Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Rich, 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
Buckingham Township


BENJAMIN S. RICH retired, P.O. Holicong, was born in New 
Britain township, June 5, 1810, and is a son of Anthony and 
Maria (Mann) Rich, natives of Bucks county, and of English 
descent.  The first of the family to settle in this county 
was John Rich, who settled in Solebury township in 1730.  He 
purchased a large farm and lived there several years.  He 
then moved to Plumstead township.  The ancestors of the 
family owned Warwick Castle in England.  The grandfather 
Jonathan, was a miller and afterward a farmer.  He bought a 
farm in Plumstead and lived there until his death.  Our 
subject's father was born in Plumstead township, where he 
lived several years, then moved to New Britain township, 
afterward to Doylestown township, and from there he moved 
into Buckingham township.  He worked very hard during his 
lifetime and by economy and industry he accumulated about 
300 acres of land.  He had 15 children:  Benjamin S., 
Jonathan (deceased), Mary (deceased), John M., Martha 
(deceased), Preston Y., Josiah (deceased), Elizabeth A. 
(deceased), Elmira, James S. (deceased), Susan W., Anthony 
W., Emily C., Sarah E. (deceased), and one who died in 
infancy.  Benjamin S. Rich was about one year old when his 
parents moved to Doylestown township, and he came with them 
to Buckingham township and remained with them until he was 
24 years old.  He then began teaching school and taught for 
seven years, two years in Philadelphia.  In 1842 he moved to 
Solebury and bought a farm.  After the death of his father 
he bought the place where he now lives.  He was engaged in 
surveying for 44 years.  He was secretary of the Farmers and 
Mechanics' Insurance Association for 44 years, when he 
resigned and was elected its president, which position he 
still holds.  He was the instigator of this institution and 
carried it on until they had over $8,000,000 insurance.  He 
has been justice of the peace for over 30 years and has held 
several other township offices.  He has been superintendent 
of the Presbyterian Sabbath school 39 years.  He built the 
hall in which they hold services.  Mr. Rich is an 
influential and prominent citizen.  He was married first, in 
1839, to Emeline McNait, by whom he had three children, one 
living, Matilda, wife of William Wiley, who resides in 
Philadelphia.  His wife died May 21, 1841, and he was again 
married to Elizabeth H. Hart, November 15, 1854.  By her he 
had one child, John H.  His wife died October 10, 1855, and 
he was married to Isabella T. Harrar, December 16, 1863, and 
by her he had one child, Caroline A.   Mr. Rich has been a 
member of the Presbyterian church since 1840, and ruling 
elder since 1853.