Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Brelsford, John S.
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Bristol Township


JOHN S. BRELSFORD deceased, carpenter and undertaker, P.O. 
Bristol, was born in Burlington, N. J., a son of William 
Brelsford.  His father was twice married.  He had five 
children by his first marriage, and two by the second, of 
whom John S. was the youngest.  His mother died when he was 
only ten years old.  His parents were of Scotch origin, and 
early in life instilled into him habits of industry, which 
have proved a powerful factor in his financial success.  At 
the age of ten years he started to learn the shoemaker's 
trade, but discontinued after one year, and returned to 
Bristol.  At the age of fifteen he learned the carpenter's 
trade in Bristol, and worked at journey-work a short time, 
after which he went into business for himself.  In 1842 he 
added undertaking to his business, and met with success in 
both.  He was essentially a self-made man, having attended 
school but one winter in his life.  In 1848 he married Sarah 
Helling.  She died in 1853, leaving two children, Joseph and 
Rachel.   In 1855 he married Mary, daughter of William Ward, 
of Bristol.  Their children are:  Joseph, Elwood, William, 
and Loring.  Mr. Brelsford was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church.  He was Sabbath school superintendent for 
twenty years, and class-leader for thirty years.  He was 
school director and member of the town council and belonged 
to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows of Bristol. 
May 15, 1887, he died of paralysis, after an illness of ten 
days.