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NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES

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rfi*Oi-uti-i> lit 1894- liiT

WILLIAM J BUCK

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THE NEW YO}
i ^ ^3LIC LIBR.

-A.CCOUNT

OF THE-

Buck Family of Bucks County,

Pennsylvania;

AND OF —

The Bucksville Centennial Celebration
held June i ith, 1892 ;

Including the Proceedings of the

Buckwampun Literary Association on said
Occasion.

Edited by William J. Buck.

Printed for the Family
PHILADELPHIA.

i893>

^^Pr^BPAGE!

WHEN an author has attained to nearly three score and ten and
has had published within the past forty-three years in various
works relating to the eastern section of Pennsylvania, several
thousand biographical sketches of early families that have settled
here and his own excluded, will now we presume at this late hour be
sufficient apology for what may be attributed herein to either family
pride or self glorification. This work had its origin through the
recent Centennial celebration of the founding of Bucksville, to which
the family still holds sufficient claims to have it gotten up and all
the expenses connected therewith borne by themselves. As we well
know, it is common for such demonstrations to have appropriations
made therefor from the public revenues as an aid to success, we are
pleased to say that this was neither sought, expected nor desired.
Herein was no dishonor and let us now ask where in all America
can a similar instance be found ? We know not of it in the county
nor in the State.

In the preparation of this work some difficulties have been
experienced which do not generally attend early families, especially
of English descent, whose ideas here are only too much narrowed to
one language. From the circumstances attending the origin, nation-
ality and final settlement of the Buck family here, some of the
information has been translated from the Latin, Anglo Saxon,
Dutch, Flemish, French and German. Family antiquity and its
location in Lorraine and surrounding sections demanded this to make
it as it now appears, however briefly and superficially done ; in our
desire to see it from the press ere another return of j^aralysis. Let
the reader glance at the vignette and the title page as expressly
designed for this work ; it is marvelous we think in several respects.
The magnificence of the scenery, and with its surrounding associa-
tions, all we believe founded on fact. Again, the remarkable
alliteration of the family name thereon, can a parallel be found like
it in similar works of this character ?

We have spoken of our Englisli element as too much confined
to only one language; had it taken a wider range their officials in
public records would not have exposed their limited knowledge as
they thus have, or shall it be called ignorance for it certainly imposes
great difficulties in these days as to surnames of German descent.
For some proof of this need not go outside of the Buck family and
some of its early affiliations. Thus it is found in records as Buck,
Bock, Book and Buch. The name Eck, Egg, Ick and Agg ; Kohl,
Kole and Kol ; Heaney, Honig, Henich and Haney ; Clemmer,
Kleramer and Clymer. Afflerbach has been found so varied as well
as other German names, that we decline to give this matter further
space. Among given names, Jacob has been indifferently written
Jacobi, and hence also James, Abigail frequently Appolonia ; Sarah,
Salome; Susanna, Susan; Hannah, Johannah ; Magdalena, IMaria
and Alary. We intend here only to mention some of the troubles
that have beset us to confirm personal identity.

The carelessness or indifference exhibited by the English officials
during the colonial period in recording the names of the German
immigrants on their arrival is to be regretted, and whilst now one
of the most important events connected with family history is one
also of the most perplexing to fix upon with certainty. Sometimes
they have two given names, when they afterward assumed but one,
or vice versa. Respecting this will give three examples from several
more that pertain to this work, " Johan Nichel Buch" is stated to
have arrived with Michael Hartman in 1748, and "Nicolas Buch'"
in 1752. Having come so near together, our evidence is so equally
balanced thereon that we cannot yet positively determine which was
tlie ancestor. The name of Hartman favors the first, whilst on the
other hand no records as yet favor two given names, neither were
such bestowed on any of the ancestor's ten children ; yet he had a
son John as well as Nicholas, and the former has almost been as
common in the family. From his estimated age at arrival and sub-
8e(iuent marriage, the probabilities incline to the latter. " John
George Kohl " arrived in 1732 ; in this case we possess a single
evidence of this name being so called here later, but soon after, the
first appears to have been totally dropped, hence proves the same
individual. " John Jacob Ick " is stated to have arrived in 1741
and we know besides that his son John came with him All records
since mention liim as "Jacob Eck" and possess conclusive evidence
that it was the same person.

Another matter in which we have found several cases of dis-
crepancy. In illustration will give an example. When the widow
of Captain Buck died in 1858, the editor was requested to prepare
the inscription for her tombstone and from the information furnished
him, stated that at her decease was aged ninety-one years. Only
within a year an original record of her birth has been discovered,
and according to the same was born June 9, 1769, hence aged not
quite 88 years 5 months, as may be seen on another page. As this
work has chiefly been prepared for the descendants of the family,
some of the members thereof in perusing it and afterwards
seeing the age given on the tombstone, might infer that this was an
error attributed to the editor, instead of a correction of what had
been placed thereon. This is rather a frequent error on tombstones
because supplied from tradition instead of original records. In
one instance of this kind we have found a diflerence of nearly five
years. We here touch on these several matters to show some of the
difficulties that attend the genealogist in his desire to be correct and
to account for the various discrepancies that may turn up to affect
his reliability as an author.

As may be imagined this work was solely one of love, and the
result of many years' labor in collection. We know now at its close
that it has required far more time, labor and expense than was
exjDCcted, but the result has proven itself more than gratifying. No
pecuniary reward or profit was expected thereby and hence there
could be no disappointment. To the public records at Harrisburg,
Philadelphia, Norristown and Doylestown Ave are considerably
indebted for information as also to the collections of the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania. To the Rev. G. H. Krake of Haycock,
especially for researches made for us in the early Goshenhoppen
records, which involved a knowledge of several languages, also to
Mrs. Helena Kohl and John T. Buck of Bucksville, Charles Austin
Buck of South Bethlehem and Abel B. Haring of Frenchtown, N. J.
For assistance rendered us by Isaac O'Connell, Recorder of Deeds
for Bucks county and to Frank N. Booze, Register of Wills, express
also our thanks.

As an additional incentive to such labors, as derived now from
our personal exjierience, feel it our duty to offer yet a few more
remarks thereon as to its importance. What is a nation's history
but an integral of which families constitute the parts and collectively
considered the source of all strength, power and greatness. This is
no more wonderful than grains of sand should form the shore or drops
of water, rivers and oceans. We may carry the similitude still

further, by adding, that those apparently insignificant parts, produce
more or less marked effects on their surroundings. Herein is
expressed again the marked influence exerted by some families over
others during the several stages of their existance. This generally
appears to have been more owing to intellectual than to physical
abilities, yet a combination of both is essential to check deterioration
to which so many families owe their decline or downfall.

The frequent requests made to us for information on the subject
of this work by relatives and friends, and our own frequent reference
thereto in chronology must also show its importance. In matters
respecting inheritance, legacies, hereditary rights and privileges and
whatever pertains thereto, genealogy also performs a prominent part;
for the want of it what fortunes have been lost to members of families
through the neglect of this subject? With due attention to this
matter justice need not be defeated nor estates be escheated, or what
is worse assigned to those who otherwise would have had no legal
claim thereto. Hence as time rolls on from the increase of popula-
tion, the materials of history accumulate and the greater becomes
the necessity therefor.

W. J. B.

Jenkintown, Montgomery Co., Pa., March, 1893.

.^^GONTEN-TS!

Family Antiquity,

Nicholas Buck the Ancestor,

The Buckhill Estate and its Family History,

The Early Neighbors of Nicholas Buck,

Sons of the Ancestor, .

Captain Nicholas Buck,

Mary Magdalena Buck,

Major Jacob Buck,

Major John Buck,

Daughters of the Ancestor,

Nicholas Buck, Jr.,

Jacob E. Buck, .

Samuel E. Buck,

The Daughters of Captain Nicholas Buck,

The Descendants of Major Jacob Buck,

The Descendants of Major John Buck,

The Descendants of Nicholas B. and J. Justus McCarty,

Descendants of Nicholas Kohl, .

The Sons of Nicholas Buck, Jr., .

The Daughters of Nicholas Buck, Jr.,

The Descendants of Jacob E. Buck,

The Descendants of Samuel E. Buck,

The Bucksville Centennial Celebration,

Sketch of the Buckwampun Literary Association,

The Bucksville Centennial Celebration. Continued,

The Bucksville Piano Class of 1814-15, .

Family Relics exhibited and described,

History of the Washington Light Horse Company,

Remarks on the Bucksville Centennial,

The Bucksville Cornet Band, ....

Sign of the Buck and the Sign of the White Horse,

The Old Family Homestead, ....

Family Traits and the influence of Heredity,

Additional relating to Bucksville,

History of an old Family Painting,

The Family in Bucks county History, .

Page.

101

102

106

108

115

119

120

125

128

131

132

135

E^^planation? coqcBr'ning gome of ih \lh$\,Mm$.

THE vignette represents the upper portion of Bucksv-ille as it
appeared in 1810. The foreground is a part of the extensive
field wherein the numerous company and battalion drills were held
between the years 1807 and 1861. The large oak is still standing
beside a spring of water that has been a century in use. The letter-
ing thereon is merely added to show the date of the ancestor's enter-
ing into the army of the Revolution, for which the musket is placed
in the shield in the upper left hand corner. The banners and flag
represent those used in the late Centennial procession. The appear-
ance of the old family mansion is exactly as it was in 1810, but
within the last twenty years has been somewhat modernized ; for
further account of it see the latter part of this work. The house on
the left is where Captain Buck died in 1829, and the sword in the
shield is indicative of his command of the Washington Light Horse
including his son for twenty-three years. The scroll has reference
to the origin and success of the Buckwampun Literary Association.
The Haycock mountain the highest elevation in Bucks county is
correctly delineated as seen from Bucksville.

The coat-of-arms on the title-page is represented according to
the descriptions given of it in the several works mentioned as treating
on the antiquity of the family. The autographs have been supplied
to denote the state of education that formerly prevailed among them-
Captain Buck mounted in full uniform is also intended to represent
a view in Bucksville about 1810 from the celebrated training ground.
Within said space five additional buildings have since been erected
and to represent thereon with their several improvements would be
now to conceal more or less what possesses in this work its chief
historic interest.

FAMILY ANTIQUITY.

The words bud; book and beech are generally regarded as
derived from the Saxon boc or Gothic boca, signifying a beech-tree,
or more strictly the bark or wood of the aforesaid, from which books
were first made. As its mast resembles buckwheat, hence the name
of the latter. The male deer was also called in the Gaelic buic, and
in Welsh booch. Though the three words are now so seemingly
different, yet to this day in the German, French, English, Dutch,
Flemish and Italian languages surprising to state have a similar
relationship and meaning. It is therefore puzzling to those not
familiar with their common origin, how the names for buck, book,
and beech should have been used so promiscuously in various parts
of Europe in the long past, but those familiar with researches on
this matter as applied to localities or families are cognizant of the
fact.

Thus from the "Arts-Lexikon von Deutchland," and which
also includes the German portion of Alsace and Lorraine, we secure
in confirmation this interesting information : That the names found
therein of Bock, Buck and Buch, as applied to towns, villages and
places of various kinds, is entirely too numerous for us here to treat
upon. In the grant of purchase to Nicholas Buck, by the Penns, it is
stated as " a certain tract called Buckhill." This name translated into
German is Bockberg, of which said work enumerates seventy-seven
distinct places, the majority of which are located within the valley
of the Rhine. We find therein also the names Bockweise, Bock-
stiege, Bocksthal, Bockstadt, Bocksdorf, Bockhof, Bockhaus, Buck-
holtz, Buckfeld and Buckwald, actually the archetypes of a number
of places in Great Britain, America, and elsewhere. Respecting
Bocksdorf or Bucksville, there are four in the Rhine section. The
ancient Bock manor in Lorraine is therein mentioned, as is also the
village of" le Buc " in Alsace, indicative how surnames may cling
long to places that gave them their origin.

Of all the animals that roamed in the forests of Europe, the
stag or male deer was certainly one of the noblest and freest ; need
we wonder, in consequence, that it was early selected in the days of
chivalry as a charge on a coat-of-arms, and that it was thus adopted

10 FAMILY ANTIQUITY.

prior to 1100 in Franconia, now Bavaria, and soon after in adjacent
parts. One account states as early as the year 1 000, but this, to the
editor, is somewhat doubtful. In French works of heraldry is
described as De Gules, av bouc d' argent Soutant, which in English
reads, " On a vermillion shield or field, a white or silver buck spring-
ing diagonally from the lower right to the upper left corner," and is
therefore called les arms parlantes, a speaking or canting coat-of-
arms, from the charge giving its name to the bearer. Hence Lower,
in his work on the Origin of Surnames (Vol. I, pp. 197-8), is
inclined to think that the way the buck is represented is indicative
of agility in the family that has assumed the name. To this remark-
able assertion we shall have something to state hereafter on charac-
teristic family traits.

History mentions that the said coat-of-arms was originally
granted to a member of the family during the wars of the Crusades
on a victorious field of battle against the Moslems for the recovery
of the Holy Land. The red or vermillion color of the shield is proof
of this, which was an honor that could be only bestowed under such
circumstances by those high in power. In the victories that were
won by the Christians over Soliman, in wresting from him Nice, his
capital, in June, 1097, when the Duke of Lorraine was the second
in couimand, and largely composed of his countrymen along the
Moselle and Rhine, followed by that of Dorylsenura and finally led
in less than two years to their triumphal entry into Jerusalem, may
denote when and where such a result may have been achieved.

It is obvious from what has been stated that the name is variously
spelled. In German it is generally Bock, in French De Bock, le
Buc and Bouc, whilst in early Belgium and Holland annals, Bock,
Bouc and Bouck. The de Bucs figure in the history of Normandy
previous to 1200. From this source, but somewhat later, the Eng-
lish branch dates its descent in Norfolk and adjacent parts. A
German map of Lorraine, published in 1708, denotes a village and
castle of the " Boucs " on the west side of the Moselle, about six
miles northwest of Toul. Their several seignories being located
chiefly within a distance of twelve miles from Thionville. The latter
place being seventeen miles north of Metz.

In this country the family have founded Bucksport, Maine ;
Buck Hollow, Vermont ; Bucksville, South Carolina, and to which
may now be added the centenarian of our family in Bucks County.
The late Governor William C. Bouck"", of New York, we presume,
is of the same stock.

FAMILY ANTIQUITY. 11

The Bocks have furnished, withiu the past five centuries, to Ger-
many, France, Belgium, Holland and adjacent parts, statesmen,
warriors, authors, scientists, and professors to the universities, of
which only a few will be mentioned. In Strasburg Cathedral, are
early tombs of the family containing inscriptions, notably the
splendid monument erected to the memory of Conrad Bock, an emi-
nent citizen there who died in 1480, admired for the beauty of its
statuary. Valentine de Bock, also of Strasburg, was one of the Coun-
cillors of Charles V, EmjDeror of Germany and the Netherlands;
Jacob de Bock, siegneur of Vance and Autel. Nicholas de Bock,
seigneur of Petrange, John Nicholas Ettienne de Bock, seigneur of
Furst, Buy, Falschvillers, Lelling and Aling, also a Lieutenant-Mar-
shall of France. Jerome Bock, Botanist, born at Heidesbach, near
the Rhine, author of a magnificent work with colored plates, entitled
"Neues Kraieterbuch," in two editions, of 1539 and 1554. Sir
George Buck, an Englishman statesman and historian, who died in
1623. Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, distinguished engravers and
antiquarians, 1714-99. Lieutenant-Marshall Stephen de Bock, who
died at ^Metz, in 1772, aged 87, the author of several historical and
philosophical works in French and German, whose services were
acknowledged by Buffon in his Natural History. Dr. Adam Bock,
born at Aix-la Chapelle, Nov. 21, 1832, is a member of the present
German Parliament.

Begen, in his Biographie de La Moselle, published at Metz in
1829, in treating on the Bock family, so long resident there, remarks
that it is "one of the most illustrious families in our province."
The Rev. Robert J. Breckenridge, a Presbyterian clergyman, in his
Travels in Germany and Switzerland, in 1836, thus mentions the
section in which the ancient seats of the de Bocks were located :
'After passing the Moselle, the country assumes all its former
beauty, and from thence entirely across Lorraine, the traveler is
enchanted at every step to behold scattered around the evidences of
contentment, industry, health and comfort, the fruits of a frugal
and kind-tempered people, the monuments of a genial climate and
a grateful soil."

From the aforesaid, we learn that the Bucks are chiefly of Ger-
man or Teutonic origin, and whose general characteristic traits pre-
vail amongst them to this day. Our principal authorities for what
has been given, are Dictionarie Noblesse Families de France, Paris,
1771, 14 quarto vols. ; Reitaps Armorial General, Biographie Uni-

12 FAMILY ANTIQUITY.

versal, Roses Biographical Dictionary, History of Strasbourg Cathe-
dral, History of Metz, Tiesseiers Hist. Thionville, Bergen's Biog. de
Moselle, Arts-Lexikon von Deutchland, by H. Rudolph, Leipzig,
1870-72 ; Essays on Surnames, by M. M. Lower, London, 1849, and
Burke's British Armory. The Buck family, of Bucksville, Penn-
sylvania, has been noticed by Davis, in his History of Bucks County,
by Durrie, in his Index to American Genealogies, Auge's Biog. ot
Montgomery County, and in Vol. Ill, of Muusell's American Ances-
try. All our European authorities mention from an early period
the general prevalence of the names of Nicholas, Jacob and John
among them, and of the coat-of-arms, thus corroborating a common
origin through the several centuries that have passed away and sus-
tained by family tradition when surnames had not been adopted
until some time later.

NICHOLAS BUCK, THE ANCESTOR,

Was descended from an ancient family long settled in the
vicinity of Thionville, Lorraine. The date of his birth is not known,
and the names of his parents have escaped recollection within the
past fifty years. His books and papers having passed by will to his
two eldest sons above a century ago, and who have had, it is sup-
posed, no descendants residing in their native county for the past
sixty years, will explain the difficulties that here beset us in the begin-
ning. The Bucksville branch being descended from Nicholas, the
third son, who, on his father's death, was only nineteen years of age,
will further explain the paucity of materials in this direction.

Lorraine being within the valley of the Rhine, and on the
frontiers of Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg, has, in
consequence, at various times, suffered severely from ihe ravages of
war. It was seized by Louis XIV, in 1670, and after 1733, relin-
quished by Germany. Alsace, with the free city of Strasburg, was
wrested by the same in 1681, and thus both provinces were attached
to France, until re-ceded to Germany in 1871. As much of the larger
portion of the inhabitants were Germans, will account for speaking
said language. In the war that prevailed between France and
Great Britain, from 1756 to 1764, the struggle was so severe that
emigration from the valley of the Rhine almost ceased. We observe
herein the causes that led so many for nearly half a century after
1708, to leave their native land to seek a home and settle by thou-
sands with greater security in the forests of uncultivated but more
peacefully disposed Pennsylvania.

NICHOLAS BUCK, THE ANCESTOR. 13

No doubt the calamities that must so much attend warfare on
the frontiers may have also chiefly induced Nicholas Buck, a single
man, and probably but little over age, to think of emigration to
America, especially at a time when in considerable numbers they
were leaving the Fatherland. It has been stated heretofore that he
embarked at Rotterdam, on the ship St. Andrew, James Abercrom-
bie, master, stopping on the way hither at Plymouth, England, and
arrived at Philadelphia, September 23, 1752. A list of the passen-
gers has been published by Rupp in his " Thirty Thousand Names."
He is therein called '* Nicolas Buch," and by a careful study of the
same cannot find a single name that could be recognized as a rela-
tive thus testifying to the family tradition on the subject. Like
many other immigrants at this period, first proceeded up the Schuyl-
kill Valley, and, it has been said, for a brief time remained in or
near Reading, thence came by way of Goshenhoppen into Spring-
field Township, Bucks County, to settle down there for the remain-
der of his life.

Through additional research and later information, some doubts
have been entertained as to the correctness of his aforesaid arrival,
and if satisfactory, would make it almost four years earlier. The
ship Edinburgh, James Russel, master, arrived at Philadelphia, Sep-
tember 5, 1748, with a number of immigrants who had also embarked
at Rotterdam. Among the list of passengers we find the names of
Michael Hartman and " John Nickel Buch." The former, no
doubt, was the father of Nicholas Buck's second wife, whom he
married in 1766. As to the latter, it is not known that he ever
assumed or wrote two given or Christian names, and records also
establish this fact in the case of his five sons ; hence we are inclined
to favor the supposition that his arrival here was as mentioned in
1752. However, researches on these matters prove that clerks were
extremely negligent or indifferent in the way they set down the
names of the immigrants and their methods of Anglicizing them.

How soon he came into this county is not known, but it
was no doubt within a few years after his arrival in Philadelphia.
The first positive assurance on this matter is in his being one of
twenty-eight signers to a petition "of sundrie inhabitants of the
township of Springfield," to the Court of Quarter Sessions at New-
town, December 11, 1760, praying for a road commencing and lead-
ing from the present Bethlehem road, one-half mile below the meet-
ing-house, by way of Elias Beidleman's mill, to " the great road

14 NICHOLAS BUCK, THE ANCESTOR.

leading from Philadelphia to Easton," and terminating at the pres-
ent Burson villa. This signature, of which we give a fac-simile, is

iX.^'U/ ul)^(yky

written in a plain English hand. Among the signers were the fol-
lowing, supposed to be neighbors : Jacob Overpeck, Jacob Hoffman,
Peter Ohl, David Drissel, and Valentine Rohr. The Court, at the
following June sessions, ordered said route to be viewed, and no
doubt was soon thereafter opened, but no further mention of it is
found in the records.

Our next knowledge of him is derived from a record of his
marriage, April 21, 1761, to Mary Abigail, the daughter of George
and Barbara Kohl, of Nockamixon, of whom we shall give further
mention. His first child, Leonard, was born in September, 1763,
and Joseph in the following year. His wife having died January
7, 1765, aged nearly twenty-two years, he married. May 12, 1766,
Elizabeth, the daughter of Michael and Margaret Hartmau, of Hay-
cock. His children by the latter were Nicholas, Jacob, John, Cath-
arine, Barbara, Elizabeth, Magdalena, and Mary Ann. In the
record of this last marriage he is mentioned as being a " widower
and farmer." This is the earliest mention ascertained as to his
business or occupation.

According to the county records (Deed Book 39, p. 218-19),
Nicholas Buck purchased from Ludwag Nuspickle and his wife Ann,
March 18, 1768, a tract of land containing forty-six acres and seven-
teen perches, " with all and singular the buildings," being part of a
larger tract obtained May 6, of the previous year, from Martin
Kryder and his wife Susanna of Philadelphia, and forming a portion
of the extensive grant to George McCall. At the date of the afore-
said purchase, as may be observed, Nicholas Buck had been mar-
ried nearly seven years, and now the parent of three sons. The
eldest aged about three and a half years, and Nicholas an infant of
seven months. This would show that at this time, as a farmer, he
could have derived little or no assistance in the way of labor from
his family, and therefore, to some extent, gave employment toothers.
As buildings are mentioned on this tract, the inference is that he

NICHOLAS BUCK, THE ANCESTOR.

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NICHOLAS BUCK, THE ANCESTOK. 17

must have now moved thereon, but where in this preceding interval
of his married life" he had his residence is undetermined, but it evi-
dently was in this vicinity from what is expressed in the road peti-
tion. What is known of the ancestor later, will be given in the next
article.

THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY.

We are now beginning to approach in the life of Nicholas Buck
the ancestor, an interesting event that tends to give him prom-
inence among the early settlers and original landholders of his
neighborhood — at a period, too, when he could not have exceeded
thirty-six years of age. Adjoining his purchase on the north was
still a considerable body of unsold proprietary land, as well as in
several other directions which was now claiming his attention, with
a view of enlarging his boundaries. Application therefor had been
made by John Saunders, and by the surveyor-general's order was
surveyed to him January 7, 1768, but having deceased, Mr. Buck
now sought its purchase; hence, by direction of John Hart, deputy-
surveyor, it was re-surveyed for him by his assistant, David Schultz,
March 6, 1769, and a warrant issued June 21, 1773. On the fol-
lowing December 1, the same was returned by John Lukens, the
surveyor-general, to the Secretary's office, and a patent issued there-
for from Thomas and John Peun, "Esquires, Proprietaries and
Governors of Pennsylvania," December 2, 1773, and recorded in
Patent Book, A. A., Vol. 14, page 63.

A neat and interesting plot of said survey may be seen in tiie
records of the Surveyor-General's office at Harrisburg (Book D,
page 217), now merged into that of the Secretary of Internal Affairs.
A copy was made therefrom to illustrate this work, and contains the
following description : "A Draught of a Tract of Land situate the
greater portion in Springfield township, and the remainder in Hay-
cock, county of Bucks and Province of Pennsylvania, containing
171 Acres and 111 perches of land with the usual allowance of six
per cent for Roads, being part of the Lottery Land on the Branches
of Tohickon and now resurveyed to Nicholas Bock." As may be
observed, was regularly laid out in the form of a parallelogram. Its
bounds are thus set forth: Beginning at a marked white oak in a
line of Peter Meyer's land, thence by the said Nicholas Bock's and
Ludwig Nuspickle's land, west 182 perches to a stone, thence by

18 THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY.

William Bryan's land north 160 perches to a stone, thence by
Josiah Bryan's and Ludwig Nuspickle's land east 182 perches to a
stone, thence by Christian Gay man's land south 160 perches to the
place of beginning.

The cost for entrance was £8.4, and for the land, £123.4, with
the reservation of the usual quitrent of a half-penny Sterling per
acre per annum forever. In the final settlement of Nicholas Buck's
estate, we find that his executor had paid to Anthony Butler as
agent for the Penns, the sum of £6.7.5 for said purpose. Whilst
the editor of this work was engaged in arranging the extensive Penn
Papers for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in 1872, and
several years later, a " Map of the Lottery land adjoining the Manor
of Richland," was discovered, and a reduced copy was made there
from for Davis' History of Bucks County, wherein it was published
in 1876, which will give some idea of the location of this purchase, as
well as thatof the several surroundingtracts. All familiar with patent
lands know that it is rare to find any names given therein to such
tracts, yet Nicholas Buck has had in this purchase such an honor
conferred on him by the son and grandson of William Penn, as his
successors in the government. This may be seen in his patent, and
also in Deed Book No. 39, pages 218-19, of the Bucks County rec-
ords, wherein it is mentioned " as a certain tract called Buckhill, in
Haycock and Springfield townships."

We entertain, no doubt, that this suggestion must have origi-
nated in Mr. Buck. Several facts would denote this : he had a
knowledge of languages, his family had for some time previously
given names to several localities in his native province, and among
them was Bockberg (see preceding article), which, translated from
the German, reads Buckhill. Whoever will visit the old family
homestead thereon, now owned by Nathan Cressman, will at once
perceive its appropriateness, for it was located on the central and
elevated part of the original tract, about half a mile west of the
Bethlehem road, and nearly the same distance north of the Haycock
line. In consequence it aflTords from the house a splendid view,
particularly in a northwest direction, of the Kittatinny or Blue
Mountains. A ridge of trap rocks also commences near here and
extends on to Sumneytown ; hence we do not wonder that its owner,
from the prospect it afforded him, should be gratified in a name that
also reminded him of scenery he had now forever left behind.

THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY. 19

As the Buckhill tract was all wild, uncultivated land, it must
be expected that a great deal of labor and expense would be required
thereon before a sufficiency of land could be cleared for agricultural
purposes, as well as in the erection of comfortable buildings for the
shelter and protection of his household, crops and animals. This
may have been sufficiently accomplished to remove from his adjoin-
ing property in the summer or fall of 1774, being over four and a
half years from the date of his entrance fee and survey, whilst his
deed of purchase had given him full possession thereof the previous
December 2.

That Nicholas Buck took an active and early part in the i)rin-
ciples that culminated in the Revolution is a family tradition,
besides have ample evidence from the records in the State Depart-
ment at Harrisburg. When the . articles for Independence were
drawn up, among other requirements give this extract: "We, the
subscribers, agree that we will associate for the purpose of learning
the Military Exercise, and for defending our Property, Liberties
and Lives against all attempts to deprive us of them." To this he
subscribed and was accordingly enrolled for the service in " the
Springfield company," August 21, 1775. Among others belonging
thereto we find the names of Adam Frankenfield, Henry Afflerbach,
Adam Bidleman, Andrew Sigafoos, Michael Fackenthal and others.
This company was subsequently commanded by his neighbor. Cap-
tain Josiah Bryan, and attached to the Third Bucks County Battal-
ion, of which John Keller was appointed Colonel, INIay 6, 1777.
How long they were drilled or in the service, or what duties they
performed, the records do not state.

When the w^ar had well progressed and the State had assumed
its new form of government, acts were passed June 12 and October
12, 1777, requiring all white male inhabitants over eighteen years of
age to be additionally enrolled and give in their allegiance to the
same. The records show that Nicholas Buck again gave in his
adherance and support thereto before William McHenry, Esq., of
Bedminster Township, June 10, 1778. His family, at this latter
date, comprised seven children, the eldest being under fifteen years,
and Barbara, the youngest, aged not quite ten months. His death
taking place but little over two years after the close of the war, has
rendered it difficult to arrive now at all the required facts we would
like to possess on the subject.

20 THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAIMILY HISTORY.

Leonard Buck was brought up a farmer, Joseph having learned
the smith's trade ; his father had erected for him a shop near the
dwelling-house on the Bethlehem road, to carry on his occupation.
For this purpose, from the inventory of his father's personal effects,
made in November, 1785, we learn that he had for this purpose fur-
nished him Avith " a set of blacksmith's tools" and a lot of iron, steel
and charcoal. The inference from this is that, as he was not quite of
age, was so employed by the parent. It was here where Nicholas
a few years later, set up wagon-making in this connection, Joseph
doing the iron work. There is no doubt that they thus continued
together until in March, 1793, when the former moved on his pur-
chase in Nockamixon, and which led to the founding of Bucksville.

About this time the ancestor must have been in declining
health, for his will dated February 12, 1785 (Will Book, 4, p. 547),
begins thus : " Nicholas Buck, of Springfield township, yeoman,
being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory,
thanks be given to God therefor, but calling to mind the uncertainty
of this mortal life, have thought fit to settle my worldly affairs and
to make this my last will and testament." He, however, lingered
until into the beginning of November of the following year, for said
instrument was proven the 13th of said month, 1786. Judging from
several concurrent circumstances, his age at his death may have
been about 56 years. This was no great period, but the hardships
and struggles that must have attended pioneer life in the forests of
Pennsylvania, as Avell as his exertions in the Revolutionary cause,
may have contributed to shorten it. Certainly, a great change com-
pared to that in Alsace, Lorraine and adjoining parts.

Having now followed the ancestor of the family from his home
near Thionville, Lorraine, to the close of his career in Pennsylvania,
from the evidence given the results speak highly in his favor, viewed
in whatever light we may. That in the short space of twelve years
he should have changed the Buckhill tract from a forest into a large
and productive farm, with two sets of buildings, supporting consid-
erable stock and a sufficiency of fruit grown thereon for a cider-
mill — to accomplish such a change must show no inconsiderable
degree of enterprise, and that himself and family must have been
frugal and industrious. His real estate consisted of almost 218
acres, and with his personal property at this date worth no incon-
siderable sum, and must have been chiefly the result of twenty-four
years' attention to agriculture, a more profitable showing than can
be generally shown in these days.

THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY. 21

Possessing a knowledge of the German, French, English and
Flemish languages, he performed for this section a serviceable part
as interpreter and translator, for the settlers around were largely
Germans, after which were some English, Irish and a few French.
Hence he would be frequently called upon to thus facilitate com-
munication with each other. This was particularly the case with
those holding official positions, whose knowledge was chiefly con-
fined to the English tongue, therefore unable to conduct business
with those to whom it was unfamiliar, as, for instance, the German.
For the period, Mr. Buck had his children tolerably well instructed
in both of these languages, particularly when we come to consider
the disadvantages they labored under as a widely scattered rural
community as must have then existed.

His will is an interesting document, disclosing on his part a
desire to have carried out therein intentions that do him credit.
Orders first his debts and funeral expenses paid; appoints John
Smith and his son Leonard, executors ; directs £100 to be paid to
his wife Elizabeth within six months after his decease, and, in addi-
tion, to have the interest of £200 as long as she is his widow ; his
sons to build for her a room adjoining the house to dwell in, but in
case of non-agreement, to put the dwelling-house at the road in
order for said purpose. To have her bed, 50 bundles of flax, to
have half an acre of flax sowed yearly on the premises for her use,
and to provide for her during the whole of her widowhood a suffi-
ciency of firewood, 150 lbs. of pork, 50 lbs. of beef, 15 bushels of
rye, 10 bu. of wheat and 2 barrels of cider annually, hay for 2 cows,
and to pasture with their own for full three years after his decease.
After said time to have 10 bu. rye, the same of wheat and hay, and
pasture for one cow. To have the right to select for her sole use
whatever cow she prefers.

Respecting the division of his property among his children :
Gives to his sous Leonard and Joseph, all his household goods, per-
sonal property, including all real estate, as lands and tenements for-
ever, to be equally divided between them or their heirs. To his
children Nicholas, Jacob, John, Catharine, Barbara, Elizabeth and
Magdalena, £100 each, to be paid theiu by Leonard and Joseph.
For their faithful performance, the two aforesaid are to give suffi-
cient and satisfactory security to John Smith, the first-mentioned
executor. The witnesses thereto were Ludwig Nuspickle and
George Amey, who were also the appraisers of the personal effects.

