History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 94

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 94

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H. ERWIN FRETZ, of Fretz, one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Bedminster township, traces his de- scent from Abraham Fretz, who was the father of a son, also named Abraham. This second Abraham had a son who likewise received the name of Abraham. He was born August 17. 1775, and mar- ried April 4, 1797, Rachel Kratz, born in Plumstead, September 5, 1797. Their children were: Susan, Mary, Jacob, Ann, Elizabeth, Abraham, and Philip K., men- tioned at length hereinafter. Mr. Fretz died in May, 1815, and was survived many years by his widow, who passed away May 22, 1852.

Philip K. Fretz, son of Abraham and Rachel (Kratz) Fretz, was born June 25, 1809, on the farm adjoining the one now occupied by his son, H. Erwin Fretz. For a few years he hired the Mitman farm, and then settled on that portion of the homestead which has since de- scended to his son above-mentioned. On the land he erected buildings which are still standing and in use. He was a Re- publican in politics, and a member of the Mennonite church. He married, Novem- ber 22, 1836, Eliza daughter of Henry Fretz, by whom he was the father of the following children: Rebecca, who is the wife of James L. Reber, of Chicago, Illi- nois; Anna, who resides with her sister mentioned above; and H. Erwin, men- tioned at length hereinafter. These three are the survivors of a family of five. The mother of the family died in Au- gust, 1867, and in September, 1872, Mr. Fretz married Magdalena Hunsberger, a native of New Britain. The death of Mr. Fretz occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-three.

Il. Erwin Fretz, son of Philip K. and Eliza (Fretz) Fretz, was born April 6, 1847, on the farm which is now his home,

and received his education in the com- mon schools and at the Normal School at North Wales, working on the farm during the summers. From his seven- teenth year he spent the winters in Phil- adelphia working for different business houses for six years, and in 1870 took charge of the home farm. In 1882 his father purchased from the John K. Myers estate, for his son, Jacob F., the milling property now owned by H. H. Randt. Jacob F. Fretz, who was then in the west, came home and took charge of the property, but not meeting with the success he anticipated, his brother, H. Erwin Fretz, agreed to take a half in- terest in the business and endeavor to advance it. From that time the enter- prise became prosperous, the firm handling almost all the grain from this section, together with many carloads of western grain. One year later, at the height of their success, Jacob F. Fretz was accidentally killed while waiting at the station with his team for the arrival of some grain. The business was then conducted by H. Erwin Fretz for about a year, after which he sold out to H. H. Randt. He then engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, beginning in a small way, but was soon compelled by the rapid growth of the business to pro- vide greater facilities for its conduct. The second year he sold three carloads of reapers and mowers, and three years after the inception of the business he added to his line that of buggies, wag- ons and harnesses, and has become the leading business man in the community. He is now the owner of the homestead, the estate having descended to him by will on the death of his father. He is a Republican in politics and has never been an office-seeker. He is a member of the new Mennonite church. Mr. Fretz married, December 1, 1870, Aman- da, daughter of Christian Moyer, of New Galena, and thirteen children have been born to them: Eliza, deceased; J. Oscar, who lives on the homestead; Warren, a resident of New Britain township; Philip, a steamfitter in Philadelphia; Clarence, who lives in Haycock town- ship: Bertha, resides at home: Eugene, lives at home; Florence, who is attend- ing the Millersville Normal School; Her- bert: Blanche: Harold; Arthur, de- ceased; and Russell.

MAHLON M. FRETZ, of Bedminster township, is among the representatives of one of the oldest families of the county. He is a descendant of John Fretz, who emigrated from Baden, Ger- many, between 1710 and 1720, was ac- companied by two brothers, Christian. and another whose name has not been preserved. and who died at sea. It is not known at what port they landed, but it

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

is certain that John, at least, made his home in Bucks county. The land which lie took up there is still in the posses- sion of his descendants. In 1734 his son Christian was born there, and married Barbara Oberholtzer, and they were the parents of a son Abraham, mentioned at length hereinafter. Christian Fretz died May 1, 1803.

Abraham Fretz, son of Christian and Barbara (Oberholtzer) Fretz, wasc born March 30, 1769, in Bedminster, and was an influential man in the community. The family all adhered to the Mennonite faith, and Abraham Fretz was a deacon of that church. He married Magdalena Kratz, and among their children was a son Christian, mentioned at length here- inafter. Abraham Fretz died March 7, 1844.

