History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 90

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 90

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Aaron, the great-grandfather of the subject, was the third son of Ezekiel and Mary Everitt, and was probably a native of New Jersey. In 1809 he purchased of his father, a home in Middletown,

and three years later purchased of the heirs of John Van Horn a farm of 931/2 acres in Middletown, on which he lived until his death in 1852. In the year 1829 he purchased a farm of seventy-eight acres which, on March 31, 1830, he con- veyed to his son Samuel. Aaron Everitt married Mary - , and their children were : David, who inherited the homestead in Middletown; Samuel; and Rachel, who married Ridgway Longshore.

Samuel Everitt, son of Aaron and Mary, was born in Middletown township, Bucks county. As before stated, he pur- chased a farm in Middletown of his father in 1830 on which he lived the greater part of his life, dying about 1874. He was a leading man in the commun- ity, taking an active part in local affairs. He was at one time engaged in milling at Hulmeville. He married Sarah Ben- nett, and was the father of five children: Christiana, wife of Jesse Cabe of Middle- town; Leila, wife of Joseph Hammer, of Bakersfield, California; Mary, widow of Burtis Magill. of Hulmeville; David P .; and Clara, wife of James M. Boileau, of Bridesburg, Philadelphia.

David Everitt, only son of Samuel and Sarah (Bennett) Everitt, was born on the old homestead in Middletown, No- vember 20, 1839. He was educated at the Bellevue Academy at Langhorne, and on attaining manhood engaged in farm- ing in Middletown for eight years. In 1872 he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Newportville, Bristol township, Bucks county, which he continued until his death, May 18, 1893, serving as post- master for four years during Cleveland's administration. He was a Democrat in politics, and religiously was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a trustee. He was a mem- ber of Neshaminy Lodge, No. 422, I. O. O. F., of Hulmeville. He married Han- nah M. Vandegrift, daughter of Jona- than and Martha Vandegrift, of Middle- town, where she was born, March 17, 1842. She now resides with her son, Jesse C., of Newportville. David P. and Hannah M. (Vandegrift) Everitt were the parents of nine children: Camilla and Samuel, who died young; Jesse C .; Stan- ley, who died young; Etta, wife of Sam- uel G. Davis, of Eddington; Edward, who married Nellie Rudolph, and died Janu- ary 9, 1903; Gertrude S., wife of James J. Dugan, of Bristol; and Nellie D., wife of loseph Y. Severns of Newportville.

Jesse C. Everitt obtained his early ed- tication at the public school at Newport- ville. At an early age he entered his father's store as clerk and filled that po- sition for eighteen years. At the death of his father he took charge of the store, which he has since conducted in connec- tion with his mother. He served as as- sistant postmaster under his father and mother respectively, during the two ad- ministrations of President Cleveland. In

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

politics he is a Democrat, and has for several years taken an active interest in the councils of his party. He was elected school director of Bristol town- ship in 1901 and served for three years, filling the position of president of the board. In the fall of 1902 he was elected to the office of clerk of orphans' court of Bucks county, and has filled that posi- tion with eminent ability, meanwhile continuing the mercantile business at Newportville. He is a member of Nesh- aminy Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is trustee, and has filled the position of superintendent of the Sun- day school for a number of years. He is a member of Neshaminy Lodge, No. 422, I. O. O. F., of Hulmeville, and of a lodge of Knights of Pythias at Burling- ton, New Jersey. He married, June 12, 1890, Lizzie May Hunt, daughter of Lam- bert S. and Rebecca (McNeil) Hunt. They have no children.

ST. FRANCIS' INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL. Of all the charitable and edu- cational institutions in charge of the Broth- ers of the Christian Schools in the United States, the St. Francis' Industrial School at Eddington, Bucks county, may be said to have had the most auspicious beginning. Like many of its class it had its origin in private charity. The members of the fam- ily of the late Francis A. Drexel were long and widely known for their many and gen- erous benevolences, and when their father, the excellent man and noble philanthropist whose name is perpetuated in this institu- tion, passed away, his daughters, the Misses Drexel, continued the chain of benefactions which he had begun and continued through- out his life.

