Historic Quaker Houses of Bucks County, PA
The Reeder Farm
Rabbit Run Farm
A Quaker Model of American Agriculture
Above: The 1876 Bucks County combination atlas featured a full-page lithograph of the Reeders’ Rabbit Run Farm. This was the home of prominent farmer Eastburn Reeder and Ellen (Kenderdine) Reeder. Also named on the lithograph is Eastburn’s father, Joseph E. Reeder. Image source: Combination Atlas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1876, Scott, Internet Archive, (Digital color added)
A 1905 Photo of Rabbit Run Farm:
Above: Photo of Eastburn Reeder’s Rabbit Run Farm in History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, William Davis, 1905. The book features a full-page portrait of Reeder beside a full-page photo of his farm as a double page spread. Image source: Internet Archive.
One of the Most Influential Bucks County Farmers of His Era:
Eastburn Reeder was the representative of Bucks County to the State Board of Agriculture from 1877 to 1893. He then served as the first Pennsylvania Dairy and Food Commissioner. He was the primary architect of early pure-food laws, famously leading the "Oleo Wars" against imitation butter to protect dairy farmers. He was a key voice in Harrisburg, directly influencing legislation that modernized Pennsylvania farming.
He also was a pioneer in breeding Jersey cattle. His herd was considered the pride of the county. He was a founding member and the first secretary of the Solebury Farmers’ Club (1871). This club was one of the most intellectually active agricultural societies in the country. He wrote numerous papers on farming and dairying, and he did much to influence legislation for the protection and betterment of the farmer.
Rabbit Run Farm on an 1876 Map:
Above: The Reeders’ 130-acre farm near New Hope. Joseph E. Reeder was the father of Eastburn Reeder. Image source: Combination Atlas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1876, Scott, Internet Archive (Reeder tract colorized).
Eastburn Reeder was a member of the Solebury school board for nine years and its secretary for six years. He was an active member of the Solebury Meeting of Friends, as were his ancestors, and he served as clerk of their Monthly Meeting.
A 1905 Portrait of Eastburn Reeder:
Above: Portrait of Eastburn Reeder in History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, William Davis, 1905. Image source: Internet Archive
Visiting the Farm in 1878:
Above: Text source: How to Select Cows, Willis P. Hazard, 1882, Internet Archive. Eastburn Reeder’s cattle lithograph: Combination Atlas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1876, Internet Archive, (Digital color added)
Eastburn Reeder’s Favorite Apples in 1877:
Above: Text image source: The Farm Journal, 1877, Philadelphia, Internet Archive, Apples source:1896 chromolithograph from Chase Nursery Catalog, NY. Intaglio Prints and Maps
Rabbit Run Farm in 1900
On the Cover of American Agriculturist:
Above: American Agriculturist featured Rabbit Run Farm on the cover in February 1900. Image source: HathiTrust
Eastburn Reeder served as the first Pennsylvania Dairy and Food Commissioner, beginning in 1893. He previously served a 16-year tenure as the Bucks County representative on the State Board of Agriculture, from 1877 to 1893.
Remembering Eastburn Reeder in 1942:
Above: Text source: Place Names in Bucks County, George MacReynolds, 1942, Internet Archive.
Research and Writing by Eastburn Reeder:
When Eastburn Reeder retired from farming he focused on historical research and writing. His publications include:
Early Settlers of Solebury Township, Bucks County, Pa. (1900)
Eastburn Reeder presented his research on Bucks County’s original land tracts, deeds, and the records of Friends' meetings.
The Eastburn Family: A Genealogical and Historical Record (1903)
Co-authored with Hettie Ann Walton, this book traces the family from their origins in Yorkshire, England, to their settlement in Philadelphia and Bucks County.
Agricultural Papers and Reports
Eastburn Reeder wrote extensively on farming, dairying, and the regulation of pure food.
Throughout his retirement, Eastburn Reeder remained an important contributor to the local community. He often attended meetings of the Bucks County Historical Society and the Solebury Friends Meeting, sharing the genealogical and agricultural knowledge he had spent a lifetime collecting.
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