History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 81

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 81

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Mr. Worstall was married to Miss Clarissa Fell, who was born in Doylestown

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

township, in 1855, a daughter of James C. and Mary E. (Gargus) Fell, both na- tives of Bucks county. Her father was a prominent farmer, whose active and hon- orable business career was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Friends meeting. He died in February, 1897, at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife survived until June, 1904. Her death occurred while she was visiting in South Carolina, but her remains were in- terred in Doylestown cemetery .. Their chil- dren were: Abram, a farmer; Caroline, wife of Joseph Ellis; Ella, the wife of Hugh Carroll; Fanny, the wife of E. Bodine; and Clarissa, the wife of Edward D. Worstall. Mr. and Mrs. Worstall have but one child, Joseph F., born May 1, 1884, who is now assisting his father in the store and postoffice.

ADAM MARTIN, who is engaged in farming near Chalfont, was born in New Britain township, March 20, 1853, and is of German parentage. He is a son of George and Harriet (Bailmyer) Martin, both of whom were natives of Wittenberg, Germany, where they were reared and mar- ried. Following the birth of two of their children they came to America, crossing the Atlantic about 1850. George Martin estab- lished his home in Bucks county, where he worked as a day laborer for some time. Subsequently he purchased a small tract of land at New Galena, built a house and after a few years sold that property and bought again at Eden, where he also erected a dwelling. After residing there for many years he retired from business life and now makes his home in Allentown, Pennsyl- vania. He was employed by the Reading Railroad Company for many years in dif- ferent capacities, and now with a com- fortable competence saved from his earn- ings is enjoying a well merited rest. He proved his loyalty to his adopted country when in 1863 he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Regiment of Infantry. The command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he served until the close of the war, en- during deprivations and exposures such as are meted out to the soldier. He did his full duty as a defender of the stars and stripes, and after the close of the war he returned home and resumed work with the Reading Railroad Company. In politics he has always been a Republican, and he is a member of the Reformed church. His life has been an honorable and upright one, and at the age of eighty-two years he enjoys the respect and confidence of all. His wife also is eighty-two years of age, and they reside with a daughter in Allentown. She is likewise a member of the Reformed church. George and Harriet Martin be- came the parents of seven children: Car- rie, wife of M. Melntire; Michael, a farmer of Chalfont; Lizzie, who married A.

Rhodes; Adam; Amanda, deceased; Mrs. Emma Hotelter, who cares for her father and mother in Allentown; and Anna.

Adam Martin was reared in Bucks coun- ty and when only seven years of age be- gan working on farms. He spent the win- ter months at home, attending the public schools, but from the early age of seven years he has been dependent upon his own resources for a living and is entirely a self- made man. As the architect of nis own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, and his life record is an illustration of what can be accomplished through determination and earnest purpose. He did work as a farm hand until about eighteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade with David High. When his term of service was ended he worked as a journeyman at different places in Phila- deiphia, being thus employed for more than eleven years. Soon after his marriage, how- ever, in 1876, he purchased a farm through the assistance of a friend and for eight years remained upon his first place, atter which he sold it to Charles Holdeman, and bought the farm upon which he now lives. He at first had fifty-five acres, but to this has added, and now has a good tract of land of seventy-five acres. He has remod- eled and added to the buildings which are now in a good state of repair, and his fields are highly cultivated. At times misfortune has overtaken him, for periods of prosper- ity and adversity come to all, but he has manifested a most determined and per- severing spirit and is now one of the sub- stantial farmers of his community, prac- tical and progressive in his work. He at- tends the Philadelphia market, thus placing his products on sale.

Mr. Martin gives his influence and sup- port to the Republican party, warmly es- pousing its principles and he has filled the positions of constable of New Britain town- ship, of court constable under G. Ely, sheriff, and for thirteen consecutive years in Warrington township has been super- visor. He was afterward school director, but later resigned and became a candidate for the office of county commissioner, to which he was elected. At this writing in 1904 he is township auditor, and his election is an evidence of the office seeking the man. His capability has been recognized by his fellow townsmen, who have selected him for local positions of honor and trust, and in office he has been most loyal, discharg- ing his duties with promptness and fidelity.

Mr. Martin was married to Miss Abigail R. Sherm, who was born in this county, September 1, 1853, a lady of intelligence and culture, who has been a faithful helpmate to him. She is a daughter of John and Barbara (Rickard) Sherm, the latter a na- tive of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Hier father was born in Alsace, Germany, and with his mother and stepfather, Jacob Steifer, he came to America in 1826. After his arrival here he was employed in a mill, entering the services of Henry Fritz, with

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

whom he remained until his marriage. He then bought a lot and built a house and con- tinued in the milling business for five years. Later he rented a farm for a year and on the expiration of that period bought a tract of land near Chalfont, there carrying on agricultural pursuits for a number of years. At length he retired from business cares and bought a small lot, on which was a dwelling in which he made his home. Event- ually he returned to the home farm, how- ever, where he died in 1880. His wife passed away in 1860. Both were members of the Lutheran church. In their family were eleven children: Elizabeth, who died in childhood; Catherine, who became the wife of Charles King; Mary A., the wife of E. Wice; William H., a school teacher and later a farmer; Sarah, the wife of E. Detweiler ; Barbara, who became the wife of Eli O. Crouthamel; John B., a farmer ; · Magdalene, wife of Monroe Trumbauer ; Fannie, wife of A. Lininger; Noah, who died in childhood; and Mrs. Abigail Mar- tin. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mar- tin are eight in number: Reuben A., who is married and follows farming; Flora, wife of F. L. Brinker ; Alice S., Bertha M. and Walter A., at home; Edward H., who died in infancy; and Jennie T., at home. The parents are consistent and active work- ers in St. Patrick's Lutheran church at Hill- town, Mr. Martin serving as one of its deacons. His life has been characterized by untiring activity in business, and his strong purpose and indefatigable energy have brought to him a creditable measure of success.

ROLAND FLACK, representing one of the early families of Pennsylvania, was born September II, 1857, upon the old home- stead farm a mile and a half east of Jami- son, where he still resides. The Flack fam- ily is of Irish lineage and was established in Pennsylvania in colonial days. Most of its representatives have been tillers of the soil, and they have been leading and worthy citizens of their respective communities.

Joseph Flack, Sr., the grandfather, was a resident of Bucks county and followed the occupation of farming. In his political views he was a Whig and served as justice of the peace for many years, proving a most capable officer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. In his religious faith he was a Presbyterian. His family numbered eleven children: Ann, who be- came Mrs. George Opdvke; Samuel, a car- penter : Joseph, a farmer; Spencer, a farmer: Mary, the wife of J. Jamison ; Elizabeth, the wife of J. Roberts; Isaac. a farmer; Abigail, who became Mrs. Jami- son and after the death of her first husband became Mrs. Holbert: Sarah, the wife of Isaac Walton : Everett, a farmer : and Evan. With the exception of the last named, who died in childhood, all reached advanced age.

Joseph Flack. Jr .. father of Roland Flack, .

was born in Bucks county, reared upon the old home farm and educated in the public schools. He afterward engaged in teacli- ing for a number of years, being one of the capable representatives of the profession in his native county. At a later date he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, successfully carrying on general farming and also attending the Philadel- phia market, where he found a ready sale for his products. His political views were in harmony with the principles of the Whig party and he afterward endorsed the prin- ciples of the Republican party. He Kept well informed on the question's and issues of the day, never failing to support his political ideas by his ballot, and he also filled various township offices, discharging his duties in a capable manner. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, and was widely known and highly respected for his integrity and honor in all life's rela- tions. He married Miss Jane Yonkers, also a native of Bucks county, and a daugh- ter of William Yonkers, a prominent farmer of Philadelphia county, who lived a quiet,. unassuming, but useful life. In his family were the following named children: Caro- line, who died in childhood; Mary. the wife of John Worthington; Sarah, the wife of N. Holbert ; Thomas, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Jane, who became Mrs. Flack; and Eveline. Joseph Flack, Jr., died July 14, 1898, at the advanced age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in 1857. They were the parents of a daugh- ter and son, Eva and Roland, and the former finds a good home with her brother on the old family homestead.