Having maturely considered the project" due to a happy inspiration-that of provid- ing for a great want and of erecting a splendid Christian charity-the three daugh- ters of the late Mr. Drexel busied them- selves in selecting an eligible site, and late in January, 1886, through the intermedia- tion of the late Henry Preant secured a farm of more than two hundred acres a short distance inland from Eddington Sta- tion, in the southwestern corner of Bucks county. The tract occupies an elevated situation overlooking the river, and com- mands a beautiful view. Ground was broken in July, 1886, and the corner stone of the edifice was laid and solemnly blessed by Archbishop Ryan, November 14th fol- lowing, in the presence of a large as- semblage. The address of the day was by the Rev. Dr. Horstmann, and at its con- clusion the Right Reverend Archbishop made brief but touching remarks, express- ing his gratification in the inauguration of this great work, and taking occasion to say that the foundresses of the institution were animated by the noblest motives of a liberal and intelligent philanthropy to pro-

vide for a great want in the community, but that they were influenced even more by the still higher motive of christian charity. On Christmas Eve of 1886 an un- known vandal performed a sacrilegious act in upsetting the corner stone and taking away the coins which it contained. The corner stone was relaid in June, 1887, the memorial coins deposited therein being con- tributed by Mr. Anthony J. Drexel. The school was then to be called St. John's, but the name was subsequently changed to the one it now bears-that of the patron saint of Francis A. Drexel, the father of the young ladies to whom it owes its existence.

The school was opened on Thursday, July 19, 1888, the feast of S. Vincent de Paul. The building was blessed by Arch- bishop Ryan. Among those present were the principal clergy of the neighborhood : Very Rev. M. A. Walsh, rector of St. Paul's; Very Rev. P. A. Stanton, D. D., O. S. A .; Rev. Ign. F. Horstmann, D. D., chancellor of the arch-diocese; Rev. Daniel A. Brennan, rector of the Assumption ; Rev. Francis Pila, chaplain of La Salle College; Rev. Lawrence J. Wall, rector of St. Dominic's, Holmesburg; and Revs. Hugh McGlinn and Francis J. Carr, rector and assistant of St. Mark's, Bristol. Also were present all but one of the board of managers, who are the same as those of St. John's Orphan Asylum; the three Misses Drexel, and a large number of in- vited guests. To Brother Anatole had been committed the direction of the new institu- tion, and he was aided by a corps of fifteen Brothers of the Christian Schools. It had been decided to make the Industrial School a branch or ally of St. John's Orphan Asylum, and these brothers were charged with the selection of two hundred out of the five hundred inmates of the latter in- stitution, to become inmates of the former, there to be trained not only in virtue but in trades and other useful pursuits. This work had been concluded on July 16th. An eye witness says :

"The removal was a picturesque sight as well as an important event. After the Sisters of St. Joseph had completed the draft, the fortunate little fellows (ranging in age from ten to fourteen), were dressed in new suits and straw hats, which had been bought for them by the Misses Drexel, and, having been formally turned over to the Christian Brothers whose wards they were to become, were marched over in proces- sional form to Girard avenue station of the Pennsylvania railroad, at which point they took the train for their new abode. The boys seemed to enjoy the change very much, and soon felt at home in the delightful pre- cincts of St. Francis. They were also at once prepared for the epoch-marking event of Thursday."

While the building was in course of erec- tion the Misses Drexel not only made a close study of the arrangement and work- ings of similar institutions in Europe, but they sent Brother Anatole (who had been

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

employed in such work in Baltimore) to go over the same field in the Old World as had been explored by themselves. With the ideas thus gained, and the deep thought of many at home, the best possible results were attained, and the school has been pronounced one of the very best appointed of its kind in the world. It is two hundred and seventy feet long by eighty-four feet wide, four stories in height, and with very lofty ceilings. The central portion is sur- mounted by a lofty clock tower, and is flanked with wings on either side. The walls are of brick with terra cotta trim- mings. On the ground floor are apartments for the archbishop, the brother in charge, the chaplain, library, reception room, museum, etc. In each of the wings on the first floor are four large class rooms, separated by sliding doors which enable all to be thrown into one. On this floor also are the refectories for the instructors, and for the boys, and a band room. Closely connected is the kitchen. The second floor contains the private apartments of the in- structors ; some of the boys' dormitories are also upon this floor. and the remainder on the third, all most admirably arranged and suitably furnished. Adjoining buildings are fitted as a natatorium ; for washing and dry- ing clothes ; the carpenter shop, and the en- gine room with admirable machinery for supplying water and electric light.

