Edward Burd Grubb Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Burd Grubb Sr.
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Born | December 17, 1810 Mount Hope, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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Died | August 27, 1867 Burlington, New Jersey, U.S.
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(aged 56)
Occupation | Ironmaster |
Known for | Expanded Grubb Family Iron Dynasty at Mount Hope; ardent abolitionist |
Spouse(s) | Euphemia Brown Parker (m.1837-d.1894) |
Children | four sons, two daughters |
Parent(s) | Henry Bates Grubb, Harriet Buckley |
Relatives | Clement B. Grubb (brother), Alfred B. Grubb (brother) |
Edward Burd Grubb Sr. (1810–1867) was an important member of the Grubb Family Iron Dynasty in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This family was famous for making iron. In 1833, Edward and his brother, Clement Brooke Grubb, took over their family's iron business. Their father, Henry Bates Grubb, had passed away.
Working from their home, Mount Hope Estate, they rebuilt old furnaces. They made the business much bigger. It became one of the largest iron producers in Pennsylvania during the mid-1800s. After 1840, Edward became a leading citizen in Burlington, New Jersey. He was also a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. His home there is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. He also actively supported the Union during the American Civil War.
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Edward's Business Life
Edward started working in his family's iron business around 1830. He was 20 years old. He went to Europe to learn new ways to make iron. This included how to heat the air for iron furnaces. In 1833, he and his brother Clement took charge of the business. They called their company E. & C.B. They worked hard to rebuild the old furnaces. They made the business grow a lot.
Edward and Clement worked together until about 1840. Then, Edward decided to leave the daily running of the business. He moved to Burlington, New Jersey, with his wife. He reportedly left for health reasons.
In Burlington, Edward became a very important person. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. He was also a trustee of Burlington College. He joined several important groups like the Philadelphia Club and the Union League. Edward strongly supported the Union during the Civil War.
Fighting Against Slavery
The Grubb family in Burlington were known as strong abolitionists. This means they wanted to end slavery. Edward's home in Burlington is now called the Grubb Estate or Delaware House. People say it was a station on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. There were even secret tunnels between his house and the Delaware River. These tunnels would have been perfect for helping people hide.
Edward was very passionate about ending slavery. His actions show his strong belief in freedom for all.
Edward's Family Life
Edward Burd Grubb Sr. was born on December 17, 1810. His birthplace was Mount Hope, Pennsylvania. His parents were Henry Bates and Harriet Grubb. On November 9, 1837, he married Euphemia Brown Parker. She was from Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
In 1840, Edward moved with his wife to Burlington, New Jersey. He bought a large home there. This home is known today as the Grubb Estate or Delaware House. They raised their family there and lived out their lives. Edward and Euphemia had four sons: Edward Burd Grubb Jr., Isaac Parker, Henry Bates, and Charles Ross. They also had two daughters: Maria (who died young) and Emphenia Parker. Emphenia later married Demetrius Corkez from Romania. She was the last family member to live in Delaware House. Today, the Catholic Charities of the Trenton Diocese owns the house.
Edward died on August 27, 1867, when he was 56 years old. His wife Euphemia passed away in 1894 at age 79. They are buried at St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard in Burlington.
His Sons' Achievements
Edward's sons also achieved great things:
- Edward Burd Grubb Jr. (1841–1913) was a General during the Civil War. He later ran for Governor. He also became an Ambassador to Spain. After the war, he joined the family iron business. He became President of the Lebanon Valley Furnace Company.
- Henry Bates Grubb (1848–1919) was the Vice President of the Conewago Iron Company. This company owned the Conewago Furnace.
- Charles Ross Grubb (1851–1928) was a partner and owner of the Chickies iron furnaces. He was also President of the Conewago Iron Company. And he was President of the Cornwall Ore Bank Company.