22 THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY.

Mr. Smith was a resident of Springfield, and for the position
assigned him was eminently qualified, for we must remember at
this date that Leonard's age did not exceed twenty-two years and
a half; this on the part of the father certainly exhibits confidence
and integrity in his abilities.

The inventory of the personal effects at this day possesses con-
siderable interest of what was to be found on a well-stocked farm in
the upper section of Bucks County above a century ago, and helps
to give us, like the will, some insight into the life and domestic
arrangements of said period, and of which we propose to give but a
brief mention : 6 horses, 11 cattle, 7 sheep, 16 swine, 9 hives, 7 con-
taining bees ; 2 wagons, 1 pair wheels, 2 wagon covers, 2 plows,
harrow, sled, 1 womans' and 3 mens' saddles, 2 sets wagon-gears, 2
sets plow gears, wheelbarrow, 3 hopples, winnowing mill, cutting-
box and knife, 3 oats cradles, 11 sickles, apple mill and trough, 2
flails, 2 spinning-wheels, wool or big wheel, reel, musket, cabbage-
cutter, blow-horn, pigeon net, lot of books, 6 tons of hay, 4 tons of
second crop, wheat in the straw, £30; rye do, £4; oats, £8.15; 61
bushels of buckwheat and 30 acres of wheat and rye in the ground.
Due on notes and bonds outstanding, £521.4.8, in book accounts,
£100.5.1. The aforesaid shows that he was a considerable farmer;
that linen and woolen goods were manufactured for home use;
honey produced, and that wild pigeons abounded and were caught
in nets. On settlement of the estate, the personal property
amounted to £1071, 12s, 3d, or, in our present currency, about
$2900.

In consideration with the Buckhill estate, a curious circum-
stance has been brought to light. Mention has been made that
John Saunders had made* application for the tract in 1768, and had
been surveyed for him, but having shortly deceased, the matter was
left to neglect by his heirs. In consequence, Nicholas Buck made
application therefor, to whom it was re-surveyed, and, by his pay-
ment, a clear and full title given him. As, no doubt, Saunders had
paid his entrance fee, it would appear that his family still claimed
some right thereto. The result was that his granddaughter, Judith
Dickey, "spinster of Abington and only surviving child of his
daughter Judith and her husband John Dickey," for the consider-
ation of £50, " in. good gold coin well and truly paid by Leonard
and Joseph Buc. does release forever all her right and title to the
said tract, September 29, 1788," and which was so acknowledged

THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY. 23

and recorded. This was certainly a bighly creditable transaction
on the part of the said brothers thus befriending the woman, but we
fail to perceive herein a justifiable claim thereto.

Not long after their father's death, the personal property and
real estate was divided between them. As to the latter, Leonard
retained possession of the homestead portion, and Joseph the land
and buildings on the Bethlehem road, and where he continued to
reside, pursuing his occupation in connection with farming until
about the beginning of this century, when he removed to Whitehall
Township, near Allentown, now Lehigh County. However, he sold
out here November 5, 1801, all his right and title to Leonard, who
thus became the sole proprietor. The latter continued to reside
thereon until his death in 1809, when his brother. Captain
Nicholas Buck, of Bucksville, became his administrator, who sold
the same the following year at public sale, containing 182 acres and
66 perches to John Damuth for £1407, 10s, 4d, his widow retaining
a dower right therein during her life time. Having four daughters
and no male issue will explain how it came now to pass from out
the family after thirty-seven years of possession. In all of this time,
whatever improvements had been made thereon to help change it
from a wilderness, of course, was owing to them. As the estate had
contained almost 218 acres, it would appear as if the 46 acre tract
had been previously sold oft' and may have thus been increased by
the addition of the six per cent allowed for roads, a common occur-
rence in real estate transactions since the beginning of this century.

On the death of the last-mentioned owner, Samuel Damuth
relinquished his right in 1826 to his brother John, the place having
then been reduced to 104 acres and 59 perches. From the latter
has since passed away to its present owner, Nathan Cressman, who
has now been long a resident thereon. Mrs. Joseph Ohl owns
now that portion containing 34 acres fronting on the Bethlehem road,
where stood the dwelling-house mentioned in the will of 1785. The
balance has since been incorporated into the farms of Samuel
Hinkle, George Heft and the widow Schaffer, and hence been sub-
divided into at least five separate places.

While the editor was engaged on the Penn Papers as men-
tioned on a previous page, he became first aware of this original
purchase, and hence set at work to ascertain its location. Having
nothing to guide him outside of some family traditions, he had sup-
posed in consequence that it was either located nea' Pleasant Valley
or the Springfield church, for which purpose he made a special visit

24 THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY.

in September, 1879, after an absence from all that section for seven-
teen years. Several he had applied to hunted up their old deeds to
aid him, but it proved fruitless. In this dilemma he applied to the
late venerable Lewis Ott, nearly a life-long resident of Pleasant
Valley, and a man of extensive acquaintance. In a letter dated
February 14, 1880, he wrote that "After a long interval I have at
last found out your great-grandfather's land. Nathan Cressman
owns and occupies the homestead, while the balance has become sub-
divided and owned by some four or five others. Mr. C. says the
original deeds were destroyed by fire at Newtown, while left there
to be recorded."

On receipt of this information he visited Mr. Cressman, Sep-
tember 15, 1880, previously sending him a letter of his coming and
the object therein. He was kindly received on his visit there, and
that he had well-known his father while a merchant at Stony Point.
Under the circumstances, as may be Avell supposed, the place was
viewed with more than ordinary interest. The site of the original
house was a few feet south of the present mansion, one and a half
stories high and of some length. Nearly one half was of log, and
the other and later addition of stone. From its appearance a por-
tion of the barn must have been erected by the ancestor, being built
of logs and weather-boarded. The timber used in its construction
was of excellent quality and such as could no longer be supplied in
this section, thus showing the superiority of the timber in the origi-
nal forest trees.

Some seven or eight large pear trees standing between the house
and barn also claimed attention, and from their size must be all of
one hundred and ten years old, consequently planted by the family,
and still continue to bear (1891) an abundance of fruit. The soil
appeared fertile, with a slightly rolling surface. The house was
built near the center of the original tract, and aflfording from there
a magnificent view of the bold, blue outline of the distant Kittatinny
Mountains. As he looked around he felt an honest degree of pride
in what his ancestor had here accomplished in causing " the wilder-
ness to blossom as the rose." He thought too of his feelings as his
mind must have occasionaly reverted from this forest land to the
homes of his ancestors and to the vineclad and castle-crowned hills
of the Moselle and Rhine, so rich in storied and poetical associa-
tions of the long past. This we have endeavored to express in the
following two pieces of nmsic composed expressly for this work, and
now first published :

26 THE BUCKHILL ESTATE AND ITS FAMILY HISTORY.

:*»rf

(^0

etsl'OJd

THE EARLY NEIGHBORS OF NICHOLAS BUCK. 27

THE EARLY NEIGHBORS OF NICHOLAS BUCK.

In the preceding article we have brought to a close our infor-
mation respecting the ancestor of the family, but we design, under
our present heading, first to give some mention of the two families
wherein he intermarried and with whom all his descendants can
claim kindred. They were also early settlers and original pur-
chasers of the soil, and gave their early support to the Revolution-
ary cause as well as their allegiance to the new form of government
that had its origin at this time. In the period that has elapsed
have not proven themselves unworthy their sires, but as useful and
enterprising citizens whose general record in character has become
well established in the community where they have now so long
resided.

John George Kohl arrived in Philadelphia in the ship Mary,
September 26, 1732, and it would seem a few years thereafter was
married to Mary Barbara Behben. We know from records that in the
spring of 1741 he resided in Falkner's Swamp, New Hanover Town-
ship, now in Montgomery County, where his daughter Albertina was
born May 6, of said year. It is probable that soon after this he
removed to Nockaraixon and settled on the Durham road not far
below Bucksville, where it is supposed his daughter Mary Abigail
was born July 4, 1742— the future wife of Nicholas Buck, who was
married at his house, April 21, 1761. We know that in 1767, he
was an original purchaser of 51 acres of land. He died on hisfiirm
July 3, 1779, aged 79 years, followed by his wife a month later. He
had three sons, Joseph, Jacob and George, who were enrolled in
Captain Jacob Shoope's Company of Associators in August, 1775,
and gave in their allegiance, August 27, 1778. Whether he had
more children we cannot positively state. George, the latter,
and his wife Catharine, had sons, Anthony and George. The family
has become numerous, and, as will be seen, have, at various times,
intermarried into the Buck family.

Michael Hartman, with George Jacob Hartman and John
Nickel Buch, arrived in the ship Edinburgh, James Russel, master,
at Philadelphia, September 5, 1748, and Francis and Mathias
Hartman in the following year. We possess sufficient evidence
that the aforesaid were related, but cannot give the degree of affinity.
Michael Hartman was a carpenter by occupation, and from the
record of the Surveyor-General's office know that May 4, 17ol, he
made application for 25 acres of land in Haycock, which was

28 THE EARLY NEIGHBORS OF NICHOLAS BUCK.

granted him. His daughter, Elizabeth, was married to Nicholas
Buck, widower, May 12, 1766, with whom he had eight children,
and survived him into the beginning of this century. The fine
painting of the crucifixion in the Haycock church, was a gift from
her in 1798, and was executed by a German artist in Philadelphia
at her order. It is supposed that the family resided not far from
the Buckhill tract, thus the alliance was brought about. Michael
Hartman, Jr., was a private in Captain Henry Nevel's Company, of
Philadelphia County militia in the Revolution, sold his farm of 80
acres in 1808, in Montgomery Township, and was living in Arm-
strong County in 1835. Mathias Hartman was a patriot in the
Revolution, and was appointed June 10, 1776, by the Bucks County
Committee of Safety, collector of arms in Haycock ; his duties being
to disarm all those who refused to give in their allegiance for the
use of the army. Francis Hartman settled in Ridge Valley, Upper
Salford, where he was a witness to the marriage of John Eck to
Mary Schneider in 1762, and died there in 1768. Francis Hartman,
of Richland, was elected treasurer of the county in 1866. This
family is tolerably numerous, and the records show that now for
some time have been considerable landholders.

Valentine Rohr resided in Haycock in 1743, and where his
widow Barbara, in 1774, was an original purchaser of 282 acres.
Their son Michael married Mary, daughter of Leonard Buck, and
gave in his allegiance June 30, 1778. Ludwig Nuspickle was a
considerable landholder, and in 1763, was one of the signers to have
Haycock erected into a township. He was a near neighbor to
Nicholas Buck and a witness to his will and appraiser of his per-
sonal property. He died in 1818, aged 88 years. George Amey,
or originally Emich, was a purchaser, in 1768, of 231 acres, who
was also a witness and appraiser. His son George inherited his
property and appears to have been a man of some means. John
Saunders, who died in Richland in 1768, is supposed to have been
the father-in-law of Patrick McCarty, of Haycock Run Valley,
married to his daughter Catharme in 1743.

John Smith, the executor, was a resident of Springfield, and
one of the County Commissioners, who, in 1777, built the stone
bridge over Cook's Creek at Pleasant Valley, which was still stand-
ing in 1880. Elias Beitelman, who owned the mill in Springfield
in 1760, applied for naturalization in 1747, hence must have been
an early resident. He died in 1781, aged 74 years. He is supposed

THE EARLY NEIGHBORS OF NICHOLAS BUCK. 29

to be the father of John and Leonard Beitelman. Leonard Buck
was called after the latter. Peter Meyer, in 1763, was one of the
petitioners for Haycock Township. He was an original purchaser
in 1770 of 125 acres, and a Mennonite minister. Concerning
Christian Gayman and William Bryan, cannot give additional par-
ticulars beyond being original purchasers. Josiah Bryan was a
captain of the Sixth Company of Colonel John Keller's Battalion,
May 6, 1777. Most of those mentioned have still descendants
residing in said vicinity. Adam Bidelman was a second lieutenant
of Captain Bryan's Company.

SONS OF THE ANCESTOR.

Eeonard Buck, the eldest son, was born in September, 1763
married Elizabeth, daughter of Mathias and Mary Catharine
Kramer, born April 24, 1769. He was brought up a farmer, and
in 1786, under certain conditions of payment to the heirs, inherited
half the real and personal estate of his father. He died in 1809,
aged 46 years; his widow survived him some time. He had four
children, Mary, Catharine, Sarah and Abigail. Mary married
Michael Rohr, April 29, 1806, had a daughter Anna, born April
12, 1809. Catharine married Martin Wack, had children, John,
born February 24, 1824; Rosanna, born December, 1825; and
Anna, born July 11, 1827. He moved to Ohio, and possess nothing
later of the family. Sarah married John Melchior, a farmer, had a
son, Benedict, born April 30, 1828; also Reuben, Mary, Sarah, and
other children. Moved to Washington Township, Berks County,
where they have descendants, and in Philadelphia. Nicholas Mel-
chior had a son, George, born February 13, 1743, mentioned in
Goshenhoppen records, denotes that this is an early family. Abigail
married Caspar Schonebruch, son of Cas])ar and Margaret, who
were married April 27, 1772.

Respecting one of the above, Lewis Ott, long a merchant and
postmaster at Pleasant Valley, thus wrote April 3, 1880 : " I have
recently learned that a daughter of Leonard Buck was married to
a man whose name has been forgotten. They designed to move
some distance, and when the day arrived she refused to go, and he
proceeded on the journey. She remained and died in the neigh-
borhood, and became a noted and successful nurse, ever willing to
render aid to the suffering. In consequence was regarded with high
esteem in the surrounding neighborhood as a good Samaritan,

30 SONS OF THE ANCESTOR.

She resided in the house now owned by Mrs. Ohl." As her aged
mother resided there and we know was living in 1826, a care for
her may have become a stronger reason for the course taken. This
no doubt was Abigail, for what became of her husband subse-
quently is not known. In this perceive a common family trait ;
force of character, combined to strong local attachment.

Joseph Buck, the second son of the ancestor, was born Novem-
ber 6, 1764, and was married to Rosina . He had a son

John and other children. Having sold his real estate to his brother,
removed to Whitehall Township, now Lehigh County, in 1800. As
the surname is known to exist at this day in Lehigh and Schuylkill
Counties, it is supposed has descendants there. At this writing
cannot give anything additional on the matter. We give a fac-
simile of his autograph written in German in 1801, and would

denote his having received a fair education. The State records
mention a Joseph Buck serving in the Revolutionary army ; if he
was the person, as we possess no knowledge of any other, it must
have been near the close of the war.

CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BUCK,

Was the third son of the ancestor, after whom be was called,*
and the first child by his second wife, Elizabeth Hartman, born in
Springfield, August 20, 1767, and at his father's deatb aged nineteen
years. Judging by his papers, account books and the estates he
settled, as well as his business qualifications, must have received for
that period a good common school education. The family being

large and having a mechanical turn and encouraged thereto by his
brother Joseph, learned what was then called the wagoner's (wheel-

*In consequence of several members in the family bearing the names of
Nicholas, Jacob and John, hence will append their military titles by which they
were best known whilst living, to prevent confusion.

CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BUCK. 31

Wright) trade, which he set up on the old homestead farm beside
the Bethlehem road. In 1789 married Mary Magdalena, daughter
of John Eck, a farmer of Upper Salford, thirteen miles distant*

In the fall of 1792 he purchased of Christian Klinker, potter,
a tract containing 64 acres and 140 perches in Xockamixon, hand-
somely located on both sides of the Durham road, "for t:351 of gold
and silver currency," and who had carried on here for a few years
the manufacture of earthenware. The buildings thereon were small
and rudely constructed of logs. On his removal here the following
March 23, as may be well expected, found much to do before he
could even be comfortably fixed. He was now not quite twenty-
four and a half years old, and a field for enterprise here lay spread
around him for development, and upon which he was not slow to
enter. Soon a new dwelling was erected, as well as wheelwright
and blacksmith shops, in which to pursue his occupation ; more
land was cleared and additional crops raised and other improve-
ments made.

To accomplish the aforesaid not only required industry and
perseverance, but also judgment and business knack to make it
successful. In a few years another substantial stone house was
erected and his business kept improving. He, too, was receiving
the good will and confidence of his neighbors, judging from the
trusts and responsibilities he was assuming. Owing to the spread
of population northward, travel on the road was also increasing,
great teams often of four and six horses passed his place daily over
the great highway to Philadelphia with produce from near Easton,
Nazareth, Wilkes-Barre, Bethlehem and other places, returning
again laden with freight. His occupation by this was also increased.
Having a rising family, he exerted his influence in having two
stone schoolhouses built in the neighborhood. In 1803 and later
years he was collector of taxes in Nockamixon, and how much
earlier and later is not known.

Through the excitement occasioned by the dastardly attack of
a British ship of war on the frigate Chesapeake on our coast in the
summer of 1807, he soon after set about raising a troop of cavalry
in his neighborhood, which was fully equipped and ready for ser-
vice in the following spring, and of which he continued captain
until near his death. In this latter year he built an addition to his
house, making it thirty by sixty feet in dimensions, besides a two
story wing, the whole of stone, with a view to a public house, which

3 H

32 CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BUCK.

was licensed in the spring of 1809. As Michael Ott was three miles
below him keeping the sign of " The Buck," he substituted " The
White Horse " in military caparison. The cause for this change
with the information relating thereto is so interesting that a more
detailed account thereof will be given hereafter.

With a view of having his children better educated than what
was afforded by the schools of the neighborhood, Captain Buck
engaged Professor Charles Fortman to teach at his home a class on
the piano, vocal music, and the Latin, English, French and Ger-
man languages, which met with sufficient success as to be maintained
there for several years. In 1816 he also entered into storekeeping,
which he conducted until in the spring of 1828, when his son
Samuel succeeded him in the business. At what time it became
noted as a "Stage house " is not exactly known, but probably not
long after 1819, and was maintained as such until the withdrawal
of the Easton stages on the completion of the Belvidere, Delaware
Railroad in 1854, a period probably extending to a third of a cen-
tury.

Here, too, for many years were held the annual spring train-
ings of the uniformed volunteers of the townships of Springfield,
Durham, Nockamixon and Tinicum. The most notable being
Captain Buck's Company of Washington Light Horse, Captain
Jacob Sassaman's Bucks County Rifle Company, Captain Hillipot's
Leopard Rifles, and Cajitain Samuel Steckel's Durham Infantry,
which comprised the Battalion. Owing to the late war these com-
panies were all disbanded a short time prior to 1861. These
parades would bring together a large concourse of spectators, and
awaited with great interest by the boys of the surrounding section.
Through the increasing prosperity of the neighborhood as well as
his business affairs, application was made by him for a post office
called Bucksville, which was granted in 1828, of which he was
appointed the first postmaster.

He had six children, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Sarah, Mary Mag-
dalena, Jacob E., and Samuel. Nicholas learned with him the
wheelwright trade, and soon after his marriage in 1813 the business
was entirely relinquished to him. Jacob E. became his assistant
and principal clerk in the store about 1818, in which he continued
until in the spring of 1826, when he entered into business for him-
self in Springfield, two miles distant. Owing to his declining
health Captain Buck retired from business in April, 1829, and

CAPTAIV NICHOLAS BUCK. 33

removed to a house he had built on his tract some time previously,
now the property of Josiah Shuman. However, he did not long
survive the change, for he died August 28, aged 62 years, 9 days.
His estate was administered by his two eldest sons, Nicholas and
Jacob.

The personal property was sold at public sale in 1829, and the
real estate October 3, 1830. The hotel with its several improve-
ments and 50 acres was bought by his son Nicholas for $61.50 per
acre, or $3,075. No. 2, where he died, was purchased by his
daughter Sarah and her husband, John Malone, and described as
containing 16 acres and 125 perches " of first rate wood and meadow
land, a good two-story stone house, stable and outbuildings, fruit
trees and a never failing spring of excellent water." This brought
$42.25 per acre. Several lots of woodland were next sold, compris-
ing 36 acres. The whole, including the personal, amounted to
upward of $6400.

The hotel property is thus described in an advertisement of its
sale in a Doylestowu paper of September, 1830, as "a highly val-
uable stand, sign of the White Horse, situated on the Stage Road
from Philadelphia to Eastou, at the intersection of the Easton and
Old Durham roads, 15 miles from Doylestown and the same from
Easton and Bethlehem, and three miles from the Delaware Canal.
Daily line of stages change and the passengers breakfast and dine
here, and the post office is in a part of the building. There are
three sheds with stabling, new barn, a well, two never failing springs
of water, apple orchard, with excellent meadow and woodland."
Such a description, written by his son Jacob over sixty-two years
ago, is now interesting, and to which we shall have occasion to
refer hereafter.

MARY MAGDALENA BUCK,

As the wife of the founder of Bucksville and a resident there
for about sixty years, deserves some notice at our hands. Her
grandfather, Jacob Eck, was a native of Baselbade, Alsace, and a
locksmith by occupation. He was a widower, and arrived here
September 23, 1741, with his son John, then a single young man
from Rotterdam in the ship Marlborough, Thomas Bell, master.
The next we know of his movements he purchased by patent*

*This deed of original purcliase, bearing Governor Thomas' signature, is now

in the possession of the editor, transmitted to him through the hands of Captain
Buck, his son Nicholas, and Jonas H. Buck.

34 MARY MAGDALENA BUCK.

granted by Governor George Thomas, June 8, 1746, 100 acres loca-
ted in the valley of Ridge Creek, Upper Salford Township, now in
Montgomery County. Having settled on the aforesaid tract, at the
same date in the following year purchased adjoining it 125 acres
more, making a total of 225 acres. On this himself and his son
made the first improvements, speedily erecting thereon two sets of
farm buildings. He also purchased by patent in 1751, 50 acres in
Bucks County, and his son in 1767, 150 acres in Long Swamp
Township, Berks County.

On the death of his father, John inherited all his real estate,
and continued to reside on his property to the close of his life.
His second wife was Mary Magdalena Schneider, to whom he was
married October 26, 1762, and the parents of Mrs. Buck, who was
born June 9, 1769. Her mother having died March 6, 1775, he
subsequently married a third time. He had in all fifteen children,
and owing to their tender years was exempted from serving in the
Revolutionary army. He died in the beginning of June, 1809, at
an advanced age. He left a considerable estate, of which he made
his son Theodore and son-in-law Captain Buck, executors. Eleven
children are mentioned as living in the will, showing remarkable
longevity in the family.

On the marriage of Miss Eck in 1789, was 20 years, of age.
Their married life was 39 years, and on her husband's death
retained her home in Bucksville, chiefly with her daughter, Mrs.
Sarah Malone, who about 1850 removed to Philadelphia, at whose
house she died February 4, 1858, in her 89th year. She left 95
living descendants, several of the fifth generation. She was a woman
of more than ordinary abilities, and retained a good memory to the
last. In a record of her mother's death made in 1775, mention is
made that she was " an excellent woman, a loving-hearted wife, and
esteemed by all for her truly Christian traits." This could also be
truthfully applied to the daughter. In 1854 her grandson (the
editor of this work), wrote her reminiscences, and those relating to
her early life in Upper Salford down to the close of the Revolution
with an account of the Eck family, published in the late large
History of Montgomery County. We are also indebted for consid-
erable information in this work to the same source.

MAJOR JACOB BUCK,
The fourth son of the ancestor was born in Springfield, May 1,
1770, and on the death of his father aged about sixteen and a half

MAJOR JACOB BUCK. 35

years. It is doubtful of his having had any other occupation than
farming. He married in 1790 Susanna the daughter of Philip and
Elizabeth Haring, of Haycock. It is supposed that within a few years
thereafter he moved to where is now Revere, on a farm he pur-
chased on which in connection shortly established the Sorrel Horse
inn, which for many years was known by this name. He was a
major in the volunteers before 1800, and family tradition states that
some time previously had been a captain of a rifle company that he
had raised in the neighborhood, and later for several years a tax
collector. James Chapman, U. S. revenue collector, in his adver-
tisement dated August 15, 1800, states that on the following Sep-
tember 13, he would collect and receive taxes for Nockaniixon
Township "at the house of Major Jacob Buck," as authorized by
law.

^^^ 7i<^</^

It appears in 1814, or perhaps a little sooner, Jacob became
the owner of the Bear tavern at Red Hill, four miles distant, to
which he removed and kept for several years. About this time his
brother John became the owner of the Sorrel Horse property, and
continued thereon until his death. After a residence at Red Hill
until 1832, he disposed of his property and removed to Jenkintown,
where he became the proprietor of the Green Tree Hotel and other
adjoining property comprising nearly seven acres until 1841,
While residing here his wife died, when a daughter took charge of
his household affairs. Having secured a competency, he now retired
from business and removed to Springfield Township, two miles
above Bucksville, on the old Beihn homestead, where he died July
24, 1848, aged upward of 73 years. His will, dated June 30 pre-
ceding, wherein he appointed his son Samuel, of Philadelphia, exec-
utor. The children of Major Jacob Buck were John, Jacob,
Elizabeth, Nicholas, Samuel, Catharine and Joseph. His descend-
ants are numerous, and chiefly reside in Bucks County, Philadel-
phia and New Jersey.

The Haring family appear to have been for some time in
Pennsylvania. Johannes Haring arrived from Rotterdam in the
ship Neptune, at Philadelphia, September 24, 1751. Major Jacob
Buck's father-in-law, Philip Haring, purchased of Joseph Dennis

36 MAJOR JACOB BUCK.

in Haycock a farm of 183 acres, May 30, 1768, for £570, whereof
he sold 136 acres ISTovember 19, 1803, to his son Philip Haring, for
£450, with the necessary buildings, his father retaining the home-
stead portion. The latter in June, 1776, was appointed collector of
arms in his township by the Bucks County Committee of Safety, to
which also in the following year was added the Major's relative,
Mathias Hartraan, of whom mention has been made in our sketch
of the ancestor's wife's family. We can see herein also additional
cause for a spirit of patriotism that has always characterized the
several descendants of the Buck family. Michael Haring, who
gave in his allegiance June 19, 1778, was a son of Philip, and on
the authority of Abel B. Haring, present cashier of the French-
town National Bank, with another brother, served in the Revolu-
tionary army. Probably the latter was Jacob Haring, for he was
in the service.

By an act of Congress passed July 14, 1798, a tax was assessed
July 12, 1800, upon dwelling houses, lands and slaves, of which
James Chapman was appointed the collector of the first and second
assessment districts of the third division in Bucks County. The
object of this tax was to raise a revenue to reduce the heavy debt
incurred by the Revolutionary Avar. This in consequence in the
northwestern portion of the county, with the adjoining parts of
Montgomery and Northampton, was made the cause of great excite-
ment. No doubt if the participants in this affair had clearly
understood the law and the objects of Congress in passing it, they
would not have proceeded to the length they did to resist by force
of arras any attempt at its collection, for which purpose various
meetings were held in the spring of 1799. The chief leader was
John Fries, who was captured, tried, and found guilty of treason,
but subsequently pardoned by President John Adams. Mr. Chap-
man was threatened if he did not desist, among others sought the
influence of Major Buck, and therefore from the beginning found
no difficulty in collecting the revenue in Nockamixon and the
adjoining townships. The total amount to be thus raised was two
million of dollars, of which $237,177.73 was assigned as Pennsyl-
vania's quota.

MAJOR JOHN BUCK

AVas the youngest son of the ancestor, born February 19, 1775,
and at his death nearly eleven years of age. He married in 1795

MAJOR JOHN BUCK. 37

Salome, daughter of Nicholas and Albertina McCarty, of Nocka-
mixon, and it is probable that about this time he made said town-
ship his residence. He, too, had an early penchant for the military,
for he was a captain some time before 1808 of a company that had
been organized by his brother Jacob, and in the latter year men-
tioned succeeded him as major of the battalion, in which he served
until after the late war with England, then belonging to the regi-
ment commanded by Colonel Jacob Kiutner.

In his business it is supposed was a farmer, for about 1808 he
purchased the property of his brother Jacob at the pi-esent Eevere,
containing 136 acres, at which soon after the township elections
were held and have remained to the present time. The original
tavern so long known as the Sorrel Horse was built of logs, and
becoming old he had it torn down and in its place in 1818 erected
on the opposite side of the road the present substantial stone build-
ing, still maintained as a public house, now for some time in the
occupancy of the Rufe family. Like his brothers Nicholas and
Jacob, he too, was a tax collector of the township. He made con-
siderable improvements on his property, where he continued to
reside until his death, which occurred near the beginning of 1822,
aged 47 years.

From what is gleaned from records his descendants have not
attained the longevity exhibited in the families of his brothers
Nicholas and Jacob. Major John Buck had a considerable liimily
of children, being ten in number, their names being Elizabeth,
John, Joel, Edward, Martha, Reading, Enoch, Theodore, Rebecca,
and Nicholas. His descendants reside chiefly in Bucks County,
Philadelphia, New Jersey, Illinois and other Western States. Of
the aforesaid eight at least were married, nearly all of whom have
left surviving descendants.

The McCarty family, into which Major Buck married, was one
of the earliest that settled in the Haycock Run valley. His wife
Salome was born April 7, 1774. Her father was married to
Albertina, daughter of George and Barbara Kohl, January 20,
1767, was a private in Captain Shoope's company in 1775, and
gave in his allegiance July 29, 1778. His son, Thomas McCarty,
was married in 1803 to Magdalena, Major Buck's younger sister.
Nicholas McCarty was an enterprising man, and inherited a consid-
erable tract of land in Nockamixon, situated between Burksville
and the stream mentioned, on which he built one of the first saw-

38 MAJOR JOHN BUCK.

mills in the neigliborhood. In 1822 lie was appointed a Justice of
the Peace by Governor Heister, which office he held for a number
of years.

DAUGHTERS OF THE ANCESTOR.

Catharine Buck, the eldest, was born May 28, 1772, and
was married to Christian Clemmer. His father of the same name
signed the road petition in Springfield in 1760. They moved to
Washington Township, Berks County, where they were residing on
a small farm in 1852. They have now for sometime been deceased,
and it is supposed have descendants.

Barbara Buck, born in August, 1777, Avas married to John
Kemp, of Berks County, who it is supposed have descendants in
that section.

Elizabeth Buck, born about 1781, was married to Jacob
Kohl, farmer and wheelwright, of Nockamixon. He was a son
of George Kohl, who resided on the west side of the Durham
road, a short distance below Bucksville, where he owned a farm.
On his death it was divided, Jacob taking the lower or homestead
portion, on which he followed his trade until his death. He died
in 1827, and his wife in 1832. They had children, Jacob, Sylvester,
Christian, Samuel, Martha, Amanda, Eliza and Nicholas, now all
deceased except Martha. Sylvester died from an accident in 1829.
Jacob married in Lancaster County, and has a son Jacob living there.
Samuel was married to Mary, the daughter of John Melchior and
wife Sarah Buck, and have descendants in Berks County and
Philadelphia. Christian married Elizabeth Henry, and had chil-
dren Amanda, Laura and Cecilia, all deceased ; the widow survives.
He was a tailor, and died in Philadelphia in 1861. Martha married
Josep Krier, from near the Willow Grove, have children Alfred,
Elizabeth and INIarkley ; Alfred Krier was born in 1841, married
Elizabeth Taylor in 1862, served three years in the late war, have
children Joseph, deceased, and Laura, married to Frank Boone,
who have a daughter Laura. Elizabeth Krier, born 1847, married
Joseph Opdyke Abington, have a daughter Maude, born in 1878.
Markley Krier, born in December, 1860, married April 22, 1886, to
Ida Amanda Thompson ; have a son Russel.

Magdalena Buck, the fourth daughter and ninth child of
the ancestor, was born September 24, 1783, and married May 3,
1803, to Thomas, son of Nicholas and Albertina McCarty, of Nock-
amixon, of whom mention has been made in the preceding account

DAUGHTERS OP THE ANCESTOR. 39

of Major John Buck. He was a farmer, and at once settled down
on a portion of his fathei-'s estate, deeded to him June 33, 1800,
containing 139 acres, for £695, that extended all the way from
Captain Nicholas Buck's line near Bucksville to Haycock run.
He was a private in Captain Samuel Wilson's Bucks County Com-
pany, having entered the service September 16, 1814. Thomas
McCarty was born on November 1, 1780, and was nearly three
years older than his wife. He died November 15, 1819, and did
not quite attain 39 years of age. She survived to January 2, 1828.
They had sons Nicholas B., and John Justus.

Nicholas B. McCarty, the eldest, was born in 1803, and married
Juliana, daughter of Jacob Kohl. He died May 5, 1851, and his
wife February 23, 1880, aged upward of 72 years. They left six
surviving children, Mary, Caroline, Johanna, Austin, Henry, and
Clara. John Justus McCarty was born August 24, 1809, married
Mary Ann Brown, February 14, 1836, who died November 14,
1861, aged 42 years 2 months. He died December 10, 1886, aged
77 years, 3 months. He left five surviving children, Thomas,
Wilhelmina, Elizabeth, Frank, and John J., of whom and the
descendants of Nicholas B. mention will be made on a future page.

Their father's land was divided into two farms, Nicholas B.
taking the old McCarty homestead with the adjacent land. It
was here on which Edward, the pioneer and ancestor of the family,
had originally settled, and whereon their grandfather, Nicholas
McCarty, had erected a sawmill near the close of the last cen-
tury, which continued in use until about 1844, when it became
ruinous and not long after demolished. On this property Nicholas
B. continued to reside to the close of his life. John Justus took
the southeastern portion of the tract, on which he erected' an
entire new set of farm buildings about 1836, on which he con-
tinued to reside until after 1860, when he removed to Fhiladel-
phia, where he died. His descendants are chiefly residents of
said city. The aforesaid farms now belong to the estate of Andrew
Mich and Thomas Y. McCarty.

Mary Ann Buck, the youngest of the ten children of the
ancestor, was born September 15, 1785, and at the death of her
father was but little over thirteen months old. His will, dated
February 12, previously, will explain why her name is not men-
tioned therein. She continued to reside with her mother in
Springfield until well grown, and probably for awhile with her

40 DAUGHTERS OF THE ANCESTOR.

brother Nicholas. She was married to Nicholas Kohl, wheel-
wright, and brother to Jacob, who had married her sister Eliza-
beth. The old Kohl homestead in the lower end of Bucksville
was divided between them, Nicholas taking the upper portion of
the tract, on which he erected the first buildings, and continued
to reside to the close of his life. He was born August 5, 1786,
and died June 3, 1836, aged nearly 50 years. His wife survived
him until February 20, 1864, having attained to 78 years, 7
months. They had children Mary, Matilda, Anthony, Isaac,
Thomas, Samuel B., Elizabeth, Joseph, Martha, and Edward, who
all married and have numerous descendants, who will be here-
after mentioned. Jacob Kohl and Nicholas Kohl, who married
the sisters of Captain Buck, were brothers; the former was first
sergeant and the latter second sergeant in Captain Samuel Wilson's
Company, entering the service September 16, 1814, for the defence
of Philadelphia.

NICHOLAS BUCK, JR.,

Was the oldest child of Captain Buck, the founder of Bucks-
ville, where he was born in the old family mansion. May 13, 1794,.
and continued to reside almost the Avhole of his life. He received
his education in the schools of the neighborhood, after which he
learned with his father the wheelwright trade, and about 1814 suc-
ceeded him in the business, which he carried on at the present
property of Josiah Shuman. In the preceding year he married
Susanna, the daughter of Michael and Helena Haney, of Tinicum,
and subsequently removed down there for a few years to pursue his
occupation. Having purchased the property of Sarah Fenner^
spinster, containing 20 acres and 68 perches, he removed thereon in
the beginning of April, 1825, and where he continued to reside for
six years. In his deed of purchase it is represented as bounded by
lands of Nicholas Buck, Sr., Nicholas McCarty, Felix Fenner, and
Jacob Maust. This is the same property above the Bucksville
hotel, now the residence of his son, Jonas H. Buck.

Having purchased his father's hotel property and 50 acres, he
removed thereon in April, 1831, when he relinquished his trade.

NICHOLAS BUCK, JR. 41

and also assumed the duties of i^ostmaster, and several years pre-
viously had succeeded his father as captain of the Washington
Light Horse. He was an enterprising man, built a new brick hotel
in 1840 on the opposite side of the road, two additional dwellings in
the village, and near on an adjoining purchase of land a new set of
farm buildings, beside making other considerable improvements.
To his liberality it was chiefly owing that the three story stone
building at the Haycock church was erected in 1861 for school
purposes.

Nicholas Buck had thirteen children, of whom ten attained to
age and were married : John H., Mary, Helena, Samuel, Jonas H.,
Alfred, Michael, Sophia, Salome and Lucinda; of this number
eight are living at this writing. Through his long career as hotel
proprietor, the daily line of Easton stages continued to make it
their place for meals and exchange for horses. He was a man of
strong domestic habits, going little from home, attending well to
his business matters, resulting in the accumulation of a handsome
estate. He was repeatedly urged by his friends and neighbors to
accept the nomination for sheriff, but declined ; office holding had
no charms for him. His wife died August 13, 1870, aged 76 years,
5 months, whom he followed September 25, 1871, aged 77 years, 4
months. A few years before his death retired from business. His
remains w^ere followed to the grave by a considerable number of
relatives and friends. On his demise left seventy-tive living
descendants.

The Haney family, of Tinicum, into which he married, is a
long and early land-holding one there. His father-in-law, Michael
Haney, died November 23, 1830, aged 74 years, 7 months, hence
born in 1756; his wife Helena died January 8, 1853, aged almost
84 years. Michael Haney in 1745 bought by patent 150 acres on
the "Great Tohickon," and in 1749 of Caspar Kalb 150 acres
additional. This Michael must have been either the father or
grandfather of the preceding one of the name. Jacob and Catha-
rine Haney were married and resided here before 1767, and
Anthony and Sarah Haney before 1780. Anthony and Simon
Haney served in Captain Nicholas Patterson's Company in the
Revolution. The family is of German origin, and in said language
were called Honig or Henich. In Scott's Atlas of Bucks County
in 1876, five landholders of the surname are mentioned as then
resident in said township, one a Michael Haney. As may be

42 JACOB E. BUCK.

observed in this work they have at various times intermarried with
the Buck family. We have as yet not been able to secure their
date of arrival here.

JACOB E. BUCK,

The second son of Captain Buck, was born at Bucksville,
April 21, 1801, and in consequence of having early exhibited a
love for knowledge became one of the best educated in the family.
With a view of assistance in his father's store and a mercantile
career this became the more desirable. Hence after going to the
schools of the neighborhood, in his fifteenth year he received the
private tuition of Professor Fortmann at his father's house with
several other pupils, that extended to several years. This course of
instruction embraced penmanship, mathematics, the sciences, sev-
eral languages, and vocal and instrumental music, the latter chiefly
confined to the piano. In his nineteenth year he assumed the
duties of clerk in the store, which position he filled for upward of
five years.

cj€oc<j1/ O /O-u^

He married February 25, 1824, Catharine, the only daughter
of Joseph and Mary Afflerbach, near Bursonville, and in April,
1826, moved on the Jacob Fulmer property, two miles above Bucks-
ville, now the Beihn homestead, where he entered into mercantile
business for himself as Mr. Fulmer's successor. He continued here
until April, 1829, when he removed to the present Stony Point
near by, and after being there two years purchased the hotel prop-
erty there and 25 acres, which he now occupied in connection with
the store business and in Avhich he continued until April, 1836,
when he sold out and retired again for one year to the Beihn place.
He then moved to a farm near Doylestown, where he remained
until the spring of 1842, when he purchased the Ked Lion hotel
property, Willow Grove, and continued there in business until
1868 ; he next purchased a farm at Hatboro, and after a few years
residence thereon retired from business. He died in the vicinity
February 4, 1880, aged nearly 79 years. His wife survived until
July 2, 1883, having attained the age of 81 years, 6 months.

JACOB E. BUCK. 43

He was an active and successful business man in the several
pursuits he followed. In his time settled several extensive estates,
and for his integrity enjoyed the confidence of the community.
Remarkable to state, in his married life of fifty-six years a funeral
was unknown in his house, for in all of said long period of time
having had no death in either his family or household. He had
three children, William Joseph, James Nicholas, and Isabella, whom
both parents endeavored to have well educated. Owing to several
others bearing the name of Jacob and Samuel, to prevent confusion
himself and brother did not assume the E. from their mother's sur-
name until 1831, as appears from his storebooks and numerous
papers now in possession of his eldest son.

The Afflerbach family, into which Jacob E. Buck married,
deserves at this place some notice. Henry, Ludwig, and Daniel
Afflerbach were brothers, and natives of NViesensteig in Wurtem-
berg, Germany, and arrived here single young men in 1770, and
soon after married. Ludwig settled in Durham, Henry in Spring-
field, and Daniel in Haycock. The descendants of Henry were the
founders of Applebachsville. All three gave in their allegiance to
the new government in 1778, before Thomas Long, Esq. Joseph,
the nephew of the aforesaid, arrived here in 1789, married in 1799
Mary, daughter of George and Pulsaria Stoneback, of Haycock,
whose ancestry goes back to Bernard Steiubach, who arrived here
in 1734, and settled soon after on a tract of land patented to him
in Richland Township. Joseph having purchased a tract of 64
acres in Springfield on which in 1804 he erected the first buildings
and where his five children were born and attained to maturity. In
1823 was appointed postmaster at Bursouville. He was a devoted
student, and like his cousin Daniel, for the period accumulated a
handsome library. He died December 2, 1845, aged upward of 72,
his wife in 1853, 70 years. He has descendants in Northampton
and Montgomery Counties, Illinois and other Western States.
Henry, Ludwig and Daniel have descendants in Haycock, Spring-
field and Nockamixon.

SAMUEL E. BUCK,

The third and youngest son of Captain Buck, was born in the
family mansion at BucksviHe, February 15, 1806, and had the
opportunities to enjoy the several advantages of education that were

44 SAMUEL E, BUCK.

given bis brother Jacob. When the latter left his father's store in
1826, he occupied his place, and in 1829 became its proprietor, and
continued in the same until 1832, or near the beginning of the fol-
lowing year, when he removed to Doylestown and opened a store
in the southern end of the Mansion House building, fronting on
Main Street, now Weinrebe's bakery. His nephew, Nicholas B.
Malone, of Bucksville, being his chief clerk. He was here for
several years, when he took charge of the Mansion House, then a
noted hotel, which he kept until the spring of 1838, when he
removed to Philadelphia.

cj^4^^

In 1834 he married Martha J., the second daughter of Josiah
Y. Shaw, Esq., a prominent citizen of Doylestown. About four
years after this took charge of the Mount Vernon House, then one
of the extensive hotels in the city, located on Second Street near
Arch, where a considerable business was done. Owing to an acute
attack of pneumonia he did not linger long, and died December 6,
1840, thus attaining in age but little over 33 years, 2 months. He
was a man of captivating manners, wielded considerable influence
in social circles, and of remarkable agility, to which we may refer
hereafter. He had two children, Jerome and Howard. The widow
about 1845 married John Titus, attorney-at-law, a native of Buck-
ingham Township, Bucks County. She died in Philadelphia, April
27, 1878, aged 60 years.

The Shaw family, into which Samuel E. Buck married, is of
Scotch-Irish origin, and settled early in Plumstead, several miles
north of Danboro. John Shaw, the father of Josiah, was born
there in 1745. The Doanes, residing in the neighborhood, with
their associates in 1782 j)lundered his house of its most valuable
effects. He was a magistrate soon after 1790 for Bedminster and
Hilltown Townships, and moved to Doylestown in 1802, where he
died in 1818, and his wife Agnes in 1831, aged 89 years. In 1777
he gave in his allegiance to Thomas Dyer, Esq., of Dyerstown.
He had children John, Josiah Y., William, Martha and Mary.
Josiah was born in Plumstead in 1770, and purchased from his
father in April, 1801, a farm of 54 acres in Doylestown, now owned
by his grandson, Henry C. Taylor, on which he continued to reside

SAMUEL E. BUCK. 45

to the close of his life. He married Christiana Kripps, of German
descent, who died in 1830, aged 54 years, with whom he had three
children, Adelaide, Martha J., and James. He was one of the
founders and trustees of Union Academy, 1803-4, a major in 1809,
brigade inspector, appointed a Justice of the Peace January 2,
1813, and a member of Assembly. His death occurred March 30,
1844, aged 74 years. The late Commodore Thompson D. Shaw, of
the U. S. Navy, was his nephew and a son of John.

THE DAUGHTERS OF CAPT. N. BUCK.
Elizabeth Buck, the eldest of his children, was born on the
Buckhill estate in Springfield, September 3, 1791, but little over
one and a half years prior to his removal to Bucksville. She was
married June 26, 1808, to George, son of Joseph and ]Margaret
Kohl, of Nockamixon. Her death occurred November 8, 1823,
aged but 32 years and 4 months. They had five children, of whom
Sarah, Jacob and Rosanna attained to maturity. Sarah Kohl mar-
ried John Custer, who in 1858 had five children living. Jacob
Kohl was married, and has sons Stephen, Joseph, William and
Howard. He served in a Philadelphia regiment in the late war,
and is now in a soldier's home. Rosanna Kohl married Stephen
Marx, with no children. The three aforesaid married in the city,
and where they have since continuously resided. At this writing
possess no later information, but entertain no doubt that their
descendants have increased.

Sarah Buck was born in Bucksville March 13, 1797, and
was married to John Malone, October 24, 1815. He was a descend-
ant of an old Friends' family in Horsham, and a stone mason l)y
trade. They resided in Bucksville until about 1850, then removed
to Philadelphia, where he died at an advanced age. In the war of
1812-14 he entered Captain Wilson's Bucks County Company, for
wbich his widow received a pension to the close of her life. Mrs.
Malone died in the city November 13, 1881, aged 84 years, 8
months, and was the last survivor of Captain Buck's children.
Her death was occasioned by a cancer on the face that conunenced
about one and a half years previously. They had four children,
Nicholas B., Mary, Rebecca and Francis.

Nicholas B. Malone was born in Bucksville April 1, 1816,
pursued a mercantile career and married Lovinia Tyson, of Berks
County, both deceased about 1888. Had children John and Eliza-
beth, both married and have descendants. Mary Malone married

46 THE DAUGHTERS OF CAPT. N. BUCK.

Thomas Cooley, a native of New England, have children George,
Thomas, John, and Elizabeth, the latter married to James Dwyer,
and have four sons. Rebecca died in 1892, leaving a son John
Malone, married, and has children ; Francis Malone, born October
25, 1831, married Rosa Warner, and has sons William and John.
All the aforesaid reside in the city. Francis died May 23, 1879,
and Thomas Cooley several years previously. The latter was a
well-known and popular stage driver on the Easton line through
Bucksville between the years 1840 and 1855. He afterward
entered into the express business in Philadelphia, and for his
integrity enjoyed the confidence of many friends. His widow
attended the late centennial celebration after an absence from
Bucksville of nearly forty-five years.

Mary Magdalena Buck, but generally called Polly, was
born March 14, 1799, and married to Peter O'Conner in 1817.
They resided in the vicinity of Bucksville until about 1836, when
they removed to the city to spend there the remainder of their lives.
He, too, entered the service in the war of 1812-14, for which his
widow drew a pension. His business had been a traveling salesman
of drygoods with a horse and wagon, and thus formed his acquaint-
ance with Captain Buck, and when the latter started his store in
1816 employed him for the first few years as his assistant. They
had nine children, of which Mary, Elizabeth, Rosanna and Nicho-
las attained to maturity. Mary married Thomas Farron, Elizabeth
Michael Farlan, and Rosanna to whom forgotten. The said three
sisters in 1858 had fourteen living descendants. Nicholas O'Conner
went to New York and died there over forty years ago. When the
aforesaid list was made out it was ascertained that there had been
earlier and greater mortality amongst them than in any other
branch of Captain Buck's family. One of the reasons for this was
that they had all confined themselves closely to a city life. Mrs.
O'Conner survived to December 1, 1878, having attained to upward
of 78 years of age. From what has now been given, it will be
observed that the six children of Captain Buck attained to an
average of 65 years, double the usual rate of mortality.

THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JACOB BUCK.

John Buck, the eldest of his children, was born April 26,
1791, most probably on the Buckhill estate. His father having
moved to Red Hill, in Tinicum Township, he grew to manhood

THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JACOB BUCK. 47

there, where he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Michael and
Helena Heaney April 28, 1817, and continued to reside until after
1832. He soon afterward removed to the County Line inn, nearly
three miles below Jenkintown, on the Old York Road, which he kept
for a number of years. His wife having deceased he returned to
Tinicum, near the River Delaware, where he died October 22,1841,
aged nearly 50 years, 6 months. He had children, Aaron, ^lichael,
Helena, Jacob, John, Samuel, Sarah, Elizabeth and Jerome. He
was also a member of Captain Wilson's Bucks County Company,
which he joined in September, 1814.

Aaron, the eldest of the aforesaid, served as administrator of
his father's estate, married Caroline Tettimer, of Tinicum. He
resides in said township beside the Delaware, and has been for many
years a supervisor there on the canal. He had children, Emaline,
Sylvester, and William. Emaline died June 23, 1881, aged u])w^ard
of 38 years, 8 months. Sylvester married June 10, 1871, Eliza
Jane, daughter of Edward Ridge. William married April 22,
1884, Sarah Ulmer. Michael Buck resides in Tinicum, a farmer ;
was a soldier in the late war. Helena is married to Alfred, son of
Nicholas Buck, Jr., of Bucksville, of whom mention will be made
hereafter. Jacob married Margaret Bender, and now resides in
Frenchtown, N. J., and have no children. John was born October
16, 1827, married Emma Hauld; resides in Philadelphia, and is a
conductor on a passenger railway there. Samuel married Margaret
Rice, have eight children, Helena, George, Lydia, William, Samuel,
Theresa, Edward and Elizabeth. The account of Sarah, Elizabeth
and Jerome will be deferred to the next two paragraphs.

Sarah was born April 21, 1832, and married Daniel B. RuH-
ner, of Nicetown, now a part of the city, April 15,1858. They
had fifteen children, Lizzie, born Aug. 13, 1859, died Sept. 8 fol-
lowing ; Helena, born Nov. 30, 1860, married James E. Kelly, June
12, 1889 ; Ida Elizabeth, born Dec. 29, 1861, died Jan. 17, 1865 ;
Laura Cecilia, born Dec. 8, 1862, died Aug. 8, 1863 ; Mary Ella,
born Feb. 12, 1864, died following Sept. 6 ; AVm. Jerome, born
Jan. 24, 1865, died following Aug. 9 ; Annie Regina, born March
3, 1866, died July 15, following; Gideon Bolton, born Feb. 11,
1867 ; Daniel Bender, born March 7, 1868 ; Sallie, born Aug. 29,
1869, died Aug. 25,1870; Edward Jerome, born Oct. 15, 1870,
died July 8, 1871 ; Lilly Cecilia, born July 19, 1872, died following
Aug. 1 ; Anna Masters Lynch, born March 9, 1874, died following
4

48 THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JACOB BUCK,

Aug. 5 ; Agnes Brown, born June 23, 1875, died following July
31 ; Annona Mary, born Feb. 15, 1877, died Nov. 11, 1879. Mrs.
Sarah Ruffner died Sept. 18, 1880, aged 48 years and nearly 5
months. The Ruffner family is an early one in Pennsylvania.
According to the Gosheuhoppen records Simon Ruffner, wife Bar-
bara and children resided at the Blue Mountains prior to 1745, and
beyond the church in Washington Township, Berks County, about
thirty miles. This, then, was certainly a pioneer position, and
extremely perilous during the Indian war of 1755 to 1764, when so
many of the whites in said vicinity were either massacred or taken
into captivity.

Elizabeth Buck was married to Bernard McCourt, of Phila-
delphia, who is for some time deceased. She resides in the vicinity
of Nicetown, and has no children. Jerome was a long resident of
Tinicum, and in the beginning of the war entered the service in
Captain G. T. Harvey's Company of the 104 Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, in which he was a sergeant, making a full term of three
years. He afterward removed to Nicetown, where he married
Maggie Ludwick, with whom he had four children, "William,
Eugene, Elizabeth and Ella. Eugene married a Miss Bradford.
Jerome Buck died December 6, 1879, and was greatly beloved for
his amiable qualities.

Jacob Buck, Jr., the second son of Major Jacob, was born in
1794, and resided the greater portion of his life in Tinicum, and
was by occupation a mason. He married Ann Heaney, with whom
he had a daughter Rebecca, born August 8, 1825. Several years
after the death of his wife he married Helena, widow of William
Soult, of Tinicum, and daughter of Michael and Helena Heaney ;
Jacob died October 10,1869, aged nearly 75 years. His wife sur-
vived until July 24, 1890, aged 83 years and nearly 3 months. He
left no surviving descendants. He succeeded his father in the com-
mand of a rifle company, of which we know he was captain before
1822. See page 850 of Davis' History of Bucks County. He was
a member of Captain Samuel Flack's Bucks County Company,
having entered the service in the beginning of October, 1814, for
which his widow received a pension.

Elizabeth Buck, the third child of Major Jacob, was bom
in Nockamixon, November 16, 1796, and was married to Francis
McCarty, a farmer in Haycock. She died December 16, 1860,
aged upward of 64 years ; he survived until February 12, 1883,

THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JACOB BUCK. 49

aged upward of 89 years. They had six children, Robert, Hannah,
Susan, Mary, Caroline and Helena. Robert married Mary, daugh-
ter of John McCarty, by whom he had two children, Bernard and
Mark ; the latter married Louisa, daughter of Eleazer ]\IcCarty,
and have three children. After the death of his wife Robert mar-
ried Ann, daughter of Thomas Rupel.

Susan McCarty married Nicholas, son of Daniel and Caroline
Atherholt, who have six children, Isabella, Anna, Cecilia, Harriet,
Rose and Henry. Anna Atherholt married Henry N. Buck ;
Cecilia married Gregory, son of Jacob and Theresa Nicholas, have
children, Stuart, Leo and Stephen. Susan married Thomas D., son
of John and Catharine McCarty, and have children, Thomas and
Mary Alice. Thomas McCarty married Irene, daughter of Andrew
and Kuneyonde Mich. Mary Alice married Erwin, son of Joseph
and Ellen Kramer. Mary, the sister of Robert, married James
Martin, of Mauch Chunk, and have children, William, Howard,
and Elizabeth. William Martin married Grace Waters, and
Howard is also married. Caroline McCarty married Hugh, son of
Philip and Ann O'Connell, who have a son Henry married to Jane
Gordon. Helena, the sister of Caroline, is married to Jacob
Heaney.

In addition to the aforesaid descendants of Elizabeth Buck
and Francis McCarty, she had a prior daughter Elizabeth, born
April 8, 1815, who married Josiah Matlock, long a resident of
Nockamixon. She died January 18, 1890, aged nearly 74 years.
They had two sons, William and Sheridan. The former married
Angelina Swartz, and have children Francis, Elizabeth, Catharine,
Mary and Araey. Elizabeth married Medus Atherholt, and have
a child Rosie. Sheridan Matlock married Catharine, daughter of
Isaiah Kramer.

Nicholas Buck, after receiving an ordinary education in the
schools of the neighborhood, attended Professor Fortman's class of
instruction in the higher branches and music at Bucksville. He
married Mary Matilda, daughter of Dr. Thomas N. Meredith, for-
merly of Doylestown, but now of Nockamixon, May 29, 1826.
John, the elder brother of Nicholas, had purchased a farm of thirty
acres April 26 preceding, on the Durham road about one and a half
miles above Bucksville, which the latter occupied the remainder of
his life. Here his son Isaac was born May 8, 1827, and later
Thomas, called after his grandfather. Near the close of 1831

50 THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JACOB BUCK.

Nicholas died here. In the spring of said year Matilda's sister
Ann came up there and opened in said house a private school that
was well patronized. The editor of this work was one of the pupils,
and remembers those school days well. That fall Ann married
Thomas McCarty, and in the following spring, accompanied by
Matilda and her children, went to the West, which is the last we
know about them. Major Jacob Buck in his will made June 30,
1840, mentions therein Thomas, his grandson, to whom he leaves a
legacy when he arrives of age. Judging by this, Isaac must have
died some time previously. John Buck sold said property March
28, 1832, to the Rev. Henry S. Miller, a widely known and distin-
guished minister of the Lutheran Church, who resided here for
many years. It has now been owned and occupied for some time
by Charles Wolfinger, and possesses an interesting history, which
reluctantly has to be passed by. The Meredith family is of Welsh
descent, and for some time settled in the central part of Bucks
County. Dr. Hugh Meredith was an early physician in Doyles-
town, and had three children, Dr. Charles, Dr. Thomas N., and
Elizabeth, married to Abraham Chapman, mother of the late
Judge Chapman. Dr. Hugh Meredith was an enrolled member of
Captain William McCalla's Plumstead Company in August, 1775.

Samuel Buck was born July 30, 1807, and for a considerable
time was a resident of Philadelphia, where he kept the Golden
Lamb hotel in Second Street above Vine. About 1845 he became
an extensive Morocco manufacturer on Willow Street near Front,
which business he pursued until near the close of his life. He
married Elizabeth Wideman, with whom he had several children.
After her death in 1848, married Mary Kusick, who survived him.
He had children, Jerome, Augustus, Joseph, John, Samuel, Minnie,
Emma and Eugene. He died about 1860, and was executor of his
father's estate in 1843. His sons Augustus and Joseph served in
the late war in a Philadelphia regiment commanded by General
Custer.

Catharine Buck, the youngest of Major Jacob's children,
was married to Jacob Zerfoss, of Nockamixon. They had five
children, Jacob, unmarried, Charlotte, Margaret, Mary and Susan.
Charlotte Zerfoss was married to Isaac, son of Nicholas and Mary
Ann Kohl, and now reside at Washington, New Jersey. Mary
married Rowland Free, Margaret to George Everly, and Susan to
John Simpson.

THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JOHN BUCK. 51

THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JOHN BUCK.

Elizabeth Buck was the oldest child of the aforesaid, born
in September, 1796, and married Aaron Beam, February 25, 1)S24,
at Bucksville. He died May 7, 1834, aged 43 years, and for some
time had been a driver on the Easton and Philadelphia daily line
of stages. His wife survived until in November, 1852, aged 56
years and upward of 2 months. They had children, John J.,
Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Martha and Ellen.

John J. Beam was born in 1825, and was for some time on the
police force of Philadelphia. He married Anna Fenn, and had
eight children, William, Maria, John Darley, Henry, Clara, Anua,
Martha and Elizabeth. He died March 30, 1885, aged 60 years.
Elizabeth married Jacob HefFner, of Philadelphia, and have no
children. William Beam married January 28, 1862, Amanda,
daughter of Thomas and Catharine Kohl, of Nockamixon. He is
a farmer, and resides in Haycock. Their children are Eupheinia,
Isabella, Sobela, Sarah, Aaron and Thomas. Euphemia married
Henry Sitz, Jr., and have children William and Bertha. Isabella
married Reuben, son of Josiah and Helena Shuman, of Bucksville ;
Sarah is deceased. Sarah Beam married Abner D. McCarty. and
their daughter Isabella married Thomas Y. McCarty, who have
children, Leo, Angelo, Roscoe, Alacoque and Florence, Martha
Beam married William, son of Joseph and Mary Kohl, of Hay-
cock, who have children, Eugene, Francis, Vincent, AVilliam, Mark
and Charles.

John Buck's date of birth is not known ; he married in Nock-
amixon, and for a while drove on the Easton line of .stages, after
which he went to Philadelphia and was in business there for several
years. He next proceeded to New York, and entered extensively
there into staging, and retired therefrom before 1836. In 1830-40
he boarded with his cousin, S. E. Buck, at the Mount Vernon
House, Philadelphia. He died about 1850, and left no descend-
ants. He adopted a boy, to whom he left the bulk of estate.

Joel Buck was born July 13, 1807, and we know still resided
in Nockamixon in 1830. He married Margaret Buchheinier and
removed to Spring Mill, below Norristown, where he died before
1849. His widow subsequently moved to Philadelphia, where she
was living in 1874. They had two sons, John B., and Henry. The
former was a blacksmith by occupation, and of powerful frame and
strength. He was for a while on the police force of the city, and

52 THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JOHN BUCK.

became noted for his resolution and courage, which made him pop-
ular. He next became a magistrate, which position he filled almost
to the close of his life. His office and residence was 1523 N. 21st
Street. He died about 1878, and left a widow and several children.

Edward Buck's date of birth has not been ascertained ; he
married November 26, 1835, Sarah, daughter of Moses and Eliza-
beth Bougher, of Bougher's Hill, Williams Township. He resided
for many years in Durham, where he was extensively engaged in
lime burning. His kilns were on the north side of the creek and
about half a mile from the present furnace. He died in January,
1841, his will is dated November 4 of the previous year, wherein
he appoints Michael Fackenthal, Esq., his executor, and that the
money be given in charge of" his trusty friend," John H. Johnson,
the interest whereof should go to the support of his children and
wife during her widowhood. He left three children, Elizabeth,
Sarah and John E. ; Sarah, his widow, about 1857, married George
Ernest, a farmer residing in Durham beside the county line; though
of advanced age is still hale and hearty.

Elizabeth Buck, the eldest of Edward's children, was born in
March, 1836, married Joseph Elliott, of Hunterdon County, N. J.,
in 1853, died in March, 1871, and left children, Ida, John and
Elmer. Ida Elliott married Henry Schultz, who have a son How-
ard married to Fannie Manning, having children George, Joseph,
Raymond, Paul and Julia. Elmer Elliott married Nettie Edinger,
and have children, Mattie, Elizabeth and John. Sarah Buck was
born June 25, 1837, married Hiram Raub April 22, 1858, have
children Cynthia D., Charles L., Anna B., and Mercy. Charles L.
Raub married Addie Bean, of Nockamixon, and have a son Paul.
They all reside in the vicinity of Riegelsville, Durham. The Raub
family has for some time been settled in Williams Township, and
are the founders of Raubsville. Hiram is a farmer, and his place
is located beside the canal and river.

John E. Buck was born June 17, 1840, married Isabella
Dalton, September 16, 1865, and resides near the railroad in the
lower part of Riegelsville, N. J. Has children, Edward T., Minnie
Ethel, and AValter S. Edward T. Buck resides in Philadelphia,
where he married Kate Fisher; his only son, Edward, died April
22, 1892, aged 3 years. John E. enlisted in the service April 19,
1861, at Trenton, in a New Jersey regiment. It being full, was
afterward transferred to Col. Cogswell's New York regiment.

THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JOHN BUCK. 53

Arrived in Washington the day of the battle of Bull Run, and
was in the fight at Ball's Bluff. Was honorably discharged July
13, 1864. He was chief marshall of the Centennial procession at
Bucksville, June 11, 1892. Of whom the reporter of the Doyles-
town Democrat mentions " as a veteran of the late war ; whose hair
is still a glossy black and whose appearance might still be called
youthful." His daughter, Minnie E., on said occasion read a paper
on " Pleasant Memories through Early Associations."

Martha Buck, the second daughter of Major John, was born
June 30, 1809, and died unmarried about 1830. We have reason
to believe, from the authority given to us, that she died of pulmon-
ary consumption, which has been a rare disease in the other branches
of the Buck family, and to which we shall hereafter briefly refer.

Joseph Reading Buck, but generally known as Reading, was
born June 23, 1811, and removed to Springfield, Illinois, about
1834. In 1878 he revisited his kindred in and around Bucksville
and Haycock. On this occasion he evinced the family trait of
strong local attachment for the scenes of his early life. Enoch
Buck was born June 3, 1813, and died at Tuscarora, near Lewis-
town, Schuylkill County, either in 1841 or the following year. He
■was married, and in his last letter to his brother Edward, dated
August 17, 1841, mentioned the death of a son December 22, 1840,
aged 5 months, 6 days. Theodore Buck removed to Illinois with
his brother Reading, but cannot give any later or additional par-
ticulars.

Rebecca Buck was born April 27, 1817, and was married to
Solomon Traugef; they had children, Edward B., Martha, Reading
and Sarah. Edward B. Trauger was married, and died nearPlum-
steadville in 1891, and has descendants. ]Martha married John
Shick, and now resides near New Hope, where she died January 12,
1893, aged 58 years. Reading is married and resides at Vineland,
N. J. Sarah is married to John Ziegeufoos, and is deceased. The
Trauger family is an old one in Nockamixon, and dates its origin
to two brothers. Christian and Henry, who purchased land here in
1767. They are generally farmers, and are numerous in the town-
ship. We will have more to say about them when we come to treat
on the early families around Bucksville. Nicholas Buck was a
stone mason by occupation and must have died young. From what
we are enabled to give on longevity, it would appear as if the
descendants of Major John Buck have not near attained the aver-

54 THE DESCENDANTS OF MAJOR JOHN BUCK.

age in age as those of his brothers Nicholas and Jacol). To what
extent pulmonary consumption may have been the cause from the
single case mentioned we are unable at this writing to state, but
deserves inquiry.

DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS B. AND J. JUSTUS

McCARTY.

We resume here from a former page the descendants of the
aforesaid brothers. Mary McCarty, daughter of Nicholas B.,
married August 1, 1856, John Kane, who have four children,
George, Henry, Juliana and Ellen. George Kane, now deceased,
married Matilda, daughter of Samuel B. and Helena Kohl, Feb-
ruary 19, 1881. Henry Kane married Ellen, daughter of Josiah
and Helena Shuman, of Bucksville, who have a daughter Viola.
Juliana Kane married Ansel m, son of Josiah and Helena Shuman,
and have children, Olive and Winfield. Ellen Kane married Henry
N., son of Andrew and Sarah Heller ; have a child Francis.
Johanna McCarty married December 29, 1868, Isaac, son of
Philip and Ann O'Connell, who have three children, Lucinda,
Anastasia and Austin. Mr. O'Connell in November, 1890, was
elected Recorder of Deeds for Bucks County, which duties he is
now performing. He has now removed to Doylestown from his
farm near Bucksville.

