Historic Quaker Houses of Bucks County, PA
The Paxson House, built ca. 1735
Home of Historian Will Rivinus
Above: The Paxson house was home to historian Will Rivinus and his family. The farm is also known as Lindencroft. Image source: Lee J. Stoltzfus
Quaker farmer Henry Paxson owned almost 1,000 acres of land here in Solebury Township in the 18th century. He named this estate “Marsh Gibbon,” preserving the Paxson family’s English origin at Marsh Gibbon in Buckinghamshire, England.
The Farm on an 1850 Map
When the Kitchen Family Lived Here:
This farm was the home of Quaker farmers William Kitchen (1792 - 1873) and wife Eleanor (Cary) Kitchen (1794 - 1877). The name is also spelled Kitchin. William was a Solebury-born Friend and a prosperous farmer. He and Eleanor are interred at Solebury Friends Meetinghouse. William’s father, William Kitchin, had linked the Kitchin family with the prominent Paxson family by marrying Ann Paxson. Map image source: Library of Congress
The Kitchen Farm in 1859
Above: An impressive stone barn towers over the Kitchen farm. Image source: Farm Map of Solebury Township, Bucks Co., 1859: Solebury Township Historical Society
The Farm in the 21st Century:
Above: The farmhouse overlooks 49 acres of farmland, including fields that extend down to Paxson Road. Image source: Lee J. Stoltzfus
Above: This picturesque farm lane leads from Paxson Road to the farmhouse. Image source: Lee J. Stoltzfus
Farmhouse Interior:
Above: Interior view of a first-floor room with a winder staircase. Image source: Zillow.
Home of Historian Will Rivinus
For 72 Years:
Above: Will Rivinus and a selection of books he authored. Image sources: Books: Amazon.com. Portrait: Bucks County Herald
This landmark farm was the home of historian and preservationist Will Rivinus and his family for 72 years. Will Rivinus was a tireless historian of Bucks County and a dedicated advocate for historic preservation. He spent decades writing books about Solebury Township and nearby communities.
Will Rivinus was instrumental in lobbying to have the Delaware Canal designated a National Historic Landmark. He served as the first chairman of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission. He served on the board of the Friends of the Delaware Canal and dedicated decades to the Solebury Historical Society.
Will Rivinus’ commitment to regional preservation was formally honored in 2012 by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania.
Publications Authored by Will Rivinus
While Living at this Farm:
Old Mills of New Hope-Solebury
Centre Bridge
Cuttalossa
Early Taverns of Bucks County
Guide to the Delaware Canal
The Complete Guide to the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Lumberville
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Old Stonework in Bucks County
Phillips Mill - Cradle for the Arts in Bucks County
William Penn and the Lenape Indians
The Cabins of Huron Mountain Club
Rowing At Princeton
He also co-wrote Barns of Bucks County with Jeffrey Marshall.
Links: