My Genealogy Hound

HENRY L. BUCKWALTER (deceased) was born at Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and died in 1882. He was educated in the public schools of that vicinity.

On relinquishing his studies he entered as an apprentice to the trade of cabinet making. This he followed for some time, but, being of an inventive turn of mind, originated a cherry seeder which soon became popular, and is still extensively used. With the money earned in this way he opened an iron foundry at Kimberton, in Chester county, and conducted it very successfully for some years. He then went to Royersford, where he established the Buckwalter stove foundry which afterwards developed into so important an industry. These were known as the Continental Stove Works, and were established January 1, 1866, by the firm of Francis Buckwalter & Company, the members being C. S. Francis, Henry Francis, John Sheeler, H. L. Buckwalter and J. A. Buckwalter. The mechanical ability of H. L. Buckwalter, as well as of the other members of the firm, soon enabled them to build up a trade which in a short time taxed the establishment to its fullest capacity. They employed fifty men. They also made agricultural implements, and the celebrated Buckwalter cherry seeder, invented by H. L. Buckwalter. In 1871 C. S. Francis withdrew from the firm. In 1872 the firm built an addition to the works, increasing the capacity about fifty percent. In 1874 Henry Francis retired from the firm, the remaining partners purchasing his interests, and the firm name was changed to Sheeler, Buckwalter & Company. The works were again enlarged and improved in 1876, being practically rebuilt. Mr. Sheeler retiring, the firm was reduced to H. L, and J. A. Buckwalter, the firm being Buckwalter & Co. The death of H. L. Buckwalter in 1882 left J. A. Buckwalter the only surviving partner of the original company. H. L. Buckwalter’s interest was disposed of partly to William M. Stauffer and partly to I. N. Buckwalter, the family retaining the balance.

Mr. Buckwalter married, in 1851, Miss Margaret March, daughter of John and Mary (Millier) March, of Chester county, Pennsylvania. She is still living, surrounded by some of her children, in a handsome residence at No. 2310 North Thirteenth street, Philadelphia. The children of H. L. and Margaret Buckwalter: Jennie, married Dr. A. B. Harbison; Clara, died young; Edward, married May___, and has five children; Ida, married Joseph Perdue, and has four children; Melissa, married John Lichty, who died in 1883, leaving one child; Charles, married Belle Leedom; Elmer, unmarried; Olla B., married Arnold Seaman, and has one child.

Mr. Buckwalter was an earnest Republican in politics, and served as a member of the first town council of the borough of Royersford. He was thoroughly respected by all who knew him, He was a useful man in the community, and actively interested in whatever promised to promote the welfare of those around him.