Austin McCarty married Lucinda, youngest daughter of
Nicholas and Susanna Buck, of Bucksville, who have four children.
He was also Recorder of Deeds, and is deceased. An account of
him will be given when we come to notice his wife as a descendant
of Nicholas Buck, Jr. Henry McCarty, after the death of his
father, came in possession of the old McCarty homestead mentioned
on a previous page. He married Mary Ellen, daughter of Allen
and Lydia McCarty, who have children, Nora, Arthur, Celeste,
Blanche and Grace. He is deceased for several years, and his farm
was purchased by Thomas Y. McCarty, who now occupies it. The
descendants of Nicholas B. and Juliana McCarty chiefly reside in
Nockamixon and Haycock Townships. His daughter Mary Kane
and family, and Austin's family now reside in South Bethlehem.

John Justus McCarty, at his death in Philadelphia, left five
surviving children. Thomas McCarty is a builder and contractor,
and resides in Philadelphia ; married to Emma, daughter of Samuel
and Mary Kohl, of Berks County, and have two children.

DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS KOHL. 55

Jerome McCarty died iu the city August 27, 1873, aged 32 years
2 mouths. John Justus is married, and has children. Frank
resides in the city, and also his two sisters, Wilhelmina and
Elizabeth.

THE DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS KOHL.

We resume here from a former page the descendants of Mary
Ann Buck, married to Nicholas Kohl, of Nockamixon, where all his
children were born. Matilda Kohl, the eldest daughter is deceased,
was married and has no descendants now li%nng. Mary Kohl
was born in August, 1810, and married Aaron the son of Nicholas
McCarty. He is for some time deceased, and his wife died in the city
Februai'y 11, 1893. Their children are Elizabeth, Frank, Emma,
Howard, Joseph, Josephine and Martha. Elizabeth married
Edward McGrath, of Reading, and have children and grandchild-
ren there. Elizabeth has been deceased for some time. Emma mar-
ried William McCarty, son of Nicholas, have a daughter Kegina, and
reside at Chicago, where he is a merchant. Howard married
Elizabeth Hurley, have children Joseph, Elizabeth and Martha.
Frank is single. Anthony Kohl resides at Bethlehem ; by occu-
pation a wheelright ; is married and has children. Isaac Kohl
married Charlotte Zerfoss, granddaughter of Major Jacob Buck,
and now resides at Washington, New Jersey,

Thomas Kohl is a farmer in Nockamixon, and married
Catharine, daughter of Jacob Riegel ; has children, Amanda, Sarah,
Hugh, Molinda, Catharine, Mary Alliday, Agnes and Annie Jane.
Amanda married William Beam, who has six children. Sarah
Kohl married Joseph Hous. Hugh married Eliza Kedrick, who
have a son Frederick, and by a second wife, Henrietta, has children
— Zeno, Sylvester, Clarence, Gertrude and Claude. Molinda mar-
ried Oscar Hous, who have a daughter Viola. Mary Alliday mar-
ried Henry N., son of Jonas H. and Hannah Buck, have a son Joseph
Vincent. ' Anna Jane married William Gorman, who have children
May, Cecilia and Bertha. After the death of his wife, Thomas
Kohl married Mary, daughter of Daniel and Catharine Atherholt,
with whom he has children Ida, Anastasia, Theresa, Francis and
AUoysious. Theresa married William J. Casey, and have a son

Thomas. ,. -v^. i i i

Samuel B. Kohl married Helena, daughter of >ichola.s and

Susanna Buck, of Bucksville, under which head a more full account

56 THE DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS KOHL,

will be given. Elizabeth Kohl was born in 1824, and was mar-
ried to Elisha McCarty, brother of Aaron, also for some time
deceased. They have children Augustus, Anna, Vincent, Charles
and Elizabeth, all of whom were married and have descendants,
excepting Charles, Joseph Kohl was married and lived for a
considerable time in Bethlehem, where he died. Has children,
Agnes, Manford, Claudius, Bertrand and James ; the latter being
married. Martha Kohl married William Grace, now deceased^
have a son Charles. Edward Cole was born in 1832, and resides
at Port Richmond, and has children and grandchildren. The
descendants of the aforesaid Nicholas and Mary Ann Kohl are
numerous, and chiefly reside in Nockamixon, Philadelphia and
Bethlehem.

A difficulty attends the genealogy of this family, for which
some of the late members can blame themselves. About 1860, a
few residing in Philadelphia changed the spelling of their surname
which has been since persistently maintained, while the majority
have as strongly adhered to the original form. The editor, in
assuming this labor, and knowing the affiliations of this family with
the Bucks for nearly the past century and a half, asked one of those
Coles the reason for so spelling their name. The answer was because
it was more English. To which re})ly was made, If that was the
object it should have been Coal, which was the correct meaning in
the German, In visiting, recently, a cemetery, this singular con-
trast was presented on a row of tombstones, however, only some of
the more recent ones denoted the change. Possessing some acquaint-
ance with the Kohls of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, find that
they are generally unwilling to submit to such an innovation.

THE SONS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, Jr.

There is reason to believe that all the children of the aforesaid
were born in Bucksville, and, owing to their number, will mention
his five sons first, in the order of their birth, with notices of their
several descendants. Those that died in early life, as has been our
general practice heretofore, will be omitted, as not essential to the
purposes of genealogy, preferring to substitute therefor additional
information respecting those who, whilst living from the greater
opportunities afforded them, enacted a more important and con-
spicuous part for those now on the stage of existence.

THE SONS OF NICHOLAS RUCK, JR. 57

John H. Buck was born March 6, 1814, and in early life
learned and followed the blacksmith's trade, and later farming.
About 1837 he married Susan, the daughter of Daniel and Susan
Ziegler, by whom he had nine children that attained to maturity —
Augustus, Emaline, Mary, Samuel, Matilda, Ignatius, Frank. John
and Katie. His wife having died November 16, 1876, aged nearly
62 years, he subsequently married Mrs. Mary Hoffman, and the
result of this union was Agatha and Mary. He was long a resident
of Bucksville, where he held several positions, as school director,
tax collector, post-master, and besides Avas here the sixth captain
and the third major bearing the family name in the military. He
afterward moved to Ottsville, where he was for several years post-
master and merchant. At Doylestown he kept for several years the
Clear Spring Hotel, and there later entered into the milk business,
in which he continued until his death, which took place August
28, 1890,* aged 76 years, and nearly 6 months, leaving sixty living
descendants. He was of a quiet, orderly disposition, having but few
or no enemies. Respecting his first wife's family, we find that John
and Jacob Ziegler arrived here in 1746, from Rotterdam. Peter
Ziegler, of Spiingfield, entered the service in 1775, and ]Michael
Ziegler, of Tinicum, gave his allegiance in 1778.

Augustus Buck was born in 1838, and married Elizabeth,
daughter of Michael and Rosanna Halpin, February 25, 1865. The
latter was a Raub of the Raubsville family. They had six children
— Lillie M., Rosa C, Philip H., Susan J., Lizzie M., and Augustus
H. Rosa C. married September 28, 1889, Frank N. Pohl, of
Wilkesbarre, where they reside. Augustus was a former and served
a full term in the 104 Pennsylvania Regiment, and from a corporal
was promoted to a first sergeant. As an instance of his strength
while in the service, he could seize with his hands the ends of a bar-
rel of flour lying on the ground, and, with little apparent effort,
without touching his body, lift it into the body of an army wagon.
This information we have from several of his comrades who wit-
nessed it, and who state that though repeated attempts had been
made by others to do the same, none had been successful. Pie died
in Easton, June 17, 1887, where his widow still resides and nearly
all his descendants. _

* Remarkable to state, his grandfather, Captain Nicholas Buck, died August
28, 1829, just 61 years before.

58 THE SONS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, JR.

Einaline Buck married William Heaney, of Tinicum, April 28,
1859, and where they reside. Have children — Anastasia, John
Lewis, William, Henry, Charles, Sylvester and Isaac B. Anastasia
Heaney married George Mich, and have children — Anna, Sylvester,
Emma, Bertha, Thomas, Walter, Samuel and Florence. Mary
Buck married Jacob F. Meyers, May 26, 1867 ; their children are
Mary, Anna and Cecilia. He served nearly three years in the
second Pennsylvania regiment of cavalry. Samuel Buck married
Rebecca Bowman, and resides in the West. Matilda Buck married
Oliver H. Fisher, April 9, 1877, and have children — Susan, Alfred,
Matilda, Edward and Martha; their mother is since deceased.
Ignatius Buck married Mary McCall, and have children — Philip,
Jesse, William and Albert. Frank Buck married Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of John Emory, of Ottsville ; she is deceased. Katie Buck mar-
ried Edward Kulp, of Tinicum, and have children — Lillie, Fannie,
Annie, Robert, Elsie and Emaline. Lillie Kulp married Howard
Steely.

Samdel Buck, the second son, was born November 31, 1820,
and married Rebecca, daughter of William and Rebecca Haney, of
Tinicum, November 28, 1855. He was a farmer and resided all
his life in Bucksville, where he died May 9, 1869, aged 48 years and
nearly 6 months. He left two sons, John T. and Alloy'sious. The
former was born in November, 1864, and resides with his mother on
the place which has now been continuously in the family for a cen-
tury, hence all improvements now thereon from its forest state is
owing to them. The property has been enlarged by purchases of
adjoining lands. He has been for some time a vocal and instru-
mental music teacher, and an agent for the sale of the Estey organ,
for which he has had, several years ago, a store-house specially con-
structed. He was, for a while, organist of St. John's Church, Hay-
cock. He is the founder and treasurer of the Bucksville Cornet
Band of 23 pieces, of which we shall give mention hereafter. His
weight is 328 pounds, and for all this is an exceedingly active man.
In a letter to the editor, dated September 23, 1892, he stated that he
would run fifty yards with any man, subject to New York rules,
that is, to bear a sufficiency of extra weight to make it equalize with
himself. Here is a chance for athletes and would prove a sight
well worth witnessing. Alloysious Buck was born January 21,
1866, and married September 22, 1883, to Eva Theresa, daughter
of Andrew and Kuneyonde Mich. Have a daughter, Sadie Regin a,

THE SONS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, JR. 59

born April 22, 1886. He is a farmer, and resides about a mile
southwest of Bucksville.

Jonas H. Buck was born December 22, 1822, and married

Hannah, daughter of Klinker, of Haycock, June 15, 1851.

He was, for some time, a merchant in Bucksville, and later kept the
hotel there. Owing partially to an attack of paralysis which has
unfitted him for active business since 1879, has retired to his farm
in said village, where he resides. He is the owner of the hotel prop-
erty to which a portion of the original purchase made in 1792, from
Christian Klinker, is attached. He has sons — Henry, Xewton,
Thomas, Godfrey, James, Nicholas and Sylvester.

Henry N. Buck is a farmer, and resides near Applebachsville,
his first wife was Mary Alliday, daughter of Thomas and Catharine
Kohl, by whom he has a son Joseph Vincent, born in 1875. He
subsequently married Anna Laura, daughter of Daniel and Caro-
line Atherholt, of Nockamixon, October 14, 1886, have a son Stan-
ley, born in 1891. The Atherholt family of Haycock and adjacent
parts is descended from Christian Atherholt, who arrived in Phila-
delphia in 1753, and settled on a tract of 150 acres in New Britain
Township prior to 1771. Thomas Buck married Emaline, daugliter
of Samuel Shive, March 9, 1886. Godfrey married Mary Cathar-
ine, daughter of Edward and Sophia McCarty. James married
Anna Shive, sister of Emaline, and daughter of Samuel, and have
two children. Sylvester Buck married Annie Fahr, of Durham,
August 20, 1892. Isabella, the only daughter of Jonas H. Buck^
died February 5, 1873, aged 12 years, 5 months.

Alfred Buck was born in December, 1825 ; a stone mason by
occupation, and later a farmer in Bucksville. He married, May 2,
1844, Helena, daughter of John and Elizabeth Buck, of Tinicum.
About 1873 he removed to South Bethlehem, and was elected, for
six years, high constable. In 1880 accepted the situation of super-
intendent of the grounds attached to the Lehigh University, which
position he still retains. While constable of Nockamixon, he cap-
tured in May, 1862, the notorious burglar, Aaron Algart, and the
ingenious manner in which he recovered the money is related in Mr.
Frankenfield's sketch of Haycock Run Valley in this work. Alfred
had eleven children, of whom six attained to maturity. Jerome,
William J., Jordan H., Josephine, Lucinda and Charles Austin.

Jerome Buck, the eldest son, was born April 11, 1845, and
entered Company F., of the 174 Pennsylvania Ilegiment, and died

60 THE SONS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, JR.

in the service. William J. was born September 21, 1847, married
Kate Gallagher, May 2, 1888, has children Mary, Alfred and
Elizabeth. He has resided for some time in the city, and keeps a
store of lightning-rod fixtures, vanes, etc., at 1728 Ridge Avenue.
Jordan H. was born April 26, 1850, and married Sophia E. Witzell,
August 19, 1873. Josephine Buck was born May 3, 1854, married
William Halpine, January 12, 1880, and have six children.
Lucinda Buck was born December 22, 1859, and resides in South
Bethlehem.

Charles Austin Buck, the youngest of the children, was born
March 14, 1867, and married Josephine Martha, daughter of John
and Emma Reinche, October 19, 1892. While attending the public
schools he showed an aptitude for knowledge which caused his
father to send him on a four years' course on analytical chemistry
to Lehigh University, from which he graduated in June, 1887.
Soon after he became the chemist of the extensive steel and iron
works at South Bethlehem, which do a vast amount of government
work, particularly for the navy. He has been promoted within the
past few years to be chief of the department of experimental chem-
istry, a very responsible position. He has been sent by said com-
pany several years ago to Cuba and Brazil, on purpose to analyze
minerals from their native beds, as to their quality or future value
for manufacturing purposes. From the beginning of his college
career down to the present time, has given the most devoted atten-
tion to his profession, and we have no doubt of his attaining pro-
ficiency therein. At the late Centennial celebration, he read a
paper on the Bucksville Piano Class of 1814-15, published in this
work.

Michael Buck was born May 16, 1827, and married Emma
Jane, daughter of John R. and Anna Ott, of Tinicum, August 10,
1854. He is the youngest son of his father's family, and in early
life learned the cabinet or furniture making trade with the Allen
Brothers near Jenkintown, which he subsequently followed for
several years in Bucksville. In 1875 he moved to Philadelphia,
and not long thereafter took charge of the Barley Sheaf Hotel in
Second Street near Vine, which he conducted until about 1886,
when he sold out his interest therein and moved to his property No.
1700 East Lehigh Avenue, where he has since been keeping a cloth-
ing and variety store. His surviving children are Francis Bazilla,
Ida Jane McLaughlin and James Edward.

THE SONS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, JR. 61

Francis Bazilla Buck was born June 8, 1852, and married
Mary Ann Farley in 1875. He has now for some time kept tlie
White Horse Hotel, 316 North Third Street. His children are
Anastasia, Flora, Howard and Alice. Anastasia read at the Bucks-
ville Centennial celebration, a poem entitled " Nockamixon's Greet-
ing," and Alice, though only eight and a half years old on said
occasion, sung the Centennial Song and several other pieces that
had been specially composed and set to original music. Ida Jane
McLaughlin was born October 9, 1862, and resides in Lehigh Ave-
nue. James Edward was born November 28, 1865, and bore the
banner in the Centennial procession, with the Buck coat-of-arms
thereon, that bad been specially prepared by his mother. All the
aforesaid reside in the city. A daughter, Elizabeth Alice, was born
December 28, 1853 ; died July 20, 1880, aged 26 years and over
5 months.

THE DAUGHTERS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, Jr.

Mary Buck was born January 3, 1816, and about 1835 mar-
ried Isaac McCarty, of Nockamixon. In early life he taught school
for a brief time. In 1835 he was elected to the Assembly, and not
long thereafter was appointed collector of tolls on the Delaware
Canal at New Hope, a position he held for several years. He died
in Durham, September 1, 1874, aged 64 years. Their surviving
children are William, Mary Ellen, Samuel and Agnes.

William McCarty married Lillie Oliver, of Virginia ; have a
daughter Willette married to Joseph Kaufman, who. have children,
Lillian and EUie. Mary Ellen McCarty married James Adams,
April 24, 1878, and have children Thomas and Augustus. Patrick
McCarty married Emma Wehl and have children Arthur and
Agnes. He is lately deceased. This family is scattered ; some reside
in Durham, Easton, Philadelphia and in the West.

Helena Buck, born August 12, 1717, married in 1841, Sam-
uel B., son of Nicholas and Mary Ann Kohl, and with her husband
ba^been a life-long resident of Bucksville. He was a carpenter by
occupation, and was born 1819, and died on the Kohl homestead
May 26, 1882, aged nearly 63 years. Their children are Mary
Emilv, Salome, born March 5,1845; J. Howard, Nicholas, Matilda,
Isabella, born 1852 ; Stephen, Milton 1856, and Alexander in 18o8.

Mary Emily Kohl was born July 8, 1845, and married, govern-
ber27 1867 John W., son of Isaac Kohl, and have children, Vincent,

62 THE DAUGHTERS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, JR.

born 1869; Eugene, 1870 ; AUoysius, 1874; Regina, March 5, 1875;
Laurence, 1877; Sylvester, 1879; Blaseus, 1881, and Helena Isabella,
1885. J. Howard Kohl was born October 11, 1847, marrietl Mary,
daughter of Andrew and Kuneyonde Mich, and have children Augus-
tus, George, Francis, Laurence, Samuel, Clara, Raymond, TiCO and
Agnes. He was in the late war and served in Company E, of the
Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment. Nicholas Kohl was born in October,
1847, and died in Philadelphia, December 15, 1886, aged upward
of 38 years. Matilda Kohl, born in 1850, married George Kane,
February 19, 1881 ; he is since deceased. Stephen Kohl, in 1854,
married Mary, daughter of William and Anna Murphy, of Lam-
bertville, N. J., June 18, 1876, has children — Clement, born in
1877, and Nicholas and AVilliam, twins, born in 1886. He is a
painter, and resides in Philadelphia. The descendants of Helena
and Samuel B. Kohl are likely to become numerous, their grand-
children now alone numbering above twenty. They chiefly reside
in Bucks County, Philadelphia, Bethlehem and vicinity.

Sophia Buck married Timothy Murphy, of South Easton. He
is for some time deceased. Their surviving children are William
J., Augustus, Howard and Ellen. AVilliam J. Murphy married
Rose Heitzler, and have four children living — Li Hie, Mamie,
William and Roy. Howard Murphy married Hannah Mcllhaney
and have children — Edward, John and Ellen. Ellen Murphy
married Edward McFadden. The aforesaid chiefly reside in South
Easton.

Salome Buck married Francis Donnelly, of South Easton,
the latter deceased for several years. Their children Maggie,
Terence F., Thomas R., John G., Cecilia and Frank. Terence F.
Donnelly married Lydia Choller, and have children Theresa and
Frank.

LuciNDA Buck, the youngest of the daughters of the late
Nicholas Buck, of Bucksville, married, February 14, 1871, Austin,
the son of Nicholas B. and Juliana McCarty, of Nockamixon.
Through his wife he became the owner of the old homestead property
in Bucksville, with about ten acres of land from the original purchase
of 1792. He kept store here for some time. In November, 1884,
he was elected Recorder of Deeds for Bucks County, and on the
expiration of his term removed back here again where he died Feb-
ruary 16, 1888, aged 49 years. His widow sold the property to
Harvey Keyser, who occupied the same in April, 1890, after being

THE DAUGHTERS OF NICHOLAS BUCK, JR. 6;>

in possession of the Buck family 97 years. A further accouut of
the old homestead will be hereafter given. The children of this
union are Justus Wiufield, born in 1871 ; Francis, January 2,
1873 ; Henry, May 19, 1874, and Susan, January U, 1874. The
aforesaid all now reside in South Bethlehem. One of the sons is a
clerk in the extensive steel and iron works there.

THE DESCENDANTS OF JACOB E. BUCK.

William Joseph Buck, the eldest son of the aforesaid, was
born in the old family mansion at Bucksville, March 4, 1825. After
attending the neighboring schools, at the early age of eight years
was sent in charge of an uncle to Doylestown Academy, where he
continued at intervals down to the spring of 1842. His father, the
latter year, removed to Willow Grove, where William J. chiefly
resided until in the summer of 1866. He W'as principal of the pub-
lic school there from August, 1847, until near the close of 1849,
when through ill health he resigned. In 1844 he became a member
of the Hatboro Library, of which he was a director for several years.
In October, 1857, he was elected Auditor of Montgomery County,
and served two terms. Contributed historical and scientific articles
to the Bucks County Intelligencer from 1850 to 1862.

In 1852 the Historical Society of Pennsylvania published his
history of Moreland in their Collections, and since has been a fre-
quent contributor to their works. In 1854 appeared his history of
Bucks County, and five years later his history of Montgomery
County, both pioneer works. As may be seen in the lately published
Bibliography of Montgomery County, a mere mention of the titles
of his several works to this time would fill several pages. Among
these will only mention two additional histories of Montgomery
County— History of the Indian Walk, Local Sketches and Legends,
The Local Historian, and William Penn in America. The last
History of Montgomery County was published by Evarts and Peck
in 1884, at an expense of 845,000, occupying him nearly two and a
half years writing fully one half of it, being an imperial octavo
volume of 1285 double column pages, and magnificently illustrated,
some of the drawings being executed by him. It met with such
successful sale that in addition to his compensation the publisher.^
made him a handsome present.

He has, on several occasions, read papers before various histor-
ical and scientific associations, which have been extensively pub-
5

64 THE DESCENDANTS OF JACOB E. BUCK.

lished. By request, he delivered the Historical Oration before the
Montgomery County Centennial Association at Norristowu, Sep-
tember 10, 1884, and was chairman of the antiquarian committee,
also on the publication committee, and one of the editors of their
official proceedings issued in a handsome volume of 467 pages.
From 1870 to 1879 was employed at the Historical Society of Penn-
sylvania in arranging manuscripts, making copies of early records
and as librarian. In 1866 he purchased a farm in Caroline County,
Maryland, where he has since partly resided, as well as occasionally
at his homestead place in Hatboro and Jenkintown. In August,
1889, he received a paralytic attack from which he has now nearly
recovered as to be almost as active as formerly, but proved a serious
drawback to his literary and other labors for nearly two years.

James Nicholas Buck was born at Stony Point, June 15,
1830, and when he became of age went West, where he has since
resided. He married Anne, daughter of James C. and Ann Wyatt,
of Taylorsville, November 23, 1754, and soon after located himself
in business at Louisville. In the late war he served for some time
in the Union Kentucky regiment, raised chiefly in the aforesaid
city, until discharged for physical disability, from which he did not
recover. He died April 25, 1880, aged nearly 50 years, surviving
his father but two months. He left three children, Kate, William
and George W. Kate was born August 5, 1858, married Charles
F. McKay, September 13, 1887, who has since deceased; have a
daughter, Bessie Dorn, born March 13, 1889. William Buck was
born February 19, 1865, married Mary R. daughter of Mathiasand
Annie M.. Ackerman, November 12, 1890, have children, George E.,
born August 9, 1791, and Louis H., born September 7, 1892.
George W. Buck was born July 19, 1869, married Ethel, daughter
of Major Samuel Leighton, June 3, 1891. All the aforesaid reside
in Louisville, Kentucky.

Isabella Buck, the only daughter, was born in Willow Grove,
May 16, 1844, married to J. Frank, son of William and Helen
Cottmann, May 16, 1867. They reside in Jenkintown, and he is
the proprietor of the Cottman House, with three acres of land, now
in the family since April 1, 1834. The Cottmans have long been
settled in the vicinity of Frankford, and tombstones in the Oxford
Episcopal churchyard bear the name as far back as 1755.

THE DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL E. BUCK. Qo

THE DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL Br^UCK.

Jerome Buck, eldest son of the aforesai(Vwas born May 18,
1835 ; his father having died December G, 134o, he was thus bereft
of a parent at the early age of five and a half years. However, his
education was not neglected by his mother, nor later by John Titus,
her second husband, in the Philadelphia schools, also going for some
time to the Freemont Seminary, Norristown, of which Rev. Samuel
Aaron was principal. He studied law with Mr. Titus, and was
admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, May 31, 1856, and after a few
years practice there, removed to New York, where he has since
pursued his profession. He married Kate, daughter of Thomas C.
and Mary Ann McGrath, at Lexington, Ky., April 17, 1865, Mr.
McGrath was formerly a mex'chant in Louisville.

In addition to his practice, Jerome finds time for occasional
literary efforts, both in prose and poetry, which have been published
in various periodicals. He has also been frequently called upon to
deliver addresses before various associations in New York and Penn-
sylvania. Among these may be mentioned the Bucks County Bi-
Centennial at Doylestown, in 1882, Fourth of July oration at South
Bethlehem in 1890, before the Bucks County Bar, at Doylestown,
in January, 1892. In 1874 he visited Europe, and more recently
made another trip, making speeches and addresses there, and of
which he has kept a journal he contemplates publishing.

He has exhibited some of the characteristic family traits which
will be hereafter more fully dwelt upon, namely : fluency of speech
and the acquisition of languages, also a strong local attachment for
Bucks County, so long the home of his paternal and maternal ances-
tors. Now, for about a quarter of a century, spending some time
every year therein, thus keeping up and renewing old associa-
tions, the influence of which has induced him to secure a lot in the
Doylestown Cemetery, where now repose beside enduring granite the
remains of his wife, and where, as he has expressed himself in a
recent letter to the editor, he too expects to be buried.

His children are Jerome, born July 13, 1867 ; Ethel, Septem-
ber 27, 1869 ; Jessie Howard, November 17, 1871, and Emily, Sep-
tember 12, 1874. Jerome Buck, Jr., has a position in the office of
the Netv York World. He married, October 2, 1890, Jennie E.
Edwards, and have a daughter, Adele, born December 4, 1891.
They all reside in the city of New York. The wife of Jerome Buck
died in 1889.

Q& THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

Howard Buck, second son of Samuel E., was born in Doyles-
town in March, 1837, and served in a Philadelphia regiment during
the late war. He subsequently went West, and died in Detroit in
1870. His remains were brought hither, and repose beside his
mother and maternal grandparents in the burial ground attached to
the Presbyterian Church in Doylestown.

THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

This event had its origin in a trivial occurrence which may be
now worth relating. The editor, through a paralytic attack, received
at his Maryland home, August 12, 1889, became unfitted for liter-
ary labor through an inability to exercise his hands in writing for
about nine months. The Buckwampun Literary Association having
agreed to hold their third annual meeting at Stony Garden in
Haycock Township, June 14, 1890, and, within a few weeks pre-
ceding it, several letters were sent him, most urgently desiring his
presence there, and, if possible, to read a paper on said occasion.
His sister, on learning this, promised, if he would go, to accompany
him, and see to his welfare in case of any return of said complaint of
which he had not yet more than three-fourths recovered.

The Doylestown Democrat, of June 9, made the following
remarks on this matter: " We are gratified to learn that William
J. Buck has sufiiciently recovered from the effects of a severe para-
lytic stroke received last August, as to go on a brief visiting tour to
relatives and friends residing in the upper-end townships. He will
also be present at the literary picnic at Stony Garden, to come off,
if the weather be favorable, next Saturday. His sister, Mrs. J. F.
Cottman, of Jenkintown, will accompany him." It was through
this arrangement that he was willing to be present and participate
therein to the extent of his ability.

On his return to Bucksville, observing the interest that was
there taken in music by the young men of the neighborhood at the
house of John T. Buck, their teacher, he suggested to them why not
form a Cornet Band, and prepare themselves for a Centennial Cele-
bration of the founding of Bucksville, to be held two years hence?
From this suggestion came the Band, the Celebration, the Buck
family reunion, and this work, with a number of other interesting
matters associated therewith. The results were such as no one could
have previously fancied, and the influence of which is likely to be
exerted in said vicinity into future generations, from the universal

THE BUCKSVILLE CENTE^TNIAL CELEBRATION. 67

satisfaction it appeared to give to the numerous descendants of the
family, as well as to those of their old neighbors who participated
therein, having, in all respects, in interest greatly exceeded their
expectations, and therefore a subject to be long held in grateful
remembrance.

Although considerable rain had fallen the several previous
weeks, the morning of June 11, 1892, came in a lovely day, that
too at the most beautiful time of the year. The dust was laid, and,
on the preceding day, it had cleared ofl', and the sun arose in the
eastern horizon unobscured, and threw its golden light over plain,
valley and the magnificent mountain top of the Haycock, not two
miles distant. Nearly with dawn, in honor of the event, many of
the houses in the village and its vicinity, even in some cases to the
extent of upwards of a mile, were decorated with numerous flags
betokening some unusual and joyous occurrence. The large
flag that was suspended over the road from a rope from the
the top of the hotel to the large building on the opposite side,
attracted considerable attention from the brightness of its colors
and the beauty of its graceful undulations as acted upon by the
gently wafting breeze. Pains were taken that the old mansion that
had been in possession of the family for ninety-seven years, and had
only passed therefrom in April, 1889, be duly honored, and was
therefore gaily decorated with numerous flags and Chinese lanterns,
which were illuminated in the night, as was also the hotel and
several other buildings.

At the fourth annual meeting of the Buckwampun Literary
Association, held at Springtown, June 13, 1891, from an invitation
extended to them, it was there unanimously resolved that the next
annual meeting be held near Bucksville jointly with the Buck family
reunion and its Centennial celebration, which was deemed emi-
nently proper under the circumstances in which it had its origin, as
was referred to in the addresses delivered by its president as well as
the secretary. In return for this compliment, the Bucksville Cen-
tennial Association, through its chairman and committee, deemed it
appropriate and fitting for such an eventful occasion that a collec-
tion be avoided and that all expenses necessarily incurred in mak-
ing it a success be borne among themselves, which, it is grutifymg
to say to all concerned, was most satisfactorily and harmoniously

carried out. .

For several days previously, the descendants of the Buck family

68 THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

kept arriving from various directions, as from Philadelphia, Mont-
gomery and Northampton Counties, as well as from New Jersey,
and cheerfully rendered their assistance with their kindred and
others of the village and vicinity as to a faithful performance of all
that had been announced on the programme. It is highly creditable
to say that from the beginning to the end this was successfully
accomplished, for every name mentioned thereon, did the person
bearing it nobly respond to perform the part that had been duly
assigned and accepted. The woods selected to hold the meeting in
were over five acres in extent, located about three-fourths of a mile
north of Bucksville, and a few hundred yards west of the Durham
road. Levi Trauger, the owner, had given his assent thereto two
years previously, but having since died, his family acquiesced in the
same. Here the Bucksville Cornet Band, for the refreshment stand,
erected at their expense, a large and handsome platform for the
several performers, with numerous seats for the audience, nearly all
made from planed white pine boards and gaily decorated with flags,
over which was suspended the handso'me blue silk banner bear-
ing the Buck family coat-of-arms. It was readily admitted that for
convenience and comfort the arrangements here surpassed all those
at the previous meetings of the Literary Association.

As early as nine o'clock carriages began to arrive, but at ten
and eleven the number kept largely increasing from various direc-
tions, and by half-past twelve commenced to wend their way to the
place of meeting in the woods. By one o'clock the throng was
great and ready in the arrangements. Unfortunately, several of
the members of the Cornet Band, in April, had got somewhat
scattered by removal, and were, in consequence, delayed in the vil-
lage in getting together to be conveyed in their band wagon by four
spirited horses, which did not arrive on the ground until two o'clock,
when the proceedings were commenced by Hon. C. E. Hindenach.
The president called the assemblage to order, when the Band
played " Hoist up the Flag ; " when he delivered the opening
address, as follows :

Members of the Buckivampmi Historical and Literary Association,
Ladies and Gentlemen :

Like the faithful Mohammedan, who is willing to submit to
the greatest sacrifices possible, in order that he may be accorded the
privilege of a pilgrimage to Mecca, thereby evincing a spirit of

THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 69

devotion to the creed of his fathers, and thus become more thor-
oughly imbued with a renewed zeal, we, too, have laid aside our
several avocations of life, to wend our steps toward this, the literary-
Mecca of northeastern Bucks County, for inspiration and pleasure.
Your beaming countenances, friends, as they loom up before
me now, with a glow of joyous expectation depicted on them, is an
unmistakable evidence that you have come here for a i)urpose, and
also an indication of the depth to which the commendable work of
the association has intrenched itself in the hearts of the people.

Yes, the Buckwampun Historical and Literary Association, to
whose fifth annual meeting I now have the pleasure of welcoming
you, is not of mushroom growth or origin, but an active, genuine
reality, destined to live and exert an elevating influence along the
various channels of life to which its work will be continued. A
retrospective view of the work of the association must be gratifying
to its members, while a prospective view is hopeful and encourag-
ing. Indeed, this association does not propose to take a step back-
ward.

Agreeable with the spirit and design of the association, its
meetings are held in a different localit) annually, thus affording an
equal opportunity for the several communities to contribute to its
literature and local historical researches, as well as share in the
privileges which such meetings afford. Our meeting to-day is of a
two-fold nature. It is intended, primarily, to participate in the
Buck family centennial. It is eminently fitting and proper that
the association should thus honor its founder, William J. liuck, l)y
inaugurating the centennial exercises through its annual programme
and thus contribute, in some degree at least, to its success.