Christian Fretz, son of Abraham and Magdalena (Kratz) Fretz, was born Jan- uary 13, 1801, in Bedminster township, and married Mary Leatherman. They were the parents of four children: Eli, mentioned at length hereinafter; Abra- ham; Eliza Ann; and Mary. The death of Christian Fretz occurred September 5, 1874.

Eli Fretz, son of Christian and Mary (Leatherman) Fretz, was born Septem- ber 9, 1825, in Bedminster township, and has passed his life on the homestead, combining the miller's trade with the pursuit of agriculture. He is a director of the Sellersville National Bank, and, like all his ancestors, is a Mennonite, a member of the board of trustees of the Second Mennonite church at Deep Run, and treasurer of the board. He married, in 1850, Mary Myers, born in 1830, daugh- ter of William Myers, of Bedminster, and their children are: Allen M., pas- tor of the New Mennonite church at Souderton; Lucinda, wife of Edward Yost, of Plumstead township; Emeline F., wife of Henry D. Detweiler, of Sou- derton; Mahlon M., mentioned at length hereinafter; Francis, who lives in Bed- minster township; Barbara, wife of Ir- win Wasser, of Bedminster; Susan and Mary Etta (twins), the former of whom married Abraham S. Moyer, of Chalfont, while the latter is the wife of Jacob M. Landis, of Richlandtown.

Mahlon M. Fretz, son of Eli and Mary (Myers) Fretz, was born August 20, 1859. in Bedminster township, and re- ceived his education in the public schools and at the Sellersville high school. In the spring of 1882 he moved to his pres- eut home farm, which was then owned by his father, and where he has since led the life of a successful farmer. The es- tate consists of seventy-two acres. He is a director of the Bedminster branch of the Philadelphia & Easton Electric Railway Company. He manifests an ac- tive interest in community affairs, has served as school director, and is the present town clerk of Bedminster. His

political advocacy and support are given to the Republican party. He is a mem- ber of the New Mennonite church at Deep Run. Mr. Fretz married, Decem- ber 22, 1883, Amanda, daughter of John and Hannah (Cassel) Fretz, of Richland township. Mr. and Mrs. Fretz are with- out children.

THEODORE L. CASE, proprietor of the Gardenville Hotel, also one of the prominent and influential citizens of the township of Plumstead, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born No- vember 10, 1860, belongs to one of the old families of the county.

Peter Case (grandfather) was a native of Bucks county; was educated in the common schools thereof, followed the trade of tailor throughout his active ca- reer, and his death cccurred in the vicin- ity of his birthplace. Among his chil- dren was a son, Alexander Johnson Case (father), who was a native of Bucks county and resided there during the greater portion of his life. He served an apprenticeship at the trade of shoe- maker, followed the same for a number of years, abandoning it in order to en- gage in the hotel business, becoming proprietor of the hotels at Ottsville, Raven Rock and Quakertown. He also engaged in the restaurant business in Doylestown for several years, later turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits in Plumstead township, and subse- quently was proprietor of a shoe busi- ness in Lumberville, continuing as such for three years. At the expiration of this period of time he removed to Car- verville and established a cigar and to- bacco store, and later conducted the same line of trade at Germantown and Philadelphia, his death occurring in the latter named city in February, 1899. By his marriage to Mary Morris, daughter of Theodore Morris, of Plumstead town- ship, the following named children were born: Leonard L., deceased; Laura, widow of Oliver Jacoby; Theodore L., mentioned hereinafter; Howard Will- son, Charles and Emma Case.

Theodore L. Case is indebted to the common school system of Bucks county for his educational advantages. He gained his first experience in business life by establishing a shoe store in Doylestown, on the site of the present Hotel Pollock, which he successfully conducted for several years, and prior to his purchase of the Gardenville Hotel was engaged in a number of enterprises which yielded him a goodly return for his labors. Since becoming proprietor of the Gardenville Hotel. Mr. Case has made many improvements which add greatly to its attractiveness and also to the comfort of its numerous patrons and the traveling public, and at the present time (1904) it is one of the most popular

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

resorts in this section of the county. Mr. Case was united in marriage to Miss lda Geyer, and their children are Dorothea, Minnie, and Emma Case.

FRANK PERCY, one of the representa- tive farmers and public-spirited citizens of Doylestown township, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, was born in Buckingham town- ship, same county, September 24, 1855.