Roland Flack was reared to agricultural pursuits and has carried on the work which his father inaugurated in the development and improvement of what is known as the old Flack homestead. His attention has been given to agricultural pursuits through- out his entire life. and his work is now carried on along progressive business lines. He has yet found time to devote to public interests, is a stanch advocate of Republi- can principles, and has filled various town- ship offices. He has been a member of the township central committee and his lovalty and capability would well qualify him for any political office to which he might be called. He has demonstrated his friend- ship for the cause of public education bv his active service in behalf of the schools while acting on the school board. He has likewise served on the election board. He was elected by a good majority to the state assembly. representing Middle Bucks county.

In 1885 Mr. Flack was married to Miss Sallie Walter, who was born in Bucks county, and is a daughter of George and May (Young) Walter, also natives of this county. Her father is a plasterer by trade, and has always been content to follow the pursuits of a quiet business life without political aspirations. He yet resides in Doylestown. His children are: Sallie, now

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

Mrs. Flack; Catherine, the wife of J. N. Doan; Augustus, a machinist; and Alice, at home. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church, to which Mrs. Flack also belongs. Mr. Flack is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity. Unto him and his wife have been born two sons, Howard W., born in 1888; and Joseph, born in 1894.

ROBERT McDOWELL is of Irish line- age, being a representative of the third gen- eration of the family in America. His grandfather, William McDowell, was a na- tive of the north of Ireland, and when a young man came to the United States where he secured employment as a farm hand. He remained a resident of Montgomery county throughout his remaining days, his death occurring near Abingdon. In his religious faith he was a consistent Presby- terian. His children were : Major, William, a stone mason; Robert, a farmer of Kan- sas; Ellic, who died unmarried; Margaret, the wife of J. Rapp; Caroline, the wife of Samual Swartz; and Mrs. Ann Fisher.

Major McDowell, eldest son of William McDowell, was born in Montgomery coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and in early hfe learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for many years. He also farmed a small tract of land, which he was enabled to pur- chase as the result of his economy and 111- dustry. He was an excellent workman at the shoe bench and because of his skill 111 that line secured a good patronage. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, giving his effort for the benefit of the party, yet never seeking or desiring office as a re- ward for party fealty. He, too, belonged to the Presbyterian church and was a man of unqualified integrity and honor, enjoying the high regard of all with whom he was brought in contact. A broad-minded, in- telligent business man, in social life he had the friendship and esteem of many who knew him. He possessed a charitable, kindly spirit that prompted generous aid to the needy and caused him to give ready and heartfelt sympathy to those in distress. He was a worthy member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows at Jenkinstown, filling all of the chairs there. He wedded. Mary Henry, also a native of Montgomery county, and his death occurred in 1891, when he was seventy-five years of age. His widow still survives him and has reached the advanced age of ninety years. Her fa- ther was a farmer and her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Henry, was a representative of an honored early family of Frankfort, Pennsylvania. In their family were the following named children: Samuel Henry, who followed farming; George Henry, who was a farmer and auctioneer ; Ann, who died at about twenty-five years of age, un- married; Mrs. Margaret Van Hart, Mrs. Emeline Feaster, Mrs. Mary McDowell, and Mrs. Sarah Evans. Unto Major and

Mary (Henry) McDowell were born eight children: Robert, Harry, who resides on the homestead farin and cares for his mother, and who is a leading speaker in the Odd Fellows Society; Samuel, who for over thirty years was superintendent of the street car system of Philadelphia, and died about 1897; Lewis, a wholesale and retail dealer in milk in Frankfort; Edward, a night watchman of Philadelphia; George, an early settler and cattle rancher of Kan- sas, who, because of failing health, started to his old home in Pennsylvania and died en route; Clara, the wife of L. Bennor ; and Mrs. Margaret Coar.