The first year was prolific with events of moment. Classes were formed, and all the boys were put under systematic instruction in the ordinary branches of an education. In November a brass band was organized with twenty-six boys from the first class. The same year an immense well (fifty feet in diameter, by twenty feet deep) was dug, and amply supplies every want; the prop- erty was also surrounded with a handsome hedge. In January, 1889, the carpenter shop was provided with a full equipment. In this year was celebrated in Baltimore the centennial anniversary of the establish- ment of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States, and in the grand procession the Industrial School Band headed a dele- gation from La Salle College, and were hospitably entertained at Calvert Hall and St. Peter's. In November ground was broken for the blacksmith shop. which was completed in the course of a few months, and work was begun therein on May 19, 1890. The new chapel was formally opened January 29, 1890, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the music being rendered by a choir of the school boys led by Brother Celestine. The Most Reverend Archbishop Ryan cele- brated mass, and gave first communion to a class of seventy-three boys. Archbishop Ryan delivered two touching addresses dur- ing the day. The chapel is an ornament of architecture, and contains beautiful mural ornaments, and rich stained glass windows from the most celebrated works in Munich. These represent for the most part saints who trod the humbler walks of life, and were either husbandmen, or, at some time in

their lives, followed some mechanical pur- suit. The scenes were selected with a special view of presenting to the boys ideal patrons in keeping with the character of the school, and the vocation for which they are being fitted. The altar is unique, and unlike all others in the United States, con- structed of the finest mosaic work. Shortly after the death of Mrs. Smith (September 26, 1890), there was erected in the chapel a memorial tablet, bearing the following in- scription :

"This tablet is in memory of the amiable Mrs. Elizabeth Longstreth Smith, wife of Walter George Smith, born August 27th, 1854, died September 26th, 1890. In her great charity she planned the foundation of this Industrial School, and superintended the building thereof, and donated the same, which is a monument to her. 'If therefore I have found favor in thy sight, show me thy face.'-Exodus xxxiii, 13.

In September, 1891. a shop was fitted up and a class of seventy-two formed for learning plumbing. This year was com- pleted the laying of a railroad siding for supplying the institution with coal, obviating the necessity for wagoning.

In 1900 Brother Teliew, the Brother in charge, died and was succeeded by Brother Ferdinand, the present conductor, who is assisted by Brother Julian, who for forty years was director of the Percival School in Philadelphia, and who has direct charge of the teaching. Brother Ferdinand has immediate direction of all the business con- nected with the school, and from the first has adhered to the plans laid down by his revered predecessor, Brother Teliew. At first the school had no regular chaplain, and was attended by the Rev. Hugh McGlinn, rector of St. Mark's, Bristol, with his as- sistant, the Rev. Francis J. Carr. A short time before Christmas of 1888 the Rev. Peter A. Quinn, rector of St. Martin's, New Hope, was appointed to the chaplaincy, who was sent to Media, in July, 1892, being succeeded by the Rev. Michael Brady, of Mahanoy City. September 7, 1890, oc- curred the first death, that of Brother Eusebius Patrick, teacher of the seventh class. He came to the school an invalid, afflicted with a heart ailnient which threat- ened his death on a moment's warning. He was, however, faithful to his duties, and remarkably successful with his class. On January 4, 1891, Brother Celestine died at St. Agnes' Hospital, Philadelphia. As in- firmarian he was devoted, careful, and very charitable towards the children confided to his care, and as teacher of singing was capable, and eminently successful.

In 1893 the number of inmates was in- creased to three hundred, and the number of classes was made seven. From the be- ginning the patrons of the school have been accustomed to visit it about once a week. During the first years, on Christmas Day there was a distribution of prizes and an entertainment in the study hall. Later on the distribution was made in May, and

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

finally in June. Each succeeding exhibition and entertainment has been an improvement upon the preceding, eliciting hearty appreci- ation and congratulations from His Grace the Archbishop and other distinguished guests. Prizes are now distributed for proficiency in all that is taught in the school -Class work, elocution, drawing, stained glass work, wood carving, stone cutting, blacksmithing, plumbing, cabinet making, clay modeling, sign painting, tailoring, shoemaking, music, engineering, fresco painting, and military drill. After the com- mencement exercises the boys are placed out as soon as practicable.