The first of the family to settle in this country was Thomas Percy, great-grand- father of Frank Percy. who emigrated from Ireland about the year 1780, settling in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of weaving. l11 1796 he was united in marriage to Miss Tacy Demgan, and their children were as follows: Sarah, died unmarried; Gilbert, mentioned hereinafter; Jane, who became the wife of Isaac Feaster; Garret; Nancy, who became the wife of Samuel Watson ; William; Eliza, died unmarried. Gilbert Percy, grandfather of Frank Percy, was born in Wrightstown, Bucks county, Octo- ber 16, 1799. His entire active career was devoted to farming, which proved a most profitable occupation. By his marriage to Catherine Vansant he became the father of. three children: Thomas, mentioned here- inafter; Mary, born September 28, 1834; and William, born January 14, 1837.

Thomas Percy, father of Frank Percy, was born in Northampton township, Bucks county, November 30, 1824. He followed the same occupation as his forefathers, that of farming, conducting his operations for about half a century in Buckingham town- ship, achieving a large degree of financial gain by his reliable methods of business. He was a stanch adherent of the principles of Democracy, but never sought or held office, preferring to attend strictly to his farm and its management. He married Miss Mary Morris, daughter of Daniel and Cynthia ( White) Morris, and the issue of this union was eight children : Frank, men- tioned at length hereinafter ; Catherine, born June 28, 1857, wife of Reuben Kratz; Gil- bert, born March 18, 1859, a resident of Philadelphia; Lydia, born February 5, 1862, died March 15, 1886; Alice, born January 13, 1866, died September 4, 1866; William, born June 27, 1867, died April 24, 1872; Watson, born November 23, 1869; Evaline, born July 3, 1872, wife of Harry Good.

Frank Percy attended the common schools of Bucks county, thereby acquiring a prac- tical English education. He remained at home assisting his father with the duties of the farm until he was twenty-three years of age, after which he commenced farming on his own account on his grandfather's farm, where he remained six years. He then moved to Newtown, locating on the Buckman farm, and after a residence there of three years removed to Northampton township, locating on his father-in-law's

farm. At the expiration of three years he sold this property and moved to Roxbor- ough, Philadelphia, remaining two years, during which time he was employed as fore- man by the Horse Car Company. He then returned to Doylestown township, and for five years thereafter conducted farming operations on the Esther Fell farm. In 1898 he located on the old Clemmens farm, where he now resides, and since then his entire attention has been devoted to its cul- tivation and improvement. In 1900 he was elected school director of the township, and his incumbency being noted for faith- fulness and efficiency, he was re-elected to the same office in 1903. His political affilia- tions are with the Democratic party. Mr. Percy married Miss Sallie Hageman, daughter of John and Ellen Hageman, and four children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are: Atlee L., born November 24, 1880, a professor of commercial law, teaching at Reading, Pennsylvania; Lewis H., born June 8, 1883; and M. May, born January 18, 1886. The family are respected in the community, and enjoy the acquaintance of a large circle of friends.

WILLIAM H. TRAUCH, who holds an honorable place among the farmers of Bedminster township, is a grandson of Peter Trauch, who was a native of New Jersey and a miller by trade. In middle life he became a resident of Bucks county.

Peter Trauch, son of Peter Trauch mentioned above, was born about 1823 or 1824, near Easton, New Jersey, and was still a child when his parents re- moved to Bucks county. His boyhood was spent in Durham township, and sub- sequently he removed to Nockamixon township, where he purchased a farm on which he lived thirteen or fourteen years. He then sold the property, and after some years spent at farm work settled in New Britain township, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was a Democrat in politics, and a mem- ber of the Lutheran church. He married Diana Ruth, and seven of their eight children are still living: Christiana, wife of Edwin Rice. of Williams township; Saul, living in Durham township; Will- iam H., mentioned at length hereinafter; Edward, a resident of Easton: Titus, living in Durham township: Philip, re- siding in Easton: and Sarah Catherine, wife of George Fackenthal, of Riegels- ville, New Jersey. After the death of his wife, Mr. Tranch married the widow of Dr. Clymer. His death occurred in 1870.

William H. Trauch, son of Peter and Diana (Ruth) was born September 18, 1848, in Durham township, and at the age of ten years was employed by Jona- than S. Kohl, a neighboring farmer, with

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

whom he lived three years. - At the end of that time his mother died, and he re- turned home and remained two years. He was then placed with the family of George M. Swope, in Tinicum township, .and after living there five years entered the family of Tobias M. Swope, of the same township. At the end of a year he was given his time by his father, and on application obtained a teacher's cer- tificate. He had charge of a school for three terms, and then for two years worked on the farm of Reed Wildonger, of Tinicum township. After his mar- riage he worked four years for his father-in-law, and then began farming for himself as a tenant. Two years later, in the autumn of 1876, he bought the farm which is now his home, taking up his abode there in the spring of 1877. He has served eleven years as super- visor of Bedminster, and in politics ad- heres to the Democratic party. He is a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran church, in which since 1895 he has served as deacon. Mr. Trauch married, Decem- ber 23. 1870, Mary Jane, daughter of Elias Trauger, of Bedminster township.