Robert McDowell, son of Major and Mary (Henry ) McDowell, was born in Abington township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1843, and the com- mon schools afforded him his educational privileges, while upon the old homestead he was reared to farm pursuits. He re- mained under the parental roof until thir- teen years of age, when he began earning. his own livelihood by working as a farmn. hand, continuing with one employer until sixteen years of age. He was afterward employed on other farms in the locality until he entered the service as a defender of the Union army in the Civil war. It was in February, 1864, when he was twenty years of age, that he enlisted in the Third Pennsylvama Regiment of Artillery, also- known as the One Hundred and Fifty-sec- ond Pennsylvania Volunteers, under com- mand of Captain Fred Kortie. He served until November, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. He enlisted in Doylestown township, Bucks county, was. mustered in at Philadelphia and was sent to Fortress Monroe to do garrison duty. Later the regiment was attached to the. command of General Butler, who was plan- ning a campaign for the capture of Rich- mond. Mr. McDowell had charge of an artillery team to haul the big guns. The command proceeded to Bermuda Hundred, landed there and threw up breastworks, remaining there for some time at Point of Rocks. Mr. McDowell was taken ill and sent to Camp Hamilton, where he remained in the hospital for three weeks, after which he was detailed to go as nurse and contin- ued to serve in that capacity for some time. Later Mr. McDowell joined his company near Petersburg where he acted as guard after the evacuation. Subsequently he re- turned to Fortress Monroe and was there promoted to orderly paymaster. He con- tinned there during the remainder of his service and for a time acted as guard for Jefferson Davis, remaining with him in the cell, which was closely guarded both inside and outside and on the ramparts. Mr. Mc- Dowell with his regiment remained at Fortress Monroe until relieved by regulars. He saw much of the hard side of the sol- dier's life, experiencing the difficulties and rigors of war, but he was always found at his post of duty and proved a brave and loyal soldier.

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

After being mustered out of the service Mr. McDowell returned to his native county where he was employed as a farm hand for about a year. He then made his way to Hartsville, Bucks county, where he entered the employ of Alford Murray, with whom he continued for thirteen years, and upon the death of Mr. Murray he entered the services of George Jamison, with whom he remained for seven years. He afterward spent two years in the employ of Charles Freitz, and in 1882 he came to his present home in Warwick township, farming the place on shares for three years. In 1885 he bought the farm comprising fifty acres of fine land. On the place is a good farm residence and barn. The buildings, however, were in poor repair when they came into his possession, but he remodeled and made additions to the house and also the barn, has erected a number of sheds for the shelter of grain and stock and for the ma- chinery, and has all the latest improved implements that facilitate agricultural work. In addition to general farming he has at- tended the Philadelphia market and has made a specialty of the raising of hay which he there places on sale. There is one event in the history of Mr. McDowell that is well worthy of mention. He spent the first three years of his business career in the employment of Alford Murray, fol- lowing his return from the war, remained with him for thirteen years and when Mr. Murray died was found by the terms of his will that he had left to Mr. McDowell one thonsand dollars in recognition of his capable service, unfaltering fidelity and honesty.

In 1869 Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Ellie Fenton, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1850. She is a lady of intelligence and culture and has been a faithful helpmate to her husband. Her parents were John and Rachel (Cline) Fenton, both of whom were natives of Bucks county. Her paternal grandparents were John and Betsey Fen- ton, representatives of one of the old fam- ilies of this part of the state, his ancestors having settled in Bucks county when Penn- sylvania was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. The first of the name in America were of Eng- lish lineage and his descendants have been farmers and mechanics of Pennsylvania for many years. John Fenton, Jr., father of Mrs. McDowell, was reared and married in Bucks county, and became a prominent farmer of his locality, also conducting a sawmill. He made his home in Hartsville. Ever industrious and energetic, his business career was characterized by all that is hon- orable and straightforward in one's deal- ings with his fellow men. In politics he was a Democrat. His death occurred in Edison in 1894, while his wife survives at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years and finds a good home with Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Dowell. She is a consistent member of the Neshaminy church. In her family were

Edwin, who is a miller by trade, but now follows farming; Mrs. Elizabeth Krier, de- ceased; and Mrs. McDowell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have been born two children : Mary Lillian, who died at the age of nine months; and Fenton, born March 16, 1877. The son was provided with a liberal education and in early man- hood married Louisa Morgan, a daughter of John Morgan, and a granddaughter of Miles Morgan, connected with one of the honored early families of Bucks county. John Morgan is a carpenter and served in the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment in the war of the rebellion. His wife was twice married, her first husband being John Cook, who served in the Civil war and lost one leg while fighting for his country. His death occurred as the result of his army experiences. The children of Fenton Mc- Dowell are Robert D., born March 10, 1892; and Martha G., born July 17, 1904. Mrs. Fenton McDowell is a member of the Baptist church, while he is connected with Neshaminy Castle, No. 139, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of which he is a past chief.