The Buck family is not an unknown one. Its influence in the
professions as well as in the various departments of human industry,
is not confined to this immediate locality, to the county, nor to the
State at large, but penetrates even beyond. It is with no small
degree of pleasure, therefore, that we grasp by the hand the descend-
ants of this remarkable family, whose ancestors contributed so
largely to the early development of the varied resources of the com-
munitv. The influence of the original Buck fiunily is still mam-
tained bv its descendants, notably among them William J. Bu<k,
the founder of this association, as well as the originator of the Buck
family centennial, and recognized as a tower of strength in the
local historical field of research, and John T. Buck, whose activity

70 THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

and reliability have stamped themselves upon the hearts of the peo-
ple of his community where he is best and most favoral)ly known.

But, in the second place, the association, true to its profession,
has met to render a literary programme that shall be in keeping
with its purpose and design. Well has it been said that literature
is the immortality of speech. It is as far reaching in its effects as
the boundless waves of the ocean, and as indestructible as the rocks
that form yonder hill. The gems of thought that are woven
together and stamped upon the pages of literature, will live and
shine after the lapse of ages with the brilliancy of a diamond, when
the vital spark of its creator shall have gone out in darkness, and
they who knew him once shall know him no more.

True, this community cannot boast of a Cleopatra's needle,
covered with hieroglyphics of a departed language, nor of obelisks or
pyramids to stand as monuments to a great and mysterious people.
But it can do infinitely more than that. This community, this asso-
ciation, can endeavor to make monuments of the peo])le themselves.
The noblest of monuments that are impervious to the destructible
influences of the elements that surround them — are the lives of
such men and women, who, through their labors, have elevated
humanity to a higher jilane of existence. The great aim and
purpose of the members of this association is to strive to write
high their names in the niche of fame. Not, however, with the
warrior's garment stained with blood ; not upon the perishable
monuments of earth, but in the lowlier walks of life, and upon the
hearts of humanity.

It is to be hoped that when the originators of this association
shall lay aside their mantles, that they may fall on worthy shoulders.
Their unfinished work will rest on our hands to strengthen and
expand that which they so nobly began. May we not prove recreant
to the trust committed to our charge. May the sacred stream of
social and literary attainments, and local historical research, pass
by us as pure as when it reached us, so that those who shall come
after us may receive and still further develop it. May the social
cords that unite us as an association be those of a common interest, a
unity of purpose and a deepened, widened love for the noble work
in which we have enlisted. May the pillars that support our liter-
ary organizations throughout the rural districts, be so strengthened
that their influences shall spread and grow until they shall pene-

THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 71

trate the hidden recesses of mental darkness and illuminate, them
with higher and nobler aspirations.

And, friends, when the deepening shadows shall tell of another
day having fulfilled its little mission, amid the ever-chauging scenes
of hurrying time, I trust that the associations clustering around it
will always be a source of pleasure and profit in the quiet calm of
the future. I thank you for your attention, and welcome you once
more to the historical, literary and musical feast that is in waiting
for you.

Miss Anastasia Buck, of Philadelphia, was next introduced as
the great-great-granddaughter of Captain Nicholas Buck, the founder
of Bucksville, who recited the following poem :

NOCKAMIXON'S GREETING.

Nockamixon extends to you a greeting
For holding on her soil this meeting,
The first here, but we hope not the last,
And that each will improve on the past ;
That Literature will thus advance,
As Education improves the chance,
To elevate and refine the race,
And with steady progress keep apace;
For Content need not abroad to roam.
But find it in our studies and home.

We have met at Buckwampun, Bougher's Hill,
Stony Garden, Springtown, now Bucksville ;
The latter, from its first foundation,
Has just reached to a celebration,
Through a one hundred years' probation,
Joined in by this Association.

Hail to this century of the past!

And that the next may excel the last,

In knowledge, virtue, justice and right,

To give to human life an increase of delight.

In this interval of history,

The result is now no mystery,

That forward progress made its career.

And maintained it onward year to year ;

Pleasant village and country around,

If homes are not here, where are they found?

72 THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

It affords me enjoyment to say,

'Tis a memorable gala day,

To be long htld in recollection.

From what is given for retrospection.

That the Bucks have not degenerated,

Need not by me be advocated ;

For a scion of three hundred pounds,

Is here and lives on ancestral grounds.

Then grow on Bucksville — family thrive.

And the grand old homestead long survive.

When the aforesaid poem was composed, the last stanza was
submitted to John T. Buck, the " scion of three hundred pounds,"
for his approval. He cheerfully gave his assent thereto, but, to be
correct, said, " my weight is 329 pounds." He was informed that
the measure of the poem would not readily admit of this, and had
therefore better stand as offered. " However, as to doubts, I
am willing to stand up beside the speaker at the mention ' That
the Bucks have not degenerated,' for the audience to judge for
for themselves." This matter, for concurrence, was laid before the
most active members of the Centennial Association, and was unani-
mously assented to. Though merely intended as a practical joke on
modern ideas, as may have been expected, was received with great
demonstrations of applause. What added to the point was that
said " scion's " grandfather, father and himself were born " on
ancestral grounds," and had lived there all their days.

Charles Laubach, of Riegelsville, the secretary, read the next
paper, which was entitled :

SKETCH OF THE BUCKWAMPUN LITERARY ASSO-
CIATION.

In this venture, I do not know that there is much to explain.
I have been told that there is plenty of room for the association, and
I take it for granted that a short and practical sketch of its incep-
tion and progress may not come amiss. The Buckwampun Liter-
ary Association, from a small beginning, is exerting some influence,
and as it grows in size, strength and beauty, needs some record of
its own.

The traveler in a desert, who reposes delighted beneath the
shade of a palm tree at an oasis, may not think of the sources for
strength and nourishment below him in the roots that have been

SKETCH OF THE BUCKWAMPUN LITERAEY ASSOCIATION. 73

gathering sustenance for years. The modern historian cannut help
but remember with reverence and gratitude the achievements,
labors and tasks that his predecessors have accomplished, as well as
the persistency of purpose that was required from them. I know it
is customary when reviewing our so-called progress, to sneer at the
accomplishments of our predecessors, and turn with pitying eye and
scornful lip from the labors of earlier generations. Such shallow
minds apparently forget that great events from trivial causes spring
and without acorns there could be no great oaks.

What a satisfaction it would be, I have often thought, ooulil
we, in tracing backwards, lay a finger upon the first historian and
scientist, and say it was in this or that mighty mind that science
had its beginning. We cannot do this, but we can, nevertheless,
conjecture that we cannot find him in the first age of mankind.
The historic, primitive man must have been too pre-occupied in his
daily struggle for subsistance — his hands occupied day and night
against the overwhelming forces of nature, which it was his unenvi-
able lot to contend with.

After centuries had run their course, the mind of man was not
entirely occupied with a perpetual struggle for existence, and had
time for contemplation beyond self and its preservation. Familiar
with his surroundings, there came a longing for a wider scope, and
would naturally busy himself with problems and speculations, the
magnitude of which we can now have no conception. We need not
trace the mind of man as it slowly toiled onward, overcoming diffi-
culties and making deductions. Suflicient has been said to show
that history, science, with knowledge, must have had their origin
somewhere in the misty past, to which religion and tradition seems
also traceable.

The inception of the Buckwampun Literary Association occur-
red September 25, 1885, on the occasion of a visit to Buckwampun
Heights bv historian William J. Buck, and the writer of thi8
sketch; the former having been attracted to the place to contem-
plate the scenes of his childhood, and the latter on account of the
historic and scientific interest attached to the elevation. After a
full interchange of views, it was decided that to best perpetuate its
traditions and historical interest, as well as its aboriginal appel a-
tion, "Buckwampun," was to hold in each succeeding year, in the
month of June, a literary picnic in this section of country, which
should be free to all.

74 SKETCH OF THE BUCKWAMPUN LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

To more successfully carry out this project, it was decided to
hold the first meeting in June, 1888, leaving an interval of two
years and nine months. This was deemed necessary to allow the
projectors sufficient time to complete their respective historical and
scientific labors upon which they were then engaged. In this per-
iod the happy thought occurred to the writer, that the first annual
meeting might, at the same time, become a complete surprise gather-
ing, in honor of our venerable native historian, William J. Buck.
The project was diligently carried forward, and, as will be noticed
by referring to the first programme, successfully carried out June
14, 1888. The day being bright and pleasant, there was an attend-
ance of about 500 persons present.

The following programme was rendered on the occasion : The
president, Hon. C. E. Hindeuach, called the meeting to order at
1.30 P.M. Miss Lizzie Mills read " Buckwampun's Greeting;"
Charles Laubach, " What has Brought us Hither? " C. E. Hinden-
ach, " Legends of Buckwampun ; " William J. Buck, " Reminiscen-
ces of Buckwampun ; " Miss M. J. Moffitt, "An Indian Legend ; "
Frank Clark, "A Poem;" J. A. Ruth, "The Flora of Buckwam-
pun;" Lewis Sigafoos, "Education Then and Now;" S. W.
Steckel, " Indian Village Sites ; " Otis Leidich, " Views from Hex-
enkopf ; " Ida R. Laubach, "Our Poets;" Philip L. Barron,
" View from Buckwampun ; " Jordan F. Stover, " Gallows and
Around ; " Miss Emily A. Boyer, " The Poet's Valedictory." A
select quartette, of which E. P. Laubach was leader, enlivened the
exercises with music.

The second annual meeting of the Buckwampun Literary Asso-
ciation, took place on Saturday, June 8, 1889. The day was rather
unpleasant ; a light rain falling, prevented the anticipated large
gathering. Upwards of 250 people however were present, and the
exercises carried out. The president, C. E. Hindenach, called the
meeting to order at 2 p. M. The following essays were then read :
"Bougher's Hill," by Prof C. W. Fancher ; "Account of Early
Witchcraft in Pennsylvania," by William J. Buck, read by C. E.
Heidenach ; " Dr. Peter Say lor," by Charles Laubach ; " Our Local
Flora," by John A. Ruth ;' " The Laubach Old School," by Miss
Ida R. Laubach ; " Reigelsville," by Jordan F. Stover ; " Riegels-
ville Academy," by Otis Leidich ; "A Poem, Pro and Con," by
Lewis Sigafoos ; A View from Church Hill," by W. Illick Long ;
" The Poet's Greeting— a Valedictory," by Miss Alice M. Clunn.

SKETCH OF THE BUCKWAMPUN LITERARY ASSOCIATION. 75

Excellent music was furnished by the " Eapp Family," of Eie'^els-
ville.

The third, or " Stony Garden " meeting, was held June 14,
1890. This was a grand meeting. The day was beautiful, and the
attendance large. This, added to the romantic locality and the
special musical features, brought out a large, intelligent and ujipre-
ciative audience. By looking over the programme, it could not fail
but be observed that great progress had resulted during the short
period of the Association's existence. A pleasing incident may be
recorded here, A member of the Buckwampun Literary Associa-
tion informed us at the close of this meeting that he found himself
fully repaid for the trouble and expense he had been at to help
make the meeting a success, in seeing the children in the neighbor-
hood neatly dressed, standing in the doors of the little houses, their
eyes beaming with pleasure as they were about starting for the
meeting. As secretary of the association, we felt greatly encour-
aged indeed in our arduous labor, by hearing unsolicited expres-
sions like the foregoing. The " Stony Garden " meeting was
promptly called to order by the president, Hon. C. E. Hindenach,
at 1 p. M., and the following interesting and instructive programme
fully carried out :

Music, " The Grenadiers," Euterpean Orchestra, of Springtown,
H. S. Funk, leader; Opening Address, Hon. C. E. Hindenach;
"Chimes of Stony Garden," read by Miss Emily A. Boyer. In
each stanza of this beautiful poem, skilled musicians responded
with chimes produced from the rocks. Other music was also pro-
duced therefrom. " Geology of Stony Garden," Charles Laubach ;
" The Wasser Gass," Miss Lizzie Yost ; music, selection from " Lit-
tle Tycoon," Euterpean Orchestra ; " How Farmers Could best
Promote their Interests," Prof C. AV. Fancher ; " Prices of Store
Goods, Produce and Labor, from 1826-36," William J. Buck;
music, " Sounds from the Ringing Rocks, with band accorai)ani-
ment," Dr. J. J. Ott ; ode, " Buckwampun," Lewis Sigafoos ; " Dur-
ham Valley in Summer," Miss Alice Mills; "Hobbies," W. II.
Witte ; music, " Erminie," Euterpean Orchestra ; " Old Time School
Games," Miss Ida R. Laubach ; " Pocono," Miss Lovella Wildonger ;
"The Old Beihn Homestead," Lewis S. Beihn ; "Studies that
might be more pursued at Home," W. lUick Long; "The Old
Seifert Homestead," H. B. Strock ; " Influences of Literary Pic-
nics " Miss Lillian Woolston; " Riegelsville Library," Miss M. .).

76 SKETCH OF THE BUCKWAMPUN LITERARY ASSOCIATION,

Moffitt; "Then and jSTow," Otis Leidich ; music, "Home Sweet
Home," 2:)layed on rocks, with band accompaniment. Dr. J. J. Ott ;
" What Books to Read," Miss Anna Kaufman ; " Historical Icono-
clasm," Prof, M, L. Horn ; " Sketch of Haycock," E, A. Franken-
field ; " Valedictory Poem," Miss M. Alice Clunn.

The fourth annual meeting of the Buckwampun Association
was held near the lower portion of Springtown, June 13, 1891, like
the third, was a grand and delightful affair. The beautiful grove,
bright day, and large gathering of the must intelligent people of the
surrounding country, made this a great gala day to be long remem-
bered by all interested in the elevation of the masses.

The meeting was called to order by the president at 1 p, m,,
and the following programme rendered : Excellent music for the
occasion was furnished by the Euterpean Orchestra, of Springtown,
H. S. Funk, leader; "Opening Address," Hon. C. E. Hindenach ;
"The Hellerton Cave," Miss Lizzie Yost ; Cornet duet, by Profes-
sors Bush and Lambert ; " Springtown," Dr, J, I, Cawley ; " Whip-
poor-will," a rural poem, Miss Emily A. Boyer ; " Historical Sketch
of Applebachsville," Miss Emma Applebach ; "Attachment to the
Scenes of Early Childhood," with music ; " The Old Oaken Bucket,"
Miss Minnie E, Hess; "The Shawnee Indians," John A, Ruth;
" Pennsylvania Palisades," a poem, Lewis Sigafoos ; " The Study of
Plants in their Season," Miss Anna Kaufman ; The Young Men for
the Times," Edwin Hartraan ; " Thoughts on Music," W. Illick
Long; "Valedictory," a poem, Mrs. M. A. Clunn-Van Horn,

The success of the Buckwampun Literary Association is mainly
due to the energy of its essayists, officers and kind and generous
friends, who have aided it in many ways, and upon whom we will
rely for future aid and encouragement in our humble efforts.
Special thanks are due to those who have so kindly volunteered in
furnishing the association such excellent music, both vocal and
instrumental.

The association, with a membership of upward of sixty, has
already brought out in the four preceding meetings, sixty original
papers, which have appeared in print and thus more likely rescued
from oblivion. Five of said number are strictly scientific, twenty-
five historical, one biographical, eleven poems, and twenty miscel-
laneous papers. We are certainly under great obligations to the
press for their kind and favorable notices of the doings of this associa-
tion, and for disseminating the literary productions brought out at
its annual meetings.

EARLY FAMILIES AROUND BUCKSVILLE.

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EARLY FAMILIES AROUND BUCKSVILLE. 79

The next in order was a vocalist aged eight and a half vears of
whom the reporter of the Bucks Co. Intelligencer makes this men-
tion : " The Bucksville Centennial Song," the words of which were
written and set to music by William J. Buck, was delightfully sung
by Miss Alice Buck, of Philadelphia, a little dark-haired 'tot o^t'
about eight years and another great-great-grand-daughter of the
founder of Bucksville, who made the singing especially pleasing by
her clear enunciation of the words." See the song and mu<ic on the
opposite page.

William J. Buck was introduced by a few remarks from the
president when he read his paper entitled an "Account of the Buck
family and Bucksville." As nearly all the information contained
therein is incorporated into this work, hence deem it unnecessary to
repeat the same here.

Owen George, of Bucksville, read a brief paper prepared by the
editor to which, however, he has since been enabled to give some
additional information.

EARLY FAMILIES AROUND BUCKSVILLE.

It is well on an occasion of this kind to make some mention of
the neighbors of Nicholas Buck, at the time of his purchase in 1792,
and his removal thereon a few months later. The Kohls arrived in
Pennsylvania, in September, 1732, and several years later the
McCartys and who had early settled in Nockamixon. Respecting
those families, we have given information elsewhere in this work.
Three of their members married Captain Buck's sisters and settled
on lands inherited from their ancestors in the immediate vicinity of
the present village for the residue of their lives and who have still
surviving descendants there.

It can now be regarded as somewhat remarkable as the records
prove that the Youngkens, Overpecks, Pearsons, Bucks, Gnivers,
Frankenfields, Pursells, Hoffmans, Zeigenfooses, Zeiglers, Cleiiimers
and some others originally settled in Springfield, and later tlieir
descendants moved southwards on the line of the Haycock Run valley
and the old Durham road, instead of having arrived from below, a.s
would have been generally expected. This was brought about
through the arrival of the early immigrants at Philadeljjhia, proceed-
ing up the valleys of the Schuylkill and Perkiomen, and from thence
either moving directly eastwards or higher up by a semicircle south-
6

80 EARLY FAMILIES AROUND BUCKSVILLE.

eastwards into the township of Springfield, and then later into Nock-
amixon and Haycock. This can be readily understood, that on a
direct line from Philadelphia to Reading and to the eastward of the
same was much earlier settled by the Germans than the adjacent
parts of northern Bucks county, thus first following the direction of
improvement and subsequently wheeling around eastwards to secure
wild or unoccupied lands at lower rates, which to an industrious and
frugal people with limited means was an object.

Herman Youngken had taken up by patent 89 acres, December
3, 1754, on the Durham road and extended southwards into the
upper end of Bucksville and composed a part of Nicholas Buck's
purchase of 1792. We know that he resided on this tract in 1766,
and very probably from near the date of his purchase. Before
1790, it came into the possession of his son John Nicholas Young-
ken, who in 1792, purchased a tract on the Haycock run about a
mile distant to which he removed erecting thereon the first sawmill
in that vicinity. This property has been since continuously in the
family. The Youngken homestead above Bucksville has of recent
years been known as the Lacey farm, which previously had been
long in the possession of the Fenner family and later of Alfred Buck
now of South Bethlehem. Herman and Henry Youngken, we find
gave in their allegiance to the new form of government in the
summer of 1777. Abraham and Nicholas Youngken were members
of Captain Wilson's Bucks County Company at Marcus Hook for
the defence of Philadelphia, in September and October, 1814.

George Overpeck was an early resident of Springfield and the
owner of a plantation there. Sometime before 1760, he moved on a
considerable purchase, he made on the Durham road, adjoining
Herman Youngken's patent on the north on which he erected sub-
stantial stone buildings which are still standing. He applied for a
public house, which was licensed by the Court in June, 1760, and
was so continued on down to the close of the Revolution. These are
now probably the only buildings remaining of the colonial period in
this section, and was retained in the family until the death of the
late Henry Overpeck about 1856, who had no sons but several
daughters. It next passed into the possession of the late Josiah
Matlock, married to Elizabeth the grand-daughter of Major Jacob
Buck, and on his death recently was bought by the late Levi
Trauger in whose family it still remains. It was on this property
that the Centennial Celebration was held. George Overpeck died.

EARLY FAMILIES AROUND BUCKS VILLE. 81

August 15, 1798, aged 83 years, 6 months. He came from Darm-
stadt, Germany, and judging by his writing must have received a
good education. The name in German was Oberbeck and was so
written by him.

Christian Trauger purchased, February 11, 1767, of Nicholas
Hooke Jones, 153 acres of land located about one and a half miles
east of Bucksville on which he settled and now in possession of Jacob
Trauger. Adjoining the aforesaid tract on the east about said
time his brother Henry made a purchase and settled. Each of those
homesteads have ever since continued in the possession of their
descendants. Christian Draker is the name as originally spelled in
the German, was born in 1726 in Backenbuch, Darmstadt, and died
on bis plantation, January 8, 1811, aged nearly 85 years, and his
wife Anna Barbara, November 5, 1821, aged upwards of 92 years
6 months. They have been a land holding family, remarkable for
longevity and their descendants are numerous in Nockamixon and
adjacent parts. Solomon Trauger was married to Kebecca, daughter
of Major John Buck and have also surviving descendants.

Henry Sassaman, the founder of this family we know from
records was a resident and taxable before 1734 in Maxatawny town-
ship, now in Berks county. Either himself or more probably his
son of the same name. May 12, 1766, bought of George Overj)eck,
163 acres for £343.1 6s. 3d. located about half a mile northeast of
Bucksville upon which they erected the first improvements. The
old homestead with 102 acres has been ever since continuously in the
family and its present owner is successively the fourth Jacob Sassa-
man in descent that has occupied it. We find in the county
records that Jacob Sassaman gave in his allegiance before Jacob
Sacket, Esq., July 1, 1778. The original tract was surveyed Octo-
ber 19, 1737, as containing 250 acres, and "Gallows Hill run" is
mentioned therein as flowing through the same. This additionally
confirms that this stream did receive its name from said hill, and
that the suicide that took place by the road side and has so long
lingered in tradition must have occurred at least a little while
previous to 1737, but likely since the erection of Durham furnace in
1727. This matter was orginally mentioned in the editor's Hi.story
of Bucks County, published in 1854 and aftirmed by Davis in his
History in 1876. The aforesaid evidence is also conclusive to the
fact as first published.

Peter Keyset was a resident of Nockamixon in 1750, if not earlier,

82 EARLY FAMILIES AROUND BUCKSVILLE.

and is supposed to have located in Gallows Run valley, one and a
half miles north of Bucksville, his descendants have for some time
been land holders there. William Diehl was an original purchaser
of 50 acres in 1751 and the family still exists in the surrounding sec-
tion. The Stover family resided about a mile southeast of the
village before the Revolution. David and Daniel Stover, in 1780,
and the following year hauled cannon balls for the Government,
from Durham furnace to Philadelphia. For years were noted
teamsters, driving four and six horse teams, and continued by their
descendants of Nockamixon down to the introduction of canals and
railroads. The Atherholts, the Otts and the Klinkers are also old
families of the vicinity and have intermarried into the Buck family,
hence are mentioned elsewhere in this work. The aforesaid were all
Germans the only exceptions thereto in this section being the
McCarty and Smith families.

After the Band had enlivened the audience with the music of
" Silver Spring Quickstep," Edwin A. Frankenfield read the follow-
ing paper which through request he had specially prepared for the
occasion :

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY.

This beautiful valley takes its name from Haycock run which
has therein its entire course. It rises from two branches ; one near
Stony Garden of Buckwampun Literary fame, the other in Spring-
field township, about midway between Pleasant Valley and Burson-
ville. The first two miles of its course is nearly semicircular towards
the east, the remainder of its course, about five miles, is nearly south
to where it empties in the Tohickon. It is rather a placid stream^
but furnishes some water power, and forms a boundary between the
red sandstone of Nockamixon and the trap formation of Haycock.
A public road runs nearly parallel with the stream for a distance of
three miles, and rarely exceeding two hundred yards therefrom.
Owing to the lowness of its bed, is subject to overflows, which tends
to keep it in bad condition during the greater portion of the year.
Hence I would suggest that active steps be taken to vacate a portion
of said road for higher ground, which would prove a greater con-
venience and less expensive to keep in repair.

The Haycock run forms also the boundary line between the
townships of Haycock and Nockamixon from the Springfield line,

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY. 83

where it commences at a " line white oak " 1720 perches, or five
miles, twelve perches to where it empties into the Tohickon. Said
tree stood on the west bank of the stream within 200 feet below the
present county bridge on the road leading from Stouy Point to
Applebachsville. The historian William J. Buck, says he remem-
bers the said white oak very well as standing there in his schoolboy
days as late as 1835, but regrets to state as yet of not being able to
ascertain when it disappeared.

The Haycock Run Valley in Springfield contains seventeen
houses, eleven farms, and one schoolhouse ; in Haycock, twenty
houses, sixteen farms, one church, one store, one post-office, one
public school, parochial school and one j)ottery ; in Nockamixou.
twenty-two houses, sixteen farms and one saw-mill. Within this vale
during the last century and a half have occurred several interesting
events, as the home also of several early j^ioneers who have settled
on this area as embraced in the said three townships.

McGarty Settlement. — It is supposed that no land was taken up
in this valley prior to 1737, when 300 acres were laid out by
William Parsons, the surveyor general, for John Anderson, " on
Haycock run," which is the earliest mention yet known of this
stream. This tract lay between the present Youngken's saw-mill and
the subsequent McCarty purchase. Mr. Anderson was only a pur-
chaser and never settled thereon.

Edward McCarty was no doubt the first settler of this valley, as
an old deed still in possession of his descendants shows that he was
the purchaser of 250 acres from the proprietaries Thomas and Rich-
ard Penn, April 19, 1738 ; for which a warrant had been ir^sued,
March 11, 1737, for the sum of £38 English money, which is equal
to $184.93 of our present currency. This tract included a part of
Albert McCarty's farm, Thomas D. McCarty's, Thomas Y. McCarty 's
Isaac O'Connell's and Mrs. Andrew Mich's entire farms. The
descendants of the aforesaid early immigrant with those of his kins-
men Thomas, Patrick and Nicholas, made about the same time, have
caused them now to become numerous in this section. A recent
research in the Buck County records, states that the aforesaid 250
acres were bought of Thomas Penn by Nicholas McCarty, March 5,

1761 for £225.

Frankenfield Settleme)d..—Sinwn Frankenfelt, the ancestor of
the family, was a native of the Rhine valley in Germany,^ and
embarked at Rotterdam with a number of others on the ship Elliot,

84 SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY.

James Adams, master, and landed in Philadelphia, October 25, 1748.
He settled on a purchase he made near the source of Haycock run in
Springfield township. We know from his signing with his son
Philip, a petition for a road in said vicinity in 1760, that he must
have settled there prior to said date. He had children, Philip,
Henry, Adam, Anna Dorothy married to Conrad Hess, Maria Doro-
thy to David Gary, Mary married to Andrew Overpeck and Leon-
ard. During the troubles of the Revolution, Henry gave in his
allegiance before Thomas Long, Esq., of Durham, June 8, 1778, and
Leonard and John Frankenfield before the same two weeks later-
Adam Frankenfield with Nicholas Buck, Henry Afflerbach and
others was enrolled in the " Springfield Company," attached to the
Third Bucks County Battalion, August 21, 1775, as the State
records show.

Henry Frankenfield, the son of Adam, bought the farm now
known as the old homestead at Haycock Run, in 1808, from Jacob
Harwick containing 65 acres and 122 perches. His son Henry
resided on this property all his life and served as a justice of the
peace continuously from 1841 to 1871. Mahlon D., the present
owner thereof succeeded his father as justice in said year and still
retains the oflfice.

Among other old deeds is one from John Penn; the elder, and
John Penn, Jr., to George Follmer for 147 acres in Haycock, Nock-
amixon and Bedminster townships, June 14, 1785, it being a part
of 3000 acres of lottery land marked in the general plan thereof as
No. 2, adjoining lands of Jacob Beidelman, Anthony Greaser and
Philip Stone. George Fulmer, grandson of the first purchaser, now
owns the tract. Another deed of October 6, 1789, to Henry Piles
in Nockamixon, containing 63 acres, adjoining lands of Mary Stover^
Jacob Meyers, John Piles and Anthony Greaser. This farm was
part of lottery land No. 3, and is now owned by Peter Fleck. The
cost of the original purchase was £55.1 Is. 3d. A deed similar to the
aforesaid was made to Jacob Meyers adjoining it one day later of
the same area and price. This farm is now owned by Jacob Reigel.

The First Church. — Soon after settlement the early pioneers
sought a place for worship. Accordingly services were held at inter-
vals by the Jesuit fathers from Goshenhoppen, Berks County, as
early as 1743, at private houses, but mostly at the house of Edward
McCarty, now owned by Thomas Y. McCarty, until 1798, when by
the McCarty 's. Kohls and others the first Roman Catholic church

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY. 85

was erected in Bucks County at a probable cost of two hundred
dollars, being built of stone on an acre of ground given free for the
purpose by John McCarty, a nephew of Edward, the first settler.
As the settlement and population of the neighborhood increased this
church proved too small and in 1854, a larger and more convenient
structure was erected at a probable cost of $4000. Fathers Malone,
Bready, Herzog, Reardon, George, Hispuley, Repley, Wachter,
Newfield, Koppernagel, Laughren, Nastersteck, Stomrael, Istwan,
Walsh and G. H. Krake, the present incumbent, have successfully
performed the pastoral duties of the congregation. Father George
was the first resident pastor in 1850. Rev. Theodore Schneider
officiated in 1743, J. B. De Ritter in 1787 and Boniface Corvine in
the beginning of this century. Among the old records of the
Goshenhoppen church find the following:

Albertina Kohl, daughter of George and Barbara Kohl, born
May 6, 1741, baptized August 23, following. j\Irs. Nicholas
McCarty, died June 1, 1745, aged 70 years. Nicholas INIcCarty
(brother of Edward), died April 1, 1750, aged 80 years. Nicholas
McCarty, son of Edward and Catharine, married to Albertina,
daughter of George and Barbara Kohl, January 20, 1767.

Early Schools. — These early settlers prized education next to
religion, as is shown by the last will and testament of John McCarty,
who died April 25, 1766, and bequeathed his lands to his three sous,
that the profits arising thereform be used for schooling his children
until his youngest son, Nicholas, came to the age of eighteen years.
This Nicholas was well educated and was elected justice of the peace
of Haycock for many years. He died March 6, 1848, aged 87 years
6 months. The first school building that I am able to ascertain any
information about in this valley was located about two hundred
yards northeast of Thomas D. McCarty's dwelling house, as he
remembers his father saying that there was the oldest school-house
known in this vicinity. The Haycock church records sliow that
Ferdinand Wagner taught school at Haycock in 1784, wliich was
probably at this place.

The next school-house was a room added to the old church in
1798. Among the teachers were Messrs. Fogarty, Kessler, John Hal-
pin, Philip O'Connell, father of Isaac O'Connell, recorder of Bucks
County, and lastly Elias Hoffman, still living. In 1854, this build-
ing, with the church, was demolished, and only the church rebuilt.
As at this time the school system was in its infancy the children of

88 SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY.

the vicinity attended the nearest public school until 1861, when it
was rumored that the North Pennsylvania railroad would be built
through this valley, which aroused the people to an idea that a pay-
ing institution of learning might be located here. Accordingly a four
story stone building was erected at a probable cost of 83,500 and
incorporated as St. Theresa's Academy, for the instruction of girls
only. About the same time also, another smaller building was
erected near the present parish house, where the boys might be
taught. Since, the railroad was built ten miles distant these two
schools did not prosper, and were abandoned a decade later. In
1873, the Sisters of St. Francis began a day school for boys and
girls, which is still in a flourishing condition.

The next building was that known as the Haycock Run school-
house, situated in Springfield township, about one hundred yards
north of the Haycock and Nockamixon line, beside the public road
leading from Stony Point to Applebachsville. It was built in 1822,
through a subscription of the residents of the vicinity. It was a sub-
stantial stone structure, twenty-two feet square, containing five win-
dows, with three of the sides containing desks, for the accommoda-
tion of the larger pupils, while the smaller ones were obliged to sit
on rude benches constructed of slabs. The teacher had for his use
a large oak chair and a medium sized table for a desk. The stove
was of huge dimensions,' admirably calculated for burning hickory
wood. Owing to its location through the enforcement of the school
laws it remained vacant and finally went to ruins about 1860 and
by 1884 its materials were all removed so that the spot is no longer
visible to a stranger passing that way. Among the teachers that
taught here were " Billy " Smith, " Old Davie " from York State,
Henry S. Afflerbach of Springfield ; Isaac McCarty and Isaac
Mclntyre, of Nockamixon ; Mr. Fabian, Dr. John Hoot, of Hay-
cock ; Petit Burson, of Bursonville, and Thomas Miller, of Stony
Point. Among the trustees were Nicholas Youngken, Frederick
Seiner, Samuel Fluck, William Campbell, Jacob E. Buck and John
E. Mondau. William J. Buck, the historian went first to school
here in 1830 and at intervals down to 1835.

What is known as Frankenfield's school house, was built in
1850, near the present Haycock Run post-office. Among the teach-
ers who taught here were Robert S. Garner, George Rapp, Jefferson
S. Fox, Philip O'Connell, Elias Hoffman, R. F. Stover, C, Minnie
Fackenthal, C.F. Sterner, Titus A. Fluck, Titus Atherholt and M.

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY. 87

D. Fraukenfield. This building became so dilapidated that in 1870,
it was necessary to erect a new one, which is located about a quarter
of a mile south of the former and is known as Hickory Grove school-
house. The teachers who taught here were Titus A. Fluck, M. S.
Nicholas, Martha Sterner, E. A. Frankenfield, John jSI. Detweiler,
John B. Keller, Frank and James Grim.