CORNELIUS W. LEIDY, who since 1883 has occupied his present farm in Hill- town township, was born in this township, October 30, 1862, his parents being Levi and Catharine (Weisel) Leidy. The father was born in Line Lexington, Bucks county, and when a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for fifteen years. He then purchased the Line Lexington Hotel, which he successfully conducted un- til his death, which occurred ten years later. To Levi and Catherine Leidy were born the following named: Frank, married Ange- line Brey; Levi, married Lizzie Meyers ; Cornelius W .; Kate, wife of William Knause; Lydia, wife of Daniel Bilger; Susan, who married Jacob Groman; and Anna Mary, deceased.

Cornelius W. Leidy was a student in the Hilltown public schools in his boyhood and youth, and his educational training was sup- plemented by the practical work of the farm, as he assisted his father in the cul- tivation of the fields. He has always carried on the tilling of the soil since reaching man's estate, and in 1883 purchased the farm in Hilltown township which has since been his place of residence, and to which he has since devoted his energies until it is now a well improved and highly culti- vated place. He manifests a public-spirited interest.in community affairs, and gives his political support to the Democracy, while his religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the German Reformed church. Mr. Leidy was married March 1, 1882, to Miss Annie Preisendance, a daughter of Jacob and Hanna Preisendance. They now have one child, Jacob, born June 18, 1884.

JAMES D. MOLL, born in Sellersville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, August 1865, is a representative of one of the old families of the state. Authentic records make mention of Michael Moll, who was a resident of Montgomery county.

John Moll, son of Michael, was born in Pennsburg, Montgomery county, and in early life learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for some time, but his later years were devoted to farming. He mar- ried Eva Graber, and they became the pa- rents of eleven children: Edward, mar- ried Dena Weiand; Reuben, married Cor- delia Underkoffler; Ezra, wedded Mary Mack; Ephriam, married Henrietta Vieg- ner; John G .; Andrew, married Amanda Gowkler; Leanna; Sophia; Maria; and two that died in infancy.

John G. Moll, son of John and Eva Moll, was born in Pennsburg, Montgomery coun- ty, September 25, 1833, pursued a common school education, and afterward worked for Abraham Cressman for fifteen years, during which time he saved from his earnings the capital which enabled him to become a landowner. In 1874 he purchased a farm in Rockhill township, Montgomery county, and at once began its further development and improvement, continuing its cultiva- tion with success for fifteen years, or until 1889, when, retiring from business life, he removed to Perkasie, where he has since resided, making his home with his son, Jacob D. He married Miss Lydia Det- wiler, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Clymer) Detwiler. She was born March 23, 1836, and they were married October 12, 1861. Mr. Moll is a member of the Re- formed church, while his wife holds mem- bership with the Mennonite church. They were the parents of four children: Jacob D., born August 1, 1863; James D .; John D., born' June 15, 1870, and is deceased ; and Harry D., born December 12, 1876. The eldest son was married, September 19, 1885, to Miss Lizzie Hedrick, daughter of Oliver Hedrick, and they have three chil- dren : Howard, born January 7, 1887; Ray- mond, December 3, 1891 ; and Warren, May 7, 1893. Harry D. Moll, the youngest son, was married March 26, 1898, to Miss Ida Shellenberger, born May 16, 1875, a daugh- ter of Henry Shellenberger, and they have one son, Ralph, born December 18, 1902.

James D. Moll began his education in the schools of Sellersville, and continued his studies in the high school of Perkasie. He has always followed farming from the time, as a boy, he assisted his father in the de- velopment and cultivation of the fields on the old home place. In 1892 he purchased a farm in Hilltown township, where he still lives and carries on general farming, fol- lowing progressive methods and using the latest improved machinery in the develop- ment of his farm. His political interest centers in the Republican party and he en- dorses its principles by his hallot. He be- longs to the Mennonite church. James D. Moll was married, January 9, 1886, to Miss

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HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

Lizzie G. Moyer, a daughter of Isaac H. and Annie (George) Moyer. They had two children, both of whom died in infancy.