In his political allegiance Robert Mc- Dowell has always been a Democrat and he has taken an active interest in all of the issues of the day, yet has never aspired to public office. He belongs to Hatboro Post, No. 101, G. A. R., and attends the Presbyterian church. He has lived a quiet and unassuming life, yet his entire career has been characterized by honesty in busi- ness, fidelity in citizenship and trustworthi- ness in social relations, and thus his career has won for him the entire confidence and respect of his fellow men.

CHARLES M. CADWALLADER. The Cadwallader family has been represented in Pennsylvania from the colonial epoch in the American history down to the present time. The first of the name of whom de- finite record is obtainable was John Cad- wallader, who was of Welsh descent. His parents came from Wales to this country when it was still a part of the colonial possessions of Great Britain and established a home in Montgomery county, assisting in the permanent development and improve- ment of that part of the state, and giving their influence for its moral growth, being consistent members of the Hicksite branch of the Society of Friends. John Cadwallader (I) was a resident farmer of Horsham township, Montgomery county. Benjamin Cadwallader (2) was born in Horsham township and was reared amid the refining influence of a good Christian home in ac- cordance with the tenets of the Friends meeting and remained to his last days a faithful follower of its teachings. After his marriage he located on a farm in Hor- sham township, where he resided for many years and then removed to Bucks county, purchasing a large tract of land in Buck-

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

ingham township. Here he made many improvements, developing one of the best farms of the locality, equiped with all im- provements known in agricultural circles of that day. lle was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men in any trade transaction and his busi- ness integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. In his later years he made disposition of the homestead prop- erty by dividing it among his sons and re- moving to Byberry, Pennsylvania, spending the evening of lite in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. At his death, however, his remains were taken back to Horsham township, Montgomery county, for inter- ment. His wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Bradfield, and she, too, was a na- tive of Horsham. She passed away prior to her husband's demise. In their family were seven sons and two daughters: Eli, who became well known as a successful farmer of Bucks county; Yardly; Ben- jamin, who carried on agricultural pursuits; Peter, who won sucess as a physician and surgeon; John, a farmer; David, a tailor by trade; Cyrus, a wheelwright; Uree, who became the wife of James Bonner ; and Elizabeth, who married John Rich.

Yardly Cadwallader (3), born on his fa- ther's farm in Horsham township, Mont- gomery county, but reared to manhood in Bucks county, remained on the old family homestead subsequent to his marriage and operated it for two years. He then re- turned to .Horsham township, where he rented a farm and subsequently lived in Abington township. His next place of resi- dence was Byberry, where he continued for many years, devoting his energies to agri- cultural pursuits, but in 1864 he sold that farm, and he and his wife afterward found a good home with their son, Charles M., remaining with him until their death. Throughout his active business career Yardly Cadwallader carried on farming, managing his affairs with capability and conducting his business interests with keen discrimination and business insight. For many years he attended the Philadelphia market. Caring nothing for public office or official preferment of any character his undividel attention was devoted to the work of tilling the soil, and he was known as an honest, upright farmer. His study of po- litical questions in early life led him to give his support to the Whig party, and he en- dorsed the abolition principles so that when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he espoused its cause and remained one of its consistent adherents until his death. Interested in the welfare of his community, he labored for the election of competent men and never failed to cast his ballot for the candidates whom he thought best qualified for office. He belonged to the Friends meeting and his religious faith permeated his entire life, moulding his character and shaping his des- tiny. Yardly Cadwallader married Christi- ana Moore, a native of Plainfield, New Jer-

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 81

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