Manufacturing and other industries. — It did not take the early
settlers long to learn how to utilize the water power of Haycock run.
In 1792, John Nicholas Youngken, then a resident of the present
Lacey farm above Bucksville, prepared the frame work for a saw-
mill and removed it to the present Youngken farm on said stream
which he had bought of Peter Ohl, minister, and his wife Catharine.
This saw-mill has been twice rebuilt since. Another saw-mill was
built near the Catholic Church about the same time by Nicholas
McCarty and was continued in use to about 1840, or during the
ownership of his grandson the late Nicholas B. McCarty, when not
long after was totally demolished. Traces of the dam now the prop-
erty of Thomas Y. McCarty are still discernable.

A mile further down the stream a steam saw-mill was built by
John Finney, of Lambertville, New Jersey, on his farm on the
Nockamixon side in 1867, principally for sawing the large amount
of timber that stood on the place into marketable dimensions. It
remained in operation about one year when the machinery was
removed, and the building left to neglect till 1881, when a number
of farmers organized into a stock company for the purpose of manu-
facturing butter and cheese. The saw-mill property was given by
Mr. Finney to the association for manufacturing purposes but was
to revert back to the owner of the farm after five years of idleness.
In the winter of 1889, the Haycock Kun Dairymen's Association,
sold the creamery to H. S. Mill from Springtown, who added a
handle factory and chopping mill. The building with its contents
was destroyed by fire on the morning of May 15, 1891, and has not
since been rebuilt.

About half a mile from the aforesaid place was located another
saw-mill, but the oldest residents now recollect nothing but the
ruins. A quarter of a mile from the mouth of Haycock run, a grist
mill was built by George Follmer about the year 1800. He had
intended to utilize the water of the Tohickon for water power, and
had constructed a substantial dam and dug the mill race, when to
his dismay, he learned that he had scarcely any power for even an

88 SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY,

undershot wheel. Not being discouraged, he built a dam in Hay-
cock run and by digging a race furnished power enough for the use
of an overshot wheel. The mill remained in operation until tlie
death of Mr. Follmer.

Charcoal burning was a profitable occupation from about 1750
till 1850, considerable quantities being produced in various places
along the base of yon mountain, which were conveyed to Durham
furnace. The places where burned are still plainly visible to careful
observers. One of the largest potteries in the upper end is located
near Stony Garden. The business was carried on by Conrad Mum-
bower in 1880 for some time, and on his death by his son-in-law Col.
John E. Mondau. In 1873, it was rebuilt and enlarged by Simon
Singer its present owner. The first and only store in the valley was
built in the fall of 1868, by Henry Frankenfield, and has since been
conducted by M. D. Frankenfield, Abel Frankenfield, John Berg-
stresser and E. A. Frankenfield. The Haycock Run post-ofiice was
established here in 1872, with M. D. Frankenfield as postmaster, who
has held the position ever since.

When this valley was first settled it was densely covered with
forests, mostly white oak, hickory, maple and ash. Nowhere in the
county does the shell-bark hickory thrive in greater luxuriance than
here. The trees are unusually hardy, and it is rare to find one that
shows traces of decay. Owing to the scarcity and slow growth of
this wood elsewhere it is becoming more valuable every year, con-
siderable quantities being exported to Europe, and also to California
and other Western States for mechanical purposes for which it is
admirably calculated, owing to its elasticity and strength. The
hickory bears a full crop about every two years, and in this valley
in favorable seasons must exceed 2500 bushels.

A Remarkable Bobbery. — About half-way down the Haycock
Run valley and near the banks of its stream occurred an incident, in
the spring of 1862, that at this time is very appropriate to mention
in connection with the family centennial we this day celebrate. On
the evening of May 9, 1862, the fences and underbrush near the
dwelling house of Samuel Gruver, now owned by Edward Keelan,
in some way became ignited, which caused quite a conflagration and
attracted the attention of the Gruver family who hastened from the
house to subdue the flames. During their absence the house was
robbed of about $400 in money. Mr. Gruver at once offered a
reward of $75, one-half for the arrest and conviction of the thief,
and the other half for the return of the money.

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY. 89

Aaron Algard, a suspicious character, who liad just been dis-
charged from the Eastern Penitentiary was the first man to be sus-
pected. Anxious to secure the reward, Alfred Buck, a grandson of
the founder of Bucksville and at present superintendent of the
Lehigh University with Joseph Mondau, started in pursuit of the
supposed thief, chasing him through Bucks, part of jVIontgomery, and
back through Bucks County to the house of Samuel Hager, in Tin-
icum, where they captured him about five days after the robbery.
From Hager's the trio proceeded to 'Squire Frankenfield's where
Algard was given a hearing, and ordered to be taken to jail, the
captors taking with them as a weapon of defeuce the 'squire's
favorite rifle. During his imprisonment, he was interviewed by Al-
fred Buck, who induced Algard to tell him where he had hid the
money and also told him that by so doing his sentence would be
mitigated,

Mr. Buck returned to Haycock, to the place where he was
directed, but found nothing, so he returned again to Doylestown and
asked permission of Judge Chapman to take Algard to Haycock to
reveal the place of concealment. But according to law this privilege
could not be granted, but was requested to interview Algard again
and to make closer inquiry and even make a draft of the surround-
ing place if necessary. This was done, and by diligent searching,
Mr. Buck was rewarded by finding $340.60 in a bureau drawer hid
in a cleft between a rock through which an elm tree about six
inches in diameter has now grown. Several days prior to September
court, Algard broke out of jail and returned again to Tinicum,
where he stole a horse and robe. He was again arrested, im])risoned,
and tried at the next term of court and sent to the Eastern Peniten-
tiary where he died. This capture of Algard and the discovery of
the money by Alfred Buck must long live in the traditions of our
lovely valley.

Several Miscellaneous Matters. — Before we close this sketch
several items occur that possess too much interest to be omitted.
About half a mile west of the intersection of the road from Stony
Point to Applebachsville and Haycock run, just east of Stony Gar-
den resided Tuckemony and his family in a cabin for several years,
and deserves some notice as probably the last of the Indian race in
all this section. His name is found mentioned in the store books of
Jacob E. Buck as having in 1832, and later done some business
with him at Stony Point. He followed basket making and William

90 SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY.

J. Buck says be remembers bim well as frequently coming to his
father's store and exchanging his \yares for goods. That be was a
tall and erect man of fine figure about forty-five years of age and
usually accompanied by one or two of his daughters and a dog. He
spoke English tolerably well and was liked by the people of the
vicinity as being of good character.

Five bridges built at the expense of the county cross Haycock
run. The first, a substantial stone arch bridge on the road leading
from Stony Point to Applebachsville, built in 1854 ; the second a
plank bridge at Youngken's saw-mill, built in 1863 ; the third also
a plank bridge near the Catholic Church, built in 1865 ; the fourth
also a plank bridge at Haycock Run creamery, built in 1826, and
rebuilt in 1869, and the fifth a substantial iron bridge near Hay-
cock Run post-office, built in 1890.

There is scarcely another section of country in Eastern Pennsyl-
vania more deficient in railroad facilities than Haycock Run valley
and the upper half of Bucks County generally. It appears as if a
considerable amount of passengers and freight might be conveyed to
and from this section if the facilities were offered. Not only villages,
but towns, factories and furnaces would spring up in our midst that
are now lying dormant. Speed the day when we may enjoy such
privileges and advantages that our brethren ten miles east and west
of us possess. The material is at hand, waiting to be utilized.

The early settlers excepting the McCartys were from Germany.
Very few are found who cannot speak both English and German.
The latter as spoken may be regarded as rather a dialect and to be
despised by critics, yet we feel proud of it, and with our limited
vocabulary of the English, we are enabled to converse with all whom
we come in contact with, while our English brethren for the want of
a knowledge of any other must confine themselves entirely to their
own language.

From what has now been stated it must appear that the early
settlers must have been an energetic and persevering class of people.
That they early sought a place to hold public worship, and schools
to have their children educated. That they were an industrious
people is evident. Imagine the amount of manual labor, it must
have required to transform the forests into the present farms with
all their improvements. It is also evident that they must have
been a patriotic people, for they contributed soldiers to the Revo-
lutionary war and to every war since.

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY. 91

The preceding sketch was followed by a paper " On Something
New," by W. Illick Long of Riegelsville, but as not possessing
information of local interest or relating to the subject of this work,
hence, the want of space compels us to omit. Lewis Sigafoos of
Nockamixon, a promising poet on local subjects, of which we have
so few in this country, was next introduced and read the following,
entitled

HAYCOCK.

" The groves were God's first temples,"

The poet well has said,
And here 'neath Nature's canopy

We seek their grateful shade.
Around us lie the well-tilled fields,

Where sways the waving grain
Beneath the gentle summer breeze.

Like billows o'er the main.

Beyond these cultivated fields,

The hills in transport rise ;
Where, resting in tranquillity.

The form of beauty lies.
By autumn's cradle rocked to sleep,

She wakes no more till spring ;
In harmony with Nature's chord.

Her chorus loves to sing.

But yonder, like a king whose fame

Achieves a wide repute.
Old Haycock mountain rears his crown —

A monarch absolute.
Well nigh a thousand feet above

The ocean's swelling tide.
He wears his granite diadem —

A mark of regal pride.

Upon these sloping mountain sides,

By Nature's hand refined.
Are crystal fountains, as a type

Of purity designed —
God's unadulterated drink,

Poured out with gen'rous hand.
Through singing rills and limped streams.

To quench the thirsty land.

Adown the hill, with onward flow,
They glide beneath the shade;

92 SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY.

Now dancing through the grass and ferns
Now sparkling in the glade ;

Now tumbling o'er the old mill-wheel,
Then winding through the lea,

They bear a blessing as they flow
To join the briny sea.

Among the branches of the trees.

Upon a sunny day.
The frisky squirrels love to chase

Each other in their play.
The great horned owl that shuns the light

Here seeks a shaded nook.
Where from his covert, on his foes

He may in safety look.

The grouse, that shuns the haunts of men.

May here bring up her brood.
And teach them in their forest home

To love its solitude.
Within the caverns of the rocks,

Scarce changed by cold or heat.
The timid hare and wily fox

Still find a safe retreat.

Perhaps the Indian chased the deer.

Upon this self-same ground;
Perchance he fought the wolf and bear

That here a lair had found ;
But, when the pioneer appeared

With axe and spade and gun,
These roaming tribes of savage beasts

Moved towards the setting sun.

Thus tribes and nations are compelled

To yield to greater powers ;
And what has been the Indian's fate,

May some time, too, be ours.
We hope not soon, yet history

Repeats itself, we know ;
And what shall be this nation's fate,

Futurity will show.

Could yonder mount recite to us

The annals of the past.
What mysteries would be revealed !

What records be recast !
What deeds recounted would to-day

Our hearts with rapture thrill !

SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY.

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SKETCH OF HAYCOCK RUN VALLEY. 95

What pages in our history
They might suffice to fill !

But Haycock, thou hast stood unmoved

Through Ages' passing train,
Though Jove cast forth his thunderbolts.

And washed thy face with rain.
When clouds lie cradled on thy crest,

When mists hang o'er thy brow,
When sunshine plays upon thy face,

As we may see it now.

With Stony Garden at thy foot,

And Top Rock on thy crown ;
With villages around thy base.

On which thou lookest down ;
Thy majesty shall be our theme.

Thy beauty we will laud,
And all the charms thou dost possess,

Ascribe to Nature's God.

Alice Buck, of whom mention has been made as a vocalist,
gave another song that had been specially composed and set to
music by a member of the Buck family. Respecting her merits,
the reporter of the Doylestown Democrat states that she " sang sev-
eral selections in a sweet voice and has promising musical ability."
See "The Wood Robin's Song" on the opposite page.

Asa Frankenfield of Haycock read a paper adapted to the
objects of the celebration on the subject of

EARLY ROADS AND STAGE LINES.

Before we treat of stage coaches as a means of travel, we deem
it necessary as introductory thereto to give a brief mention of the
public roads opened through or near Bucksville, and on which its
prosperity has chiefly depended, in the absence of more convenient
or expeditious means. The canal and the Belvidere Delaware Rail-
road being over four miles distant and the latter, for the want of a
convenient bridge, not readily accessible. We doubt not in the
future a railroad will be constructed, not only much nearer, l)ut
also more direct from the Lehigh Valley to Philadelphia than the
several circuitous routes in use.

The Durham Road was extended northward from Bri.>toi to
Newtown and from thence through Buckingham to the Tohickon
Creek in 1732. Fourteen years later was continued through the
7 ^

96 EARLY ROADS AND STAGE LINES.

present Bucksville and Stony Point to the Durham Furnace, hence
its name. From the latter place it was further opened to the
Lehigh River at Fasten in 1755. The famous Indian Walk was
performed from AVrightstown over this road to Stony Point, Sep-
tember 19, 1737, when they turned to the left on an Indian path
through the jjresent Bursonville and Springtown, crossing the
Lehigh River below Bethlehem. The witnesses on the Walk state
that at that time there was a wagon road in use to the Furnace and
no doubt on the general course of the present road, opened nine
years later. These facts are interesting and go to show that the
first settlements in Nockamixon must have been made between the
years 1738 and 1750. The McCartys were here in 1743, if not,
somewhat earlier, Peter Keyser before 1750, and Herman Youngken
and George Overpeck four years later; we possess no evidence to
this date of others having preceded them in this vicinity.

The next highway in the order of time was the Ridge Road,
by the Germans called, " Bergstrasse," extending westward from
the Durham Road, through the townships of Haycock, Bedminster
and Rockhill, was in use before 1776, has become an important
highway for travel since the completion of the North Pennsylvania
railroad. It commences at the lower end of the village and has now
for some time been a mail route. A road was laid out from Herman
Youngken's house on the Durham Road by way of " the German
meeting house," now St. Luke's Church, to Gallows Run, thence to
the river Delaware. The Court, in September, 1767, ordered it to
be speedily opened. Herman Youngken resided nearly half a
mile above the present village and said road extended eastwardly
through where is now Kintnersville. The road from the Harrow
by the present Revere into the aforesaid highway was laid out in
1793. The road to the Haycock Church was in use before 1800.
The short road of half a mile leading east into the road to Revere
was opened in 1798. The Road from the upper end of the village,
toward Haycock Run, has been in use only within the j^ast twenty
years.

Bucksville, from its location, being exactly fifteen miles distant
from Easton, Bethlehem and Doylestown, could not fail but become
a suitable place for the stopping of stage coaches, especially for
meals and changing horses, but which was not fully attained until
after 1827. No public house was there before 1809, the store, 1816,
and the post-office in 1828. One inducement, however, was not

EARLY ROADS AND STAGE LINES. 97

wanting, for a blacksmith and a wheelwright shop had been he
and wagon making, repairing and horseshoeing seventeen years
before the first tri-weekly coach had passed over the road to Pliihi-
delphia. When the aforesaid advantages were combined in 182S,
the stage lines readily availed themselves of those accommodations.

John Nicholas, in 1792, established the first line from Easton
to Philadelphia, starting on Monday and making one weekly trip,
fare each way $2.00. This line breakfasted at the Three Ton's Inn,
now Stony Point, kept then by Hugh Breckenbridge, passing
through Doylestown and stopping at the White Swan Hotel in
Race Street. On the return leaving there at 6 A. M., carrying the
mail, the post-office having been established at Easton only three
years previously, Frederick Nicholas having become the proprie.
tor in August, 1799, changed it to a semi- weekly, and John Nicholas
in 1810 to a tri-weekly line, leaving Easton at 5 A. M., and Phila-
delphia at the same hour, reaching its destination in the eveniuir,
the fare, $2.50, increased the following year to 82.75. In 1800 Bur-
sonville was made the breakfast and changing place, this continued
for some time. At said date, a line was started from Allentown and
Bethlehem, by way of Hellertown and Springtown, forming a junc-
tion with the Easton line at Burson's. The coach of the latter, in
coming from Easton, passed over the Durham Road to the Furnace,
and a short distance this side turned right, entering the road from
Bethlehem nearly a mile above Bursonville, a circuitous route to
avoid the hills.

In'l824, if not earlier, the aforesaid, with its Allentown and
Bethlehem branches, became a daily line. John Moore of Dan-
borough, having entered into partnership with Samuel Nicholas in
1818, raised the fare to S3.00, and changed for meals and horses to
Ottsville, Monroe and Hellertown. Owing to the increa.se of fare
and now requiring the passengers to remain over night in Doyles-
town, a determined feeling arose. About 1825, William Shouse,
proprietor of a hotel in Easton, with Col. James Reeside of Phila-
delphia, started a new daily line and entered into unabated opjx.si-
tion that continued down to 1832, when they succeeded in buying
out the old line. They were men of capital, and introduced splen-
did new Troy coaches drawn by spirited horses. From its begin-
ning this line changed at the Bucksville Inn, and there also break-
fasted and dined, until its withdrawal by John Pettinger in 1854
When the opposition began, the fifty-six miles of distance generally

98 EARLY ROADS AND STAGE LINES.

required fifteen hours, was brought down before 1831 to eight, aver,
aging the remarkable speed of seven miles per hour, over a road,
too, of which only thirteen miles were turnpiked.

In the beginning of May, 1883, a boy but little over eight
years of age was sent by his parents, residing at Stony Point, to the
Doylestown Academy to school. At Bucksville the stage would
always be taken for the journey and the place of exit on returning.
He remembers well the splendid four-horse coaches with " S. Shouse
& Co." painted on the panels, driven by Aaron Beam, who has still
a son and daughter residing in the vicinity, and the kindness ever
extended to him by the late Nicholas Buck, lifting him in and out
the conveyance, expressing the kind wish that he might become a
scholar. Well, too, does he remember hearing the sweet and mel-
low tones of the driver's horn, sometimes a mile distant, to timely
announce that the stage was coming, so that breakfast may be ready
on arrival. As may be supposed, after the passengers had been
conveyed over fifteen miles of rugged roads at such early hours an
appetite would be promoted that could here be appeased. No
sooner did the stage stop, the driver would drop his lines, partake
also of the awaiting meal, whilst the horses would be changed, next
the seats reoccupied and the journey resumed.

The stages were termed " Troy coaches," from being made at
Troy, N. Y., and were painted of a bright red, ornamented with a
profusion of gilding. Containing inside three seats for nine passen-
gers, the cushions and upholstery being of good leather. The top
was surrounded with an iron railing, over which could be extended,
whenever necessary, a stout cover as a protection from the sun and
rain. The boot, as it was termed, was in the rear, to hold trunks and
heavier baggage, while the lighter or smaller parcels would be
placed on the top or under the driver in front. Each coach was
drawn by four horses, which were generally selected for their speed
and powers of endurance, in the due care of which the attendants
appeared to take a delight. The fare from Bucksville to the city in
1832 was $2.00.

Staging directly and indirectly gave employment and more or
less support to a number of persons, among whom could be enumer-
ated the proprietors, grooms, inn-keepers, smiths, drivers and coach
makers. For the neighboring farmers it made no inconsiderable
home market for oats, corn, hay and straw, besides what was
required as food for the passengers. In the quiet country places

EARLY ROADS AND STAGE IJNES. 99

the arrival of the stage would create some bustle or excitement,
bringing not only strangers, but often acquaintances, rehatives and
friends, who may have had occasion thus to visit familiar scenes
once more. To the post-office it brought letters and newspapers,
and the driver was an important personage from tlie amount of
errands imposed on him, as well as the delivery of messages and
parcels.

Miss Minnie E. Buck of Riegelsville, New Jersey, read the last
paper before the Literary Association and from the nature of its
subject was received with great attention.

PLEASANT MEMORIES THROUGH EARLY ASSOCIA-
TIONS.

The influence of pleasant memories through the power of early
associations is the means of investing the things surrounding us
with poetry and the world to appear more beautiful. There is,
besides, an indescribable and irresistible charm about it that seems
to be a sweetener of existence, rendering life the happier and better
— causing the bright illusions and fancies of youth even to survive
and cling to us with the greater attachment. The person who has
no pleasant memories through early associations I pity. It bespeaks
a want of kindness, a want of charity and gratitude. No love for
home, for kindred, for friends or for humanity ; must show misan-
thropic, selfish and contracted feelings, doing the subject thereof or
the world no good. Therefore, I am disposed to look rather upon
the bright side of life because I had rather laugh than weep.

A distinguished writer has said, "What does not memory
express? Who can appreciate its privileges and advantages? Who
does not cherish with fondness the recollection of bygone days, and
with them the scenes of youth and pleasure? With what alacrity
does the desponding mind relinquish the cares and perplexities of
business and wander back through the vista of years past, and enjoy
again and again that which nought but memory can aflbrd. Who
does not, by the recollection of the past, direct his future actions
and anticipations? 'Tis this which elevates the man, directs his aim
above the groveling things of earth, and fixes his thoughts upon
purer and nobler principles."

Another charmingly relates his experiences after a long
absence : " A few years passed and while yet a little child I loft my
early home. I exchanged the country for the town. I sped on in

100 PLEASANT MEMORIES THROUGH EARLY ASSOCIATIONS.

the path of life. My parents faded, personally at least, from my
recollections; now new pursuits engrossed my attention, new friends
were gathering around me, neAV scenes and circumstances were
brought before me. Yet, sometimes, even amid the din and bustle
of the ever-moving mass, would I hear in fancy the glad song of the
summer bird, or the music of the clear mountain stream, or the
wild wind rustling among the trees, which I had so often listened to
in the quiet of my earlier years. How often, too, would I wander
back in imagination to well known spots ! I would be once more in
the green meadows, where I used to gather the daisies and butter-
cups, and well-remembered nooks, rich with primroses, would spring
before me. An then the rushing water-fall, the huge gray rocks,
and those bright green mossy spots in the deep glen, the beautiful
wild rose, the sweet smelling honeysuckle — these could never be for-
gotten, nor the wood-crowned hills around my home, nor the moun-
tains beyond vanishing in the distant blue."

On this matter Washington Irving thus expresses himself: "I
think it an invaluable advantage to be born and brought up in the
neighborhood of some grand and noble object in nature — a river, a
lake, or a mountain. We make a friendship with it ; we, in a man-
ner, ally ourselves to it for life. It remains an object of our pride
and aifections, a rallying point to call us home again after all our
wanderings. The things which we have learned in our childhood,
says an old writer, grow up with our souls and unite themselves to
it. So it is with the scenes among which we have passed our early
days ; they influence the whole course of our thoughts and feelings,
and I fancy I can trace much of what is good and pleasant in my
own heterogeneous compound to early companionship with such
glorious associations."

After a residence of one hundred years in this immediate
vicinity, the Buck family now find themselves drawn hither exactly
under the circumstances that Irving describes. That most glorious
of objects is yonder — not the work of human hands — and rears
aloft its magnificent dome, the highest of all the wood-crowned hills
of this county. On this most interesting occasion in the history of
our surname, I was impressed with the appropriateness of the words
to this day and hour, as composed by a kinsman and so sweetly sung
by little Alice :

" Ah ! who would be unhappy at tliis time of year,
When birds are rejoicing and the ruses appear;

PLEASANT MEMORIES THROUGH EARLY ASSOCIATIONS. 101

And the woods and the fields are embellished in green,
Whilst grand towering Haycock enraptures the scene."

The programme of the Buckwampuii Literary As.-sociation
having now been duly carried out, some unfinished business was
next in order. AVilliam J. Buck made a report on behalf of the
Executive Committee, from which a brief mention will be made.
That from the beginning to the end, all expenses incurred for this
meeting, including the celebration of the Bucksville Centennial,
would be defrayed by a few members of the Buck family, through
a mutual understanding among them that was entirely satisfactory.
Family pride, on such an unusual occurrence, would have revolted
at the idea of resorting to so humiliating an aid, and worse still,
where necessity, as he hoped, did not require it.

The Committee of Arrangements consisted of John T. liiick,
Henry H. Youngken, Harvey Kiser, Sylvester Buck, Owen George,
and Abel Kohl, all residents in or near Bucksville, and the descend-
ants of old and respected families. INIuch credit is to be given to
the various ways they faithfully labored in making the occasion
a grand success, and of whom more will be said hereafter. Now,
in holding the fifth annual meeting of the Literary Association it
was gratifying to state that for this occasion, when the programme
had been filled, a considerable number of essayists and musicians
proflTered themselves but could not be received, as the time allotted
could not possibly permit it. It is hoped, however, that some of
those may have the opportunity presented them in the future.

A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried, that
the next annual meeting of the Buckwampun Literary Association
be held near the Ringing Rocks in Bridgetown Township. Charles
Laubach, the secretary, was authorized to secure in due time a
proper location for the purpose, and as convenient as possible to
Milford Bridge, for the better accomodation of the public who may
come by the way of the Belvidere, Delaware Railroad. The main
business having been despatched, president Hindenach announced
that there would now be a recess of half an hour at the expiration
of which time the meeting would be called to order and the exer-
cises of the Celebration begin, and that the Literary Association
was now adjourned until its next meeting in June, 1893.

THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

(Continued).

After the audience had a full half hour's recess, and given

102 THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

themselves to refreshments, conversation and enlarging the circle
of acquaintance, they were called to order by William J. Buck,
chairman of the Centennial Association, who made a few brief
remarks. He said that as an hour had been lost through delay in
the beginning of these exercises, he did not design to keep the audi-
ence here above an hour longer, when the procession would be
formed for Bucksville and then adjourn until 8 o'clock in the even-
ing, when the remaining exercises on the programme would be gone
through with, and he hoped for a final adjournment at half past 9
o'clock. Considering his age, from the arduous duties that had
either been imposed or assumed by him on this occasion, he was still
willing to give his influence that everything that had been
announced for these meetings be faithfully carried out, as a centen-
nial of this character had as yet been rarely held in this country,
as but few families could show so long a continued influence as to
have it promoted by themselves. This to us is a matter of congrat-
ulation. Here, too, are present many of the descendants of the
neighbors of Nicholas Buck of one hundred years ago, as the Kohls,
McCartys, Youngkens, Traugers, Overpecks, Sassamans, Keysers
and more might be mentioned if disposed to swell the list. But to
shorten time would introduce to the audience a young man and a
native of Bucksville, holding now the responsible position of experi-
mental chemist to the extensive iron and steel works at South
Bethlehem. Charles Austin Buck then read the following paper:

THE BUCKSVILLE PIANO CLASS OF 1814-15.

Charles Fortman was a German by birth and came from the
Valley of the Rhine, probably from Alsace or the vicinity of Col-
ogne. He was a graduate of one of the universities there and could
speak fluently Latin, German, French and English, besides a famil-
iarity with Dutch, Flemish and Italian. What time he arrived in
this country is not known, but we find in a number of the Norris-
town Herald of April 15, 1803, his advertisement, from which we
take the following extract :

" The subscriber, master of music, begs leave to inform the
public that he has engaged a private room at Michael Broadt's
house where he gives instruction on the piano forte at three dollars
per month — at the same time he off^ers to give private lessons in the
French and Latin languages. His employers may rest assured that
on his side no pains shall be spared in order to give them full satis-

BUCKSVILLE PIANO CLASS OF 1814-15. 103

faction. Those having a knowledge only of the English or of the
German, and wish to improve themselves respectively therein, he
will also give instructions. Should a sufficient number of children
be made up he is not averse to open a German school."

How long he remained at Xorristown or its vicinity is not
known, but no doubt for several years. Michael Broadt was an
enterprising man there and at that time kept the New Moon Inn.
Here he found a friend and patron in Gen. Francis Swaine, whose
wife, Mary, the daughter of the Rev. Henry jNI. Muhlenberg of the
Trappe, was one of his pupils on the piano. Mr. Fortman, no
doubt, has the honor of being the first teacher of classes on said
instrument in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, hence, is deserving
of some notice which we believe he has never heretofore received,
except from the hands of a son of one of his pupils who is now pres-
ent and possesses all the documentary proof of what is herein given.
How he became first acquainted with Captain Buck is not now
exactly known, but it is supposed it was under the following circum-
stances. The latter had, between the years 1808 and 1813, several
extensive estates to settle among his wife's relatives and others in
Montgomery County, which then frequently called him to Norris-
town, and it is inferred that it was thus brought about that subse-
quently induced him to come to his house to set up there for several
years his school in all of the aforesaid branches, besides mathe-
matics, bookkeeping and penmanship. The probability is strong
that he came there in 1813, if not, at least, in the following year.
Among those in his class were Captain Buck's two sons, Jacob and
Samuel, Nicholas, his nephew, a son of Major Jacob Buck and his
relative, Joseph Kohl. It is regretted now that the names of his
other pupils cannot be secured, but there is strong reason to believe
that the late Nicholas Soliday of Tinicum was one of the number.
As Mr. Fortman's name is mentioned in Captain Buck's store
books as late as 1823, it is supposed in this interval was the chief
organist of Haycock Church, and may have besides taught in some
of the surrounding school houses, the commoner branches as aidmg
to his support. It is now remarkable to state that he taught his
vocal and instrumental music entirely from manuscript books, pre-
pared by himself for his pupils, which proves that he was a splendid
penman, some of his music and writing resembling steel engraving.
William J. Buck, the eldest son of his pupil, Jacob, is the po-ssessor
of his two manuscript books, and will afford him pleasure now to

104 BUCKSVILLE PIANO CLASS OF 1814-15.

show them on this iateresting occasion, after more than three-quarters
of a century have passed away. He has also here his mother's
manuscript book on vocal music, prepared by her teacher, Joseph
Hess, in 1818, and used by her in the choir of the Springfield
Church down to 1824. The said instructor was the father of David
W. Hess, Esq., residing below Springtown.

One of the music books referred to has this inscription on its
title page: " Instructions, or the Elements of Music adapted for the
Piano Forte, Harpsicord, etc., for the use of Jacob Buck of Nocka-
mixon Township, Bucks County. Begun July 25, 1815, by Charles
Fortman." Those two manuscript books conclusively prove that he
was an accomplished scholar as well as musician. The songs and
other pieces therein being written in Latin, German and English.
In his English hand there is a remarkable resemblance in style to
that subsequently of his pupils, Jacob and Samuel Buck, in their
father's store books, and those of the former down almost to the
close of his life. It is so close that good judges might be mistaken.
This goes to show that he must have been a successful teacher and
that the aforesaid pupils possessed strong imitative powers. What
became of Mr. Fortman after 1823 has not been ascertained.

Mention was made of Captain Buck taking an active part in
the erection of two new school houses in his vicinity, and in this
connection deserves further notice. The first was built about three-
quarters of a mile below his house, immediately on the east side of
the Durham Road, a short time previous to 1797, on a portion of
the ground of James Smith, who resided there. He was of Scotch-
Irish descent and Avas a justice of the peace in 1803, and how much
earlier we do not know, hence it always bore the name of Smith's
school house. It was demolished about 1850 and said farm is now
owned by George Good. Here his son, Gea. Samuel A. Smith, was
born in 1795, and probably received all his school education within
its walls. Held various military offices, was also a judge, senator
and member of Congress.

There is a subscription paper extant among the Buck relatives
relating to this school house which it is regretted possesses neither a
date nor the name of the teacher, but it is presumed to be before
1808. Among the names mentioned thereon are Leonard Buck,
Nicholas Buck and Jacob Buck, each proposing to send two pupils.
The conditions were for four months tuition, $2.00 each, spelling,
reading, writing and arithmetic to be the branches taught, no

BUCKSVILLE PIANO CLASS OF 1814-15. 105

deductions to be made for absence, and the patrons to find the fuel.
The other schoolhouse was built at the Haycock Church about 1800
and stood until 1854 when it was torn down.

After he had attained some proficiency on the piano, the late
Jacob E. Buck related this anecdote which occurred in his father's
house about 1817. Several neighbors who had come to the store
desired to have him play on his new instrument. After entertain-
ing them with some six or eight pieces, one of the party on arising
from the chair placed a coin thereon, saying, " Du spielt doch so
gutt Ja-ke das ich muss dihr ein cent ga-ve." Thanking him for
his intended generosity, he replied that he did not, for such a trifle,
expect any compensation, much less from neighbors and acquain-
tances.

The Chairman now announced that John T. Buck would play
two pieces of music that had been specially selected from the afore-
said Piano Class books, on his Estey organ. The first was called
" Washington's March," which was a favorite of the late -lacob E.
Buck, who had learned to play it from the same notes seventy-seven
years ago. After he had repeated it several times, played "The
Peacock Feather and the White Cockade," a lively piece, much
danced by the young men of the Washington Light Horse Company
with the young women of the neighborhood in the evenings, after
their company and battalion drills were over. The Chairman
further added that this information he had received from several of
his relatives, nearly half a century ago, corroborated by his mother
who had been present at several such occasions between the years
1818 and 1822, and that under the circumstances, to the numerous
descendants of the members of the said troop present, lu- had no
doubt said music must prove the more interesting as well as enter-
taining.

A poem was composed for this occasion by a grandson ot Caj)-
tain Buck which was sung by Frank Grim, Edwin Kohl, Cora B.
Grim and Cora B. Kohl, the former having arranged it to music.
They were introduced as the "Nockamixon Quartette," being a
residents within a few miles of Bucksville. This effort was well
received and from the nature of the subject was impressive.

OUR OLD FAMILY HOME.

Though long absent we have returped again,
To meet once more on sacred native soil;

106 BUCKSVILLE PIANO CLASS OF 1814-15.

To banish our feelings therefrom is vain —
For it has stronger grown than any coil.

For in the long past an ancestor here

Did rear a home and many years did dwell;

A family grew — and memories dear

Arise therefrom to cause our bosoms' swell.

O happy children ! this is all for joy,
That now sweet recollection brings to view ;
Though — regret may come — even to a boy —
To impress him that Time's changes are true.