JOHN S. BOYER, of Chalfont, is the worthy bearer of a name which has long been an honored one in Pennsylvania. Mr. Boyer is a grandson of John S. Boyer, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, who was engaged in the flour and feed business, and also took large contracts in grading and build- ing railroads. He was twice elected to the legislature from Schuylkill county. Among his children was a son, Daniel M., men- tioned at length hereinafter. Mr. Boyer during the latter part of his life withdrew from politics and from active business, his death occurring at the age of seventy-three.

Daniel M. Boyer, son of John S. Boyer, when a young man held the position of bookkeeper with the Catawissa Railroad Company. In 1862 he was the proprietor of the Summit Hotel, and afterward en- gaged in the produce business in Tamaqua. In 1866 he moved to Shenandoah, Schuyl- kill county, where he again became the pro- prietor of a hotel. He married Sarah Moyer, both of whose parents were drowned in a freshet which in 1850 inundated the banks of the Schuylkill. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer were the parents of the following children : George W., deceased; John >., mentioned at length hereinafter; William F .; Howard, deceased; Sarah Kate : Thomas, deceased ; Charles ; Daniel ; Annie ; and Ida. The death of Mr. Boyer, the father of this numerous family, occurred in June, 1902.

John S. Boyer, son of Daniel M. and Sarah (Moyer) Boyer, was born Novem- ber 6, 1855, in Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he was educated in the public schools. For five years he was engaged in the drug business with J. W. Deitric at Shenandoah, and in 1888 moved to Bucks county, making his home in Chal- font, where he conducted a general mer- chandise store. In 1891 he disposed of the business to the firm of Kulp Brothers, and moved to the farm on which he has since resided. The estate consists of forty acres and is cultivated by a tenant, Mr. Boyer preferring to lead a retired life. His political affiliations are with the Republi- can party. He and his family are members of St. James' Lutheran church at Chalfont. Mr. Boyer married, March 18, 1876, at Mahoney Plains, Charlotte Johns, and the following children have been born to them : I. Anna M., born September 29, 1877, and in June, 1892, became the wife of James M., son of Daniel McCann, who now holds the position of general inspector of ma- chinery for the Montgomery Steel Works ; they have one child, Howard J. 2. Howard J., born December 9, 1879, graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and is now chief clerk at Leedom's pharmacy. situated at Broad and Filbert streets, Phil-

adelphia. 3. Charles G., born June 28, 1882, studied medicine with Dr. Walters, of Philadelphia, and graduated in that city, where he is now a practicing physician, hav- ing an office in the Odd Fellows' Temple at Broad and Cleary streets. 4. Elizabeth, born March 24, 1891, and is now receiving her education in the public schools.

Mrs. Boyer is a daughter of George W. and Anna (Evans) Johns, whose family consisted of the following children: Annie; Elizabeth, born October 7, 1855; Charlotte, born October 8, 1859, and became the wife of John S. Boyer, as mentioned above; Carrie; George, born February 22, 1869; and Marril, born February 23, 1873.

MICHAEL A. LANDIS, who is en- gaged in general farming and gardening at Silverdale, was born at Collegeville, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1846, and belongs to a family that have been prominently identified with the affairs of Bucks county for many generations. Three brothers of the name of Landis came from Germany to America, one settling in Chester county, one in Montgomery county, and one in Bucks county. Henry Landis, father of Michael A. Landis, was born in Springfield township, Bucks county, in 1799. He was a cabinet-maker and undertaker, and followed business along those lines at Collegeville for many years. He also de- voted a part of his time and attention to farming. His father died when he was a young lad, and, thus thrown upon his own resources, Henry Landis made his way in the world unaided, deserving much credit for the success he achieved. He was a member of the Mennonite church, and he gave his political allegiance to the Repub- lican party. His death occurred in 1885. In early manhood he married Magdaline Alderfer, and they became the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of Martin Anglemoyer ; Barbara, mar- ried Martin Swartley; Mary, died in in- fancy ; Joseph, married Rachel Robinson; Reuben, married Sophia Zorns> Anna, the wife of Christian F. Riley ; Rachel, the wife of Jacob P. David; Henry, married Mary Kauffman; Abraham, married Matilda Charles; Catharine, the wife of Harry Bradford: Michael A .; Maggie, the wife of Fred K. Fisher; and Sallie, married An- drew Trucksess.

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History of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time, Vol. III, Part 94

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