~ Rich

History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania: including an account of its original ... edited by J. H. Battle
Page 830-831

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 1703. 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 and from there he moved into Buckingham township. He worked very hard during his lifetime and by economy and industry to accumulated about 300 acres of land. He had 15 children: Benjamin S., Jonathan (deceased) Mary (deceased), John M., Martha (deceased), PrestonY., Josiah (deceased, Elizabeth A. (decreased), 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 teach 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. He 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.

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1864) 2nd Inaugural

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan - to do all which may achieve a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.