JOHN M. MORGAN. The Morgan family, of Walsh lineage, has been rep- resented in America through several generations. The great-grandfather of John M. Morgan was a native of Wales, and came to this state with a colony whose members sought the advantages of the new world and settled in Penn- sylvania. He was a consistent member of the Friends' meeting. Most of his de- scendants have followed the occupation of farming, living quiet but useful lives. David Morgan, grandfather of John M. Morgan, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Sarah Kin- derdine, whose birth occurred in Hor- sham township, Montgomery county. Her ancestors were among the pioneer settlers of that locality, removing thence from the parish of Horsham in England. The first of the name in America be- longed to the Friends' meeting, and the congregation of that society which was organized in his locality he called by the name of Horsham, and eventually the township took the same name. To David and Sarah (Kinderdine) Morgan were born the following children: Enoch ; David; Margaret, who became the wife of Jolın Conard Morgan, a farmer; Isaker ; and Edward.

Enoch Morgan, son of David Morgan, was born and reared in Horsham town- ship, Montgomery county, and early be- came familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Later he learned the tailor's trade. which he followed for a number of years, and then resumed farming. He possessed considerable mechanical genius, being able to construct any device which he saw. Because of his ability in this di- rection he kept everything about his place in excellent repair, including the buildings and farm machinery. He spent the greater part of his life as an agricul- turist, and his loyalty to duty and hon- esty in business transactions made him a valued resident of his community. He voted with the Whig party until its dis- solution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He always affili-

ated with the Friends' meeting, and died in that faith in 1876. In early manhood. he wedded Ann Spencer, whose death occurred in 1863. She was a daughter of James Spencer, one of the early set- tlers and prominent farmers of Mont- gomery county, of German lineage, in whose family were four children: Ann, who became Mrs. Morgan; George; Ruth; and John. To Enoch and Ann Morgan were born three children: Lydia, the wife of John Maxwell; John M .; and Tacy.

John M. Morgan was born in Hor- sham township, August 16, 1845, reared to farm life, and remained under the parental roof until twelve years of age, when he started out upon an indepen- dent business career. He is a self-made man, having since that time depended entirely upon his own resources for a livelihood. He first found employment on a farm in Lancaster county, Penn- sylvania, where he remained with one man until sixteen years of age. He then enlisted in 1861, in response to the country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in its incipiency. He joined the Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves for three years or during the war, and went to the front under command of Isaiah Kimble and Colonel Cook. The regi- ment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he soon went to the front to battle for the Union. The first en- gagement in which he participated was the second battle of Bull Run, and he afterward took part in a second battle of Fredericksburg, and the engagements at Gaines' Mill and Malvern Hill. He was then transferred to the Thirteenth Penn- sylvania Cavalry, under command of Colonel J. A. Gallaher, and participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Antietam, the second day's fight in the Wilderness, Gettysburg and Spottsylvania. At the last named place. the regiment was dis- mounted. He there sustained a wound caused by a minie ball which plowed its way through the instep of his left foot. Unwilling to leave his command he re- mained with his company, but took cold in his wound and was then forced to go to the hospital on the 16th of June. 1864. He remained there for four months, and in order to save his life submitted to the amputation of his foot, which was taken off above the ankle. As soon as able, however, he joined the Invalid Corps, and continued in the service with an in- dependent battalion, going to Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and on to other points in the south. He continued in active duty until after the close of the war, and then returned to York, Pennsylvania. be- ing mustered out and receiving his hon- orable discharge on the 17th of May, 1865. He was a courageous soldier. al- ways found at his post of duty, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or to the midst of the fire. The govern-

& Amatthews

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

ment recognized his valuable services and his sacrifices, and granted him a pension.