Then, grand old homestead, may you long survive —
That hither our descendants may repair;
To think of those once here — not now alive.
And from their examples need not despair.

Yonder forever. Haycock grandly towers.
Here still flourish ancestral planted trees,
Here still are woods and sweetly scented flowers.
And lovely still June's landscape with its breeze.

The chairman now exhibited several relics long in the Buck
family, and which had been brought together for this occasion by
the several possessors thereof, giving a brief history of each. The
sword, belt and pistols of Captain Buck which may have been in his
possession ninety years ago. The manuscript piano books of 1814-
15, and the Springfield choir book of 1818-24; one of Captain
Buck's store books, commencing in 1816, and extending to 1823;
copy of a map from the Surveyor-General's ofiice, Harrisburg, of
Nicholas Buck's original purchase of the Buckhill tract from the
Penns ; an original painting of Captain Buck in the full uniform
of the Washington Light Horse, with a view of his mansion and of
the magnificent scenery near Bucksville, as it appeared in 1810; the
original deed of the Bucksville purchase in 1792; a painting of St.
Catherine brought from the valley of the Rhine and supposed to be
at least 120 years in the family, autographs of the ancestor, of Cap-
tain Buck and of his several sons were also shown. These are the
only ones we propose to mention here as bearing directly on the sub.
ject of this work, and hence will be more fully described in connec-
tion with what they relate.

At quarter past 5 o'clock, the chairman introduced from the
platform, John E. Buck, the chief marshall of the day, who was
requested to state to the audience his orders for the line of procession

BUCKSVILLE PIANO CLASS OF 1814-15. 107

to Bucksville. The Cornet Band with their large and splendid band
wagon drawn by four gaily caparisoned horses to take the lead.
Next the marshall with sash and full regalia and Edward J. Buck
bearing aloft the fine, large banner of blue silk containing the Buck
coat-of-arms, and the words " Bucksville Centennial, 1792-1892," in
gold letters, and beside him his brother carrying the American flag ;
after which followed four abreast on foot, the descendants of the
family, their relatives, and representatives of the old families of the
neighborhood and others. Carriages came next in long array and
well filled with an interested assemblage, notably those containing
entire families, from advanced years down to childhood.

The marshall had taken the precaution to send the band wagon
about quarter of a mile ahead and when those on foot had arrived
there and were stationed in line, he proceeded to the rear and judging
that nearly half had gotten from out the woods, he directed the band
to play as a signal for starting and soon moving onwards. The editor
was seated in a well-filled two horse carriage, nearly half way from
the front and when he had arrived two-thirds of the way towards
Bucksville, a turn in the road enabled the whole line of the process-
ion to be seen ; and is satisfied that it almost filled up the entire
distance between the upper end of the village, making it considerably
over a half a mile in length.

The entire route from being level and unobstructed with woods
and many of the carriages and horses decorated with flags, presented
a grand sight with the magnificent scenery in view to give still
greater effect as worthy long remembrance. When the procession
arrived before the old family mansion it was nearly six o'clock, hence,
it was concluded not to proceed down to the lower end of the village
and return as had been contemplated. This shortened the route of
the procession fully one and a half miles and near one hour's time,
so adjourned for their evening meals.

BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL.— EVENING
CELEBRATION.

Opposite the old family mansion, and about one liundrod yards
south of the hotel and on ground that has now for a century been
continuously in possession of the Buck family, the evening meeting
was held. A platform was erected here and a sufficiency of scats
for an ample crowd by the Bucksville Cornet Band who enlivened

108

BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL. — EVENING CELEBRATION,

the proceedings at intervals with music. It was a fair and beautiful
June evening with a full moon throughout the entire night that
lights were almost unnecessary for the purpose of reading or writing.
The exercises began promptly at 8 o'clock, when the chairman of
the Centennial Association called the assemblage to order, with a
few remarks as appropriate for the occasion. The audience numbered
about five hundred, excellent order was observed throughout as well
as close attention given by all.

After the band had played several national airs, John T. Buck
a great-grand-son of Captain Buck read the following paper, pre-
pared by a kinsman for this occasion : —

THE WASHINGTON LIGHT HORSE.

I have the honor to read to you for this evening's exercises a
brief history of one of the only two troops of cavalry that have

THE WASHINGTON LIGHT HORSE. 100

existed within the area of the upper half of this county. Tlie other
was Captain Samuel Seller's company of Light Dragoons whose
locality was chiefly in the vicinity of Sellersville and Rockhill town-
ship. But to add to the additional honor of this eventful day, of
all the Cavalry companies raised within the territory of old Bucks
which has a military history commencing with the French and Indian
war of 1756, it is supposed none have existed so long as the one that
now forms my subject and of which Nicholas Buck, Sr. and Nicholas
Buck, Jr. laid the foundations thereof in a continuous captaincy of
twenty-three years if not more.

In consequence of the hostile feelings expressed against this
country by the British government, an intense excitement broke
forth showing that a spirit of patriotism still prevailed among our
people and that it also extended to Bucksville and surrounding sec-
tion. Nicholas Buck like his brothers Jacob and John, having had
some previous military experience, seized the opportunity in the fall
and winter of 1807, to organize in his neighborhood a troop of
cavalry to be called the Washington Light Horse. In this effort he
was sufficiently successftil by the following May as to have them
equipped to attend the annual spring parade and be inspected.
From the Pennsylvania Correspondent published by Asher ^liner
at Doylestown, under date of November 22, 1808, we learn that
Captain Buck and his Troop had been invited to attend a Republi-
can meeting there about two weeks later whereof his brother 'Major
Jacob Buck was one of the committee of arrangements. Although
quite young, soon after its organization Nicholas Buck, Jr. was
admitted a member and for some time performed the duties of
trumpeter.

The company was chiefly composed of the sons of the nio.^t
respectable and influential farmers of the surrounding section, i)ar-
ticularly in the townships of Nockaniixon, Springfield, Durham and
Haycock. Among these can be mentioned the time-honored names
of Overpeck, Kohl, McCarty, Heaney, Buck, Hess, Apple, Keyser,
Trauger, Afflerbach, Youngken, Amey, Ott, Beidleman, Fulnier.
Hager, Long, Rufe, Worman, Weirback, Mann, Good, Boileau,
Gruver, Kintner, Barron, Derr, Sumstone, Clymer and Landis.
Their uniform consisted of a blue coat, trimmed with yellow cord,
white pants>ith a black stripe on the sides. A black leather cap,
covered over the top with bear skin and on the side of which was a
plume of white feathers with a red top. Said regulation dress as

110 THE WASHINGTON LIGHT HORSE,

During the war of 1812-14, the company was not called upon
to enter the service, but notice was sent the captain to hold them-
selves in readiness on demand should emergency require it. On the
execution of Mina, three miles south of Doylestown, June 26, 1832,
the company performed guard service. The following is a consecu-
tive list of its captains as now ascertained : Nicholas Buck, Nicholas
Buck, Jr., Nockamixon ; George Overpeck, Durham ; Samuel Derr,
Springfield ; Jacob A^an Buskirk, Durham ; John Youngken, Spring-
field ; Elwood Clymer and Hugh Kintner, Nockamixon. It was
during the command of the latter that the company disbanded in
1861, giving it an existence of fifty-four years.

Jonas H. Buck of Bucksville, a lineal descendant of the first
two mentioned captains, possesses his grandfather's sword, belt with
" N. B. " engraved on its brass oval breast-plate and the two pistols.
They would now be regarded as cumbersome, with a rather rough
finish compared with recent manufacture. Considering their size
the pistols are remarkably heavy and the barrels and mountings are
all of brass; aa may be expected they are both flintlocks, the per-
cussion cap not having been introduced until about 1832. The laws
then required seven years full membership and training to be exempt
from further military service.

What greatly tended to the encouragement and keeping up so
long this company was owing to a common custom that then prevailed
almost universally amongst all well-to-do farmers throughout this
section. A short time before each son became of age his father
would give him a colt to raise which was to belong to him and for
his use. These young men therefore would take special pains in the
rearing of these their great favorites and that they be well fed, cared
for and of fine figure. In these early days and in the absence of
good roads and bridges, all expeditious travel was chiefly confined
to horseback. This helped to make them skilled horsemen and from
the pride taken in their steeds their tastes would readily incline them
to the cavalry in preference of any other military organization, and
hence we need not wonder why they have ever been regarded as the
aristocracy of the service.

Bucksville for over half a century was a noted place for the uni-
formed volunteers holding their company drills and battalions,
which would in consequence bring out a multitude of spectators.

THE WASHINGTON LIGHT HORSE. Ill

including numbers of women and children. Therefore it was alwavs
awaited with interest and looked upon as a general holiday. The
Buck family furnished from Nockamixon to said military organiza-
tions between the years 1792 and 1861, six captains and three majors.
The captains were Nicholas Buck, Nicholas Buck, Jr., Jacol) Buck,
Jr., Jacob Buck, John Buck and John H. Buck. The three last
mentioned became subsequently majors. There is evidence that
Jacob Buck was a major before 1800, and his brother John some time
before the last war with Great Britain and continued in said rank
several years later.

Joseph Trauger a life long resident of Nockamixon and sup-
posed to be the oldest surviving member of the Washington Light
Horse was visited at his house by a grandson of Captain Buck,
November 15, 1891 ; who appeared to be then of excellent memory
and understanding to secure some additional matter on this subject.
He stated that in the following July would be 89 years of age.
That he had joined the company in 1822 or the following year and
that Nicholas Buck, Jr., was then captain and about the time his
seven years' term had expired, the aforesaid resigned his command
of the troop ; he also well remembers the drillings thereof by its first
captain. Unexpectedly the painting was shown him of the latter
to know whether in his opinion the uniform was strictly correct as
represented when he belonged to it. This to him was an agreeable
surprise for he had never anticipated anything of this kind. "With-
out saying a word for several minutes and gazing intently over it,
judge his feelings from the reminiscences it recalled in his life of
almost seventy years ago. He exclaimed, " Yes, the uniform is cor-
rect and there is the old house on the Durham road, the training
field, and the Haycock, how natural ! where did you get this ? " We
will here add that Ur. Trauger died the following February 27.

The painting was also submitted to the judgment of Captain
Hugh Kintner, Jacob Kohl and George Trauger who were mcnd)ers
of the company at its dissolution as to whether any change had been
made in the uniform, they said not, that it must have remained the
same. The last mentioned was a son of Mr. Trauger and was present
on the occasion of the visit. In addition to the aforesaid four sur-
vivors of the company may yet be mentioned. Samuel Boileau who
was orderly sergeant, Levi Shellenberger, Aaron Trauger an<l lOha.s
Riser. Had this inquiry been presented there is no doubt this
number could have been considerably increased. A suggestion wa.«j

112 THE WASHINGTON LIGHT HORSE,

made but it came too late to be put into execution : that some of these
survivors appear in full uniform in the Centennial procession and
to be accompanied by as many of them as was possible to get together
and be mounted on horseback. Efforts were made to secure a uni-
form for this purpose, which failed and as no time was left to get up
a resemblance the matter was dropped.

Alice Buck next sung " Oh Papa what will you take for me? "
which was greatly appreciated. William J. Buck had prepared
notes on the " History of the Old Homestead," with the intention
of speaking verbally therefrom, but stated that he would prefer
hearing enlivening music instead, of which there was an ample
supply at hand, and hence would defer the subject which may be
seen elsewhere in this work, John T. Buck played on the Estey
organ several selections from the notes in one of the manuscript
Piano books previously mentioned. One of these was accomj)anied
with a humerous song in German which for its rarity and novelty a
reduced fac-simile is given, supposed not to have been heretofore
published, at least in this country.

The Band now executed several lively airs, when Alice Buck
gave another song. The Nockamixon Quartette whom we have
mentioned sung " The Whip-poor-will," composed by a gentleman
present and arranged to music by Frank Grim. From the rural
nature of its subject was admirably adapted to the occasion and the
season of the year,

Henry H. Youngken on the committee of arrangements having
brought the rocks from Stony Garden that Dr. John J, Ott had
selected and performed on at the meeting held there by the Literary
Association, June 11, 1892, so to form a gamut, John T, Buck
sung the following poem thereto and in each stanza struck those
rocks so as to respond, thus forming natural chimes, sounds that but
few have heard. As it created considerable interest at Stony Garden
and owing to the local character of the piece, at particular request
is here introduced by its author the editor.

THE CHIMES OF STONY GARDEN,

Here in a wood that long has stood,
A mass of loosen'd rocks lie round,
When struck emit a joyful sound —

Then ring rocks ring !
Why not have rhymes to Nature's chimes ?
As are found at Stony Garden.

THE WASHINGTON LIGHT HORSE.

ii;

CO tc

THE WASHINGTON LIGHT H0R3E. 115

Ring out so free in kindly glee,
The music's future yet to be

That wildwood chimes go merrily

Then ring rocks ring!
Why not good will and the player's skill
Bring praise for Stony Garden.

Let rocks so old then be well toU'd
And Echo add a rival strain,
Whose like we may not hear again,
Then ring rocks ring !
Why not ba gay this picnic day ?
The first herd at Stony Garden.

Let other sounds on other grounds
Bring strangers from afar or near ;
But none invite to such a cheer,

Then ring rocks ring I
Here let your strokes delight the folks.
Assembled at Stony Garden.

Nature's sweet charms the bosom warms
And long retired, here sought to dwell;
But Knowledge came and broke the spell —

Then ring rocks ring !
Near Haycock's hill, where whip-poor-will
In June, welcomes Stony Garden.

The chairman stated that though at this (/eiitennial celebration
much had been said and done in honor of its commemoration, from
a personal knowledge believed that not half was as yet given from
the variety of sources at command, and a day or two more could be
thus spent on additional matters relating to this celebration ; that
for himself he was satisfied with what had been accomplished this
day for so noted an event, and as the time was now quarter of ten,
proposed a final adjournment. Thus closed a demonstration the first
of its kind held in Bucks County, and will be likely long held in
remembrance by its several participants.

REMARKS ON THE BUCKS VILLE CENTENNIAL.

Desiring to be brief, the aforesaid will close our account of .said
celebration without by any means exhau.sting our material thereon.
Various estimates were given as to the number present, very few
making it less than one thousand and others above fifteen hundred.

116 REMARKS ON THE BUCK8VILLE CENTENNIAL.

Mr. Laubach, the secretary gave the latter as his opinion. On this
matter the editor while in the woods was deceived, and attributes
that it was caused by the extensive area of the same, covering full
six acres free of underbrush. The trees being of good size permitted
readily horses in carriages to be driven and safely secured thereto.
Hence when they were brought together in line the length of the
procession, though compact created surprise for it was close to three-
quarters of a mile, the conveyances being well filled besides the
number a-foot, and therefore entertain no doubt that it considerably
exceeded the first mentioned number.

We are pleased to say though so large an assemblage, no acci-
dent was reported as having occurred to either man, woman, child
or to horses and vehicles. So orderly was it throughout that not a
single case for damage from collision occurred in so large a collection
of conveyances. From the beginning to the end of the exercises
decorum was duly observed. No reflections were cast on any of the
arrangements, or on the individuals that took part therein, but on
the contrary appeared to give unusual satisfaction. A large majority
of the population in and around Bucksville for several miles, is
composed of the descendants of old families who thus in various
ways felt themselves greatly interested, particularly through the
affiliations of the long past. The respect and regard shown on this
occasion to the Buck family, should by its descendants be ever held
in grateful recollection in revisiting the homes of their ancestors.

Partly in corroboration of what has been stated and as express-
ing additional views, will now give a few brief extracts from the
writings of three reporters who were present. First from what
appeared in the Bucks County Intelligencer of June 16th:
" Men and women with gray hair and bowed form were reminded
on Saturday as they saw the concourse of people gathered about the
hotel at Bucksville, of the annual ' Battalion days ' of half a century
ago, when the several troops of the northeastern townships would
assemble at the popular hostelry in their annual drill and the com-
munity for miles around would turn out in gay holiday attire. It
also brought back to remembrance the era in our history before the
locomotive became a factor in the commerce and passenger trans-
portation and the stage line from Philadelphia to Easton had its
route up the Durham road, and the " Sign of the White Horse," was
the half-way house between Doylestown and the stage's destination,
and where relays were secured.

REMARKS OX THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL. 117

"Saturday, however, Bucksville threw aside its usual (|uiet and
peaceful appearance and arrayed itself with National colors, gave a
cordial welcome to the hundreds who sought it as a ]\[ecca for a
literary feast, or to renew old associations and do honor to worthy
ancestors.

" The day was celebrated by members of tlie Buck family as the
centennial of the purchase of a tract of land in Nockaniixon town-
ship by Captain Nicholas Buck their ancestor, and his removal to
and founding of the village, and it is to the credit of the family tlmt
there are still several hundred acres yet held intact by its njcmbcrs.

"Early in the morning the descendants began to arrive from
every part of the State, and by noon, a large number had arrive<l,
many of them meeting after a separation of years, during which time
young men had become old and young girls grandmothers. Dinner
over, the company began to wend their way toward the grove.
There the hundreds of friends of the Buckwampun Literary Society
had gathered in anticipation of their annual literary and scientific
feast, but owing to the historical character of the occasion,
part of the programme was given up to the consideration of papers
relating to the vicinity and the family in whose honor the day was
celebrated."

The Doylestown Democrat of the same date thus touches
on the matter: "Bucksville wore a holiday attire on Saturday in
honor of the centennial celebration of the founding of the village
by Captain Nicholas Buck. Not since old staging days has the
historic spot contained so many strangers in one day. Bucks or the
descendants of the Bucks came from nearly everywhere, and turned
the day into a big old-fashioned family reunion. Buck greeted Buck
who had not seen one another for twenty-five, thirty or perhaps f(»rty
years. On benches along the sunny side of the hotel porch were
grouped Bucks during the morning, chatting over stories of the long
ago and incidents of their childhood in the familiar scenes now
revisited.

"The old Buck homestead was gaily decked with flags, bunting,
flowers and trimmings. The hotel now run by the accommodating
young landlord, John H. Nickel, as well as other buildings in th.r
village, displayed the national colors lavishly, and every body in
the vicinity whether a member of the Buck family or not. took a
holiday. A more beautiful day could not have been selected f..r the
reunion meeting. The sun bathed the pictures^pie landscai)e in

118 REMARKS ON THE BUCKSVILLE CENTENNIAL.

warmth, while over the blue crest of Haycock mountain swept
cool breezes from the west. The exercises were brought to a close
in the evening at the old village homestead, where with song and
story, the reunion around which will cluster the most pleasant recol-
lections of the Buck family and all other participants, ended."

Otto Rapp the editor of the Riegelsville News, also of said
date, gave a sketch of the meeting from which we will select a few
brief extracts: '* The occasion throughout was an enjoyable affair.
The procession was marshalled by our friend John E. Buck of
Riegelsville, New Jersey. The exercises of the centennial consisted
of music and historical reminiscences of the Buck family and of the
early settlers in and around Bucksville. The News congratulated
this family on the success of its centennial and wishes them many
more happy reunions. The meetings of the Buckwampun Literary
Association increase yearly in interest and attendance and have
become quite popular."

All members of the Buck family present who performed the
duties of essayists, musicians, vocalists or on committees wore badges
as indicative of the labors assigned them, on which Avas a repre-
sentation of the family coat-of-arms, namely a springing white buck
on a red shield from whence the surname originated in the middle
ages. They were of two sizes. That worn by the chief marshall
on his sash was three and a half by four inches, the rest were about
one-fourth the former in size, which were worn either on the breast
or on the lapels of their coats. This beautiful design was gotten up
by one of the family and given as a souvenir to the most efficient of
its members in appreciation of their services on this occasion. A
representation of which is given on the title-page.

The proper day for the observance of the centennial should
have been from the date of March 23, 1793, the day on which
Captain Buck took full possession of the property by his occupancy
thereof. Owing to the time of the year, the general condition of
the roads, and the impossibility of holding a large meeting out in
the open air at said time precluded any such an idea. Neither would
it have suited aged persons or delicate constitutions, as in the case
of the editor, besides the inconveniences attending such a gathering
at some distance from the nearest railroad; hence it was deemed
most prudent to combine it partly with one of the annual meetings
of the Buckwampun Literary Association, which have always taken
place near the middle of June, the loveliest and most appropriate
time of the year.

EEMAKKS ON THE BUCKSYILLE CENTENNIAL. IIH

Among those present of the family that did not participate in
any of the exercises a few may be mentioned: Alfred Buck and
Jordan Buck of South Bethlehem ; Michael Buck, Tinicum, Jacob
Buck. Freuchtown, Alloysious Buck of Nockamixon ; Francis Bazilla
Buck, William J. Buck, merchant, 1728 Ridge Avenue, John l>uck,
Edward J. Buck, Howard Buck, Philadelphia ; Henry N. Buck,
Haycock, Mrs. J. F. Cottraan, sister of the editor, Jenkintown.
The oldest present was Mrs. Helena Kohl, daughter of the late
Nicholas Buck of Bucksville, aged nearly 80 years, who has an elder
surviving sister. Of the relations and particular friends may be
mentioned Thomas C. Atherholt, and Edgar F. Atherholt, merchants,
605 Market street, Philadelphia, A. B, Haring of Freuchtown, N.
J., Samuel Gruver of Tinicum, Dr. J. S. Johnson of Kintnersville,
Dr. John J. Ott of Pleasant Valley, John Kane of South Bethlehem
and Jonas Frankenfield and William Beam of Haycock.

THE BUCKSVILLE CORNET BAND.

On a previous page it is stated that through a suggestion made
soon after the meeting of the Literary Association at Stony Garden in ■
June, 1890, to John T. Buck in view of the contemplated Bucks-
ville centennial led to the formation of this band. The aforesaid
had for some time been an accomplished teacher in vocal and instru-
mental music in the surrounding section, and his house a kind of
head-quarters for those of musical tastes, hence through these several
circumstances though in a small population it was not difficult to
effect something of this kind, but that it should have up to this date
grown to be so successful is more than the most sanguine could iuivc
anticipated.

It was organized as the Bucksville Cornet Band, November 5,
1890, with the following members: John T. Buck, Owen George,
Edwin Kohl, William Stone, Medas Atherholt, Frank Kohl, S. D.
Herstine, Austin O'Connell, Nicholas Buck, Charles Hager, Eugene
J. Kohl, Aaron B. Eufe, Frank :\Iatlock, Andrew Hefler. Sylvoater
Buck, John Kimenhour, Abel Kohl, Frank Grim, Henry Rich, John
Moser, Thomas Wolfinger, Edward Smith, Vincent Buck, Henry
Shellenberger and Aaron Swope. At said meeting 8104.00 was
raised and subscribed for instruments and for other incidentals
John T. Buck the treasurer having heard through their wmu-nl
instructor Dr. John J. Ott of Pleasant Valley that the Mountain-

120 THE BUOKSVILLE CORNET BAND.

ville Band of Northampton County had been dissolved and therefore
desired to sell out at some sacrifice. The treasurer was therefore
instructed to proceed there and see whether a satisfactory purchase
could be made of their instruments and a splendid band-wagon that
for their purpose they had specially built.

With said intent Mr. Buck proceeded on a journey there and
made for the organization a successful purchase, paying for the
instruments $126.45 and for the wagon only $75.00. After this
$110.50 was additionally raised by its members with subscriptions
from William J. Buck, Mrs. J. F. Cottman and Albert Stover
amounting to S15.00. By a picnic held in 1891, the band realized
the further sum of S84.00, which they have applied for additional
instruments and equipments. Dr. Ott commenced his instructions
in the treasurer's hall, November 12, 1890. The proficiency they
had made within the first six months produced quite a surprise in
the neighborhood on their first turn out and parade. They have
since been called upon to perform at various places as at Red Hill,
Bucksville Centennial, Kintnersville, Pipersville and Haycock,
besides at picnics and weddings. They are now clear of all debt
and have besides about $100.00 in the treasurer's hands.

Their founder John T. Buck has at his expense had a hall
erected for their special use thirty-four by twenty-eight feet in dimen-
sions over the Bucksville Creamery in the spring of 1892, which is
quite an accommodation for practice on evenings or in unfavorable
weather. Owen George is the present leader, the second being Frank
Grim. Dr. Ott has been very favorably disposed towards their
improvement from its beginning and his services have been duly
appreciated and still gives them occasional instructions. He was
present and performed with them at the late Centennial celebration.
The success and establishment of this band in so small a village as
Bucksville and its scattered surrounding population, certainly is a
compliment to the musical taste of that section, whose foundation
may have been laid there by Professor Fortman eighty years ago
and which has not since been entirely extinguished.

SIGN OF THE BUCK AND THE SIGN OF WHITE
HORSE.

With the view to keeping a public house Captain Buck had
built an extensive addition to his dwelling during the year 1808^

SIGN OF THE BUCK AKD THE SIGN OF WHITE HORSE. 121

„ ,ii«/fe4«W^ '

SIGN OF THE BUCK AND THE SIGN OF AVHITE HORSE. 123

-which was sufficiently completed at the close of the year to apply
for a license therefor which was granted him by the Court of Quarter
Sessions to go in effect the beginning of April, 1809. The almost
universal custom of having emblematic signs for such places had its
origin in the middle ages and was introduced here from Europe with
the early settlement of the country, and from whence have spnaig
many names of places that exist to this day. As may be inferred
by this article, the history of this subject is interesting though as yet
has received here but little attention. Inns have existed from a very
early period as a necessity for travelers, hence we need not wonder
at their mention in the Bible. Christ is mentioned therein as having
been born in a stable of an inn. Chaucer the earliest of English
poets has thrown quite a charm around the inns of his day, notably
the Tabord ; as has also Shakespeare.

Both from its antiquity and the general popularity of the sub-
ject, need we wonder under these circumstances that the sign of " The
Buck," was extensively used. It figures on the coat-of-arms of three
States of this Union. The Court of Bucks County at the close of
the Revolution suggested that the design of the Penn or Provincial
coat-of-arms be abolished, and instead a buck be substituted as a crest
on the state coat-of-arms, which had not long before been adopted.
This certainly would have given for the county's name and emblem-
atical and local signification that cannot well be improved upon.
"The Buck" has long been the name of an inn in Northampton
township in said county, also in Philadelphia and in Lancaster
county where it is still perpetuated in the name of a post office. Hence
we need not wonder that Michael Ott near the beginning of this
century in starting his inn on the Durham road, three miles below
Bucksville, adopted for its sign " The Buck," and which we believe
was maintained down to its abandonment as an inn, which probably
was about 1880.

For a better understanding of this article and its subsequent
results it becomes us now to describe " The Buck " as represented on
said sign. Fortunately in corroboration the editor has a distiiict
recollection thereof, commencing in 1831 and extendingdown to 1840
or for several years later, also from his having in his schoolboy days
when a frequent passenger in the stage gazing at it while the mail
was changing, John Emery then being its proprietor as well as post
master. The animal thereon was represented as full antlered. of a
brown color and reclining at his ease on the ground beneath the

124 SIGN OF THE BUCK AND THE SIGN OF WHITE HORSE.

shade of a large tree with forest in the background. Being familiar
witli the family tradition of his surname, Captain Buck could not
appreciate the representation of that buck, neither was he willing in
any other respect to adopt it, to do so in his estimation was to conde-
scend to a second hand idea.

He had now been for over two years Captain as well as the
successful founder of a cavalry company, the first and the only one
that has ever existed in the whole of the northeastern part of the
county and in which of course he felt just pride. This happily was
suggestive of what should go on his sign, but in the change
approach as closely as was possible to his ideas how the buck should
have been represented by Michael Ott. The editor also well remem-
bers this sign which was erected in 1809, as it appeared to him in
1831 and for some time later. On it was a representation of a
prancing white horse in full military caparison, after the manner of
an officer of his company. That is well bridled and saddled, with
bearskin covered holsters containing pistols and a large blue and
yellow-bordered saddle cloth but without any cavalry man thereon.
This sign existed until about 1838, when the late Nicholas Buck
had it replaced by an oval sign on which was in large gilt letters
"Bucksville Hotel," and on its top was a representation, partly
sawed out of a fleet running white horse, unincumbered with any
paraphernalia whatever, as indicative of entire freedom, so emblem-
atic on the coat-of arms. This sign was retained until about 1874,
since which the head of a white buck has been substituted.

As a finale worthy this account of the sign of the Buck and of
the White Horse whose representations head this article, a remark-
able occurrence has accidentally been brought about in connection
with the proceedings of the late centennial. In said procession was
borne a banner with a representation of a white buck in full run on
a red shield with blue surroundings. This was gotten up for said
occasion at the expense of the wife of Michael Buck of Philadel-
phia, who is Emma Jane daughter of John R. and Anna Ott of
Tinicum township. Said banner was borne by her son Edward J.
Buck, and by his side walked his brother Francis Bazilla Buck now
for some time proprietor of the old " White Horse " hotel, number
316 North Third street, Philadelphia, carrying the American flag.
Though in 1809 a rivalry in business was commenced and a post
office established at Ottsville prior to 1817, the results in this con-
nection are again remarkable. Now for some time the inn has been

THE OLD FAMILY HOMLSTF.AD. 125

discontiuued, the post office removed some distance, and the phice
has not been improved beyond the two houses there in 1809, and
the name of Ott ha? disappeared from said vicinity as a real estate
holder for over sixty years !

THE OLD FAMILY HOMESTEAD.

To persons that have any regards for the scenes of their child-
hood and for worthy ancestors, this subject presents endearing asso-
ciations that time can not efface and absence only renders the more
attractive. After a century's existence the Buck family mansion
still remains in excellent preservation, having been built with endur-
ing stone walls of twenty inches in thickness. To the descendants
thereof we can now apply thereon the following beautiful and appro-
priate extract of Washington Irving, that " It remains an object of
onr pride and affections, a rallying point to call us home again after
all our wanderings." This work shows that in the family there has
long prevailed a strong local attachment for the scenes of their early
companionship, — the reviver to them of most pleasing occurrences
that otherwise might have perished in the lapse of time and hence
otherwise could not have been reproduced herein, however, super-
ficially, we hope for better preservation.

We have said that in the fall of 1792, Captain Nicholas Buck had
made his first purchase in the present Bucksville, and that he had
removed thereon March 23 of the following year. Owing to the
small log buildings thereon and their dilapidated condition he at
once set to work and erected a bouse for himself two stories high
thirty by forty feet in dimensions, to which he added for the purpose
of making it a public house fifteen years later, the northern addition
of twenty feet front which of course has since been slightly modern-
ized ; on which we will near the close of this article make mention.
Our wish herein is to now include some additional information that
has hitherto been overlooked. It was on the opposite side of the
Durham road where Captain Buck erected his wheelwright and
blacksmith shops and carried on his wagon works. He made it a
licensed public house in 1809, and his cavalry company was started
two vears previously and continued their general head-quarters here
for at least twenty years. Professor Fortman's school of languages,
music and the higher branches in 1814, if not earlier, the post-office
in 1828, and as a stage house some time previously. With this
brief summary will now revert to new matter.

126 THE OLD FAMILY HOMESTEAD.

From the size mentioned as a public house we may judge the
extent of Captain Buck's accomodations in 1809. When St. Luke's
Church was built in Nockamixon in 1813, and the following year,
bricklayers were brought from Philadelphia and while so employed
thereon, boarded at his inn. Worshipers from a distance going to
St. John's Church, Haycock, were occasionally compelled owing to
the condition of the roads and weather during the most inclement
period to put up here, having prior to 1830, no nearer church than
Alleutown and Goshenhoppen. In March, 1814, twenty-five British
officers were captured in Canada and remained over night here
under guard on the way to Philadelphia. At the time it caused no
little excitement and the recollection thereof still survives among
the descendants of the old families of the neighborhood, as the
Youngkens, Traugers and Kohls.

About two hundred yards west of the house there is a spring of
excellent water, which no doubt has been used more or less now for
a century. A circumstance occurred here about 1815, of so singular
a character that in this connection may be worth relating. Prior to
1835, this spring was located but a few yards east of a fence that had
formed the eastern boundary of the original purchase of Nicholas
McCarty, from Thomas Penn dated March 5, 1761. In 1815, a
woods extended up to this line and on Captain Buck's side for several
acres and southwardly nearly to this spring, with a coppice along
the fence for some distance further southwards, with here and there
a fair sized tree. It was the custom of Captain Buck's family
to have their family washing done here. On a warm day in the
summer of said year Sarah and Mary his daughters came hither
to perform said labor accompanied by their brother Jacob, whose
duty it was to cut the wood and attend to the fire under a large
kettle swung over a rudely constructed hearth of dry stone wall.
When nearly done Mary seated herself under a tree, and had not
been long there when down from the branches overhead dropped a
black snake fully five feet in length into her lap to the great conster-
nation of those present, but immediately made for the coppice and
disappeared. The editor has heard Jacob relate this, and the recol-
lection thereof still lingers around here in tradition.

When the store was established in 1816, there was none nearer
than Durham, Kintnersville, Springtown and Strawntown, four to
seven miles distant. One of the original account books commenc-
ing in said year is now owned by John T. Buck his great grandson.

THE OLD FAMITA' HOMESTEAD. 127

The writing therein by Captain Buck, and his sons Jacob K. and
Samuel, is very well clone, the more so when we reflect tliat steel pens
were not then in use. One matter more about the store ami i.Ul
fashioned confidence and honesty. Between the Buck family and
the Stovers, there has long existed a friendly intimacy and therefore
do not wonder that the late Nicholas Buck made John K. Stover,
his executor. Daniel and David Stover, the teamsters, so long
Captain Buck's neighbors would occasionally bring and offer him the
use and care of money without desiring therefor any interest
which was sometimes accepted.

A matter of interest, at least to some of the l^uck family
occurred here, February 25, 1824, out of the usual course. In this
mansion on said day by the Rev. B. Corvine, Jacob E. Buck was
married to Miss Catharine, the eldest and only daughter of Joseph
and Mary Afflerbach, of Springfield ; Aaron Beam to Elizabetl*
daughter of Major John and Salome Buck, of ]S^ockanjixon ; and
Peter McCarty to Miss Rachel "Weaver of the same township. All
of those unions have descendants living, the tw^o last in the vicinity
of Bucksville. The first mentioned couple proved the longest
survivors, having attained to fifty-six years of married life. From
family papers we learn that on Captain Buck's retirement from here
in the spring of 1829, he rented the hotel and a few acres of ground
to Joseph Drake for $125 per annum and thus occupied it for two
years, or until sold ; the cost for license then was only ?10.0U.

Nicholas Buck, Jr., became the purchaser and entered thereon
April 1, 1831, and kept it as a public house until 1841, when he
removed into the present brick hotel opposite which was just com-
pleted for this purpose. He now rented the old mansion in which
store was kept for several years by Elias and William Steckel, of
Durham, and later by Jonas H. Buck, who had purchased the
property from his father and to which he had made considerable
repairs. Having bought his father's hotel property soon after his
death in 1870, he sold the old mansion including about ten acres
from the original purchase to his brother-in-law Austin McCarty.
He also made considerable improvements thereon and continued the
store business. In 1884, he was elected Recorder of Deeds for
Bucks County and on the expiration of his term of office returned
from Doylestown and again entered into business which he did not
long survive, for he died here, February 16, 1889, aged 49 years.
His widow through inheritance retained possession thereof until
9

128 THE OLD FAMILY HOMESTEAD.

April 1, 1890, having in the previous fall been sold at public sale to
Harvey Kiser, merchant, its present occupant ; thus after a contin-
uous possession of four generations in the Buck family, or of ninety-
seven years it passed from out their hands.

For various acts of kindness extended to the descendants on the
occasion of said Centennial celebration Mr. Kiser and his wife
deserve our thanks. Owing to said demonstration the editor made
his home there, and in which he had not previously slept for fifty-
two years. The venerable building was a reminder of several very
important occurrences ; for in it his father was born and married,
where he was also born and a frequent visitor in boy-hood's sunny
days to grandparents and to a respected uncle, all of whom are now
for some time departed. Several venerable pear trees yet remain,
planted and cared for by his forefathers and of whose fruit he has
partaken. The garden is still at the same old place and the original
well remains in use, but as may be expected, things have been some-
what changed in so long a lapse of time, however, taken on the whole
the wonder is that it has not been more so, when we come to consider
the general instability of such things elsewhere.

FAMILY TRAITS.

The influence of heredity is a subject of interest almost entirely
neglected by genealogists, yet it is a matter well worthy their con-
sideration as it comes more immediately under their notice than
those engaged in any other pursuits. The attention of the editor
was particularly called to this by one of his intimate friends at the
Hall of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania about twenty-five
years ago, derived from an accumulation of some 13,000 names of his
family history commencing with the year 1682, in Pennsylvania
down to said date, the result costing him above forty years' labor.
He said that in three branches of his family, three distinct passions
had strongly developed themselves, the origin of which he had
determined to trace if possible to their source and if from intermarri-
age with other families wherein they had previously existed ? The
passions spoken of did not prevail to abuse he became satisfied
beyond one eighth of his total number. He said fortunately he had
no occasion in any of the three branches to go beyond seventy years
when it entered his family and follow its influences beyond and
down to the present time. He stated that the results of this observa-
tion was conclusive to him of the general influences of heredity.

FAMILY TRAITS. 129

The editor in corroboration of the aforesaid has this personal
knowledge. Fancy, that a person has two first cousins, one from
his father's and the other from his mother's side. As may he
observed between the two aforesaid it is not likely there can be any
possible relationship. Both being respectable and moral men and
descended from old families in the neighborhood of tlie highest
standing. Those tw^o young men marry sisters from a family whose
reputation is by no means irreproachable. They both rear children,
the majority of whom as they grow up exhibit the same general
traits that have prevailed for some time on their mother's side, while
their husbands continue on in their former habits. We tliink in
this is exhibited one of the strongest results of the influence of hered-
ity that can well be produced. Hence the selection of a partner for
life involves much more important consequences than is generally
supposed. We know that this matter is frequently alluded to in
works on physiology, but not with such force as is derived from the
afoi'esaid observations based on genealogical investigations.

That in the preparation of this work we should be enabled to
go back eight centuries or more to show the influence of heredity in
a family cannot surprise the reader more than it has the editor.
Mark Anthony Lower in his work on the Origin of Surnames
(London, 1849, vol. 1, pp. 197-8) states it as his opinion tliat the
buck as represented on the family coat-of-arms was indicative of
agility in the family that assumed such a charge. This has also been
expressed by other European writers on Heraldry and family anti-
quity ; it was thus that it arrested the editor's attention to give the
matter a careful consideration as far as it concerned the Bucks
County family as derived from his personal knowledge. It is a pre-
vailing trait among them to be quick and active in their movements
hence fast walkers. Inquiry on this subject from the husbands of
the wives of the family has also confirmed the fact, as has been long
and well known to be characteristic of the children. One instance
of remarkable agility will only here be given. Samuel E. Buck,
died in 1840, from his residence in Doylestown, must be .still well
remembered there by some of its early families; the c(litf)r has
several times witnessed him performing this feat. Seize with his
right hand the toe of his left boot and whilst so holding it and stand-
ing erect jump with his right foot backwards and forwards over his
left leg with comparative ease.

Locality is a largely developed organ in the family as indicated

130 FAMILY TRAITS.

by phrenology. Of the ten children of Nicholas Buck, the ancestor,
born in Springfield, it is remarkable that six of the eight by the
second wife should about a century ago remove to Nockamixon,
seven miles distant to settle near each other and spend there success-
fully the remainder of their lives, with a single brief exception of
Major Jacob Buck, and even he on retiring from business at Jenkin-
town again sought said vicinity to die and be buried with his kin-
dred. All of those six have had descendants continuously residing
in and around Bucksville to this day. Herein is perceived a strong
local attachment that few families can surpass, but what is still more
creditable their loving kindness for each other, for among them law
suits have been unknown. Need we wonder then that Captain
Buck through his businesss standing, integrity, extensive relation"
ship and marriage affiliations was a man of influence in his residence
of thirty-seven years at Bucksville.

Among the other prevailing traits maybe mentioned quickness
in perception, fluency in conversation and an aptness for acquiring
languages. So well even a century ago, though in so German a sec-
tion, could the descendants of the ancestor speak English, that it
was often supposed by strangers that they were of that origin-
Given to plainness in dress, simplicity in manners, prompt in their
dealings and seldom buying on credit. The latter has been partic-
ularly apparent in their purchases of real estate, hence their remark-
able exemption from sheriff sales. In referring to the coatof-arms,
we can go further than what Lower, (Wm. Authur, Dictionary of
Family Names, 1857, p. 84) and others have stated as symbolized in
said charge. The figure denotes besides agility, freedom or independ-
ence and unrestrained liberty, the color purity, the form nobleness
diudi persistency. These are also general characteristics on which we
deem it unnecessary to further enlarge, as sufficiently confirmed in
our genealogical statements.

The influence of heredity has also shown itself in tolerable
longevity, and in a remarkable exemption from cases of idiocy,
lunacy, strabismus and near-sightedness ; of the aforesaid not a
single instance has as yet been ascertained. That dire disease pul-
monary consumption has been almost a stranger, especially among
the lineal descendants of Captain Buck and of his brother Major
Jacob Buck, on which our knowledge is now pretty thorough for all
of a century. As to their intellectual abilities, we propose here not
to dwell, but will in part refer the curious therein to the article

FAMILY TRAITS. 131

family antiquity and to tbe proceedings of tlie late Bucksville
centennial celebration.

ADDITIONAL RELATING TO BUCKSVILLE.

When Captain Buck removed to Nockamixon, his wife related
in 1852, that his house was then the only one on the Durham road
in the upper portion of the present village. John Youngken and
George Overpeck were the nearest neighbors above and a house
stood below it half a mile, nearly a mile further down said road on
its west side George Kohl had settled before 1760, and who.-e sons
Jacob and Nicholas subsequently married his sisters Elizabeth and
Mary Ann. A mile to the southwest resided Nicholas ^IcCarty
whose son Thomas shortly afterwards married his sister Magdalena.
When the McCartys, the earliest settlers in the vicinity arrived, deer
and wolves abounded, yet they had preceded Captain Buck here only
about half a century, so new then was the country around. In 1800,
bears, wild turkeys and rattlesnakes still existed, and for some time
later a lynx or wild cat occasionally shot.

At the time when the post-office was established in 1828, there
were only twenty-six in the county, the nearest being Ottsville,
Durham, Monroe, Strawntown and Erwinna ; now within this cir-
cuit are no less than sixteen. Gordon in his Gazetteer of 1832,
mentions Bucksville as then containing " a tavern, store, post-office
and three or four dwellings." Without possessing any great business
advantages, now contains twenty-six houses, three stores, a creamery,
hotel and several mechanic shops, denoting a favorable growth, but
should in the future a railroad go down the Haycock Run valley
from the Lehigh river to Philadelphia its prosperity would be greatly
promoted.

Standing a few hundred yards in the road east of the liotcl, is
one of the grandest views to be found almost anywhere within an
equal distance from Philadelphia. From here may be .-ooii the
Lehigh, Wind and Delaware Water Gaps and the Kittatinny or
Bluelviountain range for seventy miles. Anywhere throughout the
village and for a mile or more above or below it on the Durham
road'can be seen the majestic dome of the Haycock, only two miles
distant, while just this side is the beautiful and fertile valley of Hay-
cock Run, dotted over with fine commodious farm buildings, not
much surpassed anywhere in the adjoining counties. An offi.-er m
the United States signal service stated in Bucksville about sixteen

132 ADDITIONAL RELATING TO BUCKSVILLE.

years ago that the surface of the road below the hotel was 585 feet
above tidewater, thus approaching within 410 feet the height of the
mountain, consequently few villages possess a higher elevation in the
territory of old Bucks.

Through its location, in August, 1892, Bucksville has again
become an important mail distributing centre for intermediate post-
offices. Stages arrive daily, Sundays excepted, carrying the mail from
Doylestown, Riegelsville, Sellersville and Bingen. These four lines
arrive and depart from here within an hour on their respective
routes. In consequence by this arrangement it certainly now
possesses unusual advantages for so remote a country village as
respects speedy postal facilities.

HISTORY OF AN OLD FAMILY PAINTING.

While engaged on this work through an examination of numer-
ous papers, sufficient has been brought to light to thus unexpectedly
give increased interest to a painting that has been in the possession
of the family at least one hundred and twenty years, and its origin
may go back considerably further. It is probably the only relic that
the descendants of Captain Buck now possess that once belonged to
his father, and no doubt was then framed in glass and suspended in
one of the rooms of his mansion on the Buckhill estate. Its history
now giving it increased interest.

We have stated that Nicholas Buck, the ancestor, in his Avill
made in 1785, directed his personal effects to go to his two eldest
sons Leonard and Joseph, under certain stipulations, they then being
the only children of age ; the former retaining the homestead. His
father having died in 1786 or the following year, will readily explain
among his other personal effects how some of the paintings came into
his possession. On Leonard's death, his brother Captain Nicholas
Buck, of Bucksville became his administrator and in 1810, sold his
personal property and real estate. Among the things exposed to
sale were at least ten paintings purchased by the aforesaid and
treasured by him to the close of his life. On his death his sons
Nicholas and Jacob became his administrators and at the sale of his
effects in October, 1829, the latter became the purchaser of two of
the aforesaid and is so mentioned on the catalogue.

It was thus that Jacob E. Buck came in possession and like his
father and grandfather treasured them into advanced age for their
interesting family associations. A few years before his death his

HISTORY OF AN OLD FAMILY PAINTING. 133

eldest son who had beeu for some time absent as a resident in
another State on a visit was made its recipient and in whose posses-
sion it still remains. This will explain its continuous history now
for almost a century and a quarter. Underneath it was lettered
"S. Catharinna" evidently done with a quill pen and ink. Its
companion picture is well remembered by the editor in his father's
house down to 1860; and in style was similarly lettered "S. Bar-
bara." They were both framed alike with some dark-colored wood,
varnished, probably mahogany, and of finished workmanship.

The painting was done in water colors and the whole executed
by hand, its size being six and a quarter by eight and a half inches.
It is on stout white paper which was coated over by some prepara-
tory process that has given it a smooth glossy surface. Both the con-
ception and the work is executed with admirable taste, the colors being
so harmoniously blended, that we are reminded of Raphaer.-^ Mad-
onnas. Xone but a skilled artist could have produced it. It is an
ideal of a woman of the purest type, and herein lies its chief excel-
lency and value. None we think can gaze on this creation of love-
liness but with exalted impressions. That it did hang in the colonial
mansion of Buckhill is creditable to the taste of the ancestor when
we come to consider the rude condition of the fine arts at this
period.

We are pleased to say it is still in tolerable preservation con-
sidering its antiquity. The frame has long disappeared, and how
we are not exactly enabled- to state. But was informed that the
glass had first fallen out and got broken, and the frame subsequently
came apart at its corners, when the painting was laid liy and thus it
came into the hands of its present possessor. By its appearance it
has evidently been saturated with water, sufficiently so as to wrinkle
the paper and slightly soil a portion of its coloring. However, we
are happy that in its long preservation is no worse. What became
of its companion is to us unknown, but as we have a clear recollec-
tion of it back into the days of our childhood, will try and give a
brief description. It was of the same size, design and execution and
evidently by the same artist, yet it differed somewhat in features,
dress and general outline. It also possessed the same high moral
attributes of feminine loveliness that virtue so much adorns. With
this introduction we will now enter upon the story of those two
pictures.

It was the custom for centuries along the valleys of the Khine

134 HISTORY OF AN OLD FAMILY PAINTING.

and Moselle to have faith in guardian saints so beautifully described
by Washington Irving in his chapter on St. Mark's Eve in Brace-
bridge Hall, to which we Avill refer the reader for some additional
information. The perusal of that most charming of accounts in our
boyhood's days has never been forgotten, and has only the more
endeared to me said painting. Probably if it had not been for that
and for its illustration here^ this may not have been written. It was
a prevailing custom there whenever a child was born to have it
baj^tized after some saint in the scriptures or based on the traditions
of the church. This was supposed to be its guardian spirit or angel
as long as that child would keep in the path of rectitude and thus
exercise an influence over its destiny. It was under this idea that
has led the several nations of Europe to adopt so long ago patron
saints, as St. George for England, St. Andrew' for Scotland, St.
James for Spain and St. Dennis for France.

In May, 1772, the ancestor and his wife Elizabeth Hartman had
a daughter born who was called Catharine. The aforesaid painting
was now secured and dedicated in honor of St. Catharine as the
lettering shows. The editor in the summer of 1850, visited this lady
at her home in Washington township, Berks County, who appeared
quite active, never fancying that she was then actually over seventy-
seven years of age as has just been ascertained from the date of her
nativity. How much longer she lived is to us not known. The
next daughter was born in August, 1777, and was called Barbara,
hence accounts for that name on the ather painting. For a brief
mention of those sisters will refer the reader to near the beginning
of this work. In examining closely the lettering under St. Cathar-
ine and in comparison with the former have came to this conclusion.
That the artistic work is too fine to have been executed in this country
so long ago, that they were thus brought over from the Fatherland
either as a present from the family there, or sold by vendors to
purchasers. In honor of male or female saints, as the case may have
been and so subsequently filled up for their especial guide to virtue.

From what has now been stated it was calculated to give
encouragement to the products of the artist. At first thought it
might have been taken as a harmless imposition, because impossible
to be actual representations of saints that may have been departed

' Owing to its condition could not be photographed and in our desire
to go to press would not take time for its reproduction by hand for the
engraver, hence to our regret is omitted.

HISTORY OF AN OLD FAMILY PAINTING. 13.")

two thousand year?. In answer, what are all similar illii.*tratioiis
in the bible but just as imaginary? And why should the iniagiiia-
tion be thus drawn upon? For the reason tliat the actual sul)jects
or scenes had never been taken from life, and thus has the ideal been
made a substitute for the real. Herein was no adoration in our
modern sense as to the fickle goddess of fashion, — a higher and nobler
purpose was intended, and that to the rich and poor alike. That such
representations served to adorn the quiet homes of our ancestors
speaks well for their taste, in which nothing can l)e found thai was
either coarse, sensual or unrefined.

THE FAMILY IN BUCKS COUNTY HISTORY.

The question has been repeatedly asked by strangers and otliers
whether the county has received its name from the Buck family,
which we now propose here to answer for it has thus been several
times published in newsj)apers. It is remarkable that in tlie several
historical works relating to this one of the original counties of Penn-
sylvania, and goes back to 1682, so little has been said on this sub-
ject. The name evidently was given it by William Penn, with
whom John Watson in his sketch of Buckingham says was a favorite
name. There is no doubt to us but what it was called after Bucks
or Buckingham in England, where it is one of the central and mo-st
elevated counties, there are besides four or five parishes there bear-
ing the name. In the beginning of this work we have explained
that the words buck, book and beech are traceable to the same
origin and hence need not be here repeated. Owing to its location
and situation was originally covered with extensive forests of beech.
According to history the town of Buckingham in name is still older
than the county, extending into the Anglo-Saxon period or between
the years seven and eight hundred if not earlier. Its literal transla-
tion in said language is a home or a place in the hpeches^.

Unwilling to assume any more honor than what the family is
justly entitled to accept although an ancient one there, the afore>iaid
as the proper origin of the name. In confirmation of this the editor
prepared a paper treating this matter pretty fully, for it cost liiin
considerable research, entitled "An Inquiry into the Origin ..!' tlu;
names of places in Bucks County," which was pul)li>lu'<l in the
Bucks County inie^encer of January 8, l-^oT, and we think also
at the time in the Doylestown Democrat, in whi<h, however, no
mention whatever was made of Bucksville. In evi.lence that at

136 THE FAMILY IN BUCKS COUNTY HISTORY.

that time it attracted some attention this may be related : The only
periodical then published in Philadelphia of an historical character,
Avas " The Notes and Queries " by Wni. Brotherhead. Its editor
wrote for permission to republish it in his Magazine. Our consent
was given but not until we had given it a careful revision with some
additions, it thus appeared therein within said year. Since in several
works we have observed information taken therefrom without credit ;
a matter, however, we have been for some time accustomed to.

We shall now, however, touch on claims that the family does
possess that must give it some historical importance in several
respects in its relation to the county. First, the ancestor Avas the
only one we know of that early bore the surname within said terri-
tory. Here he was an original settler and purchaser of a tract of
land " called Buckhill," the name and title thereto came from a son
and grandson of William Peun, and from a wilderness state improved
it into several productive farms, as the public records testify and was
besides for some time in the family. Let us now ask how many
families in Bucks County can produce a title from the Proprietaries
of Pennsylvania that bore under their seals the fainily name given to
their purchase? To the editor a similar case is unknown. In
Philadelphia and the present Montgomery County, there is an excep-
tion in the grant of " the manor of Moreland " to Nicholas More, but
we do not remember another single instance within the State out-
side the Penn family. This itself should prove that Nicholas Buck
in culture and intellectual ability must have been considerably
above the average of immigrants ? Again he took an early and
active part in the Revolution, having subscribed to the articles of
Association and joined as a soldier the Third Bucks County Battal-
ion, August 21, 1775, and from the evidences produced thereon,
John W. Jordan, secretary of the Pennsylvania sons of the Revolu-
tion, says that his descendants in consequence are entitled to admis-
sion therein by furnishing their lineage.

We have given the date of his allegiance in support of the new
form of government soon after its adoption. Among the relatives
that were also original landholders and in the army of the Revolu-
tion and in the war of 1812-14, may be mentioned the Kohls, Hart-
mans, Harings, McCartys, Kramers and others. In regard to the
military history, we have conclusive proof that between the years
1792 and 1861, Nockamixon and its vicinity had produced six
captains and three majors of the surname. Of two companies that

THE FAMILY IN BUCKS COUNTY HISTORY. Vol

had a long existence, the Washington Light Horse luid a RiHe
Company both originated before 1808 by members of the family-
In the case of those companies, the sons succeeded tlieir fatheis in
command. The Rifle company must have been organized prior to
1798 or soon after 1792. What the family has done for the cause
of education and the early introduction of music and languages
within the county, from what has been given is also of interest. So
characteristic of the Germans, they have been conservative in their
views and therefore did not readily take to ncw-fiingled notions
unless they were satisfied as to their being beneficial to all, by
depriving none of their just personal rights or liberties. Also in not
being an office-seeking people, preferring to earn their bread rather
by their industry and own business management; the spirit of inde-
pendence and self reliance being too strong to descend to the humilia-
tions and disappointments that too frequently beset such inclina-
tions.

The family has done very well in contributing to the historical
and scientific literature of Pennsylvania, and in some of the afore-
said departments have been pioneers. In their relation to the
history of the county in closing have this to add. In what we now
state, that it is not done with a view to disparage, but as we believe
an assured fact respecting some other old families, that have also
founded settlements that still bear their names in the surrounding
section. There is for instance Bursonville, Strawntown, Pipersvillo,
Erwinna, Kintnersville, Ottsville and Doylestown, and without much
eflTort this list could be greatly extended over this and in the adjoin-
ing counties. Let us ask where are now the Bursons, Pipers,
Erwins, Kintners, Otts and Doyles? Long, long since gone from
the places they once owned, and not one occupying as much now
there as a single house ! Although the Bucks have widely scattered
yet in and around their village whose Centennial they have just
celebrated, still hold nearly all their ancestral acres besides consider-
ably more and where eight males now bear the surname.

Therefore from what has been stated, considering the mutation
of families, they have certainly here been highly favored. Let the
present descendants and those that may soon come after them con-
tinue in the ways of their forefathers, for industry, intelligcm-e,
sobriety and moral rectitude, and they will have no more to fear than
they from the constable, the sheriff, the poor house, the prison and
the misconstruction and subterfuges that are connected with lawsuits.

188 THE FAMILY IN BUCKS COUNTY HISTORY.

Judging from the results of the past, the name of Bucksville has been
merited and was not unworthily bestowed. Let us hope then that
to the next Centennial those claims may still continue undiminished
from the honors realized for what has now been accomplished.

c-v@___., ^^.^.^ s^^-a

INDEX.

Afflerbach, Family 43

Afflerbach, Henry 19, 43

Afflerbach, Joseph 42

Amey, George 21, 28

Antiquity of Buck surname. ...9, 10, 11

Applebach, Emma 76

Atherholt, Daniel 55, 59

Atherhoh, Family 49,59, 119

Autographs : Nicholas Buck 14, Joseph
Buck 30, Capt. N. Buck 30, Major
Jacob Buck 35, N. Buck, Jr. 40,
Jacob E. Buck 42, S. E. Buck 44

Beam, Aaron 51

Beam, John J 51

Beam, William 51

Bidleman, Adam 19, 29

Bidleman, Leonard 29

Bockberg in Germany 18

Bryan, Josiah 18, 19,29

Bryan, William 18, 29

Buck, Aaron, Supt 47

Buck, Alfred, Supt 59, 89

Buck, Miss Anastasia 71

Buck, Alice, vocalist.. .79, 95, 100, 112

Buck, Augustus, Sergt 57

Buck, Alloysious 58

Buck, Barbara 38

Bucks Co. Battalion 19, 136

Buck coat-of-arms..8, 9, 10, 107, 118,

123, 124, 130.

Bucks Co., History by Davis ...12, 18,

48, 81.

Bucks County names 135

Buck, Elizabeth Hartman 21

Buck, Elizabeth 38, 45, 48, 51, 52

Buck, Catharine 38, bO

Buck, Chas. Austin, chemist 60

Buck, Edward

Buck, Francis Bazilla Gl, 124

Buck, Helena til

Buck, Heny N 59

Buck, Howard ..(jl , (>(>

Buck, Isabella r>9, m

Buck, Major Jacob .'!5, 46

Buck, Martha 5:!

Buck, Minnie E 53

Buck, Michael 47, 60

Buck, Jacob E 33, 42, 63, 89. 104

Buck, Jacob 47,48

Buck, Jerome, of N. Y 65

Buck, Jerome, Sergeant 48

Buck, Major John .36

Buck, Major John H 57, 99, 127

Buck, James N 64

Buck, John T 58, 66, 69, 72, 105,

112, 120.

Buck, John B., Alderman 51

Buck, John 47, 51

Buck, John E., Marshall 52, 10(>

Buck, Jonas H 5'.t, 110

Buck, Joseph Reading 53

Buck Joseph 20, 22, 23, 30

Buck, Leonard 20, 22, 29

Buck, Lucinda 62

Buck, Mary Ann 39

Buck, Magdalena 38

Buck, Mary Magdalena 33,46

Buck, Mary 61

Buck, Nicholas, ancestor 12,13, 17,

19,20, 21,22, l.!6.

Buck, Captain Nicholas 23, 30, .'.1,

32, .33, 103, 104, 105, 108.

Buck, Nicholas 49,53

Buck, Nicholas, Jr 40, 56, 61, 110,

111.

Buck, Rebecca 53

Buck, Samuel E 13,(^5

139

140

INDEX.

Buck, Samuel 51,58 i

Buck, Sarah 45, 47

Buck, Wm. J., historian (33, 66, 73, |

74, 75, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 94, 98, 101, 1
102, 103, 112, 120. I

Buck, Wm. J., merchant 60, 119 j

Buckhill Estate 17,136 |

Buckhill, Map of 16 [

Buck Surname in history 10, 11, j

12, 1.35, 137.

Bucksville: Cornet Band 66, 119;
Centennial 78, 79, 119; Early Fam-
ilies around 79 ; Early roads and
stages 95, 101, 107, 115, 137; Mil-
itary trainings 32,110; Piano class
102; Post Office .32, 131, 132; Fine

views from 131

Buckwampun Literary Asso 67, 72 ,

Chapman, James U. S. Col .3-5, 36 i

Charcoal burning 88

Chesapeake, attack on 31

Clemmer, Christian 38

Cooley, Thomas 46

Committee of Arrangements 101

Cressman, Nathan 18,23, 24

Damuth, John 23

Deeds lost by fire 24

Dennis, Joseph 35

Donelly Family 62

Early Associations 99

Easlon Stage Lines 32

Eck Family, Account of 33, 34

Elliott Family of N. J 52

Engravings explained 8

Family Agility 129

Family Homestead, Old 105, 112,

117, 125.

FamiHes, Old around Bucksville 79

Family Relics, Old 106, 132

Family Traits 128

Family Weddings 127

Fisher, Oliver H 58

Fortman, Prof. Charles 32, 42, 49,

102.

Frankenfield, Adam 19

Frankenfield. E. A 78, 82

Frankenfield Family 83, 88

Gallows Hill Run 81

German Settlers 80, 90

Goshenhoppen Records. ...5, 27, 29, 48

Haney Family, Account of 41

Haney, Michael 41

Haney, William 58

Haring Family, Account of 35

Hartman, Elizabeth 28

Hartman Family, Account of 27, 28

Hartman, Michael 27

Haycock Church of St. John 84

Haycock, Poem on ...91

Haycock Run Valley 82, 131

Heredity, Influence of 128

Hindenach, Hon. C. E., Address. ...68

Kane Family 54

' Keyser, Peter 81

Kintner, Captain Hugh 110, 111

Kintner, Col. Jacob 37

Klinker, Christian, potter 31

Kohl, Anthony 55

Kohl, Elizabeth 56

Kohl Family 27, 38, 40, 45, 51,

55, 56, 62, 85.

Kohl, George 38

Kohl, Isaac 55

Kohl, Jacob 38, 40

Kohl, Joseph 56

Kohl, John George 27

Kohl, Nicholas 40

Kohl, Samuel B -55

Kohl, Thomas 55

Kohl and Cole as surnames 56

Kramer, Mathias 29

Krier Family 38

. Kulp, Edward .58

Laubach, Charles, Sec'y...72, 101, 116

Leopard Rifles 32

Lorraine, Province of 11, 12

Lottery Land 17, 18, 84

Malone, Francis 46

INDEX.

141

Malone, John 4."^

Malone, Nicholas B 44, 4.1

Matlock Family 49

McCarty, Austin 54, 127

McCarty, Edward 39

McCarty Family 37, 39, 83

McCarty, Francis 49

McCarty, Henry 54

McCarty, Isaac (il

McCarty, John Justus 39, 54

McCarty, Nicholas B 39, 40, 54

McCarty, Nicholas 37, 38

McCarty, Thomas 37, 38, o4

McCarty, Thonnas Y 51

McGrath Family of Ky (j5

Melchior, John and Family 29

Meredith, Mary Matilda 49

Meredith, Dr. Hugh and Family 50

Meredith, Dr. Thomas N 49

Meyers, Jacob F 58

Meyers, Peter, Minister 17, 29

Military Trainings at Bucksville 32,

110.

Miller, Rev. Henry S 50

Mumbower's Pottery S8

Murphy Family of Easton 62

Music : Thoughts of Home 2(j; Mos-
elle Waltz 26, Centennial Song 78,
Wood Robin's Song 94, Our Old
Family Home 105, Chimes of Stony
Garden 112, Die Hirten 113

Neighbors of N. Buck 27

Nockamixon's Greeting 71

Nockamixon QuarteUe 105

Nuspickle, Ludwig 17, 21, 28

O'Connell. Hugh 49

O'Connell, Isaac 54

O'Conner, Peter 46

Ott, Michael 32, 123, 124

Ott, Lewis 24,29

Overpeck Family 80

Painting, Old Family 132

Pear Trees, Old 24, 128

Penn, Thomas and John 17, 136

Penn Papers 23

Pleasant Valley Bridge 2S

Quitrent Paid )8

Raub Family 52, 57

Raub, Hiram .52

Revolution, Services in 19, 20, 27,

28, 29, 30, 34, 3.->, :!(i, l:;6.

Roads and Stages 95

Rohr, Valenline 28

Robbery, Remarkable 88

Kuffner, Daniel B 47

Ruffner Family 48

Sassaman, Henry si

Sassaraan, Captain Jacob .•{2

Saunders, John 17, 22, 28

Sawmills : McCarty's 39, 87 ; Young-
ken's 80, 87.

Schorebruch, Caspa r 29

Schoolhouses, Early. ...85, 8<), 104, 105

Shaw, Com. Thompson D 4.5

Shaw Family, Account of 44

Shaw, Josiah Y., Esq 44

Shive Fam ily 59

Shuman Family 40

Shuman, Reuben 51

Sigafoos, Andrew 19

Sigafoos, Lewis, Poem ...91

Smith, John, Esq 21, 22, 28

Soldiers in Revolution : Nicholas Buck
19, 20, 136 ; Joseph, Jacob and
George Kohl 27; Henry Atfierbach
19, 43, 84; Michael Hartman, Jr.,
28; Matthias Hartman 2S ; Josiah
Bryan 29; John Keller 29 ; Adam
Bidleman 29; Joseph Buck .30;
Philip Haring .36; Jacob Haring
36; Nicholas McCarly 37 ; Anthony
and Simon Haney 41 ; Adam Frank-

enfield »4

Soldiers in the War 1812-14 : Thomas
McCarty 39; Jacob and Nicholas
Kohl 40, 136; John Malone 4r> ;
Peter O'Conner 46; John Buck 47,
111 ; Jacob Buck, Jr., 48 ; Abraham

Youngken 80

Soldiers in late War: Alfred Krier :!8 ;

142

INDEX.

Jacob Kohl -15 ; Michael Buck 47 ;
Jerome Buck, Sergeant 48 ; John E.
Buck 52 ; Augustus Buck, Sergeant
57 ; Joseph Buck 50; Augustus Buck
50 ; Jacob F. Meyers 58 ; Jerome
Buck of Bucksville 59 ; J. Howard
Kohl 62 ; James N. Buck 64 ; How-
ard Buck 66

Springfield Co. in Revolution 19

Stage Lines, Early 96

St. Mark's Eve 134

Steckel, Captain Samuel 32

Stony Point 42

Stony Garden Chimes 112

Thoughts of Home 26

Travel on Durham Road 31

Trauger, Edward B 53

Trauger Family 53, 81

Trau ger, Joseph Ill

Tuckemony, last Indian 89

Uniou Academy, Doylestown....45, 98

Wack, Martin 29

Washington Light Horse 108

White Horse Inn 32, 120

Willow Grove 42

Wood Robin's Song 94

Works on the Buck Family 10, 11,

12.

Youngken Family 80

Youngken, Henry H 112

Youngken, Captain John 110

Zeigenfoos, John 53

Zeigler Family 57

Zerfoss Family 50, 55

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Full text of "Account of the Buck family of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; and of the Bucksville centennial celebration held June 11th, 1892; including the proceedings of the Buck wampun literary association of said occasion"

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