsie Noami and Luther Leroy, residing at home.

Joseph H. Fretz, second son of Henry L. and Wilhelmina (Kline) Fretz, was reared and educated in Hilltown township, Penn- sylvania. He was of a very energetic, am- bitious nature, and as early as his four- teenth year had started to make his own way in the world. He was variously em- ployed in his early life, and in 1897, having saved some money, engaged in the hotel- business at Unionville, Montgomery county, where he remained until the spring of 1898, when he went to Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and there opened a restaurant on the pre- sent site of the Pollock Hotel. One year later, however, he sold this out, and pur- chased the adjoining building, which he could see presented greater advantages for opening a first-class hostelry. He refitted and reconstructed this place, making an in- viting spot out of an unsightly building. In 1900 he sold this place, and in August of the same year purchased the Fountain House, at a cost of $65,000. He immedi- ately took charge and began reconstructing the place, supplying it with all modern im- provements-steam heat, electric lighting, etc., and now has in it one of the most in- viting hostelries of Bucks county. His un- bounded energy and great ambition have won for him an enviable place in his chosen line of work. It may well be said of him that he is an excellent business man. and he is counted among the most genial and popular landlords of Bucks county. In religious affairs Mr. Fretz affiliates with

the Lutheran church, and politically he helps support the Republican party. He is identified with the Doylestown Lodge No. 245, F. and A. M .; Doylestown Chapter, No. 270, R. A. M .; St. Tamany Castle, K. G. E .; Doylestown Circle No. 252, Brotherhood of the Union; Doylestown Lodge, No. 217, I. O. R. M .; Lansdale Lodge, O. U. A. M .; Doylestown Lodge, Improved Order of Heptasophs. In Janu- uary, 1897, Mr. Fretz was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth Zoller, daughter of George and Lina (Livingston) Zoller. Four children were born of this union, two of whom survive: Grace and Helen Fretz.

JACOB Y. LEATHERMAN, who for thirty years has been well known as an auctioneer of Bucks county, was born in Bedminster township, on the 14th of December, 1853. At least three generations of the family had previously been represented in this county for Jacob Leatherman, the grandfather, was born in Bedminster township, at which time his father was carrying on agri- cultural pursuits there. He was reared to the work of the farm and throughout his entire life carried on farm labor. For his second wife he chose Miss Mollie Landis.

Henry L. Leatherman, a son of that marriage, was born in Bedminster town- ship in 1823, and became a miller and farmer, following both pursuits through- out his entire business career. He was a member of the Old Mennonite church, and a man whose business integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his life. He married Miss Elizabeth Yoder, and they became the parents of five children: Magdalena, the wife of Frank L. Wismer; Jacob Y .; Annie, who mar- ried Henry K. Gross; Sallie, the wife of Joseph B. Overholt; and Henry Y.

At the usual age Jacob Y. Leatherman entered the public schools and master- ing the branches therein taught gained a good practical knowledge to assist him in the performance of life's duties. He was twenty-two years of age when he began farming on his own account in Bedminster township, an occupation which he has since followed. He has also been auctioneer for the past thirty years, has cried many sales and is one of the best known men in Bucks county. His many excellent traits of character have made him popular, and a con- genial and kindly nature has endeared him to many friends. He holds mem- bership in the Deep Run Mennonite church. Jacob Y. Leatherman was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Gayman, daughter of Abraham Gayman, and they had two children, but one died in infancy. The surviving daughter is Elizabeth, the wife of Allen Rush.

362

HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

ELLWOOD WILLIAMSON MIN- STER, postmaster of the borough of Bristol, the duties of which responsible position he has discharged with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned since his first election to the office in March, 1899, is a native of Bristol township, born August 3. 1856.

The progenitor of the family in America was Nicholas Minster, who came from Germany, settling in Chester county, Pennsylvania. His son,. John Minster, a resident of Bristol township, married a Miss Burton, and they reared a family of four children, namely: John, An- thony, Mary and William. Anthony Burton Minster, second son, was born in Bristol township, December 14, 1794. He was educated in the private schools of that vicinity, and his active career was devoted to agricultural 'pursuits. He served as supervisor of his town- ship several years. He enlisted in the war of 1812, serving with credit and distinction. On April 1, 1824, he mar- ried Ann Starkey, who was born in Solesbury, Bucks county, August 14, 1802, and nine children were the issue of this union: Margaret and. Martha (twins), born December 3, 1825; Will- iam S., born July 10, 1827; Anthony D., born March 3, 1829: Sarah Ann, born April 9, 1830; Eliza B., born November I, 1832; Pemberton, born January 13, 1835; Mary Jane, born May 26, 1837; and Edward, born July 8, 1840. The parents of these children died respec- tively June 16, 1874, and April 30, 1874.

William S. Minster, eldest son of An- thony Burton and Ann (Starkey) Min- ster, was born July 10, 1827. He at- tended the schools of Bucks county and by close application to his studies be- came thoroughly proficient and well qualified to

accept the position of teacher, in which capacity he served for many years. He received an appoint- ment in the Custom House in Phila- delphia, served faithfully and efficiently for an extended period of time, and was the incumbent of the office at his de- cease, in 1881. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith, and a Republican in politics. His wife, Clarissa (Parsons) Minster, born in Bucks county and educated in public schools thereof, bore him seven children, as follows: B.

Frank, Ellwood

Williamson, Ann Starkey, Kate, Harry, Maria Louisa, who died in infancy, and Sarah Boyd.

Ellwood Williamson Minster, second son of William S. and Clarissa (Parsons) Minster, obtained a practical education in the public schools of Falls township and Pierce's Boarding School in Bristol township. He then engaged in the milk business, which he followed for ten years with more or less success, and in 1886 was elected prothonotary for Bucks county, serving three years. Later he received the appointment of factory in-

spector and after four years of faithful service in that capacity, in Moren, 1899, appointed postmaster

f . the boroughi of Bristol, was rea d in April, 1903, and is still servir rı11 thus far extending over a . of

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 78

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