Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Hilt, Benjamin S.
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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
Bensalem Township


BENJAMIN S. HILT farmer, P.O. Oakford, was born in 
Philadelphia county, February 18, 1813.  He was a son of 
John and Ann Hilt, descendants of the earliest German 
families of America.  John Hilt, the first of the name in 
this country, came to America soon after its discovery by 
Columbus.  The family has numbered many merchants and some 
eminent divines, but they have usually been farmers.  Our 
subject's grandfather, John Hilt, served under General 
Washington in the revolutionary war.  He was wounded at the 
battle of Brandywine, but served all through the war and 
lived to a ripe old age.  Our subject's father was in the 
war of 1812.  His two uncles were in the Mexican war and two 
brothers in the last war. The family are and for many years 
have been democrats in politics.  Our subject's father was a 
farmer. His family consisted of seven children, of whom 
Benjamin S. was the second.  He was reared on the farm, 
attended the common schools, learned the cordwainer's or 
shoemaker's trade.  He worked at this trade eighteen years.  
His health then failed and he bought a farm to which he has 
since devoted his time.  He was married in 1834 to Ann 
Sands, who is of English descent.   Of their six children 
only three are living:  Mary A., Isaac L., a machinist by 
trade, and Harriet C., wife of William Lawton.  Mr. and Mrs. 
Hilt are members of the M. E. church.  He is steward and 
class-leader and has been superintendent of the Sunday 
school.  In politics he is a democrat.  He is an Odd Fellow 
and has passed the chairs of the subordinate lodge.