Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Darrah, R. Henderson
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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
Warminster Township


   R. HENDERSON DARRAH farmer, P.O. Hartsville, is a 
descendant of Thomas and Mary Darrah, who came to this 
country from Londonderry, Ireland, first settling in 
Montgomery county, and finally in 1743 in Bedminster 
township, this county, where they died. Henry Darrah, the 
son of Thomas, lived in that part of New Britain now 
included in Warrington township, some time before the 
revolutionary war, in which he took part, being a captain of 
a company of militia in this county. His company seems to 
have been what were then known as Òminute men,Ó who were 
liable to be called on in any emergency. His son James was 
the grandfather of R. H. He was born in New Britain 
township, and lived and died on the farm, in this township, 
now owned by John M. Darrah, his grandson. He died February 
17, 1842, aged 78 years. He was twice married, his first 
wife being Rachel Henderson, and his second wife Rebecca 
McCrea. His children, both by his first wife, were Robert 
and Henry. The latter was married to Martha Stinson, and 
lived where our subject now lives, but removed to 
Addisville, in this county, several years before his death, 
and died there on August 10, 1849, aged 58 years. His wife 
died September 3, 1877, aged 86 years. Robert Darrah, father 
of R. H., was born February 8, 1789, and died August 5, 
1860. He was always a farmer, who stood high in the 
community and acquired a competence. He was married on 
November 4, 1819, to Catherine Galt, who was born in 
Lancaster county, January 25, 1799, and who still lives in 
the house which her husband built in 1850, and where he 
died. To their union nine children have been born:  James 
A., who was a Presbyterian minister, died in Zanesville, 
Ohio, February 24, 1882, aged 61; Rachel H., who was the 
wife of Reverend D. K. Turner, and is deceased; Eliza M., 
wife of Dr. Freeland, of Lancaster county; Emily, widow of 
Joseph Nichols, now living with her mother; Rebecca, now 
wife of Reverend D. K. Turner; Mary A., who died unmarried; 
John M., living in Warwick township; Kate, who is wife of 
Theodore R. Graham, living in Philadelphia; and R. 
Henderson, who was born on the homestead in this township, 
on February 18, 1842. He was but 8 years old when his 
father retired, and he thereafter attended school in the 
neighborhood until he was 16 years of age, when he entered 
the Washington Institute, at Columbia, Lancaster county, and 
on his return was engaged in farming until 1862, when, at 
the age of 20, he enlisted in Captain Samuel Croasdale's 
company, which was made company C of the 128th regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which he was appointed first 
sergeant. He was afterward promoted to second lieutenant and 
subsequently to first lieutenant. Returning at the end of 
the nine months, when his time expired, he resumed farming, 
and in 1863, when Lee invaded Pennsylvania, he joined George 
Hart's company of emergency men, serving for about two 
months. Again coming home, he resumed work on his mother's 
place until 1866, when he removed to the farm inherited from 
his father, where he has since made his home. January 15, 
1868, he married Miss Lizzie W. Dyer, who was born at 
Dyerstown, near Doylestown. To their union three children 
have been born:  Anna, Catherine and Archibald. Mr. Darrah 
is a member of Doylestown lodge, No. 245, F. and A. M. He 
and his wife are members of the Neshaminy church, of 
Warwick, of which he is an elder. His fellow-citizens speak 
of his character for probity and trustworthiness in the 
highest terms.