Following his return home, where he remained for a few months, Mr. Morgan went on a prospecting tour to Los An- geles, California, where he was given a mail route. He continued in the strict service of the government for thirteen months, and then again came to Penn- sylvania. Here he did some trading, and after his marriage, which occurred in 1868, he settled in Horsham township, where he remained for a year and a half. He then moved to Plumstead township, where he spent one year, and afterward went to Jamison, where he engaged in the operation of the Small farm for one season. Later he conducted another farm for two years, and in 1874 removed to the six acre lot whereon he yet re- sides. Here he has since operated his land and has attended to other busi- ness interests. In 1881 he conducted a mail route between Hatboro and La- haska, being thus engaged for six months. He has engaged in dealing in horses and he has filled public positions. In 1888 Mr. Morgan was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of con- stable, and collected the delinquent taxes, serving in all in that capacity for fourteen years. In 1893 he went upon a man's bond for the mail service, and when the man abandoned the route Mr. Morgan began carrying the mail for that term, and was a successful bidder for the next term. He has since remained in the position, which he has capably filled for twelve years, carrying the mail from Bridge Valley to Rushland, making two trips daily. For this he receives four hundred dollars annually. He is a man of determination, temperate in hab- its, industrious and energetic, and -de- serves credit for what he has accom- plished.

Mr. Morgan wedded Miss Sarah Jack- son, who was born in Horsham township in 1852. Her parents were Charles and Rachel (Gordon) Jackson. Her father is a farm laborer, and he and his wife are affiliated with the Friends' meeting. Their children are Job S .; George; Mary A., who died at the age of six- teen years: and Sarah E. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were born eight children: John. who has been an invalid from childhood: Viola, the wife of T. Belger ; Charles K., a farmer; Tacey, the wife F. Martindale ; Oliver la- borer: William, a farmer; Fannie O., the wife of William Kirk: and Carrie. Mrs. Morgan died December 18, 1898, and since that time Mr. Morgan has em- ployed a housekeeper to manage his household affairs. An honored veteran of the civil war, and handicapped by the loss of his foot, he has displayed marked energy and enterprise in his business ca- reer, making the most of his opportuni-

ties, and winning for himself an honor- able name by reason of what he has ac- complished and because of his unfalter- ing perseverance.

CHARLES J. MATHEWS, of Lang- horne Manor, Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, the prominent Philadelphia mor- occo manufacturer, was born in Phila- delphia, July 23, 1862, and is a son of Lawrence James and Mary Catharine (Knight) Mathews. Lawrence Mathews, Sr., the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was for several years a prominent brick manufacturer in Kens- ington, Philadelphia. In 1829 he located on the Germantown road, in Kensing- ton, but prior to that date had been engaged in the manufacture of bricks for some years in Kensington. In the spring of 1850 he removed with his family to Wrightsville, York county, Pennsyl- vania, and subsequently located in Lan- caster county, where he died. Lawrence and Margaret Mathews were the pa- rents of eight children, all of whom were born in Philadelphia, viz .: Cecilia; James, to whom they conveyed the Kensington real estate in April, 1850; Mary; Law- rence J .; Emmaline; Edward; Susan, now residing in San Francisco; and Martha.

Lawrence James Mathews, second son · of Lawrence and Margaret, was born in Philadelphia, in 1832, and removed with his parents to York county in 1850. He married, in 1855, Anna Wilson, daugh- ter of William and Anna Wilson, of Lancaster county, who bore him two children: Emmeline, who died young; and Lizzie, now Sister Mary Joseph, in St. Ursula Convent, Bedford Springs, New York. Mr. Mathews married (sec- ond) Mary Catharine Knight, in 1861, and located in Philadelphia, the city of his birth, where he engaged in the man- ufacture of morocco goods in a small way, establishing the plant now con- ducted by the subject of this sketch, which has grown from that modest be- ginning to an industry representing a capital of millions of dollars, marketing its extensive product in all parts of the civilized world. Mr. Mathews died in March, 1883. By his second marriage with Mary Catharine Knight he had sev- eral children, four of whom survive: Charles J., Estelle, Alice and Nellie.

CHARLES J. MATHEWS was born in Philadelphia, and acquired his edu- cation at the public schools of that city and at Andalusia Hall preparatory school in Bensalem township, Bucks county. At the age of fifteen years he entered his father's morocco manufac- turing establishment to learn the busi- ness. Beginning at the bottom, he thor- oughly mastered every detail of the work in all its branches, and became thor- oughly familiar with the different pro-

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 90

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